Santan Sun News - February 17, 2018

FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018 | www.SanTanSun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler and our neighboring communities

Mayor’s swan song: City soaring like an eagle

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny on Tuesday delivered a sweeping vision of Chandler’s accomplishments in the past year and its future in the final State of the City address of his tenure, citing numerous examples of why the city has become and will remain “the Innovation and Technology Hub of the Southwest.”

Although he focused much of his address on recent and future business development, Tibshraeny also extolled the city’s stable financial condition, its

sophisticated public safety network and its vibrant neighborhoods and special events that comprise “world-class Chandler.”

“Let’s key in on a theme I like to call ‘Grown in Chandler,’” he said in his opening remarks. “Things that are uniquely Chandler or, at the very least, had their beginnings in the community – entrepreneurs, ideas, amenities. Those things that come together to form our city’s personality, our character, our ethos.”

He lavished praise on businesses that “encompass the entrepreneurial

spirit that has made our community so successful” and have “have captured niche markets with creative ideas and solid business plans.”

“They come from places like retail and service, the tech sector, software development, Gangplank and our own Innovations incubator as well as our higher education partners – Arizona State University and the University of Arizona – public safety teams, well-managed infrastructure and a solid financial position.”

He said the city has been forging ahead with “a marketing strategy that

provides education on the investing process, the recruitment of angels and ongoing education and mentorship to budding business owners.”

Those “angels” are investors the city is developing with the East Valley Partnership to “identify, educate and activate” new businesses.

While he was reviewing many of the big developments of 2017, Tibshraeny also dropped some news into his speech.

He announced that Liberty Mutual Insurance is moving into the Chandler See

MAYOR on page 17

Even without a diamond, Chandler Compadres shine

BY JIM WALSH Staff

The Chandler Compadres are hoping to raise $1 million for disadvantaged children this year, even though they have not had a Cactus League ballpark as a source of revenue for more than 20 years.

While Compadre Stadium, with its distinctive blue roof and large outfield berm, has vanished and become a pleasant Cactus League memory, the Compadres have flourished and stayed true to their community service mission.

As the 2018 Cactus League season is set to begin in a matter of days, the resourceful Compadres will again continue

to make a more lasting impression even if they have a much lower-profile than during their baseball heyday.

Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Paul Molitor once played at Compadre Stadium. So did New York Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, who was once a teammate of basketball great Michael Jordan on the Chandler Diamondbacks, an Arizona Fall League team.

Baseball legends Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew all participated in fantasy camps at Compadre.

Hall of Famers Jim Palmer and Ken See

COMPADRES on page 4

Chandler still reaps spring baseball’s economic benefits

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff

Even without a Cactus League stadium, Chandler and Gilbert still reap some of the revenue driven by Major League Baseball’s preseason.

The Cactus League has a significant economic impact on the East Valley – home to a total of three spring training stadiums in Mesa and Tempe.

Chandler and Gilbert see significant tax revenue spikes every March, an indicator

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Compadre Stadium, shown in the top photo, closed more than 20 years ago but left Sun Lakes resident Frank Pezzorello, its former general manager, with memories for a lifetime.

that both municipalities benefit from their neighbors’ three spring training facilities.

Gilbert brings in an average of just over $69,000 in bed taxes in March, according to numbers provided by the town. That average ranks second behind April’s average of $72,644.

“March has consistently been our best month for occupancy and overall demand, while having the highest averageSee

CACTUS on page 7

F E AT U R E STO R I E S

More

Can Japanese star light up the Cactus League? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . Page 3 Retired teacher aims to dress you in style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . Page 28 Pickleball courts are open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Kids play tackles adult issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . Page 45 New joint brings barbecue delight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EAT . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67

Community . . . . .01-27 Business . . . . . . . .28-33 Sports . . . . . . . . . 34-40 Opinion. . . . . . . . 41-44 Neighbors. . . . . . .45-53 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 54-60 Spirituality . . . . . .61-62 Classifieds. . . . . . 63-66 Where to Eat . . . 67-70

CLIP-IT ............................................................... Center Section

2

480-420-3555

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

www.desertcarcare.com • 95 N. Dobson Road • Chandler

On-Time • Convenient • Certified

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

3

Japanese pitching-hitting star may shake up spring ball

BY JIM WALSH Staff

Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani has never thrown a pitch or hit a baseball in the major leagues, but he’s bound to create a stir in the East Valley this spring at Tempe Diablo Stadium and other Cactus League stadiums.

And Cactus League officials hope Ohtani can give a jolt to the spring training season – whose fans may have been caught off guard by its earliest start ever.

Ohtani is not even on the roster of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim yet, but his arrival for spring training likely will catapult the Angels into the Cactus League spotlight after years of standing in the shadow of traditional attendance powerhouses like the Chicago Cubs in Mesa and the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale.

Cactus League President Jeff Meyer said he is hoping that excitement created

by Ohtani – a potential new star because of his promise as a hitter and pitcher – will create interest in spring training earlier than usual to help compensate for the fact that games start on Feb. 23 instead of closer to March.

“We need a little boost with the games starting a little earlier,’’ Meyer said. “They refer to him as the Babe Ruth of Japan.’’

Most fans traditionally don’t think about the Cactus League until March.

MLB World

Although spring training starts earlier than usual, Cactus League officials hope Japanese star Shohei Ohtani will bring out the crowds.

Attendance is usually light in February, gradually building during spring break, when families from Chicago and elsewhere flee cold weather to bask in the Arizona sun.

But Meyer said fans need to re-orient themselves to an earlier Cactus League season, with play starting a week earlier in February to compensate for the earliest start ever to the Major League Baseball

regular season, on March 29.

MLB moved up the schedule to accommodate three or four additional off-days for players, as required by the collective bargaining agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association. The playoffs also are likely to end in October rather than dragging into November.

“This is going to be a new start for us

moving forward. This is going to be the time frame,’’ he said.

The Cactus League drew a record 1,941,347 fans in 2017, buoyed by a stronger-than-usual turnout for the world champion Cubs. Attendance per game dropped slightly because of a longer schedule that added more games to prepare players for the World Baseball Classic.

Ohtani, 23, is not only attempting to establish himself in baseball’s toughest level of competition, but to make history as an unusual two-way player.

A left-handed hitter and a righthanded pitcher, Ohtani is expected to serve as a designated hitter for the Angels in games when he is not pitching.

Whether he will excel at one or both aspects of the game remains to be seen.

“He’s obviously a very versatile player.

He can throw 100 mph and slug 500-foot homers,’’ Meyer said. “It’s good for them (the Angels) to have some excitement.

They have a lot of talent.’’

Tempe Diablo Stadium manager Jerry Hall is anticipating an exciting and maybe even an unprecedented season. He said the much anticipated Shohei spectacle is expected to be chronicled by about 120 to 130 Japanese media members a day at Diablo, pushing the stadium beyond its capability to handle the press.

“This is worldwide. This puts Tempe in See

OHTANI on page 8

Investor Special in Mesa!

Serenity in Fulton Ranch!

• Full size stackable washer and dryer will stay.

• Gorgeous tile floors throughout with the look of wood!

• Water Softener • Stainless steel appliances • Granite counter tops • Offered at $275,000

Located at Baseline and Alma School, this 3 bedroom home is a perfect candidate for a remodel!

Roof was replaced in 2016, No HOA and close to the mall, Freeway and Shopping!

Offered at $200,000, Cash Only!

Experience Matters Working full time for you... for over 20 years!

So whether you’re looking to buy or sell, call me!

Serenity in Fulton Ranch!

• Full size washer and dryer will stay • Stainless steel refrigerator to remain • North Facing.

• Silestone counters in kitchen and both bathrooms • Tiled backsplash at kitchen • Offered at $289,900

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH IN TODAY’S MARKET? FOR NO PRESSURE, JUST STRAIGHT TALK, CALL ME!

602.618.8398

email: kimnelson2@cox.net website: kimberlynelson.com All new homes are subject to changes in: pricing, incentives offered, availability, qualifying terms and conditions along with loan programs. Some homes pictured may be the builder’s model and are for illustration purposes only. Rates and programs are subject to change.

4

COMMUNITY NEWS

COMPADRES

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

from page 1

Griffey Jr. filmed commercials there.

Frank Pezzorello, the ballpark’s former general manager, said he even had Yankees legend Mickey Mantle scheduled for a fantasy camp at one point, but Mantle became ill and had to cancel.

Not a trace remains of Compadre Stadium, which had been located at Alma School and Ocotillo roads. The 65-acre site of the ballpark that once entertained thousands is now home to a sea of red tile roofs in the upscale Echelon at Ocotillo master-planned community.

The only reminder of that 11-year era is the nearby Snedigar Sports Complex, built in 1990 as practice fields for the Brewers.

It remains a major south Chandler sports facility, with baseball, softball and soccer fields, along with a skate park and a dog park.

The Compadres did not settle for getting shut out when the Brewers moved to the Maryvale Baseball Park in 1998.

Without baseball as an obvious focal point, they turned to a series of other fundraisers – a golf tournament, a rock concert, a sports car giveaway, a state tax write off – and turned what once looked like a serious loss into a grand slam for disadvantaged children.

“When they lost the ballpark, they made a transition,’’ said Ryan Foster, acting president of the Compadres and a member since 2008, referring to the organization’s 60 life members, many of whom volunteered their time at the stadium.

File photo

Before it was torn down, the shell of Compadre Stadium languished for several years before giving way to an upscale neighborhood.

donations rising from $520,000 in 2014 to $660,000 in 2015 to $707,000 in 2016 and $807,000 in 2017.

In contrast, the organization raised about $50,000 in 1997, the last year that the Brewers played at Compadre, Pezzorello said.

The next major fundraiser is the annual Compadres Golf Classic at Talking Stick Golf Resort near Scottsdale on April 20, which features two premier 18-hole golf courses.

The tournament fields 80 teams with a total 320 golfers and raises money

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Frank Pezzorello’s home is loaded with mementos from Compadre Stadium, where he was general manager of operations.

Now, he added, “We have really grown the charity and increased revenues each year” even though none of its 40 active members date back to the baseball era.

The life members include farmer Dwayne Dobson, realtor Bill Ryan and Pezzorello, the former stadium operations general manager and a past president of the Compadres.

“It took away a big revenue source,’’ Foster said, when Compadre Stadium stopped functioning as a Cactus League facility after the 1997 season. “These guys could have easily wrapped things up and said, ‘We have no source of revenue.’ But they didn’t do that.’’

The big winners are such children’s charities as the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Chandler ICAN, Azcend and the Chandler Education Foundation. A graphic prepared by the organization lists

primarily through sponsorships that start at $3,300 per foursome.

Beyond the tournament, the Compadres also raise money through a “Rock the Cause for Kids,’’ a concert and dinner at Wild Horse Pass where guests are served dinner and have an opportunity to win a car.

Last year’s grand prize was a Chevrolet Corvette donated by another life member, John Chapman of Chapman Chevrolet.

Foster said the Compadres pride themselves on being an all-volunteer charity, with 98.6 percent of donations going to Chandler-area charities. Donors can specify which charity they want to support.

“That’s our commitment to our donors.

We will take the time to vet the charities and get the most bang for our buck.’’

Pezzorello said Cactus League baseball probably came to Chandler too early, before the city had adequate hotels, restaurants and other attractions that would have appealed to tourists.

He has no doubt that today’s more mature Chandler could support a team.

It all started when former Chandler Mayor Jim Patterson, a real estate developer who founded Ocotillo, persuaded the Brewers to move from Sun City to Chandler. Patterson put together a partnership that spent $1.6 million to build Compadre Stadium.

From the start, it was envisioned that the ballpark would be expanded, but that never happened. Instead, a rebuilding and renovation plan became the blueprint for the new Maryvale ballpark in west Phoenix.

Compadre Stadium got off to a tragic start when Tony Muser, the Brewers third base coach, suffered second and third degree burns over 55 percent of his body in a natural gas explosion on Feb. 27, 1986.

The explosion occurred when a worker turned on a heater in the coach’s room, not realizing that there was gas in the line. Eight other players and coaches were injured.

A player was knocked off his chair by the explosion, which also buckled the roof.

Muser survived after spending four months recovering in a burn unit, but he lost an opportunity to become the team’s manager later that year because of his injuries. He eventually became the manager of the Kansas City Royals and spent a lifetime in baseball as a player and coach.

Things also got better at Compadre Stadium for a while after the explosion.

“I’m still proud of it. I have so many memories,’’ Pezzorello said. “The biggest part for me is the friendships. Ballplayers, volunteers, we had some great times.’’

He said the Cactus League has changed since those simpler times, with the role of community organizations such as the Compadres somewhat diminished.

Still, some civic groups remain active in the East Valley, including the Mesa Hohokams, the Tempe Diablos and the Scottsdale Charros.

“All of those groups are still making money for their charities, but their roles are more limited,’’ Pezzorello said. “I would say it was more community-oriented. We had hundreds of volunteers help us every day. It was like that at all the ballparks.’’

At Compadre Stadium, the volunteers

“did it all’’ for every game, parking cars, selling tickets and programs and serving as ushers.

Pezzorello said Compadre had about 5,000 seats and could accommodate another 5,000 fans seated on the berm.

Special to SanTan Sun News

Ryan Foster is acting president of the Chandler Compadres.

“We broke 10,000 one year with the Cubs,’’ Pezzorello said, noting attendance for one season exceeded 100,000 despite the small ballpark.

But the ballpark’s popularity did not pay off for Chandler.

Dave Bigos, a city spokesman, said the lack of hotels and restaurants at that time contributed to fans driving to Chandler for the game and leaving.

Chandler saw little or no increase in sales tax revenues from baseball, making the extensive improvements requested by the Brewers seem like a poor investment, he said.

“The timing just wasn’t right for the community, given where we were with the hotels and restaurants,’’ Bigos said. “We must have 20 times the restaurants and hotels we had back then.’’

Although Foster is proud of his organization’s perseverance, he said he wishes Chandler still had a Cactus League ballpark.

“We are creating our own revenue right now,’’ Foster said. “With something like that, we could easily go into the millions.’’

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

NATIONAL

SALES EVENT JANUARY 27–FEBRUARY 19, 2018

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LIMITED-TIME SAVINGS * TO CREATE YOUR YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR OASIS! TOLL BROTHERS AT AVIAN MEADOWS

TOLL BROTHERS AT WHITEWING

Act Now! Award Winning Home Designs!

Single-family homes with up to 4,545 sq. ft. of living space.

From the upper $400,000s | (480) 825-7946

Tour Our New Model Home!

Staff-gated, estates with 20,000 sq. ft. homes sites Home designs up to 6,900 sq. ft. Basements, casitas, and additional garages available.

From the upper $700,000s | (480) 306-8655

CALLIANDRA ESTATES Tour Our New Model and Clubhouse!

Gated neighborhood with basement and casita options, randing up to 5,000 sq. ft. on estate-sized home sites.

From the low $500,000s | (480) 245-7198

DORADA ESTATES Now a Gated Community!

Luxury single-family homes with 4-car garage on approximately half-acre home sites!

From the upper $500,000s | (480) 314-6777

LEGACY AT SEVILLE Now Open!

Gated single-level luxury golf course homes with views of San Tan Mountains. Social Membership to Seville Country Club.

From the mid-$500,000s | (480) 629-5353

TollBrothersEventAZ.com/SanTan CELEBRATING 50 YEARS | EST. 1967 | AN ACCLAIMED PAST. A BRIGHT FUTURE. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5:30 pm, and Monday 12 noon–5:30 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. *Offer, if any, is valid for new buyers who purchase a home in a participating community in Arizona and deposit between 1/27/18 and 2/19/18, sign an agreement of sale, and close on the home. Offers, incentives, and seller contributions, if any, vary by community and are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, including but not limited to the availability of home sites. Toll Brothers reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Not valid with any other offer. See sales representative for details. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Listing Broker Toll Brothers Real Estate, Inc.

5

6

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

CACTUS

from page 1

daily-rate of any month,” Gilbert Tourism Administrator Glenn Schlottman said.

Similarly, March is the second most prosperous month each year for Chandler in bed tax collections, behind April. Revenues averaged $421,604 in March between 2015 and 2017.

Both Gilbert and Tempe have conducted advertising campaigns designed to attract spring training visitors to stay, eat and spend money in their cities.

Chandler, on the other hand, does not invest in advertising campaigns.

“We provide some (spring training) information on the VisitChandler.com website and mention it in our visitors’ guide – but that is the extent at this time,” Chandler Tourism Development Coordinator Kimberly Janes said.

Tempe’s ad buys focused on Californians and people living in cold-weather cities like Denver, Seattle and Chicago.

One campaign with Weather.com flashed a message encouraging viewers to visit Tempe whenever the temperature in their home city dropped below 55 degrees, said Michael Martin, Tempe Tourism Office executive vice president.

Martin added that the goal of the campaign is to persuade people to use Tempe as their Cactus League “base of operations” even if they plan on attending games in other cities.

Mesa has long reigned as the king of the Cactus League due in large part to the Chicago Cubs, who have called the city their spring home for over 50 years.

The Cubs led all teams in attendance in

2017 drawing a total of 251,899 fans. The San Francisco Giants, who play at Scottsdale Stadium, ranked second with 182,518 fans.

“Every year, it seems impossible that the next year is going to break attendance records, because every game is a sellout,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said. “Being the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs has always been a safe bet.”

Mesa also benefits to a lesser extent from the Oakland Athletics, which plays at Hohokam Stadium and drew 102,212 fans in 2017 – a number that ranked 10 out of 15 teams in the Valley.

A study commissioned by the Cactus League and conducted by Tucson-based FMR Associates from 2015 found that out-of-state spring training attendees contributed over $297 million to Arizona in direct expenditures with a total economic impact of $544 millions.

A second study from FMR Associates estimated that the 12-month non-tourist economic impact of the Valley’s spring training facilities in 2014 was nearly $266 million.

Mesa sees a significant spike in both transient lodging tax and transaction privilege tax collections for March every year.

Transaction privilege tax is the tax paid by businesses to operate in the city. It is often passed on to consumers as a sales tax.

From 2013 to 2016, Mesa averaged transaction privilege tax revenue of just over $13 million every March. That monthly number is only surpassed by December’s average of over $14.4 million, which is likely buoyed by holiday sales.

Mesa sees an even more significant

COMMUNITY NEWS

spike in revenues from the bed tax levied on hotels during the Cactus League season.

The city averaged over $610,000 in bed tax revenues each March between 2013 and 2017, but it never averaged more than $474,000 during any other month during that span.

In 2017, Mesa’s March bed tax revenue of $729,307 was more than the total bed tax collected in June, July and August combined.

Mesa’s investment in the Cubs also has had spillover benefits for its neighboring cities.

Much like Mesa, Tempe – the spring home of the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe ­ has earned a significant Diablo Stadium – amount of its bed tax revenue in March for many years.

From 2013 to 2017, March is the second-highest grossing month for bed tax revenue in Tempe, bringing in an average of $724,000 during that time.

Tempe saw an immediate and significant increase in transient lodging tax revenue during Sloan Park’s first year of operation, an indication that the city is benefiting from its close proximity to the facility.

The city collected $901,000 in transient lodging tax in Sloan Park’s first year of operation in April 2014, a 35.3 percent increase over the year prior. That’s a staggering increase considering the city’s bed tax revenues fell by 1.1 percent annually in April 2012.

The Angels – ranked seventh in the Cactus League with attendance of 114,780 in 2017 – are expected to be an even more popular draw this year since the team signed Japanese phenom Shohei Otani in the offseason.

With Ohtani on board, Tempe could

see its hotel occupancy rate rise from 88 percent last year to 89 or 90 percent this year, Tempe Tourism Office’s Martin said.

Tempe is poised to take advantage of the additional guests, adding a Fairfield Inn, a Hilton Garden Inn and a Home2 Suites over the past year. The addition of those 450 new rooms brings the city’s total to 50 hotels with a total of 6,374 rooms.

Spring training doesn’t have as significant an affect on sales tax in Tempe as it does in Mesa. Between 2013 and 2017, March sales tax revenues averaged $6.5 million, which ranked 10th when compared to other months.

The city did see an uptick in sales tax revenue following the opening of Sloan Park, though.

Tempe’s transaction privilege tax revenue, which fell by 6.4 percent between March 2012 and March 2013, grew by 2 percent to $5.8 million in March 2014. That number then jumped by over 21 percent in March 2015.

Gilbert’s advertising campaigns included online ad campaigns targeting baseball fans planning to attend games at Wrigley Field in Chicago or Oakland Coliseum. Following the baseball season, Gilbert, too, engaged in weather-focused ad campaigns in Oakland and Chicago.

Gilbert will continue to invest in advertising after spring training begins by targeting fans that flew in from Oakland or Chicago and people attending games at Sloan Park, Hohokam Stadium and Tempe Diablo in order to encourage them to explore Gilbert, Schlottman said.

“We started by promoting Gilbert as a See

UPGRADE TO A SMART GARAGE

LiftMaster® 8550W DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

What garage door opener alerts you when it opens or closes with MyQ® Technology? Gives you the ability to control it from anywhere? Safeguards your home with advanced security features, and powers up so you can access your home, even when the power is down?

The LiftMaster® 8550W DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener.

PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED

COOKSON DOOR SALES OF ARIZONA 705 W 22ND ST, TEMPE, AZ 85282-1905 480-377-8777 www.cooksonaz.com

7

$

375

Opener is priced for garage doors up to 7' tall. Offer includes complete installation and sales tax - there are no hidden charges. Offer cannot be used on previous orders and prices subject to change.

ROC094890

© 2014 LiftMaster All Rights Reserved

CACTUS on page 8

8

COMMUNITY NEWS

OHTANI

from page 3

the spotlight, definitely,’’ Hall said. “It’s going to be really exciting to see what happens.’’

He said Diablo, with a seating capacity of about 9,000, is the “smallest and oldest’’ stadium in the league; the original structure was built in 1969 to accommodate the former Seattle Pilots.

The park, nestled near the Tempe Buttes and Interstate 10, has undergone extensive renovations at least twice.

“We are the most intimate,’’ Hall said, referring to a selling point for fans who crave a traditional spring training experience where it is still possible to watch players walk from the practice fields to the ballpark and to collect autographs.

While the practice fields and clubhouse were improved extensively, such intense media attention as Ohtani is generating was not envisioned.

That left Hall with limited options for accommodating so many reporters, so he plans to erect a tent in the parking lot

CACTUS

from page 7

home base for spring training to Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics fans,” he said.

“We also have plans to attract spring training visitors, whether staying in Gilbert or not, to our restaurants and attractions while they are in town.”

All things considered, no city has

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

behind the scoreboard in centerfield.

Although Hall is pretty certain the reporters will show up, noting the throng that followed other Japanese stars such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui, he is wondering whether Ohtani will be as strong a draw.

So far, the Angels have informed Hall that ticket sales are up about 8,000 from this time last year, even though there are 15 games this year compared to 17 last year, when there was a longer Cactus League season to prepare players for the World Baseball Classic.

“I’m wondering what the reaction the fans will have to him, or is this a media thing?’’ Hall said. “It’s different than having an American star.’’

The Angels typically finish in the middle of the pack in Cactus League attendance, ranking eighth in 2016 and 2015. With a much smaller ballpark and a less rabid following, the Angels drew 114,780 fans during a 17-game schedule in 2017, an average of 6,752 per game.

In contrast, the Chicago Cubs, coming off their first world championship, drew 251,800 fans for 17 games, an average of

14,818 per game.

Despite numerous stories about Ohtani’s attempted feat, two representatives of Asian-American organizations in Phoenix clearly had never heard of Ohtani, but one said she would like to assist him as he adapts to Arizona.

“We would like to pursue it if we have an opportunity’’ to contact Ohtani, said Charmel de la Cruz, a spokeswoman for Arizona Asian American Association. “We would like to welcome him and make him feel like family in Arizona.’’

De la Cruz said she would like to invite Ohtani to a dinner, or some sort of other meet-and-greet event.

Although Ohtani amounts to a muchacclaimed rookie, this is not his first spring experience in Arizona. His previous team, the Nippon çHam Fighters, trained at the San Diego Padres spring training facilities in Peoria for the last two seasons.

In interviews with MLB.com, Fox Sports West and other media outlets, Ohtani emerges as quiet, focused young man. He described Ruth as a mythic figure and said he does not deserve comparison

to such a legendary figure.

Ruth was the last player to pitch and play another position on a regular basis.

In 1919, his last season with the Boston Red Sox, he made 17 starts as pitcher and 116 as an outfielder and a first baseman.

The Yankees shut him down as a pitcher and he transformed the game as a slugger, hitting 714 home runs during his career.

Ohtani compiled impressive statistics in five seasons.

He went 42-15 with a 2.52 ERA and recorded 624 strikeouts in 543 innings pitched, using a fastball that has hit 102 mph and also a very effective slider and splitter. He also hit 48 home runs and had a .286 batting average.

Ohtani told MLB.com that he considers himself more advanced as a pitcher than as a hitter, despite his desire to pursue both in the big leagues. He said he is nervous but excited about embarking on his new career in the U.S and described his English as “preschool level.

“He doesn’t want any special treatment.

He is very team-oriented,’’ Hall said.

invested more in attracting Cubs fans to the East Valley than Mesa, though. The city committed more than $100 million in 2010 to construct Sloan Park and keep the Cubs from bolting for Naples, Florida.

Facing the loss of the tax revenue and the baseball franchise that is inextricably linked to the identity of the city, Mesa officials backed a plan to publicly finance the construction of a new spring training facility

for the Cubs in 2010.

“The relationship between the City of Mesa and Cubs is a historic one,” Giles said. “It goes back to inception of the Cactus League, and we have a lot of history together. There are a lot of Chicago residents that have discovered Mesa as a result of coming to spring training.”

In 2010, Mesa voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 420, which

authorized the city to spend over $1.5 million constructing the facility and necessary parking lots and infrastructure improvements. Voters also approved a measure increasing the city’s bed tax from 3.5 percent to 5 percent.

The agreement between the Cubs and the city called for Mesa to spend $99 million to construct the facility and

A-1 Golf Carts

SUN LAKES, AZ

2018 E-Z-GO LX

2018 E-Z-GO L6

See

CACTUS on page 10

CHECK OUT THE NEW 2018 E-Z-GO’s!

ASK ABOUT THE NEW E-Z-GO ‘LITHIUM’ POWERED CART

2018 E-Z-GO RXV

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE When you purchase a NEW E-Z-GO!*

Finance offers only available at participating E-Z-GO dealers. Approval, rates, applicable fees, and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Offers only available in 50 U.S. states and District Columbia.

Financing offers void where prohibited. Finance terms are also available for pre-owned E-Z-GO products. Please see your local E-Z-GO Authorized Dealer for details.

25820 S. Arizona Ave. • Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 | 480.895.2000 | www.A-1GolfCarts.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Healthy Smiles. Happy Patients.

Custom Home 4 Bed / 3 Bath 2854 Sq Ft / 46,614 Lot $510,000 Teresa Kennedy 602.791.5858

Coming Soon 3 Bed / 2 Bath 1757 Sq Ft. Kathleen Fama 602.284.5051

Just Listed 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath 2283 Sq Ft $305,000 Tracie Munson 480.495.9040

Curious about the value of your home, neighborhood or the market? Give us a call, we would be glad to help!

Laura Esparza 602.702.7787

Sharon Jones 480.209.5801

4 Bed / 2.5 Bath 2683 Sq Ft $240,000 Teresa Kennedy 602.791.5858

Just Listed

4 Bed/ 3 Bath 1912 Sq Ft / Pool $240,000 Cynthia McNicol 602.672.8834

Michelle Petrin 480.310.0125

CORE Choice Realty Chandler, AZ 85248 602.672.8834 www.corechoicerealty.com

Looking for a local

Tea Room?

Book a party of 10 or more Monarch Teas by January 31, 2018 and receive a

FREE $25

Global Tea Mart GIFT CARD on the day of your party.* *May not be combined with any other offer.

Accepting reservations now! Call 480-219-6211 Located in the Promenade at Fulton Ranch 4991 S. Alma School Rd., Ste. #5 (NE Corner of Alma School Rd. & Chandler Heights Blvd.)

Chandler AZ 85248 • 480-219-6211 www.GlobalTeaMart.com

Tea Room Open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-2pm Advance Reservations Required

480.899.6677 www.ChandlerDentalHealth.com

9

10

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Aviation center may soon take shape at Chandler Airport

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff

Over two years after its inception, there is light at the end of the tunnel for WingSpan Aviation Center at Chandler Airport as the developers behind the high-end office and hangar project plan to break ground this spring.

The City of Chandler first agreed to a ground lease agreement with WingSpan Business Investments LLC in April 2015.

The agreement called for the company to develop a $50 million project on 16 acres at Chandler Municipal Airport.

The project ran into difficulties attracting tenants early on and Chandler ultimately amended deadlines specified in the agreement.

On Jan. 25, the Chandler City Council extended the deadline for submitting plans for the first phase of development from Feb. 2, 2018 to Nov. 1. The

CACTUS

from page 8

on-site work such as parking lots and infrastructure improvements.

Ultimately, the city spent $116.5 million on the Sloan Park project, according to a report prepared by the Mesa City Auditor in 2015.

Tax revenues collected by Mesa during

amendment also extends the deadline to begin vertical construction from April 1, 2018, to April 30, 2019.

Despite the lengthy extensions granted by the council, WingSpan owner Jim Moore expects to begin construction on the project – which will feature buildings with high-end office and hangar space custom-built to tenant specifications – long before the new deadlines come to pass.

“We don’t need the whole nine months; we only need about 45 days,” Moore said.

He added that he plans to have a groundbreaking event in April and anticipates a nine- to-10-month construction window, with tenants moving into the first phase by the first quarter of next year.

“We just needed a tiny bit of breathing space,” Moore said. “I didn’t need as much time as (Chandler) generously gave me,

but that was a show of goodwill by the city.”

Moore said interest in the property picked up in recent months and 100 percent of phase one – which features four 17,000-square-foot buildings – is under contract for lease or sale.

Much of those clients came in near the end of 2017, leaving WingSpan little time to finalize custom plans for each tenant prior to the original deadline.

Moore would not identify tenants under contract.

He said the project is targeted toward successful small and mid-size businesses that are either in the aviation industry or use their own planes in the regular course of doing business.

“Our target (tenants) are what we ended up with,” Moore said. “These are companies bringing jobs, revenue, creativity and innovation to Chandler.”

Chandler Councilman Mark Stewart

expressed optimism about WingSpan and said that it will help Chandler Airport attract the type of corporate air travel typically seen at Scottsdale Airport.

“This is a testament to growth of our city as tech and commerce center,” Stewart said.

He also said he believes the project will spur more development at the airport.

Once the first phase of WingSpan at Chandler Airport is under way, the company has big plans for the future, including a second phase that will feature 14 additional buildings that will push the development to over 300,000 square feet, Moore said.

WingSpan is also in discussions with other cities to expand the WingSpan concept throughout the country.

spring training have risen steadily — if not spectacularly — since Sloan Park’s debut in 2014.

Bed tax revenues have grown in March every year since 2014, and the total bed tax revenue of $729,307 in March 2017 is roughly 38 percent higher than bed tax revenues in March 2013 – an increase that outpaces inflation.

Sales tax revenues have also risen relatively steadily in March in Mesa since

2014, though revenues did dip by just under 2 percent between 2015 and 2016 before jumping over 7 percent in 2017.

Mesa sales tax revenues of $14,620,629 in March 2017 were 20 percent higher than revenues in March 2013.

However, the rate of sales and bed tax collection growth during Cactus League play is not significantly different than the growth in tax collections during nonspring training months.

Still, it is highly likely the city would have seen a significant dip in tax revenue had the Cubs left for Florida and took away what is one of the city’s most dependable revenue-generating relationships.

“It is a safe bet that (the Cubs) will sell out every game on the (Cactus League) schedule every year,” Giles said. “That is something you can take to the bank every year, literally. (Sloan Park) has certainly lived up to everyone’s wildest expectations.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

11

NO MONEY DOWN

48 MONTHS

NO INTEREST O.A.C.

Experience the craftsmanship and superior comfort that only Aireloom can provide. Aireloom mattresses are handmade using the timeless craftsmanship and innovative methods they’ve perfected over 75 years. From our Maritime Preferred Collection to the Karpen Luxury Collection, you will experience a quality and comfort that will most certainly improve the way you sleep and feel.

Made In The USA

Aireloom Queen Sets from $2787 to $4997

Sleeping on a Pure Talalay Bliss mattress is a life-changing experience. Unlike other mattresses, Pure Talalay Bliss mattresses allow your muscles to relax by providing uplifting support and a pressure-less feel. Many describe it as being the same sense as floating. It is a difference you can feel.

Pure Talalay Bliss World’s Best Bed Mattress

Designed for hot sleepers who struggle w/heat because of personal body temperature, room temperature, sleeping partner, medical conditions or a mattress w/heat retaining properties.

Sleep cooler due to the Thermo Balance cover of proprietary, blended cooling yarns with Tencil for a cool-to-the-touch sleep surface and improved hygiene.

Sleep cooler with great support due to the gel-infused latex and memory foams.

Sleep cooler and dryer with the Air-Flow border.

