10 4 2014stsn p16 28 business

Scorpion CrossFit welcomes athletes of all fitness levels

BY ALISON STANTON

Since Scorpion CrossFit opened in early July, owner Rob Gray has enjoyed watching a steady stream of new clients walk in the door.

“People are dropping in, and I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls—it’s been really great,” Gray says.

There are a variety of reasons why Scorpion CrossFit is doing so well already, he explains.

“For one thing, we are big, and we have a lot of space here,” Gray says. “The ‘box,’ which is what CrossFit calls a gym, is 5,400 square feet. This gives us a lot of flexibility when doing workouts, and we are not limited by space at all.”

In addition, Gray says his convenient location near the Loop 202 and 101 freeways is attracting a lot of people, and while other CrossFits and gyms can have huge class sizes, his are not crowded.

“Right now, we offer CrossFit classes and an athletic-training program, which is essentially CrossFit with a customized twist to fit each athlete’s needs,” Gray says.

Unlike other CrossFit programs that appeal mainly to people who are already in great shape, Scorpion CrossFit boasts a wide variety of members who are at different levels of athletic ability.

“I have some members who are at least 150 pounds overweight,” Gray says.

The workouts are tailored to help members achieve their individual goals.

“Anyone can come in the door, and I’d rather get them in here and work with them, and scale things to everyone’s fitness levels. But while anyone can walk in and sign up, they must continue to show up and stick with it.”

In the short time he’s been open, Gray says he’s already seen great improvements in many of his members.

“We work on functional movements and teaching people how to do things properly, like how to do a squat correctly,” Gray says.

He adds that he truly enjoys watching how being involved in CrossFit will not only increase and improve a person’s mobility, but also their quality of life.

“It’s pretty amazing to watch.”

Scorpion CrossFit is located at 2095 W. Frye Rd. in Chandler. For more information call (480) 420-8955 or visit www.scorpioncrossfit.net

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com

Doing Business

Spellbound Art and Design

Owner: Autumn Wetch

How long in business: 15 years

Unique features: Free estimates for custom artwork; murals, faux finishing, graphic design, commercial projects, book illustrations or projects requiring a creative vision.

Hours: Varies

Phone: (602) 616-2261

Website: www.spellboundartanddesign. com

RJL Business Solutions

Owner: Renee Ladd

How long in business: More than 20 years

Specialty: Administrative and bookkeeping services

Unique features: Specializing in servicing small businesses

Hours: Varies

Address: Chandler

Phone: (480) 349-0810

SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’

The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers. Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 35,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo. Email this information to business@santansun.com or visit www.santansun.com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Sleep Apnea has become one of the leading US health concerns that we face as we continue to treat an aging and oftentimes overweight population. Patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea can have symptoms that include a feeling of being tired, fatigued and sleepy during the daytime. Many people who develop sleep apnea start with snoring, which can then progress towards apnea, where they stop breathing. The benefit of treating sleep apnea is that it will reduce the complications associated with sleep apnea. These complications include: problems with your endocrine system [thyroid problems and diabetes], hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease including heart block and arrhythmias, an increased risk of stroke, mood disorders and of course, increased mortality. After seeing this long list of complications, one can see why it is so important to treat the obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] as soon as it is diagnosed. Once a patient has been diagnosed with OSA, it is important to begin immediate

treatment. The gold standard in treating sleep apnea has been CPAP [continuous positive airway pressure], where oxygen is forced into their lungs to keep the airway open so the patient does not stop breathing and keeps enough oxygen in the system to keep the brain and heart supplied to function normally. Unfortunately, there are many people who cannot tolerate CPAP and therefore seek alternative treatment options with us.

When you come into our state of the art facility, we will perform a complete and thorough head and neck examination including radiographic analysis of your facial structures. We will discuss the different options to treat sleep apnea from oral devices that open the airway to definitive jaw surgery to correct for abnormal facial development.

Contact our office (480) 814-9500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nish Shah and visit our website www.azoral.com for all our services provided.

