Gilbert Sun News; August 2015 - Neighbors

Rattlers QB readies for another playoff run

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila lives for football. His dedication to the team is nothing short of legendary in Arena Football League circles.

He and the Rattlers recently won the West Division Championship title for the fifth consecutive season. From the front office on down, nothing less is expected.

“That’s what we expect when we play here with the Arizona Rattlers,” said Davila, a Gilbert resident. “Anything less would be unacceptable.”

The Arizona Rattlers recently announced—after defeating the Los Angeles KISS—that they are hosting the first round of the 2015 playoffs at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at US Airways Center, soon to be Talking Stick Resort Arena.

“I’ve been drawn to sports, in general, but really football. As I’m sitting here with my son, he’s jumping on the bed with a football in his hand,” said Davila, 30, of his son, Moses.

“I’ve always loved the camaraderie. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really learned to appreciate what football teaches you when you step out of football. The life lessons that you learn playing a sport like football. Football is not like any other sport, though.

For arena football you need eight guys paddling their boats in the same direction. If one guy is not, it can mess up the whole play or mess up the whole season. It teaches you so much about teamwork and that’s one thing I love about it.”

The fans are just as enamored with the sport.

Rattlers QB Nick Davila. Matt Hinshaw Photography/Arizona Rattlers

“We have the best fans in Arena Football,” said Davila.

“The Snake Pit, the Rattler Nation, they show up and they love their team and we love them.”

The Davilas have lived in Gilbert for about three years, having moved here from Southern California. He’s been impressed with the enthusiasm of Arizona sports fans, not just Rattlers followers.

“These fans really love their sports and honestly they love their football a lot,” he said. “I recently went to a high school football game (Chandler High School vs.

Hamilton High School) and there were almost 8,000 people there. They love their football and it obviously shows with how many people come to the Rattler games, especially in the last year.”

A player for the Cleveland Browns in 2007, Davila said the transition from the NFL to the Arena Football League was a little tricky.

“Even though it is football and they have the same concepts, the game’s definitely different,” he said. “Even the philosophy of scoring, it’s more of a basketball-paced game. You always have to keep scoring. It’s fun. It’s been a great ride for me with the Rattlers. I’ve been truly blessed to be a part of the arena football game in general.”

The energy in the crowd—and on the field—is palpable, he said.

“It’s a really exciting game. It’s really fast paced, with a lot of scoring. In Arena

Football, you never see blowouts because you can score so quickly and the team that is losing can get back into the game. It’s really exciting.”

While Davila is out seeking The Foster Trophy, his wife, Jessica, takes care of Moses and daughter, Leila.

“My wife, she really steps up,” he said. “She’s a great mother and a great wife to me. She gives me the space I need to be successful on the football field. It takes two to raise a family and I’ve been fortunate enough to be blessed with two beautiful children and a beautiful wife.”

Arizona Rattlers vs. Team to be Announced at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Tickets start at $10. For information, call (602) 514-8383 or visit www.azrattlers.com/single-game-tickets.

Osso set to open Nico this winter in Gilbert

Fans of chef Gio Osso and his James Beard-nominated Scottsdale restaurant Virtu will soon have another delicious option to indulge in this winter.

Nico is the newest “delivery” to the East Valley restaurant lineup.

As a paternal ode to his first-born son, Nico, Osso’s newest and first casual concept is designed to be a breezy neighborhood hangout where the chef feels like he’s cooking for his closest friends and family.

Set for an early winter opening, Nico will serve seasonal, West Coast-inspired Italian cooking built upon Osso’s family recipes. That includes handmade pastas, woodfired entrees and other generational dishes crafted from fresh ingredients, both local and imported from Italy.

“We wanted to give folks who love the food at Virtu an opportunity to enjoy highquality Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere

that’s comfortable for the entire family,” Gilbert resident Osso said of the new eatery’s casual, laidback vibe.

