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Advocate educates about Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Daughter died in sleep at age 22

BY TRACY HOUSE

Christine Puricelli wants to see some changes in the community. After losing her daughter Emilie at the young age of 22 from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Puricelli has made it her purpose to educate and inform about SCA.

Puricelli found out through testing, after Emilie had passed, that she and her husband both tested positive for Long QT Syndrome, a congenital condition that predisposes the child to the abnormality of the heart’s electrical system. It can lead to SCA, a condition in which the heart stops beating abruptly and unexpectedly, according to the Sudden Cardiac Awareness Foundation. It’s estimated that more than 350,000 people die each year from SCA, claiming one life every two minutes.

Puricelli has been speaking, writing and educating about SCA since Emilie died. She’s been trying to get the word out about the prescription drug connection with SCA and wants to see schools and other public areas equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), a device that analyzes the hearts rhythm and safely delivers an electric shock if needed.

“We’re so far behind here,” Puricelli says. “I’ve talked to the fire department. I’ve talked to the head nurse in Chandler (school district). I’ve called the athletic director.”

Chandler ghost hunters search for paranormal proof

BY SHANNA HOGAN

It was late at night and Bruce Rice was asleep in his South Chandler apartment, when he was startled by the sound of an intruder.

Sprawled face down in the center of his bed, his eyes shot open and the color drained from his face.

“I could hear someone in my room,” he says. “I felt the weight of someone sitting on my bed. It sunk down on the side, like someone was sitting on the edge.”

Paralyzed with fear, Rice lay motionless as he felt the intruder lean closer. He heard the soft rustle of hair falling of its shoulders. Then, a familiar voice uttered a single word in his ear, “Bingo.”

Rice quickly peeked around the room, but no one was there.

“Right away I pulled the covers over my head,” he says. “When it happened I panicked. It startled me so bad.”

otherworldly visit, and although it was scary he was also intrigued and soon became a scholar of the spiritual.

Today, the apartment maintenance manager is also a paranormal investigator and founder of Chandler Paranormal Research—one of about 50 ghost-hunting groups in the state.

Armed with phantom tracking equipment including digital voice recorders, night-vision cameras, fullspectrum camcorders and K2 meters, Rice and his team investigate local haunts in search of paranormal proof.

Puricelli is frustrated with trying to get AEDs in each school. “You have no idea how hard this can be to get this rolling. In Chandler, this really needs to roll.”

Most terrifying was the identity of the vanishing visitor. Rice recognized the voice as that of a family friend who had died just a few days prior. “Bingo,” was a word she had frequently used.

For weeks Rice pondered the

Rhythm Fest welcomes ‘Idol’ champ, brings community together

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

“American Idol” winner Candice Glover yearns to connect with her audience through music, while Chandler hopes to meld with its residents and visitors by hosting festivals throughout the year.

The two will come together for Chandler’s annual Fall Rhythm Fest, a family friendly event presented by SRP at 5:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26, at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd.

“I just hope that everybody connects with the words,” Glover says about her aptly titled debut album “Music Speaks,” which hits stores in February.

“A lot of people like dance music and different things like that. My new song, ‘In the Middle,’ has a reggaetype jazzy feel. It makes people want to get up and groove.”

While she was on last season of “American Idol,” Glover was sure to connect with the lyrics of any song she was performing.

“When I put my album out, I want it to do the same thing,” she says.

“I put out a teaser on Instagram of a new song that I have coming out soon. A lot of people said, with the 15-second teaser, they could connect with what I was saying. More than anything, that’s what I want to do with my fans. I want them to understand

CHANDLER’S GUEST: “American Idol” champ Candice Glover will perform at this year’s Fall Rhythm Fest on Sat., Oct. 26. Submitted photo

and feel where I’m coming from.”

Glover may debut songs from

It’s an admittedly strange twist in the life of a man who has always feared ghosts.

“I had been scared to death of this stuff my whole life,” he says. “Now I’m

SUPPORTING MOM: Billy Coakley, 11, and Jake Coakley, 9, of the 11U Generals baseball team, flank their mother, “team mom” Pam. The team wore pink socks during October to support breast cancer awareness. Pam Coakley says she was “blessed” with breast cancer in December 2008 and she is nearly at her five-year mark. STSN photo by Tiera Allen

facing my fears. That’s the way I look at it.”

With several old buildings rumored to be haunted around the city, Chandler is a hotbed of paranormal activity, says Kim Mann of the East Valley Paranormal Society.

“I understand Chandler High and San Marcos Hotel are supposedly haunted,” says Mann. “There are a lot of stories.”