Chandler Business Alliance holds weekly meetings

The Chandler Business Alliance meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every Thursday at BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Those interested in networking with a cause are invited to attend the meeting. All member and guest businesses will be allowed to present themselves to other local businesses who care about Chandler. Information about local Chandler events and causes will also be provided.

Upcoming events include the Indian Art Market from Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 12; the Chandler Day of Play on Saturday, Oct. 25; Fall Rhythm Fest on Saturday, Oct. 25; Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 25; Downtown Chandler

Block Party on Saturday, Nov. 8; FANS 3rd annual Night on the Vine on Monday, Nov. 9; About Care Veteran’s Day Art Auction and Wine Tasting on Thursday, Nov. 13; and Woofstock on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The alliance is a professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole. That mission is accomplished through establishing a network of businesses owned and or operated by members of Chandler neighborhoods. For more information, visit www. chandleralliance.com.

Stingray Sushi hosts job fair Oct. 7-9

Experienced servers, hosts/hostesses, talented prep chefs and others are invited to apply for positions at Stingray Sushi in Ahwatukee/Chandler.

The restaurant is hosting a three-day job fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9, at 900 N. 54th St., Chandler. It is looking for: bartenders, servers, door hostesses/hosts, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers and barbacks.

Scheduled for completion in late October, Stingray Sushi Chandler/Ahwatukee is housed inside a sleek, custom-built space just off Interstate 10 and Ray Road.

The 5,000-square-foot restaurant and lounge will feature Stingray’s signature bold,

colorful and eye-grabbing décor, as well as two spacious and shaded dining patios. Here, guests will savor Chef Andrew Nam’s famously fresh, inventive take on traditional sushi, as well as a full selection of noodles, salads, soups, bento box lunches and signature entrées such as lobster dynamite, tempura battered king crab and yakiniku (shaved New York strip and Asian vegetables, stir fried in Korean soy sauce). Pair it all with a gourmet cocktail, beer or wine from Stingray’s extensive drinks list, handcrafted by renowned mixologist, Jason Asher. For more information, visit www.stingraysushi.com.

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CORPORATE CHRONICLES

Kollmann joins Cushman and Wakefield’s office division Cody Kollmann has joined Cushman and Wakefield of Arizona Inc. as an associate in the office division of the Tenant Representation Group. Kollmann, formerly an intern at Cushman and Wakefield this past summer, will be working with Senior Director Jay Hoselton and Senior Associate Chris Nord. His intern experience included market research, updating tenant information and working with the office and industrial team.

Kollmann graduated from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He also played two years of collegiate baseball at St. Gregory’s. He is a member of NAIOP and earned his Arizona real estate license in 2013.

Kroener joins Isola Group Isola Group of Chandler, a market leader in copper-clad laminates and dielectric materials used to fabricate advanced multilayer printed circuit boards, announced that Helmut Kroener has joined Isola as senior director of OEM-Marketing in Europe. In his role, he will be responsible for the qualifications of Isola’s new and emerging technology products at major European OEMs. He will also provide strategic direction to the company’s new product introduction teams and its technical service organization.

Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona hosts luncheon

The Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona will host its educational “Learning, Loving and Living with Cancer” luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Registration begins at 11 a.m.

The Linda Rainford Award and the Edgar H. Hernandez Humanitarian Award will be presented to two very deserving members of the community. Both award winners have shown dedication and commitment to the mission of the DCFA. The Carole Weishaar Founder’s Award will be given to a long-term DCFA supporter.

DCFA’s Health Partner organizations will share their expertise and invite participation in the important cause.

Dr. Alison Stopek, hematology and

oncology specialist formerly with the University of Arizona, will be the guest speaker, and Rick DeBruhl, veteran 12 News anchor and reporter, will emcee the event.

Tickets are $40 per person or $350 for a table of 10. To register, or to become a sponsor, visit www.desertcanceraz.org.

The luncheon will take place at Mesa Hilton, 1011 W. Holmes Ave., Mesa.

