SanTan Sun 01-03-15: Full Issue by Times Media Group

January 3 - 16, 2015

www.SanTanSun.com

The future looks bright for CHS’ Perkins

Sun Lakes women assist inmates after release from prison

BY JIM GRIESHABER

NATURAL-BORN LEADER: Bryce Perkins led the Chandler High School team that won its ﬁrst state football championship in 65 years. Photo by Paul Mason

Life is good for Chandler High School senior Bryce Perkins. Real good. The amicable student and talented quarterback just put an exclamation point on a storybook senior season. Perkins, who comes from a family of college and professional football players, shattered several school passing records, including the all-time leader in passing yardage. He’s one of the most popular kids on campus in a school with more than 3,000 students. He carries a 3.6 grade point average and verbally committed to attend and play football at Arizona State University in the fall. And he’s the leader of the team that just won Chandler High School’s first state football championship in 65 years. “He can do it all, and he proves it all the time,” says Chandler head football coach Shaun Aguano. Perkins, a two-year starter, has put up video game-like numbers, compiling 5,332 passing yards and 70 touchdowns at Chandler High. He also ran for 1,609 yards and 26 scores. Perkins posted a 19-4 record as a starter, including a 3-1

WELCOME BACK: A group of Sun Lakes women help former women inmates become reintegrated into society through the Welcome Back Committee, a program within the nonproﬁt Gina’s Team. Submitted photo BY MEGHAN MCCOY

With clothing, hygiene items and a bus pass in hand, Palo Verde residents Charlene Clausen and Romelle Durand traveled to prison to transport a released female inmate three years ago. The duo spent the day discussing how the former

criminal could be reintegrated into society. That trip forever changed and inspired Clausen and Durand. Now the two head up the Welcome Back Committee, a program of the 501(c) (3) Gina’s Team, named for Gina Panetta who died from leukemia while serving

SEE PERKINS PAGE 4

SEE SUN LAKES PAGE 6

Reptiles get high-tech thermostats from Intel staff BY TRACY HOUSE

The cooler weather may be a welcome reprieve for warm-blooded folks who don a sweater or cozy up under a comfy blanket, but for the Valley’s reptilian residents, the drop in temperatures can be dangerous. That’s where two Chandler Intel employees come in. Jon Grove, a 15-year Intel factory veteran, and Intel higher-education program manager Zach King teamed up to apply technology to the predicament. The result was GatorSense, a water temperature sensor and alert system that notiﬁes caretakers via smartphone, tablet or laptop if temperatures are unsafe. It was offered to Scottsdalebased Phoenix Herpetological Society (PHS). “This is one of the best things that’s

ever happened to us,” says Russ Johnson, president of PHS, where Grove is a longtime PHS volunteer. A number of PHS’ inhabitants are sensitive to heat, especially crocodiles and alligators, he says. Reptiles are exothermic, which means they control their body temperature by moving to different areas where the temperature is more hospitable. “When we get the few cold months here, it’s critical in the night and in the morning to have a good ambient temperature in the water,” Johnson explains. The product’s cost is reasonable, too. “The system I developed and Jon helped implement costs less than $2,000, if you take out development costs,” King says. “The point is, it’s a fraction of what a commercial system

GATORSENSE: Thanks to Intel technology, alligators and crocodiles at the Phoenix Herpetological Society are in less danger as temperatures drop. Submitted photo

would cost.” The aquatic inhabitants at the Phoenix Herpetological Society are being remotely monitored, much to the relief of the PHS curators who have the responsibility to maintain the sanctuary that houses about 43 hatchling

crocodilians and 50 adults. GatorSense is adaptable, King says, to any application where there is a need to monitor temperature. “It actually opens the door to some pretty exciting wireless temperature applications.”

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Historically signiﬁcant items stolen from storage unit. . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 Burst of Butterﬂies lets patrons release their inner artist. . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Plumbers help raise spirits of hospitalized children . . . . . . . . YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to debut downtown . . . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Improv artists host talk show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 53

SanTan Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Section

SEE REPTILES PAGE 8

More Community . . . . . . 1-18 Business . . . . . . . .19-28 Youth. . . . . . . . . . 29-34 Opinion. . . . . . . . 43-44 Neighbors. . . . . . .45-52 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 53-60 Spirituality . . . . . .61-63 Directory . . . . . . 64-65 Classiﬁeds. . . . . . 66-67 Where to eat . . . 68-70

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January 3 – 16, 2015

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Community

January 3 – 16, 2015

PERKINS FROM PAGE 1

mark against Hamilton High School, a remarkable accomplishment after 17 consecutive losses to its bitter rival located 6 miles south on Arizona Avenue. During his senior campaign, Perkins was nearly flawless, throwing for 3,001 yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 74 percent of his passes. He led the Wolves to a 13-1 record and an elusive state championship, the school’s first since 1949. “Everything is going in slow motion for him,” says Rick Garretson, Chandler’s quarterback coach who has been training top high school signal callers for 23 years. “He’s making it look easy and it’s not.” Just how good was Perkins? He broke the career passing yardage record previously held by Brett Hundley (now playing for UCLA) and Darell Garretson (now at Utah State). But neither of them beat Hamilton or won the state title. “We had a great opportunity to win a ring this year,” Perkins said. “I wanted it bad and I knew we could do it. I love my teammates.” The combination of Perkins’ individual talents and his team’s success has resulted in a busy recruitment by major college football programs from all over the country. The humble star, however, hasn’t let the attention get to him. “Nothing affects Bryce,” Aguano says. “He’s one of the most level-

COMMITTED: Bryce Perkins, No. 3, has verbally committed to attend and play football for Arizona State University in the fall. Photo by Paul Mason

headed kids I’ve ever coached. He just keeps his head down and keeps working.” Perkins also had the benefit of experiencing the recruiting process with his older brother, Paul, the starting tailback at UCLA, just a few years ago. “He had me with him every step of the way,” Bryce Perkins says of his brother. “It allowed me to see what I was getting into and how to handle it. He’s my role model.” But unlike Paul, Bryce is choosing to stay home, committing to ASU. Perkins

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aspires to be the man leading the huddle of one of the most explosive offenses in college football. National signing day for high school seniors is Feb. 4, so Perkins can still change his mind, but those around him think his verbal commitment to ASU is solid. “I have zero doubt he’ll be a bright star at ASU,” says Dan Manucci, a former McClintock High School star who now coaches and trains the Valley’s top quarterbacks. “He does everything right and he works harder than most other kids do. This kid is special.”

www.SanTanSun.com The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Perkins is a top-ranked high school quarterback by many national recruiting websites He can make any throw on the field and runs the ball like an All-American tailback. There are some critics, however, who question whether Perkins will succeed as a quarterback in college. After his junior season, he was tabbed with the “athlete playing quarterback” label that has dogged so many of the top high school quarterbacks in recent years. Perkins wasn’t happy about the naysayers and he made it his mission to prove them wrong. “Bryce plays with a chip on his shoulder,” says his father Bruce, a former NFL running back. “He lives to prove people wrong.” One thing that has never been in doubt is Perkins’ ability to lead his teammates on and off the field. His work ethic, calm demeanor and humble attitude have made it easy for him to gain their respect and loyalty. “He’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever met,” says Justin Jan, his Chandler High School teammate and top receiver. “He’s always pushing us to get better. He tells us he loves us then he goes out and proves it. We look up to that.” None of this has come as a surprise to his father, who saw his son’s potential at a young age. “When Paul was in Pop Warner and Bryce was too young to play, he used to get all the younger siblings together and organize games and activities for

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Community

January 3 – 16, 2015

Historically signiﬁcant items stolen from storage unit Golf clubs that belonged to city namesake and founder Dr. A.J. Chandler were stolen from the City of Chandler Museum storage facility sometime between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15. Along with the golf clubs, Chandler’s golf bag and a bayonet from World War I were taken. Detective Seth Tyler says the stolen items have historic value because they are rare and unique to the city. The Chandler Police Department is

seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130 or Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS (9486377). Silent Witness is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of these suspects. Those who call are asked to reference Chandler Police Report No. 2014-135504.

RECORD BREAKER: Bryce Perkins broke the career passing yardage record previously held by Brett Hundley (now playing for UCLA) and Darell Garretson (now at Utah State). But neither of them beat Hamilton or won the state title. Photo by Paul Mason

them during practices,” Bruce Perkins recalls. “He had a notebook and he even brought his toys to use as prizes. They all followed everything he did.” And they haven’t stopped since. So what does the future hold for this gifted athlete? “He can do whatever he wants in life,” Aguano says. “And he’ll be great at it.” But for Perkins, raised with a pigskin

in his hands, there’s only one thing he sees in his future. “There’s nothing else I’ve ever known,” he said. “I can’t imagine myself without football.” Jim Grieshaber is a Valley-based freelance sportswriter and radio host. He can be reached at news@santansun. com.

TAKEN: Police are searching for suspects who stole golf clubs belonging to Chandler’s namesake and founder Dr. A.J. Chandler. Submitted photo

6 SUN LAKES

January 3 – 16, 2015 FROM PAGE 1

time in an Arizona prison. It actively promotes education and self-sufﬁciency for incarcerated women in the United States at no cost to the prisons. “I love seeing them coming through that gate and giving them a great big hug,” Clausen says, adding that she enjoys telling them “Welcome back” and “You are going to be OK.” “This is what we do,” she says of the program. “We absolutely love it. The women are so appreciative.” According to Clausen, Arizona houses more than 46,000 male and female inmates at a cost of $25,000 per inmate annually. The state spends less than $10,000 a year on education for children. The former inmates are especially thankful for the clothing and hygiene products. The Welcome Back Committee provides those items because Clausen says the women only earn 15 to 50 cents an hour in prison. A portion of that is held

IRS and tax groups offer tips on avoiding scam preparers

Community for a gate fee when they are released from prison. “We have had one woman come out with $12,” she says. Welcome Back Committee greeted 26 women in 2014. “Somewhere between 25 and 30 is a typical year for us,” Clausen says. Clausen and Durand meet former inmates at Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville in Goodyear, a 51-mile, one-way trip from Sun Lakes. They arrive with a plastic bag that is given to the gate ofﬁcer with release clothing. The former inmates are taken to the DMV, parole and social security ofﬁces and then treated to lunch. The women then visit the St. Mary’s Food Bank for an emergency food box before they are taken to the halfway house or a release address. Clausen and Durand strive to relieve the anxiety of all released inmates. Clausen says she has 18 tubs of clothing as well as hygiene items stored in her

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home. She is able to purchase weekly bus passes at a discounted rate because Gina’s Team is a nonprofit entity. “We try to be consistent in giving everyone the same items,” she says. Gina’s Team subscribes to the principle that “education, not incarceration, is the cheapest form of crime prevention.” The organization has regular guest speakers that touch upon such topics as education, goal setting and leadership. Clausen says a speaker goes to the prison quarterly to motivate the women by persuading them that their lives are not over. There is life after prison. Gina’s Team also teaches the six-week ATHENA leadership model course, which includes eight principles: live authentically; learn constantly; advocate fiercely; act courageously; foster collaboration; build relationships; give back and celebrate. Clausen says the group just finished its 10th class of 45 women. “We wish we could reach other

yards,” she says, adding that they are only allowed on two minimum-security yards. “Everybody could use this. It certainly makes a difference.” Clausen says when the women begin the course, they are like little ﬂower buds. Upon completion of the course, she says they turn into big happy open ﬂowers. “They say they never realize how different their lives can be (by) changing their thinking and actions,” she says. “We teach them the tools based on the eight principles that they can apply to life on the yards during their incarceration and in their new lives, when free.” For more information, visit www. ginasteam.org, or call Clausen at (480) 7480618 or Durand at (602) 315-1707.

The Internal Revenue Service joins with national tax organizations to offer new options for information and tips on selecting tax professionals and avoiding unscrupulous preparers. Information is available at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro. There is also a new gateway page— www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/ IRSTaxProAssociationPartners— with links to national nonproﬁt tax professional groups. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen offers basic tips for selecting a tax professional: Select an ethical preparer. Taxpayers

entrust some of their most vital personal data with the person preparing their tax return. Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes their Preparer Tax Identiﬁcation Number that all paid prepares are required to have. Review your tax return and ask questions before signing. Taxpayers are ultimately legally responsible for what’s on their tax return. Never sign a blank tax return. This is a clear red ﬂag. The preparer can put anything they want on the return—even their own bank account for the tax refund.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

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Community

January 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16, 2015

Community

January 3 – 16, 2015

REPTILES FROM PAGE 1

“For the weather interface that I built, users can set upper and lower limits for the temperature,” he continues. “So if the temperature goes above or below a certain level, it will send them an email or text message. So they can get an alert in the middle of the night.” Remote water temperature sensors feed data via Bluetooth to the Galileo boards, which then sends information to a website that generate alerts. The information can be accessed on any device with a Web browser, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, 24/7. So if a water heater fails, PHS personnel are alerted and can make repairs before a reptile’s life is in danger. “This is very innovative. I don’t know of any zoos that have this,” Johnson says. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, SanTan Sun News executive editor, contributed to this story. Tracy House is a freelance writer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

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Chandler police debuts Autism vulnerable population database academy opens in Chandler

The Chandler Police Department has developed a program to catalog members of the vulnerable population who live, work, go to school or receive treatment in Chandler. “Return Me Safe” is a voluntary program designed with the care of the vulnerable resident in mind. Its aim is to provide much-needed information for police ofﬁcers when responding to calls for service that involve these community members. The department is asking family

members of those who suffer from autism, dementia or any other vulnerable state to discuss the beneﬁts of registering their loved ones in this program. Along with family members, caregivers may also register members of the vulnerable population in the “Return Me Safe” program. This program, which is for children and adults, is offered through www.chandlerpd.com under Community. For further information, contact Detective Seth Tyler at (480) 782-4105.

Meet elected ofﬁcials at January chamber breakfast The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Meet the Elected Ofﬁcials Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Hilton Chandler-Phoenix, 2929 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. Many 2015 Arizona state legislators, members of the Chandler, Kyrene, Tempe and Mesa governing boards, the corporation commission and more are slated to attend. The featured speaker will be Dick Castner from the U.S. Chamber of

Commerce, who will be presenting his ﬁscal cliff perspective and its impact on Arizona. The chamber will also unveil its 2015 “How We Stand” booklet at the breakfast, which explains its legislative agendas and priorities for the coming year. To attend the breakfast, visit the chamber’s website at www. chandlerchamber.com, email info@ chandlerchamber.com or call (480) 9630811.

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders is opening CARD Academy schools in Chandler and Phoenix this month. The private day school for individuals with autism uses applied behavior analysis for students with autism, developmental delay and speech-language impairment from ages 5 to 22. The curriculum is based on the Department of Education standards as well as CARD’s own assessment and curriculum called SKILLS, a technology used by teachers and administrators to organize lesson plans, track progress, identify trends and allocate resources such as extra training. SKILLS is aligned with the Common Core curriculum. Enrollment is underway but space is limited. Empowerment scholarship account (ESA) funds are accepted. To enroll, contact Mary Ann Cassell (571) 290-0143 or email m.cassell@ centerforautism.com.

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Community

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Freedom Riders to speak in Chandler A bus ride 53 years ago thrust Freedom Riders Carol Ruth Silver and Claude Liggins into the center of the civil rights movement and eventually the history books. A plane ride next month will bring them to Chandler, where their ﬁrsthand accounts of their ﬁght for equality is as important today as it was in 1961. Silver and Liggins will participate in a multi-media panel discussion, The Road to Freedom, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for veterans and

active military and available at www. evjcc.org or by calling (480) 897-0588 or visiting the Chandler Center for the Arts box ofﬁce. The story of the Freedom Riders is one of ordinary people, mostly young, both white and black, who challenged the system of segregation which had existed in the South for almost 100 years. By peacefully entering segregated waiting rooms, restrooms and lunch areas, they tried to change the law. Their actions were nonviolent, but they encountered extreme verbal and physical abuse and incarceration while

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ﬁghting for the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Silver recounts her experiences in a book, “Freedom Rider Diary: Smuggled Notes from Parchman Prison,” and will be signing copies of her book at the event. The Road to Freedom is among several events held each January in Chandler to honor the community’s heritage and diversity, along with the spirit, ideals, life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

and a the civil rights movement. This year’s events are produced by the City of Chandler, East Valley Jewish Community Center and a Chandler Center for fo the Arts. For Fo more information about Chandler’s Celebration of Unity, visit www.chandleraz. gov/unity and friend us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ ChandlerDiversityOfﬁce.

Community

January 3 – 16, 2015

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Community

January 3 – 16, 2015

Recycle holiday trees this month Diamondbacks, Clothes Cabin help the homeless BY MEGHAN MCCOY

The City of Chandler is offering holiday revelers 11 spots to recycle their Christmas trees through Jan. 16. Curbside pickup is also available. The drop-off sites include Arrowhead Park, 1475 W. Erie St.; Chuparosa Park, 2400 S. Dobson Rd.; Desert Breeze Park, 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. E.; Folley Park, 601 E. Frye Rd.; Nozomi Park, 250 S. Kyrene Rd.; Pima Park, 625 N. McQueen Rd.; Recycling-Solid Waste Collection Center, 955 E. Queen Creek Rd.; Shawnee Park, 1400 W. Mesquite St.; Snedigar Sportsplex, on the west side of the park, east of Alma School Rd., off of Lake Drive; Tumbleweed Park, south of Celebration Drive, off of South Pioneer Parkway; and Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Solid Waste ﬁeld supervisor Mark King says residents should remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree stands before they recycle the tree, which should not be placed in a bag. King says the trees should be placed as far back in the container at the drop-off location as possible, so it does not block access for other residents to place their trees. Curbside recycling is also offered during resident recycling days

through Friday, Jan. 16. The Christmas tree must be out for collection by 6 a.m. on the scheduled recycling day. Residents should not place Christmas trees in garbage or recycling cans, but rather on their property in a visible location that is not blocking a sidewalk or street. The trees must not be placed more than four feet behind the sidewalk because drivers are forbidden from going more than four feet to retrieve them. Once picked up by the city, the Christmas trees are brought to the closest drop-off location. King says the material will be chipped and brought to a park where it will be used as ground cover. For the 2012-13 holiday season, the City of Chandler collected 129 tons of Christmas trees. The following year, it yielded 140 tons of Christmas trees. King says the Christmas trees were chipped and the material was reused as ground cover at the Paseo Vista Park. For more information, call (480) 782-3510.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chandler charity, Clothes Cabin, teamed up to help the homeless this winter. The Diamondbacks awarded Clothes Cabin a “D-Backs Give Back” grant for homeless assistance, which gave Clothes Cabin the opportunity to install lockers, mailboxes and winter clothing for its homeless clients. Clothes Cabin, located at 1100 N. Alma School Rd., in Chandler, provides free clothing, shoes and linens to the poor, homeless and victims of domestic violence. The charity invited its homeless clients to choose shoes, coats, long underwear, pants, sweatshirts and blankets.

