Gilbert Sun News; 1-3-15: Neighbors

10

Neighbors

January 2015

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Discover Delicious Gilbert Town officials and residents celebrated the opening of Gilbert’s new 350-space parking structure with a festival that went straight to foodies’ stomachs. Mayor John Lewis cut the ribbon to get things started. Various local restaurants participated, including High Tide Seafood Bar and Grill, Flancer’s Café, Joyride Raco House, Postino East, So Cal Fish Taco Company, Salerno’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Liberty Market, Lesley’s Creative Cakes and Bergies Coffee Roast House. GSN photos by Tim Sealy

FUTURE FOODIE: Nicole Spade and her daughter, Gwenivere, enjoy all the good food.

WALK THIS WAY: Kazmir Bluntschly and Brian Blackburn of the Desert Ridge High School Junior ROTC program direct attendees to the event.

NEW AND IMPROVED: Gilbert Mayor John Lewis is proud of the redevelopment efforts in the downtown area.

NEW PARKING GARAGE: The new 350-space parking structure on Vaughan in downtown Gilbert is an important step in the redevelopment of the area.

PEEK-A-BOO: Linux Slibensky is a little shy about photos—or maybe it’s a fun game.

A NICE DAY OUT: Veelen and Ella Chengalaran enjoy the cool day on the roof of the garage.

LOOK OUT BELOW: Diners line the edge of the garage for a good view while they eat.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Pablo Reynoso and daughter, McKayzlyn, served up some seafood, Southern California style.

FUN FOR ALL: Zena, with her handler Kendall Calback, reaches out for some cuddles.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Visually impaired veteran competes in Ironman triathlon

BY ALISON STANTON

For many people, completing an Ironman triathlon may seem like an impossible goal.

But for Gilbert veteran Michael Somsan, being totally blind didn’t stop him from training for and finishing the recent Ironman Arizona—or from training with and encouraging kids with disabilities. Despite his visual impairment, he finished the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run in just over 15 hours.

Somsan, who moved to Hawaii from Laos when he was a young boy, says he grew up valuing the democracy and freedom he and his family enjoyed in America.

“I came from a nonprivileged background, and my parents didn’t have any money for college, so in order for me to go, I had to find a way to pay for it,” he says.

So he decided to join the Army as a way to help fund his education.

“It was also good way to give back to my country.”

Somsan served as a lieutenant in the Army, and he was preparing to return to Kuwait when everything changed on Easter Sunday in 1995. l Specia ing & able OAC c n a Fin vail cing A Finan

Neighbors

“It was supposed to be a peaceful day, but not for me,” he says.

Somsan says he and several fellow members of the military saw a man beating up a young woman in a parking lot in Austin, Texas. When they stepped forward to defend her, Somsan says the fight quickly escalated and he was shot in the head with an 18-gauge shotgun.

The blast severed both of Somsan’s optic nerves, which cannot regenerate or be surgically replaced with transplants.

“I had all of my dreams and goals when I was in my 20s and then I suffered a trauma that took away my eyes,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was really scary.”

After spending a month in a coma, Somsan underwent numerous surgeries.

In 1996, he came to Tucson to begin rehabilitation.

“That’s when I realized I wanted to go back to school,” he says.

He enrolled at the University of Arizona and graduated with MBA and JD degrees.

Somsan, who recalls watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on television prior to losing his SEE IRONMAN PAGE 14

Heea Hea H Heating eatti tin inngg • Air in Air Conditioning C Cond ond ond onditi nditioni iiti tiioning tioni ooni nniing ng • Electrical EEllec leecctri ttrrical trical caal • Plumbing Pllluumbi Plumbi P Plu mbbbiing m mbing ng

Call us for a FREE 2nd opinion!

$

Sometimes it’s not necessary to replace your system!

We guarantee to beat any written quote! air We Rep s, e k a M ll A els! d o M All

50 OFF

ANY REPAIR With this ad. Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 1/31/2015

Get up to

$

1500 TRADE-IN

Free In-Home Estimates

for your old equipment plus rebates!

