SanTan Sun News - Dec. 3, 2016

December 3 - 16, 2016 www.SanTanSun.com

Taiwanese baseball players to experience culture of the Valley

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When ballplayers from Tainan, Taiwan, come to town on Saturday, Dec. 3, Chandler National Little League President Doug Brewster has one goal.

“We want to show them the best American time we can,” Brewster said.

The 24 10- and 11-year-old boys and one girl who make up the Tainan City All-Star team will enjoy time staying with CNLL families, head to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Sedona, and tour Chase Field and the ASU baseball field. They will also shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Former D-backs catcher Ken Huckaby will host a clinic for the kids.

“They wanted to go to the Chase Field because there are quite a few famous Taiwanese baseball players,” said Michelle Chang, the organizer and broker/owner of DA FA Realty and Investments LLC in Tempe. One is Tainan-born Chien-Ming Wang, who pitched for a variety of teams before becoming a free agent.

“There are quite a few other famous ones,” Chang said. “When they come here to train, it really inspires them to one day become a Major League Baseball player.”

Chandler Vice Mayor Jack Sellers appreciate Chang’s efforts.

“Michelle Chang has really put together a lot of stuff from them,” said Sellers, the point person for the Sister Cities relationship between Chandler and Tainan. “We’ve had a lot of participation

from Doug Brewster, too. He’s arranged a lot of extracurricular activities.”

A visit to Tarwater Elementary School, which has a Mandarin-language immersion program, is scheduled. The kids will also play baseball games,

Council approves design contract for new east-side fire station

BY MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA

Design plans for Chandler’s newest fire station were approved at the Nov. 10 City Council meeting. Architectural firm Breckenridge Group Inc. was selected to create the design plans for fire station 2811, which will be located on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Ocotillo roads.

Fire station placement

The influx of residential growth in Southeast Chandler determined the need for a new fire station, which, when completed in 2018, will be the 11th fire station for the city.

“With the addition of the new fire station, we’ll be able to continue our commitment to the community by providing emergency response times of five minutes or less,” said Keith Hargis, assistant chief for the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department.

Fire station emergency coverage is strategically placed throughout Chandler with service areas extending an approximate 2-mile radius. The new station will share emergency coverage with station 2810 on McQueen and Chandler Heights roads, and station 287 on Riggs and Gilbert roads in the surrounding neighborhoods. Station 2811 will be staffed with four fulltime personnel including paramedics and EMTs. A fire engine, an all-hazards apparatus vehicle and an ambulance will most likely also be housed at the new facility.

Capital project

Two months ago, the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department worked with the city’s planning division and municipal facilities to draft an RFP for

practice in the morning at Snedigar Sportsplex, and, of course, hang out with their peers’ parents.

The City Council is scheduled to meet the team, according to Chang. The Chandler/Tainan City teams also will play in two exhibition games (Friendship Exhibition) on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Snedigar Sportsplex, 4500 S. Basha Rd. An opening ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. to kick off the games, which will be played at 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Both games are open to the public.

Renewed friendships

Last year, Chandler National Little League players traveled to Tainan to play exhibition games.

“They planned to stay with the Taiwanese families before they had the Dengue Fever problem in Taiwan,” Sellers said. He added that City officials are in talks for the American children to return to Taiwan next year. Funds must be raised, first. The new Sister Cities partnership is seeking sponsorships to continue its Little League exchange program and allow for future student exchanges and cultural programming. The sponsorship opportunities range from $25 to $10,000. To view the detailed list of sponsorship

“When I had meetings with the parents, they all agreed to host them,” Brewster said. “We were all excited to do it. Each family is taking on two kids for a week. They must drop them off every day and pick them up every night. Do laundry, feed them. There are two kids per family so the kids are comfortable.”

The family is approaching its GoFundMe goal of $90,000 to pay for medical expenses for the children.

Heartbroken family asks for help after mom died in accident

BY ADRIANA BECERRA

A Chandler family is hoping a GoFundMe campaign will assist in paying medical expenses after the tragic loss of the mother.

FEATURE STORIES

Pamela Hesselbacher, 35, and her two toddlers were hit by a car that ran a red light. Hesselbacher was pronounced dead

Last year, Chandler National Little League ballplayers traveled to Tainan, Taiwan, to play in a tournament. On Saturday, Dec. 3, young Taiwanese athletes will arrive in Arizona.

levels and benefits, visit chandleraz.gov/ diversity.

“We’re contacting companies primarily here in Chandler,” Sellers said. “What we’ve done is, for certain level of contribution, Chandler National Little League will hang the company’s banner on the fence during the regular season.

“Hopefully we can get some money out of that. It’s a little bit problematic because a lot of these same companies. When you go to these companies, they say approach us April.

Sellers and Chang traveled to Tainan in late October for the opening ceremonies of a tournament that Chandler National Little League played in last year.

“It was mainly for a follow-up for our Sister Cities relationship with Tainan that we’re working on, though,” Sellers said.

“We met a guy there named Winson Lin and he speaks fluent English. He lives in Tainan and he’s the founder of the Giant Cup Baseball Tournament.

“He’s a very highly regarded guy. He’s knowledgeable about the whole Little League structure. He said he would be the main point of contact for Chandler and Tainan’s Sister Cities program. For me, that was a really outstanding thing that happened on that trip.”

Brewster is excited for the kids to return to Chandler. Baseball players from the same organization visited two years ago as well.

“Our players will go to dinners with the team and do quite a bit of stuff with these kids,” he said. “I think they’re going to really enjoy it and get a lot out of it.

“I told the parents to feed them whatever you feed your family. Give them the American experience.”

architectural bids. Breckenridge Group Inc. was ultimately awarded the $365,145 contract.

Funding for the new station was provided by money derived from system development fees that developers pay when they build in Chandler, which is then used toward improvements to areas such as parks, libraries, police and fire stations. Fees are established by the city council and funds accumulate over the course of several years.

The station will include administrative offices, a living room, dining room, kitchen, weight room, individual bunk rooms, bathrooms and a community entry area.

An open house and a public outreach event will be held once the facility is complete.

Emergency response calls

Most calls made to 9-1-1 are a result of a medical emergency such as injury, chest

pain, illness or breathing difficulty.

The national standard to reach patients within 4 to 6 minutes was set based on the average length of time a person can live without oxygen before brain damage occurs.

“Approximately 75 to 80% of all calls are for medical emergencies,” Hargis said. “That’s why our response time is critical and can ultimately lead to better outcomes.”

Other emergency calls include home and vehicle lockouts, electrical issues, alarm indications and hazardous spills.

City operated rescue vehicles

The Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department has its own ambulance rescue vehicles, uniquely staffed by cityemployed firefighters and drivers.

“These vehicles are housed at our fire stations,” Hargis said. “This allows us to have control not only over personnel training and equipment, but also lets us follow patients from the scene of the emergency to the hospital for a better continuum of care.”

• Know your location. Location is the top piece of information the dispatch operator needs to send help. If you don’t know where you are, look for buildings, landmarks and street signs.

• Answer the dispatcher’s questions. Your answers help the dispatcher determine what kind of help you need, and how much.

• Follow instructions. The dispatcher is trained to help keep you safe and explain how to do first aid while help is on the way. He or she can instruct you on how to do CPR, walk you through the Heimlich maneuver to help a choking victim or tell you how to stop bleeding. Source: SafeBee

shortly after arriving at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center, according to police reports.

Three-year-old Ryan has a broken arm, hips and lacerations. One-year-old Audrey is comatose.

Hesselbacher’s mother, Jody Kieran, said the pressure in Audrey’s brain is slowly decreasing, which is a positive sign. Ryan was released from the hospital.

Her mourning family was left with two injured kids, with only one income, and with no way to pay for medical expenses.

Volunteers at Kieran’s bird rescue shelter, Fallen Feathers in Peoria, wanted to help. They set up a GoFundMe page in Kieran’s name.

Initially, Kieran said she didn’t think the page would make much, and was surprised to see the number rising. The GoFundMe raised $86,000 as of Nov. 27. The goal is $90,000.

Kieran said the campaign is even more necessary with a new piece of news.

“We came to find out today that the person who committed this devastation to our family does not have insurance,” said Kieran. “There will be no retribution from an insurance company to help cover the expenses.”

Hesselbacher’s sister, Kaleigh Kieran, said she is frustrated by some drivers’ lack of responsibility.

“With driving, a lot of people act like it’s a right and not a responsibility,” she said. “We need to put more emphasis on if someone is mature enough to handle it.”

Kaleigh said their mother always

made her and Pamela wear helmets when they rode their bikes, a practice that Hesselbacher continued. Kaleigh said Hesselbacher made Ryan wear a helmet, which ultimately saved his life.

Hesselbacher was crossing the intersection of Ray Road and Ponderosa Avenue in Chandler with her children around 6 p.m. Nov. 13 when 39-year-old William Epperlein failed to stop at the light and struck them, according to reports.

She is survived by her husband of seven years, Matt. When Kieran showed Matt how many people had donated to the campaign, he was shocked.

Hesselbacher’s father, Tom Kieran, said the family is touched by the donations.

“People can relate. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare,” said Tom.

The community has set up vigils in honor of Hesselbacher.

Kieran wants the world to remember her daughter as a caring person who would pass a child’s lemonade stand, promise to come back and, unlike most, would actually do so.

“Pamela was very giving,” said Kieran. “It’s heartwarming that the community is giving back to Pam what she gave to others.”

Kaleigh said, “This world lost a little bit of light.”

Chandler National Little League players met with their peers during a visit to Tainan, Taiwan, last year.

Architect laureate celebrates 90th birthday with well-wishers

BY STEVEN SOLOMON

Glenn McCollum’s three daughters and two sons helped the celebrated architect fete his 90th birthday Thanksgiving weekend in the clubhouse of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort.

As friends, family and colleagues filed by to shake his hand, he leaned over and explained that the last time a reporter wrote a story about him was when he and his wife celebrated their 65th anniversary by wearing their original wedding clothes. “I got a new suite for today,” he whispered.

One of his daughters, namesake Glenna, provided a list of projects completed by her father during his 34year career. At six pages, it is so long that it’s divided into sub-categories. “The list is long, because it costs money to raise five kids,” McCollum revealed.

And so it went during the afternoon, with McCollum taking every opportunity to modestly deflect praise by delivering perfectly timed one-liners. “I’m not bragging on anything,” he said.

But McCollum has 10 grandchildren now, as well as 21 great-grandchildren and more on the way. They spoke so lovingly of their patriarch and had so many stories to tell that it was hard to keep up. One branch of the family said they drove 16 hours, from Texas, to attend because they wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

“If you and your family have lived in Chandler over the past 70 years, attended one of Chandler’s schools, had your life impacted by one of Chandler’s churches, been to a Chandler medical office, banked in Chandler, visited or done business with the City of Chandler, purchased a residence or visited a friend in a long-time Chandler home, lived in a Chandler apartment or duplex, golfed or had a lunch meeting at this San Marcos clubhouse, ever shopped at Tri-City Mall or visited the first Chandler Community Hospital on McQueen Road, you’ve been impacted by our dad,” Glenna McCollum-Cloud told the guests, reading from a prepared speech.

Indeed, McCollum, who retired in 1990 after starting his career in 1954 when he passed his exam, also served 27 years on the planning board and two years on the council. Everybody knows him. To make it official, his birthday

was proclaimed “Glenn McCollum Day in Chandler” by the mayor, who noted that McCollum “has been a positive, compassionate member of the Chandler community for more than 70 years.”

(Due to the summer heat on July 11, his actual 90th birthday, his family waited to celebrate when the weather was cooler.)

It’s literally impossible to drive through Chandler without seeing his projects. Pick a category, such as shopping centers, and he’s responsible for the First American Plaza in Chandler, as well as another 10 shopping centers located in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. “We built the first inside mall in the East Valley, the Tri City Mall at the corner of Dobson and Main in Mesa,” he said when asked which project he is most proud of, “but after 35 years they tore it down.” Another category, hospitals and medical centers, has a list of 17 facilities, in six communities. “I did the first Chandler hospital, Community Hospital. It had 40 beds,” he said.

McCollum was a cadet in the Army Air Force during World War II, but was released before seeing action. On his way back to his hometown in Kansas in 1946, he stopped to visit his brother in Arizona. He decided to stay when he realized he could play football outdoors in a short-sleeved shirt in December. He car-pooled or hitchhiked to Phoenix College on the GI Bill and graduated in 1949 from ASU with a degree in mathematics. At the age of 21 he married Ila Bearden, an 18-year-old recently graduated from Chandler High School after they met at the Chandler Nazarene Church. She passed away in 2014.

His career in architecture began with a 2 1/2-year internship with KemperGoodwin and then four years at Lescher and Mahoney. He sat for the five-day American Institute of Architecture’s registration exam, and was the only one in his group who passed. He became registered AIA architect No. 21238 in 1954. At his busiest, he said he, “worked around 16 hours a day” and had two other architects and three draftsmen.

Asked if looking back on his career would he do anything differently, McCollum said, “I would of bought more land. It was only $200 an acre back then.”

Peggy “PJ” Haase, Glenn McCollum’s eldest daughter, helps him welcome guests to his 90th birthday celebration. STSN photo by Steven Solomon

One of the tables filled with awards, clippings and mementoes of Glenn McCollum’s career as an architect, including a key to the City of Chandler. STSN photo by Steven Solomon

It was standing room only inside the clubhouse at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf resort for architect Glenn McCollum’s 90th birthday. The clubhouse was one of his projects. STSN photo by Steven Solomon

One of the many guests at architect Glenn McCollum’s 90th birthday celebration looks over a display of items he used during his career. STSN photo by Steven Solomon

Donate blood and see a basketball game

Donors to United Blood Services can earn courtside seats to a 2016-17 Suns game, courtesy of the Phoenix Suns. To qualify, four MAX platelet donations need to be given by Jan. 31 at any of United Blood Services’ Valley donor centers.

MAX platelet donors provide the clotting factor that controls bleeding for trauma, cancer and aplastic anemia patients. Platelets are the most fragile component of whole blood and must be transfused within five days of donation.

MAX platelet donors help people like Meghan, who required 987 lifesaving blood transfusions after she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that caused blood clots to form in the small vessels throughout her body. She credited blood donors for her recovery during her 89-day stay in the hospital.

“Blood donors gave my body the time it needed to get better,” Meghan said. “Without them, my body would have shut down.”

Happy ending

Thanks to her blood donors, today Meghan works in healthcare and lives each day to the fullest with her husband, Ray, and their daughter, Farrah.

“Imagine you or your child desperately needing blood and being told, ‘Sorry, we’re all out.’”

Platelet donations are in greatest demand during the winter months, a time when the seasonal increase in the state’s population makes it difficult to meet patient blood needs. AZ-TV has

signed on as television partner to help increase awareness of the growing need for donors. AZ-TV host Pat McMahon defines a hero as someone who takes the time to make someone well again, to keep someone alive by just saying yes.

“Imagine you or your child desperately needing blood and being told, ‘Sorry, we’re all out,’” McMahon said. “Give your pint full of miracles to United Blood Services and you will have become a healer – you will have found the Hero in You.”

UBS encourages blood donors to visit the Chandler Donor Center, 1989 W. Elliot Rd., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in greatest demand.

UBS has been providing blood since 1943 and serves patients in more than 60 Arizona hospitals. To make an appointment, call 877-UBS-HERO or visit wwwBloodHero.com.

Retired Navy admiral to speak to Aero Club

A retired U. S. Navy rear admiral who commanded the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier will be guest speaker at the Sun Lakes Aero Club, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Sun Lakes Country Club Mirror Room. The session begins with coffee and camaraderie at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

James A. Symonds amassed 4,000 flight hours in the A-6 Intruder and more than 1,000 carrier landings during his flying career. He earned numerous Defense Superior Service medals, Legions of Merit, Meritorious Service medals, Strike Flight medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals, Navy and

Marine Corps Achievement medals and various unit and campaign citations.

Outside the cockpit, Symonds served as air operations officer, U.S. 6th Fleet in Gaeta, Italy and as deputy director of operations for counterdrug operations in the U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida.

Now in its 21st year, SLAC sponsors programs the third Monday of each month, November through April, at the Sun Lakes Country Club. The programs are open to all Sun Lakes residents and others interested in aviation. Info: Cannon Hill at 509-539-7857 or sunlakesaeroclub.org.

Zarandy ~ MD

Meghan lives each day to the fullest with her husband, Ray, and their daughter, Farrah.

Attorney general issues holiday shopping tips

Arizonans are reminded to watch out for potential scams while shopping during the holiday season.

“The holidays should be a time for happiness and celebration, but it’s important for hard-working Arizona families to protect themselves against grinches,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

He offered these tips:

• Know the retailer’s return policy before you buy.

• Be sure prices match the posted price.

• Check your receipt for accuracy.

• Treat gift cards like cash.

• Be timely with returns.

• Use a credit card when shopping online –not a debit card.

• Use secure, reputable websites when shopping online.

• Check your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges.

• Check recall notices before buying children’s products.

• Save warranties and service agreements. Info: 602-542-5763 or www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer.

SRP bond sale expected to save customers more than $151 million

A refunding sale of more than $761 million of public power revenue bonds has been approved by the Salt River Project’s board and council. The sale is expected to save the utility’s customers more than $151 million over the next 21 years.

According to SRP, the sale was a pure refunding transaction, with no new money for capital projects or construction.

“We were very pleased to have seen such strong market support,” said Steve Hulet, SRP’s treasurer and senior director of financial services, “especially since this was a large transaction in a relatively unstable market for issuers following the unexpected

results of the presidential election.”

Hulet said 76 buyers participated in the sale and that the pricing drew interest from several sectors. SRP has no specific plans for a bond sale to follow the current transaction.

SRP is the nation’s third-largest public power utility and the largest provider of electricity to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 1 million customers. SRP also is the metropolitan area’s largest supplier of water, delivering about 800,000 acrefeet annually to agricultural, urban and municipal water users.

Warm clothing donations needed during holiday season

Hi-Health, a local health food and supplement retailer, has partnered with Phoenix Rescue Mission to collect warm items through Saturday, Dec. 31, for those in need this holiday season.

People are encouraged to drop off their gently used, warm clothing items, such as coats, hoodies, sweatshirts, scarves, gloves, hats, ear muffs, socks and blankets, at any Hi Health store. Donors will receive a $5 coupon toward a purchase.

PRM relies heavily on partners like Hi

Health to help the organization reach its goals of supporting the homeless and poor, especially during the holidays when the need is greater.

“Partnering with the Phoenix Rescue Mission is a good fit for us because we are aligned with our goals to help people lead healthier lives,” said Jay Chopra, Hi-Health’s chief operating officer. “The mission is doing important work in the community through its many outreach programs.”

Info: hi-health.com/keepwarmaz.

Dignity Health teams up with Toys for Tots

Dignity Health is collecting unwrapped toys for children in conjunction with Toys for Tots, from infants to 12 year olds, at its nine area locations, including its Chandler facilities at 2977 E. Germann Rd. and at 1064 E. Ray Rd.

“Dignity Health is honored to again participate in the Toys for Tots drive and give back to the local communities we serve,” said Dr. Frederick Johnson, area medical director of Dignity Health Emergency Rooms. “We have doubled our number of facilities since 2015 and hope to collect thousands of toys with our

conveniently located 24/7 drop-sites.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program has been delivering toys to children in need since 1947 and is the largest outreach program in the Department of Defense. The program collected and distributed 18 million toys to 7 million children in 2015, who otherwise would not have received toys at Christmas.

Dignity Health Arizona General Emergency Room facilities will be clearly marked as Toys for Tots drop sites with large holiday inflatables and will be open 24/7. Info: dignityhealth.org/arizona.

Desert Car Care Center of Chandler and MADD Phoenix partner for safety

The fifth annual “Tie One on for Safety” public awareness campaign to remind the community to always designate a nondrinking driver, is kicking off 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Desert Car Care of Chandler, 95 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler.

Students from Chandler high schools representing first-time drivers will be participating and members of the Chandler Police Department will also attend. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a co-sponsor.

Chandler Police Officer David Payne,

part of the East Valley DUI Task Force who took part in the 2013 campaign, is being honored. He was killed when hit by a drunken driver in 2014.

Everyone who visits Desert Car Care Center from Dec. 13 through Dec. 31and

signs a pledge to drive sober will receive a “Tie One on for Safety” MADD decal, a free set of windshield wiper blades (contoured wiper blades cost extra) and a voucher for 20% off any repair or service up to $100 through Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Zak Andrews, a mechanic at Desert Car Care of Chandler, signs the pledge. Teens from Chandler and Horizon high schools sign the pledge.

Members of the Chandler Police Department show their support.

Volunteers needed for upcoming tax season

Individuals who want to become volunteer tax preparers are need for the City of Chandler’s Earned Income Tax Credit campaign, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The campaign offers free tax return preparation to households with an annual income of $54,000 or less.

Tax professionals who are enrolled agents and other tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering. No experience is required for volunteers because the City will conduct

free IRS process-based tax law training sessions in January at various locations.

Last year, volunteers helped prepare 1,860 tax returns resulting in approximately $2.2 million in federal refunds for residents. The refunds may not have been received without the assistance of 57 dedicated volunteers who invested more than 4,000 hours helping families.

To volunteer for the upcoming tax season, visit chandleraz.gov/vita and complete the survey link. After completion of the survey, City staff will contact interested volunteers on the next steps.

Red Cross urges donors to give the perfect gift this winter

The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give the perfect gift this holiday season—a lifesaving blood donation. By rolling up their sleeves, donors can help ensure patients continue to receive treatment throughout the holiday season.

Busy holiday schedules and travel plans make it more challenging for regular donors to give, and many businesses and organizations postpone hosting blood drives during the holiday season for these same reasons. This can lead to a decline in blood donations, but the need is constant.

“While many of us gather with friends and family this time of year, patients may spend the holidays in a hospital room,” said Jan Hale, interim communications manager of the Arizona Blood Services Region. “The need for blood doesn’t take a break for the holidays. Please make an appointment to give the most meaningful gift of all – the gift of life through a blood donation.”

“With just a little extra time at their appointment, donors can have an even greater impact on patients in need,” added Hale.

Donors of all blood types are needed to give and help save hospital patients’ lives. The next blood drive scheduled in Chandler is 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11., at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd. Blood donors with type O, B negative and A negative blood can help

more patients with one appointment by making a Power Red donation at select Red Cross blood donation centers and blood drives. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells – the most commonly transfused blood component. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are frequently give to trauma and surgery patients. During a Power Red donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and plasma and platelets are then safely and comfortably returned to the donor. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and double red cells can be donated every 112 days.

The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood. org or call 800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767). Info: redcrossblood.org/ RapidPass. Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/ rapidpass to save time when donating.

P.B. Bell celebrates 40-year anniversary with giveaway

P.B. Bell, a multifamily housing and real estate development, management and acquisitions company, surprised a resident at its Alante at the Islands community at 2222 N. McQueen Rd. in Chandler with a month of free rent. The giveaway was the culmination of a year-long celebration marking P.B. Bell’s 40-year anniversary, during which the company celebrated its milestone throughout the year by organizing 40 acts of kindness. Outreach events included an outing to Build-A-Bear Workshop allowing P.B. Bell employees to build bears to be donated to the Child Life Services

Community invited to discuss improvements to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park

A series of meetings to discuss the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park master plan are being held Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Copper Room of the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St. The project will examine the existing features of the park and develop a conceptual master plan to ensure the park will sustain current and future growth of the downtown.

City staff are meeting from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., members of the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership are meeting 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Originally developed in 1912, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is a 5.62-acre special use park in the downtown core. It’s located between Buffalo Street to the north, Boston Street to the south, San Marcos Place to the west and Arizona Place to the east. Arizona Avenue, which runs north and south, divides the park into

two areas.

