SanTan Sun; 04-18-15: Neighbors

Neighbors

From farmers markets to brick and mortar

Chandler Craft Spirits Festival set for year two

AZ Food Crafters find success with hand pies

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Eddie Castillo and Mike Caliendo knew they had a winning idea with handcrafted pies.

They started AZ Food Crafters and sold the pies at a farmers market in Tempe, then the company’s reach grew to “just about every market in the Valley when we first started,” said Castillo, the chef and lead baker.

AZ Food Crafters moved from a rented

space into its own bakery three years ago. It added an eat-in cafe two years ago.

Known as “The Pie Guys,” Castillo and Caliendo describe their enclosed pastry products as savory and sweet, with two different snack and meal sizes. Customers can stop in for the freshly baked hand pies, traditional round pies, salads, soups and other foods.

“The hand pie has been our biggest thing. It’s like a pasty,” Castillo said. “We actually sell more savory hand pies than sweet.”

Customers can choose from a selection of four breakfast hand pies, nine meat hand pies and, for dessert, five hand pies. Savory varieties including the new Jamaican beef patty hand pie with grass-fed beef, potatoes, red bell peppers, onion, garlic, habanero pepper, coconut milk, spices, fresh thyme, sea salt and lemon juice. The gold potato is filled with crimini mushrooms, potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, sea salt black pepper, pecorino romano and fontina cheeses and cream.

Castillo said they participate in only a few markets now. “We’re doing Roadrunner Park in north Phoenix on Saturdays, Gilbert on Saturdays and then we do Ahwatukee on Sundays.” AZ Food Crafters also participates in the Farmers Market at ASU during the school year.

AZ Food Crafters is offering a special “Brunch at Home” for Mother’s Day. All items are available for pre-order and can be picked up on Saturday, May 9, or

BY CURT BLAKENEY

When it comes to culture, the Valley has become a haven for food and drink festivals. Benefiting from the area’s near-perfect weather during the spring season, outdoor foodie festivals have been sprouting up everywhere with themes such as barbecue, food truck fare, tacos, tamales and craft beer.

The latest one vying for its slice of the public’s affection is the Chandler Craft Spirits Festival, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler.

“This is different than your wine or craft beer festival,” said event organizer Tiffany Jarratt-Shultz of the Levitate Agency. “We are concentrating on craft cocktail and small distilleries. We had such great feedback from our first year, that we are really excited to grow the event and introduce more people to these craft distilleries.”

Now in its second year, the Chandler Craft Spirits Festival showcases craft, small-batch, artisanal, boutique and premium spirits and cocktails, as well as a few wines and craft beers mixed in, including popular brews from SanTan Brewing Company in Chandler.

Celebrate Earth and Arbor days at Environmental

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

The Environmental Education Center officials have scheduled a joint Earth Day and Arbor Day event to reintroduce the 7-year-old Veterans Oasis Park attraction to the community.

“Not a lot of people know about the Environmental Education Center,” said Daniella Rodriguez, the center’s coordinator.

The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Attendees will have the opportunity to see animals, discover ways to become more eco-friendly and participate in many hands-on activities.

Rodriguez said with so many new neighborhoods being built near Veterans

Oasis Park, she wanted the annual event to enhance the Environmental Education Center experience with more interactive activities.

This year marks the seventh Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration. The Environmental Education Center was the ideal place for it because it was built as a resource for people who want to learn more about the environment and plants.

This year the event will feature such organizations as Desert Rivers Audubon Society, Liberty Wildlife and Arizona Herpetological Association.

Liberty Wildlife will bring different birds of prey to the event and teach attendees about the animals. Arizona Herpetological Association will highlight and display various reptiles.

A science-related activity about different bird beaks will be explored, while explaining what types of food these birds can consume.

Other vendors will include solid waste services, storm water services, and staff from the recreation division. A Girl Scout troop will conduct a recycling activity and a shaved ice vendor will be on site.

Education Center

earlier. Orders must placed by 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. Special items include a potato mushroom and spinach quiche ($22), spinach tomato quiche ($22) and a smoked salmon quiche ($25), all of which serve four to six people. There is also AZ Food Crafters signature fruit and honey yogurt parfait and lemon ricotta cake available for pre-order.

