- Gilbert Thrive
- Posts
- 💧 Drip, Delight, and Dazzle: Gilbert's Town Council Tackles Thirsty Matters, Picazzo's Pasta Party for a Cause, and the Grand Gala of Community Excellence!
💧 Drip, Delight, and Dazzle: Gilbert's Town Council Tackles Thirsty Matters, Picazzo's Pasta Party for a Cause, and the Grand Gala of Community Excellence!
Issue #43 - November 15, 2023
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/611f0977-a3d3-4034-bd7e-874e201d4d02/Circle-dark_Gilbert_Thrive.png)
💧 Gilbert Town Council to Address Vital Water Supply Renewal
💜 Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen Drives Support for Rett Syndrome During Awareness Month
🏆 Diverse Achievements Recognized at 27th Community Excellence Awards in Gilbert
🎈 Discover Local Events Coming Soon
And more…
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/96491caf-9ffe-4524-8e6e-fc2e2f39869f/GT_Local_News.png)
Gilbert Town Council to Address Vital Water Supply Renewal
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/d3f7c7b5-a1d8-428b-96aa-9f839cfd9011/Gilbert-Town-Hall.png)
Courtesy Town of Gilbert
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
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/7ed611f8-12ec-4807-83e0-9fe23c2d921b/picazzos-logo.jpg)
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.
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/a5386593-2c1c-46c1-82cd-a5e00a7b10c5/GT_Featured_Businesses.png)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/9ca41a3e-25ab-467e-8616-51cab711dc70/GT_Business_Spotlight.png)
ight Your Business!
Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Gilbert area residents in an upcoming issue of Gilbert Thrive?
We ❤️ Local Businesses!
We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! Gilbert Thrive is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Gilbert together!
👇 Select an option below:
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/93bdaf61-9dd1-4eb2-b2a2-4f8704486a29/GT_Local_Events.png)
Ongoing Events
Steel Magnolias @ Hale Centre Theatre
Showings until Nov 21Fiddler on the Roof @ Hale Centre Theatre
Showings until Nov 25Gilbert Farmers Market @ Downtown Gilbert
Every Saturday, 8am-12pm
Upcoming Events
Gilbert Days Rodeo @ Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre
Nov 17 to 19, check for showtimesGilbert Days Music Festival
November 17 & 18, 4pm-9pmHarvest Festival (Free) @ Arizona Boardwalk
Nov 18, 10am-2pmGilbert Days Parade @ Heritage District
November 18, 8:30amGilbert Sunday Funday Ride @ Global Bikes
Nov 19, 7am-9amMade With Love Market: Holiday Kickoff
Nov 24 & 25, 9:30am-2:30pmEnchant Christmas Experience @ Scottsdale Salt River Fields
Nov 24 to Dec 31Gilbert Holiday Lighting Celebration
Nov 27, 6pm-8:30pmPeppermint Lane Winter Market
Nov 30 & Dec 1, 9am-5pmRocky Mountain Christmas @ Higley Center
Dec 23, 7:30pm
Know of an upcoming event we should know about? Let us know!
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/e3368c1b-8dc1-413e-ac4d-27d6ef1a28dc/GT_Local_Weather.png)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/1dfdba0f-cdf4-4a2a-af15-493f905e65bf/Gilbert-Weather-11-15-23.png)
We could use your help
We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Gilbert Area and would benefit from being kept in the know?
Please share Gilbert Thrive with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇
8
Reply