10 4 2014stsn p49 58 neighbors

Neighbors

AZ Pho rewarding for Nguyen family

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When Tom Nguyen moved to the United States in 1992 from central Vietnam, he worked hard to put himself through California Polytechnic State University.

Tom, who at times worked at restaurants, soon began his 20-year engineering career. Now, he has come full circle, with wife, Thao, by purchasing the former Natalia’s 1912 restaurant and reopening it as AZ Pho and Grill.

“A lot of people want to try Vietnamese food, but there aren’t very many Vietnamese restaurants,” says Tom, who has been in Arizona for 10 years.

“Wherever I go people say, ‘You’re Vietnamese? I want to eat some of that noodle soup, pho.’ They always asked me where to go to get good food.”

Sublime adventures

Napa Valley fills three secluded days with eager thrills by Jeep, balloon and viniculture.

BY ASHLEY AND BRITTANY HILL, “THE JEEP GIRLS”

As dark broke to daylight in Yountville, California, the ground became increasingly farther away, and we were floating aloft in our hot air balloon. It was not a dream, though the air was cool and calm enough to lull all 12 passengers to an awestruck silence. We were climbing high over Pope Valley. Staring down at the becoming harvest, there was not a sound. This seemed a fitting kickoff to a three-night, adventure-fueled stay in the starkly alluring Napa Valley.

Our itinerary included the

aforementioned hot air balloon ride, a leisurely turned adrenaline-addled, offroad romp—lost without cell service— historic family vineyards, and farm-totable-cuisine.

We spent our first night at the Hampton Inn Roseville. The hotel was located 16 miles from Sacramento, the state capital and an excellent fly-in choice destination from Phoenix. To get started, we sought consistency and proximity. Situated near a Trader Joe’s and the open road, we were set.

We stopped at Sacramento Chrysler

Get a ‘TASTE’ of area restaurants at Ocotillo event

BY MANALI CHAVAN

Residents will get the chance to indulge in the best flavors the East Valley has to offer at TASTE, Chandler’s sixth annual culinary festival, held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in downtown Ocotillo. It is the second year for the location.

“We really fell in love with the space last year,” says HDE Agency’s Jennifer Pruett. “There’s this really beautiful lake, and there’s a building that’s not completely built out that we cleaned up and reused.”

TASTE will include unlimited food samples from 30 restaurants across the East Valley, including Grimaldi’s,

The Keg and Chop. Attendees will also receive 12 drink tickets and enjoy live entertainment. TASTE’s goal is to expose new restaurants to residents.

“We’re providing an opportunity for patrons to get a sampling of 30 different restaurants they may have not tried or maybe want to try,” Pruett says. “It’s a chance for the restaurant to present itself in front of 1,200 people that could potentially be regular customers.”

The 30 restaurants participating in TASTE will be competing for titles in nine categories, including the top title “Best of TASTE.” Along with the competition, a silent auction will be held, and all of the proceeds

will be given to this year’s charities, The American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy.

“We always partner with one, sometimes two charities and we give a portion of the proceeds back,” Pruett said. “This foundation works on getting research and money raised for screenings for children for heart disease.”

Many of the restaurants that have participated in past years will be returning this year. H&H City Pizza, which was 3 weeks old when it participated last year, found TASTE to be a successful way to get the word out about its business.

“It brings the people together,”

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

As a survivor of breast and ovarian cancers, Chandler resident Grace Ruby felt fragile. She knew she needed to take action.

So, nearly 12 years ago, Ruby joined SilverSneakers, a typically free exercise program open to everyone eligible and enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement programs. Ruby is enrolled in SilverSneakers through SCAN Health Plan.

For her efforts, she was honored with the 2014 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award at the Tempe Family YMCA on Sept. 26. The award pays tribute to older adults

Hearing loss association schedules October meeting

The Sun Lakes Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America will host “Daily Issues of Hearing Loss” at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Ed Robson Branch Library Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. Join the discussion of the daily challenges individuals face with hearing loss. Learn new communication strategies and share successful solutions.