In addition to the “Brunch at Home” for Mother’s Day items, its signature breakfast and lunch hand pies are also available for pre-order—six hand pies for $22 and 12 hand pies for $44. Breakfast

hand pies include homemade turkey sausage and egg white and maple bacon, potato and cheddar scramble among other varieties. Dessert or sweet hand pies include lemon crème, chocolate cream, classic apple and strawberry lemon crème.

Caliendo and Castillo complement one another in AZ Food Crafters.

“He’s been in the restaurant business forever,” Castillo states of Caliendo. “He’s management and that’s how we work. I’m chef and co-owner and do a lot of food production and he handles logistics, management and sales. We both bring

“We want to give people the opportunity to try different cocktails made with spirits from local and regional craft distilleries,” Jarratt-Shultz said. “Patrons can taste spirits from sweet and tangy to smooth and spicy. It is a craft cocktail carnival with a variety of distilleries sharing their amazing products in the forum of a cocktail, neat or straight up.”

One of the premium tequila brands on display will be Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine. Clyne, the lead singer and namesake of the popular band Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, launched his tequila in 2011 and now has three flavors: Silver, Reposado and Anejo. Mexican Moonshine has won numerous awards for excellence including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“I really like these local events, because it gives us the opportunity to get our tequila in front of people in Arizona,” said Clyne, who joins fellow rock stars Jimmy Buffett and Sammy Hagar with their own line of tequila. “We love the opportunity to stand up next to ultrapremiums and show our stuff.

“The most fun I have is watching people who aren’t tequila fans see them light up after trying our brand,” said Clyne, who first tasted tequila while attending ASU. “I like to turn them on

to what premium tequila should be. It should be an amazing experience, to be enjoyed and savored with friends.”

Clyne mentioned while his tequila is excellent mixed in margaritas and other cocktails, it is best sipped straight up.

“Our stuff is really good,” Clyne explained. “It’s created in the old world estate style and meant to be sipped. It’s so smooth and tastes so good. It’s an elegant tequila and pairs well with fine foods.”

Clyne suggested pairing the Silver with lighter entrées like ceviche, fish and chicken, the Reposado with traditional Mexican fare, and the Anejo with prime rib and filet mignon.

Other spirits on display at the Chandler Craft Spirits Festival include local brands Copper City Bourbon and Gold Miner Rum, as well as popular outof-state brands like Deep Eddy Vodka, Smooth Ambler Spirits and Spring 44 Distilling.

Besides tasting premium spirits and cocktails, patrons can also nosh on small bites from food trucks and local eateries, and enjoy DJ-spun tunes, a cigar lounge and a bartending competition.

Event promoters are encouraging everyone to drink responsibly and have partnered with Total Transit and the San Marcos Hotel for discounted rates on transportation and lodging.

two major important parts of running a food business to AZ Food Crafters.”

AZ Food Crafters includes a staff that devotes its time to slicing, dicing, preparing and baking all hand pies and menu items on premises.

The shop boasts dine-in and carry-out options. Frozen hand pies can be taken home for parties, special events and school birthdays.

“That is huge. We have customers that buy 10 three-packs and take them home,” Castillo said.

After years of crafting hand pies, Castillo still loves making the delicious

Tickets are $40 and include 15 drink tickets. The event benefits the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, a nonprofit organization that works to advance the development of Downtown Chandler and enhance its overall appeal as both a residential and tourist destination.

For more information, visit ChandlerCraftSpiritsFestival.com.

Curt Blakeney is an associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

Traffic unit offering alcohol awareness

The Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Unit, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, will be at the Craft Spirits Festival in downtown Chandler on April 25 to conduct the “Know Your Limit” educational awareness program. “Know Your Limit” is a nonenforcement program designed to educate the public on the effects alcohol has on an individual’s blood alcohol level.

Qualified officers will provide attendees with the opportunity to blow into a portable breath tester (PBT). These individuals will then be able to see how their alcohol consumption affects the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. Officers will also provide the participant with an informational flier outlining the program.

The ultimate goal of this program is to provide alcohol awareness to individuals who have consumed alcoholic beverages and allow them to understand their level of alcohol. This information will allow individuals to make informed choices before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

and convenient goodies and sharing his work with his clients and café customers.