Built in 1912, Chandler’s historic San Marcos Hotel, 1 N. San Marcos Dr., is a popular hangout for both the living and the dead, says Mann.

A ghostly figure supposedly wanders the halls and some claim to have heard the moaning of a man. Employees at the front desk also report receiving phone calls from vacant rooms and nonexistent extensions.

Chandler High School, 350 N. Arizona Ave., is also famous for its school spirit. Built in 1922 and one of the oldest schools in the state, ghoulish voices and sightings have been reported by students and staff, most notably on the second floor in the upper hallways of the Old Main.

Some say the infamous Chandler High ghost is the spirit of a worker who fell to his death in 1963 when the current gymnasium was under construction; others believe it is a former student.

Emily Butler, who attended Chandler High, says the spirit has been a legendary ghost story among students for years, and is often retold around Halloween.

Although she never actually

encountered a ghost, Butler says the Old Main always had an “eerie vibe.” She recalled one instance when she was alone in the restroom.

“I felt like someone else was in there watching me, although there was no one else around,” she says. “It made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up.”

Rice, who graduated from Chandler High School, says that although he had heard the stories he never actually saw a ghost while he was a student.

Since Rice started hunting ghosts he says he has received many calls from Chandler residents who believe they are haunted and want help, which his team provides free of charge.

During one recent investigation in Chandler Heights, near Alma School and Ocotillo roads, the owner had reported seeing strange orbs in her photographs and the smell of baked pie even when she wasn’t cooking.

“She was dead set on it,” Rice says. “She believed ghosts were haunting her.”

In that instance, and with the majority of cases, however, the seemingly unexplainable can be explained as something other than spirits. Still, many people are convinced the mysterious shadows and phantom noises are in fact ghosts.

“You can’t imagine how many people think they have ghosts,” says Rice. “Most of the time it’s not.”

Shanna Hogan is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at shanna@santansun.com.

BY TRACY HOUSE

Casey Likes started putting on skits about five years ago for his family, decorating and writing scripts, but as he bought more props and expanded his production he outgrew the room designated for his shows. Within a few years he moved his show to the garage and as of last year Casey set up his Halloween maze in his grandparents’ backyard for the public.

The sixth grader at Knox Gifted Academy is gearing up for this Halloween by transforming his grandparents’ backyard into “The Warehouse Out Back.” Casey says this year is “Going to be a lot bigger and better.”

Casey’s written the script for the Halloween haunt and will be playing Peter Pumpkin, a scarecrow out for revenge against the farmer. Casey says there will be an intro video to set the back story for participants who dare to come through the haunted maze. He gets his ideas from other “haunters” on YouTube. He’ll be running the haunt this year with the help of friends from school, his teacher and his family, including his great-grandmother.

As an outreach to the community, Casey is asking for donations to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. “We will

set out a donation box and the rules are as long as you leave something for someone, either money or a perishable item,” Casey explains, you’ll gain admission. For his birthday party last year, Casey, who is 11 years old, asked for canned foods, instead of presents, that he donated to Matthew’s Crossing. “I thought that would be a good charity because they are running low.”

Stephanie Likes, Casey’s mom, says “This is all him. This is all his idea.”

This giving young man is quite talented, playing the Mad Hatter in

the Greasepaint Theater production of “Alice in Wonderland.” He’ll be in a National Geographic movie titled “American Blackout” on Oct. 27. He’s been performing since he was 2 years old, starting out in commercials, print work and movies. “My favorite thing I’ve ever done was ‘Les Miserables’ at Greasepaint,” Casey says. “It’s a show that my mom was in and it was really fun to do and that show really connects and I love the music and the part I played.”

Casey was in a movie with Will Ferrell, “Everything Must Go,” playing the “Saturday Night Live” alum as a young child. He plays piano, guitar, performs magic and ventriloquism in addition to acting.

“I’ve always wanted to be a director,” Casey says. He’s attended summer camps at UCLA and Universal Studios. “I see myself as a director from here on.” Putting on the haunted house is his vision he’s been working on since January. “My saying for the haunted house is ‘A haunter’s life is never over,’” Casey mentions. “You finish the haunted house one day. You pack it all up. You start planning.”

“He carries a notebook with him and he sketches out all of his ideas and designs the whole thing,” Stephanie explains. “It’s ongoing.”

Casey mentions that he’s going for an eight on the scare scale. “I don’t want to go too far overboard that people are going to be so scared they never want to come back again. Not as much as the gory stuff, but not so overboard, but

Community

an eight because we will have a lot of scares everywhere.” As a magician, Casey has a few tricks up his sleeve that’ll have people jumping from the unexpected.

“I have certain ways that you’ll never expect a lot of things.”

