Santan Sun News 10-18-2014: Neighbors

Neighbors

Floral school planned for women of domestic violence

BY TRACY HOUSE

There are no pre-made floral arrangements at Designing Women of Arizona’s website. Instead, owner and event planner Judy Taylor has added personal touches to each arrangement since she started her company in 2003.

Now she wants to take her 30 years of experience and help others find a vocation in the industry. She is opening a floraldesign school, primarily for domestic violence survivors. The classes, which Taylor hopes to begin in January, will be open to anyone interested in learning the business.

“We want people from the outside to come in, learn and be part of this,” Taylor says. “They’re not going to know if the person next to them is going to be in a domestic violence situation.”

A survivor herself, Taylor is hoping to help victims— females or males—learn a trade that is transferrable to other jobs.

“It can be anybody that wants to better themselves, find a vocation, do something that makes them happy.”

Taylor began researching the idea of a school two years ago and found there is no formal floral school in Arizona.

Culinary festival benefits cardiomyopathy organization

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When Rosemary Ulibarri’s nephew was in high school, he suffered an “episode” while running the track during football tryouts.

“Thank God the coach really took control of the situation and called 9-1-1,” she says.

It turned out that her nephew, whom she wished not to identify, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, or disease of the heart muscle, at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Adding to the concern, Ulibarri’s grandson was born with seven congenital defects.

Morrison leading new City department

BY TRACY HOUSE

These are busy times or Jennifer Morrison, the newly named head of the City’s Community and Neighborhood Services Department. Morrison, who started her position on Sept. 29, is part of a movement that combined the Community Services Department and Neighborhood Resources Division into one department covering several areas: recreation; aquatics; parks maintenance and operations; neighborhood programs; community development; diversity and housing and redevelopment.

OB-GYNs are on the frontlines of breast health

BY ALISON STANTON

Mariel Cole understands the importance of breast self-awareness. The Chandler mother of two says that although she never did regular selfexams, she became concerned when she noticed a lump.

“I thought, ‘What is that?’ and I definitely knew it was not quite right,” Cole says. She was given a clean bill of health after a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound ordered by her OB-GYN. However, the experience was so frightening that it inspired her to perform self-exams regularly.

“We are our own advocates, and we need to take control of our own health. If we won’t, who will?” Cole says. When women schedule a wellwoman visit with their OB-GYN, they may feel that the focus of the exam is on getting a Pap smear and on their overall reproductive health. But the annual visit includes breast exams, too.

Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is filled with plenty of reminders about the importance of regular mammograms after age 40, Dr. Theresa Chu, an OB-GYN at New Horizons Women’s Care in Gilbert, says

To learn more about her nephew’s ailment, she reached out to Anthony Miller, the executive director of Phoenix-based

Local Café is refreshing change

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

To provide distinctive menu options, Fahim and Rubina Warsi opened The Local Café, a Chandler restaurant that boasts unique desserts, a variety of healthy drinks and homemade sandwiches.

Adding to the family atmosphere, the couple brought their daughter and son-inlaw, Bushra and Khalid Warsi, on board to manage and run The Local Café at 2820 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 10.

Among its signature items is “snow fluff.”

“It’s like shaved ice, but it’s milk-based,” explains Bushra Warsi. “It’s in between ice cream and shaved ice, but I feel like it’s a much healthier version of ice cream.”

The dessert is created on a special

Neighbors

Duke’s Tavern features excellent pub food

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

My husband and I often find that the most delicious lunch spots are not chain restaurants, but unfamiliar local establishments.

Duke’s Tavern was one such place—and we weren’t disappointed. Although the menu is not expansive, the tastes are huge.

Appetizers include nachos, edamame, tavern tenders, wings and sliders. But my husband and I went off the beaten path to try the burrata pomodoro ($9)— housemade burrata (fresh mozzarella with a creamy interior), served with bruschetta, roasted garlic and grilled baguette bread. Definitely a winner, this appetizer’s ingredients were served in three separate bowls on the same platter. We found it tasted best with all three topping items combined. It is a taste symphony that quickly won us over.

