D E C E M B E R 2 02 0
LI F E + C U LTU R E ARE YO U RE ADY FO R A M OVI E? HOME + DESIGN EN T ER T H E SE AS O N FOOD + DRINK M EE T T H E B FA M
Comfort & Joy with
Blaine Long
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with
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CIRCLE G AT SILVER CREEK 4 BEDROOMS 4.5 BATHROOMS
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Moving forward together! #GILBERTTOGETHER
www.amyjonesgroup.com
Call Us: (480) 250-3857
Each office is independently owned and operated
LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Robin Belley | robin.belley@lifestylepubs.com SALES DIRECTOR
Joy and Cheer in Gilbert
Kristy Belley | kristy.belley@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
MacKenzie Belley | mackenziebelley@gmail.com
OKAY, SO MAYBE THE HOLIDAY SEASON ISN’T FULL OF JOY AND CHEER
SALES SUPPORT A SSISTANT
THE ENTIRE TIME. There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so
Gabriel Belley | gabebelley@gmail.com
that your family and friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath and don’t
AD DESIGNER
worry. We are right there with you. We wouldn’t leave you without some winter decorating tips from the amazing Jen Crutcher. Be sure to follow Jen’s local renovation projects @windmillrenovations on Instagram and Facebook. We also scored you a favorite family recipe from one of the East Valley’s most loved restaurants. The "Steve's Smoked Meatloaf" is such a crowd pleaser and yummy comfort food you will keep this recipe handy for non holidays also. We also want to share with you some entertaining ideas for this holiday season.
Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lynette Carrington, Jen Wilson, Robin Belley, Cyndee Woolle, Nicolette Martin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tracy Scheffer, Jen Wilson, Blushing Cactus Photography, Estée Janssens
East Valley favorite Blaine Long talks life after The Voice. An early look inside getting ready for the Chandler Film Festival with some the board of directors that live right here in Gilbert. That’s right, The film festival is on track, so you can snag some great tickets early, maybe even before our friendly neighbors. This holiday season is going to be wonderful, and we believe in you. Join us digitally
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
on facebook & instagram to share your holiday photos. @gilbertcitylifestyle and be
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
sure to check out all things Lifestyle on www.citylifestyle.com
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
And finally, please remember to find time for yourself too. Your family wants you to be happy and healthy above all else. Happy holidays, Gilbert. We can’t wait to see you next year! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Robin Belley, Publisher
Kristy Belley, Sales Director
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Blaine Long PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUSHING CACTUS PHOTOGRAPHY 4
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert
Proverbs 3:5-6 Gilbert Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Gilbert area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Gilbert Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020
FEATURES 12 Getting Authentic Evolving out of a reality television persona, singer/songwriter Blaine Long fully embraces his unique style
16 Living the Dream A family’s adventure of taking a chance on a new country
20 Deck the Doors Decorate your front porch this holiday season to spread the Christmas cheer
24 Chandler International Film Festival Reimagined film festival brings both
12 24
online and in-person opportunities to local and global film fans
16
20
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
12
Back Stage
16
Hot Spot
20 Renovate & Refine 24 Local Limelight 28 DIY 34 Lifestyle Calendar
AROUND TOWN
RRESS COFFEE OFFERS AN NEW COMMUNITY BLEND TO SUPPORT NONPROFITS Press Coffee is passionate about supporting the community where they work and live. Over the years the locally owned and operated company has donated to a variety of local nonprofits through annual fundraising efforts. With the launch of its new Community Blend coffee, Press Coffee is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness and support local organizations. Each quarter Press Coffee will identify a different nonprofit to support. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the Community Blend coffee will be donated. Arizona Coalition for Change, a Phoenix-based organization that empowers everyday people to transform their community through building civic power, just and equitable schools and safer neighborhoods will be the first beneficiary of many to come. “Recognizing and supporting the work others are doing in the community to improve inequalities, better our schools, or support those in-need is something we believe strongly in,” said Alex Mason, co-owner of Press Coffee. “We hope this small campaign will have a big effect not only for the individual organizations but the Phoenix community at-large.” presscoffee.com
