📍 Read before you drive: Major Santan Freeway closures

Mother’s Day is creeping up, and if you’re the planner in your group, now’s your moment. Luckily, this week makes it easy.

Markets are popping up, brunch spots are doing their thing, and there are a few low effort, high reward events that feel a little more thoughtful than a last minute gift. We pulled a few of our favorites to get you started.

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. 🙏

🌾 A New Education Pavilion at Agritopia

The Gist: The Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation opened a new education pavilion in Gilbert on April 27 to teach K-12 students about desert farming. Led by Joe Johnston and Christy Davis, the program lets kids plant and harvest crops like onions and carrots to understand the 180-day journey from seed to table. High school culinary clubs can also visit to learn about seasonal cooking using local produce.

Why It Matters: By teaching the patience required for agriculture, the pavilion helps the next generation appreciate the hard work behind every meal we eat. Families can now visit the Agritopia website to sign up for the Farm Hands program.

🚧 Loop 202 Closures and Detours This Weekend

The Gist: ADOT has several closures planned for the Santan Freeway widening project starting Friday, May 1, at 10 p.m. through Monday, May 4, at 5 a.m. Westbound Loop 202 will be closed at Gilbert Road, and Lindsay Road will be shut down in both directions at the freeway. Additionally, the eastbound on-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be closed from Friday night until Saturday evening.

Why It Matters: With work zone speeds reduced to 55 mph, it's a good reminder to slow down and stay alert for the crews working to improve our daily commute. Plan for these detours from Friday night, May 1, through Monday morning, May 4.

🥗 Modern Mediterranean for sun-drenched afternoons

The arrival of Luna Grill at SanTan Village brings a bright, intentional energy to the local lunch scene. The interior feels thoughtfully curated, featuring hand-painted murals and greenery that invite you to linger a while.

The kitchen prioritizes scratch-made Mediterranean staples, like the signature chicken kabobs and fluffy pita bread that guests are already talking about. It’s an effortless choice for a fresh, protein-forward meal that’s both nourishing & indulgent.

✨ Refined staples that celebrate a local point of view

Elle & Benn opened its doors at SanTan Village this spring, bringing a curated selection of modern classics to the courtyard near Harkins Theatre. The boutique focuses on elevated, wearable pieces like premium DL1961 denim and signature Thomas Blonde scents that work for real life.

On Saturday, May 9, a VIP event from 1:00 to 3:00 PM offers a relaxed atmosphere to browse new arrivals with refreshments. It is a wonderful spot to find a gift that feels personal and unique to Gilbert.

Wednesday is a gentle soul with a big heart and spirit.

This four year old American Pit Bull Terrier is a sturdy 80 pound girl currently resting at our East Kennel, Wing C. Wednesday is a true friend to people, having lived harmoniously with children of all ages.

While she is an affectionate, potty trained companion who knows her basic cues, she prefers to be your only pet. With a $50 adoption fee, this loyal girl is looking for a home where she can receive care for a medical mass and continue her leash training.

To learn more about this sweet pup,

🌮 Cinco De Mayo | Power Ranch Community Center | Gilbert | 05/01 | More 
Festive gathering with bouncy houses, tacos, and family-friendly games on the lawn.

🎬 Gilbert Cinemas: Lilo & Stitch | Civic Center Lawn | Gilbert | 05/01 | More
Classic island animation under the stars with blankets and picnic snacks.

✨ Thailand Mini Cultural Show | Cafe' de Bangkok | Gilbert | 05/01 | More 
Authentic cuisine paired with a graceful live performance by professional Thai artists.

🧘 International Pilates Day Special | Freestone Recreation Center | Gilbert | 05/02 | More
Led by Marie to celebrate strength and balance; open to ages 14+.

🛍️ Made with Love Sidewalk Sale | Civic Center | Gilbert | 05/02 | More 
End-of-season market browsing for discounted local goods and handmade treasures.

🍪 Star Wars Cookie Decorating | HD SOUTH | Gilbert | 05/02 & 05/05 | More 
"May the Fourth" themed: learning royal icing flooding and outlining techniques.

🐐 Fairytale Baby Goat Yoga | Welcome Home Ranch | Gilbert | 05/06 | More 
Whimsical outdoor yoga featuring costumed magical animals and playful interactions.

🎬 The Devil Wears Prada 2 Movie Event | Fat Cats | Gilbert | 05/01 | More
Admission includes light appetizers, unlimited soft drinks, and photo opportunities!

🌮 Cinco De Mayo Park Party | The Park at O.H.S.O. | Gilbert | 05/02 | More 
Festive weekend celebration with street tacos, frozen margaritas, and upbeat music.

🥊 Championship Boxing: Benavidez vs Zurdo | Backyard | Gilbert | 05/02 | More 
High-stakes title fight viewing with an electric crowd and stadium-style atmosphere.

☕ Gilbert Cars & Coffee: Season Finale | Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers | Gilbert | 05/02 | More
The 2025-2026 season wrap-up car show hosted by Daniel Metcalf.

🎸 Live Acoustic Brunch | The Park at O.H.S.O. | Gilbert | 05/03 | More
Session starting at 9:00 AM featuring Collin Freestone, good vibes, and local flavors.

📚 Lunch Hour Book Club | HD SOUTH | Gilbert | 05/04 | More
Discussion of O’Farrell’s "Hamnet"—a fictional account of Shakespeare’s family.

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

Click here to follow us: Facebook | Instagram