The charity is accepting donations of children’s clothing and shoes, men’s clothing and towels from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Clothes Cabin is open for client service from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Friends Resale Boutique, a gift and thrift boutique, is operated by Clothes Cabin. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the boutique beneﬁt Clothes Cabin. The boutique is located next to Clothes Cabin and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

CHARITY: Clothes Cabin, a charity located in Chandler, provides free clothing, shoes and linens to the poor, homeless and victims of domestic violence. Submitted photo

Hart speaks at January Sun Lakes Democrats meeting The public is invited to hear Doug Hart of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans speak at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meeting 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd. Hart will focus on the implications of the Ryan Budget and other Federal and Arizona legislative initiatives for retired Arizonans, especially regarding Medicare, Social Security, the Affordable Care Act and an update on the status of the bill, Improving Access to

Medicare Coverage Act of 2013. At all the club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The public is invited to the meetings held on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For details, call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.

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Vote for neighborhood awards

‘Get Waisted’ at Nabers

Chandler residents have until Orangetree, Solera and Sun Groves Saturday, Jan. 17, to help Mayor for Best Neighborhood Event Jay Tibshraeny and a panel of and Andersen Springs is a judges pick the winners of finalist along with Sun Groves the mayor’s second annual for Most Active/Engaged Neighborhood Neighborhood. Excellence Awards. Ten Orangetree is the lone finalists are competing finalist in the Best in four categories: Best Revitalization Story Neighborhood Event, category. Best Revitalization Story, VOTE NOW: You can help decide Winners will who receives the 2015 awards for be announced at Neighborhood Leader cool neighbors. Submitted photo Tibshraeny’s State of of the Year and Most Active/Engaged Neighborhood. the City Address Feb. 19. Vote online David Wolff from Dobson Estates III at www.chandleraz.gov/surveys/ and Karen Peyton from Andersen Springs TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=98L1ln2. are finalists for Neighborhood Leader Find out more about the awards or of the Year. The Dobson Estates III how to register as a neighborhood at neighborhood joins Festival Celebration, (480) 782-4354.

Nabers restaurant wants residents to whittle away that waist at its ﬁrst “Get Waisted” event on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Who said exercise has to be a chore? Come out and learn how to line dance and swing dance for free. From 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. learn how to line dance with Carrie McNeish, and stay for the swing dance instruction with Steve Conrad from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classic country swing band, Trailer Queen, will also take the stage to keep the

momentum going. There will be a special menu available full of healthy dishes, $5 whiskey drinks and half price select wines by the bottle. This event kicks off its Wednesday night free dance lessons for 2015. Nabers, located at 825 N. 54th St., Chandler, focuses on good food, great drinks and fun music throughout the week. For more information, visit www. nabersaz.com or follow it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nabersaz.

Sheriff’s posse and ﬁre department guest speakers The Sun Lakes Chapter of HLAA has invited the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse and Sun Lakes Fire Department to speak from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Ed Robson Branch Library Lecky Center. Topics such as strategies for people with hearing loss to be safe in their

homes will be discussed, as well as hearing smoke alarms, making a 9-1-1 call or responding to a security alarm alert. For additional information, contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com and Scott Sjolin at the Ed Robson Branch, (602) 652-3000.

GET IN SHAPE: Nabers restaurant will host free dance lessons on Wednesday nights throughout 2015. Submitted photo

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San Tan Mountain Regional Park January activities San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek, has a plethora of activities scheduled for January. For a complete listing of the monthly programs, visit www.maricopa. gov/parks/santan/. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is a $6 per vehicle day-use entry fee.

Wild Foods: Desert Edibles set for Jan. 3 Wild foods all played a very important role in the lives of early desert dwellers. From the gathering of saguaro fruits to making meal cake from chia seeds, they harvested and prepared foods that are still enjoyed by people around the world. Join others for a oneof-a-kind experience into the delicious realm of wild foods of the Sonoran Desert at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Visitor Center.

Hikers Choice, Marshmallow Roast Jan. 3, Jan. 31 Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at night as individuals hike under the light from a full moon at 7 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 3 and Jan. 31. Listen for the sounds of wildlife and explore the night life atmosphere. Join Ranger Tish for a pristine 2.2-mile stroll along the Stargazer Trail or choose the self-guided hike along the 1.3-mile Littleleaf and

Goldmine trails. After the hike, enjoy the campﬁre and marshmallow roast at the picnic area. Dress warm and wear closedtoed shoes. Flashlights are welcome. Meet at the ﬂagpole.

2-mile Birding Adventures hike Jan. 4 Hit the trails early to catch the masters of the sky in action at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, at the ﬂagpole. This guided 2-mile hike will take individuals deep into the heart of prime birding territory. Enjoy learning birding skills from a local expert.

Homeschool program includes role playing Jan. 8 The Homeschool: Safe and Found Series includes a scenario where a family camping trip went from a blast to a scary situation where two brothers get lost while following deer into the canyon. The sunsets, the night falls and the brothers begin to worry, which is followed by panic. It’s cold, both siblings are hungry and beginning to get scared. Would you know what to do in this scenario? If not, then this program is for you. Join others at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, as attendees role play different situations that will help keep them safe and found. The Homeschool: Safe and Found Series continues at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Now that you know not-so-pleasant

camping experiences can happen, let’s up the scenario a few notches. You’re exploring the desert with your friends when someone steps into a crevice and breaks an ankle. Do you know what to do? During this program you will increase your confidence as you are equipped with the knowledge of basic first aid. Wear closed-toed shoes, hats and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and meet at the flagpole.

Trail Blazers: Fitness Hike set throughout January Be sure to meet at the flagpole to enjoy the New Year’s-inspired Goldmine Summit hike at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9. While the trail gains 700-feet in elevation, the hike will be at a slow pace for a total of 3 miles roundtrip. At the top, the views will inspire everyone to greater achievements. Need a little inspiration to get moving and grooving? Then join others for a progressive fitness hike that is sure to provide the oomph needed to get going. The easy to moderate 3.6-mile hike on the Mountain Base Loop begins at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23. Wear closedtoed shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Meet at the flagpole.

San Tan Shredders Mountain Bike Group to meet Jan. 10, Jan. 23 Join others for another exciting

mountain bike ride among the San Tan Mountains. Most group rides are comprised of riders from all skill levels, ages and fitness levels, but who all share the common interest of riding mountain bikes. “No Rider Left Behind” is the group’s policy because everyone rides together in groups based upon their riding levels. The group offers help when needed, so individuals can gain new skills and confidence while on the trails. Come out and enjoy the great views of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park and the quiet get away from the everyday noise at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. This is a great way to get some exercise, have fun and meet some awesome people. A helmet is required for safety reasons and be sure to bring plenty of water and an extra inner tube. Another ride will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. Participants should bring plenty of water, an extra inner tube and 600 lumin lighting. The group will also meet at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the flagpole.

Reptile Feeding in the Nature Center Jan. 10 Reptiles, such as lizards and snakes, do not use forks and knives to help them eat their meals. Instead, they come with other tools that help get the job done. Bring your questions and join staff to see how cold-blooded residents eat their

www.SanTanSun.com meals at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, when frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Come and learn about the important roles these creatures play in the dynamic food web in the Nature Center.

Animal Spotlighting set for Jan. 10 The cooler weather is upon the desert, but what happened to all the animals? Join others at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, to investigate where the animals have gone and how they stay warm through the winter. Learn a few secrets on how to spot the illusive creatures even before the warm weather returns. Bring ﬂashlights, wear closed-toed shoes, bring plenty of water and meet at the ﬂagpole.

Sonoran Desert Survival to take place in Nature Center Jan. 11 Do you believe you have what it takes to survive the harsh Sonoran desert? Find out everything you need to know about how to enjoy the Sonoran Desert without getting yourself into an emergency situation. You’ll learn how to always stay found during the fun and informative program inside the Nature Center that starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11.

Trail Talk Series: Exploring Desert Washes set for Jan. 15 Have you ever walked down a wash? What makes them so special and unique? How do washes contribute to

Community the health of the desert itself? Join others for a look at the fascinating world of desert washes as everyone explores the importance to the desert ecosystem. This walk begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and is 1.5 miles long. Wear closedtoed shoes, hats, sunscreen, bring water and meet at the ﬂagpole.

Tiny Tumbleweeds: Toddler Stroll set for Jan. 16 Do you think some of the animals are playing hide and seek? Can you find them? The Tiny Tumbleweeds: Toddler Stroll will walk around the Interpretive Trail and Buddy Pond to find all the hidden critters at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Participants will learn why some animals are camouflaged and why others are not. Wear a hat, sunscreen and closedtoed shoes for this adventure and bring plenty of water. Meet at the flagpole.

Creepy Crawly Tarantulas Program Jan. 16 Are tarantulas really out to get you? Are they as creepy as you think they are? And are these hairy arachnids dangerous? If you have questions about the desert spider, the tarantula, join Ranger Tish for the one-hour program at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, as individuals explore the mysterious lives of tarantulas. Meet inside the Nature Center.

Old Man of the Mountain: Historical Hike set for Jan. 17 Imagine living underneath the shelter

of a Palo Verde tree as you mine for gold in the heat of the desert. While this may not be the typical lifestyle many of us would choose, learn about the enchanting true story of a man who did just that and the remarkable impact he had on those he came in contact with. Join others for an awe-inspiring 2-mile voyage along the Goldmine Trail at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Meet at the north end of the park by going from Hunt Highway, west on Empire Rd., left at Wagon Wheel and right at Skyline to parking lot. Wear closed-toed shoes, hats and sunscreen. Remember to bring plenty of water.

January 3 – 16, 2015

Saturday, Jan. 24.

TrailWork Volunteer Day set for Jan. 24

Based on the old favorite television game show, Jeopardy, individuals will have the opportunity to win some prizes at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. All participants need to do is listen to the questions and give the correct answers on topics that are all about the park. Meet at the main trailhead area for a zany game that will have participants humming the ever-sofamous game show tune.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park is looking for a few good volunteers at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. to provide for visitor safety and to protect natural and cultural resources. The park staff and trail volunteers provide a much-needed source of labor to repair and enhance existing trails. Trail maintenance projects include helping with pruning, erosion control, post installation and trail improvements. Regardless of trail experience and age, by the end of the day every volunteer knows the basics of trail maintenance. It is also a great way to see the park. Volunteers will start at 8 a.m. in the picnic area near the Nature Center and be on the trails for three to four hours. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, gloves and any tools you might have. The staff will provide some of the tools, as well. RSVP by contacting Park Supervisor Sarah Steele at sarahsteele@mail.maricopa.gov.

Living with Urban Wildlife program Jan. 24

Introducing the Desert through a 1.3-mile hike Jan. 25

Play Trailside Jeopardy Jan. 17

If you live on the outer edges of town or in the desert, the chances of encountering a venomous reptile, coyote or javelina are high. Your knowledge about urban wildlife and how to avoid or deter them could be invaluable. To bulk up your knowledge, meet in the Nature Center at 2 p.m.

Are you new to the desert? Are you wondering what is out there in this amazing land? Take a short 1.3-mile hike on the Littleleaf Trail and talk about all the plants and animals that live in the desert at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Wear closed-toed shoes, hats and sunscreen, SEE SAN TAN PAGE 17

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and be sure to bring water when you meet at the ﬂagpole.

Hike the Goldmine Trail Jan. 29 Join Ranger Tish for this moderate to difﬁcult 3-mile roundtrip hike up Goldmine at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Cameras and or binoculars are optional. Wear closed-toed shoes, hats and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and snacks and meet at the ﬂagpole.

Eco-Tour of park set for Jan. 30 San Tan Mountain Regional Park has typical Sonoran desert plants, but atypical geology that deﬁnes the distribution of plants throughout the park. From microclimates of desert washes to south-facing slopes, if you have asked why you see more creosote on the ﬂat terrain than any other plant then this program is for you. Individuals will take an easy to

moderate hike south of San Tan trail to the saddle at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30. There, individuals will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the south-end of the park with the rugged Malpais Hills in the background. Join Ranger Tish for this 4-mile round trip hike. Wear closed-toed shoes, hats, sunscreen and a light jacket. Bring plenty of water and snacks and meet at the ﬂagpole.

All About Kangaroo Rats at the Nature Center Jan. 31 What’s cute, fuzzy, hops on two legs, and can convert the seeds they eat into water? Kangaroo rats. No, they’re not from Australia, but these highly specialized rodents do live here in the desert. For those who are curious about these marvelous creatures, or have never heard of them before, this program is for you. Join others inside the Nature Center at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, for this fun and interactive program.

DEADLINES FOR JAN. 17 ISSUE The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, for the Saturday, Jan. 17, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to news@santansun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by ﬁlling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising ﬁles and information to account reps or contact ads@santansun.com. For deadline information, visit www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

January 3 – 16, 2015

Eli Young Band headlining barbecue festival Eli Young Band will headline the sixth annual Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival, which returns to downtown Chandler on Sunday, March 21. The band is best known for its double platinum single “Crazy Girl,” for which it earned an American Country Music Award in 2011 for Song of the Year. Other popular tracks include “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night.” “I’m thrilled to have Eli Young Band as our headlining act for this year’s festival,” says Landon Evans, the event’s coordinator. “The entertainment bill continues to grow each year and I couldn’t be happier with our amazing country lineup for 2015.” The 2015 Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival will feature an expanded stage, more barbecue pit masters and a new competitive eating zone. The annual festival won Outstanding Event of the Year in 2012 and 2013 at the APS AzTEC Awards. The festival will feature more than 60 pit masters from across the nation with their mouth-watering pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken. To wash down the barbecue, enjoy more than 200 kegs of SanTan Brewing Company’s craft beer, including Mr. Pineapple Wheat Beer, LimeLeaf Cream Ale, HopShock IPA,

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Devil’s Ale and more. The doors will open at 12 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. Saturday, March 21. The festival will fill the grounds of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park east and west, as well as connecting Arizona Avenue, which will be closed from Buffalo Street to Boston Street in downtown Chandler. Presale general admission tickets are available for $12 online at www. chandlerbbq.com and will be $15 at the gate on the day of the event. Food and beverages will be sold separately. Children 12 years of age and younger are admitted for free. Be sure to like the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bbq.beer. music and follow it on Twitter at @ BBQBEERFESTIVAL for entertainment announcements, a chance to win free tickets and more event details as they roll out. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Boot Campaign, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing assistance to wounded military members and their families with obtaining jobs and securing mortgage free homes, finding post traumatic stress disorder counseling, getting adaptive clothing and much more. For more information, visit www. bootcampaign.com.

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Burst of Butterﬂies lets patrons release their inner artist BY ALISON STANTON

People who walk into the new Burst of Butterflies Pottery Painting & Art Studio will get to do a lot more than enjoy a couple relaxing hours painting their own pottery creations. Patrons will also get the opportunity to help support a local family who opened the art studio as a way to take care of one of their own. Co-owners Cheryl Tisland and her mother, Peg Peters, were inspired to open Burst of Butterflies as a way to offer support for Tisland’s sister, Risa Buglio, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a serious motorcycle accident. “The metamorphosis of a butterfly

is very similar to the recovery from a traumatic brain injury,” Tisland says. “We talked about it and said, ‘What if all of us opened a business together?’ Traumatic brain injuries turn a person’s life upside down, and art therapy can help with organization, motor skills and cognitive function as well as providing

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an outlet for dealing with emotions, and thoughts and feelings that may not be dealt with in other forms of therapy.” The family chose a paint your own pottery and art studio based on their shared love of art. “The name ‘Burst of Butterﬂies’ just went along with everything,” Tisland explains. “My mom has been painting on canvases throughout her entire life, as well as making candles and jewelry, and I’ve always been into all different types of art.” For Tisland and Peters, the business is truly a family affair. Tisland’s son, Lucas, is the main ceramicist, while Buglio helps out with customer service. The family is hosting a grand opening event for their 2,700-square-foot art studio from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce will unveil a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., and Tisland says people can stay and paint pottery until 9 p.m. “We will be ofﬁcially open after that,” Tisland says. In addition to offering paint your own pottery and canvas sessions, the studio will also feature classes in canvas painting, glass fusion, soap making, candle making, clay building and polymer bead making. The studio will provide a gift boutique and sell art supplies, including 5- and 10-pound

blocks of clay. “We will also have our BYOB license, so we can host bachelorette parties and couples’ nights,” Tisland says. “Anybody can book a birthday party here. And we are also looking forward to working with the Boy and Girl Scouts, since clay building is one of the badges they need to earn.” Last June, the family purchased the building in downtown Chandler. Since then, they have worked nonstop getting the space ready to open. “Labor of love is one term for it,” Tisland says. “There have been a lot of ups and downs. But we really love the downtown area and from the time we started this process, we knew we wanted to be here.” Tisland says she and her family are all looking forward to opening Burst of Butterflies, and offering adults and kids a fun place to relax and be creative. “It’s really exciting, and I think this will be a great place for artists” Tisland says. Burst of Butterflies Pottery Painting & Art Studio is located at 141 W. Boston St. in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 559-8016 or visit www. burstofbutterflies.com or on Facebook (search Burst of Butterflies Art Studio). Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com

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Element hotel slated to open near mall in 2016 BY MEGHAN MCCOY

SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’ The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers. Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business proﬁle in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 38,000 homes, racks and boxes on the ﬁrst and third Saturdays of the month. Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, specialty, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.