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS MENTOR UNDER 30? 2020 has taught all business professionals that we must look for new ways to connect with clients. You should routinely work with interns. It's a great way to get special projects done, but often the young professionals bring more than just task-work. When talking through projects with young professionals, their questions open up new and innovative ways to stay on the cutting edge in serving clients. With the world changing, CEOs 8
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
like Jan Owen agree, “If you’re over 45 and you don’t have an under 30-year-old mentor — not mentee, but mentor — you’re going to miss fundamental shifts in thinking that are happening. I think the smart organizations are harvesting young people’s skills and technologies." – Cyndee Woolle
HD SOUTH--HOME OF THE GILBERT HISTORICAL MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum the East Valley’s arts, culture, & history center, in partnership with Art Intersection presents THROUGH EACH OTHER’S EYES—GUATEMALA EXCHANGE Beginning December 14, 2020 and on display through February 20, 2021, this exhibit of photographs by
image-makers
cultures
from
different
their
dissimi-
explores
lar worlds.
Two individuals from
Arizona, Rebecca Wilks from Yarnell and Geoff Reed from Phoenix, and two from Guatemala, Rony Mejia and Javier Alvarez-Vassaux both from Guatemala City, consecutively hosted their counterparts for ten days of road travel to capture iconic imagery of their respective lands. The photographs explore how cultural background informs a person’s unique vision, ranging from the Guatemalans’ surprised response to the vast, open, sparsely populated vistas of the arid American Southwest, to the Arizonans’ joyful reaction to the vibrant color and bustling population of tropical Guatemala. Gallery 4 admission is included in the price of Museum admission. HD SOUTH is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
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BACK STAGE
getting AU T H E N T I C 12
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
SINGER, SONGWRITER AND GUITARIST BLAINE LONG HAS BEEN AN EAST VALLEY RESIDENT SINCE HE WAS A TOT. His style is reminiscent of a young Bob Dylan mixed with a dash of Bruce Springsteen, and his storyteller-esque way of singing simply grabs the listener and pulls them into Long’s world. Heartfelt and real, Long’s original songs are relatable and authentic. Many people recognize Long from his appearance on season 11 of TV talent show “The Voice” in 2016. He successfully saw judges turn their chairs for his singing talent and wound up on Blake Shelton’s team. Long never felt that he was a great fit for the show and has since returned to his preferred groove of performing live at local venues. The spark for performing was ignited in Long when he was a youngster and his father would play records late at night on weekends. “My family would slowly go to bed and I would stay up with my dad… Just a little kid hanging out with his dad,” says Long. “My dad was not one for music, so when he put music on, it was like, ‘What’s happening here?’” His father would play everything from vintage Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to classical music. It left an impact on the budding musician. While attending a boarding academy in Scottsdale, Long was sinking more than he was floating, as he explains it, and left the school. He eventually hooked up with some friends who needed a singer for their band for their high school talent show. “I was pretty aimless - I don’t have any education and no GED,” says Long. “This is all I’ve wanted to do. I’m sort of a throwback.” Writing songs was always his first love. “I consider myself lucky, not smart, and I thought songs were what it was all about,” he says. From writing songs, to singing, Long’s style has evolved. “The guys would tease me and say I sounded like if Tracy Chapman and Michael Stipe had a baby,” laughs Long. “But I evolved because I didn’t stop.” He worked relentlessly for years, playing threehour shows each day, five or six days a week. “I was making amazing money before ‘The Voice’ as a solo artist in town playing 100 percent originals in ARTICLE LYNETTE
bars and restaurants.” Long explains. “Through that, I
CARRINGTON | PHOTOGRAPHY
got into a record deal. I worked out of a studio doing
TRACY SCHEFFER
one of my records and I’ve been doing a record a year.” While working at the studio, Long ran into Arizona attor-
EVOLVING OUT OF A REALITY TELEVISION PERSONA, SINGER/SONGWRITER BLAINE LONG FULLY EMBRACES HIS UNIQUE STYLE
ney Grant Woods. Long went on to perform on Woods’ album “The Project” that was comprised of local artists performing original songs written by the former Arizona Attorney General. CONTINUED >
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13
BACK STAGE (CONTINUED) Shortly thereafter, Woods started his own record label and signed Long. Woods took Long to meet with someone that
lucky! I have a house and a truck, and I get to write and play original music. That’s where my passion is.”
