Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids is making a splash in Gilbert.
Since opening the business in February, owners Ali and Shane Wolfersberger of Mesa said it’s taken “bite” of children and parents’ markets. Services include haircuts for all ages, updos “dad and son” packages, beauty spa packages, parties and products.
“We’re really excited since jumping out of the gates,” Shane said. “We’ve been busy on the first few weekends. It’s a nice feeling.”
The duo, which also own Sharkey’s in Mesa and various businesses in the Valley, said the family draw is due to the “experience”– both with the atmosphere and seasoned staff.
Shane says many parents have approached them about their children’s dislike or fear of getting their hair cut, which the blended family of seven kids can easily relate to without judgment.
“We give them the tools and resources to have a better experience,” Shane said. Those resources include products that transform kiddos’ messy manes into “cool cuts” while perched from customized vehicles such as a Barbie Jeep or Lightening McQueen race car. Tweens feel at ease as they play their favorite games on play
stations and Xbox 360 from 40” screens.
Families also can enjoy watching sporting events or concerts from satellite TV.
The salon also offers free and clean hair products, which are 100 percent vegan and paraben-free according to the Sharkey’s website. The line ranges from moisturizing shampoo to style and shine spray.
“They not only have high-quality hair products, but they are tied into the store,” Shane says.
Most importantly, their kid-tested by the owner’s own children.
“They always comment on how good they smell,” Shane says.
Sharkey’s also takes it a cut above, offering birthday parties such as a “Glamour
Day.” The exclusive girl parties are held in the Glamour Tween Lounge where each girl receives “star” treatment via pampering from head to toe as well as a variety of items in conjunction with the party.
“They’ve (our kids) have had all their parties here,” Shane says.
But the duo says their business goes beyond wanting to be successful; it’s also about giving back to their community.
Shane says in addition to working with local Mesa Unified School District PTA fundraising events, they hope do the same with Gilbert school officials.
“We hope to be part of the community, integrate with the schools and programs. We want to be partners with the community, build clientele and open more salons across the Valley,” Shane says.
Dubbed “Top 500 Franchises” in 2016 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Sharkey’s is located across the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. It has three locations in Arizona with Mesa couple’s goal to open a Phoenix location within the next two years.
Sharkey’s of Gilbert is located at 2470 S. Val Vista Drive, D103 in Gilbert. To book a cut or schedule a party, call 480-6368886 or see www.sharkeyscutsforkids. com/gilbert-az and Facebook.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids can transform messy manes into manageable tresses. Submitted photo
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Museum displays student art from Congressional competition
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
More than 100 works of art by local high school students are on display at the Gilbert Historical Museum, as part of the Congressional Art Competition.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to high school students in the 5th District, represented by Matt Salmon.
“We have many, many talented students and the entries are from all spectra of art,” said Tristan Daedalus, communications director of the representative’s office. “We always receive very beautiful and detailed artwork and recognize the special talent these students have.”
The artwork is categorized as photography/digital and painting/ drawing. They are judged by two members of the Gilbert Visual Arts League and another artist.
Each spring, winning artwork from every state and territory adorns the U.S. Capitol Tunnel connecting House offices and the Capitol. Submitted photo
The competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved in it.
Last year’s 114 entries in the 5th District were showcased at Art Intersection in Gilbert. The Best of Show was awarded to Carlee Roby, a student at Red Mountain High School in Mesa.
The work is judged on the basis of creativity, mastery of media, composition,
Carlee Roby, a senior at Red Mountain High in Mesa won the 2015 Best of Show in the Congressional art competition. Submitted photo
value, color theory and presentation.
As in past years, the winner of Best of Show will travel to Washington, D.C., for a reception on June 23 to be held in the Capitol building. There are nine other awards.
“The Best of Show artwork gets shipped to (Washington) D.C. and will hang in the tunnel at the Capitol for one year with all the other congressional district winners from around the nation,” Daedalus said.
The Gilbert Historical Museum is at 10 S. Gilbert Rd. Details: (480) 926-1577.
Parents who want their children to grasp learning concepts look for facilities to help them get started early and avoid struggles as they grow beyond toddlers and into young students, and eventually teens.
