Gilbert Sun News; 1-3-15: Community

Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities

She and mom, Sara, enjoyed the food and entertainment at the

Generous boy wins award while awaiting kidney transplant

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Vibrant and active, Logan Carson is a typical 9-year-old boy who loves to play. His beaming smile and positive attitude are the traits that people notice first. But Logan suffers from end-stage kidney failure—and he doesn’t let it define him. In November, the Playa del Rey Elementary School fourth grader was awarded the Young Hero Award for generously sharing his Make-a-Wish playground.

“There is no one more deserving of the Young Hero Award than Logan Carson,” says Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “At his young age, Logan has made an enormous impact on our community, inspiring other Gilbertonians to get out and make a difference.”

This chapter of Logan’s life started in June 2012 when, after returning early

Topgolf dims lights, strives to be good neighbor

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When Stacy Phillips and her family moved into Agritopia, they knew the land near their property was zoned commercial.

But what they didn’t expect were the towering fences and bright lights over the fairway of Topgolf, an amalgamation of a driving range, nightclub and restaurant. As construction wrapped up in mid-October, Phillips says the building at SanTan Village was like something out of a movie.

“It was like ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ had landed a half mile away.” Initially, she thought they were construction lights. But when she drove by Topgolf, she realized they were permanent.

In the name of being a good neighbor, Topgolf, after failing a photometrics

test, dimmed the lights, which appeased the Phillips family for the most part.

“I was emailing the Town of Gilbert to let them know these lights were a see TOPGOLF page 4

GILBERT FIXER UPPER HOMES

14 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection

Gilbert, AZ - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the fourteen most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home, or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 14 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair.

That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. if you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether.

In most cases, you can make a reasonable preinspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with these issues before their home is listed, a free report entitles, “14 things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

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10 Ways to Save Money When Buying a New Home

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Homes - 10 Tips to Save You Time and Money” has just been released which identifies 10 invaluable tips to save you time and money when purchasing a brand new home. Also revealed are little-known buyer advantages that most builders may not tell you. To learn more about what you should be aware of before you visit your first model home, act now for a free report.

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from a skating event, he was running a low-grade fever. It was an unnoticed strep throat infection.

“He was never complaining of a sore throat,” says his mother, Candy Carson. “It really took us by surprise.”

He woke up in the middle of the night, feeling as if he was going to vomit. The next morning when he woke, Logan’s right eye was swollen and he was taken to the emergency room for a CT scan.

“The swelling continued and had started with a pinpoint bruise and progressed and got really big,” his mother explains explains. He was admitted to Cardon Children’s Medical Center and, after testing, Logan was diagnosed with septic shock secondary to Group A strep. Because the strep had spread throughout his body, Logan’s heart, liver and kidneys began to fail. His vitals stabilized, but he was transferred to a San Diego hospital to address gangrene, which ultimately cost him his right leg below the knee, four fingers and his right eye.

While hospitalized in California, Logan’s therapist introduced him to Make-a-Wish and asked him for his wish. His idea was to build a playground in a nearby greenbelt, which was granted in March. His mother approved

nuisance and they were also unsafe for drivers headed west on Ray Road,” she says. “They literally were blinding.”

So bright that when she took a photo of the lights, her shadow appeared on a fence surrounding her property. Town officials told her that Topgolf hadn’t passed the photometrics test, which measures light in terms of its perceived brightness to the human eye.

Phillips continued to email photos to Town officials, who worked with Topgolf to solve the issue.

“I tried to keep it amicable because we wanted the Town to work with us,” Phillips says. “(Topgolf Director of Operations) Justin Norvell, he was very kind and he assured me that something was being done.”

In the meantime, a local television station interviewed Phillips for its news program, further hammering home the urgency of the matter.

“The next day, they started working on them,” she says. “Apparently they were at 100 percent brightness. They had to adjust down to 25 percent to pass photometrics.”