the new record label owner thought could get Long on “The
To date, Long has 13 original records under his belt,
Voice,” and a private audition was arranged. He wanted to
and his next record “Komodo” will be released in the next
“play nice,” but Long didn’t think he’d have a shot at getting on
several weeks. Additionally, he recently received a guitar
the show and wasn’t overly excited about the prospect. After
endorsement from Guild Guitars.
two auditions, he was chosen to appear the show. “They told
He is also grateful for Arizona venues that book him,
us we’d be gone for two months for the first round, and I have
particularly Good Time Charlie’s in Chandler. “It’s the
adopted kids, so I can’t be away from my babies that long,” he
neighborhood hang - the neighborhood bar,” says Long
says. His wife strongly encouraged him to go.
who performs there each Wednesday on the patio. “They
But Reality TV isn’t all that it appears. “It was hard at first because you have to go along with it, says Long." There wasn’t any direct
support live music like no one else I’ve seen. They fought hard to stay open during the pandemic.”
coaching from Shelton, although Long was fine with working with
COVID-19 has put a damper on entertainment, but Long is
a couple other vocal coaches. Ultimately, he was happy to get off
committed to performing. “It comes down to passion,” finishes
the show with his dignity and professionalism intact. Outside of
Long. “This is all I’ve ever wanted since I was a little kid.”
better paying gigs, no other opportunities came his way. “I’m very different now, I’m playing by my own rules,” explains Long who has since moved on from his TV experience. “I’m so
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
To learn more about Blaine Long visit blanielong.com
“I’M SO LUCKY! I HAVE A HOUSE AND A TRUCK, AND I GET TO WRITE AND PLAY ORIGINAL MUSIC. THAT’S WHERE MY PASSION IS.”
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living
ARTICLE ROBIN BELLEY
HOT SPOT
Owner Of Winery
the American dream WANTING TO COME TO AMERICA, WANTING TO BE AN AMERICAN IS YEARNING FOR THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY 16
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
IN THESE TIMES OF DIVISION, ACRIMONY AND,
The “Cuisine & Wine Bistro” in Chandler, overseen
LET’S SAY IT, FEAR AND HATRED, IT COULD BE
by Fabrice and Killian, maintains the French cui-
SAID THAT THE AMERICAN DREAM IS OVER.
sine tradition. The “Copper & Logs” at the corner
For some of us, coming to America was a goal
of Warner and Greenfield in Gilbert with its trendier
- something that we saved for or dreamed of. For
cocktails and wood fired pizzas is managed by Laura.
the Buschtetz family, this meant selling a successful
And the newly renovated “B Gastrobar”, located in
restaurant in France and moving across the Atlantic.
“The Islands” neighborhood near McQueen and
Wanting to come to America, wanting to be an
Warner is where Steven, the other chef in the family,
American is yearning for the freedom to choose
is adding a touch of French and Mediterranean flair
your destiny and make a life for yourself and your
to the American comfort food classics.
family. Like so many who have done so before,
The restaurant has undergone a major renova-
this was the dream for Fabrice and Mairead. After
tion since the days of the MWC. The Buschtetz
a trip to the area in 2012, they decided to make
took their time during the pandemic and re-cre-
the jump and move with their three children to
ated the menu. Listening to their customers, they
Arizona in the spring of 2013.
decided to operate outside of their comfort zone.