The Juicy Lucy ($9) is Duke’s most popular burger. The owner told us that this type of burger, which features cheese stuffed inside the meat patty, is frequently served in Minneapolis. Topped with lettuce, tomatoes and sweet purple onions, the burger was, indeed, juicy and flavorful. The entrée is served with a side dish, and we chose the onion rings which were large, crunchy and slightly sweet and cooked to perfection.

The Caprese grilled cheese ($9) boasts fresh mozzarella cheese, grilled tomatoes, arugula and pesto on sourdough bread.

place to meet up with friends. Although we didn’t dive into the beer and wine, there is a generous-sized bar with drink specials on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

This sandwich is a tasty departure from a typical grilled cheese sandwich and is one of the more upscale offerings on the tavern menu.

Next, we tried the California club sandwich ($9.50), which we ordered with a side of crispy tater tots. The sandwich included a huge chicken breast and was

piled high with housemade guacamole, Swiss cheese, grilled bacon and served with lettuce, tomato and onion. It was tender, juicy and flavorful, too.

Duke’s Tavern may just be one of Chandler’s best-kept secrets, especially for lunch-time dining. This is a fun spot for lunch or dinner and certainly a great

When visiting Duke’s, come hungry as most portions are very generous. We left the tavern impressed with its variety of menu items, reasonable prices, food quality and friendly service. Duke’s Tavern is located at 4910 W. Ray Rd. at Rural Road. Call (480) 993-3359 or visit www. dukestavernaz.com for a list of tavern events and additional information.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at lynette@santansun.com

She is inviting speakers, namely other domestic violence survivors, to speak to the class and encourage them.

“I have several women who would love to come and speak,” Taylor explains. “Several of them have their own business. There’s a lot of positive information out there.”

She says the school is not just about floral arranging. “It’s learning all aspects of starting a business. We want to teach the whole synopsis in the six months.”

Marketing, promotion, coldcalling, event and wedding planning, incorporating, financial and accounting aspects, as well as deliveries and setup, are all part of the classes planned that have transferable skills.

Taylor says she hasn’t found a location yet for the nonprofit school. “We don’t need a storefront. We don’t need to be visible from the road.”

Taylor estimates the tuition to cost about $3,000, which includes all materials, uniform, tools and instruction. There is a scholarship fund available through the school, but Taylor says, paying back loans should be part of the “positive action.”

Taylor plans to hold classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Students will be expected to help with Saturday and Sunday events as part of the experience.

Giving back to the community is something Taylor is passionate about. Designing Women of Arizona is a forprofit company, but she donates 20

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percent of its marketing dollars to local nonprofits in greater Phoenix. The company recently donated the flowers for the City of Chandler Domestic Violence Commission and breakfast held at Tumbleweed Recreation Center on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Taylor is working with domestic violence agencies, churches and the Lions Club to form the school.

Taylor says she doesn’t dwell on her past as a domestic violence survivor.

“That part of my life is done. Close the door, walk away. Change your life if you have to, because it will save your life.”

For more information about Designing Women of Arizona and the floral school, call Taylor at (480) 275-6474 or visit the website at www. designingwomenofaz.com.

Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

that breast self-awareness should start when women are 20. It needs to be a regular part of their health care routine year round.

“Breast self-awareness can include self-breast exams, but more importantly, it is emphasizing a woman’s awareness of the normal appearance and feel of her breasts,” she says.

Studies have found that self-breast exams alone do not reduce breast cancer mortality, but do increase the risks of intervention, stress and anxiety.

Chu says breast self-exams can be performed either lying down or in the shower.

“It is completely up to personal preference but it is important to remember to check the breast tissue in the armpit region,” she says.

“Patients also find it easier to remember if they do self-breast exams after their monthly menstrual cycles or on the same day each month.”

Women who notice lumps or pain in the breast, changes to the skin overlying the breast tissue, including redness or dimpling, and any abnormal nipple discharge or bleeding should report their findings to their OB-GYN immediately, Chu says.

When it comes time to schedule a mammogram, Chu says most women can tolerate the procedure fairly well. Taking a pain reliever prior to the appointment can help with any discomfort associated with the mammogram.

