Santan Sun News: 11-1-2014, Neighbors

Neighbors

Bike ride explores state from Tucson to Chandler

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

A few slots remain for the inaugural Tucson to Phoenix bike ride which concludes with dinner at Tumbleweed Park.

The ride will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9. Bicyclists will meet at 3:30 a.m. at Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., by the tennis courts where the bikes will be loaded before driving to Tucson. The bike ride then begins at Oro Valley Bicycle, at 12985 N. Oracle Rd., in Tucson. Wheels will be on the road by 6 a.m. and cyclists will return to Chandler before 5 p.m.

The more than 85-mile bike ride will allow cyclists to see the beauty

Monthly produce market returns to Desert Palms

MEGHAN MCCOY

Although a popular monthly, reasonably priced produce market changed its name, the service will remain the same throughout the season that begins this month.

“It will look exactly the same, except our banner will look different,” says Orris Anson, Produce on Wheels—With Out Waste (POWWOW) organizer.

The name changed after the organization taking care of the produce, the 3000 Club, severed its partnership with Borderlands Food Bank.

The monthly market was previously named Market on the Move, which was founded by Lon Taylor, who also formed the 3000 Club. The 3000 Club, which took over the rescue of produce that

Learn about Arizona

history, while enjoying period

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

More than 8,000 people are expected to celebrate Arizona’s history with demonstrations, activities and, most importantly, authentic period food.

The fifth annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is set for Friday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 9, at Tumbleweed Ranch at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 E. McQueen, Chandler.

The cook-off was inspired by cook Dave McDowell’s passion for outdoor food creations, says Jean Reynolds,

food

public history coordinator for the Chandler Museum.

“He also wanted to come up with an event that would make a little bit of money to go back to the museum to help with education,” Reynolds says.

The event supports the educational development of Tumbleweed Ranch.

“We do the event to preserve our western history and Arizona history that goes back to the late 19th century with the whole idea of cowboys, ranching and cooking on the trail.”

Since 2000, McDowell has

was being thrown away, was created by 3,000 supporters, each of whom donated $100 to kick-start the operating budget. That food was donated to food banks in Nogales, Arizona where there is now a warehouse.

The operation moved nearly 30 million pounds of produce to 50 agencies, churches and nonprofits in the United States.

Anson says Market on the Move was an agent of Borderlands Food Bank, which previously transported and provided the produce for Market on the Move.

The 3000 Club is no longer an agency of Borderlands Food Bank.

“Desert Palms is one of the first

competed in chuck wagon cook-offs in Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming.

“We have about seven to 10 wagons here in the state that are always looking for an event to compete in,”

Genealogy society helps with family histories

BY TRACY HOUSE

Most people can go back a few generations in their family history, aware of their grandparents and great-grandparents. For those who wish to research further, however, it can be a cumbersome task to know where to begin. Sun Lakesarea residents are fortunate in that resources are available through Black Family Genealogy and History Society meetings.

McDowell says. ”There was a big gap in the fall schedule. We thought the Tumbleweed Ranch would be a great place to do it.”

He was the driving force in bringing the annual Chuck Wagon Cook Off to the Chandler area. The first year, it attracted four wagons. But, he adds, “we have made some great progress.”

On Friday, the activities will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The morning will focus on tours with school groups and senior citizens.

Later that morning, cooks will demonstrate different ways to cook turkeys outdoors.

“It’s a unique way to do a Thanksgiving dinner,” she says.

Friday evening a campfire glow

distribution sites to join in with Borderlands Food Bank,” he says.

POWWOW will kick off its season on Saturday, Nov. 8, and continue the second Saturday of the month through May. The market opens at 7:30 a.m., or as soon as the line is ready to go in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave. It will run until 11 a.m. November through March and close at 10 a.m. in April and May.

“We are there to distribute food to the community that needs it,” he says.

Volunteers arrive at the church to start setting up tables to display the produce around 6:30 a.m. The day before the produce is delivered Anson learns what is included in the inventory. To enhance the program, he displays recipes for the produce his customers will receive.

Items such as green beans, eggplant, bell peppers, winter and summer squash, watermelon, honeydew, tomatoes and potatoes are distributed. Occasionally, the organization receives citrus.

For a $10 donation, patrons can collect up to 60 pounds of produce. Financially struggling folks are welcome.

“Get there early because the food goes fast,” Anson says.