Dr. Chandler envisioned a landscaped central park that would be surrounded by businesses. Today, the downtown storefronts have been restored to a modern version of their original turn-of-the-century look and both the downtown and park serve as a popular draw for family festivals, unique shops, entertainment and a variety of restaurants.

The park was last renovated in 1985. Since the park’s initial renovation more than 30 years ago, the area has grown to also include residential development. The conceptual plan will recommend new improvements to the park, which will include sighting of amenities, development of plant palette, color palette, hardscape elements, site furnishings, light concepts, landforms, identifying circulation patterns, activity zones and buffer areas.

ICAN volunteers hold the #volunteerchandler sign.

team at Cardon Children’s Hospital. In Peoria, P.B. Bell worked with city officials to arrange utility grants for several community residents. Other activities included employees cooking and serving dinner for patients and caregivers at the Mayo Hope Lodge, employees painting bells as part of Ben’s Bells kindness project, and several other events at P.B. Bell communities.

P.B. Bell manages more than 9,000 apartment homes and has developed nearly 5,000 apartment units in 27 communities, many of which are award winning. Info: pbbell.com or 480-951-2222.

ICAN is first organization in state to receive service enterprise distinction

ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth is the first organization in Arizona to be certified as a Service Enterprise by Points of Light through the Governor’s Office. ICAN completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and consulting and extensive internal planning and change.

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform

peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness and are more adaptable, sustainable, and capable of scaling their work. According to ICAN, it is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of its volunteers to better meet its mission.

ICAN is a free, family-centered youth service in the East Valley that provides programs for youth, teens, families and the community. Info: 480-821-4207 or icanaz.org.

BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

The city’s Transportation & Development Department has been busy planning several road improvement projects intended to provide capacity for increasing traffic demands on some of Chandler’s major streets. Here’s a look at some of the projects coming down the road:

Queen Creek Road

City of Chandler Insider

Street improvements coming down the road Construction zone safety

Improvements to Queen Creek Road between McQueen and Gilbert roads are under design and construction is expected to commence in late 2017 or early 2018. The project will widen Queen Creek Road to six lanes and include raised medians, bike lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drains, street lighting, traffic signals, landscaping, irrigation and utility relocations. As part of the project, Cooper Road from Queen Creek Road south to Nightingale Lane will be improved to four lanes. Public meetings were held in 2015 and again this past March to obtain comments on the roadway design and answer questions. For more information, call 480782-3314.

The City is planning to improve Ocotillo Road between Cooper and Gilbert roads in the fall of 2017. Portions of Ocotillo Road already have been completed by developers and other road improvement projects. The City plans to complete the improvements to four lanes with bike lanes, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, street lighting, traffic signals, storm drainage, landscaping, utility relocation and wet utilities. A meeting was held in June to discuss the planned improvements with the public, obtain comments and answer questions. For more information, call 480782-3146.

Cooper Road

Design efforts are underway on a project that will widen Cooper Road to four lanes from approximately 3,500 feet north of Chandler Heights Road to Riggs Road. The improvements will include the construction of raised medians, bike lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, curb, gutter, street lighting, traffic signals, storm drains, landscaping and irrigation and utility relocations.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to occur in spring 2018. A public meeting to obtain input on the design is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Hull Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 2424 E. Maren Dr. For more information, call 480-782-3146.

Chandler Heights Road

In March, the City Council approved a $975,000 contract for the design of improvements to Chandler Heights Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road. The 1-mile stretch of two-lane roadway will be improved to four traffic lanes. The project will include the addition of raised medians, bike lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, street lighting, traffic signals, storm drains, landscaping and irrigation. Water, sewer and reclaimed water lines will be added or extended to undeveloped parcels and coordination with the Union Pacific Railroad will be needed to accommodate widening of the railroad crossing. Widening at the Consolidated Canal will need to be coordinated with Salt River Project. Construction of the canal crossing is scheduled to occur in late 2017 and work on the roadway is scheduled for mid-2018. For more information, call 480898-4060.

Arizona Avenue

The City is planning various roadway and streetscape improvements for Arizona Avenue between Frye and Pecos roads. This stretch of Arizona Avenue handles approximately 34,000 vehicles per day.

The project is part of an overall effort to develop a pedestrian-friendly, urban feel to the City’s core and provide a new entryway into downtown Chandler from the south. Planning efforts involving a new vision for Arizona Avenue between Loop 202 and Chandler Boulevard began about 10 years ago with business stakeholders. An urban design team headed by RNL Design was hired in 2005 to prepare an Entry Corridor Study, which included market and demographic analysis together with specific recommendations for future land use and traffic circulation improvements. The Corridor Study was completed in September 2006 and subsequently approved by Council for implementation. It was followed in 2010 by the construction of traffic, pedestrian and landscape improvements along Arizona Avenue between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road. Comments on the design are being solicited from the public and an initial Design Kickoff meeting was held Nov. 16

with nearby property owners, businesses, residents and other interested stakeholders. Additional meetings will occur as the design progresses. For more information, call 480-898-4060.

Alma School Road/Chandler Boulevard intersection

Improvements are coming in early 2017 to the intersection of Alma School and Chandler Boulevard that will enhance traffic flow and safety by adding dual left turn lanes, dedicated right turn lanes, and an additional through lane on Alma School Road and bus lane on Chandler Boulevard. The project also includes new storm drains, curb, gutter, sidewalks, signals, landscaping and utility relocations.

A public meeting to discuss the planned improvements has been scheduled for 6:307:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus, 1150 W. Erie St. Project maps and exhibits will be on display and project team members will be available to answer questions.

The Alma School/Chandler Boulevard intersection had the highest collision rate in the City in 2015 with 48 accidents. A large part of the construction cost to improve the intersection will be funded by a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant from the Federal Highway Administration. Other

intersections similarly improved have all shown reductions in accidents. For more information, call 480-898-4060.

Chandler’s Police and Transportation departments remind motorists to slow down in construction zones. Driving through construction zones more than the posted speed limit risks the lives of workers, plus motorists run the risk of dislodging temporary steel plates that cover deep trenches, posing a serious safety hazard.

According to annual statistics provided by the National Safety Council, 30,500 people in the United States were injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones. In Arizona, 11 people died in work zone crashes, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. When approaching street construction, think “Work Zone, Slow Down”, to ensure the safety of workers as well as yourself and passengers.

Several major street improvement projects will be underway in Chandler in the coming year, including the widening of Queen Creek, Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads and the Alma School/ Chandler Boulevard intersection.

Ocotillo Road

Residents living along Queen Creek Road, east of McQueen, review road widening plans presented at a July 22, 2015, meeting.

Project Manager Amanda Sahin, left, discusses planned improvements to Ocotillo Road at a June 2, 2016, public meeting.

The city is planning various roadway and streetscape improvements for this stretch of south Arizona Avenue between Frye and Pecos roads.

The Alma School/Chandler Boulevard intersection had the highest collision rate in the city in 2015 with 48 accidents. Improvements to the intersection are planned for early 2017.

Several city streets in south Chandler will be under construction over the next 24 months, so be alert and slow down when driving through construction zones.

City of Chandler Insider

Beginning in January 2017, 59 Chandler intersections will receive flashing yellow left turn arrows, adding to the 14 intersections already using them.

This flashing yellow left turn signal on southbound Alma School Road at Willis Road was installed in July 2013 and is one of 14 locations in Chandler where flashing yellow left turn arrows are currently in use.

Flashing yellow left-turn arrows

BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

By this time next year, most Chandler intersections with turn arrows will be equipped with a flashing yellow left turn signal. A federal grant for $633,281 is funding 77% of the cost to add the signals to 59 intersections. Fourteen Chandler intersections use the flashing yellow turn arrows.

“We’ve been testing these signals since 2010 as a way to improve intersection safety and reduce traffic delays,” said Mike Mah, Chandler’s transportation engineer.

“We’ve found that drivers appreciate not having to wait on a red arrow, especially when there is no oncoming traffic.”

The arrows are approved by the Federal Highway Administration and

have been shown in studies to heighten driver awareness when turning left in front of oncoming traffic. They also provide more opportunities to make left turns at intersections than with the traditional left-turn arrows.

“One of the key advantages of flashing yellow arrows is that we are able to change the signal operation by time-of-day,” Mah said. “This means we can prohibit left turns on a green ball during rush hour, but allow left turns on a flashing yellow arrow at night or during off-peak hours.”

Installation will involve replacing and/or adding more than 400 new signal heads and replacing more than 100 signal mast arms at various locations. The work is being performed by Roadway Electric LLC, and is to begin early next year and take approximately eight months to complete.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

Kunduz, Afghanistan, is a long way from Chandler. But that’s where City employee Hafiz Noor began his journey to America 25 years ago as a young man following his dream to become an engineer.

That dream led him to the desert southwest and the engineering program at the University of Arizona. Today he is a project manager working in the Capital Projects section of the City’s Transportation & Development Department.

Noor said his father encouraged him to become a civil engineer so he could help build Afghanistan’s infrastructure, like roads, water plants and sewer treatment plants.

“He wanted me to get my education and then come back, but the situation over the past couple of decades has not been stable, plus living here this long has made it difficult to go back, especially after having children; it would be a tough adjustment for them,” Noor explained.

Noor worked for Southwest Gas while attending college and landed his first engineering job in Eloy after graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

“I was their assistant city engineer and developed the community’s first digital water and sewer system maps,” Noor said.

From Eloy, he went on to work for the City of Casa Grande, two private engineering firms and the City of

Apache Junction before accepting a position with Chandler in 2012.

“Chandler is well-managed with good infrastructure and is a great place to work,” Noor said. “In some cities, you are limited to the types of projects you work on, but here you work on parks projects, public housing projects, aquatic centers, water and sewer plants, City buildings, various studies and airport projects.”

Some of the design projects he manages include improvements to Chandler Heights Road, the widening of the Alma School/Chandler Boulevard intersection, a bike lane project and installation of additional flashing yellow left turn arrows at 59 Chandler intersections. Hafiz said the Alma School/Chandler Boulevard project is especially challenging, as it involves a lot of underground utilities, right-of-way acquisitions and interaction with businesses.

“I meet with business owners onsite to understand what their concerns are and place stakes in the ground to show them where the new curb line, gutter and sidewalks will be on their property,” Noor said.

When he’s not working, Noor said his five children keep him busy, plus he likes to play sand volleyball with friends and work out at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. He is one of 10 children and likes to travel when time allows. In 2014, he spent six weeks visiting family in Afghanistan and Dubai.

Hafiz Noor, project engineer

If you enjoy the holidays and a great deal, then you’re going to love our 50th Anniversary Sale during the holiday season. Come help us celebrate 50 years with great deals, door prizes and raffle items from companies like JT International, Weaver Leather, Formula 707 and more. Don’t miss our BBQ demos on Saturday Dec. 10 and Sunday Dec. 11 at both locations. And it wouldn’t be the holidays without a photo with Santa Claus.

Don’t miss our BBQ demos on Saturday Dec. 10 and Sunday Dec. 11 at both locations. And it wouldn’t be the holidays without a photo with Santa Claus.

www.shoppersupplyaz.com/whats-on-sale/

Holiday refreshments served at next Sun Lakes Democratic Club meeting

Appetizers and desserts will be featured instead of a speaker at the next meeting of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd.

Nonperishable food items are collected prior to all club meetings in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The amount collected in October was 353 pounds of food and $25. The total collected in 2015 was 2,310 pounds of food and $686.

Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. Info: call Tom Amrhein at 480- 895-1162.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: DEC. 8

The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 for the Saturday, Dec. 17, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at www. SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

From skin cancer surgeries to anti-aging treatments, Spectrum Dermatology is recognized as one of Arizona’s leading treatment centers for medical, surgical, cosmetic & laser dermatology.

4350 E. Camelback Rd. Suite A-200 Phoenix, AZ 85018

312 N. Alma School Rd. Suite #5 Chandler, AZ 85224

250 Phoenix, AZ 85050

Permanent solution to tooth loss

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.

Although you have a number of options for the replacement of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants are the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functioning of the teeth and supporting structures; dental implants provide a simple remedy with proven results.

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-theart technologies and Dr. Shah is constantly implementing the latest techniques to provide you with the best care available.

Patients who come to us can smile with confidence. For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial

Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting set Saturday, Dec. 3

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council will officially kick off the 2016 holiday season in downtown Chandler on Saturday, Dec. 3, with the 20th annual Parade of Lights, followed by the lighting of the 60th Tumbleweed Tree. More than 12,000 people are expected to join in celebrating Chandler’s unique southwestern holiday tradition that dates back to 1957.

The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park with a variety of musical and dance entertainment, including performances by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra Quintet and visits with Santa Claus.

The pageantry of the Parade of Lights featuring festive floats and other entries begins at 7 p.m. along Arizona Avenue between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard. After the parade (approximately 8 p.m.), guests are invited to gather in the center of the park on the west side of Arizona Avenue for the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting ceremony. Members of the Barnum family, the originators of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree tradition, will participate in the tree lighting ceremony.

More information on these activities, plus a complete entertainment schedule, is available online at chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweedtree.

Parking and traffic restrictions

Guests attending the event are encouraged to arrive early to find parking. There are multiple locations with free parking, including two parking garages on the east side of Arizona Avenue, and several surface lots.

Guests requiring disabled parking can use the lot located on the corner of Boston

Street and San Marcos Place. Additional disabled parking can be found in other downtown lots and parking garages.

Residents are reminded that Arizona Avenue will be closed between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Frye Road also will be restricted from Arizona Avenue east to Delaware Street from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Several other smaller streets in the downtown area also will be closed or restricted during the festivities. A parade overview map showing street closures and parking options is online at chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

Entertainment schedule

4:30 p.m. Santa’s House opens

4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Stacy J Dancing

5 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Arizona Dance Studio

5:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. The Dance Loft

6 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Learning Foundation and Performing Arts- Warner Campus

6:30 p.m. Santa’s House closes 8:15 p.m. Santa’s House reopens

8:40 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rinsley

Weather conditions

While no extreme weather is in the forecast, conditions could change and affect the event. If rain is predicted, residents can call the Special Events Hotline at 480-7822735 throughout the day Saturday for updates.

History of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree

A community tradition

This unique Chandler tradition began in 1957, when Chandler resident Earle Barnum raised the idea of a tumbleweed tree after

Rinsley will provide the entertainment from 8:40 p.m. to 9 p.m.

he saw a similar one in Indiana built out of cone-shaped chicken wire with pine boughs stuck in the holes. Many members of the community helped create the first tree in Chandler using tumbleweeds that they gathered from around town. Little did these folks know that they were the first to do such a thing and that it would continue as an annual Christmas tradition from then on. In fact, Chandler is the only city in the southwestern United States that has such a tree. Other Tumbleweed Tree Fun Facts can be found on Chandler’s YouTube Channel, https://youtu.be/drTkwEi-E2A.

How is it done?

For the 60th Tumbleweed Tree, the Park crews started collecting tumbleweeds in early October. Nearly 1,000 tumbling

tumbleweeds were collected and 600 to 800 were used to adorn a wire frame connected to a metal center pole. Then, the tumbleweeds were shaped then sprayed with 50 gallons of flame retardant and 45 gallons of gloss white paint. While the paint is wet, the crew dusted the tumbleweeds with 70 pounds of glitter. Next, the tree was adorned with approximately 1,200 holiday lights that give it a spectacular look, day or night. A large crowd gathers to watch the Mayor and members of the City Council flip the switch to light this magnificent sight. The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Parade of Lights (starting at 7 p.m.) help bring the community together to kick off the holidays.

Fry’s Fuel of Dreams fundraiser

On Oct. 27 members of the Chandler Police Department participated in the fourth annual Fry’s Fuel of Dreams fundraising event. Employees from the traffic unit, field operations, the bike team, support services, and the forensic services section pumped gas and cleaned windshields of patrons at three Southeast Valley Fry’s Food fuel stores to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Arizona. The Chandler Police Department raised over $1,500 at the Fry’s locations at Rural and Ray Roads, McQueen and Riggs Roads, and Warner and Cooper roads.

The Fry’s Fuel of Dreams events are part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) campaign. Chandler has raised $4250 so far this year at various Fuel of Dreams events, out-raising every other agency in the state. Thank you to all the employees who participated, and to all the generous residents who donated. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states where the funds are generated.

Part of the group of officers who worked at the Fry’s location at Warner and Cooper roads included, from left, Kyle Jordan, David Sitz, Joshua Logan, Preston Pierce and Judy Crosson.

Bike Team Officer Kyle Jordan cleans a windshield during the Fuel of Dreams event.

Sgt. Preston Pierce shares a laugh with a resident making a donation to Special Olympics.

Officer Joshua Logan gave a treat to a special guest who visited the Fuel of Dreams event.

Left to right: Sgt. Emma Huenneke, Fleet Aide Joseph Pelegrin, a Fry’s representative, Administrative Specialist Cathy Roeper, and Crime Scene Technician II Jennifer Bailey support Special Olympics at the Riggs Road and McQueen Road location.

Officer Zachary Waters enjoys a light-hearted moment with a resident.

Chief Sean Duggan visits with a resident at the Riggs Road and McQueen Road location.

Lt. Chris Perez and Sgt. Emma Huenneke made quick friendships with several of the visitors.

Officer Scott Peterson helps to clean a windshield at the Fry’s fuel store at Riggs Road and McQueen Road.

9Round training gym comes to Gilbert

BY TIM J. RANDALL

As the co-owner of two Elements Massage Studios in Chandler, Ed Wagner is passionate about health and wellness.

So, adding 9Round to his stable of businesses was a natural fit.

“It’s a 30 minute, full-body workout that burns up to 500 calories, changes daily and doesn’t have class times,” said Wagner, who co-owns the Elements Massage Studios with his wife.

“We don’t have classes, so people don’t have to worry about preregistering, and then getting to the gym 15 minutes before class. 9Round was developed with efficiency in mind. Our rounds are each 3 minutes long, so we can start people every 3 minutes. People’s time is too valuable.”

In 12 countries with 428 locations, per the 9Round website, the company contends that its exercise regime has seen hundreds of millions of kicks and punches thrown over 109 million rounds, leading to 4.8 billion calories burned.

The fast-paced kickboxing gym also “is ranked No. 33 on Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises and has experienced 988% growth in three years,” the site indicated.

With Valley locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler and soon in Tempe, 9Round is an up-tempo regiment combining multiple strength, conditioning and cardio elements.

“The workout changes every day, so patrons can expect a lot of variety,” Wagner said. “Trainers are part of the workout, so every workout trainers are helping to guide you through the stations and encourage and push you.”

The Wagners were intrigued by the idea after talking with a friend.

“Because of my franchise experience, a friend asked me to read the 9Round business plan,” Wagner said. “I was so impressed that I drove to California

that week to try the workout at two gyms.

“I called 9Round corporate in South Carolina on my way home from California to start the process. My friend opened her 9Round in Scottsdale in August.”

While physicality is at the core of the program, Wagner is quickly added that memberships also include heart rate technology and an online tool to measure and track progress.

“9Round is all about fitness, but not just from a working out perspective,” he said. “Members also get full access to our nutrition portal which is just as important if not more so.”

Athletic training has changed considerably since the days of pounding the pavement at 5 a.m. Now options like Orangetheory Fitness and 9Round are changing the dynamic.

“9Round is High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT,” he said.

“There are several different gyms that do HIIT successfully, and each one has their own twist. One of the main benefits of doing our workout, is that most of the punches and kicks that you do engage your core, without having to be on the floor doing crunches and sit-ups.”

Wagner’s 9Round is located at 2487 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, and patrons can schedule a free trial to see how the strength, kickboxing and abs and core stations work.

“This workout truly is for anyone,” he said. “The minimum age is 10 years old, and I have clients that young, up through several in their 60s,” Wagner said. “From a fitness level perspective, I have several people that have never worked out and several that workout every day. The majority are somewhere in the middle of that.”

To learn more about 9Round, visit 9round.com/gilbertaz.

Gold Canyon expands to Mexico

The Chandler-based candle company Gold Canyon has expanded into Mexico. Gold Canyon enters Mexico—the seventh largest market in the world— to build upon its 20 years of success in North America. Mexico’s favorable direct sales market, growing demand for high-quality candles and a large base of entrepreneurs make it an ideal market for Gold Canyon.

“We’re excited to bring the Gold Canyon earning opportunity to Mexico,” said Thomas F. Kelly, Gold Canyon CEO. “There’s incredible potential for women, men and younger generations to gain financial independence through home-based direct selling of ‘The World’s Finest’ candles. Our proven sales strategy combines relationship selling with recruiting new prospects and leading a team to provide a unique entrepreneurial opportunity for those looking to earn a full or part-time income.”

The company recruited seasoned direct sales leader, Lourdes Valerio, to oversee consultant and leader development in Mexico. She is building a foundation with the support of an experienced group of leaders who are eager to take full advantage of the potential available in this market.

This strategic move will also provide opportunities for cross-border recruitment throughout North America.

With Gold Canyon, consultants are in business for themselves, but not by themselves—no matter where they live. Mexico will have the support of their home office team in Arizona along with a dedicated website and a catalog featuring their most popular scents.

“We are more than optimistic about our launch into Mexico and plan to expand our product offerings in the future,” Kelly added.

“We will leverage our learnings from this launch for future expansions into Central and South American countries.”

Solera

residents dedicated Field of Poppies on Veterans Day

More than 200 handmade poppies were dedicated on Veterans Day at the entrance to the Solera Chandler Community Center, 6360 S. Mountain Blvd., Chandler. The brief ceremony included a reading of the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written during the World War I by Canadian physician Lt. Col. John McCrae.

Solera residents made the red and yellow poppies, which were knitted, crocheted, painted, or made of fabric, and attached them to knit-covered stems. Red poppies honor those who have lost their lives and yellow poppies

honor those who serve or have served our country.

Along with the poppies, the display included a sign that stated “Veterans’ Field of Poppies, to honor those who gave their lives, those who have returned and those now serving. Poppies created by Solera Chandler residents.”

Solera Chandler, a 55-plus active adult community, is home to a number of retired military personnel. As part of the program, more than 200 veterans and their guests attended a special Veterans’ Day dinner at Solera Chandler organized by the Solera Men’s Club.

Chamber and its president/CEO receive award from Chandler

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Terri Kimble, the chamber’s president and CEO, have received a special award from the City of Chandler in recognition of their strong partnership and the Chamber’s mission to further Chandler’s business community.

“Terri Kimble, her staff and Chamber membership continue to keep the best interests of the Chandler business community moving forward,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “This award is just a small token of the Council’s appreciation for all of the work being done to keep Chandler great.”

The award was the first of its kind given to the Chamber by the City, and took Kimble by surprise.

“I was at the council meeting to present the Chamber’s “How We Stand” booklet and afterwards Mayor Tibshraeny and Councilman Terry Roe presented the award. We are very appreciative of their consideration. This truly means so much to our board of directors, our staff and our membership.”

Kimble has been in the business development field for more than 25 years, working for chambers in Michigan before coming to Phoenix in 2009. In Michigan, she served as president and executive director of the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and on the executive board of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. After moving to the Valley

More than 200 handmade poppies were dedicated on Veterans Day at the entrance to the Solera Chandler Community Center.

in 2009, she became the president/CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. In 2011 she took the helm of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

Terri Kimble, center, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce president/CEO, receives a special award from Councilman Terry Rose, left, and Mayor Jay Tibshraeny right.

OnTrac hiring customer care agents for Chandler facility

OnTrac, a logistics company specializing in contracting regional shipping services in the western United States, is hiring customer care agents for its corporate office in Chandler. The company is also looking to hire more than 40 employees in the Phoenix area for temporary operational support roles, such as part-time package handlers, who could be transferred into permanent positions after the peak holiday season.

