SanTan Sun News,11-7-15: neighbors

Neighbors

Father-daughter duo travel to Peru to help local villagers

BY ALISON STANTON

Thanks to the hard work of Chandler residents Jason Spears and his daughter, Emily, the villagers of Amaru in Peru will have a reliable source of water, and a local production center where they can work.

Jason, a district manager and loan officer at Academy Mortgage in Chandler, said the company rewards its top performers every year with two trips—a more traditional vacation and a service expedition.

Everyone who wins the trips is allowed to bring along one person, so Jason asked 15-year-old Emily if she wanted to come along.

“He mostly approached me about it and said, ‘Our next trip is to Peru, and would you like to go with me?’” said Emily, a 10th grader at Basha High School. She told her dad she would be happy to go with him on the eight-day journey.

In September, Jason and Emily flew to Lima, Peru, with the other people from the Academy Mortgage President’s Club Service Expedition program.

While Jason and Emily had the opportunity to hike and experience the scenic beauty of the region, most of their time was spent working on projects in the village of Amaru.

reservoir and irrigation system to help the villagers have water all year, without having to travel long distances to reach a water source.

Jason said they helped build a small

BY MANDY LOADER Man’s best friend.

For all the dog lovers out there, these three words are more than a cliché. It’s a lifestyle.

In its eighth year, Chandler’s Woofstock celebrates all things canine with numerous fun activities, discount vaccinations, pet contests, entertainment and more.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Tumbleweed Park. Admission is free.

One of the premier events at this year’s Woofstock is the Walk of Honor, which benefits the American Service Animal Society, an organization that provides service animals to disabled veterans.

The group also worked on constructing a production center, where the villagers can make their local handicrafts to sell in the market in the nearby town of Pisac.

“Many villagers are forced to leave

Tennis star ‘serves’ up silver medal

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Now in his 60th year playing competitive tennis, Chandler resident Brian Cheney still gets a thrill from serving, volleying and trying to beat his opponent across the net.

“I love the game and enjoy it, and hope to keep playing as well as I can for as long as I can,” he said.

Cheney’s most recent tournament appearance was at the ITF Super Seniors World Team Championships Sept. 21 through Sept. 26 in Umag, Croatia. It’s the senior tennis equivalent of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Davis Cup and Fed Cup competitions, with players representing their countries in the 65-, 70-, 75- and 80-and-older age groups. Cheney and

three teammate—Padg Bolton, Monroe, Louisiana; Michael Beautyman, Flourtown, Pennsylvania; and Owen Robertson, Lake Worth, Florida—placed second to Spain in the matches known as the Britannia Cup, in the 65-year-oldand-up bracket.

Twenty-two countries were present at the Britannia matches, with the U.S. team ranked second behind the eventual Spanish winning squad, and Cheney serving as captain of the American quartet.

“It was a tough draw with the first round match against Sweden, and if we did not beat them, our team would have at best a chance to place eighth in the Cup,” Cheney said. “But in a way it

Watch as Chandler’s own Blazin’ K9s Flyball Racing Team shows off its doggie version of acrobatic “drag racing.” You can also take advantage of the opportunity to see a fast-paced dog chase sport with Indy’s Run for Rescue.

The nonprofit Good Dog Agility Club of Chandler/Mesa will showcase its skills as the dogs tackle an agility course to promote their classes through year-round demonstrations. Adding to the fun is are the live training displays by Dog Elite Training. Join company founder and owner Neal Mestas and his 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, Bailey, as the two host training workshops and share

BY ALISON STANTON

If the thought of roasting a turkey and cooking all the trimmings seems overwhelming, or there is not enough time to take care of preparing a full Thanksgiving feast, a variety of area restaurants have stepped up to the foodie plate.

From Thanksgiving Eve feasts to take

out dishes that can be served in the comfort of home on Thanksgiving, check out the following tasty options:

Chompie’s Chompie’s is taking preorders for whole oven-roasted turkeys, pies and full course meal packages. The four Valley

Amaru to take jobs to provide for their families,” Jason said.

The new production center will help the villagers to earn a living in Amaru and also to use their beautiful weavings to make items like belts, shoes and bags.

While her father was working on the irrigation system and production center, Emily stayed busy doing a variety of things, including visiting a local school and spending time with local kids ages 6 to 11.

“We brought paper and glitter and nail polish and we taught the kids some English and they taught us Spanish. I really enjoyed it,” Emily said.

Emily, who takes Spanish in school and helped translate during the trip, also helped to teach villagers proper tooth brushing habits at a dental clinic.

“Our company always takes along a doctor and a dentist, and they volunteer at a medical and dental clinic, and we also gave out hundreds of tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes,” Jason said.

Although Jason and Emily were excited to be in Peru and happy to help out wherever and however they could, the days and nights were not always easy.

“For the dam project, there were maybe 100 of us in a line shoveling dirt and mud in buckets and passing them along,” Jason said.