Clearance on existing 13 seer systems: As of 01/01/15 the EPA is implementing new efficiency regulations.13 seer systems will now become a thing of the past! The current 13 seer system is being replaced with the new 14 seer system along with refrigerant changes! Some 13 seer systems will still be available until depletion of stock?? Don’t be caught up in this confusion! Call Diamondback Air to get a complete understanding of these new regulations and what we can do to minimize the cost in replacing p g anyy part of your existing system.

With this ad. Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 1/31/2015

TUNE UP SPECIALS $

39

With this ad. Not valid with any other offer.

Expires 1/31/2015

(855) 977-0800 www.Diamondbackair.com hvac@Diamondbackair.com Bonded, Insured: ROC#177520

January 2015

11

Business elevates confection to an art form

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Tricia Medina confesses to not liking marshmallows much and she Fluff It Gourmet doesn’t have a baking Marshmallows background. But co-owner Tricia that hasn’t stopped Medina loves creating gourmet her from finding marshmallow treats, success with Gilbert’s including brownie Fluff It Gourmet bomb s’mores, for her Marshmallows. customers. GSN photo “I’m a corporate

by Lynette Carrington business person and I did retail management for 20 years,” says Medina, who co-owns the store at 1034 N. Gilbert Rd. in the Gilbert Encinas Plaza.

Marshmallows are available in yearround flavors such as vanilla bean, caramel apple, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter and strawberry banana. Seasonal flavors include peppermint candy cane, pumpkin spice and Horchata. Some marshmallows—like banana split, coconut macaroon and s’mores—are partially dunked in chocolate. S’mores are served in a homemade graham cracker cup.

Other confections at Fluff It include gluten-free cookies, hot chocolate kits, gourmet marshmallow pops, oatmeal cream pies, moon pies, packaged marshmallows and s’mores parfaits.

Medina was inspired to open the store after winning a friendly baking contest with marshmallows among Bass Pro Shop managers.

She quickly learned to make various marshmallows and put them for sale on Etsy.com. They quickly sold out. Former Bass Pro manager and Gilbert resident Chad Schimmel encouraged Medina and her partner, Hazel Arce, to try a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to start a marshmallow business.

“Our goal was $5,000 and we hit $12,000,” Medina says. She soon left her management job to open Fluff It in August.

The business has grown and Medina and Arce are staying busy as a team.

“She does all the graphics, packaging and the website,” Medina says about Arce. “I do the marshmallows, she does all the pretty stuff.”

“It has been really fun for me to get to see Fluff It start as a totally new and unusual concept and, through hard work and determination, grow into a business,” Schimmel says.

Fluff It Gourmet Marshmallows is located at 1034 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 3. Call (480) 636-0597 or visit www. fluffitmarshmallows.com to order online.

Ongoing Enrollment for 2014-15 School Year Our Mission is to offer children a Christian setting in which to grow, learn and develop physically, spiritually, Now In intellectually and socially while learning to care for Year of Our 12th Operati others and love God and the world He gave us. on

Shining Suns

Shooting Stars

Radiant Rainbows

3 year olds

3 day Pre-K

5 day Transitional K

(Must be 3 by August 31 and potty trained)

(Must be 4 by August 31st)

(Must be 4 by August 31st)

M/W/F 9am – 12pm $250 per month

M - F 9am – 12pm $300 per month

T/Th 9am – 12pm $150 per month

397 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 140 & 160 • Gilbert, AZ 85296 480.726.0436 • www.preschool.loc-az.org

12

Neighbors

January 2015

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Library events scheduled throughout January Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library has scheduled a plethora of events throughout January, except for Monday, Jan. 19, when the facility will be closed for the holiday.

The library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Rd. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

FOR CHILDREN “Story Time with AzPac” 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 Story Time is sponsored by AzPac Parents as Teachers. Explore books through story time, socialization and a fun activity. Activities are aimed at toddlers, however, children of all ages are welcome. This fun story time includes stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities. Sessions are limited to 60 people, including caregivers.

Free tickets are distributed at 11 a.m.

Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during this story time.