“I love to see people’s reactions and it’s one of the most gratifying things about this business,” he said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

AZ Food Crafters is located at 961 W. Ray Rd., Suite 1, Chandler. Visit www. bakedhandpies.com or call (602) 692-4129 for additional information. Café hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. AZ Food Crafters also participates in www.grubhub.com for customer delivery.

The seventh annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration will have many hands-on activities and crafts for the youngsters Saturday, April 25. Submitted photo

Earth Day and Arbor Day crafts will be held inside the center. Kids can color a coffee filter, for example, and before spraying water on it to watch the colors run together, showing what colors constitute green and blue, Rodriguez said.

The Environmental Education Center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The center offers classes and workshops themed toward nature and the outdoors for children and adults, Rodriguez said.

“It is really a great place to spend several hours,” she said. “It doesn’t cost any money. It doesn’t cost to go to the park, or to come into the facility.”

Veterans Oasis Park, which is open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, offers hiking, fishing, bird watching, and bike trails. For more information about the center, call (480) 782-2890, email EEC@chandleraz. gov, or visit www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Meghan McCoy is a section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

Raise awareness for oral cancer at Phoenix Zoo

Participants can help raise public awareness and receive a free oral screening at the Oral Cancer Foundation Walk for Awareness— Arizona on Saturday, April 25, at Phoenix Zoo, 544 Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix.

Check-in and registration begins at 6 a.m. and includes breakfast, entertainment and free oral cancer screening. Registration also includes an all-day pass to the zoo.

Walkers who register online pay $25; students pay $15. Oral cancer survivors and children 5 and younger walk for free.

Visit http://donate.oralcancer.org/ event/arizona2015 to register.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park activities

Join staff at San Tan Mountain Regional Park for its featured events during the months of April and May. San Tan Mountain Regional Park has a $6 vehicle day-use entry fee. There are no additional fees for programs, unless otherwise noted. San Tan Mountain Regional Park is located at 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek. For a complete listing of the April and May programs, visit www. maricopa.gov/parks/santan.

Movie in the Park: ‘A Bug’s Life’

Bring a blanket and a pillow to the Nature Center and enjoy “A Bug’s Life,” a family-friendly movie, at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The movie will take attendees on a journey of an ant who searches for warrior bugs to help battle the threatening grasshoppers. Attendees

Knee Pain Breakthrough Now Available at Chandler Clinic

Knee Pain Breakthrough Now Available at Chandler Clinic

(Chandler, AZ) East Valley pain clinic Novocur recently announced a significant advancement in treating chronic knee joint pain is now being performed by its doctors.

(Chandler, AZ) East Valley pain clinic Novocur recently announced a significant advancement in treating chronic knee joint pain is now being performed by its doctors.

Radiofrequency ablation or RFA uses radiofrequency heat energy to target nerves and block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Radiofrequency ablation or RFA uses radiofrequency heat energy to target nerves and block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Dr. Alex Bigham, Novocur president and CEO, calls RFA an important new alternative to total knee replacement for patients who desire to delay surgery or who have complicating health issues that eliminate the surgical option.

Dr. Alex Bigham, Novocur president and CEO, calls RFA an important new alternative to total knee replacement for patients who desire to delay surgery or who have complicating health issues that eliminate the surgical option.

“RFA is done without anesthesia” Bigham says, “takes just a few minutes with successful results that last around 6 to 12 months.”

“RFA is done without anesthesia” Bigham says, “takes just a few minutes with successful results that last around 6 to 12 months.”

are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. Concessions are available inside the center.

Celebrate moms

Stop by the San Tan Nature Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, for the program “Just for Kids: I Heart Mom.” All ages are welcome to join in on the opportunity to create Mother’s Day cards, as well as other crafts.

Bloomin’ cactus walk

A Goldmine Trail hike is scheduled for 8 a.m. Friday, May 15. Meet at the Goldmine Trailhead on the north side of the park. Wear closed-toed shoes, hat and sunscreen. Bring a camera and plenty of water.

Mountain Bike 101: Beginner’s ride

A beginner’s ride will be held with the San Tan Shredders to teach basic skills. Such topics will include proper riding position to braking and how to navigate uphill and downhill climbs. A helmet is required for and participants are asked to bring plenty of water and an extra tube. All riding abilities are welcome. Participants should meet at the main trailhead west of the Visitor Center at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 24.