“OnTrac is in a fortunate position to need employees due to company growth,” said Dan Cronk, an OnTrac vice president. “Pair that growth with the peak season that OnTrac is heading into and that is directly related to the number of available positions. As a company, we are elated to welcome new team members to better service our great customers.”

The opportunities are for full-time employment and include full benefits. Info: ontrac.com/careers.asp.

OnTrac honored

OnTrac also received multiple awards at the Arizona Corporate Excellence event hosted by the Phoenix Business at

the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

Ilana Lowery, Phoenix Business Journal’s editor in chief, and Chad Kunze, managing principal of the Phoenix office of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, presented OnTrac with awards for being the eighth fastest-growing company and the eleventh-ranked privately held company.

The event brought together 300 business leaders from the top-25 fastestgrowing companies and the top-50 privately held companies in Arizona. Business sectors. Companies represented were in the areas of transportation, construction, technology and health care.

Selection of winners was a five-month process, with sponsors getting to know the companies, their business strategies and plans for the future.

OnTrac has added 1.1 million square feet of additional warehouse space this year and is preparing to open a second facility in Phoenix next year to cover quick deliveries to the western side of the state.

OnTrac has three divisions; overnight, messenger and international. Info: ontrac.com, ontracmessenger.com and ontracinternational.com.

Dutch Bros raised money to combat malnutrition

Dutch Bros locations east of Interstate 17 recently donated proceeds from every drink sold a couple of days before Thanksgiving to Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to end child starvation throughout the world. The

money was raised to directly support the purchase of meal ingredients to help combat malnutrition.

Dutch Bros Arizona supports various local causes and nonprofit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tempe,

United Food Bank, American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and local schools.

Dutch Bros Arizona locations east of Interstate 17 are locally owned and operated by Jim Thompson and Janice McCarthy.

They have been part of the Arizona community since 2007 and have Dutch Bros locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and Gilbert. Info: dutchbros.com and facebook,com/ DutchBrosArizona.

OnTrac Corporate Account Manager Scott Nielson, OnTrac Regional Sales Manager Brian Schnakenberg and OnTrac Public Relations Manager Katrina Fox at the awards event.

New retailers arrive at Phoenix Premium Outlets

Johnston & Murphy Factory Outlet

and GSN are joining the brand lineup at Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler.

Opening in November, is Johnston & Murphy Factory Outlet, which designs, creates and markets highquality footwear, apparel, leather goods and luggage to men and women. The 2,714-square-foot store will be located next to Tommy Hilfiger and will be the brand’s first outlet in Arizona.

GNC will offer shoppers everything from vitamins and minerals to beauty items and weight loss products. GNC takes pride in the fact that they set the standard in the nutritional supplement industry by demanding truth in labeling, ingredient safety and product potency, while remaining on the cutting-edge of nutritional science. The 1,200-squarefoot retailer will be located across from Old Navy.

“We’re proud to offer our shoppers top brands at a great value at Phoenix Premium Outlets,” said Rebecca Brunell, assistant director of marketing and business development.

“These new additions will enhance our dynamic retail mix, and we’re pleased to welcome them to the center.”

Phoenix Premium Outlets, Phoenix’s premiere outlet shopping destination, features savings of 25% to 65% off designer and name brands, including Adidas, Coach Outlet, DKNY, Elie Tahari, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.

The center is located within Wild Horse Pass off Interstate 10 at exit 162. Regular outlet hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information on Phoenix Premium Outlets, call 480-639-1766 or visit www.premiumoutlets.com.

Chandler real estate firm has one of state’s best professionals

Cynthia Stevens, a member of the Help-U-Sell Central Properties Team at 575 W. Chandler Blvd., has been accepted as one of 2016’s 10 best real estate professionals in Arizona for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals.

AIOREP is a third-party rating organization that publishes an annual list of the top 10 real estate professionals in each state. Those who are selected must pass a selection process based on client or peer nominations, research, and AIOREP’s independent evaluation.

Info: centralproperties.helpusell.com.

Free tax planning seminar set for Village Health Club at Ocotillo

The Keystone Law Firm is offering a free 2016 tax season seminar, 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Village Health Club, 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Attendees will learn to keep income out of the top tax bracket, keep deductions that are usually lost due to phase outs and how to maximize mandatory individual

retirement account distributions.

“Too often, questions arise about taxes after the year has passed,” said Sheryl Keeme, who is offering the seminar. “Planning strategies will be discussed that could save you on your 2016 tax bill.”

To reserve a seat, call 480-209-6942 or email sheryl@keystonelawfirm.com.

Cynthia Stevens

Networking association offers free career advice

Anyone in career transition is invited to the next meeting of Career Connectors, 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert.

A nonprofit organization, Career Connectors holds free events three times a month, offering professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Info: www.careerconnectors.org, contact@careerconnectors.org or 480-442-5806.

Vive luxury apartment community sold for $41.5 million

The 194-unit Vive luxury apartment community in Chandler has been sold to Olympus Property for $41.5 million, according to Institutional Property Advisors, a division of Marcus & Millichap specializing in serving institutional and major private real estate investors.

Steve Gebing, a senior director at IPA, and Cliff David, a senior director of Marcus & Millichap’s National Multi Housing Group in Phoenix, represented the seller and procured the buyer.

Located 1901 W. Germann Rd., Vive is near the Price Road Corridor, which is home to more than 32,000 employees. The average annual household income within a one-mile radius is $109,000.

“Vive is an ultra-luxurious, Class ‘AA’ apartment community with sophisticated,

best-in-class amenities,” said Steve Gebing, a senior director at IPA.

“Completed in 2014 by P.B. Bell, one of Arizona’s most renowned and celebrated developers, the property is a superior destination for luxurious apartment living in the Price Corridor of Chandler, an evergrowing tech oasis of the Silicon Desert.” Vive’s apartment homes feature 9-foot ceilings, oversized cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplashes, breakfast bars, and private laundry areas with full-size washers and dryers. Community amenities include a luminous swimming pool and spa, a 24-hour fitness facility, a cinema room with surround sound, outdoor fireplaces with conversation seating, 24-hour controlledaccess gated entry and a private clubhouse. Info: www.ipausa.com.

Olympus

Chamber events feature lunches, meetings for members

Throughout the year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, unless otherwise noted. To register, call 480-963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of the event.

Legislative Breakfast

8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7

Founded in 1999, EVCCA is comprised of nine local chambers: Apache Junction, Carefree/Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe. Members from all these chapters will gather to provide coordination in the advancement of common business interests. RSVP to Stephanie at sellis@scottsdalechamber.com. Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale.

Chamber 101

7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8

Bring business cards and brochures to share while networking during breakfast with other members. Sponsored by Magic Touch Carpet Cleaning. Immediately following is Chamber 202 Technology Tune Up, a detailed walk through the Chamber’s Member Information Center login area covering profile updates, events creation and registration, hot deals, job postings,

managing directory listing, mobile application management and a Q&A.

Wrapping Gifts

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than by volunteering with YES to make it a happy holiday for others by wrapping gifts? Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant will be donating food. Don’t forget wrapping paper and to dress for the holidays. Sponsored by PricemyAC. com, PRS Property Management and SoHo63.

Chandler Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley – Compadre Branch, 300 E. Chandler Blvd.

Wake Up Chandler

7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14

Start off the morning by networking with other businesses and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about your business. Enjoy the food and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your business. Door Prizes are welcome. Don’t forget your holiday hat. Sponsored by Autopro Collision Center Inc.

SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd.

Business After Business

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

Meet new Chamber members, make business contacts and get a chance to win the Chamber Cash Pot sponsored by Earnhardt Chevrolet. Don’t forget

your ugly holiday sweater. Sponsored by Arizona Pest Prevention.

AMF Chandler Lanes, 1900 N. Arizona Ave.

Lunch Club

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19

Network and promote your business while having a meal at a hometown restaurant. Sponsored by Bell Mortgage. Hangar 9 Bar & Grille, 980 E. Pecos Rd. Suite 5.

Meet the Elected Officials Legislative Breakfast

7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6

Meet the 2017 Arizona state legislators, federal, local and school board officials. The 2017 “How We Stand” document, which depicts legislative agendas and priorities for the coming year, will also be released.

Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd.

Better than Black Friday: Holiday deals from Natural Grocers

Natural Grocers has announced holiday deals at all its locations, Saturday, Dec. 10, through Wednesday, Dec. 21. They are:

• Dec 10: Horizon Organic Butters, $3.79/lb. (regular price $5.99)

• Dec 11: Soothing Touch Lavender Salt Scrub, $4.59/20 oz. (regular price $8.49)

• Soothing Touch Eucalyptus Bath Salts, $6.79/32 oz. (regular price $12.39)

• Dec 12 : Light My Fire Plastic Spork, $1.49 each (regular price $1.99)

• Light My Fire Titanium Spork, $9.99 each (regular price $10.99)

• Dec 13: Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Ultimate Care, $26.99 30 veg. (regular price $39.45)

• Dec 14: Organic Prairie Organic Summer Sausages, $4.99 12 oz. (regular price $9.75)

• Dec 15: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, $3.99 32 oz. (regular price $5.89)

• Dec 16: NO W Diffusers, $19.99 - $35.99 each (regular price $24.29 - $44.99)

• Dec 17: NOW GABA, 750 mg. $8.39 100 veg. (regular price $12.69)

• Dec 18: Wild Planet Wild S ardines, two for $3 4.372 oz. (regular price $2.49 each)

• Dec 19: Aura Cacia Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, $4.99 .5 oz. (regular price $6.99)

• Aura Cacia Bergamot Essential Oil, $8.99 .5 oz. (regular price $12.59)

• Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil, $6.99 .5 oz. (regular price $10.49)

• Dec 20: C ountry Life Stress Shield, $10.49 60 veg. (regular price $15.99)

• Dec 21: Chocolove Chocolate Bars, select items two for $3 (regular price 2.49 each)

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. is a specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. Info: naturalgrocers.com.

Rotary’s golf tourney to benefit local charities

Chandler Rotary Club is hosting its seventh annual Chandler Rotary Golf Classic Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.

The price is $125 per golfer and it includes green fee, rang balls, cart, snack, awards dinner and opportunities to win raffle prizes.

The event benefits Wings for Warriors,

UPGRADE TO A SMART

the Chandler High School JROTC and educational scholarships. Check in is at 10:30 a.m., with the skills contest following from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The golf classic shotgun begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call Kevin Dempsey at 480-216-2849, email www. chandler.rotary.golf@gmail.com or visit chandler-rotary.org/golf.

Arizona Soccer Club focuses on player development—on and off the field

BY ALISON STANTON

As executive director with Arizona Soccer Club United LLC, Christopher Behler finds it gratifying to see young and inexperienced players blossom into confident athletes.

“I really enjoying watching a young child or young adult develop on the field, growing from a recreational level player to one of the top performers at the elite level,” he said.

“But I also enjoy watching them develop traits off the field that will help them through their entire life—for example, leadership, time management, social skills, good work ethics and habits, individuality, team work and confidence.”

Behler said young soccer players will find plenty of opportunities to develop these skills through Arizona Soccer Club (AZSC), as well as learn a sport they can play well into adulthood.

“Soccer is a sport you can play your

entire life at any level and one which helps you develop physical and mental wellness. Basically, it is a way to stay fit and in shape and any age,” he said.

Since AZSC’s inaugural recreational season in spring 2002 and the first competitive season in fall 2003, Behler said they have strived to provide a variety of options for soccer enthusiasts.

“We offer recreational soccer for those who love to play the game and learn from our volunteer coaches,” Behler said.

The recreational soccer programs run from youth to junior high, or ages 4 to 13.

“We offer an Academy program for younger players ages 6 to 10 wanting to enter into the competitive side of soccer and we also offer competitive travel club program for 11 through 18 for both boys and girls.”

No matter which program a child or teen signs up for, he or she will have plenty of opportunities to improve.

“We assist our recreational volunteer coaches with our Thunder pro coaches to assist in the development of the player at any level,” Behler said.

“On the competitive side, we focus on playing a possession style across all three areas of the field which helps with possession to scoring. We focus on the continuous growth of a player over just winning.”

A key feature of AZSC that helps set it apart from other programs, Behler said, is the club’s partnership with the German sports club FC Bayern Munich.

“We are using their youth development curriculum in our player development,” Behler said.

AZSC is the only club in the state with this partnership.

“We have also been asked by them to help identify players in the state and get them in front of the coaching staff from FC Bayern Munich.”

The partnership with FC Bayern Munich has been even more involved and positive than anyone had expected, Behler said.

“It has given us the ability to raise our level through collaboration and monthly conference calls as well as sending coaches over to Germany to spend time learning directly on the field with the FC Bayern Munich staff.”

Behler said he is pleased to know he is part of a program that helps kids succeed both now and in the future.

“The best for me is the result in seeing our players go to college and get a good education on their way to being successful in life and I am just glad that we can help along the way,” he said.

Arizona Soccer Club is located at 2305 E. Knox Rd., Suite 101 in Gilbert. For more information, call 480-332-4716 or visit arizonasoccerclub.com.

‘The SnowCat’ encourages youngsters to explore music and reading

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

A protégé of legendary trumpeter and flugelhornist Art Farmer, musician Dmitri Matheny said it’s important to persuade youngsters to listen to jazz. If he hadn’t indulged as a kid, he may not have moved on to be dubbed “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players” or “unquestionably a master.”

A former Chandler resident, Matheny is doing his part with “The SnowCat,” a heartwarming tale of a little girl’s search for her wandering white cat on a chilly afternoon. Each year, the musician and his friends bring “The SnowCat” to life in a series of performances for families, including 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Chandler Center for the Arts.

“We used to do shows every Christmas, where we would take a children’s story like ‘Santa Claus’ or ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ or ‘The Grinch’ and set it to music,” Matheny said. “We did these in San Francisco just about every year for 10 years. They were pretty popular among kids and grandparents.”

But when lawyers asked him to license the characters, he created an original story.

“The SnowCat is based on an ancient Japanese parable about an ox herder, a little boy who goes looking for his lost ox,” said Matheny, who changed the story to a little girl and a cat.

The show explores a wide range of genres, including reggae, jazz, hip hop, funk and calypso.

“It’s really lively,” he said. “We’re able to keep the attention of the little kids.” There are coloring books and plush toys to enhance the experience. As vocalist Holly Pyle performs the songs, images and

text from the book are being projected on the wall behind the musicians.

“It encourages literacy,” Matheny said.

“Parents can read along with kids. While we’re performing, some of the people are sitting like a typical audience. Some are dancing, though, and some are lying on the stage around us, coloring. It’s a wild time, man.”

Born on Dec. 25, 1965, in Nashville,

Matheny was raised in Georgia before his family moved to Tucson, where his father took a job as a teacher.

Attracted to his father’s collection of jazz and classical LP records, Matheny began piano lessons at age 5 and switched to the trumpet at age 9. While in his teens, he fell in love with the flugelhorn and left home to attend Michigan’s prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy and

Jazz artist returns for concerts Dec. 10-19

Jazz flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny is also performing at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at Chandler Art Walk.

A former Chandler resident, Matheny will perform seven additional Arizona WinterFest concerts through Dec. 19 at various venues across the state, including those in Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale and Tucson.

Acclaimed for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, Matheny has been called “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” by the International Review of Music. An honor graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, he

came onto the jazz scene in the 1990s as the protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer. Since then, he has released 11 CDs and toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. The San Francisco Chronicle calls Matheny “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players.” Info: dmitrimatheny.com.

then Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

After private studies with Carmine Caruso in New York City, Matheny became the protégé of Farmer, a formative relationship that lasted over a decade.

Matheny has more than 60 recordings in his discography.

“We’re able to do this for a living,” he said. “It’s nice to play music for people, travel around and make friends.”

IF YOU GO

What: Dmitri Matheny’s “The SnowCat”

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Cost: $8-10

Information: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

A former Chandler resident, Dmitri Matheny now lives in Washington.

Two teachers named Ambassadors for Excellence

BY MELINA ZUNIGA

Two Chandler Unified School District teachers were named 2017 ambassadors for excellence on behalf of the Arizona Educational Foundation.

Lori Lyford of Chandler High School, and Bogle Junior High School’s Jena Phillips were among the four Teacher of the Year finalists who were named Ambassadors for Excellence. They will serve as spokespersons for their profession, advocating for excellence in the classroom by making presentations statewide to education, civic, government and professional organizations.

“I was really surprised and delighted,” said Lyford, a Montana native who began teaching band and choir more than 39 years ago at age 22.

“I look forward to being an advocate for the arts in education,” Lyford added. She came to Arizona to become the director of The Scottsdale Chorus. She taught at Sanborn Elementary School for 15 years before her transition to CHS nine years ago.

Her co-workers at CHS nominated her for Teacher of the Year, and before she was ultimately named an Ambassador for Excellence.

“It was good for me to think of what’s important for good teaching and put it into words,” Lyford said. “I was honest—this is me and this is what is important to me.”

A science teacher at Bogle Junior High School, Phillips is touched by the prize.

“It’s humbling because there are a lot of teachers out there that do a lot in the

class,” Phillips said.

She worked with kindergarten students for five years but realized her passion was teaching more content, and transitioned to upper elementary and, subsequently, junior high.

The AEF is the only program in Arizona to name a statewide teacher of the year among the states kindergarten through 12th grade public school teachers.

To be considered for the award, teachers must submit a written application that is reviewed by a panel of educators and members of the business community.

In addition to the recognition of the educational community in Arizona, all ambassadors for excellence will serve with the AEF Teacher of the Year, Michelle Doherty, as spokespersons for their profession and advocating excellence in the classroom by making presentations statewide to educational, civic, government and professional organizations.

“I love being in my classroom and with my students so I won’t like being away from them, but I look forward to being an advocate and helping in any way to uplift and help the community,” Lyford said.

Phillips is also excited about mentoring other young professionals and helping them when they get stuck.

“I’m really excited to talk to people and young teachers and let them know what I do in the classroom,” Phillips said. “I will continue to make learning meaningful and fun for my students.”

Enjoy fall season at Chandler’s Community Nights

Chandler’s Community Center is hosting a holiday craft and cookie decorating event that offers families fun from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. Make it a night with family and friends centered on the Christmas holiday season. Crafts, holiday card making, cookie decorating and face painting will be enjoyed by children of all ages. The Chandler Teen Council will sell framed photos for $3 and Santa may show up. For more information about Community Nights in the Courtyard, call 480-782-2746 or visit chandleraz.gov/recreation.

Families invited to experience ‘Pop-Up Adventure Playground’

Families with children of all ages are invited to experience a unique, open-ended, play-based experience that allows children’s creativity and ingenuity to soar.

A “Pop-Up Adventure Playground” runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the campus of Summit School of Ahwatukee, near 46th street and Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee.

A Pop-Up Adventure Playground provides an extensive supply of “loose parts” which are materials that can be combined, moved, carried, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with no specific set of directions that can be used alone or combined with others like large boxes, cardboard tubes, fabric, yarn, rocks, sticks, boxes, tires, markers and tape. Children are invited to take home their creations.

This free community event is literally popping up all over the globe, Cairo, Shanghai, Mexico City, New York. The Dec. 3 event is the first in Phoenix, and will be provided for free through a partnership between Treasures4Teachers, Pop-Up Adventure Play and Summit School of Ahwatukee.

“These events are a fantastic way for people of all ages to come together,” said Morgan Leichter-Saxby, co-founder of Pop-Up Adventure Playground. “Play is so important for children’s growth and development and for their happiness. Popup adventure playgrounds are also a fun way to bridge our differences within the community and connect on a deep level, sending a clear message that you don’t need money to play.”

Andrea Benkel, the director of early childhood education, said the school is thrilled to work with Treasures4Teachers to host this experience.

“Loose Parts Play is the foundation for critical thinking and creativity and is the original Maker Space,” she said. “As a NAEYCaccredited preschool and an elementary and middle school devoted to teaching critical thinking skills for all students, we celebrate the ‘minimakers’ in all children and look forward to the engineers, scientists, artists, mathematicians and technology innovators that will have their visions come to life at this event.”

Leading the quest to provide this important play-based learning experience

for children in our community is Barbara Blalock, founder and executive director of Treasures 4 Teachers.

“Pop-Up Adventure Playgrounds are truly a gift for children and families,” she said. “We are on a mission to educate parents on the value of play; especially child directed play, using wonderful materials called “loose parts” which are materials that have no specific outcome other than to build on a child’s imagination.”

In 2004, Blalock witnessed a student having to use her shoe as collateral for a pencil, because the teacher didn’t have enough pencils. That day, she realized she needed to do something to help teachers who often don’t have even the basic supplies they need for their students. Armed with only her passion and her now-emptied Ahwatukee garage, she began Treasures 4 Teachers, a creative reuse center for teachers to get the supplies they need for free or at a low cost, so their students can be successful.

Always thinking big, Blalock was inaugural success was securing donations from Intel, Motorola, the NFL and Goodrich. Today a plethora of local business, schools and private donors keep a 12,000-square-foot facility filled in Tempe, serving thousands of teachers and students.

At Pop-Up Playgrounds, volunteers are called “Play Workers.” At the Dec. 3 event, volunteers will include Summit School students from Spanish Honors Society, National Junior Honors Society, eighth-grade ambassadors, and fifth graders who have applied and earned the designation of “self managers,” a leadership position earned by demonstrating strong abilities to independently and successfully manage activities and school. These Summit fifth graders will be entrepreneurs for the day, with the goal of organizing and building a profitable business to sell snacks at the event. Students will select a business name, procure a healthy food choice to sell, set price points, design signage, and create a work schedule. Their profits will be donated to a charity.

Summit School of Ahwatukee is located at 4515 E. Muirwood Dr., one block south of Chandler Boulevard, on the corner of 46th Street and Muirwood Drive. For more information, visit summitschoolaz.org/.

CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL

• Award-winning and recognized faculty in all curriculum areas Chandler High School IB Program Features:

• Advanced academic options in IB and AP

• Only school in AZ with all three secondary IB programs

• IB Middle Years Program (IB MYP) for 9th and 10th grade

• IB Diploma Program

• IB Career-Related Program: a STEM program that combines CTE and IB

• Over 40 Dual Enrollment courses

• Class of 2016 Seniors earned $37 million in scholarships

• Access to state-of-the-art technology facilities and athletic facilities

• State-champion athletic programs

• Over 80 clubs and activities

Graders interested in this exceptional educational opportunity should complete a student information sheet for the IB program at CHS at this site:

What’s all the buzz about learning and neuroplasticity?

BY CAROL ELIAS

NEW VISTAS CENTER FOR EDUCATION DIRECTOR

The term neuroplasticity was coined in the field of psychology in the late 1890s and later applied to the relatively new study of neuroscience or the study of the brain and nervous system.

Simply stated, neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change or adapt to changes in the environment. The neuroscience field took a giant leap through the late 20th century development of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), a type of imaging which enables scientists to physically visualize the adaptability of the human brain. This discovery radically changed the belief that the brain only develops during a critical period in early childhood and then remains essentially unchanged. Understanding that the brain’s development is not static but flexible has led to great strides in how to enhance learning in children.

Connecting mind, brain and education research to classroom practice

Children know that the brain is an organ and believe it to be a container for storing random information, memories and facts. Through the research of Stanford psychologist Carolyn Dweck, it was demonstrated that teaching students about how their brain works makes a big difference in how they’re able to deal with mistakes and setbacks.

Understanding that they are in control of their brain’s ability to grow new neural pathways inspires students to take appropriate action to rectify a mistake or deal with a setback. Teaching students about the malleability of the brain motivates them to persist beyond challenges and to reach for mastery.

