NearbyNews
Publishers of:
Publisher Times Media Group
Editor
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Account Representative Bridget Stoll
Graphic Design
Erica Odello, Shannon Fish Helga Benz, Eric Jelinek
Contributors
Lynette Carrington, Alison Stanton Tracy House, Tyler O’Tremba, Kathy Kerby, Meghan McCoy
Contact the Nearby News at 480-654-4460
Fax: 480-962-0905
email:
Editor@NearbyNews.com For more information visit our website at www.NearbyNews.com
North Gilbert Breeze is published monthly and distributed to 10,000 residences and businesses within North Gilbert. (Approx. 8,500 mailed directly to homes and 1,500 distributed on newsstands, via advertisers, schools & local businesses, etc.)
Distribution Area:
Nearby News Monthly Contest
December
Barb Gebbia
Each month we will hide a different picture in one of our ads. Locate the hidden picture and email us with your guess to be entered into a drawing for:
Enter by email ONLY: HideAndSeek@nearbynews.com
Please include your name and phone number in your email. We will call our winner by Jan. 31. Good Luck!
By Meghan McCoy
Gilbert Named Second Safest Municipality In U.S.
Gilbert was recognized last month as the second safest municipality for its size in the United States, according to Law Street Media.
“ is is a big thing for us to be named second,” Public Information Officer Lt. John Lyle said. “It’s a nice pat on the back for our officers who are out working every single day providing a safe community for our citizens.”
Irvine, Calif., ranked No. 1 on the list. Law Street Media, a website focused on legal and public policy issues, compiled data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report Statistics. Gilbert submitted the information for 2012.
“ e FBI every year puts out crime reports and the data has shown that we are the second safest city,” he said. e reports are based on violent crimes and property crimes that occurred during 2012.
According to the FBI, there were five cases of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter in Gilbert, five homicide offenses and 123 aggravated assaults.
e report also stated there were 728 burglary, breaking and entering cases in 2012; 2,303 cases of destruction, damage and vandalism; 2,549 larceny and theft offense; 96 thefts from buildings; three thefts from coin-operated machines; 720 thefts from vehicles; 35 theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories; 171 motor vehicle thefts; 59 robberies and 100 stolen property offenses.
In 2011, there were 178 violent crimes reported and 3,854 property crimes.
Lyle said his department’s goal is to develop a partnership with the community.
“We have a lean police force that stays active,” he said. “We rely on the community to gain that safe surrounding.”
Moving forward, the department
will remain focused on the continuation of building those relationships with the community to ensure they are providing the services needed.
Since 2013, the Gilbert Police Department has offered a smartphone app that allows residents to obtain crime information about crimes. e free app is available on both the Androids and iPhones.
Lyle said residents can enter nonemergency crime tips on the app. ey can also look on a map and see what specific crimes are happening in their neighborhood. It features, too, the police department’s history, contact information and access to its Facebook page and Twitter feed.
“ ere is a quick and wide range of information available to them at their fingertips,” Lyle said.
e department also has a Facebook page that it uses to attempt to identify suspects in misdemeanor crimes. Its Twitter account is another line of communication used to provide communication in emergency instances, such as lockdowns or road closures.
Lyle said it is important to develop open lines of communication with the public, so they can partner in maintaining a safe community.
“We are obviously very excited,” Lyle said of the ranking. “Working with the community has paid off. We are proud to have a community where they feel safe in their homes and outdoors. We couldn’t be more proud of our police department.”
Massachusetts Arts School
Auditioning in Gilbert
Aspiring dancers from across the Valley will have the unique opportunity to audition for Walnut Hill School for the Arts’ prestigious summer and high school dance programs.
Walnut Hill representatives will hold auditions at Ballet Etudes, 2401 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 111, Gilbert, on Monday, Jan. 20. Registration for all ages is 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; auditions for ages 10 to 13 is 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and auditions for children ages 14 to 17 is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students who wish to audition for the 2014-2015 Dance Program, Summer Dance 2014 or Summer Youth Dance 2014 are welcome to attend the relevant audition listed above. Pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. For more information and to pre-register, please visit: http://walnuthillarts.org/admission/ apply/audition-requirements/dance/ national-audition-tour/.
Taught by world-renowned dance educators, Walnut Hill’s high school dance curriculum is a pre-professional training program designed to develop strength and flexibility through a pure classical technique.
In addition to the year-round dance curriculum, Walnut Hill offers a fiveweek Summer Dance program for dancers ages 13 to 17, and a threeweek Summer Youth Dance program for dancers ages 10 to 13.
Students in any of the programs may choose to board or to attend as day students. Financial aid is available for the high school program and scholarships are available for both summer programs. For more information about dance at Walnut Hill, please visit http://walnuthillarts. org/admission/arts/dance/
Walnut Hill School for the Arts combines renowned training in five core disciplines—creative writing, dance, music, theater and visual art—with an innovative and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Learn more at walnuthillarts.org.
Ballet Etudes’ phone number is (480) 558-2080.
neighborhood hearsay
JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial Solutions presented a check for $500 to Kayla Kolar of the Gilbert Historical Museum as a result of a contest held through the chamber’s GilbertGives. com program. Residents were asked to subscribe to GilbertGives.com in October to be entered to win a donation to a GilbertGives.com charity of their choice. The winning subscriber, determined by random selection, was former councilman and community leader Don Skousen. He identified the Gilbert Historical Museum as the charity to receive the contest donation. “We are looking to evaluate and improve several of our programs in the next few months and this donation will go a long way in supporting our efforts,” said Kolar, executive director of the Gilbert Historical Museum.
Congratulations to the Gilbert Tiger Marching Pride, which landed in second place in the 4A Division and took the top score among the other Arizona bands competing.
Cushman and Wakefield of Arizona Inc. negotiated the $2.1 million sale of
11.4 acres, known as the Shoppes at the Islands land, located on the southeast corner of Warner and McQueen roads in Gilbert. The property will be the site of a future home community.
Marty Tomljenovic, community outreach and special events director for Learning Center Public School district in Gilbert, was honored with the Knox Family Outstanding Volunteer for the Arts Award during the fourth annual Mayor’s Breakfast with the Arts. Tomljenovic was recognized for her ongoing efforts in advancing in the arts in Gilbert. From her commitment to arts education in her professional work at Learning Center Public Schools, to her frequent volunteerism with a variety of arts organizations and committees, Tomljenovic has raised the profile of the arts in the East Valley.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce welcomed to town Dr. Robert Brown, DDS, located at 26 N. Gilbert Rd., (480) 963-3992; Higher Ground Roastery and Cafe, 2556 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 101, (480) 821-7020; Gilbert Olive Oil, 323 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 107,
(480) 635-1070; and Baby Town, 3787 S. Gilbert Rd., (480) 535-8688.