A love for the open road, wide open desert sky with
French fries, Deviled Eggs, Hamburgers, and Mac
breathtaking sunset, colors of rust, marigold, plum and
& Cheese are now part of the menu along with
indigo, wild horses running free along the Salt River is
Fabrice’s Escargots, Chorizo Croquettes, and
what brought us here. Building your dream and watch-
Burrata Cheese.
ing your children grow is what make us stay here.
An interesting mélange of spicy, salty, and tangy,
Fabrice is a third-generation restauranteur, his
Chef Steven offers us a wide variety of interesting
parents and grandparents owned restaurants.
choices: the croquettes are light, creamy, and spicy,
While he may have been born into it, his skills
the deviled eggs comes with bacon and blue cheese,
were acquired over years of long hours scrubbing,
the fries with aioli, even the venerable “mac and
preparing, measuring, watching, waiting for the
cheese” has been upgraded with a creamy lobster
right color, texture, the right smell, and the right
bisque or a spicier Chorizo in a cheese sauce.
taste. The first of his family to attend culinary
The relaxed atmosphere is more akin to a small
school in Paris, he is now passing this knowledge
neighborhood restaurant but with an excellent wine
on to Killian, Steven and Laura.
list, some memorable cocktails, selected beers, and
While Fabrice dreams of new recipes, Mairead is
the higher service standards usually associated with
all business. With a background in hotel and busi-
the classic training of the French culinary tradition. A
ness management, this soft-spoken Irish girl from
tradition that is alive and well under the hot sun of the
County Cork is making sure that the staff shows up
Arizona desert.
for their shift, and that things run smoothly in all
Part of being American may mean hamburger,
three of the family restaurants. Since the acqui-
cold beer and mac and cheese but part of being
sition of the MWC Bistro in 2015, the family now
American also means adding a bit of who you are to
owns and operates two additional locations.
the pot. bgastrobar.com 3-9 PM CONTINUED >
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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
festive smoked meatloaf INGREDIENTS Start to finish: 2 hrs. and 30 minutes (15 minutes prep time) Serving: 6 + 2 pounds Black Angus ground beef + 2 eggs (beaten) + 1 cup of sourdough bread crumbs + 2 tablespoons of olive oil + 2 carrots (finely diced) + 1 celery branch (finely diced) + 1 large onion (finely diced) + 1 jalapenos (seeded and diced) + ¼ teaspoon thyme + 1 bay leaf + 2 tablespoons of white wine + ½ cup barbeque sauce + ½ cup of your favorite barbecue rub
DIRECTIONS 01 In a sauce pan, heat up olive oil and sauté onions until they start to soften. Add the carrot, celery, bay leaf, thyme, and jalapeno. Sauté for 5 minutes until the mixture is soft and slightly brown. Deglaze with white wine, remove from heat, and let cool. 02 While the vegetables are cooling, mix the meat, crumbs, and egg. On a wire rack, shape vegetables and meat mixture into a loaf and add barbecue rub on the meatloaf for added flavor. 03 Fill smoker with Cherry, Pecan, Mesquite pellets or wood chip and smoke for two hours at 225°F. Once meatloaf has completed baking, remove from smoker and brush with barbecue sauce. Place back in smoker to finish for another 15 minutes. 04 Let cool, slice, and enjoy! CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert
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DECK RENOVATE & REFINE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JEN CRUTCHER
THE DOORS DECORATE YOUR FRONT PORCH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO SPREAD THE CHRISTMAS CHEER
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS JUST AROUND
these gatherings, and we are here to help
THE CORNER, AND ALTHOUGH THINGS
you create a porch to welcome in family,
LOOK A BIT DIFFERENT THIS YEAR, IT’S
friends, and the holidays.