Developers of the Element by Westin “really believe in Chandler” and feel its future location by Chandler Fashion Center is ideal for Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ eco-friendly brand. “It’s a fantastic area for Element and the brand in what they look to accomplish, and the type of clientele they hope to attract,” says Adam Baugh, a zoning attorney with Withey Morris, a land use law firm in Phoenix’s Biltmore area. “You have so many built-in amenities— quick freeway access, local employers.” Starwood Hotels and Resorts is known for its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection brands. The four-story, 107-room Element hotel—the zoning for which is expected to be adopted by the Chandler City Council on Jan. 8—offers fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and Heavenly beds, Westin’s signature bedding line. Natural light is incorporated into the various spaces of the hotel, including the lobby, which will have a 16-foot window. “The bright feel helps guests and visitors feel more comfortable,” Baugh says. This will be Starwood’s first foray into Arizona with the Element brand. Officials are hoping to open the hotel, set for the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Chandler Village Drive, in 2016. “The applicant is currently working

HOTEL: Element Hotel has tentatively been scheduled to open in 2016 in Chandler. Submitted photo

on construction drawings that will be submitted to the City,” Baugh says. The rooms are designed with modular furniture in user-friendly layouts, so guests have the opportunity to adapt the space as needed. Baugh says the Starwood brand is well-known for its modern feel and minimalist design, which incorporates sustainability features. Such features as energy-efﬁcient faucets and real silverware, dinnerware and glassware are used instead of plastic and paper disposable products in the rooms. Filtered drinking water is also available to eliminate plastic bottles. The eco-friendly theme continues in the bathroom, which uses dispensers to hold all-natural amenities, instead of

disposable bottles. The rooms also contain carpets with up to 100 percent recycled content, wall art mounted on recycled tire bases and low volatile organic compound paints that help improve air quality. Recycle bins are also located in the guest rooms and common areas of the hotel. “The user is a younger business type of traveler,” Baugh says. “Those people tend to be more conscious about the environment and tend to support the same goal that they share.” Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

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Business

January 3 – 16, 2015

Formal dresses and personalized service glitter at Sparkle BY ALISON STANTON

Stylish and sparkly prom dresses. Colorful Quinceanera gowns. Beautiful baptism dresses for babies. These are just a few of the many types of formal dresses available at Sparkle at SanTan Village. “We are a destination dress shop, and we offer all types of women’s formal wear as well as jewelry and accessories,” says co-owner Dev Gupta, who opened Sparkle about five years ago with his wife Suprit. “Everything from newborns to women ages 60plus.” At one time, the couple had three locations throughout the Valley including stores in Fiesta Mall and Arizona Mills. Now, Gupta says, they are focusing on the SanTan Village shop, which they opened last June. Unlike some other dress shops that might carry a limited selection of sizes and styles, Gupta says he and his wife pride themselves on offering a variety of sizes. “From a size standpoint, one of the things that separates us is that we can get plus-sizes dresses and other sizes and all of the styles in whatever color,” Gupta says. It usually takes roughly 10 days to receive a special order at Sparkle, as opposed to upwards of two months at major dress stores. If a woman loves a particular dress but it is a bit too long or needs other alterations, Gupta says an on-site seamstress is available to help. Store employees are also happy to offer advice on which dress is best. “Sparkle is a family-owned store, and there is always a family member there who can offer that one-on-one experience. Everyone who comes in our store will get someone who knows the products and understands the business and wants to help,” Gupta says.

SPECIAL ORDERS WELCOMED: Dev Gupta, co-owner of Sparkle, says the store can order dresses of any color and size. Submitted photo

In addition to teenage girls who are looking for the perfect prom or Quinceanera dress, he says they also work with brides-to-be and their attendants. “A lot of bridal customers come to us, including the maids of honor and the mother of the bride. We really get the full spectrum,” he says. Gupta says he and his wife are passionate about helping their customers get the best deals. “The economy has changed, and we understand that it’s not feasible for the average person to spend a couple hundred of dollars on a prom dress,” he says. “We offer dresses with very low price points, and can help teenage girls find a dress for $60 to $70. “We also contribute to charities that help disadvantaged kids who can’t afford the prom.” One of the most enjoyable parts of owning Sparkle, Gupta says, is working

with repeat customers and getting to know them and their families. In one case, a customer bought all of her prom dresses from them over the years and then returned to pick out a dress for when she was competing in the Miss Arizona pageant. “Then she came back again to buy her wedding dress, and her mom came too to pick out a mother-of-the-bride dress,” Gupta says. “Customers come in who are generations apart, and it’s very interesting to see the same faces coming back to see us.” Sparkle is located at 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 235, in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 8202257. Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.

ALL-OCCASION DRESSES: At Sparkle, females of all ages can ﬁnd the perfect dress for proms, weddings and other special events. Submitted photo

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January 3 – 16, 2015

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Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa to host job fair

Walmart hiring 300 associates for new Chandler store

Anyone who’s passionate about helping people live healthier is invited to apply in person on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Holiday Inn at Ocotillo for a number of positions at the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa in Chandler. The state-of-theart facility, located at the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads, is scheduled for completion in April. The job fair will include two sessions: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Applicants need to RVSP by filling out a form here: https://home.eease. adp.com/recruit2/?id=11425651&t=2. Departments include café/servers/ cooks, pro shop/retail, activities, group exercise, operations/towel desk, youth services, spa service providers and front desk staff. Approachable management candidates with demonstrated success for driving results and motivating employees are asked to

Walmart will hire approximately 300 associates to work at the new store slated to open this spring in Chandler. A temporary hiring center has opened at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 4, Chandler. Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays. Prospective employees may also apply online at http://careers.walmart.com. Through Walmart’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, the company will offer a job to any qualified veteran who has been honorably discharged within the past 12 months. Interested veterans may find out more at http:// walmartcareerswithamission.com. According to the manager Daniel Lammes, the store is hiring full- and part-time associates.

apply. The company is also seeking knowledgeable personal trainers and fitness professionals with a minimum of a BS or BA in exercise science, physiology or a related field and a national accredited certification (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, CI-CPT). Licensed spa and salon professionals with unparalleled customer service skills who stay current on the latest trends, styles and techniques are also wanted, as are tennis professionals with a strong emphasis in building rewarding programs and teaching private and group lessons. The Village is seeking to fill a wide variety of positions, and offers competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), complimentary health club membership and employee discounts. For more information, visit www. villageclubs.com.

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“We are looking for associates who are eager to provide excellent customer service, and we hope they soon discover the many growth opportunities available at Walmart,” says Lammes. Walmart provides a benefits program to eligible full- and part-time associates. For example, it provides a variety of affordable health and well-being benefits, including health care coverage with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers eligible associates matching 401k contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company paid life insurance. Additionally, eligible associates receive a quarterly incentive based on store performance. The majority of new associates will begin work this February to help prepare the store for its grand opening.

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January 3 – 16, 2015

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Bank publishes photo book to benefit education nonprofits Alliance Bank of Arizona, the state’s largest headquartered bank, has published “At Work in Arizona: The First 100 Years,” with proceeds going to 12 of the state’s most effective educationfocused nonprofits. Curated by Marilyn Szabo and written by Stuart Rosebrook, “At Work in Arizona” frames the story of Arizona’s economic history over the last century through the lens of the men and women who built it. Organized by key business sectors and vital industries, “At Work in Arizona” makes the point that for the next 100 years to be as remarkable as the first, increased investment in education is essential. “Alliance Bank has been a key contributor to economic development in our state for more than 12 years. Now, we’re mile-marking our journey by publishing ‘At Work in Arizona’—a limited edition pictorial essay of the state’s first century of commerce,” says Jim Lundy, Alliance Bank’s founding president and CEO. “Both a historical work and a tribute to people committed to achieving their dreams, ‘At Work in Arizona’ reminds us of our debts to others and inspires us to do more.” Blending past and present, “At Work in Arizona” showcases the cultural and economic heritage of the state. The idea came about when Lundy commissioned Szabo in 2003 to fill the bank’s walls with art depicting the history of commerce

in the state. Rosebrook, a historian and former associate editor of Arizona Highways, was commissioned to write the book and tell the back-story of each photograph. This art has been assembled into a pictorial essay and features an introduction by former Gov. Bruce Babbitt and endorsements from former Sen. Jon Kyl, Rep. Ed Pastor, and former Phoenix Art Museum director James

education. To remain competitive in a global marketplace, we need to change that narrative through strategic investment in creating a 21st century workforce. Our future depends on it. It’s time to do more, starting with greater grass root support for key nonproﬁts making essential investments in Arizona young people every day.” This unique volume captures an aerial view of the construction of the

BOOK: Curated by Marilyn Szabo and written by Stuart Rosebrook, “At Work in Arizona: The First 100 Years” frames the story of Arizona’s economic history over the past century, through the lens of the men and women who built it. Submitted photo

Ballinger. The 168-page book highlights more than 212 historic photographs starting with the 1880s. “Arizona has a rich history of achievement driven by ingenuity and hard work,” Lundy says. “But when it comes to education, we have some unﬁnished business. Arizona ranks at or near bottom in state spending on

Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Jerry Colangelo during the building of Bank One Ball Park (today Chase Field), open heart surgery at the Diethrich Heart Center, Charles Lindberg visiting the nation’s oldest municipal airport in Tucson, heavyweight contender Zora Folley, and a whimsical portrait of Marilyn Monroe at the

Arizona State Fair. All proceeds will benefit the following 12 organizations: A Stepping Stone Foundation, Act One Foundation, AZ Earn to Learn, Boys Hope Girls Hope, College Success Arizona, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Children’s Museum Tucson, Elevate Phoenix, First Things First, Friendly House, Junior Achievement of Arizona and Support Our Schools AZ. “We need to change the paradigm on how we look at advancing our job base and it starts with education,” says Tony Astorga, board director of the Arizona Community Foundation and chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “I’m thrilled that Alliance Bank is leading the conversation and think that this platform will not only raise dollars, but will moreover encourage collaboration among our nonprofits, in turn helping more of Arizona’s children reach their potential.” All donations should be made to the Alliance for Education Fund, a component fund of the Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona’s premier charitable partner. “At Work in Arizona” is available with any donation over $100. Donations will be taken online or at any of the 10 Alliance Bank of Arizona offices statewide. For more information or to donate, visit www.next100years.org.

Chamberlain Orthodontics - Partners in Education 2015 From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop think we all agree that our children are our most valuable resource. They bring us joy and we all hope that they will have more opportunity than we had, no matter our circumstance. Dr. Thomas Chamberlain However, with education cuts and more administrative costs to run education programs it seems that in many ways, our children have less of an opportunity in school. Many schools have less arts education and other programs

than they had a decade or two ago. We at Chamberlain Orthodontics are hoping to provide a small but significant solution to this problem, at least in our area and in our circle of influence. I would like to introduce a new way we have thought to give back to the schools in our community. We call it the “Partners in Education” program. In short, our office will give $100 for each child that begins full orthodontic treatment in 2015 to the school that child attends.

This allows us to give directly back to our community and the schools that so positively influence our children. I am personally so excited to begin this program and see the potential for good unfold in our schools and community.

If you have any questions or would like us to reach out to a school to tell them about our Partners in Education program, please don’t hesitate to call us at 480-448-2474.

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New Web resource for consumer education and awareness Now Plumbing announced the launch of www.nowplumbing.net as an informational portal that features educational resources on subjects such as property value beneﬁts from plumbing repairs and installation, water heater and sewer inspections and cleaning and many other helpful tips that can save thousands of dollars in the Valley. Development of other communityminded features for www.nowplumbing. net are already underway and new user awareness guides from experts are already being added covering topics such as how to improve property regardless of an individual’s budget, how-to’s on maintenance and repair, and what everybody should know about the

latest materials and design before starting any home, commercial or industrial improvement project. “Our goal is to educate the community on how to get the best results for all their property improvement projects at anyy budget. Our website’s information and nd professional article sections are there to help everybody, not just our Now Plumbing customers. The depth of knowledge and resources at www.nowplumbing.net is 100 percent unbiased, concise and free to all,” says Greg Scala of Now Plumbing. Now Plumbing is

ccomprised of experienced plumbers that have serviced more than 6,000 satisﬁed customers. They are d dedicated to the plumbing

needs of both families and businesses. Now Plumbing has experience in repairs, maintenance, replacements and installations. Its two specialties areas are leak detection and emergency system troubleshooting. They offer the promise to deliver the highest quality plumbing services on time and always within the customer’s budget. It does not matter if plumbing problems happen at midnight or 3 a.m., they will always come to their customer’s rescue. They are licensed, bonded and insured professionals. For more information, visit www. nowplumbing.com.

Ecoshield Pest Control looks to expand staff Ecoshield Pest Control, a local company that works to eliminate unwanted insects in residences and commercial businesses, recently announced it is hiring additional staff to meet its growing needs in the Valley. The result of increasing demand for its economically friendly pest control solutions, Ecoshield seeks potential employees to ﬁll many of its openings in its Call Center facility in Scottsdale. The

company has been in operating in the Valley since 2007 and has ofﬁces in 15 states, including Texas and California. “If you share our vision for helping home owners to provide safe and healthy living, and if you are looking for a solid growth and career track opportunities to jump start your career and evolve, then this job is for you,” says Ecoshield Pest Control CEO Doug Cardon. “The pest control industry grew to

over $12 billion last year and is expected to double over next few years. Our company grew over 300 percent last year alone.” Applicants to be a Call Center Team Leader must possess the following qualiﬁcations: phone sales experience strictly in outbound/inbound environment, experience in managing automated dialer, one-call close by accepting credit cards over phone,

great verbal communication skills, great attitude, computer literate and a team player. Anyone interested can call (480) 567 2566 to schedule an interview and ask for Victor. Or, visit the other job opportunities at Ecoshield Pest Control either by checking out the company website at ecoshieldpest.com or by visiting the postings at: http://phoenix. craigslist.org/evl/sls/4788451316.html.

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Everybody Loves Fondue owners smitten with eatery BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Living in Switzerland while on a mission, Bill Dixon indulged in Swiss fondue, dipping various vegetables, breads and meats in cheese. His Canadian-born wife, Celine, who lived in France for a time, knew a thing or two about fondue as well. “They did a lot of fondue when she was growing up,” Bill says. Since the end of summer, the duo has been living their dream of owning a fast and affordable fondue restaurant, aptly named Everybody Loves Fondue. “Who doesn’t love cheese and chocolate melted?” Bill asks rhetorically when asked about the name of the Gilbert restaurant. “We do things like large soft pretzels dipped in cheese. You can’t go wrong with that. We have angel food cake dipped in chocolate. You can’t mess that up.” Apparently, the recipe is working. Everybody Loves Fondue has found success at its location at Higley and Guadalupe roads. Bill, who worked in machinery for Empire before opening the restaurant, adds that he gets a thrill out of watching ﬁrst-time customers discovering fondue. “I love seeing people the ﬁrst time they take a bit of our chocolate or cheeses and light up,” he says. “They’re surprised at how good it is. When you get fast fondue at a reasonable price, nobody expects Ghirardelli quality or the cheese quality that we use.”

As Bill states, Everybody Loves Fondue uses only the freshest ingredients. Celine elaborates. “We have a Swiss and cheddar fondue,” she says with her trademark smile. “You get French, wheat or focaccia bread. Then with everything else you pick your sides. The meat—turkey, chicken or ham—is already cooked.” The all-white-painted restaurant also offers fresh vegetables, such as raw broccoli, carrots, cauliﬂower, pickles, jalapenos and celery. “We have pretzels, crackers, chips, whatever else you can dip in the cheese,” says Celine, a former physical education teacher. “With the chocolate, it’s the same things—dark and white milk chocolate. We have strawberries and pineapple. Everything’s fresh.” Bill admits that Everybody Loves Fondue has a “secret” menu as well as its posted list of dishes. He revealed one item—a peanut, dark chocolate and marshmallow, rocky road-like dipping sauce. The prices are affordable. Each serving is $1.49; while a meat serving is $2.99. Chocolate, cheese and peanut fondue range in price from $3.99 to $6. Sandwiches are $4.99 to $6.99. The large soft pretzel—which is heavenly with cheese fondue—is $2.99. Not only do Bill and Celine feed the community, they support it as well. Daughters, Ryan, 15, and Sierra, 13, play sports and participate in performing arts

DELICIOUS: Bill and Celine Dixon serve up affordable, fun fondue at Everybody Loves Fondue in Gilbert. STSN photo by David Karasinski

at Highland High School and Highland Junior High School, respectively. Everybody Loves Fondue makes it a point to advertise in the programs. “It’s neat to be involved in the community,” he says. “It’s a charitable thing for us, to support the girls. That’s the main thing.” Unlike chain fondue restaurants, Everybody Loves Fondue doesn’t serve raw meats for diners to cook. “We don’t do raw meats. We don’t deal with hot oils,” he says. “Fondue

means ‘melted.’ We melt. That’s what we do. We do fondue.” Everybody Loves Fondue is located at 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (480) 268-9284 or visit www.everybodylovesfondue.com. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

RE/MAX agent Bill Ryan earns Circle of Legends Award

Bill Ryan. Submitted photo

Stop by Saturday, Jan. 3rd and sample the recipe of the month From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bill Ryan, broker/owner of RE/MAX Inﬁnity, has been presented with the RE/MAX Circle of Legends Award. The prize honors highly successful agents who have earned more than $10 million in commissions and have completed 10 years of service with the company. Created in 2001, the Circle of Legends Award has been achieved by less than half of 1 percent of all sales associates in the RE/MAX network. Ryan has been working in the real estate industry for more than 40 years and has extensive experience the Chandler real estate market. Among Ryan’s list of achievements: He is a

member of the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club, a past president and active member of Chandler Horizon Rotary, and his ofﬁce earned the Brokerage of the Year award in 2013 from RE/MAX Southwest. “Bill has been an integral member of our team and is more than deserving of this very prestigious award,” says Shelly Farley, managing broker of RE/MAX Inﬁnity. “Winning this award is a tremendous accomplishment. Bill continues to raise the bar in real estate, making us, and this community, proud.” RE/MAX is the most productive

real estate network with its associates averaging more sales than other real estate agents. RE/MAX’s website, www. remax.com, is one of the most visited real estate franchise sites, according to Experian Marketing Services Hitwise data, full-year 2013. “Real Estate Franchise websites” identified by RE/ MAX. RE/MAX is in over 90 countries, more than any of its competitors. For more information about RE/MAX Infinity, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, visit www. chandlerinfinity.com.

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Youth

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Chandler Air Service completes holiday toy drive BY CURT BLAKENEY

For the 23rd consecutive year, holiday revelers gathered at the Chandler Municipal Airport to donate toys for less fortunate East Valley children. The recent Toys 4 Tots Hangar Party was a rousing success as hundreds gathered to enjoy good food, music and holiday spirit that was in ample supply throughout the evening. “This year’s event had a fantastic turn out,” says John Walkup, president of Chandler Air Service, the event sponsor. “I want to extend a big thank you to everyone that helped make this happen.” Chandler Air Service asked participants to bring unwrapped toys and nonperishable food items and in exchange they got to meet Santa and chow down on mesquite-smoked barbecue. “This really is a fun event,” says Jeff Cooper of Coopers BBQ, a Chandlerbased catering service that provided the food for the event. “We’re so happy to participate and give back to the community.” The local rock band Unknown Associates played music throughout the night. The eight-member crew had partiers dancing in the aisles with its mix of classic rock, blues and southern rock. “The night was a whole lot of fun,” says band manager and percussionist Robert Shinn. “We brought our wives and girlfriends, so it was a night of family, good times and giving back to the community with plenty of holiday cheer.”

TOYS 4 TOTS: With its largest turnout, the Toys 4 Tots Hangar Party at Chandler Municipal Airport drew more than 500 people and collected four truckloads of holiday gifts for the underprivileged. Submitted photo

An estimated 500 people brought toys and canned goods, including 23 new bicycles. The morning after the event, the Chandler Compadres wrapped up hundreds of donated toys at a local Boys & Girls Club and then hand-delivered the wrapped gifts and nonperishable food items to roughly 50 less fortunate Chandler-area families on Dec. 20. “It really makes the holidays that much more meaningful when the airport people and neighbors get to do something good for the community,” Walkup says. “We’ve been doing this for 23 years now, and are looking forward to many more.” Walkup says the annual event began in 1992 when the Chandler Compadres

came up with the idea to collect toys for local kids in need. Today, Chandler Air Service funds the entire event. Chandler Air Service is an FAA-approved flight school, providing training for pilot certifications, custom flight training programs and small aircraft maintenance. Walkup has already announced plans for the 2015 holiday drive, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 11. “We’re going all out for a bigger contribution,” he says. We got to beat those 23 bikes!”

