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  • 🍵 Daboba USA Brings Bubble Tea Delight to Gilbert 🎶 Gilbert Woman Discovers Musical Heritage and more...

🍵 Daboba USA Brings Bubble Tea Delight to Gilbert 🎶 Gilbert Woman Discovers Musical Heritage and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #097

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 29, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

đź“… Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🎉 Here's how 1,000 Arizona high school seniors can receive 4 free spring training tickets

🌳 How bad is the Western megadrought? Scientists look at tree rings to find context from history

⚖️ Arizona Senate Moves to Protect Presidential Candidates from 14th Amendment Disqualification

đź“š Gilbert Public Schools back to training on ELA curriculum

🍵 Daboba USA Brings Bubble Tea Delight to Gilbert with New Store Opening

✨ From Ink to Classics: Watermark Seniors Embrace Bucket List Dreams

🎶 Gilbert Woman Discovers Musical Heritage on American Idol, Surprised by Biological Family

🏌️‍♀️ LPGA Tour's First Gilbert Stop Marks Milestone for Women's Go

Upcoming and Ongoing

Here's how 1,000 Arizona high school seniors can receive 4 free spring training tickets

Arizona is stepping up its game to encourage high school seniors to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offering a unique incentive that ties educational progress with America's favorite pastime. In a collaborative effort, the Arizona Cactus League, alongside the state Board of Regents, has announced a rewarding opportunity for college-bound students: the chance to receive four free spring training tickets. This initiative, now in its second year, aims to boost FAFSA completion rates among Arizona's high school seniors by offering tickets to the first thousand applicants.

The push for increased FAFSA submissions comes at a critical time. Nationally, the process has faced hurdles, with the introduction of a new online version of the application resulting in delays and technical issues, contributing to lower completion rates. Arizona, in particular, has felt the impact of these challenges, currently ranking 49th in the nation for FAFSA applications, with nearly 13,000 fewer students applying compared to last year.

Recognizing the importance of federal student aid in making higher education accessible, Arizona's public universities are also extending their priority deadlines to May 1. This extension includes the deadline for the Arizona Promise Program, which is designed to support qualifying low-income students by covering their college expenses through federal Pell Grants.

This innovative approach to incentivizing FAFSA completion underscores the importance of financial aid in unlocking educational opportunities for Arizona's youth. By linking the excitement of spring training baseball with the critical task of securing college funding, Arizona hopes to encourage more students to take the necessary steps towards their educational future.

How bad is the Western megadrought? Scientists look at tree rings to find context from history

The Western United States is currently grappling with a megadrought that is unparalleled in the last 500 years, as revealed by a groundbreaking study. By examining tree rings to trace temperature changes since 1553, scientists have uncovered the profound impact of human-driven climate change on the region. This climate change has resulted in higher temperatures, leading to drier soil, and in turn, more frequent, intense, and widespread droughts.

Karen King, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, emphasized the critical role of temperature in exacerbating modern drought conditions. The research, published in "Science Advances," utilized tree cross-sections from various Western states, such as Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming, to determine that the years 2000 to 2020 have been the warmest two decades in the last 500 years.

This ongoing drought has placed immense pressure on the Southwest's crucial water source, the Colorado River, which serves approximately 40 million people across seven states. The river's dwindling flow has led to the nation's largest reservoirs reaching record lows, posing significant challenges for water management in the area.

The situation has prompted some scientists and water managers to suggest that the term "drought" may no longer be sufficient to describe the current conditions. They propose the term "aridification" to reflect a permanent shift in the baseline water levels for the region's streams, rivers, and reservoirs.

With average temperatures in the upper Colorado River basin rising more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th-century average since the year 2000, the region is experiencing a series of cascading effects that jeopardize water supply. The study illustrates how increased temperatures lead to drier soil, which then absorbs water that would otherwise contribute to stream and river flows. This absorption by dry soil diminishes the water available for collection and use by humans.

Arizona Senate Moves to Protect Presidential Candidates from 14th Amendment Disqualification

The Arizona Senate, following a strictly partisan vote, has passed SB 1158, a legislative measure aimed at ensuring that presidential candidates of recognized political parties cannot be barred from the general election ballot due to allegations of violating the 14th Amendment. This particular amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits individuals from holding federal office if they have participated in insurrection against the United States or assisted its enemies.

This bill's endorsement comes amid concerns voiced by Republican lawmakers, such as State Senator Janae Shamp, who argue for the necessity of maintaining electoral fairness. Senator Shamp highlighted the ongoing legal challenges faced by Donald J. Trump in Colorado, concerning the 14th Amendment, as a precedent that could potentially impact any presidential candidate in Arizona.

Democratic State Senator Priya Sundareshan, however, criticized the bill, arguing that it attempts to circumvent constitutional mandates. With the Senate's approval, the bill is now advancing to the House for further consideration.e.

Gilbert Public Schools back to training on ELA curriculum

Gilbert Public Schools is actively working to overcome setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in implementing its new elementary-level English Language Arts curriculum, ReadyGEN. Adopted in 2019 for students in kindergarten through sixth grades, the curriculum's initial training was disrupted by the pandemic. Recognizing the importance of this educational tool, the district launched the ReadyGEN Refresh Initiative to reinvigorate training efforts for its 752 elementary school teachers. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing teacher understanding and application of the curriculum. The feedback from the training sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong foundation for future educational endeavors. Moreover, the experience has underscored the necessity for more comprehensive planning and clearer communication of the curriculum's objectives to teachers. Moving forward, the district aims to apply these lessons to the introduction of new curriculums, starting with a math curriculum currently under review.

