Desert Breeze: December 2015

www.NearbyNews.com

February 15, December 20,2015 2015

Part of the

NearbyNews family of publications

Haley Fichiera flashes a winning smile upon landing her trampoline move at Kartwheels for Kids. More on page 20.

The News Around Our Neighborhood

Blowing through Warner Ranch, Stellar Airpark, Hearthstone, Twelve Oaks, Glenview Estates, Sunset Cove, Pepperwood, Carillo Ranch, Wild Tree, Park Promenade and other communities in the 85226 ZIP code.

In This Issue

5 Community Spotlight 21 Top 10 Family Events 22 On the Town 17 She’s Crafty 20 Neighborhood Photos 26 Local Business

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COMMUNITY

Chamberlain Orthodontics Receives 2014 Best of Chandler Awards!

Being thankful

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

W

ith the holidays upon us I wanted to take a moment and publicly give thanks. I have been particularly blessed this year. My son and I walked away from a terrible triple roll-over accident earlier in the year, and so I am thankful for my health and Dr. Thomas Chamberlain my life as well as the life of my son. In relation to that, I am thankful for my wife of 23 (almost 24) years and my other three children. Tamara is the driving force for me to continually improve myself. I married a woman with whom I am constantly running to catch up to. Tamara and the kids are always there for me and support me in every way as a father and husband. I couldn’t ask for a more devoted family. I

am also so thankful for my extended family... my wonderful team! I am so grateful for their support, their positive attitude and how we find synergy when we work together each day. My amazing staff makes the days so fun and enjoyable. I am grateful that we each keep focused on continually reaching and achieving our goals. I know my staff and my family joins me when I say we are grateful for our patients in the community. We love the people of Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert and we couldn’t think of a better place to serve such wonderful people. Truly, you, our patients are the reason we exist and we know that very well. Because of that, we are constantly striving for excellence in order to make your experience the best it can be.

Lastly, I am grateful for the One Being who made all this possible. I believe our freedoms in

Dr. Thomas Chamberlain

this country are heaven sent and all that we have comes from that God who gave us life and liberty.

May you all be blessed at that season of year and throughout 2016

Two Chandler Locations: 3800 W. Ray Road

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People who have lost teeth might often feel too self-conscious to smile or talk in public. Additionally, early tooth loss can change eating habits and facial appearance and lead to secondary health problems.

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Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures.

Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth.

They are proven to preserve the jaw bone, gums and the adjacent natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. We offer state-of-the-art technologies and Dr. Shah is constantly implementing the latest techniques to provide you with the best care available.

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480.814.9500 | 2450 W. Ray Road, Suite 1 Chandler AZ 85224 | www.azoral.com

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COMMUNITY

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COMMUNITY

Publisher Times Media Group

Nearby News monthly contest Each month we design an advertisement for something that doesn't exist.

Find the fake ad and you could win a restaurant gift certificate!

Congratulations to this month’s lucky winner: AMY TERABERRY, who found the fake ad, “Save the Frozen Turkeys”

President

Steve T. Strickbine

NearbyNews

Executive Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Associate Editors

Ken Abramczyk, Kenneth LaFave

Graphic Design

Erica Odello, Paul Braun, Amy Civer, Nicole La Cour

The Desert Breeze is published monthly and distributed to 10,000 residences and businesses within Chandler, 8,500 mailed directly to homes and 1,500 distributed on newsstands, and in several hundred high-traffic locations throughout the community.

Administration Courtney Oldham

Distribution Area:

Contributors

Jacqueline Bradford, Sydney Cariel, Jan D’Atri, Kimberly Hosey, Jill Pertler, Tim J. Randall, Laurie Struna

Contact the Nearby News at (480) 348-0343 • Fax: (480) 348-2109 Editor@NearbyNews.com

For more information visit our website at

Enter by email ONLY:

Siberian Preserve

FAKEADCHANDLER@NEARBYNEWS.COM Please include your name and phone number in your email. We will contact our winner by January 20, 2016. Good Luck!

Last Month’s Fake Ad

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Do you have a family member suddenly turned vegetarian? Are you tired of being tired after eating a full Thanksgiving feast?

Do you really prefer tofurkey?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you can send your frozen bird to our humane preserve located, where else? In Siberia!

Distribution Services Provided By

No frozen turkeys were consumed before the making of this ad...

The Desert Breeze has made every effort to authenticate the information printed herein, however, we do not assume responsibility for any products or services advertised or information printed. Views expressed are representative of the author and not necessarily The Desert Breeze.

Cover Photo:

www.DontGobbleGobbleMeUp.org

(480) 348-0343

Tim Sealy

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on the town

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COMMUNITY

diy

community spotlight comm. spotlight

Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department law talk

hearsay

meet your neighbor

New development and improvements coming to downtown Chandler’s Entertainment District is getting a new first-class, one-of-a-kind entertainment project.

Construction is slated to begin soon.

The 60,000-square-foot mixed-used development named “The Row” will be located on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard.

It will include cinema that Alta Steelyard Lofts is built on the foundation of a nowdefunct steel fabrication facility. offers food and drinks, as well as space for retail/restaurants.

Chandler is The Ostrich, a speakeasy, Because The Row will be located in craft cocktail bar and lounge. Inspired an area used for parking, the City is by the rich history dating back to the making additional parking available City’s founding days of 1912, it’s now once construction begins and the area open after nearly a year of renovations. is fenced off. The temporary lots will Alta Steelyard Lofts is the newest be located: apartment community in the • between Oregon and Dakota streets, downtown with an urban, upscale south of Chandler Boulevard vibe. Located at the corner of • at the southeast corner of Arizona Washington Street and Frye Road, the Avenue and Buffalo Street, south of 301-unit complex incorporates the the Jack in the Boxl City’s history and industrial feel in its • As a reminder, free public parking décor.

There also are several water also is available in three parking and infrastructure improvements garages along Arizona Avenue.

• The City’s parking garage located taking place through May. These across the street from City Hall is improvements are needed to available 24 hours a day. The parking replace aging infrastructure and to garages located directly behind accommodate future downtown the Ports America and First Credit growth.

Stay tuned for new businesses Union buildings are available after 5 soon: The Brickyard p.m. during the week and all day on coming Downtown, an upscale and weekends.

Free parking while you enjoy contemporary restaurant and bar, downtown Chandler definitely is a located at 85 W. Boston; Chicago 55, great amenity. And if you haven’t nestled next to The Perch, will feature visited downtown Chandler lately, specialty craft beverages and food; come on down and take a closer and Ice Cream Sammies, featuring look as things have changed. Within homemade ice cream and homemade the last year, there have been several cookies to make one delicious ice cream “sammie.” businesses added to the mix.

To stay connected with all the Peixoto Coffee, located at 11 W. happening in the Boston St., offers delicious coffee from excitement its family farm in Brazil in a warm downtown, visit chandleraz.gov/ and chic coffee lounge. Crust Pizza downtown. The updated website is adjacent to the San Marcos Hotel features the latest parking info, links and is known for its pizza and garlic to fun things to do, current projects as knots. Located directly below Crust well as how to do business in Chandler. classifieds

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COMMUNITY

Marathon fun for runners; profitable for charities

Those toys aren’t just noisy— they’re dangerous

By Jacqueline Bradford More than 20,000 participants will run, sprint, walk and dance throughout Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix during the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Saturday, Jan. 16, and Sunday, Jan. 17.

Officials with the race said the 5K, 10K and half marathon will begin and end around Tempe. Meanwhile, the full marathon begins in Phoenix and cuts through Scottsdale before ending in downtown Tempe, “People come from all over to experience the tremendous location that is the Valley of the Sun,” said Dan Cruz, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon spokesman.

“This is a great way to bring the communities together and promote the area.”

The marathon will feature live performances and cheerleaders throughout the races to encourage runners. At the finish line, runners will be greeted with a headlining performer.

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon makes running fun,” Cruz said. “The people who don’t necessarily look at themselves as competitive runners are able to have a great experience. It has changed the game of the sport of running overnight.”

