Gilbert Sun News: May 2015; Community

Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities

Go Speed Racer

Carter Holmes joined his siblings at the annual Power Wheels Derby event, driving a replica Mario kart just like in the popular video games.

Teacher remembered as witty, honest

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When Kayden Jarnagan remembers her teacher Aimee Hunter, she recalls a vibrant, caring woman who would do anything to get her students’ attention.

“We were learning about the solar system and she showed us videos and then she’d dance along with it,” Kayden said while laughing.

“She was really funny. She was super sweet and she always had a smile on her face. She would always teach us in fun ways. She would show us cool videos and interact with us.”

Kayden spoke at the April funeral of Hunter, 41, a Gilbert resident who died following a motorcycle crash near Haven Crest and Power Ranch Parkway. She was riding along with her boyfriend of 18 months, Mark Samsal, who died on the

see TEACHER REMEMBERED page 6

Highland Park Elementary School earns A+ designation

BY ALISON STANTON

Highland Park Elementary School recently earned the A+ School of Excellence award for the 2014/15 school year.

Bobbie O’Boyle, executive director of the Arizona Educational Foundation, said that the school was among 26 Arizona public schools to earn this honor. A second round of winning schools will be announced this spring.

Schools receive $500 and a banner designating them as an A+ School of Excellence winner, and staff and faculty at the award-winning schools are eligible for partial scholarships from Argosy

University Phoenix.

Highland Park Elementary School Principal Jason Martin said the facility has been extraordinary since it opened nine years ago.

Bobbie O’Boyle, executive director of Arizona Educational Foundation, said a record number of schools throughout Arizona applied for the A+ School of Excellence award.

Submitted photo

“Much of the staff has been here the whole time, and we have really worked hard to provide a rigorous but rewarding education for our students,” he said.

“I really feel like we make each of our 900 students feel special, and it was great to reflect on this during the application process.”

O’Boyle said they see A+ page 4

Sewing Machine Clearance Sale

GILBERT

BANK OWNED

How to Avoid Costly Housing Mistakes Before and After a Divorce

Gilbert, AZ - Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house.

In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is some non-emotional, straightforward, specific information and answers. Once you know how a divorce affects your home, your mortgage and taxes, critical decisions are easier. Neutral, third party information can help you make logical, rather than emotional, decisions. Probaby the first decision is whether you want to continue living in the house. Will the familiar surroundings bring you comfort and emotional security or unpleasant memories? Do you want to minimize change by staying where you are, or sell your home and move to a new place that offers a new start? Only you can answer those questions, but there

will almost certainly be some financial repercussions to your decision process. What can you afford? Can you manage the old house on your new budget? Is refinancing possible? Or is it better to sell and buy? How much house can you buy on your new budget?

To help you know what questions you should ask and how to arrive at the right answer for your specific situation, a FREE special report has been prepared by industry experts entitled “Divorce: What You Need to Know About Your House, Your Mortgage and Taxes.”

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-303-3049 and enter 8009. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your special report NOW to find out how to make this part of your current situation less stressful.

message 1-800-303-3049 ID #8000

How to Sell Your Home Without an Agent and Save the Commission

Gilbert, AZ - If you’ve tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the “For Sale by Owner” sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren’t from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing.

Like other “For Sale by Owners,” you’ll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can’t possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn’t easy. Perhaps you’ve had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don’t give up until you’ve read a new report entitled “Sell Your Own Home,” which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You’ll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process.

Inside this report, you’ll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which willl help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You’ll find out what real estate agents don’t want you to know.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 1-800303-2049 and enter 8017. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself.

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Layoffs are not part of district’s budget cut plans

BY ALISON STANTON

About a year ago, Gilbert Public Schools officials learned they would have to make some significant budget cuts, said Jeff Gadd, chief financial officer for the district.

Because of voters’ decision not to renew an override, Gadd said funding will decline and Gilbert Public Schools will need to cut $10.8 million from its budget. By focusing on other types of reductions like the elimination of some positions, and relying on natural attrition and retirement among staff, Gadd said the district is not expecting to lay off any of its staff.

