Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
June 20 - July 3, 2015
41
Neighbors Blackbird Music Center opens studio PAGE 57
Charity workers devote lives to assisting Filipinos in need
Where to Eat PAGES 55
PAGE 65
Celebrate July 4 with fireworks, food specials and more BY ALISON STANTON
Colorful and festive fireworks lighting up the nighttime sky. Delicious deals on food and beverages. Dancing to upbeat music. These are just a few of the ways that Valley residents can celebrate the Fourth of July. For example, check out the following: July 4th Fireworks Spectacular People can celebrate America’s birthday at a traditional fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. The park opens at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. (See sidebar for more information.)
choreographed to patriotic and classical music. For more information, visit www. tempe4th.com. Red, White and Boom Head over to Pecos Park in Ahwatukee on Friday, July 3, for the Red, White and Boom Fireworks Festival. The event, which is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will also feature musical acts and more, is sponsored by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free. Pecos Park is located at 17010 S. 48th St. in Ahwatukee. For more information, visit http:// ahwatukeechamber. com/m/events/ view/Red-WhiteBoom-2015-05-21.
Tempe Town Lake Festival San Marcos Golf On July 4, the City of Chandler is hosting the The Tempe Fireworks Spectacular on July 4 at Tumbleweed Park. Resort Town Lake The Crowne Starting at 9 p.m. a colorful fireworks show will light Festival, Plaza San Marcos up the sky. Submitted photo produced by Golf Resort will the Kiwanis get a head start Club of Tempe, will take place on July 4. on holiday festivities by hosting a Fourth Gates open at 5 p.m. Attractions include a of July pool party from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. variety of musical performances, the splash on Friday, July 3. The celebration, which is playground, family fun fest with rides and free to attend, will feature a DJ, dancing, more and the Kiwanis Club of Tempe 64th a variety of giveaways, complimentary annual Fireworks Spectacular shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The fireworks show will be SEE CELEBRATE PAGE 44
Located just outside of the Chandler Pavilions off Ray Road and 54th Street, Nabers is like a chameleon that shines with each color change. Approaching the brightly hued restaurant that proclaims it’s “where friends gather,” we expected to see a neighborhood diner of sorts. Inside, we were pleasantly surprised at the turn of events. Nabers, with its Americana wood accents and large dance floor, puts an emphasis on live music. But, again switching gears, the food isn’t typical bar fare. Owners Dick and Pam Nenaber strive to serve fresh and from-
Resident creates local dog service directory website BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
When Chandler resident Christine Roe saw her golden retriever, Bailey, it was love at first sight. Since that day seven years ago, Roe said her life completely changed, but finding the right local services for him wasn’t always easy and oftentimes frustrating, Roe said. It was during one of these searches that she had an epiphany. “The idea popped in my head when looking for a mobile groomer,” Roe said. “I always had a hard time finding services for Bailey. I wanted to help folks in the community find local dog services.” So she created a comprehensive online
business directory for dog services in her area. Roe used her 20 years of experience in corporate marketing and Bailey as the official “spokesdog” to create Bailey’s Doggy Directory. The website, www.baileysdoggydirectory. com/, launched June 10 and lists more than 600 dog services throughout Phoenix and East Valley. Roe spent weeks compiling the list herself. The website divides the services into 16 different categories including: 24-hour emergency veterinarians, agility trainers, boutiques, day cares, dog bakeries, dog parks, groomers, mobile groomers, SEE DOG SERVICE PAGE 42
Arizona Breakfast Weekend debuts July 30 to Aug. 2
Nabers quintessential entertainment hotspot BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Christine Roe, founder of Bailey’s Doggy Directory, holds her golden retriever, Bailey. She adopted Bailey seven years ago. Photo courtesy of Christine Roe
scratch American comfort food. My husband and I checked out Nabers on a Sunday afternoon, when the dining establishment was quiet. We perused the menu online before we arrived and our mouths were watering at the very thought of the dishes we were going to order. From the list of appetizers—all of which are discounted by $3 during happy hour— we chose the pulled pork potato skins. Oh my gosh, are we glad we did. The pork was braised in cider and chipotles and doused SEE NABERS’ PAGE 42
Often lauded as the most important meal of the day, Valley chefs and restaurateurs are uniting this spring for the debut of Arizona Breakfast Weekend. Arizona Breakfast Weekend hits eateries July 30 through Aug. 2. Diners will enjoy special dishes at breakfast and brunch spots offered at $7, $15 and $25 price points. Confirmed restaurants so far include: Paul Martin’s, Virtu, Distrito, Proof at The Four Seasons, Perk Eatery, Chase’s Diner, Kale & Clover: Mindful Kitchen, Rusconi’s American Kitchen and all Valley locations of Wildflower Bread Company, The Good Egg and First Watch. A full list of participating restaurants and
menus will be available in late June/early July at www.arizonabreakfastweekend.com. In the meantime, check www.facebook.com/ azbreakfastweekend for frequent updates. The brainchild of and produced by Arizona Restaurant Association, Arizona Breakfast Weekend will offer lovers of all things egg, bacon, toast the chance to dine on special breakfast dishes and brunch experiences at restaurants, diners, and hotels around the Valley of the Sun. Chefs will have the chance to curate new recipes and to wow breakfast lovers by elevating and celebrating the morning meal. Breakfast Weekend will feature three SEE BREAKFAST PAGE 42