By Dr. Jennifer Hensley, family and youth resource specialist at the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing As holiday season gears up more people are shopping for toys.

December will be spent walking up and down toy aisles trying to find just the right gift for the little one on your list. When shopping for the perfect gift, you may look at age appropriateness, price and other warning labels.

But how often do you consider the noise level of the toys?

You won’t often find the decibel reading on a toy’s warning label, but the noise level can be detrimental to a child’s hearing.

Before the races begin, runners and guests can peruse the Phoenix Convention Center during an expo designed to promote health and fitness.

“Race weekend will kick off with the free health and fitness expo where participants pick up their T-shirts and goodie bags, along with over 80 exhibits and vendors with the latest and greatest in nutrition and athletic apparel,” Cruz said.

According to Cruz, runners can partake in free clinics, and conversations with past Olympians and other experts in the sport of running.

Charity is a big part of the mission of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, an eligible race for St. Jude’s Heroes, a program that allows individuals to fundraise directly for St. Jude Christian’s Research Hospital.

Cruz said more than $320 million has been raised since the beginning of the series by working with thousands of local, national and international charities, including St. Jude.

“We have a tremendous history of working with and providing a tremendous venue for charities to raise money,” Cruz added. “All they have to do is show up with the runners.”

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Topping the noisy toy list: Bruin R/C Racer—103 dB near the ear, 74 dB at arm’s length Disney: Sofia the First, Time to Shine Sing-Along Boombox—102 dB near the ear, 76 dB at arm’s length Leap Frog: My Talking LapPup—100 dB near the ear, 74 dB at arm’s length Blue Sky: The Peanuts Movie, Happy Dance Snoopy—96 dB near the ear, 78 dB at arm’s length Barbie: Rock ‘N’ Royals Rock Star Guitar—94 dB near the ear, 75 dB at arm’s length Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Chewbacca Electronic Mask—92 dB near the ear, 79 dB at arm’s length When shopping for Listen up— your precious little ones, it’s important remember these precauDid you know that noise tionary measures: is the No. 1 cause of hearDoes the toy have voling loss? By first grade, ume control? If there is less than 1 percent of chil- This Chewbacca Electronic no way to turn down the dren have hearing loss but Mask measures 92 decibels volume, the child will by the time they are teen- near the ear. be exposed to whatever agers, 20 percent of childecibel level that natudren will have some level of hearing rally comes with the toy. loss. Some toys with sound or noise Is there an on/off switch for the volcomponents could be the cause for ume? An on/off switch is a great cathis loss. How can you tell how much pability for the child to still be able to is too much when it comes to noise enjoy the toy without the risk of damlevels? age to their hearing.

According to the American SpeechDoes the toy seem loud to you? If Language-Hearing Association, 85 the noise level seems loud to you, it decibels (dB) is the maximum volume probably will be just as loud or louder a child should be exposed to for no to the little one playing with it. more than eight hours. Decibels are As toy shopping season rounds the a unit of measurement to gauge vol- corner, take a few extra precautions to ume, and decibel volume is measured make sure your child is getting a toy in several industries, including con- they love, but is also safe. Once the struction and engineering, to ensure toys are in their hands, you also can hearing safety. Sounds more than 100 monitor their usage when they are dB can damage hearing in less than 15 playing with the toys as well as watchminutes of exposure. ing TV and listening to loud music.

“The distance at which the decibels Keep solid time and volume limits to are measured can be misleading, be- ensure the kids aren’t exposed to too cause chances are, children aren’t us- much noise. Noise-reducing heading these toys at arm’s length,” said phones are also a great gift to accomMichele Michaels, hard of hearing pany any sound-bearing device. specialist at the Arizona Commission Enjoy the holidays with your family for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. members by making sure their hearHow do you know which toys are ing is protected. safe and which should be left off your For more information, please visit shopping list? www.acdhh.org.

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12/3/2015 9:25:05 AM

COMMUNITY

DECK THE HALLS & WALLS FOR LESS!

By Kaity Klonowski As a child living under the rule of a militant dictator in Ghana, Esther Nortey slowly became passionate about Africa.

Born in 1978, Nortey attended a school for visual arts at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in Ghana before leaving for the United States.

“I left the shores of Ghana when I was 21 years old and, even though I had previously traveled to Europe, I was unprepared for my experience in the United States.” Nortey said.

She said she felt like an endangered species while in the United States.

“I was suddenly from a ‘continent’ full of hungry children running around naked, living in huts and dying of weird, uncontrolled diseases. I was one of those people who needed a savior!” she said.

Nortey will share her experiences with “Africa: A Misunderstood Continent” at the Sunset Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16.

The presentation will focus on the often-overlooked aspects of Africa,

such as the people, the culture and the economic contributions of Africa to the world.

“We welcome adults and teens to this presentation, but teens especially might be interested in some of this information.” Said Sunset Librarian Lindsay Atwood.

Nortey seeks to break the stereotypes that many people place upon the continent of Africa. She said wants people to know that Africa is a vast continent, and not one country.

“Most people I’ve met only know ‘Africa’ through the eyes of the media or ads for nonprofit organizations; well, so here I am—on a mission to share with the world, what the media would never dare to show you,” Nortey said.

Nortey’s presentation will reveal Africa for what it truly is and will discuss its people, their varied colors and cultures, the country’s infrastructure, and its economic contributions.

The Sunset Library is located at 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 782-2800.

Stormtrooper group looks forward to ‘The Force Awakens’ Dressing up as a Stormtrooper as part of the 501st Legion is more than just play to Chandler resident Michael Betsko. It’s an opportunity to coax a smile out of the most cynical people.

Members of the local Dune Sea Garrison and its parent organization, 501st Legion, put their costumes to good use taking part in charity events like the MS Walk and The Dune Sea Garrison makes appearances at charity events throughout the Valley. visits to children’s hospitals.

“I’ve been to Phoenix Children’s Hospital twice,” Betsko said. “I’ve done Comicon, obviously, Make-aWish Foundation, some fundraising events. Just yesterday, I was at an event—Clara’s Run—for a young girl who passed away last year.”

The garrison, which has been around for 12-plus years, is especially popular now with the Friday, Dec. 18, release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the seventh episode in the film series. The latest chapter is cloaked in mystery, save for a few trailers.

Prospective members of the garrison or legion must be 18 and “Star Wars” is being passed to new generaown a high-quality costume, many tions, as Michael Betsko, donning Stormtroopof which cost more than $1,000 and er armor, is flanked by sons Rylan and Marek. about 50 hours of manpower to “Star Wars Reads” program at the create. For information about the Hamilton Library, one son donned group, visit www.501st.com or www. authentic Jango Fett gear while the duneseagarrison.com. other one was Kylo Ren. “I’ve been with them just about a “I bought that [Jango Fett] from year,” Betsko said with a smile that was another garrison member,” he said. evident even over the phone. “I love it.

As for “The Force Awakens,” the It’s fantastic. You can’t get any better 40-year-old Betsko is actually looking than working with the kids. The smiles forward to next year’s film, “Rogue on the kids’ faces make it all worth it. One: A Star Wars Story,” a story that’s “Plus, you get to wear the armor, set between Episode Three (“Revenge which is really exciting—right—for of the Sith”) and Episode Four (“A any lifelong fan.”

New Hope”).

He said it took a while for his wife Betsko is thrilled that his children to wrap her head around the concept, are into “Star Wars,” a movie he saw but she eventually grasped it. as a “young guy.”

“My kids, they’re not fazed by “My parents showed it to me,” he seeing dad in a Stormtrooper costume said. “When I was in college, I picked anymore,” he added. “They got used it back up. A lot of us got together to it when they saw a roomful of and geeked out watching a lot of it. them getting geared up.”

That’s when video games were really His young children have even big. That became a bit of a driver. It gotten into the game. During a recent was a common core for us.”