“We’ve actually identified $11.7 million worth of reductions, and right now no existing staff members will lose their jobs. However, they may be re-classified into a different position, which may be lower paying,” Gadd said.

Jill Humpherys, a governing board clerk for Gilbert Public Schools, said the district will also initiate a hiring freeze, which will result in larger class sizes.

see BUDGET CUT page 13

received a record number of applications this year from schools throughout the state. While they normally get around 35, this year 73 applications were submitted for the award, which gives recognition to outstanding public schools.

“My personal opinion is that the public is hungry for good news about schools,” O’Boyle said. “For every negative story, there are thousands of positive ones, and that is what we want to focus on.”

Schools that are being considered for the A+ School of Excellence award go through a rigorous selection process.

After the faculty, staff, students, administrators and community members collaborate on the lengthy written application that includes demographic information, a description of current programs and practices, proof of parent and community participation and a profile of the school’s principal and his or her commitment to excellence and high achievement, the judges carefully review each application and decide which schools will be selected for a site visit.

“Schools actively seek this award; we do not go out and wave a wand and say ‘You’re A+. You’re A+,” O’Boyle said.

The site visits are also extremely thorough, according to O’Boyle, involving a team of judges spending a day and a half at each school.

“While the judges are there, they go

through the application with a fine tooth comb, verifying what is on it,” she said.

“For example, if the application says the teachers post their learning objectives on the board so that all students will know what they are doing, they will check to see if this is the case.”

The judges also spend time speaking with students to see what they are learning, as well as staff members.

“They are looking for that sense of going above and beyond and that ‘wow’ factor, and for schools that are doing more than what you would expect in Arizona,” O’Boyle said.

“Through the observations and interviews, we are determining what it is about the culture at the school that sets it apart, makes it a place where kids want to be, and what makes it not just good, but really good.”

According to their notes, O’Boyle mentioned judges found Highland Park Elementary to be a “fun visual school” with “inspiring murals and decorations.”

“There are also plenty of extra activities that are available to the students, and the judges were extremely impressed with the way the teachers and staff went out of their way to make sure everyone has a sense of belonging at the school,” O’Boyle added.

Learning that the school had earned an A+ designation was a momentous occasion for everyone involved.

“I think it gave us a sense of confirming what we have been doing for the past nine years, and it was very nice to get that recognition from the AEF and the judges who came out and visited,” Martin said.

scene, according to Gilbert Police Lt. Hugh White.

Hunter taught Kayden’s fifth-grade class at Ryan Elementary School in Chandler. She only started teaching at the Chandler Unified School District facility in the beginning of the school year. She formerly instructed at Centennial Elementary School in Gilbert.

Principal Diane Wells said, in a prepared statement to the Gilbert Sun News, that Hunter knew all of her students well and, because of that, she was able to challenge and engage each one in learning. Wells said Hunter rapidly adapted to her new school.

“Aimee Hunter was new to our Ryan Elementary teaching staff this year, but her outgoing personality enabled her to quickly make many friends among her colleagues,” Wells said.

“She wanted to do anything to help others; she was just a lovely person. Aimee was born to teach and she loved her job. Her students adored her and got a kick out of her wit and her fondness for very high heels and rock ‘n’ roll music. Aimee’s colleagues, student and their parents loved and appreciated her—she will truly be missed.”

Echoing that sentiment was Emily Ewing, who knew Hunter for nearly seven years after meeting her through the Centennial PTO. She, too, spoke at Hunter’s service.

“She was honest and she always told you

the way it was. She never held back. She would always say, ‘I have to be honest and I have to do the right thing.’ That was the way she led her life,” said Ewing.

Friends, family and students knew when Hunter was happy because she would have a “sparkle in her eye and her face lit up.”

Ewing started a GoFundMe page where the public can donate money for the college funds of Hunter’s two sons and daughter. Donations may be made here: www.gofundme.com/rrc4gn4.

“Per Aimee’s parents’ request, all the money will go straight to college funds for the three kids,” she said. “Aimee really valued education. It was her hope for all kids to go to college. As a parent, she wanted to make sure that happened.”