For more information, call Patti Bruno at (480) 899-4984.

The mission of the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona is to provide cancer education, access to life-saving screenings and to secure treatment resources for uninsured cancer patients and their families in Arizona.

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• Heated resort pool / spa, full clubhouse and fitness center

• Underground, gated parking with designated space

• Located adjacent to an established and performing retail center in the award-winning Downtown Ocotillo

• Exclusive 10-year warranty program

DISTINCTIVE COMMUNITY FEATURES:

• Smart technology (state-of-the-art technology)

• Granite countertops with under-mount sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms

• 42-inch upper and 36-inch lower maple cabinetry and choice of finishes

• Option for soft water

Realtors are partners at home and in the office

BY ALISON STANTON

Not every husband and wife could handle working together.

But Realtors Rebecca Hidalgo Rains and James Rains say it suits them just fine. They work together every day at Integrity All Star Realty in Chandler.

Rebecca, who is a designated broker and owner of the company, earned her real estate license in 1993. She encouraged her husband to do the same; he received his license in 2009.

“Rebecca and I are best friends, and we help each other out whenever we can. It’s just really a good partnership,” James says.

“Also, we’re not really around each other 24/7. Sometimes, Rebecca will meet a client at a home while I’m in the office, and we’ll meet for lunch to catch up.”

Rebecca says that the way she and James complement each other is key to their success.

“While some partnerships can lead to resentments, we never do anything that goes against what the other is doing, and we only try to help each other. We just have so much fun together,” she says.

Although the duo does “a little bit of everything” in real estate, James says their primary focus is residential sales, along with rentals.

“In addition to our real estate services, we give back to the community around us on a regular basis,” James says. He and Rebecca have been involved

with Habitat for Humanity, as well as the Care Fund and other local projects and organizations.

One of the many things that help to set Integrity All Star Realty apart from the competition, Rebecca notes, is their commitment to being on top of the latest trends in the industry.

“I really like it when we are the first to do something,” she says.

“For example, right now there is a return to a more traditional marketing, so I have been going to continuingeducation classes to be sure I’m on top of the latest trends.”

In addition, Rebecca says she and James are looking into using social media to help market homes; for example, putting up videos and photos of the homes on sites like Pinterest and Instagram.

“We invest in our company—not just with our money, but with our time,” she says.

Whether they are showing a home or meeting with a client for the first time, Rebecca says she and James have one main goal: to be their clients’ Realtors for life.

“We want to have our clients buy and sell homes with us again and again. To do this, we try to build a true relationship with them,” she says.

Alison Stanton is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

COMPLEMENTARY COUPLE: Rebecca Hidalgo Rains says she and her husband, James Rains, are best friends, which helps them to be successful as both a couple and in their work as Realtors for Integrity All Star Realty. Submitted photo

Give Where You Live event to be held Oct. 11

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, “Give Where You Live Fall Craft Fair” to benefit Matthew’s Crossing food bank and the food-insecure families they serve.

The event will feature more than 30 vendors of jewelry, children’s items, craft items, bake sale, face painting, candles, Phoenix Phreeze Hawaiian Shave Ice Food Truck and more.

Bring a food item and receive a free raffle ticket. Items needed include tuna, peanut butter, canned vegetables, pasta sauce, rice and beans.

The event will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler. For more information, email givewhereyouliveevent@gmail. com.

Join the chamber for events, groups and seminars

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has an assortment of leads groups for the business community to join.

Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, unless otherwise noted.

To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or www. meetup.com/ChandlerChamber, or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.

Success Dynamics Leads Group meets Monday mornings

Every Monday, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., the Success Dynamics Leads Group meets at Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler, to help business members network and grow their business. Members are given opportunities to offer information about their companies, upcoming events and more. Meets Mondays, Oct. 6 and 13. Allowed two free visits.

Chandler Business Connections meets Tuesday mornings

Chandler Business Connections helps network business members while growing their business every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The group meets at BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Meets Tuesdays, Oct. 7 and 14. Allowed two free visits.