TIM SEALY

COMMUNITY

Nortey working to reveal ‘true’ Africa ‘Bad guys doing good’

Please join us for this free to attend event! Shop over 50 local artistsʼ handmade products, enjoy the holiday lights of the historic square, sing along with the carolers and live music by Dmitri Matheny, and get your photo taken with Santa in front of the Tumbleweed Tree.

downtownchandler.org

Page 8

Carolers Visit from Santa Free photography Free face painting

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Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

COMMUNITY

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP You will find this workshop relevant if you are developing a retirement plan, nearing retirement, or recently retired. Regardless of your stage in the process, you’ll learn updated strategies that will help you build and preserve wealth in volatile times.

Above all, this workshop is designed to help you assess your current financial position, then lay out a personalized roadmap that helps you achieve your retirement goals.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS Many of the retirement strategies utilized by your parents have grown outdated and may no longer have application to those looking to retire today. This workshop compares and contrasts the old retirement paradigms of yesteryear and the new paradigms of today as you prepare to retire

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Your instructors are Garry Madaline & John Kieber. Investment Advisory Services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. United Retirement Advisors Group, Inc. is

in the 21st century. You’ll discover how to insulate yourself from the risk of rising taxes, protect your Social Security from taxation, and avoid common pitfalls as you distribute your assets in retirement.

Perhaps most importantly, this workshop will teach you how to develop a personalized strategy as you confront the challenges of retiring in a rapidly changing world.

BALANCED FINANCIAL INFORMATION There’s a difference between taking your financial cues from media outlets and learning the basics of retirement planning from a trusted, reliable, unbiased source.

This workshop is designed to give you an exhaustive and comprehensive view of financial education while uncovering the many new pitfalls that threaten to derail many retirees in the 21st century.

not affiliated with Brookstone Capital Management.

This event is not sponsored nor endorsed

by ASU, Maricopa Community Colleges, the Social Security Administration or any other Government Agency.

PROVIDED IN THIS COURSE UNBIASED APPROACH Instead of focusing on a specific strategy or topic, this course takes a more comprehensive view of your retirement. This broad-based approach lays a foundation for proactive planning in an updated, 21st century context. Because of the educational nature of the workshop, no specific financial products are presented or discussed.

AN INTERACTIVE CLASSROOM SETTING This course is taught by a nationwide network of instructors. These instructors are financial professionals from your community who bring to their workshops years of experience and knowledge from their careers in personal finance. They often supplement their presentation with real life stories and experiences to help personalize the principles and strategies taught in their workshops. This personal and interactive approach to the material helps make the educational process both practical and informative.

THE CHANGING WORLD OF RETIREMENT PLANNING™ WORKBOOKS As part of this course, you will receive a two volume set of workbooks You’ll receive a two-volume set that provides examples of workbooks. and illustrations designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the workshop. These workbooks help you follow along during the presentation and give you a step-by-step process to help implement the knowledge you obtain during the course.

OPTIONAL ONE-ON-ONE STRATEGY SESSION If you have questions on how the principles you learned in this workshop apply specifically to your financial situation, you may arrange for a private strategy session with your instructor after the conclusion of the course. The strategy session is complimentary for all attendees but is not required.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW RETIRING IN THE 21ST CENTURY • The old retirement paradigm vs. the new paradigm • How to create a clear vision for retirement • Creating a retirement road map • Keys to transitioning to retirement TAX RATE RISK • Why experts say tax rates could double • How rising taxes may affect your retirement cash flow • The “Catch 22” of 401k’s and IRA’s • How lost deductions may affect your taxes in retirement RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTION PLANNING • The three basic retirement accounts • How to accumulate dollars in the right types of accounts for retirement • What’s better for you: taxdeferred or tax-advantaged accounts?

• How to define a “true” taxadvantaged investment • When should you convert to a Roth?

• How IRA’s and 401k’s cause Social Security taxation • Strategies to reduce or eliminate taxes in retirement ESTATE PLANNING • Planning for incapacity • Reducing estate taxes • A will vs. a trust • Types of trusts • How to avoid probate • Asset gifting • Transferring property at death

MAXIMIZING SOCIAL SECURITY • The causes of Social Security taxation • The Social Security thresholds you need to be aware of • The real cost of Social Security taxation • Strategies to eliminate Social Security taxation • Social Security maximization strategies RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTION PITFALLS • How the new rules on “Rate of Withdrawal” affect you • How to ensure you won’t run out of money in retirement • How to liquidate your retirement assets in the right order • How to protect against “sequence of returns” risk PROTECTING AGAINST MARKET LOSS • The impact of dramatic market loss in retirement • Is “buy and hold” appropriate in retirement?

• How to protect against the two types of investment risk • How to protect your assets from stock market volatility • Why “asset allocation” alone may not be enough • How to truly diversify your retirement portfolio LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING • How a long-term care event may affect your retirement • Medicaid spend-down rules • Community spouse rules • The 4 common alternatives to pay for long-term care • Recent innovations in long-term care planning

For additional workshop dates, locations, more information, or to register online please visit: www.myretirementclass.com

On the web at www.NearbyNews.com

Page 11

COMMUNITY

on the town

diy

Library offering Winter Reading Program for all ages Kids, teens and adults can all “Chill Out with a Good Book” by participating in the Chandler Public Library’s Winter Reading Program.

Participants through age 17 will receive a bingo card listing early literacy activities, and those who complete the card will earn a prize.

The adult program also offers a bingo card and, after reading five

books, a slip may be turned in for a prize raffle.

“We wanted to offer an opportunity for the whole family to be involved in reading activities over the winter break from school,” said Rosanna Johnson, marketing assistant for the library. “Some school breaks are two or three weeks long, and it is comm. spotlight

classifieds

law talk

biz box

... continues on page 14

Share seeds with the library’s swap

By Kaity Klonowski Beginning gardeners and those with a green thumb are invited to the Sunset Library’s sixth biannual seed swap from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25.

The seed swap is a free event during which local gardeners can share the abundance of seeds they have from the past season.

“We encourage people of all ages to come and swap seeds, or even just come get some seeds if they don’t have anything to share. It is not necessary to bring seeds in order to come,” said Lindsay Atwood, Sunset librarian.

The event usually hosts six to 10 community vendors, ranging from the Valley Permaculture Association, to the FIGG garden, to the Environmental Education Center.

These vendors educate attendees and answer any questions participants may have about growing their new seeds.

Additional tables are also set up for community members to share their seeds.

“People can display what they’ve got to share and talk to other gardeners.

We have master gardeners and novice gardeners alike,” Atwood said.

The seed swap is open for anyone who wishes to attend. According to Atwood, it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Arizona gardening.

“It is a great place to talk to some experts to get some gardening advice, especially for Arizona transplants, who previously gardened in much more garden-friendly climates.”

Atwood said.

Another seed swap will take place this spring, according to Atwood.

“In the Spring, you can expect to see lots of herbs, peas, sunflowers, tomatoes and cucumbers,” she said.

The Sunset Library is located at 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 782-2800.

Sweaters –for– Saguaros

Because it’s COLD in them thar hills!

Arizona is facing an unusually wet winter, (thanks El Niño!). It’s not fair to the icons of our state to make them stand out in the cold. Citizens!

Band together today! Knit a sweater and save a saguaro.

Page 12

photo page

events calendar

neighborhood hearsay hearsay

meet your neighbor

In July of 2014, I ate the only pizza that ever made me say, “Who decided to put that on a pizza?” I was in the village of Saas-Fee in the Swiss Alps, where a typical summer day calls for a light jacket and a brisk walking to keep the cold at expensive homes looking back pace bay. It was noon and breakfast was a distant memory. As I walked the quaint streets in search of cowbells (yes, cowbells—they are all over the Alps), I noticed a little pizza place for the first time. Perfect! A glance at the menu showed a variety of toppings, listed in German. Sausages and other meats predominated, but one item stood out “Thunfisch.” Hmm. Tuna fish. On pizza. I’ll try it! This is where a true gourmet would say something like, “The unexpected texture of tuna with the tang of tomato blah blah.”

