Community Corner
🌱 See how two Gilbert art teachers just earned top state honors
And check out International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 on the Gilbert Patch…
Good morning to you Gilbert! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- See how two Gilbert art teachers just earned top state honors
- Will Gilbert’s $50M park plans move forward Tuesday night?
- What led to the Saturday night shooting that critically injured a Gilbert teen?
Also on today's calendar: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 and 8 more events.
Find out what's happening in Gilbertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Gilbert? Post it to Gilbert photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Gilbertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 47 degrees.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 76, low: 50.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Two Gilbert Public Schools art teachers honored with state awards (yourvalley.net) — Two Gilbert Public Schools elementary art teachers were recently honored with statewide awards for their outstanding work in the classroom, spotlighting the strength of arts education in the district. Teaching hundreds of K–6 students across multiple campuses, they use hands-on projects that build creativity, problem-solving, and connections to core subjects, while Gilbert Public Schools offers weekly art instruction at all 26 elementary schools. 
2. Gilbert council poised for $50M parks projects vote (eastvalleytribune.com) — Gilbert residents should know the Town Council is voting Tuesday on nearly $50 million in contracts to advance major phases of Gilbert Regional, Desert Sky, and Freestone parks, shaping recreation options for years. Officials say delaying could significantly increase project costs, while some councilmembers worry about road needs and long‑term affordability.
3. Suspect arrested, teen critically hurt after shooting in Gilbert (azfamily.com) — A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot Saturday night at a home in Gilbert, and a 21-year-old suspect has been arrested on attempted second-degree murder charges. Gilbert police say Phoenix officers helped locate the suspect, who was taken into custody after a hospital visit.
4. 2025 USAC Champs & Award Winners Share Spotlight at 70th USAC Night of Champions - St. Louis Racing (stlracing.com) — A Gilbert-based driver, Hayden Reinbold, was named USAC’s National Most Improved Driver after a breakout 2025 season that included his first national midget win and multiple sprint car top‑five finishes. The broader piece recaps champions and special award winners from USAC’s Night of Champions banquet in Indianapolis, highlighting standout performances across several national and regional racing series.
5. Gilbert Christian Athlete Donates Stem Cells to Sibling with Rare Disease (arizonadailyindependent.com) — A Gilbert Christian High School multi-sport athlete has twice donated her stem cells to help save her older brother, who’s battling an extremely rare immune disorder at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The Ahwatukee family describes how Mila balances intense athletics, school, and daily hospital visits while putting college recruiting on hold so her brother can have a chance at a normal, pain‑free life.
📸 Around Gilbert
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Gilbert
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
6:00 pm
Sunday January 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- EVENT FULL: Little Penguin and the Lollipop story and craft
Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
10:15 am - Little Penguin and the Lollipop story and craft
Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
10:15 am - Full STEAM Ahead!
Perry Branch
4:00 pm - EVENT FULL: Confetti Ornaments (Adult Craft)
Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
6:00 pm - Playdate at the Library
Perry Branch
10:15 am - Art Exploration for Adults
Perry Branch
1:30 pm - EVENT FULL: Bingo for Adults
Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
2:00 pm - Bingo for Adults
Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
2:00 pm - Market & Music
Verde at Cooley Station , 3945 E Williams Field Rd , Gilbert
5:00 pm - Moonlit Movies on the Green
Verde at Cooley Station , 3945 E Williams Field Rd , Gilbert
5:45 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
📣 Gilbert Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- "Business Runs in the Family" - Women In Leadership Series
SoHo 63 , 63 East Boston , Chandler
11:30 am - Chandler for the Holidays: Cookies & Carols
Basha Library , 5990 S. Val Vista Dr. , Chandler
3:30 pm - Chandler PetSmart Adoption Event
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Events , 2860 E Germann Rd , Chandler
4:00 pm - INSPIRED DEC '63 CHRISTMAS
San Tan Ballroom , 25630 S Brentwood Dr , Sun Lakes
7:00 pm
Tuesday December 16
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Gilbert PatchAM possible:
- Ciphers Digital Marketing — (480) 319-5323
Ciphers Digital Marketing, a Gilbert-based AI SEO Agency - Purple Heart Realtor — (915) 920-8855
Your local Real Estate expert
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Our cat Miles has been missing since November 18 from our home at Gilbert and Williams Field.
He is 7 months old, neutered and chipped. We have had several people spot him around Someburros/Ulta on Market St. Please keep an eye out while you… (Nextdoor The Estates) - This guy was brought in to the Gilbert Police Dept.
He was found near Elliot and Val Vista. He has no collar, tags or chip. If he belongs to you please call the Gilbert Police Dept at 480-503-6500 as… (Nextdoor Gateway Ranch)
- Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Leader - Kidz Kamp in Gilbert. Apply here.
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Produce Associate in Gilbert. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gilbert here.
Ok Gilbert! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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