Wednesday New Leads Group

Make lasting partnerships that enhance business performance from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Bernard’s at Ocotillo Golf Resort, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler. The next meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Allowed two free visits.

Sun Lakes Networking Group meets Wednesdays

The Sun Lakes/Ocotillo Networking Group meets every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at La Casa Blanca, 34605 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. This leads group will focus on building business relationships in the Sun Lakes/ Ocotillo area with the support of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Meets Wednesdays, Oct. 8 and 15. Allowed two free visits.

Go-Getters Leads Group meets on Thursdays

The first, second and third Thursday of the month, the Go-Getters Leads Group meets at Rudy’s West Country Store and Barbecue, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd. The group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to support the business member’s network and grow their businesses. This is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. Meets Thursdays, Oct 9 and 16. Allowed two free visits.

Friday Cafe Leads Group meets at Chompie’s

The Friday Cafe Leads Group meets at Chompie’s, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The group helps members interact and grow their businesses. Members have the opportunity to give information about their companies, upcoming events and more. Meets Fridays, Oct. 10 and 17. Allowed two free visits.

Chamber plays significant role in election process

Once again this year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce will play a significant role in the election process. The chamber represents more than 1,200 businesses and more than 100,000 employers and has the responsibility of providing members with effective public policy. After receiving the Chandler Public Affairs Committee’s recommendations, the

board of directors voted on the final endorsements.

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4. The last day to register for the 2014 general election is Monday, Oct. 6.

Public policy

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is the community representative on local, regional and state issues, discussing issues that are important to the success of businesses and the community. Glen Hamer from the Arizona Chamber will be presenting on the State of the Chamber, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 10. Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Technology Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Series

Join the chamber for this month’s topic: Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn Overview. Learn how to utilize social media in business. Presented by Robert Reed with Expose Your Biz Online and Ryan McCaigue with Unwired Engineering, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at the chamber office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Small Business Development Center Academy Class

The SBDC Academy in Chandler is a five-week program designed for busy entrepreneurs. Receive a certificate

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

The summer is upon us and, with temperatures in the 100s, I am sure you would like the opportunity to get away for a long weekend to a “cool” vacation spot. You can generate that extra cash to enjoy this break by using an asset you already own.

Is there something in your safety deposit box, garage, a drawer or maybe on a wall in your home that has value and can be converted to cash? Take some time and look for this asset that no longer is bringing you pleasure or is not appreciating and find out “What’s it worth.”

There are experts who have the capability to evaluate collectables, jewelry, art, etc. through research and market knowledge who will provide the estimated value of your

item. There are consignment stores on every corner that will take the item and attempt to find buyers. There is also the Internet, which is becoming a mall and shopping center. The valuables that before were not readily saleable now can be sold 24 hours a day. But first you need to have the experts determine a value. From this point, the marketplace will determine the true selling price. Also ask the experts if they are possible buyers of the assets. It will expedite the conversion of the item to cash. Please take the time on one of these hot days to search for valuables that can be converted to funds for a break from the heat. Remember there are experts and buyers who want to assist!

— David Goldstein Owner, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

“BILTMORE BUYS OR LOANS ON ANYTHING YOU OWN”

Tips on how to pet-proof a home Move Time Realty opens office

Much like preparing for a baby, preparing a home for a pet can be a difficult and long process. Because animals walk and chew long before a newborn baby can even turn over, it’s important to make sure to pet-proof a home well before welcoming a fourlegged friend into the family.

The first thing to pet-proof is the flooring. From muddy paws to accidents, flooring will be the first thing affected by a new, furry family member.

“One of the most common requests from my customers with pets is for flooring that is durable and stainresistant,” says John Toliver of Toliver’s Carpet One Floor and Home. “But they also want a floor that looks great in their home.”

For pet owners, the flooring experts at Carpet One Floor and Home stores recommend their exclusive “Relax, it’s... Lees” collection, which is specially designed to protect against inevitable pet-related stains.