Morning Star OB/GYN expanded its practice and hosted a celebration of its new office at 3499 S. Mercy Rd., Gilbert, recently. Dr. Clint Leonard teaches his patients an all-natural way to monitor their health and plan their families. Leonard’s approach to women’s health care embraces the belief that fertility is a sign of good health, not a problem to be “treated” with prescriptions and devices as one would a disease, especially when these interventions lead to negative side effects ranging from depression to cancer. Info: (480) 355-8525 or www. morningstarobgyn.com.
Kelly Ames, founder and executive director of Tranquility Trails Animal Sanctuary, was given the fourth annual 12k’s of Christmas “Spirit of Giving” Award sponsored by PhoenixMesa Gateway Airport. The Spirit of Giving recognizes volunteers in the community
who give their time and resources to help animals. Ames devotes more than 80 hours per week on a voluntary basis. In just four years, Tranquility Trail has rescued more than 300 animals and provides daily education on the importance of spay/neuter, proper medical care and nutrition. Kelly has developed programs and services that benefit the animals and people in the community.
What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements? Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com.
Gilbert Resident Finds Happiness with Mobile
By Alison Stanton
Roderick Coffman is proof that following one’s passion will lead to happiness.
For 20 years, the Gilbert resident worked for Federal Express. Although he was successful in his job, he said he never truly felt comfortable in the corporate world.
“I never really loved what I did,” he said.
Pet Grooming Service
What Coffman always did love, he said, was dogs. From the time he was a little boy growing up in Indiana, he had a fondness for anything and everything having to do with dogs of all shapes and sizes.
“I remember bringing strays home, and I always thought that working with dogs was one of my true talents.”
As he got older, Coffman began breeding German Shepherds, and for 10 years he worked as an obedience trainer at AAA Obedience School in Indianapolis. After moving to Gilbert, Coffman began training dogs for French Ring Sport, placing one of the dogs in the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office.
Coffman also learned how to groom dogs, and was certified by Arizona Pet Grooming School in Fredonia. Although he knew in his heart he wanted to work with dogs full time, he wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge.
Eventually he did leave Federal Express and tried his hand at a sales job for just over a year.
“I just wasn’t feeling it,” Coffman said. So he opened his own mobile pet grooming business. He learned the craft from his sister, a master groomer in Indiana, and then began looking at vehicles.
Initially discouraged by the high price—a new van could easily run $80,000, Coffman said—he found a pre-owned van in Michigan with 50,000 miles on it for $30,000. e van is fully self-contained and holds 100 gallons of water, a water heater and generator, a television and a stereo system that he uses to play classical music during grooming sessions.
“I got the graphics put on, and the next thing I knew I was up and running,” he said.
Coffman launched Mobile Grooming by Roderick in the beginning of October. Coffman serves Gilbert, as well as portions of Queen Creek, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa.
So far, he said, business is going very well.
“Everyone is so friendly, and it’s so much fun; there isn’t anything I don’t love about it,” he said.
Coffman said an especially popular service with his four-legged clients is the blueberry facial.
“It has all-natural ingredients, and is just like a facial, but on a dog,” he said.
“I massage the dog’s face, and it really relaxes them. ey seem to like it, because it gets them so calm.”
Charlotte Beck, a Gilbert resident, said she and her 11-year-old shih tzu/ maltese mix Charlie immediately liked Coffman.
“Roderick was so good with Charlie, and she looked great when he was done grooming her. I definitely plan on calling him back again.”
Debbie Medina said she was also impressed with Coffman’s gentle manner with her French poodle/shih tzu sisters, Coco and Chanel.
“I am very happy with Roderick’s service,” the Gilbert resident said.
“He took his time, and didn’t rush, and when he was done they were both so soft and fluff y and calm.”
For more information, visit Coffman’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ MobileGroomingByRoderick or call (480) 788-7752.
After 20 years working in the corporate world, Roderick Coffman followed his passion and started a mobile pet grooming business.
Galloping Soles
Gilbert Organization Hits the Ground Running
By Lynette Carrington
e Gilbert Promotional Company (GPC) is well known for promoting the agricultural, historical and unique heritage of its town. In the past, it has hosted some of the town’s signature events, including the Gilbert Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, the Gilbert Days Parade, Team Roping, Pony Express, Barrel Racing, Rodeo and Lil’ Dudes Rodeo.
In addition to the beloved events that East Valley residents continue to enjoy, the organization has a charitable program called Galloping Soles that aims to keep Gilbert’s children, with a demonstrated need, outfitted with shoes.
Pam elander, board member and volunteer with the Gilbert Promotional Association, has been a fixture in the organization for years. In fact, she was a Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen in 1983 and her father assisted with starting Gilbert Days. Now, she’s excited to be a part of a charitable program that has lots of “sole.”
Galloping Soles was initiated in 2012.
“How it came about is that we at GPC felt that we needed stronger philanthropy for ourselves and we also learned that there was a need, a big need within Gilbert and nobody else was doing this,” elander explained.
Galloping Soles provides a new pair of shoes to any child that is attending a Gilbert Public School that is referred to the program.
“How we find them is strictly through a teacher, nurse or principal—no questions asked,” said elander. “We’ve instructed them to let us know and call us anytime if they find a child that is in need of shoes.”
sole. In other instances, children have to share shoes with siblings to go to school, which forces the other siblings who don’t have shoes to have to miss school. Galloping Soles also donated shoes to a family whose house burned down.
“What we do is show up and hand them a $15 shoe card from Payless ShoeSource,” she said.
“ e parents are instructed to go get shoes and they don’t get cash back. ey strictly have to put it toward the child’s shoes. Once the voucher is redeemed, then GPC is charged.”
She has personally encountered some dire situations that speak to the shoe needs of some children.
One nurse called about a child who had gone to school with one ragged
Since the inception of the program, the organization has given more than $1,500 in shoes out to Gilbert Public School children. “We’re not targeting the Title 1 schools. Any Gilbert (school) with any shoe need can call us,” she finished.
Galloping Soles welcomes donations. For additional information on the
Funktional Fitness Concentrates on Training Customers
By Tyler O’Tremba
e new year is rapidly approaching, which means the cliché resolution of buying a gym membership to assist in health and weight loss goals, only to give it up in mid February is drawing near.
Before rushing out and buying a gym membership, the staff at Funktional Fitness encourages customers to take a look at their facility.
Funktional Fitness is a personal training facility where customers can work on functionality with a trained coach, said Erin Reed, director of first impressions.
“We are not an open membership gym, we are a training facility,” Reed said.
e facility offers group fitness classes, personal training, which is a smaller group, or one-on-one fitness sessions, Reed explained.
“People don’t usually come here right after New Year’s,” Reed said. “It’s usually a little later in the year when they come because they’ve tried the
other methods and realize it’s harder to get to their goals there.”
To help their clients get the most out of their experience, the staff at the gym uses the “TMDA” model—think, motivate, decisions and action.