He says they have to put limits on food to make sure they have enough of a selection for the late comers.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

Neighbors

will be held at 6 p.m. with Arizona troubadour Wally Bornmann, a cowboy singer and storyteller, around the fire with s’mores.

The event on Saturday runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The main Saturday attraction features 12 chuck wagons competing for awards based on appearance, taste and texture of period food. The teams will cook and prepare their own unique meal, which includes meat, bread, potatoes, beans and a dessert. Reynolds says each chuck wagon makes about 50 meals.

“We provide them with the main ingredients,” Reynolds says. “They have their own spices.”

Tickets, which are $12 for the meal, go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday morning and typically sell out within the hour.

On Sunday, many of the same activities and demonstrations as the previous days will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, a 10 a.m. breakfast will consist of a three-course meal of potatoes, eggs, biscuits and gravy.

In the afternoon, 18 kids will participate in a junior cook-off, during which they work with wagon teams to

create a peach cobbler with a Dutch oven.

Television personality and Times Media Group food columnist Jan D’Atri will provide a cooking demonstration in the afternoon.

For more information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

of Arizona, as well as an opportunity to stop at historical markers to learn about the history of the Grand Canyon state.

“We have done it twice from Phoenix to Tucson,” says Chandler resident LaVerne Lindsey, owner of One on One with LaVerne. “A couple of riders wanted to do it in reverse from Tucson to Phoenix.”

Lindsey says the trip is safe and fun.

“There is little to no traffic on the roads that we travel,” she says. “It is a low-stress ride.”

It’s about “putting your feet down for a minute and reconnect with the earth...a reconnection with your surroundings.”

The trip costs $100, and that includes transportation, automobile support, dinner and a group rider photograph. The bike ride is open to 10

participants. For more information or to sign up for the bike ride, visit www. oneononewithlaverne.com.

“I am on the road with the riders,” Lindsey says. “I make sure the last rider always has company.”

An accompanying automobile will provide water and food. The car will also be available to those who may need a break during the bike ride.

“You can hop into the car and eat,” she says. “It is a very well-supported ride.”

At the conclusion of the bike ride, participants will enjoy a pasta meal with garlic bread and a salad at Tumbleweed Park.

Lindsey began riding 12 years ago at age 40. She says she began because she was out of shape and overweight. What started off as riding for better health turned into a passion.

“There is nothing like riding and having the wind blow through your

CYCLIST: There are openings for cyclists who wish to participate in a bike ride from Tucson to Phoenix on Sunday, Nov. 9, with Chandler resident LaVerne Lindsey, owner of One on One with LaVerne. Submitted photo

hair,” she says. “It’s something about the quietness and the freedom. You feel alive.”

After raising her daughters as a single, working mom, she hopped on a

Trashion Fashion winners announced, designs to appear in public

Selected garments from the recent inaugural Trashion Fashion Show will be displayed at Chandler City Hall and the Vision Gallery in November to celebrate America Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The runway-style fashion event featured eight entries made from recyclable or reused materials, and judged for their creativity, design, craftsmanship and an environmental fact each contestant provided with their entry.

“The designers truly made recycling fashionable. We were very pleased with the creativity and craftsmanship of the garments that walked the runway and encourage everyone to come and look at the designs up close when they are on

display in November,” says Traci Conaway, Chandler’s recycling coordinator.

The designs were judged by Shari Keith, a local artist who makes items out of found and saved items; Dorie Morales, the CEO and publisher of Green Living AZ Magazine; and Kim Kaan, the City of Chandler’s website editor.

Chandler Center for the Arts, Solid Waste Services and Parks and Recreation Divisions organized the event and entries were accepted in three age categories, ages 10 to 13, 14 to 17 and 18 and older.

Anneke Wensink and Megan Williams designed the gown taking first place in the 10 to 13 age category. The gown was modeled by 13-year-old Wensink and was made from plastic produce bags, tissue paper, paper plates, plastic netting,

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities hosts Wine and Design evening

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities announces entrepreneur, artist and singer Laurie Fagan will lead a Wine and Design make-and-take class at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at Gangplank in Downtown

Chandler. Fagan is the publisher emeritus of the SanTan Sun News.

Participants will create Celtic designs from polymer clay. Cheese and fruit platters, plus wine, water, soft drinks or

ribbon, Christmas bows and a clear plastic to-go box.

The winner in the 14 to 17 category was 16-year-old Anna LaBatt, who modeled a gown made with plastic shopping bags ironed together and adorned with sequins and flowers made from coffee bags and pieces from a belt.

