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🦺 Gilbert Intersection Makes List of Top 100 Most Dangerous in the Valley, and More!

Issue #57 - December 5, 2023

🦺 Gilbert Intersection Makes List of Top 100 Most Dangerous in the Valley

🎄 Spread the Joy: Gilbert Police Seek Donations in Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive

😞 Tragic Loss: Toddler Dies After Drowning in Gilbert Home Pool

🌟 Creating Connections, One Lego at a Time: The Heartwarming Story of Bricks & Minifigs in Gilbert

🎈 Discover Local Events Coming Soon

And more…

Gilbert Intersection Makes List of Top 100 Most Dangerous in the Valley

Gilbert's intersection of Warner and Lindsay roads has been identified by a Maricopa Association of Governments report as one of the 100 most dangerous intersections in the Valley, securing the 27th spot on the list.

While the ranking is concerning, it is the sole intersection in Gilbert to achieve this dubious distinction. The assessment, based on crash data, considered frequency, severity, and type, with emphasis on severity. The town responded, noting routine evaluations of crash data to identify trends and ensure road safety.

Despite three fatalities over three years (2020-22), recent data indicates a decline in collisions from 2021 to 2023. The town's traffic engineering team and Gilbert PD commit to continuous assessment and monitoring of the intersection.

Safety tips for drivers are provided, emphasizing adherence to speed limits, traffic signals, and minimizing distractions. Notably, the majority of listed dangerous intersections are in Phoenix, with 67th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix topping the rankings.

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Spread the Joy: Gilbert Police Seek Donations in Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive

In the spirit of giving, the Gilbert Police Department is currently hosting its annual Blue Line of Love Holiday Drive, a community initiative to assist families facing hardship.

Running until Dec. 18, the drive welcomes various contributions such as gift cards to retail, restaurant, or grocery stores, new and unwrapped toys for teenagers aged 13-17, personal hygiene products, and new gift-wrapping supplies.

Donations can be dropped off at specific locations, including the Gilbert Police Department Central lobby and the San Tan substation.

Santa will also be stopping by the Gilbert Police Department on Tuesday, December 12 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM for pictures in exchange for a donation benefitting Gilbert families in need. More Info Here

Tragic Loss: Toddler Dies After Drowning in Gilbert Home Pool

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Gilbert as a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler drowned in a residential pool near Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads.

Gilbert Fire and Rescue, along with police, responded to a distress call around 2:30 p.m. First responders provided CPR and swiftly transported the child to the hospital, but despite their efforts, the toddler succumbed to the incident.

Authorities are actively investigating the details surrounding the drowning, including the duration the child was in the water and the presence of supervision.

Peacock Wine & Book Bar

Schnepf Farms

Archer’s Bikes

Pixie Sticks Boutique

Romeo’s Euro Café

Sip & Shop

Creating Connections, One Lego at a Time: The Heartwarming Story of Bricks & Minifigs in Gilbert

Nestled in the vibrant community of Gilbert, where creativity knows no bounds, stands Bricks & Minifigs—a haven for Lego enthusiasts. Owned and operated by Theresa Bartholomew and Rachel Mangum, this store is more than just a retailer; it's a community hub, a place where people of all ages come together to celebrate the joy of building.

From Family Lego Room to Community Hub

The journey of Bricks & Minifigs began in February 2020 when Theresa and Rachel, both teachers and Lego aficionados, stumbled upon a Bricks & Minifigs store in Avondale. Little did they know, this encounter would spark a new chapter in their lives. The pandemic, though unexpected, became the backdrop for the family to immerse themselves in Lego creations.

"We all built together, created together," Theresa reminisces. "We spent a lot of time in our own Lego room at home." It was during this time that the idea of opening their own Bricks & Minifigs store started to take shape.

A Place for All Lego Lovers

Bricks & Minifigs is not just a store; it's a space where Lego lovers find common ground. From retired sets to rare pieces, Star Wars fighters to intricate models like the RMS Titanic, the store is an authorized Lego retailer for all things Lego. What makes it special is the diversity of Lego enthusiasts it attracts - those who follow instructions meticulously, those who love freestyle building, and collectors with an eye for unique pieces.

"People just come, they want to buy one set. Some people come every week. It becomes kind of like a watering hole for people — a place where they can be around like-minded individuals," says Rachel Mangum.

A Perfect Fit: From Teaching to Lego

The transition from teaching to owning a Lego store might seem like an unexpected leap, but for Theresa and Rachel, it was a natural progression. With a shared passion for business and a desire to create a space where people could find delight, they combined their love for Lego with their entrepreneurial spirit.

"I think we both have a passion for teaching and educating," says Rachel. "And I think this is obviously very different, but in some ways it's still — you get to create a space that people can come and develop and learn and find things that delight them. All the things that we loved about education, too."

Building Success, Brick by Brick

Despite opening during uncertain times, Bricks & Minifigs Gilbert was an instant hit. The grand opening saw a line around the building, with the neighborhood showing immense support. This support has been a cornerstone of their success, prompting the couple to plan the opening of another store in Mesa near Power and McKellips roads.

"We get toddlers in here with their grandparents, too, adult collectors with amazing builds and collections, and that's what we wanted," shares Theresa.

As Bricks & Minifigs Gilbert marks its journey beyond a year of success, it remains not just a store but a testament to the power of community and the joy that Lego brings. It's a place where dreams are built, one Lego at a time.

Community Voices:

Customers have lauded Bricks & Minifigs for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings. One patron expressed, "It's not just a store; it's a place where you feel a sense of belonging. The owners' passion for Lego is contagious."

Another regular customer shared, "Bricks & Minifigs has become a weekly ritual for me. It's more than buying Lego; it's about being part of a community that shares the same love for these tiny wonders."

4024 E Guadalupe Rd #103, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Spotlight 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!

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