This intimate gated neighborhood features our most desirable floor plans from our Landmark collection. These homes are equipped with luxurious architectural details and energy efficiency features, and built to impress. Located just minutes from the 202 south commuting is a breeze, and just around the corner you’ll enjoy shopping, fine dining, and entertainment. You’re sure to find a place to call home at The Residences at Belmonte.
BY JOE CAMPBELL
Maintaining any home can be an arduous task. There are many moving parts that need to be working on a daily basis, such as plumbing, appliances, heating, air conditioning and roofing. When one of these items fails, it’s time to take immediate action. There is one thing that is often overlooked—problems with the condition of exterior paint. How do you know it’s time to repaint?
For many Arizona homeowners, the only time we even think about painting the exterior is when we get that letter from our HOA saying it’s time. At this point, it is likely bad enough that you can notice it from the street or down the block. It’s never “too late” to paint, however, to avoid this perform an annual inspection.
Most homes in Arizona have stucco or wood siding, and the problems are very similar for each style. To know if your home needs to be painted, take a walk around and inspect the following four areas for problems.
Stucco
• Run your hand over the stucco on the south and west sides of your home. What do you feel? Do you feel any chalking paint coming off on your home? The chalking paint is a sign that your paint coating has completely broken down and has literally turned to dust. This is like your winter jacket you were wearing turning to dust.
• Inspect the stucco for cracks around the windows, by corners and along the foundation. If you see any cracks that are larger than a business card it could be time to paint. Those cracks will allow water to infiltrate and can create a larger issue with a leak.
• Inspect the stucco for any areas coming loose, rub your hand over these areas. If stucco comes off, it’s time to get it repaired. Loose stucco may be caused by either water hitting the wall from sprinklers or even an issue with how the stucco was originally applied.
Wood
• Look over the wood trim or siding around your home for peeling paint areas. We commonly see peeling paint under the eaves (soffits) and wood trim (fascia). If you see peeling paint, it is a
sign the wood is no longer protected. Leaving this untreated will likely result in the wood rotting which will need to be replaced.
• Do you see gaps in the wood trim, or does it look “dry” or thirsty? Check the corners, do you see any gaps there? We can repair these areas with caulking, renailing the wood, and smoothing out the caps. Doing this will prevent water
infiltration and future wood rotting
• Look for rotted wood. We commonly see it in areas that have been left unprotected. Check on the eaves around your patio or by the corners of your trim. If you see a dark area, it may be an area of “dry rot” that needs to be replaced prior to painting.
• If you have wood siding, make sure to check near the foundation. We commonly see this start to “bow out” or bend when it’s time to paint. We also will see that a crack will start to appear between each siding panel.
Foundation
• Look for peeling paint or bare concrete on the foundation of your home. This is typically the first telltale sign of a home needing painting. An unprotected foundation will deteriorate and wear down. Your home is sitting on this and it needs a solid foundation.
Patio or entry ceiling
• Most homes in Arizona have a patio ceiling that is covered in drywall. You want to inspect this for tape seams coming loose, cracks appearing or texture coming off. These cracks need to be repaired or it will result in a larger repair. We have seen some homeowners let this go for years and the result is an entire patio ceiling that is falling down with all the texture coming loose. Tip: Do not hose off your patio ceiling.
Anyone can inspect the exterior of their home. It’s important to spot these repairs and get them fixed before it gets too bad. The sooner they are addressed, the less expensive the paint job will be. Don’t wait until you get that HOA letter. For more information, call (602) 648-3071.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, with a Chandler location at 7131 W. Ray Rd., has received the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Grimaldi’s said it is the first family-owned, multi-location pizzeria to receive the prize.
“We are honored to receive the Five Star Diamond Award. This is a huge accomplishment for Grimaldi’s Pizzeria,” said CEO Joe Ciolli. “We not only strive to provide our guests with the best dining experience possible, our company prides itself on having a strong, recognized brand presence worldwide.”
Since 1989, the AAHS has received nominees from around the world. A group of hospitality professionals select a group of finalists, which are visited by
an anonymous inspector who reviews the destination and services. While a majority of the awards go to hotels and resorts, Grimaldi’s will join more than 87 other fivestar restaurants.