Lees is different from many other carpet brands in the market. As an exclusive brand of Carpet One Floor and Home, Lees offers a variety of unique features. Those include Ultra25 4X protection that repels most liquids including juice, coffee and other spills four times longer than other carpet with traditional stain protection; an exclusive 25-year No Exclusions ULTRA 25-stain warranty, which covers stains other carpet warranties don’t, including

pet stains, grease, mustard, coffee, cola and even bleach; and a patented ExraLoc baking which has double the density of standard carpet construction, offering unheard-of stability and dimensional strength when you need it most.

Hard-surface flooring can also be a good choice for a pet-friendly home. Most types of laminate and vinyl are scratch resistant and easy to clean. Plus, vinyl and laminate brands offer hardwood or ceramic-tile looks, making it possible to maintain style and functionality simultaneously. Hard surfaces such as vinyl and laminate are easier to maintain and clean especially when dealing with liquid stains.

Toliver’s Carpet One Floor and Home is located at 275 W. Warner Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit www.toliverscarpetonechandler.com or call (480) 899-2272.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Move Time Realty has opened its newest office in Chandler to better serve consumers in the Southeast Valley.

“After two years, the expansion of our brokerage into a prime retail center location in the Southeast Valley will provide a convenient, state-of-theart space for our East Valley customers to work with our affiliated real estate professionals in a comforting homelike environment,” says Matt Hage, owner and chief financial officer.

affiliated agents.

The new office is located at Germann and Alma School roads, just south of the Loop 202 Freeway, and features an innovative design, which includes a virtual cafe for agents and clients. The location is equipped with the latest technology, such as flat-screen televisions throughout the office for training and presentations. The office is designed to welcome clients with a stylish, home-like atmosphere.

“This office is a long-time dream for us,” says Susan Paul, owner and designated broker. “We’ve been working toward this goal, and we’re so excited to open our doors this week.”

The owners have named Joan Kilbey, an experienced East Valley Realtor and broker, to head up the new location as the managing broker. Kilbey will be overseeing the talent-attraction efforts and education offerings for the office’s

An inaugural education event for Realtors was held on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Move Time Realty will be hosting many grand opening events throughout October and November. VIP Neighbor Night is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, for neighboring Chandler business owners and managers of the Alma School and Germann retail centers.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce will be welcoming the business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Better Homes and Gardens Move Time Realty invites the public to its Community Grand Opening event on Sat., Nov. 15. Better Homes and Gardens Move Time Realty is part of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home and relationships. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Move Time Reality has offices in Scottsdale and Chandler with 48 agents.

For more information, visit www. movetimerealty.com or call (480) 3623000. a e

For

after attending all five sessions. This session’s topic will be Business Strategy and Marketing Plan. Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler. Meets 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Board of Directors Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Directors is 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Business After Business

Join the monthly evening mixer, meet new chamber members, make business contacts and get a chance to win the “Chamber Cash Pot.” Meets 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at Chandler Fashion Center Mall Crawl, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

Leadership Institute Issue Day

The chamber is holding issue day for Leadership Institute from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, at the chamber offices, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Ribbon cuttings

Help celebrate with the chamber and Hyatt Place Chandler Fashion Center, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, at its ribbon cutting. There will be light refreshments at this event, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9. Join the chamber at Aloha Yoga and Hula, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday,

Oct. 18, 4939 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, for its ribbon cutting. There will be light refreshments and great people celebrating at this event.

Stay connected with the Chamber

If individuals would like to continue receiving text updates from the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, text ChandlerAZ to 411247 for general updates, events, reminders and announcements; text ChandlerDeals to 411247 to receive text updates on specials going on around the Chandler area; text ChandlerEDU to 411247 to receive text updates on educational seminars, training programs and announcements; and text ChandlerEvents to 411247 to receive text updates on upcoming events, ribbon cuttings and reminders. Do you have a special going on or a deal to share with the Chandler community? Email deals@ chandlerchamber.com and give a short description, 160 characters or less, about the special. The deal will be sent out in text message alerts.