Sophia Phillips designed the winning garment in the adult 18-and-older category, which was modeled by her daughter, Jaelyn, and made with 1,000 coffee filters, coffee burlap bags and magazines.

Contestants received gift cards donated by Verde Salon, Shears and Shades hair design and United Fibers, the City’s recycling contractor.

hot tea will be served.

The cost of the event is $25; payment can be made on the website, www. chandlerirish.org, or mailed to “CTSC” at P.O. Box 1474, Chandler, AZ 85244-1474. The event benefits the organization’s Student Ambassador Program.

For more information contact Ellen Harrington at (480) 600-8509 or chan. to.tull@gmail.com.

bicycle and it opened up a whole new world.

“Once I found the love of cycling, I started my all women’s biker group that ride every Saturday,” she says.

Lindsey says the Saturday morning rides allow women to ride for four hours while enjoying the beauty of Arizona. The group rides at about 12 to 15 miles per hour and takes breaks.

“It’s more about camaraderie and establishing women supporting women,” she says.

Lindsey also provides one-on-one coaching for women at any and every level.

“My office is your front door,” she explains.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

“Our group is not limited to AfricanAmerican researchers,” says Joyce McCollum, the organization’s president.

While African-American genealogy is diffi cult to research because of slavery, McCollum says, “Researching the census records, the land records, the military records, the techniques are the same. Anyone who is researching family history can benefi t from our meetings.”

McCollum is working to bring in more people to the group from all different cultures.

“Basically we are an inclusive organization,” she says.

Meetings include presentations and speakers of all ethnicities. Professional researcher and author Daniela Moneta, certifi ed genealogist, will speak at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

AARP leads Marketplace information session at library

The Downtown Chandler Public Library is hosting a Health Insurance Marketplace information session by AARP from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 22 S. Delaware St.

During Open enrollment, which begins Saturday, Nov. 15, is when individuals can apply for a new Marketplace Plan, keep a current plan or pick a new one. AARP will provide an overview of options for the 2015 coverage year.

For more information, call (480) 782-2800 or visit www.chandlerlibrary. org.

Neighbors

“Daniela’s a terrifi c speaker,” McCollum says. “She takes private clients as a genealogist and she’s also a member of the professional genealogist council.”

Moneta earned her masters of library and information studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and worked as the genealogy librarian at the Arizona State Library. She is a certifi ed genealogist and a certifi ed genealogical lecturer. She has taught family history research and for the last 10 years and has operated a genealogy business, Genealogy One-on-One.

At her talk, she will explain why genealogists use DNA testing, what the various genetic genealogy testing companies provide, the differences between Y-chromosome DNA, mitochondrial DNA, autosomal DNA and X-chromosome DNA, and how to analyze and use the results in family history research.

“We have free classes and instruction for beginners,” McCollum explains.

“Usually if someone new comes in, we’ll grab them right at the beginning of the meeting and start there. We have many knowledgeable members of our group.”

She says members can help with Native American research, archived newspapers and French and Louisiana records and resources. “We have a lot for the researcher.”

In addition, McCollum says she can help researchers go as far back as 1870.

“Prior to that, we’re doing slave genealogy,” McCollum adds. “You have to identify the last slave owner so you can look through his records.”

It can be a daunting task to wade through all the research, but “It’s a joy to do it. Especially to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren,” she says.

The Sun Lakes Chapter meets at 2

‘Our Stories’ series returns

The history of some of the early farming families of the southeast Valley will be the featured topic at the next “Our Stories” guest speaker presentation from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr. The free presentation, “Pioneers in the Shadow of the San Tan Mountains,” will share stories about the people who farmed the areas known as Queen Creek, Higley and Chandler Heights. Part of the program will include the 2014 documentary “From Rittenhouse to the

QC,” featuring interviews with Queen Creek’s founding families and early town council members.

The “Our Stories” series continues 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, with “Preserving Arizona’s Textile Traditions,” at the Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. Guests will be able to watch hand weaving and spinning demonstrations while learning about the effort of local groups to preserve the textile traditions.

“Our Stories” is presented by the Chandler Museum, Chandler Historical

p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes, to learn more about research and delve further into the history of participants. McCollum said she is usually the facilitator at the Sun Lakes meetings.

