Gilbert, AZ December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

LI F E + C U LTU R E ARE YO U RE ADY FO R A M OVI E? HOME + DESIGN EN T ER T H E SE AS O N FOOD + DRINK M EE T T H E B FA M

Comfort & Joy with

Blaine Long

TOP SELLING HOMES

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CIRCLE G AT SILVER CREEK 4 BEDROOMS 4.5 BATHROOMS

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LAKEVIEW TRAILS NORTH 4 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATHROOMS

Moving forward together! #GILBERTTOGETHER

www.amyjonesgroup.com

Call Us: (480) 250-3857

Each office is independently owned and operated

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Robin Belley | robin.belley@lifestylepubs.com SALES DIRECTOR

Joy and Cheer in Gilbert

Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

MacKenzie Belley | mackenziebelley@gmail.com

OKAY, SO MAYBE THE HOLIDAY SEASON ISN’T FULL OF JOY AND CHEER

SALES SUPPORT A SSISTANT

THE ENTIRE TIME. There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so

Gabriel Belley | gabebelley@gmail.com

that your family and friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath and don’t

AD DESIGNER

worry. We are right there with you.

We wouldn’t leave you without some winter decorating tips from the amazing Jen Crutcher. Be sure to follow Jen’s local renovation projects @windmillrenovations on Instagram and Facebook. We also scored you a favorite family recipe from one of the East Valley’s most loved restaurants. The "Steve's Smoked Meatloaf" is such a crowd pleaser and yummy comfort food you will keep this recipe handy for non holidays also.

We also want to share with you some entertaining ideas for this holiday season.

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynette Carrington, Jen Wilson, Robin Belley, Cyndee Woolle, Nicolette Martin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tracy Scheffer, Jen Wilson, Blushing Cactus Photography, Estée Janssens

East Valley favorite Blaine Long talks life after The Voice. An early look inside getting ready for the Chandler Film Festival with some the board of directors that live right here in Gilbert.

That’s right, The film festival is on track, so you can snag some great tickets early, maybe even before our friendly neighbors.

This holiday season is going to be wonderful, and we believe in you. Join us digitally

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

on facebook & instagram to share your holiday photos. @gilbertcitylifestyle and be

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

sure to check out all things Lifestyle on www.citylifestyle.com

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

And finally, please remember to find time for yourself too. Your family wants you to be happy and healthy above all else.

Happy holidays, Gilbert. We can’t wait to see you next year!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Robin Belley, Publisher

Kristy Belley, Sales Director

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Blaine Long PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

Proverbs 3:5-6 Gilbert Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Gilbert area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Gilbert Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Getting Authentic Evolving out of a reality television persona, singer/songwriter Blaine Long fully embraces his unique style

16 Living the Dream A family’s adventure of taking a chance on a new country

20 Deck the Doors Decorate your front porch this holiday season to spread the Christmas cheer

24 Chandler International Film Festival Reimagined film festival brings both

12 24

online and in-person opportunities to local and global film fans

16

20

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Back Stage

16

Hot Spot

20 Renovate & Refine 24 Local Limelight 28 DIY 34 Lifestyle Calendar

AROUND TOWN

RRESS COFFEE OFFERS AN NEW COMMUNITY BLEND TO SUPPORT NONPROFITS Press Coffee is passionate about supporting the community where they work and live. Over the years the locally owned and operated company has donated to a variety of local nonprofits through annual fundraising efforts.

With the launch of its new Community Blend coffee, Press Coffee is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness and support local organizations.

Each quarter Press Coffee will identify a different nonprofit to support. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the Community Blend coffee will be donated. Arizona Coalition for Change, a Phoenix-based organization that empowers everyday people to transform their community through building civic power, just and equitable schools and safer neighborhoods will be the first beneficiary of many to come.

“Recognizing and supporting the work others are doing in the community to improve inequalities, better our schools, or support those in-need is something we believe strongly in,” said Alex Mason, co-owner of Press Coffee. “We hope this small campaign will have a big effect not only for the individual organizations but the Phoenix community at-large.” presscoffee.com

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS MENTOR UNDER 30?

2020 has taught all business professionals that we must look for new ways to connect with clients.

You should routinely work with interns. It's a great way to get special projects done, but often the young professionals bring more than just task-work. When talking through projects with young professionals, their questions open up new and innovative ways to stay on the cutting edge in serving clients.