But I am only a gourmand, and all I can say is this: Tuna is a good thing, pizza is a good thing, but tuna pizza is about as appetizing as curry ice cream—and please, if such a thing exists, I don’t want to know about it.

Which brings us to a place that does know what to put on a pizza: Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria, coming to Chandler in February. Get a load of these, from the Bella Gusto menu: The Dr. Seuss, with quail egg, garlic oil, mortadella and grana padano cheese. The Triple P, featuring backfat bacon, goat cheese, figs, roasted mushrooms, arugula and pickled red onion. The Veggie Panzanella, a combination of roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomato jam, squash blossoms, artichokes and red onion. Of course, you can also order pepperoni or plain ol’ cheese. Tuna is straight out.

Bella Gusto will be located in a strip mall at 1964 N. Alma School Rd. For more menu items and additional info, go to www.bellagustoaz. com.

little Sally between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1? Send ’em to camp! Circus camp! Balancing! Juggling! Clowning around on stilts! And other things that take exclamation points! The Zoppe Circus Camp is a place where kids aged 8 to 13 can get a taste of what it’s like to be a circus professional.

There’s even a little training on the low-wire. It happens at the Chandler Center for the Arts from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., daily. Cost is $99 per Timmy or Sally. Go to www. chandlercenter.org for more info.

Thursdays are underrated. We credit Wednesday for being “hump day,” and everyone gives thanks when Friday comes. What about poor Thursday?

Three Chandler restaurants celebrate the forgotten day-of-the-week with Thursday specials: Fibber Magees, 1989 W. Elliot Rd. Wings and tenders are half-price, shooters are $4 each and all Captain Morgan drinks are $2 off. Make mine a Morgan Monster.

Murphy’s Law, 58 S. San Marcos Pl. Thursday is Ladies Night at the Irish pub, with $3 Pinnacle cocktails and $4 Pinnacle martinis for the fairer sex (is it still OK to say that?), from 8 p.m. to closing. El Palacio, 2950 E. Germann Rd. Margaritas are $4, sangria is $5 and Mexican pints are a mere $3 on Thursdays. And don’t forget the $2 street tacos.

Post-Christmas letdown is a real drag for parents.

After the rush of opening $2,576-worth of presents—or $34-worth if you shop like I do— the kids in your family fall into ennui, which is another way of saying “bored.” What to do with little Timmy and

What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements?

Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com.

Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

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Page 13

COMMUNITY

Kid chefs wanted for healthy cooking contest Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is looking for the next great kid chef who can create a delicious and healthy side dish. Finalists will sample their dishes at the Feb. 6 Phoenix Suns home game.

The contest is geared toward motivating Arizona kids to incorporate healthy options into their daily food choices.

For the sixth year, the company is looking for original, great-tasting and kid-inspired side dish recipes for the Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge.

Children ages 9 to 12 living anywhere in Arizona are encouraged to submit their healthy and tasty side dish creations for a chance to win a new bike. Finalists will also have an opportunity to prepare and share their masterpiece at a Phoenix Suns home game.

“One of the best ways to nurture healthy eating choices in kids is to encourage them to help prepare food using nutrition-rich ingredients,” said Myrna Collins, health promotion executive, Blue Cross Blue Shield of

Arizona. “Over the course of the last five years we have been in awe of the creative and nutritious side dishes that kid chefs in Arizona have developed.

We’re looking forward to seeing the creativity of our contestants this year.”

Contestants can submit recipes anytime between Jan. 1 and Jan. 27.

Recipes must be: • An original recipe for a hot or cold side dish • Include at least one fruit and/or vegetable • Be able to be cooked within 20 minutes (not including prep time).

The top five recipes will be selected based on nutritional value, taste and originality. After the cooking demonstrations at Talking Stick Resort Arena, recipe details will be posted online at www.walkonaz.com for a public vote. Voting will be open from Feb. 6 to Feb. 17.

Visit www.walkonaz.com for complete contest details and to submit a recipe. All entries must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Jan. 27.

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Page 14

Winter Reading Program ...continued from page 12

important for kids to keep up their reading skills.”

A new twist in this year’s program, which runs through Jan. 9, is that participants can also rate the books they have read for the program.

“Seeing what our patrons like to read is always helpful when we’re making recommendations to other readers,” she added.

In addition to the Winter Reading Program, the library will be offering holiday-themed storytimes along with craft and musical programs. The Chandler Museum is also offering “Explore Your Roots: Genealogy for Kids” at all four of the City’s libraries.

For more information, call (480) 7822800 or visit www.chandlerlibrary. org.

Creative Personal Narrative Necklaces program offered at Basha Library The nation’s population has increased during the past 20 years, but aging is no longer viewed as dreadful.

Instead, it is something to celebrate; it marks a time for personal growth and well-being.

Research finds that people involved in community and cultural programs will have a more positive aging experience by building personal skills and contributing to their communities.

Through a grant from Lifetime Arts Inc. for Creative Aging in America’s Libraries, the Basha Library is offering “Stories Told in Bits and Pieces: Creating Personal Narrative Necklaces.”

The eight-lesson program will explore personal narrative by creating a unique necklace from discarded and found objects.

Local master teacher artist Shari Keith will teach the course and will guide the participants in different jewelry-making techniques that will be used in combination to create a finished work.

All materials, tools and instruction will be provided to the participants and no previous jewelry-making experience is necessary. Participants will have the option of bringing small items from home to include in their necklaces. At the end, the participants will wear their finished necklaces to a special gathering.

Keith calls herself “The Junk Lady” because she regularly sorts through bulk trash pickups, roadside litter, thrift stores and yard sales. Her creations have been featured at the Chandler Vision Gallery. She is also a roster artist for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

Classes are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 4, Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, Feb. 29 and March 7. The culminating event is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. March 14.

The classes will be offered at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler.

For more information regarding this program and other library services and resources, call (480) 782-2800 or visit www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Founded in 2008, Lifetime Arts is a nonprofit organization that serves organizations and individuals nationally by promoting the creation, expansion and sustainability of professionally conducted arts programs for older adults. Lifetime Arts provides training for artists and senior-service providers; they also maintain the Creative Aging Teaching Artists Roster, a free, searchable database available to libraries and senior-services, arts and community organizations interested in expanding their programming to reach older adults. For more information, go to lifetimearts.org.

Serving residents of Chandler and the East Valley since 1954, Chandler Public Library has a commitment to being the reading, learning and cultural center of the community. As the information leaders, we provide a variety of resources in many formats, so library users of all ages can explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives. Chandler Public Library is part of the City of Chandler Cultural Affairs Division. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

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Page 15

EAST VALLEY MOMS

East Valley Moms Brought to you by:

CitySkate brings winter wonderland to Phoenix

By Kimberly Hosey I’m almost a lifelong Arizonan, but my family is originally from Buffalo, New York. One Christmas we made a trip back there, and one of the highlights was ice skating...outside!

We slipped and slid on real live ice as we watched the sun set. It was pretty exotic.

Well, Arizonans looking for that postcard ice-skating experience, transplants looking for a taste of ice in the desert, parents introducing their kids to the ice and just about anyone else can find it from now until Jan. 11 at CitySkate, Phoenix’s largest real outdoor ice rink, at CityScape, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix.

The event, in its sixth year, is

presented by APS. Organizers expect 200,000 guests to take a spin on the ice during the seven-week run—but they were seeing triple the amount of visitors early this month compared to the same time last year. The word has gotten out. Expect to wait in line.

After getting a wristband to skate (the price includes skate rental, plus unlimited skating for the day and session purchased), we made our way through bystanders and skaters to a bench to lace up. CitySkate has lockers for shoes and belongings.

My son hit the ice—well, inched out onto it, mostly—and glided around to an equal mix of Christmas songs and pop hits. (Never before have

NearbyNews

I transitioned so seamlessly from gold and blue lights above. singing carols to doing the whip and Santa stops by the rink every Friday, the nae nae.)