“ e TMDA model is the thought process that you go through before and during a goal,” said Jeremy Jones, gym co-founder and master lifestyle fitness coach.
“ e thought has to be a specific reason for why they want to get in shape, motivation is more reasons that will help drive the thought or goal, decisions are what they are going to do to reach their goal, and action is the doing it part,” Jones said.
Going to a gym can be intimidating for some people for different reasons, but at Funktional Fitness the staff aims to provide a family environment.
“We try to maintain a family environment here as well as go above and beyond to bring all levels of comfort to our members,” Reed said.
Results are always a key factor in exercise, and with three different choices in workout settings, results can vary based on the person.
“It’s all the same style of training, so it depends on what environment the individual is comfortable in,” Jones said.
“Some people excel in bigger groups, and others might prefer smaller or one on one.”
Funktional Fitness stresses that fitness doesn’t stop at the gym; it can needs to be taken home. Diet is a big
part of getting healthy and the facility offers a nutrition book to help keep their clients on track.
“ e fun thing about the style we have here is many of these things are things they can do at home,” Jones said.
Funktional Fitness has two locations, one on 213 N. Gilbert Road in Gilbert, and one on 1655 W. Chandler Blvd, Suite 1, in Chandler.
For more information about group fitness, personal or one-on-one training, and pricing, visit www. funkfitness.com.
The staff at Funktional Fitness, a personal training facility.
Gilbert Woman’s Teen Fiction
Focuses
on Good Morals
By Meghan McCoy
As a child, Natalie Palmer loved creating books with her family. Years later, while attending the University of Utah, she realized how much she loved writing and decided to study English literature.
e Gilbert resident is parlaying that talent into a teen fiction career, penning her sophomore effort, “Second to No One,” which carries a message of good morals and values.
e 31-year-old woman began writing at 25 years old when she was pregnant with her first child. Her three children—who are ages 5, 3 and 1—are her top priority, primarily writing while her kids are asleep.
“I don’t have huge aspirations to be a famous author,” she said. “ is is kind of a hobby for me right now.”
Her first novel, “Second Kiss,” tells the story of a pair of best friends, Gemma and Jess, who live across the street from one another.
“She is in junior high and feels like she is a dork and doesn’t have a lot of good friends,” Palmer explained of Gemma. “He (Jess) is popular and naturally good at everything.”
e book follows the two characters’ lives as Jess experiences family troubles. As the book progresses, Jess surprises Gemma by saying he has feelings for her. at leads to the couple’s first kiss—which is Gemma’s second kiss. e sequel, “Second to No One,”
continues the story of the duo’s confusing romance. Palmer said the couple has communication issues, which push Gemma to figure out life on her own.
“She feels like she is second to him,” explained Palmer, who is writing her third book.
Palmer yearned to write teen fiction because the age set is impressionable. She said when she was younger, the books she read shaped her decisions.
“ e characters that we admire are the characters we want to be like,” Palmer said.
She thought it was important to offer a selection of books that depict good morals and values.
“I try to make it that a teenager might not realize that they are kind of being influenced in a positive way,” she said.
As her readers start to admire Gemma and Jess, she hopes the characters’ actions influence them to make better decisions in their own lives.
“I love being able to create a story and knowing other people are going to read it,” Palmer said. “ e whole reason I am spending my time doing this, is I’m trying to influence the teens. I want to help teens make better decisions.”
Her books are available through the Barnes and Noble and Amazon websites. Individuals can also order books through her blog at nataliepalmerbooks.blogspot.com.
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Take the First Step towards Homeownership and sign-up for a free workshop: NEXT NACA WORKSHOP: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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‘Tin Man’ Family Seeks Help in with Transplant Cost
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
From the outside, Randy Shepherd was the picture of health. He actively rode his mountain bike and played in a fairly competitive softball league. en five years ago, severe fatigue set in. e East Mesa resident lost his appetite and dropped 20 pounds. e symptoms were familiar to Shepherd, who contracted rheumatic fever twice before the age of 16. e disease damaged his heart, forcing doctors to replace two heart valves with metal at 17. is time around, however, he convinced himself he was just tired or had the flu.
“In the back of my mind, I knew I had something wrong with my heart,” Shepherd said.
He didn’t expect to hear that he needed a heart transplant.
As a bridge to the transplant, Shepherd, 39, was fitted with an artificial heart, complete with an external 20-pound backpack motor earlier this year. It is audible as he speaks on the phone from University Medical Center in Tucson, where he was awaiting his new heart.
he said. “It’s a time of a lot of travel. ere are a lot of people out on the road. ere are DUIs, as sad as it is. I kind of feel like a vulture thinking about it. I’m certainly not trying to hasten anybody’s demise.”
Shepherd and his wife, Tiffany, have three children—Krista, 16, Kelsey, 12, and Nathan, 7.
To help defray the transplant’s peripheral costs, Shepherd’s friends and family are hosting the appropriately dubbed Tin Man Boutique from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at 1850 N. Higley Rd., in a warehouse behind Flancer’s, in East Mesa. For details, visit www. tinmanboutique.com.
To participate, call Shesten Melder at (480) 390-5493. So far, craft and food vendors have committed as well as a photographer who’s donated a photo session. Monetary donations may also be made via Wells Fargo account No. 8968057771. On Saturday, Jan. 4, Shepherd’s friends and family will rally to make crafts for Tin Man Boutique at e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1430 N. Recker Rd., Mesa.
e holiday season is one, unfortunately, of loss. Shepherd realizes this and doesn’t like to think about someone’s death allowing him to live.
“Donors spike during the holidays,”
“ ey’ve been taking it really well,” he said. “ ey know dad’s sick. at’s really all my son has ever known of me. He was a year old when this all started.
“With my daughters, it has been a blessing. While they were growing up, I was running my own business. I was a plumbing contractor.”
He worked about 100 hours a week, allowing him to only see his family on the weekends.
“Being home the last five years, I’ve gotten to catch up with them, and experience those things with my son that I didn’t get to experience with my daughters.”
However, the family is taking into consideration that he might not make it through.
“We’ve talked about it,” he said. “We’re a really strong religious family. We’ve taught them that this life isn’t the end. We go on to live afterward and we’ll see each other again. If I do die, it’s not the end.”
Randy Shepherd, shown here with his family, has been fitted with an artificial heart to tide him over until a heart donor is found.
East Valley Moms
Brought to you by:
Trampoline Safety Priority for Backyard Bouncing
By Tracy House
e kids bounce, jump and bound through the air, soaring above the ground and giggling with excitement on the newest present from the holidays—a trampoline. ey are a lot of fun, but if not used properly they can be dangerous and cause, often avoidable, injuries.
According to information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), it is estimated there were 94,900 emergency roomtreated injuries associated with trampolines in 2012. Major reasons for injuries include colliding with another person on the trampoline; improper landing while jumping or doing stunts; falling or jumping off the trampoline; and falling on the trampoline springs or frame.