With the world changing, CEOs 8

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

like Jan Owen agree, “If you’re over 45 and you don’t have an under 30-year-old mentor — not mentee, but mentor — you’re going to miss fundamental shifts in thinking that are happening. I think the smart organizations are harvesting young people’s skills and technologies."

– Cyndee Woolle

HD SOUTH--HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum the East Valley’s arts, culture, & history center, in partnership with Art Intersection presents THROUGH EACH OTHER’S EYES—GUATEMALA EXCHANGE Beginning December 14, 2020 and on display through February 20, 2021, this exhibit of photographs by

image-makers

cultures

from

different

their

dissimi-

explores

lar worlds.

Two individuals from

Arizona, Rebecca Wilks from Yarnell and Geoff Reed from Phoenix, and two from Guatemala, Rony Mejia and Javier Alvarez-Vassaux both from Guatemala City, consecutively hosted their counterparts for ten days of road travel to capture iconic imagery of their respective lands.

The photographs explore how cultural background informs a person’s unique vision, ranging from the Guatemalans’ surprised response to the vast, open, sparsely populated vistas of the arid American Southwest, to the Arizonans’ joyful reaction to the vibrant color and bustling population of tropical Guatemala.

Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of Museum admission.

HD SOUTH is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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BACK STAGE

getting AU T H E N T I C 12

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

SINGER, SONGWRITER AND GUITARIST BLAINE LONG HAS BEEN AN EAST VALLEY RESIDENT SINCE HE WAS A TOT. His style is reminiscent of a young Bob Dylan mixed with a dash of Bruce Springsteen, and his storyteller-esque way of singing simply grabs the listener and pulls them into Long’s world. Heartfelt and real, Long’s original songs are relatable and authentic.

Many people recognize Long from his appearance on season 11 of TV talent show “The Voice” in 2016. He successfully saw judges turn their chairs for his singing talent and wound up on Blake Shelton’s team. Long never felt that he was a great fit for the show and has since returned to his preferred groove of performing live at local venues.

The spark for performing was ignited in Long when he was a youngster and his father would play records late at night on weekends. “My family would slowly go to bed and I would stay up with my dad… Just a little kid hanging out with his dad,” says Long. “My dad was not one for music, so when he put music on, it was like, ‘What’s happening here?’” His father would play everything from vintage Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to classical music. It left an impact on the budding musician.

While attending a boarding academy in Scottsdale, Long was sinking more than he was floating, as he explains it, and left the school. He eventually hooked up with some friends who needed a singer for their band for their high school talent show. “I was pretty aimless - I don’t have any education and no GED,” says Long. “This is all I’ve wanted to do. I’m sort of a throwback.”

Writing songs was always his first love. “I consider myself lucky, not smart, and I thought songs were what it was all about,” he says. From writing songs, to singing, Long’s style has evolved. “The guys would tease me and say I sounded like if Tracy Chapman and Michael Stipe had a baby,” laughs Long. “But I evolved because I didn’t stop.” He worked relentlessly for years, playing threehour shows each day, five or six days a week.

“I was making amazing money before ‘The Voice’ as a solo artist in town playing 100 percent originals in ARTICLE LYNETTE

bars and restaurants.” Long explains. “Through that, I

CARRINGTON | PHOTOGRAPHY

got into a record deal. I worked out of a studio doing

TRACY SCHEFFER

one of my records and I’ve been doing a record a year.”

While working at the studio, Long ran into Arizona attor-

EVOLVING OUT OF A REALITY TELEVISION PERSONA, SINGER/SONGWRITER BLAINE LONG FULLY EMBRACES HIS UNIQUE STYLE

ney Grant Woods. Long went on to perform on Woods’ album “The Project” that was comprised of local artists performing original songs written by the former Arizona Attorney General.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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BACK STAGE (CONTINUED) Shortly thereafter, Woods started his own record label and signed Long. Woods took Long to meet with someone that

lucky! I have a house and a truck, and I get to write and play original music. That’s where my passion is.”

the new record label owner thought could get Long on “The

To date, Long has 13 original records under his belt,

Voice,” and a private audition was arranged. He wanted to

and his next record “Komodo” will be released in the next

“play nice,” but Long didn’t think he’d have a shot at getting on

several weeks. Additionally, he recently received a guitar

the show and wasn’t overly excited about the prospect. After

endorsement from Guild Guitars.

two auditions, he was chosen to appear the show. “They told

He is also grateful for Arizona venues that book him,

us we’d be gone for two months for the first round, and I have

particularly Good Time Charlie’s in Chandler. “It’s the

adopted kids, so I can’t be away from my babies that long,” he

neighborhood hang - the neighborhood bar,” says Long

says. His wife strongly encouraged him to go.