CUSD high schools offer tours The four Chandler Uniﬁed School District high schools will offer tours for approximately 3,000 CUSD eighth graders in January. Tours highlighting the schools’ Career and Technical Education programs, food/lounge areas and other campus features will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7, Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, at Basha High School, 5990 S. Val Vista Road, Chandler; Wednesday, Jan. 7, Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, at Chandler High School, 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler; Wednesday, Jan. 7, Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, at Hamilton High School, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler; and Thursday, Jan. 8, and Friday, Jan. 9, at Perry High School, 1919 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. All tours will begin at approximately 9:45 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. For more information call: Basha High School at (480) 224-2100, Chandler High School at (480) 812-7700, Hamilton High School at (480) 883-5000 and Perry High School at (480) 224-2800.

Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

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Youth

January 3 – 16, 2015

Chandler Christian Academy hosting open house Take the opportunity to learn about Chandler Christian Academy during its open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the school on the campus of Desert Springs Church, 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Parents of children in preschool through eighth grade can visit the new location’s classrooms and see the curriculum. It is also a chance to meet the teachers and the administrator Ruth Zappe. Parents can register for the 20152016 school year. Chandler Christian Academy has been in the heart of Chandler for 40 years, formed as Chandler Christian School, merging with San Tan Christian Academy, and ﬁnally with changing its name to Chandler Christian Academy. According to the press release, students are spiritually and academically renewed. Chandler Christian Academy

to help students improve in math and reading to reach grade-level competency. The Primavera Blended Learning Center is at 2451 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler. Open house events are offered from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, visit www.primaverablend.com.

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provides a caring, safe and supportive community that focuses on educating the whole person, it adds. The school boasts a specialized education department to meet the needs of different learning styles with a highly qualified teaching staff. Since the school moved to its new location in 2014, it has seen a 60-percent increase in enrollment. Chandler Christian Academy is also involved in the community. For example, it participated in an Adopt-a-Cop program, in which the school partners with the Chandler Police Department. Each child in the school prays for specific officers. Each class also does a community service project, whether it is sending troops letters, volunteering at Feed My Starving Children or assisting the elderly. For more information, visit www. chandlerchristianacademy.org.

New option at online school A new tuition-free, in-person option for Primavera Online High School’s sixththrough 12th-grade students is offered through its Chandler-based blended learning center. Combining Primavera’s established online curriculum with new in-person programs and resources, the program aims

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PRO TIPS: Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro recently hosted the All Copy Products NFL Play 60 camp at Athlos Traditional Academy, a Legacy Traditional School located at 3201 S. Gilbert Rd., in Chandler. The camp welcomed 100 students in second through eighth grades who participated in ﬁve skills-based activity stations that challenged them to catch footballs thrown by Catanzaro, run through ladder cone drills and maneuver through obstacle courses. “Our Athlos students receive four days of PE each week and learn about the importance of being active and eating healthy as a way to combat childhood obesity,” says Athlos Traditional Academy Principal Nicole McMillian. “So to have an NFL player reiterate and reinforce what they are learning in class makes a tremendous impact on their lives.” At the end of the camp, Catanzaro gave the students autographed backpacks. Submitted photo

Youth

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Clancy performs Applications due for study abroad scholarships in Wheaton College Christmas festival Mary Clancy, a student at Wheaton College, Illinois, recently performed in “Love’s Pure Light,” the 2014 Christmas festival presented by the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Clancy, a freshman from Chandler, performed with the Women’s Chorale. Clancy sang soprano I. To view the 2014 Wheaton College Christmas Festival, along with Christmas festivals from previous years, visit bit. ly/wcchristmasfest. To view a gallery of Christmas-related student artwork, visit www.wheaton.edu/advent. The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music provides students with comprehensive instruction that cultivates creativity, proﬁciency and achievement in a Christ-centered environment. For more information, visit www.wheaton.edu/conservatory. Wheaton College is a coeducational Christian liberal arts college noted for its rigorous academics, integration of faith and learning, and consistent ranking among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. For more information, visit www.wheaton.edu.

The application deadline for the 2015-2016 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad scholarship program is Jan. 7. The program provides full scholarships to American high school students to experience overseas communities and cultures, preparing students to collaborate on today’s global challenges such as human rights, community development, workforce development, climate change, and global health. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the YES Abroad program enables students to study for one academic year in countries that may include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman,

Philippines, Thailand and Turkey. The merit-based scholarship covers domestic and international travel; applicable visa fees; medical beneﬁts; room and board; tuition at the local high school; orientations; and fees for educational and cultural activities. Participants in the program fully immerse themselves into the culture of their host family while attending local high school. Erica, a current scholarship recipient from Wisconsin, who was named the October American Abroad of the Month by the State Department, says: “My time in South Africa has given me a chance to learn from daily life in my host school, while focusing my attention outward to my host family and community. Every day I am both a student and teacher to my peers, and

German school enrolling students German School Phoenix’s spring semester is enrolling adult speakers of all levels of German at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Beginner classes are held from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. Saturdays, beginning Jan. 10; intermediate and advanced classes

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I have learned so much not just about what it means to be Zulu, Xhosa or Afrikaans, but also what it means to be an American. I have found that it is in the informal conversations between classes and sport where I have learned and shared the most.” A 2012 participant, Hannah, who studied in Malaysia for one year, stated that, “The YES Abroad program opened my eyes. I learned about a new culture and shared my own. I now have two homes, two families and countless friends from around the world.” Interested students should visit www.yes-abroad.org to learn more the program and to apply. Contact the YES Abroad program at yesabroad@afsusa. org or (800) 237-4636 ext. 2151 for more information.

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Youth

January 3 – 16, 2015

www.SanTanSun.com

Plumbers help raise spirits of hospitalized children

East Valley singers to compete in Southwest Vocal Competition

Children spending the holiday season at Phoenix Children’s Hospital may not be laughing all the way, but Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is hoping to make sure children’s spirits are bright this holiday season. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing made good use of one of its busiest months and be “purposeful plumbers” by matching customer donations to give more than $5,000 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s sister company, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, also contributed more than $500. “We help bring things back to normal in our customers’ homes each day and deliver comfort,” says Linda Stanfield, owner who leads Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber. “That’s what Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals do as well for children and families.

Two East Valley singers, Jessica Tisdale of Chandler and Samuel Thomas Loose of Gilbert, will compete in a statewide vocal contest. The ﬁrst round will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Twenty contestants will advance to the second round, which is set for 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, also at the Mayo Clinic. The competition is being sponsored by the Mayo Clinic. “The Mayo Clinic Voice Program is proud to sponsor the Southwest Vocal Competition,” says Dr. David G. Lott, M.D. and director of the Mayor Clinic Voice Program in Arizona. “It is beautifully aligned with our mission to bring the art and science of medicine to the performing arts community and our passion to care for professional vocalists by focusing on the vocal arts, healthy vocal technique and advancements in medicine.” The judges for the preliminary rounds and Master Class will be Jacqueline Zander-Wall renowned mezzosoprano and founder of the Vocal Artistry Art Song Festival; Georg Stangelberger, artistic director, Phoenix Boys Choir; and Barbara Honn, retired professor of voice, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Ten singers will advance to the ﬁnals concert and perform with Phoenix Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro John Massaro, on stage at

We are pleased to be able to help children in our community.” More than 60 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment every minute, which is one child every second. Earlier this year, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing launched a nationwide partnership with CMNH and its November campaign was part of the company’s ongoing commitment. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raise funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only children’s hospital that is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals, providing world-class care across more than 75 pediatric specialties to the state’s sickest children.

the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix and compete for cash prizes. The finals concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. The finalists will compete for a $5,000 grand prize and all contestants will receive special instruction in healthy vocal techniques conducted by health professionals from the Mayo Clinic Voice Program in Arizona. The cash prizes include $5,000 for the first place female and male; $3,000 for second place; $2,000 for third place and $1,000 for fourth place. If all ten finalists are of the same gender, the first place cash award will double to $10,000. All remaining finalists who perform in the finals concert will each receive a $500 cash award. “We are so proud to welcome Mayo Clinic as title sponsor of the Southwest Vocal Competition. This has truly transformed the competition into a showcase of excellence in voice and vocal health,” says Massaro, executive director of Phoenix Opera. Winners will be announced immediately following the concert. The judges for the finals concert will be Katherine Olsen, founder and artistic manager, Encompass Arts LLC; William Florescu, general director, Florentine Opera Company; and Karan Armstrong, celebrated international operatic soprano. Tickets for the finals concert can be purchased through the Orpheum Box Office at www.orpheum-theater.com.

STUDENT CHRONICLES

DONATION: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating donated more than $5,000 in 30 days for children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital by collecting donations from their customers during a November campaign. Pictured: Chris Stanﬁeld, co-owner; Linda Stanﬁeld, co-owner; John Rollo; Mike Brewer; Danny Fontana; Alex Holland; and Leger Stecker, One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating. Submitted photo

John-Thomas Dietrich of Chandler is a fall 2014 graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. John-Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Kaitlyn Kauffmann of Chandler, a student musician at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois,

performed in the college’s annual “Christmas at Augustana” production recently. Nathan Walker of Chandler is on the fall 2014 Dean’s High Honors List at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. Nathan is majoring in Petroleum Engineering and is scheduled to graduate in 2017.

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Youth

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum showcases natural treasures BY KIMBERLY HOSEY

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was recently ranked among the top 10 U.S. museums in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year; the only Arizona museum to receive such an honor. Founded in 1952, the 98-acre ArizonaSonora Desert Museum in west Tucson is a fusion of zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural-history museum and (new since we last visited) aquarium. About 85 percent of the museum experience is outdoors, so now is a great time to check it out or revisit if you haven’t been for a while. It boasts 21 interpreted acres, 2 miles of walking paths, 16 individual gardens, 1,200 native plant species and a live animal collection with 230 native mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds. So it’s not like we needed much of an excuse to revisit this gem. But the season and recent accolades were certainly a good reason to check it out again, so my son and I ventured out to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, largely because we’d so loved it the last time. What we found was all the same stuff we knew and loved, plus some great new additions. It will be hard to justify not making the trip down every weekend. We started at the Orientation Ramada near the entrance, where the museum posts events for the day and regularly hosts presentations of Arizona’s ﬂora and fauna. This time, a docent was introducing visitors to a kestrel, North

CHOWING DOWN: A prairie dog eating a snack in its habitat. STSN photo by Kimberly Hosey

America’s smallest falcon and an Arizona native. From there we went to one of my son’s favorites from our previous trip: The limestone cave. The replica cave—complete with stalagmites and stalactites, water, fossils and interpretive displays about cave-dwelling animals—is a huge hit with kids, and adults who are game can earn extra points by going through the “true caving experience” tunnel inside. From there our path took us past a prowling mountain lion and playing Mexican gray wolves, social parrots and cuddling beavers, javelina resting in the shade of a footbridge and much more. One of our favorite presentations, “Live and (Sort of) on the Loose,” introduced us to a very easygoing Gila monster, a slightly more rattled (pun intended) snake and some very knowledgeable presenters keen on protecting reptiles and humans alike. Other live animal presentations include “Fur, Feathers and Fangs,” where workers share knowledge and stories about working with some of the museum’s most interesting residents and the popular Raptor Free Flight, running through April 5, where you watch from the ﬂight path as native birds of prey zoom by so close you might feel their wings brush your hair. We visited the walk-in aviary, which was going through renovation—a disappointment to my budding ornithologist, but one he decided was acceptable if it meant the birds were getting better digs. A visit to the hummingbird aviary was cut short as a private party came in and we were asked to come back in an hour. The delay was OK, though, because it was a prime time to visit the museum’s newest addition, the Warden Aquarium. The aquarium, unveiled in 2013 to celebrate the museum’s 60th anniversary, includes two galleries—one featuring freshwater species and one showcasing marine life from the Gulf of California. It might seem odd to have a dedicated aquarium in a facility centered on native desert life, but the desert is actually home to about 100 species of freshwater ﬁsh, some threatened or endangered. Many are featured in the aquarium as it explores Arizona’s creeks, rivers and riparian areas as well as waterways leading into and

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SHOWING OFF: A docent at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum holds a female kestrel, a small falcon, and discusses how the bird lives in the wild. STSN photo by Kimberly Hosey

entering the Gulf of California. Threats to Arizona’s aquatic habitats and species are discussed, as well as conservation efforts and why these animals are so crucial to our ecosystem and even human-centered research, like the endangered desert pupfish, which has evolved to tolerate low oxygen levels, temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and salinity greater than that found in ocean saltwater—but is disappearing as its habitat is destroyed and nonnative species prey on it. The great thing is the exhibits are so engagingly arranged that kids (and adults) learn about biology and conservation in an enjoyable and painless setting. After taking a field trip with U.S. Fish and Wildlife workers years ago to relocate pupfish, I’ve long lectured my family about their plight. But here, my son could learn about them while watching the diminutive blue and silvery fish darting about as they formed breeding pairs. Seeing the actual animals—and knowing that this is their home, just as it is ours—drives the

message of the aquarium and museum home in a way no amount of dinnertable lecturing ever would. If you really want to get your kids excited about our aquatic life, you absolutely must visit the aquarium around 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., when the touch tank is open. Visitors—who have clean hands, listening ears and their best behavior ready—can touch crabs, snails and other sea life from our marine neighborhood, and may even get a closeup view of a sea star eating its lunch as it turns its stomach inside-out to engulf a morsel. Check the museum’s website for details on daily events, grab some nature-loving people big or small and go check out the wilder side of our state. Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum is located at 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson. For more information, call (520) 8831380 or www.desertmuseum.org. Kimberly Hosey is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Youth

January 3 – 16, 2015

Cigna celebrates Cardinals’ kicks

www.SanTanSun.com

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Jan. 5: Teacher Inservice/Workday; no school Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; no school

Hancock Heat

DONATION: Cigna presented a $10,000 donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the Arizona Cardinals game Sunday, Dec. 21, as a sponsor of the Cardinals Charities “Kick for Kids” program. Submitted photo

Cigna presented a $10,000 donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the Arizona Cardinals game Sunday, Dec. 21, as a sponsor of the Cardinals Charities “Kick for Kids” program. For the ﬁfth consecutive year, Cigna contributed up to $10,000 to Cardinals Charities for every ﬁeld goal the Cardinals made during the season. As a result of Cigna’s sponsorship, Cardinals Charities has donated a total of $50,000 to area organizations focused on wellness, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, Florence Crittenton of Arizona, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “The Muscular Dystrophy Association

is an amazing organization dedicated to ﬁnding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases,” says Edward Kim, president and general manager for Cigna in Arizona. “We are proud to work together with the Cardinals Charities again this year to support organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association that share our same goal of improving the health of communities where we live and work.” Cigna was also the sponsor of the Cardinals’ Breast Awareness Game in October for the ﬁfth year in a row, recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cigna employees, along with other breast cancer survivors, performed and were honored during halftime.

FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Now enrolling – Open enrollment for students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year begins Monday, Jan. 12, for new enrollments (those who attend a different school in Chandler Uniﬁed School District). Open enrollment for students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade begins Monday, Feb. 2, for returning enrollments (students who are attending on an open enrollment and returning). Visit www.cusd80.com/ openenrollment for more information. Running Club – Kudos to Hancock’s 176 Running Club participants who have been braving the chilly weather to practice on Monday and Thursday mornings. The Running Club races will take place Tuesdays Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and Feb. 24 at Snedigar Park. Calendar Jan. 12: PTO meeting, 6 p.m. Jan. 16: PTO Family Fun Night at Peter Piper Pizza Jan. 20: Running Club Race at Snedigar Park Feb. 2: Kindergarten registration begins Feb. 3: Running Club race at Snedigar Park Feb. 24: Running Club race at Snedigar Park Feb. 26: Kindergarten Open House, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. —Amy Fricke

COVER CONTEST: The winners of this year’s yearbook cover contest winners are, left to right, Loganne Steppe of Robert Lee’s class and Diana Huynh of Teresa Mazza’s class. Loganne won for the back cover and Diana won for the front cover. Submitted photo

Jacobson Jets

PICTURE THIS: Rayne Ferrier, a kindergarten student at Jacobson Elementary, entered the 2015 Creative Expression Competition with a picture of peace and community. Her picture will be displayed at an art show in January at the Chandler Public Library. Submitted photo

—Nicole Estevez

CTA-Goodman Gators Calendar Jan. 7: Report cards sent home Jan. 7-9: Second grade CATS testing Jan. 8: School tour, 3:15 p.m. Jan. 12: Flag ceremony presented by second grade, 8 a.m., amphitheater Jan. 12: Open enrollment begins for 2015-16 school year Jan. 13: PTO meeting, 3 p.m., Media Center —Kathie Butters

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Take free SAT, ACT practice test at Tutor House in Chandler High school juniors and seniors are invited to take a free SAT or ACT practice test on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Tutor House Tutoring Services, 100 W. Boston St., Suite 4, Chandler. Testing is from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a welcome and registration from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students should bring a calculator to the session. Taking the practice test is a way for students to ﬁnd strengths and weaknesses in a low-pressure environment. Participants will become familiar with the test format, question types, timing and content tested on these college entrance exams. Test results and analysis are given at a separately scheduled conference. This free practice test is offered in addition to Tutor House’s regular SAT and ACT prep programs. Tutor House is

a family-owned and -operated learning center helping students reach their full potential by providing an individualized approach to education. The tutoring process begins with a skills assessment that will identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses; test results are then reviewed with parents, and a program is designed to address the student’s individual needs. A wide range of one-on-one and small group tutoring for students in grades K-12 is available, including tutoring in reading, math, writing, Spanish, study skills, algebra, geometry, calculus, SAT/ACT prep and more. Sign up at www.TutorHouseAZ.com on the homepage to reserve a seat. For more information, call (480) 8571222 or email Tutoring@TutorHouseAZ. com.