Paws 2 Read 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Paws 2 Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers. Warm, brown eyes and happy grins make all the difference to children’s reading experiences, resulting

in an increase in reading levels and word recognition, and a higher desire to read and write. The animals listen and don’t tease, laugh or judge the children. Sign up for a time slot.

Parachute Play Party 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12 This party, for children ages 3-10, encourages cooperation. It’s noncompetitive, so differing abilities are not an issue. Refines perceptual skills, reinforces turn-taking and sharing. Develops a sense of rhythm. Requires children to follow directions. Age-appropriate groups with a play area for infants.

Infant Lap-Sit 10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Tuesdays Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 Infant Lap-Sit is a special story time for infants and toddlers up to 18 months.

It’s designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays. A parent or caregiver is required to attend. No registration required. Tickets will be distributed at 10 a.m. near The Dig. Story Time in The Dig 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and

480.788.5900

START YOUR NEW YEAR RIGHT! Treat yourself to a dental checkup and a healthy mouth.

60 New Patient Special

Cleaning, X-rays and Exam.

(In absence of periodontal disease) Cash Patients.

Story Time with Parenting Arizona 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 This is an interactive story time with stories, songs and a simple activity for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Parent participation is encouraged.

Tickets are required and will be distributed near The Dig at 10 a.m.

Family Spot Playgroup 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 A free developmental playgroup for children through age 5 through Family Spot Resource Center Gilbert. Program includes a story time and hands-on activities for parents and children. Takehome activities will also be provided.

Walk in, no registration.

ALL AGES Arizona Rose Care 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Master gardener Marylou Coffman discusses growing roses in an arid climate.

She will address when to prune and what to do during the winter season to prepare your roses for blooming. Registration required.

Digital Downloads at Your Library 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5 The library offers thousands of eBooks, audio books, magazines and streaming videos that cardholders can borrow for free. Join the group for an overview of the library’s free download services and how to access them through the website or by downloading their apps. Register online.

832 S Greenfield Rd Ste. 104 Gilbert, AZ 85296

$

Jan. 28 Same times Thursdays Jan. 15, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 Children ages 2 to 5 years and their parents/caregivers are invited to join the group for stories, songs and finger play.

Learn letters and numbers with music and activities. Tickets are distributed at 10 a.m.

Same day basic cleaning

$

50

OFF Any major dental service Restrictions apply.

Call for details.

One-on-One Digital Download Assistance 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 19 and Jan. 26 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 If you need assistance learning how to download digital eBooks or audio books to your reading device, then drop in for one-on-one help with a library professional.

Retro Family Game Night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 Do you miss video games sporting 8-bit graphics? If so, join us for family retro gaming night at the library. Play with the Atari Flashback 2 or the FC Twin Console. The Atari has 42 pre-installed games for your plug-and-play gaming pleasure and the FC Twin Console, which is a combination of the original Nintendo

and the Super Nintendo game systems, has numerous games including: “Skate or Die,” “Super Mario Bros.,” “Super Mario Bros. 3,” “Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest” and “The Legend of Zelda.” Board and card games will also be offered. Register online.

TEENS/TWEENS Teen Craftacular 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 Get creative and have fun making a variety of crafts. All materials provided.

Registration is required.

Electronic Playground 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 Teens ages 12 and older, join the group for an informative and handson program exploring the basics of electronics. Using simple wiring diagrams and the Electronic Playground 130 kit from Elenco, participants will learn about capacitors, resistors, transistors and integrated circuits by completing a number of fun projects. Registration is required.

ADULTS New Winter Reading Program Through Saturday, Feb. 28 Open to ages 18 years and older; http:// winter.mcldaz.org Genealogy: Using Vital Records 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 Learn how to find and use vital records including birth and death certificates to discover family information. Registration needed.

Mystery Book Club 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 Join the group monthly to discuss a book from the mystery, thriller or suspense genre. Come and discuss the first book in Jacqueline Winspear’s mystery series, “Maisie Dobbs.” Available in book format and digital download eBook and eAudio through the Greater Phoenix Digital Library.

Social Security and You 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Come and listen to an AARP representative and get the facts straight before deciding which way to go.