Saturday and Sunday for photos from Light shows 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. began bathing the Bystanders can ice in alternating have fun too: Every Friday, shades of red, Saturday and green, purple and Sunday Patriots blue at 7 p.m., but Park receives a even before that light snowfall we were treated during light show to plenty of hours.

Christmas wonder, CitySkate offers sightseeing and, ice skates as yes, parental photo small as 11 youth ops as my son (including double skated beneath a 36-foot Christmas Skaters find their way around the rink at blades), and the CitySkate in Phoenix. smaller skates tree festooned in bulbs and lights and topped with a often run out quickly. If you want star. When he wanted a break, he sat to make sure to nab some skates, or briefly on the wraparound bench at avoid the long line and wait time, try the foot of the tree, gazing up into the ... continues on page 18

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financially speaking

mom cents

pasta vixen

EAST VALLEY MOMS

she’s crafty

By Erica Odello

Make your own rain chain diy

photo page

events calendar

You will need the following: Chain, forks and spoons (20-30 depending on

the length of your chain), wire, hook, HSS or TiN drill bit that is one to two sizes larger than the width of your chain, electric drill, wood (for help in drilling), pliers, needlenose pliers. law talk

hearsay

meet your neighbor

El Niño is coming, in case you somehow missed the constant news reports about it. If weather forecasters are right, this means a wet winter for Arizona, which seems like a good excuse to make a rain chain to me. Better yet, a rain chain is just an excuse to make a neat sculpture for my yard. biz box

looking back

expensive homes

Step 1: Select the best material Choosing the easiest material to work with proved to be the biggest challenge of this project. I purchased spoons and forks at a variety of places including Goodwill, 99 Cents Only Store and Ross. By far the easiest pieces to drill were from 99 Cents Only Store because they use cheap, very soft metal. In retrospect, cheap cutlery with thin handles are the way to go.

In selecting a chain, it was important to me to choose a weldless type so I could easily separate links which I intended to use to attach the cutlery to the chain. S-hooks may also be used for this, but I didn’t feel that the added expense was worth it.

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Step 2: Preparing the cutlery

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Bend the bowls of the forks and spoons at 90-degree angles. To drill a hole in each handle, place the bent cutlery on a piece of wood with the angled part hanging off the end. This secures the piece against spinning and allows you to use both hands on the drill. Drill a hole in each handle, as close to the top as possible.

It’s also fun to use needlenose pliers to bend the tines of the forks into fun shapes.

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Step 3: Assembly Attach the hook to one end of the chain and hang from the area you intend the rain chain to reside. Remove any extra chain by separating a link, the chain should hang just above ground level. Separate individual links from the excess chain and open each end, these will be what you use to hang the forks and spoons.

Start at the bottom, hang two pieces, one on each side of the chain, and pinch both ends of the link to secure. Cut 18 inches to 24 inches of wire (I used brass floral wire) and wrap around the cutlery and chain, just above the bend, to keep the pieces securely attached to the chain.

Continue this process, working up to the top of the chain. The end result should be a semi-rigid art piece that allows water to flow and drip down its various protrusions.

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Page 17

...continued from page 16

visiting earlier on weekdays.

It was a bit of an undertaking for us—we parked in the garage on Washington Street and First (patronizing any CityScape business should get your ticket validated), and by the time we reached the rink, the line snaked around the sidewalk. But we used a real live, outdoor ice rink. In Arizona! I think it was worth it.

Getting tickets Tickets are available online or at the ticket booth. Pricing and times for CitySkate are as follows: Day session: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily.

Night session: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Kids and adults: $12 (day session), $15 (night and weekend session).

Military, kids 4-8, seniors: $8 Children 3 and younger: Free College students (with valid student ID): $12

Other opportunities If you can’t make it to CitySkate, there are several venues throughout the Valley offering ice skating experiences, from seasonal holiday wonderlands to year-round skating locations.

Public skating times vary at many locations, so call ahead or check the website for hours before visiting.

Westgate Entertainment District 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale www.westgateaz.com/events/specialevents Free

All year

AZ Ice Gilbert 2305 E. Knox Rd., Gilbert (480) 503-7080 http://azice.com/gilbert $8.50 ages 13 and older, $7.50 ages 12 and under; skate rental $3.50.

Special from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19, stop by to skate to holiday tunes, drink hot cocoa and visit Santa. Bring your camera for a photo with the big guy.

AZ Ice Peoria 15829 N 83rd Ave., Peoria (623) 334-1200 http://azice.com/peoria/ $8.50 ages 13 and older, $7.50 ages 12 and under; skate rental $3.50.

AZ Ice Arcadia 3853 E Thomas Rd., Phoenix (602) 957-9966 http://azice.com/arcadia $5.50 ages 13 and older, $4.50 ages 12 and under, skate rental $2.50

Seasonal

Ice Den Chandler 7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler (480) 598-9400 www.coyotesicechandler.com $5 ages 5 and under (includes rental skates, or $3 with own skates), $6 ages 6-15 and seniors 55 and older, $8 ages 16 and older, skate rental $4.

Specials: Friday Night Fever, $5 all ages (includes skates), Family Night Saturday, $8 all ages (includes skates), Holiday Skate on select days, $10.

Desert Ice Skating Rink Through Jan. 3 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale (480) 585-4848 www.scottsdaleprincess.com/ Seasonal-Events/Christmas-at-thePrincess $15, skate rental $5.

Ice Den Scottsdale 9375 E Bell Rd., Scottsdale (480) 585-RINK (7465) www.coyotesice.com $5 ages 5 and under (includes rental skates, or $3 with own skates), $6 ages 6-15 and seniors 55 and older, $8 ages 16 and older, skate rental $4. Specials: Family Night Saturday, $8 all ages (includes skates), Holiday Skate on select days, $10.

Holiday Ice Skating at the Wigwam Through Jan. 2 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park (623) 935-3811 http://wigwamarizona.com $5 10 and younger, $8 11 and older

Westgate Winter Wonderland Through Dec. 24 Page 18

By Laurie Struna As Red Mountain High School’s welding teacher, Dan Hurst isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Hurst had a successful career in the welding industry. Instead of retiring and roaming the putting greens, he joined the ranks of professionals who choose to teach as a second or third career, bringing their knowledge, skills and Red Mountain High School’s welding teacher Dan Hurst experiences to the uses his experiences in the industry to teach his students.

Welding classes are available throughout the district. classroom.

As the started fueled his desire to teach in career and technical education (CTE) and welding teacher public education. His first goal was at Red Mountain, Hurst teaches a to have a program for high school new generation of students the art of students to explore the trade. It was at Red Mountain High School where he welding. found his audience.

“Dan came to us having gone through A passion for aviation Born in Dayton Ohio, home of the an accelerated teaching program, and Wright brothers and aviation, Hurst immediately distinguished himself as remembers watching aircraft fly over an exemplary educator,” said David his family’s home. He was amazed at Marks, Red Mountain High School’s the simplicity of flight. He learned to assistant principal. “Because of his weld at an early age and recollected, “I years in the industry and his work at didn’t want to do anything other than Mesa Community College, he was well-versed in instructing. He is what build things.”

After high school, he joined the I would deem a natural educator.”

In one year, he took a program that U.S. Air Force so he could be around aircraft and learn more about flight. needed updating and turned it into During this time, he excelled at his an elective destination for students. craft, and his passion continued to Officials retrofitted the welding area grow. In 1982 he moved to Phoenix with new equipment and support and worked for StandardAero as systems for program expansion. He an aircraft repairman at Phoenix formed a welding team that wins Sky Harbor. Later he worked as a awards and garners state and national technical representative for a local recognitions. Students earn welding welding supplier, where he taught its certifications in unprecedented levels employees how to weld and to use for Red Mountain, find placement in the latest equipment. Eventually he apprenticeships and postsecondary started teaching at Mesa Community welding programs.

“The welding program has been College.

“I knew teaching someone to do a rewarding experience,” Hurst what I loved to do all of my life was the acknowledged. “I am amazed at the path I wanted to follow,” Hurst shared. abilities these kids have. I have done “I started teaching advanced welding what I set out to do and I love it!”