January 2015

SanTan

FAMILY FUN

Kids and energy drinks: A potentially dangerous combination

“An award-winning publication” A publication of the

SanTan Sun News

By Alison Stanton

What’s inside Pages 2, 3, 5

SanTan Family Fun Calendar

Page 4 Parks and Rec offers activities for all ages

Page 6 Looking for the next, great kid chef

Page 7 Friday Night Franks celebrates western lifestyle

Page 12 Sponsored by City of Chandler Recreation Division

Like many parents, Renee Gerber shuttles her three kids between various sports-related activities. To prep for the athletic events, Gerber’s 16-year-old son Brady, and daughters, Regan, 12, and Reese, 9, munch on healthy snacks or down bottles of water. She doesn’t allow them, however, to consume energy drinks. “My kids never even ask for them because I have made it very clear to them that they do not need them and that I do not think that they are good for your body,” Gerber says. The National Institutes of Health quotes a study that found 28 percent of 12- to 14-year-old kids, 31 percent of 12- to 17-year-old students, and 34 percent of 18- to 24-year-old young adults reported regularly consuming energy drinks. A few studies have been also conducted that focus on deaths directly related to energy drinks, according to the NIH. Dr. Rick Singh, area medical director for the East Valley NextCare urgent care clinics, says he applauds parents like Gerber. Singh, who practices in Chandler, says the risks of energy drinks far outweigh any potential benefits. He says the combination of high doses of caffeine plus herbal ingredients can cause kids and teenagers to suffer from cardiovascular-related side effects like heart palpitations. Singh says he recently read a study that found that in a three-year period, more than 40 percent of poison control centers across the country got calls about kids younger than age 6 having a negative reaction to energy drinks that they found in the home and unintentionally consumed. “The calls were about caffeine and its side effects, as well as possible neurological symptoms like seizures,” he says. Cardiovascular issues could potentially lead to death, Singh adds. “Parents of kids who are less than 6 years old should keep energy drinks away from them and store them up high on a shelf like they would bleach or medications,” he says.

The herbal ingredients found in most energy drinks are also a concern, Singh says. “They contain herbal products that were not really well-studied either, and when incorporating these ingredients along with caffeine, you can get even more side effects.” In addition to cardiovascular symptoms, Singh says teens who consume an excessive amount of caffeine can have problems with sleeping, acid reflux and gastritis. These issues are so commonplace that Singh asks the parents of patients with sleeping issues if they are consuming energy drinks. Singh is also concerned about the dangers of caffeine powder products, which he says, has the equivalent of 20 cups of coffee. They have been linked to death, too.

had a negative impact on her adult son. Like Gerber, she will not allow her younger children to drink them. “It’s just way too much caffeine ingested in a short amount of time. Then their heart rates get too fast, their hands get shaky and they get nauseous, and then they have a caffeine crash,” she says. In addition to healthy snacks, Gerber says if her kids complain about being low on energy before a game or competition, she suggests that they take a short “power nap.” “Brady and Regan also listen to music prior to anything. They usually listen to something upbeat that gets them motivated and that picks them up.” Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Singh says he recently read a study that found that in a three-year period, more than 40 percent of poison control centers across the country got calls about kids younger than age 6 having a negative reaction to energy drinks that they found in the home and unintentionally consumed. Old-fashioned hydration is the healthiest and most effective way to boost energy levels. Water and Gatorade are ideal choices, he says. “Being hydrated will give them more of an energy boost, so we have to teach kids how to replenish their fluids after a workout,” he says. Proper nutrition and sleep are also extremely important. Debi Duvall, a group leader at Weight Watchers Kiowa Village in Gilbert, says she has seen for herself how energy drinks as well as caffeine have

Resources • www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/ healthy_eating/power_drinks.html • www.cbsnews.com/news/kids-and-energydrinks-a-dangerous-mix/ • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3065144/

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN

Makutu’s Island

January 5

Tumbleweed Tots

Makutu’s Island

Makutu’s Island Children’s Choir

Makutu’s Island NFL Experience

Tumbleweed Tots

New Year’s Day

Family 3 SanTan Fun Arrives!

Meet the Creature Zoppé Family Circus Family Birdwalks

Tumbleweed Tots STEAM Family Night

Tumbling Tots Teen Create-Space Outer Space

Tumbleweed Tots Talent Competition

Science Saturday

Multicultural Festival

Tumbleweed Tots

24 Creature Read to Dogs

Tumbling Tots LEGO Club LEGO Mini Build

Tumbling Tots Create-Play-Learn

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tumbling Tots C-Town Suitcase Club

Tumbleweed Tots NFL Experience Lapsit for Babies

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Tumbleweed Tots STEAM Rhythm & Rhyme Vertex

Tumbleweed Tots STEAM Family Night

Tumbleweed Tots STEAM Rhythm & Rhyme NFL Experience

Tumbling Tots Teen Create-Space Musicology Create Space

Tumbling Tots Teen Create-Space Create-Play-Learn

Tumbling Tots Teen Create-Space NFL Experience

Art Walk Bug Zoo

Tumbleweed Tots NFL Experience Bubble Blast FanFestAZ

Meet the

Kidz Workshop Flawlessly Made Rainbow Loomers NFL Experience

Kidz Workshop NFL Experience FanFestAZ

Send family events and activities to STFF@SanTanSun.com

Always call to verify information as some events change or cancel after the calendar is printed.

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GRAND OPENING! Jan. 13th 4:30-6:30 p.m.

FREE STUDIO FOOD! DRINKS! RIBBON CUTTING! STUDIO TOUR! Boutique • Art Supplies • Ceramic • Drawing Canvas Painting • Jewelry • Soap Making Scrap Booking • Metalwork • Glass Fusing Stained Glass • Candle Making • Pottery Painting

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Good for 1 pottery painting studio fee. $8 value adults. $6 value children.

141 West Boston Street • 480-559-8016 • burstofbutterflies.com —Located in Historic Downtown Chandler—

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN 3, 24 Meet the Creature, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. Registration required. (480) 782-2890, https://activenet011.active.com/ chandleraz/.

3, 4 Zoppé Family Circus, various times. Entertaining audiences since 1824, this circus is full of acrobatic feats, canine capers, equestrian showmanship and plenty of audience participation. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $15 to $40. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.

3 Family Birdwalks, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Desert Rivers Audubon leads free-guided bird watching tours through Veterans Oasis Park. One-hour walks begin every 30 minutes. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. Call in advance for groups of 10 or more. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.

4, 11, 18, 25 Makutu’s Island, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Just before kids head back to school for the week, enjoy an afternoon at Makutu’s Island. Makutu’s Island, 6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. $10. (480) 344-3740, www.makutusisland.com.

5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30 Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. Fee included in all TRC family passes. Registration required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 Tumbleweed Tumbling Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision.

This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3. Registration required. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

6 LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO sets, you supply the imagination. Ages 5 to 12. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

6 LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build, 5 p.m. Visit the Chandler Fashion Center LEGO Store to build an alien and space dog. Ages 6 to 14. LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Free while supplies last. (480) 899-0228.

7, 14, 21, 28 STEAM, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive and exciting activities. Ages 6 to 11. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

7, 21 Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5. Registration required. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908. www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

8, 15, 22, 29 Teen Create-Space, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an open, create-friendly environment where teens are invited to create projects like crochet, coding, duct tape art, 3-D printing/3-D pen doodling and more. Ages 12 to 18. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

8 Discovering Outer Space,

14 Vertex: Maker Days,

16 Bug Zoo, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. An introduction to astronomy, led by an amateur astrophysicist. The group will take a walk through Veterans Oasis Park and explore the vast solar system. The class will conclude with a telescope viewing of the night sky. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. Registration required. https://activenet011.active.com/ chandleraz/

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Discover interactive centers and hands-on activities for the whole family Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

Explore a real, live collection of bugs with a certified entomologist. Learn about beneficial bugs, such as butterflies, lady bugs and bees. Children will receive a free activity book. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

9 Teen Talent Competition, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Watch students between the ages of 13 and 18 sing, dance, rap or play an instrument during the 11th annual Teen Talen Competition. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call for admission charge. (480) 782-2746.

10 Science Saturday: Play with Your Food! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Science meets the dinner table. Enjoy science experiments with the whole family. Tumbleweed Ranch, Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Call for fee. Registration required. (480) 782-2874. www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx? pageid=998

13 Create-Play-Learn. 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Toddlers have the opportunity to engage in exploratory play. Using blocks and art materials, children are encouraged to be creative and experiment. For toddlers 18 to 36 months. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

14, 28 Rhythm & Rhyme, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your energy for dancing, singing and playing instruments to favorite children’s songs. Ages birth through 5. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

15 Musicology: Mini Mozarts, 10:30 a.m. to 11:25 a.m., Musicology presents a program appropriate for children ages 15 months to 24 months only. Registration is required. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

15 Musicology: Baby Beats, 11:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Musicology brings the joy of music to you and your children. Learn simple tricks to help your child become a lifelong music lover. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

15 Musicology: Beethoven, 12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. Listen to the wonders of Beethoven’s creations, and learn some tricks to help your child become a lifelong music lover. This class is for ages 2 to 3 only. Registration is required and space is limited. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

15 Teen Create Space: Ben Franklin’s Birthday, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Come celebrate the birth of one of the United States’ greatest inventors. The group will play “Minute to Win It”type games based on Franklin’s adventures. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

17 Multicultural Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend a fun-filled day of art, music and dance, while learning a little more about the rich cultural diversity of Chandler. Downtown Library Plaza. Free. (480) 782-2669, www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx? pageid=157.

18 African Children’s Choir, 3 p.m., The African Children’s Choir is composed of African children, aged 7 to 10 years old. Many have lost one or both parents through the devastation of war, famine and disease. The program features well-loved children’s songs, hand clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary tunes. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $28 to $42. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.

20 C-Town Suitcase Club, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Travel through time and explore everyday objects. Designed for 3- to 5-year-old children and their caregivers. Chandler Museum, McCullough-Price House, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2717, www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx? pageid=998.

16 Chandler Art Walk, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Browse the different types of art made available by talented artists. Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 855-3539, www.chandlerartwalk.com.

See Calendar, Page 5

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN

Parks and Rec offers activities for all ages By Meghan McCoy

Chandler Parks and Recreation Department has an assortment of events and classes for residents that begin in January and continue through the spring for individuals of all ages. Brooke Peterson, Chandler Parks and Recreation marketing and communications coordinator, says her department has something going on just about every day. A few events geared toward teens will kick off the New Year. The 11th annual Teen Talent Competition will be held at the Chandler Center for the Arts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9. It features 23 acts ranging in age from 12 to 17 showcasing all forms of entertainment. Tickets are $5. “It will be quite the night,” Peterson says. A free pre-Super Bowl Party will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, for teenagers who present their student ID. Peterson says the Tumbleweed Recreation Center event will include door prizes, games and food. The Tumbleweed Recreation Center also hosts a family night from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Peterson says the night is held to provide an opportunity

for families to come together and participate in a variety of free or low cost activities. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” will be shown during movie night and on Wednesday, Jan. 21, families will have the opportunity to decorate premade cupcakes. Another family-inspired event takes place on the first Saturday of the month at the Environmental Education Center. The free family bird walk is led by the Desert River Audubon Society every half hour from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. An event that attracts Chandler-area families is the Multicultural Festival set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Downtown Library Plaza, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. Peterson says the festival is a naturalization ceremony for individuals who have passed their citizenship test. She says anywhere from 50 to 100 people will be naturalized during the ceremony, which will begin at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be followed by a mayor’s welcome at 12:10 p.m. and then the Chandler Community Celebration Choir will sing at 12:20 p.m. Ken and Guitarras Latinas, Injury Reserve, AXE Folclorico, The Greek Dance Group and Silhouette Band will also be part of the festivities.

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CEREMONY: The Multicultural Festival, during which a naturalization ceremony occurs, will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Downtown Library Plaza, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. Submitted photo

The new Break Time will be available for the public to view on Friday, Jan. 23. Peterson says the spring issue will have a summer camp preview of dates, times, activities and costs associated with the camp.

She says there are some new classes being offered this spring for youth and teens. One of those classes is Upcycled

See Parks and Rec, Page 5

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN

Calendar, From Page 3 Parks and Rec, From Page 4

22 Create-Play-Learn. 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

24 Rainbow Loomers Delight,

27 Mother Daughter Book Club Tweens,

Headbands, which gives youngsters an opportunity to create two headbands from a favorite T-shirt. Mini Book Madness will be offered March through May. It teaches youngsters how to create their own mini book of eight pages. The aquatic facilities are also gearing up for another season. The annual Family Swim Pass will become available at a discounted rate of $95 during the spring intersession from Saturday, March 7, through Saturday, March 21, for Chandler residents only. The passes can be purchased at Hamilton Aquatic Center or Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center. Peterson says the pass gives a family of four access to all six aquatic centers from March to November. A variety of swim classes are available in January and February in the heated pools. The aquatics division received one-time funds for swim lessons, which is available for parents or guardians who need assistance in paying for their child’s swim classes. For more information, call (480) 782-2727 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

Toddlers have the opportunity to engage in exploratory play. Using blocks and art materials, children are encouraged to be creative and experiment. For toddlers 18 to 36 months. Free. Registration required. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. (480) 782-2800.

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spend a fun and exciting afternoon learning new and amazing loom designs while making new friends. All elastics are included—students must bring their own looms and hooks. Snedigar Recreation Center, Room 517, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9. Registration required. (480) 782-2640.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Girls ages 8 to 11: Bring your mom to this lively discussion. The group will discuss “Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Dicamillo. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

24 Read to Dogs, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5, and school-age children ages 6 to 8, can read to a dog. Downtown Library Copper Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

24, 31 Vision Kidz Workshop, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children will get the opportunity to work with a professional artist and create a piece of art that is representative of their creativity. Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2695, www.chandleraz.gov.

24 “I Am Flawlessly Made,” 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is an event where girls will learn how to love themselves— flaws and all. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $14 to $19. Registration required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/content/youth-classes.pdf.

Beginner through advanced lessons for all ages. Lesson horses available.

24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, NFL Experience Engineered by GMC, times TBA. The National Football League will host the 22nd annual NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. Pro football’s interactive theme park offers participatory games, displays, entertainment attractions, youth football clinics and free autograph sessions from current and former NFL players. A list of player appearances will be posted on www.superbowl.com on Jan. 16. $35. www.azsuperbowl.com/events/

26 Lapsit for Babies, 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Join the group for a 20-minute High Five Program with books, fingerplays, songs, puppets and community playtime. Activities in Lapsit are developmentally appropriate for newborn to 16 months. Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800.

30 Bubble Blast, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy bubble wands, bubble machine and bubbles for kids to enjoy in a fun and safe environment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=781.

30, 31 FanFestAZ, various times. Meet Debby Ryan from the show “Jessie,” participate in a fun run and more in honor of the Super Bowl. Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler. Various prices. www.fanfestaz.com.

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN

Looking for the next, great kid chef Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is launching its 2015 kids cooking contest aimed at motivating Arizona kids to incorporate healthy options into their daily food choices. For the fifth consecutive year, the company is looking for great-tasting, kid-inspired side dishes for the Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge. Children ages 9 to 12, living anywhere in Arizona, are encouraged to submit their healthy, and tasty, side dish creations for a chance to win great prizes and an opportunity to prepare and share their masterpiece at a Phoenix Suns home game. “Not enough attention can be paid to the issue of childhood obesity,” says Tara Cosentino, health promotion executive, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Teaching children at an early age how to make healthy food choices and prepare food that is not only good for them but is also tasty, is an invaluable lesson that will have lifelong benefits. The Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge is a perfect way to facilitate family participation in meal preparation.”

Visit www.walkonaz.com for complete contest details and to submit a recipe. All entries must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Jan. 21. Recipes must be: An original recipe for a hot or cold side dish; include at least one fruit and/or vegetable and able to be cooked within 20 minutes (not including prep time). The top five recipes will be selected based on nutritional value, taste and originality. Finalists will be invited to present their creations at a public event Feb. 6 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. After the cooking demonstrations, recipe details will be posted online at www.walkonaz.com for a public vote. Voting will be open from Feb. 6 through Feb. 17. Each of the five finalists will earn fun prizes and the grand prize winner will receive a new bike. The winner may also be asked to participate in local TV and newspaper interviews. Last year’s contest winner was 10-year-old Sophia Gray from Stepping Stones Academy

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in Anthem. Her winning dish was called “French fry-like green beans.” “I entered the cooking contest because I thought it would be fun to share my recipe with people who like to cook,” says Sophia. “I’ve been cooking since I was three years old when I would cook with my grandma.” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest Arizona-based health insurance

company. The not-for-profit company was founded in 1939 and provides health insurance products, services or networks to 1.3 million individuals. With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson and the East Valley, the company employs more than 1,300 Arizonans. Follow BCBSAZ at www.facebook.com/bcbsaz or on Twitter at @bcbsaz to get information on health and wellness, and a knowledgeable perspective on health insurance reform.

SanTan

January 2015

FAMILY FUN

Friday Night Franks celebrates western lifestyle By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

It was nearly dark when we arrived at Fort McDowell Adventures, found hidden off Hiawatha Hood Road near Fort McDowell Casino and We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center. The coyotes cackled as the moon lit the attraction’s intimate outdoor venue, Rosa’s Ranch, the location of the monthly Friday Night Franks. A barbecue experience, Friday Night Franks is probably the best-kept secret in the Valley. The event is a fully immersive family-friendly evening of Western barbecue, movies on a giant inflatable screen, a bounce house, hayrides and, of course, cowboy entertainment. When my husband and I went, Friday Night Franks was well attended by families and couples alike. Kids bounced and ran around the grounds shoeless, covering their little feet in dirt. The parents imbibed on signature prickly pear margaritas or created s’mores over the bonfire. Children begged to make s’mores when they returned, out of breath, to their picnic table. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first Friday of the month through May, Friday Night Franks used to boast a menu of merely hot dogs, chips and s’mores. But since the Yavapai Nation moved it from weekly to monthly, Friday Night Franks has expanded its offerings to include barbecue ribs, chicken, hamburgers, bratwurst, cowboy beans and s’mores. Call for pricing. My husband and I decided on the barbecued chicken, which was delightful. Shredded and doused in barbecue sauce, the chicken sandwich was a juicy mess—just how we like it. The cowboy beans had a bit of a kick to them, but the real test came when my husband, who’s English and far

from the Wild West, and I decided to make s’mores. It was a disaster. I know, you’re probably thinking it’s impossible to mess up s’mores, but on our first couple tries we failed miserably. Marshmallows fell into the fire, created a raging fire or just didn’t melt enough. It was a sight that’s for sure. But, much to my surprise, my husband nailed it on his third try and managed to make a tasty creation that, like the chicken sandwich, was a gooey but lovely mess. The movie we watched was “Monsters v. Aliens,” a tale that irritated some parents, who thought it was “inappropriate” for young kids. But, after they were finished with the bounce house, the children were transfixed by the movie. Giving the parents, well, more time to down prickly pear margaritas. Events like this at Fort McDowell Adventures—which also features Segway rides, scenic trail rides and “city slicker cattle drives—bring visitors back to the basics, before there were cellphones attached to our hands, and long before kids succumbed to video games. Julie Solliday of Ford McDowell Adventures says the venue is actually private and boasts La Puesta Del Sol (Spanish for “The Setting Sun”), which offers 360-degree views from its incomparable vantage points; Boulder House

for those who are moved by the mysteries of ancient sacred places; Rosa’s Ranch, of course; and The Stables, which features authentic Dutch oven or barbecue-style cowboy cookouts that may be combined with a trail ride or the cattle drive. “The sky’s the limit,” Solliday says. “You can do anything out there, depending on what type of event you’d like to do. Traditionally, visitors like the cowboy theme. When they bring in people from out of state, they want the true Southwest experience—picnic tables, fire pits, the whole bit.” The venue, much like the sunsets, is stunning. It will bring out the inner cowboy in anyone. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Friday Night Franks Rosa’s Ranch Fort McDowell Adventures 14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Rd. Fort McDowell 85264 (480) 816-6465 www.fortmcdowelladventures.com

