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Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop
It has been said that you don’t know where you are or where you are going unless you know where you have been. For Orthodontics, this is especially true. There have been some very significant changes in our profession over the past years that have affected the way in which we treat our patients. As a professional, if I don’t keep up on these changes and be vigilant in staying abreast on the studies and the literature, if I become complacent and say to myself, “this is good enough,” or, “It’s been done this way for a long time, why change now?”, then I am not treating my patients to the best care possible. For this article, I’d like to touch briefly on one aspect of Orthodontics that has changed dramatically over the past few years. There are many other changes in our profession, believe me. But this one I feel
inspired to discuss today. Accelerated treatment: In the past we have been limited in the speed of tooth movement. Move teeth too fast, and you risk damaging roots and causing excessive pain. Move too slow and treatment takes forever. Today, there are some nice alternatives to speeding up the movement process without causing any harm to the teeth. The first is completely non-invasive and causes stimulation of the bone by vibratory force. Studies have shown that at a certain frequency, cells will respond with greater activity to a vibratory force, causing teeth to move faster while also inducing less pain in the process. A simple device created by Acceledent, gives the teeth a vibration for 20 minutes each day. Studies have shown that teeth can move 30 - 50% faster. A second method for increasing the rate of movement of teeth is by introducing small vent, or hole in the bone around the teeth that we want to move faster. These small vents heal easily and completely, but in the process, they introduce more cellular
activity to move the teeth faster. One to two procedures to create these vents in the bone is usually sufficient to move the teeth 50% faster. No home use of any appliance is necessary and most times, only a topical anesthetic is needed to create the bony vents. For those looking to move teeth more quickly, either option can bring the results you want faster. Call our office to get more information. We’d love to see you there!
Each month we design an advertisement for something that doesn't exist. Find the fake ad and you
Congratulations to this month’s lucky winner: TOM DOBRICK, who found the fake ad, “Personal Grumpy Raincloud.”
Enter by email ONLY: FAKEADCHANDLER@NEARBYNEWS.COM
We will announce the winner in next month’s paper. If you see your name, please contact us by Sept. 20, 2016. Good Luck!
Publisher Times Media Group
President
Steve T. Strickbine
Editor in Chef Robbie Peterson
Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Associate Editor Srianthi Perera
Graphic Design
Erica Odello, Jay Banbury, Paul Braun, Christy Byerly, Ruth Carlton, Amy Civer
Administration
Courtney Oldham
Contributors
Connor Dziawura, Howard Fischer, Jill Hanks, Kimberly Hosey, Judi King, Kenneth LaFave, Jill Pertler, Madison
Rutherford, Laurie Struna, Ralph Zubiate
Contact the Nearby News at (480) 898-5610 • Fax: (480) 898-5606
Editor@NearbyNews.com
For more information visit our website at www.NearbyNews.com
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.
By Connor Dziawura
Chandler City Council recently approved an agreement with the Tempe Tourism Office to continue their long-standing partnership.
Known as Sunny Arizona, the campaign is a joint-partnership that aims to promote Chandler and Tempe as one stop for tourists.
“It focuses on promoting our two communities as a single destination that targets the AAA consumers and travel agents, and then a little bit of North American consumer markets,” said Chandler’s Tourism Development Coordinator Kimberly Janes.
originally formed between Chandler, Tempe and Mesa. Mesa left the partnership in 2013.
Over the past 14 years, the campaign has been successful, boosting tourism for Chandler and Tempe, said Tempe Tourism Office Vice President Michael Martin.
“I think, overall, what we’ve been able to do is secure a brand image in the AAA markets, specifically in the Midwest and the West Coast—those are our two target areas—as well as parts of Canada, Western Canada and the Ontario area of Canada,” he said.
Chandler and Tempe are two very different cities and the pairing has benefited them by providing a wider coverage of activities.
e campaign is largely financed in Chandler by the Proposition 302 Maricopa County Grant, which provides funding for tourism marketing.
e Sunny Arizona marketing campaign has been active since the 2002-03 fiscal year, when it was
e board of directors for the Tempe Tourism Office, which operates as nonprofit organization and receives funding through the Tempe bed tax, also approved its marketing campaign budget at the end of May.
“So the name recognition has been greatly improved within those offices and within the travel agent community and within the AAA membership.”
e Sunny Arizona marketing campaign steers tourists toward places to go, such as downtown Chandler, Mill Avenue or the Chandler Center for the Arts. It provides tourists with the best hot spots for shopping and dining.
“I think it’s bringing a lot of awareness of what activities and things there are to do,” Janes said.
“ e two cities Tempe and Chandler complement one another,” Martin said, citing the differences between places like the upscale Chandler Fashion Center and Tempe’s outlet mall, Arizona Mills.
“By combining our attractions, our shopping, our dining, our downtown, and…almost calling it one city, we’re able to better compete with other destinations and say we have all these things to offer together and ‘consider experiencing our part of the Phoenix Metropolitan area.’”
Bob Meko, known throughout the Valley as an award-winning and beloved elementary school principal and teacher for 43 years, died Tuesday, July 19, after suffering a pulmonary embolism on Sunday, July 17.
Earning a master’s of education degree from Lehigh University, Meko passionately pursued to better the world of education by example. He became Pennsylvania’s youngest principal at 25.
After moving to Arizona, Meko took on the role of principal at Jefferson Elementary and then was the founding principal at Mendoza Elementary in Mesa. Under his leadership, Mendoza went on to be designated as an A+ school by the Arizona Department of Education as well as a Blue Ribbon school by
the U.S. Department of Education. After receiving the A+ status, Meko then went on to be a judge for the Arizona Educational Foundation for A+ School Recognition Program. During his tenure, Mendoza received $101,000 in environmental grants and more than $40,000 in grants by businesses/ agencies to create innovative projects. Mendoza was presented with the Valley Forward Award for Excellence, the first time in the award’s history that a school was chosen to be the recipient.