Welding is a program of study at Mesa Community College, and that is when I realized I wanted to teach available through the career and technical education department at full time.”

Dobson, Mesa, Mountain View, Red Mountain, Skyline and Westwood Transitioning careers Hurst’s yearning to leave the high schools. For more information, industry a better place than when he please visit www.mpsaz.org/cte.

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TIM HACKER

EAST VALLEY MOMS

A second act for the classroom

CityScape ice skating

By Jill Pertler

A ‘Star Wars’ saga It’s that special time of year and we’re a nation in anticipation. My family is experiencing the same star-laden excitement as the rest of the country and I’m not talking about deciding who gets to place the topper on the tree. The newest “Star Wars’ premiere is coming Dec. 18 to a theater near you!

The whole “Star Wars” pop culture phenomenon started 38 years ago, in 1977, with the original movie. Because of its success the one movie quickly became a trilogy, with shows released in 1980 and 1983. The second set of three movies spanned from 1999 to 2005 and gave us the prequel to the first three episodes. So, the first episode wasn’t the first, it was the fourth, even though it was released first. The second was the fifth and the third the sixth. The fourth was the first and so on. You don’t have to be a Jedi Master to follow the logic.

At our house the excitement is as palpable as Senator Palpatine’s evil

aura. My guys—all fans of the Force— debate intricacies that I’ve yet to understand, much less ponder. They are making plans to see the film at midnight the first day it is released.

I am making plans to sleep. Sorry, I know how incredibly anti-Wookiee that sounds.

(Whispered) I’m not a huge fan of “Star Wars.” I don’t even own a lightsaber.

My husband is unaccepting and in denial regarding my total lack of any sense of the Force. He’s been trying to get me to turn to the dark side since 1983, when he tricked me into seeing the third movie (which was actually the sixth, we just didn’t know it at the time). He said we were going to see “Flashdance,” or maybe it was “Terms of Endearment,” I can’t remember. I do remember not seeing either.

Instead, we went to “Return of the Jedi.” In a year with films like “Risky

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Leia’s funky hair always stays in place.

Luke fights his dad a couple of times in awesome action scenes featuring lightsabers as the weapons of choice for chopping off right hands. Darth dies, but not before making peace with Luke. Leia falls in love with Han Solo and in a little known tidbit of trivia, Chewbacca marries and has a son named Lumpawarrump. I’m not making that up. I found the info on Wookiepedia, and I’m not making that up, either.

The world’s abuzz with “Star Wars” hype. And, despite not being much of a fan, I’ll probably go see the movie.

Not at midnight, but I’ll go. With my husband—because he is a super fan and we sort of have a longstanding history with this “Star Wars” stuff.

For us, it all started a long time ago, in a movie theater far, far away, when we were just starry-eyed teenagers not much older than Padme was when she met Anakin. Sigh.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

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EAST VALLEY MOMS

slices of life

Business,” “The Big Chill” and “Staying Alive,” my husband, who was not my husband or even my boyfriend at the time, picked a movie that featured a Muppet in an attempt to impress me.

While epic, here’s the “Star Wars” saga in a nutshell: Boy meets girl.

Anakin Skywalker and Padme were 9 and 13 when they first met. They grew up, fell in love and got married. Anakin was busy becoming a Jedi, otherwise known as “one of the good guys,” but the dark side proved tempting. Padme got pregnant, delivered twins and died during childbirth. This further pushed Anakin into the abyss (literally), from which he emerged as Darth Vader— one of the greatest villains of all time.

Jump forward a couple of decades.

The twins, Luke and Leia, are all grown up, but they don’t know they are brother and sister because they were separated at birth. Leia is a princess.

Luke’s Jedi skills are emerging. “The Force is strong in this one.” Darth Vader attempts to entice Luke over to the dark side. “I am your father.” Luke goes to Jedi school with a Muppet.

Meanwhile battles and wars break out and planets get blown up, but

mom cents

EAST VALLEY MOMS

ng

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around the neighborhood

Kartwheels for Kids hosted a Breakfast with Santa and donation drive event, which featured appearances by Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson, ASU men’s gymnastics team photo page events calendar and food trucks. Kartwheels for Kids raises money to award children with scholarships to attend gymnastics programs in Arizona that they might not otherwise consider possible. Photos by Tim Sealy

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1. Savanna Blevins spots the ground from mid-air. 2. Courtney and Ziggy Benzinger enjoy a breakfast treat while raising money. 3. Santa Claus balances on a low beam. hearsay meet your neighbor 4. Haley Fichiera is about to launch off the mini-trampoline into a high-flying move.

5. Ryan Dietzman practices a reverse move on the bar with guidance from Daniel Bronnenberg and Zavier McDonald. 6. Kartwheels for Kids’ event coordinator Deanna Oldenburg was very happy with the donations that came through. 7.

Baylor Hudson gets a little help from Haley Fishier, Savanna Blevins and Abygail MacKinney. 8. Abygail MacKinney gives Santa some gymnastics tips. 9. A spry Santa dances to Christmas tunes with some of the kids. 10. The donation pile grew expensive homes looking back throughout the event.

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Dec. 20, 2015 - Jan. 20, 2016 mom events cal.

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Swimming with Santa

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Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus Since 1842

mom section

The young and young at heart 6 LEGO Monthly Mini Model Build are invited to ride the waves with Registration is suggested for this Santa, have storytime with Mrs. Claus monthly event that will feature a polar and enjoy complimentary milk and bear. A VIP card is required. cookies. pasta vixen WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 5, and mom cents financially speaking WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 26, from 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 6, various times to 5 p.m.

WHERE: LEGO Store, Chandler WHERE: Kiwanis Recreation Center, Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe Chandler COST: $7 to $9 COST: Free INFO: (480) 350-5201 or INFO: (480) 899-0228 or www.tempe.gov/SWS photo page events calendar diy www.lego.com

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Whole Food Kids Club

Join the group for stories, songs A 500-seat tent will house a one-ring and a tasty food craft with Tempe’s circus that honors the best history of local Whole Foods Market. the Old World Italianhearsay tradition. meet your neighbor law talk WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m.

WHEN: Through Sunday, Jan. 3, to 10:30 a.m. various times WHERE: Whole Foods Market, 5120 S. WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, Rural Rd., Tempe 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Email for cost COST: $15 to $40 INFO: sp.tem.marketing@wholefoods.

INFO: www.chandlercenter.org or com or www.tempe.gov biz box www.zoppe.net expensive homes looking back

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All Aboard Trains

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ZooLights

Come and discover the awesome world of trains.

WHEN: Through Sunday, Jan. 24, various times WHERE: i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa COST: $8 INFO: (480) 644-2468 or www.ideamuseum.org

This holiday event features 3-D light displays, Music in Motion shows, an ice sculptor and, for an additional fee, carousel and camel rides.

WHEN: Nightly, through Sunday, Jan. 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix COST: $18 members, $16 general.

Children 2 years and younger free.

INFO: www.phoenixzoo.org or (602) 286-3800.

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Sea Life Aquarium

The aquarium in Arizona Mills transports visitors into the ocean world, providing close encounters with a vast array of creatures like seahorses, sharks, rays, tropical fish and more.

WHEN: Mondays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Sea Life Aquarium, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 145, Tempe COST: $10 to $15.50 INFO: (877) 526-3960

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Family Storytime

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Game On!

Join the group for a 30-minute High Five Program when stories and activities are developmentally appropriate for all ages.

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sunset Library’s Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler COST: Call for cost INFO: (480) 782-2800 or www.chandlerlibrary.org

Wrap Up Your Holidays With Us! Christmas Eve Worship Services

4:30 pm — Family Christmas Service 9:00 pm — Traditional Candle Light Service

www.EpiphanyChandler.org 800 West Ray Road, Chandler 480-963-6105

Sharing Christ, Changing Lives!

Relax with fellow teens for two hours of afterschool gaming fun.