who performs there each Wednesday on the patio. “They

But Reality TV isn’t all that it appears. “It was hard at first because you have to go along with it, says Long." There wasn’t any direct

support live music like no one else I’ve seen. They fought hard to stay open during the pandemic.”

coaching from Shelton, although Long was fine with working with

COVID-19 has put a damper on entertainment, but Long is

a couple other vocal coaches. Ultimately, he was happy to get off

committed to performing. “It comes down to passion,” finishes

the show with his dignity and professionalism intact. Outside of

Long. “This is all I’ve ever wanted since I was a little kid.”

better paying gigs, no other opportunities came his way.

“I’m very different now, I’m playing by my own rules,” explains Long who has since moved on from his TV experience. “I’m so

14

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

To learn more about Blaine Long visit blanielong.com

“I’M SO LUCKY! I HAVE A HOUSE AND A TRUCK, AND I GET TO WRITE AND PLAY ORIGINAL MUSIC. THAT’S WHERE MY PASSION IS.”

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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living

ARTICLE ROBIN BELLEY

HOT SPOT

Owner Of Winery

the American dream WANTING TO COME TO AMERICA, WANTING TO BE AN AMERICAN IS YEARNING FOR THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY 16

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

IN THESE TIMES OF DIVISION, ACRIMONY AND,

The “Cuisine & Wine Bistro” in Chandler, overseen

LET’S SAY IT, FEAR AND HATRED, IT COULD BE

by Fabrice and Killian, maintains the French cui-

SAID THAT THE AMERICAN DREAM IS OVER.

sine tradition. The “Copper & Logs” at the corner

For some of us, coming to America was a goal

of Warner and Greenfield in Gilbert with its trendier

- something that we saved for or dreamed of. For

cocktails and wood fired pizzas is managed by Laura.

the Buschtetz family, this meant selling a successful

And the newly renovated “B Gastrobar”, located in

restaurant in France and moving across the Atlantic.

“The Islands” neighborhood near McQueen and

Wanting to come to America, wanting to be an

Warner is where Steven, the other chef in the family,

American is yearning for the freedom to choose

is adding a touch of French and Mediterranean flair

your destiny and make a life for yourself and your

to the American comfort food classics.

family. Like so many who have done so before,

The restaurant has undergone a major renova-

this was the dream for Fabrice and Mairead. After

tion since the days of the MWC. The Buschtetz

a trip to the area in 2012, they decided to make

took their time during the pandemic and re-cre-

the jump and move with their three children to

ated the menu. Listening to their customers, they

Arizona in the spring of 2013.

decided to operate outside of their comfort zone.

A love for the open road, wide open desert sky with

French fries, Deviled Eggs, Hamburgers, and Mac

breathtaking sunset, colors of rust, marigold, plum and

& Cheese are now part of the menu along with

indigo, wild horses running free along the Salt River is

Fabrice’s Escargots, Chorizo Croquettes, and

what brought us here. Building your dream and watch-

Burrata Cheese.

ing your children grow is what make us stay here.

An interesting mélange of spicy, salty, and tangy,

Fabrice is a third-generation restauranteur, his

Chef Steven offers us a wide variety of interesting

parents and grandparents owned restaurants.

choices: the croquettes are light, creamy, and spicy,

While he may have been born into it, his skills

the deviled eggs comes with bacon and blue cheese,

were acquired over years of long hours scrubbing,

the fries with aioli, even the venerable “mac and

preparing, measuring, watching, waiting for the

cheese” has been upgraded with a creamy lobster

right color, texture, the right smell, and the right

bisque or a spicier Chorizo in a cheese sauce.

taste. The first of his family to attend culinary

The relaxed atmosphere is more akin to a small

school in Paris, he is now passing this knowledge

neighborhood restaurant but with an excellent wine

on to Killian, Steven and Laura.

list, some memorable cocktails, selected beers, and

While Fabrice dreams of new recipes, Mairead is

the higher service standards usually associated with

all business. With a background in hotel and busi-

the classic training of the French culinary tradition. A

ness management, this soft-spoken Irish girl from

tradition that is alive and well under the hot sun of the

County Cork is making sure that the staff shows up

Arizona desert.

for their shift, and that things run smoothly in all

Part of being American may mean hamburger,

three of the family restaurants. Since the acqui-

cold beer and mac and cheese but part of being

sition of the MWC Bistro in 2015, the family now

American also means adding a bit of who you are to

owns and operates two additional locations.