This year Casey says that the haunt is appropriate for kids 8 and older. Kids are encouraged to come in costumes.

The Warehouse Out Back is open from 6-9 p.m., Wed., Oct. 30, at 764 W. Carob Way, Chandler (south of Queen Creek Road, off of Alma School Road).

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun. com.

“Music Speaks” during her 45-minute set, which begins at 5:45 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Rhythm Edition will entertain. The fireworks grand finale will begin at 9 p.m.

“I may do my coronation single (‘I Am Beautiful’), or I may do the song ‘In the Middle,’” Glover says. “People are really enjoying that one and dancing to it.”

At the Rhythm Fest, guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets into the venue, but not alcohol. In addition to food and beverage vendors, there will be interactive amusements for children and music contests. Children are welcome to come dressed in costume and trick-or-treat at the various vendor booths. Admission and parking for the Rhythm Fest is free; however, there are charges for the food and beverages and the children’s activities.

“We are definitely excited to have her perform for the residents of Chandler and all of our surrounding guests that come to the event each year,” says Hermelinda Llamas, Chandler’s special events coordinator, of Glover.

“We were fortunate enough to partner with Hot 97.5 FM and they were able to help facilitate Candice being at our event. We really tried to bring somebody who is known to everyone that they can connect

with. We’re really excited to have her. We know she’ll do a fabulous show for us. We anticipate some really large crowds since a lot of folks watch ‘American Idol.’ She’s a known winner. It’s exciting to have that type of recognition for one of our artists.” Llamas calls Glover “very down to Earth, very personable. We’re super excited to have her.”

“The rest of the event is all centered around music,” Llamas explains. “We have another group performing after Candice called Rhythm Edition. They’re a Top 40 cover band. They’re high energy and very enthusiastic with the crowd. So we expect the crowd to be up and dancing and having a good time.”

And Glover is having a great time as the “American Idol” champ.

“I think I cried more than I ever have while I was on the show,” Glover says. “And even after the show, I’ve seen the success and all the support and everything. It’s really, really a surreal feeling.”

For more information about the festival, visit chandleraz.gov/special-events or call 480-782-2735.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@santansun.com.

Fall Harvest Festival to benefit food bank

Carebear Preschool at Fulton Ranch invites the community to join it for its annual Fall Harvest Festival, with a bounce house, games, crafts and a cash and carry pumpkin patch with proceeds benefiting Matthew’s Crossing Local Food Bank.

The event is free to attend, and will be held from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19 at Carebear Preschool at Fulton Ranch, 244 W. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.

“Until the parents realize the importance of getting AEDs into the schools it’s just not going to happen.” Puricelli speculates it’s because people are afraid of lawsuits.

Puricelli stresses that when a child faints, it may not be from dehydration or not eating properly. Emilie fainted in different situations that were explained away, even after an EKG was done, and Puricelli says, “There is absolutely nothing worse than realizing after your child dies that it never should have happened because your child was a textbook picture because it was on the EKG they had taken. All they had to do was look on it after she was dead.”

Puricelli mentions Emilie had described her heart as ‘Going crazy’ during physical exercise and the symptoms persisted. They saw two cardiologists, but not a pediatric cardiologist.

A step in the right direction, Puricelli says, is to be aware of any family health issues, including anyone who has died without explanation. Both of her other children tested positive for the Long QT Syndrome gene. “The best guardian of your own health is really yourself,” Puricelli emphasizes. She point outs there are websites to help you document your family history.

She also stresses that young athletes fill out a pre-participation physical form that requires detailed questions regarding family history and health concerns. “One of the best questions is ‘If you’ve ever had an unexplained death in your family at a certain age?’” Puricelli says. “That should be

in every pre-participation physical for sure.”

Puricelli explains that there are certain prescription drugs that should be avoided in patients with diagnosed or suspected Congenital Long QT Syndrome and other heart conditions.

Puricelli has a nursing background, but in 1997 she says she started out like any person who loses a child. Puricelli found Emilie in her bed the morning of Aug. 30 after realizing Emilie’s car was still in the driveway when she should have already left for a meeting. She describes it as, “A living color horror movie and you’re the star of your own living color horror movie. While it’s happening it almost seems slow but fast.”

For the past 16 years Puricelli has made it her mission to bring awareness about SCA. “It is our responsibility, as a community, to shed light on SCA in youth and save lives,” Puricelli says. “Keep in mind that the life you save could be your very own child’s, or someone else you know and love.”