In 1986, Meko and his wife, Sharon, founded Ballet Etudes, a nonprofit youth ballet company. From its inception, Meko served as a board member of the company, and was a driving force for its continued growth and stability. In Ballet Etudes’ annual production
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of “ e Nutcracker,” which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this holiday season, Meko performed as “Mother Ginger” in the production’s second act. Due to Meko’s enthusiasm and antics in the role, it quickly became an audience favorite for the 25 years he performed as “Mother Ginger.”
He also served as the backstage tour host where he gave insight to audience members of the inner-workings of the “magic” that goes on behind the scenes of a ballet. He also served as the chairman for Ballet Etudes’ annual golf
fundraiser in which 100% of all raised funds goes directly to Ballet Etudes.
An avid baseball fan and third baseman, Meko was a charter season ticket holder of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Along with baseball, his other passion—outside of education and ballet—was fly fishing with his greatest-loved trips being to Lees Ferry.
Besides his wife of 44 years, Meko is survived by daughters Teague and Kellan.
For more information about the ballet company, visit balletetudes.net.
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pianist
Amanda Sherrill feels right at home in church.
As Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s artist-in-residence through Aug. 14, Sherrill sees this opportunity as an extension of her lifelong love.
“I’ve played in churches all of my life,” said Sherrill, an adjunct faculty piano professor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “It feels very comfortable for me. An important part of my faith is sharing the gifts that God’s given me with other people.”
e artist-in-residence program was designed and directed by professional opera singer and producer Earl Hazell.
She will perform the passionate piano work of Rachmaninoff and the six-movement “Partita in C Minor” by Bach. e Gilbert resident will present different movements from the piece on each Sunday.
“It’s been very wonderful,” said Hazell, Trinity Lutheran’s interim choir director. “ ey’ve welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to bring in new ideas.
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Sherrill is the second artist-inresidence this summer. Melissa Solomon, Arizona Opera soprano, served in the church through July 3. e final songs of her residency were in English (she has sung sacred songs in German and Latin as well as English to date) and, while poignantly spiritual, also stirringly patriotic.
So far, Hazell said, the program is going well. He started working as the church’s choir director in February after a stint with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“ e church is going through a transition. It’s a remarkable period in the church’s history. Interim Senior Pastor Beverly Allert and Associate Pastor Scott ompson are assisting me in making some extraordinary changes after 37 years. It’s a very exciting time for the church and the program they’ve given me license to build.”
Church really powerful diff in community over the next couple years.”
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. For more information, call 480-9634127 or visit htlutheran.com.
The old question, “What’s underneath a Scottish kilt?” gets a surprise answer at Tempe’s newest sports pub. The Tilted Kilt, which already has outlets in Phoenix and Scottsdale, opened its Warner Road location Aug. 9. The 11,000-squarefoot eatery features a gaming area, a dozen 70-inch flat screens so you don’t have to miss football while also watching baseball, a 20x30 foot map of the Irish Sea and beaucoup de windows to allow for maximum light during day hours.
But we don’t really expect you to notice those things, because the Tilted Kilt’s main attraction is its “Kilt Girls.” Yes, the kilt, that lone example of the male skirt, is no longer the sole domain of the masculine.
Oh yes they also have food and drink. Tilted Kilt’s menu includes the usual array of different burgers with or without cheese, chili, bacon, etc.; British Isles specialties such as Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Stew (pot roast and potatoes); and various dishes apparently created just so an appropriate name could be affixed:
Sadie’s Stuffed Breasts, for example, and The Big Rack.
The new Tilted Kilt, touted as “The Best Looking Sports Pub You’ve Ever Seen,” is at 1617 W. Warner Rd. For hours, and to view the Kilt Girls or more information on the menu (as if that matters), go to tiltedkilt.com.
You painted that great sunflower in oils years ago, remember? Then there were the wonderful still-life studies from the watercolor class. Now, they’re all in the closet somewhere, unappreciated.
Well, Tempe wants them – provided there as good as you say they are. Tempe has posted an open call for art works to show in exhibitions in hightraffic public spaces such as libraries and post offices. There are no preplanned themes, so the sunflowers are acceptable, and so is that abstract you did when you were on a Rothko kick.
All media will be accepted. Maybe it’s time to try your hand at sculpture? Ceramics? Photography?
The works will be juried and the winners exhibited sometime in 2017
Gov. Doug Ducey recently appointed Tempe resident Pv Jantz as a commissioner to the board of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH).
As a commissioner and the organization’s deaf representative, Jantz will be responsible for providing resources and expertise to ensure the interests of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Arizona are met.
Jantz’s professional experience includes working as a rehabilitation counselor at the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration. He earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and sociology from Portland State University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, with an emphasis on deafness, from Western Oregon University.
“Pv has such a passion for his job and the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and we are excited to welcome him to
at a variety of locales. Making up the jury will be Justin Germain, freelance curator and consultant; Frank Gonzales, artist; and Molly Koehn, artist.
For additional info, go to tempe.gov, and enter “arts opportunity” in the search field.
The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) has a new general manager/cultural facilities manager. Luis Ruiz started his new position Aug. 15.
Ruiz, who has more than two decades of experience in venue management, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and administration of the TCA, overseeing scheduling, booking and contracting.
Summer may be coming to an end, but swimming goes on at the Kiwanis Recreation Center, 6111 S. All-America Way. The pool there is open to the public Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
As a special added bonus,
the Kids Swim Free program slows two children, ages 7 and younger, to swim for free with each paid adult admission of $4. For more info, check out Tempe.gov/Kiwanis.
What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements? Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com.
the commission,” said Sherri Collins, executive director of ACDHH. “He believes in encouraging the deaf and the hard-of-hearing community to get involved and make their voices heard to make a difference.”
Established in 1977 to improve the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing residents, ACDHH serves as a statewide information referral center for issues related to people with hearing loss and aspires to be a national leader in communication access, support services and community empowerment throughout the state. e purpose of the organization, and its commissioners, is to ensure, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing to improve their quality of life.
By Ralph Zubiate
It’s little more than a fishing line strung between 10-foot-tall poles, but it represents freedom to many Jews in the East Valley.
