Santan Sun News Neighbors: 11-15-14

Neighbors

Rock Lobster rocks Chandler’s culinary scene

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Chandler’s The Sushi Room has been reimagined as Rock Lobster, thanks to a little help from the addition of teppanyaki tables and an expanded sushi and sake menu.

“We put in the teppanyaki tables and we didn’t want to be known as just having sushi, so we say that we’re ‘Rock Lobster-The Sushi Room reinvented,’” explains general manager Heather Hanson.

Hanson walked us to one of three spacious teppanyaki tables, where we kicked off our meal with the Strawberry Butterfish roll ($11), which featured tender butterfish, crab mix, avocado and slices of sweet strawberry. It made for a sweet and mild roll that we haven’t found at any other restaurant.

The sashimi assortment ($27) was also a colorful collection of 18 pieces of fish that was as beautiful as it was tasty. The sushi, sashimi, maki and rolls menu is extensive and we’ll definitely go back to try the SanTan roll ($9) with yellowtail, jalapeño and cream cheese wrapped in soy paper and topped with wasabi aioli.

Tumbleweed Christmas tree a Chandler tradition

BY GAVIN MAXWELL

Living in the Sonoran Desert may not provide a typical white Christmas experience, but that has not kept the City of Chandler from creating a unique holiday atmosphere complete with its own traditions.

They include the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, across from the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort.

The event will kickoff at 4:30 p.m. and feature a variety of entertainment throughout the night leading up to the tree lighting.

The Dance Loft will be first on stage at 5 p.m.,

CHANDLER TRADITION: Gathered tumbleweeds are transported to Chandler’s town square where they are attached to a 25-foot tall wire frame, sprayed with 25 gallons of white paint, 20 gallons of flame retardant and dusted with 65 pounds of glitter. The tree is later adorned with approximately 1,200 holiday lights. Photo by City of Chandler

New Year’s Eve celebration coming to downtown Chandler

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

The Downtown Chandler Community Foundation and Novoa Denham Events have come together to host an inaugural New Year’s Eve party complete with a ball drop and fireworks in downtown Chandler.

“The key here is to provide an outdoor, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in the East Valley,” says Jeff Kulaga, Downtown Chandler Community Foundation executive director.

“There’s no better place than downtown Chandler.”

Kulaga describes the partnership with Novoa Denham Events owners Rafael Novoa and Brian Denham as ideal because they

Thanksgiving feasts tempt hungry diners

BY ALISON STANTON

For those who feel culinarily challenged on Thanksgiving, or just want to take a break from all of the cooking, several local restaurants are offering some tasty feasts with eat-in and/or takeout options. Later that weekend, people can head out to a cactus-lighting kickoff festival in Ahwatukee:

Bernard’s at Ocotillo

Diners can enjoy a variety of classic Thanksgiving choices at Bernard’s at Ocotillo. Guests will be served a plated salad, and then a chef-attended carving station will feature roasted turkey with giblet gravy, smoked ham with apple chutney glaze and poached wild salmon

with cranberry chestnut glaze. The traditional sides, served family style, include sage cornbread stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, candied yams, fresh green beans with crispy onions and toasted almonds and cranberry relish. For those who have room for dessert, a buffet features pumpkin and pecan pies, assorted chocolate truffles, petits fours and a variety of fresh fruit. The meal is served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, and the cost is $45 for adults, and $19 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger eat for free. Reservations are required. For information, call (480) 917-6660 or visit www.ocotillogolf.com. The resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr. in Chandler.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa

For the sixth year, families can preorder a full meal from Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa. For $249 plus tax, people will receive a full “farm-totable” meal that serves from six to eight. The takeout feast, which is ready to heat and serve, includes a slow-roasted 18-pound turkey with local chili herb rub, I’itoi onion buttermilk whipped mashed potatoes, creamed 60-day corn, cornbread stuffing, green beans with toasted almonds, tart cranberry relish with local oranges, and mesquite cooked sweet yams with agave nectar and Mexican cinnamon. The meal also

represent the downtown businesses as a whole. He says the celebration will bring more people and businesses to downtown. Kulaga calls Chandler an up and coming city.

“The growth of business and traffic is growing each year,” he says.

The event will feature a main stage in front of the Downtown Chandler Library, with music entertainment from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. A DJ spins tunes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Novoa says they will begin booking bands for the New Year’s Eve celebration after all the logistics are finalized with the City.

The youngsters will also be entertained

Each teppanyaki entrée includes mushroom soup, chilled salad with ginger dressing, a couple of grilled shrimp for an appetizer and white rice (fried rice is $1.50 extra). We picked the New York strip dinner ($26), chicken and shrimp combo dinner ($25) and two kids shrimp teppanyaki dinners ($11 each).