Because Amaru is at an elevation of around 13,500 feet, the hard physical labor was especially arduous, he said.

“When I was working on the dam I would swing a pickaxe for maybe 5 minutes before having to sit down for 15 minutes.”

And while the daytime temperatures

would reach the low 70s, nights would dip down to the 30s or 40s, which made getting enough rest in the chilly tents difficult.

Despite the occasional challenges and discomforts, Jason and Emily had plenty of positive experiences that made them cherish their time in Peru.

For example, when they traveled by bus to another village to see a working dam, they knew the hard work was worth it.

“It made us feel like we were in another country, like Switzerland or Ireland. It was so green, and they had clean water,” Jason said.

Meeting some of the local families was also a major highlight of their trip.

“It was great to see how happy people can be in a simple world when they know no different, and how close they were as families.”

Jason said he is also extremely proud of Emily.

“It was wonderful to see Emily’s big heart come through during the trip and see how much she stepped up to help others.”

Emily said the trip reminded her how fortunate she is.

“It showed me how blessed I am to have the life that I do, and to really appreciate what I have.”

For more information about Academy Mortgage President’s Club Service Expedition program, visit www. academymortgagefoundation.org.

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

TENNIS from page 48 was a benefit to us to get focused right away.”

The matches follow a round-robin format with one team advancing from seven cohorts comprising the 22 total teams. Each day’s contest involves the teams trying to accumulate two points in two singles matches, and if necessary a deciding doubles match.

Victorious over Sweden, up next was a win over Turkey and movement into the knock-out round, a loss and the competition would be over for the team. Cheney’s foursome bounced out Denmark convincingly in the quarter finals, and then outserving France in the semifinals to set up the finals showdown against the Spaniards. “It was a long day on the courts, but we finally came through in beating France. We were relieved,” said Cheney.

Unfortunately the Cup’s last match did not go the way Cheney and his team wanted, but “our 2015 Britannia Cup team got the silver medal, one better than last year,” said Cheney. “We had victories over strong teams, and represented the U.S. with competitive play and good sportsmanship.”

For Cheney, a holder of 88 major tennis titles, competitive tennis is in his DNA. His grandmother May Sutton Bundy won Wimbledon in 1905 and 1907 and his mother, Dorothy “Dodo” Cheney took the Australian Open title in 1938. “My love of the game certainly flows from them, but also from my mentor, Fred Earle,” he said.

Not coincidentally, Cheney also followed in Earle’s footsteps as a tennis instructor, after graduating from the U of A in 1969 and a five-year stint in the

U.S. Air Force.

“I started teaching tennis in 1974 at the Tempe Racquet Club, and in 1976 was named tennis director at Camelback Village Racquet & Health Club,” he said. In the last year Cheney was named Tennis Instructor Emeritus at the club, where he helps his pupils enjoy the game by getting better. “Fred Earle taught until he was 92, I’ll be glad to do as well,” he said.

From a competitive perspective, Cheney looks forward to the times he can grind out points on the court and win matches. Since 1992 he has been a part of 22 USTA Tennis Cup teams, a feat remarkable in its longevity, as nominations to these rosters depends on being highly ranked by the USTA in individual tournaments throughout the year. “I have had to adjust my game over the years to stay competitive,” he said.

Cheney looks to continue his schedule of playing in 10 to 12 events each year with particular emphasis on the four USTA national championships. When not playing a slicing backhand in a tournament, Cheney can be found teaching and playing six days a week. “I take Sundays off,” he said.

The competitive drive is certainly there though, as Cheney noted shortly after his team’s loss at the Britannia Cup: “We will have some work to do to beat Spain.”

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Rawhide celebrates a ‘Snowy Christmas’ at Wild Horse Pass

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center will hold its third annual Rawhide Snowy Christmas where magic of the season sings, “Let it Snow” all season long beginning 5 p.m. Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26.

The town will be decked out with holiday décor and thousands of lights through Sunday, Jan. 3. Rawhide will feature holiday festivities nightly during general public hours, which are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. In addition, Rawhide is open on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m. Admission and parking are free, excluding special events.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Santa will lead the official tree lighting ceremony and be available for photos. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the nightly snowfall down Main Street.

Visitors can drop off letters to Santa at Rawhide’s “Delivery to the SW Pole” Post Office. Every child who sends Santa a letter will hear back from Ol’ Saint Nick. Families can get their holiday photos with Santa nightly at the Photo Emporium.

Rawhide is the perfect destination for holiday shopping as its specialty shops and boutiques have also been stocked to the brim for the season offering a myriad of western themed gifts, leather goods, jewelry, apparel and home décor.

Sweet Sally’s candy store features

unique stocking stuffers including homemade fudge and old-fashioned treats that will take visitors back in time. Buy a pound of fudge and get a half pound free Thursday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 3, during hours of operation.