Nearly two years ago, the Chabad of the East Valley helped put up an eruv around parts of Chandler and Tempe.
An eruv is a symbolic wall, delineating an area in which orthodox Jews can move about freely during the Sabbath. In the East Valley, that wall can sometimes be no more than a string.
“You want to be unobtrusive and respectful of other people,” said Yehoshua Bedrick, treasurer of the Chabad of the East Valley in Chandler. “Unless you’re looking for it, you never see it.”
e Chandler eruv also uses existing walls—in this case, the freeway walls of Interstate 10 to the west, Loop 101 to the east, Arizona 60 to the north and Loop 202 to the south.
According to Jewish law, no work
can be performed on the Sabbath— from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. at means no carrying, either— whether prayer books, water bottles or children. Even pushing strollers or using wheelchairs is forbidden for Orthodox Jews.
Many Jewish moms have to stay home with younger kids because they can’t carry them or push them to synagogue. And no other work can be done.
But neighborhoods are considered a single property, a community created as with walls of old.
“It’s like Jericho,” Bedrick said. “It’s a wall demarcated so you can carry things on a Sabbath.”
An eruv, which means “boundary,” lets modern Orthodox Jews create those walls and communities so more people can participate in the Sabbath observance.
Adina Anhalt used to live in a community without an eruv—Little Rock, Arkansas.
“I was at home with my oldest daughter on the Sabbath,” she said. Her husband Joseph went to synagogue, but “I was lonely.”
When the Anhalts had an opportunity to move, they looked for a community with an eruv.
“ at was the deciding factor for us,” Anhalt said. “We weren’t going to go to any community that wasn’t going to have one.”
e Anhalts found the Chandler eruv and happily moved in. Now, they fill an important role in the community: ey check the eruv before the Sabbath.
e Anhalts take their children—Abigail, 5, and Evelyn, 3 months—with them every ursday to survey the boundary.
“We keep the kids engaged in learning about our traditions,” Adina said.
e family loads the car and drives around the East Valley, checking on the status of the fishing line. If it’s broken, they notify Fluoresco, a private company contracted to repair the line.
“At least once a month, the eruv breaks,” Anhalt said. “Wind, rain, things like that can break the fishing line.
“Last week, there was a motor vehicle accident that took out the pole and string.”
When the family certifies that the eruv is unbroken, meaning the community is intact, Joseph sends out an email with the good news to those who have put their name on a list at the Chandler Eruv website.
e success of the project depended on a vibrant Jewish community.
“Surprisingly, there is a very strong and active one right here,” said Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley.
“Part of why we did the eruv is to allow Jews be engaged and empowered. It shows it’s OK to be who we are,” he said.
Anhalt said the funding for upkeep and repair of the line comes from donations from the East Valley Jewish community.
“ e eruv would not stay up if we didn’t work together and make it such a priority,” she said.
La Petite Academy, 1645 E. Guadalupe Rd. in Tempe, has achieved accreditation through the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).
Parents seeking early education and care for their young children can use national accreditation as a means of locating the highest-quality programs. NECPA is a nationally recognized accreditation reserved for exceptional early childhood programs that substantially exceed minimum state licensing requirements. During the accreditation process, all areas of the school’s program are scrutinized by independent early childhood education professionals and the NECPA Board of Commissioners, including: developmental programming, outdoor/indoor environments, health and safety, staff development, working environment, family support and community relations.
“At La Petite Academy, our program is designed to help every child develop the academic and social skills needed for a smooth transition to elementary school and future academic success,” said Debbie Savell, school director.
“ is national accreditation recognizes the superb educational program we offer and the hardworking, caring teachers that work here.”
e American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage.
e summer months are among the most challenging times of years to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities. e need for blood doesn’t take a summer break though.
Two summers ago, Kelly Griswold was involved in a life-threatening jetski accident while vacationing. She was airlifted to a hospital and underwent three surgeries over the course of two days. Griswold, a blood donor prior to the accident, suddenly knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of blood donations. “Without the support of people that can give blood, the ones who have needed it would not be here today – myself included.”
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to give now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. ose who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible
to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and double red cells can be donated every 112 days. In appreciation for helping to save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities
• 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, Springhill Suites Marriott Tempe, 5211 S. Priest Dr., Tempe.
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ursday, Aug. 25, NXP, 1300 N. Alma School Rd., Bldg. C/M, Chandler.
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Walmart Supercenter, 1175 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
At La Petite Academy, a proprietary School Readiness Pathway provides a cohesive framework to address children’s needs according to their age and individual pace of development, focusing on key academic and social development milestones, starting in infancy.
La Petite Academy teachers use a specialized data-based digital process to tailor the learning experience to meet the individual needs of 3- and 4-year-old students. e process builds skills in 10 developmental areas—from literacy to math, nature
and science, social and emotional development, logic and reasoning and more.
According to a recent study of more than 3,000 children around the country, this personalized approach to curricular planning has led to a 370% increase in kindergarten readiness in one school year among 4-year-olds at La Petite Academy and its sister schools within Learning Care Group.
Starting this fall, La Petite Academy’s new Early Innovators curriculum inspired by STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—will help children in the preschool and pre-K programs further develop their skills.
La Petite Academy in Tempe offers early education and care for children ages 1 to 12 years old. All teachers at the school receive monthly training, as well as ongoing training provided by the state. To learn more and schedule a tour, please visit www.lapetite.com.
Additional information on NECPA accreditation can be found at www. necpa.net.
By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services
e way WalletHub sees things, Arizona has the fourth-worst school system in the entire country.
income tax credits to help students attend private and parochial schools. And these are students who are no longer part of the public school system that WalletHub finds wanting.
Publishing October 7, 2016 with copies distributed throughout the Chandler & Ahwatukee area. Topics include: Local medical, facility, care, treatment, and advice.
Connect with the community and residents and show them how to live a healthy, happy life.
Sponsored by
Ad Deadline is September 23rd
For more information, call the Ahwatukee Foothills News at 480-898-7900
what happens when you don’t advertise?