STILL EXCITING TO DECORATE YOUR
Your porch is the first thing your guests
FRONT PORCH TO HELP RING IN THE
see when they pull up to your house, so
SEASON! I think most people welcome the
of course, it’s nice to make a good first
holidays because it means cooler weather
impression. The nice thing about dec-
and it’s something to look forward to in these
orating your porch is you don’t have to
crazy times. Although holiday gatherings
worry about untangling hundreds of tiny
might look a little different this year, we are
little white lights. Just grab some garland,
excited for the opportunity to create mean-
a wreath, and maybe a couple of trees or
ingful memories. Home is the backdrop for
logs and you are decking the halls!
your front porch! Adding frosted garland and wreaths with white twinkling lights can transform your porch into a snowy dream. Lanterns with candles and frosted trees will help set the tone for this winter wonderland.
WHITE CHRISTMAS PINE WITH SNOW WREATH $85.99
POTTED FLOCKED BALSAM FIR ARTIFICIAL TREE $70.00
DRE AMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMA S
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas in warm Arizona? Bring the winter wonderland to
STYLE TIP Add layers of trees and other festive accents to give your PLAID RUG BLACK $20.00
space dimension. Don’t be afraid to layer a doormat with a decorative rug to add more texture and holiday cheer.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert
21
RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED) PRE-LIT WOODLAND PINE WREATH & GARLAND, ITEM PRICE $129
DRIED BIRCH WOOD $18.99
CABIN IN THE WOODS Whether you are staying in Gilbert for the holidays or you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in your cabin up North, we can help up your holiday curb appeal. My parents have a wonderful mountain getaway in Payson, Arizona and we love to go antiquing! Adding personal touches to your porch will make it uniquely yours.
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
STYLE TIP Mixing organic elements like dried birch wood and an antique copper bucket bring in the rustic feels. Don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new to add character to your porch.
STYLE TIP
If you like the clean or minimalist look, the key is green. Simply add a wreath and some garland to your porch to ring in the season. Faux greenery adds color
Make sure you give your garland some TLC! Whether
and texture to help your home feel festive this season.
you just bought it, or are pulling it out of a box, make
Garland is a timeless piece of Christmas dĂŠcor that
sure you fluff it before you hang it. Spread the needles
can transform any space.
and branches away from the main wire to make your
HOLIDAY WREATH $34.99
SIMPLY GRE E N
garland full and beautiful.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DOORMAT $12.99
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LOCAL LIMELIGHT
CHANDLER I N T E R N AT I O N A L
F I L M F E S T I VA L
REIMAGINED FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS BOTH ONLINE AND IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES TO LOCAL AND GLOBAL FILM FANS
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
THE YEAR 2020 HAS BEEN UNFORGETTABLE FOR MOST
ARTICLE LYNETTE CARRINGTON
PEOPLE AND FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS. For the Chandler
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
International Film Festival, it has been a year of growth, opportunity and shifting gears to address the challenges presented by a global pandemic. To its credit, the board of directors for the Chandler International Film Festival have made changes that ultimately bring even more participation to the fifth annual film festival taking place January 21-24, 2021 online, at Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 and drive-in style movie screenings at Chandler High School. The board of directors is comprised of festival founder and board president Mitesh Patel, vice president Betty Ramirez, secretary Denise Phillips, treasurer Dave Waltzer, board members Rene Lopez, Bill Tirone, Bernard Johnsen, Christine Wenger and Doug Rosepapa, and associate board members Lynette Carrington and Melody King. Together, they worked to maintain the excitement, fun and industry engagement for the 2021 event while still maintaining safety protocols. This year, films will be screened indoors at Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 with rigorous social distancing and safety and cleanliness measures firmly in place. “Due to COVID, we have less occupancy at the theater,” explains Patel. “We added virtual viewing of some films online, and a drive-in venue which will be better for us as we continue to make everyone safe while attending the festival.” Keeping that positive mindset, Patel is looking forward to welcoming residents from around Arizona and the world. He says, “We are using social distancing and still having fun for the physical setting for the film festival. We will be safe, but still have a much better experience with theater, drive-in, and virtual viewing, giving many more people the chance to enjoy our films.” Gilbert resident and associate board member Carrington explains, “I am proud of how the board has sought out inventive ways to solve tricky issues as it relates to our festival. Our board includes a cohesive