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  • 🎭 Heritage District getting a concert hall 🍺 Perch Brewing Co. opens Gilbert location 🚒 Gilbert measures progress of new electric fire truck and more...

🎭 Heritage District getting a concert hall 🍺 Perch Brewing Co. opens Gilbert location 🚒 Gilbert measures progress of new electric fire truck and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #032

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 06, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 📅 Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

 😞 Tragic Drowning of Toddler in Gilbert Pool

🎭 Heritage District getting a concert hall

 💡 Another Arizona coal power plant unit sets date to close

👩🏽‍🏫 Park University vice president learned early to make her own way

 🏫 Registration open for new Queen Creek college-prep school

 🍺 Perch Brewing Co. opens Gilbert location

 💄 Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD

 🚓 Gilbert police collecting annual Blue Line of Love drive

 🚒 Gilbert measures progress of new electric fire truck after a month on the road

 🎵 Winterfest fundraiser features music ensembles

December 6th

December 8 - 19

Week of Wonder: The Pulse of Gilbert's Local Scene (Dec 1-7, 2023)

  1. Gilbert Police Department Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive

    • Gilbert Police Department 75 E Civic Center Dr, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 20, 12:00 AM – Dec 18, 11:59 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  2. Hale Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona 50 W Page Ave, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Nov 30, 5 PM – Dec 23, 8 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  3. Performance: A Christmas Carol - A Play with Music

    • Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 2 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  4. Tour O.H.S.O Brewery in Downtown Gilbert

    • O.H.S.O. Brewery- Gilbert 335 N Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 11 AM – 12 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  5. Gilbert Cars & Coffee

    • Sweetz Cold Brew Coffee Co. 835 N Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 8 – 11 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  6. Lead Local Arizona

    • Mission Community Church 4450 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sat, Dec 2, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  7. The Global Bikes Gilbert Sunday Funday Ride!

    • Global Bikes & E-Bikes 835 N Gilbert Rd #111, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 7 – 9 AM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

  8. Water Baptism | Living Word Gilbert

    • Living Word Gilbert 202 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ

    • Date: Sun, Dec 3, 12:00 – 12:30 PM MST

    • Click here to learn more.

Tragic Drowning of Toddler in Gilbert Pool

In Gilbert, Arizona, a tragic incident occurred when a toddler drowned in a pool at a home near Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads. The emergency unfolded on Monday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. Gilbert Fire and Rescue crews, along with police officers, responded to the drowning call. They discovered a 1-and-a-half-year-old child in the pool. Despite immediate CPR efforts by first responders and rushing the toddler to the hospital, the child unfortunately succumbed to the incident. The circumstances leading to the drowning, including the duration the child was in the water and whether there was supervision at the time, remain under investigation by the police​

Heritage District getting a concert hall

In Gilbert, Arizona, the renowned Hale Centre Theatre, known for its unique theater-in-the-round, is embarking on an exciting new venture: the creation of a dedicated concert hall. The existing dance studio within the building is currently being transformed into a 155-seat music venue, designed to host an array of tribute concerts by visiting musicians. This ambitious project is led by the theater's owner, Dave Dietlein, with the help of his cousin Benjamin Hale, a seasoned musician and recording engineer.

Benjamin Hale, who hails from Nashville, Tennessee, brings a wealth of experience to the project. His musical journey began at the young age of 14, leading to a 24-year career in the industry. His notable stint includes a six-year role in "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, where he collaborated with iconic figures like Andrew Lloyd Weber and Hal Prince. Hale first came to Arizona during the pandemic as an understudy in the theater and later proposed the concert series idea.

The new venue aims to provide a unique, intimate live music experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary appeal. The concert series will kick off with “The Beatles: A Music Celebration,” scheduled from January 11-27. Unlike typical tribute concerts, Hale's series will focus on honoring the music rather than impersonating the artists, covering hits from legends like Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, and Bob Dylan.

The transformation of the space includes state-of-the-art sound systems, comfortable seating, and an island stage, ensuring an exceptional auditory and visual experience for the audience. This initiative, Dietlein and Hale hope, will not only offer high-quality concerts but also enrich the cultural landscape of Gilbert.

Another Arizona coal power plant unit sets date to close

The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will close its coal-fired power unit in Springerville, Arizona, by 2031, transitioning to 1,250 megawatts of renewable energy. This decision accelerates the plant's closure, originally projected for 2066. The move, part of a broader shift away from coal power in Arizona, involves seeking federal funding to offset transition costs. Critics, however, raise concerns about the loss of reliable energy and jobs, and question the feasibility of the replacement renewable energy sources.