Kayden’s mom, Stephanie Jarnagan, said she and fellow parents of Hunter’s students are working with the school and the Chandler Unified School District to organize a living legacy tree-planting ceremony in her honor. California Pools & Landscape and Signarama, both of which are based in Chandler, have agreed to donate a tree and signage.

Ewing said the community has rallied behind Hunter’s family. Meals have been ordered for delivery through May 31. Hunter had recently joined Sun Valley Community Church, which has been supportive as well.

“She had never been happier,” Ewing said. “When she died, she was at her happiest.”

Save water and money—inspect irrigation systems

BY ERIC BRAUN, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR, TOWN OF GILBERT

As the weather warms, our mindset tends to shift to summer survival mode. You’ve likely increased the frequency of your landscape irrigation events, but before you receive another water bill, take some time to manually turn on your irrigation system and inspect it for leaks (view the handy Smart Home Water Guide, which helps you track down and find household leaks, at www. smarthomewaterguide. org).

Drip irrigation can be sneaky. Because it delivers water directly to the root zone of a plant, many of the water delivery pieces are buried underground. It might take longer to bring a drip irrigation leak to the surface. And if your sprinkler system is set to irrigate in the early morning to reduce evaporation, it is quite possible you never see it run.

• If you find there is an unusually large wet spot in the soil several fee away from the nearest emitter, you may have a leak in the polyethylene tubing (the thicker tubing of your drip irrigation system that is usually buried underground).

• From your irrigation controller, manually turn on your sprinkler irrigation zones/ stations, and look at the sprinkler heads while they are running.

Tips for locating leaks in your landscape:

• From your irrigation controller, manually turn on your drip irrigation zones/stations. Let it run for several minutes. Look for standing water or large wet spots of soaked soil. • After an irrigation event, the surface of your soil should be wet. Check the emitters (the little button-like plastic piece that drips water onto the soil near plants) for unusual drip patterns and broken emitters.

• It is important to test all of the sprinkler stations to make sure you don’t have a broken sprinkler head. Old Faithful belongs in Yellowstone, not in your backyard. On top of checking for leaks, make sure you are not overwatering your landscape. Even though May, June and July are typically our hottest and driest months, many landscape plants are remarkably adept at surviving our harsh summer climate. In fact, many landscape plants die from overwatering rather than underwatering. Visit www. landscapewateringguide.com to properly program your irrigation controller for your specific landscape needs. Don’t know how your irrigation system works? Gilbert residents can request a water audit by e-mailing Water. Conservation@gilbertaz.gov or calling (480) 503-6098 to set up an appointment with a water conservation specialist to learn how to irrigate your yard so that it looks good, yet doesn’t waste water.

Town’s credit rating upgraded to Aaa

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the community’s general obligation credit rating to Aaa—the highest rating possible, according to an announcement made by the Town of Gilbert.

“The upgrade of the G.O. rating to Aaa reflects the town’s exceptionally strong credit characteristics including a demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining reserves to levels that are well above those typically maintained by similarly rated peers,” a Town press release noted Moody’s as saying.

median household income, well-educated and workforce ready population, as well as its strong and growing business community.

When looking at the community as a whole, Moody’s was impressed by Gilbert’s demographics, including its above-average

“We are very pleased with the upgrade to Aaa,” said Gilbert Town Manager Patrick Banger. “This is a reflection of strong leadership and operational management in Gilbert and the smart decisions we are making financially. It’s also symbolic of the vibrancy of the community and the many recognitions we have recently received.”

There are only 179 other cities in the country with a Aaa rating, and only three other cities in Arizona—Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Chandler, according to the press release.

Gilbert aims to collect 72,600 meals for local families

This May, the Town is hosting its annual Gilbert Feeding Families community food drive with the goal of feeding all 72.6 square miles of Gilbert by collecting 72,600 meals.

All of the food and money donated will go directly to the United Food Bank and to feeding the Gilbert community.

Donation drop-off sites will be located around Gilbert, including the fire stations, recreation centers, Town Hall, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Alliance. For a full list, visit www. gilbertaz.gov/feedingfamilies.

Special donation sites will also be set up at the following events:

• Thursday, May 14: Downtown Concert

• Thursday, May 28: Downtown Concert

• Saturday, May 30: Gilbert Farmers Market (the MidFirst Coin Van will be onsite collecting change)

Online donations are being accepted at www.gilbertaz.gov/feeding families. Every dollar donated provides food for five meals.

