👏 How a routine Gilbert bike ride turned into a life-saving rescue

There is a lot of practical stuff to think about this week, especially with school starting and gas prices making every drive feel a little more expensive. But around here, there is always room for something fun in between the errands.

Grab dinner, catch a show, or just head outside once things cool off. We also have a few local events worth putting on the calendar before the week gets away from you.

🚴 14-year-old honored for life-saving bike ride

The Gist: Royal Cothrun, a 14-year-old South Valley Junior High student, was saluted by Gilbert Town Council and Gilbert Fire and Rescue at Tuesday's council meeting for his actions during a June bike ride. Royal came across a 75-year-old woman who was lost and disoriented in 103-degree heat and stayed with her until help arrived. Gilbert Fire officials said his actions probably saved her life. Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni saw a newscast about Royal and personally called his mother to invite him to be honored.

Why It Matters: These are the neighbor-taking-care-of-neighbor moments that make Gilbert Gilbert. Royal's TikTok followers grew from 200 to 1,300 after the story broke, and the whole town has quietly been rooting for him.

⛽ Where to find the cheapest gas

The Gist: Valley gas prices jumped 12 cents to a $4.49-per-gallon average, according to AAA Arizona. In Gilbert, the reliably cheapest fill-ups are typically Sam's Club at Gilbert Road and Houston Avenue, followed by Costco at Arizona Avenue and Baseline Road, then QuikTrip at Arizona Avenue and Guadalupe. GasBuddy is the best real-time source for daily fluctuations.

Why It Matters: "August brings some relief at the pump as road trips wind down and fall routines get underway for many families," AAA spokesperson Aldo Vazquez said, "however, elevated crude oil prices could prevent that seasonal shift from starting just yet." Translation: the school-year commute is not cheap this year. Fill up smart.

🍕 Red-sauce comfort with a late-summer glow

Dave's Italian Eatery brings easygoing warmth as the season winds down. Stone-fired crusts hit the sweet spot between crisp and chewy, especially on the sweet-savory fig and pig pizza.

Classics like penne alla vodka and homemade gnocchi make weeknight dinners feel like long-standing traditions. Grab a table, pour another glass, and save room for the oversized tiramisu. It is the ultimate late-summer comfort food.

☂️ Small shop energy with go-the-extra-mile heart

Play Planet Toys in Downtown Gilbert is packed with budget-friendly treasures. The shelves balance nostalgic finds and trendy new sensory items like 3D printed spinners and glow-in-the-dark dragons.

What makes it special is the staff. When customers ask for hard-to-find items, team members actually love tracking down vendors to order them. Walkable from the Heritage District, it is a quiet, competitive alternative to online shopping.

Meet Shawn, a gentle seven-year-old Poodle and Shepherd mix

Weighing 38 pounds, this medium-sized boy is completely house-trained, crate-trained, and walks like a true gentleman on a leash. While he can be a little shy at first, he warms up quickly into a loyal, affectionate companion who loves being part of a warm household routine.

Shawn thrives alongside adults, children, and other pets once properly introduced. His adoption fee is $75.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🧘‍♀️ Prenatal Yoga with Mama Moves Co. | Original Mami | 08/13 | More 
Gentle session focused on mindfulness, support, and restorative movement.

🔭 Public Star Party | Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory at Riparian Preserve | 08/14 | More 
Starlit telescopic wonder with local astronomers beneath desert skies.

🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid | Hale Centre Theatre | Through 08/15 | More
A musical voyage featuring iconic ocean melodies and joyful underwater magic.

🥋 Karate for All Ages | HD SOUTH | 08/17 | More 
Traditional martial arts fundamentals focusing on fitness, focus, and movement.

🧸 Toddler Playdate | Perry Library | 08/20 | More 
Social hour for little ones with interactive toys and free play.

🎸 A Tribute to Woodstock 1969 | Hale Centre Theatre | opens 08/14 | More
Groovy 1960s classic rock anthems performed live in an intimate theater setting.

🥊 UFC 330: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry | Backyard Gilbert | 08/15 | More
Championship action streaming live across massive patio screens.

🐶 Indoor Pug Meetup | Hair of the Dog - Wine Bar and Tap House | 08/15 | More
Playful indoor canine social hour featuring friendly pups, cool air, and bonding.

🧗‍♀️ Rock Climbing Date Night | Alta Climbing and Fitness | 08/20 | More 
Indoor wall climbs alongside relaxing partner yoga movement.

🎭 Catch Me If You Can | Hale Centre Theatre | opens 08/21 | More 
Musical comedy packed with stylish 1960s energy and colorful theatrical flair.

A huge thank-you to all the teachers heading back to school. You deserve the laughs ahead more than anyone! ❤️

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

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