CEO Roundtable

CEOs have the opportunity to meet with Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny to discuss issues impacting business and the City of Chandler at this invitationonly event, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7. Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., fifth floor conference room, Chandler.

Wake Up Chandler

Wake Up Chandler will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Western State Bank, 976 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Make connections that will help business grow at this networking event. Businesses should bring brochures and promotional items and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about the company. Cost is $5 for members; $15 for nonmembers.

Free Small Business Counseling offered

Small Business Counseling is offered every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Appointment times vary. It is free and open to the public. The counseling provides advice, knowledge and insight to help individuals start or grow their business by experienced business counselors.

The counseling is available Mondays and Tuesdays at the chamber by appointment only, through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Career network. Contact the chamber to make an appointment.

Chamber offers internships for college students

College students looking for experience in the field of marketing, communication, public policy, event planning and business administration can apply for an internship with the chamber.

Call the chamber at (480) 963-4571 for information.

Sun Lakes Democratic Club meets Oct. 13

The Sun Lakes Democratic Club’s next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd.

This meeting will feature a special “Candidates’ Night.” All the Democratic candidates have been invited to stop in that night, as well as the annual social event at Oasis Park on Saturday, Oct. 11, for one last opportunity before the general election to visit with the Sun Lakes and Chandler voters to discuss their campaigns, future plans for Arizona and answer questions.

At all club meetings, nonperishable food items for the Matthew’s Crossing food bank are collected. Collections take place in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The club has collected more than 1,680 pounds of food and $170 this year.

Everyone is welcome at the club meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served.

For more information, call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.

Intel Variety Show raises $19,600 for Chandler Center for the Arts

Comedy acts, musical performances and other hidden talents were put on center stage at Chandler Center for the Arts as the venue hosted Intel Corporation’s 24th annual Intel Variety Show on Saturday, Sept. 13, raising $19,600. The Chandler Center for the Arts has hosted the event for 24 of the talent show’s 25 years, missing only one year due to renovations.

Proceeds from this annual, allvolunteer employee show benefit a different charity each year. This year, Intel selected Chandler Cultural Foundation, the nonprofit organization that funds and operates Chandler Center for the Arts as the recipient.

“We are so grateful to Intel for selecting the Chandler Cultural Foundation as the beneficiary this year,” says General Manager Michelle Mac Lennan. “Their support will make a great impact on our community outreach and arts programs designed to reach children.”

Intel’s Great Place to Work team purchased every seat in the house, making the show free to Intel employees, their friends and families and members of the public. In addition, Intel employees generated Intel Involved Matching Grants of $10,000 from its Intel Foundation for the time they volunteered for the show, whether rehearsing, making costumes,

attending meetings or performing the night of the event. For every hour each employee dedicates to the performance; the Intel Foundation donates $10 to the show’s designated nonprofit beneficiary.

“The Intel Variety Show is a 24-year Intel tradition where employees show off their talents and help organizations in their community at the same time,” says Renee Levin, community engagement manager. “This year’s donation to the Chandler Cultural Foundation means a lot to our performers. Chandler Center for the Arts is an invaluable asset that provides fine-arts education and a worldclass venue for our community.”

Highlighting this year’s lineup was a rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s signature song, “Time to Say Goodbye,” traditional Indian dance groups, a family-friendly stand-up comedy bit, choreographed yoga performed to music, live sand-art painting and original songs accompanied by guitar and piano. All acts featured at least one Intel employee.

In 2013, the Intel Variety Show benefitted the Yarnell Memorial Scholarship Endowment, raising nearly $40,000 through matching grants and individual donations. The funds went toward establishing scholarships for the children of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots killed fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.

VARIETY SHOW: Troy Harris sang “Time to Say Goodbye” during Intel Corporation’s 24th annual Intel Variety Show on Saturday, Sept. 13. Submitted photo

Career Connectors to hold next event Oct. 28

Individuals are invited to discover Career Connectors, a nonprofit organization connecting professionals to high-quality resources and hiring companies, at no cost.