Keeping the kids safe and still allowing them to have fun means taking precautions and implementing rules for trampoline safety. Scott Barclay, ASU men’s gymnastics coach since 1979 and the owner of Aspire Kids Sports Center, said there are some steadfast rules for backyard trampolines.
“ e No. 1 rule on tramp is one person on a tramp at a time,” Barclay said. “A study has been done and there are more kids in the ER because of trampoline and the No. 1 reason is two kids on a trampoline at a time.”
He explained there is a lot of force as one child is jumping up and the other is coming down.
adhere to that, we’ve taken care of 90 percent of our injuries.”
A second precaution Barclay suggested is to put the trampoline in the ground. Kids often get hurt falling off the trampoline. If the trampoline cannot be put on the ground, Barclay said, “ e nets are the next best safety issue to have.
ey’re good to have. If you’re going to have a trampoline above ground, have nets. It keeps kids from falling off.”
NearbyNews
by doing things above their ability.
“I would say get a good solid basic foundation of what tramp is so you have a respect for it and like anything, the better you are at it the more fun it is,” Barclay said. “Tramp is so much fun when it’s safe.”
Barclay said children should also have some type of progressive education on trampoline. He suggests taking classes, reading books or viewing videos for proper technique and skill development. He said people get hurt
Barclay explained, “ ere’s 100 things you can do (on a trampoline) before you ever have to flip over feet to feet.” In addition to the progression of skills, Barclay said that children who take classes also learn how to fall to minimize getting injured.
“I think it’s so important to get instruction,” he said. “You get a little respect for that trampoline because it can be
“In our gym the No. 1 rule is one person on the tramp at a time. If we ... continues on page 17
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• Highest Academic Standards - Highest graduating standards of any other school. e average graduating age is 15½. Students may remain on campus until they are older and work on college courses. ey enter college as Juniors or Seniors while peers from other schools enter as Freshmen. e Academy o ers courses begining at kindergarten level, through 12th grade.
• Faith Based - Students learn how God, math, science and truth interrelate. In history, they understand how societies may rise and fall based on respect for God and adherence to sound principles. Curriculum is multidenominational; LDS students may use LDS scriptures.
• Private but Affordable - Individual tax credit dollars and business/corporate donations can help o set costs. We do not accept any federal funding so our curriculum remains free of socialist science and immoral ideologies.
Scott Barclay, head coach of ASU’s men’s gymnastics team and owner of Aspire Kids Sports Center.
Cutie Patooties!
Is your kid a “cutie patootie?”
Of course he is, so submit your baby, toddler or kid photos to the e Nearby News’ Valley Moms section for a chance to win a restaurant gift certificate. Send highresolution digital photos to editor@ nearbynews.com. Be sure to include your name, your child’s name and age and your phone number. (Don’t worry, phone numbers will not be published.)
It Wasn’t Easy But The Winner Is...
Brittany and Jarison Johnson’s “little milk addict” Jaxson Reese, who is 1. anks to their adorable photo, the couple will be dining on us!
By Melissa Hurst
5 Tips for Helping Kids Set New Year’s Resolutions
Talking to your children about New Year’s resolutions can be positive and motivational because it helps to focus on new beginnings. It also allows children to set goals and work on obtaining them. is can be a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy discussing. e important point to remember is that we should help our children pick attainable (trying to fly to the moon is a tad unrealistic!) and fun goals that they will enjoy reaching.
If you are helping your children come up with new resolutions this year, here are a few ideas:
Financial: Help kids make goals to be financially responsible this year. Are your kids old enough for an allowance? How are they spending their money? Set up a bank account and allow them to start saving. Even
little amounts will help them to start to learn money sense and value what they have.
Healthy Living: Many New Year’s resolutions resolve around getting fit, yet for many children who don’t need to lose weight, a focus can be to stay active. Playing at recess, riding a bike, starting a new sport—allow your children to pick their favorite activity to focus on this year. My son is excited to continue playing baseball this year, so his resolution is to practice more.
Educational: Depending on the age of your child this can vary, and because
my children are young, their goals are simple. is goal can focus on grades, or something more specific, such as reading more books or learning more about a favorite subject.
Helping Others: Volunteering at church or school, adding chores around the house, deciding to befriend the new kid at school, or just resolving to not pick on his or her younger sibling. is resolution will help children think of others in the New Year.
Safety: For younger kids, this may be to remember to wear a helmet while on the bike or put sunscreen on before going out. For older kids, this can include wearing seatbelts in the car, and committing to a set curfew. Make sure you have fun when you are picking resolutions—and unlike most adults, try to pick goals that they can reach!
Melissa Hurst, a Valley-based deal-hunting savings pro, is also a mom of three. She understands the importance of budgeting and shares her savings tips in her column. Visit www.SavingCentsWithSense.net, where she shares her passion for bargain-hunting and strategies for stretching a budget.
Self Development Preschool/Charter School
top ten family events
Jan. 1-31, 2014
1 Disney on Ice presents “Rockin’ Ever After”
WHEN: Wed., Jan. 8, thru Sun., Jan. 12, various times
WHERE: US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
COST: $20 to $75
INFO: (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com
Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in Disney on Ice presents “Rockin’ Ever After.” A cast of world-class skaters brings your favorite moments from Disney Pixar’s “Brave,” “Tangled,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” to life.
2 Target 3 for Free
WHEN: Sun., Jan. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, One E. Main Street, Mesa COST: Free
INFO: (480) 644-6500 or www.mesaartscenter.com
Target offers free admission to three area museums, including the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, the first Sunday of every month.
3 Art of Drawing
WHEN: Wed., Jan. 8, from 4 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Branch Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free
INFO: (602) 652-3200 or www.mcldaz.org
Come hone your drawing skills at the Art of Drawing Group for kids and teens 10 and older. Get some tips on cartooning, perspective, proportions, shading, color and more.
4 Storytime Adventures with Bear
WHEN: Fri., Jan. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m.
WHERE: McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St., Gilbert COST: Free
INFO: (480) 503-6294 or www.gilbertaz.gov/parks
Grab your best stuffed friend and join the group for stories, songs and fun.
5 Little Desert Explores
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 11, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa
COST: $6 per car
INFO: (480) 984-0032 or www.maricopa.gov
The Just for Kids event will feature a 1-mile hike along Merkle Trail, which is designed for kids 3 to 6 years old and their parent and caregiver.
6 S.T.E.P.S. Plus
WHEN: Mondays, Jan. 13, and Jan.
27, from 1 to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Main Library Youth Activity Center, 64 E. First St., Mesa COST: Free INFO: (480) 644-3100
New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development and First Things First are presenting the S.T.E.P.S. Plus parent education workshops, a series of 10 fun and interactive sessions that will help each parent learn effective ways to prepare their birth to 5-year-old children for future success.