January 2015

Opinion

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Community Commentary

TechShop’s ﬁrst year in Chandler Anticipating 2015 in Chandler boosts local Maker Movement BY MAYOR JAY TIBSHRAENY

BY COUNCILMAN JEFF WENINGER

Late last year, I had the opportunity to participate in TechShop’s oneyear anniversary celebration. This member-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication Jeff Weninger. studio is located within Arizona State University’s Chandler Innovation Center located near Chandler City Hall. It was my pleasure to celebrate their success with the community. It’s been an exciting year. Through the unique academic partnership between TechShop and Arizona State University (ASU), we’ve watched education merge with the Maker Movement. This is important to me because it provides the opportunity to expand higher education in our community and provide the creative class a place to make their dreams a reality. This is TechShop’s ﬁrst academic partnership of its kind. On a recent “Chandler In Focus” show, I sat down with Mitch Eikren, general manager of TechShop and Mitzi Montoya, Arizona State University vice president and university dean of entrepreneurship and innovation. Mitzi shared that, “We are very proud to be able to bring this partnership to the community. It’s a complete connection and collision of different disciplines and age groups.” During the interview, I learned that there are currently 1,200 members at TechShop and out of those, approximately 650 are ASU students. Through this partnership, ASU is able to offer any full-time student access to a free membership and provide vouchers for workshops so students can learn how to use the equipment. TechShop provides very unique and

innovative hands-on learning opportunities for people of all ages. Every membership includes access to more than $1 million worth of machines and tools, Internet access, open workspace, special events and opportunity to collaborate with others. “Our mission is to provide an environment for makers to be creative,” Mitch Eikren said. “We have Dream Consultants to assist members in project planning or to assist with technical obstacles, for example. You just need the desire to create.” As a small business owner, I was fortunate to have someone mentor me. I support these efforts and believe that anyone looking to be successful will benefit. Many of the success stories that have come from TechShop include the development of the Square—a device that allows smartphones and tablets to become credit-card readers, a foldable kayak, and the Embrace incubation blanket which provides warmth to premature babies in developing countries. During this past year, TechShop has demonstrated great community outreach. They provided 10 scholarships to ICAN, which included instruction on welding and wood working for young children. Each student received an honorary certificate of achievement. Through this training, these children learned a new skill and gained the confidence to create. They also hosted various events for local organizations. Not only as a councilman, but as a parent and resident of Chandler, I believe that entrepreneurship and the tech economy are important to Arizona’s growth. We have a collaborative and innovative community. I’m looking forward to following what future developments come out of this partnership. TechShop is open to the public. To learn more about this cutting edge facility, please visit www.techshop.com or call them at (480) 327-0820. For information on classes offered through ASU, please visit its website at www. entrepreneurship.asu.edu.

Here’s to a happy New Year to the Chandler community. A time in which I hope your lives—be it as a family, business or visitor—grows and thrives. This Jay Tibshraeny. is a good time to look ahead and visualize the many opportunities the coming months will bring us. And it should be another busy year for the City. Here are a few things to look for in 2015:

Transparency in government. Our annual Budget Connect virtual forum is slated for Feb. 26 and this year we will begin our General Plan update that will include a number of public meetings and other ways for residents to share their views on how we will continue to develop as a community. I will continue to partner with the chamber on our Caffeine and Commerce meetings, allowing local business representatives and operators a chance to discuss issues and ideas in an open forum. And, I will also share other important news on Chandler’s business community at my Feb. 19 State of the City Address at the council chambers, beginning at 6 p.m.

Economic Development. Chandler welcomed a new economic development director in December with the hiring of Micah Miranda. Micah has a long-standing track record of success throughout the Valley and we look forward to his success here in Chandler.

Transportation. We are accelerating some important road projects, mostly in Southeast Chandler. This means better access for our residents and quicker development of some critical corridors. This will also require some patience on the part of the motoring public. Most of these projects will be complete by year’s end.

Downtown Chandler. A number of exciting projects are coming to the City core including two new residential developments with the Alta Steelyard Lofts and DC Heights luxury apartment communities. Both will bring new pedestrian density to downtown. The corner of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue will be home to a very cool new development that will include theaters and restaurants. It will be quite a draw for Chandler and the area and hopes to be complete by the end of the year.

And, of course, Chandler will continue to brand itself as THE Information and Technology Hub of the Southwest, as several projects continue to develop throughout the City. I also hope to see the economy continue to improve, meaning an easier go for our small business people who are out there on a daily basis working hard and investing in our community. So, here’s to a prosperous New Year, Chandler. I wish you well. And please remember to follow me on Twitter: @ jaytibshraeny.

Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments? We’d like to hear from you. Email us at News@SanTanSun.com.

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January 3 – 16, 2015

Opinion

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Neighbors

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January 3 – 16, 2015

Neighbors Chandler STEAM Club Neighbors PAGE 52

St. Mary’s Parish a step closer to additional church

Where to Eat PAGES 68-70

Spirituality PAGE 61

Realtor wins Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to debut downtown award for professionalism and altruism BY CURT BLAKENEY

NOTABLE REALTOR: Shivani Dallas was recently given the 2014 Katie Lance Woman of Strength Award. Submitted photo BY CURT BLAKENEY

Few people know communities better than real estate agents, and few people know Chandler better than Shivani Dallas. In recent years, her dedication as a neighbor and a professional has shown through her work, drawing the attention of other leading Realtors and garnering her multiple accolades, such as Realtor SEE REALTOR PAGE 49

Grill in Scottsdale—but this is Downtown Chandler has the first of its kind in Chandler. plenty of restaurants and bars Alamo Drafthouse will feature and amalgamations of both. This eight screens of first-run movies, year, downtown Chandler will classic movies, independent films get its first restaurant/bar/movie and special events, with seating theater combo with the planned for 825 moviegoers. The theater is opening of the Alamo Drafthouse expected to open later this year. Cinema. Arizona franchise rights “Our goal is to open for the holder Paschich Alamo Holdings new ‘Star Wars,’ which is Dec. 18,” LLC., is bringing the eight-screen Paschich says. “We know this is theater, bar and restaurant an aggressive target, but we like a to Chandler, the first Alamo challenge.” Drafthouse in Arizona. Alamo Drafthouse has been The new establishment will be heralded for its high exhibition located in the planned mixedstandards, earning accolades use development from Vintage like “Best Theater Ever” (Time Partners dubbed “The Row,” an Magazine) and “the coolest entertainment project on the theater in the world” (Wired). southwest corner of Arizona The Austin-based chain made Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. news recently when it decided The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to pick up the controversial film in Chandler will be managed by “The Interview,” which had a partner Craig Paschich, who has tough time finding a home after been with Alamo Drafthouse a cyber-terror attack directed at Cinemas for nine years and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the served as president for the past movie’s distributor. three. Paschich and his wife, Kim, “First-run movies are our bread are relocating their family to and butter, but we also do a lot Chandler to be involved in all of alternative programming,” aspects of the business. Paschich says. “We will hire a local “I have been spending about creative programming manager seven to 10 days a month in to make sure we bring interesting Arizona throughout this process, events to the theater that the and once we start construction, I locals want to see and enjoy.” will spend even more time there,” Of course, it will ultimately MOVIE TIME: Craig and Kim Paschich are relocating to Chandler Paschich says. “We have two be judged by the caliber of food. from Austin to open the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Photo by young kids who will finish school Annie Ray The menu at Alamo Drafthouse in early June, so we’ll move to Chandler, according to Paschich, (KPIs) on demographics that we focus on,” Arizona sometime after that.” will be comprised of 60 percent Paschich says. “I just love the feel of the He mentions that his company had core items that all Alamos have: pizza, town and this location.” been looking “for months” for the perfect burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers The cinema-eatery concept is not site for its first Arizona venue and found and desserts. The other 40 percent will entirely new to the Valley—there are that Chandler was the perfect spot. be at the discretion of local management. similar facilities like the Studio Movie “It hit all 10 key performance indicators

SEE CINEMA PAGE 46

Celebrate the ’80s with ‘Die Nasty in Dallas’ BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

The spirit of the classic board game “Clue” comes alive in “Die Nasty in Dallas,” Murder Ink Productions’ interactive murdermystery romp that also pays homage to memorable 1980s TV shows. “Dinner murder mysteries are so popular because they let the audience get into the act,” says Marney Austin, executive producer

at Murder Ink Productions. “Die Nasty in Dallas” is Murder Ink’s latest show and is based on shows like “Dallas” and “Dynasty,” with a splash of “Miami Vice.” The more engaged the audience is, the more outrageous and hilarious the production becomes. “People really get into it and have a lot of fun,” Austin says. Dressing up for the murder mystery dinner isn’t mandatory, but makes it a more interactive show for everyone,

DIE NASTY: Marney Austin as Miranda Allister-Barrington-Chadwick-Davenport-EdmondsFrancis-The Countess Von Grainger, Joe Chandler as Detective Crockett and Dyana Carroll as Chyna Evans-Barrington perform in Murder Ink Productions’ “Die Nasty in Dallas.” STSN photo by Lynette Carrington

so guests are encouraged to break out the massive shoulder pads, sky-high hair, glamorous gowns and dapper suits. Shows usually attract 40 to 80 attendees and are kept small to ensure an engaging and interactive experience. Tickets are $85 and the whodunit production includes a no-host cocktail hour, a three-course gourmet Italian buffet dinner, the show and nonalcoholic beverages. Performances, the next of which is from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, are held at Fazio’s Catering Hall, 700 W. Warner Rd., Chandler. SEE DALLAS PAGE 51

Neighbors

January 3 – 16, 2015

CINEMA FROM PAGE 45

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Plans for The Row downtown district unveiled BY CURT BLAKENEY

FOOD AND FLICKS: Patrons can expect an immersive and unique movie experience at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema when it opens in Chandler in late 2015. Photo by Jack Plunkett

Roughly 90 percent of Alamo’s food is made from scratch daily. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will also be popular with craft beer lovers. “We will have at least 30 beers on draft and all of them will be craft beers,” Paschich says. “And most of those will be local. We pride ourselves on having the best and most unique beer menu in town.” Patrons 18 and younger must be with a parent or legal guardian. Paschich says adult moviegoers can expect an enjoyable experience unlike movie theaters located at malls. “With our age policy, no texting and no talking policy, we focus on bringing back adults and parents to enjoy the wonders of movies,” Paschich says. For more information, visit www. drafthouse.com/phoenix/chandler. Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

Downtown Chandler is well on its way to becoming the next Valley hot spot, and The Row will be at the epicenter later this year when the bold entertainment complex is scheduled to open. The Row, a 60,000-square-foot, two-story, mixed-use development project, will be constructed at the intersection of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, bringing a whole new level of entertainment to the thriving and vibrant district. Chandler’s leadership paved the way for what is sure to be a showstopper for residents and tourists. “We were looking for a signature project to act as an entryway to downtown, and I believe this project ﬁts,” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “Council just designated the area as an entertainment district, and this will be an excellent ﬁt for downtown as we continue to grow as a destination.” After a competitive open-application process intended to determine the best way to develop the prominent, 4-acre site, the City Council selected plans for The Row and the Phoenix-based commercial real estate development company Vintage Partners to complete the project. The anchor tenant will be Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. “The Vintage Partners team has all lived and worked in the Valley for decades, so we’re committed to delivering a world-class entertainment

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district to Chandler’s already vibrant downtown,” says David Scholl, Vintage Partners principal who heads the Downtown Chandler efforts. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between the historic downtown to the south and the more suburban area just north, to create a unique, energetic gathering place that still looks like it belongs.” Vintage Partners has impressive credentials: The firm has developed more than 14 million square feet of retail space and 60,000 acres of single-family residential projects. Notable projects include the successful SanTan Village in Gilbert, the iconic Scottsdale Fashion Square and the popular Chandler Fashion Center. The company is also in the midst of the Uptown Plaza redevelopment project in Phoenix. The Row will feature a wide variety of local dining options, space for retail stores and offices, the potential to add up to 50 residences, space for a fitness center or yoga studio, a parking garage and Arizona’s first Alamo Drafthouse

Cinema. This is only the ﬁrst phase of a longterm plan to develop the entertainment district, but Chandler has already made a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its population is surging to more than 230,000 residents, which represents a 33.7 percent increase over the last 14 years according to USA.com. Its new entertainment district can only draw more residents. The Row will enhance a growing downtown district ﬁlled with Arizona’s characteristic charm and demonstrates the City’s dedication to its growth and commitment to its residents’ quality of life. With anticipation for The Row growing, downtown Chandler will continue to be seen as a desirable destination for new development and projects. Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

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January 3 – 16, 2015

Stay active this winter with ongoing aquatics programs Chandler Parks and Recreation Department’s aquatics programs continue. Log onto www.chandleraz. gov/registration or call (480) 782-3463 for more information. Free swim lesson evaluations for kids Visit the Chandler Parks and Recreation Aquatics facilities during public swim hours for a free swim evaluation from one of the qualiﬁed personnel. To help place a child in the appropriate class level, except Seahorse, Otters and Surfer classes, basic guidelines are listed with ages under course descriptions. The child will likely remain in the same level for at least two sessions. The descriptions are available to assist in educating customers on the variety of classes that aquatics program offers; however a child may be less or more advanced than the suggested ages. Some of the classes may not be offered during each session or at each location. American Red Cross Water Safety

Instructor Course The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course consists of 43 hours of training instructor candidates to teach water safety, which includes the basic rescue course, six levels of the Progressive Learn to Swim Program and Parent and Child Aquatics. The course also includes five hours of the F.I.T. course and eight hours of instructor candidate practical teaching time. It is $103 for residents and $127 for nonresidents. Prerequisites include demonstrating proficiency in the following strokes: front crawl freestyle, back crawl backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly. Candidates must also be able to maintain a position on their backs for 1 minute in deep water, floating or sculling, and tread water for one-minute. Participants must be 16 years of age by the last day of the class.

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Auditions held this month for March variety show Auditions will be held for the 22nd annual Spice of Life Senior Variety Show, which will take place in March at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler area senior adults age 50 and older, who can sing, dance or perform any talent to entertain a crowd are invited to audition between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, and Monday, Jan. 12, at the Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St. Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Eliza Haws at (480) 7822741 for more information. The annual show is an opportunity for local performers to step onto the main stage and into the spotlight for two shows at the Chandler Center for the Arts, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19. The public is invited to attend and general admission tickets are $6 at the door.

SINGERS: Singers Jim Williamson and Marilyn O’Connel pose before the annual Spice of Life Senior Variety Show. Submitted photo

DANCERS: Dancers Marguerite and Patrick Murtaugh have been dancing together on the annual Spice of Life Senior Variety Show for several years. Submitted photo

Neighbors

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Another season is underway for the Performing Arts League The Performing Arts League is accepting new members for $10 per single or $15 per couple. Members of the league can climb onto the bus from Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, for only $20 roundtrip. The bus ride will take members to various theaters to see professionals act, sing, play music or make people laugh. The upcoming shows include: “Rachmaninoff and Friends” Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Scottsdale; “The 39 Steps” in Mesa, Thursday, Jan. 22; “Soul of Flamenco” Saturday, Feb. 14, in Chandler; “Anything Goes” in Phoenix, Friday, March 6; “Carousel” in Mesa, Friday, March 20 and “Chopin and Grieg” Tuesday, March 24, in Scottsdale. For more information about the shows and events, call Pat at (480) 3390283 or Mary at (480) 802-9354.

REALTOR FROM PAGE 45

of the Year and RE/MAX’s Above the Crowd Award. Now, Dallas’ peers are recognizing her accomplishments yet again, bestowing upon her the 2014 Katie Lance Woman of Strength Award. “Shivani thrives in the real estate industry because she is professional, yet passionate, about her career,” says Shelly Farley, Realtor and managing broker of RE/MAX Infinity in Chandler. “She has the ability to keep her emotions aside during each home sale or purchase and focus on the benefits available for her clients. Shivani exudes integrity and embraces the ever-evolving nature of real estate.” Her most recent award acknowledges a new quality demonstrated during her successful career: She has risen above adversity and become an esteemed member of the real estate business community. Born in New Delhi, India, Dallas moved to the United States in 1978 at age 8 with her family. Her family, and most notably her grandfather, supported Dallas in all of her endeavors, allowing her to overcome cultural challenges to become an independent and strong businesswoman. “I was blessed to have the inspiration of my grandfather, who has always supported my progress,” Dallas says. “I owe so much of this to the encouragement and confidence that he instilled in me.”

Since becoming a licensed Realtor, Dallas has taken every opportunity to learn and grow within her industry, which has allowed her to reach the level she has attained. She took cues from her broker Bill Ryan and other industry leaders to achieve her goals. “They literally opened up their business to me in the most transparent way possible so that I could learn quality systems,” she says. Always seeking to stay above the fold in her field, she has expanded her professional prowess to include numerous professional designations and certifications, such as Certified Distressed Property Expert, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and Seller Representative Specialist to name only a few. “Shivani is the definition of a RE/ MAX agent—her photo should be next to the phrase in the dictionary,” Farley says. “She truly cares about our brand, its reputation and the industry itself. Shivani’s always on the go, but always has time to help others in the office, as well as other offices and companies, which is an extraordinary characteristic. We’re more than proud that Shivani’s affiliated with RE/MAX Infinity and even more so to call her a friend.” More than a local professional, however, Dallas has shown herself to be a dedicated member of the Chandler community, impacting the area in multiple dimensions. She is a proud supporter and volunteer for

January 3 – 16, 2015

Care Fund (www.thecarefund.org), a 501(c)(3) foundation in Arizona that helps families with ill children pay their home mortgage or rent. “I love my commitment to them,” Dallas says. “No one should lose their home because their child is ill and no one should have to make a choice between work and their child’s bedside. We pride ourselves in seeing the children have more time with their parents.” On a more personal level, her entire family has become ingrained into the community. “My children were raised in Chandler, and I believe that this community is amongst the best in the world,” she says. “The default market devastated parts of our community, and I am so blessed to be a part of the housing appreciation. It is so incredibly humbling to work, eat and play in the community that I love so much.” Although she could have built her career, raised her family, and settled with her partner Kamal anywhere, she chose Chandler because she truly believes in the local community. “Chandler is up and coming with even more industry and employment,” she says. “It boasts fantastic schools and local businesses. Why not Chandler? I do feel that I’m residing in the best community possible.” Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

Neighbors

January 3 – 16, 2015

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Sun Lakes resident publishes fourth book

Ramsey’s ﬁnancial programs coming to Chandler

Mel Weiser, playwright, novelist, theater producer, director and nineyear Sun Lakes resident, has published his fourth book, “On 174th Street: The World of Willie Mittleman,” which is available on Amazon and Kindle. “On 174th Street” presents the enduring hope and fortitude with which American families faced the catastrophic years of the Great Depression. Through the funny and touching exploits of little Willie Mittleman and the rest of the Mittleman clan livingg in the Bronx, readers experience the love, fears, laughter and tears that make up the indomitable spiritt of America. Other published books include “The Trespasser,” “Within the Web,” and “Nick Nolte—Caught in the Act.” In addition to writing books, Weiser

Dave Ramsey, the New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio show host, is bringing two popular programs to Chandler: Financial Peace University and the Legacy Journey. More than 2.5 million families have positively changed their financial future through Financial Peace University. The nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial success. The course meets once a week to watch Ramsey teach a different lesson on DVD, followed by a small group discussion. Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. FPU lessons also include guest speakers Rachel Cruze, speaker and daughter of Ramsey, and Chris Hogan, counselor and speaker for the Dave Ramsey organization. FPU will be held in Chandler at Missio Dei Church, 5004 W. Chicago Cir. N. The classes will be held at 3 p.m. beginning Sunday, Jan. 25. Contact Kevin Fagerburg at (480) 390-4812 for more information or to register. The Legacy Journey—the followup class to Ramsey’s Financial Peace

co-wrote the play “A Tiny Piece of Land” with Joni Browne-Walders. The play was recently produced at Phoenix Theatre, the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles and at TE TEATRON Theatre in To Toronto. His drama “Cry, T Tiger” was optioned fo for a Broadway p production in 2009. In addition, he has w written many plays ffor high school and ccommunity theater p productions, p produced w worldwide. Weiser has directed more than 40 plays, from Broadway through regional and dinner theaters, including many productions in the Phoenix area. He is a member of Dramatists Guild and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

University—is a seven-week course taught on DVD by Ramsey, showing families and individuals what to do once they have control of their ﬁnances. It also helps them navigate their way through building wealth, so they are able to leave a lasting legacy. Lesson topics include debunking myths about wealth and stewardship, investing wisely, ﬁnding contentment, living with a purpose, living so you can leave a legacy and planning for a successful estate and generational wealth. The Legacy Journey lessons also include guest speakers Cruze and Hogan. The Legacy Journey will be held at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 1595 S. Alma School Rd. in Chandler. The classes will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. For more information or to register, contact Rick Richards at (480) 7268000. For more information about either Dave Ramsey program, visit www. daveramsey.com.

