Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
November 2 – 15, 2013
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Neighbors Music bar and eats are bringing Nabers back to the neighborhood BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
Nabers has joined the Chandler restaurant scene, bringing along family values, a diverse and creative menu, an eye for detail and a fun establishment that is perfect for everything from family dining to live music. Dick and Pam Nenaber have taken their own last name and created a fun version of it that is reflected in their new restaurant. As the owners of Nabers, they instill family, neighborhood and community sensibilities in everything they do. The Nenabers even live in the same neighborhood as their restaurant; they give back to their community and they want their venture to be a gathering place for a wide variety of customers. Both of the Nenabers are corporate senior executives. Dick graduated from ASU and is the official “Mayor of the Naberhood” and previously managed a local Tempe bar before becoming an executive in the insurance industry. Pam is a senior executive in the health care industry and 2012’s Gilbert Business Woman of the Year. General Manager Denise Holliday is their right-hand gal who is ecstatic about the owners and what Nabers offers to their customers. “Our concept is great and we have a fresh, from scratch, chef-engineered menu with comfort foods which include standard favorites,” says Holliday.
Local woman pushed to get heart healthy
Center for Living Well opens doors
Neighbors PAGE 57
Spirituality PAGE 75
Chandler Compadres ‘Rock the Cause for Kids’ on Nov. 16 BY TRACY HOUSE
Head over to the Chandler Compadres “Rock the Cause for Kids” and you may just see Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bill Murray’s character from “Caddyshack,” Tom Cruise from “Top Gun” or any other ‘80s icon. The event, sponsored by the Chandler Compadres, is all about supporting kids in the East Valley. With 40 active members and 60 lifetime members, the organization’s members donate their time, talents and money to help kids and families in need in Chandler. David Ralls, chairman of this year’s Chandler Compadres Rock the Cause for Kids, has high expectations for this second annual gala. Last year, the organization raised $150,000 for the charities it supports. This year, the goal is to raise $175,000. “At least,” says Ralls. “My goal is more.”
“A big part of the evening is about raising awareness for the charities we support, like the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley and ICAN,” Ralls says. “They have a presence there and we want to raise awareness for them and do it in a fun way.” That includes the band Rock Lobster performing onstage, an ‘80s costume competition, ‘80s personality impersonators, food catered by Robert’s Catering, break dancers, drinks from SanTan Brewing Co., casino games and a raffle for a 2013 Chevy Camaro. “The event has been around for many years and it’s evolved dramatically,” Ralls says. “It used to be called the 4X4 event and they used to give away a truck. When we rebranded it to Rock the Cause for Kids, we wanted to partner with Chapman Chevrolet to raffle off a car that was ‘80s-esque, if you will. So SEE ROCK THE CAUSE PAGE 54
SanTan Brewing Co. unveils plant, plans new brews
SEE NABERS PAGE 55
MOVING ON UP: SanTan Brewing Co.’s large transport truck is affectionately dubbed “Hoptimus Prime.” STSN photo by Kimberly Hosey BY KIMBERLY HOSEY
WELCOME TO THE ‘NABERHOOD:’ Owners Dick and Pam Nenaber welcome everyone to their family friendly restaurant. Submitted photo
Chandler leaders and beer enthusiasts turned out Oct. 16 as SanTan Brewing Co., already a staple in the Valley, unveiled its new 35,551-square-foot distribution facility with a ribbon cutting. The new location will not only allow for drastically increased production— and more business for Chandler—but will also allow brewers to use SanTan’s original facility as a brewing playground of sorts, trying out even more of the
unique beers for which the company is known. Mayor Jay Tibshraeny held the ribbon as it was cut by Anthony Canecchia, owner and head brewer, who started the business right before the recession hit. He says he is proud of its growth and the support of Chandler in the years since his father first put forth the idea. From those humble beginnings, SanTan’s new facility now will have the SEE SANTAN BREWING PAGE 54
Where to Eat PAGES 83-86
Golf classic honors those battling cancer
VOLUNTEERS ON THE GREEN: Groups of volunteers will be on the green to sell raffle tickets for great prizes. Pictured are Theresa Green, Diana Gazzano, Chelsey Kerchansky, Jessica Eaton and Stephanie Pressler. Submitted photo BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
SanTan Sun News-area residents are familiar with Coach & Willie’s, the family friendly sports bar in the heart of historic downtown Chandler. The establishment is named after owner Mark Simonek’s father, Hal Simonek, a.k.a., “Coach,” who coached wrestling in California for more than 30 years, and Eric Stoltz’s father, Willie, who died many years ago from cancer. What readers may not know is that Willie, who worked for ARCO’s chemical division, was not an outstanding golfer, but he did like to play. In Willie’s honor, Coach and Willie’s created the annual charity golf tournament 13 years ago. Now that event has expanded to honor all of those who live with, currently fight or have been lost to cancer. This year’s event will be held at Ocotillo Golf Resort, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler, on Sat., Nov. 23, and proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Golfers are encouraged to sign up early as organizers expect the event to sell out. “This will be our third year at Ocotillo at full capacity,” Stoltz says. “We’ll have over 200 people.” “The event registration starts at 10 a.m. and there will even be a Nike outlet ‘store’ set up at the course. We’re giving a $50 gift certificate to everyone that plays. All the merchandise at the Nike store is discounted, so players will probably be able to go in and get a couple of shirts.” Items available at the Nike store will include duffle bags, workout clothing, accessories and much more. Upon the golf tournament’s conclusion, an Italian SEE CANCER PAGE 56