Norvell continued to reassure Phillips that Topgolf wanted to be a good neighbor. Norvell told the Gilbert Sun News that the venue is considering

of the idea because the Carson family didn’t have room in their backyard and Logan wanted to share it with his friends and neighbors. Other play structures in the neighborhood were too far for Logan, given his medical condition.

Logan undergoes nightly dialysis as he has extremely limited kidney function.

“We have a monthly nephrology appointment and he’s in workups for having a kidney transplant,” Candy Carson says. “He’s been approved for it, but we’re on our third donor workup.”

A potential donor is a family friend who is going through final stages of testing to determine if she is a solid match for Logan. If all goes well, he may get a new kidney early this year.

planting trees in Cosmo Dog Park at 2502 E. Ray Rd. to shield the lights from the neighborhood.

“We’re looking at that right now,” Norvell says. “We’re looking at that option. It’s a potential additional effort on our part to do whatever we can to make sure we’re being great neighbors.”

After all, the Town and its residents have been good to Topgolf.

“We’ve been popular, which we enjoy,” Norvell explains. “We’re off to a great start for the first few weeks. With school out (for the holidays), we’ve had an influx of families, which is awesome to see.”

As far as Phillips is concerned, the lighting problem has been resolved.

“I just question their wisdom of putting a Topgolf there,” she says. “I don’t think anybody in this neighborhood had any idea what a Topgolf was. I know they put one in Scottsdale, but I don’t think it was open when the public comments were invited. I thought it was just a golf range.”

In all fairness, she says, none of the residents attended a review meeting to complain because they were unfamiliar with the Topgolf business model. So, they had to issue comments when they saw the lights.

Positive Paths seeks nominations for EV Man, Woman of the Year

Positive Paths, a nonprofit focused on providing women with self-sustainability through job training and education, is seeking nominations of persons who have contributed to helping women in the East Valley for the 2015 Man and Woman of the Year awards.

Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 15 and should include examples of the nominee’s contributions to helping East Valley women through outstanding leadership and vision, significant volunteerism to a cause, or other criteria as set forth on the nomination form.

vice provost for academic partnership at Arizona State University.

The award winners for Man and Woman of the Year will be honored at the organization’s annual East Valley Night of Heroes event on May 7.

The 2014 East Valley Man of the Year award was presented to former Congressman and Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell and the Woman of the Year award was received by Dr. Maria Hesse,

To learn more about the East Valley Night of Heroes event or to submit a nomination, visit www. positivepathswomen.org. Questions should be directed to kathy@ gilbertchamber.com.

Mercy Gilbert celebrates reunion with joint replacement patients

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center recently held its first reunion to celebrate and reunite with many of the patients who have received total joint replacements at the hospital.

The event gave the hospital’s orthopedic team the opportunity to see how their patients have fared since their surgery and followup medical care.

Approximately 40 patients attended the inaugural joint replacement reunion and were joined with their medical team including surgeons, nurses, physical therapists and case managers.

“The greatest fulfillment we receive as surgeons is to see folks out of pain and return to active lifestyles,” says Dr. Kipling Sharpe, medical director of the Total Joint Replacement Program at Mercy Gilbert.

“This reunion gives us a chance to see the results and share in their victories. We look forward to making this an annual event.”

The purpose of the event is to bring past hip and knee replacement patients

to Mercy Gilbert and provide an opportunity for them to share stories of their success and how they have been able to return to their daily activities.

“One of the many goals for our patients is to help them get back to enjoying their lives again, so we feel events like these help spread human kindness and foster lasting relationships,” Sharpe says.

Since Mercy Gilbert first implemented its joint replacement program in 2012, the hospital has successfully decreased the length of stay for joint replacement patients to an average of only two days.

Welcome Home Ranch more than a rehab center

BY TRACY HOUSE

Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs. Casey Shuurman abused them all, starting at age 12. Jailed at age 27 in Salt Lake City, Schuurman questioned what he was going to do with his life.