Grimaldi’s locations will receive a set of gold- and silver-plated plaques, complete with the Five Star Diamond Award logo and engraved signatures. Grimaldi’s will also be showcased in the International Travel Directory to be distributed to hotels, resorts, fine dining establishments and members of the financial and travel industries worldwide.
Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza in an upscale, yet casual, family oriented pizzeria. Info: www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
Signarama Chandler at 3400 N. Arizona Ave., has announced that seven nonprofit and charitable organizations will receive $30,000 in sign grants as part of its 2016 Signs of Hope grant program.
Recipients are The American Diabetes Association, Child Crisis Center, East Valley Veterans Parade Association, Joe Jackson Foundation, National Advocacy & Training Network, Save the Family and The Children’s Home Project
“We wanted to find a way to make a difference and realized a tangible to do this is by partnering with local non-profit and charitable organizations by providing signage,” said store co-owner Allison Kast-Eichenberg, Info: www.signarama.com/az-chandler.
Anyone in career transition is invited to the next local meeting of Career Connectors, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. A nonprofit organization, Career Connectors holds free events three times a month, offering professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Info: www.careerconnectors.org, contact@ careerconnectors.org or (480) 442-5806.
BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
Stingray Sushi will mark its first year of business in Chandler on March 19. A mainstay in Scottsdale and Phoenix, the local branch of the Japanese eatery offers an eclectic mix of food, drink and ambiance.
“Stingray Sushi stands out in Chandler because it adds to the nightlife here— it’s a sexy place to eat,” said restaurant partner Bryan Chittenden. “The restaurant has a gorgeous, organic feel to it; it’s a beautiful locale that even has a DJ booth to complement the atmosphere.”
Chittenden said that Stingray Sushi’s Chandler location was built to meld both the nightlife aspect but also be a “really comfortable, cozy place” to have a meal. While the venue is large, he noted, it’s divided up, so it is more personal. He added
that it’s great for events and has two large patios that are popular with patrons.
“We’ve been really well received in Chandler this past year,” Chittenden said. “Guests seem to like the early dining experience here, where they can have a great dinner. We’re also in the heart of a corporate area, so we’ve made a special effort to appeal to large groups.”
One way the eatery appeals to patrons is through its ongoing deals, such as daily happy hour (2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) and Industry Sundays, where certain drinks are half off every Sunday.
While the atmosphere and drinks appeal to guests, the food is what keeps them coming back, Chittenden said.
“I’d describe the cuisine as traditional Japanese sushi with an Asian flare; we sell a
lot of sushi and take meticulous care of our products,” he explained.
“The difference between Stingray and other sushi spots in Phoenix is the quality of product,” added Andrew Nam, the restaurant chain’s executive chef. “We use the freshest products possible and our diversity of fish and ingredients lets us offer unique flavor profiles. On our menu you’ll see the influences and products from other cultures that blend well with Japanese cuisine and flavors.”
Stingray is perhaps best known for its unique and inventive rolls, according to Chittenden. Some of its signature rolls feature soy paper wraps, cucumber wraps and the popular lollipop rolls.
There are also several items on the menu for guests who don’t enjoy sushi, Chittenden noted.
“We have a side menu; it’s not just sushi,” he said. “There are traditional Japanese entrée items and even tacos. I’d say there are between 10 to 15 entrees for guests who don’t eat sushi.”
In addition to lunch, dinner and nighttime
patrons, Chittenden has two other clientele segments in mind with Stingray: corporate groups and happy hour fans.
To celebrate their one-year anniversary, an event is in the works (plans were not firm as of press time). March’s drink special though is the $9 cocktail called “The Snuggle Bunny.”
Chittenden added that, while he calls Scottsdale home now, he was a long-time Chandler resident. He’s involved with numerous restaurant concepts in the Valley and is especially excited to see the success of a Chandler-based concept, he said.
“While Stingray has two other Valley locations [Scottsdale and Phoenix], we wanted to build one in Chandler because we’re all about embracing the East Valley,” Chittenden said. “Stingray is different; it’s off the beaten path. We look forward to more growth opportunities in the future.”
Stingray Sushi is located at 900 N. 54th St. Call (480) 272-7991 or visit www. stingraysushi.com for possible anniversary specials and events.
Throughout the year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community.
Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, unless otherwise noted.
To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of the event.