“It is also helpful to think of mammograms as a proactive way for women to manage their health,” Chu explains. “Knowing that you are actively managing and monitoring your health should provide a peace of mind for women.”

Stanton is a freelance writer

lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Walk for MS funds planned in Chandler

Thousands of women, men, children, friends and family members, both those battling multiple sclerosis and those supporting efforts to find a cure, have the opportunity to participate at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the 1.5-mile walk following at 9:30 a.m. The

park is located at 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd., Chandler.

Such walks “are among our most important events to help raise funds to find a cure and continue providing expanded services and programs for thousands of Arizonans with MS,” says Jim Elfline, Arizona chapter president for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

More than 8,000 individuals in Arizona have MS. Participants can register as individuals or as a team online at www.walkmsarizona.org. Suggested fundraising goal is $100, which earns participants a T-shirt. Fundraising tips are offered on the website.

Free dental services at Sierra Family Dentistry Oct. 25

The Chandler community will have the opportunity to receive free dentistry services at Sierra Family Dentistry, 600 S. Dobson Rd., Building B, Suite 8, on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Dr. Vincent Rauschel and his team at Sierra Family Dentistry, along with the help of area dentists, will be improving the oral health of people in need as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance.

“Now more than ever there are people in Chandler who need dental

service, but have no means to afford them, whether they’re out of a job or just don’t have dental insurance,” says Rauschel. “This event is a great opportunity for us to share our time and resources with those less fortunate and give back to the community we serve.”

A choice of a free filling or extraction will be offered to adults and children from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Patients will be accepted on a first come first served basis.

For more information, call (480) 8993425, www.freedentistryday.org or www. SierraFamilyDentistry.com.

nonprofit American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy.

“The American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy helped educate us as a family about awareness, dangers and symptoms and helped us to be prepared for something we weren’t even looking for,” says Ulibarri.

Her nephew and grandson both have pacemakers and are doing well. She is grateful for the education she received through the American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy.

This year, Taste: Chandler’s Culinary Festival is teaming up with the American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy. Proceeds from the event will go to the nonprofit. The partnership came about when Miller reached out to Landon Evans of HDE Agency, which produces Taste, set for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in downtown Ocotillo, 2855 W. Queen Creek Rd.

“I’m really excited to be working with Landon,” Miller says. “He’s a great professional when it comes to event planning and helping raise money.”

With the funds raised at this year’s Taste and subsequent events, Miller is hoping to purchase a mobile unit that will allow his organization to provide free heart screenings.

Miller says his organization works with other grassroots groups to bring awareness about cardiomyopathy and

try to get children screened to halt sudden cardiac death. Many people who suffer from cardiomyopathy do not know they have the disease and die of heart failure.

“We educate the public about cardiomyopathy and how this heart disease has claimed so many young athletes’ lives,” Miller explains.

Free youth heart screenings for cardiomyopathy are available.

“We partner with Biltmore Cardiology in Phoenix and offer free screenings for youth 13 to 18 years of age. Statistics show that one in 500 people are carriers of this heart disease.”

To schedule a free heart screening, sign up online at www.americanffc. org. If a church or youth group needs a defibrillator, American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy will work with them to raise funds for the lifesaving device. Call (800) 433-0774 for more information.

Taste showcases more than 30 East Valley restaurants by offering food samplings, entertainment and a silent auction with spa items, sports memorabilia and other local gifts. Tickets, which range in price from $65 to $130, include unlimited tastings. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tastechandler.com.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at lynette@santansun.com.

“It further aligns our staff and gives them an opportunity to collaborate together to strengthen those areas of the city that we’re already working in. But now we’re provided an opportunity to say, ‘Oh, recreation staff, that’s what you’re doing at the senior center. I have a need to also do outreach there and provide services to people. From a neighborhood perspective, how can we do that together?’” she says.

Now that the departments are aligned, she says she sees more of an opportunity to continually improve Chandler neighborhoods’ quality of life.

Two neighborhood parks are opening Oct. 18—Valencia Park at 3710 E. Desert Jewel Blvd. and Centennial Park at 2475 E. Markwood Dr., both in southeast Chandler.