Of course, half the fun of teppanyaki dinners are the knife-wielding, spatulaslapping, fireball-starting chefs who put on an interactive culinary show. Our chef was Hieu Van Nguyen and he kept our table of 12 guests entertained as he sliced and diced his way during our meal preparation.

The high quality of the chicken, steak and shrimp was evident. The chicken and steak were moist and flavorful and the large shrimp was tender. I took a moment to visit sushi chefs Will Perlaza and Tony Carrera who were busy creating sushi and rolls for guests at the sushi counter to see how they do it. The time and care that the duo put into piecing the rolls together was considerable and once the colorful rolls arrived at our table, they almost looked too beautiful to eat.

Aside from the teppanyaki tables, Rock Lobster has a unique assortment of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating boasting a variety of tables and shallow couches with large pillows. With garage-style doors and a very modern vibe, the restaurant opens to the outdoors creating an expansive environment that is a great place to

enjoy a cocktail.

Signature cocktails include the chili mango ($8) made with citrus vodka, mango liqueur, jalapeño syrup and a dusting of cayenne pepper and the Beijing bellini ($8) made with lychee liqueur, St. Germaine and topped with Prosecco. Happy hour is 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily and includes specials on sake, beer and specialty cocktails as well as discounted prices on select sushi rolls and small plates.

There is a generous menu of small plates at Rock Lobster that include

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

Welcome to the 2014 Holiday Season!

Another Black Friday is fast approaching and many of us are wondering where can we come up with that little bit of extra cash to make this season of joy and giving one to be remembered. One way is to use the services of experts in the fields of Jewelry, Art, Collectables and other assets to see WHAT’S IT WORTH? The expertise provided by these professional appraisers to evaluate these types of assets can then offer you an option to sell these valuables at a fair price to provide additional funds to purchase the gifts and items to make the Holiday Season a special one.

The jewelry, art, collectables in the safe deposit box or hidden in the drawer of a cabinet that has been sitting there for years can be evaluated and then sold. Resulting in cash to spend immediately. Really no better way to raise money, it offers an alternative to using credit cards that will cause aggravation in January when the bills come.

Remember that there are experts who have years of experience researching assets and buying these unusual valuables. The process of evaluation and buying will create the extra cash for the Holiday Season. Please keep in mind that there is an option to convert your “stuff” to cash. May this Holiday Season be one with much Health and Joy.

— David Goldstein Owner, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

temptations like Korean barbecue short ribs ($9), coconut shrimp ($9) and shrimp tempura ($9). Rock Lobster also has an extensive menu of sake and bento boxes.

Rock Lobster features different daily specials. One of the most attractive offers for someone interested in checking out the new teppanyaki meals is the power hour, which offers a 50-percent discount on the meals between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Rock Lobster is located at 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., west of Dobson Road. Call (480) 821-9000 or visit http:// rocklobsterrocks.com for additional information.

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

during the event with a kids’ zone featuring a s’mores bar.

Beer and wine will be sold throughout the event with a special wine area. Novoa says the goal is to have wine manufactures at the event for tastings, as well as glasses of wine for sale. There will also be four beer trucks at the event selling a variety to the c rowd.

Kulaga says the proceeds from the beer and wine sales will benefit the Downtown Chandler Community Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization. Those funds raised will go toward the various nonprofit organizations that apply for grants throughout the fiscal year.

For foodies, food trucks and vendors will offer an assortment of dishes.

The highlight of the New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a ball drop at midnight and a fireworks show.

“It’s just going to be a fun-filled festival type of event,” Novoa says. “It’s definitely family driven.”

Tickets for the Wednesday, Dec. 31, event are $25 for individuals, $40 for couples and $100 for VIP. More ticket information will be available soon.

“We look forward for it to be successful for years to come for Downtown Chandler,” Kulaga says.

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

Chapel Center announces Treasure Sale and Restaurant Raffle

The 10th annual Treasure Sale and Restaurant Raffle, is being hosted by the Sun Lakes Chapel Board from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Chapel Center in the Sun Lakes Country Club, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd.

Individuals are able find bargains on almost anything offered in the enormous selection of items donated by the people in the greater Sun Lakes area. Prices are ridiculously low at the Treasure Sale.

Donated items can be dropped off on the back porch of the Chapel Center, or if it is too large to move, call Butch at (480) 883-7095 or Marty at (480) 835-7766. No clothing, large televisions or other large

electronics or appliances.

The fourth annual Restaurant Raffle has a first prize of dinner for two at seven different restaurants; the second prize is dinner for two at five different restaurants and the third prize is dinner for two at four different restaurants. There will be 12 prize winners, or more, in all. The raffle winners will be drawn at the Treasure Sale at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

Raffle tickets are $1, or seven tickets for $5, 15 tickets for $10 or 35 tickets for $20. They can be purchased from congregation members or by calling (480) 802-3281.