Back

Gilbert Feeding Families will be hosting a restaurant night on Wednesday, May 6. Visit one of the participating restaurants and a percentage of the bill will be donated to the food drive. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www. gilbertaz.gov/feedingfamilies.

The final weigh-in event will take place at 7:30 a.m. Monday, June 8, at the Town Hall.

Interested businesses or residents should visit www.gilbertaz. gov/feedingfamilies or email gilbertfeedingfamilies@gilbertaz. gov for more information. Follow @ GilbertYourTown on Twitter (www. twitter.com/gilbertyourtown) and Gilbert Town Hall on Facebook (www.facebook. com/gilberttownhall) for additional event information.

pain springing up this Spring East Valley clinic provides solution

Back pain springing up this Spring East Valley clinic provides solution

WIth the arrival of Spring, daylight grows longer and many people start spending more time working on their backswings, backstrokes, backhands, backyard gardens. They also might be spending more time with backaches.

WIth the arrival of Spring, daylight grows longer and many people start spending more time working on their backswings, backstrokes, backhands, backyard gardens. They also might be spending more time with backaches.

Mercy Gilbert receives pediatric emergency certification

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has received certification by the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) as a Pediatric Prepared Emergency Care Emergency Department.

Although Mercy Gilbert has long provided care for pediatric patients in its emergency department, this accreditation from the AzAAP confirms the high-quality pediatric emergency care the hospital provides and further complements its partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“In addition to the certification, Mercy Gilbert’s emergency physicians and nurses have received specialized pediatric training to care for children with emergency medical needs.”

Hospitals voluntarily apply for the AzAAP certification, which includes matching hospital capabilities and capacity to established guidelines through a selfassessment process and a site visit by a team of peer professionals.

Dr. Alex Bigham, CEO of Novocur Pain Management Clinics, explains that taking on new or added physical activity can be particularly tricky for patients with sciatic leg pain and back pain. He says, “A sudden inspiration to take up tennis over the weekend can often end with a call to our clinic on Monday.”

Dr. Alex Bigham, CEO of Novocur Pain Management Clinics, explains that taking on new or added physical activity can be particularly tricky for patients with sciatic leg pain and back pain. He says, “A sudden inspiration to take up tennis over the weekend can often end with a call to our clinic on Monday.”

Epidural injections are one of the most effective treatments Novocur uses to quickly relieve sciatic pain. A skilled physician who specializes in pain management performs this advanced procedure safely with the help of x-ray guidance. The medication is carefully injected directly around the nerves that cause the pain to reduce inflammation and provide fast relief.

Epidural injections are one of the most effective treatments Novocur uses to quickly relieve sciatic pain. A skilled physician who specializes in pain management performs this advanced procedure safely with the help of x-ray guidance. The medication is carefully injected directly around the nerves that cause the pain to reduce inflammation and provide fast relief.

To learn how Novocur can help end the pain from sciatica or many other types of pain, call 480-855-6686 or go to novocur.com

To learn how Novocur can help end the pain from sciatica or many other types of pain, call 480-855-6686 or go to novocur.com

Last year, Phoenix Children’s opened a 22-bed inpatient pediatric unit at Mercy Gilbert, and since the unit’s establishment, Mercy Gilbert has seen its pediatric volume double in the emergency department.

“Obtaining this certification shows our commitment to offering specialized and advanced emergency medical care to the youngest patients in our community,” said Janet Shepard, director of emergency services at Mercy Gilbert and Chandler Regional medical centers.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics believes in access to optimal emergency care for all children,” said Dr. Delphis Richardson, AzAAP’s president.

“To receive the Pediatric Prepared Emergency Care certification, the hospital’s Emergency Department must pass a broad and in-depth review of pediatric care readiness that includes its equipment, staffing policies and procedures and analytics.”

For more information about the pediatric services offered at Mercy Gilbert, visit dignityhealth.org/mercygilbert.