Arizona was well represented in the HLAA Convention held in June in Austin, Texas. Two members of the Sun Lakes Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association will talk about their experiences.

If you, a family member or a friend is challenged by hearing loss, come and join for education, sharing and refreshments. CART, real-time captioning, is provided, and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility.

For additional information, contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com; Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

The Nguyen family eats pho, made with their “special family recipe,” weekly. The husband-and-wife duo opened AZ Pho by using those recipes, as well as by hiring about 20 family members to work at the restaurant.

Pho is, of course, at the center of the menu, which boasts a special combo dish with a variety of meats and special spices and noodles. Other pho dishes include chicken breast or seafood. Entrees on the menu are rounded out with rice bowls, vermicelli bowls, Vietnamese sandwiches and desserts.

Thao is also happy to create handmade signature spring rolls and egg rolls for AZ Pho customers.

“I like cooking, so when people enjoy my food, and they say that they like it, it makes me feel good,” she says. “They say that they like our decorations, the

noodle soup dishes as a centerpiece of its menu. STSN photo by Lynette Carrington TASTE

setting and our food very much.”

AZ Pho is tastefully decorated throughout, with photos depicting structures and everyday life from the various regions of Vietnam. Another display wall features photos of the spices that are used in Vietnamese cooking.

Taking on their first restaurant has been a learning experience, but a rewarding one.

“Here, it’s a free country, and you have opportunity,” Tom explains. “Everybody has an equal chance to grow and do what you like to do. Just like this restaurant...We’ve never done this before, and opening a restaurant like this is a life-changing experience. But we like it here because we do things we want to do.”

AZ Pho and Grill is located at 3140 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 1, Chandler. Call (480) 802-5356 or visit www.azphoandgrill. com for additional information.

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

owner Marshall Reichert says. “As a restaurant owner, it’s really nice to go around and speak to other restaurant owners. You get a feel for what’s going on in the restaurant industry and in the community.”

Attendees must be 21 and older to participate in TASTE. Pre-sale admission costs $65 and includes unlimited food tasting and 12 drink tickets. Pre-sale couple admission costs $130 and includes the above as well as a gift bag with a bottle of wine, two souvenir glasses and other gifts from local restaurants. Pre-sale admission can be purchased online at www.TASTEchandler. com. Tickets are $80 on the day of the event.

Manali Chavan is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at manali@timespublications.com.

HAVING FUN: TASTE allows participants to try more than 30 different restaurants from the East Valley. Submitted photo

whose healthy behavior has made a difference in their lives and who have inspired others.

Ruby was one of hundreds of nominees nationwide, and this year marked the first time voting took place via Facebook. She admits she was hesitant to accept the trophy.

“I don’t want to accumulate more things, but I’d like to have the trophy for about a month,” she explains.

Afterward, she will give it to Tempe Family YMCA to display.

“If whoever comes after me has to clean out my house and if I’m in another world, I don’t want someone to have a garage sale and sell it for quarter,” Ruby says with a laugh.

An addiction for Ruby, exercise allows her to enjoy the camaraderie between her fellow students and to get motivated.

“All the people in the class are so wonderful, they’re almost like sisters and brothers,” she says.

Ruby has been a student of Donna Horwitz since she started with SilverSneakers.

“What I love most about Grace is her attitude,” Horwitz says. “She has such a positive attitude toward life, toward herself, toward others and she just lives life with joy and enthusiasm.”

One of the first to arrive at her class at 7 a.m., Ruby has become its official greeter. She anticipates returning to her SilverSneakers fitness class after the hoopla from her win dies down.

Each person who spoke at Ruby’s award ceremony described how inspiring she is.

“I’m coming all the way from Carefree,” explains Dominican Sister Patt Smith. “Grace has been such a good friend for years. I couldn’t miss this.”

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

Jane Pauley to speak at Experience Matters luncheon

Organization recruiting seniors to submit videos

Experience Matters, a Phoenix organization that connects experienced adults with nonprofits to apply their talents, is hosting a luncheon on Oct. 27, featuring news correspondent and journalist Jane Pauley.