Made In The USA

Queen Sets from $2697 to $4137

Made In The USA

Diamond is different. A fourth generation family-owned and operated company that has been handcrafting mattresses in the USA since 1946. Diamond is focused on quality, value and promoting the importance of a good night’s sleep and it’s beneficial effects on your health.

Thermo Balance Queen Sets From $1527 to $1603

• Handmade Since 1946 • Commited to Quality • Vertically Integrated • Low Overhead = Better Value • A Culture of Service • Made in the USA • 4th Generation Family Owned & Operated

Diamond Queen Sets From $597 to $1887 Queen

Made In The USA

Go www.purecomfortmattress.com Hours: Mon - Thur 10 - 8, Fri and Sat 10 - 7 • Sun 11 - 5

143 E Germann Rd Suite 107, Gilbert, AZ 85297 (480) 588-8994

12

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Norgaard’s English-learners bill praised

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

State Rep. Jill Norgaard is winning support and praise for her bill to remove the requirement of a fourhour block of daily structured English immersion for English Language Learners if they are enrolled in a dual language program.

The Ahwatukee Republican, whose district includes part of Chandler, saw her HB 2281 passed by the House Education Committee unanimously.

English Language Learners are K-12 students who are not proficient in English, as scored by the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment.

“Studies have shown that duallanguage programs can be a more effective way to educate English Language Learners without having to pull students from their core classes for a required four-hour block of daily immersion,” said Norgaard, adding: “Affording schools the flexibility to determine how to best educate their English Language Learners will help prevent students from falling behind and will put the power back in the hands of the teachers and families.”

Norgaard told AFN she got the idea to examine the requirement during a visit with Principal Jaime Soto of Kyrene del Norte in Tempe.

“He brought up the English Language

Capitol Media Services

Republican state Rep. Jill Norgaard was sworn into her second term in January 2017. Her district, LD 18, includes part of Chandler.

Learning schedule and the problems with scheduling around the four-hour block. He inquired as to potential means of options that may be more flexible staying within the statutes,” she said.

She also met with Abna Gomez del Castillo, principal of Lagos Dual Language Academy in Ahwatukee, and Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely to refine her measure, gaining bipartisan

The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series annual duel in the desert returns for three days at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

support from both the House education and rules committees.

Asked about the impact of Norgaard’s measure if it becomes law, Vesely said removing the four-hour requirement “allows English learners to help native English speakers learn through a second language, while native English speakers help English learners acquire the curriculum through English.”

She noted that research shows “the potential long-term educational and career benefits that multilingual students accrue” and that “research has demonstrated that students learn concepts best in a language they understand.”

“Many forms of English-only programs encourage English language learners to abandon their native language in favor of English. It might seem counterintuitive to some, but native Spanish speakers actually have more success learning English when instructors continue to teach them Spanish as well,” she said.

Dual-language programs allow students to learn from each other, “improving student motivation to learn and further amplifying and accelerating student progress,” she said.

“Linguists know nurturing a student in one language can help him or her better understand another language,” Vesely said.

“By giving English Language Learners access to grade appropriate, highlevel academic content in their native language, they engage in critical thinking,” she added.

“Dual-language programs are an extremely effective learning environment for English Language Learners who often outperform their peers who are in English-only classrooms,” Vesely said.

Through 2018, NHRA will pay tribute to the first responders throughout the country.

We salute the medical professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, members of our armed forces, public-safety professionals, or any number of other professions charged with the well-being of the public.

NHRA and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park will offer discount tickets to these heroes as well as acknowledge and salute them through the year on a number of NHRA tracks.

Visit NHRA.com/govx to redeem your discount

20000 S Maricopa Rd • Chandler, AZ 85226 • (I-10 and Wild Horse Pass Blvd) wildhorsepass.net | (520) 796-5601

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

13

Valley Christian scores grant from Suns Charities

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Valley Christian High School scored a slam dunk with Phoenix Suns Charities to win a $25,000 grant.

The private school on West Galveston Street received the grant for winning the 2018 Phoenix Suns Charities’ Charity Challenge last month during halftime of a Suns game against the New York Knicks at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.

Valley Christian High was chosen by fans who voted online out of more than 100 nonprofit organizations eligible for the financial boost.

The voters picked the nonprofit they thought was most deserving of the grant based on the organizations’ mission statements.

The nonprofit groups had to use 90 percent of the Suns tickets given them in order to become finalists in the online voting.

Valley Christian received almost 25,000 votes out of more than 110,000 votes cast for the nonprofits, said Sarah Krahenbuhl, executive director of Phoenix Suns Charities.

“This is the third year that we’ve participated,” said Troy Thelen, Legacy director at Valley Christian. “The most votes we had probably came from our alumni community. We have a very engaged alumni community. It’s one of those things that really brings the community together. Everyone who voted felt like they had a piece in winning it.”

Courtesy of Phoenix Suns Charities

(From left) Phoenix Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley, Valley Christian High development project coordinator and girls soccer head coach Lynn Spina, Phoenix Suns Charities executive director Sarah Krahenbuhl and the Suns Gorilla celebrate Valley Christian High receiving a $25,000 grant from Phoenix Suns Charities last month at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.

“We give all glory to God,” added Thelen, a 2003 Valley Christian graduate.

“We feel like God provides in certain

ways so we just give all glory and honor to him.”

Lynn Spina, Valley Christian

development project coordinator and girls soccer head coach, accepted the on the court at a Suns game last month.

“Being selected as the winner of the 2018 Charity Challenge means everything to us,” Spina said. “We are excited to use this money to continue growing the school and improving the spiritual lives of our students. The Phoenix Suns organization has been great throughout this process, and it just means so much that we get to be a part of this.”

Krahenbuhl returned the compliment to the private high school of 417 students.

“We know how great they are and how regarded they are,” she said. “It was really exciting when we first saw them at the top of the list. They’re really passionate about education and moving their kids forward. We’re just so proud…we’re proud of the enthusiasm.”

To encourage people to vote for Valley Christian, the school gave pizza to any students who voted during lunch, Thelen said.

Someone donated a gift certificate for a free Tuft & Needle mattress and any alumni who voted for Valley Christian were entered into a drawing to win it.

The Phoenix Suns game tickets were given to teachers, younger alumni and children in a youth basketball team. The aim was to provide them to people who would not otherwise be able to afford the tickets, Thelen said.

Helping other people improve their See

CHRISTIAN on page 14

A LEADER IN NEUROREHABILITATION for East Valley

HealthSouth East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation for many conditions such as neurological impairments resulting from an illness, accident or surgery.

Neuro conditions we provide intensive therapy programs for using advanced technologies and expert care include: • Brain injury • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinson’s disease

• Spinal cord injury • Stroke • Trauma

To help patients regain independence, they receive their own neurorehabilitation team and a personalized program to improve motor skills, cognition, balance, memory, daily living tasks and language skills.

Learn more about our neurorehabilitation program by calling 480 567-0350 or visiting healthsoutheastvalley.com

5652 E. Baseline Road • Mesa, AZ 85206 ©2016:HealthSouth Corporation:1275497

14

COMMUNITY NEWS

CHRISTIAN

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

from page 13

lives is an important part of students’ experience at Valley Christian, Thelen said. The school’s three pillars are “academic excellence,” “spiritual growth” and “lifelong community,” he added.

Seniors are required to do Bible Projects, where they perform some type of outreach to help others with a global or international aspect to their help.

Some seniors befriend homeless people, others have provided supplies for single mothers and teenage mothers and others have brought items to schools that have little financial support, Thelen said.

Others have sponsored children in other countries.

Last year’s graduating seniors raised a total value of items and money worth $113,000 and spent 5,482 hours working on the global outreach, Thelen said. Their projects reached the United States and 27 other countries.

All students must complete 15 hours of community service per year. Many volunteer for Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization with a Mesa location that sends food to people in need around the world.

Mom’s Pantry, a nonprofit in Phoenix that fights hunger, also is a popular venue for the students to help.

A Christmas musical production in December raises money to help support different fine arts programs at the school.

“We’ve made it intentional for us to give back to the community,” Thelen said. “I would start by saying it is because

Courtesy of Valley Christian High School

CaptionValley Christian High School students perform a wide variety of community service projects, including trips to help needy communities abroad, including Mexico.

of our belief in who Jesus was when he was on Earth. We want to follow his example to give back to others. Jesus demonstrated that servant mentality.

“We like to use the term servant leadership. You can lead by being a servant. Additionally there are some academic benefits as well for our students even just culturally being tied in to what’s going on in the world.”

The Phoenix Suns Charities grant can be used for anything the school needs as long as it is not to help a basketball program

due to NCAA rules, Krahenbuhl said.

Thelen said Valley Christian will use the grant to support its new ENGAGE program, through which students travel to other countries, as well as to add STEM classes and ensure every student has an iPad. The school plans to add a forensic science class and already has a robotics team that won a world competition.

The ENGAGE trips are voluntary and a trip to Romania is open to students who are taking a second-level class in doing missions.

The purpose is to spread the “news of Jesus” and students get involved in evangelism and ministering to the disenfranchised, widows and children.

In addition to Romania, Valley Christian added student trips to Poland, Costa Rica, Mexico and Curaçao.

Phoenix Suns Charities is marking 30 years of helping the community through its mission of supporting children and family services throughout the state.

Since it started in 1988, Phoenix Suns Charities has distributed over $20 million.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

15

City approves new wireless AARP Foundation offers fees to improve service free tax help

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

New fees for wireless providers could lead to better cell phone coverage for customers in Chandler.

So says Ryan Peters, City of Chandler intergovernmental affairs coordinator, after the City Council last month approved changing a fee schedule tied to the Public Works & Utilities Department.

The three new fees relating to small wireless facilities took effect on Feb. 9 and met a requirement in state law.

Last year, the Arizona Legislature passed a bill allowing small cell wireless technology to be installed “by right” in all zoning districts, as well as on any public street, according to a memo to the Chandler Mayor and the City Council.

The City Council last month approved a small wireless facility application fee for a new/replacement pole of $750. The Council also gave the OK to an annual right-of-way use fee of $50 and an annual city pole use fee of $50.

The $750 is a one-time fee for every site where a new pole must be installed, whether it’s a cell phone provider’s own pole or the replacement of a pole the city owns, Peters said.

If the wireless company is going to put its technology on a city-owned pole, it has to pay the $50 annual right-of-way use fee as well as the $50 annual city pole use fee, for a total of $100 a year. If the pole where the wireless provider is going to place its apparatus is not

owned by the city, then it would only have to pay the $50 right-of-way use fee.

“The city has to still maintain that rightof-way,” Peters said. “Whenever the city needs to do work like expanding a street or repaving it, the more stuff in the rightof-way that just adds more cost. By having a rent to use the right-of-way that tries to offset the cost of that maintenance.

“It’s designed to give a broader coverage area…to make the network more dense, better coverage, allowing more data to be transmitted across the network,” he added.

“There’s definitely a benefit of providing better service throughout the city. There’s parts of towns that sometimes here could use improved service.”

Peters said the technology on the poles is about the size of a pizza box.

“They’re designed and the city is going to work to ensure they’re as concealed as possible so they’re not sticking out like sore thumbs,” he said. “That’s another motivation for the cell phone companies; it’s nicer to kind of collocate on existing infrastructure.”

When a wireless carrier wants to set up the small cells on poles it will also have to apply to get a license to do business in Chandler.

Peters said some wireless carriers have already approached the city saying they are interested in erecting the technology on poles in Chandler but he didn’t want to name the companies.

“We’re excited to work with them,” he said. “It’s nice to have additional capacity to have all of that data traffic flow through.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Mature adults who need help getting their taxes done can get assistance from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program in Chandler and other East Valley locations.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free, individualized tax preparation for poor to moderateincome taxpayers – especially those 50 and older – at almost 5,000 places around the country.

The free AARP tax help will be offered through April 17 at the Downtown Chandler Public Library at 22 S. Delaware Street.

People can access the free tax services from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays through that date at the Downtown Chandler Library.

The volunteer tax work will also provided at many places in Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Ahwatukee.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a volunteerbased program that since 1968 has aided almost 50 million low to moderate-income taxpayers.

The foundation realizes retirement and other life changes can mean doing taxes

Dr. Shadow Asgari, DDS, MS

can be a little more complicated. The IRScertified volunteers aim to make the process easier.

People who go to get their taxes done with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide need to bring several documents with them including their previous year’s tax return(s), Social Security cards and or ITIN cards/ notices or other official documents that list the taxpayer identification numbers for every person on their return, and a photo identification for every taxpayer.

They also should bring a checkbook if they want direct deposit for any refunds or direct debit on any money due and their Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for every person, if applicable.

Taxpayers using the AARP Foundation service should also bring a W-2 from every employer, a 1099-G form for unemployment compensation or state/local income tax refunds, the SSA-1099 form showing the total Social Security benefits paid to them for the year or RRB-1099, Tier 1 Railroad Retirement benefits form and other documents.

Information: aarp.org/money/taxes/ aarp_taxaide.

Dr. Samantha Vu, DMD, MS

Make your

SMILE GREAT for

500 OFF

$

Full Treatment (Excludes insurance discounts).

Offer expires 6/31/18.

2018!

4015 S. Arizona Ave. Suite #7 Chandler, AZ 85248

480-400-6212

TWO S! LOCATION

3336 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Bldg 2, Suite #111 Gilbert, AZ 85298

480-988-0028

We accept most insurance plans & offer flexible payment plans – Saturday Appointments Available at Both Locations! –

www.SonoranSmile.com

16

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

MAYOR

from page 1

Airpark employment center at the Mach One development, bringing 750 jobs “that will grow to as many as 1,000 in a short period of time” as the result of work by Trammel Crow in developing speculative office space” for the city’s new corporate resident.

He thanked both Trammel Crow and Liberty Mutual, whose principal design and construction manager, Jay Gentile, and area manager, Julie Uryasz, were on hand for his address.

Tibshraeny said new developments in the city’s western and uptown neighborhoods, the airpark and the Price Corridor “are all positive signs” that businesses “have the confidence to invest in Chandler, and to grow here.”

He also gave a tip of the hat to “one of my favorite subjects – automotive technology,” noting that Waymo will put hundreds of Waymo’s Chrysler Pacifica minivans on city streets in the near future.

“From the moment we met with Waymo, it was important for me to know and understand the safety factors built into this technology,” he said. “This testing will only enhance the safety capabilities of autonomous vehicles, particularly as Waymo moves into its ride-sharing program in the coming years.

“Waymo joins companies like Intel,

Garmin, General Motors, NXP, Maxim Integrated and Rogers – all leaders in this advancing field. It is exciting to see this technology ramp up, literally before our eyes.”

The mayor also called attention to the little-publicized development agreement that City Council last week approved with Valley developer Spike Lawrence for “an exciting mixed-use project at Site 6,” the huge empty space across from City Hall along Arizona Avenue.

That agreement calls for the construction of 44,000 square feet of

COMMUNITY NEWS

has a “virtually nonexistent” vacancy rate, although downtown itself has seen the opening of Chandler’s first bed and breakfast – the Mission Bell, just off the San Marcos golf course – and the Alta San Marcos, a 273-unit luxury condominium project.

While many of its neighbors – particularly Phoenix and Mesa – are grappling with a crushing unfunded pension liability primarily for police and firefighter retirees, Chandler is “the first Arizona city to come up with a viable

I remain encouraged that our community “ continues to move in a good direction, and we will continue to be vigilant with your tax dollars.”

– Mayor Jay Tibshraeny

office space and 7,500 square feet of retail and restaurant space in the first phase and a 108-room, eight-story hotel in the second phase.

That project will join other budding developments such as Overstreet at Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue – which will bring Flix Brewhouse Cinemas, family-friendly restaurants Over Easy and Camp Social and more offices.

Together with a mixed-use project, “these three sites will add significant energy to our core, as well as new job and entertainment opportunities,” the mayor said.

Tibshraeny noted that development is spreading out from a downtown that

plan to address this,” Tibshraeny said.

“I remain encouraged that our community continues to move in a good direction, and we will continue to be vigilant with your tax dollars,” he said. “In fact, we continue to be among the lowest in the Valley in cost of service for local sales tax, property tax and city utilities – a close second to only our friends in the Town of Gilbert.”

Tibshraeny also lauded the Chandler’s efforts “to build, upgrade and maintain our city’s infrastructure.”

Work soon will be finished on the San Tan Vista Water Treatment plant, doubling Chandler’s capacity of drinking

17

water to 24 million gallons per day. “This is a joint partnership with the Town of Gilbert that is saving taxpayers from both communities millions of dollars,” he said.

He also cited the expansion of the Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility, work along major arteries that includes upgrading Arizona Avenue between Frye Road and the Loop 202 SanTan Freeway to make it “a new gateway” to the city.

“These and dozens of other projects do not come cheap,” he said.

“Through solid financial decision making, we are able to ensure our infrastructure system remains sound for decades, if not generations, to come,” the mayor added.

He said the new 29,000-square-foot, $10 million Public Safety Training Center In south Chandler will ensure that residents have “arguably the finest police and fire responders in the state, if not the country.”

Tibshraeny also evinced nostalgia over the fact that he is in the final year in office because he is termed out.

“It has been a tremendous ride,” he said. “We have accomplished so much.

And I have many good memories – all of our recreational amenities, including the Paseo Trail that I use every week; the vibrant neighborhoods that have developed through the years; our dynamic employment centers, education and medical communities; Chandler’s downtown core, whose energy grows stronger by the year; a vast array of festivals and cultural events that tie us together.”

“The state of our city is sound,” he added. “It is full of promise. And it is ours to cherish.”

• Dental Implants • Bone Grafting • Wisdom Teeth We are now • Jaw Surgery offering • Facial Trauma FREE implant • Tooth Extractions • Pre-Prosthetic Surgery consultations!

• Oral Pathology • TMJ • Sleep Apnea • Cleft Lip & Palate • Bone Morphogenetic Protein • Exposure of Impacted Teeth • 3D Imaging • Anesthesia

Quality Care With Compassion & Concern www.azoral.com

Alex Nguyen, D.D.S. Dr. Nguyen

Dr. Shah

Doctor Nguyen is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Chandler Location 2450 West Ray Road, Suite 1 Chandler, AZ 85224 480-814-9500 480-814-9501

San Tan Valley location 36327 N Gantzel Rd Suite102 San Tan Valley, Az 85140 480-814-9500 480-814-9501

e

rk Av

W Pa

Sto

neg

2450 West W Ray Road, Suite 1

➔

W Ray Rd

➔

W Ray Rd

ate

Dr

36327 N Gantzel Rd Suite102 N Gantzel Rd

Doctor Shah is a proud member of various professional organizations including: • Fellow, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons • Fellow, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Fellow, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology • Arizona State Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons • Phoenix Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons • American Dental Association

Dr

Nish Shah, D.M.D., M.D.

ose

Top ORAL Surgeon, since 2008

N B ullm o

PROCEDURES

SPRING BREAK IS COMING, TIME TO REMOVE WISDOM TEETH!

F

Rural Metro Fire Department Station 842

18

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

City honors 11 volunteers, one group for service to Chandler SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

Eleven individuals and one service organization were honored for their volunteer service in 2017 during Chandler’s seventh annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast.

The city of Chandler joined with the nonprofit For Our City Chandler to recognize the contributions of time and dedication made each day by committed volunteers. Organizations, including the faith-based, nonprofits and schools that rely on volunteers, were encouraged to nominate individuals with service primarily in Chandler for one of eight awards.

“Chandler’s ongoing success has been built upon a foundation of the selfless contributions made every day by these volunteers,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny.

“Their compassionate efforts are solely to benefit others. They truly deserve our thanks and appreciation.”

Pastor Jose P. Gonzalez and Monica Pope were inducted into the 1,000 Hour Club for serving more than 1,000 hours of volunteer work to Chandler organizations.

Those who were honored were: Tom Escobedo, Innovation Award Tom Escobedo has volunteered with ICAN for the past four years. As an innovator and an avid gardener, he revitalized their underutilized garden while getting the ICAN kids involved in

all aspects of gardening. He’s also helped the kids build a birdhouse and two benches for the garden. He sought out a seed grant on behalf of ICAN from the University of Arizona and to continue his knowledge of gardening and managing the organization’s gardening program, he took it upon himself to become a master gardener.

high school wrestling programs. He is a captain for Southwest Airlines yet he chooses to schedule his flights around ACP’s wrestling practice and competition schedule.

Faith Dragoon, Multitasking Maestro Award

Betty Crawford used to bring her mother to the senior center many years ago. Now she attends the same senior center and has volunteered with the center for more than 20 years.

She volunteers with AZCEND’s Senior Nutrition program, where she serves meals, helps participants sign in for lunch, greets seniors, and counts money as the treasurer for the Chandler Site Council. In addition, Crawford keeps an eye out for those new to the program to ensure they feel welcome.

Faith Dragoon has volunteered with Neighbors Who Care (NWC) since 2015.

Last year alone, she provided more than 300 hours of volunteer service.

She volunteers as an office scheduler tasked with finding available volunteers to fulfill client service requests. She also substitutes as a fill-in receptionist.

In addition to her office administrative duties, she volunteers on a Community Outreach Committee, where she has taken on the task of providing a presence for NWC at all community events within their service area. She is directly responsible for recruiting more than 70 additional volunteers for NWC this year.

Jim Bishop, Makes It Happen Award

Willim Brewer, Strong Arms Award

Betty Crawford, Longevity Award

Jim Bishop volunteers his time with a variety of organizations that all support the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD). Since 2010, he has spearheaded the Vote YES for Chandler Students campaign and has volunteered countless hours to preserve the quality education offered through CUSD. Bishop also is committed to developing Arizona College Prep’s (ACP) junior high and

William Brewer has volunteered with the Chandler Police Department since 2005. He volunteers as a Motorist Assist, a trainer for new motorist assists and is extremely active with the DUI task force.

Brewer has consistently worked the Motorist Assist detail two to three nights per month. As a volunteer driver for the Traffic Unit DUI van, he is proficient at completing DUI paperwork and

fingerprints for officers processing DUI arrests, which keeps the arrest processing time to a minimum. In 2017, the DUI van was used 14 nights for the Holiday DUI Task Force. Brewer has chosen to use vacation time from his regular employment to volunteer with the DUI Task Force.

Chantal VanKlompenberg, Sunbeam Award

Chantal VanKlompenberg makes an impact with a variety of organizations, including Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, For Our City Chandler, StreetLight USA, Fans Across America, Perry High School and ICAN’s Stuffed with Love Boutique.

She started the Perry High School Pumas parent teacher organization, served as president for many years and still champions their causes. She also has built a reputation as a “queen of making silent auction baskets sing” and volunteers her talent for many nonprofits. She makes the purses and jewelry tables at the Stuffed With Love Boutique for the children of ICAN look like a high-end designer store.

She helps feed and clothe the homeless on Saturdays.

Lois Zozobrado, Youth Award

Lois Zozobrado volunteers for the Chandler Center for the Arts. Because she loved it so much, she was inspired to help students get involved in the See

VOLUNTEERS on page 20

25 th Annual

100,000 Hole-In-One Shootout

$

Because Being Beautiful Should Never Harm You

Receive 20% OFF single service

Good at RIGGS/McQUEEN location ONLY. One time use only. One per customer. May not be combined with any other offer. Valid for services only.

Expires 3/31/2018

Chandler Horizon Rotary

• All qualifying shots are from approximately 100 yards • Qualifying dates are Feb. 17-19, 23-25 and March 2-3 from 10 am to 6 pm • Shootout for semifinals, Women’s Shootout Finals ($20,000 for hole in one, $500 for closest if no hole in one) and overall finals is Sunday, March 4th at 1:00 pm • After expenses, all funds go to charity (over 24 years of this annual event, more than $660,000 has been contributed to charities.)

We also offer

Natural and Healthy Manicures & Pedicures

• Amateur only event held at San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler beginning February 17th at 10 am.

• Cash prizes in overall finals: 1st place: $5,000; 2nd place: $2,500; 3rd place: $1,000.

(If a hole-in-one is recorded in the finals, $ 100,000 will be awarded instead of the $5,000.)

• In addition to cash prices, thousands of dollars in daily prizes will be awarded.

• Please see website for details

950 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 5 Chandler, AZ 85249

480-718-5355 www.VerdeSalonAZ.com

Buy 10 Shots for $10 and get

10 FREE With this coupon.

May only be used once per day.

RotaryHIO.org

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

19

Bill would have state fund students’ SAT and ACT test preparation

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Ahwatukee high schoolers may get a little bit of extra state help getting into the colleges of their choice.

Without dissent, the House Education Committee agreed last week to spend up to $800,000 to set up an online system to prepare students across the state to take the SAT or ACT tests.

But the measure faces an uncertain future because of the price tag.

HB 2133, proposed by Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, is one half of her ul-

timate goal: having all 11th-grade students taking one of those tests – at state expense – rather than Arizona’s own standardized assessment now used to help determine a school’s grade. That measure, HB 2037, has yet to get a hearing.

Even without mandated and state-funded SAT or ACT for all, Carter told colleagues the funding to prepare them for that makes sense.

She said many high schoolers already take one or both of the standardized tests routinely used by colleges as part of the admissions process.

Some, she said, go to the regular scheduled Saturday sessions, picking up the cost themselves. Some school districts manage to

get funds from private groups and foundations allowing them to offer the test during the regular school day to all their students.

The last group, Carter said, is composed of students in districts participating in a state-funded pilot program approved last year to offer the tests.

Carter said all of those programs provide what could be a path for students who want to go on to college to get admitted.

She said, though, that ultimately can depend on whether they do well on the standardized admission tests. This appropriation, she said, will help.

“It will now provide an online resource that both teachers and students can use to

prepare for this test,’’ Carter said. And she said it would be set up so it could be used in the classroom by teachers as well as be made available to students to use from their own homes.

The idea of spending state money drew questions from Ahwatukee state Rep. Jill Norgaard, noting various free programs available to help students prepare for the tests.

But Carter said having the program provided through the state would provide school districts with better tracking information that ultimately will help the students.

“We want to ...track the results so we know what is actually improving students’ performance on these tests,’’ she said.

Lawmakers vote to increase animal cruelty penalties

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Linking the crime to domestic violence, a Senate panel has voted to expand state laws of what constitutes animal abuse and demand harsher penalties.

Existing law already makes it a Class 6 felony to intentionally or knowingly inflict unnecessary physical injury to an animal. The same penalty – a year in state prison – applies to those who subject any animal to cruel mistreatment.

SB 1295 would create a special Class 5 felony for subjecting pets to cruel mistreatment. And the same penalty would apply for killing a pet without the owner’s consent.

Deputy Pima County Attorney Kathleen Mayer told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that judges are free to decide

that Class 6 felonies should instead be sentenced as misdemeanors and placed on probation.

What makes that important, she said, is that misdemeanor probation is unsupervised, meaning people are not required to get treatment.

But a judge can require those convicted of Class 5 felonies to get help to deal with issues of anger and lack of empathy.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery told lawmakers this is about more than animals.

“Animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people than non-abusers,’’ he said. “And 70 percent of those charged with cruelty to animals were known to police for other violent behavior, including homicide.’’

“While not every abuser becomes a serial killer, almost every serial killer has in their history some history of animal abuse,’’ he said. Montgomery said that’s why prosecutors want to find these people before their violence accelerates.

That sentiment was echoed by Carrie Borgen, executive director of the Sojourner Center which helps victims of domestic violence.

She cited a study which said a person’s history of pet abuse “is one of the foremost indicators of who is greatest at risk of becoming a batterer.’’

The main opposition came from Patrick Bray, lobbyist for the Arizona Cattleman’s Association.

He worried that the language of the measure was so broad that it could be used to charge ranchers with felonies if they kill dogs that are chasing their cattle.

Bray said there has been at least one such case already brought against a rancher under even the existing laws.

Mayer, however, told lawmakers that the key to whether someone faces a charge depends on the individual circumstances.

She said that the key to any animal abuse law is whether someone inflicts “unnecessary’’ physical injury.

So, for example, he said anyone charged with killing an animal could argue that they acted in defense of themselves or others.

That still did not convince Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa.

He questioned what would happen if a pet owner decided to kill his or her own animal after learning, after the fact, it had harmed someone else. Mayer said there would be no crime committed.

ACURAHONDAHYUNDAIINFINITIISUZUKIALEXUSNISSANMAZDAMITSUBISHISUBARUSUZUKITOYOTA

Is your back pain preventing you from getting to that 18th hole?

“We Speak Your Car’s Language”

10%

Discount

By Back Pain Expert, Shaheen Siddiqui

for our neighbors!

I

s your golf game suffering because of your back stiffening up or because of sharp shooting pains every time you swing the club?

Do you feel achy and sore after you play a round of golf...and you’re not sure how to ease this pain?

Find the answers you need by requesting a copy of my FREE guide, “9 Simple Tactics to Ease Low Back Pain.” Discover simple, easy to implement strategies to get rid of low back pain...without having to rely on medications or injections.

My name is Shaheen Siddiqui, physical therapist that specializes in helping people aged 30+ find natural, long lasting relief from low back pain.

Why did I write this report? To help you, or someone you are concerned about, to make a more informed decision regarding your health.

Sometimes it’s the most simple

NOW SERVICING DOMESTICS & EUROS

FREE Shuttle Service

In House Towing • Se Habla Espanol Complete Engine Service & Replacement

1270 W. Chandler Blvd.

CHANDLER (Between Dobson Rd & Alma School Rd)

480-722-1700

change in your daily routine that can make the difference. The best part is...it’s completely free!

Simply call this number to request your copy: 480-772-7532. You can leave a message, 24 hours. Or, if you’d like to receive it immediately, please visit www.crossroadsopt.com, and simply enter your name and email address, and it will be sent to your inbox!

Or, if you want the report

right away, please visit: http:// crossroadsopt.com and you can download it immediately.

P.S. Just to confirm, no one will ask you for any money when you call, it’s completely free!

P.P.S. Only 14 free copies left, so please call now to claim yours...you will be relieved to find out how easy it is to get to the bottom of your back pain, without needing a referral from a doctor!

Online Estimates at www.gregs-az.com OPEN: Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30

Clocks are required by the manufacturer to be oiled every two years and cleaned every five to seven years.

Have YOU forgotten about your CLOCK? If you have not had your clock serviced, you may be damaging the gears, pinions and plates in your clock!

This picture reflects dust, dirt and oil build up on a clock movement not serviced within seven years. Oils break down and collect dirt much like the oil in your car engine breaks down. If not serviced, this causes excess wear on the parts.

Shaheen Siddiqui, MSPT Physical Therapist

Crossroads Orthopedic Physical Therapy 610 N. Alma School Road, Suite #52 Chandler, AZ 85224

(480) 772-7532

$5.99

ConniesJewelryGalleryAndClockShop.com

Limit 1. Excludes lithium batteries. With ad.

Cash price. Exp. 3-3-18

1900 W. Germann Suite #15

Watch Battery & Installation

480-883-3320

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10a.m.-6p.m. Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m.

IS YOUR APPRAISAL OUT OF DATE?

Now at Connie’s

Certified Appraisals Only $85

NEXT TO OREGANO’S & B.L.D. CORNER OF DOBSON AND GERMANN AT THE PECOS SHOPS

(Reg. $110)

20

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Norgaard bill aims to ‘de-reg the egg’ on expiration dates

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services That expiration date on the side of the dozen eggs you buy at the supermarket could soon have a bit less meaning, thanks to Ahwatukee state Rep. Jill Norgaard.

More than three decades after requiring that eggs be sold within 24 days after being laid, state lawmakers are moving to loosen those restrictions to six weeks.

Legislation offered by Norgaard would amend existing law to say the “sell by’’ date could be 45 days after an egg is “candled’’ and still be called AA eggs, the highest standard.

That’s longer than the U.S. Department of Agriculture permits for eggs with the agency’s label.

But eggs sold without that USDA label are governed by the laws of the state. And that’s what Norgaard wants to change.

The impetus comes from the Arizona Retailers Association, which markets the eggs directly to consumers.

Lobbyist Michelle Ahlmer said they believe there’s no reason they should have to yank the eggs from store refrigerator shelves after 24 days and dump them.

But even Ahlmer conceded that a 45day shelf life may be hard for consumers and lawmakers to swallow.

So, she planned on Tuesday to offer to scale that back when HB 2464 goes to the House Commerce Committee.

The question is, at what point eggs should not be sold to consumers?

Ahlmer says most states already allow anywhere from 30 to 45 days after being packaged. And she said while they may not be quite as fresh, there’s nothing inherently wrong with them.

But Glenn Hickman, owner of the egg ranch that bears his family name, said it’s not that simple.

He said testing done by state agricultural officials when the dating law was enacted in 1984 showed that eggs met the AA standard of firmness of the yolk and the egg white through 24 days. By Day 25, he said, one or more out of a dozen did not.

That same test, he said, was repeated three decades later and “the results were exactly the same.’’

Hickman conceded that while they may be less pleasing, they are not unhealthy. But he said consumers are not getting what they paid for.

“Getting cheated out of a couple of ounces of gas is not unsafe or unhealthy

either,’’ he said. “But it’s still not right.’’

