Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
February 15 - 28, 2014
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Neighbors Classy ‘Classics’ come to Chandler Feb. 22 BY TRACY HOUSE
When Maury Williamson and the late Jerry Biondi started the Chandler Classic Car and Hot Rod Show 11 years ago, it was to give back to the community and bring awareness to the businesses in downtown Chandler. The show is bigger and better and each year, more entrants participate in what has become a class act in the Chandler community. “(Time has) come and gone pretty quick,” Williamson says, “The car show has been well received in the Chandler area. As long as it’s well received, we’ll continue to move forward and do what we can.” In addition to bringing a multitude of classic cars, the event has donated more than $100,000 to various area charities. This year’s beneficiaries include Dogs4Vets and The Scott Detherage Foundation. “I typically like to take on my nonprofits for three years so that we can get them into the community and get their mission out to people who come to the car show so they get an understanding of who we’re working with and that tends to help with donations over the years,” Williamson explains. Dogs4Vets is dedicated to enabling disabled veterans live a more productive life through the use of service animals. The website is www. dogs4vets.org. The Detherage Foundation aims to provide financial SEE CAR
SHOW
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Neighbors PAGE 44
Spirituality PAGE 63
Where to Eat PAGES 72-74
Copper Still Moonshine Grill pays homage to Arizona BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
Copper Still Moonshine Grill is rooted in community, friendship and good food. Owners Stephen and Raquel Wipf and Chuck and Amy Smeriglio left no stone unturned in developing a dynamic, family friendly grill and bar, where patrons can see the proprietors with each visit. The owners’ attention to detail is evident at every turn, from the copper-top bar, the Arizona-themed décor and the indoor/outdoor pass-through tabletop to the spacious patio and handmade woodwork. A massive Arizona flag welcomes guests. “Our wives were instrumental in helping us open,” says Stephen Wipf. “They did all kinds of
A WINNING TEAM: Chuck Smeriglio and Stephen Wipf and their wives have created a unique and exciting bar and grill that appeals to every member of the family. STSN photo by Lynette Carrington
work.” They painted, organized and decorated, and Raquel even designed an adorable and interactive kids menu. “When we were getting ready to open, Amy SEE MOONSHINE GRILL PAGE 47
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First food truck competition comes to Chandler BY MEGHAN MCCOY
HOLY BATMOBILE: The original Batmobile from the “Batman” series starring Adam West, will make an appearance at the Chandler Classic Car and Hot Rod Show. Submitted photo
More than 50 gourmet food trucks will travel to Tumbleweed Park to win over the attendees’ votes and take home the title of the Best Food Truck of Arizona next weekend. “The Best Food Truck of Arizona” is a firsttime event for Chandler and Arizona, says Brian Denham, co-owner of Novoa Denham Events. An ex-teacher and administrator, he and retired MLB pitcher Rafael Novoa came up with the idea in July. The food trucks will be pushing their best product out the window from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FOOD TRUCK: More than 50 gourmet trucks will participate in the inaugural Best Food Truck of Arizona at Tumbleweed Park Saturday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, Feb. 23. Submitted photo Saturday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, Feb. 23. Denham explains that this competition is different from others because, rather than the food trucks focusing on one dish, they are offering their entire body of work for customers to taste. “I don’t think you can name a food and say SEE FOOD TRUCK PAGE 49
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