Rawhide Mercantile is a western lifestyle upscale boutique featuring regional, community and western artists. Shoppers will find exquisite furnishings, handmade jewelry and brands they will not find anywhere else. From traditional to trendy, Rawhide Mercantile carries a full line of apparel, jewelry, accessories, gifts and home décor. Until the end of the year, shoppers will receive 50 percent off regular priced items in the Mercantile store, offering the perfect one-of-akind gifts.

Rawhide gift cards are always a great gift idea and can be used at the Steakhouse, retail shops or attractions. Advanced reservations are highly recommended during the holiday season at Rawhide’s Steakhouse because of pre-booked corporate events.

Rawhide’s Town Grill and Pizza Tavern offer great food options for guests enjoying the town. Stay warm around fire pits and make s’mores with family and friends. Reservations can be made by calling (480) 502-5600 or reso@ rawhide.com.

Rawhide Western Town is located at 5700 W. North Loop Rd. in Chandler.

WOOFSTOCK from page 48

tips on how to teach furry friends new tricks such as playing dead, rolling over and Frisbee catch.

Other activities include pet psychic, face painting, caricature drawings, pet photos and food.

As for onstage entertainment, the Arizona Canine Musical Freestylers will be hosting dance lessons for canines and their owners. The dancing dogs will among of the

event’s featured performers as well. Tumbleweed Park is located near Germann and McQueen roads. For more information about Woofstock, including event details, rules, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/woofstock.

Mandy Loader is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

The next hearing loss association meeting to be held in December

Michele Michaels will talk about the programs and services offered by the state agency for hearing loss. As the hard of hearing specialist for the state of Arizona, she provides outreach, education, training, information, and resources regarding the hard of hearing community. Michaels will address the questions and concerns.

The event will be held from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Ed Robson Branch Library Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs

Rd., Sun Lakes.

For those that are challenged by hearing loss, stop by the library for education, sharing and refreshments. CART, real time captioning, is provided and the meeting room is looped.

For more 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.

Learn to do Europe on a budget with Mindham

Guest speaker Terry Mindham will offer tips for enjoying visits to Great Britain, France and Germany during a program from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. Topics covered include best guide books, quaint places to stay, getting around, historical commentary and more. Mindham has been traveling to Europe on a regular basis for 30 years. He does not use resorts, preferring a better

foreign experience by staying in small, quaint places near points of interest. Fliers with information will be handed out at the program. Pick up a free ticket at the front desk the day of the program. The program will be held at Ed Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd.

For more information, call (602) 6523000, or visit www.mcldaz.org.

and

We are a family owned-business that specializes in Euro-comfort shoes with a flair for fashion. Most assume that comfort can’t be cute, but that’s just not the case! Come visit our new unique comfort boutique so you can understand why, “Nothing is as thrilling as a shoe that looks and feels good!”

see you soon!

Keen, Dansko, Josef Seibel, Olukai, Romika, Fly London, Birkenstock, Merrell, Antelope, Reiker, Miz Mooz, Clarks, Klog, Arcopedico, Alegria, Baggallini, Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Big Buddha.

Chompie’s restaurants, including the one in Chandler, will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, for order pickups and dine-in service. The Thanksgiving selection includes the Traditional Full Meal Package, which serves 12 to 15 hungry people for $189.99; the Thanksgiving Dinner to go or for dine-in for $15.99 a person; an extra-large whole oven roasted turkey for $89.99 or carved for $114.95 and homemade stuffing for $6.99 a pound. For dessert, people may order fresh baked apple or pumpkin pies for $10.95 each or fresh baked deluxe pies for $12.95 each. String bean almondine is available for $5.99 a pound and matzo ball soup can be ordered for $7.99 a quart. Whole turkey and large dinner packages must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 25, or Thursday, Nov. 26. Chompie’s is located at 3481 W. Frye Rd., in Chandler. For more information or to place an order, call (480) 398-3008 or visit www. chompies.com.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center

Those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving in Western fashion can head to Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, where Executive Chef Jonathan Scott and his team are preparing to cook up a storm. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26, guests will enjoy an authentic Western buffet of traditional holiday favorites that includes a mandarin orange cranberry salad, maple roasted turkey, spiral-cut ham, rosemary-crusted prime rib, cornbread stuffing, garlic roasted mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, candied carrots and pumpkin bisque. Dessert choices

include pumpkin pie, apple crisp, fudge brownies, seasonal cookies and an ice cream bar. The Thanksgiving buffet also includes beverages such as coffee, tea and soda. Prices are $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 12 and under; this does not include tax or gratuity. An automatic gratuity of 12 percent will be added to parties of eight or more. All of Rawhide’s sites and attractions will be open on Thanksgiving, including the Barnyard and Rawhide Express trains, petting zoo, rock climbing wall and more. For reservations, call (480) 502-5600 or email Reso@ Rawhide.com.