“We really need to move from creating new neighborhoods to assuring that our current neighborhoods are maintained at the highest level,” Morrison says.

For example, Tumbleweed Recreation Center will celebrate the grand reopening of its tennis courts in November.

“I think that’s the dichotomy we’ll be seeing,” she says. “This mix of renovation and the creation of new parks.”

Housing focus

Morrison earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State in housing and the near environment, which focused on housing needs, issues and trends. She says the course content touched on a lot of areas that have served her well in her career.

She has a long history with the City of Chandler. She served as Chandler’s housing and redevelopment manager

from 1993 to 1997; was an assistant to the city manager from 1997 to 2002; helped establish Chandler’s Human Relations Commission and Neighborhood Programs Division; served as Chandler’s acting downtown coordinator from 2005-06; and, after a brief departure, returned in 2009 as the City’s neighborhood resources director. Throughout the years, she has seen the city grow.

Rich Dlugas, city manager, says Morrison brings a wealth of experience, as well as a lot of energy, to the position. “She most recently was our neighborhood division director and did an incredible job with that division.”

Dlugas explains that neighborhoods are a core area of concern for the City Council with regard to quality of life and keeping neighborhoods vibrant. “She brings that knowledge with regard to that area,” he says. “It was kind of natural that with her experience and her success that she’s seen in neighborhoods to marry that with parks, recreation and aquatics in the quality-of-life areas for the residents of Chandler, and making sure that those continue to progress and provide those types of services.”

“To go from a recreation room at a small complex, to now on the fourth floor of City Hall, it’s been an amazing journey,” Morrison says. “The City of Chandler, as it grew, has had tremendous opportunities for its public servants, like myself over the years, to really grow and look at new opportunities. I’ve had a tremendous career here. The City’s been great to me.”

Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

Welcome Back Community Fair to be held Oct. 25

Neighbors Who Care will host the annual Welcome Back Community Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the corner of Alma School and Riggs roads. The event, sponsored by Keystone Law Firm and AutoNation Toyota, will include 100 service providers and public service organizations, such as the fire department and sheriff p osse and K-9

unit, a dunk tank, pumpkin decorating, games, raffles, hearing screening, flu shots and food. All ages are welcome.

Tickets are $1 each for games, raffles and food. All proceeds will benefit Neighbors Who Care.

Call Neighbors Who Care at (480) 895-7133 or www.neighborswhocare. com.

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities schedules events

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities has planned a fall full of events to raise money for the organization.

Pub Quiz is back

The Pub Quiz has returned, and it’s armed with new subject matter and thought-provoking questions—and a twist on scoring. Coach and Willie’s hosts the event at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Patrons can test their knowledge on history, people, science, politics and entertainment. The evening benefits the Student Ambassador Program. Entry fee is $10, which is tax deductible through the Sister Cities’ nonprofit status. Bring those extra dollar bills for the bonus questions. Cash bar and restaurant menu available. No cellphones allowed. To register, visit www.chandlerirish.org. For more information, contact Ellen Harrington at (480) 600-8509, chan.to.tull@gmail.com.

Coach and Willie’s is located at One E. Boston St., Chandler.

Southwest Tea to benefit exchange program

The fourth annual Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ Southwest Tea is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Chandler’s Community Center ballroom, 125 E. Commonwealth.

Coach and Willie’s will provide lunch, with desserts created by the bakers on

the tea committee. Food is served around live entertainment and basket giveaways. The top raffle prize this year is a women’s beach-cruiser bike. Proceeds will further the CTSC mission of education, business and cultural exchanges.

The event is open to the public, but reservations are required. Advance tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 11 and younger. At the door, tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for children 11 and younger. Payment must be made at www. chandlerirish.org. For more information, contact Sharon Anderson at duner@cox.net or (480) 229-4924.

Wine and Design Evening

Save the date for the Sister Cities’ Wine and Design Evening. SanTan Sun News’ publisher emeritus and entrepreneur/ artist/singer Laurie Fagen will lead a makeand-take class on Monday, Nov. 17, at Gangplank in downtown Chandler.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and participants will create Celtic designs from polymer clay. Cheese and fruit platters, plus wine, water, soft drinks or hot tea will be served. The cost of the event is $25; payment can be made on the website, www.chandlerirish.org, or mail payment to “CTSC” at P.O. Box 1474, Chandler, AZ 852441474. The event benefits the organization’s Student Ambassador Program. Contact Harrington for more information.