The Phoenix Chapter meets at Harmon Library, 1325 S. Fifth Ave., Phoenix, at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

Membership is $24 per year for an individual, $30 for couples; $12 from July through December. The fi rst person younger than 30 to join the group will receive free membership.

For more information and membership information, visit www. blackfamilygenealogyhistorysociety. com or www.bfghs.co.

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

HIGLEY: Historic photographs from the Higley area. Submitted photo

Society and the Chandler Public Library. For more information on these or other museum events, call (480) 782-2751 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/museum.

Celebrate authentic Arizona at El Palacio

Chef Anthony Serrano’s next local beer dinner installation at El Palacio of Chandler will celebrate authentic Arizona by pairing a southwest-inspired menu with fresh, local craft beer from Mother Road Brewing.

Based in Flagstaff, Mother Road Brewing draws a namesake and inspiration from the thrill of adventure. The term “Mother Road” was coined for Route 66 in 1939 by John Steinbeck, author of “Grapes of Wrath.” Starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, stories of the Mother Road are said to capture the essence of the past World War II westward movement, when families fled the east in hopes of a brighter, warmer future in the west.

In that spirit, Serrano has created a four-course meal, plus reception, which captures the delicious flavors of adventure and authentic Arizona, while adding his own twist.

Get ready for a mother lode of Mother Road beer at El Palacio of Chandler at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The menu includes, for the reception, chips and salsa paired with Gold Road Kolsch Style Ale. The dinner includes pipian bisque with road squared, a blend of 75 percent

Gold Road and 25 percent Roadside American Pale Ale; salsa verde tamale pie paired with Roadside American Pale Ale; arrachera borracha taco with IPA pickled jalapenos paired with Painted Racer; and Mexican chocolate and chili cookie paired with Lost Highway Imperial Black IPA. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (480) 802-5770 or at www. epfamilyrestaurants.com. The cost is $25.

El Palacio is located at the Crossroads Towne Center, 2950 E. Germann Rd.

SanTan Brewing launches Craft Beer Vault Series

Named after the Valley National Bank’s iconic vault, which still remains at SanTan Brewing Company’s downtown Chandler brewpub, a series of aged craft beers in 16 oz. cans will be available this fall.

Founder and brewmaster Anthony Canecchia plans to brew this series in small batches with limited release and higher alcohol by volumes (ABV).

“Now that the majority of our brewing has moved to the production facility, we have the capacity to experiment with and age small batch beers at the downtown Chandler locations,” Canecchia says.

He plans to feature six different craft beers in the Vault Series with each new beer releasing every six to eight weeks, depending on the aging process. A 100 barrel batch of each Vault Series beer will be available, while supplies last in Arizona, California and Texas at select bars, restaurants and retail locations.

The first beer to be released is Count Hopula, a blood red IPA that boasts a 9.1 percent ABV, 99 IBUs and an intense Simcoe hop bitterness, balanced with an eternally midnight malt. After a six-week aging process, this spooky spectacular beer is ready to turn craft beer drinkers into undead hopheads with one bite. Count Hopula is available at SanTan Brewing Company.

“The six- to eight-week aging process is essentially for this series due to the high

alcohol content. By slowing things down and allowing the yeast to slowly condition the beer we’re able to produce a strong, but balanced southwestern style ale,” Canecchia says.

After Count Hopula, the Vault Series beers will include variations of existing seasonal and new brews: Winter Warmer, Mad Czar Russian Imperial Stout, Fat AleBert Hey Hey Heavyweight Brown, Lalapalupalin Ridiculous IPA and KiloHop Ludicrous IPA.

To find a pint or can of SanTan’s Vault Series beers, visit www.santanbrewing. com/the-beer/beer-finder.

Chandler Service Club holds annual Flower Girl Tea

The Chandler Service Club held its annual Flower Girl Tea recently at The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix in high derby style. The “Royal Run for the Roses Tea” introduced the 2014-2015 Flower Girls, as the club kicked off its 81st year.

Founded in 1933 by a small group of local women, the club was formed to provide hot lunches for school children during the darkest days of the depression. Since that time, the Chandler Service Club has maintained a role in hands-on service and financial support to local causes. The Chandler Service Club believes in leaving a legacy of community service to the next generation. The Flower Girl program does just that. Since its inception in 1952, the program strives to build a lifelong commitment to community service in young women.