Bernard’s at Ocotillo

Diners will enjoy a variety of tasty Thanksgiving dishes at Bernard’s at Ocotillo. From 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Bernard’s will serve buffets of salads, starters and desserts, as well as several entrees including roasted turkey, prime rib, pork loin and red snapper. People aged 13 and older may choose one entrée and three sides for $55; tax and gratuity are additional. Sides include traditional stuffing, two kinds of potatoes and different types of vegetables; all dinners come with fresh rolls, biscuits and butter. For $25 plus tax and gratuity, children ages 5 to 12 will get the buffets and a special entrée menu that includes one entrée and two sides. Kids 4 and younger will have their own special menu of complimentary items. Reservations are required; please call (480) 917-6660. The complete menu is available on www. ocotillogolf.com. The resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr. in Chandler.

Zappone’s Italian Bistro

Foodies who enjoy Thanksgiving with an Italian twist can preorder from

several tasty dishes at Zappone’s Italian Bistro in Gilbert. Butternut ravioli is available for $14 a pound, Italian bread costs $4, and half trays of lasagna can be ordered for $55. For dessert, try the cannoli kits for $20 for a dozen, or the sfogliatella which is $24 for a half dozen. More traditional choices include a whole pumpkin cheesecake for $36 and cranberry walnut bread for $4. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Nov. 19, and pickup is on Wednesday, Nov. 25. For more information or to place an order, call (480) 218-2338 or visit www. zapponesbistro.com. Zappone’s Italian Bistro is located at 1652 N. Higley Rd., Suite 103, in Gilbert.

Murphy’s Law Irish Pub and Ale House

For eight years, Murphy’s Law been a place to meet friends on Thanksgiving

Eve. On Wednesday, Nov. 25, diners will enjoy a two-for-one special on fish and chips entrees, with the purchase of any two regularly priced beverages. Happy Hour is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. until close, with drinks starting at $3. Irish Car Bombs will be $5, and live music will start at 8 p.m. with no cover charge. On Thursday, Nov. 26, the pub will open at 4 p.m.; patrons will enjoy happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. until close; drinks will once again start at $3. Murphy’s Law Irish Pub and Ale House is located at 58 S. San Marcos Pl. in downtown Chandler. For information call (480) 812-1588 or visit www.murphyslawaz.com.

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

Mother honors late son with fundraiser for fellow athletes

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Kris Oldenburg is remembering her son, Brandon Lee Beck, for the fifth year by raising funds to give scholarships to Chandler High School football players. She wants to help advance their athletic and academic careers— something taken away from her son by a gunman.

“Brandon loved playing football and was a great player on the Chandler varsity team,” Oldenburg said. “With this scholarship we can support Chandler football players and their academic careers.”

She is accomplishing this through the BLB Memorial Scholarship Fund and Barbecue Turkey Raffle from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. The event features, according to Oldenburg, “games, music and farm animals,” she said. “We will have goat milking, sack races, pie-eating contests and, of course, our turkey raffle,

which everyone seems to love more each year. It’s pretty popular.”

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children in advance. The price increases to $15 adults and $10 children at the door. Kids younger than 5 eat free. Raffle tickets are $5 or five for $20. Admission and tickets can be purchased at www. brandonbeck.org. The BLB Memorial Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The event is held at the family’s South Chandler 2-acre hobby farm at 12503 E Via De Palmas, where they raise Nubian goats, turkeys, and make farm-friendly products.

Beck was killed just shy of his 19th birthday during an altercation between two groups at a Chandler party on Sept. 5, 2010. He was shot in the chest, collapsed in the street and died on the way to the hospital, according to the charity’s website.

The event began five years ago

Labor & Birth workshop scheduled at Inner Vision Yoga

Inner Vision Yoga is hosting a workshop for women interested in a natural approach to their labor and birth experience. The Labor and Birth workshop will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Inner Vision’s Chandler studio, 1949 W. Ray Rd. Advance registration is $45 per couple, or $55 at the door.

Participants will learn comfort measures for labor and birth including relaxation, breathing, massage, vocalization, mediation/ mantras, visualization, hydrotherapy, and

optimal positions for all stages of labor. Key responsibilities for labor support people and doulas will also be discussed.

The workshop will be taught by masterlevel teacher Sally Appleby, an ERYT 500 and specialist RPYT (registered prenatal yoga teacher) and a certified nursing assistant. A member of the International Childbirth Educators Association, Appleby is influenced by the principals of Lamaze.

To register, call (480) 632-7899, or visit www.InnerVisionYoga.com.

as a farm breakfast in September, but because of the heat, it was moved to November.

“Brandon passed on Sept. 5, 2010, and we wanted the event around that time,” she said. “Now with this barbecue in November, it’s the perfect time for neighbors and friends to enjoy our farm and the weather and remember Brandon.”

To date, the family has awarded more than $6,500 in scholarships to several students. “This year we are changing the process a bit. We plan on giving $4,000 this year alone to one student athlete, $1,000 per semester over four semesters of higher education,” said Oldenburg.