An analysis of various factors by the financial advice web site puts only Louisiana, New Mexico and Alaska further down on the list. And only Utah and California had a higher ratio of pupils to teachers.
A spokesman for state schools chief Diane Douglas said the recently released rankings “remind us of the needs facing our school system.”
But Daniel Scarpinato, press aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, was dismissive of the rankings.
“ e study is baloney,”’ he told Capitol Media Services.
Scarpinato did not dispute the numbers WalletHub found for the various factors it studied.
Aside from being 49th in pupilteacher ratio, Arizona was near the bottom in the average ACT score by its students. It also was below average for the high school graduate rate for low-income students and far below average for the dropout rate.
But Scarpinato said none of that really matters. His reason: school choice.
“Many of these states (that are ranked higher) you need to be able to afford a very expensive home in an expensive neighborhood in order for your child to get access to a good school,’” he said.
“In Arizona, we have open enrollment,’” Scarpinato said, which means a student can attend any public school in the state. ere also are various school choice options, including charter schools, which are part of the public school system.
Ahwatukee’s public school districts sidestepped comment while some other area district officials were measured in their response to Wallet Hub’s findings.
“We cringe at reports that paint with a broad brush, knowing full well the quality of instruction and high achievement of our staff and students in Chandler Unified School District,” said Terry Locke, director of community relations for the district.
Jill Hanks, Tempe Union High School District communication director, said, “Without knowing the deep details of the study and its validity, Dr. Baca (Superintendent Kenneth Baca) would not feel comfortable commenting on it.”
Nancy Dudenhoefer, spokeswoman for Kyrene School District, also declined comment.
e new study follows repeated reports that Arizona is close to the bottom in per-student funding. Even with the additional dollars that will flow to schools with passage of Proposition 123—about $300 per student—the state will still rank in the bottom 20 percent.
WalletHub says it found there was not always a correlation between public funding and quality schools. “ at isn’t to say that money doesn’t help,”’ the report said.
It cites a study by the Economic Policy Institute that says income is higher in states where the workforce is sell educated and thus more productive. In turn, workers with better earnings contribute greater taxes to boost state budgets over the long run.
What that means, he said, is any Arizona child can access whatever school his or her parents believe is best. ere are caveats though: A school not in the student’s district must have space available. And the parent needs to get the child to that school every day.
But school choice also involves the state providing dollar-for-dollar
While Scarpinato cites the success stories of some schools and open enrollment, the fact remains that Arizona has 22.8 students for every teacher. And that’s a statewide average, including good and bad schools.
—Times Media Group contributed to this story
By Madison Rutherford
ASU alumni Mehdi Farsi and Eric Ferguson noticed the prominence of skateboards and bicycles on the university’s Tempe campus. ey also believed that the student community lacked an accessible, one-stop shop to purchase, service and ask questions about their bikes and boards. On Aug. 1, they opened State Rideshop to add an approachable and creative element to the college commute.
e new shop seeks to embody the fast-paced lifestyle of ASU students while fostering the laidback, low-key beach culture of Southern California.
Ferguson said the shop prides itself on eradicating the “intimidation factor” that many bike and board shops possess. e shop is decorated with exclusive artwork from local artists and surfing and skateboarding videos flash across TVs mounted on the walls, evoking a comfortable and creative space that is “fresh and productive at the same time.”
“Our staff is very personable and engaging, and also very knowledgeable,” said Ferguson. “We are continuing to add products from brands that we think are doing cool or interesting things or are locally based.”
State Rideshop is the only fullservice bike, board and repair shop in the Valley. Another thing that sets them apart is their one-of-a-kind “BYOB: Build Your Own Board or Bike” concept, which allows customers to mix and match parts to create a custom set of wheels. Skateboarders can choose their own decks, trucks and wheels for a flat rate of $59.
“Our demographic, ourselves included, really put a value on creating their own color schemes to make their
product unique to them,” Ferguson said about the creation of the BYOB concept. “We chose not to limit our customer’s options when it came to making their own board, we wanted them to own it and make it a statement piece.”
To celebrate its grand opening, the shop will offer 10% off select products for the month of August, including fixed-gear bikes from State Bicycle Co. and boards from Artie’s Longboards. e shop offers an “open-door policy” when it comes to repairs. Unlike many of its competitors, State Rideshop will attempt to fix any bike or board, regardless of the make, model or damage. Flat tire repair, tune-ups and replacements for damaged or stolen parts start at $10.
“A lot of local shops really talk down to customers who bring their bikes in for service,” said Ferguson. “Sadly, we hear this every day from our customers,
‘XYZ shop scoffed at me because my bike is from Walmart.’ We service anyone’s bike...We really have an opendoor policy and it’s shocking that other shops don’t share that feeling. We are here to keep all commuters moving, and we want to make it easy and fun.”
When the school year starts, they plan to host events and organize rides and races at ASU. Ferguson said that they may eventually expand to other cities.
“At the end of the day, ASU campus is huge, and it’s where our hearts are as alumni,” said Ferguson. “We’re focused on serving our customers the transportation they need, servicing the transportation they already have, and having a ton of cool products to live their life in.”
922 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe 602-253-4653
e Tempe City Council has approved a Neighborhood Library Rebate Program to extend access to reading materials across the city. e Neighborhood Libraries program encourages residents to build and place roadside boxes to fill with books of all kinds in their neighborhoods.
“Neighborhood libraries are part of a worldwide movement to offer free
books housed in small containers to members of the local community,” said Councilman Kolby Granville, who developed the program with Councilman David Shapira. Starting Sept. 5, in exchange for participating in this program, the city is offering rebates to participating homeowners and nonprofit organizations for the cost expended of
purchasing, installing and registering a Neighborhood Library up to $300.
Participants are responsible for stocking their own libraries, which must remain in place for a minimum of five years. Although there will be no limit to the number of neighborhood libraries allowed in Tempe, the pilot program would fund up to 40 across the city with a maximum expense of $10,000.