This year 38 Flower Girls, high school seniors from 10 different high schools, were introduced and presented their individual service projects. More than 280 guests listened as the Flower Girls shared their positive impact on the community. In addition to their individual service projects, Flower Girls volunteer throughout the year at a variety of local agencies, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Feed My Starving Children, Arizona Brainfood and many others. While there is focus on service,

the girls also participate in activities that foster self-imp rovement, social etiquette, leadership and other life skills.

The Chandler Service Club members, the Flower Girls, and their guests paraded the red carpet in hats and the event kicked off with the “Call to the Post” played on trumpet by Thompson Knox, grandson of Life Member Barbara Knox and son of Associate Member Lisa Knox.

For more information about Chandler Service Club visit http:// chandlerserviceclub.org/.

Bashas’, Chiquita partner with AzBrainfood

Bashas’ Grocery Stores have teamed up with Chiquita to donate thousands of bananas each month to AzBrainfood, a local nonprofit that helps feed children in need.

Bashas’ is the only major grocery store chain the state to supply Chiquita bananas in its stores. The hometown grocer has a large Chiquita banana ripening area in its distribution center in Chandler, where a full-time Chiquita employee is stationed to ensure that its products are the highest quality and freshness.

AzBrainfood was founded by a mother who learned about children attending school on Mondays hungry because they had limited access to food at home over the weekend. The local nonprofit enlists help from school

Free barbecue for veterans at Famous Dave’s Nov. 11

In observation of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Famous Dave’s Barbecue would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to the country by offering a free, “Two-Meat Salute,” from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The “Two-Meat Salute” is a choice of two different meats, including St. Louis-style ribs, Georgia chopped pork, Texas beef brisket, country roasted or barbecue chicken, traditional or boneless chicken wings, southside rib tips, hot link sausage, chicken tenders or beer battered cod, served with a corn bread muffin and a choice of one side.

The offer is valid for dine-in only at Chandler, Peoria, Mesa Riverview and SanTan Village Famous Dave’s locations. Applicable to all military personnel with valid photo ID and proof of military service including U.S. Uniformed Service ID card, form DD-214, or current leave and earnings statement with photo ID.

“Supporting our local veterans is very important to me and our staff,” says John Erlandson, owner of the Valley’s four Famous Dave’s Restaurants and Catering Company.

Erlandson is not only an Army Reserves veteran, but also a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School. He is proud to be able to give back.

“This is just a small way for all of us at Famous Dave’s here in Phoenix to show our appreciation for their selflessness and service to our country,” he says.

The Chandler Famous Dave’s is located at 3250 W. Frye Rd.

For more information, visit www. famousdavesbbq.com.

teachers and nurses to discreetly place food into the backpacks of children in need. This allows the children who rely on free and reduced cost lunches during the week to have food to eat over the weekend.

Bashas’ made a food donation last month to AzBrainfood, which is located at 325 W. McKellips Rd., in Mesa.

According to the nonprofit, 65 percent of students in Mesa qualify to receive a free or reduced-cost lunch at school. Many of these children have little to no food to eat at home on the weekends. Oftentimes they go to bed hungry. When children lack proper nourishment, they tend to have lower test scores and more behavioral problems in school.

“When we heard from Bashas’ about

how we could give back to these school children, we jumped at the opportunity,” says Ron Jackson, regional business manager of Chiquita Brands International. “Bananas are energy-rich foods with important vitamins and nutrients that children need, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, potassium and fiber.”

Each weekend, AzBrainfood supplies food for the backpacks of 2,200 students from 78 participating schools in Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe.

“As a parent and as a grandparent, it’s disheartening to think about children going without the food their bodies and minds need to be successful in school,” says Edward “Trey” Basha, president and CEO of Bashas’ family of stores.

“This partnership ensures that children have access to healthy, nutritious food at home, which in turn helps them to concentrate and learn at school.” Studies have shown that children who benefit from programs like AzBrainfood are able to increase their test scores in math by 23 percent and in reading by 30 percent. In addition, their absenteeism and behavioral issues decrease by up to 40 percent after the first year of participation in the program.

“If there is a child in need, we do what we can to help,” says Ruth Collins, founder and president of AzBrainfood. “But we can’t do it all. It takes a team of volunteers and big-hearted people in our community. We’re successful because of donations and ongoing partnerships like this one with Bashas’ and Chiquita.”

Serrano to compete in World Food Championship in Las Vegas

Packing suitcases full of spatulas, mixing bowls and secret ingredients, with a dash of this and a pinch of that, chefs, home cooks and culinary experts from Phoenix will soon make their way to Las Vegas for the World Food Championships.