Mark Killian, director of the state Department of Agriculture has purview over egg-laying operations, is staying out of the legislative fray. But he said the judgment of what is “fresh’’ is an interesting question.

For example, he said, it’s not unusual for eggs to be kept available for sale in Europe for a month, even without refrigeration.

But Killian said that’s based on the eggs not being washed before being packaged.

“That’s because when the hen lays the egg she puts a coating on it,’’ he explained. “But once you wash the egg and wash that coating off, it has to be refrigerated.’’

Ahlmer said the legislation benefits consumers.

“If there’s a carton of eggs or a gallon of milk or something that has an expiration date on it, and I’m shopping on Feb. 9 and it expires on Feb. 12, I’m likely to look for one that has a later expiration date,’’ she said.

“What happens is those that don’t get sold have to be disposed of because we can’t give them to food banks,’’ Ahlmer said. “So, we wind up throwing it out.’’

She estimated that retailers toss

about $3 million worth of eggs a year.

Ahlmer said, though, she did not know how that translates to the percentage of eggs offered for sale.

Ahlmer said the change will “open up our market so we can get more eggs in here.’’

That goes to the question of how Arizona ended up with open dating on egg cartons in the first place.

Prior to 1984, there was no Arizona law requiring there be codes on egg cartons that consumers could read to tell the freshness of the product.

Pat Wright, then a representative from Glendale, noted that many grocers were buying their eggs from California ranchers.

She figured that if eggs had to be sold within a certain number of days after being laid, that would increase the incentive to buy from a local rancher who could get them to market two or three days earlier.

Wright made no secret of the reason she sponsored the measure. It was to benefit Hickman’s Egg Ranch, the state’s largest producer – and coincidentally located at the time in her legislative districts.

Hickman’s has since decamped to more rural locations, with Arizona operations in Arlington, Tonopah and Maricopa.

Limited texting ban may be in the cards for state motorists

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Arizona may finally be ready to join the 47 other states who find the practice of texting while driving so dangerous that they have made it illegal.

But supporters of the ban, who have come up pretty much empty-handed for more than a decade, are having to agree to some limits to try to push the bill to the finish line and get it signed into law.

SB 1261 as approved last week by the Senate Committee on Transportation and Technology, would create a fine of no more than $99 for a first offense and $200 for repeat violations.

Only when a person using the cell phone or similar device is involved in a mishap that causes death or serious injury would the offense rise to the level of a

VOLUNTEERS

from page 18

community. She volunteers for many organizations and is an accomplished singer and performer. She assisted staff with obtaining youth volunteers for a marketing survey that the Center conducted in the fall. A senior, she is Perry High School’s National Honor Society President and Perry DECA Outreach Officer.

Chandler Lions Club, Working Together Award

The Chandler Lions Club has been serving the Chandler community since 1939. They are responsible for purchasing eyeglasses for local children if they need

misdemeanor. But even then, the maximum penalty would be four months in county jail and a $4,000 fine.

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, who has made passage of some sort of restriction a multi-year effort, also had to agree to language that says citations can be issued only if the texting was witnessed by a police officer or “established by other evidence.’’

But motorists would not have to surrender a phone to an officer who wants to determine if a suspect was, in fact, texting.

And the legislation spells out that a conviction for a driving-while-texting offense could not be used by the Motor Vehicle Division to take away someone’s license, nor be an excuse for an insurance company to raise a motorist’s premiums.

The unanimous committee vote sends

the measure to the full Senate.

But the real challenge could be in the House where lawmakers repeatedly taken a harder stand against what some see as “nanny state’’ regulations.

That logic drew a slap of sorts from Sen Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, who chairs the Senate panel.

“Sometimes it just seems like our political ideology gets in the way of common sense,’’ he said, saying that lawmakers, in discussing this issue “have had a hard time ... to see through a common-sense lens.’’

Worsley had a message for the parade of people who testified, some holding pictures of loved ones who were killed by distracted drivers: “I’m sorry it’s taken so long.’’

Farley has waged a multi-year battle to outlaw the practice statewide. In the interim, some cities and counties have

enacted their own bans.

But that leaves vast areas of the state with no regulation.

Michael Infanzon who lobbies for American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, said he has been told that the Department of Public Safety, which patrols all numbered roads, does not issue citations to those who violate local no-texting bans.

Infanzon also took a swat at the penalty provision.

“A misdemeanor for killing somebody is not enough,’’ he said.

Farley said the legislation does not preclude a motorist from also being charged with other offenses from the same accident, including reckless driving or even manslaughter.

Texting using a hands-free device would remain legal.

financial assistance. Being able to see goes hand-in-hand with learning. Club members also provide Santa photos with the City each Christmas holiday and provide 200 Christmas stockings to Clothes Cabin and battered women. The Lions Club also hosts quarterly forums for low-vision residents.

on the For Our City Day Committee.

Additionally, Stewart serves on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the City of Chandler, volunteers with Operation Back to School, helped build a playground at Gazelle Meadows Park and fundraises for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

SooSan Stevens-Clarke is involved in a multitude of organizations, including the Chandler Horizon Rotary Club, Chandler Baha’i Community and the Chandler Domestic Violence Commission. She also serves on the For Our City Task Force, YMCA Day of Prayer Planning Commission, Children’s Benefit Week Without Violence Peace Poster and Poetry Contest held in October, and the Integrated Health Clinic, which is held in February and October.

Fernando Zavala, People’s Choice Award

Vernon Stewart and SooSan Stevens-Clarke, Mayor’s Choice Award

Vernon Stewart was critical to the success of For Our City Day Chandler, an annual event that brings together hundreds of volunteers to revitalize neighborhoods and bring our community closer. Stewart took on a leadership role in this past year’s efforts when he volunteered to serve

For the past three years, Fernando Zavala has volunteered with SSPF as a mentor and coach to elementary and junior high school robotics teams. A junior at Chandler High School, Fernando has provided SSPF with more than 3,500 hours of community service. As a mentor and coach, he teaches kids how successfully fabricate land, air and underwater robots. Last year, he coached a high school robotics team that qualified in their region and earned a birth to the state championships. He also facilitated a summer STEM program for Chandler Unified School District’s Destination College and helped teach Chandler and Phoenix educators how to build a LEGO robot and an underwater robot.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

21

22

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

23

State Senate panel takes steps to dilute minimum-wage law

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Calling the voter-approved measure morally wrong, a Republican-controlled Senate panel voted Feb. 12 to ask voters to reconsider the 2016 measure that is set to hike the minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

SCR 1016 would not entirely rescind what was approved by a 58-42 margin.

And wages would not go back to the $8.05 an hour they were two years ago.

But it would repeal future scheduled increases, freezing the minimum wage at the current $10.50 an hour.

What it also would do – if voters really do have second thoughts – is eliminate another provision of the 2016 law says full-time employees are entitled to at least three days of paid sick leave.

Monday’s 5-3 party-line vote by the Committee on Commerce and Public Safety sends the measure to the full Senate. If it is approved there and by the House, also controlled by Republicans, the question would go to voters in November.

There is the question of whether voters really made a mistake.

Ahwatukee Sen. Sean Bowie told colleagues that the margin of victory for the measure is actually larger than most of them won their own seats. Nor was he swayed by arguments that a minimum wage hike improperly takes money from one group and gives it to another.

“We do that all the time,’’ Bowie, a Democrat, said, pointing to not only the tax cuts given to corporations but even the decision by the Ducey administration to slash the number of auditors whose job it is to ensure that these firms at least pay what they owe.

Michelle Sims, a professor of economics at Arizona Western College, testified that research she is doing for her doctoral dissertation found a vast majority of rural

bumped to $10 an hour in January 2017. It resulted, she said, in customers turning to Starbucks.

Tomas Robles, co-director of Living United for Change in Arizona, the organization that spearheaded the initiative, had his own take on those stories.

“These are lies,’’ he argued. Robles cited figures that show unemployment in Arizona is at the lowest rate in a decade and that employment in the traditionally low-paying

I believe I have a moral responsibility to be “ generous with my own money, but I believe it’s completely immoral to be generous with other people’s money.

’’

– Sen. Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert businesses have had to increase their prices or cut employee hours as a result of the 2016 measure.

Other rural business owners told lawmakers of their own problems and inability to simply pass on higher costs to customers.

Olivia Long, a 2017 Payson High School graduate, said the local family-owned coffee shop where she worked part time while going to school had to increase prices when the minimum wage got

leisure and hospitality sector not only has risen since the measure was approved but has outpaced the national average.

But Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, the sponsor of SCR 1016, said the issue goes beyond the effect on small businesses.

“Your business is your private property,’’ she told colleagues.

“No one has the right to tell a business what they have to pay to an individual,’’ Allen continued.

That theme was echoed by Diana Links,

who said she owns a catering firm.

“My family took a risk, not the voters of Arizona,’’ she said. Link said her company, which provides lunches for charter schools, has been unable to make up the difference in the higher labor costs by raising its prices.

“The minimum wage increase has been a disaster for my business,’’ she said.

And Sen. Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said the entire concept of having voters set a higher minimum wage is questionable.

“I believe I have a moral responsibility to be generous with my own money,’’ he said. “But I believe it’s completely immoral to be generous with other people’s money.’’

Supporters, however, saw the issue in terms of the broader good.

David Wells, research director of the Grand Canyon Institute, acknowledged that taking wages from $8.05 an hour to $12 will result in the loss of about 13,000 jobs. But Wells said his study shows that about 800,000 Arizonans will see more in their paychecks.

Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, went along with his GOP colleagues and voted to put the issue on the November ballot. But Worsley said he has no illusion that the outcome will be different, even with extensive rural opposition.

“I suspect it will pass again,’’ he said, pointing out that the vast majority of voters live in the state’s urban areas.

Meet us in Downtown Chandler for the

Art Walk and Music

March 16th • 6 pm - 9:30 pm

Protect Your Investment

“We know that we are in business to service our customers. That means always operating with integrity, honesty and striving for perfection in everything we do. We believe in taking the extra steps and providing the type of service that distinguishes us from our competitors. We believe that in life, and in business, all that is really worth doing, is what we do for others.”

- Tyler & Sonja Lundahl • Tile Roofing • Spray Polyurethane Foam • Storm Damage • Elastomeric Coatings • Shingle Roofing • 4 Layer Roofing • Leak Detection & Repairs

Traveler World Music Scott Jeffers Playing 7 to 9

• Maintenance Programs • Roof Inspections • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

812 S. Lazona Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204 | Phone: (602) 670-4098 www.Customer1stRoofing.com | AZ ROC: 272954

Featuring over 50 artists @ Dr. AJ Chandler Park West

24

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Mormon-founded law firm now has marijuana specialty

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

Longtime Mesa law firm Udall Shumway has expanded its practice to include cannabis law, capitalizing on the growing medical marijuana market in Arizona.

The move into the legal marijuana industry may be surprising to those who know the firm’s history.

Its namesake founders – David Udall and Dale Shumway – are prominent members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has not openly embraced cannabis as medicine.

However, Justin Brandt, leading counsel for the firm’s new practice, said it was a non-issue.

“We’re here to service clients; we’re not here to make moral judgments,” he said.

In fact, the transition into cannabis law was a smooth one for the firm and Brandt, who has a background in business and corporate transactions. He initially provided some employment services for medical marijuana clients under that business law purview, and the cannabis law practice grew from there.

“We have a very rich business law practice group, whether it be transactional practice or business litigation,” Brandt said.

He added, “Cannabis – it’s just business, right? The only difference, and it’s a unique difference, is it’s in a highly, highly regulated industry.”

That regulation reared its head soon after the firm announced the new practice

when U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded three Justice Department memos issued during the Obama administration that essentially directed federal prosecutors not to interfere with the cannabis industries in states that had legalized marijuana for medical and/or recreational use.

Sessions’ decision to roll back the three memos that direct prosecutors to use their discretion to pursue charges in cases involving marijuana – which is still illegal under federal law even as many states move to legalize the drug.

The new memo “simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis and thwart violent crime across our country,” Sessions said.

The announcement caused some concern in the medical and recreational cannabis industries. Brandt fielded calls from clients all day when the announcement was made last month.

But it is too soon to tell how it will tangibly affect the industry.

“It is more unknown than anything,” Brandt said.

Ultimately, he does not see medical marijuana businesses closing up shop because of the Justice Department’s priority change.

“I don’t think you are going to see a massive shutdown,” he said. “A lot of these businesses have certain toleration for risks.”

He noted that marijuana has been illegal at the federal level since the 1970s, and

that has not changed. Even directives under the Obama administration only shifted prosecutorial priorities and did nothing to legalize the marijuana at the federal level.

“These businesses have been comfortable operating with that amount of risk, and you are not going to see them shy away just because these policies are rescinded,” Brandt said.

His advice to all clients in the industry following Sessions’ decision is simple: Stay in compliance.

The practice will focus solely on the business side of the cannabis industry with a focus on business formation. It will provide advising on transactional deals, lease deals, purchase agreements and employment, among other services, said Brandt.

“Right now, it seems we are really busy on the commercial real estate side for both retail fronts and the grow operations,” Brandt said.

While the firm has offered some compliance advising in the past, it is likely going to take a step back from that as many medical marijuana operations are now bringing in a dedicated compliance officer on staff, which Brandt sees as a good thing.

“A lot of these businesses are already operating with a target on their back, and once you are not in compliance with something, whether it’s security or seed-tosale tracking, (regulators) are going to hop on that,” he said.

It is not difficult to see why a firm like Udall Shumway would want to break into the cannabis industry. Quite simply, the industry is booming.

A 2016 study from New Frontier Data and Arcview Market Research found that medical marijuana sales are expected to total $681 million by 2020.

The business available to firms with a cannabis law practice will go up only if Arizona eventually legalizes recreational marijuana. Prop 205 would have done just that but failed by 3 percent in 2016.

That New Frontier Study projected sales would roughly double by 2020 if voters had approved Prop 205.

There are at least two initiatives that would legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona in some form that could appear on the ballot in 2018, though their chances of passing are slim, according to one poll.

An OH Predictive Insights poll of Arizona voters from November 2017 found that only 35 percent of respondents supported legalizing marijuana for personal use versus 48 percent who opposed the measure.

“Legalizing marijuana in Arizona is much less viable in a mid-term election, however there is a strong chance we will see them take another run at it in 2020,” chief pollster Michael Noble said in a press release.

While it may be off the table in the immediate future, Brandt believes Arizona voters will eventually approve a measure legalizing recreational use.

“Certainly, it is not unreasonable to think that (marijuana) could be legalized, not just in a medicinal program but in an adult use program, in the next few election cycles,” he said.

– Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-8986533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.

Does your vehicle have damage? We can fix that!

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES & MODELS! Manufacturer Certified No-Charge Loaner Vehicles

Easy Insurance Processing Free Body & Paint Estimates

Cooper Road

Pecos Road

Gilbert Road

AutobahnCollision.com Just North of the SanTan 202 Freeway off Gilbert Road!

(480) 786-1000

Willis Road

202 SanTan FWY

SUBARU SUPERSTORE WILD CARD SAVINGS

SAVE

SPEND

The more you spend, the more you save! $50 $5

Family managed since 1981

$20

$30

$40

$50

ShopSubaru.com

LOWEST PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION! HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED POTTERY! PET FRIENDLY! 480-802-1309

Southern Chandler 23843 S. Cooper Rd.

1/4 Mile S. of Chandler Heights Rd.

Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hours: Thursday thru Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS *Plus applicable taxes. Please present coupon at time of write-up. Cannot be combined with any other special. Prices may vary by model. Service will be completed per model specifications. Subaru vehicles only. Expires 2/28/2018.

LLC

WHOLESALE to the TRADES

$100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $10

2555 East Willis Road Chandler, AZ 85286

• Fountains • Benches • Bird Baths • Ceramics • Stoneware • Wrought Iron • Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor • Much More!

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

25

Around Chandler Foundation to honor Chandler dentist

Arizona Foundation for Women has selected Chandler dentist Dr. Ken Snyder as the recipient of its Marilyn R. Seymann Award.

He will be honored at a luncheon March 26 at the Arizona Biltmore during the foundation’s annual awards luncheon.

Ashley Judd will be recognized with the Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award.

Snyder has “proved to be invaluable” as an advocate for women in Arizona,” said foundation CEO Mesha Davis.

The Marilyn R. Seymann Award is named after the founder of the Arizona Foundation for Women and was created to honor an Arizonan who has made a difference in the lives of women and children in the state.

Snyder has served as the dental director and pediatric dentist at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dental Clinic and the satellite children’s program at the Chandler Care Center for 22 years.

The clinic aids women who have been victims of domestic violence by providing them with a career path in dental assistance that will help them transition back into society. It also has a “Mother’s Kiss Program” that restores pregnant women in need in need of oral health care to ensure they deliver a healthy baby.

Arizona Foundation for Women’s

mission is to advance the status of Arizona’s women through research, advocacy and philanthropy to ensure their safety, health and economic independence.

of interactive and hands-on activities for families to participate.

Information: chandleraz.gov/science.

The City of Chandler will host the seventh annual Chandler Science Spectacular, sponsored by Intel and Orbital ATK, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Feb. 17. The one-day, hands-on event will be in Downtown Chandler, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., between Buffalo and Boston streets along Commonwealth Avenue.

This event will entertain the entire family and explain how fun, creative and important science can be to daily life.

More than 50 companies and educational organizations host interactive, hands-on learning activities.

New this year is a science competition for Chandler K-12 students. Six winning teams will be awarded a $500 prize that will be presented to their school’s science club or program for the most educational, most creative and most passionate projects.

Staff from Intel and Orbital ATK, along with Vice Mayor Nora Ellen, will judge the projects. The winners will be announced and recognized at the next available City Council meeting.

Event sponsor Orbital ATK will launch a model rocket every hour and their scientists and engineers will have a variety

residents living in a homeowners associations to attend his HOA Mini Summit at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Cotton Room, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler During the free event, attorney Beth Mulcahy of the Mulcahy Law Firm will provide an overview of a recent decision by the Arizona Court of Appeals that affects the ability for HOAs to validly assess and collect monetary penalties. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to pre-register for the upcoming Spring HOA Academy, which is scheduled to start on March 27.

Information: Danae Presler at 480782-4354, or visit chandleraz.gov/neighborhoods

Tibshraeny to host Science Spectacular HOA Mini Summit held today downtown Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny invites

City to hold online forum on budget

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the City Council are hosting Budget Connect, an annual online forum where Chandler residents may ask questions and learn about the city’s budget and fiscal policies, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22.

The Budget Connect webpage is open and the public is encouraged to submit ideas, questions and input through Thursday, Feb. 22, at chandleraz.gov/ budgetconnect. The online forum will be streamed in real time on chandleraz.gov, on the City’s YouTube channel at youtube. com/cityofchandler and the city’s Facebook page.

Budget Connect also will be broadcast on Chandler’s cable station, Channel 11 (CenturyLink’s Channel 8002).

During the event, staff will monitor the following social media accounts using the hashtag #budgetconnect: facebook. com/cityofchandleraz, @cityofchandler and instagram.com/cityofchandler While the public is welcome to attend the event in person at the City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., residents are encouraged to engage in this live forum from their home, office or any place they may be at the time by connecting online.

Information: chandleraz.gov/budget.

Family Star Party slated at Oasis Park

Chandler’s Environmental Education Center will host a free Star Party at Veterans Oasis Park 6-7 p.m. Feb. 23. The East Valley Astronomy Club will bring their telescopes for visitors to explore Arizona’s amazing night sky. Visitors may see the moon, planets, double stars, nebulae, star clusters and more. Star gazing will See

AROUND on page 26

26

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Around Chandler

AROUND

from page 25

projects and games and live entertainment for all ages.

The preschool offers an accelerated year-round curriculum for children ages 3 to 6, summer camps for ages 3 to 12 and will be offering new Robotics Camps for ages 6 to 12 beginning in June of 2018.

Information: 480-248-6125, admin@ nwlacademy.com or nwlacademy.com.

Chandler Library offering FRANK Talks

The Chandler Public Library will host FRANK Talks – face-to-face conversations on ideas that matter – in February and March, in partnership with Arizona Humanities.

The free presentations focus on issues of local and national importance and are led by a humanities scholar or expert on the topic who will facilitate and encourage participants to put the topics in context, weigh the evidence, and consider different points of view. No registration is required.

“The Impact of Fake News in the Real World” is the topic at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at Chandler Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road. The discussion will be led by Jamie Bowen, Arizona State University, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“Securing the Borders & Stopping Terrorism – A Constitutional Framework” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. March 28 at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St. It will be led by Dr. T.J. Davis, Arizona State University, School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.

Information: chandlerlibrary.org or 480-782-2800.

Ed Robson Library features guitar event

“Art of Music Classical Duo – A Tale of Two Guitars” will be presented at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Ed Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes. The history of acoustic guitar is told through the story of two guitars. Learn how guitars developed and enjoy representative pieces of music from different eras. Seating is limited to the first 100 people and will start at 12:45 p.m.

At 10 a.m. Feb 28, seating also is limited to the first 100 people for the 10 a.m.

Feb. 28 “Home Safety Awareness – Emergency Preparedness” presentation.

The library will be closed on Feb 19.

Information: mcldaz.org or 602-652-3000.

Chandler Fire offers preparedness course The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department is offering a free training

course in March for Chandler residents who want to learn how to take care of themselves, their family, neighborhood and the community during an emergency or disaster.

This 18-hour Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course provides community members with hands-on and classroom instruction over two consecutive Saturdays. Courses include fire safety, light search and rescue, basic medical care and more.

The sessions are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 3 and March 10 at the Chandler Fire Training Center, 3550 S. Dobson Road.

The training is free, but space is limited.

To register, call 480-782-2120 or email ChandlerFire@chandleraz.gov.

Purim in India at Chabad Center

Purim commemorates the escape of the Jewish People from annihilation by the ancient Persian Empire, and is celebrated by the exchange of food packages between friends, by giving charity to the poor, by eating a traditional festive meal, and by reading the story of Purim from the Megillah, or Purim scroll.

This year, it will be celebrated with cuisine from India at 5: 15 p.m. March 1 at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler.

RSVP: chabadcenter.com/purim.

Springfi eld holding garage sale today

Springfield Adult Community is holding its sixth community-wide garage sale 7 a.m.-noon today, Feb. 17, at 6495 So. St. Andrews Blvd., between Riggs and McQueen Roads, Chandler.

The front and back gates will be open to the public during this event. This garage sale will be in each homeowner’s garage/driveway.

Chandler teens in awards program

Two Chandler teens were finalists in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, one of the largest in the country.

Prateek Pinisetti, 17, a senior at BASIS Chandler, is the founder of “ChessHelps,” a chess education nonprofit that’s taught more than 200 young chess players, hosted an annual tournament that’s drawn competitors from across the country, and raised $55,000 for his school and small business owners overseas.

Proceeds have supported his charter school’s general fund, its fund for performance-based teacher bonuses, and an organization that provides microloans for third-world entrepreneurs.

See

AROUND on page 27

ad n a I’m

I’m also a salesperson in print.

KFNX Exclusively Features Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage Ranked Top Ten Shows in the Country

I talk to about, oh, 60,000 prospective customers every month.

How many prospective customers do you talk to a month?

The readers are here!

Where’s your ad?

480-898-6309

THE LAURA INGRAHAM SHOW

THE SAVAGE NATION WITH MICHAEL SAVAGE

To advertise, host a show, or for more information: Call (602) 277-1100 or visit our website: www.1100kfnx.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

27

Around Chandler

AROUND

from page 26

Monet Tam, 17, a senior at Hamilton High School, has served with the Chandler Mayor’s Youth Commission since 2013 and, as its current chair, leads 18 commission members in organizing and executing community events.

He dedicates five to 10 hours a week to her responsibilities with the commission, which is responsible for hosting 14 local celebrations and activities a year.

Chandler preschool slates STEM Festival

New World Academy of Chandler will hold a STEM Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 3 on its campus, 900 E. Pecos Road, Chandler.

The preschool will offer hands-on activities for kids ages 3 to 17, performances by the Wikked Rev band and the Salt River Senior Steppers, food, vendors, prizes, and race car driver Curt Eierdam with his 300 MPH dragster - The Invader.

It also will include technology demonstrations from Future Kiddie and Code.Org, a variety of hands-on activity stations for kids on bridge engineering, balloon-powered cars, how to create paper circuits and build a compass, chemistry experiments, other S.T.E.M. based projects and games and live entertainment.

The preschool offers an accelerated yearround curriculum for children ages 3 to 6, summer camps for ages 3 to 12 and will be offering new Robotics Camps for ages 6 to 12 beginning in June of 2018.

Information: 480-248-6125, admin@ nwlacademy.com or nwlacademy.com.

Chandler has holiday schedule Feb. 19

Because of Presidents Day, Chandler City Hall and all four libraries are closed Monday, Feb. 19, but trash/recycling collections are not affected.

The Environmental, Snedigar. Senior and Community centers also are closed.

Eat Your Art Out Chandler supports center’s programs SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Your tummy and your community will thank you if you participate in the Chandler Center for the Arts’ fifth annual Eat Your Heart Out Chandler fundraiser Feb. 27.

The all-day event involving at least 15 local restaurants offers diners an opportunity to eat lunch or dinner – or both – and support various programs at the arts center, including Connecting Kidz and the summer concert series.

Restaurants will donate a portion of the tab to the center.

Organizers call it a “win-win.”

“The restaurants win by bringing new customers into the establishments on a slower day of the week. The community wins by having arts programs for children and headline performances,” they say on the

website for the event, chandlercenter.org/eat.

Participating restaurants so far include: Meridiem Kitchen & Lounge for breakfast.

Lunch: Crust – Chandler, Floridino’s, The Living Room, Meridiem Kitchen & Lounge, Nando’s Mexican Café, Rock Lobster, La

Sala Tequila Cantina, San Tan Brewing Co., Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant, Singing Pandas Asian Restaurant & Bar and Stone + Vine Urban Italian.

Participating restaurants for dinner include: Bourbon Jack’s Bar & Grill, Brickyard Downtown, California Pizza Kitchen – Chandler, CHoP Chandler, Floridino’s, The Living Room, Meridiem Kitchen & Lounge, Nando’s Mexican Café, Rock Lobster, La Sala Tequila Cantina and Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant.

In addition to eating, diners can

participate in raffles.

People also can sign up to be ambassadors by agreeing to invite three to six guests. The ambassadors also collect any donations their guests want to make, though a donation is not required to participate in the raffle.

A $10 donation will sponsor five children to see a professional theatrical performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts.

There are two kinds of ambassadors and the expectations for those positions are spelled out on the website.

The center is jointly owned by the city and school district and features three theaters and an art gallery. The design is such that none of the main theater’s 1,500 seats are farther than 100 feet from the stage.

28

Business

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Retired teacher aims to dress women in style

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

A retired teacher with a passion for fashion is striving to help all women through her new boutique in south Chandler.

Judy Dragoo opened JudyWear Boutique on East Riggs Road just west of McQueen Road on Feb. 1.

The intimate shop offers a cozy, vintage feel and many eclectic clothes for women of all sizes, along with unusual jewelry and skincare products made

by Arizona designers and artisans and American companies.

Dragoo, who previously co-owned a clothing store in Sierra Vista, worked as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for 30 years.

“I’m really lucky because I’ve had two passions,” she said, referencing her time as a teacher and owning boutiques.

She gets new items at the store every week, so customers are not likely to bump into anyone else wearing the same outfit. Clothes are available from sizes extra-small to 3X in some styles.

“I only order a limited amount because I don’t want everybody to have it,” Dragoo said. “I get new stuff all the time. I want my clothing to be functional and stylish and fashion-forward. I just try to have a little bit for everybody. My goal is for women to feel good about themselves. I want people not just to buy things but to wear them and be happy with their purchase.”

JudyWear offers many dressy and

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Retired teacher Judy Dragoo has opened JudyWear, a brick-and-mortar clothing store in South Chandler aiming to bring some new styles and concepts in fashion to women of all ages.

casual, soft, loose-fitting tunics, T-shirts, cardigans, waffle-knit sweaters, buttondown shirts, vests, flood pants and dresses with intricate patterns and romantic touches like lace and fringe.

Brightly colored and sparkly jewelry, as well as handbags, scarves and shreds are prominently displayed in the shop. Shreds are pieces of thin, recycled material connected together that hang around the

neck like scarves.

Focus-brand tops, including a shortsleeved shirt with buttons up the back See

JUDYWEAR on page 30

Delivery drones may soon be a constant presence in Chandler

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

It doesn’t have the personality of WALL-E. Or even the communication skills of the small waste-collecting robot of Pixar film fame.

But Chandler and other East Valley residents could soon find themselves sharing the sidewalks with armies of small six-wheeled automated robots delivering everything from lunch and groceries to the mail.

State lawmakers took the first steps last week to legalize the use of what are formally called “personal delivery devices.’’ HB 2422, given unanimous approval by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, would specifically grant them the right to operate on sidewalks and in crosswalks.

It also would give them the same rights and duties as pedestrians with whom they will share that right of way.

That includes a mandate to follow all traffic and pedestrian control signals and devices.

David Catania, spokesman for Estoniabased Starship Technologies, says that’s already happening in the San Francisco and Washington, D.C. areas as well as in

Capitol Media Services

David Catania, right, of Sarship Technologies briefs a reporter on the benefits of delivery drones following a hearing at the State Capitol.

several countries in Europe.

In some cases, he said, customers lease the robots outright, keeping them around for errands as necessary.

Catania said other customers call on them as necessary, much in the same way someone might call for an Uber.

He told lawmakers that the devices won’t be a danger to pedestrians or impair movement on the sidewalk, even if there are several of them running around.

First, he said, they’re no wider than a typical pedestrian.

And he said they are programmed to avoid confrontations.

“They have a bubble of awareness of about 15 meters

using sonic sensors and cameras,’’ Catania explained while demonstrating the robot outside the Capitol on Wednesday. “So, they’ll actually see the person before, in many cases, the person will see it, especially as many people are constantly on their cell phones.’’

And he said the shins of pedestrians are in no danger.

“It will get within 18 inches and then it will stop,’’ Catania said.

If it confronts something or someone that does not move, Catania said it is programmed to try to find its way around. And if it finds itself surrounded by pedestrians, he said it slows from its top programmed speed of about four miles per hour to match the pace of everyone else.

The legislation, however, allows the robots to go as fast as 10 miles an hour, about three times as fast as the average person normally walks.

Catania said each device effectively “learns’’ the streets along its routes by being led around for the first time by a human. After that, he explained, it should be pretty much automatic.

But Catania said there always is a human who can be “pinged’’ through the cell phone network in case of troubles, such See

DRONES on page 31

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

29

30

BUSINESS

JUDYWEAR

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

from page 28

and a black sweater with a pocket and button, are popular at the store.

Other well-liked tops are the Jess & Jane tunics, which each have their own names, such as “Gone with the Wind,” which has images of dandelions; “City News,” which has a picture resembling newspaper print; and “Philharmonic,” which has illustrations of dragonflies.

Dragoo shops in Las Vegas for merchandise and also from local designers.

The polyester Solar Style line of shirts from Jeanne Marie Designs, made in Sonoita, provide built-in UPF50 sun protection.

Sleevey Wonders, mesh slip-on sleeves and undersleeves that cover the arms and part of the chest, can be worn under off-the-shoulders tops, sundresses or sleeveless shirts.

Besides flood pants, JudyWear also offers black, wide-leg adjustable cotton overalls for $65 and black, Vecceli Italy leggings with leather on them for $48.

Dragoo her dresses are comfortable and cool for summer.

Shirley Still of Sun Lakes shopped at JudyWear recently and was impressed with the selection.

“It’s just so cute,” Still said. “It’s so original and she’s (Dragoo) so darling. I like basic clothes because you can do what you want. She has some fantastic jewelry.”

People also praised JudyWear Boutique.

“Such a nice addition to our neighborhood!” posted Dane Foy Becker on the JudyWear Boutique Facebook

page. “Great selection of very unique pieces. Judy is just a doll that is helpful and willing to special order!”

Dragoo also made the grade with Bonnie Yasgur Roberts, who wrote: “Judy has a sharp mind like a razor and remembers your size and style. I love the personal touch. I’ve bought tons of clothes and accessories some that I don’t even need just because I love them.”

Among the unusual accessories at JudyWear Boutique are necklaces and bracelets from Bling It On Jewelry in Sierra Vista that shoppers can customize.

Customers choose a polymer clay and ceramic pendant or stacker offered in many, different colors and shapes.

Then they can fit the stackers onto metal bails in various designs and put them on leather or metal necklaces. Customers can also choose decorative findings or adornments with magnetic clasps to put on leather bracelets.

Dragoo is offering deals and special events to try to entice customers. Anyone who buys $200 worth of products can get a free JudyWear mug or tote bag while supplies last.

She will be getting referral cards to give people and if their friend brings it in with their name on it, the person who recommended the shop will get $5 off their next visit.

People can also reserve the shop for personal style parties, which about a dozen people already have done for an event. Dragoo provides wine and cheese and clients get to try on clothes with their friends.

She is thrilled and grateful about the support from the community. Dragoo

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Dragoo’s lines include shirts with built-in sub protection as well as dressy and casual wear for women. She also is offering deals and special events to draw customers.

and her husband, John, moved to Gilbert recently to be near their adult children, Todd and Kyle.