By Kimberly Hosey
“How old do you have to be to go there? How young?”
I’ve been hearing that question from my son often.
He wants to plan family trips. My son is a young teenager. My niece is a year and a half old. Lately, he’s has been waxing nostalgic (just don’t tell him I said so), thinking about places we’ve gone over the years to have fun and build memories—with an eye toward taking his younger cousin once she really starts walking.
Because he’s an only child, our trips have grown up with my son. I’ve never before considered how challenging it can be to please everyone across a range of ages. McDonald’s Play Places and splash pads did the trick when he was 3, but I don’t think that cuts it at 14. He’s game for zip lining, glider flights and hiking, but I don’t think my niece is quite up to that. And it’s too dang hot to go to the park and call it a day. Are there any spots good for both of them? And, come to that, entertaining for the adults involved? Fortunately, the answer is yes. After a brief review of some of our trips, and a little input from my son, we prepared the following suggestions for staying cool indoors with kids of all ages.
Makutu’s Island
6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
480-344-3741
makutusisland.com
e tunnels, slides, bridges, zip line, climbing surfaces, turrets, platforms and more in this place accommodate all ages, though you might keep that fact under your hat in case your little
(or not-so-little) ones wear you out and you need a breather. Seriously, Makutu’s Island was a no-brainer. It underwent a change in ownership two years ago, but most structures, including the giant tree centering the 20,0000-square-foot facility, were built for adults as well as children to play. All main structures are great for kids 5 and up, but your littlest ones should probably stick to Oscar’s Lagoon, built especially for toddlers with foam blocks and a small slide. Everyone can enjoy refreshments (and free Wi-Fi) at Kiki’s Cafe.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to ursday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Admission: Kids ages 1 to 17 $11.99; one adult per child free; extra adult $6.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa
480-644-2230
arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
I see toddlers at the “dinosaur museum” nearly every time we visit, and they’re having a blast. And here’s how I know we’ve got the other end of the age spectrum covered: I didn’t make it out there until I was an adult, and I was hooked! In between, my son’s spent long days as a kindergartener, “big kid,” and now teen enamored with the giant dinosaur skeleton replicas; as well as other displays detailing the biology, archaeology, art, culture, history and more of the Southwest. One of our favorite exhibits is “Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies,” and my son can’t wait to stand his little cousin
beneath the Quetzalcoatlus northropi, with a wingspan of 39 feet, the largest animal that has flown. Also not to be missed: Check out dinosaur skeletons and replicas, watch and listen to a “flash flood” every 23 minutes on Dinosaur Mountain, and “lock up” your kids in a cell from the Mesa Territorial Jail.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday.
Admission: Kids 3 to 12 $7; students 13-plus with ID $8; adults $12; seniors 65-plus $10.
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
Butterfly Wonderland: 480800-3000; Mirror Maze: 480270-6200
butterflywonderland.com; odyseamirrormaze.com
Kids get out of a place what they bring to it, so there are many attractions that can grow and change with them.
Both Butterfly Wonderland and the adjacent Odysea Mirror Maze, part of the OdySea in the Desert complex on the Salt River Reservation, offer kids enchanting fun at very young ages, which can grow to challenges and more to explore as they get older.
In Butterfly Wonderland, winged wonders flit and flutter everywhere: a perfect enchanting moment for a tiny nature lover, and a great opportunity for older budding naturalists to observe and study the insects. In the
Mirror Maze the colors, lights, mirrors and effects will amaze everyone. Kids 2 and younger are free, but parents are advised to keep an eye on kids under 5 as the effects can be scary for some.
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Butterfly Wonderland: Children 3 to 12 $12.95; students with ID $17.95; adults $19.95; children 2 and younger free / Mirror Maze: All-day pass $9.95; other prices for individual walkthroughs.
i.d.e.a. Museum
150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa
480-644-2468
ideamuseum.org
Of all the “children’s” museums that we might soon show my niece, this was my son’s first pick. While it has exhibits and activities designed to engage the littlest visitors in appreciation of art, creation, science and more; its exhibits are consistently fun and engaging for me as well—and my son agrees. e current exhibition, “Sci-Fi: Fantasy to Reality,” features an invention lab, green screen room, time tunnel and costume creator. Storytelling, role playing, arts that encourage the development of motor and pre-literacy skills and more are available for young children, while young and older kids alike will enjoy the gallery exhibits. (And if you promise not to tell, your older kids might create a masterpiece or two as well.)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $8; children younger than 1 free.
Aug. 20-Sept. 20, 2016
The first 20,000 D-backs fans through the gates can jump on the freight train and take home a David Peralta Bobblehead. The adorable collectible shows the outfielder in his trademark leaning pose.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, at 5:10 p.m.
WHERE: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
COST: $19-$250
INFO: 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
Based on the book series by Barbara Park, this hilarious play is perfect for families with young readers.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Oct. 16, various times
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
COST: $12-$26
INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Children can learn about Latin American culture and music as they create instruments, make music and explore the museum with a guide.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix COST: $12
INFO: 480-478-6000 or themim.org
Author Maria Mahar will share her interactive e-book as well as fun activities to teach children about hummingbirds.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4:45 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe
COST: Free
INFO: 480-350-5500 or http://bit.ly/2aFq5xJ
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater tells the classic story of a stubborn troll who tries to stop three clever goats from crossing his bridge.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, to Sunday, Sept. 18, various times
WHERE: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix COST: $6-$10
INFO: 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org
Looking to escape the heat? Bring sunblock and beach towels to Chandler Fashion Center’s splash pad and cool off.