Registration required.

Monday Morning Musings 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 Join the group monthly for a discussion of titles by debut authors. This month features “Florence Gordon” by Brian Morton. Summary: An entertaining novel about a woman who has lived life on her own terms for 75 years, only to find she’s suddenly thrust into the center of her family’s various catastrophes.

www.GilbertSunNews.com Bookends: Adult Fiction Discussion Group 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 This month’s title is “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen. It is the story of the initiation into life of Catherine Morland, a victim of the contemporary craze for Gothic literature who is determined to see herself as the heroine of a dark and thrilling romance. Written in 1798 but not published until after Austen’s death in 1817, “Northanger Abbey” is characteristically clearheaded and strong, and infinitely subtle in its comedy.

Neighbors

January 2015

13

Former Miss Arizona inspires abuse victims in memoir

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

As director of Yavapai Family Advocacy Gilbert resident Jessica Shahriari Nicely Center, Kathryn Chapman has worked has been through extreme highs and with Nicely in connection with Winged lows in her life. She participated in the Hope Family Advocacy Foundation.

1997 Miss USA pageant and emerged “I love her book,” Chapman says. “I as a strong woman despite an abusive think it was very courageous for Jessica to upbringing at the hands of her come forward to tell her story. alcoholic father.

Other victims of abuse need to But she found the courage hear things like this. to share her story and use her “As a survivor, she is thriving pageant platform to help others Cary Grant Film Series with her life. She’s been able to who were or are in abusive 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 22, overcome a lot of these barriers relationships.

Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 that victims often face through Her new book, “Baba’s Celebrate the career of Cary Grant their victimization. In her book, Daughter: Memoirs of a Persianwith a series of Thursday night film her message is, ‘There were American Girl,” reveals how screenings. some bad things that happened she rose above the abuse by but I got through it and I INSPIRING HOPE: focusing on her future, which The Changing Fashions of ‘Downton survived.’ Her message is that includes founding Winged Hope Jessica Shahriari Abbey’ others can do this too, and it’s a Nicely shares her Family Advocacy Foundation.

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 message of hope and healing.” message of hope The organization focuses on Presented by Phoenix Art Museum’s and inspiration child abuse and domestic Fashion Design Department and Docents.

Longtime writer after an abusive violence awareness.

Program highlights the glamorous Nicely has been writing since upbringing in her “Writing the book was an fashions worn by the aristocratic she was a little girl, she says, new book, “Baba’s extension of what I already do, Daughter: Memoirs using it as a way of healing. After Crawleys and functional clothes adorned which is public speaking, and I by the staff. Get an appreciation for the of a Persianshe won Miss Arizona, she was share my story around the state American Girl.” impact that enormous social change had asked to tell her story. on fashion before, during and after World of Arizona,” Nicely explains. “My Submitted photo Initially, she changed the goal in writing the book is to be able to War I. Appropriate for ages 12 through characters’ names to fictionalize her share it in places that I might not be able adult. Registration required. story. When it became too complicated, to physically get to.” she decided it would be best to tell the truth. “Baba’s Daughter” took about two years to write.

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL! Everybody Loves “When I speak, I’m generally pretty vague about what happened because I just touch on my past,” she says. “The Get a focus of my speaking is to reach the people I’m talking to, so they know they can heal themselves. And I bring awareness about the problem of child abuse.”

In penning the book, she had to delve deep into sometimes painful memories. of your choice “My mom left our family before I was a Expires 2/28/15 year old,” she recalls. “As a result, my dad With coupon only. 4oz fondue only. became a severe alcoholic.”

Not valid with any other offer.

Caring for Nicely and her older sister was overwhelming for her father.

NE Corner of Higley & Guadalupe “He drank literally throughout my life,” 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd. • Gilbert

FONDUE! BUY A DRINK

FREE FONDUE

FROM ABUSE TO ADVOCACY: Jessica Shahriari Nicely went from abuse victim to advocate and shares her story through her book and speaking engagements. Submitted photo

Nicely explains. “In my belief, it was what caused the abuse. There was a really short time before he died where he was sober and he was a completely different person—a kind and loving person.”