Judy and John’s daughter-in-law, Erin Dragoo, makes bath bombs and other trinkets and treasures that will be sold at the boutique. The boutique also sells skincare from Gypsy Sisters Artisans.

“I love that everybody’s so friendly and

very responsive,” Judy said. “I feel very appreciated.”

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is having a ribbon cutting for JudyWear Boutique 4-5 p.m. March 29 at the store, 950 E. Riggs Road, Suite 6. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Information: judywearboutique.com.

To schedule an appointment call

(480) 905-7165

David Kelly, MD Plastic Surgery

Brian deGuzman, MD Vein Specialist

David Feist, PA-C Dermatology

Kara Gooding, PA-C Dermatology

Gary McCracken, MD Dermatology

Anthony Petelin, MD Mohs Surgery

James Young, DO Mohs Surgery

Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Veins • Skin cancer screenings • Rashes • Psoriasis • Mohs surgery • Face lift • Acne/Rosacea •

• Varicose Vein treatments • Hand surgery • Eyelid surgery • Breast & Body Proceures •

Gilbert: 3530 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite B-109 & 110 Sun Lakes & Chandler: 10440 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 160 New Patients Welcome • Most Insurance Accepted • Medicare Accepted

www.azcdps.com

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

DRONES

from page 28

as hitting something or even coming to an intersection with a lot of traffic. At that point, he explained, a human could take over and help navigate around or through the problem using the onboard cameras.

The devices can go between two and three hours on a single charge. Catania said the focus on deliveries that are in the neighborhood of a mile and a half and probably have an effective range of about two miles.

From an environmental perspective, he said it makes more sense to have small deliveries -- the estimated capacity is about 20 pounds -- made by one of these devices rather than sending out a big gasoline or diesel-powered truck.

And Catania told lawmakers that there are even more creative opportunities.

He said the firm has a partnership with Mercedes which allows eight of these robots to be parked in the bottom of a van, “park it in a neighborhood and deliver 100 packages in the span of a day without the truck ever moving, which is a great benefit, candidly, for traffic congestion and pollution.’’

Catania said there are security measures built in, both to protect the robot and its contents.

On the latter, he said the system is set up so that the person expecting a delivery is texted when the robot arrives. Only then will the storage compartment unlock.

As to stealing the device, Catania said that would not be easy. Aside from it weighing 80 pounds, he said there are “redundant GPS systems’’ to report its location.

“So we’ll be able to find it,’’ he said.

The legislation requires those who operate the devices to have at least $100,000 of liability insurance to cover injuries or damages. Catania said that in the

31

company’s history it has had only one claim.

Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, had a slightly different liability question.

“As someone who’s got a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old that drive, and they run over this thing ... I want to know what it’s going to cost to replace it,’’ he said.

Catania said the first models – about 150 are now deployed – cost something under $10,000 to manufacture. But he said once there is a demand for more he believes the price tag can get down to around the $1,000 range.

The measure needs full House approval before going to the Senate.

Dismantling NAFTA would harm economy, Chamber luncheon told

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Chandler and the rest of Arizona have a major stake in the outcome of negotiations involving the North American Free Trade Agreement, and any serious alteration of that agreement by the Trump administration could be harmful.

That was the gist of presentations on foreign trade earlier this month at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly economic outlook luncheon.

Calling tariffs on foreign goods “a backdoor tax on Americans” that reflect “a view of trade that doesn’t comport with reality,” Garrick Taylor of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce said NAFTA had created “the greatest trade bloc in the world.”

“If anything happened to NAFTA, we would see high prices and the quality of goods wouldn’t be very good,” said Taylor, the Arizona Chamber’s senior vice president of government relations and communications.

While President Trump as recently as last month said terminating NAFTA would get America “the best deal” in trade talks with Mexico and Canada, Taylor warned such a move could inject “more

Special to SanTan Sun News

Discussing trade at the quarterly Chandler Chamber of Commerce Economic Update Luncheon were Ruth Soberanes, director of trade and investments for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Garrick Taylor, senior vice president for government relations and communications for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.

uncertainty into the American economy.”

But he said ongoing talks between the

Trump administration and interested parties in the country gave him hope that the

president would not follow through on his vow to “tear up” the 1991 trade agreement.

Nevertheless, Taylor warned, “things can change fast.”

The importance of trade to Chandler alone was outlined by Taylor, Chandler Chamber CEO/President Terri Kimble and city development director Michael Miranda.

Kimble said Chandler companies do business with more than 70 countries around the world, including 3 percent of the Chamber membership.

“Imports make things more affordable and increase variety for consumers,” Taylor said, noting that Arizona exports more goods – mainly to Mexico – than imports.

Miranda said Chandler is the only city in Arizona that has a formal relationship with the Regional Export Promotion Program of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

That program offers insurance and a variety of other financial products to companies doing business overseas and is largely responsible for Chandler companies achieving more than $117 million in export sales last year.

“We want to open new markets for Chandler businesses,” Miranda said.

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Dave’s senior special*

20% OFF ANY LUNCH

www.famousdavesbbq.com

Bring this ad in to any Phoenix area Famous Dave’s for award-winning Bar-B-Que!

*Senior Deal good for our friends 60 and older.

Offer valid October thru April 2018, Mon-Fri 11am to 4pm.

For the location nearest you, visit For Catering Call (480) 718-5331

BUSINESS

32

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

CHANDLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS

Chandler Chamber CEO explains directory’s importance The Chandler Chamber is proud to present the 2018 Chandler Chamber Business Directory and Relocation Guide distributed through the SanTan Sun News today. It is my pleasure to present everything that is awesome about Chandler right here at your fingertips!

Not only will we share exciting and informative articles about our fabulous city, but also the many benefits of being a part of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

This year, the theme of our magazine is “Where Business Meets Community.” We found this to be extremely appropriate as it is the 30th Anniversary of The Ostrich Festival.

The festival began in 1988 as a tribute to Chandler’s rich history with the quirky bird.

Chandler has gone through many changes over the years, but one thing remains the same: The Chamber’s dedication to bring business and community together. The Ostrich Festival is a wonderful event that does just that. For three days, multitude of our small businesses set up shop at the festival and have the potential to reach over 100,000 attendees.

The Chandler Chamber strives to encourage and support local economic growth be it a small startup or stakeholder corporation. I’m pleased to say that the Chandler Chamber is as committed as ever to our valued members and their businesses, as well as creating a cohesive community.

As the proud President of the third largest Chamber in the state of Arizona, I am truly fortunate to spend my days working with a talented and dedicated staff, an amazing board and a group of supportive and enthusiastic members.

I hope you enjoy reading this backstage pass to all that is Chandler and I look forward to continuing to work with and encourage local business for many years to come.

-Terri Kimble, President/CEO, Chandler Chamber of Commerce ________________________________

How to close a deal is this month’s seminar topic The Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s continuing education seminars welcomes business coach Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins at its Ask an Expert session this month.

She will discuss successful ways to close a business deal. Noon-1 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Chandler Chamber Office, 25 S Arizona Place, #201, Chandler.

McGowen-Hawkins will show attendees how to make their sales presentations more exciting … and more effective. In this interactive session, she will explain how to start and end sales presentations in ways that set you apart from the competition.

Learn why the conventional ways of starting your presentations may be derailing your efforts and what to do instead. She will give guidelines on how to close your presentations in a manner that moves your audience to sign on the dotted line.

Guests should bring their top priority and the target product or service with which they want to lead. They will leave this seminar knowing how to put power in their presentations and how to close the deal!

wednesdays sundays

SPECIALS

Mondays

amazing lunch specials SENIOR NIGHT From 3pm - 9pm Buy one entree and get one entree free

(55 & older/dine in only/restrictions apply)

KIDS EAT FREE From 4pm - 9pm

(1 free kids meal off kids menu per adult purchase/dine in only)

8 Large 1 topping pizza

McGowen-Hawkins is a published author and a professional speaker. Prior to launching her public speaking firm, BMcTALKS, a part of BMcHAWK TALKS, LLC, she served as an educational technology thought leader with an edtech company and as a faculty member with the Texas A&M University System.

She has also taught for the Lone Star College System in the Houston, Texas area; has trained new faculty members for University of Phoenix (UOPX); and continues to adjunct for UOPX, teaching Communication courses.

She has been identified by University of Texas at Austin’s National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) as a master presenter and has delivered hundreds of presentations at national and international conferences and events with numerous notable figures including President Barack Obama.

The Chamber encourages attendees to register at chandlerchamber.com or at 480-963-4571 because lunch is included. ________________________________

discuss her experiences in the world of television as she has over 20 years of experience, how she overcame obstacles to succeed and what it takes to carve a successful career path.

She will also talk about her new career path with Hospice of the Valley and how her new direction still enhances her passion for people.

Cooney was born in Taipei, Taiwan and grew up in Great Falls, Montana.

She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Willamette University in Oregon and holds a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

She spent 31 years at 12News and received countless awards, including seven Emmy’s, Edward R. Murrow to Best TV Anchor.

She enjoys helping community causes and charities and loves being able to spend time with her family.

Attendees can register at chandlerchamber.com or 480-963-4571. ________________________________

Lin Sue Cooney to address luncheon

Chandler Chamber announces 2018 board

Lin Sue Cooney, former 12NEWS anchor and current director of community engagement for Hospice of the Valley, is the keynote speaker for the Feb. 20 Chandler Chamber’s Women in Leadership luncheon at SoHo 63, 63 E. Boston St., Chandler.

Open networking will be 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will include free head shots, with the luncheon and keynote speaker following.

During the luncheon, Cooney will

starting at

4.25

$

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2018 board of directors.

Jane Hanson of Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center takes over from Victor Napolitano of Alliance Bank of Arizona.

Hanson is the chief operating officer for Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers and has over 20 years in the health-care industry.

New board members include Kate Ford of PayPal, Michael Garza of Payroll Control Systems, Bill Guerriero of Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Deliah Rose of Gila River Hotels & Casinos.

For more members and information, go to chandlerchamber.com.

monday - friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Let us cater your next event!

Everyday Special!

1/2 OFF

Buy 1 pizza or entree and get the nd 2 of equal or lesser value at 1/2 price!

$

All day • Dine in or take out!

480-812-8433

Please present coupon at time of order. One coupon per visit. Alcohol purchases not included. Not valid with any other specials. Offer expires 3-3-2018.

PIZZA, PASTA & WINE 590 North Alma School Road • Located in the Granada Plaza

www.Floridinos.net

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

33

Business Briefs PayPal Chandler hopes to hire 200 by March 31 PayPal, the world’s leading digital payments platform serving 227 million account holders, hopes to add 200 employees to its Chandler operation by the end of March.

“PayPal Chandler is often recognized in the community as a great place to work, with a strong culture of diversity and inclusion and philanthropy,” the company said in a release.

Information: paypal.com/jobs.

commitment to building connections and relationships with our members.”

Abernethy is a longtime fitness instructor and eventually plans to teach classes at Ocotillo Village to get a more personalized look at the club.

“People talk to fitness instructors in a different way than they would a manager,” Abernethy said. “That’s why I love teaching classes at the clubs I manage.”

Abernethy has deep roots in the Ocotillo area, where she has lived for years with her husband and three children.

Information: villageclubs.com ________________________________

Mattress Firm holding pajama drive for kids Mattress Firm at 7230 W. Ray Road, Chandler is seeking new pajamas for newborns through 17-year-old children as well as donations for foster children, noting they often arrive at foster homes with only the clothes on their backs.

The drive ends Sunday, Feb. 18. _________________________________

Habit Burger Grill fights children’s cancer Special to the San Tan Sun News

Amy Abernethy is the new general manager of Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa.

Ocotillo Village Health Club has new manager Amy Abernethy is the new general manager of Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa. “Her strong foundation in this industry is what positioned Abernethy to take the lead of the Chandler area’s premier 82,000-square-foot lifestyle club,” the company said in a release.

Abernethy has managed many healthrelated businesses and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a master’s in kinesiology and wellness management.

“Hospitality is the initiative that Abernethy is focusing on in 2018 for Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa,” the release said, adding “she is taking a ‘members-first’ approach to elevate the overall experience and engagement at the club.”

“Creating a sense of community is our mission at Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa,” Abernethy said. “I have a strong

The Habit Burger Grill, including its restaurant at 960 N. 54th St., Chandler, is hosting a Valley-wide, daylong fundraiser on Feb. 28 to benefit the Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. It will donate 20 percent of proceeds from every customer that presents a flyer.

Jack Welch of Chandler and his “Jack Crushed Cancer” race team will be at the restaurant to help raise money. _________________________________

SRP offering free clinic on electric safety SRP is sponsoring a free electric safety workshop to educate tree workers, landscapers, roofers, painters, scaffold workers and excavators on the potential hazards of working near overhead and underground electrical power lines and other utilities.

Instruction will be in English and Spanish at the workshop, which will run 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 at SRP’s PERA Club, 1 East Continental Drive in Tempe.

The event will include safety presentations on overhead and underground electrical, gas and other

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: MARCH 3 The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, February 22, for the Saturday, March 3, 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.

utilities including: Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, Blue Stake procedures, trenching and underground safety demonstrations, and live electrical demonstrations of what can happen when contact is made with power lines.

It also will feature presentations by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Asplundh Tree Expert Company.

There will also be safety presentations including tree rescue, excavation, how to avoid electrocution as a result of downed lines involving a car accident.

Participants must be 18 years or older.

The workshop includes lunch and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Information/registration: 602-2362995 or srpnet.com/safetyworkshop. _________________________________

Weninger bills promote financial technology Chandler state Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-17, has introduced a package of legislation that will keep Arizona as the nationwide leader in blockchain technology legislation. He described the measures in a release as a continued effort “to open the door for emerging technologies in Arizona that include blockchain, digital wealth management, payment processors, and a host of other sectors.”

HB 2603 allows corporate registration of entities through the Arizona Corporation Commission using blockchain technology; HB 2602 promotes blockchain development by restricting regulation of residential crypto mining; and HB 2601 authorizes virtual coin offerings and distinguishes between virtual coins regulated as securities and virtual coins that constitute utility tokens.

Additionally, it expands Arizona’s crowdfunding law to allow offerings up to $5 million.

“Too often government impedes innovation by levying burdensome regulations that are just thinly-veiled attempts to protect existing business paradigms,” said Weninger. “Giving emerging technologies the opportunity to thrive will continue to make Arizona a tech hub and destination for innovators from around the world.”

Last April the Legislature passed HB 2417, a bill sponsored by Representative Weninger that added blockchain signatures

• • • • • •

Vehicle registration Title transfer Duplicate registration / title Replacement plate or TAB Permit 3 day, 30 day and 90 day Level one inspection: bond title, title inspection, abandoned title inspection

as a recognized form of signature.

Blockchain technology provides a decentralized database for a chain of transactions to be visible by a network. When an exchange is initiated, information about that exchange is represented as a block and broadcasted to the entire network.

The network verifies and approves the exchange before adding the block to the chain of stored information. This technology is secured by cryptography and has many potential uses. ________________________________

Waymo planning to get ‘thousands’ of minivans

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has agreed to supply “thousands” of Chrysler Pacifica minivans to Waymo, Google’s self-driving affiliate, for self-driving tests.

The agreement adds to the 600-vehicle fleet the automaker has already supplied, further cementing a partnership formed in 2016.

Waymo has been testing the self-driving vehicles in Chandler since April 2016. ________________________________

Pollack donates $30K to Mardi Gras fundraiser Chandler businessman Michael Pollack has donated more than $30,000 to the Mardi Gras spring fundraiser sponsored by the Assistance League of the East Valley, bringing to more than $200,000 the monetary and in-kind donations he has given the nonprofit.

The league said his and other benefactors support has enabled it to help more than 12,200 needy kids and adults.

Founder and owner of Michael A. Pollack Real Estate Investments, he said, “I am happy to do whatever I can to help this incredible and much needed organization....Without this organization, many would not receive the care and clothing they so desperately need.”

The Mardi Gras event is Feb. 24 at Oakwood Country Club at Iron Oaks, Sun lakes. It will feature casino gaming, bingo, music and a silent auction that Pollack will lead.

Information and tickets can be found at assistanceleague.org/east-valley.

Pollack is best known for bringing new life to rundown neighborhoods by reinvigorating local shopping centers.

• Mobile home • Handicap placard / plate • MVR: 3 year uncertified, 5 year certified • Driver license record: 3 year uncertified, 5 year certified • Fleet registration

1900 W. Germann, Suite 9, Chandler, AZ 85286 480-855-1638 Fax: 480-855-1639 WWW.MVD3P.COM

34

Sports & Recreation Pickleball, anyone?

2

1

The pickleball craze officially moved into Chandler in a big way earlier this month as the city opened six new courts at Arrowhead Meadows Park, joining a number of area municipalities that are creating courts for the growing number of fans of the sport.

A huge turnout of pickleball players came to celebrate the Feb. 2 to check out the new courts, as shown shownin the photos below. Among the people who couldn’t wait to get on were: 1) Terry Guerrant practicing his swing; 2) Roger Mandiville of Chandler swatting a ball; 3) Akira Kakizawa, waiting for a serve; 4) Sue McIntyre, taking the first swing on the new courts; 5) Mike Smith of Chandler, autographing a paddle that was donated to the city as a momento; and 6) Don Sawyer, who was all primed and head to strike. Gilbert is planning to add courts at several parks and Mesa already has added some while Ahwatukee’s Pecos Park by April will be home to 18 new courts.

3

5

A A NECESSARY NECESSARY RESOURCE RESOURCE TO TO BE BE SUCCESSFUL. SUCCESSFUL. Enrichment Groups

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

4

All photographs by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Enrichment Groups Enrichment Groups A NECESSARY

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

RESOURCE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. •• Social Social Skills, Skills, Executive Executive Functioning, Functioning, • and Social Skills, More and More Executive Functioning, •• Educational Educational and More Based Based Program Program • Educational •• Grade Level Groups Grade Groups BasedLevel Program Beginning Beginning Weekly Weekly • Grade Level Groups •• Located In Located In The The Beginning Weekly East Valley East Valley • Located In The East Valley

Schedule Schedule aa free free consultation today. consultation today.

480.382.7761 | HorizonEPS.com 480.382.7761 | HorizonEPS.com Schedule a free © 2017 Horizon Educational & Psychological Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Photo By Alexander Shalamov.

ADV102017 © 2017 Horizon Educational & Psychological Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Photo By Alexander Shalamov. consultation today.

ADV102017 480.382.7761 | HorizonEPS.com

6

www.SanTanSun.com

Clip-it and Save

FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Garage Door Repair

Chamberlain Door Opener

$

Repairs or New Doors • Broken Springs Panel Replacement • Remotes or Openers

225

INSTALLED

1/2 hp Chain Drive with 2 remotes 3 YEAR PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY

Broken Spring?

Get the Royal Treatment with Spring King • We Service and Repair All Major Brands Small Business • Huge Savings

35

$

• Night & Weekend Service Available • Family Owned & Operated • Insured • Discounts: Military, AARP, AAA

100

INSTALLED

2 Standard Cycle Oil Tempered Torsion Springs 3 YE A R PA R TS & L A B OR WA R R A N TY

Spring King

Noisy Door? Tune up with Roller Replacement

$

602.391.0978

55

Includes: Lubrication, Set of 13 Ball Nylon Precision Bearing Rolers • Minor adjustments to Door & Opener

www.springkingaz.com

Offers Expire 3-18-18

HOURS: Mon.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Tues. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat.: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

$25 off

SURGERY

We care for your small animal family members by providing quality veterinary medicine, surgery, grooming and boarding

$10 off

VETERINARY SERVICE

Must present coupon at time of service.

Not valid Must present coupon at time of service.

Notwith validany withother any other offer.

Expires 3-31-2015 offer.

Expires 3-18-2018

Must present coupon at timeofofservice. service.Not Must present coupon at time Not valid other offer.Expires Expires3-18-2018 3-31-2015 valid withwith anyany other offer.

$2 off

ANY GROOMING SERVICE Must present coupon at time of service.

Must present coupon at time of service.

Not valid Notwith validany withother any other offer.

Expires 3-31-2015 offer.

Expires 3-18-2018

You’ll Love Your Smile!

Shaun P. Gardner, DDS Shawn D. Young, DMD • Cosmetic Dentistry • Digital X-rays • Periodontal Treatment • Braces (FREE Consultation) • Extractions • Wisdom Teeth • Sedation (Sleep Dentistry) • Veneers • Crowns and Bridges • Implants • Dentures and Partials • Laser Gum Therapy • Kids Waiting Area

480.214.4898

Family Owned & Operated Over 12 Years in Arizona ••• New Patient Specials •••

$60

.00

FREE gift card

Patients with insurance can receive a FREE gift card at the conclusion of your first visit.

$49

.00

Cleaning, Exam&X-rays Patients without insurance can receive this first visit special price.

First visit must include comprehensive exam, x-rays, basic cleaning or periodontal cleaning.

Limit two gift cards per household and cannot

Includes comprehensive exam, x-rays and general cleaning. New patients only in absence of periodontal disease. Insurance will be billed if applicable. May not be combined with any

be presented at time of use.

Expires 3/18/2018

time of use. Expires 3/18/2018

3970 E. Riggs Rd., Ste. 3 | NW Corner of Lindsay & Riggs | Chandler |

www.shadowridgeaz.com

Clip-it and Save

36 FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

WARNING

!

Tank You For Your Continued Support!

TEXT “MORENOS” TO 85775 FOR DEALS!

$5 OFF

$3 OFF

ORDER OF $20 OR MORE

WE DELIVE THROU R GRUBH GH UBERE UB & ATS!

ORDER OF $10 OR MORE

FREE Breakfast

Buy ONE Get One FREE Equal or lesser value.

Valid everyday from 8am to 11am.

Not to be combined with other offers. Exp: 3/3/18.

Taco Tuesday

|

Senior Monday410% OFF all day

4981 S Arizona Ave, Suite 6 • Chandler, AZ

NEW! BOOK ONLINE

www.SanTanSun.com

|

480-494-5473

|

MorenosMexicanGrillAZ.com

Going out of town for the weekend or on a vacation?

Extra-Large Climate-Controlled Indoor/Outdoor Runs Located on a Large Farm Setting 24-hr. Monitoring

BOOK a stay NOW!

Secure Environment Playtime We Manage Dietary & Medication Needs

25 MOST DOGS $

www.applebyboarding.com

602-743-8287

LOCATED ON A LARGE FARM SETTING IN CHANDLER 11631 E Appleby Rd • Chandler Mon-Wed-Fri 8am-12pm, 3pm-6pm Tues & Thurs 8:30am-12pm, 3pm-6pm Sat. 8am-12pm

20 SMALL DOGS $ 30 LARGE DOGS $

Limited Limitedtime timeonly! only!

(20 lbs. or less)

(Great Dane, etc.)

Footlong 4 Faves Faves 4 Faves 4 Faves 4 FavesFootlong Footlon 4 Faves4 Faves Footlong 4 Faves 4 Faves Limited time only!

99 99IT Footlong Footlong G O D O D Y PPFootlong DI99 99 99 Footlong

Limited time only!

$6 OFF

Limited time only!

Full-service pet grooming

each each

each

Full-service pet grooming • Accessories • Self-service each dog wash Limited time only!

each

Text Dippity to 411247 For News and each Special Offers!

Black Black Forest ForestHam Ham Black each www.dippitydodog.com Black Forest Ham 2040Forest S. Alma School Rd., #26 • Chandler Ham

480-899-1133 99

99

SW corner of Alma School & Germann Rd. next to Fry’s

Meatball Meatball Marinara Marinara eatball llarinara a

99

Must present coupon. Limit one per customer.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3-16-18

$4 OFF

Limited time o Self-service dog wash

For our loyal customers. Must present coupon. Limit one per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3-16-18

Black FREE!

Forest Ham Teeth Brushing

With full-service pet grooming. Must present coupon. Limit one per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3-16-18

Limited time only!

Limited time only!

99 each

Footlong

each

Black Forest Ham Meatball Marinara Arizona Ave.

Black Forest H

& Ocotillo 480-802-0440

Gilbert & Spicy SpicyItalian Italian Germann 480-786-4577

Meatball Black Spicy Italian Alma School & Queen Creek Meatball Marinara SpicyForest Ham Italian 480-726-9015 Marinara Gilbert & Black Or Ortry trythe theCold Cold Cut CutCombo ComboororVeggie Veggie Delite Delite Ocotillo 480-857-2391 Forest Ham ®

Or try the Cold Cut Combo or Veggie Delite

Meatball Or try the Cold Cut Combo or Veggie Delite Marinara

Subs Subs shown shown with with customized customized recipe. recipe.

Valid Valid at participating at participating restaurants. restaurants.

Additional Additional charge charge for Extras. for Extras.

PlusPlus applicable applicable tax.tax.

No No additional additional discounts discounts or coupons or coupons maymay be applied. be applied. ® Subway Subway is a ®Registered is a Registered Trademark Trademark of Subway of Subway IP Inc. IP©2017 Inc. ©2017 Subway Subway IP Inc. IP Inc.

own with customized recipe. Valid at participating restaurants. Additional charge as. Plus applicable tax. No additional discounts or coupons may be applied.

®

Spicy Italian

®

®

Or try the Cold Cut Combo or Veggie Delite

Spicy Italian

®

Spicy Ita

Clip-it and Save

www.SanTanSun.com

FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

YOUR HOMETOWN BUTCHER Family-owned and operated traditional butcher shop providing meat from The Greater Omaha Packing Company, which has been in business since 1920. We carry USDA Prime and CAB Choice or higher grade meats with a minimum of 30 days aging. Our chicken and pork is all natural with no sodium nitrates or added solutions. We have fresh sausage and Boar’s Head® lunch meats and cheeses.

butcherblockmeatsaz.com HOURS:

Tues.-Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 10am-4pm • Closed Mon.

4015 S. Arizona Ave. Suite #11, Chandler, AZ 85248 480-426-8080

Content © 2015 Butcher Block Meats. All rights reserved.

10 Off

$

any purchase of $50 or more.

Cannot be combined with other offer.

Valid until 3-18-18

4

Watch $ 99Battery (Up to 5 watches. Excludes lithium and designer watches.

Coupon must be present, may not be combined with any other offer or prior services. Exp. 3/18/18)

Take an Extra

10

%

4980 S. Alma School Rd, A-7, Chandler, AZ 85248 next to safeway

(480) 659-6984

Fine Jewelry & Accessories | Custom Designs Gold Buying | Coins & Estate Jewelry Mon-Fri: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm • Sat: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

OFF

Any jewelry repair service (Coupon must be present, may not be combined with any other offer or prior services. Exp. 3/18/18)

37

Clip-it and Save

38 FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

LOOKING FOR A NEW BARBER?

www.SanTanSun.com

Come to Arizona’s Oldest Barber Shop Established in 1912!

AFFORDABLE SERVICES • QUALITY HAIRCUTS • STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVES

20% OFF Any service

MONDAY MADNESS!

Limit one coupon per customer. Expires 3/16/18.

VINTAGE CHARM, GREAT TALENT & GREAT PERSONALITY

602-769-9446

All Military & Seniors 55+ receive $4 off services

Hours of Operation: Mon. & Tues. 8am - 5pm | Wed. - Fri. 8am - 7pm | Sat. 8am - 5pm | Closed Sunday

Located in the Heart of Historic Downtown Chandler - 52 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler - CountryClipperBarbershop.com NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Love your legs...

Dr. Paul Sos, M.D. Dr. John Opie, M.D. Dr. Frank Bonavita, M.D

OVER 16,000 PATIENTS TREATED!

• Non-surgical laser procedure • Minimal recovery time • Done in the office by a Physician

Call us today!

Covered by most insurance and Medicare / AHCCCS

Screenings Available!

Cosmetic Sclerotherapy $250

New Patients Only. (one per patient) With coupon only. Limited time.

Expires 3-17-18

480-899-8930 • 485 S. Dobson Rd., Ste. 103, Chandler • www.optimaveincare.com • 3 Locations: Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale

You won’t believe the money you’ll save!

Clip-it

™

is a complimentary, Clip-it!Clip-it!

Is a complimentary all-color all-color publication locally published publication, locally published the the third Saturday of each month. third Saturday of each month.

Can’t wait? Check it out online at

www.clipit.biz color display ad

circulation

deadlines The deadline for advertisements is one week prior to the Saturday publication date on the following day: WEDNESDAY: New advertisements deadline THURSDAY: Changes to existing advertisements deadline FRIDAY: Camera-ready advertisements deadline

2015

publication schedule DEADLINE

ISSUE DATE

Wednesday, January 8

Saturday, January 17

• 2005 Chandler Chamber Small Business of the Year • 2006 East Valley Chambers of

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

SPORTS & RECREATION

39

Perry High QB Brock Purdy chooses Iowa State

BY JALEN FONG Cronkite News

A slow start to his recruiting process never hindered the resolve of Perry High School senior quarterback Brock Purdy, who signed his national letter of intent to play for Iowa State University during a ceremony recently.

Purdy had no Division I offers prior to this season’s playoffs.

After his standout play against in-state powers Mountain Pointe and Chandler high schools, he had received inquiries from 11 D-I programs, including the University of Alabama.

Purdy narrowed his search to Alabama, Central Florida and Iowa State; but a late offer by Texas A&M reopened the chase for the Perry quarterback.

Ultimately, the relationship built with Iowa State’s Matt Cronkite News Campbell and his coaching staff, Perry High Quarterback Brock Purdy celebrates a win with along with the feel of a college head football coach Preston Jones. town like Ames, Iowa, had Purdy feeling good about seeing red.

Purdy was one of seven Pumas to “Iowa State recruited me right from announce where they will go to college, the start,” Purdy said. “I just believe in but he was undoubtedly he focal point of coach Campbell’s vision for the program and want to be a part of it.”

See on page 40

Devon Christopher Adams/Casteel Athletics

Casteel High girls soccer wins state championship Even without a senior class, Casteel High School still came out as a state champ as the girls soccer team captured the 3A Division title after beating No. 11 Yuma Catholic. Although they lost a tournament game, the Colts ran the table on the games that counted this

season, tallying a whopping 125 goals in all. After celebrating their 2-1 vote over Yuma Catholic, the girls and Coach Jason Hammonds said their impressive season was a team effort. We are a team. Everyone contributes. That’s what makes this special,” said junior Samantha Anger.

BROCK

Classes ages 6 months and up:

• Gymnastics • Tumbling • Trampoline • Acrobatic Gymnastics • Ballet, Hip Hop and Tap • Martial Arts • Swimming Check out our Parent’s Night Out offered once a month on Saturdays!

Spring Break Camps Available! aspirekidsports.com

$30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.

Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 3-31-18.

480-820-3774

50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

SPORTS & RECREATION 40

BROCK

from page 39

the ceremony.

“We’ll never have another player like (Brock) here at Perry again,” said Preston Jones, Purdy’s head coach at Perry. “We’re just proud that Brock was a Perry Puma and was able to lead this team to a lot of great places. We can’t wait to see what he does (at the next level).”

After giving a short speech, thanking all who have shown him support throughout his career, Purdy made his announcement, which immediately turned the auditorium into a frenzy.

Purdy raised his arms in the air and looked up, obviously thankful for the journey he has been on and what lies next for him in Ames.

“This is his dream,” said Shawn Purdy, Brock’s father. “It’s what he has worked for his entire life.”

Shawn noted that Brock never wavered in his resolve, even through the lack of recruiting by colleges early on.

“He’s been very patient throughout this process,” Shawn continued, “and just really excited to go to a school where he’s already built a relationship with and happy that the recruiting process is over.”

Purdy was the 21st, and one of the final, signees for the Cyclones in their 2018 recruiting class.

The Cyclones are coming off an 8-5

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

season, during which they defeated Big 12 powerhouses Oklahoma and TCU and defeated the University of Memphis in the Liberty Bowl.

Purdy now joins a quarterback group that includes redshirt-freshman Devon Moore, projected starter Zeb Noland, and fellow 2018 signee Re-al Mitchell.

“There’s going to be a competition,” Purdy said. “I’m not going in there expecting the starting job right away; I’m just going there and competing from Day 1.”

Chandler brothers win in international taekwondo tourney SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A pair of Chandler brothers has started the new competitive taekwondo season off with a bang, placing third and earning bronze medals in the 2018 U.S. Open Championship at Las Vegas earlier this month.

Geoffrey Kim, 12, and his 11-year-old brother Juneau both competed in the cadet division for 12-to-14-year-olds at the tournament, which has a G2 rank from the World Taekwondo Federation.

Students work over the calendar year to accumulate up to 60 points in tournaments ranked G1 and G2 by the federation.

The brothers’ victories also were a feather in the cap for Master Hyun Christopher Kim, owner of Arizona Taekwondo, where the two boys train.

Arizona Taekwondo, 2100 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, is dedicated to teaching the Korean martial art, which also is an Olympic sport.

Master Kim said taekwondo offers many benefits that range from physical

“impressive showing” in the tournament, stating “both students showed great improvement competing among 46 highly competitive athletes.”

The U.S. Open had over 2,600 registered competitors from around the world in all its categories.