“Dress up for Virtu or drop in at Nico— either way, guests can expect a memorable dining experience where the food speaks for itself.”

For more information, visit www.nicoaz. com. Also follow Nico on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

BY KATHY KERBY

Diners can’t get much more authentic New York-style pizza than pies from Sal’s Gilbert Pizza on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Warner roads.

Its namesake Sal Cuffaro, who was born in Sicily, worked in his brother’s pizzeria in New York before opening his family-friendly restaurant in 2006.

During our visit, my husband and I were excited to sample the food that Guy Fieri raved about on his Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

On a recent Friday evening, we walked in to the packed dining room filled with the delicious aroma of pizza and garlic. As we spent 30 minutes waiting for a table, we watched Sal and his talented team work creatively and efficiently to feed their hungry guests. We noticed the boxes of food that went out the door with the take-out crowd and marveled that such a small kitchen could produce so much delicious food.

We were seated at a nice booth in one of the two dining areas and the lovely Mattia brought menus and a half dozen beautiful garlic knots with marinara sauce on the side. Just reading the menu is a culinary adventure—baked ziti pizza, lasagna pizza, chicken marsala pizza? We devoured the knots, drenched with butter and garlic, as we made our selections from the colorful, imaginative five-column menu.

I ordered the chicken parmigiana ($15.99), which came with a house salad and pasta. The large, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, grated carrots and onions came with a savory house Italian dressing in a small cruet. The chicken parmigiana was a delicious blend of breaded chicken, marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The large bowl of al dente pasta that comes with each entree is a tasty bonus.

My husband, Lou, proudly represented the men and ordered the meatlover’s pizza ($21.99/16-inch). With a massive amount of pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon and cheese on a thin crispy crust, he was in “pizza heaven.” Even though there was a large crowd, Mattia stopped by frequently to refill our drinks and check to see how we liked the food.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the large cannoli ($3.99)—a mouthful of pure delight. First the crunch, then the cream with a hint of cinnamon and then the chocolate melts onto your taste buds. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

On an upcoming warm summer evening when everyone is just too hot to cook, take your family down to Sal’s where you can’t go wrong with the fabulous food and attentive service. You will discover why this locally owned Gilbert treasure has the motto “if you try the rest you always come back to the best.”

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza 1150 W. Gilbert Rd. Suite 106 Gilbert 85296 (480) 633-2226 www.gilbertpizzaaz.com

Tiny house, huge investment

Downsizing not only creates

financial

success, but a greater sense of

BY MICHAEL CARAVAGGIO

Homeowners are taking the idea of downsizing to a whole new level.

Brandon Brown and his wife, Shannon, are building a 155-square-foot “tiny house,” a topic they discussed at the Southeast Regional Library on July 15.

“The definition of a tiny house is anything smaller than a typical house you could buy or have built,” Brown said.

The size of the Browns’ future home is unorthodox, but so is the foundation, or lack thereof. It’s being built on a trailer by Glendale-based Fleming Trailers Inc. that will give them the utmost freedom.

“If you want to move, (I say) let’s move,” he explained. “Let’s go.”

But the decision to dramatically downsize from their traditional ways of living wasn’t exactly easy.

“At first, I was against the idea,” Brown explained. “Then it came down to, why am I saying no to this? My stuff already had too much control over me.

independence

The houses may be small, but there’s a bigger bang for your buck. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of a standard home is $272,000, and that’s not even counting the interest rates. Whereas, the average cost of a tiny house is $23,000, if built by the owner.

The Browns are anticipating spending about $15,000 on the project.

Although living the “tiny life” does reduce a plethora of financial obligations, it still comes with restrictions of its own, especially living on the go.

