Gilbert Town Council to Address Vital Water Supply Renewal

The upcoming Gilbert Town Council meeting on November 14 will address crucial matters, including the renewal of the Designation of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) with the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

The town, as mandated by the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, must demonstrate a 100-year assured water supply to meet current and future demands.

The renewal process, required every 10-15 years, involves submitting a Modification of a DAWS application, accompanied by a $2,000 fee. The current DAWS, obtained in 2010 and valid until December 31, 2025, necessitates renewal by December 31, 2023, to allow sufficient time for state review.

Additionally, the meeting will address updates to the town's ethics handbook and code of conduct. Directed by the council in an August study session, modifications will focus on the conflict of interest disclosure procedure and the discussion of ethics complaints between council members.

Furthermore, a liquor license for Thanksabrunch, located at 734 N. McQueen Road, suite 101, Gilbert, will be considered during a public hearing.

However, a zoning hearing related to the Trax at Cooley Station apartment development has requested a continuance, moving its public hearing to December 12.

Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen Drives Support for Rett Syndrome During Awareness Month

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, with locations spanning Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Gilbert, and Arrowhead, extended its "Raising for Rett" campaign throughout October in recognition of Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.

Managed by Chris Disney, the campaign aimed to both raise funds and awareness for Rett Syndrome, an exceedingly rare condition amalgamating features of autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and anxiety disorder.

Disney, personally connected to the cause with his three-year-old daughter Collyns diagnosed last year, led the effort by donating $1 for every dessert sold across all six Picazzo’s locations and selling purple Rett Syndrome bracelets. The campaign successfully raised $2,500 for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

Beyond financial contributions, Picazzo’s achieved awareness through a comprehensive social media education campaign and informative materials within the restaurants throughout the month. Disney expressed optimism, highlighting the progress in Rett Syndrome research, citing the identification of its genetic cause and ongoing gene replacement trials that offer hope for a transformative cure.

To sustain support, Picazzo’s continues to donate $1 for every cookie sold at all locations, and direct contributions can be made to the "Raising for Rett" campaign at rettgive.org/campaigns/supporting-rett-syndrome-research/.

Diverse Achievements Recognized at 27th Community Excellence Awards in Gilbert

The 27th annual Community Excellence Awards, hosted by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce on November 8, celebrated the contributions of 19 individuals and groups from various sectors. Recognizing teachers, volunteers, business members, and public safety workers, the event drew participation from Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Independent Newsmedia, and the Chamber itself.

The award recipients included Juan Valdez from Chandler-Gilbert Community College, honored as Staff Member of the Year, and Sujatha Krishnaswamy, named Educator of the Year. Independent Newsmedia presented the Young Hero Award to Jaxon Glover and recognized the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department's McQueen Activity Center courtyard with the Beautification Award. Fran and Steve Lowder received the Geneva Clay Community Volunteer Award.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Peacock Wine Bar with the Spirit of Business Award, while the Visionary Award went to John Lewis of the East Valley Partnership. Jan Simon from Foundation Insurance Services received the Leon Uhlhorn Chairman’s Award Presented by Strong Tower Insurance.

Gilbert Public Schools celebrated Milo Hardt from Canyon Valley School as Dr. Walter Delecki Educator of the Year, Debbie Lopez from Carol Rae Ranch Elementary as Mrs. Sharon Orr Support Staff of the Year, and Karen Ferrin as Mrs. Sheila Rogers Uggetti Volunteer of the Year.

Higley USD recognized Karen Edwards from Power Ranch Elementary as Educator of the Year, Dawn Agboola from Gateway Pointe Elementary as Volunteer of the Year, and Vanessa Weaver from Higley Unified Schools District as Support Staff of the Year.

The Town of Gilbert honored the Community Engagement Task Force as Volunteers of the Year, Susanna Struble as Employee of the Year (assistant town engineer), and David Fabiano as Inspiration. Officer Michael Kells received the Tim Dorn Public Safety Award.

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