Special to the SanTan Sun News The Kim brothers, Hyun Christopher Kim, left, head coach at Arizona Taekwondo in both students at Great Chandler, celebrates Juneau Kim’s tournament victory with Paul Hwang, Hearts-Lincoln Prep Ryan Bae and Kwang-il Bae. school, have been conditioning to building mental strength training at Arizona and discipline and the Kim brothers are Taekwondo since it opened in 2013, but have taking that training to heart. been training in the sport since they were 4, He praised the two athletes’ Master Kim said.

“I began the studio to engage every amateur athlete who is interested in taekwondo, and give them an opportunity to participate and compete.

The ultimate objective of Arizona Taekwondo is to development of social, physical, mental, and moral for amateur athletes,” he said.

Master Hyun Christopher Kim is a USA Taekwondo coach and national referee and a member of Kukkiwon, World Taekwondo, the Pan America Taekwondo Union and American Taekwondo Union.

He said his studio has a competition team that meets every week and that he aims “to educate our players about sportsmanship, teamwork, fellowship, courtesy, discipline and integrity.

“Our training breaks down into poomsae and sparring,” he said. “We also host various taekwondo seminars for our athletes throughout the year.”

Information: aztkd.chandler@gmail. com or 480-442-3150.

41

SAN TAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Opinion

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

VITA provides free tax preparation to those in need

BY KEVIN HARTKE Guest Writer

The tax filing season has begun and Chandler’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are officially open.

Our 57 trained volunteers are ready and eager to assist residents file the appropriate tax forms and benefit from tax credits they may have otherwise overlooked. This outstanding service is offered free of charge at five locations throughout the city until April 10.

The VITA program is available to individuals who are 60 and older; individuals or families earning $54,000 or

less, or those who have lost their jobs or suffered a hardship.

It also is available to individuals with disabilities and those with limited English abilities. Spanish interpreters are also available at most VITA sites.

While residents are served on a firstcome, first-served basis, it is important to arrive prepared with key documents in hand, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, Social Security and picture identification cards for all members of the household, prior tax returns and other tax deduction materials.

Since the inception of the program in Chandler in 2004, families have cumulatively saved millions in tax preparation fees and refunds.

Last year alone, volunteers helped 1,689 families claim more than $2 million in tax refunds and save approximately $400,000 in tax preparation charges.

In turn, these dollars get reinvested in our community and benefit our local economy.

The success of the VITA program relies almost entirely on the selfless commitment of volunteers who undergo extensive training with the IRS. Part of their certification involves learning to ask the right questions to maximize benefits for each individual.

For instance, many Chandler families do not realize that they may qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Consequently, each year millions of

dollars are unclaimed by those eligible to receive this funding.

It is my hope that Chandler residents can help spread the word about this free service so that those who are eligible can receive the assistance they need.

And when you start noticing Uncle Sams and Statues of Liberty waving from sidewalks, you can think of the VITA program and all the volunteers dedicated to serve.

For details about the VITA site locations, hours and additional resources, visit chandleraz.gov or call Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Office at 480-782-4358.

Kevin Hartke is a Chandler City Council member.

Memory of heroic slain firefighter will outlive any bullet

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ

Columnist

The .40-caliber bullet was fired Sunday morning two weeks ago, at about 26 minutes after 2. Court documents locate the crime at the intersection of North Civic Plaza and East Stetson Drive in Old Town Scottsdale. Really, though, the murder of Captain Kyle Brayer is a crime with echoes all across this Valley, this state, this world of ours. Because if you can measure a human being by the sum total of the lives he or she touches, then Kyle Brayer, who died two weeks short of turning 35 years old, lived more than any 10 of us.

Son. Brother. Marine. Firefighter.

Entrepreneur. Teacher. Traveler. Leader. Hero.

Kyle Brayer was all of those things.

This is what makes the loss of such a fine man so tragic, even as his life is so worth celebrating. This is what you think about

when you think about the single round fired from Hezron Parks’ Smith & Wesson handgun Sunday one week ago.

You think about Kyle Brayer and his dad, Art, the father he called “Pops.” You think about the credo Art spoke into Kyle’s ear from childhood on – that in this life anything is possible, if only you are willing to pay the price. Art’s advice and example drove Kyle, say those who knew him. He was talented, sure, but he was also perfectly willing to outwork you, outhustle you, outlast you. And then offer you a gentlemanly hand up when you could no longer stand.

You think about Kyle Brayer in the aftermath of September 11th, 18 years old, a teenager raised in a home where the American flag was the most venerated cloth imaginable. Kyle’s grandfather served in World War II with honors. Years later, Kyle would tell the ASU State Press why he joined the Marines in 2002.

“I had wanted to be a Marine since I

was 10 years old,” was how Kyle explained his decision.

You think of Kyle Brayer as a sergeant with the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, fighting his way through Baghdad and Al Qa’Im city, building bombs and rockets, a consummate soldier who survived the carnage of the Iraq War, only to die on a Scottsdale roadway at the hands of a bloodthirsty fool with a handgun.

The thought is enough to make you weep or want to lock your hands around Hezron Parks’ throat. Except then you think of Kyle Brayer on a 911 call, a captain leading Ladder Company 276 toward a blaze, a paramedic tending to abrasions and wounds, heart attacks and hurts, a healer, a force for good in Fire Station 6 along East Ash Avenue and throughout Tempe.

Thus inspired, you regain your better self. Thoughts of evil dwindle away and Kyle Brayer touches your life as he did so

many others.

You think of Kyle Brayer, world traveler, journeying through scores of countries.

Kyle atop Kilimanjaro. Kyle plodding through the snow to summit Mount Rainier. Kyle diving amid great white sharks off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. At the Sochi Olympics in 2014. At the base of the Eiffel Tower. On the Isle of Skye. Hiking down to Havasupai Falls. Posed on a rock near Half Dome in Yosemite. You think of everyone he met, every friend he made, every life he made better, if only for a moment, a minute, an hour.

You think of Kyle Brayer as the best of us, gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Because you think of everyone he inspired and you know that that good part of him – the best part of Kyle Brayer – will outlive any gunshot, any bullet, and even time itself.

– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@ leibowitzsolo.com.

Share your opinion with SanTan Sun News! We want to hear from you!

We know you have an opinion! Share it with the SanTan Sun News. Please limit your Letters to the Editor to 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.

Deadline

MAILING ADDRESS:

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 TELEPHONE: 480-348-0343 FAX: 480-898-5606

©2017 SanTan Sun News

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

Editorial and Advertising Noon Thursday, February 22 for the Saturday, March 3 issue

35,000

Total Circulation 27,250+ Driveways Fifty square mile coverage area from Price/101 to Greenfield and from Frye to Hunt Highway.

SanTan Sun News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Laurie Fagen

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

DESIGN MANAGER

Paul Maryniak

Chuck Morales III

MANAGING EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ralph Zubiate

Jay Banbury

ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

AD DESIGN

Jane Meyer Colleen Sparks jane@timespublications.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Tracey Wilson Courtney Oldham tracey@timespublications.com

Mike Schieffer Proud member of the

42

OPINION

SAN TAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Criminal past no longer automatic bar from county jobs

BY DENNY BARNEY Guest Writer

Imagine you’ve been convicted of a crime.

You’ve done your time.

You want to start over.

One of the first things you need to do is get a job.

The reality is, you have an uphill battle.

And it starts with the job application.

Many employers ask up front about an applicant’s criminal past. Often, people have to check a box if they’ve been convicted a crime. That checkmark can scare off potential employers.

According to the Arizona Governor’s Office, men with criminal records account for more than a third of healthy men ages 25-54 who are unemployed. And a crime on your record means you’re about 50 percent less likely to get a call back for

a job interview.

Maricopa County, following the lead of Governor Doug Ducey, is taking a different approach. Starting in January, we changed our hiring policy so that we do not ask about a person’s criminal record on initial job applications.

We want to free up managers to consider the most qualified candidate from the very start, without being influenced by their previous mistakes.

Research shows that people who have jobs are less likely to go back to jail. In fact, employment is one of the most significant factors in reducing recidivism.

Cutting back on the number of repeat offenders coming through our jails is one of my main priorities because it lowers jail costs and makes our community safer and stronger.

Now, we certainly don’t want to put the county and employees at risk so we will still run criminal background checks further

in the process, prior to hire. Our hiring managers can then weigh all factors in deciding whether or not to hire someone.

This new policy is simply a way to provide a foot in the door for members of our community who are used to having the door slammed in their faces.

Some county departments, primarily those dealing with law enforcement, have more stringent rules and some must comply with federal or state statutes related to the criminal history of employees.

These departments will continue to include criminal background questions on employment applications.

There are now 7 million people living in Arizona – more than 60 percent of them here in Maricopa County – and an estimated 1.5 million of them have arrests or criminal convictions on their record.

That is a staggering number to me, and it shows just how important it is for

leaders in the public and private sectors to think about how we integrate these folks back into society once they’ve served their time.

Not everyone who gets out of jail is ready to start contributing positively to our community. Some will continue to commit crimes. But I believe most have bigger and better plans. They want to support their families or be self-sufficient, but they end up discouraged by all the roadblocks.

By becoming a “Second Chance Employer,” we hope to communicate to everyone that we welcome their applying to Maricopa County. We do not believe individuals are defined solely by their past. We believe in what they can do, moving forward.

-Denny Barney is a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the new president/CEO of the East Valley Partnership.

United Food Bank’s needs grow as summer approaches

BY RUSTYN SHERER

Guest Writer

While volunteering with the United Food Bank (UFB), I have seen hundreds of families receive meals when they otherwise would have gone hungry. The holidays bring about a flood of goodwill from the community, but families need our support throughout the year, and the need is most visible to us during the summer.

UFB got its start 35 years ago as a modest partnership between several East Valley cities, their respective United Way affiliates and a few local churches. In

the mid-1980s, the organization took in mostly canned goods, and partnered with a handful of local agencies to distribute these meals to a few hundred families in need each month. While that early effort may have been small in scope, this partnership has grown into something great.

Today, UFB partners with more than 200 agencies and programs, making it Arizona’s second largest food bank. Our menu of items includes canned goods, fresh produce, chicken and thousands of pounds of rescued food donated by local grocery stores and restaurants. Our distribution partners include Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, the

Casa Grande Food Bank and the Tempe Community Action Agency.

UFB’s efforts positively impact more than a half-million Arizonans annually.

We distribute more than 23 million meals each year (an average of 63,000 meals daily). UFB also employs 41 staff members who bring in and distribute food through two Mesa warehouses. We take efficiency seriously; our 20-member volunteer Board of Directors is proud that 97 cents of every dollar donated to our organization is used to purchase and/ or deliver food to hungry people in five Arizona counties.

My volunteer efforts with UFB have been rewarding because I’ve witnessed firsthand

how we directly benefit our neighbors – we serve people in need, with who we may otherwise never interact.

If you, your company or any organization you represent would like to join the fight against hunger in Arizona, UFB is easy to find at unitedfoodbank.org.

Whether you make a financial donation, lead a food drive in your neighborhood or school, or volunteer at an event, you will feel great about the time you invest in UFB, and the lives you are positively impacting.

– Rustyn Sherer is the current board president at United Food Bank and is the East Valley Community Affairs Manager for APS.

LETTERS Yarbrough ‘feasting on the bones of’ public schools

I was a disturbed to read Howard Fischer’s well-researched article, “Yarbrough Now Sees Need for Tax Credit Cap.” I’ve known for a long time that public schools in Arizona lack the necessary funding. I knew that teacher pay is currently the lowest in the country, that qualified educators are (understandably) fleeing the state, that school districts are scrambling to find money for buildings, books, computers and transportation, and that the State Legislature and Governor Ducey seem unable or unwilling to do anything meaningful to address the problem.

What I didn’t know was that Senate President Steve Yarbrough, elected to serve all of his constituents, has toiled so effectively to divert desperately needed funds from public education, transferring them to elite private and religious schools.

I was also unaware that, as Fischer’s article points out, Yarbrough and the business he owns with his wife are raking in well over $800,000 dollars annually as a result of the law he sponsored.

As an Arizona taxpayer, I feel like I’ve woken up to find the furniture missing. So that’s where all the money is going? To the very lawmakers who tell us they can’t find the funds to educate Arizona’s children? I’m absolutely incensed.

Yarbrough has been a member the

Arizona legislature since 2003, and during that time, public school funding has shrunk to embarrassing and unacceptable levels.

In the meantime, he and his cronies are feasting on the bones of a system that they, themselves, broke.

How stupid are we? Let’s vote the foxes out of the henhouse while there’s still something to save. Public education isn’t for the purpose of personal profit. It is, instead, the future of our state. We can do better than this!

-K. M. Lang ___________________________________

Readers bids his fond goodbye to Carson Palmer

I know a lot of Arizonans are sad to see Carson Palmer retire. From what I saw, he always gave his teammates credit for a bunch of wins and took the blame, unselfishly, for a loss. He respected and gave praise to the whole Cardinals organization.

Carson Palmer was one of the toughest players with the best arm to perfectly thread the needle, even though his helmet told his defenders where the pass would be thrown.

I was a born and raised a Steeler fan, but the one QB I booed the most, who came from USC, played for the Bengals and tore apart the Steeler CBs and safeties with pinpoint passes was Carson Palmer. No offense, Carson, because Charles Barkley

said, “boos are like cheers.” The amazing thing is he was still doing it for the Cardinals for over a 15-year career and was tough as nails taking a sack.

Carson was a team guy, earned respect from his organization, and, I believe, the fans.

He was always humble, not an ego “all about me person,” and a good family man. Looking forward to the Cardinals putting him in the wall of fame, retiring his jersey and entering the NFL Hall of Fame. Maybe after reading this he might change his mind and play one final year to get the Arizona Cardinals their first Super Bowl win?

– Jeff Eger ___________________________________

A way to citizenship

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a time-limited immigration status that allows foreign nationals from select countries to remain in the U.S. rather than be sent back into dangerous circumstances, such as war or natural disaster. Since November, Trump’s administration has denied TPS renewal to hundreds of thousands of individuals from Nicaragua, Haiti and now El Salvador. These people are unable to obtain legal permanent residency in the U.S. before their TPS expires.

The SECURE Act was introduced to allow qualified TPS recipients to apply for lawful permanent residence status. Currently, it is very difficult for individuals with TPS to apply for permanent residence (i.e., a green card).

Many individuals with TPS have lived, worked

and paid taxes in the U.S. for years or even decades without a clear path to residency.

The SECURE Act would allow qualified TPS recipients to apply for permanent residence, which would in turn allow these valued members of our community to remain in the U.S. without the constant threat of potential deportation.

– Joel Hamburg ___________________________________

Tax deal’s positive impact

Everybody’s talking about the new Republican tax deal and how it will affect personal incomes, jobs, and business. I deal daily with helping small and large businesses grow through smart and creative strategies, and I take very seriously how the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will impact my role as co-chair of Catholic Charities capital campaign in Arizona.

The bottom line with the new tax deal is that charitable giving is likely to go up, and that’s good news for both business and philanthropy. Under the new rules, U.S. companies can bump up their donations, and I’m already hearing some companies have announced increases as much as $100 million.

It’s not just businesses that I anticipate will be donating more. If I’m strategizing with an entrepreneur or small business, and it makes sense to do so, individuals can now give up to 60 percent of their adjusted gross income, which is up by 10 percent.

See

LETTERS on page 44

OPINION

SAN TAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

43

Private philanthropy more effective than government handouts

BY THOMAS PATTERSON Guest Writer

Bernie Sanders once announced, “I don’t believe in charities.” He dislikes the “fundamental concept” of private citizens subbing in for government by helping those less fortunate or donating to causes they find worthy.

Sound like a crackpot? Many thinkers on the left agree with him. Eduardo Porter of the New York Times wrote that private philanthropy is “unaccountable to society” because it is “unfettered by democratic controls and dictated by the preference of donors.”

Rob Reich of Stanford complains of the unfairness of donors earning gratitude when in fact they are nothing more than a “plutocratic voice in a democratic society. ‘Philanthropy,’ if you define it as the deployment of private wealth for some public influence, is an exercise of power.”

Citizens trying to help others often run into resistance from officialdom. As recounted by Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute, an Elgin, Illinois, man during a recent cold spell invited homeless people into his heated basement.

But local officials shut him down, citing code violations that could “potentially” result in inadequate light and ventilation or insufficient exits. You must admit those spaces underneath the bridge are

well ventilated and have plenty of exits.

In Atlanta, people providing food to the needy got hit for “unlicensed operation of a food service establishment.” Many cities prohibit or limit sharing food in public. Organizations ministering to unwed mothers or runaway teens often encounter unreasonable zoning restrictions.

But those who believe charity should

In practice, government benefits often work to keep people mired in poverty.

Single mothers typically receive benefits on the condition that they don’t get married or take a job. Their poverty is enabled and extended by government’s “help.”

No wonder the results are so dismal.

Private sector charity is based not on

America has a long and glorious history of people “ successfully helping people. We would all be poorer if we forsake that heritage.”

-Thomas Patterson

be left to big government ignore the lessons of history that private sector charity dollar for dollar is far more effective than government in helping fellow humans.

There’s a reason that America’s modern welfare system, the original Great Society, has failed to reduce poverty or to improve income inequality, in spite of the trillions of dollars well-meaning Americans have poured into these programs.

Government-provided entitlements are ineffective in changing the behaviors and mindsets that are the root causes of poverty. As the word suggests, entitlements are regarded by the beneficiaries as a right and entail no responsibility to improve or change.

entitlement but on personal compassion.

Private philanthropies aren’t bound by bureaucratic and legal restrictions. They have a long history of conditioning the help they offer on giving up drugs, going to work and adopting other constructive lifestyle changes.

Private charities may also use religious approaches to social problems which for many are powerfully and positively inspiring.

There is another key difference between government and individual philanthropy. Administrators of government programs want them to grow. Success is measured by the number of individuals in the programs. Many programs have significant budgets for marketing and

recruitment.

Private sector charities measure success not by the size of the caseload but by the lives they are able to impact and the people they help to self-sufficiency. Long-term dependency is avoided if at all possible.

The great divide in modern politics is not between conservatives and liberals, terms which have been tortured out of any distinct meaning. It is between statists and individualists.

Statists believe that government rightly owns us and all that we possess.

The only legitimate power is that of the collective. One’s political legitimacy derives solely from group membership.

Individualists of course beg to differ.

Attitudes toward philanthropy, like so much else in public life, sit atop this chasm. Thus arises the indignation that an individual philanthropist would be allowed to exercise “power,” even in a good cause, since he illegitimately stole it from government in the first place.

As Ted Kennedy explained long ago, it is government through “tax expenditures” that rightly decides how much income each of us are permitted to keep.

Few would argue that charity can replace all government efforts to help the poor. But America has a long and glorious history of people successfully helping people. We would all be poorer if we forsake that heritage.

-Thomas Patterson is a former East Valley legislator.

Valley Valley of of the the Sun Sun Mortuary Mortuary Valley of the Sun Mortuary and fire update.

Valley of the Sun and Cemetery Cemetery fireMortuary update. and Cemetery fireMortuary update.

Valley of the Sun Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery fire update. and Cemetery fire update. and Cemetery fire update.

MORE THAN A FABRIC STORE!

Designing residential home interiors in the greater metro Phoenix area for over 20 years.

By The Yard is open seven days a week with home decorating fabrics in stock and a large library of Fabric and Trims. Our experienced designers custom create your window treatments, upholstery, or bedding through our in-house workroom. By The Yard provides quality craftsmanship and product innovation.

Your interiors can be custom!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOME CONSULTATION.

480-831-1800 1761 E. Warner Rd., Ste. A-10, Tempe • www.bytheyard.com

Since the total loss of our building from the devastating fire we Since the total loss of our building from the devastating fire we experienced on January 8th 2017, we have been making preparation for Since the total loss of8th our2017, building from themaking devastating fire we experienced on January we have been preparation for our new building to be of constructed on thefrom samethe site.devastating During the planning Since the total loss our building fire we experienced on January 8th 2017, we have been making preparation for our new building to beChandler’s constructed on newest the same site.

During the planning As promised, funeral home and building process, we are moving in some temporary modular Since the total loss of our building from the devastating fire we experienced onprocess, January 8th are 2017,moving we been making preparation for our new building to be constructed onhave the in same site.

During the planning and building we some temporary modular buildings tototal be used forof the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel.

In the is new currently under construction.

We will beplanning Since the loss our building from the devastating fire we experienced on January 8th 2017, we have been making preparation for our building to be constructed on the same site.

During the and building process, we are moving in some temporary modular buildings to be used for the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel. In the meantime, we have been using the Chapel Mausoleum on the North end experienced on January 8th 2017, we have been making preparation for updating our community as we progress to its our new building to be constructed on the same site.

During the planning and building process, arethe moving inMausoleum some temporary modular buildings towe behave usedbeen for we the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel.

Inend the meantime, using Chapel on the North of the property for our makeshift office.

We want to take this opportunity our new building to be constructed on the same site.

During the planning and process, we arethe moving some temporary modular buildings towe behave used formakeshift the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel.

Inend the meantime, been using Chapel on the North completion spring.

Please watch for future of thebuilding property for this our office.

WeinMausoleum want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the community and especially the families of and building process, we are moving in some temporary modular buildings to be used for the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel.

In the meantime, wemembers have been the Chapel Mausoleum on theopportunity North end of the property for our makeshift office.

Wegrand want to take this to thank the ofusing the community and especially the families of publications regarding our opening.

We the people we have served for the their understanding and patients during buildings towe be used formakeshift the mortuary, cemetery office and chapel.

Inend the meantime, have been using Chapel Mausoleum on the North of the property for our office.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the community and especially the families of the peoplelike we have served for their understanding andyou patients would tobeen extend a special thank to during this trying process. meantime, we have using the Chapel Mausoleum on the North end of the property for our makeshift office.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the and especially the families of the people we have served forcommunity their understanding and patients during this trying process. our surrounding for your of the property for our makeshift office.

Weand want to take to thank the members of communities the especially theopportunity families of the people we have served forcommunity their understanding and this patients during this trying process. to thank the members of the community and especially the families of continued support. the people we have served for their understanding and patients during this trying process. the people we have served for their understanding and patients during this trying process.

10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd. this trying process.

10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Valley Valley of of the the Sun Sun Cemetery Cemetery Valley of the Sun Cemetery AZ 85248 Valley ofChandler the Sun Cemetery 10940Chandler, E. Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248 Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940Chandler, E. Chandler Heights Rd. 480.895.9232 AZ 85248 Valley of the Sun Cemetery 480.895.9232 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248 www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com 480.895.9232 10940 E. Chandler Heights www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com Chandler, AZ 85248 Rd. 480.895.9232 www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com Chandler, AZ 85248 480.895.9232 www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com 480.895.9232 www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com

44

OPINION

LETTERS

LETTERS

from page 42

I’m personally thrilled by the potential, because we can do more to help build affordable housing and offer support to those among us who really need it. That’s putting small business to work in a way that helps not only owners and operators, but their employees and the communities they live in.

– Tony Siebs ___________________________________

Thanks to Flake

Thank you, Sen. Jeff Flake, for sharing your concerns in the recent senate floor speech. I’m sure you’re by now aware that the RNC made the decision to release Donald Trump’s disparaging list of “Fake” News Awards.

This is not the only, but the latest, example of a national party that is willing to do Trump’s bidding, no matter how undignified.

This attack on the reality based press is far too reminiscent of authoritarian rulers past to be tolerated by our congress. I expect you’re preparing a response to protect your constituent’s freedoms and I encourage you to legislatively protect our free press.

– Patrick Brennan ___________________________________

No to abortion bill

Sens. Flake and McCain should vote NO on the bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks.

This bill poses a severe risk to women’s health, with very little benefit. Most abortions that take place after 20 weeks are medically necessary due to severe complications that threaten the mother’s life. In these situations, the unborn child is either nonviable or already dead.

Pillow Talk!

IT’S TIME FOR

What is ThermiVA?

ThermiVA is a noninvasive, non-hormonal treatment that uses controlled radio frequency entry to gently heat tissue to rejuvenate collagen, treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) dryness, external appearance, laxity after childbirth all with NO surgery or downtime.

Celebrate L ove in February!

Register to WIN

a FREE THERMIva vag inal rejuvenat ion skin tightenin g treatment!

SAN TAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Banning the abortion of what is in most cases a fetus that will not survive does very little to save lives – and in fact poses a great risk to the life of the mother. Mothers who are facing late-term abortions are in an extremely difficult situation – often they do not want to lose the child, but the abortion is necessary to save their life. To place addition legal hurdles to an already emotionallyfraught situation is cruel and unethical.

This bill sets a dangerous precedent that endangers the lives of all American women.

Please do not allow this horribleç bill to pass the Senate.

– Melissa Smallwood ___________________________________

Immigration hang-up

After 3½ decades, the American people may finally get immigration reform from a bitterly divided legislature.

The hang-up, of course, has been 12 million illegal aliens – 23 million if you believe Vicente Fox, who knew how much money was being transferred to his country by Mexican nationals working in the U.S. The Democrat left wants them given amnesty leading to citizenship. The Republicans have steadfastly refused. The Democrats have painted themselves into a corner with the DACA issue.

A majority of American voters believe the “Dreamers” should be allowed to stay. Both parties agree. Voters also want a secure border and an end to illegal immigration. The problem for the left is they have loudly used DACA as a cudgel against the Republicans. Now they

BE DEBT FREE in 24–48 months!

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can

threaten to hold up the budget if DACA isn’t passed. The Republicans, in exchange, want an end to chain immigration, diversity immigration, active compliance with immigration enforcement and a wall. The wall will cost $1.8 billion a year for 10 years – chump change in the American budget.

The Democrats are on the wrong side of history if they shut down the government on this issue.

– Jim Barber ___________________________________

Apartment leases, pet fees are becoming outrageous Apartments are taking advantage of tenants. Where are the lawyers to protect tenants?

Large apartment complexes’ leases have grown from one to two pages years ago to now 30-50 pages – of course, all legal jargon to get tenants not to read them. They’ve accomplished this, as, most tenants now do not read their leases.

Creative leases to break the law and discriminate are standard: 60-day move out notices are required when Arizona law requires only 30 days.

To move out before lease ends, a twomonth buyout fee is required. With the 60-day notice, that gives landlords an extra four months’ rent. Arizona law states landlords are required to rent unit asap so tenants will not have to pay extra. These “creative” leases can avoid these laws.

Even death will not let a tenant out of lease early – the tenant is still expected to pay early- move-out fees.

Pet discrimination in apartments is costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year – and killing millions of animals every year, strictly out of greed and ignorance.

Apartments all require: pet rent (ours is $35 per month per pet, with a two-pet limit); non-refundable pet fees (ours is $150-$200 per pet); a pet deposit (ours is about $150 per pet); restrictions on breed, size, weight as well as the number of pets; a security deposit (varies, based on credit); and a nonrefundable administrative fee. Ours is $250. This pays them for all the paperwork required to remove all tenants’ rights.

Most pets do not cause damage. If there is damage, the pet rent and nonrefundable fees do NOT pay for damage. That costs extra.

Because people cannot afford these high fees, our taxes are paying millions to kill animals at animal control facilities.

Smokers always cause damage and harm to their neighbors, but there is no smokers’ rent and fees.

Our complex has now done Inspections averaging about once a month where they informed us they will be entering our apartment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and our animals must be kenneled.

Most animals are not kenneled, and we now have giving up our privacy and risking our animals escaping or developing bad habits of barking/housebreaking if we kennel/stress them regularly like this. Tenants never had to deal with inspections like this.

How can we stop this theft of our money and time and get attorneys to support us? This is typical of the 1 percent elite controlling the majority.

-Andy Schulgasser

GET IN SHAPE NOW! P E R SPOENRASL OTN RA G EI N TG T HAT E MIOTSST B FR AILN ITNRG A-I N EOSMT !L I F E

Lose Weight ★ Lose Weight

Increase Stamina ★ Increase Stamina Stronger ★ GetGet Stronger Look ★ Look GreatGreat

★ Improve Confidence ★ Sleep Better  Sleep Better ★ Tighten Arms and Butt  Tighten Arms and Butt ★ Improve Conditioning  Improve Conditioning ★ Improve Health  Improve Health ★ Lower Blood Pressure  Improve Confidence

 Lower Blood Pressure

resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe.

FREE FREE

30 30Minute Minute Session!

Session!

Must mention this ad to receive offer.

Must mention this ad to receive offer.

Call today: Call today:

3303 S. Lindsay Rd., #119A 480-787-2555 agelesswellnessaesthetics.com

1-866-696-2697 1-866-696-2697

AtLower John Allen’s Training, get results! your Personal golf score, run awe marathon, John Allen, onyour Goodgrandchildren, Morning America, has keepasupseen with beenhike ratedaas one of the remodel top trainers in the country. mountain, your home, dance all night!

Come see what everybody is talking about! personal training group fitness training nutritional counseling fitness assessment sports related injuries smoothie bar

(480) 917-7270 www.johnallensaz.com

2915 S. Alma School Rd., Ste. 8

Appointments from: Mon.-Thurs. 5 a.m.-8 p.m. • Fri. 5 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sat. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. • Sun. Closed

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Neighbors

45

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler students soar at aerospace competition

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Spirits are high among Chandler school crews who scored among the top teams in a statewide aerospace competition after having a blast launching their plans for sending rockets to space and colonizing a moon.

The three fifth-graders on Knox Gifted Academy’s M.E.C. Builders team landed third place out of the top six teams in the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge, presented by Kadima Ventures on Feb. 10.

They made it to the final leg of the contest after competing against nearly 1,000 students on more than 200 other teams in a preliminary event last month.

Their mission was to create a scale model and write a report on how they would orchestrate an international logistics mission where astronauts would colonize Phobos, a moon of Mars.

The students had to research and write about how they would offer a sustainable base for a colony of 24 people in 10 years.

Honeywell engineers, who were the judges, evaluated the teams’ reports, asked them questions and chose the top teams.

Knox fifth-grade teacher Deepa Iyer, advisor and teacher to the M.E.C. Builders team, was visibly proud of her young students after the competition. The competitive program is for fifth- through eighth-graders.

“I’m just super-thrilled,” Iyer said. “It’s important for them to see their hard work paid off. I couldn’t be happier with this group of children.”

Gift certificates were awarded to all

six teams and their teachers for free adventures at iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

Knox team member Colin Shunk, 10, of Gilbert and 11-year-old Chandler teammates Mikey Cozza and Eashani Ghoshler were all smiles as they congregated with their relatives after the event.

“I was excited,” Mikey said. “The other teams were really good competition.”

Eashani had said prior to the competition that “this was not only an amazing challenge but an amazing opportunity to learn much more about the universe.”

“I wasn’t really expecting us to get this far,” she said.

The close-knit Knox trio also received Fitbit devices.

Mikey’s mother, Jaime Cozza, grinned as she huddled with the team after the announcement.

A team from Saints Simon & Jude Cathedral School in Phoenix won the state competition and will go to Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Bogle Junior High School, made up of five seventh-grade girls named The Solar Flares LXXV, also advanced to the finals.

Bogle teacher and team coach Dan Fortney said the students had been working on the competition since October and came up “with a lot of the ideas on their own.”

“It’s great to be here,” he said. “I’m proud of all the work that they’ve done.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s the experience.”

Students honed their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, including problem-solving, researching scientific facts and testing theories, as well as the ability to give a Photos by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Knox Gifted Academy members of the M.E.C. Builders team (from left) Colin Shunk, Eashani Ghosh and Mikey Cozza give a presentation at the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge, presented by Kadima.Ventures on Feb. 10 in Phoenix. The team got third place in the competition.

“I’m so proud of them,” she said. “They did all the work themselves. They’re a younger group and they really worked hard. I’m really impressed. It was really fun watching their presentation. I loved their smiles.”

Eashani’s mother, Swati, who is an engineer, was also thrilled.

“It is totally cool and so unexpected,” Swati said. “They were just excited to work on it. My daughter is not a girly girl.

She wants to be a doctor. I think they learned a lot about how to be a team.”

verbal presentation and collaborate with each other.

They had to figure out how the space stations would be constructed, as well as how astronauts would get food, breathe in a new environment and use the bathroom and many other topics in their proposals.

The young scientists researched NASA missions including the International Space Station and various studies and information on the Internet.

The Knox students even visited Biosphere 2 in Oracle, a center for

research, teaching, outreach and lifelong learning about Earth and its living systems.

“We were looking at different articles and using Google to kind of help figure out what to do,” Eashani said. “We talked to some of the teachers, and also at Biosphere 2, we asked a bunch of questions to the tour guide. I’ve liked science for a long time.”

She added that said she and her teammates discovered the benefits of hydroponics over “normal gardening” in Phobos.

“We could just reuse more water and we wouldn’t have to waste so many resources,” with hydroponics, she said.

“We incorporated hydroponics in our base. We also have a normal, traditional gardening system.”

She and her teammates worked on their project during lunch and recesses, as well as on weekends. They also put together a hydroponics project for a school science fair simultaneously.

Prior to the formal presentations the students gave, the Honeywell judges asked students on the six teams questions and viewed their displays. Their artwork contained boards with essays, pictures and creations of Styrofoam, cardboard and various colored materials to illustrate what their Phobos bases would look like.

Eashani revealed plants grown with hydroponics when she and her Knox teammates stood on a stage giving their presentation to the Honeywell judges in a crowded room full of adults, teachers and other students.

