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  • ❤️ Addressing Arizona's Hunger Crisis 📢 Discussion of Gilbert Utility Rate Adjustments 🎷 Arizona Jazz Festival and more...

❤️ Addressing Arizona's Hunger Crisis 📢 Discussion of Gilbert Utility Rate Adjustments 🎷 Arizona Jazz Festival and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #079

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 05, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚨 Chief says South American gang behind break-ins

❤️ A Call to Action: Addressing Arizona's Hunger Crisis During American Heart Month

🙏 Arizona Pastor Shot in the Head While Street Preaching Returns to Church

📢 Public Hearing Scheduled for Discussion of Gilbert Utility Rate Adjustments

🎓 Highland High simplifies financial aid for community

🍩 Mochinut opens Gilbert location

🍹 Nekter Juice bar opening third Gilbert location

🎉 Famous 66 American Tavern prepares for opening

🖤 Gilbert tattooist uses art to help charities

🎷 Arizona Jazz Festival Hits High Note on High Street This Spring

Upcoming and Ongoing

Chief says South American gang behind break-ins

Scottsdale's Police Chief Jeff Walther has linked a series of burglaries in North Scottsdale to a South American gang, part of a wider trend of affluent area targeting. With 22 homes burglarized since October, the police are analyzing evidence, including forensic clues, to crack the case. The issue was spotlighted in a community meeting with DC Ranch residents, discussing criminals' methods. Past arrests of Chilean nationals for similar crimes bolster the department's resolve to address the current spree, affecting Scottsdale and neighboring cities.

A Call to Action: Addressing Arizona's Hunger Crisis During American Heart Month

In Arizona, a staggering number of individuals—751,690 to be precise—are grappling with food insecurity, facing challenges in accessing nutritious, safe, and healthy food options. This alarming situation has been highlighted by the National Health Center, which has identified a direct link between poverty, food insecurity, and higher mortality rates due to chronic conditions such as heart, liver, and kidney diseases.

With February marking American Heart Month, the spotlight is on the critical health risks associated with poverty and limited access to quality food. Many residents of Arizona find themselves on the brink of food insecurity due to unforeseen circumstances like job loss or medical emergencies. This precarious situation often forces them to cut back on grocery expenses or opt for cheaper, less nutritious food options, creating a cycle of unhealthy eating habits that are difficult to break.

The impact of food insecurity extends beyond immediate hunger, placing individuals at an increased risk of developing heart disease—the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. This condition, characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues.

To combat this, nutritionists emphasize the importance of a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, low in saturated fat, and reduced in sodium. Recommended food groups include proteins, whole grains, dairy, and healthy fats and oils. In response to the growing need for nutritional support, the United Food Bank, based in the East Valley, has been instrumental in ensuring that those facing food insecurity have access to wholesome food choices. The nonprofit has distributed millions of pounds of food, including a significant portion of fresh produce, through its network of local food pantries and agency partners.

In 2023, the United Food Bank made remarkable strides by distributing over 22 million pounds of food, rescuing 12 million pounds of grocery items to enhance the variety and nutritional value of meals available to the needy. Individuals in need of assistance can find resources and support through azfoodbanks.org/get-food/.

Community members looking to contribute to the fight against food insecurity and the prevention of heart disease can support the United Food Bank and other local food banks through financial donations or by organizing food drives. These efforts play a vital role in supplying a range of healthy food items to those in need across Arizona.

Since its inception in 1983, United Food Bank has been committed to providing hunger relief across the East Valley and eastern Arizona. As a part of the Feeding America network, the organization works tirelessly to collect, store, and distribute food to over 150 partner agencies, reaching millions of Arizonans in need. For more details on how to contribute or access food assistance, visit unitedfoodbank.org.

Arizona Pastor Shot in the Head While Street Preaching Returns to Church

In a remarkable turn of events, Pastor Hans Schmidt, who suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head while preaching on the streets of Arizona, has made a significant recovery. After enduring a challenging period in the hospital, the 26-year-old father of two has made his way back to the church community.

Zulya Schmidt, Hans's wife, shared the heartwarming news on Instagram, celebrating the miraculous recovery of her husband. "We serve a miracle-working God. He walks, he talks, he even plays the drums," she exclaimed, showcasing Hans's incredible progress since the incident.

Hans, who served as a military combat medic before dedicating his life to his faith and family, was attacked on November 15, 2023, during a street preaching event for Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church. The shooting left him in a critical condition in the ICU, with his prognosis uncertain until a miraculous recovery began just days before Christmas.

Zulya Schmidt has been vocal about the journey, expressing gratitude and amazement at her husband's resilience and progress. "In the blink of an eye, our lives were changed. You are a living miracle," she stated, sharing the joy of witnessing Hans interact with their children once more.

The couple recently shared a glimpse of their life post-recovery, with a photograph outside their church and a video of Hans playing the drums, highlighting the strides he has made in his recovery. Zulya Schmidt encouraged continued prayers for Hans, emphasizing the ongoing nature of his recovery process.

Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church has rallied around Hans and his family, acknowledging the power of prayer and support in his journey towards full health. The church community remains hopeful and supportive as Hans continues to heal and reclaim his life after this tragic event.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Discussion of Gilbert Utility Rate Adjustments

The Gilbert Town Council is set to hold a public hearing regarding proposed increases in utility rates for water and solid waste & recycling services. This important meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM, and will take place during the regular council session.

Post-hearing, the council will deliberate and then vote on whether to implement the proposed rate hikes or consider a reduced increase.

Should the council give the green light, the adjusted rates for both water and solid waste & recycling services are expected to be applied starting from the April 2024 billing period.