In Gilbert, parents have a new option to lay an educational foundation with the Life Learning Center.
Opened by Delmer Geesey and Kristina Reese in October 2015, the center is located next door to the Leading Edge Academy on the southeast corner of Ray and Cooper roads.
The center educates children aged 3 to 5 years, but will admit children as young as 2 years, 9 months if they are
potty trained, according to Brittany Foster, director and lead teacher. Under the faith-based program, children start with basics, learning spelling to help them prepare for reading and socialization in their interactions with other children, Foster said. The center’s mission is to provide a positive learning experience for each child and establish a solid foundation to help build children’s confidence.
Afterschool programs for children 5 to 12 years old are offered from 2:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, when students are released early from school.
Students receive physical activity with time on the playground when they first arrive right after school, so they get out for a few minutes, Foster said. “We let them get their energy out for about 30 minutes.” The center shares the same playground with the academy next door.
Students spend time on homework. If that is finished or if students can’t work on projects there because they require parental involvement at home, they can work on puzzles or just read.
Life Learning Center, like the academy, is a faith-based program, Foster said.
“The children learn good character and citizenship,” Foster said. The children also have 15 to 20 minutes of chapel time, which is optional. “Parents appreciate that option.”
Teens can learn photographic techniques like the one used to create this photo, entitled “Self Portrait,” by Trini Guevara, at Art Intersection’s summer camp. Submitted photo
Explore the fundamentals and foundations of photography
Teens interested in art and photography will be able to learn from trained and working artists in a photographic techniques camp, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, through Friday, July 15, at Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 201, Gilbert. Each student will leave with a collection of their artwork made during camp and be featured in an online exhibition at www.artintersection.com.
During the workshop, participants will explore the fundamentals and foundations of photography with daily photo projects. An overview of photographic techniques will be covered, from digital capture and printing, to a black and white darkroom and historical processes. Students are welcome to bring their own cell phone, digital camera or film camera, or use one provided. Snacks provided. Cost is $195. Info: (480) 361-1118 or info@ artintersection.com.
It’s not all about books and homework. Students also learn about lighter topics, such as writing a restaurant menu or making sushi.
The center works with parents’ schedules, offering full- and part-time programs, Foster said. “We try to fit all of the parents’ needs.” Preschool and school-aged programs are offered in the summer as well.
Foster said she judges the program’s effectiveness by examining the students’ reaction. “You see a lot of the kids come in here shy because it is their first experience at school,” Foster said. “You see them after two weeks,
and they are excited to come. They talk about learning at home.” The center’s teachers and officials also obtain feedback from parents. The center will hold a ribbon cutting with Mayor John Lewis at 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the center, located at 707 W. Ray Rd.
Parents who are interested in learning more about the center can visit an open house scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19. For information, visit the website at www.lifelongaz.com, call (480) 814-7535 or email info@lifelearningaz.com.
• Safe and secure country-syle living
• Specially trained 24-hour onsite Caregivers
• Daily life-enrichment activities
• Open Door Policy with all family members
• Three delicious well-balanced meals daily
• Assistance with special and therapeutic diets
• Medication Administration
• Incontinence Management
• Assistance with all daily living activities (ADLs)
• Care planning for each Resident’s unique needs
• Weekly linen and housekeeping services
• In-room cable television and Wi-Fi internet
• In-house Salon and much, much more…
Hamilton debate team heads to New York City
BY TIM J. RANDALL
Five dedicated and highly motivated Hamilton High School students are making a name for themselves and the school, as the talented team is heading to New York City April 1 through April 3 to compete in the Elite 8 of the Brewer Foundation/NYU International Public Policy Forum.
One of the students is Mani Kandan of Gilbert.
“We are extremely excited to be representing Hamilton on the international stage and eager to have fun while bringing the best we can,” said team member and senior Iris Chang. “The team expects the Elite 8 to be tough but rewarding. It is an honor to have the opportunity to meet and to engage in lively discussion with great debaters.”
