Gilbert Sun News: Community - Feb. 2016

Gilbert Education Expo

Riley Johnson and Teresa Meyers from Playa Del Rey Elementary perform. Photos, page 12.

Youth’s illicit drug use continues, professionals say

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Gilbert is deemed the second safest municipality in the nation. So, is its youth plagued by the drug problem that’s widespread in the nation, or is it somehow spared of it?

If there was any doubt to the question above, the issue was addressed firmly in the affirmative during the third meeting and the first of two Gilbert Talks held at Mercy Gilbert Medical Office recently.

Founded a few months ago, Gilbert Talks seeks to foster community dialogue on matters of importance to the town, to understand, motivate action and promote effective policymaking.

“I’m going to throw you some statistics to show that we’re no different than any

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

With popcorn, gummy bears and a small drink in hand, folks heading into one of the Harkins SanTan Village 16 multiplex theaters in Gilbert recently could easily be mistaken for moviegoers.

But rather than watch “Star Wars,” they were going in to watch a digital production of Mayor John Lewis’ state of the town presentation. And the movie theater goodies were on the house.

For the fourth year in a row, the Town’s digital communications team preferred to create a video focusing

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New developments boost housing market in East Valley

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

In the East Valley, things are starting to develop.

New housing communities in East Mesa and Gilbert, designed to attract a mix of families, young couples and retirees, have begun to pop up like the spring wildflowers on the slopes of the Superstition Mountains.

What’s the appeal of living east of Loop 202?

“Less traffic and fewer people, but two malls nearby,” said Dennis Pyper (pronounced “piper”), who last fall moved with his wife Donna into a three-bedroom home in the Mulberry Neighborhood, a Blandford Homes development at Signal Butte and Guadalupe roads.

“And there’s a lot of diverse activities here,” adds Donna Pyper. “The pool, the fitness center—the community center presents different classes; yoga is starting up soon.”

Donna, retired from the pharmaceuticals industry, said her youthful interest in painting was rekindled by a class at the Mulberry community center, which she has since followed up with oil painting classes at Mesa Arts Center, a short drive from home.

Mulberry has sold 170 homes since its opening last March.

“We sold 34 homes the first day,” recalled Ernie Haycraft, one of the sales staff at Mulberry. “People camped out for five days to get one of the first 34 lots.”

With Donna retired and Dennis semiretired—he consults as a CPA on a part-time basis—the area was a fairly obvious choice, compared to the frenzy of the central corridor or the densely populated West Valley. But young families also find far-east living amenable, with highly rated schools and friendly neighborhoods among the selling points.

“Great schools, new shopping centers and restaurants, and abundant recreational activities are just a few reasons why the East Valley is extremely popular among new home buyers,” said Ken Peterson, vice president of sales and marketing for Shea Homes. Shea opened Ambition at Eastmark, north of Ray Road between Ellsworth and Signal Butte roads, in January.

Peterson adds a component that’s easy to take for granted, but rare in the increasingly built-up greater Phoenix area: Nature.

“Arizona’s natural beauty really shines in this area, with the Superstition Mountains offering not only great views, but also ample hiking and mountain biking trails. Nearby lakes are perfect spots for enjoying water sports,” Peterson said.

Planned communities in the past have had a reputation for sameness and even

sterility. “They’re all made out of tickytacky, and they all look the same” went the song parody, “Little Boxes.” But as developers have recognized the demands of varied tastes and the needs that vary from demographic to demographic they have offered more individualization in floor plans, exteriors and interior modifications. Ambition’s four plans—which range from a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,723-square-foot home, to 2,869 square feet that include between four and six bedrooms and 3.5 baths—admit of customization depending on the buyer’s personal interests. Shea calls the modifications “outdoor-centric,” “entertainment-centric” and “kitchencentric.”

Mulberry takes customization about as far as it can go, with 16 floors plans from 1,700 to 4,300 square feet, and exterior color schemes that defy the image of the monochrome typical development.