Because children’s attitudes and behaviors regarding achievement and failure are already engrained by preschool age, Dweck sought strategies to encourage students to achieve beyond such roadblocks. She searched for strategies that teachers and parents could use to empower young brains to grow? Could such strategies be documented physically by means of fMRIs? The answer is a resounding “yes!”

The following are strategies Dweck discovered for enhancing learning:

• Repetition –The adage “use it or lose it” applies here! When a child stops practicing new things, the brain will physically prune away the connecting cells that formed a neural pathway. Because of this, New Vistas has introduced “The Elastic Brain” to our curriculum for preschool through middle school. The students learn that they are ultimately responsible for organizing, planning, prioritizing and goal-setting every day.

• Active Learning – Rather than allowing students to become passive recipients of information, we get students actively involved through physical and mental performance. Learning by doing is energizing, promotes persistence, enhances memory, makes information easier to retrieve and increases confidence.

• Images – The brain responds best to visual content because 80% to 90% of information absorbed is visual. One of the easiest ways to ensure that students store information in long-term memory is to pair concepts with meaningful images such as graphics, diagrams, videos, etc.

• Curiosity – A new study from the University of California, Davis, suggests that when our curiosity is piqued, changes in the brain prepare students to learn, not only about the subject at hand, but incidental information, too. When learners see something new their dopamine levels increase which stimulates expectation of reward. In addition, the researchers found that curious minds showed increased activity in the hippocampus part of the brain, which is involved in the creation of memories. The degree to which the hippocampus and reward pathways interact predicts an individual’s ability to remember.

• Automatic or nonconscious learning – This describes nonverbal communication which is fostered by a positive, nurturing learning environment. Students are taught to view mistakes as positive learning opportunities instead of failures. Explicitly teaching students about their “Fantastic Elastic Brain” can make a huge difference in the classroom. Teachers dispel the misconception that students are stuck where they are. Instead they are coached and encouraged through cognitive exercises such as, how to form organizational skills, presenting tricks for problem solving, and teaching steps for forming logical conclusions. These exercises help the student to push beyond frustration and to take responsibility for challenging themselves.

Intelligence is not fixed as we once thought. Rather it is forming and developing throughout our lives, based in part on our willingness to work hard to learn new information.

New Vistas Center for Education, named a Top Ten School by Johns Hopkins University CTY, and Top Science and Engineering School in Arizona by the likes of Intel and Helios, was founded in 1979. It is an accelerated, private pre-school through sixth grade located at 670 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 35, Chandler, AZ 85225.

The physics of flipping bottles

BY STORMY LIGHT

Toss, flip, smack!

The water bottle successfully hits the surface sitting upright and you smile with accomplishment. This craze has been going viral since high school student Mike Senatore performed it for a talent show and the audience went crazy. He flipped the bottle and it landed upright on the table.

He said he started practicing the trick when he was bored in his chemistry class and now it has become an internet sensation. However, when kids are flipping their water bottles at school, on the playground, or at home, many don’t realize the science and physics behind the skill.

The water battle-flipping addiction has spread all over the world with the help of a few tweets, posts and snaps. Experts behind this trick say water bottles with

Stormy’s Corner

an hourglass shape help to produce the best results. The difference in shape and weight allows for the water bottle to flip back upright. Angular momentum is generated from a flip of the wrist. This drives the water from one end of the bottle to the other, transferring the center of gravity.

Another key component is the perfect amount of water placed in the bottle. Too little water will make it spin too quickly and become unstable. When the water bottle spins through the air, the water will immediately go back to the lower and wider part of the bottle and in result, allow for a perfect 10-point landing.

Like an Olympic gymnast, the satisfaction behind nailing a perfect flip is what keeps kids hooked on the trend. Even though this new rage has brought up issues and been banned in some schools, the fascination behind the water bottle

challenge brings up an opportunity to learn more about the science and physics behind it. Knox Gifted Academy, for example, is challenging its students to come up with creative and inventive ways to incorporate this phenomenon into its science and math projects.

Many students in Arizona are definitely enthusiastic about the water bottleflipping fad. Connor Riordan, a student at Bogle Junior High School shares his opinion and states, “Kids are obsessed with flipping water bottles because they like the challenge and competition.” Overall, whether you are a water bottle flipping wizard or an amateur, everyone can learn to master this special skill.

Stormy Light is a 14-year old Hamilton High School student who writes an occasional column for the SanTan Sun News. She is best known for her column, The Science Stalker.

Bahama Buck’s calls Dec. 6 the coolest day of the year

Bahama Buck’s wants to celebrate this charitable season by giving a free 12 oz. Sno to each guest who visits Bahama Buck’s nationwide on Dec. 6.

Bahama Buck’s wants to highlight the spirit of the season and say thanks by giving back to the communities they so proudly serve.

“Sno-kidding! We want to bless the

communities we proudly serve with the Greatest Sno on Earth,” said Blake Buchanan, founder and president of Bahama Buck’s Franchise Corp. “We are excited to enter into this Christmas season by blessing those we consider family—our guests. It’s a day we look forward to all year.”

The local Bahama Buck’s is located at

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

Why do some people never experience a headache while you seem to suffer almost daily headaches or migraines? Can you imagine a world where you are pain-free, each day?

Suzy was a hard working professional. She worked for an engineering firm in Phoenix and was a single mother of two older and bright children. Ever since she was a child she looked at life positively. However, over the past few years, she began to experience excruciating headaches almost daily. Some days, her head would hurt so badly, all she could do was just get by at her job, go home and shut herself in her room with the lights out. Most nights she couldn’t help her kids with their homework. Her oldest was a great baseball player and she had to miss many games due to her migraines.

Suzy felt like she wasn’t the mom she had the potential she could be. She knew she could do better. She should be there for her kids more often. But she just couldn’t function after work as her headaches came so regularly. She steadily become more despondent and depressed. Suzy felt like she had tried everything to rid herself of headaches. She spoke with her physician about them and was given some prescription medications. But they were expensive and just masked the

4040 S. Arizona Ave. The freebies will be doled out from noon to 9 p.m. The owners are Allan and Colleen Bennet, and the store is managed by Ryan Crouch-Moyzes. Call 480-219-5899 for more information.

Bahama Buck’s is a tropical dessert franchise featuring the “Greatest Sno on Earth,” as well as its fresh-blended tropical island smoothies. Founded in

problem. She was referred to a neurologist who took scans of her head and presented her with some possible surgical options. However, the risks and costs involved with surgery were just too much for her. She was stuck and the depression hit her hard that this may be the thorn in her side for the rest of her life.

One weekend she was talking to her friend who mentioned that an office in Chandler might have something to help her with her migraines. Surprisingly, she found that Dr. Tom Chamberlain of Chamberlain Orthodontics, had developed a rehabilitative approach to alleviating headaches for good, without the use of surgery, injections or medications. She was skeptical but decided to contact Dr. Chamberlain and his team.

1990, Bahama Buck’s is dedicated to creating the “Ultimate Tropical Dessert Experience” for each guest. Its innovative approach to the dessert industry offers guests a flavorful taste of paradise in an island-inspired atmosphere. Visit www. bahamabucks.com for more information and connect with Bahama Buck’s Chandler at facebook.com/BBAZ1114.

that filled her and the hope she felt was immense and overpowering.

When she met with Dr. Chamberlain, she felt so at ease in his office. Everyone was accommodating and positive. She just felt like part of a happy family. Everything that she had heard about Dr. Chamberlain’s treatment philosophy was as it was described to her. Might she finally have the hope of conquering her headaches once and for all? The relief

Over the course of 12 weeks, Suzy made short visits to the office, usually before and after work. She made friends with Dr. Chamberlain and his staff. From the very beginning she could feel a difference in her pain level with the treatment. Before she could even believe it, her pain had disappeared! It was like she was a new woman. She was able to spend the quality time with her kids, she was able to finally exercise after work. At last, Suzy felt like she had control of her life. Is it time YOU removed headaches from your life or the life of your loved ones? Dr. Chamberlain has limited openings for this breakthrough treatment. If you suffer from headaches, jaw pain, migraines, tinnitus or TMJ pain, call today to see how you can rid yourself of these problems beginning today. To see if you qualify for this life-changing therapy, a diagnostic exam will first be performed. A thorough diagnostic assessment fee is usually $450.00. If you call and mention Suzy’s story, you can receive the assessment for only $200.00. You owe it to yourself to live pain free...headache free. CALL NOW!

Dr. Thomas Chamberlain

High school student Mike Senatore’s bottleflipping talent has gone viral.

Student chronicles

Savannah Haslam of Chandler is one of more than 6,300 newly enrolled students comprising the Kent State University Class of 2020. Kent State University continues to set records and reach its enrollment goals. Total enrollment for the 2016 Fall Semester across the university’s eight campuses is 40,782 students. The unduplicated headcount for the Regional Campuses is 11,677 students, and 29,105 students at the Kent Campus. This marks the 10th consecutive year of strong enrollment on the Kent Campus. Retention of Kent Campus freshmen is also the highest in the university’s 106-year history at a record of more than 82%. This represents the percentage of freshmen that continue their studies at the university for their sophomore year. For more information about Kent State, visit kent.edu.

Lilian Michelle Engel of Chandler was recently awarded a Study Abroad Grant worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Engel is one of 26 students nationwide to receive the award. A junior majoring in biosystems engineering and mathematics at University of Arizona, Engel will use the grant to study abroad at University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields. Since the program’s inception in 2001, the society has awarded more than $775,000 in Study Abroad Grants.

‘Family Flicks’ event announced

Gather the family, a blanket and some holiday spirit for downtown Chandler’s “Family Flicks” on Thursday, Dec. 22.

This free event will feature a screening of “Elf,” along with snow, a Santa visit with complimentary photography, free hot cocoa, popcorn for purchase and a chance to interact

with some of Santa’s elves.

Immediately preceding the event is the Chandler Farmers Market in the same location, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park west, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This market will host additional craft vendors to purchase last-minute holiday gifts and the usual weekly local vendors.

“We’re excited to bring this new

Chandler school wins D-backs School Challenge

Kyrene de las Brisas has won a grant for its Books for Background Knowledge program through the Arizona Diamondbacks’ D-backs $100,000 School Challenge.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation gave funds to 22 schools in the challenge, presented by University of Phoenix. With more than 200 submissions from Arizona schools, the winning grants come from all around the state and will fund projects ranging in need from school improvements to innovative educational programs. Through the School Challenge program, the D-backs have provided more than 140 schools with grants for an overall monetary commitment of more than $750,000 since the program launched in 2012.

Winning schools will use the grant money to satisfy an array of needs, ranging from a fitness trail to new musical instruments and a preserve greenhouse to a peer mentor character-building program. Each winning school will be

event to downtown Chandler,” said Deanne Fenton, event coordinator at Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.

“We’re hoping this free-to-attend event will help the community to get in the holiday spirit and help the classic conundrum of finding something fun and inexpensive to do when the kids

honored and receive a check on the field at a 2017 D-backs game in April and May at Chase Field. The D-backs will donate more than 400 tickets for students, parents, teachers and staff from each school to attend the D-backs’ game in which their school will be honored.

Submissions from teachers and faculty came from 10 counties in the state and 40 cities. All public, private and nonprofit charter schools, Grades K-12 were eligible and the winning schools sought to bring in funds to assist in one of four categories: educational programs, innovation and technology, nutrition and fitness and school/campus improvements.

The $100,000 School Challenge is part of the organization’s overall charitable efforts and this year the team and its charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, surpassed $49 million in combined donations since their inception in 1998.

are off school and family is visiting. Plus, who can resist an event with snow in Central Arizona?”

“Family Flicks” starts at 6 p.m., with the movie to follow at 6:30 p.m. Sponsors for the event include Marx Pro Productions and Murphy’s Law Irish Pub. For more information, visit downtownchandler.org.

Dr. Shadow Asgari, DDS, MS Dr. Samantha Vu, DMD, MS

Chandler Unified School District news

CTA FREEDOM

6040 S. Joslyn Ln., Gilbert 85298

480-224-2600

mychandlerschools.org/domain/1152

Mrs. Colella’s first-grade class at CTA Freedom finishes its Junior Achievement lessons with students designing their own bakery before receiving their completion certificates from Junior Achievement volunteer Nicole Rocheleau.

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement’s programs—in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy—ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

—Amie Chombah

WEINBERG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

5245 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert 85298

480-812-7500

cusd80.com/domain/4099

Weinberg has had a busy time leading up to the holidays. Shannon Messenger visited the school to discuss her book and sign autographs. Child’s Play performed “Rock the Presidents” for second- and fifth-grade classes. It was a fun-filled musical performance, packed with loads of presidential facts. Margaret Perea was named Teacher of the Month. The fifth-grade class is wrapping up its Native American unit by creating its own museum. Students created posters sharing information on Native Americans.

—Laura Thornburg

TARWATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2300 S. Gardner Dr. Chandler 85286

480-883-4300

mychandlerschools.org/tarwater

Successful fall festival

The Fall Festival was a huge success. The day started with family pumpkin carving. Then, the campus was transformed into an autumn

wonderland for neighbors and students to enjoy. The festival featured music, bounce houses, food, games and shopping. The Toro pumpkin display lined the campus. Thank you, staff, PTO and family volunteers for collaborating your time and effort for our community event.

Let’s go China!

The Kindergarten Mandarin team, Jamie Ezolt, Anne Jones and Ying Shao, wrote a grant entitled “Let’s Go China!” They were awarded $750 from the Chandler Education Foundation (CEF). The funds will be used to purchase Mandarin costumes, games and books for the Tarwater library. Kids can learn Mandarin easily at a young age. Thank you to parents who donated to the CEF and we appreciate the organization for supporting our project.

Girls’ STEM Club

Who says girls don’t like science? Recently, Tarwater started its first Girls’ STEM Club! The club, facilitated by fifth-grade teacher Terri Schilling, meets after school each Thursday to explore and delve into different science and engineering activities. The girls are learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. On Feb. 18, the club will participate in the Arizona SciTech Chandler Science Spectacular, representing Tarwater with several interactive demonstrations for attendees.

Running Club

The new Tarwater Running Club started recently. We have 232 members signed up. The runners will practice once a week this year. Starting in January they will practice Tuesdays and Thursdays. Race days are in January and February.

Jingle Jog

The Tarwater annual Jingle Jog is on Friday, Dec. 16. The course is about a mile for grades K to second grade, and a mile and a half for third through sixth grades. Each grade level will be assigned a holiday color to wear. We can’t wait to color the neighborhood with our holiday runners!

• 4 to 24 Hour Care

• Specializing in Care for Elderly and Special Care Needs

602-303-3335

602-577-1103

info@scarletthomecare.com

• Privately Owned and Operated

• Private Caregiving

Contact Us Now

For More Information Or to Schedule a Complementary Assessment

Calendar

Dec. 12 – 6:30 p.m. chorus concert

Dec. 15 – 6:30 p.m. kindergarten holiday program

Dec. 16 – Jingle Jog and Giving Tree Program

—JoAnne Cawley

Christopher Cawley and his father, Chris Cawley, carve pumpkins during the annual Fall Festival

Stella Corley is studying Mandarin.

Lucas Hsu is a Mandarin immersion student.

The Kindergarten Mandarin Grant Submission team is, from left, Jamie Ezolt, Anne Jones and Ying Shao.

Melena Morales, Macy Rolf, Cali Shields and Bridget Graves work on a science project.

Rock the Block

The seventh annual Achen-Gardner Construction Rock the Block! returned to downtown Chandler Saturday, Nov. 19, with more than 18,000 attendees. The annual block party, which was organized by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations, featured live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone, vendors, local restaurants and food trucks, as well as a family-friendly beer garden. STSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo

RJ Fair jumped as high as he could. Enzo Zurn had fun on the mechanical bull.

All ages tried to win a stuffed prize. Demi Connolly tries to jump high. Rhythm Edition performed with the Coyotes mascot.

Kids were excited to jump in the bounce houses. Enzo Zurn stays on the mechanical bull.

There were many different options for food and snacks.

Colton Jamer played BearPong to win a prize.Losers Way Home performed for the audience. Kids raced in the inflatable ball.

Community Commentaries

Ensuring readiness for college and career begins in early childhood

BY MARIE RAYMOND

In the wake of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we can begin building in our young children an appreciation of our nation’s veterans and their service to our country.

In addition to modeling to young children how to show gratitude to veterans for their service, families of young children can play a crucial role in the future of our nation’s military.

According to a national organization made of retired top military leaders, 71% of today’s young adults cannot join the military due to problems including education, obesity, crime and drug abuse.

Mission:

Arizona’s young kids be ready for success in kindergarten and beyond through high quality early childhood experiences.

Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops before age 5. Critical skills like motivation, self-discipline, focus and self-esteem begin to take root from birth. Ensuring that children have highquality experiences during these critical early years has tremendous impact on kids and their communities.

“Children who are prepared for kindergarten are more likely to do well in school and graduate from high school.

Readiness is comprised of more than 600 retired admirals, generals and top military leaders who advocate for high-quality early childhood experiences, including parent coaching and early education, to build a foundation for long-term success.

The nonpartisan organization Council for a Strong America recently released a Citizen-Readiness Index that graded states on whether their young adults possess the necessary skills to contribute to a strong citizenry. Arizona earned a “D” based on the large number of young adults who are unprepared for the workforce, involved in crime, or unqualified for the military.

Ensuring readiness for college and career begins in early childhood. First Things First is doing its part to help

Army veteran Alan Blume of Ahwatukee said he witnessed today’s military young adults decline in communication skills, physical fitness, respect and discipline.

“As a noncommissioned officer, I observed mission readiness become affected by the shortcoming in recruitment of qualified personnel,” Blume said. “I feel this is a direct relation to one’s upbringing and early childhood education experience.”

The father of three, including two young kids under age 5, said parents have the power to enhance their children’s lives significantly by providing for them at an early age.

“Our youth’s mission readiness is critical to our national security,” Blume said.

Children who are prepared for kindergarten are more likely to do well in school and graduate from high school. As adults, they tend to be healthier and earn more. They also are less likely to become

part of the criminal justice system or the welfare system.

These are all things that retired generals and admirals point to as strengthening national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit and stay out of trouble.

It is crucial young kids receive support from family and their community, so whether you have a child 5 and younger in your life or not, investing time, energy and resources in helping kids arrive at kindergarten prepared to be successful is not only right, it’s smart. Here are just a few ways that we can make a difference in their future—and ours.

Spend time with young children: Talk, play, sing and read with the young kids in your life every chance you get.

Work with young kids: Not interested in early childhood as a career?

Consider volunteering with community organizations that work with children 5 and younger and their families.

Be a voice for children: Help build awareness of the importance of early childhood and what can be done to promote school readiness for all children. Visit azftf.gov/take-action to learn more and share early childhood information with your personal and professional contacts.

Marie Raymond is the chairwoman of the First Things First East Maricopa Regional Council, which includes Ahwatukee, Tempe, Chandler and Guadalupe. First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Funding decisions are made by volunteers. Information: firstthingsfirst.org.

Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments? We’d like to hear from you. Email us at News@SanTanSun.com.

Share your opinion with SanTan Sun News!

We know you have an opinion! Share it with the SanTan Sun News. Please keep your Letters to the Editor around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, community or development name in Southern Chandler

(Cooper Commons, Ocotillo, Sun Groves, etc.) or ZIP code and daytime phone number for verification. Anonymous letters are not typically accepted. Email is the preferred submission method, to Letters@SanTanSun.com.

All submitted Letters to the Editor and Community Commentaries become the property of the SanTan Sun News and may be reprinted in part, quoting the letters’ authors, or in their entirety. Your submission to the SanTan Sun News is considered

your permission to print your written opinion. Opinions expressed in Community Commentaries, Letters to the Editor or cartoons are those of the author, and not that of the SanTan Sun News.

Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments? We’d like to hear from you. Email us at News@SanTanSun.com.

mailing address: PO Box 23 Chandler, AZ 85244-0023

telephone:

480-348-0343

fax:

480-883-8714 ©2016

For News Tips, Editorial Articles, Opinion or Classifieds, email is preferred.

news email address: news@santansun.com

ads email address: ads@santansun.com

website address: www.santansun.com

Deadline

Editorial and Advertising

Noon Thursday, Dec. 8, for the Saturday, Dec. 17, issue

35,000

Total Circulation

27,250+ Driveways

Fifty square-mile coverage area from Price/101 to Greenfield and from Frye to Hunt Highway.

publisher Steve T. Strickbine

publisher emeritus Laurie Fagen

account

website

executive

managing

n-ergizing

SanTan Sun News

WINTER 2016

Surviving Santa Claus Tips to ease kids’ fears

BY MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA

If you’re planning on bringing your children to meet Santa this holiday season, be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly. Before you go, here are a few simple and effective tips that can help reduce your child’s fears, alleviate anxiety and ensure a positive and memorable experience for the entire family.

Recognize hesitation

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that children might be fearful of the big man in the red suit. Starting as early as 8 months, kids can begin to experience stranger anxiety.

can be overwhelming for a young child.

“This is probably all new in their world,” Murphy said. “Have empathy, be gentle and act calm.”

A little planning goes a long way

While experts agree that parents shouldn’t force a child to visit with Santa, there are ways to ease those fears in advance.

“Set your child up for success,” Murphy said. “Talk about Santa, read books or watch movies together to familiarize kids and explain that he’s really friendly.”

morning or following an afternoon nap.

“Get kids excited and keep them engaged,” Murphy added. “This helps minimize fear.”

Final attempt

If a child has trepidation, parents should casually interact with Santa. Start by making introductions, have a short conversation and share a few fun facts about the child and family.

If all attempts fail, it’s time to accept your child’s decision and move on.

“Don’t force it,” Murphy said. “Kids have a natural set of boundaries that parents should realize and recognize.”

“This is very typical and completely normal,” said Sophia Murphy, DBH, LPC, an emotional wellness supervisor at Bayless Healthcare Group. “You want your kids to have some hesitation towards strangers and be protective of their body and personal space.”

Not only does Santa look and sound different, but the crowds, lights and music

Santa visits

Chandler Fashion Center

Santa will be available for photos at visits at his headquarters presented by HGTV, located in the Macy’s court. Reservations are available, but not required. Santa will visit through Christmas Eve. Photos start at $34.99. For more information, visit shopchandlerfashioncenter.com.

Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa

Take a second away from the season’s hustle and bustle and make long-lasting holiday memories during the Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa’s Breakfast with Santa extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Make snow angels, throw snowballs and participate in traditional holiday activities while receiving the opportunity to snap a photo with the great St. Nicholas. Bring family and friends and enjoy a day full of

Take a stroll by Santa’s workshop before your visit and let your child watch his interactions with older children to reinforce that the North Pole is fun and safe.

While in line, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and activities such as games and coloring books to keep little ones entertained. Depending on schedules, plan a visit at a time that’s most effective for the child, whether that’s first thing in the

Experts say that most children will eventually outgrow their fears by age 7 and by that point, most will stop believing in Santa within a few years.

“Kids are curious and will ask questions,” Murphy said. “Don’t get caught up in the details about whether Santa is real or not and just focus on keeping the magic alive.”

holiday tradition and fun for members ($20 plus $15 per additional child), single/couple members ($22 plus $18 per additional child) and nonmembers ($25 plus $20 per additional child).

The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd. in Chandler. For more information, visit villageclubs.com.

Dr. AJ Chandler Park

Visit Santa’s House from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 3; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 . The Chandler Lions Club is sponsoring Santa’s House with free pictures with the big guy for the community to come and enjoy. Dr. AJ Chandler Park is located at 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. For more information about the free event, visit chandleraz.gov.