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www.SanTanSun.com DALLAS FROM PAGE 45

Tickets are available by calling (480) 737-8736 or visiting www. fazioscateringhall.com/murdermystery-dinner/. By using promo code “MURDER” during checkout, patrons save $25 off the regular ticket price of $85. During the cocktail reception, guests mingle with each other and with the show’s actors. Once attendees go in for dinner, some audience members are given a small role in the show. “We read the rules of the game and then guests go through the buffet,” Austin says. “When they sit down, one of the actors hands out the parts. When I say ‘parts,’ they could be the murderer.” The show was written by Joe Chandler, who, by day, is a partner at Fennemore Craig Attorneys. Acting since he was a youngster, Chandler has been with Murder Ink Productions for 14 years. “My spare time is really limited to working and performing with Murder Ink,” he says. “We really do enjoy performing and bringing the guest characters to life and seeing them embrace the characters and have fun.” Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the San Tan Sun News. She can be reached at lynette@santansun.com.

Neighbors Get organized, assist The Clothes Cabin The National Association of Professional Organizers—Arizona Chapter (NAPOAZ) celebrates the 10th anniversary of National Get Organized (GO) Month by volunteering its organizing expertise at a local nonproﬁt, the Clothes Cabin, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30. The Clothes Cabin, which is a Southeast Valley clothing bank for needy and homeless families, is located at 1100 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Its mission is to provide clothing relief to those who could not afford to buy the clothes they need. Clients may be referred by social agencies, food banks, churches, domestic violence shelters, schools, friends or family members. Members of the chapter will provide their organizing expertise, while working with the staff of the Clothes Cabin to streamline and enhance their process of accepting and organizing donations. Additionally, members will work on

organizing the Clothes Cabin’s sister organization, Friends Re-sale Boutique. Gently used items that are donated to the Friends Re-sale Boutique are resold and the funds are used to support the Clothes Cabin’s mission. For the past decade, NAPO has promoted GO Month each January to coincide with the common New Year’s resolution to get organized. During GO Month, NAPO professional organizers and productivity specialists across the country host events in their communities to empower individuals, families, businesses and organizations to regain control over their surroundings, time and possessions. By sharing proven organizing and productivity techniques and principles, NAPO members help people save time, save money and reduce stress. NAPO, founded in 1985 as a nonproﬁt professional educational association, leads and advances the organizing and productivity industry. Today, NAPO has approximately 4,000 members worldwide representing the full spectrum of the global industry: professional organizers, productivity specialists, authors, educators, trainers, manufacturers, service providers and more. For more information, visit www. napo-az.com.

January 3 – 16, 2015

Pick up fresh produce from POWWOW’s next market Jan. 10 POWWOW, formerly Market on the Move, distributes fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere for the public to enjoy. The purpose of the market is to reach out to the community by providing quality produce at an affordable price, organizers say. A $10 donation is good for up to 60 pounds of produce for six to eight different varieties that are normally available. POWWOW, Produce on Wheels Without Waste, is held on the second Saturday of the month from November through May. The next scheduled event is from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For more information, visit its Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ POWWOWatDPC.

Neighbors

January 3 – 16, 2015

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Chandler STEAM Club Every Tuesday, the Chandler library hosts the STEAM Club, when a different discipline is featured each week from science, technology, engineering, art and math. The club makes education a fun activity for kids 6 to 11 years old. The week we photographed the club, math was the topic and the kids learned about units of measurement. Toilet paper was used as substitute for rulers— all framed in the excitement of the toilet paper Olympics. It is held at the various libraries throughout the year. For more information, visit www.chandlerlibrary.org/kids.html. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

CALCULATING: Cordelia O’Rourke uses math to calculate how many sheets are in a TP roll.

THAT’S A WRAP: Desmond Dickey gets “mummiﬁed” by the rest of his team.

GOOD IDEAS: Allison Nantais raises her hand to suggest a name for her TP Olympic team.

THINKING: Zoe McGinley (with peace sign on her shirt) suggests a name for her new toilet paper olympic team.

TEAMWORK: Chandler Library staffers Debe Moreno and Carolyn McCormick (L to R in Center) and sister volunteers Vanessa and Dominique Garcia (L and R sides) work together to make the STEAM Club fun and educational for the kids.

FUN WITH DATA: Patrick Miller conﬁrms his “shot-put” distance with instructor Carolyn McCormick.

READY TO ROLL: Annika O’Rourke prepares to send her TP “shot-put” ﬂying.

MEASURING SUCCESS: Kaiden Reynolds checks his TP measurements with an ofﬁcial measuring tape.

BIG SMILES: Tristyn Krout gets “mummiﬁed” by her teammates at the end of the competition.

Arts

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Improv artists host talk show BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Improv artists Paul Green, Ryan Quenneville and Mandy Nielsen can finish each others’ sentences just as easily as they can slip into an improv riff at the drop of a hat. They are so comfortable with each other that they created “Tonight at the Pad Starring Paul Green,” a talk show taped in front of a studio audience in Mesa and aired online. Getting together was probably fate. “I went to my family doctor for a checkup and behind the counter stood one Mandy Nielsen,” says Green, a resident of Chandler. He was a performer and instructor at Jester’Z Improv Comedy and, as he tends to do even in formal situations, he entertained the gals behind the front desk. Nielsen and Green hit it off immediately when they discovered they both performed improv. “I then took classes at Jester’Z and auditioned for them and began to work with Paul and we did many, many shows together,” Nielsen remarks. Quenneville then joined Jester’Z and Green was his teacher in the understudy program. “Paul was my mentor and then I got in with the main stage performers at Jester’Z and connected with Mandy,” Quenneville says. “We all just had this vibe together.” Green left Jester’Z to do stand-up

comedy but the trio reunited when entertainers and producers Jason and Jeff Linford decided to put together “Tonight at the Pad,” which tapes in a building owned by the Linfords. “We had no idea what the show was going to be,” Green says. “I called Ryan and asked him to co-host. I called Mandy and asked her to be a writer and featured actress. We already had the chemistry.” They called on industry friends to assist with production and a late-night talk show was born. The show made a name for itself in October when it challenged Conan O’Brien to become the world’s shortest late night talk show. The trio taped a special show and bested O’Brien’s record by a minute, clocking in at 1:50.12. The RecordSetter.com website declared the victory. The 30-minute show tapes monthly and includes a live band, opening monologue, improv sketches and interviews. Green is the host, Quenneville is co-host and Nielsen pops up in sketches throughout the show. “We’ll keep having live shows, but we want to reach the online audience further because that’s where everything is going now,” Quenneville explained. The fourth episode of “Tonight at

SETTING THE STAGE: Paul Green, Ryan Quenneville and Mandy Nielsen bring their special brand of improv to the show “Tonight at the Pad Starring Paul Green” which tapes monthly at The Practice Pad in Mesa. STSN photo by Lynette Carrington

the Pad Starring Paul Green” tapes at The Practice Pad, 711 E. Main St., Mesa, at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30. For tickets,

email tonightatthepad@gmail.com. Visit www.tonightatthepad.com for additional information.

Arts

January 3 – 16, 2015

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Valley Youth Theatre adds five board members Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) has welcomed five new members to its board of directors in the last quarter of 2014. The new additions, prominent members of the local community and supporters of the performing arts, will be voting members of VYT’s ruling board. “It’s wonderful to have board members who ‘get’ what we do,” says Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper. “Lisa Khan, Sara Dial, Daniel DenBoer, David Carruth and Zsolt Milutinovics are as diverse as any group of young people we’ve had audition for one of our shows.” “I have always been interested in and supportive of the performing arts,” says Carruth, a Phoenix resident and financial adviser at Edward Jones, who makes it a point to attend theater—even when traveling to New York City and London. DenBoer from Scottsdale—principal at the Phoenix office of the audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP and partner in a strategic services practice—looks forward

to using his expertise to help support young people and the performing arts. “With 20 years of business consulting experience, I want to give something back to the youth and community,” says DenBoer, who has run three small businesses in Arizona and is an expert in strategy, operations and overall corporate performance improvement. “VYT is ready to go to the next level and I would like to help take it there,” says Dial from Scottsdale, CEO at the economic development consulting ﬁrm Sara Dial & Associates. She serves on several boards, including Arizona School for the Arts, BBVA Compass Bank and Grand Canyon University. Khan, an attorney from Phoenix who founded Kid Power USA to teach young people how to give back to their communities, has been a patron and cast parent of the theater company for more than 10 years. “VYT is invaluable for the young people because it gives them the

ability to be articulate and self-confident, which carries through to their school and in life,” says Khan. “I enjoy the art of acting, and have been looking for a way to be part of an organization that positively influences young people in the community,” says Milutinovics of Tempe, vice president and branch manager for Meridian Bank, N.A. in Scottsdale. VYT’s board is chaired by Frank McCune (APS) and vice chaired by Jim Rough (Navigant Consulting). Colleen Gautam (Snell & Wilmer LLP) is secretary and Dustin Marshall (Community Medical Clinic) serves as treasurer. Bobb Cooper represents the theater as its producing artistic director. Other board members include Michele Bax (Ballard Spahr LLP), Dr. Martin Blume (Blume Skin Centre), Joe Chandler (Fennemore Craig, P.C.), Greg Gnepper (Gammage & Burnham P.L.C.), Beverly Huff (Western Refining),

COMMUNITY LEADERS HELP LEAD VYT: Zsolt Milutinovics and Daniel DenBoer have joined Valley Youth Theatre’s board of directors. Submitted photo

Desert Stages presents ‘Harvey’

“Harvey,” a dramatic comedy that opened 70 years ago on Broadway, will be at the Actor’s Café stage at Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, through Sunday, Jan. 11. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play introduces audiences to the carefree, kind, innocent Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend, the titular Harvey. Elwood takes his pal everywhere, buys him

drinks and introduces him to family and friends. The friendship has one signiﬁcant difference, however: Harvey is an imaginary six-foot-three-and-a-halfinch rabbit. The Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays during the show’s run. Virginia Olivieri is directing the DST production of “Harvey,” which was

written by Mary Chase in 1944 and was adapted into a movie in 1950 starring James Stewart as Dowd. Tickets are available at www. DesertStages.org or by phone at (480) 483-1664, and also at the theater box ofﬁce, 4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., on the north side of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.

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Rebekah Mendez (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona), Jennifer Pescatore (Bank of Arizona), Laura Stover (Nearhood Law Ofﬁces, PLC) and Howard Weiss (Nussbaum Gillis & Dinner, P.C.). Hope Ozer (Phoenix Manhattan Group, LLC) serves as chair emeritus. To learn more about Valley Youth Theatre, visit www.vyt.com.

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Arts

January 3 – 16, 2015

Guitarist-singer pleased to be returning to MIM BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

For musician Damon Johnson, playing the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix was so gratifying that he needed to return. A member of the Thin Lizzy spinoff group Black Star Riders, Johnson will make an encore solo acoustic performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. “I played there one year ago,” says Johnson, the former frontman of Brother Cane. “It was hands down the best solo acoustic performance of my life. The fact that it was a full house obviously made it very exciting for me. “The sound was incredible. The people were incredible. I have some lifelong friends there in Phoenix as well. It turns into a big weekend for me. There are all kinds of other stuff I’m able to do around it in the Phoenix area.” The best man at his wedding lives in Phoenix, as does a singer for whom he played guitar—Alice Cooper. “Alice and his family live out there,” Johnson says. “I don’t know if they’re going to be back in town out there. That’s one of the challenges of having a show on Jan. 10. Rock stars like Alice are still out of town doing their New Year’s trip. I know they always go to Hawaii every year. I hope I get to see them.” At his MIM show, Johnson will perform a retrospective of songs from his career, as well as new material and/ or songs he’s done with Black Star Riders. He’s excited about furthering the

career of Black Star Riders. “I joined Thin Lizzy in 2011 and the band wanted very much to record new music,” says Johnson, a rabid sports fan who met his wife at a Detroit Red Wings game at its home arena, Joe Louis Arena. “But the original lead singer and frontman of the band was the iconic Phil Lynott and Phil died in 1986. He wrote most of those songs. “He was more than just a songwriter, but a poet and very, very special. We could certainly write songs that would sound like Thin Lizzy and celebrate the style and sound. But we didn’t feel like it would be right to call it Thin Lizzy.” Thus Black Star Riders was formed and it released its debut album in 2013. “Over the last two years, we’ve toured easily 100 shows mostly in Europe and some North American dates,” says Johnson, 50. The new album is set for release at the end of February and Black Star Riders will immediately embark on a European tour. This year also calls for Johnson’s ﬁrst electric solo album. “I’m so happy being in Black Star Riders,” he says. “It’s helped me rediscover my love of the electric guitar, playing solos and writing. I’m trying to write memorable parts and guitar parts that you can sign almost.” A longtime Birmingham, Alabama, resident, Johnson moved with his family to Nashville, which has been inspiring.

COMING TO TOWN: Former Brother Cane frontman Damon Johnson will play a career retrospective set at the Musical Instrument Museum on Saturday, Jan. 10. Submitted photo

“It’s been a lot of fun to have them involved in that creative outlet,” he says about the “incredible players” in Nashville. “I’d love to take an electric band on the road and I’m absolutely love to bring that to Phoenix at some point.” Damon Johnson performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Musical

Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Tickets are $32.50 to $37.50. For more information, call (480) 478-6000 or visit www.themim.org. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

Arts

January 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16, 2015

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Art Intersection hosts two exhibitions Two unique photography exhibitionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a showcase and a debut solo exhibitionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are on display through Saturday, Jan. 10, at Art Intersection, located at 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 201, Gilbert. The North Gallery is hosting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mimesis,â&#x20AC;? the first exhibition of Art Intersectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artist-in-residence, Claire A. Warden. Warden creates large-scale constructed, abstract photographs with both organic and inorganic elements. Warden uses the subjects she captures as representations for the forces of biology and society on creating identity. Both truths about the nature of identity and the difficulty of capturing a sense of self in language alone are evoked in her works. The images, resembling natural science captures on scales ranging from the microscopic to the celestial, serve as a representation of the complexity of systems that make up an individual, as well as our selfperception. The South Gallery is exhibiting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of Light Sensitive 2014.â&#x20AC;? Art Intersection staff selected three artists from 89 in the Light Sensitive exhibition, the galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature traditional photography exhibition, to showcase. The unique, mood-evoking imagery of Douglas Collins, Mary Donato and Erin Malone was chosen for the exhibition. Tom Persinger, writer and founder of photography

MIMESIS: Artist-in-residence Claire A. Warden constructs photographic works from a series of images to illustrate how complex systems and elements come together to form a sense of self. Submitted photo

community f295, juried â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light Sensitiveâ&#x20AC;? and selected work for the exhibition in March and April 2014. Art Intersection is located in Downtown Gilbert, at the corner of Gilbert and Elliot roads, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (480) 361-1118 or visit www. artintersection.com.

BEST OF LIGHT SENSITIVE: Photographer and writer Tom Persinger selected works from Art Intersectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light Sensitiveâ&#x20AC;? exhibition to showcase in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;best ofâ&#x20AC;? display. Submitted photo

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Arts

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Actors Theatre to close, liquidate assets Actors Theatre, which has produced compelling, thought-provoking and often edgy plays for nearly 30 years, is closing its doors. The board of directors has unanimously voted to cease operations and liquidate the professional theater company during the next 30 to 60 days. “The simple truth is we’re out of money,” says Actors Theatre Board President Renee Gerstman. “This was not the result of a single event, but a combination of factors, primarily based on the fact that revenues— both earned and contributed—did not meet expectations and we found ourselves in a cash-ﬂow crisis.” Producing Artistic Director Matthew Wiener says that artists and staff involved in the scheduled productions of “Annapurna,” “Stage Kiss” and “The Year of Magical Thinking” started receiving notiﬁcation of the shut down soon after it was announced in December. “As we were preparing to produce ‘Annapurna,’ we looked at the situation to determine how best to move forward,” he says. “We recognized that what Actors Theatre does and, most importantly, the way we do it is not sustainable in our community at this time. Among our strongest guiding principles is to pay everyone—and that includes artists and arts workers—a living wage. The economic dignity of all of our artists and arts workers is one of our highest values, but our donor base and individual and season ticket sales were not substantial enough to provide

the ﬁnancial resources to support the cost structure of professional artists to the degree it needed to be.” Gerstman says the company will “work through outstanding obligations to the best of our ability during the next 30 to 60 days. We also know we will receive questions about tickets that have been purchased. Though we would like to say we will refund those tickets, we simply can’t. We’re hoping that our patrons and supporters will consider taking the expense

they did not translate into the revenue necessary to sustain the organization and we were unable to significantly improve our financial position.” In a joint statement, officials expressed their “deep and abiding gratitude for the support of our loyal patrons and those individuals, organizations and businesses that stood behind us. We are also incredibly humbled to have been able to work alongside a remarkably talented

as a tax deduction after consultation with their accountants or CPAs.” Wiener, who has been artistic director for 19 years, says, “The company made great strides and many changes over the past two years and we heard from a broad base of individuals that Actors Theatre is important. Unfortunately, while we agreed with those opinions,

group of artists and staff to bring to the stage the type of productions that matter.” “We are incredibly proud of Actors Theatre’s legacy over nearly 30 years.” Wiener adds. “We know that many patrons left most of our productions affected by and talking about what they saw on stage. “Perhaps we will again see those

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or similar productions and the high professional quality of what went on both on and behind the stage. In the meantime, and in spite our deep, deep sadness at this time, we do know that there are many great arts and cultural opportunities in the Valley. Perhaps we will be part of them again sometime in the future.” Although the theater can’t refund tickets, ﬁve Valley venues have stepped in to help. They will exchange tickets purchased for Actors Theatre productions. Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Stray Cat Theatre and Theatre Works have agreed to let Actors Theatre patrons swap tickets. To exchange tickets, Actors Theatre patrons should contact the respective theater company box ofﬁces: • Arizona Theatre Company (www. arizonatheatre.org), 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix; (602) 256-6995 • Arizona Broadway Theatre (www. azbroadway.org), 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria; (623) 7765-8400 • Phoenix Theatre (www. phoenixtheatre.com), 100 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix; (602) 254-2151 • Stray Cat Theatre (www. straycattheatre.org), 132 E. Sixth St., Tempe; (480) 227-1766 • Theatre Works (www.theatreworks. org), 8355 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria; (623) 815-7930.