Scorpion scavenger hunt

Explore the desert at night and search for scorpions 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Wear closed-toed shoes; bring plenty of water and a black light. Black lights are available for purchase inside the Visitors Center. Meet at the flag pole.

RFA has been used to treat back and neck pain for more than a decade. With the addition of RFA, Novocur becomes one of only a select few clinics nationwide pioneering RFA technology for knee pain.

RFA has been used to treat back and neck pain for more than a decade. With the addition of RFA, Novocur becomes one of only a select few clinics nationwide pioneering RFA technology for knee pain.

The RFA procedure is covered by most insurance carriers including Medicare. More information is available at novocur.com or by calling (480)855-6686.

The RFA procedure is covered by most insurance carriers including Medicare. More information is available at novocur.com or by calling (480)855-6686.

Break Time guide available

The City’s quarterly Break Time recreation guide for the summer is available to the public, and summer class registration for residents begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2. Nonresidents can sign up for classes starting at 10 a.m. Friday, May 8.

The summer session covers June, July and August and features recreation and lifestyle classes and programs for people of all ages and abilities. New this session is Donuts and Dads preschool activity, special interest summer intersession camps, vegan cooking and more. Returning favorites include intersession camps for youth, adult sports leagues, swim lessons, free family swim opportunities, the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and much more. These activities are available at various times and locations throughout the city. July will mark 30 years of National Park and Recreation Month, which will

highlight the enduring importance of parks and recreation in the world. This July, Chandler Parks and Recreation will celebrate the past, present and future of parks and rec by “getting gnarly” and “rocking out” in ‘80s style. An array of retro theme programs will be offered at ‘80s prices or for free. Pick up Break Time or visit the electronic copy online for more details.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month,” said Brooke Peterson, marketing and communications coordinator of the City of Chandler. “We are offering dozens of free or low-cost, drop-in activities for the community to celebrate Park and Recreation Month with us. Those who participate will be entered to win a parks and recreation prize pack. The more they participate, the more chances they have to win.”

Printed copies of the Break Time

April 18 marks Countryside

Estates Community Garage Sale

From 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 18, the Countryside Estates Community Garage Sale will be held on the northeast corner of Cooper and Chandler Heights roads.

recreation guide are available at numerous city facilities and an electronic version can be accessed online at www. chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Register at www.chandleraz.gov/ registration, by mail, or in person at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.; Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.; Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., or Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd.

Register for swim programs at the Aquatics Administrative offices at 650 E. Ryan Rd.

For more information on class registration, call (480) 782-2727. Keep up to date on the latest Chandler Recreation news and information when “liking” the Chandler Recreation Facebook page, subscribe to Chandler Recreation on YouTube and follow @ChandlerRec on Twitter and Instagram.

Si Se Puede Foundation seeking volunteer dance teachers

Si Se Puede Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking volunteer dance teachers familiar with either country western, rock ‘n’ roll or swing.

Classes are offered during the week and after school. Days and times are flexible.

The foundation is asking individuals to help them provide and deliver the programs to Chandler Title 1 Schools. Those interested can call Alberto Esparza at (480) 310-2018.

Recreational swim teams develop potential

Registration is open for Chandler youth wanting to participate in the City’s summer recreation swim team programs.

Teams of swimmers with names like Mesquite Groves Sting Rays, West Chandler Hammerheads, Arrowhead Dolphins and Arrowhead Sea Lions train to compete in the East Valley Swim Conference, which includes teams from Apache Junction, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Val Vista Lakes and others.

A highlight of the program is participation in the Swimmers Classic Recreation Swim Meet held in July in Mesa. The meet is hosted by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Sports & Aquatics Branch.

The six-week program is open to

children and teens ages 5 1/2 to 17 years. The program is designed to enhance the physical and mental fitness of participants while building confidence and self-esteem. It teaches swim skills, rules, teamwork and sportsmanship through organized training, self-discipline and hard work that helps youth realize their full potential.

“Our swim teams provide experiences that these kids talk about for years afterward,” Traci Tenkely, a recreation coordinator for the City’s aquatics division said. “And our enthusiastic parents get involved as spectators and volunteers, which we strongly encourage.”

Participants must be able to perform

The Sip, Soak and Splash Memorial Day party set

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa is kicking off the summer by offering the Sip, Soak and Splash package from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25.