The Knox children proposed a colony See

AEROSPACE on page 46

Si Se Puede STEM team featured on PBS SciGirls

BY MELODY BIRKETT Contributor

PBS is making a star out of a girls STEM team sponsored by the Chandler chapter of Si Se Puede.

The documentary will be in the “Mejorando Procesos/Process Power” episode of the new season of “SciGirls,” targeting girls 8-13. The online episode airs March 1.

Now in its fourth season on PBS, “SciGirls” is an Emmy-winning show, website and educational outreach program that draws on cutting-edge research about what engages girls in STEM learning and careers. The goal is to change how millions of girls think about STEM, an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.

“These girls are phenomenal,” said Alberto Esparza, who founded the Si Se Puede chapter in Chandler in 1993 and still is its CEO. Its STEM program started out with all boys but eventually, the girls team was formed. It took a while for Esparza to get funding since each team costs close to $60,000, which covers competition fees and travel.

“Si Se Puede means to take

Special to SanTan Sun News

Alberto Esparza, who founded the Si Se Puede chapter in Chandler in 1993, started a STEM program five years later.

responsibility for your own actions,” explained Esparza.

“No one’s going to help you. It’s up to you to take responsibility and make a change in your life.”

Si Se Puede has helped over 3,000 kids from kindergarten through college as well as their families through youth soccer programs, dance, after school tutoring, college bound programs, mentoring and other programs.

Sarah Ortega, 23, is a past scholar of Si Se Puede and became a mentor after she graduated from high school.

She went on to receive a a degree in business marketing from ASU and has been working in marketing field for two years.

“It created a good support system to realize my goals and have a really specific focus on what I needed to do to get there,” said Ortega. “That’s what the program did for me

— providing that network of support and a clear vision of my goals and having the support of how to execute those.”

The scholar program helps students with college applications and job searches.

“We had writing workshops where we got to do our resume, have interview tips, tips on how to dress for the interview, real world getting-ready-for-your-career advice,” Ortega said.

Esparza got the idea for the STEM program in 1998 during a visit to Phoenix High School.

“I saw these young children who spoke like engineers coming from Carl Hayden High School and the community…and I was just amazed and I said if we ever have the opportunity to start robotics in the East Valley, this is exactly what I want to do,” said Esparza.

“It was those kids who inspired me because they were in sixth grade and they spoke like engineers and they talked about programming and fabrication and I said, ‘Oh, my God. I think I just founded who we really are.’”

“Yes, you can be an engineer, yes you can go into a STEM career, yes you can be productive, yes you can support your See

STEM on page 47

46

NEIGHBORS

AEROSPACE

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

from page 45

with mangroves, the ocean, rainforest and coastal desert, which are various biomes they learned about when visiting Biosphere 2.

“There were many risks that we take with going to space,” Mikey told the audience. “There’s plenty of differences between Phobos and Earth.”

He talked about how the team would help the astronauts adjust to life on Phobos.

Mikey said NASA uses a technique to help astronauts with their circadian rhythms, which are essentially 24-hour internal clocks that cycle between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. He said his team would project images of grassy fields on Earth at the Phobos base to help astronauts “feel more at home.”

Mikey said they would “send up several rockets full of water” for the astronauts and the hydroponics would provide plants, the ocean would produce edible seaweed and the coastal desert would allow fruit to grow.

Judges asked them how large their base would be, and Mikey said it would be 360 times larger than the model they built. The Honeywell engineers also asked about the astronauts’ diet, and the Knox group talked about the rice-and-bean mixture that would provide protein, as well as cheese and milk they would send to Phobos in rockets.

The Bogle team talked about how they would set up a control room where robots would perform functions and a panic

Credit

Students in the competition made models of some aspects of their imaginary lunar trip.

room where they could go for safety and the medical unit would be housed.

The Solar Flares LXXV team also said it would build a gym and movie room for astronauts. The girls also developed a plan for a vertical garden with plants hanging from a ceiling and described how they would utilize hydroelectric turbines and solar panels to produce energy.

The Bogle students were excited after giving their presentation and pleased with how they worked together.

Bogle team member Aurora Garcia, 13, of Chandler said talking in front of the judges was “nerve-wracking but overall it was really exciting.”

“The fact that we’re girls, that’s really important to set an example for younger generations,” Aurora said. “I come from a long line of engineers.”

Bogle team member Samira Poonawala, 12, of Chandler, said her team worked well together and the other girls have become “some of my best friends at the school.”

“It was really just a lot of research and using some facts that we knew about other missions that people had taken,”

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Bogle Junior High School team The Solar Flares LXXV stand by their project at the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge, presented by Kadima Ventures. They are (from left) Brenna Buckley, Aurora Garcia, Ruthie Amerine, Samira Poonawala and Alena Li and their teacher and advisor, Dan Fortney.

she said. “We worked really hard on it and I’m happy with what we’ve accomplished.”

Andy Western, chairman of the Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge, was not surprised two groups from Chandler advanced to the finals because of Chandler’s technology presence.

“They did a fantastic job,” Western said.

He said the fact the fifth-graders from Knox scored third was also noteworthy.

“It’s impressive just their age,” Western said. “They did a phenomenal job in just their presentation. Obviously having (only) three kids is more difficult. We want to see them back next year.”

Each team had three to five students on it.

MEDICARE 101 Informational Seminar & Resource Center You will receive the information you need to make the right decisions, at the right time for Medicare.

This seminar is perfect for:

t& u O ach

Re

ne! o e m

So e v i r D

• New retirees aging into Medicare • Baby boomers working beyond age 65 • Family members helping make healthcare decisions

What you’ll learn: • What original Medicare covers in benefits and premiums…and what it doesn’t cover •When to sign up for Medicare Parts A, B and D • How to avoid late enrollment penalties • How to choose the right Medicare plan

Help a person with special needs be an active part of our community by being their driver.

We have both paid and volunteer positions, flexible hours, and a dynamic team!

For more information, contact us at

480-892-9422 www.cgarc.org

When

Two upcoming dates to choose from: March 13th at 11am March 21st at 6pm

Where

1820 E. Ray Rd. Front/Main Building Chandler, AZ 85225

FOR SEAT RESERVATIONS CALL: 480-726-2671 TTY:711 Alan Beyerle Insurance Agency Inc. Serving the Valley Since 1996

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

STEM

from page 45

families,” said Esparza. “That’s what Si Se Puede means.”

In 1998, Si Se Puede started its first robotics team with a group of eight students from Galveston Elementary School in Chandler. It went on to win awards. Esparza then went into other Chandler schools, including Chandler High School, to create more robotic teams.

Four years ago, Si Se Puede started the first community high school team called the

Binary Bots. It won the rookie all-star award in St. Louis and then competed internationally.

The all-girls team, which was started over a year ago, also won a rookie all-star award.

“We’ve been inspired,” said Esparza.

“Three years ago, we started SeaPerch which is the underwater robotics program.” The underwater competition is sponsored by Si Se Puede but it’s headed

by SeaPerch, a nonprofit organization.

Esparza said it has been tough getting sponsors but he has stayed the course because Si Se Puede knew the value in inspiring girls.

“The STEM program is our baby,” said

NEIGHBORS

Esparza. “It’s what’s making us very unique in the community and different. And I can’t believe that I did it. I don’t know anything about engineering.”

Si Se Puede is open to all races and is not associated with any religion.

“What we’re trying to do is get our kids to work in a professional environment and be able to be successful by working with other kids who are gifted,” said Esparza. “What I want to do is try to make the world better.”

With the STEM program, “our kids have been exposed to scientists, Ph.D.s, educators and astronauts in STEM,”

47

Esparza said. “If they’re not productive, I’m going to be very disappointed because they’ve had all the teams in the world to be successful. And even if they don’t become an engineer, they will be able to support their family.”

“I’m in a great position,” said Esparza.

“I’ve got some great help by professionals in the STEM arena. My commitment to the community, my commitment to the children it serves, and just not failing.”

More info at scigirlspress.org and pbskids. org/scigirls. Episodes can also be watched on youtube.com/user/scigirlstv.

Information: sisepuedefoundation.com

Teens in Young Athena program to be recognized SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Young women in Chandler and other parts of the East Valley are going to be recognized for developing leadership skills and giving back to the community at an event next month.

Chandler High School juniors Lydia Durrett and Jennifer Equihua, as well as eight other high school girls will be honored for their efforts and also serve as emcees at the 2018 Athena HAIL Awards at the Phoenix Airport Marriott on March 8.

The 10 girls, who are in grades 11 and 12, are participating in Athena Valley of the Sun’s Young Athena Program.

The Young Athena Program is provided to high school junior and senior girls who live in Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale. The program participants get training on the Athena Leadership Principles and they are asked to develop a

project that helps the community.

They also learn to demonstrate their leadership skills via workshops on public speaking and other subjects.

The Young Athena students were chosen based on interviews and their showing one of the Athena Leadership Principles: live authentically, learn constantly, build relationships, foster collaboration, advocate fiercely, act courageously, give back and celebrate.

At the Athena HAIL Awards, psychologist Eileen Borris, an Athena Leadership Award honoree, and six Honoring Athena Inspired Leaders recipients will be honored. The HAIL honorees also mentor the Young Athenas building up to the awards lunch and ceremony.

The 2018 Hail Athena Inspired Leaders to be recognized are Holly Rose, Deborah Welch, Jill Mapstead, Susan Cordts, Maya

VOLVO LIFETIME PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY

Bernadette and Saundra Schrock.

Kristine Quade, Athena Valley of the Sun founder and CEO, said “young women seldom receive any type of leadership training.”

“We wanted to create a program to teach essential leadership principles and also publicly applaud students for their efforts,” Quade said. “When one woman leads she encourages others to follow in her footsteps. We want to let all young women girls identify with the leadership attributes they have within themselves and give them access to special training that they wouldn’t receive otherwise.

“Down the road, we hope to be in as many schools as we can to help build the next generation of women leaders.”

Quade said she hopes to expand the program with the aim of serving young women in economically challenged Title 1 schools. Robin Massey, director of the

Young Athena program, will be helping implement the program into more East Valley schools.

Athena Valley of the Sun is a nonprofit organization offering women a platform to have deep, meaningful talks to help them identify, embrace and realize their goals.

The organization holds monthly educational lunches, along with leadership development and mentor programs to local women and girls in grades 11 and 12 through its mission to “Leave No Woman Leader Behind.”

The Athena HAIL Awards will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Phoenix Airport Marriott at 1101 N. 44th St. in Phoenix. Tickets are $85 and include the lunch and the ceremony. Tickets: athenaaz.com. Information: 480-420-7277 or jennifer@athenaaz.com.

IN-HOME CAREGIVERS FINANCIAL CARE FINANCIAL CARE COORDINATION

IN-HOME CAREGIVERS

    

 Long-Term Care

Personal care

 Long-Term Care Insurance  Veterans Aid & A  Personal care Meal preparation  Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits  Meal preparation Medication reminders FINDING SENIO Transportation services  Medication reminders  Assisted living FINDING SENIOR LIVING IN-HOME CAREGIVERS FINANCIAL C Companionship  Memory careCA IN-HOME CAREGIVERS FINANCIAL  Transportation services  Assisted living  Long-Term  Personal care IN-HOME FINANCIAL CARE COORDINATION  www.Ama Long-Term Ca CAREGIVERS Companionship  Personal carecare Call now for a  Memory Serving Veterans Ai  Meal preparation  Long-Term Care Insurance the  Personal care FREE assessment  Veterans Aid S&  Meal preparation  Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits  Meal preparation  Medication reminders FINDING SE Call now for a www.AmadaMesa.com  Medication reminders FINDING SENI  Medication reminders FINDING SENIOR LIVING  Transportation services Serving the Southeast Valley  Assisted liv FREE assessment  Transportation services  Transportation services  Assisted living  Assisted living  Companionship Memory ca  Companionship  Memory care  Companionship  Memory care

480.999.5250

www.VolvoCarsGilbert.com

480.999.5250

Call now for a FREE assessment

3285 S. gilbert road gilbert, az 85297

15% Off Hair Services

www.AmadaMesa.com Call www.A www.AmadaMesa.com Call now now for for a a www.Am 480.999.5250 Serving the Southeast Valley 480.999.5250 Serving the Southeast Valley 480.999.5250 Serving 480.999.5250 FREE assessment Serving the

FREE assessment

Going Green Never Goes Out Of Style Recycle clothing and housewares here

Not to be combined with any other offer.

Color/Highlight........................................ $30 Perms ...................................................... $25 Haircut and Style ..................................... $10 Shampoo and Style...................................$10 European “Spa” Facial ............................. $30 (75 min.) Includes Steam & More!

Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Exfoliator (anti-aging) ............................. $30 Medibac Clearing Facial (acne) ................ $30 Hot Stone Facial/Back Facial .................... $30 Microdermabrasion Packages (Please call for pricing)

Call us about our NEW Laser classes!

480-857-1138 610 N. Alma School Rd., #38 • Chandler CLASSES FORMING NOW!

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

50% 50% 30% $2 Select Tag Select Tag Senior Discount

OFF

all purchases

Select color tag items** for a limited time

THU Club Card Members

25% OFF 50% OFF Discount Tags

FRI

SAT

Select Tag

Select Tag

50% 50%

**Discounts available at all Arizona Locations

YAY!

DONOR APPRECIATION CARD YOU’VE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Wednesday is now officially Senior Citizen Day. Mon. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Tues. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

FINANCIAL AID FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY. VA APPROVED

Must present ad at time of service. Services provided by students and supervised by licensed educators.

Get up to 30% off your purchase with your Donor Appreciation Card when you donate reusable clothing and household items to benefit local nonprofits! See store for details.

1106 N Arizona Ave. Chandler, AZ 85224 480.899.7776

48

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Seton Prep finds commonalities with high school in Taiwan

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Seton Catholic Preparatory and a school in Taiwan might be geographically miles apart, but they are close together when it comes to sharing philosophies and beliefs.

That was the feeling Principal Victor Serna and Assistant Principal David Sorkin expressed after they, along with Chinese Mandarin teacher Wen Chiu visited Taipei, Taiwan, for several days in December.

The Seton delegation visited with administrators, teachers and students at Seton’s sister school of Saint Francis High School of Taipei. Later this month, the education commissioner of Taipei, along with principals and administrators from Taipei will visit Seton, though they are not part of Saint Francis.

“It was exciting to visit our partners,” Serna said. “It’s the first time I had visited Taipei, Taiwan and so it was quite the treat for me. I was even more excited because I knew I was going to be able to interact and engage with other Catholic administrators.

“We share the same mission. There were similarities; you have your students that are engaged in their learning and you have teachers you can tell put hours into preparing lessons and learning opportunities for their students.”

Last year, a Seton student visited Taipei as part of the cultural exchange, and Seton hopes to send a larger group of its students to the city next year, Sorkin said.

Students in Seton’s Mandarin classes are

Courtesy of Seton Catholic Preparatory

(From left) David Sorkin, assistant principal at Seton Catholic Preparatory, Principal Victor Serna, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, Lin Ling Lee, senior advisor with the Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei program and Wen Chiu, Chinese Mandarin teacher at Seton, meet in Taipei, Taiwan, in December. pen pals with English-speaking students at Saint Francis. Next month, five Saint Francis High School of Taipei students will visit Seton for about a week, staying with Seton families.

“They are another Catholic high school,”

Try Pilates Today

Sorkin said. “I find personally that we understand our similarities more than our differences. We understand at the core, though, that we’re more similar. Their kids like to hang out; our kids like to hang out.

$

Their kids want to do well in school; our kids want to do well in school.”

The Seton administrators met with local dignitaries and toured various attractions in the capital city.

“It was amazing,” Sorkin said. “We had a lot of opportunities to engage with and meet with teachers and administrators of Saint Francis. We met with the students at Saint Francis.

“We had opportunities to do a little sightseeing. It’s a great opportunity to experience the culture. It’s always a powerful learning experience any time that you’re able to travel. Taipei is interested in their students having cultural and global experiences.”

He said the students at Saint Francis, like students at Seton, engage in chemistry experiments, clubs and fine arts programs on campus and like to socialize. One difference is the students at Saint Francis are not allowed to bring their own technological devices to school while students at Seton can bring their own iPads or laptop computers to school.

Saint Francis students stay in school for more hours, Serna said. They start classes about 8:30 a.m. but can be at the school until 7 or 8 p.m. Seton’s students finish at 3 p.m.

Students at Saint Francis take English language classes. At Seton, students are required to earn two credits in the same world language during consecutive years at the school. Seton’s World Languages Department provides four levels of Chinese Mandarin classes, along with honors and advanced placement French, Spanish and See

SETON on page 49

99

*

3 sessions

Pilates

Reformer

introductory

package for beginners.

Open to nonmembers.

© 2016 Village Health Clubs & Spas

*New clients only.

© 2018 VILLAGE HEALTH CLUBS & SPAS

Call 480.656.0045

Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa, 4200 South Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248 480.656.0045 villageclubs.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

NEIGHBORS

49

Chandler mom in national colon cancer campaign SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Chandler mother of two who lost her husband to colon cancer is one of 25 people appearing in public service ads in Times Square next month.

Julie Thomas, whose husband died of the disease at age 37, has become an ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer, a 13-year-old nonprofit whose mission is focused on advocacy, research, patient education and awareness.

Fight CRC’s ad will launch during the NASDAQ opening bell ceremony on Feb. 28. Thomas’ story has already launched on Fight CRC’s Facebook page.

Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cancer killer in the U.S. of men and women combined and the group said “Thomas has courageously advocated and gotten involved with the hopes that her story will save lives.

“Becoming an ambassador has helped me become re-inspired on why I advocate for colorectal cancer,” said Thomas, a

SETON

from page 48

Latin courses.

While sports are a big activity among students in the United States, they are not emphasized as much in Taipei, Sorkin said.

Sports are practiced more as intramural activities at the Taipei high school while Seton

payments, rent or mortgage and utilities. It also spreading awareness of the importance of early detection through screening.

Her son Ben is a sophomore at Valley Christian High School and Cooper is in seventh grade at San Tan Junior High.

“Her story is one of many stories launching the annual One Million Strong campaign, a Courtesy of FightCRC movement uniting the Chandler mom Julie Thomas, who lost her husband at age 37 to over a million survivors of colon cancer, appears in this public service ad that will be rotating colorectal cancer and their with 24 similar campaign ads in Times Square next month. loved ones to get behind a cure and prevent future cases,” Fight CRC said. lawyer who started a foundation in 2011 The campaign’s theme is “Fight with in memory of her late husband.

Courage,” which the group said is inspired The Andrew J. Somora Foundation raises

by Thomas and the other people featured money to help families who have been in ads, who are called ambassadors. financially impacted by colon cancer by “Each year, we choose a group of assisting with household expenses such as car

ambassadors to be the ‘faces’ of this disease in our annual One Million Strong campaign and each year’s group rallies around a united theme and mantra,” said Anjee Davis, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer.

“This year’s group showed tremendous strength and positivity in light of everything they’ve gone through and we wanted to channel that to rally other advocates around the country to follow their example and fight with courage,” she added.

To join Fight CRC’s awareness efforts this March, flex for a “strong arm” photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #StrongArmSelfie. Additionally, individuals can support Fight CRC’s advocates as they ascend Capitol Hill March 18-20 by adding their names to the “Fight with Courage” petition at FightCRC. org/FightWithCourage.

To see all stories in the One Million Strong campaign, visit WeAreOneMillionStrong.org.Information on the organization: fightcrc.org.

students typically practice sports every day after school for about an hour and a half or so.

Serna said the Taipei delegation to Seton wants to learn more about Seton’s House System, a student-led program where youths in every grade level are divided into groups that meet every week for bonding, community service, mentoring and competition. The Taipei delegation is also interested in finding out more about Seton’s Pathway to Innovation program,

exchange program with Sacred Heart School of Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, for several years.

“I think we want to continue the cultural exchange between our sister schools in Ireland and in Taipei, Taiwan, giving our students and their students an opportunity to learn from one another so they can continue to become well-rounded people,” Serna said.

a specific track for students interested in engineering and science.

“I think it’s a humbling feeling to have our work affirmed by an international system of schools who’s interested in learning from us,” Serna said. “As educators we want to share in the growth of all students. We are happy to share our experiences and ideas with others; that’s how we learn.”

Seton also has enjoyed a cultural

NEIGHBORS 50

Team building through pizza

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

4

Jody and Mark Pectol, owners of Zzeek’s Pizza at Warner and McQueen roads, Chandler, believe that making pizza together is a good team-building exercise. So each weekend during Girl Scout cookie sale time, they invite a different Girl Scout or Brownie troop to spend some time in the kitchen putting together some pies. They also let them sell cookies in front of their restaurant. On Feb. 10, it was Chandler Troop 4207’s turn. 1)Jody shows Maya Wilkinson how to lay on the sauce; 2) Kassandra Smyth makes sure the cheese is laid on evenly; 3) McKinley Fox is finishing the cheese and about to lay on another topping; 4) Jody and Mark are surrounded by the troop members; 5) Jaelyn Alvarez has her hands full with dought; 6)Makinzie Yotty parses out the pepperoni; and 7) Ellie Peppin works in the shadow of assistant manager James Phillips.

All photographs by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

1

5

2

7 3

6

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

51

PRIVATE. CHRISTIAN. AFFORDABLE. Tour Our Vibrant Growing Campus Student-guided tours are offered Monday – Saturday

Average Tuition

$8,600 per year

OVER

17,000 students traditional

(fall 2016)

*

94% of traditional students graduating in 2015-16 did so in less than four years

Brand-new facilities: 6,000-seat GCU Stadium,

engineering building and labs,

Over 100 undergraduate programs and more than

200 academic programs total

Room and board rates start at just $3,125 per semester**

7,000-seat GCU Arena,

student recreation center, Ethington Theatre, resort-style pools, contemporary housing and more Approximately

63% live on our

218-acre expanding campus

GCU.EDU/GoGCU

* Average tuition after scholarships is approximately $8,600. Scholarships may be awarded based on 6th semester transcripts. At the time in which final, official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. GCU reserves the right to change scholarship awards at any time without notice. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. Prices based on 2016-17 rate and are subject to change. ** Housing and meal plan rate includes triple occupancy, suite-style residence hall and $1,350 Dining Dollars, plus applicable sales tax as required by state law. Prices reflect 2016-17 and are subject to change.

The information printed in this material is accurate as of May 2017. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www. gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/). GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. ©2017 Grand Canyon University 17GTR0279

52

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Navarrete third-graders spread kindness with cards

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Third-graders at Navarrete Elementary School are learning how a small gesture can brighten someone’s day as they aim to spread kindness one card at a time.

The students recently made cards, and then each performed a random act of kindness for someone and sent them the card through the “SMILES” project. The recipients of the third-graders’ cards were each asked to write down how they felt about the random act of kindness, then to do a nice act for another person and send them the card.

The person who got that card had to write down what kind gesture someone showed them and to perform another friendly act for someone else and send them the card and so on.

Each card had space to record three acts of kindness, and when it was filled out, the card was supposed to be mailed back to the third-graders, who put Navarrete’s address on the card.

About 80 students participated and were excited to see how the “smiles” were spreading, said Melissa Buist, thirdgrade teacher at Navarrete, which is on South Sun Groves Boulevard in Chandler.

“Academics is important, but teaching children responsibility, kindness and some life skills is all-important,” Buist said. “The kids were so stoked. We’re just so excited.

This is the sweetest group of kids we’ve

Third-grade students at Navarrete Elementary School made these “SMILES” cards and performed kind gestures to their recipients. The cards urge the recipient to record how they felt about the nice act done on their behalf and to take thoughtful action for someone else and send them the card.

had in a long time. It came so naturally for them to want to do this. They come from good families that fostered that sweetness and empathy for people.”

Buist said fellow Navarrete thirdgrade teacher Stacey Traylor came up with the idea for students to make the cards by reading about the project on the KindSpring website at kindspring.org.

The volunteer-run website said it is a “place to practice small acts of kindness.” KindSpring started in 2003 after two people talked about hazing in

Oh Baby!

You’ve got exciting news and so do we.

Our new location is open in Chandler!

fraternities and wondered if people could do “kindness pranks” on each other rather than mean pranks.

“We jumped right on that bandwagon,” Buist said. “We’ll even be pumping it up more come February 17. We will tell kids, ‘What a great day to be super-sugary about it, bring on the kindness.’

“We have the most cohesive team; it makes it easier to do things like this. We believe in a nice balance of academics and character.”

In addition to Buist and Traylor, the other third-grade teachers at Navarrete are Amy Carpenter and Melissa Nomura.

The third-grade teachers read character books to the students “all year round to continually instill and foster kindness in our classrooms, school and community,” Buist said.

She said the third-graders and adults involved in the “SMILES” project have brought people cookies, babysat a neighbor, brought breakfast to their parents, taken a spouse out to lunch and done a wide range of other random acts of kindness.

Navarrete technology teacher Darbi Maki wrote an article about the “SMILES” activity and it was published on the AZEDNEWS website.

After that someone from KIND, a not-only-for-profit organization that makes nutritious snack foods, emailed

Navarrete Elementary School third-graders (from left) Bella Wirth, Brooklyn Miller and Brooklyn Nomura make “SMILES” cards to try to spread random acts of kindness.

the third-grade teachers thanking them for their “collective commitment to spreading kindness!” The associate said the “SMILES” project was a “creative way to pay kindness forward.”

The KIND official also emailed kindness trackers, compliment cards and coloring sheets for the students and said the organization would be sending some KIND snacks to the students.

The students’ parents are thankful teachers engaged their children in the thoughtful acts, Buist added.

“They were just so appreciative about it being just another avenue for kids to learn about being nice to each other,” Buist said. “If you can turn someone’s day around by just making them smile for something so little you never know the impact that your kind word, gesture, kind service could have on someone.” Information: facebook.com/ CUSDNavarrete. Melissa Buist/Navarrete Elementary School.

NOW OPEN! 655 S. Dobson Rd. Suite #201 Chandler, AZ

Come meet our team!

(480) 307-9477 Delivering at Dignity Chandler Regional Hospital We accept most major insurances, Medicare & AHCCCS. If you are uninsured, we can help.

Hablamos Español

sunlifef amilyhealth.org

OWNER Judy Dragoo ADDRESS E. Riggs Rd., Suite #6 Chandler, AZ 85249

950

ON THE CORNER OF RIGGS & MCQUEEN

CALL US 480.802.6757 KEEP IN TOUCH WEBSITE www.judywearboutique.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

NEIGHBORS

53

Chandler author Laurie Fagen starts tour in Chandler jeopardized when the story gets too hot.

“Dead Air,” the second in the series, involves her coverage of a cop shooting that tears the community apart; a sexual assault cold case involving a child; and a “film noir” style podcast.

“Fade Out” and “Dead Air” are available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble in e-book, print and audio book formats.

She also wrote “Equalizer,” an actionpacked e-book novella and prequel to “Fade Out,” where Lisa reports on a shocking homicide that halts a white-collar moneylaundering trial. She hunts for the murderer of a Jane Doe found in the desert decades ago, and there’s a smell of death in her “Haunted Hallows” mystery theater podcast.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler resident and longtime journalist Laurie Fagen has a number of speaking engagements to discuss her crime fiction novels.

Her book tour will start at the Sibley’s West Book Club meeting 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 72 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler.

People who purchase the book at least a week before the event and register to attend will receive a 20 percent discount off one transaction at Sibley’s West.

Admission is free. Call Sibley’s at 480-8994480 or visit their Facebook page.

On March 10, Fagen is the featured guest at the Guitar House Salon in Venice Beach, California, where she will discuss her crime fiction novels, read from her latest, “Dead Air,” and give away free books. RSVP to glenn@sogwa.com.

Fagen, a Fox Crossing resident, is making a repeat appearance at the next Left Coast Crime, a national mystery writer and reader convention in Reno, and will be part of a panel discussion on “Too Close for Comfort: Plot Ideas Ripped from the Headlines” on Sunday, March 25.

April 24 will find Fagen at the Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, in an author’s showcase from 10 to 11:30 a.m. She and three other writers will discuss their works, followed by a question-and-answer session and opportunity to purchase and have books signed. There’s no charge to attend, and

Special to the SanTan Sun News

Chandler mystery author Laurie Fagen is getting ready for a small book tour.

cake and tea will be served.

Fagen’s crime fiction mystery series, “Behind the Mic Mysteries,” is the story of a young radio reporter, Lisa Powers, who covers the crime beat for a fictional Chandler radio station, helps police solve cold cases and, for fun, creates a mystery theater podcast.

Crime fiction books

Fagen’s latest work, called “Deadly Misfire,” is one of seven stories in a multiauthor series called “Tawnee Mountain Mysteries. It is scheduled to be released in mid-April, Fagen and the other authors from Short on Time Books took their series characters and placed them in the same location: Tawnee Mountain Resort, a

Media career

Special to SanTan Sun News

Laurie Fagen’s “Deadly Misfire” is part of a multi-author series to be released in April.

fictional hotel in New Jersey.

Fagen published her debut novel, “Fade Out,” in 2016, the first full-length book in the Lisa Powers series, which involves her coverage of a massive fire that destroys the opulent mansion of a reclusive pharmaceutical heir, and her career is

Fagen had a three-decade journalism and production career that included KTAR News Radio in Phoenix; KWWL-TV, an NBC affiliate television station in Waterloo, Iowa; The Phoenix Channel, the City of Phoenix government access cable television channel; as owner of Word Painting and writer, producer and director for corporate video; and as owner and publisher of SanTan Sun News, with her late husband, Geoff Hancock.

For additional information and how to purchase Fagen’s book and other published works, visit www.ReadLaurieFagen.com, her Amazon author page at amazon.com/ author/lauriefagen and at: www.ShortOnTimeBooks.com.

54

Arts

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Young actors deal with weighty topics in ‘The Sparrow’

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Audiences will not see tightly choreographed jazz and tap numbers, hear upbeat music or see other things common in children and teen musicals when a play with Chandler youths comes to a local theater.

The Chandler teens and other East Valley children will portray adult characters dealing with loss, forgiveness and other weighty topics in “The Sparrow” Feb. 23-25 and March 2-4 at Limelight Performing Arts, 511 W. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert.

The play, with a cast of 18 youths, is about a girl, Emily Book, who is the only survivor of a school bus accident as a child. She leaves the tiny town where the tragedy occurred but after many years away she must return in order to graduate high school.

Emily is shy when she shows up but a biology teacher helps her adjust, as does the head cheerleader, Jenny McGrath, who befriends her.

When Jenny is in danger during a cheerleading stunt at a basketball game, Emily reveals her special powers by saving Jenny’s life. Emily becomes a hero to her classmates, but she still has a dark secret.

While the play touches on some serious subjects, it also has humor and even some “campiness” to it, said director

Limelight Performing Arts

Jessica Montecalvo, left, of Chandler and Ahwatukee actress Ciara Bogan both have major roles in “The Sparrow,” a play that tackles some adult issues such as loss and forgiveness.

Jamie Bauer-Spano, a freelance artist in theater.

“It’s about Emily trying to find her place in the world,” Bauer-Spano said. “It’s about the town trying to find peace with that tragedy. It’s about the town being able to go on with their lives. It’s about forgiving yourself and forgiving other people. Theater mirrors life.”

Jessica Montecalvo, 14, a Chandler freshman at Hamilton High School, plays a high school cheerleader, Shannon Baker, as well as an adult who is related to a coach.

A veteran of many youth musicals who studied dance a long time, she said she enjoys playing a teen and an adult in a play.

“It’s like really fun because I get to act so different than any other job that I’ve done,” Montecalvo said. “It’s good being serious sometimes. There’s a lot of inside messages. You have to watch it a couple times. It teaches you a lesson about always love someone, acceptance no matter how different they are.”

Jacqueline Rochin, 15, also a Chandler freshman at Hamilton High School, plays Allison McCrath, the mother of cheerleader Jenny. She also portrays a student.

“It’s fun doing serious plays, but it’s also fun doing some comedic aspects,” See

SPARROW on page 55

Diverse cast in wacky antics in musical ‘Spamalot’

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Audiences can expect to laugh as they watch killer rabbits, show girls, a dancing nun and silly knights – among other unusual characters in “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” a musical at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

The Tony Award-winning musical based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” will be on stage March 2, 3 and 5 at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center at the college’s Pecos Campus, 2626 E. Pecos Road, Chandler.

The musical is about King Arthur and his knights on their search for the Holy Grail and the adventures they experience along the way, said Shalynn Reynolds, director of the show and adjunct professor of theater and cinema at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

“I crack up every single rehearsal,” Reynolds said. “There’s something new and something fun the actors have found that just floored me. It’s a very big character piece. There’s a lot of very funny people.

“It’s very much Monty Python British humor – fun, dry British humor and ridiculous over-the-top British humor.

People who don’t like musical theater love this show. People who don’t like theater in general love this show.”

A diverse cast of new and experienced performers with the youngest just 8 years

Michael Lucas/Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Actors (from left) AJ Thompson, Robert Carlson, Tristen Pahl and Tommy Calle get in character for the musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” The musical will be performed March 2, 3 and 5 at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Pecos Campus, 2626 E. Pecos Road in Chandler.

old and the most mature members being senior citizens will sing and dance as they portray several characters.