the pot. bgastrobar.com 3-9 PM CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

17

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

festive smoked meatloaf INGREDIENTS Start to finish: 2 hrs. and 30 minutes (15 minutes prep time) Serving: 6 + 2 pounds Black Angus ground beef + 2 eggs (beaten) + 1 cup of sourdough bread crumbs + 2 tablespoons of olive oil + 2 carrots (finely diced) + 1 celery branch (finely diced) + 1 large onion (finely diced) + 1 jalapenos (seeded and diced) + ¼ teaspoon thyme + 1 bay leaf + 2 tablespoons of white wine + ½ cup barbeque sauce + ½ cup of your favorite barbecue rub

DIRECTIONS 01 In a sauce pan, heat up olive oil and sauté onions until they start to soften. Add the carrot, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and jalapeno.

Sauté for 5 minutes until the mixture is soft and slightly brown. Deglaze with white wine, remove from heat, and let cool.

02 While the vegetables are cooling, mix the meat, crumbs, and egg. On a wire rack, shape vegetables and meat mixture into a loaf and add barbecue rub on the meatloaf for added flavor.

03 Fill smoker with Cherry, Pecan, Mesquite pellets or wood chip and smoke for two hours at 225°F. Once meatloaf has completed baking, remove from smoker and brush with barbecue sauce. Place back in smoker to finish for another 15 minutes.

04 Let cool, slice, and enjoy!

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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DECK RENOVATE & REFINE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JEN CRUTCHER

THE DOORS DECORATE YOUR FRONT PORCH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO SPREAD THE CHRISTMAS CHEER

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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS JUST AROUND

these gatherings, and we are here to help

THE CORNER, AND ALTHOUGH THINGS

you create a porch to welcome in family,

LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT THIS YEAR, IT’S

friends, and the holidays.

STILL EXCITING TO DECORATE YOUR

Your porch is the first thing your guests

FRONT PORCH TO HELP RING IN THE

see when they pull up to your house, so

SEASON! I think most people welcome the

of course, it’s nice to make a good first

holidays because it means cooler weather

impression. The nice thing about dec-

and it’s something to look forward to in these

orating your porch is you don’t have to

crazy times. Although holiday gatherings

worry about untangling hundreds of tiny

might look a little different this year, we are

little white lights. Just grab some garland,

excited for the opportunity to create mean-

a wreath, and maybe a couple of trees or

ingful memories. Home is the backdrop for

logs and you are decking the halls!

your front porch! Adding frosted garland and wreaths with white twinkling lights can transform your porch into a snowy dream. Lanterns with candles and frosted trees will help set the tone for this winter wonderland.

WHITE CHRISTMAS PINE WITH SNOW WREATH $85.99

POTTED FLOCKED BALSAM FIR ARTIFICIAL TREE $70.00

DRE AMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMA S

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas in warm Arizona? Bring the winter wonderland to

STYLE TIP Add layers of trees and other festive accents to give your PLAID RUG BLACK $20.00

space dimension. Don’t be afraid to layer a doormat with a decorative rug to add more texture and holiday cheer.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED) PRE-LIT WOODLAND PINE WREATH & GARLAND, ITEM PRICE $129

DRIED BIRCH WOOD $18.99

CABIN IN THE WOODS Whether you are staying in Gilbert for the holidays or you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in your cabin up North, we can help up your holiday curb appeal. My parents have a wonderful mountain getaway in Payson, Arizona and we love to go antiquing! Adding personal touches to your porch will make it uniquely yours.

22

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

STYLE TIP Mixing organic elements like dried birch wood and an antique copper bucket bring in the rustic feels.

Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new to add character to your porch.

STYLE TIP

If you like the clean or minimalist look, the key is green. Simply add a wreath and some garland to your porch to ring in the season. Faux greenery adds color

Make sure you give your garland some TLC! Whether

and texture to help your home feel festive this season.

you just bought it, or are pulling it out of a box, make

Garland is a timeless piece of Christmas dĂŠcor that

sure you fluff it before you hang it. Spread the needles

can transform any space.

and branches away from the main wire to make your

HOLIDAY WREATH $34.99

SIMPLY GRE E N

garland full and beautiful.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DOORMAT $12.99

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

23

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

CHANDLER I N T E R N AT I O N A L

F I L M F E S T I VA L

REIMAGINED FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS BOTH ONLINE AND IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES TO LOCAL AND GLOBAL FILM FANS

24

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

THE YEAR 2020 HAS BEEN UNFORGETTABLE FOR MOST

ARTICLE LYNETTE CARRINGTON

PEOPLE AND FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS. For the Chandler

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

International Film Festival, it has been a year of growth, opportunity and shifting gears to address the challenges presented by a global pandemic. To its credit, the board of directors for the Chandler International Film Festival have made changes that ultimately bring even more participation to the fifth annual film festival taking place January 21-24, 2021 online, at Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 and drive-in style movie screenings at Chandler High School.