7 Baby Time
WHEN: Wed., Jan. 15, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
WHERE: Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free INFO: (602) 652-3000
This program, for babies ages birth to 20 months old accompanied by a caregiver, highlights books, lap-sit songs and rhymes, puppets, music and shakers and the parachute.
8 Audubon Family Bird Walks
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 18, at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Riparian Preserve, 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert COST: Free
INFO: www.gilbertaz.gov
Walks depart as groups gather at the Dragonfly Ramada.
9 Liberty Wildlife Program
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Red Mountain Branch Library, 635 N. Power Rd., Mesa
COST: Donations of materials
INFO: www.libertywildlife.org
Well-trained presenters teach about the natural history of each animal and tell how each came to be at Liberty Wildlife. They explain the place that the animals hold in the desert ecosystem and point out adaptations to desert life.
10 Open Family Swim
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 25, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hubbard Riverview, 1061 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 101, Mesa
COST: $5 per swimmer, free for children younger than 3, $15 max per family
INFO: (602) 971-4044 or www.hubbardswim.com
Hubbard Riverview invites children with special needs and their families to come to an open swim. There are two, heated 90-degree indoor pools that are 4
deep with
and steps for
By Eva Dwight, B.A. MaEd.
Pay Attention to Eliminate Misbehavior navigating parenthood
Last month, I introduced the four mistaken goals of misbehavior. According to psychologists Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, children misbehave when they don’t feel belonging and significance; they unconsciously seek to create connection, but their negative behavior actually causes greater disconnection. As a parent, tuning into my feelings can point me toward my child’s mistaken goal, and I can then take appropriate steps to teach him how to achieve belonging and significance with positive behaviors, instead.
One of the mistaken goals is attention. When a child’s negative behaviors are making parents feel irritated, annoyed,
worried or guilty, the child’s mistaken (unconscious) belief is, “I matter only when I’m keeping you busy with me.” Responding with anger or punishment can escalate the problem. Instead, when parents recognize why their child is—pick one—bickering with a sibling, interrupting when they’re on the phone, only completing a task when the parent is standing near to supervise, purposely making a mess, acting out at school... then they can respond strategically.
Redirect:
Tell squabbling kids that you’re sure they can resolve the problem once they’ve calmed down, and engage them in a task (not necessarily a fun one— we don’t want to reward bickering). Later, ask them to create a resolution that works for both of them. Don’t
take sides. Let them develop problemsolving skills and figure it out!
Get your child involved in an activity with you. Cooking, cleaning and laundry take longer when children help, but think of the skills you’re teaching while you spend time together!
Plan for time together:
“I’m busy right now but I’ll spend time with you when I’m finished. What could you do beside me while I work?”
Set up nonverbal signals:
When you’re busy and your child needs something, teach him to touch you on the knee or shoulder quietly, and then signal back with one or two fingers to let him know you received the message and will be with him soon.
To practically eliminate the need for this mistaken goal, use proactive planning to set children up for success.
Make time for children daily:
Eat at least one meal together several days per week.
Do your “homework” while they do theirs.
Do chores together!
Play games, take a walk or read together daily.
Never leave home empty handed: Keep a basket of books/portable activities in the car so you always have it handy while you wait at a restaurant, doctor’s office, etc.
Notice and acknowledge when your child is acting appropriately: “ anks for being patient while I (fill in the blank). Now, what can we do together?”
Parents of teens, don’t believe the myth that your child doesn’t want to spend time with you. Teenagers value “together time,” even if they don’t always show it. Children who are connected to parents are less likely to act out in school, use drugs/alcohol, or engage in illegal activities. Giving them attention, whether they’re 6 or 16, creates belonging and significance, so this mistaken goal is no longer needed!
Eva Dwight is a parent, family and personal coach. For more information, go to www.creativecoachingconversations. com.
Eva Dwight
Keller Elementary School Offers
Unique Dual Language Program
By Brian Hay, Title I specialist
Mesa Public Schools is home to one of the few dual language programs in the East Valley. Keller Elementary School offers kindergarten through fifth-grade curriculum, with plans to expand English-Spanish program through sixth-grade in the 2014-15 school year.
e Program’s Goal
e goal is for students to become bilingual and biliterate, while gaining an appreciation for other cultures. e Keller Elementary model is aligned to Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards. Students receive instruction in both languages, with the day divided into English and Spanish blocks. ey are encouraged to use the learned language and content in group settings and during individualized instruction with the teacher.
Cultural diversity is incorporated in the program, through student participation in events that honor important historical figures, traditions and holidays. e Mesa Arts Center’s Dia de los Muertos Festival is one such event. Students utilize their English and Spanish skills to participate in the altar contest honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez.
Increased Support for All
Research indicates children can transfer learning in one language to another, enhancing a child’s educational and cognitive development. Dual language programs
transform the experience of students, teachers, administrators and parents into an inclusive school community.
According to Vanessa Gaspar, thirdgrade dual language teacher, “ e Dual Language Program enhances support for English language learners, while providing English speaking students the opportunity to communicate in Spanish.”
Student Achievement
Increased student achievement results are linked to the rigorous challenges in classroom curriculum.
Lourdes Mejia, fourth-grade dual language teacher, said, “ e payoff is huge for our students proficient in both languages. Studies show bilingual employees make an average of 5 to 20 percent more than their monolingual counterparts.”
Students engage outside of the classroom, using their language skills to help others. Recently, a fifth-grade student was waiting in line at Disneyland when he noticed a woman trying to communicate with an employee in Spanish, but the employee did not understand what she was saying. e student stepped into action and was able to help resolve the situation by translating for the women.
Open-enrollment students are welcome. To learn more information about e Dual Language Program at Keller Elementary, visit, www.mpsaz. org/keller or contact Principal Monica Torres at (480) 472-6171.
dangerous but it can also be very fun. And it can also be very healthy.”
Barclay mentioned that bouncing on a trampoline tightens the core muscles. “For somebody to bounce for just five minutes is probably one of the best workouts they can have. You don’t have to flip or do anything. Just bounce. Every time you land you have to tighten your core.”
“It’s so important,” Barclay said of trampoline safety. “It’s dear to me because it gives a bad name to trampoline when people get hurt. If we can keep them from getting hurt they will enjoy the sport and just the activity of bouncing.”
He reiterates, the No. 1 rule, only
one person on the trampoline at the time. “It’s a hard rule to follow, but if they stick to it they’ll be a lot safer.”
Aspire Kids Sports Center, which trains kids from throughout the Valley, is located at 50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler. Visit www. aspirekidsportscom or call (480) 8203774 for more information. For more information about trampoline safety, go to www.cpsc.gov.
Tracy House is a busy AZ Modern Mom of four, freelance writer and educator. She writes about motherhood, family, education, sustainability and Arizona. Contact her at tracy@azmodernmom.com.