Last year, 75 attended the barbecue

but Oldenburg is hoping for a larger crowd this year—maybe 200. Chandler residents since 1998, the family has always wanted to keep the event local, “our family and people from around the neighborhood love it.”

Going forward, Oldenburg has considered widening the scope of the scholarship. “We have always focused on football, because it was what Brandon loved, but we have talked about opening the award up to other sports in the future,” she said.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Hamilton Library November activities

Hamilton Library is hosting an array of activities throughout the month of November.

The Hamilton Coding Club is for kids and teens who want to learn how to make their own websites and video games. The club is held at 5 p.m. every Wednesday. Those interested can register at www. chandlerlibrary.org.

On Thursdays at 10 a.m. the library holds a Thursday Coloring Club for adults because coloring is a great way to be creative and de-stress.

November is National Novel Writing

Month. Individuals can challenge themselves to write 50,000 words in on month. The weekly program gives individuals the room with other aspiring novelists for fun and inspiration. The event will kick off with local writer Scott Combs who will speak about the writing process, and how his new novel got published at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Erik Larson will present “Swing into History,” music of the Big Band era, for all ages at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. Register at www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Alzheimer’s advocate Salzman asking for walkers, support

BY TRACY HOUSE

For Bart Salzman, Alzheimer’s has become a personal fight. He’s watched numerous family members and friends die from complications of the disease. He worries about his two daughters because their mother, as well as her sisters and brother, were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Salzman has become an Alzheimer’s advocate, bringing information and awareness to Chandler, and is actively seeking support and teams to walk with him in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Phoenix. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

T“I signed up for the walk and sent notes to all my contacts, friends and neighbors to solicit sponsors for my walk,” he said. “Anybody is welcome to donate to my walk page. Every bit helps.”

Salzman said there are teams from Chandler and Sun Lakes, and he has created a team as well, Bart’s Friends and Family.

“They can join my team as walkers,” he said. “I’ll even drive them up to the walk. I would love it, for anyone who wants to learn how to help end this disease in Chandler, to contact me. I would love to be a point person.”

A musician who started the Chandler Jazz Festival, Salzman wants to

hanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, A.R.S. 43-1088, you may be able to designate a donation to Chandler/Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [The charitable tax credit is in addition to the education tax credits… you can take advantage of both tax credits in the same year.]

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, and provides community living, employ-ment and day treatment and training opportunities daily.

For tax year 2015, contributions up to $400 may earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona Income Tax return. Taxpayers filing as single or unmarried head of household have a maximum credit amount of $200; married taxpayers filling jointly have a $400 maximum credit.

Check to see if your employer will match your donation! http://doublethedonation.com/cgarc

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity; please make your check payable to:

Chandler/Gilbert Arc

Charitable Tax Fund

3250 N. San Marcos Place Chandler, AZ 85225-7789

help create awareness in the city because he has seen so many local residents affected by the disease.

“There’s all these stories that are building up in me and I just said, ‘I’ve got to help.’”

Information from the National Institute on Aging describes Alzheimer’s “as an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks.”

Symptoms can present in people between 30 and 60 years old. It’s estimated that 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that two-thirds of Americans with AD are women. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of AD patients will nearly triple, from 5 million to almost 13.8 million with current medical care.

To contact Salzman about donations, joining his team for the walk, or for information to raise awareness, contact him at bartsal@aol.com or (480) 7864424. To sponsor Salzman, go to www.alz. or/walk and scroll down to Donate, then enter Bart Salzman.

Registration for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the walk commencing at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. More information about the walk and starting a team is at www. PhoenixAlzheimersWalk.org. To learn more about the disease and available resources, call Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 toll-free helpline at (800) 272-3900.

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

Home improvement questions answered at Do-It-Yourself Connect

Chandler residents with questions about home improvement projects can get answers at Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s popular Do-It-Yourself Connect. The free event is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.

Attendees may visit several displays set up in the foyer of the Center at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation in the Bogle Theater at 7 p.m.

The DIY workshop will be led by a team of City employees. The topics will include:

• Transportation & Development and Planning departments will discuss what jobs need permits and how to obtain one

• Neighborhood Programs will discuss code enforcement and the most common violations made by homeowners

• Water Conservation will discuss rebates that are available from the city and tips on desert adaptive plants and drip systems

• Solid Waste Services, recycling and trash, staff will share how to best dispose of construction debris as well as items residents no longer need or want

• Police will discuss security alarms and provide crime prevention tips for homeowners.

The event will end at approximately 8 p.m. Come learn how to permit like a pro and get questions answered. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ connect or call (480) 782-2222.

• Locally & Family-Owned

• Most Insurances Accepted

• State-of-the-art Equipment

• Convenient, Extended Hours

• Qualified, Professional Team

• FREE Whitening for Life!*

• 0% Financing Available

• No Insurance? We can Help!

In-house Savings Plan saves up to 50%!

• IV Sedation

• Beautiful, Soothing Office- from massage chairs, pillows & blankets to DirectTV & music in every room.