“A Conversation with Jane Pauley” will be held at the Arizona Biltmore. Adding to her roles as an anchor on “NBC Nightly News,” host of “The Today Show” and co-host of “Dateline NBC,” Pauley is now a leading spokeswoman for the generation of Baby Boomers who are reinventing the way they live and work. Her most recent book, “Your Life Calling,” illustrates how many adults are setting the stage for the second-half of life in more fulfilling and unconventional ways.

Lester Strong, CEO of AARP Experience Corps, will help facilitate the conversation and audience discussion with Pauley.

The event will honor the hundreds of adults across Maricopa County who lend their skills, expertise and talents to nonprofits through Experience Matters and beyond. And, Intel will be honored for its unprecedented investment in the community through an innovative program that transitions employees, age 55-plus, into meaningful work in the

nonprofit sector.

Also at the event, Experience Matters will announce the winner of its “Booming with Purpose: Tell Us Your Story” competition in which participants submit stories, videos and slide shows demonstrating inventive ways they’ve made an impact in Arizona as part of their second act. Five finalists will attend the luncheon, and the winner will share his or her story on stage with Pauley and Strong on Oct. 27. Deadline for submitting videos on Experience Matters’ website is Oct. 13. Its website is www.experiencemattersaz.org.

“As a leader in reimagining the best years of your life, Jane Pauley will inspire, invigorate and energize Arizona’s baby boomers in committing to create a positive impact through encore careers,” says Nora Hannah, CEO of Experience Matters. “Working together, we can harness the talents and skills of a generation to build a stronger, more vibrant community.”

Held at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 Missouri Ave., Phoenix, “A Conversation with Jane Pauley” begins at 10:30 a.m. with a VIP reception. Lunch and the program are from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by a private book signing 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Jeep Dodge and Ram. Our friend, Max, toured the superstore—and variety of vehicles—with us. We walked around the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport in Firecracker Red, which matches performance with affordability. Equipped with the optional three-piece Freedom Top hard-top design, we were ready for the wind in our hair and our sights set on rolling one-lane roads of Napa Valley.

We arrived in Calistoga just before sunset. Getting to Napa Valley—without getting lost—takes about 70 minutes. The Sunburst Calistoga ranks as possibly the most delightful motor lodge in the history of our hotel experiences. Decorated in bright orange and greens, it is contemporary and fresh. What’s so great about the Sunburst Calistoga is the unpretentious affordable luxury it has to offer. With a microwave, utensils and coffee for use in the lobby and micro fridges in each room, the recently renovated suites provided a hipper-thanhome feel.

The next morning, we experienced wine like never before. On that note, having now endured the paces of a three-day tasting excursion, we would like to offer our words of advice. First, do not be intimidated.

That is rule one. Rule two is that there are no other rules than the first. The hardest part is knowing what you are looking for. Wine tasting is like art. If you like it, then it receives a high rating on your personal scale, and that’s all that matters.

Our first vineyard, Cliff Lede, known for its cabernets, operates much like a traditional tasting room, where visitors belly up to the bar for a flight of four for $25. Because the tasting room does not require appointments, this was a lowcommitment introduction to the marathon of wine evaluation to follow. What Cliff Lede wants the world to know is that its reds are good and the brand boasts a rock ‘n’ roll personality.

On our second day, we started our morning sparkling. Domaine Chandon should make every Napa weekender’s list. The atmosphere is great. We met with Jared Valdez, and we had fun, like a morning outing among friends. Envision a garden patio with the sun shining among dense vegetation as you stare through a glass of golden bubbles. Domaine Chandon has done ambiance so well here. It’s as if your favorite memory of a toast or milestone is sealed into one beautiful bottle as you pour yourself another. The Etoile Prestige Tour and Tasting for $40 is

worth the expense. Concluding on the back veranda, guests enjoy six pours, ending with the etoile Tete de Cuvee. The Etoile Brut does taste a little bit like oysters, which is interesting. Nonetheless, we had an absolutely excellent time at Domaine Chandon.