At Keller Elementary, students receive instruction in both English and Spanish.
around the neighborhood
Gilbert was positively glowing last month. Thousands came out for Gilbert Nights of Lights, a fun-filled family event held on Dec. 6 on the Gilbert Civic Center Lawn. The festival featured food, booths, music and entertainment by community and school groups. And because it’s not the holidays without the lights, there was plenty of bright seasonal glow throughout the night. Photos by Tiera Allen.
1. Pete and Isabel chill out for a photo in front of a giant, inflatable snowman. 2. Bec Veerman and Adria Surovy of Chandler Recycles. 3. The Funk and Nicola children play inside a life-size snow globe. 4. Finley Farms Elementary’s Intermediate Choir performs Christmas songs on the main stage. 5. A winter playground was lit up across the lake at the Civic Center. 6. Horse-drawn carriages took participants for a ride around the event site’s gravel ring. 7. Can Dance’s performance team rocks the stage. 8. Emily Avenetti performs a solo during Finley Farms Elementary’s Intermediate Choir performance. 9. Mark, Erin and Tyler Henry brave the cold for a festive night of lights and fun. 10. An illuminated reindeer stable enticed kids and put a sparkle in their eyes. 11. Abigail Conley and Jim Barton of Chalice Christian Church played with props from their photo booth. 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
events calendar
Dec. 1-31, 2013
C. Daniel Boling
WHEN: Sun., Jan 5, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert COST: $22
INFO: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.com
C. Daniel Boling is a songwriter with a storyteller’s ear for detail and a balladeer’s turn of phrase. His songs are created by interesting characters drawn from his life, family and friends.
Beginning Genealogy
WHEN: Wed., Jan. 8, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Library conference room, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free INFO: www.mcldaz.org
Learn how to start researching your family genealogy. Computer lab available for hands-on practice.
Introduction to the Kindle & Nook
WHEN: Thurs., Jan. 9, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert COST: Free INFO: (602) 652-3211 or www.mcldaz.org
Pick up a few basics with this handson learning experience that will teach you the ins and outs of power management, connecting to WiFi, installing and deleting apps and downloading digital books.
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 11, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert
COST: $39 to $47
INFO: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.com
Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone, a multi-talented entertainer, achieved international fame as Herman, the lead singer of the legendary pop band Herman’s Hermits at the age of 15.
Health and Wellness Expo
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free
INFO: (480) 503-6202
The event will feature sample fitness classes, one-on-one fitness assessments, guest speakers and a small vendor resource center.
Sanchin-Ryu Karate
WHEN: Mondays Jan. 13, through March 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., Gilbert COST: $29
INFO: (480) 503-6290
Benefits of the program, which is geared toward youngsters 10 years old and older, include enhanced balance and coordination, improved motor skills and useful self-defense techniques. Students will study in a fun, high-energy, noncompetitive environment.
Handmade Crafts
WHEN: Tues., Jan. 14, through Tues., March 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., Gilbert
COST: $5 per week
INFO: (480) 503-6290
Crafts will include crayon paintings, gumball machine candy jars, transferring photos on canvas and more. The class is for children 8 years old and older.
Introduction to the Android Tablet
WHEN: Thurs., Jan. 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert COST: Free
INFO: (602) 652-3211 or mcldaz.org
Did you get an Android Tablet for the holidays and wish you were a little more proficient with how to use it? Pick up a few basics with this hands-on learning experience that will teach you the ins and outs of power management, connecting to Wi-Fi, installing and deleting apps and downloading digital books.
Karaoke
WHEN: Fri., Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Gilbert Community Center,
130 N. Oak St. Gilbert
COST: $5
INFO: (480) 503-6290
Warm up those vocal chords and get those dance moves ready for karaoke time. The program is geared toward those ages 8 and older.
Gilbert Art Walk
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Gilbert Heritage District, at Water Tower Park on Page Avenue off Gilbert Road
COST: Free admission and parking
INFO: www.gilbertwalk.com
Gilbert Art Walk provides unique items such as woodworking, photography, ceramics, one-of-a-kind custom jewelry, original paintings, handmade wearable items, custom soaps and lotions. The event also offers live entertainment and a children’s arts and crafts area.
Make the Dream Real
WHEN: Mon., Jan. 20, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free INFO: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.com
Join the group in celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. by attending the free ceremony featuring inspirational speaker Calvin Terell. The event will also feature entertainment by local choirs, a youth art competition and sponsor exhibitor and booths.
Introduction to the iPad/iPod Touch
WHEN: Thurs., Jan. 23, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free INFO: (602) 652-3211 or mcldaz.org
Did you get an iPad or iPod Touch for the holidays and wish you were a little more proficient with how to use it? Pick up a few basics with this hands-on learning experience that will teach you the ins and outs of power management, connecting to Wi-Fi, installing and deleting apps and downloading digital books.
The
Carlos Nakai Trio
WHEN: Fri., Jan. 24, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Higley Center for Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert COST: $24 to $32
INFO: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.com
The trio is comprised of R. Carlos Nakai, the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute; Will Clipman, who mastered a pan global palette of more than 100 percussion
instruments in additional to the traditional drum set and William Eaton, who became aware of the acoustic properties of various spaces that led him to stage impromptu concerts.
Living Wills and Healthcare Decisions: Advanced Care Planning
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 25, at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert
COST: Free
INFO: (602) 652-3213 or www.mcldaz.org
Making your wishes about future health care known through a living will and medical power of attorney is the best gift you can give to your loved ones. The program is presented by The Hospice of the Valley.
The Alley Cats
WHEN: Sat., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert
COST: $26 to $34
INFO: (480) 279-7190 or www.higleyarts.com
The Alley Cats began at Fullerton College in California before landing their first professional gig at Disneyland’s “Blast to the Past.”They are opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas.
Family Movie Series
WHEN: Fri., Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: McQueen Activity Center, 501 N. Horne St., Gilbert COST: Free
INFO: (480) 503-6294
Join the group for the free family friendly movie “Planes” on the big screen with popcorn. All children younger than the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo
WHEN: Wed., Jan. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Mesa Convention Center, 201 N. Center St., Mesa COST: Free
INFO: (480) 348-0343
The 26th annual event features booths, exhibits and entertainment for the over-50 market.
Fiddler on the Roof
Beloved Musical Classic Co-Stars
By Lynette Carrington
Mesa resident Kathi Osborne is one of the few thespians who have been able to make acting a full-time career.
Starring as “Golde” in e Palms eatre’s rendition of “Fiddler on the Roof” from Jan. 9 through Feb. 15, Osborne is often cast in comedic roles. So this production is a bit of a departure for the seasoned actress.
“She’s a mother of daughters,” Osborne said of “Golde,” the wife of “Tevye.”