“Instead of six shades of tan, we offer 31 color schemes—in shades of white, brown, yellow, green,” said Haycraft. Combined with the fact that Mulberry’s homes are sited on multiple elevations, the effect is that “it looks like you bought a lot and built your own house.”

Mulberry’s most unusual feature takes a while to sink in. When you arrive, you wonder what’s different. Only after a while do you notice the young trees that line all the streets, and the ground around them is...green. Mulberry (where, ironically, none of the trees are mulberries) eschews the “desert look” for a more Midwestern look. Association rules dictate that yards must be covered in real or artificial grass.

The growth of the far East Valley was sparked by the de-commissioning of Williams Air Force Base in the year 2000, said land owner Jeff Cooley. Cooley is the namesake of Cooley Station—900 acres in the Gateway area between Recker and Williams Field roads, and Power Road and the railroad tracks.

When the Town of Gilbert obtained the former Air Force land, it hired planners to do what they do—come up with a plan.

“What they came up with was a 60-acre village center along Williams Field Road from Recker to Power,” Cooley said.

The village is still in the planning stages, but Fulton Homes has anticipated the need for housing—in a big way.

“Fulton has built about 180 units on 23 acres in the area, but there’s most of 96 acres that it’s set to close on March 31. If they do close on that, there should be between 1,400 and 1,500 new units in the next five years,” Cooley said.

That number of homes will be demanded,

Cooley said he believes, by the presence of the Williams Field Road village center, which he envisions as “the equal of downtown Tempe” for variety and sophistication of shops and restaurants.

Development of the far East Valley has been slow, partly because infrastructure was at first lacking. It took four years after the Williams Air Force Base decommissioning to get the land zoned and to start to work laying necessary improvements. Work was halted for a time after the 2008 financial crash, and has only recently picked up in earnest.

Now, however, it is as if floodgates have opened. The quiet environment, convenient access to freeways for travel to other parts of the Valley and the nearby presence of stores and eateries are key, but another factor pulling people to the area is a hardto-define “sense of community.” Peterson talks of promoting a “true community spirit” at Ambition through amenities such as an event pavilion, playgrounds and basketball courts. Mulberry retains an activities director for its residents. More than 300 people showed up for the development’s first Christmas party last year.

The Valley east of the 202 isn’t exactly pioneer territory. A five-minute drive from Mulberry puts one in the middle of a commercial complex that features those

dichotomous twin symbols of contemporary life, side-by-side: In-N-Out Burger and L.A. Fitness. And yet, a bit of a rural feel clings to the area, at least for now. When the Pypers walk their dogs, Indie and Maple, they stop by a fenced-in area to visit a neighborhood donkey and feed it some carrots. But history shows that new communities don’t usually have a long time to enjoy connections to the land. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said that anyone looking to build a house should choose a site “10 miles” from the edge of the city, even if it lacks infrastructure. He followed his own advice when he bought the land for Taliesin West, which in the 1950s had no water and no power. Taliesin West is now smack in the middle of a bustling urban community.

If the builders of the next East Valley homes were to follow Wright’s advice, they would find themselves at the doorstep of Apache Junction and on the way to Gold Canyon.

There used to be a belief that the I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson would someday be filled with city. Now it seems the urban corridor may lead somewhere other than the Old Pueblo.

Who’s ready for a Phoenix-to-Globe metro area?

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 In fact, these community amenities will be in place before the first homeowner moves in

Mulberry is part of the top-rated Gilbert School District, and within a mile you’ll find major shopping, dining, a carwash and an even 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!

Arizona’s ranchers and cowboys focus of exhibition at Art Intersection

PhotoTapas, a local initiative to celebrate the art of photography during February, will be marked 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Art Intersection in Gilbert.

The day’s schedule features lectures, conversations and demonstrations centered on photography books, work, the art of photogravures, lumen printing and other related topics.

Scottsdale-based commercial photographer Scott T. Baxter will talk about “Gathering the Remnants,” an exhibition of new work from never before seen images from the “100 Years 100 Ranchers” project, commemorating Arizona’s centennial anniversary.