According to the Brewer Foundation website, the Public Policy Forum is the “first and only contest that gives high school students the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. Founded in 2001 as a national program, the contest has now expanded to involve hundreds of schools from all corners of the globe.”
Besides Iris and Mani, the Hamilton squad is senior Molly Chou, and juniors Vignesh
Viswanath and Rahul Ramesh. They earned their trip to the finals after a rigorous eightmonth process including single-elimination competitions against teams from across the globe.
In July 2015, 300 international teams submitted a 2,800-word qualifying essay for consideration by Public Policy Forum judges on the topic: “Resolved: Genetically modified organisms are essential to global food security.” Sixty-four teams were then selected based on the quality and thoroughness of their responses, to further articulate their positions in three elimination rounds, ultimately leading to selection by the judges for the Elite 8 finals.
“Our team approached answering the initial resolution through a series of arguments that correlated to the specific goal of the resolution,” Molly said.
“Answering our opponent’s paper, we would all collectively write comments on the paper through Google Documents for possible responses to the arguments, and then we would compile specific research such as stats and studies that support our responses.”
At the New York event, three members of each competing team will make their case in 5-minute oral arguments that include
Now Enrolling Pre-K - 6th Grades
opening remarks, a second speech and a rebuttal. Students will also respond to cross examination statements, as well as answering queries from the judges.
“Initially, we did not think we would have made it this far, but we always hoped for the best and tried our hardest, encouraged by those who believed in us,” Iris said. “We saw each stage in the competition as stepping stones and tackled each round individually.”
One of those believers is Hamilton High Principal Ken James.
“This group of students is special because of their dedication and commitment to this event,” he said. “Not only is it hard work, but they are having fun. Their success enhances
the positive reputation of Hamilton High. We have students successfully competing internationally.”
The Hamilton five will not only be vying for the “Brewer Cup” and a $10,000 cash prize ($5,000 for the victorious school and $5,000 for the team), but also continuing the winning tradition of the school, as its 2014 team took home the trophy.
“There is great pride in giving the school a second chance at the championship; Hamilton prides itself in successful legacy not only in sports but also in academic extracurriculars like speech and debate,” Molly said. “Being a part of this chance to
The Hamilton Debate Team is, from left, Iris Chang, Vignesh Viswanath, Mani Kandan, Rahul Ramesh and Molly Chou. Photo courtesy of Steve Carr
Logan’s presents $2,500 grant to Campo Verde
Logan’s Roadhouse presented $2,500 to Campo Verde High School’s music program as part of its nationwide school grant program to support kindergarten through 12th grade music education.
These funds will be used to purchase sheet music, a violin and more low stringed instruments for the students. The Campo Verde music program is made up of five performing groups with over 120 students. Campo Verde High School is one of 22 grant recipients selected across the country. School officials, students and Logan’s Roadhouse officials gathered to celebrate with a check presentation at the school at a recent spring concert intermission.
Logan’s Roadhouse officials noted that as a school with limited financial resources, Campo Verde High School was a perfect candidate for its music grant program. Many students want to participate in the program, but due to a lack instruments many of the school’s scholars are placed in a different
received $2,500. Submitted photo
elective. The gift will help students prepare for the spring semester concert.
In November, Logan’s Roadhouse launched a school grant program to support children’s music education across the country. In two months, more than 800 schools applied for grants totaling more than $4 million and highlighting the financial needs of school music programs around the country.
“Logan’s Roadhouse is proud to actively support music in school
programs like the one here at Campo Verde High School and do what we can to support these incredible students,” said Logan’s Roadhouse CEO Sam Borgese.
“Our goal is to encourage students to pursue their dreams while developing their music skills and talents through the tutelage of wonderful teachers. We believe in the power of music, and want to support those who are making a difference in our children’s lives.”
continue Hamilton’s name internationally is a huge opportunity our team appreciates being a part of.”
The squad members already have won, as their trip to New York is expenses-paid by the Brewer Foundation. In addition to the competition, the team will visit the recently completed World Trade Center.
“The team expects to have fun from sightseeing in New York while trying not to freeze since weather in Arizona is quite unlike that of New York,” Iris said. “One thing our team is definitely looking forward to is great New York food.”