“She’s very loving and loves her husband very much. It is a different time where the husband was the sole provider and whatever he said went. But, the wonderful thing about Golde and Tevye is that they both have a very strong personality.
East Valley Resident
“ is is a beautiful story that harkens back to when there was much respect for the parents and what they said; and not just parents, but the grandparents and townspeople. We’ve gotten away from that and it’s sad,” Osborne said.
A New York native, Osborne met the love of her life, Larry Renfrow, while on a movie set in Chicago. He was working on many films in Arizona and she moved here in 1998.
“I was cast in a show a week after I moved here,” Osborne stated. “I’ve been very fortunate.”
of Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
ey counter back and forth and the daughters then have their own way of looking at things—they want change. It’s such a beautiful story and tradition is something I wish we had more of.”
“Fiddler on the Roof” tells the story of Jewish dairyman Tevye during prerevolutionary Russia. e patriarch peasant deals with the trials and tribulations of marrying off three of his daughters during a time of growing anti-Semitism.
e classic tale is full of tradition, love and family and religious passion.
e original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof” was the first musical in history to sail past 3,000 performances.
She has since been in 20 productions with Prather Entertainment Group, e Palms’ parent company, and was part of its original production when it opened nearly 20 years ago.
“I absolutely adore them. It’s wonderful because they take care of us very well,” said Osborne. “I’ve been very, very fortunate and very blessed to be able to have contracts a lot.”
Broadway shows remaining in the 2013-2014 season at e Palms include “South Pacific” (Feb. 27-April 13) and “Burt & Me” (April 24May 24), in addition to many other concerts and unique shows. e Palms eatre is located at 5247 E. Brown Rd., (southeast corner at Higley Road). Call (480) 924-6260 or visit www. ePalms eatre.com for additional information.
Actress Kathi Osborne portrayed Queen Stefanie in “Sleeping Beauty” at The Palms immediately before taking on the role
“Fiddler on the Roof” will celebrate tradition at The Palms Theatre from Thursday, Jan. 9, to Saturday, Feb. 15.
on the town
By Kathy Kerby
Isabel’s Amor
Isabel’s Amor opened in November in the Forum at Gilbert Ranch on the northeast corner of Val Vista and Williams Field roads. Isabel is the matriarch of the Vasquez family, who owns several other restaurants in the Valley, including Someburros.
Tim and Julie Vasquez, the owners, yearn to serve their grandmother Isabel’s beloved dishes in a comfortable setting and they hope that Isabel’s Amor will “create loving experiences and memories for all patrons just like Nana Isabel’s cooking did for her family.”
As my husband and I entered the fresh new building, we noticed the shiny hammered tin skirting above the bar and the beautiful varnished barn wood on the bar and on the tables. e dining room, which seats about 50, is warm and welcoming with lots of windows that overlook a lovely wrap-around patio with bistro
lights, umbrellas and colorful plants. We were greeted and quickly seated by a smiling hostess.
Tyler, our server, brought us warm chips and salsa, which were delicious. We looked over the menu which included eight appetizers, various tortas, posole and chicken soup, two salads and 11 specialties “de la casa.”
e menu included an extensive wine, beer, tequila and a cocktail list created by mixologist Travis Nass. We made our choices and as we waited for our meal, Tim dropped by our table and entertained us with the story of how he started his career in the restaurant business. When he was a child, he dressed in a donkey suit and stood on the street outside the original Someburros doing his best to entice passersby to come in
and enjoy the food. From this humble beginning, he worked in every facet of food service and now has created the restaurant that he feels will best reflect the food of his grandmother’s native Sonoran region of Mexico. Our food arrived promptly and the presentation was very appealing. e chili verde ($14) had tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with green chilies and spices with sides of rice and beans and a flour tortilla (which are made in house daily). Each house special comes with a choice of refried beans, borracho beans or black beans. e chicken tacos ($12) were crispy on the outside with spicy shredded chicken, tomatoes and lettuce on the inside accompanied by rice and beans with a nice radish garnish. e enchiladas de queso ($11, add $3 for beef or chicken) were a yummy blend of corn tortillas, cheese and red sauce. We did not order dessert but we noted the churros con crema, flan, horchata rice pudding, cheesecake in a jar and cinnamon ice cream, all of
which sounded marvelous. ($6 each) In an area of mostly fast-food and chain restaurants, Isabel’s Amor stands out as upscale and unique with its fresh, flavorful food, extensive selection at the bar, beautiful patio and charming owners and staff. ey are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through ursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. e Vasquez family invites you to come enjoy the special recipes of their Nana Isabel and feel the “amor” for yourselves.
Amor
1490 E. Williams Field Rd. Suite 101 Gilbert, 85295 (480) 290-7060
www.isabelsamor.com
Shrimp cocktail
Chicken tacos
What’s Cooking?
By Jan D’Atri
Gwen’s Pineapple Gazpacho
Put away the cookie cutters, icing and candy sprinkles—at least until Valentine’s Day. We’re starting off the New Year with a fresh, kicky and absolutely delicioso gazpacho courtesy of one of my favorite food bloggers.
Our bodies are craving light and nourishing—and yet fantastically flavored—food right now, and thanks to food writer Gwen Walters, we’re off to a yummy start.
Gwen, who has authored three award-winning cookbooks, emptied her cup of the corporate life a few years ago and filled her plate instead with all things food. On her website www.penandfork.com, we can follow Gwen’s life as a professionally trained chef and food adventurer. e site features cooking tips, cookbook and restaurant reviews, practical howto cooking techniques plus articles on the latest food trends and other culinary finds.
Gwen’s Pineapple Gazpacho is so gorgeous, it’s a “Made-For-TV” dish,
but Gwen first shared this recipe on my radio show. e chopping and dicing of fresh ingredients and the whir of the blender came screaming through the airways. In the studio, we were begging for second helpings— and thirds.
Gwen shares its origin: “ is particular recipe is from my book, e Great Ranch Cookbook, and is based on a recipe from Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg.
When I married I didn’t know how to cook. But on my first trip to Georgia as a new bride, my husband Jeff ’s granny and aunt changed all that. ey made me see that cooking wasn’t a chore—it could be fun. ey pulled me into the kitchen with open arms—and I haven’t left since.”
e Pineapple Gazpacho is the perfect start to a great new year, and a recipe that originated from the historic Rancho de los Caballeros is a terrific place to begin a brand new season of healthful cooking. Here’s to a yummy 2014!
Pineapple Gazpacho
Makes 4 servings
For the Soup:
1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 small fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Garnish:
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely seeded, chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Place all ingredients (excluding garnish) in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Can be prepared one day in advance; stir before serving). Ladle 6 to 8 ounces into chilled soup bowls and sprinkle with red and green bell peppers, cucumber and cilantro.
Kick up the “heat” level by adding a pinch of minced jalapeno or Serrano chile along with the garnish.