“Nobody wanted to accept my phone calls,” he says. “My own mom and dad wouldn’t take my calls, wouldn’t write a letter back to me. Finally, I was broken enough, I think, to make a change.”

Now 29, Schuurman says Feb. 5, 2013, was the turning point in his life, thanks to his admission at Welcome Home Ranch in Gilbert. After 22 months at the ranch, Schuurman will graduate from the rehabilitation program this month.

“I’ve been homeless on the side of the road,” Schuurman says. “I had everything: the home, cars, the girl. I lost everything,”

Run by the Seattle-based John Volken Academy, Welcome Home Ranch is an addiction recovery program for adults ages 18 to 34. The academy provides 24 people who have already detoxed to not only learn sobriety, but to deal with the stresses of life that may have initiated the addiction.

Nicole Bonilla, a volunteer board member with the Welcome Home Ranch, explains the program at the ranch is the next step in sobriety.

“There are some milestones that they have to reach as they go along in a program,” Bonilla says.

“A typical student can reach those milestones within two years. I’d say the average graduate is probably more like two and half years. It could take up to three years. They can stay as long as is needed for them to get to a master in the program. And be able to leave confident that they’ll be able to stay sober for life and they’ll have the life skills necessary to deal with the stresses that led to them using substances in the first place.”

The students work on the ranch as part of the living arrangements. The program costs $5,000 for each student.

“They pay the initial intake fee and then the John Volken Foundation gives them a grant that pays for their remaining expenses throughout the duration of their program,” Bonilla says.

Students live and work at the ranch 24 hours, seven days a week, leaving only for supervised excursions or activities.

“They are under the supervision of the

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

ranch manager, Johnny Haggard, and his wife, Debbie. They manage the Vista Feed & Market Store that is on the ranch.”

While there is no physician on the ranch, it is a therapeutic community.

“It’s a very structured and thorough program that has very high expectations for behaviors,” Bonilla says.

As students progress through the program, they become mentors for those newer to the program. Specialty

therapists provide sessions occasionally, and Bonilla says that part of the program is developing.

The ranch was purchased by the foundation in 2012 with the purpose of having the program on the premises, so it also serves as a boarding facility. And there is ample room for horses, which are an integral part of the program.

“They have stalls for about 150 horses,”

• Restaurant-style dining with chef prepared meals

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• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

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• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

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• Levels of care to meet your personal care needs

• Levels of care to meet your personal care needs

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• A full schedule of events and activities, and more!

• A full schedule of events and activities, and more!

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Welcome to the community Gilbert Sun News

BARNEY: Gilbert resident and member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

The editors at the Gilbert Sun News promise us one thing as they begin their new monthly publication: Relentless local coverage. As a reader and occasional contributor to their sister newspaper in South Chandler, the SanTan Sun News, I know they can make good on that goal.

And if so, Gilbert residents—from Dana Park to SanTan Village and from Circle G Ranch to Agritopia—look forward to this welcome addition to our community.

We are proud of our town. Proud of how we have become one of the “Best Places to Live” in America. Of course, Gilbert is one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States. When my family moved here in 1983, Gilbert counted close to 7,000 residents. Now we are approaching 220,000. And there is a reason for that: Outstanding schools, a growing economy, affordable housing, low crime and plenty of leisure opportunities.

Many of you are familiar with Gilbert’s history, tracing its beginnings to the early 20th century as a rail station between Florence and Phoenix. It developed as a farming community soon after the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Gilbert was once known as the “Hay Capital of the World” and for the better

part of a century, it remained a farming community.

Several of Gilbert’s landmark structures were built during those early years. And because we cherish our history and tradition, many of those remain our best known and most admired facilities. In Gilbert, “historic preservation” and “adaptive reuse” are second nature to us. Gilbert Heritage District, the Water Tower, Clare’s Metal Shop turned coffee house and The Farmhouse located in the old Creed Building are all as integral and as popular as they were nearly a century ago.

