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January 3 – 16, 2015
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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
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CINEMA FROM PAGE 45
www.SanTanSun.com
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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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
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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.
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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 a Broadway for 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.
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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.
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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.