By Lynette Carrington
Car Life Care Care You Can Depend On
Forget what pops into your mind when you think of a typical car repair establishment.
Car Life has elevated car care to a service art.
Owner Eddie Mrok has three Car Life locations in the Valley and they have steadily built their reputation with customers to emerge with one enviable record of customer satisfaction.
e reception area is light, bright, clean and open and that is just what you can expect with any car service, too. Every guest is greeted and treated with the respect that welcomes customers to the Car Life family.
“When people come in and look around, it softens the blow,” he said. “ ey come in prepared to ‘do battle,’ and they see that we are different.
“What we’ve learned is that Arizona is like Missouri, the ‘Show Me’ state. People want to see what we’re about and we’ll show them.”
Car Life works on all makes and models of vehicles for an entire range of repairs.
Car Life will work on everything from older Jeeps, Chevys and BMWs to Toyotas, Nissans, Fords, diesel vehicles and trucks and even the occasional Maserati and Rolls Royce. Technician
Jeff Breid is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified as a Master Level Technician, Master Auto Technician and an Advanced Level Specialist.
“We have all the gadgets, tools and diagnostic programs needed to evaluate just about any vehicle,” Mrok stated.
Car Life can do everything from a simple oil change, brakes or a tuneup, to installing a new transmission, engine or even vehicle suspension.
“ e only thing we don’t do is paint and body work,” Mrok said. “But, we do take the time to have a good conversation with customers and
take the time to explain the work that needs to be done.”
“We want people to feel comfortable here and we want them to feel good when they leave, too,” Mrok explained. “In our industry, people are desperate for good, open conversations and positive relationships. Anyone can go online and look at our reviews and see that our customers gush about us. at word of mouth is great and it’s valuable. It proves that people really like what we’re doing.
“We’re not a ‘pack-‘em-in’ kind of business. We build relationships and offer a really high quality level of service. Our staff stays with us, too, and grows with us. Each store has an owner/proprietor on site that is responsible for the store. ese people are extremely dedicated and spend a lot of time here,” Mrok finished. e business is also very female friendly, with two ladies running the Scottsdale location and Mrok’s wife, Mary Lynn, running the Glendale location.
Car Life is running a special for Nearby News customers—$18.95 for most cars for an oil change and free towing up to $75 when repairs are performed at Car Life. Car Life is located at 4461 E. Baseline Rd. (southeast corner at Greenfield Road), with additional locations in Scottsdale and Glendale. Look for additional locations coming soon. Visit www. CarLifeAutoCare.com or call (602) 850-8300 for additional information.
Eddie Mrok, owner of Car Life, welcomes customers to visit his business and experience exceptional customer service and expert car repair.
By Brian D. Strong
How Can I be Guilty of DUI Drugs if I Possess a Medical Marijuana Card?
As a criminal defense attorney in Arizona, I am consistently meeting people who are downright distraught and confused to have been charged with DUI drugs (sometimes referred to as “drugged driving”) when the only drug they were using was medical marijuana. In Arizona, a prosecutor has three possible methods for proving that a driver has violated the DUI statutes: 1) “ e Individual Analysis;” 2) “ e Legal Limit” and 3) “Zero Tolerance.”
e Individual Analysis
Because we all have unique body chemistry and unique tolerance levels, this approach (whether it involves alcohol, drugs or both) is the most factually honest. e bottom line question here is: Was this driver actually impaired (or under the influence) of some substance at the time of driving? Oftentimes, the answer to this question is not easily resolved. is is because almost every indicator of motor skills impairment can be caused by innocent factors. Bloodshot/watery eyes can simply mean an allergy sufferer. Most sober drivers make wide right turns into the wrong lane. Failure to walk a straight line might be because of knee trouble. As a result, most prosecutors dislike the “Individual Analysis” because it makes them work for a living and has a tendency to result in hung juries or acquittals.
e Legal Limit
In this subsection of the DUI statutes, the legislature has established a precise limit of alcohol or drugs that are permissible in the human body. In Arizona, the current legal limit for alcohol is .08 percent. Like most states, Arizona does not currently
have a legal limit specified for any DUI drug charge. A small number of states have created such limits. For example, in the State of Washington, five (5) nanograms per milliliter is the legal limit for tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC—the physiologically active component of marijuana). See, Wash. Rev. Code 46.61.502(1)(b).
Zero Tolerance
In DUI drug cases, the legislature has made it illegal for a driver to have any amount of drugs in their system if they do not possess a valid prescription for that drug. is might include a driver who has consumed medication prescribed for a family member or friend or in the alternative, has consumed illegal drugs (for which no prescription is ever available). While alcohol and most illegal drugs are cleaned out of the body within a matter of hours, marijuana metabolites remain in the bloodstream for a much longer time. Marijuana metabolites are the remnants of THC in the body after it has gone through the process of breaking down the drug. Even after the body is no longer feeling the effects of THC, there are still modified remnants of it flowing through the bloodstream. For some users, marijuana metabolites can remain in their systems for several weeks, even if the user did not consume any marijuana on the day he or she was arrested for DUI.
Historically, DUI drugs in Arizona has been a “zero-tolerance statute.”
Any trace of an illegal drug in one’s system resulted in a DUI drug conviction regardless of how long ago the marijuana was smoked. Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) has erased the “zero-tolerance” standard for those with authorized medical marijuana cards. Specifically, A.R.S. § 36-2802(D) notes that, to obtain a DUI drug conviction for a person with an authorized medical marijuana
card, the prosecutor must prove that the driver was actually “under the influence of marijuana” and, more importantly, “a registered qualifying patient shall not be considered to be under the influence of marijuana solely because of the presence of metabolites or components of marijuana that appear in insufficient concentration to cause impairment.”
e AMMA fails to tell us, however, exactly how much marijuana is too much. In like manner, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has asked all states to adopt drugged driving laws with specific limits, but never mentions what specific limit should be set for each drug. See www.whitehouse.gov/ ondcp/drugged-driving.
In Arizona, the smell of marijuana alone can be enough to give a police officer probable cause to pursue a DUI drug investigation. Because the odor of marijuana in vehicle upholstery can linger for several weeks, DUI drugs has become an extremely common criminal charge. And, in spite of the express language in the AMMA,
many prosecutors are still pursuing DUI drug cases as if they were premedical marijuana “zero-tolerance” cases. ese prosecutors are actively fighting to keep a defendant’s medical marijuana card excluded from the jury. As a result, should you or someone you love receive a DUI alleging the presence of marijuana, please contact Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. immediately.
Brian D. Strong is a criminal defense attorney with Rowley Chapman & Barney Ltd. at 63 E. Main St., Suite 501, Mesa, 85201. Strong can be reached at (480) 833-1113 or via email at info@azlegal.com. Strong earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1987 from Utah State University and his juris doctor from Brigham Young University in 1990.
Brian D. Strong
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