The Ryan Gallery at Art Intersection

is exhibiting the work through March 5. Baxter’s fine art gelatin prints presents the lives of ranchers and cowboys working on Arizona ranches that have been operating in the state for more than 100 years. They were photographed during a 12-year project.

Alan Fitzgerald, owner of Art Intersection, said he is struck by Baxter’s connection to ranchers.

“He knows his people personally,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s invested his time to become simply more than an acquaintance. And he captures the essence.”

Art Intersection is located at 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. For details, call (480) 361-1118 or view www.artintersection.com.

Listen to

The Andrews Brothers

The Hale Centre Theatre is running a nostalgic and music-filled show, “The Andrew Brothers,” through April 19. Its premise hinges on the fame of the Andrews Sisters, the famous trio of girl singers who rocketed to fame in the 1940s. The group gave the world “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat to China” and “I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time” among many others. During their careers, they charted more than 100 Billboard hits, 46 of them in the Top 10, and sold 100 million records.

In “The Andrew Brothers,” written by Roger Bean, a trio of young stagehands (Chad Campbell, Tedd Glazebrook and Brent Graham) slip into the Andrews Sisters’ costumes to perform a USO show for World War II troops after the Sisters’ appearance became unavoidably cancelled.

The unsuspecting solders are entertained. So is the audience, with the show’s mix of mistaken identities, madcap adventures and at least two dozen Andrews Sisters hits.

“The Andrews Brothers,” directed by

Cambrian James and Lincoln Wright, runs Monday and Tuesday nights through April 19 at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Tickets are $18 to $28. Call the box office at (480) 497-1181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com.

Gilbert high schooler to raise funds for blood cancer research

Mariah Larronde of Gilbert High School is one of 10 high school students in the Valley who is participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Arizona Chapter’s fundraising effort. During the six-week campaign entitled 2016 Student of the Year, students

Leukemia is the No. 1 cancer killer of children younger than the age of 20, according to a release issued by the organization.

The students, who are enthusiastic about volunteerism, philanthropy and community outreach, raise money for life-saving research and patient support.

The campaign kicks off on Feb. 11 and culminates in a grand finale on March 25. The student who has raised the most funds at the end of the competition earns the title and a $2,500 scholarship to the college or university of his or her choice.

Candidates work with staffers to develop action plans designed to meet their fundraising goals, and also receive fundraising materials. They build multigenerational teams to rally their family, friends, schools and networks to support these efforts.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

More information at www.lls.org/ arizona.

State’s first MRI-compatible defibrillator utilized at medical center

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is the first Arizona hospital to utilize new technology to allow individuals with an implantable cardio defibrillator to safely receive an MRI. Until now, individuals with the implanted defibrillator were unable to receive this valuable imaging due to potential interactions with the defibrillator.

Dr. Drory Tendler, medical director of Mercy Gilbert’s Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, surgically implanted the first device in Arizona in October 2015. Developed by Medtronic, the special defibrillator is the first FDA-approved implantable cardio defibrillator (ICD) for use with magnetic resonance imaging. An ICD is a device that continually monitors heart rhythms and sends low- and highenergy electric signals, or shocks, to help restore normal rhythms. Similar to pacemakers, ICDs are typically used in more complex cases.

One of Tendler’s first patients to receive the device had a weakened heart and also suffered from advanced

arthritis that required frequent MRI testing. With this new technology, the patient can benefit from both.

“Individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, need MRI imaging over time to provide adequate monitoring and treatment,” Tendler said. “If they also develop a cardiac condition that requires an ICD, they

would definitely want a device that is MRI compatible.”

Tendler now estimates he sees at least one patient a month who could benefit from an MRI-compatible ICD.

“This technology is a big development in our field and something we’ve been anticipating for nearly 20 years. It will make a big impact on a lot of patients,” said Tendler.

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other community in Maricopa County, Greater Phoenix area or across the nation,” said Police Chief Tim Dorn, opening the conversation on drugs.