The room rate is $139 per night and the package includes accommodations and four wristbands granting entrance for two children and two adults into the resort’s Soak and Splash water lawn.

The Sip, Soak and Splash party will take place on Hemapik Lawn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.

The party includes a 22-foot dual slip and slide, multiple sizes of inflatable water slides, a water tag station, DJ entertainment and family-friendly concession stands for the ultimate in lawn-side gourmet creations.

From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the resort is offering s’mores and songs around the resort’s fire pit. Featured that evening are bocce, life-sized Jenga and cornhole.

Other family-friendly activities include Cinema Splash at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and

the freestyle, backstroke and breaststoke with some proficiency. They must also have completed the American Red Cross swimming ability equivalent to the City’s Fish class.

There are one morning and three evening programs offered for $51 for residents and $69 for nonresidents.

For swim team and registration information, call (480) 782-2756 or visit www.chandleraz. gov/aquatics.

Sunday; poolside entertainment from the ‘80s cover band Rock Lobster from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and the ‘90s cover band Smashed from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Grab a bite from Hanyo Poolside Bar & Grill at the resort’s main pool all weekend long.

Other distinctive experiences happening Friday through Sunday include the Native American culturally themed courses such as jewelry and dream catcher-making courses, gourd painting, canvas and cocktails and Chemeith making—the ancient bread of the Pima and Maricopa people.

To reserve a Sip, Soak and Splash weekend experience call (866) 837-4156 and mention rate plan MEM15 or visit www. wildhorsepassresort.com/summer.

Guests not on the Sip, Soak and Splash package can buy individual entrance wristbands for $20 per person, based on availability.

Surf and turf craft dinner scheduled for El Palacio

Anthony Serrano, chef and owner of El Palacio Restaurant in Chandler, has teamed up with Mike Hess Brewing Company for a surf- and turf-themed craft beer dinner on Wednesday, April 22.

“I’ve put together a menu of coastal surf and turf flavors that will pair perfectly with the San Diego west coast flavors of Mike Hess craft beer. This is going to be a fun and delicious event,” Serrano said.

Mike Hess Brewing Company was founded a few years ago when its namesake left his career in financial services to pursue his passion for craft brewing. After much success, Mike Hess Brewing has grown to include a tasting room, brewery and larger production facility.

The menu includes:

• Blood Orange Ceviche: Shrimp marinated in blood orange juice, fresh herbs, tomatoes and onions, paired with

Jucundus Orange Honey Wheat

• Avocado and Bacon Truffles: Avocado, bacon and jalapeño rolled in cornmeal and fried, paired with Solis Occasus IPA

• Carne Asada Fajitas Oscar: Top sirloin sautéed with Habitus drunken vegetables and garnished with Jucundus steamed crab, paired with Habitus Double India Pale Ale and Vanilla Churros with a Grazias Cream dipping sauce paired with Grazias Vienna Cream Ale.

• The surf and turf craft beer dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at El Palacio in Chandler. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (480) 802-5770 or online at www. epfamilyrestaurants.com. It is $25 per person.

El Palacio is located at the Crossroads Towne Center, 2950 E. Germann Rd.

‘Rap’ session theme of hearing loss association meeting

The last meeting of the Sun Lakes Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association’s season will be a “rap” session where attendees will discuss issues of hearing loss.

Attendees are asked to bring questions, concerns, successes, failures, sources of frustrations and strategies that have worked with them from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at the Ed Robson

Branch Library Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. CART, real-time captioning, is provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility. For additional information contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or call Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

— CLOSED TUESDAYS —

Studio Academy of Beauty offers annual career fair

The Studio Academy of Beauty is hosting its ninth annual career fair for its students and graduates.

The studio holds two career fairs a year at its Chandler, Phoenix and Tolleson campuses. Students are prepared through resume writing and interviewing classes, so they can present themselves in the best way possible. More than 15 salons and spas attend the career fairs held at the campus and sit with each student for 5 to 10 minutes to see if they might be a good match.

“It is a great way for students and graduates to meet several salons and spas at once and the same for the hiring managers at each company,” said Cathy Koluch, president and founder of The Studio Academy.