Daboba USA Brings Bubble Tea Delight to Gilbert with New Store Opening

Daboba USA, a popular bubble tea shop chain, has officially opened its doors in Gilbert, marking the brand's expansion within the United States. Located at 2743 S. Market St., Suite 104, this new establishment began welcoming customers on February 2nd. Since its U.S. debut in 2018, Daboba has established itself as a go-to destination for bubble tea enthusiasts, with the Gilbert outlet becoming the 15th in the nation. Patrons can now enjoy their favorite bubble tea flavors at this latest location. For more information or to contact the store, visitors can call 480-696-3699 or visit the website at www.daboba.us.

From Ink to Classics: Watermark Seniors Embrace Bucket List Dreams

In Gilbert, Arizona, the residents of Watermark at Morrison Ranch senior facility experienced a uniquely enjoyable event that perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit of the community. The event, an “ink-redible” tattoo party, marked the beginning of a year-long series of activities centered around the compelling theme, “What’s on Your Bucket List?”

Inspired by resident Pat Truscio's wish for a tattoo, the party saw residents embracing the bold and fun idea of getting temporary tattoos. Despite her initial hesitation to get a real tattoo, Truscio's suggestion led to an event where about a dozen residents chose various designs to adorn their wrists, hips, collar bones, and upper arms. Ione Bieher, one of the participants, went as far as getting a full sleeve of tattoos, aiming to match her great-granddaughter, Sydney, in style.

The tattoo party was more than just about getting inked; it was a celebration of life, aspirations, and the communal sharing of dreams and experiences. Rebecca Mitchell, the community life director at Morrison Ranch, expressed her enthusiasm for creating memorable moments for the residents. She highlighted the importance of the “What’s on Your Bucket List?” events as a way to encourage residents to live life fully and joyously.

Looking ahead, the senior facility plans to continue this series with events inspired directly by the residents' own aspirations. For instance, a classic car show is on the agenda, motivated by resident Chuck Shafer, an avid car collector who has been restoring a vintage car. This event, set for April, promises to bring another layer of excitement and engagement to the community.

Watermark at Morrison Ranch is part of Watermark Retirement Communities, a network that manages over 60 retirement communities across 22 states, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to enriching the lives of seniors through innovative and meaningful activities. For more information, interested individuals can visit watermarkcommunities.com.

Gilbert Woman Discovers Musical Heritage on American Idol, Surprised by Biological Family

In a heartwarming turn of events, Gilbert's own McKenna Breinholt experienced a moment that transcended mere musical performance during her audition for American Idol. Standing before the esteemed panel of judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan—Breinholt shared her deeply personal journey of adoption and the recent discovery of her birth mother's musical legacy in Bisbee.

This revelation was not just a story of talent passed down through generations; it was a moment of profound connection and understanding for Breinholt. She articulated on the show how this newfound knowledge of her biological roots helped her understand the origins of her musical abilities, saying, "I instantly knew where I got my ear from and where I got my voice from. It just all clicked."

But the audition held an even more extraordinary surprise for Breinholt. In what can only be described as a serendipitous twist, members of her biological family, whom she had been preparing to meet, appeared at her audition. This unexpected reunion added an emotional layer to her performance as she chose to sing one of her late mother’s songs. Her rendition not only served as a tribute to her mother’s memory but also marked a significant milestone in Breinholt's life, bridging her past with her present and future in music.

The judges were evidently moved by her performance and the poignant backstory, as Breinholt was advanced to the next round of the competition. Her story is a testament to the power of music to uncover our deepest roots and connect us in the most unexpected ways.

LPGA Tour's First Gilbert Stop Marks Milestone for Women's Golf

Gilbert, Arizona, is set to host an LPGA Tour event for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the history of women's professional golf. The tour, which has evolved remarkably since its inception in 1950 by 13 pioneering women, has grown into a global attraction for fans, showcasing the best talents in women's golf. The upcoming event, the Ford Championship, will be held from March 28-31 at Seville Golf & Country Club, a venue new to the LPGA circuit and one of six new courses for this season's tour.

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, alongside current LPGA Tour golfers Mina Harigae and Alena Sharp, both Valley residents, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the tour to Gilbert, a community with a rich appreciation for golf. The event will feature 144 golfers competing for a $2-million purse, part of a record-setting total prize pot for the year's tour. This development reflects the ongoing efforts to elevate women's golf, offering greater visibility and opportunities for female athletes.

The Ford Championship not only celebrates the present achievements of women's golf but also honors its rich legacy, remembering the tour's humble beginnings and the resilience of its founders. Their vision for a professional women's sports circuit, achieved through their dedication and hard work, has paved the way for today's golfers. The event in Gilbert serves as a continuation of this legacy, promoting the sport and inspiring the next generation of female golfers.

With Arizona's long history of hosting LPGA events, the Ford Championship at Seville Golf & Country Club promises to be a significant addition to the state's golfing calendar. It underscores the LPGA's mission to be a global leader in women's professional golf and to use its platform to advance opportunities for girls and women in the sport. The presence of local young golfers at the event's announcement highlights the tour's commitment to fostering a more equal and sustainable playing field for women's sports.

As the LPGA Tour continues to make strides towards parity with men's golf, events like the Ford Championship in Gilbert represent important milestones in the journey towards greater recognition and support for women's golf, both locally and internationally.

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