Stay connected, pick up Break Time and sign up for e-newsletters

Looking for fun classes and activities? Pick up a copy of Break Time at City facilities or view online at www.chandleraz. gov/breaktime. Break Time outlines camps, classes, programs and special events happening throughout October and November.

Winter Break Time became available on Friday, Oct. 17.

Registration for classes can be done by mail or in person at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.; Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.; Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd.; and Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., or online at www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

For more information call (480) 7822727.

Visit the Aquatics administrative offices at 650 E. Ryan Rd. to register for swimming programs.

Visit www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.aspx to view the full list and sign up.

Social media postings

Use “Come Out and Play Chandler” and #FunInChandler when posting on social media while visiting Chandler parks, recreation facilities and aquatic centers.

Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play

Shape Up Arizona is part of Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Tumbleweed Park. The free community event helps celebrate the municipality being named a “Playful City USA” by Kaboom. Enjoy a variety of fun health booths, sports, games and safety activities; bounce around the park and explore all sorts of activities. Featured activities include a 5K fun run, teen fitness challenge and Bikeland. Call (480) 7822669 for more information or visit www. chandleraz.gov/dayofplay. Registration is required for the 5K Run and Teen Fitness Challenge.

Meet the Creature, Spooky Series to be held Oct. 18

Meet the Creature, Spooky Series, will be held from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Environmental Education Center. Cost is $6 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. Children will get up close and personal with live animals while learning about wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different fascinating animals from around the world. Children ages 2 to 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

Senior Center to take a ride on Dolly Steamboat

The Chandler Senior Center is hosting a ride on the Dolly Steamboat, a narrated nature cruise on Canyon Lake, from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. It is $22 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. First, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant overlooking the marina for an additional cost. Then board the boat for a 90-minute cruise where individuals may see bighorn sheep, bald eagles and the unique ambiance that only belongs to the Apache Trail.

Halloween Costume Party at Senior Center

A Halloween Costume Party will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Senior Center. Admission is free. Find a creative costume and join in the fun. There will be music, food and a costume competition.

iPad Experience at Senior Center

iPad Experience will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 3, at the Senior Center. Cost is $25 for residents and $34 for nonresidents. Do you have a new iPad, but have no idea how to use it? Learn to use an iPad at this informative class. Jot down the Apple ID and password and bring it in with the iPad.

Dog Obedience held at Snedigar Recreation Center

Dog Obedience, intermediate and advanced, will be held on Tuesdays through Nov. 11, at Snedigar Recreation Center. It is $21 for residents; $29 for nonresidents; $76

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for an instructor fee and a $4 supply fee. Perfect Pooch’s Advanced class introduces the “clicker” and more complex behaviors, such as the art of “Trick Training” and “Off Leash Training.”

Archery classes at Snedigar Recreation Center

Archery, beginner and intermediate, will be held at Snedigar Recreation Center, on Saturdays, at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m., Oct. 25 through Dec. 6. Cost is $21 for residents; $29 for nonresidents with a $75 instructor fee. Learn the basics of shooting a bow and arrow in the beginner class or focus on improving archery form and accuracy in the intermediate class. Equipment is provided.

Teen Fitness Challenge at Tumbleweed Park

Teen Fitness Challenge, At Day of Play, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Tumbleweed Park. It is $15 for residents and $21 for nonresidents. Challenge yourself or your friends to see if you have what it takes to complete an obstacle course and rank among the best in your category. The registration fee includes an event T-shirt.

Teen Trips

Dates, times and prices vary per teen trip. Looking for something fun to do? Those 13 to 18 years old are welcome to join others as they explore some of Arizona’s best and most popular attractions. For more information, contact Kathy Worrell at (480) 782-2746 or Stacey.Worrell@chandler.gov.