After a brief lunch, we visited Duckhorn Vineyards. This was the only seated tasting of our cache. The atmosphere was casual, and we felt we, and our fellow tasters, had discovered a secret spot. Visiting Duckhorn mid-afternoon was the perfect time to come upon such a place. The view offered overgrown gardens and a labyrinth of gravel pathways with intermittent benches. The tasting room is best described like the brier patch from the tale of Peter Rabbit.

Lastly, we visited Regusci Winery. We adored this tasting because it fits the bill of what first-time visitors would expect. Entering the property via an ambling driveway, one comes upon a grand estate. Looking out from the estate, which was established in 1932, is as rich as arriving. Here lies 160 acres of grapes, still family owned. It is not uncommon to find a Regusci behind the bar on Monday.

The 2010 Estate Cabernet is memorable for its rich flavor. It is a bold wine, paired best with bold food, such as a healthy steak. Our personal favorites are wines that taste like the Earth, and the ’10 Regusci Cabernet does indeed taste like dirt.

Our final must-do was fantastic! At sunrise, we lifted off in a colorful hot-air balloon above an ethereal morning of harvest.

Jayson Kimball, co-owner, head pilot and resident Napa Valley Aloft entertainer, turned our hot air balloon ride into a great adventure. The Kimball family truly rises above the competition, offering a personal and more intimate experience.

Before the champagne breakfast, Jayson recited “The Balloonist’s Prayer,” as strangers melded into friends. It was a perfect capper to a short but escapadepacked, blast of a vacation the strangely wondrous Napa Valley. We couldn’t ask for more.

Sisters Ashley and Brittany Hill, the “Jeep Girls,” are Chandler residents who enjoy traveling and exploring the open roads across America. The Hill sisters moved to Chandler a decade ago, where Ashley attended Hamilton High School. Both of the girls are ASU alumni and are active community members. For more of Ashley and Brittany Hill’s travels across America, follow the The Jeep Girls’ adventures via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (at @ AmericanLegendTour).

IF YOU GO Vehicle

• Courtesy of: Sacramento Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, 3610 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821. (888) 711-0125.

Hotels

• Hampton Inn and Suites, 110 N. Sunrise Ave., Roseville, CA 95661. (916) 772-9900.

• The Sunburst Calistoga, 1880 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, CA 94515. (800) 9160704, info@thesunburstcalistoga.com.

Activity

• Napa Valley Aloft, 6525 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599. (855) 9444408, ballooning@nvaloft.com.

Vineyards

• Cliff Lede Vineyards, 1473 Yountville Cross Rd., Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-8642, info@ledefamilywines.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25 per flight at the tasting bar; no appointment necessary.

• Domaine Chandon, 1 California Dr., Yountville, CA 94559 (888) 242-6366, option 1. clubchandonwine@chandon. com. hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $40 Etoile Prestige Tour and Tasting daily at 10:30 a.m.

• Duckhorn Vineyards, 1000 Lodi Ln., St. Helena, CA 94574, (888) 354-8885, reservations@duckhorn.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reservations. $30 portfolio tasting.

• Regusci Winery, 5584 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 254-0403, info@regusciwinery.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $25. Appointment only.

HOMEY: The entrance to Duckhorn Vineyards. A beautiful tasting room with a home-like feel. Appointments suggested for tasting. Submitted photo

Neighbors

The PITT holding Fitness Challenge

The PITT, along with Athletic Republic, will be participating in a Fitness Challenge, which began Monday, Sept. 29, for a great cause. It will be a typical challenge in that participants’ weight and body fat is measured before and after the eightweek program, but participants will also get pledges from family, friends and coworkers. All pledges will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Network on Saturday, Nov. 29, during the annual AfterThanksgiving Workout.

“This eight-week program is designed to give participants a running start into leading a healthier lifestyle,” says Brian Clark, owner of The PITT. “Through the course of your entire life, eight weeks is not very much time; however, these eight weeks provide the participants with all

the tools necessary to change eating and exercise habits going forward into their new life.”

The friendly competition between The PITT and Infinity Fitness is perfectly designed so that everyone wins, he says.

“Participants learn how to achieve their fitness and/or weight-loss goals, and the Children’s Cancer Network benefits from everyone else’s generosity,” Clark says.