Every two years, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission interviews school children across the state about substance abuse.

In 2014, in Gilbert, the commission found that the use of prescription drugs by children 8 years or younger is 11.6 percent, while the use by those 12 years is 10.9 percent, 13 years is 14.3 percent, 14 years is 17.9 and 15 years is 15.8.

Also, in Gilbert, one out of three youth who drank alcohol began drinking while in elementary school, while 84.6 percent of the youth who started drinking began before they could legally drive a car.

“Thirty-three percent of our kids are mixing alcohol and prescription drugs, while 23 percent are mixing pain relievers and some other type of sedative,” Dorn said.

Meanwhile, the use of marijuana, which Gilbert ER physician Dr. Paul McHale calls a gateway drug, is on the increase. The above referenced report also found that in Gilbert, one out of eight youth who began using marijuana started it in elementary school; while 80.2 percent of youth who started using the drug, did it before they could legally drive a car.

Dorn said that the data is self-reported,

hence there is a likelihood that it’s underreported.

“We’re asking young people to be honest about where they’re getting their drugs, what kind of drugs they’re using, when is the last time you used,” he said.

Although drugs may not be available in the school, Dorn said that kids may easily text a drug runner who may be located elsewhere. After orders are placed, the drugs are usually obtained at a parking lot located away from the school, he said.

Sadly, dangers lurk at home as well.

McHale, who has worked in ER for 20 years, said the proliferation of narcotics in the home medicine cabinet is having a negative influence on youth. The United States uses 95 percent of narcotic prescriptions in the world. Meanwhile, prescription drugs are the gateway to more potent dependencies with marijuana and heroin, he said.

McHale said that heroin deaths are “very real.”

“There’s heroin in Gilbert and in Chandler,” he said. “Twenty years ago, I saw heroin once a month from a junkie who came in with track marks. I see heroin, not daily, but at least every other day or every third day. A lot of times, it’s teens or youth 20, 25 (years of age).

“It doesn’t make me walk back to the room stunned anymore,” he added.

Dorn and McHale noted the increase in youth marijuana use corresponding to

legislation on medical marijuana.

“When you legitimize it, kids think medical marijuana is good,” McHale said. “Do kids think beer is dangerous? No, it’s in our fridge. Why would they think medical marijuana is dangerous if it’s not something illegal?”

Although architects of the legislation considered cancer patients who could benefit from its therapeutic use, marijuana, McHale noted, is increasingly getting into the hands of others.

The evening also included presentations from a parent, Gilbert restaurateur Jeff Flancer, whose 15-year-old son, Max, had issues with drugs and grappled with a

mental illness. Max drowned in a canal in 2014.

Two participants of a life skills program for recovering drug addicts, the John Volken Academy at Welcome Home Ranch in Southeast Gilbert, were also on hand to talk of their struggle to become normal again. While this event focused on highlighting the presence of drug abuse in the town, the next Gilbert Talks event, on Wednesday, Feb. 24, will hinge on resources available. To participate, email info@gilberttalks. com or visit www.gilberttalks.com.

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on Gilbert’s accomplishments and a hint of things to come as it prepares for buildout. LEGO blocks were thematically used to highlight the message: “Building Our Future.”

That way, Lewis won’t drone in front of a podium for one hour, an all too familiar occurrence in a traditional state of the city deliverance. Instead, the digital team used drones for a bird’s-eye view of the nation’s largest town. And Town Council members, behind-the-scenes Town staffers, the business community that has invested on progressive multimillion-dollar projects and the average person (and dog) on the street: they all received a turn to express their thoughts.

The effort wasn’t lost on the audience, comprising mainly of town staffers and residents, mostly volunteers who keep in touch with the town pulse.

“I love the theme of building our future,” said Kayla Kolar, executive director of the Gilbert Historical Museum. “Growth is inevitable. The Town of Gilbert has done a wonderful job of honoring our past amidst all the growth.”