SEE BREAK TIME PAGE 50

machine that shaves ice into fine, ribbonlike layers, creating a texture similar to fallen snow. Flavors include original, taro, Thai tea, mango and mint chocolate. Snow fluff can be topped with boba or tapioca pearls, strawberries, mocha balls, mango, lychee coconut jelly or red beans. There is a choice of chocolate, caramel or condensed milk glaze.

“We’re the only place in the East Valley that sells this,” notes Warsi. “We’re working on getting a nondairy version because a lot of our customers have been asking.”

The Local Café has a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, mochas, lattes and freshsqueezed fruit and vegetable juices. Milk alternatives, such as soy and almond milk, and add-ins like flax seed, chia seed and protein, are also available in smoothies.

“I like the healthy smoothies and pressed juices,” says Warsi. “I like to drink those.”

She says that the customers enjoy them as well.

“Some people come here because they’re doing a juicing cleanse,” Warsi says. “So they’ll stop by in the morning and get four juices and drink those throughout the day.”

One of the most popular smoothies is the “green and glowing,” which includes pineapple, mango, spinach, banana, flax seed and soy milk. All drinks are 10 percent off during happy hour from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

In addition to specialty desserts and smoothies, The Local Café has a food menu featuring homemade chicken, tuna, turkey,

beef and veggie sandwiches and kabob rolls. The lunch combo is $7.99 and includes ice tea with free refills and chips, or a gourmet deep-dish cookie.

The family also owns Ruby’s Fine Jewelry in Gilbert, which was formerly housed in the same shopping center as The Local Café. Like the jewelry store, the café will buy gold. Call (480) 924-5361 or visit https://www.facebook.com/LocalcafeAZ for additional information. Store hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be contacted at lynette@santansun.com

Neighbors

Annual haunted house for Matthew’s Crossing Oct. 24

Scary is fun and can help others in need. Casey Likes, 12, is holding his second annual haunted house for Matthew’s Crossing this year from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. Entrance to this year’s haunt is either a nonperishable food item or a cash contribution to Matthew’s Crossing. Last year, Likes collected more than 200 food items and approximately $200 in cash for his favorite place to give and make a difference.

The scary one-night haunt will be held at 764 W. Carob Way in South Chandler. This is a haunt staged in the backyard of two Fox Crossing yards. Likes is partnering with Aidan McDaniel and Ava McDaniel. Last year, more than 25 costumed actors participated in the haunt, which is expected again this year.

This year’s haunt will be moviethemed, with actors portraying some of their favorite scary creatures and people from King Kong to Psycho to the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Likes is a seventh-grade student at Willis Junior High School. He is an actor who has appeared in commercials, films, television and on the stage since he was 3 years old. He has been in a film with Will Farrell, starred in a National Geographic film, “American Blackout” and recently won a National Youth Actors’ Award for his portrayal of Mad Hatter in

HAUNTED HOUSE: Ava McDaniel, Casey Likes and Aidan McDaniel, shown at Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, are hosting a haunted house on Friday, Oct. 24. Submitted photo

Greasepaint’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

Likes’ mother, Stephanie, is a former Broadway actress who is the drama teacher at Chandler High School.

Likes is being assisted by some of his mom’s high school dramatic arts students from actors to set building.

SunBird hosts fundraising fair

The SunBird Kare Bear Faire is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at SunBird Golf Resort Ballroom, 6250 S. SunBird Blvd., Chandler.

The event raises funds for local organizations including Neighbors Who Care, Toys for Tots, Hospice of the Valley, Matthew’s Crossing, Lions Club, Clothes Cabin and more, as well as SunBird HOA special projects.

More than 35 vendors will offer a variety of wares, from arts and crafts, coins, jewelry, new consumer products, special lighting equipment, household items, cosmetics and more. The event will also feature a white elephant table, a 50/50 raffle and a coffee and donut table. A 15-percent discount will be offered for breakfast or lunch for two people at the SunBird Horizon Room that day.

To learn more, visit www. sunbirdhoa.com.

Therapeutic Recreation annual Halloween Dance

The annual Halloween Dance will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Chandler Community Center. There is a $5 donation at the door. Come dance in costumes and win prizes.