Squaw Peak Resort

Take a break from long lines and enjoy a relaxing breakfast with Santa at Rico’s American Grill at the family-friendly Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, being held Dec. 17, Dec. 18 and Dec. 24.

Children who attend the annual event will be greeted by Mrs. Claus and seated for breakfast before Santa magically appears and stops at each table for a personal visit. The buffet includes traditional and seasonal favorites and even a special kids buffet. Cookie decorating, story time and photos with Santa are included.

Three seating times at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon are available. Reservations are strongly recommended. Cost is $31.95 per adult and $19.99 for kids 10 and younger. For more information, call 602-997-5850 or visit squawpeakhilton.com.

Take a stroll by Santa’s workshop before your visit and let your child watch his interactions with older children to reinforce that the North Pole is fun and safe.

DECEMBER 2016

Precision Air & Heating announces college scholarship

Family-owned Precision Air & heating is offering an annual $1,000 scholarship award for students enrolled full time in an accredited college or university, according to CEO Erik Bryan. Applications for the scholarship are being taken now through April 30, 2017. The Precision Air & Heating Academic Scholarship is open to students from all areas of academic study, but the company is especially encouraging students interested in a career in any area of business to submit an essay. It is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants are asked to write a 500- to 800-word word essay on the following topic: What do you believe are some of the most important advancements in how small businesses can thrive and survive in a competitive landscape against the

larger corporations?

Entries should be emailed to scholarships@602fixmyac.com and use subject line “Scholarship Submission.” Applications must also include their name, address, e-mail address and phone number.

Attach essay as a Microsoft Word document or PDF. Include recent school transcript and proof of enrollment.

Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited college or university. The Precision Air & Heating Scholarship panel will choose the best essay and issue an award check to the winner.

Full details about the Precision Air & Heating Scholarship are available at https://www.precisionairandheating. com/scholarships/.

Music Maker Workshops set for winter break

Music Maker Workshops of Ahwatukee has scheduled its Morning Music Camp from 9 a.m. to noon during the Chandler Unified School District’s winter break, Monday, Dec. 19, to Thursday, Dec. 22.

The classes are open to children ages 5 to 12.

The Morning Music Camp provides opportunities for expression, enjoyment and interaction with teachers who love music and art. Students will have a chance to play three instruments each day. They can choose from piano, violin, voice, drums, guitar and beginner recorder. If the recorder is chosen, kids should bring a personal recorder or purchase one at the studio for $5.

On the final day at 11:30 a.m., students will perform a group song to show what

they have learned. There is also the Afternoon Art Camp from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. to make holiday gifts. Students will be inspired to draw and paint things they love while learning the elements of art. A variety of media will be used for maximum fun and creativity such as drawing, painting, printmaking, clay or collage. Theory and technique are woven into class through fun art projects.

Music Maker Workshops, owned by 15-year Cooper Commons resident Shelley Yakubow, is located at 3233 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2, Phoenix. It’s at the southeast corner of Chandler Boulevard and 32nd Street. For more information, call 480-706-1224 or visit musicmakerworkshops.com.

Tumbleweed Tots

Tumbleweed

Tumbleweed Tots

Hanukkah!

3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

Arizona Railway Museum, noon to 4 p.m. Visit Chandler’s railway museum at Tumbleweed Park. The Arizona Railway Museum was founded and incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit, educational and historical organization. The museum is dedicated to the railways of Arizona and the Southwest. The interest and fascination of railways and trains has no boundaries and so railways of all kinds are included in the scope of the Museum. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler. Display yard and building free; display cars $2 per person or $5 per family/group. For information, call Tim at 480-833-4353 or Bart Barton at 480-831-6520, azrymuseum.org.

3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30

ImprovMANIA, 7 p.m. Join ImprovMANIA every Friday and Saturday night for a family-friendly comedy show. ImprovMANIA’s improv comedy shows are fast-paced, live comedy shows made up on the spot based on audience suggestions like the show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Prepare for a night of laughter in downtown Chandler. ImprovMANIA, 250 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $10. 480-699-4598, improvmania.net.

3 Monthly Family Bird Walks, 8 a.m. to noon. Desert Rivers Audubon leads free guided birdwatching tours through Veterans Oasis Park the first Saturday of every month from November-April. One-hour walks begin every 30 minutes. Be prepared for the outdoors! Sun protection, closed-toe footwear, and ample drinking water are highly recommended. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-7822889, chandleraz.gov/eec

3, 8, 10, 17

Santa’s House, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 3; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8; and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. The Chandler Lions Club is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International by giving back to the community. The Chandler Lions Club is sponsoring Santa’s House with free pictures with Santa for the community to come and enjoy. In addition, the Chandler Lions Club will be giving back to the community this holiday season with canned food, eyeglasses and hearing aids donation drives and activities for the families. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.

3 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join and celebrate a unique Southwestern tradition that draws visitors from far and wide during the holidays. The community festival also includes the beautiful Parade of Lights. This year marks the 60th Tumbleweed Tree built in Downtown Chandler. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30

Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/ guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 fee. 480-7822900, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

6, 13

Lego Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come meet new friends and have fun building with Lego. Lego supplied, imagination required. No registration required. Lego Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Sunset

Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org.

6, 13, 20

STEAM Club, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come to the Chandler Library STEAM Club and have fun every Tuesday with science, technology, engineering, art and math. Play games, dig up dinos, weird science, fun crafts, Lego cars and more. Win prizes just for showing up! Ages 6-11. STEAM Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Downtown Library Copper Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. 480782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org.

6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/ guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. 480-782-2900, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

7 Christmas Cookies and Cocoa, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come make Christmas cookies and drink hot chocolate at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. This one-day class will keep your kids in the holiday spirit. Crafts and treats galore over this two-hour extravaganza. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 registration fee and a $10 supply fee. 480-782-2908, chandleraz.gov/registration.

7, 10, 14, 17

Ecofriendly Christmas Ornament Workshop, Times vary. This is a fun crafty workshop where students will get to make an eco-friendly ornament out of various recycled materials to be displayed for the Holidays. We will have all the supplies ready to go all that is needed is some creativity! Each session will feature a different ornament to add to the collection. Environmental Education Center Coyote Room, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. 480-7822889, www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

8, 15, 22

Chandler Farmers Market, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market offers fresh local produce, prepared goods, desserts and some crafts on select days. All items are grown in Arizona or are home-made from local vendors. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. chandlerfarmersmarket.com.

8, 9

Family Night at the TRC – Polar Express, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. This month, take a page from Tumbleweed Recreation Center’s book as they bring the beloved holiday story of Polar Express to life. Come dressed in your PJs and enjoy an evening of storytelling, crafts and hot chocolate. Children will receive their first gift of the season from Santa Claus. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, 480-7822908. chandleraz.gov/registration.

8, 15, 22

Lego Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come meet new friends and have fun building with Lego. Lego supplied, imagination required. No registration required. Lego Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Downtown Library Copper Room North, 22 S.

Delaware St., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org.

8, 15

STEAM Club, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Come to the Chandler Library STEAM Club and have fun every Tuesday with science, technology, engineering, art and math. Play games, dig up dinos, weird science, fun crafts, Lego cars and more. Win prizes just for showing up! Ages 6-11. STEAM Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. 480782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

9

City Lights Movie Night – “Elf” and “Home Alone,” 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with ice skating, Santa, and a double feature of classic holiday movies. Join in for City Lights Movie Nights featuring “Home Alone 2” and “Elf.” This series is presented free to the community by CityScape in partnership with Downtown Phoenix. Viewers are invited to bring their picnic blankets and chairs for a night of free fun under the city lights. Central Avenue at CityScape. CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Free. cityscapephoenix.com/events.

10

Dmitri Matheny’s The Snowcat, 11 a.m. An original musical production by flugelhornist and composer Dmitri Matheny, The SnowCat is the heartwarming tale of a little girl’s search for her wandering white cat on a chilly afternoon. Each year, Dmitri and friends bring The SnowCat to life in a popular series of performances for families, combining singing, storytelling, live music, and visual art. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets $8-10. 480-782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.

15 Community Nights in the Courtyard: Holiday Craft Cookie Decoration, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents of all ages can come out and enjoy different types of Christmas holiday crafts including card making, tree and wall ornaments, and holiday crafts the whole family will enjoy. Art supplies and snacks will be provided. Santa Claus will make a surprise visit. Pictures with Santa Claus will be available at this event, courtesy of the Chandler Teen Council. Price of the photo is $3, which includes picture card frame that can also be decorated at the event. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

15

Sonoran Sunset Series - Nexxlevel, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Now in its eighth season, the Sonoran Sunset Series features free, live, lakeside entertainment suitable for the entire family. Guests may bring blankets, chairs and food. Performances are held at the lakeside amphitheater in Veterans Oasis Park. Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2889, chandleraz.gov/eec

16

Baking with Buddy the Elf, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come make Buddy’s favorite breakfast, do Buddy-related crafts and activities, and then watch “Elf” with Buddy. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $9 to $11 fee and $15 supply fee. 480782-2900, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

16

Christmas with Clay Aiken, 7:30 p.m. Come hear holiday classics with Clay accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra. Aiken has admitted

that his tombstone may one day read “That guy from American Idol,” but history (and the stone cutters) would be sorely remiss to diminish his accomplishments to only his participation on that show. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $52 to $72. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

16

Friday Feeding Frenzy, 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Ever wondered what the live animals at the EEC eat for dinner? Ever seen a snake stalk its prey? Join the EEC staff on the third Friday of each month for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Stick around and watch the animals being fed. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/eec.

16

Ugly Sweater Art Walk, 6-9:30 p.m. The Art Walk provides a fun, family atmosphere where you can browse the many different types of art available from our talented artists. It is a monthly event featuring local artists and musicians, and is a great opportunity to visit all the unique establishments in downtown Chandler. Every third Friday, downtown Chandler welcomes more than 50 local artists to the historic square. All artists must go through a jury process to be accepted in the Art Walk. Only fine art and fine craft submissions will be considered. TechShop Chandler, 249 E. Chicago St., Chandler. Free. chandlerartwalk.com.

17

Food Foraging – Native Plants, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Since people have been on Earth, there has been a relationship between humans and plants. Take a guided walk through Veterans Oasis Park and learn about the importance of native plants to culture, food, medicine, tradition, crafts, and music. The terrain is easy and will teach you the study of ethnobotany. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $9 to $13 fee. 480-782-2889, chandleraz.gov/eec.

24

Have a peaceful Christmas Eve. Happy Hanukkah!

25 Merry Christmas!

27

Snow Day, 10 a.m. to noon. Break out your mittens, boots, and snow hat for a day of winter wonderland fun! Play in real snow, make snow angels and snowmen, and perfect your snowballmaking skills. It’s going to be snow much fun! Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/eec.

27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Zoppé an Italian Family Circus, 7 p.m. Dec. 27 to Dec. 30, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 31. The circus is coming to town! The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into the intimate 500-seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. The circus is propelled by a central story that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $15-40. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

30

Winter Breakout: Super Smash Bros. Tournament, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Teens! Come hangout during your Winter Break and take part in a Super Smash Bros. tournament! We’ll create a bracket and battle to crown a winner! Downtown Library Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org.

We offer hundreds of opportunities for you and your family to discover hidden talents, develop new skills and have fun through our classes, programs and events. For a complete listing of upcoming activities or for more information on programs highlighted below pick up Break Time

Winte r INTERSESSION YOUTH CAMPS

DECEMBER 27–JANUARY 6

Ensure a jolly season for all by enrolling your kids in Chandler Parks & Recreation winter break camps. Whether your kiddo is an athlete, a crafter, a nature nut, a chef, or a little bit of each, we have the lowdown on can’t miss winter fun. Morning, afternoon and full day sessions are available at the Environmental Education Center, Snedigar Recreation Center and Tumbleweed Recreation Center. For more information, please visit www.chandleraz.gov/camps

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15

6–7 p.m.

It’s time to face the music. Take in the rock band sounds of NexxLevel at this month’s Sonoran Sunset Series. Head over to Veteran’s Oasis Park with your blankets, chairs and coolers to enjoy a free concert under the stars. NexxLevel delivers an exhilarating live performance of classic holiday songs. For more information, call 480-782-2889.

POLAR EXPRESS

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 & FRIDAY, DEC. 9

6–7:30 p.m.

TUMBLEWEED RECREATION CENTER

Take a page from Tumbleweed Recreation Center’s book as they bring the beloved holiday story of Polar Express to life. Come dressed in your PJs and enjoy an evening of storytelling, crafts and hot chocolate. Children will receive their first gift of the season from Santa Claus. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Jen Clouse at 480-782-2908.

DECEMBER 3

4:30 –9 p.m.

DOWNTOWN CHANDLER

Ring in the holiday season with friends and family in Downtown Chandler, Saturday, December 3. With a glowing Parade of Lights, a Tumbleweed Tree trimmed in decorations, live musical performances, activities, holiday crafts and a visit from the big man himself, Santa – you don’t want to miss the City of Chandler’s 60th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting celebration.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 5:30 –7:30 p.m. CHANDLER COMMUNITY CENTER Are you ready for Santa? Don’t forget to leave him a snack! Check cookies of your list by joining us for our cookie decorating bonanza. Gather friends and family for a sweet evening, full of holiday cookie decorating, card marking and more. Rumor has it Santa will be stopping by ($3 pictures will be

Senior HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE

DECEMBER 9 | 5–8:30 p.m.

CHANDLER COMMUNITY CENTER

Get into the holiday spirit and join Chandler’s active adult community for their annual Holiday Dinner Dance. Evening includes catered dinner by Mimi’s Café, live music and merry marking with Santa, himself. Preregistration is required. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 480-782-2720.

Google contests launch; students can win big

Google has once again launched the Doodle4Google competition with the theme “What I see for the future.”

For the contest, kindergarten through 12th-grade students are invited to show their creativity and a chance to see their own doodle on Google’s homepage.

From crayons to clay, graphic design, or even food, young artists can utilize any materials to bring their creation to life. Like all Google Doodles, each doodle must incorporate the letters G-o-o-g-l-e. One national winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship. The contest is open for entries through Dec. 2.

As in past years, Google will announce a winner in each state in early February. The public will then have a chance to vote on their favorites. The national

finalists and national winner will be named by March 31, 2017. Last year, Madison Gonsalves, a third grader from Santan Elementary School in Chandler, was one of the 53 state and territory winners.

Winning Doodle 4 Google comes with some great perks: in addition to seeing their doodle displayed on the homepage after the competition closes, the winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 Google for Education Technology award for his/her school. Plus, the winner and four other national finalists will visit the doodle team in Mountain View, California.

More information, including all contest rules, is available at https:// doodles.google.com/d4g/.

Ronald McDonald House Charities’ scholarship application process open

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Phoenix Scholarship Program has opened its application process for Arizona high school seniors.

The deadline for the 2017 academic year is 11:59 p.m. Central Time Jan. 18, 2017, and all mailed back-up documents must be postmarked by the same date. Applicants will be notified of scholarship award status by May 2017.

Last year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, with the support of Arizona McDonald’s owner/operators, awarded $250,000 in scholarships to 100 Arizona high school students.

Local chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with support from RMHC Global, McDonald’s Corp. and McDonald’s restaurants, offer scholarships to students of all backgrounds from communities who face

limited access to educational and career opportunities.

Visit aim.applyists.net/RMHC for more information and to apply. Students must be a high school senior; be eligible to attend a two- or four-year college or university with a full course of study; reside in central or northern Arizona; and submit a complete application and all required documentation by Jan. 18, 2017.

The RMHC National Scholarship Program is supported through the efforts of neighborhood McDonald’s owner/ operators, local and national Ronald McDonald House Charities and the McDonald’s Corp.

Since 1995, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix has generated more than $2.5 million in funding for the National Scholarship program to benefit Arizona high school students.

Nonprofit seeks area representatives to join international team

ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking individuals to serve as area representatives in Chandler.

ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American adventure.

Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising. There is also a great bonus opportunity.

ASSE’s primary goal is to contribute to

international understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation in family, school and community life. For more information about ASSE or becoming an area representative, call the Western Regional Office at 1-800-7332773 or email asseusawest@asse.com.

ASSE International is a nonprofit educational and cultural exchange organization headquartered in Laguna Beach, California. ASSE promotes global learning and leadership by offering a unique, richly personal experience for students, volunteer families, host high schools and local communities. ASSE reaches across interpersonal and international borders, celebrating worldwide community through the spirit, character and promise of our youth.

Free music at Chandler Public Library

The Scotts will perform from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Cup O’ Karma area of the Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware, Chandler. Anderson’s

Additional Measures Guitar Ensemble will also perform a set. Admission is free. Info: 480-782-2800 or chandlerlibrary.org.

The Scotts are performing with Anderson’s Additional Measures Guitar Ensemble in the Cup O’ Karma area of the Chandler Public Library.

Neighbors

La Sala Tequila Cantina adds Latin flavor to Ocotillo

BY JUDI KING CLAYBAUGH

Mexico-born chef Luis Milan promises one thing about the restaurant, La Sala Tequila Cantina, which opened Nov 18.

“We are not like the Sonoran Mexican food restaurants that are so prevalent in this area,” Milan said. “You won’t find enchiladas and rice and beans on our menu. Our food is different with a smoky, spicy flavor and unique dishes which could be described as modern Latin cuisine.”

La Sala Tequila Cantina is the newest from the owners of The Living Room, Rock Lobster and Humble Pie. La Sala, which means “living room” in Spanish, shares a

Lights of the World promotes cultural understanding

BY TIM J. RANDALL

kitchen with its sister restaurant, The Living Room. It’s the final addition to its fivemonth expansion project.

True flavors

Born in Cananea, Mexico, Milan, moved to Arizona when he was 18. He then traveled to Europe to obtain his culinary training at the famed École Supérieure de Cuisine Française in Paris, then to Barcelona to train in Mediterranean cuisine. Upon returning to Arizona, Milan honed his culinary skills at Zinc-a French Bistro in

Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa sets seasonal events

With the overwhelming commotion of the holiday season it can be easy to lose sight of the real meaning of it all.

Family, friends, longstanding traditions and the chance to unwind and make everlasting memories with the ones who matter most are at the root of this season’s fashions. Luckily, throughout December, the Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa is offering an array of seasonal events and programs to continue the fun and spirit of this year’s holiday season.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and we’re

starting with cardio and libation. Rally up the gang and join the Ocotillo Village Pint Club for its second Run to the Pub. Twice a month there will be alternating routes that will depart from the Ocotillo Village Health Club lobby and loop through the surrounding neighborhood sidewalks and bike lanes concluding at either the new Ginger Monkey or Casual Pint for a post run celebration. It goes without saying that there are many who think a nice cold

Lanterns will shine in the night sky as the Lights of the World Lantern Festival comes to Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler now through Jan. 29.

A descendant of an ancient Chinese festival, the 11 exhibits and 75 displays are contemporary fusions of tradition and technology.

“The lanterns today are designed over 10 times the original size and in great detail,” said Song Yang, vice chairman of the U.S.-China Cultural and Education Foundation.

“Rather than paper lanterns, light festivals combine architecture, sculpture, electricity, and arts design to create truly awe-inspiring sights.”

But it’s more than just a pretty event. The flagship program of the U.S.-China Cultural and Education Foundation is a conduit for showcasing cultural relations between nations and individuals.

“The festival route travels throughout the country and enriches culture, global awareness and gives the visiting community a ‘hands-on’ experience of the rich history behind lantern festivals in a modern, highly entertaining setting,” Yang said.

“This festival is a perfect setting for this cultural exchange—not only for the Chinese elements and the design and production of the event, but also to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and China.”

Lights of the World Lantern Festival combines the age-old Chinese tradition

of lantern festivals with modern cuttingedge technology and lights. The displays extend from 18 to 60 feet, showcasing cultures and civilizations from around the globe.

It hosts a litany of other entertainment, including more than 30 carnival rides and games, a daily performance showcasing acrobatics, dance and concerts. Investors spent more than $6 million on the production.

“Wild Horse Pass has been selected as it is a wonderful open space in the beautiful Arizona desert that can enhance and highlight all of the amenities within the festival,” said Yang, adding 500,000 patrons are expected to attend.

Beneficiaries beyond attendees include more than 30 local charities.

“For each entry ticket that is sold by a charity, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to their organization,” said Yang, whose event was previewed at the Arizona State Fair.

“In addition, they gain knowledge of the benefit of this cultural exchange. We are honored to work and grow with these charities.”

The holidays and politics with Clay Aiken page 60

Rabbi Irwin Wiener understanding America’s freedoms page 69

More than 500,000 patrons are expected to attend the Lights of the World Lantern Festival at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center.

La Sala serves sophisticated modern Latin American dishes such as grilled lamb. Submitted photo

Scottsdale, as well as at several Latin and Italian restaurants before opening his own Mexican restaurant, Sol Diablo, near ASU.

Milan said that before opening La Sala, he traveled through central Mexico trying regional variations of the cuisines to bring to the restaurant. He merges the styles, which use only fresh ingredients and locally sourced products.

“The secret to our amazing corn tortillas is that we make them by hand each morning, using freshly ground corn masa made only from Heirloom blue and yellow corn,” Milan said.

“We start at 7 each morning mixing the masa and pressing the tortillas so they will be fresh and delicious for our customers.”

Tableside guacamole is another unique feature of La Sala.

“Some of the choices of extras include pomegranates, onion, lime, grapefruit, jalapenos and raisins,” he said.

“We will be expanding our menu as we go, and we will listen to the customers as to what they like and would like to see at La Sala.”

Entrees include rockfish with seared chili gnocchi, peas and citrus butter sauce ($28), hanger steak with grilled red mojo, fingerling potatoes and spring onion ($32), and lamb with grilled asparagus, chili hummus, crispy garbanzos and chimichurri ($36).

The taco platters come with three made-to-order corn tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo and Mexican slaw ranging from $10 to $12 and include carne asada, chipotle brisket, chicken, carnitas, veggie and fried or grilled rockfish and rock shrimp.

The eight starters ($2 to $12) include the typical queso and chips and salsa but also branch out to incorporate more unusual fare such as Hamachi ceviche with aji Amarillo, radish and avocado, Mexico City empanadas with mesquite grilled chicken

and tomato broth, and street corn, which is grilled pinwheels with cotija mayo, Tajin and lime juice.

Yucatan pozole—a thick stew made with pork, hominy and cilantro—($8.50), and beet salad with Mexican crema agave nectar and pistachio vinaigrette ($10), add sophistication to the soup and salad menu.

La Sala also features an extensive and

impressive wine and beer menu, along with bar specialties such as its award-winning margarita, and specialties like the Dia de los Muertos and blistered pineapple cinnamon from its tequila and mezcal offerings.

La Sala Tequila Cantina 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler 480-307-9412, lasalacantina.com

LUXURY

La Sala Tequila serves modern Latin American cuisine in downtown Ocotillo. Submitted Photo Chef Luis Milan makes his tortillas daily using Heirloom corn masa. STSN photo by Judi King Claybaugh

frosty malt beverage is a great way to end any physical activity, but it is especially rewarding after a nice run. The pub run series will run on Wednesday nights twice a month through April and welcomes everybody from enthusiastic runners (with a 6-12 min pace), walker/cruiser bike riders, stroller moms and dads, dog walkers, and new to the city residents. For Ocotillo Village members, it is $35 for 12 weeks (includes drink ticket, LED running light and Run to the Pub T-shirt) or $7 per run (includes drink ticket and LED running light). For non-Village members, it is $45 for the 12 weeks (includes drink ticket, LED running light and Run to the Pub T-shirt) or $10 per run (includes drink ticket and LED running light). For more information about specific event dates visit http://villageclubs.com/events/ Although some prefer to unwind with a frosty pint, others may enjoy slaying the holiday stress away with a relaxing night under the stars. At 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8, engage in a dynamic blend of power yoga, pylometrics and tribal dance set to EDM, hip-hop and house music led by Jaime Boonlorn and Maria Meja, and DJ by Garret Dunton during an electrifying Buti Yoga workshop. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Between Pub Runs, workout regimes and the seasonal buzz it may feel like there’s little time to successfully accomplish the diligent responsibilities

of holiday shopping.

The Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa is offering day care programs through Dec. 16 to help give parents the time to finish lastminute shopping. The remaining times are 5:30 p.mm. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 16. Drop off the kids for a chance to socialize and participate in fun activities and games with other children while parents engage in alone time. A choice between lunch or dinner is included and is $20 for family members ($15 per additional child), $22 for single or couple members ($18 per additional child) and $25 for nonmembers ($20 per additional child).

Take a second away from the season’s hustle and bustle and make long-lasting holiday memories during the Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa’s Breakfast with Santa extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Make snow angels, throw snowballs and participate in traditional holiday activities while receiving the opportunity to snap a photo with the great St. Nicholas. Bring family and friends and enjoy a day full of holiday tradition and fun for members ($20 plus $15 per additional child), single/ couple members ($22 plus $18 per additional child) and nonmembers ($25 plus $20 per additional child).

The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd. in Chandler. For more information, call 480-579-2940 or visit villageclubs.com.

Tao Healing Center staff teaching self-healing skills

The Tao Healing Center is looking forward to teaching clients how to relieve stress through gentle, focused tapping and stretching during a free class from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

The goal is to teach people selfhealing skills that they can use

throughout their lives.

The Tao Healing Center is located at 1840 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite D7, at Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road. For more information, call 480-7866000, email taohealingcenters@gmail. com or visit taohealingcenters.org.

Our dedication to providing patients with the respect and care they truly deserve is what sets us apart in Phoenix’s East Valley. With simple, centralized scheduling and comfortable, relaxing environments, we aim to be the Valley’s most-trusted provider of quality outpatient medical imaging.

EVDI provides women’s imaging at 5 of our centers which are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, providing comprehensive services from simple x-rays to advanced MRIs. And our staff of experienced, board-certified radiologists ensure that your reports not only convey accurate data, but the information needed to make a difference in your life.

#1 Imaging Center

AZ 2014, 2015 & 2016.

EVDI represents FIVE of the top thirteen radiologists seen in the 2016 Top Doc issue

Philanthropic group to celebrate Christmas with Jan Kloster

“The Maji and The Star of Bethlehem” will be the topic of Jan Kloster’s Christmas message at the annual P.E.O. luncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Palo Verde Country Club’s dining room.

Kloster is a member of P.E.O. Group B, Sun Lakes; Chapter S, North Dakota and a past state president of North Dakota State P.E.O. Chapter. P.E.O. stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization. At the event, a Hamilton High School choral group will sing Christmas music before lunch.

Sun Lakes Chapter is hosting this event and suggests arriving at 11 a.m. to shopping. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon at noon.

P.E.O. is passionate about its mission of promoting educational opportunities for women. The sisterhood makes a difference in women’s lives with six philanthropies that include Cottey College and five programs that provide higher educational assistance: P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, P.E.O. Scholar Awards and P.E.O. STAR Scholarship. All P.E.O. resident or visiting members are invited and urged to attend. Make reservations before Nov. 23, and send a $20 check made out to Chapter DW, P.E.O. and mail to Judi Clement, 25615 S. Ribbonwood Dr., Sun Lakes, 85248. For more information, call Shirley Langer at 480-895-1505.

Enter Chandler Recreation’s Nature Photo Contest

Each year, photographers from around the Chandler area are invited to focus their lenses on nature and then enter their photographs in the City’s annual Nature Photo Contest organized by Chandler’s Recreation Division.

Entries are being accepted through March 15, in three categories:

This Beautiful City, Creature Worth Noticing, and Picture Worth A Thousand Words. Entries must come from a Chandler park, program or event and can be submitted digitally online at chandleraz. gov/naturephotocontest, or in person at the Environmental Education Center (EEC), 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

“We’re looking for photos that showcase the awe-inspiring and diverse natural world around us,” said Dexter Belling, the

YEAR-END SALE!

recreation coordinator organizing the contest. “That could be a powerful wildlife shot, a stunning landscape, or a look at a complicated environmental issue— whatever nature means to you.”

Resident James Fetterman submitted several photographs last year using his trusty Canon t3i DSLR camera. A resident of Sunbird in South Chandler, he took up the hobby late in life and has seen his photos published in several local publications. His advice for beginners is to take one’s time and to take a lot of pictures.

“You need to be patient, and if you see something in action, keep taking pictures,” said Fetterman.

Winning entries will be displayed in the ECC lobby with a blue ribbon affixed next March to the winning images in each category.

P.E.O. Chapter DW members Gwen Fleming, Kay King and Susan Anderson, standing, and Diane Gramze and LaVerne Walters, standing, are working on table decorations for Dec. 3 P.E.O. Luncheon at Palo Verde Country Club’s dining room.

A photo from last year’s contest taken by Sunbird resident Jim Fetterman.

Hard of hearing specialist to discuss handling emergencies

Michele Michaels, hard of hearing specialist with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will discuss emergencies and the hard of hearing from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

Learn about what to do if you’re pulled over by a police officer, in a car accident, or any number of emergency situations. For more information, email Liz Booth halib72@gmail.com or Regina Milgroom reggiefaith@gmail.com. Patty Dennehy at the library also has information. Call 602-652- 3000.

Christmas donations needed for domestic violence shelter

A Chandler domestic violence shelter is asking the public to donate new clothing and toys as Christmas gifts for families who utilize the facility. My Sisters’ Place requests that no toy weapons or Nerf guns be donated. Donations can be dropped off through Dec. 21 only at Engenuity Systems, 2465 W. Pecos Rd., Suite 1, Chandler. For more information, call 480-821-1024.

Abuelo’s spices up

the holidays with gift card promotion

Abuelo’s is thanking guests who purchase $50 in gift cards with a prize of their own—a bonus $10 gift card to use between Jan. 1 and March 31.

The promotion runs through Dec. 31, and cards can be purchased at any Abuelo’s location or online at abuelos.com.

“Our holiday gift card promotion is a very good way for guests to get gifts for everyone on their list, as well as a gift for themselves,” said Robert Lin, president of Food Concepts International, Abuelo’s parent company. “Abuelo’s gift cards make a great gift for family members, friends, co-workers and clients. We want our guests to be able to share the flavor of Mexico, and enjoy a gift from us, too.”

Additionally, Abuelo’s is bringing back a sweet holiday tradition with its special Capirotada dessert, a decadent Mexican

bread pudding that will be available through Jan. 2. Abuelo’s is offering Capirotada for $4.99.

“Our Capirotada is a traditional Mexican dessert that is perfect for the holiday season,” said Executive Chef Luis Sanchez.

“It’s a delicious treat everyone should enjoy at least once, so order it while you can.”

Abuelo’s also welcomes a new entrée during the holiday season. The new Pescado Mazatlán is fire-grilled Barramundi filets with shrimp and sea scallops in a light lemon sauce, topped with a cool cucumber salsa. This delicious, new entrée is available for a limited time in all restaurants during the holiday season only.

The Chandler Abuelo’s is located at 3440 W. Chandler Blvd. For more information, call 480-855-0960.

H. Wilson, M.D.

Designer and Author Margaret Wood will present a virtual historical fashion show about American Indian clothing in the United States. The program will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Downtown Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Information about pre-contact clothing will be presented along with changes that occurred with the introduction of manufactured trade goods. The author’s book “Native American Fashion” will be available for purchase at the program. For more information, call 480-7822800, email infodesk@chandlerlibrary.org or visit chandlerlibrary.org/.

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church

annual cookie walk and candy sale

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church will host its annual cookie walk and candy sale at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. At the cookie walk, customers purchase a carry-out box for $10 and fill it to capacity by selecting cookies from tables laden with festively decorated items; Some are made from time-honored traditional family recipes. All cookies and candy are fresh and homemade. The candy shop features fudge,

peanut brittle and other holiday treats. Candy prices are $6 per pound and may be purchased in either half-pound or 1-pound containers. These goodies are available only once a year, and once the doors open they go quickly.

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is located at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. The cookie walk will be held in Lindsay Hall, adjacent to the east parking lot. Proceeds are donated to mission projects.

Ostrich Festival to return for 29th year

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce announces the 29th annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival will take place at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler March 10 to March 12.

The event, which drew over 85,000 attendees in 2016 and is organized by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations (SLE), is known as one of the premier festivals in the southwest. The Ostrich Festival features live ostriches and ostrichthemed activities, national and regional entertainment, carnival midway, spectacular food, upscale arts and crafts and more.

“The 2016 Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival was incredible, and even received a 2016 Zonies Award for Best Festival, Fair or Event Series,” said Chandler Chamber of Commerce CEO/President, Terri Kimble. “We are incredibly proud of last year’s event and look forward to putting on an even better event for the city of Chandler in 2017.”

The festivities will kick off prior to the three-day festival with the annual Mayor’s

Fun Run and Ostrich Festival Parade on Saturday, March 4. The race begins at 8 a.m. and participants of all ages are encouraged to register online at ostrichfestival.com. Early registration is just $20 and ends Feb. 17. Runners can register online for $25 until March 3 and day-of registers are $30.

Starting at Ray Road and Arizona Avenue at 10 a.m., the procession of floats, dignitaries, pageant winners, classic cars, bands, horses, dance teams and over 100 other entries will make their way south to Chicago Street. The deadline for parade entries is Feb. 17.

Immediately following the parade, attendees are encouraged to participate in Public Safety Day with the Chandler Fire Department and Police Department located on Washington Street between Boston and Chicago streets. Activities include a vintage car show, tours of the police station and a car accident scene in front of the fire station. Food trucks and vendors will also be on-site. For more information, visit ostrichfestival.com or call 480-284-6033.

The Promenade at Fulton Ranch boast new tenants

The Promenade at Fulton Ranch has added Cuisine & Wine Bistro, which offers a modern twist on traditional French cuisine, to its shopping center.

Cuisine & Wine Bistro’s Chandler restaurant serves meat and cheese boards, salads, bruschettas, steaks, salmon, mahi mahi, duck and deserts, in addition to wine and cocktails in a stunning 3,000-squarefoot location. Chef Fabrice Buschtetz and his wife, Mairead, launched Cuisine & Wine in Chandler after buying the former MWC Bistro in Gilbert last year.

“Our second location is doing very well at the Promenade at Fulton Ranch,” said Mairead Buschtetz. “We chose to open our

restaurant in the Promenade because you want to work with people who do their job well (Whitestone REIT).”

The bistro is a family-run business that includes Fabrice as chef and son Killian managing the front end. Mairead said the Promenade location, which offers diners a private dining room, is about to release a new winter menu. Chef Fabrice is known for his sumptuous sauces, and diners are encouraged to try Fabrice’s world-renowned escargots.

“Once people try our restaurant, they always come back,” Mairead added.

Holiday shoppers at The Promenade will also enjoy visiting the new Global Tea Mart, which offers premium loose leaf, tea

sachets and fine tea gifts from around the world. Owner Diane Eddy said few people know just how diverse tea really is and invites shoppers to choose from among their extensive collection of premium international teas, ranging from the wellknown to the very exotic.

For breakfast patrons, Florida-based First Watch announced the acquisition of The Good Egg, a favorite Promenade breakfast spot. There will be no interruption in business as part of the transaction.

“Combining The Good Egg with First Watch represents a true strategic alignment and will provide our delicious concept with the necessary resources to continue to grow

and serve the community,” said original Good Egg owner Charlie Syburg.

Another welcome addition to The Promenade is Medmetrics Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy that specializes in compounding bio-identical hormones, dermatology products and veterinary or pet medications as well as traditional prescription services.

For more information on Cuisine & Wine Bistro, visit CuisineandWineBistro. com. Find Global Tea Mart’s website at GlobalTeaMart.com. For information on First Watch, visit FirstWatch.com; learn more about Medmetrics Pharmacy at Medmetrics Pharmacy.com.

Bold twist on Sandbar Mexican Grill’s holiday menu

Sandbar Mexican Grill restaurants in Chandler and Desert Ridge Marketplace have prepared a selection of holiday bites for those ready to unwrap something flavorful this season.

Sandbar’s bold turkey tacos ($13) are stuffed with turkey tinga, cranberry chutney and Mexican cornbread stuffing with chorizo, apples and raisins. Take a taste of tradition with house-made green chile chicken or red chile pork holiday tamales ($12). Spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with an order of tamales to go by the dozen for holiday parties. Or, bundle up with Smoked Salmon Taquitos ($11) wrapped and deep-fried with southwestern spiced smoked salmon and jalapeño cream cheese in a corn tortilla.

Featured holiday cocktails, each of which are $9, are:

• Salted Caramel Martini: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, RumChata, Liqueur 43 & Caramel with Salted Rim

• Pumpkin Spice Martini: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Nutmeg, Pumpkin-Spiced Agave Nectar, Whipped Cream

• Caramel Apple Mimosa: Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka, Apple Cider, Champagne & Caramel with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim.

Winter Warmers are $7:

• Ho-Ho Joe: RumChata, Amaretto Liqueur, Patron XO and Hot Cocoa

• Chocolate Raspberry Truffle: Patron XO Coco, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Hot Cocoa

• Grandpa’s Cider: Tuaca Vanilla Liqueur, Jack Fire, Hot Apple Cider

The menu is available through Jan. 1.

Sandbar Mexican Grill is located at 7200 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. For more information, call 480-961-1700.

Church introducing The Marriage Experience for couples

Chandler Christian Church will offer a new and unique marriage enrichment program aimed at helping married couples take their relationship to another level. The goal of the program is to give couples new tools and perspectives. Couples will explore marital topics in depth, and focus on activities or experiences that will help them to strengthen and enhance their relationship.

“Every week will be like a minimarriage retreat,” said Chandler Christian Church Marriage and Family Ministries Pastor Tim Hofmann. “There are people who settle for a marriage that is just ‘good enough.’ They avoid learning how to enrich their relationship because they often view marriage classes as boring and maybe even painful–and in most cases, they are right! To help address this problem we designed The Marriage Experience lessons to include on-thespot activities to help the learning and keep it fun.”

“Good enough” marriages can deteriorate over time, he added. About

one third of first-time marriages end in divorce. According to Arizona Department of Health Services, there were more than 26,199 divorces in Arizona in 2014—with Maricopa County leading with 18,241 divorces. “The Marriage Experience is about equipping you to take your marriage from ‘good enough’ to great.”

The Marriage Experience will cover a number of topics that will teach communications, conflict management, acceptance, forgiveness, expectations, boundaries, romance and money. In addition to having teachers, The Marriage Experience will feature trained facilitators to assist couples in a table group setting to learn and apply the lessons.

Sessions for The Marriage Experience are free and run weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Jan. 25 to April 5 at Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information or to learn more about Chandler Christian Church, visit chandlermarriage.org. Limited child care is available for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Ho-Ho Joe is created with RumChata, Amaretto Liqueur, Patron XO and hot cocoa.

Chandler Museum and The Ostrich host fourth Trivia Night

The Chandler Museum and The Ostrich Bar are once again hosting Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, hosted by Marshall Shore, Arizona’s Hip Historian.

Attendees will get into the holiday spirit as they sip on classic cocktails and learn more about Chandler’s unique tradition of a tumbleweed Christmas tree, how the community became a draw for winter visitors, and other wonderful seasonal delights from the Valley’s past.

“We are excited to finish up this year’s trivia series with a theme that looks at past holiday traditions,” said Museum Administrator Jody Crago. “Everyone will have a great time with trivia host Marshall Shore as they learn more about the place where they live. All of the local stories and photos that are shared are

from the museum’s archive.”

“These trivia nights have been a great success. Our customers love them,” said Mike Merendino, owner of The Ostrich and upstairs restaurant Crust.

“This evening will be a fun way to get into the holiday mood.”

The Ostrich is in the basement of Crust, adjacent to the San Marcos Resort, at 10 N. San Marcos Pl., in downtown Chandler. In addition to cocktails created by celebrated mixologist Brandon Casey, some of the savory bites that have made Crust a foodie destination also will be on the menu.

Reservations are required for teams of four to six to take part in the fun. For more information, go to chandlermuseum.org and for reservations call, 480-917-4903.

Donate!

ARIZONA INCOME TAX CREDIT Supporting People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, A.R.S. § 43-1088, donate to Chandler/Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [The charitable tax credit is in addition to the education tax credits...you can take advantage of both tax credits in the same year.]

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, and provides community living, employment and day treatment & training opportunities daily.

Contributions may earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona Income Tax return. New 2016 Limits! Taxpayers filing as single or unmarried head of household have a maximum credit amount of $400; married taxpayers filing joint have a $800 maximum credit. Also, donation due date for the Qualifying Charitable Organization Tax Credit is now April 15 of the following year.

Check to see if your employer will match your donation. http://doublethedonation.com/cgarc If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please make your check payable to:

Holiday gift ideas abound at Epiphany Lutheran’s boutique and bake sale

Epiphany Lutheran Church invites the community to attend its holiday boutique/craft and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the church, 800 W. Ray Rd., Chandler.

More than 20 vendors will have holiday items available for purchase, including seasonal décor, Scentsy, dog

blankets, Origami Owl, scarves, jewelry, nail wraps and soaps. Baked goods will also be available for purchase. The public is invited to attend.

Contact the Sue Beyer at sue@betterbuyerinsurance.com or cell 602-703-9945 for vendor information.

A fun December planned at the Ed Robson Library

Patrons are invited to attend two programs, both requiring registration at the Ed Robson Library in Sun Lakes.

“Holiday Music of the Big Band Era” will celebrate the genre from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The big bands and singers of the ’30s and ’40s recorded surprisingly few holiday-themed songs. Rather, their broadcasts and records were centered on the popular tunes of the day. However, much of what they did produce was exceptional and these rare gems will be a part of this presentation.

Join music historian Erik Larson and experience a program of Christmas music and little-known historical narrative. Sponsored by Arizona Humanities and the Friends of the Ed

Robson Library.

“Wine 101—Types of Wine and Wine Pairing” is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. What’s the difference between a Merlot and a Malbec? A Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio?

Sommelier David Newton presents a fun, educational talk on types of wines and wine pairing tips.

Free tickets—a limit of two—can be picked up from the customer service desk on the day of the program.

The library is located at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information about registering, call 602-652-3000 or visit mcldaz.org. Like the library on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/mcldro. Park in the adjacent church parking lot.

“Our

Andrea Stickland, DVM Owner/Operator of AMCofC

Carolyn Duregger, DVM Associate Veterinarian

Gabriela Durig, DVM Associate Veterinarian

Neighbors

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly meeting you would like to see listed in Neighborhood Networks, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. Note: SanTan Sun News has a Spiritual Connections column in the Spirituality section for ongoing religious-related events.

About Care

Monthly volunteer training, by individual appointment.

A nonprofit serving homebound Chandler and Gilbert residents; provides transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls, and minor home repairs. Info: 480-802-2331, aboutcare.org

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International

8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Nikki Janulewicz, 480-570-1835, Nikki@azbestmove.com

Action Networkers: Business Networking International

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, 602-315-2056, Marty@AZMarty.com

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Chandler 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free and no preregistration required.

Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mor-

rison Building, Learning Resource Room 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Mindy, 602-528-0545, ext. 201

American Legion James O. Schroeder Post 55

7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month Sun Lakes Country Club, Navajo Room 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Commander Byron Weston, 480-802-6623

Arizona Special Education Network, Chandler area

Provides disability-related education, advocacy and resources to help parents navigate the complex special education system. Info: 602-531-0230

Breast Cancer Support Group

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. second Monday of each month Free, no preregistration required

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers 685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, 480-340-4013, ironwoodcrc.com

Build Your Own Business: Chandler

8 a.m. first and third Thursday of each month

East Valley networking and referral organization, meets in Ahwatukee at a private location; address will be provided upon

contact.

Info: Lisa, lisa@lisamatusak.com, facebook.com/BYOBAZ

Cancer Caregiver Support Group-Chandler

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Free and no preregistration required. Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers 685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, 480-340-4013, ironwoodcrc.com

Caregiver Support Group 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Ironwood Cancer & Research Center

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Info: Kelly Huey, 480-340-4013, ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga Class-Chandler 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Free, no preregistration required

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, 480-340-4013, ironwoodcrc. com

Chandler Airport Commission

7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month

The commission makes recommendations to the Chandler City Council regarding airport operations, physical growth, economic development and proposed land use.

Chandler Municipal Airport terminal 2380 S. Stinson Way, Chandler Info: 480-782-3540

Chandler Business Alliance

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays

Professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole. BLD 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler Info: chandleralliance@gmail.com, chandleralliance.com

Chandler Chamber Business Golf

7 a.m. tee time, first and third Wednesdays of each month

Includes nine holes of golf, continental breakfast and networking opportunities. Preregistration required online. Golf venue varies. Info: chandlerchamber.com

Chandler Farmers Market

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays

Weekly market with more than 30 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet food and handmade crafts. Free admission.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, on the east side of Arizona Avenue, Chandler Info: 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org

Chandler Lions Club 6:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of each month

Area residents are invited to come join like-minded volunteers and make new friends.

Atria Chandler Villas, Community Room 101 S. Yucca St., Chandler Info: RuthJon Wick, 480-895-3569, az1ruthjon@q.com

Chandler Fire, Health & Medical collecting holiday toys for local children

The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical (CFHM) Department is once again collecting toys during the holiday season with all donations brightening the holidays for Chandler children who might otherwise go without this year.

The highlight of the annual toy drive is the Holiday Toy Ride from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Chandler Fashion Center.

each Chandler Unified School District elementary school.

Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy during the Holiday Toy Ride will receive a ride in a Chandler fire engine.

The toy collection point at Chandler Fashion Center is near the valet parking area outside of the food court on the south side of the mall. An adult must accompany all children 6 years of age and younger on their ride.

Chandler firefighters and volunteers will help deliver the toys to the Chandler CARE Center, where they will be distributed to families that have been identified through the staff at

“The annual Toy Drive has been a tremendous success over the years. We have had the opportunity to witness the generosity of so many Chandler families when it comes to holiday giving and we, in turn, are able to fulfill kids’ dreams of riding in a fire engine,” said Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Chief Tom Dwiggins.

“This event is just another way that our fire department personnel get to partner with the citizens we serve and together make a difference for those in need.”

Toy donations can also be dropped off in the lobby of the Fire Administration Headquarters at 151 E. Boston St. through Dec. 16 or at any Chandler fire station.

For more information about the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, visit chandleraz.gov/fire.

Comment sought on roadway and intersection projects

The widening of a road in Southeast Chandler and of a busy intersection in central Chandler will be the subject of separate public meetings to be held in mid-December.

Planned improvements to Cooper Road that will widen the street from two to four lanes from approximately 3,500 feet north of Chandler Heights Road to Riggs Road will be discussed at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Hull Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 2424 E. Maren Dr.

The improvements are in the early design stage and the project team seeks public comment on the design which will include raised medians, bike lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks, curb, gutter, street lighting, traffic signals, storm drains, landscaping and irrigation and utility relocations. Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring 2018.

A public meeting to discuss the improvements coming in early 2017 to

the intersection of Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Arizona College Prep, cafeteria, 1150 W. Erie St. Project maps and exhibits will be on display and project team members will be available to answer questions.

The improvements will enhance traffic flow and safety by adding dual left-turn lanes, dedicated right-turn lanes and an additional through lane on Alma School Road and bus lane on Chandler Boulevard. The project also includes new storm drains, curb, gutter, sidewalks, signals, landscaping and utility relocations.