Results of the competition aside, the team members are very close and enjoy their time and experiences together.
“Our team is more than a team; we are a family,” Iris said. “While we all have had our tough weeks with homework stacked on top of late-night Skype calls, we are all extremely dedicated toward working together and dividing up the researching and writing in order to be efficient. However, we all love to have fun and goof around once in a while, which creates a team environment that is irreplaceable.”
Iris, Molly, Vignesh and Rahul live in Chandler, while Mani resides in Gilbert.
For more information about the Brewer Foundation/NYU International Public Policy Forum, or to watch the debates live, visit www.ippfdebate.com
In November, Logan’s Roadhouse launched a school grant program to support children’s music education across the country. Campo Verde High School recently
Conference for young girls based on Latter-day Saints teachings
Be better. Be prettier. Be smarter. Fit in. Statements like these influence the minds of girls at a very early age. According to Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-esteem—commissioned by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund—seven in 10 girls said believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in looks, their performance in school, and in relationships with friends and family members. Since 2010, Time to Blossom Young Women Conference has aimed to change the mindset of these young girls.
For the past six years, Time to Blossom has been the sought-after summer activity for 11- to 16-year-old girls in Arizona. The conference, based on teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomes young women of all faiths to come and be empowered with inner strength, courage and confidence to reach their potential.
This year, Time to Blossom will be held from June 13 to June 17 at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa. For more information, visit www.YWConference.com.
Time to Blossom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives help from hundreds of volunteers every year, along
with generous donations from companies like MomDoc and DownEast, as well as many other giving individuals.
All donations received go directly into the program as the founders, board members, and chairpersons receive no compensation. Most donations are transferred into scholarships that give girls who would not be able to attend for financial reasons the opportunity to experience the conference.
More than 1,000 young girls attend Time to Blossom each year, participating in interactive, integrative and hands-on activities meant to stimulate their thinking to discover who they are, who they can become and what goals they have and how to accomplish them. Speakers like Madilyn Paige from “The Voice,” Eric Richards of “Specially for Youth,” and nationally acclaimed motivational speaker Dennis Deaton will center their talks around the gospel of Jesus Christ to strengthen the girls in the areas of body image, leadership skills, goal setting, relationship development and self-worth.
Numerous writers from My Time to Blossom, the online magazine and social network partnering with the conference, will be joining the speaker list.
Now Open and Accepting Enrollments
Ribbon Cutting – April 15th at 1pm Open House – April 19th 5-6:30pm
Amanda Gomez is one ‘golden’ teen
BY ALISON BAILIN
This year, the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is pleased to announce that Gilbert teen Amanda Gomez has been honored with the highest award in Girl Scouting: the Gold Award.
“One of the most impactful parts of Girl Scouting is earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. “This prestigious award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and challenges girls ages 14 to 17 to initiate meaningful, sustainable change locally, nationally, or globally through unique ‘Take Action’ projects of their own creation.”
For many of these girls, this award is the culmination of more than 10 years in the Girl Scouts.
Amanda has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and has earned the Bronze and Silver Awards. Her closest friend lost her father in his battle with ALS. Because of this tragic experience, Amanda was compelled to help increase awareness of ALS. By reaching out to the ALS Association, she learned there was an annual walk to raise money to find a cure and raise awareness. Amanda decided she could help their cause by creating a video of the walk. Her hope was that people could use the video to spread the word about the disease and to encourage fellowship within the ALS community. She wrote the script, shot
the footage, interviewed people and edited the video. As of February, the video was viewed by more than 400 people and was shared 15 times on Facebook.
According to Woodbury, 2016 is special as the Girl Scouts are celebrating the milestone 100th anniversary of the Gold Award. Earning the Gold Award is somewhat comparable to the Boy Scouts’ Eagle Scout. While both achievements require developing and completing a service project, Girl Scouts must create a project that is sustainable and continues to give back to the community long after she moves on. Overall, the process usually takes 18 to 24 months and often involves seeking in-kind donations and recruiting volunteers.
Others recognize the value of the Gold Award, too. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships to award recipients and girls who enlist in the U.S. armed forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.