*Free whitening for Life for patients of good record.

Life beyond the simple teabag

It’s tea time again in Sun Lakes, as Global Tea Mart hosts its first tea-tasting class from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room.

Bring your teacup and saucer and be prepared to sip and slurp teas from around the world.

The first class, “Good Tea Gone Wrong,” will highlight the reasons why tea sometimes tastes bitter or off-putting. It will also cover how to correctly steep your tea to produce the pleasant, sweet drink that has been so beloved for centuries. Patrons will learn the differences between the four types of tea—white, green, oolong and black—as they sample some of the world’s most exquisite tea leaves.

Tea enthusiasts and novices are invited to join the group as Diane Eddy, certified tea professional from the local tea store, Global Tea Mart, facilitates this fun tea tasting that explores the history, origins and production of these intriguing beverages.

The cost of the class is $5 and each student should bring a cup and saucer. Reservations are required. Call Diane Eddy at (480) 266-5562 or send her an email at customerservice@GlobalTeaMart.com.

The tea-tasting classes will be held on the third Tuesday of each month from through April:

• Nov. 17: “Good Tea Gone Wrong”

• Dec. 15: “Brew Up a Stunning Holiday Tea Party”

• Jan. 19: “Carson’s Guide to Tea at Downton Abbey”

• Feb. 16: “The Romance of Tea”

• March 15: “Ooh! Those Delicious Oolongs”

• April 19: “And then Tea Came to Japan”

Although tea seems like such a plain beverage—a paper bag filled with tea “dust” dunked in hot water that produces a dark reddish brown or green liquid— there is a vast world beyond the everyday teabag. There is the world of fine, loose leaf tea. One of tea’s most intriguing, centuries-old stories is how so many different teas are produced from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis.

In every cup of seemingly simple and unimposing tea lies a tale of romance, war, elaborate rituals, poetry and religion, international trade, poisonings and heartstopping clipper ship races, smugglers, delightful afternoon tea, health fads and entire civilizations.

This tea-tasting class will give you a deep understanding of premium tea, aiding in your search for teas you can enjoy for a lifetime. What better way to spend a morning than sniffing and sipping teas steeped from some of the world’s most famous tea growing regions, visiting with dear friends and taking a journey into the little-known world of fine tea?

OUR WORLD IS UNPREDICTABLE

GoFundMe page started to help quadriplegic realize dream

BY TRACY HOUSE

Most people take getting into a vehicle and driving for granted. But for Chandler resident Greg Wickenburg it’s a dream he is trying to make a reality.

A C5 quadriplegic, Wickenburg has started a GoFundMe page to raise the $175,000 needed to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van. As of press time, more than $1,700 had been raised.

He injured his neck in an automobile crash when he was 17 years old.

“Since my injury all I’ve ever had are used vans,” Wickenburg said. “I’ve had issues with them. Twice now I’ve been stranded.”

His van doesn’t have air conditioning in the back, where Wickenburg sits, and the front air conditioning doesn’t work well. The ramp on his van has cracks on it, and three of the electric windows do not work and it leaks oil. “It’s running right now, but I’m scared it won’t last for too much longer.”

As a quadriplegic, his body doesn’t regulate temperature well, and it can become dangerous for him to overheat. Therefore, he especially needs a van with air conditioning.

A Chandler resident since 2004, Wickenburg can move his arms, just with some bicep movement. His triceps, fingers, wrist and hands are paralyzed in his upper body. His lower body is paralyzed as well.

Greg Wickenburg, seen here with his service do, Roo, has started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a new wheelchair accessible van. Roo can get his credit card out of his shirt pocket and put it on the counter, and just recently alerted family members that Wickenburg had tipped forward and needed assistance sitting back up. Submitted photo

Wickenburg’s dream is to be able to afford a van that he could drive himself. In the past, he has driven a vehicle using a joy stick, similar to how he drives his chair. “That was great,” he said. “That was the first time I’ve driven in 30 years. That’s my ultimate dream.”

While he knows it’s a long shot to again be able to drive himself, he would be happy to have a reliable van with AC in the back. He intends on keeping the GoFundMe site going as long as possible, providing his current van continues running.

“When I absolutely have to I’ll use the funds, and try to get a used van, or if possible a new van, even if I couldn’t drive it myself. Even having a newer van would be fantastic.”

To view Wickenburg’s GoFundMe page or make a donation, go to www.gofundme. com/qe6wk5jg, or contact him at vanfund@ cox.net. “Anything to help would be greatly appreciated,” Wickenburg said.

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

Family and Community Nights make fall season fun

Chandler’s Community and Tumbleweed Recreation centers are hosting events that offer families fun, creative ways to enjoy the fall and upcoming holiday season. Community Nights in the Courtyard of the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., are free to the public and held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month through December.