Nicely and her father, who had no memory of the abuse, reconciled before his death. She has not had contact with her mother for 18 years.

“Miss Arizona was such a blessing for me in my relationship with my daddy,” Nicely explains.

After winning Miss Arizona, she served as spokeswoman for Prevent Child Abuse America.

“My daddy was still alive then,” Nicely says. “When I told him about it, he said, ‘You’re going to tour the state and tell people that I’m such a bad father?’ I explained to him that I was going to share pieces of my story, but the point was to be there as a beacon of healing for the people that are living through it now.”

“Baba’s Daughter: Memoirs of a PersianAmerican Girl” is available at www. amazon.com. The author will sign copies of her book at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 10500 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. For additional information about Nicely or her foundation, visit www.jessicanicely.com or www.wingedhope.com.

480.268.9284 EverybodyLovesFondue.com Higley

90 DAYS SAME AS CASH OAC

Guadalupe

Fast, Fun, Fabulous tasting FONDUE! Come join us for an affordable experience eating cheese, chocolate & peanut fondue with your choice of delicious dippers!

DIPPERS: Bread, Meat, Fruit, Veggies & More!

Bring Your Kids In After School for Healthy Hour!

2:30pm to 5pm, M.-F., 50% OFF Select Healthy Menu Items

se rea Inc ergy to en s up ing sav 30%

Reduce

90%

DUCT LEAKAGE up to

AIR DUCT SEALING

With purchase of any one AC unit (restrictions may apply)

SPE OFFCIAL ER

480-983-3012 email: bobdegreeac@gmail.com

www.degreeac.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7AM – 7PM

ROC# C-39R 057841

14

Neighbors

January 2015

PGA professional certified through new training program

MWC Bistro could be a foodie’s best friend

Craig Hocknull of Gilbert was one of 49 PGA professionals who completed the requirements to achieve advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 (CPP 2.0).

Hocknull works at Outback Golf Academy at 1245 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert.

Serving as the PGA’s enhanced, all-digital training and education curriculum, PGA CPP 2.0 is a state-ofthe-art platform that ensures that PGA members have the skills, competencies and training demanded by employers and customers throughout the golf industry.

BY KATHY KERBY

Since the PGA Certified Professional Program’s inception in 2004, 940 PGA Professionals have earned a combined 1,757 certifications in their desired career paths.

“The new digital integration of the educational curriculum offers bestin-class e-learning solutions, so PGA professionals can acquire relevant knowledge and immediately apply it to real-time situations and everyday business matters,” says PGA Master Professional Dawes Marlatt, senior director of education and employment for the PGA of America.

IRONMAN FROM PAGE 11

sight, says that he had always been physically fit.

About a year and a half ago, Somsan—who practices law in Gilbert—was talking with his neighbor. After mentioning his interest in triathlons, Somsan says his friend offered encouragement.

“He said, ‘You can probably do it.’”

Somsan got busy training, and finding guides who could help him. For the swim and run, he is tethered to a guide, he explains, and when he bikes, it’s on a tandem.

Last September, Somsan competed in the Sprint Triathlon, which featured a shorter 800-meter swim, 20 miles of cycling and a 3-mile run. In October, he finished a half Ironman with a 1.2-mile swim, 60-mile bike ride and 13-mile run.

“When I finished, I felt pure happiness,” he says.

To help inspire disabled children, INSPRING KIDS WITH DISABILTIES: Sheila Shapiro, chief operating officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Somsan recently participated Plan of Arizona, and Michael Somsan, a Gilbert in a training event with a group veteran, cheer on 450 kids as they finish the Ironkids of young challenged athletes.

UnitedHealthcare teamed up with Tempe Fun Run. With them is Dr. Health E. Hound, the UnitedHealthcare mascot. Submitted photo Ironkids to sponsor the second annual Ironkids Tempe Fun Run in Arizona, says Somsan was very generous November. For the first time, the event with his time. offered a dedicated quarter-mile track “Michael spoke with our local youth, for kids with special needs. and encouraged them to never give “Kids are always insecure about how up. He used himself as an example, they look—imagine how they feel when showcasing resilience, optimism and they are disabled,” he says. strength,” Shapiro says.