“We have had several graduates go to work for these employers, which is why we continue to focus on this each year. There are jobs in this industry and we have launched many careers for our graduates.”

The studio is committed to not only educating its students in their chosen career field of either cosmetology or esthetics, but also to seeing them through state licensure and successful placement in their first job.

The Studio Academy of Beauty provides education in the areas of cosmetology and esthetics.

Accredited by NACCAS, financial aid is available for those who qualify and the Studio Academy of Beauty is approved by the Veterans Administration.

In other Studio Academy of Beauty news, 10 students assisted with picture day at Children’s First Academy on Thursday, April 2.

There were approximately 200 students between the ages of 6 and 14 who had their hair styled prior to their pictures. The children were provided with combs, bows and hair ties, all which were donated by Marianna Beauty Supply and The Studio Academy of Beauty staff and students.

This is the first year that The Studio Academy of Beauty has had the opportunity to be involved.

The local studio is located at 610 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 857-1138 or visit www.tsaob.com.

Inaugural Babies Bonanza Showcase & Expo to be held May 16

PB&J Events and Promotions, whose owner lives in Chandler, will present the inaugural Babies Bonanza Showcase & Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Phoenix Convention Center Hall G South Building, 100 N. Third St. The event, which targets new and expecting parents, is the largest baby expo in Phoenix providing information and products useful to new parents.

The Babies Bonanza Showcase & Expo provides a day where parents can prepare from prenatal to preschool. The expo will feature more than 50 exhibitors showcasing their products and services; product demonstrations; health and fitness education; parenting tips; free samples; live entertainment; baby shower with gifts; special baby pageant and lots of great

Chandler Republican Women to hold meeting

Chandler Republican Women will host speakers Maricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney, Chandler City Councilwoman Nora Ellen and Gilbert Town Councilwoman Jenn Daniels at its Tuesday, April 21, meeting. All of the Chandler Republican Women meetings are held at Tri-City Baptist Church Seminary Building, 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise published. They begin with a 6:30 p.m. meet and greet with the meeting starting at 7 p.m. Chandler Republican Women recently merged with Gilbert Republican Women. The meeting is open to the public. Those interested in joining Chandler Republican Women, can visit www.CRW.gop or contact the club president Lisa Askey at lisa@rocketchics.com.

giveaways. For sponsorship or vendor opportunities, call (480) 721-2097, email events@ pbjevents.com or visit www.pbjevents.com.

PB&J Events and Promotion is an Arizona-based events production and promotions company focused on producing events and activities that promote kid and family-friendly businesses through local large-scale events. Additional signature showcase and expos include Healthy Kids & Fit Family, Kid’s Day Off and PB&J Bites Family Food Festival.

East Valley JCC, LDS stake sponsoring blood drive

From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, the East Valley JCC and the LDS Chandler West Stake will sponsor a blood drive with the American Red Cross. The community is invited to stop by the JCC, 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, to participate in this Mitzvah project.

Mitzvah in Hebrew means commandment. The JCC uses the term to refer to community service projects, as helping others is something everyone is obligated to do.

“We are proud to host this blood drive as our April Mitzvah project through our

preschool,” said Pam Morris, the center’s early childhood education director. “Each month we work with different agencies to give back to the community through donations of money and goods. This time we are asking our families and the community at large to give a piece of themselves to those in need.”

To register to donate blood, call (800) RED-CROSS, or visit www.redcrossblood. org and use the code chandlercommunity.

For more information about the blood drive, or any of the JCC programs, contact Morris at (480) 897-0588 or pam@evjcc.org.

Olive Blossom Festival at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Queen Creek Olive Mill is hosting its annual Olive Blossom Festival with special weekend events, live music and food through Sunday, May 10, at Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Rd., Queen Creek.

“April is the best time to visit the Olive Mill—the weather is great, it’s our 10th anniversary and the festival starts with the grand opening of our outside bar and grill we named The Pit,” said owner Perry Rea.

The outdoor bar and grill, The Pit, held its grand opening Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, The Pit will be open and grilling gourmet Chicago-style hot dogs and serving five local craft beers, wine and sangria. Guests can enjoy games in the grove like cornhole and bocce. Olive Oil 101 classes will also be running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as live music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

San Tan Artists’ Art in the Grove will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in the front grove at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The artists will be offering works for purchase. Regular activities will be available.