Mayor’s Ostrich Festival Fun Run
7:35 a.m. start of Chandler Unified School District Running Club
8:20 a.m. start of Adult and Family run Saturday, March 5
This family-friendly race is flat, fast and tons of fun. Prizes are offered for first, second and third places. Register at http://bit.ly/1RSavCx or visit www. ostrichfestival.com. Registration fee is $30.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Pavilion, 3 S. Arizona Pl., Chandler
Wake Up Chandler
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 9
Grow your business by making valuable connections at this morning networking
event.
Shoppers Supply, 2880 S. Alma School Rd.
Open House and Ribbon Cutting for FEDEX Ground
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 9
Join the Chandler Chamber at the ribbon cutting for FEDEX Ground. Ribbon sponsor is Laser Creations.
FEDEX Ground, 2650 E. Queen Creek Rd.
28th Annual Ostrich Festival
2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, March 11
10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, March 12
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 13
Rides, food trucks, ostrich races, Wild Science, motorcycle daredevils and more. Music includes Parmalee, Kalin and Myles, English Beat and Ozomatli. Info: (480) 588-8497. Tickets are available at Fry’s Food and Drug Stores, online at www.ostrichfestival.com or at the gate.
Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd.
between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road south of Germann Road.
Women in Business Luncheon
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15
Mentoring Circle combines the benefits gained from one-on-one mentoring with those working with a group of peers. Keynote speaker Felicia Romero, a successful entrepreneur, will discuss, “Turn your passion into retirement.”
SoHo63, 63 E. Boston St.
5th Annual East Valley Mayor’s Breakfast Chandler 2016
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 16
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny is hosting a morning of inspiration, reflection and collaboration with business and community leaders who will share their personal stories of community leadership and involvement.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, The Coyote Center, 2626 E. Pecos Rd.
Business After Business
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17
Bring a door prize to promote your business, meet new members and make business connections. Event sponsor is Arizona Pest Prevention.
Thorobred Chevrolet, 2121 N. Arizona Ave.
Natural Grocers, a Colorado-based specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, dietary supplements and body care products, is opening a store at 5805 W. Ray Rd. in Chandler later this year. An opening date has not been announced.
Full-time positions are being offered, with starting pay of $10.50 per hour for cashiers and $15 per hour for department managers, plus benefits. Info: www. naturalgrocers.com/about/careers/ store-jobs.
Family-run, Natural Grocers will provide the community with produce that is exclusively USDA Certified Organic, as well as other natural and organic groceries, body care products and supplements. The store will feature a mix of national brands and locally grown, raised and manufactured products from Arizona in a small, neighborhood market environment. Info: www.naturalgrocers. com.
Chandler-based OnTrac, the largest regional package delivery company in the United States, has received the Industry Leader of Arizona award in the Logistics/ Distribution category. The award recognizes the contributions and impact of Arizonabased companies on both the economy of Arizona and in the communities served within five key industries each year.
“We are extremely honored and grateful
to be recognized as a logistics industry leader in the state of Arizona, while adding to the local economy and community as they give back to us,” said Thomas Fischer, OnTrac chief financial officer and vice president of finance.
The awards were presented by AZ Business Magazine, published by AZ Big Media and out of 27 finalists, the logistics/distribution category was the largest.
Info: (800) 334-5000 or www.ontrac.com.
An Arizona chiropractic clinic is warning patients against the dangers of “text neck”—a condition caused by continually looking down at a smartphone. According to medical experts, the condition can lead to pain, spinal degeneration and even the need for surgery.
“Your grandmother probably warned you to sit up straight for your overall posture,” said Dr. Daniel Carlow of Islands Chiropractic and Massage at 1447 W. Elliot Rd. Suite 103, in Gilbert. “But what she didn’t know about was how prominent cellphones would become in our lives. This continuous bending of the neck to pay attention to social
media or texting causes most people to position their head unnaturally. What we’re seeing is added stress on the spine, which can cause serious health effects over time.”
Carlow said the reason has to do with the weight of the skull. On average, the human head weighs about 12 pounds. The farther someone bends their neck to look down, the more stress that is placed on the joints of the cervical spine.
“Good posture leads to good neck habits when using your smartphone,”
Carlow added, noting that chiropractic care can help people with the condition.
“It really does matter.”
Info: (480) 545-4580.