Resources: parentheartwatch.org sads.org sca-aware.org hrsonline.org azcert.org qtdrugs.org crediblemeds.org

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

Access to Health Care Marketplace at libraries

The tradition of public libraries providing information, valuable resources and access to government documents continues as the Chandler Public library prepares to provide online access to the latest news and information regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The ACA is a complex and ambitious attempt to reform the nation’s healthcare system. The law is intended to help ensure everyone has access to health care, and make preventative care more accessible and affordable for many Americans. While the ACA has been controversial, its provisions are already being implemented. For example, one of the key provisions in the ACA, the creation of new Health Care Marketplaces, debuted Oct. 1 in every state.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, each Health Care Marketplace is designed to provide families and small businesses without insurance—or those who just want a better deal—a new way to find health coverage that fits their needs and their budgets. Here in Arizona, that means that the 82% of Arizonans who have insurance coverage will now have more choices and stronger coverage than ever. And

HOST YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT

for the 18% of Arizonans who don’t have insurance—or Arizona families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it—a new day is just around the corner.

With all of these changes and new programs it’s important that citizens understand how they and their families will be affected by the law. There are many informational resources available to the public, including the official website, www.HealthCare.gov.

All four Chandler Public Libraries have public computers available during regular business hours, where customers can access ACA information and complete applications online. Reference librarians are available to help direct users to online resources; however individuals are responsible for making their own decisions about insurance plans.

A valid library card and PIN are required to use Chandler Library computers, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Library cards are available in person at each of the four Chandler Public Libraries serving the community: Basha, Hamilton, Sunset and Downtown. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, call 480-7822800 or visit chandlerlibrary.org.

CHANDLER’S LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS

SRP extends schedule for planned power line project

Additional time needed to pursue route on Gila River Indian Community lands

Salt River Project announced Oct. 10 it is revising its schedule for the proposed Price Road Corridor 230-kV transmission line project to allow for continued pursuit of the potential route alternative on the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Under the revised schedule, SRP will postpone its application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility to the Arizona Corporation Commission from November to no later than Aug. 1, 2014. “SRP has heard from residents as well as city and county officials a desire to fully investigate all options prior to submitting an application,” says SRP project manager Tom Novy. “In addition, locating the project on GRIC lands would provide benefits to both SRP and GRIC that are not available with the existing alternatives on private land. We are confident that this additional eight months will give us the time necessary to determine if the line can be located on Community land.”

SRP has been involved in detailed discussions with Community officials for more than a year. Working together, the two entities have identified a route alternative on Community land that is supported by GRIC District 4 Council and the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority. However, the process to receive all of the necessary approvals

requires additional time.

“The Community recognizes that we could realize significant economic benefits with the construction of new electrical facilities in this area,” says Gila River Indian Community Gov. Gregory Mendoza. “We will continue to work with SRP to determine if this proposal aligns with our plans to develop the region and is in the best interest of the people in the Community.”

“We appreciate that SRP and Gila River officials continue to explore this opportunity that will be beneficial to all parties involved,” Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny says. “This route is something the City Council and I have worked toward with SRP management, and I am hopeful this revised schedule will allow for its successful conclusion.”

“I am encouraged that SRP has agreed to revise its project schedule in order to continue to pursue an alternative route that best fits the communities I represent,” says Maricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney. “I have been working with SRP since this project was announced to ensure that the process of providing needed energy to the Price Road Corridor is done responsibly and with the least impact possible on existing neighborhoods.”

The Price Road Corridor is adjacent

to Price Road and the GRIC in south Chandler. There are a number of large commercial customers currently in the area that require large amounts of electricity to operate, and SRP anticipates a significant increase in the number of businesses there in the near future as well as an increase in the demand of existing businesses.

The ongoing public process to site the new electrical facilities will culminate with a hearing before the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. A final decision on whether to grant a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for the project will be decided at an open meeting of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

For more information on this project and SRP, visit azpower.org and srpnet.com.

SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation, serving nearly 970,000 customers in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

We want to hear from you. SanTan Sun News-area readers are encouraged to send in their comments about the recent changes announced by Salt River Project regarding the proposed Price Road Corridor 230-kV transmission line project. Submit your comments and opinions to letters@santansun.com.

City of Chandler Insider

Do-It-Yourself Connect to aid homeowners with renovation projects

Have you been thinking about doing a few projects around the house, but stopped short, wondering what permits might be needed from the city? Maybe you’re thinking about relandscaping the yard but are worried what the costs might be, or how to get rid of the old materials when the work is done.

On Tues., Nov. 12, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny is presenting Do-It-Yourself Connect, a workshop led by a team of city employees to answer homeowner questions about anything DIY. The event is free and begins at 7 p.m. at the Desert Breeze Police Substation, 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd., in west Chandler.