Grub in the Grove Food Truck Event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the front grove at Queen Creek Olive Mill Sunday, May 3. The mill is partnering with Phoenix-area food trucks for a day of festivities. Guests will find the trucks parked in the front grove of Queen Creek Olive Mill where they’ll be offering their specialties. In addition, each truck will showcase and offer a menu of items incorporating Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Master Blender’s Choice Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite truck.

The scheduled lineup of food trucks includes The Grilled Cheese Truck, The Great Pho King Food Truck, LA Roots Food Truck and Burgers Amore.

Olive Oil 101 classes will be running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and live music will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day at the mill will feature an assortment of specialty brunch items and other select items from the lunch menu all day. Olive Oil 101 classes will be running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and live music will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regarded as one of Arizona’s premier agri-tourism destinations, Queen Creek Olive Mill is the state’s only producer of extra virgin olive oil. A visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill offers information and tours about sustainable farming, olive tree varieties, harvesting, the milling process and the health benefits of olive oil.

The Olive Oil Mill located in Queen Creek. For more information about the Olive Mill, or any of its additional retail locations in Scottsdale, Tucson or Phoenix, visit www. QueenCreekOliveMill.com

Lescroart visits Robson Library

Sun Lakes suspense fans can visit with author John Lescroart at the Sun Lakes Robson Library’s Lecky Room, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 8.

“The Fall,” which is the author’s 26th book, will be released in May. It is set in San Francisco and comes at a time of heavy criticism of the police for dragging their feet identifying African-American suspects and the DA’s office for failing to convict the accused.

Seventeen of Lescroart’s books have been on the New York Times bestsellers list. He has sold more than 10 million copies, which have been translated into 22 languages in 75 countries.

Some of his books include “A Certain Justice,” “Guilt,” “The Mercy Rule” and “Betrayal.”

Lescroart began his career as a musician. Although he still plays the guitar and writes his own music and songs, his career path changed as a result of a near-death experience.

In 1980, Lescroart contracted spinal meningitis while surfing at a Southern California beach. The water was contaminated and he became seriously ill slipping into a coma for 11 days. In the wake of that recovery, Lescroart began to write full time with a renewed dedication.

Valley Mexican institution reveals vibrant update

A Valley home for authentic Mexican cuisine is undergoing a massive refresh, but longtime fans can rest assured the familyowned institution will honor the same recipes and rich traditions that made it a success for the last 30 years.

Someburros diners will notice a new look including a new logo, lively revamped interior, and a reinterpretation of the restaurant’s longtime donkey mascot, Nacho.

“While our look is changing, our recipes aren’t,” said Tim Vasquez, president and second generation of leadership of Someburros, whose grandmother’s original recipes have drawn ages of local families and national fanatics to the restaurants.

“It was Nana Isabel’s recipes that got us where we are today, and we are continuing to honor those signature dishes that makes us who we are and have allowed us to thrive and grow since we first started. It’s

Celebrate Mother’s Day with free cake at Chompie’s

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York Deli, is making it extra sweet this year.

To make mom’s meal extra special, Chompie’s is offering a free slice of strawberry white chocolate layer cake, which is valued at $6.95, for moms on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m. to close Sunday, May 10, which valued at $6.95, with purchase of entree.

The special is for dine-in only.

Chompie’s is a family-owned and -operated business.

For more information, visit www. chompies.com.

IT’S A SPECIAL MOMENT WE’VE ALL HAD.

That unexpected chance to see Arizona’s wildlife and take a second to simply enjoy it. From restoring species populations in Arizona to maintaining habitat connectivity, conservation e orts benefit all of us.

Although everyone benefits, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife conservation e orts are funded, in large part, by the purchases of licenses, tags and stamps, and excise taxes on fi rearms and ammunition. Simply put, the actions of a few benefit all of Arizona. Now imagine the possibilities with everyone’s involvement.

Chandler Airport Dayz

Chandler Airport Dayz at Chandler Municipal Airport boasted displays of aircraft, ranging from a Citation Jet to Light Sport Aircraft. Rides were available and the Hangar Cafe was open. While the crowds checked out the aircraft, the band About Last Nite performed. But the two-day event wasn’t all about airplanes. There were classic cars, hot rods and unique cars on display as well. STSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo