www.SanTanSun.com
Neighbors
Dec. 5 - Dec. 18, 2015
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Neighbors Goldendoodle is Valley’s first three-legged Sandy in ‘Annie Jr.’ page 64
Keep to the path: in response to vandalism page 73
Where to Eat page 60
Family loses more than 200 pounds—and counting Saine said that the family has lost Family time is important around the the weight by sticking with the Weight holidays and, this holiday season, one Watchers plan. “I figured out ways to local family has a loss to celebrate—yes, incorporate our points into every meal,” a loss. Together, they have lost more than she explained. “We changed our whole 200 pounds through significant lifestyle eating habits at home.” changes, including eating healthier, As an example, Anna and Caden take exercising more and attending Weight Watchers meetings in Chandler. Skye Saine said that she has lost 106 pounds, her mom, Betty Graham, has lost 85 pounds, and her 10-year-old son, Caden, has dropped about 15 pounds. Her daughter, Anna, also is involved in the weight-loss journey. “My mom was always pushing me to do something,” Saine said. “She would tell me I would feel better about myself if I lost some weight; she has always struggled with her weight and she never wanted me to have to struggle. Plus she knew if I got started she would be forced to do something also.” She explained that Anna inspired herself and Graham to join the Weight Watchers program. The family began going Betty Graham, right, her daughter, Skye Saine, left, and Saine’s son, Caden, have collectively lost more than to local meetings and following 200 pounds by making Weight Watchers a family affair. the program about 18 months Submitted photo years ago. This past summer, Caden joined them. “I wanted him to join with us; their lunch daily they stick within the also as I wanted him to be healthier and program’s point limits. (Each Weight learn healthy eating habits that you learn Watchers participant “spends” a certain from Weight Watchers,” Saine said. “He amount of “points” on food each day.) started joining us this summer a year after They also use the program’s recipes for we had been going and he looks so much family dinners. healthier and has so much more energy.” “I have two other kids also and
BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
see FAMILY page 48
GIVING THANKS PARADE
Sun Lakes resident Elizabeth Booth has been an advocate for the hard of hearing. Submitted photo
Hearing loss commissioner honored with national award Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) Commissioner Elizabeth “Liz” Booth was honored with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Service Award at the organization’s 2015 national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, recently. The HLAA Service Award is presented to a member or group who completes a direct act of service to further the mission of HLAA. Booth was nominated by her local Sun Lakes HLAA chapter for the award for her leadership in founding the chapter and for her work and service
to the hearing loss community. “I am thrilled and honored to receive this award on behalf of the entire hearing loss community,” said Booth, of Sun Lakes. “There are so many people that do so much and work so hard in our community, and I want to share the spirit of this award with those individuals.” Booth has been active in her local HLAA chapters for more than 30 years, including time as a hearing loss support specialist, a board member in the Chicago and Fountain Hills chapters, as well as see AWARD page 49
Crust’s basement hatches a new concept with an old vibe BY JUDI KING
Kassia Crouse, Alec Lemons, Daniel Hoang and Jennifer Kal proudly present their Osprey 2 float at the parade. They had no adult help with their project. See page 59 for more photos.
Built more than 100 years ago by city founder Dr. A.J. Chandler, the historic San Marcos Hotel’s once-forgotten basement has been rediscovered, renovated and opened as The Ostrich. Part of Crust’s Chandler restaurant, The Ostrich is infused with rich and colorful décor. According to owner Michael
Merendino, The Ostrich “is serving amazing craft cocktails.” The Ostrich was named after the doctor’s love of the bird. He promoted the industry in town and supposedly stored their feathers in the San Marcos Hotel’s basement in hopes the fashionable plumes would come back in style. see CRUST page 57