Migraine, Tension & Cluster Headaches Neck Pain

Radiating Arm & Shoulder Pain

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Lower Back Pain

Leg, Hip or Pelvic Pain

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Knee Pain/Arthritis

Sciatic Leg Pain

About Dr. Garza:

• Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma (1990).

• DR of Dental surgery DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (1994).

• First dentist to use Cerec for “single visit Smile Makeovers” and the first to place a single visit Cerec crown on an implant (2003).

• LVIF/Las Vegas Institute: Neuromuscular dentistry, TMJ, migraines, Bruxism.

• Laser Certified Dentist

Dr. Garza can attend to all of your dental needs:

Cerec Single Visit Dentistry • Crowns • Inlays • Onlays

Veneers • Smile Makeovers • Teeth Whitening • Dentures

Oral surgery/extractions • Fillings • Implants • Root Canals

Implant Supported Dentures • Invisalign • Routine Cleanings

Periodontal Treatment/Laser

Neuromuscular Dentistry: Treating TMJ disorders, Bruxism, and Migraines.

There’s a story behind every smile .. ... and everyone wants to have a beautiful smile they feel good about, no matter their gender, age, profession, or circumstance. Allow us to be a part of your story and together we can work to create the smile you have always wanted.

Dr. Garza is passionate about your dental care; he is always investing in continuing education and the best technology to provide his patients with the best care possible and here’s what they say ...

“The staff and services provided were excellent. I went to this office after visiting another practice a couple of days prior to get a second opinion.The impression that I felt after the initial visit was very comforting, even for me because I have a huge phobia of dentists.”

— Jerry

“Dr. Garza and his team are the best. Everyone gives you a great sense of comfort and care. I had a wonderful experience as usual. I have been a patient for at least 10 years, and service and care are and have always been excellent.”

— Anthony

Finley Farms Carnival

Finley Farms Elementary School celebrated the end of the school year with a carnival that featured inflatable activities, face painting, photos and games. For information about the PTO, visit www.facebook.com/FinleyfarmsPto. GSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo

Four collections of homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to just over 4,000 sq. ft. starting in the low $200’s

THE MULBERRY STORY

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!

Guadalupe Road, just 1.8 miles east of the 202 Fwy, exit 32 Over 2,000

Father sentenced to life in prison for death of toddler son

BY CARISSA RAMIREZ

After 1,200 days in custody, a 29-yearold Gilbert man was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his 2-year-old son. He is eligible for parole after 35 years.

On Wednesday, April 8, in Maricopa County Superior Court, Jonathan Ray Cole, sobbed and asked for the forgiveness of his late son, Alexzander (Alex) Cole, as he spoke to Judge Roland Steinle.

“Alex, dad is so sorry for what I did to you,” Cole said. “I loved you from the minute I held you in my arms. I hope you forgive dad for what he’s done.”

Cole asked for the forgiveness of his wife, Harjit Cole.

“I hope you can forgive me for what I’ve done to our son,” Cole said while crying. Cole pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of Alex.

On Oct. 5, 2011, Cole called 9-1-1 and told Gilbert Police that his son had been found unresponsive in his bed at an Extended Suites Hotel on West Obispo Avenue in Gilbert. Cole stated that Alex had been sleeping and checked on periodically, according to court reports. Cole reported to have been the only one with the boy at the time. His wife was at work.

Alex was taken to Banner Desert Medical Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Doctors found hemorrhages around his eyes, neck and upper chest, according to court records. In a voluntary interview with police

after Alex’s death, Cole asked if “a stuffed animal can cause suffocation?” After police inquired about the question, Cole asked to be taken to jail, according to court records.

“Jonathan admitted to holding Alex against his chest with his hands crossed against Alex’s chest. Alex’s back was to Jonathan’s chest and Jonathan squeezed Alex until he stopped breathing,” according to court records.

After his Miranda rights were read, Cole said that his son struggled to get free five or six times but that he squeezed him even harder until the child stopped breathing, according to court records.

“We believe that this plea is in the interest of justice, considering the horrific way that this child died,” said Deputy County Attorney Stephanie Low. “The defendant suffocated his son and described the child as struggling as he died, and waited an extended period before even seeking help for him.”