Because the Browns’ tiny house is being constructed near Anthem on a trailer, weight restrictions will have to be carefully determined in order to avoid paying an $800 commercial trailer fee of exceeding a 10,000-pound limit. The Browns are constructing their tiny house with a wooden frame instead of metal to spare overall weight and to only pay a one-time fee of $125 for noncommercial trailer registration. They also plan on using a natural substance, such as wool, for insulation, as well as a solar panel for electricity and

“When you start getting rid of stuff, that’s when you really find out how much stuff you actually have. After that, your stuff no longer becomes your measuring stick and will no longer be the center of who you are and what you value.”

heating and either a minisplit system or window unit for air conditioning.

Not only will there be enough room for a ceiling fan, their tiny house will also have nine windows. So having enough natural sunlight will not be a concern.

Once the home is finished, the Browns plan on settling in Gilbert or Chandler, where they may seek vacant land from a private owner or help promote this tiny revolution by dwelling in a willing citizen’s

Learn how diversifying your assets can help create the income you need for retirement.

backyard.

“Let’s make friends, let’s build tiny communities and let’s become more independent,” Brown stated. “It’s time to start having lives based on the quality of our relationships and not the quantity of our square footage.”

Keep updated on the Browns’ progress by visiting their online blog at www. BuildItTiny.com.

Join us for a catered dinner discussion. We’ll explore such themes as underestimating retirement income needs, planning for unexpected health care expenses and common retirement mistakes made. We’ll also discuss how to make the most of your retirement savings.

Presented

by: David N. DeNitto CRPC ®, CFP ®, Branch Manager, Senior VP-Investment Officer Kristofer Lange, Financial Advisor

This event will be educational in nature and will feature a general discussion of retirement planning. No company specific products will be discussed. Seating is limited, so please reply promptly. You are cordially invited to attend this complimentary catered dinner presentation. Please call 480-641-4757 or R.S.V.P. at suzana.espinoza-ray@wellsfargoadvisors.com.

Gilbert Chamber announces Volunteer of the Year

BY TAMARA JUAREZ

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce honored Ryan Morton as Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to small businesses.

Morton, director of marketing and sales for GroundZero Restoration and Silver Fox Plumbing, received his award recently during the ninth annual Business Awards Luncheon.

He was one of seven community members nominated by local businesses and selected by the Chamber to be recognized for his achievements. The event was sponsored by American Furniture Warehouse.

The 40-year-old single father is one of 70 Gilbert Chamber ambassadors who help strengthen communication between businesses and Town officials by mentoring Chamber members, assisting with events and working alongside other ambassadors to engage existing small businesses.

“My nomination for Volunteer of the Year is the direct result of how successful the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is as an organization.” Morton said. “This award is a true testament to the growth and development that can be achieved both

personally and professionally through participation in the many opportunities the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce provides.”

Morton is motivated by his ability to build lifelong relationships with devoted individuals who share his passion for volunteer work in the “beautiful town of Gilbert.”

“The relationship between the Town of Gilbert and the Chamber is like no other. I am inspired everyday by all of the community volunteers we have in Gilbert,” Morton said. “The leaders of the nonprofit organizations, the residents, businesses professionals and Town officials that volunteer their time to keep Gilbert moving forward—they are all proof to me that God does amazing things through amazing people.”

When he isn’t managing GroundZero Restoration and Silver Fox Plumbing, the six-year Gilbert resident volunteers at the Boys and Girls Clubs, the United Food Bank and the Friends for Life Animal Shelter.

Morton said he believes every person has the power to cause change. He enjoys being a role model.

“To me, it’s not about going out and

New Listings

New Listings

Ocotillo:

Ocotillo:

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Year

by the Gilbert

trying to save the world.” he explained. “It’s about waking up every day knowing that we all have what it takes in our heart to go out and make a positive difference in someone’s life. It’s the little things. The smallest compliment, word of encouragement, and the most simple acts of kindness can change a person’s life.”

‘Sushi School’ set for Aug. 16

Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar is hosting “Sushi School” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the restaurant, 2080 E. Williams Field Rd. in SanTan Village.