The last year saw the fruition of many projects. “This year [2015], we worked on 42 new construction

projects; twice as many as last year,” said Lewis, “bringing more than 1,600 new jobs to Gilbert.”

Town Manager Patrick Banger said that Moody’s gave Gilbert its first triple A bond rating, which will “save our residents thousands of dollars in interest costs.”

Hay fields at the corner of Gilbert Road and the Loop 202 gave way to Rivulon, a 250-acre, mixed-use development that has opened several of its planned buildings. Along the South Loop 202 and Germann Road, Park Lucero light industrial park has come to life.

whose company, Upward Projects, created Postino and Joyride Taco House in the downtown.

St. Xavier University further helped transform the downtown landscape with its grand opening as Gilbert’s first university campus.

“I think it’s only going to get better,” said Brian Ellis, Rivulon’s developer and president of Nationwide Realty Investors. “I think we’re going to have more opportunities in terms of places to shop, dine, for education, for entertainment and so I only see it getting better and better.”

Cherie Scott, who sits on the

also volunteers on many agencies, said she was impressed as well.

“Having a triple A rating and just the growth and economic development strengthens the town,” she said. “I felt just prouder to be a Gilbert resident and to be involved in the community.”

With a population of nearly 243,000, the Town is planning for buildout at about 300,000 people.

Residents are looking forward to the new regional park that is to be developed at Chandler Heights Basin. The 272-acre park will be larger than all the other parks in Gilbert combined.

Located on the northwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue, Heritage Marketplace is the retail yang to the yin of the vibrant restaurant cluster in the Heritage District. Among the newcomers are Snooze, Zinburger and Pomo Pizzeria Gilbert.

“There’s a really neat vibe going on down here and we love being a part of it,” said restaurateur Craig DeMarco,

Gilbert Arts and Culture board, said she was proud to call Gilbert home.

“I like the video format so that everyone can watch the fun and informative presentation of the Town,” she said. “It makes me proud to call Gilbert home...more proud of the exciting future ahead.”

Aimee Ghimire, who runs a virtual Web design and digital marketing agency from her home in Gilbert and

Heritage Marketplace will build its second phase and tenants will include Asian eateries Clever KOI and Sushi Brokers, Farm & Craft and Tuft & Needle. Live music restaurant and hip hangout Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row is due here, too. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company is planning an expansion as well.

“Every new project is geared towards building community, and that is what makes Gilbert so special,” Kolar said.

Watch Gilbert’s 2016 Digital State of the Town at gilbertaz.gov/ stateofthetown.

Gilbert Education Expo

Parents and children learned about Gilbert Public Schools at the Gilbert Education Expo, and had a chance to win door prizes, check out the Chromebook Room, meet teachers and leaders and see animals from the AG Program. GSN photos by Murphy Bannerman

Poor oral health takes a bite out of learning

Poor oral health takes a bite out of learning every time a child misses school due to dental-related illnesses. More than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of it.

“Parents and caregivers play a large role in preventing tooth decay and the early years are the most crucial,” said Dr. Karen Peifer, First Things First senior director for children’s health.

“Undetected and untreated tooth decay can interrupt speech development, as well as lead to problems in eating, speaking and attention to learning.”

By age 4, it is estimated that more than half of Arizona’s young children have experienced dental decay. And about onethird of Arizona’s 4 year olds have never even seen a dentist.

First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. The organization is doing its part to help make families aware of the importance caring for gums and teeth starting at birth.

In fiscal year 2015, the FTF Southeast Maricopa Region, which comprises Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek, completed 2,204 oral health screenings on kids 5 and younger to detect dental problems and applied 1,892 fluoride varnishes to protect young children’s teeth against dental decay.

Early care for a child’s teeth will promote their health and learning for years to come. Here’s how families can keep their kids smiling and learning: Prevent decay by not putting the baby

to bed with a bottle. Have babies finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to sleep.

For bottle feedings, use only formula, milk or breast milk inside and avoid using sugary beverages such as juice or soda. Take your child to the dentist around their first birthday, or soon after the first tooth appears.