Court records also reveal that Alex was probably dead in the room for an hour and a half before Cole called emergency crews at 5:49 p.m.

Cole was said to have had grown up in a dysfunctional family and feels more free now in custody, than at home with his family, said Cole’s attorney, Quinn Jolly.

“While in custody Jon has been a model inmate,” Jolly said. “Even when put in situations where most people would act out, Jon would keep his cool.”

Supreme Court shoots down fish pedicure appeal

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When LaVie Nails & Spa owner Cindy Vong took a trip to Asia in 2008, she witnessed something innovative that she wanted to incorporate in her own nail spa in Gilbert.

Vong saw a fish pedicure during which tiny carp nibble dead skin cells from a client’s foot. After introducing the unique service at LaVie, a legal firestorm was ignited and the Arizona Board of Cosmetology shut down the controversial practice. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the spa’s appeal to have it overturned.

Vong declined an interview request, but officials with the Goldwater Institute have been involved with her case since 2009, when they read about the issue in a newspaper. Starlee Coleman, senior policy adviser at the Goldwater Institute in Phoenix, said Vong started offering the fish pedicures in 2008.

“It was really popular and it caught the attention of the board of cosmetology,” Coleman said. “She was the first person in Arizona to do this.”

The Arizona Board of Cosmetology soon sent a letter to Vong demanding that she stop the service.

“We contacted Cindy and said, ‘The government can’t just shut a business down without a reason’ and we started working with her to find out exactly what had happened,” Coleman said.

“We tried to work with the board of cosmetology on her behalf to figure out a way they could regulate the practice so that their concerns about public health and safety were addressed and met without shutting down the business entirely.”

Unfortunately, the parties could not come to a resolution and Vong sued. Clint Bolick, the Goldwater Institute’s vice president of litigation, was the lead attorney.

The team at the Goldwater Institute tried to help Vong’s case with compelling facts.

“We have done a number of things including surveying all of the health and safety research that has been done all across the world on fish pedicures,” Coleman said. “There has never been, anywhere in the world, a public health or safety complaint or problem coming from fish pedicures.”

Per Coleman, fish pedicures are legal in a dozen states and in many countries across the world.

“The Center for Disease Control has said that there are no inherent safety risks or problems with this process,” she added.

Vong noted that the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology had violated her constitutional due process and equal protection rights when it ordered her to stop doing the fish pedicures. In May 2014, the Arizona State Court of Appeals ruled that the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology did not violate Vong’s constitutional rights when it decided she could no longer provide fish pedicures. In May 2015, the Supreme Court would not hear an appeal challenging the lower court’s decision. Vong is not left with many options, but the Goldwater Institute is not finished.

The Goldwater Institute’s position for Vong was one that recognizes that government has the authority to regulate businesses and it supports that wholeheartedly.

“But the government isn’t allowed to shut an industry or business down when there are other options for regulating,” Coleman said.

Previously, Vong was already implementing the exact same health and safety requirements at LaVie that are in place for regular pedicures. At the crux of the board of cosmetology’s original issue was that the fish were being used as a pedicure instrument and couldn’t be properly cleaned or sanitized in between clients. Therefore, it ordered Vong to stop the service, for which she had invested thousands of dollars.

“Obviously, we were extremely disappointed that the Supreme Court didn’t take the case, but it was a long shot,” said Coleman.

“They take fewer than 1 percent of all of the cases that are brought to them.”

However, Bolick and his team are still stomping for Vong.

“Next legislative session we’re going to try and work with lawmakers to write a regulation that would make this practice legal and address whatever safety concerns we can address,” Coleman said.

“The legislature has the authority to write regulations that boards and commission have to comply with.”

Orbital ATK’s satellite contract put on hold

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Officials at Orbital ATK, a company specializing in aerospace and defense technologies, were expecting to build weather satellites at its Gilbert manufacturing facility after signing a contract in March worth potentially up to $470 million.

That process has been delayed, however, after NASA put the Joint Polar Satellite Systems (JPSS) program on hold due to a bid protest by the General Accounting Office. Orbital ATK spokeswoman Vicki Cox said the matter may take about three months to resolve.