As a survivor of childhood cancer, he knows how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle and knows how important it is to support the Children’s Cancer Network.

The challenge runs through Sunday, Nov. 23. Cost for participants is $325. Call (480) 855-3145 or visit www.thepitt.com.

Total Fitness Solutions to host

first Community Health Fair

A free community health fair will be held at Total Fitness Solutions LLC studio, 9655 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 145, Sun Lakes, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18. Massages, foot detoxifications, blood pressure, weight and body fat checks and fitness assessments will be a part of the fair.

The informational event is being held to raise awareness about health for the

community. There are many advantages of living a healthy lifestyle. The focus is to raise the awareness level of people and how easily they can incorporate ideas into their daily lives.

Call (480) 225-9730, email davidbush@ totalfitsolutions.net or visit www. totalfitsolutions.com for more information.

Dentist collecting items for breast cancer ‘Hope Bags’

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, My Hope Bag has a special event partnership with J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

The dental office is encouraging patients and the general public to donate items for the Hope Bags in October. Suggested items are CDs, pink bracelets, pink ribbon merchandise, breast cancer information and monetary donations.

As an incentive for people to donate, J. Philipps will be holding a drawing for a free Zoom Whitening treatment. Finally, during October, the practice will donate a portion of its proceeds from oral cancer screenings to My Hope Bag.

Founded by Sarah Ellery, My Hope Bag is an East Valley nonprofit organization that ministers to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. The organization provides information, emotional support and free bags filled with encouraging items.

Not only does My Hope Bag work directly with the women, but also with the general public. Throughout the year, several educational community events are hosted to inform the public about breast cancer. The partnership

with J. Philipp is one such event. Dentist Justin Philipp has advanced training in treating patients undergoing cancer treatment. He discloses the relationship between oral health and cancer: Oral health greatly contributes to patients’ general health, specifically their immune system. Keeping up with oral hygiene is a way to actively reduce the chances of breast cancer. Furthermore, Philipp insists that oral hygiene should be continued during cancer treatment to maintain the health of the immune system and reduce oral infection.

The partnership between My Hope Bag and J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a fundraiser and a way to spread information. It works to bring benefits to women diagnosed with breast cancer and to educate the public about the links between oral health and cancer prevention.

J. Philipp Centers is located at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, Chandler. Justin Philipp has several media interviews regarding the relationship between oral hygiene and breast cancer (http:// jphilipp.com/our-practice/news/).

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. 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 1 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 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 make-and-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, plus wine, water, soft drinks or hot tea will be served. More information, including ticket prices, will follow. Visit www. chandlerirish.org for more information. The event benefits the organization’s Student Ambassador Program. Contact Harrington for more information.

Chandler aquatics keeps busy through fall

Join the Chandler aquatics centers for swimming, lessons and a poolside party as the fall season gets underway.

Pumpkin

Dunk

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center is hosting Pumpkin Dunk, which will transform the pool into a floating pumpkin patch, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. Admission is $1 for children, $2.25 for adults and $1.25 for seniors. Show off Halloween costumes, play in-water and on-deck games and decorate a pumpkin. This event is held during public swim hours.

Aquatic center offers swim hours in October

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Centers, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., offers swim hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Swim lessons for children

A child can be tested for the level of class they should be enrolled in for the fall courses at any pools during public swim hours.

The ages listed on the course descriptions are basic guidelines to help place a child in a specific swim lesson, except seahorse, otters and surfer classes. A general rule of thumb is that children will remain in the same level for at least two sessions. A child may be more or less

advanced than the suggested ages. The descriptions on the class list are available to assist in educating customers on the variety of classes the aquatics program has the capability of offering. Some classes may not be offered during each session or at each location.

Adult swim lessons

Improve stroke technique or endurance, or learn how to swim in several different class types that are designed around the swimmers’ needs. The Break Time brochure has course listings of the classes offered.

Lap swimming at Hamilton and Mesquite centers

Hamilton Aquatic Center offers yearround lap swimming from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center also offers yearround lap swimming from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $2 per visit, regardless of age. Purchase a punch pass to save 5 to 30 percent each visit or an annual pass for $200, valid at both locations.

