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Neighbors
April 19 - May 2, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
Neighbors Luncheon to celebrate extraordinary women
‘Evidential Inspiration’ at VUU
Where to Eat
Spirituality PAGE 62
PAGES 71-74
Neighbors PAGE 48
Fear drives car owners away from mechanics BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Taking care of an automobile can be intimidating. But if vehicle owners can maintain a good relationship with their mechanics and continue to take care of their cars, that should ease the fears, according to one Chandler automotive repair and mechanic shop. April is National Car Care Month, and Desert Car Care Center owner Frank Leutz says the biggest factor concerning car care revolves around the question “Do I need this stuff today?” That alone can be consuming. In an effort to control that overwhelming feeling, consumers are encouraged to interview their mechanic unannounced, instead of when car service is needed. Mechanics should be respectful, courteous and have integrity, Leutz says. “You truly should interview your mechanic like your daughter’s first potential date,” he says. “Come unannounced and ask questions like background, experience and warranty. That enables us to do the SEE CAR
CARE
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Charm Thai brings fresh flavors to downtown BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
Historic downtown Chandler has gained a charming Thai restaurant that presents bold and fresh recipes with the care and attention of a family-owned and -operated business. Lucky Chakkaw is the owner and chef at Charm Thai Cuisine and she is excited to share her love of cooking in the darling restaurant that is located next to Uptown Bridal and Boutique and faces out on to Arizona Avenue. The restaurant is light, bright and simplistic in its interior design, but welcoming and vibrant. Visitors to Charm Thai can expect a special experience.
BOLD FLAVORS: Flank steak noodle soup is just one of the many original Thai dishes at Charm Thai Cuisine. Photo courtesy of Timmy Chakkaw
“I cook with all my own recipes that I used with my mom and dad in Thailand,” Chakkaw says. Paying homage to the food she knows and loves, Chakkaw has incorporated a wide variety SEE CHARM THAI PAGE 47
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chandler BY ALISON STANTON
On May 5, 1862, 4,000 Mexican soldiers went up against 8,000 French and allied troops who wanted to re-establish their presence in the New World. The Mexican victory is recognized by many during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. In Chandler, the day is marked with the annual Chihuahua Races, the crowning of the King and Queen of Chihuahuas, and some special food and drinks served at local establishments.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration OWNER: Desert Car Care Center owner Frank Leutz offers clinics for men and women so they can better understand their cars. Submitted photo
In Chandler, the annual celebration, which is presented by Si Se Puede Foundation, honors the Hispanic community’s numerous
CINCO DRINKO: Margaritas. Submitted photo
contributions to the city. The free event, which is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, features a Día de los Niños Children’s SEE CINCO DE MAYO PAGE 46
Relay for Life sprints into Chandler BY TRACY HOUSE
Basha High School’s track is the designated site of the 2014 Chandler Relay for Life, 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 3, as teams take to the track to support the fight against cancer. Marguerite Harter, chairwoman of the survivor committee, says the event will begin with a welcoming from Chandler’s Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and prayer by Councilman Kevin Hartke. Harter was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2005 and has been involved with Chandler Relay for Life for three years. Her husband was diagnosed with skin cancer and she’s lost her mother-inlaw and many friends to the disease. “It
touches my life every month in one way or another.” The overnight event will include entertainment and themes for each lap, Harter explains. “Someone from each team should be walking the laps all night. Our saying is ‘Cancer never sleeps and neither do we.’” This year’s theme is Carnival, Harter says. “It makes it fun and exciting. We’re asking that each camp site have a fundraising carnival game.” Visitors can show support by playing the carnival games and cheering on the relay participants. Harter says the luminaria ceremony
RELAY FOR LIFE: The community is invited to join the participants from 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in the Chandler Relay for Life. The event is raising money to SEE RELAY FOR LIFE PAGE 48 support the fight against cancer. Submitted photo