Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
April 4 - April 17, 2015
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Neighbors Alvin Ailey theater to perform at Mesa Arts Center PAGE 61
Franchise helps moms get fit with their kids
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation ready to meet PAGE 69
PAGES 56-58
Thrift store celebrates facelift BY MEGHAN MCCOY
the Fit4Mom franchise along with Rebecca Wade. Fawley said she became acquainted with Stroller Strides when she was living in California. She joined the group when her daughter Amira, now 8, was just 6 weeks old. “I met a lot of friends there and so when we moved to Chandler I joined Stroller Strides here as well,” Fawley said. The program has since expanded to be named Fit4Mom. In addition to the Stroller Strides classes, which is a stroller-based workout that includes power walking, running and strength and toning exercises for mom along Moms who join Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert enjoy with songs and working out together in local parks. Here, members paractivities for ticipate in a group exercise class at Tumbleweed Park in the kids, Wade Chandler. Submitted photo said Fit4Mom of Chandler and offered by Fit4Mom of Chandler Gilbert also offers a Body Back and Gilbert, gives local moms boot camp. the chance to get fit, meet other “It’s a more intense workout for moms and be healthy role models moms and it’s meant to be done for their children. Fawley co-owns without kids,” Wade said.
BY ALISON STANTON
Moms from Chandler and Gilbert are invited to get fit while establishing friendships with other families during a practical class called Stroller Strides. Krista Fawley said the 60-minute workout, which is
SEE GET FIT PAGE 46
The St. Vincent de Paul Chandler thrift store received a new look—inside and outside—to give customers a better shopping experience. On March 23, the store celebrated its facelift with a ceremony attended by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, City officials, including Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, St. Vincent de Paul board members and administration. “I want it to be a great shopping experience,” said store manager Abelardo Gordoa II. “We want (customers) to come in and shop and feel good about what we do, as far as helping us raise money for our mission.” At the event, the store offered special shopping discounts, food and goodies. Management held the celebration to bring awareness to the store, which is located at 2051
N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Established in 1946, St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing neighbors in need across northern and central Arizona. Some of the programs include services for the homeless, medical and dental care for the working poor and charity dining rooms. The thrift stores not only generate funding for the services the organization provides, but also act as distribution points for families that lack basic items such as clothing and beds for children. In 2014, the stores gave more than $500,000 worth of clothing and essential items to families in need. Gordoa became the store manager in December after being with the company for a SEE ST. VINCENT PAGE 47
FrinGo’s offers fresh Puerto Rican favorites BY ALISON STANTON
Growing up in Long Island, New York, Urias Torres has fond memories of going to bodegas to pick up Puerto Rican food. Urias, who was born in Puerto Rico, enjoyed eating the delicious dishes that reminded him of the food his mom or grandma would prepare. In an effort to share his love of Puerto Rican food, Urias and his wife, Vanessa, recently opened FrinGo’s Kitchen in Chandler. The couple, who live in the San Tan Valley, work there along with Urias’ sister, Magaly Torres, who is a trained chef. Vanessa said, as the only Puerto Rican restaurant in Chandler, FrinGo’s Kitchen offers people the chance to try some food they might not have had before in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. “We are a casual, take out bodega-style restaurant where the food is all packed to go,” Vanessa said. There is seating available in the restaurant,
but most take it to go. Many of the main dishes are served buffet style, and anything that requires frying is cooked after it’s ordered. “There’s usually not much of a wait unless people are having something fried, and even then it’s done quickly,” Vanessa said. Vanessa said her husband is already thoroughly enjoying talking with the customers, many of whom have already returned multiple times. “He loves to show customers the food and they can taste test it. Urias is so social and friendly, he really enjoys interacting with our customers and talking to them. This is just his dream.” Although they have just been open for a couple of months, Vanessa said some of their dishes are already developing quite a fan base. “For most people, if they have already had Puerto Rican food they know what their favorites are ,but so far our roasted pork is probably one of our most popular items—we get a lot of
Young pianist to be showcased at MusicaNova concert BY MEGHAN MCCOY
When Katrina Jia was 5 years old she started studying the piano and immediately fell in love. She enjoys how it makes her and her listeners feel. “I enjoy performing and making others happy from listening to my music,” Katrina said. Fans can witness this when she performs at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 12, during a MusicaNova showcase at Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix Central Arts District. Tickets $15 to $20. MusicaNova Composition Fellow Tengku Irfan, 16, will also play. MusicaNova, which is comprised of top musicians in the Valley, is led by Music Director Warren Cohen. The professional ensemble also features
Where to Eat
Katrina Jia, 14, will perform during MusicaNova’s 2014-2015 orchestra concert series, at Central United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 12. Photo by Jacques Barbey
SEE FRINGO’S PAGE 46
young composers and chamber musicians, and talented solo and ensemble performers. Katrina’s set will include “Konzertstück No. 92, Introduction and Allegro Appassionato for Piano and Orchestra” This is the first time Katrina has performed with an orchestra, Xu said. The duo have been working on understanding the orchestra’s music forms to help her visualize what it will be like to play the piano with them. “It’s very exciting. As a teacher it is very rewarding to see your student performing,” he said. “Like all teachers and parents you have something you are looking for in the performance to see if they are doing it, so you can comment afterward.” A Hamilton High School freshman, SEE PIANIST PAGE 49