For solid waste & recycling services, the council is contemplating an increase of $8.52 per month for approximately 90% of residential customers, which would adjust the monthly bill to $27.55.

In an effort to mitigate the immediate financial burden on the community, a phased approach to water service rate increases is under consideration. If approved, the average monthly residential water bill would rise by $17 in April 2024, followed by an estimated $13 increase in 2025, and about $16 in 2026.

The actual impact of these proposed rate adjustments will vary among utility customers. To assist residents in understanding how these changes might affect their monthly expenses, Gilbert has provided an online utility bill calculator accessible via gilbertaz.gov/billcalc.

Public Hearing Participation

The Gilbert Town Council invites public and written feedback on the proposed utility rate changes during the February 6 hearing. Details on how to participate are available on the Gilbert Town Council webpage. Moreover, the council meeting will be live-streamed at gilbertaz.gov/GilbertLive, where attendees can also sign up to receive council meeting agendas by email. Agendas are posted at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Highland High simplifies financial aid for community

Gilbert Public Schools' high schools, notably Highland High School, are enhancing the process of securing financial aid for college through a series of events like "FAFSA Nights." These initiatives aim to educate students and families on navigating financial aid complexities amid decreased college outreach. The events focus on providing comprehensive information on scholarships, the FAFSA, and dispelling related misconceptions. Led by Barb Dwyer, these sessions are designed to support students in the transition to college by offering updated resources and information. Open to the wider community, the next FAFSA Night is on February 6, with additional sessions planned for the future.

Mochinut opens Gilbert location

On January 5th, Mochinut unveiled its new store located at 744 W. Ray Road, Suite 103, in Gilbert. This dessert boutique specializes in unique donuts crafted from rice flour and offers a selection of boba teas. Patrons can explore their menu and offerings at www.mochinut.com.

Nekter Juice bar opening third Gilbert location

Nekter Juice Bar is set to expand its presence in Gilbert with the opening of its third location on February 28. The new venue will be located at 35 E. Warner Road, Suite 106, Gilbert, within the Gilbert Warner development. Known for its specialty drinks and health-focused snacks, Nekter Juice Bar continues to cater to the wellness-oriented crowd. For more information, patrons can call 800-385-1650 or visit www.nekterjuicebar.com.

Famous 66 American Tavern prepares for opening

Set to open on February 8 at Gilbert Town Square, Famous 66, an American Tavern, brings a slice of Americana to Gilbert with its Route 66-inspired decor and scratch kitchen offering. The restaurant features a menu rich in American classics, including starters, burgers, salads, and Arizona pizza, complemented by a full bar and an extensive selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. Famous 66 is the latest concept by Square One Concepts, enriching Gilbert's dining scene with a nostalgic yet fresh dining experience. For more details, visit https://famous66.com or call 480-292-8134.

Gilbert tattooist uses art to help charities

Gilbert's own Caleb Wayne Hail is not just any artist; his canvas of choice is the human body, and ink is his preferred medium. Hail, a tattoo artist with a penchant for philanthropy, is the visionary behind TattooCharity.com, a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting charitable causes through the art of tattooing.

Recently, Hail announced that through a partnership with the State Forty Eight Foundation, they are on the brink of raising an impressive sum of nearly $50,000. This collaboration has seen Hail and his team host six fundraising events, drawing on the support of the local community and tattoo enthusiasts alike. The State Forty Eight Foundation, an extension of the Arizona-based apparel brand, focuses on empowering new and aspiring entrepreneurs through grants, aligning perfectly with Hail's mission to bolster local businesses.

At these events, Hail and a group of fellow tattoo artists come together to offer exclusive Arizona-inspired tattoo designs. Each tattoo, priced at $199, contributes directly to the foundation's goals, with the initial event reaching its capacity within the first day. This success is a testament to the community's support for local initiatives and the innovative fundraising approach of TattooCharity.com.

Hail's journey into the tattooing world began at a young age, with a natural talent for art that he recognized could be more than just a passion. Selling his first pieces at 16, Hail discovered the potential to turn his art into a sustainable income. Tattooing offered him the avenue to do just that, despite the initial challenges and self-taught beginnings in his late teens.

His commitment and perseverance paid off, leading to a career that not only allowed him to support himself but also to travel extensively across the United States, enriching his life and art. Hail's experiences on the road, from guest spots in various tattoo shops to the myriad of people he has inked, have shaped his perspective and skills as an artist.

Today, Hail operates out of Reaper Madness Tattoo Parlor in Tempe, Arizona, without a traditional storefront, continuing to push the boundaries of his art while making a significant impact through charitable work. TattooCharity.com, which recently gained its tax-exempt status, stands as a shining example of how art can be harnessed for the greater good, marrying Hail's passions for tattooing and community support.

Arizona Jazz Festival Hits High Note on High Street This Spring

For all the jazz lovers in the Valley, get ready for the Arizona Jazz Festival's much-anticipated return to High Street in Phoenix this spring. This vibrant three-day event, scheduled from March 22-24, promises a weekend brimming with exceptional music and delectable cuisine at the prime location of 5415 E. High St.

This year's festival boasts an impressive roster of over 20 bands and musicians, featuring a mix of renowned jazz legends and today's popular acts. Highlighting the lineup are Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, En Vogue, Jodeci, Eric Darius, Babyface, Anthony Hamilton, Teddy Swims, Robin Thicke, along with many more artists set to be revealed.

Beyond the captivating musical performances, attendees can look forward to exploring a diverse array of food and drink vendors throughout the weekend, enhancing the festival experience.

Tickets for the Arizona Jazz Festival are currently on sale, offering options for three-day passes or single-day tickets, catering to different preferences and schedules.

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