✈️ From disaster relief to debate clubs: Gilbert’s top volunteers

Late April in Gilbert is a bit of a sweet spot. Not quite summer, not quite spring, but just enough of both to keep things interesting. You can start your day on a trail and end it with live music or a cold drink downtown.

We pulled together a mix of stories and spots that reflect that balance. Some will make you proud of this town, others might just get you out of the house. Scroll on!

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.

Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $79. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

✈️ Gilbert Teens Head Overseas

The Gist: Five Gilbert Public Schools juniors were just named 2026 Youth Ambassadors for Gilbert Sister Cities. This June and July, students Maya Dykman, Allie Thivierge, Mackenzie Redford, Amelia Bray, and Michael Wang will swap Arizona heat for Northern Ireland and China. After three weeks abroad, these local leaders (including varsity captains and research interns) will host their international counterparts right here in our neighborhood.

Why It Matters: It is a proud moment for our schools to see these kids represent Gilbert on the world stage. These exchanges build lasting friendships across borders and prove that our local values of hard work and curiosity translate in any language. After their summer travels, the ambassadors will share their experiences at local schools and participate in the Gilbert Days Parade.

🏆 Big Hearts And Helping Hands: Meet Our 2026 Volunteer MVPs

The Gist At the April 7 Town Council meeting, Mayor Scott Anderson honored our newest Volunteer MVPs for their incredible service. This year's winners include Sherri Daedelow, a 12-year veteran at AZCEND’s Senior Center, and Brandon Letner, who drove 1,400 miles to deliver disaster relief. Shyla Abreu was named Youth Volunteer of the Year for starting a middle school debate club, while American Legion Post 39 earned the Kindness Group Award for providing holiday gifts to 124 local children.

Why It Matters Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Gilbert, with 426 neighbors contributing over 21,000 hours of service this past year alone. Whether it's Jordan Woodworth saving a school $30,000 on a new playground or Ashley Maddox comforting patients at Banner Gateway, these folks prove that a little extra effort goes a long way in keeping our community strong and connected.

🍳 Social energy paired with creative hashes

Hash Kitchen brings a high-voltage pulse to the Gilbert morning scene, trading quiet coffee sips for a live DJ and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar that feels like a masterpiece in progress.

May is essentially the peak of the season here, starting with a thoughtful Mother’s Day experience on the 10th featuring a Build-Your-Own Flower Bar so guests can craft a custom bouquet for the table.

The momentum carries through National Mimosa Day on the 16th and leads directly into Memorial Day weekend!

✨ Honoring the dreamers and doers indoors

Barnone AZ - A Craftsman Community serves as a quiet sanctuary for those who appreciate the tactile beauty of locally made goods. It is a space designed for a bit of indulgence, whether that means a fresh style or finding a handcrafted gift.

With Mother’s Day approaching, the collection of independent jewelers and candle makers provides a thoughtful alternative to standard retail. While hours vary by artisan, the doors generally open Thursday through Sunday for those looking to explore the workshop.

Meet Midnight, a 2 year old Boxer and American Pit Bull Terrier mix

Weighing in at a sturdy 61 pounds, this large girl brings a sense of joyful energy to every afternoon. She is a dedicated athlete when it comes to fetch and maintains an impressive zest for life that is truly contagious.

Friendly and social, she treats every stranger like a long lost friend. Midnight would thrive in an active home where play is a daily priority. Her adoption fee is currently waived, and she comes fully vetted and microchipped.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🍿 Gilbert Cinemas: A Minecraft Movie | Civic Center Lawn | Gilbert | 04/24 | More
Outdoor cinema experience perfect for blankets and picnic baskets under the stars.

🐰 Moonlit Movies: Zootopia 2 | Verde at Cooley Station | Gilbert | 04/24 | More
Undercover adventures with pizza, popcorn, and lawn chairs under the stars.

🐶 Big Hearts for Big Breeds: Singo Bingo | Hair of the Dog | Gilbert | 04/25 | More 
High-energy musical bingo: Disney classics and rescue pups for a great cause.

🏃 T1D Youth Connect Field Day | Discovery Park | Gilbert | 04/25 | More 
Team challenges and messy outdoor games for the type 1 diabetes community.

🐝 National Civics Bee | Villa Siena | Gilbert | 04/29 | More 
Scholars showcase civic knowledge in a spirited, nonpartisan community competition.

🎨 "Behind the Scenes" Making of a Children's Book | HD SOUTH | Gilbert | 04/30 | More 
Discover the creative journey of writing and illustrating for young readers.

❤️ Red Tent Flea Market | C&J's Antiques and Garden | Gilbert | 04/25 | More 
Hunt for unique garden treasures and vintage finds under festive red tents.

🎸 Boxelder Station Live | Icons Sports Grill | Gilbert | 04/25 | More 
Classic rock covers with driving guitar riffs and danceable nostalgia!

🐐 Spring BINGO | Goats with Horns Animal Sanctuary | Gilbert | 04/25 | More 
Raffles, prizes, and refreshments alongside friendly animal residents at the sanctuary.

🎲 Bunco Night | Sip & Shop Boutique & Bar | Gilbert | 04/29 | More 
Roll the dice and socialize during this upbeat, fast-paced mid-week game night.

🤠 She’s Country Ladies Night | Backyard | Gilbert | 04/30 | More 
Honky-tonk fun with guided steps in a lively open-air playground.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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