“I thought that if they could see a He attended the UnitedHealthcare person who is disabled do this, they Ironkids fun run and encouraged would think ‘I think I can do it too.’ Kids everyone to have fun. look to the environment to see how to “It was truly a pleasure to stand beside behave, and I was really honored to train him as a partner, cheering on young with them.” athletes, and placing medals on them as Sheila Shapiro, chief operating officer they crossed the finish line,” Shapiro says. of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of

www.GilbertSunNews.com

accompanied by Foodies in search of a neighborhood a fresh salad with wine bar may have found their new dark mixed greens. favorite place: MWC Bistro.

We noticed Located on West Warner in the heart a very large of The Islands, MWC (short for My chalkboard almost Wine Cellar) opened its doors in April. covering one wall On a recent visit, my husband and I that lists all the were immediately drawn to the casual weekly specials. ambiance: comfortable seating at the For dessert, we long bar, dark wood tables and leather couldn’t pass up chairs, couches for intimate seating and the ganache cake STARTERS: The three original art on the walls. The spacious ($8), with warm toppings included with patio had heaters and a second “event chocolate sauce the rustic bruschetta room” provided ample space for parties and vanilla ice included brie, and classes. cream, which was carmelized onions and We were warmly greeted by our server, the perfect end to apple slices, roasted Shannon. She brought menus and made garlic and truffle a nice meal. some excellent suggestions. For our mushroom slices with Owner Zoya white bean puree, Nibble (cute name for appetizers), we Vora-Shah, also selected the BYO Banh Mi lettuce cups the proprietor of and the Italian which included prosciutto, ($8 during happy hour) and bruschetta My Wine Cellar tomato, artichoke ($9). We were delighted that the items in Ahwatukee, hearts and two cheeses. were served promptly. has 10 years of The build-your-own lettuce cups experience as a wine distributor and consisted of pork meatballs in a delicious an additional 10 years in restaurant Vietnamese-style sauce, cucumbers, management. Several wine bars have carrots, radishes opened in the East Valley, and and jalapeno MWC Bistro is amongst the peppers all ready to best. be wrapped in bib Vora-Shah’s eatery boasts lettuce and topped Wine 101, Wine 102, Wine 103 with Sriracha aioli. and painting classes, and even It was a lovely a book club. The regulars, as combination well as the newbies, enjoy live of flavors and music on Friday and Saturdays textures. with 10 to 12 different groups Each of the that rotate between the two toppings on locations. the three rustic She is very proud of her bruschetta was wines, hand-selecting the WRAP IT: The BYO Banh Mi lettuce finest from all over the world, delicious. The brie cups included pork meatballs in and apple slice including flavorful selections a Vietnamese-style sauce along included apples from Australia, Chili and with vegetables, lettuce leaves braised in red South Africa. The styles and a Sriracha aioli. wine, caramelized include sparkling, summer onion and melted sippers, whites, reds and sake brie. The roasted in addition to a variety of garlic and truffle draft and bottled beers and mushroom slice microbrews. also included white Wine is served by the taste, bean puree while glass or bottle, and the wine No. 3, the Italian, flights (choice of three wines) was a medley of are also very popular. A card SWEETSS: Ganache cake is the perfect prosciutto, tomato, on each table reads “Winos end to a meal at MWC Bistro. artichoke hearts, Wanted” and gives the details parmesan and ricotta cheese. of the Wine Club.

The menu’s “Bistrofare” has mains, Plan a visit to MWC Bistro and sample flatbreads, soups and salads and, at the food and wine—it may become your Shannon’s suggestion, we selected the new favorite spot to relax with friends chicken pot pie ($14). It arrived piping hot who share a mutual love of good wine. in an overflowing crock topped with two golden brown biscuits. The large chunks MWC Bistro is located at 1422 of chicken breast were bathing in a cherry W. Warner Rd., Gilbert. For more cream sauce along with peas, carrots and information, call (480) 497-1422 or visit onions. We enjoyed each tasty bite. It was www.mwcbistro.com.