WHEN: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Thursday, Sept. 15
WHERE: Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
COST: Free
INFO: 480-812-8488 or shopchandlerfashioncenter.com
Children and teens are invited to celebrate the third annual Batman Day with activities, trivia, coloring and cosplay.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: Free INFO: 480-894-6954 or barnesandnoble.com
8
Play games, dig up dinosaur bones, learn weird science and take part in fun crafts to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-782-2800 or http://bit.ly/2aP4kfF
If you love science, come visit the museum to explore science through fun crafts, activities, stories and experiments.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Halle Heart Children’s Museum, 2929 S. 48th St., Tempe COST: Free INFO: 602-414-2800 or halleheartchildrensmuseum.org
10
Children 6 and older are invited to work as a team to build creative and entertaining Lego creations.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m. WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-792-1312 or barnesandnoble.com
By Jill Pertler
We are entering the wedding stage of life – better put, re-entering. Since our own wedding, we’ve been on sabbatical, during which time we experienced all other stages – from the baby shower to the kindergarten and high school graduation stages and everything in between. Now, the cycle has come full and I do believe we’re back to weddings. (Cue “Here Comes the Bride.”)
We’re attending a number of nuptials in the near future, but one in particular has piqued our interest: the wedding of our daughter. is, in turn, means one thing – wedding plans.
I am overwhelmed by the scope of planning opportunities available through an average wedding today. But there is one element that has me focused to the point of distraction. e dress.
Not hers. Mine.
I’ve completed numerous shopping trips – online and to real live stores where I tried various necklines, hemlines and waistlines. I found one I seriously considered getting but then had second thoughts. is has happened three or four times. In the meantime, the bridesmaids have chosen and bought their dresses.
ey’ll look fabulous. e flower girls have theirs. ey’ll be adorable. My husband and sons have all purchased brand new suits. ey’ll be the definition of handsome. Even my daughter has said yes to e Dress. It’s gorgeous and she’ll be magnificent.
I’m still looking.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand the overall insignificance of my decision. I’m the mother of the bride for goodness sake. People won’t care about what I wear. All eyes will be on my sweet baby girl. As they should be.
Still, I have just one daughter and this is my only shot at filling the role of MOTB. e more I go through life, the more I realize these moments shouldn’t be squandered. It is an important day and I want to feel good in my skin (or lace over satin, as the case may be).
So, while this whole dress ordeal isn’t important to anyone else, it is to me. ere are numerous beautiful choices to choose from. I’ve been contemplating why I’m having such a hard time with the decision. It’s pretty simple, really.
I live in the day (but usually not by choice). I am still shocked that my daughter is a grown up. I thought she’d be a little girl forever. But that is not the case (thank goodness) and now I am soon-to-be the mother of the bride.
I’m not sure I’m ready to be the mother of the bride. My daughter is ready. Her fiancé is ready. ey are a beautiful couple. We love them both.
I, however, have always been a little stunted. It seems I’m perpetually playing catch-up when it comes to understanding the logic of this thing called life. Most people are able to look ahead and anticipate milestones.
Except I’m not old enough, not ready enough to be the mother of the bride. At least not in my mind. e numbers would prove otherwise. (How and when did this happen?) is brings about such tugging feelings. I don’t feel appropriately mature to be right here right now. But I am. at’s life.
And I need a dress.
I know I will find one. Perhaps I already have. I just need to pull the trigger, or swipe the plastic – if we are being honest. Which I will do. I’ve got to wear something. e alternative wouldn’t be pretty. But we don’t want to go there. I best get shopping.
By Erica Odello
is project comes courtesy of my 10-year-old daughter. She made these in class last year and had such fun she wanted to teach it to me. When my mom had to have surgery last month, we decided that this was the perfect craft for a get-well gift.
You will need: 1 package of paper coffee filters, pipe cleaners, water soluble magic markers, food coloring, spray bottle, tray with sides, glass jar, tissue
Less-mess flowers
Separate out six coffee filters and flatten them as much as possible. Color the coffee filters with the magic markers, getting as much coverage as possible. I found two techniques that worked really well: Draw in circles or section the filter into quadrants. Designate one filter for the leaf.
Place one filter in the bottom of the tray and spray with water until the paper is just saturated. Let sit until the color spreads, then remove and spread flat on some dry newspaper. Rinse the tray and repeat with all of the filters.
Flatten six coffee filters as much as possible. Spray a light coat of water in the bottom of the tray, then place one of the filters inside. If it doesn’t get completely saturated, spray on more water.
Choose two to three food coloring bottles. Drip two to three splashes of each color across the filters. If the color doesn’t spread as much as you’d like, use the spray bottle to encourage the color along.
Immediately remove the filter to a dry newspaper and rinse the tray out. Repeat for the rest of the coffee filters, designating one for the leaf.
Assembly
Gather five of the filters after they have dried. Cut petals into the filters, either as straight lines or round the edges out.
Use a pen tip to poke two small holes in the center of the filters, then thread the top 1.5 inches of two pipe cleaners through the holes. Gather the filters into a bunch, then wrap the shorter ends of the pipe cleaners to hold the shape of the flower.
Cut the filter designated as the petals into a rough shape of a leaf, gather in the middle then hold in place by wrapping the pipe cleaner stem around the gather.
Repeat entire process until you’ve made as many flowers as desired. When complete, wrap a piece of tissue around a glass bottle and secure in place with another pipe cleaner. is is your vase.
The Legoland Discovery Center at Arizona Mills has attracted thousands of kids ages 3 to 10, as well as their parents, since it opened in the spring. Admission starts at $22 and, with that, kids can take part in creative workshops, enjoy Lego rides and visit Miniland, which features a little Chase Field. It is advised that families purchase tickets in advance on the web at http:// bit.ly/2aNlqdl. Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst.
1. Alston Smith, David Kirby and Joel Orellana race cars they built at the Discovery Center. 2. Jacob Davis plays with a Lego pony. 3. Dave Evans puts the finishing touches on a Lego Empire State Building with the help of his grandson, Bradan Evans. 4. Geetika Katha gets stuck trying to slide off a giant Lego cow. 5. Children interact with the Lego Friends section of the Discovery Center. 6. Hanna Lydick studies her creation.
2 3 4 5 6
By Jill Hanks Executive Director, Community Relations Tempe Union High School District
A new school year with two new principals is well under way in Tempe Union High School District. Mayra Arroyo comes to McClintock High School from the Chicago area where she most recently served as principal. Nate Kleve comes to Corona del Sol High School from Glendale Union, where he most recently served as principal of Moon Valley High School. Kleve recently took some time to answer questions about himself and his perceptions and expectations at Corona.