Arts

January 3 – 16, 2015

ON STAGE Young Performers Concert Series, Sunday, Jan. 11, MIM. Arizona Musicfest partners with the Musical Instrument Museum to showcase talented young musicians. “Unexpected Affinities,” Sunday, Jan. 11, MN. Local chamber group Paradise Winds joins the MusicaNova Orchestra for the world premiere of Graham Cohen’s “Unexpected Affinities,” a concerto grosso commissioned by the Selznick Tikkun Olam Foundation in honor of Holocaust survivors Max and Nina Gurin. Fab Four, Friday, Jan. 16, MAC. The ultimate tribute band pays homage to The Beatles with classic favorites like “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Hey Jude.” Carpe Diem String Quartet, Friday, Jan. 16, GCC. This unique string quartet blends a traditional string repertoire with a passion for tango-, folk-, pop-, rock-, jazz-inspired music and more. Part of the Canyon Sounds Artist Series presented by the Gold Canyon Arts Council. Alpin Hong, Friday, Jan. 16, CCA. Alpin Hong, called “a pianistic firebrand” by the New York Times and a fierce supporter of musical education,

performs in his inspirational and energetic style. African Children’s Choir, Sunday, Jan. 18, CCA. African children, 7 to 10 years old—many of whom have lost parents through war, famine and disease— take the stage to sing African tunes including well-loved children’s songs, hand clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary music. The choir helps raise awareness for children’s needs in Africa and supports the program, which provides unique opportunities for the children involved. Travis Tritt, Sunday, Jan. 25, CCA. Enjoy an up close and personal evening of music with two-time Grammy winning and three-time CMA winning country artist Travis Tritt. “Camelot,” Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25, MAC. The legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the round table told through Lerner and Loewe’s enchanting melodies and a classic stage performance. Celebrating the Year of the Sheep, Friday, Jan. 30, CCA. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s professionally trained musicians present a free classical concert. “The Midtown Men,” Saturday, Feb. 7, CCA. Watch four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” reunite as they establish themselves as rock

stars in their own right, bringing to life their favorite tunes from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more. “Hardcore Legend: An Evening with Mick Foley,” Sunday, Feb. 8, SUL. The WWE champion, speaker, author and stand-up artist gives a performance that is by turns uproariously funny, simply surreal and surprisingly sensitive. “Of Legends and Lovers: Doc and Kate,” Sunday, Feb. 8, CCA. A performance of the story of the West’s most famous dentist, a man who went, as he likes to put it, “from the one who heals to the one who keels” (kills) and his life with Mary Katherine Haroney Cummings. “Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: The Soul of Flamenco,” Saturday, Feb. 14, CCA. One of the nation’s premier ﬂamenco and Spanish dance companies celebrates its 30th anniversary season with innovative music, exotic movement, passionate dancing and more. 2015 Chinese New Year Show, Sunday, Feb. 15, CCA. The Eastern Art Academy hosts the 2015 Chinese New Year Show in a lively and unique show that the entire family will enjoy. The year of the ram is welcomed with song, dance, instrument and martial arts performances and more.

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ON STAGE VENUE INDEX CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www. chandlercenter.org GCC—Gold Canyon United Methodist Church 6640 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon Tickets: www.gcac1.com/cynsnds.html MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com MIM—Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix Tickets: www.mimmusictheater.themim. org MN—MusicaNova Central United Methodist Church, 1875 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Tickets: (480) 585-4485, www. musicanovaaz.com SUL—Stand Up Live 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix Tickets: (480) 719-6100, www. standuplive.com

Fats Waller tunes at ACJS party

TRAVIS TRITT: Catch him play Sunday, Jan. 25 at CCA. Submitted photo

The music of American jazz pianist, singer and organist Fats Waller comes to life Sunday, Jan. 18, as the Sun City Stomperz perform at the Arizona Classic Jazz Society’s Jazz Party, upstairs in the Palomino Room and La Terraza at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Access the party and performance through the

elevator, located behind the registration desk in the lobby of the hotel. Cost to attend the party is $10 ACJS for members, $15 for nonmembers and free for students with ID. Attendees who become members on Jan. 18—$35 for couple or $25 for single yearly membership—get in free that day. For more information, call (480) 620-3941 or visit www.azclassicjazz. org

Arts

www.SanTanSun.com

January 3 – 16, 2015

Arizona Musicfest kicks off Jan. 29 throughout the Valley Arizona’s premier winter music festival, Musicfest, begins Thursday, Jan. 29 and will run through Thursday, March 5, featuring headliners such as Rosanne Cash, Steep Canyon Rangers and New York Polyphony The performers include several Grammy-nominated artists. Cash is up for Best Americana Album for “The River and The Thread,” as well as Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance for “A Feather’s Not a Bird.” Steep Canyon Rangers are nominated for Best American Roots Song and New York Polyphony have been nominated for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. The 2015 festival, which takes place at various venues in Phoenix and Scottsdale, will feature top

musicians in genres including classical, chamber, jazz, rock and roll, country, bluegrass and pop. The festival will offer 14 concerts, beginning with “Hotel California—A Salute to the Eagles” Thursday, Jan. 29, at Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. Single tickets and bundles for Arizona Musicfest concerts are on sale at www. azmusicfest.org; visit the website or call (480) 840-0457 for more information. The rest of the schedule follows.

Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $47.50-$57.50.

Feelin’ Groovy—The Era of Simon and Garfunkel 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. $23-$65; $10 with college ID.

Orli Shaham 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. Temple Chai, 4645 E. Marilyn Rd., Phoenix. $34-$50; $10 with college ID.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. $23-$65; $10 with college ID. New York Polyphony 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. MIM Music Theater, Musical

Mike Kocour Quintet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. Troon Country Club, 25000 N. Windy Walk Dr., Scottsdale. $49. Steep Canyon Rangers 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. $49-$65; $10 with college ID.

Bob Moody and Friends featuring Simply Three 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. Fairway House at Grayhawk, 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale. $49. Rosanne Cash 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. $33-$75.

Scheherazade and Mozart: Arizona Musicfest Orchestra conducted by Robert Moody featuring Ricardo Morales 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. $49-$65; $10 with college ID. Beethoven, Bach and the Blue Danube: Arizona Musicfest Orchestra conducted by Robert Moody featuring Orion Weiss 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. $49-$65; $10 with college ID. The Crazy Arc of Love: Arizona Musicfest Orchestra featuring Storm Large, lead singer of Pink Martini 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. $23-$65. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 and JanáÐek Glagolitic Mass, Arizona Musicfest Orchestra, Chorus and Soloists conducted by Robert Moody 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. $49-$65; $10 with college ID. The Bronx Wanderers 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. $23-$65.

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Arts

January 3 – 16, 2015

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Juried show, entertainment at free festival The council will also host the 15th annual Gold Canyon Arts Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church. Admission and parking is free at the event, which will showcase the work of artists from around the state. The festival will feature a juried art show with the work of more than 85 diverse artists, representing many genres and styles. The event is among the most popular one-day shows in the state, and last year drew almost 6,000 attendees. Programs will be available describing the artists, their styles and an entertainment schedule. Musicians and dancers will perform throughout the day; this year’s performers are the Lamplighters Barbershop Quartet, the Jacome Flamenco Dancers, the Diamondback Brothers and other Native American and Southwestern groups. A variety of foods and beverages will be available for purchase, and the Gold Canyon Food Bank will have a table present for anyone who wishes to donate. Each year, organizers choose a regional artist to design a commemorative festival poster. This year’s poster, by artist Lois Mahoney, will be for sale in limited numbers at the council’s tent. The Gold Canyon Arts Council, a nonproﬁt organization, works to bring affordable arts to the East Valley through its Canyon Sounds Performing Artist Series. All proceeds from memberships, grants and ﬁve annual performances are returned to school music programs through artist residencies. Learn more about the festival at www. gcartsfest.com and the Arts Council at www.gcac1.com.

HarpFusion fuses musical styles The Gold Canyon Arts Council will also host the largest harp ensemble in the world, HarpFusion, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at GCUMC. The group, based at the University of Arizona, has been praised for its unique fusion of different musical styles and cultures. The ensemble’s performances include classical, jazz, new age and folk music.

ECLECTIC QUARTET: Award-winning musical group Quartetto Gelato is set to perform in Gold Canyon Feb. 27. Submitted photo

The pieces are arranged by group members, who study under Carrol McLaughlin, Distinguished Professor of Harp at the University of Arizona. HarpFusion has produced many CDs and DVDs and has been featured in Russia, Korea, Japan, Brazil and Europe and at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Acclaimed quartet performs A quartet playing a wide-ranging variety of music and bringing together the sounds of vocals, horns, accordion and strings will perform at GCUMC at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. The group, Quartetto Gelato, plays pieces ranging from romantic tenor arias and classical music to tangos and is known for its stage presence and easygoing humor. Quartetto Gelato won NPR’s “Performance Today’s” Debut Artist of the Year award earlier in its career. The group has also won Best Classical Ensemble at the Canadian Independent

PULLING AT THE HARP STRINGS: HarpFusion, the world’s largest harp ensemble, blends musical styles and cultures for a unique performance. Submitted photo

Music Awards, and their ﬁrst DVD, “Quartetto Gelato in Wine Country!” was selected by PBS for broadcast. Advance tickets for the performances by Carpe Diem, HarpFusion and Quartetto Gelato are $25 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at Canyon Rose Storage, 6405 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, and at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, 567 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. Tickets are also available via PayPal at www.gcac1.com/cynsnds.html. Adult tickets at the door are $30. The Gold Canyon Arts Council promotes the performing and visual arts through its Canyon Sounds Artist Series. The council is supported in part by grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Western States Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts and local businesses. For more information visit www. gcac1.com.

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY: Renowned string ensemble Carpe Diem will perform Jan. 16 at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church. Submitted photo

WINNING ARTIST: Lois Mahoney, winning artist of this year’s festival poster, poses with her poster and Gold Canyon Arts Council President Carole Lindemann. Submitted photo

January 3 – 16, 2015

Spirituality

St. Mary’s Parish one step closer to additional church BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

With the City zoning process nearly behind him, Father Daniel McBride is anticipating moving forward with his new congregation, St. Juan Diego Catholic Church. It will be part of St. Mary’s Parish, but located near Cooper Road and Markwood Drive. “We’ve been working on this for several years,” says McBride, who is based at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 230 W. Galveston St., Chandler. “It’s very good. We’re hoping in the next few months to be able to get all the financing and contracts together. We’re looking at having a groundbreaking in the spring.” Plans call for a 10-acre, 22,536-squarefoot building with a church sanctuary, multipurpose social hall, food distribution center, parish program offices and teen center. The regional church will seat approximately 1,200 congregants at a single service, of which there are four on Sundays and one on Saturdays. The rezoning is expected to be approved by the City Council on Thursday, Jan. 8. The parish’s mission is to expand the reach of the South Chandler community, which is multicultural, he says. Parish officials conduct Mass in four languages: English, Spanish, a mixture of English and Tagala, which is spoken in the Philippines, and Swahili. “We say St. Juan instead of San Juan because it’s an English version of the

RENDERING: St. Mary’s Parish expects to break ground on St. Juan Diego Catholic Church this year. Above is a rendering of the building. Submitted photo

Hispanic saint,” he says. The Virgin Mary appeared before Juan Diego in what is now Mexico City and asked him to tell the bishop of his church to build a church on the site where they met. Soon after, Our Lady of Guadalupe was built on that site. McBride has been with St. Mary’s Parish and St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a decade. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for him, but he’s impressed with the dedication of the congregation, which has raised $2.8 million for the new church during a capital campaign started ﬁve years ago. “It’s one of the most challenging times to try and raise money,” he says. “It’s really a testament to the breadth of the community. We have everything

from little old ladies who are giving $10 a week, to very wonderful, generous big checks.” To continue raising funds, the parish is hosting the St. Juan Diego ﬁfth annual golf tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Oakwood Golf Course in Sun Lakes. Generally, McBride says, the event raises $10,000 a year. The land for the church was donated by the Dugan family, well-known dairy farmers in Chandler. Richard Dugan served as mayor from 1988 to 1992. Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

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Submit your Spiritual Reflections Share your spiritual reflections... The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun-area churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reflections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to news@santansun.com. Be certain to put “Spiritual Reflections submission” in the subject line, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website. Spiritual Reflections are printed on a space-available basis, and submission does not guarantee print. The opinions represented in this column are those of the author and not that of the SanTan Sun News.

Spirituality

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Girls have ‘night out’ at Chabad A “Girls’ Night Out” for girls ages 9 to 13 meets regularly at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Girls in the program share interests, goals and experiences, developing a sense of unity and friendship and learning about the positive contributions they can make to themselves, their families and the Jewish community at large. The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. Girls will enjoy a fun night out at the mall with a scavenger hunt, treats and fun. Cost is $8.

Our church family already loves you. We just haven’t met you yet. Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday Hamilton High School Auditorium 3700 S. Arizona Ave. www.loc-az.org

480-899-1400

To RSVP or learn more, email youth@ chabadcenter.com or call (480) 855-4333.

‘Art of Parenting’ begins The public is invited to attend “The Art of Parenting,” a six-session course presented by the Rohr Jewish Learning Center and conducted by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, beginning the week of Jan. 19 at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life. The six-session course is designed to help parents answer questions on topics ranging from how children and parents should relate to each other to how to help a child cultivate a healthy self-esteem, “The Art of Parenting” offers a solid foundation anchored by Jewish thought and practice for parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge to explore and develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. To learn more or to register, call (480) 855-4333 or visit www.myJLI.com.

Traditional Worship

7:30 & 11:30 A.M.

Contemporary Worship 8:50 & 10:10 A.M. Sunday School

Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation hosts its next service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Sun Lakes Chapel, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N. Services give congregants the opportunity to meet Rabbi Irwin Wiener, cantor Ronda Polesky and hear the choir. New members are welcome and have the opportunity to meet congregants at the service and at the Oneg Shabbat following the service. At the January service the installation of the new board of directors, ofﬁcers and continuing board members will take place. The ofﬁcers who have completed their term will be honored. The SLJC Sisterhood will take the leadership role at the Friday night service on Friday, Feb. 13. Visit www.sunlakesjewishcongregation. org for more information.

‘Wolfman’ comes to Sun Lakes More than three hours of rock, western and disco music will entertain audiences when “The Wolfman” Tom Wolf takes the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, in the Arizona Room at the Sun Lakes Country Club Phase I, 25601 Sun

SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sunday Mornings

Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation meets

Sunday Evenings CORE (6th - 8th Grade)

6:00 P.M.

High School Youth Group 6:00 P.M.

8:50 & 10:10 A.M.

Adult Forum Bible Study 8:50 A.M.

RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 23914 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248 SW CORNER OF ALMA SCHOOL & CHANDLER HEIGHTS ROADS

Phone: 480-895-6782 • Email: info@RSLCS.org • Website: www.RSLCS.org

Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available. Cost is $15. Purchase and delivery to Sun Lakes addresses are also available by calling Jean at (480) 802-0185.

January 3 – 16, 2015

Explore ‘inner journey of peace’ during retreat Set aside the weekend of the spring equinox to partake in a retreat in Eloy if you wish to explore their inner journey of peace to “radiate peace to the world.” From Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, participants will embark on the Pathways to Peace at the Desert Rose Baha’I Institute. Included in the $375 fee are six meals and two nights’ accommodations plus all activities. For more information, contact Lois Valleau at (480) 883-6699 or Rina Cupples at (480) 883-7747. The group will explore how to allow or disallow peace inside themselves through meditation, laughter, reﬂection and contemplation, sharing perceptions, journaling, desert walking, dancing, reiki, drumming and singing bowls, celebrating an equinox ceremony and watching videos of Prem Rawat.

Spirituality

January 3 – 16, 2015

SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS

Call ahead to conﬁrm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. A Matter of Balance 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 7 Free eight-week class presented by A.T. Still University designed to help older adults manage falls and increase activity levels. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley 3400 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: www.tbsev.org Bible study Meets twice a month Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ, Chandler Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882 Career Connectors 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays Nonproﬁt organization connecting professionals in career transition to highquality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.

Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert Info: www.careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806 Christian Business Networking, TriCity Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Room C100 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Send us your church, temple events Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to News@SanTanSun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for veriﬁcation purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

Chandler United Methodist Church Celebrating more than 100 Years in Chandler. Making and Deploying Disciples Who Put God First, Since 1913.

SUNDAY WORSHIP Traditional Worship .............8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL For Children ........................8:40 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. 480-963-3360 • www.chandlermethodist.org • 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

WEDNESDAY: Bible Study 12 Noon & 7 p.m. SUNDAY: WORSHIP 10 a.m. 19609 S. McQueen Rd. • Chandler, AZ 480-899-LIFE (5433) • 480-343-0022 www.gospel4life.org

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study 5:30 p.m. Sundays Gender-speciﬁc accountability groups that meet for 28 weeks and use the eight recovery principles. CrossRoads Nazarene Church 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 722-0700 or celebraterecovery@crnaz.com East Valley JCC Parent and Child Playgroup 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2 1/2 years old. East Valley JCC 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Emily Malin, (480) 897-0588, maline@evjcc.org East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-yearold age range. Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Empower Model for Men 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays

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The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer the practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Chandler 325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800. Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valleywide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage. Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, www. forevermarriageministries.com, www. facebook.com/forevermarriages.

WebXtra: WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”