Representatives from the city’s Transportation and Development Department will discuss projects that require permits—and as importantly, those that do not. The need to obtain a building permit and city inspection is sometimes overlooked by residents eager to get their project completed. But such requirements protect homeowners in many ways, safeguarding them from liabilities and other issues that could result from improper construction, including insurance coverage issues, reduced resale value, property tax issues and quality of work.

ACCESS INFORMATION: Schematics for room additions, patio covers, accessory buildings and more can be found in Chandler’s “Homeowner’s Building Permit Manual” available on the city’s website, chandleraz.gov, under “City Services A to Z,” or at the city’s Transportation and Development Department, 215 E. Buffalo St. Submitted photo

In addition, the informative “Homeowner’s Building Permit Manual” will be discussed and free copies provided to all participants. The manual helps homeowners navigate the city’s building permit process and provides information on room additions, accessory buildings, carport conversions, patio coverings, pools, fences and yard irrigation systems. The 52-page

permits—and as importantly—those

manual is available on the city’s website, chandleraz.gov, under “City Services A to Z,” or at the city’s Transportation and Development Department, 215 E. Buffalo St., Chandler.

Neighborhood resources staff will discuss code enforcement and the most common violations that homeowners make. A neighborhood that looks like people care about upkeep and appearance will deter negative influences. Find out how to maintain your property in compliance with city codes and ordinances and help to support strong and vibrant neighborhoods. Learn how to identify indicators of decline, report violations

in your neighborhood and gain an understanding of the process the city uses to address your concerns.

Water conservation staff will discuss various rebates that are available from the city and provide tips on desert adaptive plants and drip irrigation systems. Rebates are offered for new landscapes using low water use plants, plus landscape conversions and “smart” irrigation controllers. These controllers use current weather data and information about site conditions such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, and soil and plant type to apply the right amount of water to the landscape. Information about recycling and

NAVIGATING THE PROCESS: The city’s “Homeowner’s Building Permit Manual” will be discussed and helps homeowners navigate the city’s building permit process. Submitted photo

trash disposal will be provided by representatives from the city’s Solid Waste Services Division. Learn what can be recycled and how to dispose of stuff you no longer want or need, including paints, stains, glues, adhesives, paint thinners and other household hazardous waste often used in DIY projects.

Members of the police department will discuss alarms and provide tips for homeowners on crime prevention, including the topic of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design where easy fixes to lighting, doors, windows and landscaping can improve home security.

Seating for DIY Connect is limited and reservations are required. RSVP by calling 480-782-4354 or by emailing cristabel. dykstra@chandleraz.gov.

City of Chandler Insider

Jim Dawson, building plans examiner

None of us enjoyed getting our homework returned by the teacher tattooed with red ink, but sometimes it was warranted. This scenario is repeated numerous times in the adult world of Construction Plan Review, and Jim Dawson is the guy wielding the red pen.

As a building plans examiner, Dawson pours over the construction plans of developers and builders to ensure they are designed in accordance with the International Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy Conservation, National Electric, and Residential codes and the Accessibility Design Access Guidelines that developed out of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Builders sometimes take issue with corrections being requested, but Dawson’s grasp of the subject matter and reasoned demeanor usually wins out. And sometimes he doesn’t have to say a word, like the time a design consultant was upset with several ADA requirements and insisted on meeting personally with him. The consultant’s objections evaporated when Dawson rolled his wheelchair into the lobby to greet him.

Dawson has been paralyzed from the chest down and confined to a wheelchair since 2001 following a fall

he took while on vacation in Canada. With his injury has come limited mobility and a greater reliance on others, especially his wife of 32 years, Tina. He credits Tina with being his lifesaver and speaks of the many sacrifices she has made to keep him going.

Before the accident, Dawson was an active outdoorsman and traveled frequently while holding numerous jobs both in the United States and Canada. He was born in Kingston, Ontario, and grew up helping his father, who was a plumbing contractor. He also worked as a carpenter and later became a building inspector and plan reviewer for an agency of the Canadian government similar to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Dawson even spent a year as a building trades instructor in a Canadian penitentiary. He shakes his head and smiles when recalling some of the crazy things he witnessed, including the time inmates were caught fermenting a concoction beneath some lockers in his office.

Other government jobs followed, including a high level job with Canada’s Department of Indian and Northern Affairs overseeing the infrastructure, housing and social service needs

EXAMINER: Jim Dawson, city of Chandler building plans examiner. Submitted photo

of numerous Native American communities in northern Alberta, Canada. He later owned his own construction company in his hometown of Kingston.

The appeal of warmer climates led Dawson and his wife to Arizona in the mid-‘90s, where he held jobs with Scottsdale and Gilbert, went into the home inspection business, and even operated a restaurant and bar in Mesa. He joined Chandler seven years ago and says he’s grateful to be working alongside many wonderful coworkers.