The next event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Central Christian Church Gilbert Campus student center, 965 E. Germann Rd.

Each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.

For more information, call (480) 442-5806 or visit www. careerconnectors.org.

Chef wins cooking competition

BY KELSEY SEDERSTROM

Chef Anthony Serrano from El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina won the recent Scottsdale Spice Culinary Event.

Serrano’s winning dish was his carnitas street taco made with citrus-braised pork and a spicy slaw presented on a beer can holder. The judges gave the dish high marks for presentation and flavor. This competition determined the qualifiers for the World Food Championship, which begins Nov. 12, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Competitors will be judged in nine categories: barbecue, open chili, burger, dessert, sandwich, bacon, cheese recipe, pasta and seafood. The final winners will compete on Nov. 18 for the chance to win up to $100,000 cash.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Valley chefs competed at the event hosted by the Scottsdale

chamber. The votes were determined by a panel of judges, made up of local food experts including Mike Wahlberg, executive chef at Vintage 95 in Chandler, Joanie Simon, host of Restaurant Live Arizona and Kate Crowley, a local food writer and marketing consultant. Tickets to the World Food Championship are available for purchase, but street tacos and other dishes from Serrano are easily accessible at El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina. El Palacio is a local Mexican Restaurant chain founded by Angilberto and Isabel Serrano in 1982. Today, the Serrano family continues to deliver authentic cuisine. Every month, a special “Cooking with Anthony” class is held; RSVP on El Palacio’s website, www.epfamilyrestaurants.com/. The Chandler restaurant is located at 2950 E. Germann Rd. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Connect5 Family Center celebrates first anniversary with a party

Connect5 Family Center celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 12. The event gives families the opportunity to experience the center’s award-wining facility with the indoor play park, martial arts programs, Wi-Fi Cafe and its venue for all celebrations.

“It’s been an exciting year, and we are looking forward to many more,” says Lisa Napoli, director of operations.

The party will feature a variety of events and activities, including princesses and action heroes all under the 8,000-square-foot indoor playground. Under the supervision of Connect5 play coordinators, kids can discover numerous play stations and a giant play structure with slides, bridges

and climbing while their parents work, read or enjoy a quiet nutritious meal in the Wi-Fi Cafe. The playground includes a separate area for babies and toddlers.

The celebration will include all-day play from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $7.95. The Little Mermaid will make an appearance at 12:30 p.m.; Spider-Man at 1:30 p.m.; Cinderella at 2:30 p.m.; Batman at 4:30 p.m. and a performance by the Ice Queen and her sister at 5:30 p.m.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call (480) 699-2122 or visit www.connect5fc.com/ Chandler.

Hampton Inn and Suites named to Expedia list for 2014

Hampton Inn and Suites, 1231 S. Spectrum Blvd., Chandler, has been recognized as a leader in the hospitality industry with an inclusion to the Expedia Insiders’ Select list for 2014. The list is an annual ranking of the best-reviewed hotels on the travel site. Expedia’s list names only 650 hotels from more than 290,000 properties available via Expedia.

“We are pleased to be included in this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select ranking,” says John Paul, general

manager. “Our staff is committed to providing exceptional customer experience each day. We appreciate the positive feedback and will continue to ensure our guests have an outstanding experience during their stay with us.”

Open since 2009, Hampton Inn and Suites’ guest rooms are equipped with modern amenities designed to help guests feel at home and stay productive, including a microwave, refrigerator, LCD fl at screen TV and

signature clean and fresh Hampton bed. Each Hampton hotel also features the Perfect Mix Lobby, designed with a variety of seating and lighting options for both leisure and business travelers as an extension of the guestroom.

