December 21, 2013 – January 3, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com
Tumbleweed Santa a jolly face to children in Chandler
Two Chandler residents named Fulbright scholars
BY TRACY HOUSE
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
When John Stewart gets into costume, it’s to fill some big, jolly shoes. “I’ve been playing Santa Claus for probably close to 35 years,” says Stewart, who has portrayed Santa for his employer and family. “When I moved here, I joined the Lions Club and played for them and finally we worked out a deal with the city of Chandler and the Santa Claus house. The Chandler Lions Club helped build that house, and I’ve been doing that ever since.” For more than 15 years, Stewart has been Santa at Chandler’s Santa House. “I enjoy kids and that’s the other reason I joined the Lions Club because we sponsor kids,” Stewart says. The Lions Club sponsors clubs and helps children who need eye glasses. “For Santa, I just enjoy being with the kids,” Stewart remarks. “I have fun with it. A lot of people I know bring their kids down for me.” He says he gets “the dirt” on the kids and is able to ask them about their behavior. “I catch quite a few kids off guard. Being down there so long, there’s a lot of kids I recognize year after year.” With the longevity he says the kids are excited when he remembers them from year to year. Stewart stays in character while he’s Santa. “I’m a firm believer to stay in character. I don’t change in front of the kids—I don’t get out of my costume in front of the kids.” He explains, “Preparing
Two Chandler-based Arizona State University students have received 2013 Fulbright scholar awards to study abroad. The program, which is a premier fellowship program of the U.S. State Department, is aimed at increasing mutual understanding while helping develop creative responses to problems. A record 26 students received the Fulbright Award from ASU last spring representing 19 different countries. “I was overjoyed when I found out that I had been chosen as a Fulbright Scholar, but it took until our orientation in London to understand what it meant,” says Jaleila Brumand, 22. “This program is really unique because, while it enables students to go abroad to pursue their field of interest,
JOLLY MAN: Santa welcomes children of all ages at the Santa House in Downtown Chandler. John Stewart is the man in the suit who has made thousands of children smile during the holiday season. Submitted photo
for it is a couple of deep breaths and just go for it. Once the beard and the wig goes on, I’m ready.” As the kids come to Stewart he says he doesn’t make promises. “I don’t want to lie to kids.” Usually on the first night at Santa’s House, Stewart averages 800 to 1,000 children sitting on his lap for pictures. He estimates that he’s had thousands of kids talk to him over the years. “I enjoy it very much. My Lions Club enjoys sponsoring it.” The club painted the house and fixed the floor to ready it for this year. “It’s a fun thing to be part of. SEE JOLLY PAGE 6
BY MAX KRAUST
SEE DEFENSE PAGE 5
480-584-3226 www.PetersonAC.com
TRENDS
Chandler Library helps customers keep up with latest technology
Police and fire personnel assist homeless during extreme winter weather PROTECT YOURSELF: Chandler’s free Rape Aggression Defense classes help women combat real-life situations. Submitted photo
20% $30 $500 OFF OFF OFF NATE and Heat Pump Council Certified Technicians
JANUARY 2013
SERVICE
FOR A COOLER ARIZONA
AIR CARE & HOME SERVICES
City of Chandler Insider Special 2013: A year in review
Thanks to the growing popularity of e-readers and tablets, especially as holiday gifts, the Chandler Public Library offered free classes to assist customers with questions about their devices, as well as teach them how to download e-books through the library’s website. All customers need to download e-books is a valid library card, access to the Internet and their e-reader or tablet. Cardholders can access over 75,000 unique e-book titles, from classics to bestsellers, and for all age groups. ON THE WEB: chandlerlibrary.org
Tactics, techniques key to rape defense class The Chandler Police Department will kick off the new year with a series of Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) classes for women. The classes, which CPD began offering in 2003, are designed to help women combat realistic situations where they might be vulnerable, using self-defense tactics. “The class teaches awareness,
SEE FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS PAGE 4
ANY REPAIRS Not including service calls.
Preventative New Maintenance Installed Program A/C System
LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE ROC: 280175, A Southwest Holdings Group Co.
PULTENEY BRIDGE: Before Chandler resident Jaleila Brumand began her courses at Lancaster University, she took a trip with her mother to Bath, the location of Pulteney Bridge and weir are shown. Submitted photo
When temperatures plunged during a week-long cold snap in early January, members of Chandler’s public safety teams went out into the community
GOVERNING BODY: Chandler City Hall. Submitted photo
delivering assistance to people who were homeless and living on the streets. Sleeping bags, gloves, clothing and blankets were collected and distributed to those in need. City staff also found shelter space for those willing to go. CULTURE
Poignant film featured at Celebration of Unity The critically acclaimed inspirational film “Nicky’s Family” was shown at the Center for the Arts as part of Chandler’s annual Celebration of Unity. The occasion showcased how one person can make a tremendous difference in SEE CITY OF CHANDLER INSIDER PAGE 8
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler Regional first with breakthrough procedure. . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5 John Allen’s Personal Training makes a difference . . . . . . . . . .BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21 Gymnasts ‘Aspire’ to be the best . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 BMX racer, 6, cycling his way to the top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Humorist Jeanne Robertson returns to Chandler. . . . . . . . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56
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