And when asked about his life philosophy, Dawson smiles and says, “I make a conscious mental decision each day to make it the best day I can possibly make it.”

Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.

LIVING TRUST SEMINAR

East Valley gets ready for Food Day

Residents of the East Valley are invited to celebrate Food Day—the nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, sustainably produced food— at the Chandler Farmers Market, 3. S. Arizona Ave., 3 to 7 p.m. Thur., Oct. 24. Chandler Farmers Market cosponsors the event with Gangplank, a collaborative workspace in Downtown Chandler. Through Gangplank’s Health Initiative, volunteers have collaborated to bring local food experts and talent to the Chandler Farmers Market, where attendees can purchase locally grown and prepared food and also learn from local gardening experts, food specialists and food charities.

The last film in a free Food Film Fest, “Cafeteria Man,” will also be shown at 7:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 24. The films and following discussions have taken place Thursdays in October at 260 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

To find out more visit foodday.org/trudi/east_valley_food_day_eat_ real_how_local_can_you_grow or follow East Valley Food Day on Facebook at facebook.com/EastValleyFoodDay.

Learn backyard composting

Chandler residents have the opportunity to join one of two backyard composting workshops offered by the city’s Solid Waste Services Division. Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Sat., Oct. 26 and Sat., Nov. 9 at Chandler City Hall-East Lobby Entrance, 175 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Suitable for beginners as well as seasoned gardeners, the workshops will review a variety of composting methods and home uses for home-grown compost.

Composting is nature’s way of recycling and a great way to divert waste from the landfill and turn it into a beneficial soil amendment. In composting, organic material such as leaves,

grass clippings, prunings and fruit and vegetable scraps, are mixed together in a pile or bin, where millions of tiny microbes digest the material and turn it into a nutrient-rich soil component.

The workshops are free, but registration is required by calling 480-782-3510. Enrollment priority will be given to Chandler residents receiving city-provided refuse service.

‘Think Pink’ at Chandler Fashion Center

To celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chandler Fashion Center retailers are helping to support the fight against breast cancer, and invite you to join them in the fight. Purchase items at participating stores and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research and awareness now through Oct.31. Chandler Fashion Center is located at 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.480- 8128488. Center hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Restaurant and department store hours may vary.

• Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is offering a Cares Card which will save you money and donate to the cause. Purchase a $25 Ann Taylor Cares Card and enjoy 20% off every purchase of $100 or 25% off every purchase of $100 or more when you use you Ann Taylor Card*. Through Nov. 15, 90% of the card’s purchase price will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.*Subject to credit approval.

• Ben Bridge Jewelers

During October, 20% of the Pandora Breast Cancer Beads go toward the 5 Million pledge to Breast Cancer Research.

• Brighton Collectibles

Introducing their Power of Pink Collection. For each bracelet purchased Brighton Collectibles will donate $10 to support Breast Cancer Research and Awareness.

• Coach

Think pink in October with an elegant, limited edition key keeper: the Coach signature letters luxuriously enameled and suspended from a brightly polished ring. Accented with a “pink ribbon” in metal and enamel and a diminutive hangtag charm, it makes a very special gift and is a great way to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Coach will donate 20% of this purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• GODIVA

GODIVA Honors Breast Cancer Awareness

Month with their Courage Truffle. This deliciously smooth and creamy milk chocolate truffle wears a pink chocolate ribbon, of course.

• LOFT

Buy a $25 LOFT Cares Card and get 20% off your purchase of $100 or more until Nov. 15 (25% off with LOVE LOFT CARD*); 90% of the card’s purchase price will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation *Subject to credit approval.

• New York & Company

During October, $2 from the sale of each NY&C Pink product will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• Old Spaghetti Factory

Free Sicilian Garlic Cheese Bread, Kid’s Meal, or even Pasta Classic Entree when you donate to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Donate $1 to ACS and receive a coupon for a Free Sicilian Garlic Cheese Bread. Donate $5 to ACS and receive a Free Kid’s Meal Donate $20 to ACS and receive a coupon for a Free Pasta Classic Entrée

• Origins

Offering a limited edition Drink Up hydrating Lip Balm in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.

• Perfumania

Perfumania will donate $1 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation every time you purchase one of it selected “Pink” fragrances: Lacoste Touch of Pink, Lady Flight by Jordan, Vintage Bloom by Jessica Simpson, Dazzle by Paris Hilton, Tickled Pink by Vicky Tiel, Glam by Kim Kardashian, Betsey Johnson, XOXO Mi Amore, Snookie, Vince Camuto, Aquolina Pink Sugar.