Under the contract, the Orbital ATK company would design, produce and integrate up to three Joint Polar Satellite Systems spacecraft to be operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), providing weather forecasting data and advance environmental and oceanic science. The JPSS is a collaboration between NASA and the NOAA, which oversees the National Weather Service.

The contract included a $235 million order for the first satellite, known as JPSS-2, and options for two additional satellites, JPSS-3 and JPSS-4, valued at $217 million.

The JPSS-2 satellite allows for operational continuity of space-based weather observations. Orbital ATK would design and fabricate the JPSS spacecraft, integrate government-furnished instruments, conduct satellite-level testing and support in-orbit check-out and mission operations.

The satellite would extend the 40-year partnership of NASA and the NOAA into the 2020 and 2030 decades, according to Orbital ATK officials.

The JPSS represents “significant technological and scientific advances in environmental monitoring and helps advance weather, climate, environmental and oceanographic forecasting and monitoring,” according to the NOAA’s website.

The satellites will deliver key observations, including forecasting severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes and blizzards days in advance, and assessing environmental hazards such as droughts, forest fires, poor air quality and harmful coastal waters “to secure a more weather-ready nation.”

JPSS enables scientists and forecasters to monitor and predict weather patterns with greater accuracy and to study long-

term climate trends by extending the more than 30-year satellite data record.

NOAA is responsible for managing the JPSS program, while NASA is responsible for development and building the JPSS instruments, spacecraft, launch services and major components of the ground segment.

The satellites would make nearly 14 polar orbits a day approximately 520 miles above the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s rotation allows the satellite to see a different view each orbit. Each satellite provides two complete views of weather around the world each day.

Prior to news of the program’s placement on hold, Gilbert Mayor John Lewis said town officials were “thrilled” that Orbital ATK would be building the next generation of weather satellites in Gilbert. The community is “open for business, growth, development and innovation,” Lewis said.

“Manufacturing and distribution companies thrive in the greater Phoenix area because it’s exceedingly accessible and offers an affordable operating environment,” Lewis said. “Gilbert is open to manufacturing across a variety of industries and Orbital ATK is just one example of successful manufacturing in our community. We are proud to have the leading satellite builder creating groundbreaking products in Gilbert.”

Orbital ATK President and Chief Executive Officer David Thompson said in March after the contract was approved that Orbital ATK was “honored” to be selected by NASA.

“The critical data provided by these satellites will allow the NOAA to continue its 50-plus year mission to protect lives and property from severe weather events and enhance economic prosperity across a wide range of industries,” Thompson said.

“We hire an average of 200 to 300 new staff members a year,” she said.

Whenever possible, staff members whose positions have been eliminated will be asked to fill another role, she added.

“Many of our elementary school teachers are flexible and can be moved into different grades, but as teachers become more specialized it can be more difficult to reassign them. But many of our teachers have backgrounds in education that are very versatile.”

Humpherys said parents are understandably upset about the budget cuts.

“This has been very challenging and we definitely want to see Gilbert maintain its quality of education,” she said.

Despite the need to trim $10.8 from Gilbert Public Schools’ budget, Jeff Gadd, chief financial officer, said the district has no plans to lay off any teachers. Submitted photo

“We’ve been very appreciative of our superintendent, Dr. (Christina) Kishimoto and her support to help keep our staff intact.”

Gadd said the subject of a new override will be back on the school board’s agenda in May, and he expects that they will make a recommendation to support it.

Humpherys said she definitely supports the override.

“For the local voters to support the quality of education is crucial. While the funds were once used to cover the extras, this is not the case anymore. Now they are used to fund the basics.”

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Famous Dave’s SanTan Village to celebrate five-year anniversary

In celebration of its upcoming five-year anniversary at SanTan Village, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is inviting the public to its party from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2.

Diners can enjoy St. Louis-style ribs at a traditional “Ribfest” and a festive, and prize-filled bean bag toss contest.

This event will take place in front of Famous Dave’s in the parking lot, located at 2206 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert.

Famous Dave’s staff will be feeding everyone in attendance for a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Gilbert Branch. Several Famous Dave’s prizes will be awarded for playing the bean bag toss, as well as a chance to win a Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill, valued at nearly $350.