The board of directors is comprised of festival founder and board president Mitesh Patel, vice president Betty Ramirez, secretary Denise Phillips, treasurer Dave Waltzer, board members Rene Lopez, Bill Tirone, Bernard Johnsen, Christine Wenger and Doug Rosepapa, and associate board members Lynette Carrington and Melody King. Together, they worked to maintain the excitement, fun and industry engagement for the 2021 event while still maintaining safety protocols.

This year, films will be screened indoors at Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 with rigorous social distancing and safety and cleanliness measures firmly in place. “Due to COVID, we have less occupancy at the theater,” explains Patel. “We added virtual viewing of some films online, and a drive-in venue which will be better for us as we continue to make everyone safe while attending the festival.”

Keeping that positive mindset, Patel is looking forward to welcoming residents from around Arizona and the world. He says, “We are using social distancing and still having fun for the physical setting for the film festival. We will be safe, but still have a much better experience with theater, drive-in, and virtual viewing, giving many more people the chance to enjoy our films.”

Gilbert resident and associate board member Carrington explains, “I am proud of how the board has sought out inventive ways to solve tricky issues as it relates to our festival. Our board includes a cohesive group of professionals from various industries and every person brings spectacular talent to the table.”

A nonprofit film festival, Chandler International Film Festival celebrates filmmaker diversity of every kind, particularly women filmmakers. The festival likes to showcase films made by those who sometimes feel they don’t have opportunities. Chandler Film Festival welcomes them all. Waltzer, who is a Gilbert resident explains, “This festival brings people from all over the world to Chandler. It also helps to foster worldwide relationships and collaboration within the film industry.”

This year, special guests will include actors Lee Arenberg and Martin Klebba, main pirate character actors from several of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films and they will participate in a special screening of the “Pirate of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” with a question-and-answer session that will take place Saturday, January 23.

Patel says, “I am excited to see the movies ‘Tombstone,’ screening Friday, January 22 and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

25

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

The Curse of the Black Pearl.’ We also have the feature film, ‘The Unhealer,’ partially filmed in Scottsdale and the Superstition Mountains and stars Natasha Henstridge, Lance Henricksen and Adam Beach. We’ll also be screening the documentary, ‘Kiss the Ground’ which has an amazing cast of including Woody Harrelson, Patricia Arquette, Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen and many others.”

“The festival is definitely growing, and I love that,” says Gilbert resident and board member Christine Wenger.

“I also love that the entire community comes together to participate. I know this will be a great year and we have incredible films entered in the festival.”

Key event sponsors have been valuable in keeping the festival viable for 2021. Those sponsors include Casanova Brothers Pizza, Desert Car Care Center of Chandler, Waymo, Hilton Garden Inn Chandler Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Chandler South.

The City of Chandler has also been instrumental in making the festival a success. Chandler’s Community Resources and Diversity Supervisor Niki Tapia has been a big support, and Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources has provided volunteers and printing services. “The City of Chandler has always supported our festival and it proves what we can do when we work together!” adds Ramirez.

“This is our fifth year and even with the changes we had to make with COVID, we feel it will be a wonderful and exciting event,” says Patel. “We are so excited to know that two of the actors from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ will attend and actor and improv professional Pat Finn will conduct an improv workshop. We anticipate more stars will be joining us, too.”

Patel finishes, “We will have workshops and after-parties to enjoy, but the biggest excitement will be to see the films that the kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as the Chandler High School students submit for recognition and awards. These are just a few of the ways that we are involving our local community.”

Local nonprofits AZCEND and ICAN have both been chosen by the film festival as the recipients of a portion of festival proceeds. Chandler-based AZCEND helps change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. ICAN is also based in Chandler and is a free youth center in the East Valley that offers programming for youth, teens, families and the community.

The Festival

Fifth takes

Annual place

Chandler January

International 21-24,

2021

Film online,

at Harkins Chandler Fashion 24 and at Chandler High School. Tickets for all events are on sale at http://www.chandlerfilmfestival.com.

26

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert

27

DIY

bullet journaling 101

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-

and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep?

Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog.

Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and

our lives moving a mile a minute, anything we

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

CONTINUED >

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29

DIY (CONTINUED)

what you need There’s so much you can do here with just a notebook (you’ll probably want one with a dotted grid) and a pen! If you want to add some creative flair, consider incorporating markers, stickers and washi tape.

start simple When you start searching for bullet journaling on Pinterest, it can get really overwhelming really fast. Decide what is most important for you to keep track of and start with that! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll be less likely to stick with it.

make it your own The most important thing to remember is that it is for you and not anyone else. Use your favorite colors, doodle things that help

symbols s ymbol char t

A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note

Complete

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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

you out and make it work for you!

how-to how - to

page styles t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker

+ Spending log

+ Activity tracker

+ Bucket list

+ Exercise tracker

+ Reading list

+ Ideas list

+ Yearly goals

+ Chore list

+ Happiness log

+ Budget tracker

+ Sleep tracker

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31

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

9

THROUGH JAN

The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

LIVE NATIVITY - BOULDER MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH

PHOENIX ZOO - CRUISE ZOO LIGHTS

a nearly four-story tall Christmas Tree,

Phoenix Zoo

Santa’s sELFie stations and visits from

Community Church

For the first time in the history of the

Santa. Friday and Saturday nights fea-

Follow the street lined with lumi-

Phoenix Zoo, Cruise ZooLights from

ture arts, crafts and local vendors

narias leading to a live nativity.

the comfort of your own car. See

Open Daily Noon - 10pm

Plus a petting zoo, tractor-pulled

millions of twinkling holiday lights

hayride, crafts and a photo booth.

and dazzling animal sculptures. Tour

Enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate.

the Africa Trail and see the all-new

6-8:30 p.m.; 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Wildlife Lantern Safari featuring 66

nativity story presentations.

animals — 5:30PM - 10:30PM (last

McClellan Road - Boulder Mountain

Ticket Purchase Required

11-13, 17-23, 26-31

than 2 million holiday lights, displayed and synchronized to classic Christmas songs. Plus visits from Santa (Dec. 7, 8, 14-23), illuminated

Heritage District

Desert Botanical Garden comes to

A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spec-

life with more than 8,000 luminarias

tacular, heart-warming version of

and thousands of twinkling lights.

Dickens’ classic tale of redemption

5:30-10:30 p.m.

is magically brought to life on the

Dec. 11-13, 17-23, 26-31

traditional

carols,

stunning

ters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 18th year

display, ice skating, festive foods and hot cocoa at Vertuccio Farms

7 HOLIDAY BALLOON GLOW San Tan Village

Kick off the holidays with the ninth

THROUGH JAN

Annual

ZOO LIGHTS WALK THROUGH

& Mrs. Claus and more. Check

of

twinkling

lights

Glow

featuring

kids zone, live entertainment, Santa website for a complete timetable

Phoenix Zoo

Millions

Balloon

more than 70 vendors, food trucks,

shine

of events. 1-9 p.m. Free. San Tan

throughout the Phoenix Zoo during

Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Road,

1-22

the annual Zoolights. Enjoy dazzling

Gilbert. shopsantanvillage.com

RAWHIDE SNOWY CHRISTMAS

Wildlife Lantern Safari and festive senes

in Gilbert! haletheatrearizona.com

animal sculptures, a music-in-motion light show on the main lake, an all-new

Gila River Reservation

of Polar Paradise in the newly added

The Christmas tree will light up,

Outer Tropics Trail. Nightly Through

Santa will appear and snow will fall at

January 18th 5:30pm - 10:30pm

this Western theme park on the Gila River Reservation west of Chandler.

December 1 - December 22nd

Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020

21 WINTER SOLSTICE - LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS Desert Botanical Gardens

1-31

On Monday, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice),

MERRY MESA WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK

the Garden for an evening of self-re-

Main Street & MacDonald 34

trails, a twinkling barnyard animal

Desert Botanical Gardens

Hale Stage. This production is rich costumes, and memorable charac-

CHRISTMAS FARM LIGHTS CELEBRATION This new light show includes more

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

with

1-24 Vertuccio Farms

LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS - DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS

Hale Center Theatre - Downtown

Market, Jack Frost Food Truck Forest, Main Street Express trackless train,

car must be in line by 9:30 Advanced

1-26, EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY

opens, along with Mesa Christmas

a Silent Night at Luminaria will be held. Walk the luminaria-lit trails of flection and rejuvenation, with no live or recorded music.

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