This same business vitality is what is bringing the Gilbert Sun News to Gilbert today. The paper will be a reflection of our community—from the American Legion chapter down the street to that new family-owned Mexican restaurant that just opened to an event at a local church—and it should keep a pulse on the little things in our own backyard. There will even be a place for dialogue with government leaders.

On that hope and promise, I welcome the Gilbert Sun News to our town and am pleased to be part of its first edition.

Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. He will serve as chairman until Jan. 7, when the title will transfer to one of his colleagues in the Northeast Valley (Scottsdale/Phoenix). He will continue as one of the five Maricopa County Supervisors, serving district 1— Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek and Ahwatukee—for two more years.

Enjoy day of skating at

AZ Ice Gilbert

U.S. Figure Skating is hosting one of five annual “SkateFest” events from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at AZ Ice Gilbert.

Enjoy a day of ice skating for free, with registration beginning at 11:45 a.m. Time slots are limited from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Rental skates are free as well.

SkateFest is an event held by the AZ Ice Gilbert Figure Skating Department for all ages, including adults.

“Skating is the closest you can get to flying while staying on the ground,” says Mark Fitzgerald, AZ Ice Gilbert skating director.

“We are proud that U.S. Figure Skating would help us host such an awesome event during National Skating Month, as it will help us grow our program within the community, giving as many people as

Town lowers debt service payments by $2.3 million

Gilbert, through the efforts of staff and swift action by the Town Council, has lowered its debt service payments through the final maturity on July 1, 2021, by more than $2.3 million, net of all costs of issuance.

This was accomplished by refinancing $30 million of the Town’s Series 2006 Public Facilities Municipal Property Corporation (“MPC”) Revenue Bonds.

During the course of the transaction, Gilbert’s Public Facilities MPC Revenue

RANCH from page 5

Bonilla says. “There will be equestrian events that will be going on year-round there.”

A significant aspect of the program is community involvement and stressing the importance of students feeling like they are part of a community.

“We want to teach these students about how important it is to be involved in your community, give back and to give that community service,” Bonilla says.

By interacting with the people who come to the events and the store, students gain communication and people skills, Bonilla adds. “The comment I hear most often when someone goes to the ranch for the first time is, ‘They are so polite.’”

Bonds were upgraded to AA+ by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and affirmed as Aa2 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA+ by Fitch Ratings.

The S&P upgrade cited the improved financial condition of Gilbert and the strong debt service coverage. Gilbert’s high grade bond ratings and favorable market conditions resulted in approximately $500,000 of additional savings over the original projections.

that he’s learned how to better handle his problems from his experience at the ranch.

possible a lifetime love of skating.”

Coaches experienced in all skill levels will give lessons while representing AZ Ice Gilbert, located at 2305 E. Knox Rd., near Greenfield Road. For more information, call (480) 503-7080, ext. 305, or visit www.azicegilbert.com.

To enroll in figure skating classes, call Fitzgerald at (609) 577-7174.

Also at AZ Ice Gilbert, kids can try hockey for free through the Little Howlers Hockey program. Not only will they get to try out ice hockey with a full set of hockey gear to borrow, but by the end of the four on-ice sessions, most kids are skating on their own, according to AZ Ice Gilbert officials. Visit the website for more information.

The students in the program are there voluntarily; most at the Gilbert ranch are from out of state.

Participants also have an opportunity to gain education while at the ranch. Through online classes, students can take courses to earn a high school diploma or take college courses.

Schuurman states that after graduation from the program, he plans to stay in Arizona and look into a plumbing career. While he’s on good terms with his family and speaks to his mother every Sunday, Schuurman has no plans to leave Arizona any time soon.

“I came here to start a new life and I plan on staying here,” Schuurman says, “I’ve got an awesome support group out here. People that love us. I’d be crazy to leave.”

He explains that everyone has a story, but not everyone knows how to tell it. “I still don’t know exactly who I am, because that changes every day, but I know who I’m not,” he says.