As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone and is able to spit out the toothpaste and rinse well.

First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Decisions about how those funds are spent are made by local councils staffed by community volunteers. To learn more, visit www.azftf.gov.

Chandler Mayor and ChandlerGilbert Community College co-host annual East Valley Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and Chandler-Gilbert Community College will co-host this year’s East Valley Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast. The annual event will be held from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, at the CGCC Coyote Center, 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler.

The event also will include a brainstorming session of community needs and service ideas for

Helping You Smile.

participating cities and towns, which include Gilbert, along with Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley and Cave Creek.

Now in its sixth year, the event brings together East Valley mayors and active leaders of the faith-based community, government, businesses and nonprofits who work side-by-

Blood transfusions help save young lives

The young lives at Phoenix’s Children Hospital depend on nearly 1,000 lifesaving blood transfusions every month.

Take Lauryn for instance. This brave, Arizona 9-year-old was born with a rare genetic disorder called Beta Thalassemia, which prevents her body from producing healthy red blood cells.

For the rest of her life, Lauryn will need blood transfusions. Lauryn has already received transfusion from more than 115 generous blood donors.

By being a blood donor, you are giving Lauryn a chance to grow up. And not just Lauryn, but thousands of children just like her.

Save a life. Find the hero in you.

To make an appointment, call 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com.

The following blood drives are scheduled in Gilbert:

• 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, MAPFRE USA, 15555 N. Fiesta Blvd., Bloodmobile

• 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 14, St. Anne Knights of Columbus, 440 E. Elliot Rd., Church Hall

• 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 21, First United Methodist Church, 331. S. Cooper Rd., Activity Center

• 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, Town of Gilbert, 75 E. Civic Center Dr., Bloodmobile

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, Gilbert San Tan Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Bloodmobile

• 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, Southeast Valley Bible Church, 710 E. Williams Field, Bloodmobile

• 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 29, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, 3555 S. Val Vista Rd., Conference Rooms 2 and 3.

Name(s)

Address

City, State, Zip E-mail Phone ( )

The Salvation Army, Jerry Robison, Gift Planning Office, 2707 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008 E-mail: SArmyGift@usw.salvationarmy.org Visit: www.sarmygift.org ©2016 The Salvation Army

side to address human service needs in the area.

“This annual event offers a morning of reflection and inspiration,” Tibshraeny said. “Leaders from the East Valley community come together and share new ideas to make our region a better place.”

During the breakfast, Roc Arnett, former president and CEO of the East Valley Partnership for the past 13 years, will be honored with the 2016 Leaders of Faith Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, the group will share a moment to pray for the safety and

well-being of the community, police and firefighters, neighborhoods and those in need.

This year’s event theme is “Strong Partnerships, Strong Communities.”

The breakfast is open to the public. Individual tickets are $40 and available for purchase online at evmpb.org. Tables of 10 also are available for $600 with early bird pricing before Sunday, Jan 31. After Jan. 31, the price for a table of 10 will be $750. For information on sponsorship opportunities, call (480) 963-4571 or email info@evmpb.org.

HISTORIC STORE CLOSING - MOVING SALE!

- A MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER -

We have made the strategic business decision to CLOSE OUR AT HOME FURNISHINGS STORE, located at 2757 S. San Tan Village Parkway, in Gilbert, selling out the entire and complete stock!

At the conclusion of our Sale, we will open a new store featuring a new concept in home furnishings, accents and accessories located at 1870 West Germann Road, Chandler. Watch for further announcements! OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5th TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12th to mark down prices on our entire and complete stock of quality Furniture and Accessories. O ver ONE MILLION DOLLARS of Southern Motion, Robert Michaels, Aspen Home, Parker House and others will be sold at amazing sale prices. Special discounts will also be o ered on all custom orders! NOTHING WILL BE HELD BACK. Prices will be plainly marked on sale tags for immediate pick-up or delivery. We will open to the general public on Friday, February 12th.

OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH TO REDUCE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH AT 10