• Nov. 19, Urban Arts Cornucopia: This will be a festival of different genres of urban arts, including music, poetry and street art. Enjoy music, prizes, raffles and snacks as you learn to create festive table settings, personal placemats, gorgeous family holiday heirlooms and keepsakes that can be shared with your family for years to come. Art supplies provided.

• Dec. 17, Holiday Craft & Cookie Decorating. Make it a night with family and friends centered on the Christmas holiday season. There will be different types of crafts, holiday card making, cookie decorating and face painting for kids of all ages. Santa may show up.

Family Nights at Tumbleweed Recreation Center are for the whole family and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the TRC, 745 E. Germann Rd., every other Wednesday through Nov. 18, when families will make crafts and games based on Thanksgiving themes.

Admission to Family Nights at the TRC is free with a TRC Pass, or $2 for residents ages 1 to 12; $3 for nonresidents; $3 for residents 13 to 17; $5 for nonresidents.

For more information, call (480) 782-2900 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.

Fall boutique to be held next month

A fall boutique will be held at Stone & Vine Urban Italian, 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. The boutique will promote local businesses. The vendors include Origami Owl; 31 Gifts; Scentsy; Rodan & Fields; Lori’s Treasured Souls; Juice Plus; Tastefully Simply; Longaberger and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties.

Raffle items will be on display during the event with all proceeds going to a local charity.

For more information, contact Renee Slagter, vendor coordinator, at (480) 2094115, or rslagter1003@gmail.com.

Hope’s Treasures Holiday Boutique features free Santa photos

The Hope’s Treasures Holiday Boutique returns this year with quality handcrafted goods Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 14, at Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Take free pictures with Santa from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The boutique features holiday and home décor, decorations, gifts for kids and adults, stocking stuffers, jewelry, handcrafted apparel, comfort items and so much more. Shoppers are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Matthew’s Crossing food bank.

For more information, visit www. hopechurchchandler.com.

Barro’s Pizza plans to knock out

Arizona hunger this holiday season

Barro’s Pizza has scheduled its fourth annual Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight for Tuesday, Dec. 1. From open to close, the 35 Barro’s Pizza locations will donate all proceeds from sales to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in an effort to diminish the number of Arizonans battling starvation during the holidays.

The Chandler locations include 950 E. Riggs Rd. and 1880 S. Alma School Rd. Barro’s Pizza is continuing this fundraiser as a way to give back to the Arizona community that has given them so much love and support over the past 30-plus years.

Last year, all of Barro’s Pizza locations combined raised roughly $162,000 in one day for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, which provided more than 1 million meals to the hungry in Arizona. This year, they want to surpass that number in order to feed more

families in Arizona over the holidays. Just one large pizza ordered is enough to fund 70 meals for those in need.

“Our family has made this annual fundraiser a tradition at all of our restaurants, and will be until we can knock out hunger in the state of Arizona,” said Bruce Barro, coowner of Barro’s Pizza. “Partnering with St. Mary’s goes hand in hand with the business that we run. Making sure that Arizonans eat well has always been close to our family’s hearts.”

Over the past three years, Barro’s Pizza has raised enough money to provide more than 2.8 million meals for Arizona families in need. Going into the fourth year of fundraising, Barro’s Pizza is hoping to make this year record-breaking by bringing in more customers for a great cause.

Family-friendly events to be held through December

Chandler is entering one of the more activity packed seasons of the year. The extraordinary lineup of family-friendly events will occur through the end of the year and are produced by the City, or local organizations.

• Saturday, Nov. 7: Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 1880s authentic chuck wagons as teams from across the west compete using slow-cook wood fire methods from the time period. Enjoy live music, storytelling and cooking demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tumbleweed Ranch in Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Visit www. chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon for more information.

• Saturday, Nov. 14: Rock the Block. Bring the whole family to this free annual block party being held from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Downtown Chandler featuring live entertainment on the new Downtown Stage, a Kids Zone, plus interactive games, rides, face painting, inflatables, a zipline and more than 100 retail, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Visit www.chandlerblckparty.com for more information.

• Saturday, Nov. 21: Woofstock. This free event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Tumbleweed Park. Bring a leashed, well-mannered dog out to enjoy a day of fun with other dog lovers and their K-9 friends. Visit www.chandler.gov/ woofstock for more information.

• Saturday, Dec. 5: Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Join others in Downtown Chandler from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate a unique southwestern tradition that draws visitors from far and wide during the holidays. This community festival includes the beautiful Parade of Lights and marks the 59th Tumbleweed Tree built in Downtown Chandler. Details can be found at www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweedtree.

Chompie’s offers Thanksgiving meals

Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York-style deli, released its Thanksgiving menu and is taking preorders for whole oven roasted turkeys, pies or full course meal packages. The full dinner and a la carte selection are designed to make giving thanks a little easier this holiday season. Chompie’s’ four Valley restaurants will be open Thanksgiving Day, not just for order pick-ups, but also for dine-in service.