Schuurman is appreciative for his time at Welcome Home Ranch. He mentions

For the last two years, Schuurman has had the support to sustain his sobriety and is more optimistic about his future because of his experiences at Welcome Home Ranch.

“The program really starts when you graduate,” he says. “Right now, we’ve got 24 guys in the program. We all hold each other accountable. But what do you do when you’re by yourself? You need to make sure that you’re ready to handle anything. You need to make sure your foundation is unshakable.”

Bonilla recommends that individuals looking into treatment and joining the ranch should call (855) 592-3001.

“A phone conversation is really the best first step to assess where they’re at,” she explains.

Welcome Home Ranch is located at 26601 S. Val Vista Rd., Gilbert. There are two other treatment centers: in Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information about the John Volken Academy, visit www.volken.org. To learn more about Welcome Home Ranch, go to www.welcomehomeranch.com.

Four collections of homes from 1,600 sq. ft. to just over 4,000 sq. ft. starting in the $200’s

Blandford Homes is creating hometown charm, for real! Mulberry will feel like an enchanted land magically reminiscent of the early 1900s when homes sprung up to create quaint neighborhoods Blandford Homes presents an inspired line of home designs with significant character differences Imagine corner lots featuring homes with wraparound porches! This “New Old-Home Neighborhood” will be one-of-a-kind in Arizona

Mulberry will feature two beautiful main entrances with lush date palm and tree-lined boulevards leading to centrally located Mulberry Park, no more than a 5-minute walk from anyplace in the neighborhood You will enjoy the park’s impressive Georgian Colonial-style building complete with white trim and green shutters, along with the pool, sport courts, fitness, and playgrounds Just imagine the events, concerts, and celebrations you’ll attend within the huge pavillions and green playing fields of Mulberry Park

Mulberry is part of the top-rated Gilbert School District, and within a mile you’ll find major shopping, dining, a carwash and an IMAX theater A shopping area, “Mulberry Marketplace,” will include a Fry’s Marketplace designed in a Craftsman Bungalow style to tie into Mulberry’s architectural theme Mulberry residents won’t even have to leave the community to shop!

Located just 1.8 miles east of the 202 on Guadalupe and Signal Butte Roads in Mesa!

Local baker has right ingredients for culinary success

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Homemade bread, pies and soups were always on the table of Melissa Stadler’s house as a child. With five older brothers, the Gilbert resident took naturally to baking.

“As soon as I was born, I was my mom’s right-hand girl,” Stadler says. “We didn’t go out to dinner hardly at all growing up. We basically cooked everything from scratch. I learned to love cooking for others.”

She learned a thing or two from those experiences and has parlayed them into award-winning recipes. Recently, she participated and was a finalist in Truvia’s Baking Star contest, launched in conjunction with the brand’s new Brown Sugar Blend, a proprietary combination of the natural, low-calorie sweetener stevia and old-fashioned brown sugar. Baking enthusiasts submitted videos featuring their own Truvia Brown Sugar Blend or Truvia Baking Blend recipe.

Stadler used a slightly modified version of her mom’s warm peach crisp recipe—submitted mere hours before the deadline—for the Truvia competition. The competition then utilized online voting to determine three finalists.

company partnered with four wellknown YouTube personalities—Gaby Dalkin, Byron Talbott, Joanne Ozug and April Moore—to create online recipe videos and spread the word about the contest.

“The public then voted and picked Melissa as one of three finalists to compete in a bake-off competition in New York City,” Heidemann says. “We thoroughly enjoyed Melissa’s video, demonstration and original recipe for warm peach crisp with vanilla whipped cream and are so happy she participated in the Truvia Baking Star contest.”

Competitions are a relatively new thing for Stadler.

“I really didn’t get into any type of contests until 2010 and that’s the very first time that I entered the Pillsbury Bake-Off and I got in,” Stadler says.

She was a finalist in that contest in 2010 and 2013. She also was the winner of the cookie contest hosted by Cooking Channel show “The Perfect 3” in 2011.