5K Running Club

The second annual 5K Running Club will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 21 through Jan. 6. It is $20 for residents; $27 for nonresidents. Have you ever wanted to be in a 5K? This is the chance to train at various parks and trails around Chandler for the AZ Disabled Sports Walk, Run and Roll in January. This program is for individuals with disabilities and a running partner.

Outdoor Bounce House parties

Outdoor Bounce House is offered on Saturdays and Sundays. It is $130 for residents and $176 for nonresidents or $155 for residents and $210 for nonresidents for separate activity. Bounce into fun at Playtopia. This party, for ages 3 to 10, includes the bounce house and Roadrunner Pavilion rental. All of the parties include paper products, decorations, craft supplies and a party host. For more information, contact Deanna D’Arcangelo at (480) 782-299 or Deanna.D’Arcangelo@chandleraz.gov.

Social Box puts charitable giving on the menu

Social Box Neighborhood Eatery, formerly Iguana Mack’s, located at 1317 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, is set to open this month with a fresh and unique twist on community giving.

Social Box Neighborhood Eatery combines elevated comfort food with a strong taste of community stewardship.

“I wanted to start a restaurant concept that partners with the local community directly by giving back to worthy causes every single day,” says Social Box Neighborhood Eatery founder and partner Aaron Lopo.

Social Box will donate a portion of its monthly revenue to nonprofits that are focused on kids, veterans, hunger and other causes that affect surrounding Chandler neighbors. Additionally, Social Box will host quarterly events that benefit specific nonprofits and engage the nearby neighborhoods.

The first event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, and will benefit the Chandler Education Foundation’s Teacher Scholarship Fund, providing resources for teachers in the Chandler Unified School District who want to continue their education. Tickets are $5 and include food and nonalcoholic beverages; they are available online at www.

socialboxeateries.com.

Social Box does not stop at community giving; their menu offerings also put a spin on traditional eats.

“Our menu extends far past traditional eatery fare. We’re combining high-quality ingredients with fun presentations at an incredible value,” says Lopo.

Signature menu items include woodfire pizzas, eggrolls that cascade from a Chinese takeout box, a two-foot cotton candy tower that stands four feet off of the tables, seafood guacamole, S’mores on the patio in open-fire pits, Nacho Mama’s Nachos with jalapeño Muenster cheese and more.

These incredible edibles will be reasonably priced and served in an atmosphere that is lively, dynamic, kidfriendly and unique to Chandler.

“Social Box is a unique restaurant. Our mission is to give back to the community, and the experience will be unforgettable,” says Lopo.

The official opening date will be announced in coming weeks, but is slated for late October, before the special charitable event on Oct. 29. Iguana Mack’s remains open daily during the restaurant’s transition.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly meeting you would like listed in Neighborhood Networks, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. Note: The SanTan Sun News now has a Spiritual Connections column in the Spirituality section for ongoing religious-related events.

About Care

Monthly volunteer training, by individual appointment.

A nonprofit serving homebound Chandler and Gilbert residents; provides transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls, minor home repairs. Info: (480) 802-2331, www.aboutcare.org

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler

Info: Nikki Janulewicz, (480) 570-1835, Nikki@azbestmove.com

Action Networkers: Business Networking International 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays

Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, (602) 315-2056, Marty@ AZMarty.com

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Chandler 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no preregistration required. Chandler Regional Hospital, Morrison Building, Learning Resource Room 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Gilbert 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. first and third Friday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no preregistration required. First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

American Legion James O. Schroeder Post 55 7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month Sun Lakes Country Club, Navajo Room 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Commander Byron Weston, (480) 8026623

For a complete list of SanTan Sun area clubs, associations and networking groups, visit www.SanTanSun.com and click on “Neighbors” to read Neighborhood Networks.

A Taste of Greece

For more than 30 years, St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church has invited the Valley to partake in every aspect of Greek culture during A Taste of Greece. The celebration included entertainment, traditional Greek cuisine and drinks, a kids’ zone with bounce houses and a marketplace with crafts and goods. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

COMMUNITY: The church gym was turned into the “Aegean Cafe” for the festival, allowing festival goers the opportunity to sample traditional Greek food out of the heat.