Reynolds described some of the

characters as “over-the-top French people” in a castle, the Knights who say “Ni!” and Not Dead Fred, a sickly man who says he is “not dead yet.”

She is directing the cast of 41 actors with varied focuses and backgrounds, including some actors who wanted more experience singing and dancing and dancers who are polishing their singing skills.

Some are full-time students, some part-time college students, others are community members and some are faculty members performing small parts, Reynolds said.

She said she enjoys watching cast members help other performers, including a dancer coaching others with dance routines and a singer mentoring other actors with songs.

“It’s very much an ensemble cast and everybody is doing multiple things throughout,” Reynolds said. “Everyone is involved in all aspects.”

That includes making costumes and helping to build the stage set.

“We have a really inclusive program,” Reynolds said. “We try to get everybody that comes in to get involved in some way. The fact that we have such a great, comprehensive program that pulls everybody in and involves the community is super-special.”

Tickets for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” cost $10 for students, faculty, staff members, military members, senior citizens and groups of 10 or more people. General admission tickets cost $12. To buy tickets, call 480-732-7343 or visit cgc.edu/arts.

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

SPARROW

from page 54

Jacqueline said. “I was excited because it’s away from the things I’ve done before.

A big theme is letting go of the past. It’s also acceptance. I think this play could affect the audience.”

Ciara Bogan, 11, of Ahwatukee, a fifthgrader at Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy, plays a young Emily Book and a boy, Charlie McGuckin, whose sister had been killed in the bus accident.

Ciara said she has been dancing since she was “little” and performed in her first play when she was about 3 or 4 years old.

She said she was nervous initially about acting in the play because she is one of the youngest cast members, but the fellow actors have been supportive.

“They make it easier,” Ciara said.

“They’ve been nice to me. They let me sit with them and talk to them. It’s helpful.

I like, go home and read over my lines every other night.”

She said she enjoyed playing the character Rizzo in “Grease Jr.” previously.

Jessica liked playing cheerleader Patty Simcox in “Grease Jr.” as well as a conjoined twin, Daisy, in the musical “Side Show,” also at Limelight.

Having taken ballet, tumbling, tap, jazz, contemporary dance and pom classes (similar to cheerleading), Jessica said she likes focusing on acting in “The Sparrow.”

“I’m so glad I tried it out because it’s like super-fun to learn lines,” she said. “It’s super-different. You get to interact with everyone around you.”

Special to SanTan Sun News

Jacqueline Rochin of Chandler plays two roles in “The Sparrow.”

Besides conveying feelings of loss, grief and forgiveness, the characters in “The Sparrow” also act out another serious matter — bullying.

Jessica said the actors playing children when Emily is young in the story, prior to the bus crash, “made fun of her,” pushed her around and called her names.

“Little kids can be cruel,” she said.

Ciara said she saw one actor in the play cried after rehearsing a scene that stuck with her.

“She got so into it,” she said. “She got so part of it, she felt as that character.”

Jacqueline performed in plays when she was in elementary school, but this is her first “official play” and first time acting at Limelight.

“At first I was really nervous,” she said.

“They’re really accepting and they’re nice people. My entire family’s really excited because it’s my first play. I feel like they’re gonna be surprised.”

Jacqueline said her older brother is “known for falling asleep during all my plays,” but she thinks the plot in “The Sparrow” will keep him awake.

“It’s one that will have you on your toes,” she said.

The play, which premiered in Chicago in 2007, has “a lot of surprises,” BauerSpano said.

While it tackles some heavy matters, “there’s nothing in this play these kids have not seen on TV or in a play or real life,” she added.

“I think we’re doing it in a tasteful way,” Bauer-Spano said.

She said she and the other adults teaching the youths for the play also have given all the actors a “chance to talk openly” about the content of the script.

Bauer-Spano said all the actors, except for the one playing lead Emily, play multiple characters and have helped shape their actions.

“It’s been a super-collaborative project from the get-go,” she said. “They have really contributed to how we are going to tell the story.”

The young actors have also had to use their imagination in the play when it comes to the set.

They use 12 cubes on the stage as different types of objects to reveal what is happening in the production. The children and teens do not sing but they move to music played in the background that matches the “mood of what’s happening” in the play, Bauer-Spano said.

Choreographer Jordan DonovanSchager, also director of 3DC, a dance company at Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy, said the actors only perform one dance in unison.

However, they use improvisational movement to portray various emotions and actions, with guidance from her.

“It’s certainly a challenge for me, which is really exciting,” Donovan-Schager said. “I give them more prompts and words and phrases. I pull out things I like.

I love working with this age group. They’re awesome. They just jump right in.”

Emma England, owner of Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy and artistic director and board president of Limelight Performing Arts, helped with choreography for “The Sparrow.” Monica Ramirez is the stage manager.

Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy is a business that provides lessons in acting, singing, dance, musical theater and musical instruments at 511 W. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert. Limelight, a nonprofit youth theater, holds its shows rehearsals at Studio 3, but all youths are encouraged to audition and participate in Limelight productions.

To buy tickets and learn more about “The Sparrow” and Limelight: limelight. ticketleap.com/sparrow.

Chandler’s Fastest Selling Condominium Community

90% SOLD OUT! ONLY !

T F E L 3 Single Level Plans

• Gated Community • Six Open Floor Plans • Patios & Balconies • Pool & Spa • Fitness Center • Putting Green • Fireplaces • Designer Fixtures • Luxurious Baths • Granite Countertops • Stainless Steel Appliances • 1 and 2 Car Attached Garages

LAST CHANCE!!

Che Bella Villa

1315 Sq. Ft. 2 Bedroom

SO

55

1830 Sq. Ft. 3 Bedroom

!

T U LD O

Priced From the

Mid $200’s

480.540.0615 Che Bella Villas 900 S. Canal Dr. Chandler, AZ 85225 Hours: Friday-Tuesday: 12pm - 5pm Wednesday & Thursday:

By Appointment

Take a Video Tour at CheBellaVillas.com Located 1 mile from the 202 San Tan Freeway on Pecos Road between McQueen and Cooper.

Sales by: Stan LaFlesch Imperial Realty Services, LLC

ROC#136247

ARTS 56

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Chandler actresses taking twist on ‘Sleeping Beauty’ SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Some Chandler children will be part of a production based on the classic story of “Sleeping Beauty” with a modern twist at a local theater.

East Valley Children’s Theatre will perform “Beauty and the Computer Geek” through Feb. 25 at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Center St., Mesa.

Among the cast of 36 youths ages 8-18 years old are Angie Kaufmann of Chandler as Queen Gloriana and Sarah Breck as Chitter the Squirrel.

The world premiere original work features a Prince Charming from the 21st century who is more computer nerd than bold hero. In the story, Rooben, a quirky scientist, accidentally activates his most recent invention, a time machine.

A socially awkward teenager Charles and his younger sister Jinx, along with the family dog, Clyde are transported with Rooben to the kingdom of Dormir, a magical land with talking animals and fairies. An evil sorceress has put a curse on Princess Crystalline that has to be fulfilled when she turns 16.

The time-traveling group arrives in the kingdom the very day the curse will take effect and Charles must save the princess and break the spell. But Charles’ inept ways backfire, jeopardizing the safety of the whole modern world.

Karen Rolston directs the cast of youths from all over the Valley. The playwrights live in Whittier, California and will be in the Valley the week of Feb. 19 to head a

Special to the San Tan Sun News

Railway Museum in Tumbleweed marks Arizona Railway Day SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Photo Courtesy of East Valley Children’s Theatre

Sarah Breck of Chandler, who plays Chitter the squirrel (left) and Angie Kaufmann of Chandler who plays Queen Gloriana, will perform in East Valley Children’s Theatre’s “Beauty and the Computer Geek” through Feb. 25 at Mesa Arts Center.

workshop for aspiring, young playwrights through EVCT’s first annual Student Playwriting Festival.

Participants will do stage readings of students plays and awards will be given and a reception held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 20.

People can buy tickets for the festival at the door for $10. To learn more, visit 480-756-3828.

Tickets for “Beauty and the Computer Geek” are $15 for adults and $11 for children ages 17 and younger. For tickets and information on times of the shows, visit evct.org or call 480-644-6500.

Train lovers and history buffs of all ages can climb aboard and explore a piece of America’s railway history 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, during Arizona Railway Day in Chandler.

The free public event is hosted each year by the volunteers of the Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Road in the southwest corner of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park.

Arizona Railway Day will include displays of artifacts and memorabilia, and tours of vintage railcars, including several pieces of railroad equipment acquired in the past year.

Visitors will learn about the importance of railroads from museum volunteers who will explain the type of work that is required to restore and refurbish these railcars to keep them “alive” as a testament to the glory days of rail passenger travel.

Several cars feature interior displays of the typical accommodations for the traveling public, including seating, sleeping arrangements, dining facilities, complete with custom-made railroad dining car china.

The museum’s diesel locomotive will be open, affording visitors the opportunity to blow the horn, and Chandler’s historic #2562 steam locomotive also will be on display.

Outdoor displays include a wide variety of railroad signs, signals and mining equipment.

The display building houses many examples of smaller railroad artifacts, a gift shop and restrooms. The museum’s curator will hold a sale of railroad books, magazines and timetables. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The museum’s standard entrance fee is waived for Arizona Railway Day; however, donations from the public and local businesses are welcome.

Visitors should access the event on Ryan Road, from Arizona Avenue or McQueen Road. Parking is free. Due to the historic nature of the equipment, access to the railroad cars is not ADA Compliant.

The Arizona Railway Museum is normally open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, September through May. It is closed during the summer. Information: azrymuseum.org or 480-821-1108.

k.d. lang

ingénue redux 25th Anniversary Tour

Feb. 24

Buddy Guy

Mar. 8

Celtic Nights

With Special Guest

Pretty, please.

Brandy Zdan

Mar. 9

First-time guest?

Mar. 11

Sgt. Peppers’

Musical Thrones

Mar. 16

Mar. 18

Classic Albums Live 50th Anniversary of The Beatles

Lonely Hearts Club Band

A Parody of Ice and Fire

Book your first wax with promo code ANEW4U, and the next one is free.

Visit us in South Chandler or book online today.

lunchboxwax.com

lunchboxwax-pretty-please-south-chandler-4.9x6.6-0917.indd 1

Tickets on sale at

ChandlerCenter.org 480.782.2680 9/20/17 12:01 PM

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

EVENTS

57

Time for # BudgetConnect

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the City Council are hosting Budget Connect, an annual online forum where Chandler residents may ask questions in real time and learn about the City’s budget and fiscal policies during a special live event that will be held from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22.

The public may submit ideas, questions and input online at chandleraz.gov/ budgetconnect starting at noon Thursday, Feb. 15, through Thursday, Feb. 22. The online forum will be streamed in real time on the City website at chandleraz.gov, the City’s Facebook page and on the City’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/cityofchandler. It also will be broadcast on Chandler’s cable station, Channel 11 or CenturyLink’s Channel 8002. During the event, City staff will monitor Chandler’s official social media accounts using the hashtag #budgetconnect.

21

FEBRUARY

Family Night at the TRC, Butterflies and Flowers, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 782-2900 22 Budget Connect, Council Chambers, chandleraz.gov/budget 22 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 22 African American Banquet, Center for the Arts, 782-2214 22 Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 855-3539 23 Black Violin, Center for the Arts, 782-2680 23 Star Party, Veterans Oasis Park, 782-2890 24 Preschool Expo, Community Center, 782-2446 24 Music of the Knights, Center for the Arts, 782-2680 24 Arizona Railway Day, Arizona Railway Museum, 821-1108 24 FRANK Talks: The Impact of “Fake News” in the Real World, Sunset Library, 782-2800 27 Mayor’s HOA Mini-Summit, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 782-4320 27 Waterwise Gardening Landscape Workshop, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3589

3 3 3 5 6 7 8 9-11 13 14 15 19 22 27 28 29 31

MARCH

Mayor’s Ostrich Festival 5K Fun Run and Parade, Downtown Chandler, 588-8497 Chandler Public Safety Fair and Car Show, Chandler Main Police Station, 588-8497 Our Stories: Casa Grande Ruins and Tonto National Monument, Basha Library, 782-2800 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180 Pruning & Maintaining Your Landscape Workshop, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3589 PHX East Valley Angel Investor Workshop, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3034 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 30th Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival, Tumbleweed Park, 588-8497 Composting 101 Landscape Workshop, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3034 27th Annual Senior Expo, Community Center, 782-2720 Sonoran Sunset Series featuring The Knockabouts, Environmental Education Center, 782-2890 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 HOA Academy: Top Legal Issues for 2018, Downtown Library, 782-4354 FRANK Talks: Securing the Borders & Stopping Terrorism, Downtown Library, 782-2800 HOA Academy: Community Association 101, City Hall or Online WebEX, 782-4354 Family Easter Celebration, Snedigar Sportsplex, 782-2669

For event details, visit

chandleraz.gov

or call the Chandler Special Events Hotline at

782-2735

While the public is welcome to attend the event in person at the Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., the City is encouraging residents to engage in this live forum from their home, office or any place they may be at the time by connecting online.

Additional detailed information about the City’s budget is available at chandleraz.gov/budget.

Chandler’s VITA Program offers free tax preparation

Tax season has arrived! The City’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is ready to help Chandler residents. Individuals and households who generally made $54,000 or less in total income last year are eligible for free income tax preparation and electronic filing through early April.

The following five tax preparation sites in Chandler are now open for walk-in sessions:

• • • • •

First Credit Union, 25 S. Arizona Place, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays; 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays The Chandler CARE Center, 777 E. Galveston St., noon to 4 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays AZCEND, 345 S. California St., noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 2145 W. Elliot Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse, 9531 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays. By appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 480-895-9270, ext. 111 or 113.

All sites will prepare basic tax forms on a first come, first served basis. Interpreters also are available to assist Spanish-speaking residents. When visiting a VITA site for free tax preparation, all filers must bring several items with them, including valid photo identification, Social Security cards, proof of income and more. For a complete list of what to bring to your session or to see if the site is closed during certain holidays, visit chandleraz. gov/VITA.

U.S. Passport fees increasing April 2 Chandler’s Passport Office is located in Chandler City Hall and is a convenient place for the public to apply for their passports. Starting Monday, April 2, the U.S. government will increase the passport fee from $25 to $35. The $10 fee increase only applies to U.S. passport applicants using the DS-11 form, such as first-time applicants over 16, children under 16, and applicants who re-apply after reporting their previous passport lost or stolen.

The fee increase does not apply to adults eligible to renew their passport by mail using the DS-82 form. Renewal customers must mail their application and supporting documentation to the Department of State and are not eligible to apply at Chandler’s Passport Office as our office cannot accept renewals applications.

City staff encourages the public in need of a passport to visit Chandler City Hall as soon as possible to avoid the fee increase and additional wait time. The Passport Office will be extremely busy on Friday, March 30, which is a few days before the increase. If applying on this day, expect a few hours wait.

For additional information on passports or the application process, visit chandleraz.gov/ passports.

Mayor’s HOA Mini Summit Chandler residents living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) community are encouraged to attend Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s HOA Mini Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The Summit starts at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Cotton Room, 745 E. Germann Road.

Beth Mulcahy, Esq., with The Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C., will provide an overview of a recent decision made by the Arizona Court of Appeals that affects the ability for HOAs to validly assess and collect monetary penalties. A question-and-answer session will be held after the presentation.

Council meetings live on YouTube Did you know you can now watch City Council study sessions and meetings live on the City’s YouTube channel? If you aren’t able to make it down to the Council Chambers, you can watch the meetings live from anywhere. Be sure to subscribe at YouTube.com/cityofchandler. It’s a great way to stay informed of what’s happening within your city government.

ARTS 58

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Arizona Renaissance Festival marks 30 years of magic

BY LAURA STODDARD

Contributor The rumble of horses’ hooves and the clashing of swords. The enticing aroma of sweet treats and savory meats. A sky colored by bright ribbons and banners. A flamboyant cast of characters, including acrobats, artisans, comedians, pirates, musicians, craftsmen and royalty. Jaw-dropping performances and sweet honey mead in ornate goblets.

And, possibly, more fun than you can handle in one day.

This is the Arizona Renaissance Festival, arguably one of Phoenix’s most anticipated and beloved annual events.

Playing for its 30th year, this massive and spirited event aims to transport visitors away from the worries of today to an age of magic and merriment.

This is a space where anything goes, and all kinds are welcome (included the costumed), so dust off those faerie ears, polish that armor and get ready to embark upon an rousing adventure, whilst calling out a hearty “Huzzah.”

The festival’s 30 acres, referred to as the Village, are jam-packed with fascinating sights and sounds. Children and adults will discover an abundance of shops, shows and rides.

On opening weekend, the Royal Court appears in all its finery atop the castle’s front balustrade, and the king (with much pomp and circumstance) declares the festival officially open.

Miller said he is inspired by simply observing people.

“I keep my ears open for lines between people in the real world, and I also do a lot of writing. I’m constantly working on lines, and ways to do insults (in a non-hurtful way).”

Over the years, Miller has expanded his repertoire to include compliments, apologies and even marriage proposals.

“I guarantee a ‘yes’ on marriage proposals or your money back,” he jokes. “But not longevity, that’s out of my purview.”

Whether it’s fighting off raucous pirates, riding in da Special to the San Tan Sun News Vinci’s flying machine or fillJousting is one of the Renaissance Festival’s most popular events and rounds are scheduled throughout each day. ing your belly at the Dancing Pig Pub, the Arizona RenaisWith 13 stages and more than 200 winning Whip Master, and Shamus the sance Festival promises a fun-filled day in things to see and do, it’s tough to see it all Insulter, who does just what his name an enchanted time and place. in one day. suggests, with great aplomb.

Be sure to consult the Village map and Shamus (real name: Tony Miller) has schedule of events distributed at the been with the festival for 23 years, dedrawbridge entrance so that you can plan livering his witty barbs in such a manner to catch your favorites, be it the jousting that visitors enjoy being his target. tournament, the falconry demonstration “My insults, while sometimes outraWhat: Arizona Renaissance Festival or the ever-popular wooing contest. geous, always allow the people I’m insultWhen: Saturdays and Sundays through April 1.

Some of the most popular characters to ing to enjoy (themselves),” Miller said. “I Where: 12601 U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon. see (and sometimes interact with) include am a huge believer in insulting anyone, Tickets: $70-$180 for season passes Daniel the Fox, who challenges anyone to including children, the elderly, teenagers Information: 520-463-2600, arizona.renfestinfo.com engage in a battle of both wits and steel; – everyone. I think all people deserve the Adam Crack, Guinness World Records chance to laugh and have a good time.”

IF YOU GO

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

59

Arcades help some taste the pricey pleasures of virtual reality

BY TRISTAN ETTLEMAN Cronkite News

Two of four virtual reality arcades that have popped up in the Phoenix area are in the East Valley. And players who can’t afford the emerging technology at home are willing to pay for a few immersive minutes of horror or military-style firefights.

The steep cost of headsets, space limitations and inexperience with the technology have created a VR arcade industry that caters to consumers seeking new experiences. Still, the handful of arcades that have opened in Phoenix in the past two years pale in comparison to the numbers on the East and West coasts and in such countries as China.

Estimates are that the global VR business in homes and businesses could reach $48.5 billion and touch multiple industries, including health care and defense, in less than a decade. But it is uncertain whether the group experiences of today’s arcades have staying power.

Grasping their Groupons, VR novices Joy Jones and Davon Donaldson walked into VR Junkies arcade in Tempe, ready to be teleported into space. A VR arcade is quiet, unlike the bright lights and loud pings of traditional arcades, and it’s punctuated by customers’ exclamations as they navigate a virtual world.

Jones stood in front of a television screen that displayed the space-pirate game she would see in her HTC Vive

Photo by Daria Kadovik/Cronkite News

Tyler Powell got to play VR games that he previously had only played on a PC.

headset.

She strapped on one of the eight headsets dangling from the ceiling. Tiny cameras in the player space acted as movement-sensing “lighthouse” sensors above her, creating invisible, infrared walls.

Lighthouse sensors allow players to walk, twist, turn and duck to avoid obstacles and move within a limited space. Virtual walls ensure players don’t bump into real ones, and certain games “teleport” players through a virtual world while they stay tethered to a small, real-

world space.

Inside the Space Pirate Trainer game, Jones wielded a laser pistol in each hand – holding two controllers in reality – as she blasted hordes of droids.

Jones called it typical video game action except for the deep immersion.

But Donaldson said the game and technology were more impressive than he expected.

“I thought it was going to be a bit cheesy, but it was actually pretty cool,” he said.

The best VR experience, fans say, is too difficult to explain. You have to try it to fully understand.

At VR Junkies and other arcades, customers typically pay $1 per minute, playing for at least five minutes and as much as 45 minutes. Most VR games are first-person shooters or horror experiences, but sports and casual games are also available.

Jones and Donaldson said they didn’t experience the most common detractor for VR: motion sickness.

“I have seen videos of people falling all out,” Jones said. Donaldson added the motion sensors that indicate physical walls was helpful.

The two said they enjoyed themselves but wouldn’t be purchasing a headset for home anytime soon. With at least an $800 investment for the industry’s least expensive but still high-quality system, brief arcade experiences are enough for now.

“If they lower the prices down,” Donaldson said, he can see VR becoming more popular for home use.

The operators of VR Junkies and Velocity VR in Scottsdale said their business is growing.

Owner Tawn Makela said 700 unique customers have played at VR Junkies since she and her husband, Chris Krakowski, took over the Tempe store in September.

On a recent weekend, 52 customers played at the store.

See

VIRTUAL REALITY on page 4

got skin? Of Course! We all do.

Katherine Lim Quan, MD

Jill McKenzie, MD

Rosemary Geary, MD • Julie Silver, PA-C Ryan Falsey, MD, PhD • Yuliya Schoenling, PA-C Michelle Jeffries, DO • Sara Pickett, PA-C Tamara Casillas, FNP-C • Cassandra Shore, PA-C Ruth Irealnd, FNP-C • Wendy Ridenour, PA-C

VALLEY SKIN CANCER SURGERY

480.214.0388 | vscsaz.com

Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Dermatology Surgical Skin Care Treatment 480.821.8888 | evderm.com

1100 South Dobson Road, #223 • Chandler, AZ 85286 (The PRESIDIO, North Building, 2nd Floor)

60

VIRTUAL REALITY

from page 59

“I absolutely believe we have seen some growth,” she said.

Still, revenue is a challenge. The high cost of rent on Tempe’s Mill Avenue spurred them to move to Chandler Fashion Center, where they will reopen soon.

The store is “not quite breaking-even monthly,” Makela said.

The couple has invested about $100,000 and have to pay licensing fees to developers for each minute of their games played, with the highest fee at 12 cents a minute.

JP Mullan, general manager of the gocart track Octane Raceway and Velocity VR, which is housed inside, said Velocity’s technology is proprietary and can’t be purchased online.

Velocity VR showcases VR

“experiences” that can only be played in the arcades, while places like VR Junkies offer glimpses into what can be had at home.

Up to eight players can play group shooting games at Velocity VR. Mullan said about $800,000 was invested into Velocity VR, and operation costs range from $50,000 to $100,000 a month. At $45 a session per person, Mullan said the venture is on its way to becoming profitable.

Velocity VR saw about 1,000 customers its first month, and for each of the past few months, about 2,000 customers. Mullan said the experience’s price point and the availability of the play space every 30 minutes affects attendance.

Much like Netflix and other streaming services brought down the cost of watching television and led to declining

movie theater revenue, the potential for technology becoming cheaper may mean more home ownership and less VR playing in public spaces, some experts say.

But Makela doesn’t think the rise of home VR systems will put arcades like hers out of business. Most people won’t be able to soon afford a highquality experience at home, she said, and even then, the space and communal experiences an arcade offers will keep the business solvent.

Mullan also isn’t concerned about athome technology and decreasing costs for consumer ownership.

“In a year, they may be doing something similar,” he said, but the space and number of headsets required for something like Velocity won’t affect its business. Besides, he said, the company has proprietary technology that isn’t available for sale online to at-home users.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

According to website VRnish, the U.S. has about 120 VR arcades and experiences. The VR arcade business in metro Phoenix is small compared with larger areas, such as New York, with 13 arcades, and Los Angeles, which has 14 arcades, VRnish said.

But China has more than 3,000 VR arcades.

Data on the industry, and particularly the VR arcade industry, is difficult to pin down. But, according to Grand View Research, the global VR industry will be worth $48.5 billion by 2025.

Sales for home-use VR headsets have now passed 1 million, according to industry analyst Canalys.

Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, considered among the costliest and highest quality VR headsets, run for $400 and $600, respectively, but they need to be connected to powerful computers that can cost $1,000 or more.

Leah Pritchett returns for NHRA Arizona Nationals

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA Contributor

Top Fuel drag racer Leah Pritchett is dedicated to her sport – almost too much.

“I feel like I’m probably one of the most competitive people that I’ve ever met, almost to a fault,” she said.

“Obviously that relates to the sport well.”

Pritchett, who joined Don Schumacher Racing last year, will bring that spirit this month to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

The event, which will feature drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, will be Feb. 23-25.

“It’s a competition to make sure that I leave and have the quickest reaction time possible to get that car off the line,” she said.

“That’s my job, that’s my competitiveness: to do whatever it takes to get that.”

Pritchett has been drag racing since she was 8. With a vastly different childhood from most people’s, Pritchett worked her way up the ranks, winning junior dragster championships, earning sponsorships and eventually becoming the NHRA Top Fuel dragster she is for Don Schumacher Racing.

“I guess one of my favorite parts about drag racing is that there’s just one winner at each event,” she explains.

“That’s it. There is no second-place trophy, participation, jumba wumba – none of that. You are the baddest mofo at that particular event, and that’s why we lose with conviction and we win with conviction, because it’s so difficult to do; to win a national event.”

Among her extensive track record, the longtime car lover and racer is a twotime consecutive winner of the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. She earned her first career Top Fuel win in 2016, earning the title again last year.

“Coming into this Phoenix race, just to be the two-time defending champion of it from two different teams, two different racecars, multiple different partners, that’s a dream,” she said.

Pritchett also set the first of her two 2017 records at last February’s Arizona Nationals with a 3.658-second pass at 329.34 mph.

The second came when she reset that record at the 36th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International

Special to the San Tan Sun News

Top Fuel drag racer Leah Pritchett vows to bring her highly competitive spirit to the National Hot Rod Association Arizona Nationals at Wld Horse Pass Feb. 23-25.

Raceway in Minnesota last August with a 3.640-second pass at 330.63 mph.

“It goes right back into the competition standpoint, where even though we set those two (national) records, it wasn’t a month and a half later that somebody broke our record,” she said.

That somebody is Clay Millican, who earned a 3.631-second pass at 330.39 mph at the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway Motorsports Park in Illinois last September.

“We hope to get our world record back just for ourselves,” Pritchett said. “There’s no room in this sport for noncompetitive people. You’ll get eaten alive.”

To improve her chances, however, Pritchett trains extensively, focusing on strength, core and cardio training.

“I think I’m one of the hardest-training drivers that I compete against, specifically in the offseason,” she said. “Now, in the on-season, I find it more difficult, because I spend a lot of time with my team, my crew members.

“We do a lot of functions, we work together, we eat together, we do our

nightly activities, going out together, because I have always prized that bonding and friendship, and that’s what it takes to create a team.”

But winning won’t come easily at the Arizona Nationals, which serves as the second event of a 24-race schedule this year.

“You can’t be the best on accident,” she explains. “Any athlete is a pure reflection of their conditioning, their skills, their attitude.

It means that all of those things are the best. Even if it’s just that one goal and you conquer it, it reflects on so many things, and I think that’s why it’s so gratifying.”

Although she hopes for the best come late February, competition will be stiff and stakes are high to get a third win and new elapsed time record at the track.

“We’ve set our own expectations of being quicker than we were before, and because it was the quickest, it’s pretty high,” she said. “Expectation-wise, for a race win, I never underestimate anything.

It would be a blessing, it would be a Godsend for us to be able to make it three in a row, but I don’t consider that an expectation, I consider that a goal.”

IF YOU GO

What: NHRA Arizona Nationals Where: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler.

When: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, 9 a.m. Feb. 25.

Admission: $20-$86, kids 12 and under free with adult ticket purchase.

Info: 520-796-5601, nhra.com.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Faith

61

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Spiritual Reflections

Presidents’ birthdays remind all to connect, support others

BY DR. RABBI IRWIN WIENER Contributor

Winter is flying by and spring is right around the corner. And as spring approaches, we should be reminded that it is a time of renewal, a time set aside by the calendar to remind us of those things that are important so that we can discard those things that are troubling and cause us pain.

As Americans, we commemorate the birthdays of our presidents because they represent the best in us.

We understand only too well the anguish of growth and development that their lives depicted as they forged a nation from dissidents and malcontents and reformers – all thirsting for the freedom from degradation and despair.

The country they fled – primarily England – held nothing but a repressive existence and an opportunity to go

nowhere in the quest for completion and contentment.

The Founding Fathers were, and remain, important in our lives because they were able to work tirelessly for the benefit of all even to the point of losing their wealth and status as successful entrepreneurs.

Albert Einstein once wrote, “Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we know: That we are here for the sake of others… above all, for those whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.”

I could not help thinking as I read these words how much of an impact we have on the lives of those we come in contact with each and every day.

We probably will never know, as our framers never really understood, to what

extent we truly comfort those in need or help those looking for togetherness and purpose. Each and every time we gather, as a nation, to celebrate or to mourn, we are REminded of our connection. It is truly uplifting.

The men and women who chose to assume roles of leadership in the development of our nation enabled us to witness firsthand the value of friendship and warmth.

Sure, there are times we feel estranged or perhaps disconnected, but then all we have to do is read a document called the Constitution or the Bill of Rights or the Emancipation Proclamation to awaken in us a true feeling of patriotism.

These visionaries knew that they could not be all things to all people, but they also understood that we should never stop trying. Personalities notwithstanding, we are all linked in a chain of tradition that has been inherited from generations past.

They leaned on Scripture for encouragement and faith in the purpose

for which they fought, and we should not only carry that torch of fervor but also enhance its message by ensuring that their devotion was not in vain.

Each generation of Americans must ensure that the flame is never extinguished.

By honoring the past, we honor the present and guarantee the future. This is the hallmark of a great people. All bring to the table different talents that blend together to form a great nation.

When we join together during the month of February to honor our leaders, know that we are also congratulating each other because we continue to elevate because of their sacrifices.

Let us all wish a Happy Birthday to our presidents for their sincerity of purpose and devotion to the continuity of human deliverance. It is through their efforts that we enjoy the fondness and gratitude of so many.

Rabbi Dr. Irwin Wiener, D.D. is National Chaplain of Jewish War Veterans-USA and he is with Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

God’s mercy stretches as far as the east is from the west

BY REV. DR. BILL HOLLAND Guest Writer

God’s plans and ways are bigger than our mistakes and lost opportunities. He is not only ready to forgive and restore us, He can fill our life with confidence, hope and victory.

It’s common when suffering from regret, to be reminded of certain individuals that we secretly blame for our failures. However, as the water is long gone under the bridge, there is no need to hold on and replay the scenarios of what could have been – you’ve suffered enough.

It’s important to consider that walking around in this negative and stressful state

of mind can lead to depression, anxiety and even physical health problems. It would be wise to make a list of those we need to forgive and sincerely pray while making sure our name is at the top.

Unforgiveness holds us in a spiritual and mental prison and giving it over to God is the key that opens the door to freedom.

We are the only one that can choose to put an end to us living in the misery of an unchangeable past. Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they do not have any.”

The Bible refers to the devil as “the accuser” and this is where these negative voices are coming from. Some may try to pretend these situations never happened or that maybe they will all just go away which sounds nice, but running away from reality

does not work.

Being honest with God and ourselves is the pathway to peace.

I love what the Apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do; forgetting those things which are behind, I reach forth to the things which are before me.”

He is encouraging us to not only concentrate on the present but also look to the future and be sensitive to new opportunities.

We have a tendency to deal with our problems our own way, but God wants to help us deal with this once and for all.

Let go and allow Him to give you and brand-new start as He’s ready to fulfill the dreams and desires He’s placed in your heart.

He loves us and longs to forgive us and to restore our dreams that seem to be lost forever. He can create new opportunities in

ways we could never imagine.

I believe our heavenly Father desires to restore the years that you’ve lost and give you a new vision and a fresh zeal to fulfill your destiny.

Being positive and optimistic about your future is a deliberate decision. Will you sincerely believe you are forgiven and accept the spiritual reality that you are worthy of His love?

We know that nothing is impossible with God and His Word cannot fail. Psalm 103:11-12 is one of the greatest promises about our security and filled with the hope for all eternity. “For as the Heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Check out the free scripture CD offer at billyhollandministries.com

Paul reminds us that there is sufficient grace for the thorn

BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer

The day of hiking in the Superstitions was not going as planned.

On a tight blind corner, on a set of switchbacks, our dog, Mollie, picked up a section of cholla cactus on her nose, a clump the size of a child’s fist.

The cholla, of all desert plants, lives up to words by Edward Abbey, “It has been said, and truly, that everything in the desert either stings, stabs, stinks, or sticks.

You will find the flora here as venomous, hooked, barbed, thorny, prickly, needled, saw-toothed, hairy, stickered, mean, bitter, sharp, wiry, and fierce as the animals.

Something about the desert inclines all living things to harshness and acerbity.”

Kevin grabbed Mollie’s scruff, as he attempted to keep her from licking the barbed hitchhiker. A quick flick with an old comb removed most of the offender, but six or seven thorns remained. Oneby-one I pulled them out with a tweezers, leaving drops of blood.

Surgery complete, Mollie squirmed and bolted, circling wide around all other cacti. She ignored an offer of a treat from me, the holder of the tweezers, and would only accept solace from Kevin, who as the holder of her head, should have been treated as an accessory to her pain, but Mollie, in her dog wisdom, did not see it that way.

On the loop back to the car, I took a wicked tumble. My feet flew out from under me, so I had no time to catch myself. I landed in a pile of sharp-edged rocks, my breath leaving me in a whoosh.

Thankfully, besides a small gash, I seemed none-the-worse for wear.

My relief was short lived. I could feel bruises forming as I took a steep descent and my left knee tweaked with each step.

Mollie – usually the first to come back to check on me –pranced ahead, apparently still in a snit as she displayed no concern about my slower gait.

After some experimentation, I realized if I positioned my knee so it faced forward, I felt no pain. This task proved difficult on the rough trail as I shifted much of my weight to my trekking poles. It was a slow finish to the car.

Can I just go on record as saying something? I prefer cactus-thorn-extraction pain to flat-on-your-back, tweak-the-knee pain. A pair of tweezers or an old comb and the irritation was gone. The other was a reminder of injury with every step.

I also prefer prayers answered immediately to relieve me of my misery.

Irritations are borne so much easier when they are pulled free with a twist and a yank, even if a spot of blood is left behind.

Yet, Paul writes that there is grace even for thorns that remain. Sufficient grace for the daily living (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

The step-by-step journey in the midst of pain. The grace in the falling.

“But grace can be the experience of a second wind,” Anne Lamott writes, “when even though what you want is clarity and resolution, what you get is stamina and poignancy and the strength to hang on.”

I pray you discover that second wind.

Strength to hold on. Sufficient grace.

-Lynne Hartke is the author of “Under a Desert Sky” and the wife of pastor and Chandler City Councilmember Kevin Hartke. She blogs at lynnehartke.com.

FAITH 62

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

480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org

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., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service.

Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

MONDAYS

Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

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 Drive, Chandler 480-855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com TUESDAYS

Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music.

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800

Silva Class and Meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland.

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

Traditional and Contemporary Services 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 Street, Chandler

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 Road, Gilbert 480-442-5806, careerconnectors.org 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 Avenue, Mesa Maia, 480-425-0624, 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 Road, Chandler Maia, 480-425-0624, 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 Road, Room 106, Chandler, hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes Cyril, 480-802-0243; Kathy, 480-895-5194; Shirley, 480883-9159; 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 Street, Mesa 480-232-3773 Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon), Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts.

Faith Community Church 1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, nar-anon.org WEDNESDAYS _____________________________________ Panic Healing 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup.

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

SUNDAY WORSHIP Worship 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

For Children 9:10 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 a.m.

480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

64

DIRECTORY

DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING/HEAT

CONCRETE & MASONRY LANDSCAPING

Four ads for $116.73

Call Tracey at 480-898-5611 • classifieds@santansun.com Proud member of

LANDSCAPING

LEGAL SERVICES

PET SERVICES

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

David C. Larkin ATTORNEY AT LAW

Gail’s Pet Sitting Service

Starting @ $60/Month!

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded, Insured for your protection.

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

Free Celtic fire pit install (wood burning) with $3000 job total!

kjelandscape.com

Like us on Facebook for your 10% Discount

480-586-8445

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

LANDSCAPING

Not applicable with other discounts

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

ROC#281191

Over 30 years experience / Former CPA

Employment Law

Contracts / Non-competes Severance / Wage Claims Employee Disputes

PET SITTING

PROVIDING LOVING CARE FOR YOUR PETS IN THEIR HOME

• FREE initial meet and greet • Daily dog walks and play • Retrieving mail, plant care and more • Senior discounts

Small Business Law Contracts / Leases Corporations / LLCs Employees

6909 W. Ray Rd., Ste. 15-133 Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 491-2900 davidlarkinlaw@gmail.com www.davidlarkinlaw.com

GAIL WILSON • FAMILY OWNED • LICENSED AND INSURED

PAINTING

PET SERVICES

PAINTING

480-444-9057 gailspetsitting@gmail.com

Family owned in Chandler since 2002 • Daily Visits to Your Home • Multiple Visits to Your Home Don’t feel guilty for leaving your pet ...

Sandi will keep those tails waggin’

10% Off Your First Booking Call for reasonable rates

480-699-3290 www.sandistailwaggers.com Member of the PSI and Chamber of Commerce Licesed, Insured and Bonded

CARPET CLEANING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING

PAINTING

PAINT SERVICES

PLUMBING

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

CLEANING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

major credit cards

PAINTING

PLUMBING PLUMBING PLUMBING

1 HOUR RESPONSE

Greenline Contracting

480-726-1600

Home Improvement

Custom Craftsman 35 YEARS PLASTERING EXPERIENCE Drywall & Stucco ◆ Framing Block Fence & Custom Gates

Now Accepting all

www.miguelslandscapinginc.com

*All Competitor’s Coupons Accepted ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER

DANNY GREEN Owner/Operator DannyGreen.DG67@gmail.com

480-479-4833

GreenlineContractingAZ.com

FREE ESTIMATES ◆ ROC#311658 Free estimates at 480-802-1992 or contact@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

“There’s nothing we can’t build if we set our mind to it”

PAVERS, WATER FEATURES, FLAGSTONE, FIREPLACE, SOD, BBQ, CURBING, ROCK AND IRRIGATION Remodeling License ROC #183369 • Bonded, Insured

A+ Rating

SINCE 1968

EMERGENCY SERVICE www.abcplumbingandrooter.com

Lic. ROC153202/213278, Bonded & Insured *Call office for details

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

DIRECTORY

Proud member of

PLUMBING PLUMBING

POOL SERVICES

SEWER & DRAIN SEWER AND DRAIN

24-HOUR SERVICE

JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete

ABC Plumbing & Rooter

480-892-5000 480-726-1600

ABC Plumbing SAN TAN PLUMBING ES C I V & DRAIN CLEANING R & Rooter E OL S

Discounts to all: • Seniors • Military • First Responders

A+

Since 1968

ROC#153202/213288

PLUMBING

Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

P O O L R E PA I R

Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

I CAN HELP!

23 Years Experience Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

POOL SERVICES

480-726-1600 Sewer Replacements Repipes Watermains Licensed/Bonded/Insured

48 YEARS In Business Since 1968 ROC#153202/213278

% 20% 0 Financing Fast* *Call for details.

Senior Discount!

SUN/SHADE SCREENS

• Brush Walls & Benches • Remove All Debris From Surface Of Water • Empty All Baskets (skimmer, leaf canister, pump baskets, etc.)

• Inspect Equipment For Any Repairs, Leaks, Etc., And Report To Customer If Anything Is Needed • Backwash As Needed • Check & Balance Chemicals • Basic Chemicals Included With Monthly Service!

Lifetime East Valley Arizona Native!

• Locally Owned & Operated • • Honest & Reliable •

Sign up for Monthly Service, First Month $39

TONY ALMADA OWNER

602.574.7690 • WINGMANPOOLS@YAHOO.COM

SanTan Sun News Classified Ads

CARPET CLEANING

Each ad starts at $22 plus Chandler tax per issue. Special: Buy 3 get 4th for free for only $66. You get up to 50 words more than other classifieds.

BIG JOHN'S CARPET CLEANING Our truck-mounted steam cleaning system will deep clean your carpets, ridding them of unwanted dirt, bacteria, fungus and chemical residues.

Upholstery cleaning also available.

Tile and grout cleaning.

For a clean and healthy carpet, call 480-786-6610 or 602-989-8311 John Downs, Owner/Operator, Ocotillo Resident.

Call for monthly specials.

To Place Your Classified Ad Call 480-898-5611 or Email: Classifieds@SanTanSun.com Read our paper online: www.SanTanSun.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS International Student Exchange is seeking host families for high school students from all over the world. Students come for 1 or 2 semesters. Students learn about USA, host families learn about other cultures.

Email Amy @ amyeisarep@gmail.com or call 480-357-2466.

1996 EDDIE BAUER FORD PICK-UP TRUCK 151 1 Owner Fuel Injected, V8 208,000 Miles Has been maintained regularly $5,000 Or Best Offer 602-826-0424

PLUMBING PLUMBING

ROOFING

SUN/SHADE SCREENS

Serving the East Valley Since 1980

AZ’s Best Roofing

DJ’s Solar Sunscreens/ Sliding Patio Doors

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Call me for all of your sunscreen & sliding patio screen doors

Signing new dealers for our rainwater collection tank business in your area. 300K + annual potential, we have many dealers who are in construction and have added this new business to their existing business.

Must have construction background. Email your contact details to: pinnacletanks@gmail.com, pinnaclewatertanks.com

Frederick & Sons PLUMBING AND A/C SPECIALISTS

• Clogged Drains • Seasonal A/C Check-ups • Water Heater Repairs and Installs + Haul-away • Garbage Disposals and Faucets • Full A/C Service • Heat Pump Repairs • Slab Leaks and Underground Locating

24 Hour Service!

All Types of Roofs • New Roofs All Repairs & Coatings Total Rubber Roof Systems Same Day Service • All Work Guaranteed Residential & Commercial

FREE Estimates & Monsoon Specials

480-280-0390

480-332-6589

Why Settle With the Rest When You Have The Best!

ROC: 241512, 245339

Accepting all major credit cards.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

www.plumbingprosaz.com

PLUMBING

ROOFING

ROC#286561

Honest & Reliable with Reasonable Prices

FREE ESTIMATES

480-570-4274 WINDOWS/ CLEANING John’s Window Cleaning

New Business Opportunity

The Owner Cleans Your Windows!

1-Story $135 2-Story $155 Inside & Out Up To 30 Panes

Screens Cleaned $2.50 Per Pane Additional Panes $2 each

Power Washing Available

480.201.6471

65

CLASSIFIEDS

AUTOS FOR SALE

Play Pools $79 • Diving Pools $89

DIRECTORY

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

MUSTANG CARPET & TILE CLEANING Carpet, Tile & Grout, and Upholstery Cleaning. Family owned, truck-mounted steam cleaning. We off 1/2-hour appointment time frames, so no waiting around. We include pre-spraying, mild deodorizer and degreasers for high traffic areas at no charge.

Member BBB with A+ Rating!

"We clean like it's our own!"

480-688-3003

CLEANING SERVICES 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 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 Dennis for a free estimate 480-802-1992 or Email: contact@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

66

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS CLEANING SERVICES FINISHING TOUCH CLEANING SERVICE...19 years in Chandler and Gilbert areas. Mother/Daughter Team with excellent long-term client references. METICULOUS w/an EYE 4 DETAIL!!

Looking for Steady Clientele that want Consistent Quality Service with EVERY cleaning.

Competitive rates.

Exceptional Service!! We Love Pets!! Free in home estimate.

Call Rita -480-250-9744 HOUSECLEANING Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly And one time cleaning Reasonable Rates Great References 20+ yrs. Experience Call Angie 480-980-1498 PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE 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

CONCRETE & MASONRY CONCRETE WORK Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, All Concrete Needs. 30 years experience. Competitive prices. FREE Estimates.

Dan 480-516-8920

DRYWALL ALL-STAR DRYWALL & PAINTING Hang, tape, room additions, outside lid repairs, match all textures, popcorn removal water damage repairs, int, ext painting & much more 30 yrs exp ROC # 262737 free est Call 602-743-6209

ELECTRICAL E. Z. ELECTRIC SERVICE RETIRED ELECTRICIAN. SMALL JOBS WANTED. I ALSO FIX LOW VOLTAGE OUTDOOR LIGHTING. ALL WORK TO CODE. I SHOW UP! 480-406-3610

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCED SEAMSTRESS NEEDED Company new to Chandler is looking for people who love to sew for piece work.

Full and part-time positions available.

Contact Cathy at 310-322-0600 A CHILDS GARDEN BABYSITTING FT/PT Sitters needed to provide child care to resort/hotel guests, groups and residential. $14-$21/hr.

2+ yrs exp Apply: childsgardenaz.com/ applicants

GLASS SERVICES GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors.

If it’s glass, we can help you.

QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices.

FREE Estimates WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR

Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

HANDYMAN 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

GENERAL HANDYMAN SERVICES Woodworking, Light Electrical, Light Plumbing, Etc. Owner does all the work.

FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience Insured 203-948-0255

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

$22.33 per issue up to 50 words or $66.99 for 4 issues (get one issue Free).

Call Tracey at 480-898-5611 • classifieds@santansun.com Proud member of

HANDYMAN

LANDSCAPING

UNIVERSAL HOME REPAIR Small projects, house maintenance and renovations, house/apartment preparation for new tenants.

Air conditioning repairs.

Call Jack @ 480-213-4005 jacekwrona@cox.net

KUTTINGEDGE LANDSCAPE A Professional and Reliable Maintenance company.

Services include weekly and biweekly maintenance, one time clean ups, weed control, tree work and more.

Call Rick for a free estimate 480-250-6608 or email:

HOME IMPROVEMENTS QUALITY STUCCO WORK Over 25 years Experience Concrete, Block Fence, Custom Wrought Iron Gates & Other Minor Home Improvements.

Free Estimates ROC#311658 Call Danny 480-479-4833

LANDSCAPING A+ SPRINKLER REPAIR SERVICE Are you tired of fixing drip system leaks?

20 years experience repairing and replacing drip systems, valves, wire troubleshooting & timers. All repairs!

Honest and reliable.

East Valley Native.

Call and compare prices!

602-826-4717 www.AplusSprinklerRepair.com

BERNIE'S LANDSCAPING Mowing, Clean-Ups, Gravel, Winter Grass, Irrigation Repair, Tree Removal & Pruning.

Landscape Maintenance FREE Estimates 480-340-6009 Green ServPro Landscape Services Landscape Cleanup and regular maintenance Tree trimming and removals Irrigation or Outdoor lighting repairs.

Remodeling? We install rock, plants, trees, irrigation & outdoor lighting systems.

Summer lawn renovations / winter rye seeding.

Call 480-365-9082 or visit us at www.greenservpro.com HECTORS LAWN CARE Owner/Operator Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Blowing, Weed Control, Fertilizer, Irrigation Repair.

Fall Clean Ups FREE Estimates 480-636-0286

Kuttingedgelandscape@cox.net

and Visit:

www.kuttingedgelandscape.com

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS KILL BED BUGS Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT Complete Treatment System Available: The Home Depot, Homedepot.com, & Hardware Store

MOBILE DEVICE REPAIR The Phone Doctor

Cell Phone Repair Service ALL iPhone Glass/Screen & Small Part Repairs

$99 Special!

We can come to YOU! Valleywide CALL US @ 623-939-1206 or Schedule Online

www.Dowe.pro

MOVING 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 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 QUALITY HOUSE PAINTING Affordable Prices Interior/Exterior Special Coatings Free Estimates 480-707-1681

PAINTING 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

PLUMBING ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER CHANDLER/GILBERT *$79.00 OFF with this ad* 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.

ROC#153202/213288 *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. ROC#204797 Cure All Plumbing 480-895-9838

Delivered to 27,300+ Driveways on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the Month to Affluent Families!

PLUS 7,700 Commercial locations!

To Place Your Ad Call Tracey 480-898-5611 or Email: Classifieds@SanTanSun.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

$22.33 per issue up to 50 words or $66.99 for 4 issues (get one issue Free).

Call Tracey at 480-898-5611 • classifieds@santansun.com Proud member of

POOL SERVICES

SEWER & DRAIN

WINDOWS/ CLEANING

WINDOWS/ CLEANING

A QUALITY POOL SERVICE THAT IS PRICELESS Does your pool surface need refreshing?

CALL US TODAY! CPO Technician ROC 303766 LizardPoolsLLC lizardpools.com 480-489-0713

ABC PLUMBING & 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. ROC#153202/213278

"MOM WAS RIGHT" Appearance Counts!

PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING Detailed service and tidy inside your home!

1 story-$90 2 story-$130 - up to 30 panes.

Price includes inside and out.

Screens cleaned $3 each.

Pressure washing and fixture cleaning also available.

21 years of accumulated references!

CALL RON at 480-584-1643 A+ Member of BBB Bonded & Insured

JOHN'S WINDOW CLEANING 1-story $135 / 2-story $155 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

ROOFING Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal.

480-357-2463 www.timklineroofing.com R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

67

Roommate needed? Classifieds can Help!

480-898-5611

DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block.

Below is the list of services we offer: Windows – Interior & Exterior Screens – Sunscreens and Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing - Your driveway, sidewalks and patios.

Follow us on InstaGram @FISH_WCEASTVALLEYAZ

Stuff for Sale?

Your Neighbors are ready to buy!

Place your Ad today!

480-898-5611

480-898-5611

DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

FREE Information Kit

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! You can go to any dentist you want No wait for preventive care and no deductibles – you could get a checkup tomorrow

Coverage for over 350 procedures – including cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns…even dentures

1-855-389-4273

www.dental50plus.com/214

NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive *Individual plan.

Product not available in MN, MT, NH, NM, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096E-0917 MB17-NM008Ec

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Where To Eat

67

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

West Alley BBQ serves up a taste of Tennessee

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

The smell of smoking meat wafted across West Boston Street in downtown Chandler on a recent weekday morning outside a new barbecue restaurant that offers patrons Tennessee-style comfort food.

On the patio behind the entrance to West Alley BBQ, longtime pit boss Jim Dandy tended to large hunks of brisket, turkey, pork and other meat on three large smokers.

The restaurant on West Boston Street, which opened in December, mimics the Brantley family’s original West Alley BBQ in Jackson, Tennessee – which received a four-and-a-half-star rating for moderately-priced restaurants on TripAdvisor.

Many visitors to the Chandler eatery are already praising West Alley’s tender brisket, seasoned fries, Tennessee-type thin barbecue sauce created by Dandy and vinegar-based coleslaw.

The new restaurant drew more than 4,000 customers over the first 30 days it was open, said Bardo Brantley, West Alley BBQ president and founder of the Chandler and Jackson restaurants.

The large menu offers a wide range of hearty meals with meats to suit different tastes, including pulled pork sandwiches, half- and full racks of ribs, brisket, pulled chicken, chicken wings and sliced turkey.

Southern fried fish is also a well-liked item on the menu.

Customers can feast on loaded French fries, loaded nachos and loaded smoked potatoes topped with bacon plus their choice of pork, chicken, turkey or brisket.

Cheese, chives, sour cream and a drizzle of hot or mild barbecue sauce are also piled on these loaded entrees.

The loaded smoked fries or nachos are $10.99 plus an extra $3 for brisket and the loaded smoked potatoes are $11.99 plus an additional $3 if the customer wants brisket.

“We have a huge menu,” said Christian Brantley, vice president of operations and also co-owner for West Alley. “We want to cater to everyone who loves our barbecue but everyone else, as well. We take hours to cook our meat. It is tender.

We take the time to value each plate and make sure it comes out right. Jim’s been barbecuing over 30 years.

“We keep our head forward. We do what we do best. Our portions are huge.

You’re gonna be full.”

West Alley BBQ’s popular pulled pork sandwiches come with a vinegar-based coleslaw on top and hot or mild barbecue sauce. Christian and Bardo say it’s unusual for a restaurant to offer the coleslaw as part of the sandwich and not charge extra for it. The vinegar-based coleslaw is a Tennessee thing, the father-and-son restaurant duo added.

The pulled pork sandwich with fries and a drink during lunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, is $9.99.

West Alley’s BBQ Jim Dandy Sandwich adds a slice of bologna with pulled pork, creamy coleslaw and BBQ sauce on top for $9.99.

Photo by Celisse Jones

Bardo Brantley (left) West Alley BBQ president and founder of the Chandler and Jackson restaurants, and son Christian Brantley, vice president of operations and also co-owner of West Alley BBQ, welcome patrons to their West Boston Street eatery.

Even veggie lovers can beef up their lunches or dinners at West Alley with the many salads that feature meat.

But patrons can easily forget veggies.

Here, meat is king.

“Barbecue is a delicacy,” said Bardo, who can still recall eating Dandy’s barbecue as a boy in Jackson. “It takes a lot of preparation, a lot of know-how.

Jim is responsible for the sauce and meat presentation. We’ve got amazing food. It’s sensory overload in a good way.”

Dandy, who gets help from assistant pit boss Eric Stewart, said he typically makes four pots of barbecue sauce a day at West Alley.

Christian said diners “can’t go anywhere in the world” and find BBQ sauce like Dandy’s creation.

The brisket at West Alley comes from the “premier part” of a cow, Christian and Bardo said.

“We cook it low and slow,” Bardo said, explaining it takes 10 to 12 hours to cook.

Photo by Kimberly Carrillo

West Alley BBQ pit boss Jim Dandy cooks brisket at the new restaurant in downtown Chandler.

Dandy has been a barbecue cook for more than 30 years.

Cooking is in Dandy’s blood and is his longtime passion.

Growing up in Jackson, he said his grandmother taught him how to cook, often making meals out of the hogs and pigs they raised. His father showed him how to make barbecue sauce. Dandy and his brother used to own two restaurants in Jackson.

“Anything your mom can cook in their kitchen I can cook on this grill,” he said.

“I can barbecue anything you wanted to barbecue.”

The meats cook over almond wood and charcoal in smokers, while some barbecue restaurants use hickory wood.

It’s easy to smell the wood burning on the patio.

“We love the smell of it, the flavor of it,” Bardo said of the almond wood.

Platters at West Alley BBQ come with one or two choices of meat and two side items. The meat is stacked high and comes with buttered Texas toast, the hot or mild barbecue sauce and a crunchy dill pickle, as well as fried sliced pickles as

garnishes.

The sides are BBQ baked beans, green beans and white beans, all cooked with pork, as well as creamy coleslaw, vinegarbased coleslaw, French fries and potato salad. Kitchen managers, previous pit bosses and others at West Alley BBQ have developed the recipes for the side foods over the years, testing out different ones until they came up with the best ones, Bardo said.

Every Friday for a limited time West Alley, will offer all-you-can-eat fried fish with one side item from 4 to 7 p.m. for $9.99.

The Chandler restaurant also offers a ribs special, where diners can get a half rack of ribs for $9.99 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, also for a limited time.

Several people on the Living Chandler page of Facebook recently shared stories about enjoying meals at West Alley BBQ. Madeline Boyle-Whitesel posted on Facebook that she and her husband, Carl Whitesel, recently tried West Alley BBQ and “thought it was some of the best BBQ in the Valley.”

“I ordered the pulled chicken sandwich with the vinegar slaw on the side with fries,” Boyle-Whitesel wrote. “My husband had the pulled pork plate with green beans. We are from the Carolinas and this style definitely reminded us of home. The sauce was very light on the vinegar and the hot BBQ was not too spicy.”

Jennifer Maholovich Fay said she and her husband are from Alabama and the brisket at West Alley was “the best brisket we’ve tried” in the Valley so far.

“Everything just tasted like it was made from scratch,” Maholovich Fay said.

“Not sure what their secret is on the brisket but the flavors and tenderness was on point!”

Kaija Godoy visited West Alley with her husband and 4-year-old son and also See

BBQ on page 69

68

WHERE TO EAT

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Chefs prove prowess with Girl Scout cookies ALISON BAILIN BATZ GetOut Contributor

You won’t find any in Ahwatukee, but plenty of restaurants in the Valley for the fifth consecutive year are reimagining one of the flavors of Girl Scout cookies – Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils, S’mores and Savannah Smiles – into a custom dessert menu item.

Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu throughout February, donating a portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold to the Girl Scouts.

“While I was clearly never an actual Girl Scout, we jumped into the Dessert Challenge in

year one headfirst to support the girls and women in this community,” said Michael Rusconi.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen, along with Olive + Ivy, The Thumb, Lumberyard Brewery in Flagstaff, will be inducted into the Girl Scouts’ “Five Timers Club” this year, commemorating their participation in the challenge each year since its inception in 2014.

All the chefs also hope to not only raise critical funds to support local scouting in the area, but to inspire home cooks across Arizona to buy an extra box or two this Girl Scout cookie season to create their own desserts, too.

The participating restaurants, and their creative desserts, include: Aioli Burger Dessert: Tagalong Milkshake Cost: $6 Info: 10652 N. 32nd St., Phoenix Brat Haus Dessert: Trefoil Meyer Lemon Tart Cost: $8 Info: 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Fair Trade Café Dessert: Pura Vida Cheesecake Cost: $4.25 Info: 1020 N. First Ave., Special to the San Tan Sun News Ocean Prime’s vanilla-raspberry tart is based on the Savannah Smiles Phoenix.

Fuego Grill Dessert: Jessie’s Delight Cost: $4.69 Info: 9118 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson.

Grape Wine Bistro Dessert: Thin Mint Crazy Milkshake Food Coma Ride Cost: $9 Info: 23335 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Market Street Kitchen Dessert: Claire’s Badge Cost: $7 Info: 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale.

Ocean Prime Dessert: Savannah Smiles Vanilla and Lemon Raspberry Tart Cost: $12 Info: 5455 E. High Street, Phoenix.

Special to the San Tan Sun News Olive + Ivy Tres Leches Cafe uses Samoas to make a tasty ice cream treat.

Dessert: Tagalong Gelato Presidio Cost: $3.25 for one scoop; Dessert: Carlota $4.25 for two scoops; $6 for three scoops Cost: $6.95 Info: 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

Info: 519 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix

See

cookie that Girl Scouts sell.

COOKIES on page 69

a taste of the pacific

now in chandler!

4 FAMILY RECIPES 4ALL FISH CUT DAILY 4GRILLED MAHI MAHI, ONO & AHI 4GLUTEN FREE CHOICES

OPEN DAILY 11AM - 9PM

ALOHA SERVED DA I LY !

“...this is a tasty bit of the “reel” deal.” - Phoenix Magazine “It’s a little piece of paradise.” - Arizona Republic 1155 W OCOTILLO RD, SUITE 1 • CHANDLER, AZ 85248

480•247•7900 • COCONUTSAZ.COM

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

COOKIES

from page 68

JW Marriott Camelback Inn Dessert: Samoa Trifle Cost: $10 Info: 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen Dessert: Banana Cream Pie in a Jar with Tagalong Crust Cost: $8 Info: 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix.

Super Chunk Sweets & Treats Dessert: Pineapple Samoas Cheesecake Cost: $4.99 Info: 7120 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale.

The Covenant Dessert: Crème de Menthe Cost: $7 Info: 4740 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix.

The Henry Dessert: Chocolate Fudge Brownie with Mint Crème Cost: $3 Info: 4455 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.

The Market Restaurant + Bar

by Jennifer’s Dessert: The Zesty Lemon Cost: $7 Info: 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Tres Leches Café Dessert: Samoa Mas Latte Cost: $4.50 for 12 ounce Info: 1330 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix.

BBQ

WHERE TO EAT

from page 67

got excited about the brisket there, saying it “was very tender.”

“My husband chose the brisket plate with coleslaw and baked beans,” Godoy posted. “We both thought the beans were the best we’ve had in a long time.”

Gregory Dickson raved, “Finally...real BBQ in Downtown Chandler! Great A sampling of West Alley BBQ’s barbecue platters. staff and awesome food. How about that sauce? Nice! Finished my night He and Christian are thrilled and upstairs with a cigar at Puro...killer combo grateful for all the support they have for a great evening!” received from the City of Chandler, Christian and Bardo say they also City Council and Mayor’s offices, as well attract many customers from Puro Cigar as Downtown Chandler Community Bar upstairs, who smell the meat cooking Partnership and fellow downtown and can’t resist ordering chicken wings. businesses. Bardo said all those entities and The staff at West Alley brings the food up groups welcomed them with “open arms.” to customers there. Wings with the lemon “We’re overwhelmed at the immediate pepper seasoning are popular. Customers response we’ve gotten,” he said. “It’s been can order batter-dipped or batter-free, so positive.” deep-fried wings and choose their sauce.

Bardo and his wife, Sandy, had been The new Chandler barbecue joint is visiting Chandler for several years as they also drawing crowds for its live music. like the weather here and now live in Bands playing blues, country and Chandler full-time. Christian travels back other types of music hit the stage at and forth between Chandler and Jackson.

West Alley BBQ Friday and Saturday “We’re thankful for the customers,” nights. Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, Christian said. “Word of mouth has been Jim Bachmann, True Flavor Blues and The explosive for us.”

Sugar Thieves have performed at the West Alley BBQ is open from 11 Chandler venue. The live music starts at 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and p.m. and there is no cover charge.

Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Customers can grab the mic during Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to midnight karaoke Thursdays at West Alley BBQ. Fridays and Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to “For us you come for the food, you 9 p.m. Sundays. stay for the music,” Bardo said.

Information: westalleybbq.com.

Open 6 days a week, M, W, Th, F 11am-10pm • Sa, Su 12pm-10pm • Closed on Tuesdays

We invite you to experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Special to the San Tan Sun News

The Market Street Kitchen turns Samoas into tasy eclairs it calls Claire’s Badges.

HAPPY HOUR

Monday-Friday except Tuesday 4-6pm, BAR ONLY

Over 300 Craft Beers Pints & Singles for Here Growlers and Packaged to go

HAPPY HOUR MENU

1/2 off all Appetizers • 1/2 off all Pizzas 1/2 off all Well Drinks, Beer and Wine by the Glass

Happy Hour 3-6pm Mon-Fri Daily Lunch Special: $4 Flatbreads with Draft Beer Purchase 11am-2pm.

Reverse Happy Hours Live Music Wednesdays 1095 W Queen Creek Rd, Ste 8, Chandler Az, 85248 480-219-2666 http://Ocotillo.TheCasualPint.com

69

Ranked in the Top 11 Restaurants Statewide

by Thrillist

LUNCH SPECIALS

Only $8

70

WHERE TO EAT

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

Photo Courtesy of Press Coffee Roasters

Photo Courtesy of Fired Pie.

Anyone who receives a token can trade it in for a free coffee or take advantage of other, limitedtime deals at Press Coffee Roasters posted on Instagram, @presscoffee.

Chandler restaurants offer Press Roasters celebrates birthday with gift spring training deals SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

With spring training starting in the Valley, some Chandler restaurants are offering special deals for baseball fans who want to grab some food before or after the games.

Fired Pie, which has locations at 2855 W. Ray Road and 1155 WE. Ocotillo Road in Chandler, will give customers 10 percent off if they show valid spring training game tickets on game days.

Chompie’s is offering its “spring training double dea” with a buy-one-get-one-free offer on hotdogs and hamburgers.

The deal is good for guests who buy

any of Chompie’s angus beef burgers or Hebrew National hot dogs with two drinks. The Chandler Chompie’s is at 3481 W. Frye Road.

California Pizza Kitchen in Chandler Fashion Center will give visitors 10 percent off on any order when they show their ticket stubs.

Cold Stone Creamery is giving anyone who shows their spring training ticket stub a Love It-sized, create-your-owns for $8.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, also in Chandler Fashion Center offers diners who show their spring training ticket a complimentary entrée with the purchase of an entrée.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Press Coffee Roasters is turning 10 years old this year and celebrating by giving its supporters a gift.

The coffee company, which has a location in Ocotillo, has been giving tokens to loyal customers. People can either redeem them for a free cup of hot drip coffee or use them to take advantage of special, limited time offers posted on Instagram.

Some deals include half-off the price of a bag of coffee beans or free hot lattes.

There is no expiration date to retrieve the free cup of coffee, however.

Press is giving the tokens to people who come to its events, as well as through other avenues.

The business, at 2577 W. Queen Creek Road, Suite 100, in Ocotillo, started in Scottsdale and now has as stores in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

It offers regular coffee from a drip maker, as well as cold brews, mocha, lattes, chai lattes, a Cortado (mix of espresso and milk), along with Espressos, cappuccinos and iced teas. Customers can ask baristas for a pour-over coffee to get the single-origin roast that best matches their taste.

Information: presscoffee.com.

Thou Shalt Dine In Comfort!

Craft Craft Beer Beer •Wicked •Wicked Wine Wine •• Soulful Soulful Spirits Spirits Sinfully Great Food & Fun Sinfully Great Food & Fun

u!

give yo

We for

26

26

Taps of the BEST Craft Beers available in AZ

Taps of the BESTre Craft Beers If I we you, available in AZ eat here!

I’d

If I were you, I’d eat here!

If I were you, I’d eat here!

40+

bottles/cans

40+

Many Belgians & Allocated Beers

bottles/cans

Many Belgians & 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85224 Allocated Beers (480) 963-8000 HungryMonkAZ.com

1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85224 (480) 963-8000 HungryMonkAZ.com

1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85224 (480) 963-8000 HungryMonkAZ.com

u!

give yo

We for

™

™

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018

71

72

SANTAN SUN NEWS | FEB 17 – MAR 2, 2018