Anthony Serrano, owner and chef of El Palacios, 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, is

one of the chefs competing at the at this year’s World Food Championship. Only in Las Vegas can food, fame and fortune be combined into one jackpot event. The 2014 World Food Championships will feature almost 500 of the world’s best cooks and chefs, putting “Joes” and “pros” on an equal playing field to battle it out for

Friends Resale Boutique benefits Clothes Cabin

Friends Resale Boutique in Chandler is an upscale thrift store where customers can shop for a cause. Located next door to Clothes Cabin, a nonprofit that provides free clothing, linens and shoes to people in need, this resale store offers seasonal items, household goods, jewelry, pursues, items by local artists, books and more at thrift store prices. All of the proceeds from Friends Boutique go to Clothes Cabin.

Clothes Cabin serves more than 6,000 low-income families each year. The Cabin also provides a homeless laundry service and free steel-toed work boots for men and women who need them to find work.

Friends Resale Boutique is located at 1100 N. Alma School Rd., on the southeast corner of Alma School and Ray

BOUTIQUE: Friends Resale Boutique offers an assortment of goods at thrift store prices. Submitted photo

roads. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Computer Booters at Sun Lakes meets first Tuesday

The Computer Booters at Sun Lakes have been meeting for more than 25 years in Sun Lakes. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Sun Lakes Clubhouse located at Sun Lakes Boulevard off Riggs Road, September through May.

The meetings begin at 7 p.m. with a few announcements, followed by a guest speaker from the local computing community. Past speakers have included

Microsoft, Verizon, Katie Gertz and Carey Holzman.

In addition to the monthly meetings, members also have the opportunity to take computer classes to help the membership use their computers successfully. Classes in Microsoft operating system and classes using Apple products are offered.

hundreds of thousands of dollars and the coveted title of the World Food Champion. Following a tournament-style format across nine iconic food categories—barbecue, chili, burger, sandwich, recipe, dessert, bacon, pasta and seafood—competitors will battle for their chance to claim the World Food Champion title.

SunBird hosts fundraising fair

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

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

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

To learn more, visit www.sunbirdhoa. com.

347 Grill

Ak-Chin

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

com

Children ages 6 and younger eat free with paid adult during Sunday brunch. Tuesdays are family night, where all kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of adult entrée. Ice cream scoops are $1 in Cones Café.

Apple Dumpling Café

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

appledumplingcafe.com

Mondays are family value night, where kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. On family fun night, kids receive free ice cream with a meal. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.

Chompie’s

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

com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine in only.

Connect5 Family Centers Corp.

222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler

(480) 699-2122

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Free kids’ meals with an adult purchase for Munchie Monday Free Lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Freebie Friday Free Dinner from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Copper Still—Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476, www.

CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645, www.dillysdeli.com

Get one free kids’ meal free for each adult meal purchased for $6 or more on weekends.

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770, www. epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free with paid adult on Wednesdays.

Fat Willy’s

4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356, www.fatwillysaz. com/Chandler

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 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

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. 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

Kids eat free Mondays and Tuesdays, with the purchase of an adult meal and two beverages. Dine in only.

NYPD Pizza

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

Kids eat for free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Every day, except Sunday breakfast, a child age 10 and younger eats 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

Kids eat free with paid adult on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965, www.sidelinesaz. com

Kids eat free from kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with adult entree. Dine in only.

Someburros!

3461 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 726-8226

2597 S. Market St., Gilbert (480) 497-8226

1335 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert (480) 755-8226 www.someburros.com

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 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

Kids younger than 12 receive one free meal per adult entrée purchased on Tuesdays. Dine in only.

Uncle Bear’s Grill and Bar

1980 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 722-1555, www. unclebearsgrillandbar.com

Kids eat free with each full price entrée purchased on Wednesdays.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-ROSE (7673)

Kids eat free Tuesdays and Sundays 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 kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details. Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

Downtown Chandler Zombie Art Walk

Zombies took center stage at the Downtown Chandler Zombie Art Walk on Oct. 17, walking with reckless abandon through the pieces of art on display by local artists. Participants came dressed in their best zombie garb and even had their faces painted. The next Art Walk will take a simpler approach with an Author’s Walk, during which time the event will open its booths to writers so they can promote their works. For more information, visit www.chandlerartwalk.com. STSN photos by Kimberly

Carrillo