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Park University vice president learned early to make her own way

Yira Brimage, the transformative leader of Park University's Gilbert Campus, brings a unique blend of global experiences and educational expertise. Originating from Panama, Yira's early life was shaped by her time in rural settings and international locations like Germany. Her educational journey at Arizona State University, where she studied Spanish communications, paved the way for a distinguished career in higher education. Yira's roles across various Arizona institutions demonstrate her dedication to academic growth and student support. At Park University, she adeptly manages the campus's strategic operations, navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and an eye toward the future.

Registration open for new Queen Creek college-prep school

The Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona has opened registration for the Newell Barney College Preparatory School, marking a significant advancement in the district's educational offerings. Starting in the fall of 2024, Newell Barney Junior High will transform into a college preparatory junior high school, designed to foster academic success in seventh and eighth-grade students through an accelerated and engaging curriculum. This curriculum emphasizes leadership development and aims to equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with a solid foundation in key academic subjects. Additionally, the school will offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, STEM clubs, and leadership programs, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. The Queen Creek Unified School District's initiative underscores their commitment to preparing young students for future college and career challenges​

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Perch Brewing Co. opens Gilbert location

Perch Brewing Co. has broadened its horizons with a new branch in Gilbert, at 720 W. Ray Road, the former premises of Flying Basset Brewing. Launched on November 29, this site marks the second location of the brewery, joining its Chandler counterpart, Perch Pub Brewery. This new Gilbert spot offers a variety of craft beers, an expanded pub menu, and features a unique collection of rescue exotic birds, enhancing the customer experience with a blend of culinary and visual delights.

Pop-Up Cosmetics Sale at Bronde BLVD

TYPO- EVENT ON SATURDAY DEC 9th Pop-up alert! 🚀 Join us at Bronde Blvd Salon for an exclusive Flekk Cosmetics sale. Elevate your beauty game with stunning deals! 💄✨ All sales final.

Gilbert police collecting annual Blue Line of Love drive

The Gilbert Police Department is actively engaged in their annual Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive until December 18, 2023. This charitable endeavor is dedicated to aiding local families in need during the festive season. The department is seeking donations of various items, including gift cards for retail, restaurant, or grocery stores, new and unwrapped toys for teenagers, personal hygiene products, and new gift-wrapping materials. Donations can be made at the Gilbert Police Department Central lobby and the San Tan substation, with a special provision for gift card drop-offs in a secured box outside the main department building. In conjunction with the drive, a Photos with Santa event is also scheduled for December 12, offering a unique opportunity for community engagement and support.

Those in need of help this holiday season can submit a request for assistance. 

Gilbert measures progress of new electric fire truck after a month on the road

The Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department in Arizona has proudly introduced the state's first electric-powered fire engine, the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck. Operating from Fire Station No. 2 near Guadalupe and Higley Roads, this zero-emissions electric pumper is designed to enhance both the health and safety of fire crews and the community. It offers a host of benefits over traditional diesel-powered engines, such as reduced exposure to harmful diesel exhaust, improved performance in emergencies due to its more responsive and smoother acceleration, and significantly quieter operations. These features not only enhance firefighter health by reducing risks related to diesel exhaust, heat, and noise but also improve communication within the vehicle.

Furthermore, the electric fire truck promises to combat rising fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and require less maintenance. Gilbert Fire & Rescue plans to meticulously track the operational costs of this innovative vehicle, comparing it with traditional diesel-powered apparatuses to assess the potential return on investment over its expected 10-year service life. The department's partnership with Pierce Manufacturing Inc. ensures the electric engine resembles the operation of Gilbert’s existing diesel-powered units.

The truck is equipped with a dual power system, allowing it to run on battery power for daily operations and seamlessly transition to an onboard diesel-powered engine for extended, sustained firefighting operations, ensuring uninterrupted power to the pumping system. The Gilbert Town Council approved the contract for this pioneering vehicle with Pierce Manufacturing Inc. in June 2022. Station 2, chosen for its high activity level, will enable the department to gather extensive performance data on the electric fire truck​

Winterfest fundraiser features music ensembles

Gilbert Classical Academy is hosting its Winterfest event on December 9, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1016 N. Burk St. This public event features live performances from the school's musical ensembles, complemented by vendor booths, carnival games, food, and a silent auction. Principal Dr. Dan Hood highlights the event's role in supporting the performing arts, which are crucial to the academy's curriculum. Proceeds from Winterfest will benefit the school's music programs, including choir, orchestra, and band. The academy, part of Gilbert Public Schools, offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on grammar, logic, and rhetoric, as well as competitive athletics and nearly 50 student clubs. The event exemplifies the school's commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational experience. For more information or to schedule a visit, check GilbertSchools.net.

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