“Empowering girls to lead is one of the greatest investments we can make,” Woodbury said. “When women adopt leadership roles, they contribute a unique set of skills, ideas and life experiences that enrich and strengthen communities. Girl Scouts, and the Gold Award specifically, gives girls the support and guidance they need as they step into impactful leadership roles.”
For many of the Girl Scouts Gold Award winners, many of whom are shown above, the honor is the culmination of more than 10 years in the Girl Scouts. Submitted photo
STUDENT CHRONICLES
Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for student chronicles to christina@timespublications. com.
Bryan Sherrill has been named to the 2015 Fall semester dean’s list at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, for outstanding academic achievement. To qualify for dean’s list, a student must achieve at least a 3.60 semester grade point average on a scale of 4.0. Sherill is a graduate of Chandler Preparatory Academy. Lafayette is a top liberal arts college with 2,450 students and 215 fulltime faculty that offers a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs including engineering.
Ryan Williams has been named to the dean’s honor list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, for the Fall 2015 semester. The dean’s honor list recognizes full-time students who maintain grade-point averages of a minimum of 3.50 out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below a C. Williams studies industrial and
management engineering. Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s oldest technological research university. For nearly two centuries, the institute has been a driving force behind breakthroughs in engineering and science in virtually every arenafrom transportation and infrastructure to business, medicine, outer space and cyberspace.
Azusa Pacific University students served in ministry through the Center for Student Action during the Fall 2015 semester. Locally, James White, a marketing major, and Karlee Vaughn, a nursing major served in local ministries. Throughout the year, students have numerous opportunities to build relationships in the city of Azusa, greater Los Angeles area and Mexico. From assisting in food banks to providing after school tutoring and mentoring, the Center for Student Action at Azusa Pacific mobilizes and educates students toward responsible and transformational service locally and globally through a collaborative network of offices and programs. Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education.
Claire Brenner was named to the dean’s list at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, for the Fall 2015 semester. At Salisbury University, some 8,700 students in 43 undergraduate and 15 graduate programs pursue liberal arts and professional degrees. Located on the Eastern Shore 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 20 miles from the Chesapeake Bay, Salisbury is two and a half hours from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, and Wilmington, Delaware.
Weston Paige, a firstyear student with an undeclared major at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2015 semester. Paige is the child of Mark and Eryn Paige of Gilbert. To qualify for the dean’s list at Ripon College, students must achieve a 3.40 grade point average or higher on a 4.00 scale and complete at least 12 credits of regular letter-graded work.
Tammy Franklin earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing, while Erick Vega earned his bachelor of science degree in sales and sales management and Cecilia Basham earned her master of science in nursing from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City. The university held its 30th semiannual commencement ceremony in Orlando on Feb. 6 and celebrated the graduation of more than 7,300 graduates.
Brooks Johnson was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Johnson was initiated at Brigham Young University. Johnson is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval
Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are
for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also
Shane D’sa was named to the Fall 2015 dean’s list at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. D’sa is a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. Full-time students who earn a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale are eligible for the Dean’s List. Creighton University enrolls 4,100 undergraduates and 4,200 graduate and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. Jesuit and Catholic, it affords incomparable interprofessional education, bridging health professions programs with law, business and arts and sciences - all on one walkable campus.
Seth Lanzel to attend Dordt College
Seth Lanzel, a senior at Gilbert Christian School,, has announced his intention to attend Dordt College and join the Defender football program in Sioux Center, Iowa.
Lanzel, a 6-foot, 230-pound offensive and defensive lineman, garnered first-team
all-section honors at center and defensive tackle and all-state honors at center. He was a part of two section championship teams at Gilbert Christian.
“Seth will add great size and length to our team. He has played multiple positions on the line in his high school career and was a driving force in his high school winning two
section championships. For a big guy Seth moves very well and uses his hands effectively,” said Dordt College coach Joel Penner.
Seth is the son of Charles Lanzel and Sally Lanzel of Gilbert, Arizona. He plans to study computer science at Dordt College.
Dordt College is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. The Defender
athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,450 students.