“We’ve been so fortunate to be a part of this community for the past five years,” said John Erlandson, Valley franchise owner.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating Famous Dave’s five-year anniversary at SanTan Village by partnering up with the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley to raise funds for their Gilbert Branch with an exciting afternoon of great food and

great fun. We invite everyone to join us for all the fun-filled activities, all for a great cause.”

The cost to play the bean bag toss is free, unless patrons opt to play for the grand prize grill.

For $2, they get a chance to throw three beanbags and if they make at least one, they will be entered in the drawing.

Food items for purchase include St. Louis-style ribs, Georgia chopped pork sliders, sides, hot dogs for the kids and beverages. Price ranges from $1 to $3 for the food, with all proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Gilbert Branch.

For nearly 50 years, The Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley have made it their No. 1 priority to fill the opportunity gap and provide kids who come to us with a chance to build their talents, learn the value of contributing to others, and realize their dreams. The Gilbert

Branch offers an afterschool program, teen leadership, youth sports leagues, homework and tutoring assistance. The club is located in the Gilbert Heritage District in the heart of downtown Gilbert. The branch opened in 1991 and serves a diverse group of children and teens from throughout the East Valley, including Gilbert.

Locally, Famous Dave’s has been recognized multiple times in the media as the best barbecue restaurant in Phoenix. For information on Famous Dave’s menu and locations visit: www.famousdavesbbq. com.

Quilt maker turns her passion into thriving business

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When Janet Thebarge was visiting Glacier National Park in Montana several years ago, she came across a quilt store. She enthusiastically had sewn for years, but she didn’t quilt.

When she saw a kit in the store, however, she knew she had to assemble it for her friend who was diagnosed with lung cancer.

“It was so beautiful,” said Thebarge, a Gilbert resident who works out of her home. “It had all these flowers. It was so feminine. So I made it for her. It meant so much to her.”

Her friend brought it with her to chemotherapy sessions, and when she died, her family asked if they could keep it. Thebarge then had an epiphany.

“I thought that maybe this is something I could do as a business,” said Thebarge, who works as the sales and marketing manager for Serrano’s. Keepsake Quilts and Fabric Gifts was born. Thebarge said she figures she could continue with this after she retires.

“I’m not good at doing nothing,” she said. “I’m going to be sewing no matter what. I thought I could have a business that would offer people comfort.”

Thebarge specializes in memory quilts. She designed a quilt out of shirts for the family of a man who died from a massive heart attack. She’s making one in celebration of a man’s 90th birthday. His family sees it as a legacy quilt.

“I think every quilt I make has a story attached,” she said. “It’s really

motivating. But I want to be very careful and respectful. I’m not just selling my business and going out there and knocking on doors. That is, in itself, a little bit challenging when you’re trying to promote a new business.”

Instead, she relies on word-ofmouth referrals. Her creations range in price from $200 to $1,200. For more information, visit www. keepsakequiltsandfabricgifts.com.

One thing she yearns to do is make a quilt that honors a soldier.

“I want to do a quilt so badly to honor someone in the military,” she said. “I’m going to give 15 percent of the proceeds to Boots for Troops. To honor somebody who’s been in the military, that’s a terrific thing.”

Banner hosts third Health Fair and Bottled Water Drive

Banner Gateway Medical Center and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center are hosting a Health Fair and Bottled Water Drive from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, in the north parking lot of the campus, located at 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert. The bottled water drive benefits the Salvation Army’s Heat and Hydration Program. The goal is to collect more than 2,000 cases. The program was launched in 2006 following a prolonged heat wave in the summer of 2005 that resulted in the deaths of 20 people in one night in the Valley.

During the summer months, the Salvation Army holds 11 Hydration Stations throughout the Valley, each manned with volunteers, to distribute water and offer respite and safety information to those in need.

Last summer the Salvation Army was able to provide water to thousands of individuals. It also supplied more than 80,000 bottles of water to partner agencies. Its purpose for the Extreme Heat Project is to hydrate, educate and provide referral assistance to people in or potentially in distress.

In addition to the bottled water drive, health care and water safety information will be provided and the Gilbert Fire Department and Air Evac Helicopter will be on site.