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Neighbors
July 4 - July 17, 2015
www.SanTanSun.com
Neighbors Uncle Kracker to play every single ‘Under the Sun’ page 59
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church introduces new pastors page 68
Where to Eat pages 56
Blood drive on July 11 to honor Brandon Flavin Children’s Organ Transplant Association. As the facility maintenance department That continued in death when his organs supervisor for the Ocotillo Community were donated. Association, Brandon Flavin worked “Because of him, 70 people’s lives were tirelessly to ensure the area looked its best. saved or greatly improved,” Lasica said. “So So when Flavin died from injuries you can see, Brandon was the first one in sustained in a car line to help someone accident in late else.” May, the Ocotillo Mike Palermo, Community vice president of the Association wanted Ocotillo Community to do something Association Board of tangible in his Directors, met Flavin memory. almost 10 years ago. The Brandon “Most of the Flavin Memorial residents of Ocotillo Blood Drive is set probably saw Brandon for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. out and about during Saturday, July 11, his time with us,” at Ocotillo Village Palermo said. Health Club and Flavin and his staff Spa, at 4200 S. were responsible Alma School Rd. in for 162 acres of Chandler. interconnected lakes “To honor him and water features, in a meaningful way pumping systems, through a Red Cross parks, common areas blood drive seemed and more than 23 miles like not only the of shoreline. right thing to do, “It is a big job, at As facility maintenance department it seemed like the times challenging, and supervisor for the Ocotillo Community only thing to do,” Association, Brandon Flavin was a steady and one that he took great said Lory Lasica, pride in,” Palermo popular presence in the community. Flavin, Ocotillo Community who died in late May, is being honored with said. “Brandon was a Blood Drive on July 11. Submitted photo Association dedicated to ensuring newsletter editor. that the community In addition to his commitment to the was at its best. He will be missed.” community, Flavin spent most of his life Even after knowing Flavin for several giving to others. He was active with several years, Lasica said she has learned a lot charitable organizations ranging from about him from his mother, Martha. the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders to the
BY ALISON STANTON
see BLOOD DRIVE page 45
Jewelry designs sparkle at MTV awards appearance BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Heather DeSimone has been in the costume jewelry business for more than 20 years, but it all paid off this spring when her handmade two-sided moonglow earrings landed a spot in the MTV Movie Awards’ gift lounge. A Chandler resident, DeSimone is the sole proprietor of Leetie Lovendale, for which she creates jewelry from vintage Lucite parts. Since the movie awards, DeSimone has been the darling of fashion bloggers. “It’s been a good overall experience,” said DeSimone, who moved to the Valley a year ago from Maine.
Leetie Lovendale’s product was given to movie award participants and media thanks to The Artisan Group, an exclusive juried organization of artisans who collectively provides a sampling of its handcrafted products to celebrities. Leetie Lovendale’s earrings were joined in the bag by a variety of products including skincare lines and vegan nail polish. “The group has been really good at helping new and small businesses get exposure,” DeSimone said. Jewelry has been a big influence on DeSimone’s life. She co-owned a bead and see JEWELRY DESIGNS page 52
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny hosts an annual Chandler Day of Play every October to celebrate earning Playful City USA honors. The event brings attention to the numerous recreational opportunities that Chandler offers. Submitted photo
Chandler earns Playful City USA honors for ninth year BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
For the ninth straight year, Chandler has been recognized as a Playful City USA community by KaBOOM! and The Humana Foundation. KaBOOM! honored 241 cities across the country including 14 in Arizona as 2015 Playful City USA communities. Chandler—like Gilbert and Tucson—was one of 13 cities that has won the honor nine consecutive times. The KaBOOM! Playful City USA awards cities that are committed to offering recreational activities and programs to promote active playing for children in the community. “Playability is crucial to the success of our future communities, and we are proud of the work these cities and leaders are doing to provide a better quality of life for all residents, and especially families,” KaBOOM! President James Siegal said in a press release. “Play provides a competitive
advantage for cities looking to attract and retain residents. With these esteemed leaders, and our friends and partners across the country, we continue to prioritize play for all kids.” A number of the City’s activities and programs helped Chandler earn the honor, said Brooke Peterson, marketing and communications coordinator for the Chandler Recreation Division. “Chandler provides recreational opportunities through a variety of mediums,” Peterson said. “We offer hundreds of classes...provide field trips, offer scholarship programs and opportunities to volunteer throughout the summer.” Peterson also highlighted Chandler’s Aquatics program which offers scholarships, gives swim lessons for free or little cost, and also provides opportunities to enjoy a pool at no cost. Last year, the program awarded see DAY OF PLAYpage 45
Le Cordon Bleu offers cool recipe for hot summer Summer in the Valley is hot. However, here’s a recipe using SanTan Brewing Company’s award-winning Mr. Pineapple to help Arizonans keep cool while they’re cooking on July 4. Mr. Pineapple’s Cajun Barbecued Shrimp
is an easy seasonal recipe that uses easyto-get ingredients. This recipe takes the term “barbecue” and shows that not all “barbecue” is on the grill. Certain cuisines refer to barbecue more as a style of flavor than a way of cooking. see LE CORDON BLEU page 45