The $59 fee includes all sushi-making materials, two sushi rolls, one order of nigari and a Makisu (sushi mat) to take home.

Additional food and beverages will also be available for purchase during the class.

This opportunity to learn how to slice and dice like a pro can make for an amazing date, girls’ outing, or simple Sunday Fun-day with the family.

Parents wishing to bring children to participate in the class should be advised that extremely sharp knives are used. Additionally, if attendees have their own high-quality blades they’re comfortable with, they’re encouraged to bring them along.

For more information, call (480) 722-9250 or visit www.bluewasabisushi.com.

Golf Course/Waterfront Lot! 3 bedroom/2 bath, pool, new carpet, paint, all new appliances, 2 New AC units, beautiful views, Move-In Ready! Don’t miss this awesome home.

Circle-G Gilbert:

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Rare basement home on approximately .75 acre, 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath, New flooring, pool, fruit trees, plenty of space entertaining for toys (RV, boats, cars, etc….) quiet neighborhood close to downtown Gilbert. Call me for specific listing information.

Rare basement home on approximately .75 acre, 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath, New flooring, pool, fruit trees, plenty of space entertaining for toys (RV, boats, cars, etc….) quiet neighborhood close to downtown Gilbert.

yGilbert: basement home on approximately .75 bedroom / 3.5 bath, New flooring, pool, plenty of space entertaining for toys cars, etc….) quiet neighborhood downtown Gilbert. specific listing information.

! Now is a great time to Buy or Sell

Call me for specific listing information.

! Now is a great time to Buy or Sell

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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dena Greenawalt. The home buying process can be cumbersome, however, Dena has the skills and business acumen to make home buying routine. She not only sold our existing home in 2 days for over asking price, but was also successful in negotiating a below market price on the home we purchased. She has a can do attitude and leaves no real estate stone

to express my sincere gratitude to Dena home buying process can be cumbersome, has the skills and business acumen to make routine. She not only sold our existing home in asking price, but was also successful in below

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dena Greenawalt. The home buying process can be cumbersome, however, Dena has the skills and business acumen to make home buying routine. She not only sold our existing home in 2 days for over asking price, but was also successful in negotiating a below market price on the home we purchased. She has a can do attitude and leaves no real estate stone unturned. Working with her on 4 transactions, we’re completely satisfied with her performance. We are customers for life. Greg & Kelly G. – repeat Buyer/Seller

Harry Potter potions class

Children concocted Harry Potter potions at a class at Southeast Regional Library, making Magic Mud and Exploding Elixirs, just like Harry Potter. The class was part of Harry Potter Palooza. For information, visit the homepage of the library at http:// mcldaz.org/custom/branches/southeast.aspx. GSN Photos by Tim Sealy

Horse rescue nominated for Eagle Rare Life Award

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

They all have names and a home. They’re dubbed Stormy and Duke, Romeo and Stardust, Einstein and Pixie and more, and all of them live on 1.1 acres of ranch land in Gilbert.

They didn’t always have a home. Before Wildhorse Ranch Rescue took in these equines—44 altogether, including horses, burros and mules—they were nameless, homeless and destined for the slaughterhouse or starvation.

Wildhorse Ranch Rescue is a 501(c)(3) run by Kim Meagher, a recent Eagle Rare Life Award nominee. The prize, sponsored by Eagle Rare Bourbon, honors people whose devotion to a worthy cause has made a difference. Meagher (pronounced Ma-her) was nominated by animal rights volunteer Christi Parrish.

“I saw firsthand the amazing horse rescues Kim made when I would go out to her ranch,” Parrish said.

“Recently, Kim rescued a horse whose bridle was imbedded in its face due to the bridle not being removed. The horse had to have surgery. I have seen horses with all kinds of neglect and abuse that Kim saved from a life of misery.”