group of professionals from various industries and every person brings spectacular talent to the table.” A nonprofit film festival, Chandler International Film Festival celebrates filmmaker diversity of every kind, particularly women filmmakers. The festival likes to showcase films made by those who sometimes feel they don’t have opportunities. Chandler Film Festival welcomes them all. Waltzer, who is a Gilbert resident explains, “This festival brings people from all over the world to Chandler. It also helps to foster worldwide relationships and collaboration within the film industry.” This year, special guests will include actors Lee Arenberg and Martin Klebba, main pirate character actors from several of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films and they will participate in a special screening of the “Pirate of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” with a question-and-answer session that will take place Saturday, January 23. Patel says, “I am excited to see the movies ‘Tombstone,’ screening Friday, January 22 and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: CONTINUED >
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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)
The Curse of the Black Pearl.’ We also have the feature film, ‘The Unhealer,’ partially filmed in Scottsdale and the Superstition Mountains and stars Natasha Henstridge, Lance Henricksen and Adam Beach. We’ll also be screening the documentary, ‘Kiss the Ground’ which has an amazing cast of including Woody Harrelson, Patricia Arquette, Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen and many others.” “The festival is definitely growing, and I love that,” says Gilbert resident and board member Christine Wenger. “I also love that the entire community comes together to participate. I know this will be a great year and we have incredible films entered in the festival.” Key event sponsors have been valuable in keeping the festival viable for 2021. Those sponsors include Casanova Brothers Pizza, Desert Car Care Center of Chandler, Waymo, Hilton Garden Inn Chandler Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Chandler South. The City of Chandler has also been instrumental in making the festival a success. Chandler’s Community Resources and Diversity Supervisor Niki Tapia has been a big support, and Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources has provided volunteers and printing services. “The City of Chandler has always supported our festival and it proves what we can do when we work together!” adds Ramirez. “This is our fifth year and even with the changes we had to make with COVID, we feel it will be a wonderful and exciting event,” says Patel. “We are so excited to know that two of the actors from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ will attend and actor and improv professional Pat Finn will conduct an improv workshop. We anticipate more stars will be joining us, too.” Patel finishes, “We will have workshops and after-parties to enjoy, but the biggest excitement will be to see the films that the kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as the Chandler High School students submit for recognition and awards. These are just a few of the ways that we are involving our local community.” Local nonprofits AZCEND and ICAN have both been chosen by the film festival as the recipients of a portion of festival proceeds. Chandler-based AZCEND helps change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. ICAN is also based in Chandler and is a free youth center in the East Valley that offers programming for youth, teens, families and the community. The Festival
Fifth takes
Annual place
Chandler January
International 21-24,
2021
Film online,
at Harkins Chandler Fashion 24 and at Chandler High School. Tickets for all events are on sale at http://www.chandlerfilmfestival.com.
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
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DIY
bullet journaling 101
Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-
and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off. With all of these things to keep track of and
our lives moving a mile a minute, anything we
THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS
can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS
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Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
CONTINUED >
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DIY (CONTINUED)
what you need There’s so much you can do here with just a notebook (you’ll probably want one with a dotted grid) and a pen! If you want to add some creative flair, consider incorporating markers, stickers and washi tape.
start simple When you start searching for bullet journaling on Pinterest, it can get really overwhelming really fast. Decide what is most important for you to keep track of and start with that! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll be less likely to stick with it.
make it your own The most important thing to remember is that it is for you and not anyone else. Use your favorite colors, doodle things that help
symbols s ymbol char t
A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:
Task
Event Note
Complete
30
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
you out and make it work for you!
