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Gilbert's Highland High wins nationwide contest; Saddle up for fun-filled weekend

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #016

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 16, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🍿Tempe theater gets in holiday spirit early with free Christmas movies Nov. 16

🏆Gilbert's Highland High School wins nationwide contest to produce Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical

 🫶Tom Fay and Nathan Mitchell: Architects of Hope in Addiction Recovery

🦹‍♀️Love triangle ends with 19-year-old woman killing rival in Maryvale, police say

 😡Road rage incident leads to stabbing near McQueen and Riggs roads

 🤠Saddle up for fun-filled Gilbert Days this weekend

🏃‍♀️Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

🗑️Thanksgiving Schedule Changes for Gilbert Residents: Municipal Offices and Waste Facility Closures

 🥞New Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant Now Open

 🤝Gilbert Chamber honors excellence on awards night

Tempe theater gets in holiday spirit early with free Christmas movies Nov. 16

Holiday lights and Christmas movies will be featured Thursday, Nov. 16, at Pollack Tempe Cinemas on the corner of the McClintock Drive and Elliot Road.

Owner Michael Pollack will begin the festivities at 5:30 p.m. when more than 500,000 lights are turned on and four free movies begin, a release stated.

"It's a Wonderful Life," "Home Alone," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "The Santa Clause" will be shown.

Seating is limited, according to the release.

November 16th

November 17th

November 18th

November 19th

Gilbert's Highland High School wins nationwide contest to produce Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical

Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona, is set to present a landmark production of Disney's "Frozen – The Broadway Musical." This special event comes after the school won a nationwide competition, the United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door Contest, earning them exclusive rights to stage the show. Over 50 students from grades 9-12 are involved in this first-ever high school production of "Frozen" in Arizona, showcasing their dedication and hard work. The show's student assistant director, Jaci Penton, highlighted the immense effort and collaboration required to bring this ambitious project to life. The performances are scheduled from Thursday, November 30, to Saturday, December 2, with tickets available online.

Tom Fay and Nathan Mitchell: Architects of Hope in Addiction Recovery

Tom Fay and Nathan Mitchell of Gambit Recovery have created a significant impact in the field of addiction recovery by opening 10 upscale sober houses across Arizona, California, and Missouri within just 16 months. Tom, a survivor of addiction with 13 years of industry experience, overcame his own struggles to focus on helping others. He chairs the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities in Chandler, AZ, and is a recognized figure in ethical rehabilitation. Nathan, co-founder and president, brings his background in entertainment and entrepreneurship to the venture. Their model emphasizes affordability, integrity, and continuous care, going beyond abstinence to help individuals rediscover purpose and passion. Gambit Recovery is actively involved in community initiatives and has attracted significant investor interest, highlighting the success and potential of their approach in redefining addiction recovery and ethical rehabilitation practices.

Love triangle ends with 19-year-old woman killing rival in Maryvale, police say

Chamille Tapia-Hernandez, 19, was arrested for fatally shooting 23-year-old Alyssa Candelaria Gomez in west Phoenix. The incident, which occurred on Oct. 31, involved an argument in a shed rented by a man both women were reportedly dating. After the argument escalated, Tapia-Hernandez allegedly shot Gomez in the stomach, and Gomez later died in the hospital. Tapia-Hernandez was arrested while in her mother's vehicle. Despite denying the romantic involvement and the shooting, she admitted to struggling with drug addiction and was unsure if something overtook her to cause the shooting. She faces a second-degree murder charge with a bail set at $1 million.

Road rage incident leads to stabbing near McQueen and Riggs roads

A man in Chandler is recuperating from a stabbing incident that occurred on Wednesday morning near McQueen and Riggs Road. The incident, which is believed to have started as an altercation between two drivers, escalated into a physical fight leading to the stabbing. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived and is still at large. The victim's injuries are reported as non-life-threatening. Chandler police are continuing their investigation but have not released further details about the suspect.

Saddle up for fun-filled Gilbert Days this weekend

Gilbert, Arizona, is set to celebrate its western heritage with the annual Gilbert Days, featuring a rodeo, parade, and festival from Nov. 17-19. The Gilbert Days Rodeo, a Grand Canyon Rodeo Association event, will be held at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, including professional competitions, a Lil Dudes Rodeo for kids, a free dance, and a carnival. The Gilbert Days Parade on Nov. 18 in the Heritage District will have over 95 entries, including equestrian groups, bands, and an electric fire truck. The festival at Gilbert Regional Park offers music, food, shopping, and entertainment, with tribute bands and activities for the whole family. Rodeo royalty like Princess Bryton Bradshaw will participate in these events, which aim to keep western traditions alive in the growing urban area. The festival's admission is $5 early bird or $10 at the gate, with runs/walks also planned in association with the Shun the Sun Foundation. For more details, visit the official websites.

Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

The 10th Anniversary of the Gilbert Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place at Verde at Cooley Station on Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at 7 a.m. This year's event will also feature a new Kids Dash, making it a family-friendly occasion. Local tenants at Verde are contributing to a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators. Special offerings include $1 mimosas at Sip and Shop, bags from OHM Fitness, free water from Coach Pain Academy, and discounted menu items at selected Verde restaurants. This collaborative effort aims to support runners and create an engaging community experience.

SCHEDULE

7 a.m. Half-marathon start

7:20 a.m. 10K start

7:40 a.m. 5K start

9:30 a.m. Kids Dash/Buddy Run start

Information and registration: www.gilberthalfmarathon.org

Verde at Cooley Station
3975 E. Williams Field Road
Gilbert, AZ 85295
View larger map

Thanksgiving Schedule Changes for Gilbert Residents: Municipal Offices and Waste Facility Closures, Regular Trash Services Continue

Gilbert, Arizona's municipal offices will be closed from November 23rd, reopening on November 27th, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular trash and recycling services will continue as usual during this period, but there will be no bulk trash services during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed on November 24th for Thanksgiving, but it will reopen the following day. For any non-emergency issues, such as missed trash pickups or park maintenance, residents can use the Gilbert 311 service, with details available on the town's official website.

New Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant Now Open

Thanks A Brunch, a new brunch spot with a playful name, has opened in Gilbert, located at 734 North McQueen Road. The menu caters to all brunch lovers, offering a wide range of dishes from breakfast tacos and burritos to benedicts and an elaborate French toast selection. Diners can choose from various burritos with options like bacon, pork, carne asada, Soyrizo sausage, or grilled veggies. The benedicts come in varieties like California, Steak and Eggs, Tomatillo Pork, and Soyrizo Eggs Benedict. The French toast offerings are particularly extensive, including choices like Cookie Butter Tiramisu, Churro, Banana Fosters Cheesecake, and even Fried Ice Cream French Toast. For lunch enthusiasts, the menu also includes items like the Smas Breakfast Burger, Honey Siracha Chicken Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wrap, and Hollan-Daze in Phoenix Burger. Thanks A Brunch is open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM.

Gilbert Chamber honors excellence on awards night

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 27th annual Community Excellence Awards on Nov. 8, honoring 19 individuals and groups for their contributions to the community. Recognitions were given across various categories, including education, volunteer work, business, and public safety, by different organizations like Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and Independent Newsmedia. Award winners included educators like Sujatha Krishnaswamy and Karen Edwards, volunteers like Fran and Steve Lowder, business members such as Peacock Wine Bar, and public safety workers like Officer Michael Kells. The ceremony highlighted the community spirit and dedication of these individuals and groups in Gilbert.