The Alma School Road/Chandler Boulevard intersection had the highest collision rate in the city in 2015 with 48 accidents. A large part of the construction cost to improve the intersection will be funded by a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant from the Federal Highway Administration.

Toys will be collected near the valet parking area outside of the food court at Chandler Fashion Center.

The Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard intersection had the highest collision rate in the city in 2015 with 48 accidents.

Blooming Beets Kitchen boasts clean ingredients, bold flavors

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

If Iva Paleckova had her way, the world would be a healthier place.

The Colorado resident is doing her bit by expanding her gluten-free and paleo sit-down restaurant Blooming Beets Kitchen to the Casa Paloma Shopping Center. It was slated to open Dec. 1.

“Food sensitivities, gluten intolerance and autoimmune disease are huge problems for a growing number of people in America,” Paleckova said.

“We want people to find wholesome nourishment and relief from food sensitivities while enjoying our decadent flavors and creative dishes at Blooming Beets. Our food is clean, farm fresh, often locally and organically sourced, and void of processed ingredients— including hydrogenated fats, processed sugar and even all grains. We also stay away from most dairy. It’s very important to us that our guests can pick anything on the menu and not worry about what they are eating.”

Paleckova called Blooming Beets Kitchen “paleo inspired.”

“There’s nothing processed on the menu, as I mentioned, but we go so above and beyond that,” she said. “We don’t serve anything remotely bad for you; nothing that could cause inflammation— no gluten, very little dairy. The only thing we serve is raw goat cheese.”

She cited, for example, the chocolate lava cake, which is made with coconut and almond flour. In other dishes, neither seed oils nor GMO oils, like canola, soybean or sunflower oils are used. Instead, she uses avocado oil, which can be pricey.

“No other restaurant in the country does that,” she said. “I guarantee it. I do it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s so good for people.”

Blooming Beets Kitchen’s first location in Boulder, Colorado, opened in 2014 and prides itself with an enthusiastic customer base and

glowing customer reviews.

“I opened the restaurant because I couldn’t eat anywhere else,” she said. “I could, but I would feel sick. I’d go and get a dessert and almost feel hungover the next day because of the amount of sugar in it.

“I started talking to more people who have serious illnesses. One of my best friends was practically on her death bed because she was an undiagnosed celiac. There are so many people with different autoimmune diseases. Medication sometimes doesn’t take you all that far. It’s just eating what nature designed us to eat that helps.”

But, she added, diners do not need to follow a special diet to enjoy the restaurant’s food.

“Our flavors, texture, presentation and overall experience are out of this world,” she said.

“A lot of times, ‘healthy’ meals are boiled chicken or white fish. We’re so not that. We’re so not that. We’re all about bold flavors. I want to show people that they can eat healthy and have extraordinary flavor. In Boulder, we give away most of our recipes. In Chandler, we want to do cooking lessons and the like.”

Originally from the Czech Republic, Paleckova has partnered with Joey Bellus, owner of Optimal Performance Training, to launch the Chandler location.

“We want to build a true community restaurant,” Bellus said. “We plan to have community dinners and talks about nutrition on Monday nights where our patrons get to meet one another and learn to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.”

We are a family owned-business that specializes in Euro-comfort shoes with a flair for fashion. Most assume that comfort can’t be cute, but that’s just not the case! Come visit our new unique comfort boutique so you can understand why, “Nothing is as

Chia seed pudding with candied nuts and blueberries

item at Blooming Beets Kitchen’s location in Boulder. The Chandler restaurant opened Dec. 1.

Iva Paleckova is the brains behind Blooming Beets Kitchen.

Woofstock

Dog lovers from Chandler and neighboring communities celebrated all-things canine at Woofstock, the ninth annual dog-friendly festival on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. The event benefited American Service Animal Society. Activities included pet adoptions, low-cost vaccinations, canine demonstrations and pets on parade. STSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo

There were puppies available for adoption.

“Harley” patiently waits for her instructions.“Macy” just hangs out in line.

Destiny Valenzuela and “Leo” check out all the fun activities.

Nancy Kartoon offered pet caricatures.

Deborah. Elijah & Lucas wait in line for a pet pedicure.

Everyone waited in line for the obstacle course.

Ray Ritchotte shows off his beautiful show dog, “Blake”.

: “Sadie” basks in the sun.

“Duke” jumps the hurdles.

1980s.

Five Decades of Power

Approaching band’s 50th anniversary, Tower of Power leader looks forward

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The R&B act Tower of Power is quickly approaching its 50th anniversary. A halfcentury. Five decades. No matter how band cofounder Emilio Castillo looks at it, the milestone means “a lot of pressure.”

“Everybody’s asking me where the celebration is,” said Castillo, a Detroitborn Valley resident. “I’m doing a record right now. I have 28 songs. It’s a huge project. I’m trying to finish that.”

As if it’s not enough, the CD will be paired with a DVD documentary for the occasion.

“It’s a lot of work, but I’m blessed to have made it this far,” he contends. “It’s going to be great.”

The CD is an all-original collection, said Castillo, whose band plays Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler on Thursday, Dec. 15. Castillo received sage advice about the project.

“I ran into an old manager friend of mine,” he said. “He said, ‘You need to make the best record of your career. This isn’t the time to just throw together 12 songs.’

“He said to use the ‘Michael Jackson method’—record way more songs than

you need and pick the best 12. That’s what I’ve done. We’ve recorded 28 songs.”

For the as-of-yet untitled album, Castillo is working with Joe Vannelli, the brother of ’70s rock star Gino Vannelli and a star producer in his own right.

“He’s so meticulous and creative,” Castillo said. “I explained to him what I was doing and I asked him if he was willing to help me finish it up. It proved to be a very wise decision.”

A self-professed homebody, the second tenor saxophonist and vocalist doesn’t see his career ending anytime soon.

“There’s no retirement in the Bible,” he said with a laugh.

IF YOU GO

What: Tower of Power

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler

Cost: $39-$93

Information: 800-946-4452, wingilariver.com

This production of “A Christmas Carol” gives back

Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Ghost of Christmas Present, Future and Past are back and featured in a production of Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center, 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler.

“It never ceases to amaze me the total effort that goes into making this a successful production,” said Tracy Liz Miller, director of Theatre Arts at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, which is producing the play.

More than 30 students rehearsed for over two and a half months to fill roles onstage as actors and backstage as scenic and costume shop workers.

“We also have cast 15 children from the community to be in the show,” Miller said, “and we are enormously grateful to their parents whose dedication has made this special addition to the production a possibility.”

“A Christmas Carol” has evolved into a biannual performing arts tradition at CGCC, but it has also become a community-centered event that embraces the season of giving.

“Any kind of service to the community is a great addition to our hard work in rehearsals,” said Marc Denton, music director and director of choral, vocal and piano music studies.

This year the production is partnering with the college’s student life office’s campus wide Adopt a Family program to sponsor a food drive. Their contribution will be nonperishable food that audience members can bring to the show. Food donation baskets will be at the box office to accept donations.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $9 for seniors, $7 for students, and $5 for matinees. Info: 480-732-7343.

The First at Coming in Second The holidays

BY CARSON MLNARIK

and politics with Clay Aiken

Thirteen years ago, Clay Aiken was runner-up on “American Idol.”

In the years since, the 37-year-old has started a family, published a New York Times best-selling memoir, moved 6 million albums and sold out 11 nationwide concert tours.

His visit to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Dec. 16 is his first concert since 2012 and his only show in the near future.

“We’re doing it because we got asked to go and I thought, ‘You know what, it’ll be fun to sing with an orchestra,’ so I said OK,” said Aiken, who will be backed by a 22-piece orchestra.

While he said he can’t help the occasional dip of the toe back into the water, he’s on a bit of a singing hiatus.

“It’s not what I’m focusing on now. I’m pushing 40 and realized that everyone has a second chapter in life,” Aiken said. “I’ve have maybe seven already, but this is a new one.”

The singer’s new chapter began in 2014 when he ran for Congress in his home state of North Carolina. While he won the Democratic primary, he lost to the Republican incumbent in the general election.

Aiken said he always had an interest in politics and issues. Even though he lost, he did not leave without a few lessons learned.

“I learned more about politics than I ever wanted to,” he laughs. “I never necessarily expected to win because it was a very Republican district, but I hoped to be able to get enough people to pay attention to the race—and it worked!”

His involvement didn’t end there. He continues to have discussions with people across the world and appears weekly on Meghan McCain’s radio show, “America Now,” to offer his opinion and listen.

Listening more than talking, Aiken believes, is one of the most important things a person can do right now.

“As soon as someone disagrees with us, we stop listening to their opinion,” he said. “We delete them from Facebook. We stop following them on Twitter. We

keep them out of our lives. I think what’s more important than that is trying to start discussions and get people talking to each other. That’s sort of where my focus is right now.”

That doesn’t mean that Aiken will not enjoy his Chandler Center for the Arts gig.

“Christmas has always been my favorite show to do,” said Aiken, who toured for five years after his 2004 Christmas album.

“We often did it with a full orchestra and people are always in festive or emotional spirits when they come to a Christmas show.”

As for his favorite holiday song to perform? After much deliberation, Aiken settles on “O’ Come, O’ Come Emmanuel.”

“It’s an old, somewhat stale hymn if you open it up in the hymn book, but it’s a completely different arrangement of it that I just think is beautiful,” begins Aiken, before proclaiming his love for any orchestral arrangement with French horns.

“If the French horns are playing, I’m happy,” he said. “That triumphant horn sound just kind of does it for me.”

Music may have taken a backseat to music, but he doesn’t forget the turns his journey has taken. On his Twitter account, he jokingly refers to himself as “America’s No.1 No. 2,” about being crowned runnerup on not just “American Idol,” but “The Apprentice.” He told “The View” that host Donald Trump was “gracious” on “The Apprentice.”

When he came in second on “American Idol” he didn’t think twice about it. But after his spot on “The Apprentice,” he said he thought, “This seems to be my place in life.”

IF YOU GO

What: Christmas with Clay Aiken

When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Cost: $52-$72

Information: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

Tower of Power performed with Huey Lewis and the News in the

Clay Aiken calls Donald Trump “gracious.”

BY KELLY POTTS

Easton Corbin has one of those deep voices that harkens old school country.

That helped Corbin crack the charts soon after entering the business. In 2009 scored two No. 1 singles, “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll with It.” Corbin doesn’t take any of it for granted.

“It’s truly an honor to be out there doing what I love each and every night,” said Corbin, who appeared in a Ram Trucks commercial promoting his song “Let’s Ride.”

“There are still times that I’m in awe this is what I do. I am who I am, and the fans have appreciated and accepted that throughout the year.”

Corbin is gearing up to play Ak-Chin Indian Community’s annual Masik Tas— or “birthday”—celebration at Ak-Chin Circle Field at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino on Friday, Dec. 9. Having just wrapped up a tour with Carrie Underwood, Corbin appreciates the response that country music fans have given him.

“No matter where you are playing, it’s the crowd that makes the show,” Corbin said. “I’ve had some of the best shows in Texas, Louisiana and all across the Southwest, because of the fans. I’ve learned that country fans have no bounds and they are everywhere—and

some of the best fans in the world.

“One of my favorite shows I’ve done is the Pima County Fair a few years back. Man, those fans were loud. It has to be one of my favorite memories, because the crowd was loud, fun and engaging. When the crowd is engaged,

it makes it so much more fun on stage.”

Corbin’s recent ballad, “Are You with Me,” was originally on his second studio album, but found a home on the third and most recent release.

“This was a song I always believed in,” he said. “We didn’t get around to releasing it the first time around, so we threw it on this record as well. When you have a song like that, it sticks with you. I knew I had something special on

this one.”

When not on the road, Corbin likes to relax and regroup.

“I’ll do just about anything that’s outdoors,” he said. “For me, that’s the best way to hit reset—to be outdoors hunting, fishing, you name it. If I’m not on the road or outdoors, I’m probably writing somewhere. There’s always a new record to put out.”

Easton Corbin loves anything related to the outdoors.

‘Dear’ to His Heart Ian Metzger finds solace in The Gentle Hits

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Ian Metzger just can’t quit music.

After his Phoenix-based band, Dear and the Headlights, broke up, he tried to leave music behind. He moved to Washington, to be near his wife’s parents. Music still haunted him.

“I keep getting sucked in,” Metzger said during an interview at Tempe Marketplace.

“It means too much to me. It’s like being in love. After that one relationship didn’t work out, you say, ‘I’m never going to love again.’ It’s that feeling with music with me.”

So the singer/lyricist got back on his metaphorical horse and formed the indie rock-folk trio The Gentle Hits with drummer Mark Kulvinskas and multi-instrumentalist James Mulhern. The project follows critically acclaimed stints in the aforementioned Dear and the Headlights, along with What Laura Said.

The Gentle Hits recently released its debut album, a self-titled collection on Porch Party Records. This fulfills another of Metzger’s dreams.

“I hate being solo instrumentalist guy,” said Metzger, who attended Chandler High School and Andersen Junior High. “My whole life, my family has been telling me they love when I play guitar by myself. But I want that collaboration and other minds to be present for the songs. It’s so much cooler to have other creative minds added to it. James and Mark have completely transformed

these ideas for me.”

Metzger said his time in Dear and the Headlights was memorable. The band played the likes of Coachella, Lollapalooza and Warped Tour, and did an arena tour with hometown heroes Jimmy Eat World and pop stars Paramore.

“I didn’t know what to expect at Coachella,” he said. “We were in one of the tents. We were playing early. It was a good tent, though. Mike Patton was playing later and there was some really cool stuff in there.

“We must have had 1,000 or 2,000 people show up to watch us. No one shows up for the first couple bands. They were real receptive.”

The last six or so years have been trying for Metzger. When he moved to Washington, he and his wife had two daughters, and $5,000 in their bank account. Metzger tirelessly looked for a job and finally found one—in a blueberry field.

“This guy hired me and eight other guys to be down on our hands and knees tending to this field,” he said, again laughing. “I did that for about two weeks. I couldn’t handle it. The other guys were migrant workers and those guys would work circles around me. I don’t even know what real hard work is. They put me to shame.”

Eventually he left and headed to Trader Joe’s to support the family and pay for a wood-heated cabin in Deming, Washington.

“The cabin had a glass ceiling,” he said. “We could see the whole galaxy while lying in bed. There were crazy amounts of silence, peace and serenity.”

After two years, tragedy struck. He received a call from his mother saying that his stepdad had fallen at work and passed out. Blood tests revealed not only a serious infection in his foot, but pancreatic and liver cancer. He arranged to move his family back to Arizona. His stepfather died four days after he moved back.

When Metzger returned to Arizona, he was armed with songs inspired by life in the cabin, and his family issues.

“I was writing the whole time I was there,” said Metzger, a Phoenix resident

who works as a server at Cowboy Ciao.

“Just being outside was a meditative state. I basically had this entire album sussed out acoustically.

“When I got back, I couldn’t try to pretend I wasn’t into it,” he said.

“Music haunts me. I get melody ideas in my head and these songs appear out of nowhere. They won’t leave me alone. I’m getting old enough to not really ignore these things. It’s the only thing that makes time disappear.”

For more information about The Gentle Hits, visit https:// porchpartyrecords.bandcamp. com/album/the-gentle-hits or thegentlehits.com.

Ian Metzger, far right, attended Chandler High School and Andersen Junior High.

Quilt show will keep you in stiches with humor

The theme of 21st annual art quilt exhibit at the Chandler Center for the Arts is “In Stitches: Seriously Humorous Art Quilts,” which is on display now through Saturday, Jan. 7. This year’s juror was Marla Hattabaugh, who has shown her work in multiple exhibitions throughout the United States and Europe and has been involved in artist organizations such as the Arizona Quilters Guild, Arizona Designer Craftsmen and the Quilt/Surface Design Symposium.

“As a quilter, I have a passion for quilting,” Hattabaugh said. “I take my role as a quilter and creator very seriously. I work to keep learning how to make each

artwork the best it can be. On the other hand, humor helps me be healthy in mind and heart. That is why I chose this theme. Daily laughing and loving enables us to be happy.”

Artists were asked to submit artworks designed to portray the concept of humor through an elevated or alternative outlook, as opposed to a traditional perspective, and were given ample freedom to experiment with different ideas of humor and amusement.

The Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Info: 480-782-2695 or chandlercenter.org.

Artworks of Marla Hattabaugh on display at Vision Gallery

An exhibit focused on the artworks of Marla Hattabaugh is on display through Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler. She has displayed her art quilts in shows across Europe and the United States and has been involved with the Arizona Quilters Guild, Arizona Designer Craftsmen and the Quilt/ Surface Design Symposium.

“Quilting is one of my main obsessions/passions,” Hattabaugh said. “It gives me friends, laughter, visual stimulation, travel opportunities and alone time.”

Hattabaugh said that most of the fabric she uses is hand-processed, dyed using Procion MX, silk screened, deconstructed, printed, painted, stamped or otherwise completed as a one of a kind project.

“Sometimes the challenge of getting the top to lay smooth regardless of how many seams come together is a great problem. Other times everything goes together so smoothly that the 30 years I’ve spent doing it seem warranted.”

Info: 480-782-2695, visiongallery.org or vision.gallery@chandleraz.gov.

Classic films return to the big screen at Harkins Theatres

Harkins Theatres is presenting Ultimate Classics, with special presentations of classic films at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in December for only $5. Films include “Christmas Vacation,” “A Christmas Story” and “Die Hard.”

The theaters are located at Harkins Arrowhead Fountains 18, Chandler Fashion 20, Estrella Falls 16, Gateway Pavilions 18, Harkins Camelview 14 at

Fashion Square, Norterra 14, Queen Creek 14, Scottsdale 101 14, Superstition Springs 25 and Tempe Marketplace 16

Harkins Theatres feature digital projection and sound, curved wall-towall screens, Ultimate Lounger leather reclining seats, Ultimate Rocker loveseats, Loyalty Cups, in-lobby children’s Play Centers and gourmet concessions. Info: www.harkinstheatres.com/TNC.

Youtheatre’s production of “Annie Jr.”

title role in The

Greasepaint Youtheatre presents ‘Annie Jr.’

The Greasepaint Youtheatre is presenting “Annie Jr.” Dec. 9 to Dec. 18, at the Historic Stagebrush Theatre, 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Twin sisters Raechel and Simone Rawicz star in alternate performances of the title role. Annie first entered popular culture in 1885 when James Whitcomb Riley penned the poem “Little Orphan Annie.” When Harold Gray launched “Little Orphan Annie and Uncle Dan” in the comic strips of daily newspapers 1924, her popularity skyrocketed. Over the decades Annie inspired a radio show, multiple film adaptations and the 1977 Broadway musical and film follow-up.

The Greaspaint Youtheatre version is based on the comic strip and was created by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Dale Nakagawa is director, Curtis Moelleris music director and Becca Courtney is stage manager.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. Tickets are $15 to $17. Info: 480-949-7529 or www.greasepaint.org.

Chuyen Tinh Mua Dong concert coming to Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

A celebration of the Vietnamese culture and its music is coming to the Ovations LIVE! Showroom inside Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, with the Chuyen Tinh Mua Dong Concert performed in Vietnamese. Performing artists include Phan Đình Tùng, Thanh Th Đ o, Justin, Quach Tu Đ n Du, Katie, Sao Khuê, Tr ĐĐ ng Ti Đ n, and Brothers Band.

Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Đình Tùng has recorded hit songs such as “Khuc Hat Mung Sinh Nhat,” “Ngoi Sao Le Loi” and “Cam Bay Tinh Yeu.” Ph Đ m Tr Đ nh Ph ĐĐ ng Th Đ o, also known by her stage name Thanh Th Đ o, is a Vietnamese singer and actress. Her best-known song is “Búp bê ĐĐ p xinh” (“The Beautiful Doll”) recorded in 2002. Justin’s real name is Nguy Đ n Đ Đ Ti Đ n S Đ .

Born in 1983 in Vietnam, he and his family moved to the United States in 1990. Justin began studying dance at the age of 14 and became a dance instructor at 19. In recent years, Justin has danced for Justin Timberlake and collaborated with other artists, such as Hilary Duff, Lil’ Romeo and many Disney singers.

Quach Tu Đ n Du is a musical artist born in An Giang Province, Vietnam. He is best known for his songs “Tau Ve Que Huong,” “Nhung Dem Lanh Gia” and “Nguoi Da Xa.” Ticket are prices: $65, $45 and $25. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. All guests under 21 years old must be accompanied by a ticketed adult at all times and stay in the designated under 21 areas. Doors open at 7 p.m. Info: 480-917-3886, 480-835-5589, 602-335-8888 or 623-878-2475.

Christmas with Clay Aiken

Accompanied by a Twenty-Two-Piece Orchestra Friday, December 16 7:30pm December 27 - January 8

Twin sisters Raechel and Simone Rawicz star in alternate performances of the

Greasepaint

As You Wish Pottery schedules January classes

As You Wish Pottery offers a slew of activities for youth to adults throughout January.

From 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 12 to adults. It is $12 plus pottery and parts to create a Confetti Clock using any color palette chosen.

From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, Homeschool Social will be held for homeschooled children. It is a $15 all-inclusive program with step-bystep basic pottery painting techniques

taught to create a self-portrait with a party hat that can be used to write personal goals on with a wipe-off marker.

From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Beginning Technique/ Spolvero class will be held for ages Learn how to create a Valentine’s Dayinspired platter.

To register for these classes, visit www.asyouwishpottery.com/classes. The Chandler studio is located at 2970 Germann Rd., Suite 4.

Southwest Youth Ballet’s

The Nutcracker

ON STAGE

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain , Sunday, Dec. 4, MAC. The audience will be invited to participate in a ukulele Christmas play-and-sing along.

Chandler Symphony with Jim Curry , Saturday, Dec. 10, HCPA. Curry opens the show performing his John Denver holiday tribute followed by 18time Emmy nominee Lee Holdridge conducting the symphony.

The Symphony of the Southwest and the Chandler Children’s Choir , Saturday, Dec. 10, MAC. A concert to get you in the holiday spirit with an evening of holiday favorites.

The Holiday Pops and Justin Carpenter , Sunday, Dec. 11, MAC. Ring in the holiday spirit with holiday pops.

Clay Aiken , Friday, Dec. 16, CCA. His first single made him the first artist in history to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and since then he’s sold 6 million albums and sold out 11 nationwide concert tours. This Christmas concert is accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra.

Tempe Community Chorus , Friday, Dec. 16, MAC. Celebrate the season with 140 voices raised in joyful song to commemorate their 25th anniversary and to celebrate the spirit of peace and good will toward all.

Straight No Chaser , Saturday, Dec. 31, MAC. Formed years ago while students at Indiana University, the group has reemerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, more than 20 million YouTube views and numerous national TV appearances.

Pink Martini , Wednesday, Jan. 11, SCPA. An international phenomenon performing a retro-hip, multilingual repertoire throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, featuring a dozen musicians who find inspiration in virtually every musical genre, from Baroque to disco.

Storm Large , Saturday, Jan. 14, SCPA. A finalist on the CBS show “Rock Star: Supernova,” she made her debut as guest vocalist with the band Pink Martini in 2011, singing four sold-out concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The Marvelous Wonderettes , Tuesday, Jan. 17, to Tuesday, April 18, HCT. This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts who serenade us with classic ’50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.”

Roots & Boots Tour , Friday, Jan. 27, CCA. Country music with Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye.