Mesquite Groves offers $1 Family Swim

One dollar Family Swim is offered at Mesquite Groves during the post season from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

347 Grill

Ak-Chin

16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa (520) 233-2426

www.ultrastarakchin.com

Here’s the deal: Sunday Brunch, 6 and younger eat free with paid adult. On Tuesdays, all kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879

www.appledumplingcafe.com

Here’s the deal: Mondays are Family Value night, where kids eat free with each adult meal and two drinks purchased. On Family Fun night, kids receive free ice cream with a meal. Afterschool coolness is from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, where kids buy one ice cream and get one free

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008

www.chompies.com

Here’s the deal: All day Tuesday, children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with adult meal purchase of $8 or more. Dine in only.

Connect5 Family Centers Corp.

222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler (480) 699-2122

1495 S. Higley Rd., Gilbert (480) 361-8410

Here’s the deal: Mondays and Fridays free kids’ meals with an adult purchase for Munchie Monday Free Lunch and Freebie Friday Free Dinner.

Copper Still - Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 242-1258

www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Here’s the deal: Every Tuesday, kids ages 10 and younger eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0644

www.dillysdeli.com

Here’s the deal: On weekends, get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased for $4.79 or more.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770

www.epchandler.com

Here’s the deal: Wednesday, kids 12 and younger eat free with paid adult.

Fat Willy’s 4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356

www.fatwillysaz.com/Chandler

Here’s the deal: From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, dine in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Little Leaguers menu only, 12 and younger.

Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta 590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433

www.floridinos.net

Here’s the deal: From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, kids eat free. One free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase. Dine in only.

Nabers Music Bar and Eats

825 N. 54th St., Chandler (480) 705-0288

www.nabersaz.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free every Monday and Tuesday, with the purchase of an adult meal and two beverages.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler (480) 722-0898

www.aznypdpizza.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat for free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler (480) 857-2860

www.pittsburghwillys.com

Here’s the deal: Every day, except Sunday breakfast, kids younger than 10 eat free with each paying adult. Additional kids eat for 50 percent off; Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503

www.planetsub.com

Here’s the deal: Monday, kids eat free with paid adult.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler

(480) 792-6965

www.sidelinesaz.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free from kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with adult entree. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offers or specials.

Someburros!

3461 W. Frye Rd., Chandler

2597 S. Market St., Gilbert

1335 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert www.someburros.com

Here’s the deal: Every Tuesday night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of combo or specialty meal. Dine-in only.

The Cove Grill

5070 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 400, Chandler (480) 802-9070

www.thecovegrill.com

Here’s the deal: Tuesday, kids younger than 12 receive one free meal per adult entrée purchased.

The Sushi Room

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-9000 www.sushiroomaz.com

Here’s the deal: Sunday Funday means kids 12 and younger eat free, two kids per paying adult.

Uncle Bear’s Grill and Bar 1980 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 722-1555

www.unclebearsgrillandbar.com

Here’s the deal: Wednesday, kids eat free with each full price entrée purchased.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill 135 W. Ocotillo Rd. Chandler (480) 895-ROSE (7673) www.whiskeyrosesaloon.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free every Tuesday and Sunday with purchase of an adult entree.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section. Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc., Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification. Readers, if you know of a location that has a kids-eat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.

Email information to KidsEatFree@ santansun.com.

Tarwater Patriotic Program

The Tarwater Family Room was filled to capacity with students and staff as more than 125 enthusiastic second-graders paid tribute to the men and women who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The kids proudly marched in, singing the patriotic songs like “Yankee Doodle” and “Grand Old Flag.” Students dressed as a plethora of historical personalities such as Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross, Francis Bellamy, Benjamin Franklin, Emma Lazarus and George Washington. The Sept. 11 program was created by Principal Jeff Hensley along with Stacy Quattrochi, of the second-grade team, and Mary Chappell, music teacher. The program is part of Tarwater’s social studies standards, and the national symbols are covered in social studies. Photos by Tim Sealy