“We know how busy it is during the holidays,” said Chompie’s founder, Lovey Borenstein. “Sometimes you need a little help in the kitchen so you can spend most of your time with your family.”

Chompie’s turkeys and fixings are cooked fresh from scratch using the Borenstein family recipes. They’re made the same day as the scheduled pick-up and include reheating instructions, so they can be served in about 30 minutes.

The Thanksgiving menu includes full meal packages, individual turkeys, and a la carte sides:

• The traditional full meal package, which

serves 12 to 15 generously, is $189.99

• Thanksgiving dinner, for dine-in, or to go, $15.99 per person

• Extra large whole oven roasted turkey, $89.99, carved for $114.95

• Fresh baked apple or pumpkin pie $10.95 each

• Fresh baked deluxe pie $12.95 each

• Homemade stuffing $6.99 a pound

• Matzo ball soup $7.99 for a quart

• String bean almandine for $5.99 a pound

Whole turkey and large dinner packages must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 25, or Thursday, Nov. 26. Chompie’s four Valley locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

The Chandler location is at 3481 W. Frye Rd.

Keep Shoes is an overhead storage product designed to create room for reach-in closets by taking advantage of the void of space above and against the door header.

The 10 cubic feet of storage can be assembled in a single or solo setup in a coat closet, so individuals can have their shoes near exits. Or Keep Shoes can set up a tandem unit in a sliding door type bedroom closet and have twice the storage space without twice the cost.

Either way the shoes are off the

floor and stored where searching and finding shoes is at eye level. The units operate in a weightless manner, so individuals can raise and lower the unit with just a light push or pull. The storage became available Nov. 1 and can be purchased at www. keepspaces.com.

Keep Space Overhead Storage is a Chandler-based manufacturer of overheadstorage products for closets and garages.

Free dental services offered at Sierra Family Dentistry

The Chandler community will have the opportunity to receive free dental services at Sierra Family Dentistry Saturday, Nov. 7.

Dr. Vincent Rauschel and team at Sierra Family Dentistry will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing dental care to the growing number of Americans without dental insurance.

“Now more than ever, there are people in Chandler who need dental services, but have no means to afford them— whether they’re out of a job, or just don’t have dental insurance,” Rauschel said. “This event is a great opportunity for us to share our time and resources with those less fortunate and give back to the community we serve.

“Our team is committed to lifetime

dental care because good oral health is integral to overall health,” he continued.

“By participating in the program, our goal is to engage patients and encourage them to adopt an ongoing oral care program and a lifelong regimen of preventative care.”

A free filling or extraction will be provided per patient from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 600 S. Dobson Rd., Suite B8. For more information, call (480) 8993425, or visit www.FreeDentistryDay.org.

Patients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

One third of Americans are living without dental insurance and current economic conditions leave little room to afford dental procedures. Without events like Free Dentistry Day, dental care simply is not an option for many uninsured people.

POWWOW kicks off fifth year

Produce on Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) is starting its fifth year Saturday, Nov. 14. POWWOW distributes fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere. The purpose of the event is to reach out to the community by providing quality produce at an affordable price. A $10 donation gives patrons up to 60 pounds of produce with six to eight different varieties usually available.

POWWOW is held on the second Saturday of the month from November through May. The first event of the season is from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave. The food goes quickly, so get there early.

For more information, visit www. Facebook.com/POWWOWatDPC.

Fall Fishing Clinic, Outdoor Safety Event will be held at Veterans Oasis Park

Grab the family and fishing poles and head out to Chandler’s 5-acre lake at Veterans Oasis Park Saturday, Nov. 14, for the seventh annual Fall Fishing Clinic and Outdoor Safety Event.

The free, all-ages event is from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. The event is hosted by the Environmental Education Center, Police Department, Fire, Health and Medical Department and Arizona Game and Fish Department. In addition to fishing, there will be free information, activities and demonstrations focused on outdoor safety.

Instructors will provide basic fishing tips and guidance and will provide bait and a limited number of fishing rods for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. The Chandler Police Department will display some of their specialty vehicles and the Chandler Aquatics Division will have a booth highlighting the importance of water safety. In addition, the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department will have a fire engine on display from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Be sure to stop by the lobby for free crafts and activities provided by the EEC.

No fishing license is required during the clinic, but those wishing to fish must register at the AZGFD booth. Anyone fishing outside of the clinic hours will require a license.

Visit www.azgfd.gov for information about fishing licenses and regulations. Fishing licenses and supplies are not

available for purchase at the park. Inclement weather may cause the program to be altered or cancelled. Call the ECC Program Hotline at (480) 7822889 to obtain updates on the status of the fishing clinic and outdoor safety event.

Kids gather for Day of Play

A Foam Fun Run, Teen Fitness Challenge and Chalk It Up were some of the activities at the recent Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play at Tumbleweed Park. The event encouraged health, wellness and an active lifestyle and included more than 80 community booths, bounce houses, contests, games, demonstrations and activities for all ages. STSN photos by