Neighbors

www.GilbertSunNews.com

January 2015

Joyride Taco House rolls out $2 Taco Tuesdays Joyride Taco House has introduced $2 Taco Tuesdays and happy hour menus at its locations in Gilbert and Phoenix.

In honor of Joyride Central Phoenix’s one-year anniversary, the restaurants have rolled out new food and drink specials, available from 2 p.m. to close Tuesdays.

Joyride Taco House is offering a choice of six tacos, including smoky-spicy, pork adobada or the slow-simmered, crispy fish tacos. Plus, all handmade margaritas are $5 through Taco Tuesdays.

Both locations are also expanding their weekday happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to include select $2 tacos. The happy hour menu includes $4 guacamole, $6 ceviche and $5 Mexican beer pitchers.

Joyride Taco House is located at 302 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 632-8226 or visit www.joyridetacohouse.com. The Central Phoenix location can be found at 5202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Call (602) 274-8226 for more information about that location.

Chamber seeks donations for Chinese auction The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is seeking gift basket and auction donations for the second annual Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner, a community event raising funds for the Gilbert Community Action Program (CAP) and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

A Chinese auction is a fast-paced quarter auction where attendees can bid on gift baskets and other items for only a quarter. More than 100 gift baskets and 25 silent auction items are needed for the event.

“We are really looking forward to this unique event and the opportunity to raise awareness of resources provided by Gilbert CAP,” says Trinity Donovan, CEO of Chandler Christian Community Center.

“Donations to this event are not only a great support to our fundraising efforts but also an opportunity for donors to receive recognition for their support of our community.”

Donations of any value are appreciated and themed gift baskets are always a popular raffle item. All donors will be recognized in the event program and verbally at the event. Donors providing an item valued at $250 or more will be listed on the event’s webpage. Donors providing an item valued at $500 or more will receive their logo on the event program.

To provide a donation in support of this event, contact Sarah Watts at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce by phone at (480) 941-6322 or by email to

sarah@gilbertchamber.com. A donor participation form can be completed online at www.gilbertaz.com by clicking on the Event Calendar tab and visiting the Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner event page.

The Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Firenze ballroom of Villa Siena, 890 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert. General admission is $50; advance registration is required. The event is sponsored in-part by Orbital Sciences and Southwest Airlines.

Many Gilbert residents will be in need of emergency assistance at some time in their lives. Gilbert CAP offers a balanced approach to meet the needs of our community. Case management includes goal planning, job training, financial education, referral to other programs and ongoing follow-up/support. Emergency financial assistance includes utility assistance, eviction prevention, shelter/ housing referrals, and food/clothing assistance.

The Gilbert Chamber is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 630 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more than 47,000 employees. The chamber works to lead the business community by providing programs and services and by partnering in relationships that strengthen the business climate in Gilbert.

No Doctor’s Note Needed.

We’re Open Evenings and Saturdays.

Primary Care for You and Your Family.

On-site labs and X-rays.

Four East Valley Locations

TOPGOLF FROM PAGE 4

“I looked at the submittal package after the fact and it said it would be ‘well buffered from surrounding neighborhoods,’” Phillips says.

“Who in their right mind thinks this is well buffered? We heard them Saturday night in the kitchen, from a half mile away.”

At 11:30 p.m. she could hear faint music and customers laughing and yelling. She

admits that it doesn’t totally bother her, she’s glad to hear someone is having fun.

“We bought here knowing that that was commercial land,” Phillips says. “We loved our dark views and nice, quiet little cul de sac. But it’s a business’ right to go through the right channels and build what the Town of Gilbert thinks is appropriate.

I’m pro-business, but I’m mourning our darkness.”

www.BannerHealth.com/HealthCenters • Connect with Banner Health:

Queen Creek • 21772 South Ellsworth Loop Road • (480) 512-3700 Gilbert • 155 East Warner Road • (480) 649-6600 Chandler • 1435 S. Alma School Road • (480) 668-1600 East Mesa • 1917 S. Crismon Road • (480) 610-7100

15