Q:
Q:
What were you like in high school?
A:
What have you learned so far about Corona del Sol’s campus and community?
A: Corona del Sol’s faculty and staff are passionate about student success. e staff is committed to ensuring students have opportunities to be successful and they go above and beyond the expected duties to enable the students to have an enriching high school experience. e community is very supportive of Corona, takes pride in the students’ achievements, is instrumental in supporting the school’s vision and is actively engaged in the development of our students. e students are the foundation of Corona del Sol. ey are positive, resilient, respectful, hard-working, and goal-driven. Our students continue to amaze the staff and we are fortunate to work with them on a daily basis. ey teach us, just as much as we teach them.
Q:
What are your top priorities at Corona?
A: My goals are to build positive relationships with the school community and maintain the focus on high expectations for student achievement.
I was an active student. I was class president, a member of choir and the National Honor Society, and I was a four-sport athlete: football, basketball, track and baseball. My favorite class was geometry. I enjoyed math, but it was my teacher who made learning fun and exciting. I had great teachers who encouraged me to become involved and made my high school a memorable experience.
Q:
Why did you become a teacher?
A: I was inspired to become a teacher by my teacher/coach, Mr. Ihns. He had high expectations for each student and refused anything other than our best effort. He was a role model and I was able to see the impact a teacher has on the life of a child.
Q: What would you like to share about your upbringing or family?
A: I grew up in a rural farming community in Iowa. I have two siblings, both teachers. My sister is a middle school English teacher in the Chicago area and my brother is a ninth-grade science teacher in the Des Moines area. I have a beautiful wife and a happy, loving 1 1/2 year old girl. I am a die-hard Cubs fan and can’t wait for them to win the 2016 World Series!
Royal Canin Breed Event
Royal Canin is hosting a breed event, giving dog owners the opportunity to learn about its products. Breedspecific nutrition is an ideal solution for dog owners who want to support many of the characteristics of their pets.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, noon to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Petsmart, 1140 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe
COST: Free admission
INFO: 480-755-3324
Scott Stapp
Creed’s lead singer brings his solo show to the Marquee, but don’t fret. He’s playing Creed songs as well.
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe
COST: $25
INFO: 480-829-0607 or luckymanonline.com
Ben Harper
American singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Ben Harper performs a mix of blues, soul, reggae and rock. He has won three Grammy Awards for pop, soul gospel and blues.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 25, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe
COST: $69-$128
INFO: 480-829-0607 or luckymanonline.com
Explosions in the Sky
Texan instrumental rock band
Explosions in the Sky will perform with three electric guitars, a keyboard and drums.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe
COST: $40 to $62
INFO: 480-829-0607 or luckymanonline.com
Miss Native American USA
This pageant’s mission is to encourage Native American women to achieve their personal goals, build character, enhance self-esteem and develop leadership skills.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, time TBA WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: Tickets on sale soon INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Music from the Heart
Music from the Heart is a program featuring the hard work of teens and young adults with developmental disabilities at Higher Octave Healing.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
COST: $12; $5 for military, children and seniors
INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit.
ly/2aGmcyG
UTSAV: A Bollywood Dance Production
UTSAV (celebration) is a Bollywood dance production presented by students and teachers of the Rhythm Dance Company in Gilbert.
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 28, call for time WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: $9 to $12
INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit.
ly/2aGmcyG
Siam Fights Live Presents 2016 Muay Thai Season Finals
It’s the season finale for the largest Muay Thai promotion in Arizona.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, at 5 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: $40 to $105
INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit.
ly/2aGmcyG
MAC 2.5
MAC and Company presents “2.5,” featuring new works, live musical performances from resident composer Dr. Jeffrey Ouper and MAC classes reimagined.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
COST: $15 INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Sarod for C4RCD
Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performs during a benefit for TGen’s Center for Rare Childhood Disorders.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: $100 to $200 INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Memoriam
A dance tribute to the victims of 9/11.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, and Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: $20 to $30 INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Puddle of Mudd
Formed in 1991, this American rock band has sold over 7 million albums and is known for its major label debut “Come Clean.”
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe COST: $42 INFO: 480-829-0607 or luckymanonline.com
Trevor Hall
Singer-songwriter Trevor Hall writes music with a mix of reggae, acoustic
rock and Sanskrit chanting. He released a song on the “Shrek the Third” soundtrack and has shared the stage with the likes of Steel Pulse, The Wailers and Matisyahu.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe COST: $40 to $62 INFO: 480-829-0607 or luckymanonline.com
“John” “John,” by Annie Baker, is a new play from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Flick.”
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, through Saturday, Oct. 1, various times WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: Tickets on sale soon INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Performance with a View presents Tandem Duo
Tandem Duo, featuring Sarah Off and Dr. Marilyn Clark Silva, is an innovative violin/marimba duo that performs original commissions, compositions and established works for the ensemble.
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
COST: Free INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Scott Stapp has had a harrowing battle with the downward spiral since Creed collapsed in 2004. Two years ago—just before he was to make two Valley appearances—Stapp suffered a mental breakdown brought on by drug and alcohol use, as well as bipolar disorder. He even claimed that his family were members of ISIS.
But Stapp is getting his life together and he’s flattered that his fans have his back.
“I’m human and they’re human, too,” said Stapp, sounding content. “When I meet the fans personally, I find out we’ve been through the same experiences—mine’s just public and theirs isn’t.
“We share so many common stories and common experiences that I think that’s why they stuck by me. We’re in this journey together. Another reason is the music. I think the music has connected with folks on a deeper level, and I think both of those have synergy.”
He’s hoping to connect with fans on his “Proof of Life” tour, which hits the Marquee eatre in Tempe on Sunday, Aug. 21. He has various meetand-greet opportunities for fans so he can feel connected.