• Nordstrom

For every bra purchased during its “We Heart a Great Fit” Fall Lingerie Event, Nordstrom and that brand will donate $2 to the Young Survival Coalition, a nonprofit that supports young women with breast cancer.

• The Walking Company

The Walking Company proudly presents its exclusive pink ribbon collection with iconic styles provided by UGG Australia, Dansko, ECCO and Abeo. Purchases of their exclusive pink ribbon collection will support their national charity partner, City of Hope and hundreds of local charities in the fight against breast cancer.

• White House Black Market

Discover its special collection in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During October, $10 from the sale of each Give Hope necklace, and $20 from the sale of every Give Hope tee will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

BREAK TIME BEGINS

CLASS NOTES: The City of Chandler’s quarterly Break Time recreation guide for the winter session is available. Winter class registration for Chandler residents begins at 10 a.m. Sat., Nov. 2; nonresidents can begin signing up for classes at 10 a.m. Fri., Nov. 8. New this session are Community Nights in the Courtyard at the Community Center, bully prevention classes for children ages 7 to 12, SAT Prep for teens and Beginning Crochet for adults; returning favorites include intersession youth camps, adult sports leagues, swim lessons, Senior Center activities and more. To register or learn more, visit chandleraz.gov/breaktime or call 480-782-2727 Submitted photo

Greenbelt Lot

$335,000 3,164 sq. ft., 5BR, 3.5BA, Loft Next to the park, Granite, Pool!

Gated Arden Park, Chandler

$475,000 3,040 sq. ft., 4BR, 3 BA Upgrades! Pool, BBQ, Putting Green

Watermark at Ocotillo, Chandler

$750,000 4,323 sq. ft. 5BR, 4.5 BA, Loft & Bonus Room $300,000+ in upgrades - Have to see it to believe it!

Hermosa Estates, Mesa

$635,000 4,067 sq. ft., 4BR, 3.5BA & Den 35,641 sq. ft. Lot, Former Model, Mtn. Views!

Guest House 1+ Acre, Resort Backyard, GORGEOUS!

Countryside Estates, Chandler

$419,000 3,263 sq. ft. 4BR, 3BA & Bonus Room Upgrades! Granite, Master Fireplace & More

Portello, Chandler

$339,000 3,187 sq. ft., 4BR, 2.5BA, Den & Loft What a deal! Lowest price/sf in the community!

Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off now three days

Chandler’s signature old-west cooking event has expanded to three days this year, beginning 9 a.m. Fri., Nov. 8.

The fourth annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off will feature a dozen teams demonstrating a bit of the 1880s old-west lifestyle while cooking up some tasty grub in a culinary competition. The festivities will take place at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Ranch, a collection of historic structures and farm equipment in Tumbleweed Park at 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Parking, admission and most activities at this family friendly festival are free, though there will be fees for all food and beverages.

Explore the western lifestyle of a bygone era with the period dress, equipment, music, tastes and smells at this event. For three days authentic chuck wagon teams from Arizona, California, Nevada and Montana will prepare their foods using the tools and methods of

dessert in the style of an 1880s cattle drive Submitted photo

1880s cattle drives. The meals they prepare will be available for purchase on Saturday and Sunday, and the event will also feature stage entertainment, family activities and shopping opportunities.

Ranch gates open 9 a.m. Nov. 8 , and visitors can meet the wagon team members and get an up-close look at the daily life of a cowboy cook as they prepare for Saturday’s main competition. The wagon teams will be giving tours to school groups and fireside demonstrations from 10 a.m. to noon. From noon to 3 p.m., the campsites will be judged for how well they present an accurate depiction of a chuck wagon camp on a trail drive in the late 1800s. When not being judged, wagon crews will answer questions and interact with the public.

A campfire glow will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, when ranch visitors can enjoy each team’s roaring camp fire, roast marshmallows to make s’mores and relax under the stars. S’mores ingredients can be purchased at the ranch, or families can bring their own marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. Cowboy singer Wally Bornmann will perform throughout the evening.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, when the food competition will take place. Each wagon team will cook five courses that were typically prepared on an 1880s cattle drive: bread, beans, meat, potatoes and dessert. A limited number of tickets for the noon meal will be available to purchase on Saturday only, beginning at

10 a.m. The meal tickets cost $12 and are expected to sell out quickly. Winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

Marshal Pioneer Pepper and the Sunset Pioneers and The Bluegrass Pioneers will headline Saturday’s musical entertainment, which will also feature demonstrations by the Arizona Gunfighters, cooking demonstrations and tours of the historic 1917 McCroskey House. Period activities like blacksmith demonstrations, weaving and spinning demonstrations and hay wagon rides to the nearby Arizona Railway Museum will also be available.