Neil Sedaka with The Phoenix Symphony , Friday, Feb 3, MAC. His impressive 50-year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the ’50s, a songwriter for himself and other artists in the ’60s, and a superstar in the ’70s.

yMusic , Friday, Feb. 3, SCPA. A group of six New York City instrumentalists flourishing in the overlap between the pop and classical worlds, with virtuosic execution and unique configuration (string trio, flute, clarinet and trumpet) that has attracted the attention of high-profile

collaborators and more recently inspired an expanding repertoire of original works by some of today’s foremost composers.

Glenn Miller Orchestra , Sunday, Feb. 26, CCA. With its unique jazz sound, the resilient orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world.

Art Garfunkel: In Close-Up , Saturday, March 11, CCA. Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree and Golden Globe-nominated singer and actor with a live set that encompasses his solo hits, Simon and Garfunkel songs and cuts from his favorite songwriters—Jimmy Webb, Randy Newman and A.C. Jobim.

The Doo Wop Project , Saturday, March 18, CCA. A journey from foundational tunes of groups like the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons all the way to Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse.

Yanni , Saturday, April 8, MAC. For the first time, platinum-selling Yanni is stepping off the concert stage to give fans the chance to interact with him on a more intimate and personal level. Each show is unscripted and will unfold differently each night depending on the questions being asked.

Aida , Thursday, May 18 to Saturday, July 1, HCT. Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.

ON STAGE VENUE INDEX

CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: 480-279-7194, higleycenter.org

HCT—Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert Tickets: 480-497-1181, haletheatrearisona.com

MAC—Mesa Arts Center

One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

SCPA—Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale Tickets: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Straight No Chaser appears Saturday, Dec. 31 at Mesa Arts Center.

Mind Games

BY DR. MARC DRAKE

Years ago, as the story goes, a little town in the United Kingdom built a new jail that supposedly had an escape-proof cell. The great illusionist and escape artist, Harry Houdini, was invited to come over and see if he could break out of it. Houdini had previously boasted that the jail had not been made that could hold him. So he accepted the invitation and, when the appointed day came, walked into the cell. He then heard the noise of steel against steel as the jailer closed the door behind him and slipped the key into the lock.

Once the man had left, Houdini took out his tools and went to work on the cell door. An hour passed…then two. The great escape artist, who had opened the locks on so many other doors, seemed to find nothing that would work on this one. He simply could not understand it. Finally, Houdini admitted defeat and in

Let’s

Spiritual Reflections

his fatigue leaned against the door—at which point, the door opened! You see, the jailer had never actually locked it. The only place the door was locked was in Houdini’s mind.

Were the Brits playing a mind game with Houdini, or did the jailer leave the door unlocked by mistake? Whatever the case, we can know that God doesn’t play mind games with us. He gave us our minds for seeking Him and using them for His glory. Obviously, Harry Houdini had a certain mind-set while he was in that cell (a mind-set that happened to be wrong!). He thought that the task before him was to use whatever means he had at his disposal to unlock a door, when the door was already unlocked.

Likewise, many people are attempting to unlock the door of heaven through their own efforts and good works. But no amount of human effort could ever accomplish that. The truth, however, is

that Jesus has already opened the door for all who believe in Him (See John 5:24). Through His death and resurrection, He offers full forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life. Therefore, make sure you don’t have the wrong mindset as you journey through life. Don’t become enamored with the things of this world that would distract from the very purpose for which you were created.

In answer to the question, “Which is the great commandment in the Law?” Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). What could possibly be more important than this? So, determine to set your mind on God Himself and know the fullness of salvation that is in His Son, Jesus Christ. In the words of Wolfgang Von Goethe: “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”

understand America’s freedoms

BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D.

In August 1945, we celebrated VJ Day. After much bloodshed and sacrifices, we finally defeated Japan in a war that still reverberates to this day. The relief that followed also served a reminder that even in victory there is sadness. The needless waste of resources and humanities disdain for the values of life’s gifts caused us to pause and wonder about our purpose.

During these difficult times, we Americans came together as never before. The blood drives, the collection of fat, the rationing of things we once took for granted, the purchase of savings bonds, the entertaining of the troops, all taught us that when a nation is in need its citizens rise to the occasion. It certainly was a different time.

One thing that stood out, in my mind, was a simple song made famous during that infamous time in our history—“The House I Live In.” The words struck a chord of understanding the need and effect of connection to each other. More than that, however, it enabled us to realize that only as one people can we ever hope to accomplish the dreams of all the generations that preceded us.

The house I live in reminded us of all we hold dear and find precious in this experiment called America. The words

resonate with us because they speak to our values and ideals. The entertainers that performed and sang these lyrics of patriotism gave meaning to their significance.

The house I live in

A plot of earth, the street

The grocer and the butcher

Or the people that I meet

The children in the playground

The faces that I see

All races and religions

That’s America to me

As we examine the simple words of everyday occurrences we are left to understand that America is so diverse and yet so connected. It is the diversity that was and remains the secret strength of this great nation. It is as though God gazed at this creation of young and older, white and black, Jew, Gentile, Muslim, and Hindu—on and on the differences are clear, but the bonds are unbreakable.

The place I work in

The worker by my side

The little town the city

Where my people lived and died

The howdy and the handshake

The air of feeling free

‘Saturday Night Alive’ celebrates the mystical Havdalah ceremony

Chabad of the East Valley is adding fire and spice to typical Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 3.

A project of CKids Club International, “Saturday Night Alive” is a musical celebration of family and the mystical Havdalah ceremony.

Following on the heels of the CKids Club High Holiday Fair, which took children and parents on an interactive creative arts journey through the High Holidays, this new club event will feature a board game bar, a

full spread of goodies and treats, storytelling, candle braiding and spice bag crafting.

The Havdalah is an ancient ritual, performed by Jewish ancestors for thousands of years as a way to mark the conclusion of Shabbat and welcome in the new week. But why the flame? The spices? The wine?

“Saturday Night Alive” uncovers the deeper secrets, symbolism and meaning latent within this seemingly simple weekly practice. For more information, call 480-855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com.

And the right to speak your mind out

That’s America to me

We have just completed a most exhausting and agonizing election. Things have been said that may never be forgotten, but it is over. There will be plenty of evaluations and explanations, but it is over. What is not over is the fact that we are all Americans with the right to speak our minds. We are Americans enjoying freedoms that few in the world can truly understand.

Now is the time to join in building an even stronger America. Two 140 years has taught us that only as one can we truly benefit from the many different opinions and solutions. Only as one can we overcome the vitriol that seems to have settled in our hearts and minds. Together, we succeed, separate, we fail. It is that simple.

The lyrics end with a startling reminder—“Especially the people, that’s America to me.” Stand next to a friend or relative and look at your reflection in the mirror. The only resemblance is that each has a nose and two eyes, two ears, a mouth. This is where the similarities end because if we look closer we see two different people. This is the strength of America— similar, but different.

Now is the time to join with one another and know that through the tears, and the dreams, and the growing, we have developed a country that has never been duplicated, nor will it ever be.

August 1945 may have been a different time, but the messages of those offerings are no different today. As we journey into a new chapter in our history perhaps it is appropriate to also remember that by the Grace of God do we flourish.

Rabbi Irwin Wiener

Senior Pastor Dr. Marc Drake, First Baptist Church Sun Lakes.

Spiritual Connections

Call ahead to confirm as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting to list in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to news@santansun.com.

SUNDAYS

Celebration Service

10:30 a.m. Sundays

All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., proceeding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org

Kids’ Sunday School

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800

Lift Your Spirit

10 a.m. Sundays

Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

7:30 a.m. daybreak contemplative worship

9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music 11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band.

There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays.St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org.

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting

7:30 p.m. Mondays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com

A Vibrant Community

TUESDAYS

Silva Class and Meditation

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays

Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd, Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800.

Career Connectors

8:30 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month

Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to high-quality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. Info: www.careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806

Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter—Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www.christianbusinessnetworking.com

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter

7:45 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Building B, Room 202, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www.christianbusinessnetworking.com

HOPE—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences

7 p.m. Tuesdays

Free weekly small group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church, 19620 S. McQueen Rd., Room 106, Chandler. Info: hope4all@comcast.net, www.helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Info: Cyril, (480) 802-0243; Kathy, (480) 895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.

Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:15 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.”

Best Western-Mezona 250 W. Main St., Mesa. Info: (480) 232-3773

Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon)—Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and ThursdaysTwelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church, 1125 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Info: www.nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

Panic Healing 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tune-up. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800.

Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted.

Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaith-community.org.

“A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as long-time students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org

The Art of Parenting 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Info: (480) 855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com

Grief Care 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays A place to come share your feelings or just listen to

others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler. Info: griefcareaz@gmail.com

Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle

7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays

Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800

Meditation Moments

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month

An interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as long time students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798 or www.interfaith-community.org

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church

12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service

St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. Info: (480) 899-7386, www.saintmatthewschurch.org. THURSDAYS

Women’s Empowerment & Awakening

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday

Release negative beliefs. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800.

A Course in Miracles

7 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800.

Empower Model for Men

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays

The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model

Spirituality

detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800

Real Love Support Group

6:30 p.m. Thursdays

For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler, 1222 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Tempe. Info: (480) 792-1800

FRIDAYS

Temple Havurat Emet

7:30 p.m. first Friday of each month Lecky Center, Robson Library. 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Info: www.templehavuratemet.org

Grief

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Friday

Each session presents a 45-minute videotape of expertise of counselors, pastors and others who have coped with grief and understand its effects and the steps toward healing. Each week a different stand-alone topic is presented as part of 13 sessions. Discussion follows, but participation is entirely voluntary. Call (480) 8951088 for information. The program is offered at First Baptist Church Sun Lakes.

SATURDAYS

Spirit Night—Psychic Fair

4 p.m. to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month

The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: www.interfaith-community.org; heatherposey70@gmail.com.

Spirit Night – A Holistic Healing Festival

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. third Saturday of the month

Lightworkers offer a wide range of services including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: www.interfaith-community. org or heatherposey70@gmail.com

Unity Drumming and Healing Circle

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month

Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Info: (480) 593-8798, www.interfaith-community.org.

OTHER

Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valleywide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage. Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, marriage@lisacmyers.com, www.forevermarriageministries.com, www.facebook.com/forevermarriages.

Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581

Monthly luncheon. Social Box Eateries, 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. RSVP: (480) 802-9304, (480) 655-8812

Moms in Prayer International

A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Info: Liane Wright, (480) 699-7887, www.momsinprayer.org.

Bible Study

Meets twice a month

Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, Chandler. Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882.

East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range. Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@cox.net

Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@santansun. com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicabwle and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes

A Church of Joy Committed to the perfect Word of God, living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and worshiping with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Dr. Marc Drake, Senior Pastor invites you to join in our traditional worship service at 9535 E. Riggs Road Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248 480-895-1088 www.fbcsl.org

Sundays: Bible Study: 8:30 am | Worship: 10:00 am Wednesday: Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30 pm

CONCRETE WORK

Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, All Concrete Needs. 25 years experience. Competitive prices. FREE Estimates. Dan 480-516-8920 Jason 480-243-7779.

HOME REPAIRS

ALL HONEY-DO LISTS!

General Handyman Services. One Call, We Do It All! Owner does all work. Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. ROC 118198. S&I General Contracting, Inc. Steve 602-339-4766.

HOME REPAIRS

GARY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

Experienced Home Repairs: Electrical - Ceiling Fans, Lights, Etc. Plumbing - Garbage Disposal Install. Painting (minor), Drywall Repair (minor). Most all repairs. All Honey-Do Lists. Reliable and Prompt. Call or Text Gary at Cell 714-412-1762

UNIVERSAL HOME REPAIR

Small projects, house maintenance and renovations, house/apartment preparation for new tenants. Air conditioning repairs. 480-213-4005, jacekwrona@cox.net

HOME SERVICES

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Family Owned with 33 years EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures. Install new one or repair what you have, insulated units, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio door glass, table tops to protect furniture. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates. WESLEY’S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113, wesleysglass.com.

HOUSE CLEANING

CLEAN CASA CLEANING SERVICES

Reliable house cleaning done right the 1st time!! One-time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, move-in/move-out, etc. Same 2-person crew every time at your house! We bring all our own supplies and equipment. Will customize. References. Take $10 off your first cleaning. Call today!! Amy 602-284-3579.

HOUSE CLEANING

MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEAM

Been cleaning houses for 10 years. Have great experience. We do windows. Also, have move-out specials & Senior Discounts. 480-438-1757 or 480-395-4522.

PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING

35 Years Experience - 20 years in the Valley. Free estimates, local references. Move-out cleaning services available. All work done by non-smoking meticulous owner. Call Shirley 480-433-4945

SIMPLY GRAND CLEANING SERVICE

House cleaning specialists offering weekly, biweekly, monthly, or one-time cleanings. Also, providing move-in/out cleaning service, windows and patios. We use GREEN environmentally friendly products. High quality services at a great price. Very dependable, insured and with excellent references. $10 off first service with mention of this ad. Call Reed for a free estimate 480-802-1992 or Email: contact@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

A+ SPRINKLER REPAIR SERVICE

18 years experience repairing and replacing valves, drip systems, wire troubleshooting & timers. All repairs! Honest and reliable. East Valley native. Call and compare prices! 602-826-4717 www.AplusSprinklerRepair.com

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

AZ LANDSCAPE & HAULING SERVICES

Complete landscape and property maintenance including clean ups, hauling, installations, sprinkler install, maintenance and repair, tree care, painting, handyman, etc. English speaking, dependable, Insured, SmartScape Certified, Free estimates. Valley wide 480-200-9598

HECTORS LAWN CARE

Owner/Operator Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Blowing, Weed Control, Fertilizer, Clean Ups. FREE Estimates- 480-636-0286

MOVERS

IN OR OUT MOVERS

Professional, hardworking, excellent service. No hidden fees. Whether you are moving in or moving out LEAVE THE LIFTING TO US! Serving the East Valley. www.inoroutmoversphoenixmetro.com Call Terry at 602-653-5367.

PAINTING SERVICES

A CUT ABOVE PAINTING, LLC

Your quality repaint specialist. Interior/Exterior. Epoxy Floors. Roof Coatings. Stained Concrete. New Construction. FREE ESTIMATES! References available. Owner will be on job. Commercial/Residential. 30 years experience. Licensed-Bonded-Insured-ROC 257167. MENTION this ad to receive 5% OFF! 480-244-9119

Classifieds

PAINTING SERVICES

AZ HOME & PAINT SERVICES

Affordable interior and exterior painting for every budget. Power washing, drywall repair etc. Experienced, Dependable & Insured. Valleywide. Free Estimates. 480-200-9598

EAGLE

RIDGE PAINTING, LLC

Interior repaint specialist, offering in-home color consulting for every job. Using only quality low VOC paints, brush-n-roll application, two coat coverage. Family owned and operated with over 25 years experience. ROC 296732 Bonded & Insured. Call Sue 480-825-2122

EAST VALLEY PAINTERS

Voted #1 Repaint Specialists! Clean, Friendly Crews. Interior/Exterior. Drywall Repairs. Textures. Concrete Staining. Pool Deck Coatings. Garage Floors. Free Estimates. All Credit Cards Accepted. ROC 153131. 480-688-4770

SUNTECH PAINTING INC.

Gilbert/Chandler’s Trusted Painting Professionals. Residential/Commercial Painting Since 1987. Residential Exterior and Interior, Commercial Space/Professional Offices, Tenant Improvements. “Competitive Pricing With Our Same High Level of Quality”. Family Owned. FREE Estimates. ROC#155380 602-625-0599 suntechpainting@live.com

PLUMBING

ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER

CHANDLER/GILBERT *$50.00 OFF with this ad* *NO SERVICE CHARGE* 110% Guarantee*/

OWNER OPERATED Small & Large REPAIRS

24/7 Slab leak, water main, hot water heaters, & sewer repair specialist. Water softening specialist, water filters, and reverse osmosis. 100-year warranty on parts & labor. * BBB A+ Rating. BBB Ethics Award Winner. Chandler Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice Award. *Call for details. 480-726-1600

CURE ALL PLUMBING FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS!

Free estimates and Senior Discounts! Water heaters, faucets, toilets, pipe leaks, garbage disposals, slab leaks, repiping, drain cleaning: Clogs, jetting, Camera inspection, locating. Water softeners, Reverse Osmosis systems. Sprinkler and Backflow repairs. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Member of BBB. Cure All Plumbing 480-895-9838

POOL SERVICES

A CLEAR CHOICE POOL

Husband/Wife Team - Owner Operator. Pool/ Spa Service, Cleaning and Repair, Equipment Installation, Certified Pool Operator, Member IPSSA. East Valley Specialists. 480-369-4540 www.aclearchoicepools.com Many references Available. Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC#283791

DM POOL SERVICE

And Estate Maintenance. Owner Operator. Weekly Pool Service. Equipment Repair. Filter Clean (all types). Household Repairs. Landscape Lighting. Many Other Services. $25 towards 1st Service or Repair. 480-295-2617. MyGoToPoolGuy.com

POOL SERVICES

HENNESSY POOLS LLC

Tile Cleaning/Acid Wash. Vacation Service. Weekly Service & Repair. Filter Clean (All Types). Salt Systems. Sand Change. Green Pool Fix. FREE Estimates. Insured. $40 OFF Service, Repair or Filter Clean with Mention of this Ad. hennessypoolcare@yahoo.com, http://www.hennessypools.net/ 480-577-2719. Member of Home Advisor.

ROOFING

THE ROOF MEDICS

Residential/Commercial. Repairs and Reroofing. Tile, Shingles, Flat, Walk-Decks. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. ROC #256001, K-42. 480-284-7338. www.theroofmedics.com

SEWER AND DRAIN

MASTER SEWER ROOTER

480-705-7772 SERVICE NOW!! 110% Guaranteed/100 Year Warranty. OWNER Operated, (Licensed, Bonded, Insured). 20% OFF Seniors/Military. A+ Rating with BBB, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, AZ award winning. If it’s plumbing, we do it! 24-hour flood restoration services. Financing approval in minutes with NO MONEY DOWN & ZERO INTEREST.

SCREENS

“MOBILE SCREENING”

Your Re-Screening Specialist. Bug Screens - Sun Screens, Patio Doors. New Screens Available. We Come To You! (480) 980-3321

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS

You can watch while I repair your sewing machine in your home. Vintage or computerized. All makes. In business since 1968. Price includes trip & labor. Call John McAulay 480-897-0338.

WINDOW CLEANING

FISH WINDOW CLEANING

Fall is here and the HOLIDAYS are not far away, call 480-962-4688 now for your spot on our busy fall schedule. We will make your windows sparkle. Free onsite estimate, you do not have to be home.

JOHN’S WINDOW CLEANING

1-story $125 / 2-story $145 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add’l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane. Power Washing and Re-Screening available  Same day Service (480) 201-6471

Decadent treat-filled desserts

Creating one-of-a-kind desserts doesn’t have to take hours in the kitchen or even exceptional baking skills. With a little imagination and the right tools, you can whip up surprisingly delicious sweets that will surprise and delight your friends and family.

Focus on flavor

If your baking repertoire typically consists of white cake and chocolate frosting, spice things up a bit by experimenting with new fillings and flavor combinations. Opt for complementary or contrasting tastes for a truly delectable dessert. For example, pair fudgy chocolate cake with tangy berries, or see how a bold flavor like lemon adds a new dimension to a mild vanilla.

Add a special touch

Infusing new flavors into your favorite cake or brownie recipe is surprisingly easy when you use bakeware made for the purpose. Baker’s Advantage Fillables

Recipe courtesy of Baker’s Advantage/ Alissa Wallers

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2 sticks butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder nonstick cooking spray

Recipe courtesy of Baker’s Advantage/ Alissa Wallers

4 sticks butter, room temperature

3 cups sugar

6 eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk, at room temperature nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 350 F.

Recipe courtesy of Baker’s Advantage/ Alissa Wallers

3 sticks butter, unsalted and at room temperature

6 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Bakeware helps home bakers easily create “treat-filled” desserts. Each bakeware set comes with two pans: One pan creates the bottom half of the cake and forms indentations in the cake you can fill with fruit, puddings, candy and more, while the second pan creates the top half of the cake, which hides the surprise fillings.

Shape it up

Artfully applied frosting and other decorations can instantly dress up a basic cake, but another option is upgrading the shape of the cake itself. In addition to traditional square, round and sheet cake pans, the Baker’s Advantage Fillables Bakeware collection includes mini heart cakes, fluted cakes, mini loaf cakes and a cake cones pan. These special shapes make it easy to create enviable desserts out of classic recipes.

Find more surprisingly easy dessert ideas at FillablesbyBakersAdvantage.com.

Vanilla Frosting (recipe below) or ice cream

Heat oven to 350 F.

In double boiler, melt chocolate and butter. When melted, place in large bowl and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Add sugar and mix.

Combine eggs and vanilla; gently mix with fork or whisk to break up eggs. Add eggs

With stand or handheld mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, scraping between each egg. Add vanilla extract.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Add flour mixture to mixing bowl and slowly add milk while mixing. Mix until just combined.

Spray Fillables Fluted Cake Pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill bottom of both

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup heavy cream

Using handheld or stand mixer, cream butter on high, about 3 minutes.

and vanilla to batter.

Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Fold in flour until just combined.

Spray Fillables 8 Cup Cake Cone Pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill bottom pan with batter to line in middle of pan then place insert on top and snap together.

Place on middle of rack in oven and bake 15-18 minutes. Allow to cool before

pans with batter to three-quarters full.

Bake on middle rack in oven 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool before removing from pan.

Filling suggestions:

• Blueberries, plus additional for topping

• Raspberries, plus additional for topping

• Strawberries, stem removed and cut into small pieces, plus additional for topping

• Vanilla Frosting (recipe below) Fill pockets in bottom layer of pound

Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on medium between each addition. Scrape bowl well. Add remaining ingredients; mix on low until incorporated.

removing from pan.

Filling suggestions:

• Graham crackers, chocolate chips and marshmallows

• Whipped cream and berries

• Ice cream or pudding

Add fillings inside cone, top with Vanilla Frosting or ice cream, and serve.

cake with different berries. Carefully spread Vanilla Frosting over top of berries and cake.

Place top layer of cake on top of frosting.

Drizzle warmed up Vanilla Frosting over top of cake.

Decorate top with berries.

Turn mixer to high and beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Use immediately or store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Note: Frosting must be at room temperature prior to using.

Brownie Cake Cones can be filled with a variety of sweet treats, like graham crackers, chocolate chips or marshmallows.

Berries and Cream Fluted Pound Cake

Vanilla Frosting

Brownie Cake Cones

Where to

Create a cold-weather solution

While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather.

Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean it’s time to stop enjoying the lively and nuanced flavors of chilled wine. While once only sipped on warm days of summer, rosé, for example, has become a year-round wine to enjoy any time with its crisp and cool strawberry and rhubarb flavors.

A warm, comforting dish, like this Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. As the chicken roasts in the oven, it warms the kitchen and fills the house with wonderful aromas, tempting any chef or home cook to steal a sip of wine.

One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the

table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan

Chicken:

1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)

sea salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 lemon

Salsa Verde:

1/4 cup capers in salt

4 anchovy filets

3 cloves garlic

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup chopped arugula

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped tarragon

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup chopped fresh sage

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

To make chicken: Heat oven to 450 F.

Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.

Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone

of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.

Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.

Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde and garnish with roasted lemon.

To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.

Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.

Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.

Add all herbs and olive oil.

Season with sea salt.

Waxman

Where to Eat

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008

www.chompies.com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Copper Still Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476

www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770

www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta

590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine in only.

The Hungry Monk Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000

www.hungrymonkaz.com

Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898

www.aznypdpizza.com

Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 % off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503

www.planetsub.com

Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Social Box 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735

www.socialboxeateries.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965

www.sidelinesaz.com

Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only.

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular section, “Where kids eat free”. Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kids-eat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and/or email for confirmation and details. Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com

2,552