“Time wasn’t on my side, so I had to do something really quick and I had this recipe,” she says. “I’ve used Truvia a little

bit before, but in this situation I was so happy because I didn’t have a lot of time and I was able to switch out my sugars and use the Truvia Baking Blend,” Sadler explains.

Truvia’s U.S. and Canada marketing manager, Abby Heidemann, says her

As for the Truvia competition, Sadler enjoyed the experience.

“It was a beautiful event and it was a lot of fun,” recalls Stadler, who plans to start a baking blog. “We got to present about five minutes. I got to show my dish. It was a packed house and it was a great experience.”

Former police officers open upscale community barbershop

BY TRACY HOUSE

Lifelong friends Javier Cota and Carlos Gastelum grew up in the same small town and served in the Mesa Police Department.

Now they’re in business together, owning and operating the unisex Vintage American Barbershop in Gilbert’s Seville Golf & Country Club.

“We’re just like brothers,” Cota says. “We would die for one another,” Gastelum adds. “We were there for each other. It didn’t matter what it was, we were there.”

Vintage American Barbershop offers a wide array of quality services and products, with an emphasis on oldfashioned premium service. According to its website, www.vabarbers.com, the duo provides extra-close straight razor shaves. It is one of the few exclusive carriers of Billy Jealousy products.

The business is a team effort. Cota handles the administrative end of the business, while Gastelum focuses on the services. Gastelum says when he decided to open the shop, he looked no further than his best friend.

Cota and Gastelum have 47 years combined years in public service.

“I kind of see it as being the same as providing a service as police work,” Cota

says. “You try to do a service and you try to make the neighborhood look better; that’s the ultimate goal. Here, we make the individual look better. It’s similar and it’s providing a service here in Seville.”

Gastelum says the dream was to have a luxury barbershop, but that it’s developed into something much more and the learning continues. “We’ve evolved,” he says. “We’re not just a barbershop. We’ve evolved into a full-service ladies salon as well.”

Women in the area had been stopping in and so the partners decided to offer ladies services exclusively on Mondays and Tuesdays, preferably by appointment.

Gastelum stresses that working with the community is the focus of the shop, specifically after dealing with the public for so long as a police officer.

“Talking to people, dealing with the public, for me, we’re still doing that,” Gastelum says. The stress level is a lot lower than taking bad guys to jail.

“This is very therapeutic and relaxing as far as careers go,” he explains.

Reminiscent of the barbershop from their childhood, Vintage American Barbershop attracts regular customers, who according to Cota and Gastelum, just come in to hang out. They’re seeing different generations coming in,

especially fathers and sons who bond over the experience.

“That is something that’s unique,” Cota says. “There are not that many businesses in which you have that bonding, and I personally think that’s important to the family and helping the community. I think that’s also part of what we contribute to—having that bonding, making the family stronger.”

In keeping with those family values, Vintage American Barbershop sponsors ads in area high schools’ football programs. “We wanted to do something with family values,” Cota explains. “We wanted to give back to the community.”

The barbershop is open to the public; however, Seville members receive a 15-percent discount on services and products. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for women only; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for men’s services. Appointments are recommended and children are welcome. Call (480) 720-8160 to set up a time. For information, visit www.vabarbers.com.

Discover Delicious Gilbert

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

“I love 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.

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.”

“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.”

Submitted photo

“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,”

FROM ABUSE TO ADVOCACY:

Nicely went from abuse victim to advocate and shares her story through her book and speaking engagements. Submitted photo

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.

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.

INSPRING KIDS WITH DISABILTIES: Sheila Shapiro, chief operating officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona, and Michael Somsan, a Gilbert veteran, cheer on 450 kids as they finish the Ironkids Tempe Fun Run. With them is Dr. Health E. Hound, the UnitedHealthcare mascot. Submitted photo

Arizona, says Somsan was very generous with his time.

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.

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.

“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

“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.

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.

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.”