how-to how - to
page styles t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker
+ Spending log
+ Activity tracker
+ Bucket list
+ Exercise tracker
+ Reading list
+ Ideas list
+ Yearly goals
+ Chore list
+ Happiness log
+ Budget tracker
+ Sleep tracker
CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert
31
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
9
THROUGH JAN
The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
LIVE NATIVITY - BOULDER MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH
PHOENIX ZOO - CRUISE ZOO LIGHTS
a nearly four-story tall Christmas Tree,
Phoenix Zoo
Santa’s sELFie stations and visits from
Community Church
For the first time in the history of the
Santa. Friday and Saturday nights fea-
Follow the street lined with lumi-
Phoenix Zoo, Cruise ZooLights from
ture arts, crafts and local vendors
narias leading to a live nativity.
the comfort of your own car. See
Open Daily Noon - 10pm
Plus a petting zoo, tractor-pulled
millions of twinkling holiday lights
hayride, crafts and a photo booth.
and dazzling animal sculptures. Tour
Enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate.
the Africa Trail and see the all-new
6-8:30 p.m.; 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Wildlife Lantern Safari featuring 66
nativity story presentations.
animals — 5:30PM - 10:30PM (last
McClellan Road - Boulder Mountain
Ticket Purchase Required
11-13, 17-23, 26-31
than 2 million holiday lights, displayed and synchronized to classic Christmas songs. Plus visits from Santa (Dec. 7, 8, 14-23), illuminated
Heritage District
Desert Botanical Garden comes to
A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spec-
life with more than 8,000 luminarias
tacular, heart-warming version of
and thousands of twinkling lights.
Dickens’ classic tale of redemption
5:30-10:30 p.m.
is magically brought to life on the
Dec. 11-13, 17-23, 26-31
traditional
carols,
stunning
ters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 18th year
display, ice skating, festive foods and hot cocoa at Vertuccio Farms
7 HOLIDAY BALLOON GLOW San Tan Village
Kick off the holidays with the ninth
THROUGH JAN
Annual
ZOO LIGHTS WALK THROUGH
& Mrs. Claus and more. Check
of
twinkling
lights
Glow
featuring
kids zone, live entertainment, Santa website for a complete timetable
Phoenix Zoo
Millions
Balloon
more than 70 vendors, food trucks,
shine
of events. 1-9 p.m. Free. San Tan
throughout the Phoenix Zoo during
Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Road,
1-22
the annual Zoolights. Enjoy dazzling
Gilbert. shopsantanvillage.com
RAWHIDE SNOWY CHRISTMAS
Wildlife Lantern Safari and festive senes
in Gilbert! haletheatrearizona.com
animal sculptures, a music-in-motion light show on the main lake, an all-new
Gila River Reservation
of Polar Paradise in the newly added
The Christmas tree will light up,
Outer Tropics Trail. Nightly Through
Santa will appear and snow will fall at
January 18th 5:30pm - 10:30pm
this Western theme park on the Gila River Reservation west of Chandler. December 1 - December 22nd
Gilbert Lifestyle | December 2020
21 WINTER SOLSTICE - LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS Desert Botanical Gardens
1-31
On Monday, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice),
MERRY MESA WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
the Garden for an evening of self-re-
Main Street & MacDonald 34
trails, a twinkling barnyard animal
Desert Botanical Gardens
Hale Stage. This production is rich costumes, and memorable charac-
CHRISTMAS FARM LIGHTS CELEBRATION This new light show includes more
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
with
1-24 Vertuccio Farms
LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS - DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS
Hale Center Theatre - Downtown
Market, Jack Frost Food Truck Forest, Main Street Express trackless train,
car must be in line by 9:30 Advanced
1-26, EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY
opens, along with Mesa Christmas
a Silent Night at Luminaria will be held. Walk the luminaria-lit trails of flection and rejuvenation, with no live or recorded music.
CityLifestyle.com/Gilbert
35