WHEN: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe COST: Free INFO: (480) 350-5500 or www.tempe.gov

10 Dinosaurs in Motion

See 14 fully interactive, anatomically inspired, recycled lifesize metal dinosaur sculptures.

WHEN: Through Sunday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix COST: $5 to $9 INFO: (602) 716-2000 or www.azscience.org

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Page 21

EAST VALLEY MOMS

top 10 family events

You’ve Filled the Car, Now Fill Your Soul

FOOD & DRINK

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mom cents

on the town

By Judi King on the town

Pieology Pizzeria recipe corner

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Pieology Pizzeria provides the solu- cheese choices, seven kinds of meat and tion to the age-old problem of want- 16 fresh vegetables, spices and herbs. ing to have pizza your own way, but For the same price, diners can choose not wanting to pay a dollar or two ex- from a Pieology special, such as “Mad tra for each topping you add. At Pieol- to Meat You” or “Alfredo’s Alfredo.” ogy, the pizza is one price, regardless With so many options, you can design of the chosen toppings. your pizza to resemble one And, unlimited toppings of your standard favorites, are free. Problem solved. or create something truly Established in Califorunique. I chose the latter. nia five years ago, PieolNot being able to narrow ogy Pizzeria is the origiit down, I divided it and nal build-your-own pizza piled it on. I chose the eatery. Now, with more house-made crust with than 70 franchises in 12 fiery Buffalo sauce on one Co-owner Kris Olson states, it has been named side and herb butter olive the Fastest Growing Chain by Tech- oil on the other. For my toppings, I senomic, and is on track to have 110 res- lected Canadian bacon and meatballs taurants open in 2015. The 75th Pieol- to cover one-half, the other was loaded ogy opened its doors in October in the with vegetables—onions, mushrooms, Chandler Gateway Shopping Center. artichokes, peppers spinach and corn.

Co-owner Kris Olson said his restau- Parmesan, feta, mozzarella and double rant stresses experience and quality. gorgonzola cheeses. Basil and cilantro “We are the original,” Olson said. also topped the entire pie.

“We encourage comparisons with After a last-minute decision to add olsimilar BYO pizza chains, and expect ives, my pizza was popped in the stone to be voted the favorite, hands down.” fire oven and cooked to perfection in The creation of an 11 1/2-inch thin- less than 5 minutes. Then still another crust pizza ($7.95) begins by selecting choice: Pieology offers four exclusive one of three varieties of house-made “after-bake” sauces to dribble on your crusts, including gluten-free for $2 baked pizza at no additional charge. I more. Then, you continue along the line opted for the house red, which was a choosing from six signature sauces, six very tasty choice. My pizza creation, comm. spotlight

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with its crisp crust, gooey cheeses and an amazing array of tastes in every bite, was fabulous.

Along with its pizza, Pieology also offers its classic and Caesar salads ($7.95). Or, customers can create their own masterpiece for $9.95 by selecting any of the organic field— greens, romaine hearts Pieology Pizza does not charge extra for toppings. or spinach—and then a variety of garden-fresh vegetables, not only provides an amazing, inexpennatural chicken and maybe even dried sive offering of customized pizzas and salads in a fun urban-chic atmosphere, cranberries or candied walnuts.

Pieology’s success can be attributed it gives back to the community. Pieology to the vision of its founder, Carl Chang. sponsors night fundraisers which donate Chang’s idea to turn one of America’s 20 percent—Pie-Centage Nights—to lofavorite food into an interactive and cal groups such as schools, Little League, affordable experience is based on the student government and churches. company’s mission statement: to make a Pieology Pizzeria positive experience, one pie at a time. He said he believes that in the pursuit of the 3450 W. Chandler Blvd., perfect pizza, family, friends and comSuite 5 Chandler 85226 munity come together.

(480) 963-3499 or Pieology Pizzeria is a welcome addiwww.pieology.com tion to the Chandler restaurant scene. It

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FOOD & DRINK

What’s Cooking?

By Jan D’Atri

One Pot Pasta Dinner It’s a One Pot Wonder and it’s just become one of my all-time favorite meals.

One Pot Wonders. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for these days? Especially if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to simplify your life!

So let’s start the New Year right with a yummy and satisfying throw-it-allin-a-pot kind of meal. It’s the sort of dinner that our great-grandmothers prepared because there was such limited space on the stovetop back then.

This recipe is a delicious pasta dish that satisfies the craving for a hearty Italian meal without a lot of the prep work. When I got the email about this one-pot dish, the subject line simply read, “A good recipe.” It was from Sharon Levinson with C-Cap, the nonprofit Careers through Culinary Arts Program in Arizona that teaches youth about the value of home cooking. It awards millions of dollars each

year to underserved high school students. Sharon’s email was right to the point: “Jan I’m sure you get hundreds of recipes from readers and blogs. I just wanted to share this with you as I couldn’t believe how simple and how delicious this was.”

Need she say more? Grab a big pot and some pasta; gather the family for a good dose of comfort food, lift your glass of Chianti Classico and leave the stress behind.

You’ve just been handed some real pot luck just in time for a brand new year!

Jan’s Note: I still prefer the taste of sautéed onions over raw, so I opted to sauté the onions and garlic first and then I added them to the rest of the ingredients in the pot. You can also add a pinch of fresh oregano along with the basil if you have it on hand.

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1 (1-pound box, or 16 oz) spaghetti or thin linguine 12 oz (1 pint) cherry or grape tomatoes 1 large sweet onion, cut in half and then sliced thin 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 large sprigs basil, chopped (about 1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling 4 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon pepper Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Step No. 1 In a large stock pot, place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper

Step No. 2 Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and turn mixture frequently until pasta is al dente and liquid has almost evaporated. Pasta should be done in 9-12 minutes, depending on the size of your pasta.

Step No. 3 If desired, when plated drizzle a little extra virgin olive over pasta and garnished with fresh grated parmesan cheese and basil leaf.

Serves 4-6 entrée-size portions.

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Page 23

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SAKI PHOTOGRAPHY

on the town

Gin Blossoms return home for free show

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Gin Blossoms guitarist Jesse Valenzuela said he hasn’t been writing songs very much lately.

He’s been busy touring with his band, best known for the songs “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You.” Valenzuela has also been taking care of his 16-year-old son who lives with him.

Even though he hasn’t put pen to paper frequently, Valenzuela laughed when asked what’s planned for 2016.

“I have my own record that will come out,” Valenzuela said. “It was sort of a soft release this year with just a digital download. But we’re rereleasing it in January.

“I have to record a Gin Blossoms record. Do a little tour with my band and come to Phoenix. I have a songwriters’ conference in January in Florida. Then I have another record coming out with Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts.

“Look at me: I haven’t been writing very much so how did this all happen?”

Valenzuela said with a chuckle while doing dishes in his Los Angeles home.

An Arizona hometown favorite, Gin Blossoms will return to the Grand Canyon state to play a free show at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa on Saturday, Dec. 19.

“We’ll play the hits; we’ll play a few new things,” he said. “It really depends on the length of the show.”

On July 4, Gin Blossoms played

Page 24

Fort McDowell Casino with Fastball.

Valenzuela said it’s a joy play in his home state, where his parents still live.

Gin Blossoms are enjoying a revival of sorts thanks to satellite radio like the ‘90s channels like “‘90s on 9” and “Lithium.” “Hey Jealousy” sounds as fresh as the day it was released.

“I think it’s because we didn’t subscribe to any trends,” Valenzuela said. “We were frequently lumped in with the ‘alternative rock format. I couldn’t see any similarities between us and anything called ‘alternative.’

We’re more jangly pop rock than alternative rock.”

Gin Blossoms are going to continue that vibe on their new album. They are slated to hit the studio in 2016.

“We’re supposed to have 10 new songs for a record,” said Valenzuela, an active golfer who loves Red Mountain Country Club in Northeast Mesa. “I’m going to go with double overdrive. I’m off for the next couple months, so I’m going to kick it hard and get 18 or 20 so we can pare down for the next record. I gotta be honest with you, I actually work a lot everyday writing songs.”