The winner of the Eagle Rare Life Award will receive $50,000, an amount Meagher said would represent a major

boost to her organization’s $285,000 annual budget. (To vote for Meagher online, go to http://bit.ly/1OJZf5y. It is possible to vote once every 24 hours until Jan. 5.)

Meagher bought what is now Wildhorse Ranch Rescue in 1995, one of several parcels of a former working ranch. It was surrounded by open land. Now, it is circled by houses sitting snugly.

“You ever been somewhere for the first time and you feel like it’s home? That’s how I felt when I saw this place,” said Meagher, looking over her land.

At the time, Meagher was a single mother of two and a planner for the Intel Corp. She was not one of those little girls in love with horses. Raised by her grandmother in a Saginaw, Michigan, neighborhood she describes as “violent and far away from horses,” Meagher was a city girl who had never even been on a horse. But when the land she bought happened to have 11 stalls on it, she thought, why not?

“I bought a horse on payments, a little filly named Brownie,” Meagher said.

“One Fourth of July, she panicked at the fireworks, caught her halter on something and bucked and bucked until her feet slipped out from under her and she fell and broke her neck. The kids and I were

just devastated.”

Friends recommended that she had to get another horse for the children’s sake, but Meagher was still making payments on Brownie. So, through the local press, she put out a call for anyone willing to give up a horse. To her surprise, she was flooded with responses. Fascinated, Meagher began to research the phenomenon of abandoned horses, and found that about 60,000 equines were slaughtered every year in the United States. (The figure 20 years later is about 100,000.)

“These are retired race horses, family pets too old to keep, wild donkeys, government horses, strays. Equines live 25 to 40 to sometimes 50 years, and this is a society that can’t even keep a dog or cat for 20,” Meagher said.

“I thought, well, I have 11 stalls, so I can save 11 horses. The place filled up pretty darn quick.”

Meagher’s first rescue was a wild mustang, which is how the place came to be called Wildhorse Ranch Rescue. But she has since taken in all kinds of strays and abandoned equines. A recent visit to an Arizona Department of Agriculture auction resulted in an influx of burros.

“The department found 99 of them roaming around near Ajo,” Meagher said.

“I went in thinking we’d bid on two or three, and we ended up with 23. How can you say no?”

Her rescue efforts are not limited to equines. There were dozens of cats on the property when she bought it, so the land is also home to a cat rescue. Meagher recently started a dog rescue on a separate property.

Meagher left her job with Intel in 2002, when she realized that her efforts were limited by her income. Her intent was to become a horse trainer, but in the autumn of 2002, only two months after leaving the Intel job, Meagher was thrown under a horse when the saddle broke at a gallop. The horse, named Dunny, stopped immediately, which Meagher believes saved her life. But it didn’t save her from a broken neck, which ended her career as a trainer.

When she healed, Meagher redoubled her commitment to the rescue, and started several businesses to help support it. With a nonprofit status from the IRS, she recruited a board of directors. Today, Wildhorse Ranch Rescue is helped by more than 180 volunteers, a board of 15, and celebrity contributors such as actor Viggo Mortensen, actress Eve Plumb and guitarist Tom Scholz of the band Boston. Over the years, Wildhorse Ranch Rescue

has saved a couple hundred horses, more than 30 burros and mules and, through its dog rescue, more than 200 dogs.

Expenses are steep.

“Some horses come in with gaping wounds, ticks and fleas,” Meagher said. Some, like the horse with the bridle imbedded in its mouth, require expensive surgery. And some, of course, die.

“Over 20 years, we have a long list of horses we’ve lost. A couple have passed away on their own. Others have gotten really sick. We do go to great lengths to try and save them first, but when they can’t be saved, we don’t let them suffer.”

It’s all in keeping the rescue’s stated mission: “To save animals from abuse, neglect, slaughter and premature death, and to provide a safe place for them to live the remainder of their lives.”

For more information about Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, visit www. wildhorseranchrescue.com.

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