“We wanted to try to create as many ways as possible to connect up close and personal,” he said. “ ey’ve been so good to me over the last nearly 20 years. I want them to have the chance to hang out and get to know me, and me to know them—and tie it in with the show experience as much as we can.”
For his show, Stapp is trying to bring an “arena rock show” to smaller, more intimate settings. He stepped up the production quality and is bringing selections from his entire catalog to the concert— including Creed tracks.
“For me, Creed is part of the story,” said Stapp, who turned 43 on Aug. 8. “It’s the story of
my life. I love to play those songs and the fans want to hear them. It’s not just about me. I want to make the fans happy, too.”
Stapp is keeping busy not only with his recovery, but side projects as well. He volunteers for ChildFund USA and adopted a village of children in the Philippines. He made it his mission to provide necessities to the kids, while raising awareness of the organization.
Later this year, he will release an album with Art of Anarchy, a band formerly fronted by the late Scott Weiland. e rock act also boasts former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” al, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, and twin brothers Jon and Vince Votta. A single is set to be released soon, with an album to follow in the fall.
“I thought it would be a fun project to get involved with,” Stapp said. “So we were off to the races. We began writing the record and I thought it would be something different to do and an exciting project to get involved with. I love working with new artists and talented people.
“It helps with my mindset to get involved with something fresh and something new.
By Judi King
If a restaurant has a motto like “A Taste of Italy in your own neighborhood,” it better serve up creative dishes that don’t replicate the run-of-the-mill chain eateries.
At VinciTorio’s Restaurant in Tempe, Mario and Ginger Vincitorio put creative spins on traditional Italian food that they say evokes “warm and enthusiastic conversation.”
e dishes come from the heart, too. Inspired by his roots in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, Mario makes handmade pasta daily. Homemade pasta dishes include lasagna, cannelloni, ravioli di zucca, gnocchi and agnolotti.
At a recent visit, my husband and I decided to try the restaurant we had heard so much about. Coming from an Italian family—“fuoco” is the Italian word for “fire”—I was a little skeptical.
But my husband was enthusiastic about trying it. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
Decorated like a charming rustic Italian cabin that was bred with a kitschy wine shop, VinciTorio’s offers buttery garlic bread to its customers to kick off meals. First, we tried the mozzarella fritta ($6.95), which was served with a stellar marinara sauce.
e sauce was smooth and thick, not runny and chunky like other restaurants. It nicely complemented the mozzarella fritta as well as the garlic bread.
We each started out with a salad and soup, both of which came with our entrée. My husband tried the decadent creamy mushroom soup that thoroughly impressed him. My salad came with the house Italian dressing, which was a bit
peppery, but nevertheless a great accompaniment to my salad.
Our entrees were the real stars of this visit.
I had the gnocchi Pomodoro ($15.95), potato dumplings with a fresh tomato basil sauce. Gnocchi—whether it’s made in a home or restaurant—can be cooked too mushy or too firm. Vincitorio knows how to make it just right. e sauce was so perfect— not salty, chunky or overly sweet—that I could have sipped it with a spoon.
My husband enjoyed his spaghetti Bolognese ($12.95; additional price for meatballs or sausage). My husband is a connoisseur of all things mushroom soup as well as spaghetti Bolognese. He was thoroughly impressed by the homemade, meat-heavy sauce and aldente noodles.
If there was one complaint, it’s that the portions were somewhat small. But the upside to that is there was plenty of room for dessert—especially the cannoli ($8.95; six mini cannolis for $15, or 12 for $30). e pastry was filled with creamy ricotta and
chocolate chips dusted with powdered sugar. It was rich and delightful, and was pretty much on par with my grandmother’s cannoli. e award-winning restaurant fills a void not only in the neighborhood, but throughout the Valley as well.
By Jan D’Atri
We ate it only once a year during the holidays, and every time I bit into an almond Roca, I remember thinking there wasn’t anything on earth as delicious as this!
at’s probably one of the reasons I’ve always been so timid about making homemade English toffee. If I couldn’t make it just like the quintessential bites of Roca, I wouldn’t even try. en came the email from Donna Nall of Phoenix along with her recipe for English coffee. Since then, I’m embarrassed to tell you how many batches of this favorite childhood delight I’ve been stirring up— much to my neighbor’s delight.
caramel and fondant for pecan log rolls, caramel for pecan turtles, ganache for truffles and several kinds of fudge. is can be a two- or three-day process, so I wanted to find a recipe that would take the place of the pecan log rolls and truffles. When I found this English toffee recipe, my first reaction was there are hardly any ingredients in this recipe and I had all them on hand, so why not give it a try?
I’ve been making candy for years and I couldn’t believe how fast this toffee recipe came together. Now it is the only candy I make other than fudge.”
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Here’s Donna’s email: “Jan, for the past 10 years my gift to my family and friends is baking homemade candy but the candy process is very painstaking. I make
Before you know it, it will be the holidays we’ll be looking for gifts from the kitchen and new recipes for cookie exchanges. Donna has just given us a delicious head start.
You will need:
Silicone sheet or parchment paper
Jellyroll pan
Candy thermometer
3-quart saucepan, preferably nonstick
Food processor
Wooden spoon
Ingredients:
4 cups whole almonds
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (minis work well)
11/2 cups unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons corn syrup
3 tablespoons water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour almonds on baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Stir almonds and roast for another 5 minutes. Let cool. Pour almonds in small batches
into food processor and chop fine. Measure 3 1/2 cups and set aside. Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper or silicone sheet. Pour chocolate chips onto surface and evenly disperse. Cut butter into cubes and place in the 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, water and corn syrup and bring to boil. Attach candy thermometer and let boil until mixture reaches 302 degrees. ( e hard crack stage.) Remove from heat and add 3 1/2 cups almonds, mixing thoroughly. Quickly pour over chocolate chips and spread over the entire baking sheet with wooden spoon. Add the remaining chopped almonds to the top of the candy and score the top of the candy with a knife (this helps to break the candy up evenly once it has hardened). Allow it to set up over night. Break into pieces and store in plastic container lined with parchment paper.
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