Hampton Hotels fosters a unique culture of hospitality called “Hamptonality.” This term describes each hotel’s approach to friendly customer service, anticipating guests’ needs and providing travelers with helpful suggestions about area

attractions, historical facts and fun things to do around town. Additionally, hotels are infused with local photography and art work, highlighting each property’s connection and support to its own community.

Hampton Inn and Suites participates in Hilton Honors, the only hotel rewards program that offers points and miles and no blackout dates.

To make reservations, visit www. hamptonchandler.com or call (480) 917-9500.

Chandler Public Library offers

The new Cloud-based eBook lending system from the Chandler Public Library uses the latest mobile technology, the 3M Cloud Library, offering a seamless experience that lets readers explore and borrow eBooks at the library, at home and on the go, as long as they have an Internet connection. The eBooks are downloaded to almost any mobile device to be read anywhere, without the need for Internet access.

Enhanced search functionality and intuitive navigation help, the 3M Cloud Library integrates well with the Chandler Library’s new Polaris Online Catalog System, which was introduced to patrons in July. This new system allows patrons to checkout eBooks, return eBooks, review their eBook checkouts, and view book holds all within the “My Account” features of the online catalog.

To use the 3M Cloud Library and download a title, a patron must have a valid Chandler Library card and PIN, access to the Internet, the software (app) for the user’s specific type of computer or mobile device and an email address for hold notifications to be sent.

The apps can be downloaded from the 3M’s support site, www.3m.com/us/library/eBook/. Library staff is available for assistance, but many patrons have commented about the ease of downloading the app and eBooks.

The 3M Cloud Library can be synced across different devices, and eBooks accessed on iPads, iPhones, Android phones and devices, Nooks, Kobos, Macs, PCs, and the Kindle Fire. The ease of use and flexibility of the platform means readers can check out a book on an iPad, take notes while reading on a PC and finish the book on an Android smartphone, all while never losing their place.

“I love reading eBooks on my phone because it literally comes with me everywhere I go, and I don’t have to carry heavy volumes around,” says Rosanna Johnson, marketing assistant for the library. “eBooks are great when waiting for appointments, or stuck in line somewhere. They are very convenient and a great use of my time.”

To date, more than 40 publishers have signed with the 3M Cloud Library to offer a growing list of more than 100,000 titles. If the library does not own the title that a user wants, they can use the “Advanced Search” feature of the app to add titles to a wish list and the library can then very quickly order the item and make it available. If a title is checked out, the user can see where they are in the queue and how many days until the book will become available to them.

For more information, visit www.chandlerlibrary. org/go2/e-books-and-digital-media.cfm or call (480) 782-2800.

LUSH celebrates Halloween with new products

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics continually releases new and exciting organic products, and this Halloween is no exception.

Bubble Bubble, Toil and Trouble, a limited-edition Halloween collection, launched on Oct. 3. The products are available for purchase online and in stores, including the locations in Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center.

The collection includes two bubble bars, Sparkly Pumpkin and Wizard. Sparkly Pumpkin is a sparkly golden jack-olantern that smells like juniper berry, grapefruit and lime. The Wizard bubble bar will release tangerine, juniper berry and fennel essential oils into the bath. The Wizard bubble bar can be purchased individually, or it can be included in the Wizard Hat Gift Set, which comes with the Wizard bubble bar, Star Light Star Bright bath melt and the Sparkler bath bomb.

The other collection, Hocus Pocus, is inspired by fireworks, magic and woodland folklore. This collection includes three colorful bath bombs: Northern Lights, Sparkler and Lord of Misrule. As Northern Lights melts, it mimics fireworks with its changing colors. Similarly, Sparkler will fill the tub with golden lights, a popping sound and a rose fragrance. The Lord of Misrule bath bomb is a returning favorite, with black pepper oils and patchouli, an herb belonging to the mint family.

Finally, this collection also features Fairy Ring soap, with jasmine, Ylang Ylang and shiitake mushrooms.

All of LUSH’s products are vegan, free from synthetic materials, and use little to no packaging to lessen waste. For more information, visit www.lushusa.com, or the stores in Scottsdale and Chandler.