Newly expanded to Sunday this year, the event will kick off its last day with a flag ceremony at 9:30 a.m. honoring America’s veterans and featuring the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory. At 10 a.m. a cowboy breakfast of biscuits and gravy, flapjacks and more will be served to ticket holders. Tickets are $10 and will be on sale all three days of the cook-off.

Sunday will also feature cowboy poetry and music around the campfire, more period activities and cooking demonstrations by Arizona’s foremost foodie, Jan D’Atri.

The 2013 Cook-off is presented by the Chandler Museum, Pardners of Tumbleweed Ranch, Biscuitflats Chuck Wagon and our Trail Boss sponsors Earnhardt Ford, SDB Contracting Services, SRP and Fast Signs of Chandler.

For more information, call 480-782-2751, e-mail jean.reynolds@chandleraz.gov or visit chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon.

Dogs have their day at Woofstock

Join Chandler as it goes to the dogs for the fifth annual Woofstock Festival Sat., Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park. This event is held in partnership with the American Service Animal Society and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. While there is a fee to join the dog walk (open to leashed, friendly and well-behaved dogs), general admission to Woofstock is free.

Enjoy live musical entertainment as well as demonstrations, vendors, food and raffles.

Also available at the event will be microchips, licenses, rabies vaccinations, and other services from Maricopa Animal Care and Control, which will offer pet adoptions on-site as well.

Woofstock offers a day of family friendly fun, including the Great Chandler Dog Walk. Other fun at the event will include pet contests, raffles, a pet psychic, dog massages, Concert for Critters, interactive demonstrations, Mini Bark Park and appearances by other pet-friendly vendors. For a full schedule and details on each event, visit chandleraz.gov/ default.aspx?pageid=284.

Community

Spend less time in the ER with new service

Instead of spending hours waiting in overcrowded emergency rooms, you now might be able to check in ahead of time, online, and wait at home.

With InQuicker; a new system in place at ChandlerRegional.org, MercyGilbert.org and StJosephsphx.org as well as through four Dignity Health Urgent Care centers at DignityHealth.org/UrgentCare/ az, patients can sign in online for a projected time slot, and keep an eye out for potential wait times. When the patient arrives, a health care professional will be ready to see them.

“Our patients deserve more respect for their time in the emergency room,” says Paul Szablowski, Dignity Health’s vice president of marketing in Arizona. “Once a prospective patient receives a projected treatment time on our website, he or she can wait at home rather than sitting in the waiting room. When they arrive, it’s our commitment to make sure that the patient is seen within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.”

Emergency rooms can’t be completely scheduled, so InQuicker is not an appointment or reservation service. Instead, the service estimates treatment times based on facility conditions and allows its users to wait from the comfort of their home, rather

than the waiting room.

Because there may be unforeseen circumstances that may cause projected treatment time delay the InQuicker users may be sent notifications via phone call and email so they can continue waiting at home.

“InQuicker is intended only for individuals with nonlife-threatening or debilitating medical conditions,” Szablowski says. “It’s a simple and convenient way for people with busy lives and families to conveniently access care. If you’re in doubt about the severity of your condition, you should always seek immediate care by calling 9-1-1 or by going to the nearest emergency room.”

Make a tax-deductible book donation

If you have books that are just gathering dust, you can donate them to the Friends of the Chandler Public Library, a charitable organization that will put them to good use. Books and other reading and entertainment materials donated to the Friends are resold at a discount price, which recirculates the items within the community, decreases the burden on our landfills and provides a tax deduction for donors.

Throughout October, the Friends are holding a citywide book drive in preparation for their annual Book Bonanza sale held in conjunction with the Multicultural Festival every January. The quality and quantity of donated books are what make this one of the largest book sales in the East Valley.

In addition to the Book Bonanza, the organization provides used books on sale year-round in all four Chandler Public

Library locations: Basha, Downtown, Hamilton and Sunset.

Donations of gently used adult and children’s hardback and paperback books are always welcome, and may be dropped off during regular business hours. Other items that can be donated to the Friends include audio CDs, books on CD, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and recent issues of popular magazines.All accepted item donations are tax deductible and receipts for tax purposes are available.

The next Book Bonanza sale will take place Jan. 17 to 19. Proceeds from used-book sales help fund Chandler Library programs and services.

For more information about book donations or Friends of the Chandler Public Library, visit chandlerlibrary.org/friends or call 480-782-2800.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Wed., Oct. 23 for the Nov. 2, 2013 issue of the SanTan Sun News.

All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com.

Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@ SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.