Gin Blossoms perform at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19, at Harrah’s AkChin Casino’s UltraStar Amphitheater, 15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa.

Tickets are free. For more information, call (480) 802-5000 or visit www. caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/shows.

eBook/Smartphone Assistance Have an e-reader device, tablet or smartphone that you have questions about? Come to this hour-long dropin session to have your questions meet your neighbor answered.

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 21, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free INFO: (480) 782-2828 expensive homes Decadence: Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Celebration Relentless Beats and Global Dance bring Pretty Lights, Borgore and more to this 18-and-older show.

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

WHERE: Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler COST: Starts at $26 INFO: www.rawhide.com Stories Told in Bits and Pieces: Creating Personal Narrative Necklaces Join master teacher Shari Keith in a series of free jewelry-making workshops for those 50 and older.

WHEN: Occasional Mondays from Jan. 4 through March 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler COST: Call for cost INFO: (480) 782-2800

Donny Osmond Celebrating his fifth decade in music, Donny Osmond embarks on his first solo concert tour in four years with The Soundtrack of My Life Tour.

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler COST: $65 to $135 INFO: (800) 946-4452 or www.wingilariver.com

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Black Violin Virtuoso violinists Wil B. and Kev Marcus meld highbrow and pop culture through a fusion of classical, jazz, hip hop and R&B. WHEN: Friday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: $24 to $38 INFO: (480) 782-2680 or www.chandlercenter.org

The Temptations 2016 The Temptations constantly enlist new fans as they continue to deliver their Motown sound that made them famous.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 16, at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler COST: $35 to $99 INFO: (800) 946-4452 or www.wingilariver.com

Timber! A Production of Cirque Alfonse The action is set in a lumber camp, where the muscular lumberjacks juggle and chop vegetables at high speed for the family stew.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: $28 to $44 INFO: (480) 782-2680 or www.chandlercenter.org

“We have a bunch of fun Christmas songs,” he said. “We put eight new songs in the show. There are some new things for the Christmas season. We’ll be performing ‘Little Drummer Boy,’ ‘Silver Bells,’ ‘Let It Snow’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’ All of those are new this year.

“We have a lot of fun with ‘Last Christmas.’ There’s a lot of audience interaction.”

The performance is sold out.

However, they are returning to the Valley for four concerts in Sun City West Feb. 1 through Feb. 2. For information about their shows, visit http://thetexastenors.com/.

It’s like The Texas Tenors to keep busy, according to Collins, whose mother lives in Scottsdale while his grandmother resides in Apache Junction. Next year is packed with concerts, recording sessions and appearances.

“We are recording our next big album,” Collins said about the 2017 release. “We’re working on original

BRANSON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski The Texas Tenors are all about Christmas.

The classical crossover trio is in Branson, Missouri, in the middle of its holiday run and the three singers—JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen—never tired of it.

“We’ve been performing Christmas [songs] since Nov. 2,” Collins said with a laugh. “Halloween ended and we started Christmas. I would sing Christmas all year long if we could.”

The Texas Tenors’ show, “Deep in the Heart of Christmas,” is coming to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday, Dec. 19.

“We sing everything from ‘O Night Divine,’ to ‘Joy to the World’ to ‘Mary Did You Know’ and an original nonChristmas song.”

The crowd favorites may be included as well—“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars and “Last Christmas” by Wham!

music and finding just the right covers for that album.

It’s going to be more of an Americana record.

“We’re working on our next PBS special, which we’re going to record in the Phoenix area. We have a special partnership with KAET [Arizona PBS] and we worked with them on the first special. It won three The Texas Tenors’ show, “Deep in the Heart of Emmys. The collaboration Christmas,” is coming to the Chandler Center for the was successful and we want Arts on Saturday, Dec. 19. to continue with them in 2016. out in 2017. We’re working hard on “It’s going to be much different from everything in 2016. We’re hard at the first one, which was at Grand work on what we’ll be presenting to Canyon University.” everyone in 2017.”

The year 2016 also calls for the Collins said he feels blessed to have follow-up to The Texas Tenors’ first all of this work—even his two lines in children’s book, “Ruckus on the the tearjerker film “P.S. I Love You.” Ranch,” for which they wrote an “I just got a residual check in the original tune. mail,” he said. “It’s the gift that keeps “We have a lot of plans for 2016,” on giving. I get a little check once Collins said. “We really won’t see the every couple months—$8 or $15. I get results of it until 2017, really. The paid because somewhere in the world new album and the special will be it’s playing on pay TV.”

December 2015 18 The Texas Tenors. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm 22-31 Zoppé-An Italian Family Circus . . . . Times Vary

January 2016 1-3 15 17 23

Zoppé-An Italian Family Circus . . . . Times Vary Black Violin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm TIMBER! A Production of Cirque Alfonse! . . 7pm Deana Martin Honoring Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra . . . 7:30pm 29 Moscow Festival Ballet presents Don Quixote 7:30pm 30 Fiesta Mexico-Americana with Los Lobos 7:30pm

February 2016 6 The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . .

12 Tap Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 The Summit The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 .

20 Frankie Avalon . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21 Lee Ann Womack . . . . . . . . . . .

27 Steppin’ Out LIVE with Ben Vereen & Trio

. 7:30pm . 7:30pm . . 7pm . 7:30pm . . 7pm . 7:30pm

March 2016 4 The Second City Fully Loaded . . . .

5 Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show . . . . . . . . . .

8-13 Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding . . . . . . . .

18 Rita Rudner . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos

. . 7:30pm . . 7:30pm Times Vary . . 7:30pm . . 7:30pm

April 2016 1 The von Trapps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30pm /ChandlerCenterfortheArts

@ChandlerArts

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Spa owners continue family tradition with Madison Avenue

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Sean Larusso couldn’t see himself as a salon and spa owner 25 years ago. Now, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“My grandfather was a barber in New York; my father a salon owner for 40 years,” said Larusso, who owns the four locations of Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa in the Valley with his wife, Deborah.

“I’m an accountant by trade. I worked in Manhattan for almost three years for a big accounting firm. I came out here in the early ‘90s for a long weekend and fell in love with it.”

He packed up and moved crosscountry and subsequently was employed by a local firm. Deborah worked as a stylist for a nearby salon.

Larusso said he believed that he and Deborah had the formula for success.

So in April 1998, the couple opened Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa. Twelve of the original employees still work for the company.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to build something that people consider to be a career,” he said. “They’re here for an extended period of time.

That has been something that’s been extremely rewarding for us.”

Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa’s signature treatment from its spa is the three-and-a-half-hour Retreat Package. The $196 package includes a one-hour Swedish massage, a European facial, and a spa pedicure and manicure. It is being offered for $135 this holiday season.

Normally, the prices for the services are Swedish massage ($51 to $73); European facial ($66 to $80); spa pedicure ($46 to $53) and spa manicure ($26 to $32).

“It gives us the opportunity to touch base with all the different areas within the spa,” said Larusso, who added the prices are based on the technicians’ experience.

“That has been our staple package since day one when we opened on the town

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Twelve of the original employees still work for Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa which has been in business since 1998.

almost 18 years ago. It’s been our No. 1 seller in terms of packages. I don’t think we’ve ever priced it that low. It’s aggressively priced with the hopes of selling a tremendous amount of them.”

The Larussos pride themselves on considering their employees as family.

“What we enjoy is seeing people elevate their careers,” he said. “We’ve been doing this long enough. We’ve hired people anywhere from 16 to 60 years old.

“We’ve seen them purchase their first car. They’ve gotten married, had their first child, bought their first house, had their second child and their child—those are things honestly are more rewarding than anything.

Having had that impact on people is really what has glued us together to be the company we are today. We couldn’t do it without the amazing group of people who are around us.”

Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa Chandler Fashion Center 3111 W. Chandler Blvd.

Chandler 85226 (480) 899-8905 Foothills Vista Commons 4910 E. Chandler Blvd.

Phoenix 85048 (480) 759-3308

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ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer Fun Trips!

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