The restaurants include Abuelo’s, Asian Grill Restaurant, Black Angus, Chase

Diner, Cheddars, Chompie’s, Crowne Plaza, Elephant Bar, Fiesta Mexicana, Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta, Iron Oaks, Kona Grill, Majerle’s, Native New Yorker, Old Spaghetti Factory, Pitta Souvli, Red Robin, RigaTony’s, Silk True Asian, Sweet Tomatoes, Tao Garden, Uncle Bear’s and Village Inn.

The money collected from both of the events will go toward the maintenance of the Sun Lakes Chapel and the Chapel Center, which hosts four congregations The Sun Lakes Community Church, The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, The Sun Lakes Lutheran Church and the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

Dentist offers military discount, donation to Wounded Warrior Project

Dr. Justin Philipp wants to help some of the half million veterans who call Arizona home. In November, the Chandler dentist is offering a 10-percent discount on all services to current and former military members. The office will also donate $50 for every crown completed to the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I’m excited to be part of giving back to people who have given so much,” says Philipp. “My family has a history of military service, my staff have military family

members, and we are proud to call many current and former servicemen and women our patients.”

November’s focus on veterans follows October’s support for Operation Gratitude. Dr. Philipp’s office paid children $2 per pound for Halloween candy, which was shipped to American troops to provide a taste of home while letting them know that children care.

As part of his year-round commitment to giving back, Philipp also supported the

following projects: United Food Bank’s “Christmas in July” drive; Make A Wish Foundation; Phoenix Rescue Mission and My Hope Bag for breast cancer patients.

J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, in Chandler. It was founded by Justin Philipp. The successful practice has won numerous awards and offers a wide variety of quality dental services.

For more information, visit www.jphilipp. com.

Botanicare is collecting jackets and toys

Throughout November, Chandlerbased Botanicare, is collecting jackets, and throughout December it is accepting toys to help the Child Crisis Center, which provides services to children from 9 to 17 who have been abused or neglected and entered into the foster care system.

The Child Crisis Center has housed more than 13,400 children since it opened in 1981. It provides many services, including temporary shelter.

Human Resources Assistant Amanda Schreck and Botanicare Executive Vice President and Co-owner Kayla Sharp, who have worked together in the past, came up with the idea. They worked together cooking a homemade meal to serve at the Ronald McDonald House Phoenix. Botanicare also is involved with St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix. Other community projects are in the works for 2015.

“I truly believe that if you are blessed with good fortune, as I am, you must give back,” says Sharp.

Although Schreck is not able to get away on evenings and weekends to volunteer because of her young children, she says doing something with the Child Crisis Centers is her way to contribute.

The concept for Botanicare was developed in 1996 by small business owner Treg Bradley in the back of an Arizona hydroponics store. It began selling its first product, a supplement called Pure Blend

Holiday boutique set for Nov. 21 through Nov. 22

Creative Designers is hosting its Holiday Classic Boutique from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Trilogy at Power Ranch’s Sierra Ballroom, 4369 E. Village Pkwy., Gilbert.

The show will feature handmade items for men, women and children.

Original Compost Tea solution; and soon after, hydroponic growers were raving about Pure Blend Original’s effect on their crops. Botanicare has expanded its product over the years to meet increased demand. The products include hydroponic systems and equipment, grow trays and reservoirs from recycled plastic, base nutrients, supplements, and grow mediums. For more information, call the Child Care Center at (480) 834-9424 or email info@botanicare.com.

Holiday music will be provided. Angel trees will be offered to benefit underprivileged children in Gilbert Public Schools and the Higley Unified School District.

For more information, email solko@ yahoo.com.

Yoga workshops help improve mobility

Two fi ve-week workshop series designed specifi cally for people with limited mobility will be held at Inner Vision Yoga’s Chandler studio, 1949 W. Ray Rd., on the southeast corner of Dobson Road.

From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 18, through Dec. 16, the fi ve-week workshop series Chair Yoga will be held, which is a supported healing class done entirely from any type of chair. This class emphasizes breath work, building a healing focus and meditation to promote a greater sense of wellbeing and stress relief. A variety of stretching and strengthening poses designed to increase circulation and stability are included in the practices.

Participants have the opportunity to work at their own pace and do things as they are able to do during the class. Cost is $35.

The second fi ve-week course, Healthy Spine and Core Restore, is offered from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays Nov. 20 through Dec. 18. The gentle-based workshop therapeutically restores core fi tness, posture and fl exibility and relieves back strain. The class emphasizes deep breathing, stress release and healing. Done entirely while lying down, it is safe and effective, and encourages participants to be stronger and feel better. Cost is $35.

For more information call (480) 6327899 or visit www.InnerVisionYoga.com

Christine Hippensteel

Interior Decorator/Owner (480) 821-1080

decdens.com/christinehippensteel

cmhippensteel@gmail.com

followed by the Talent Team Performing Arts group at 5:30 p.m. The ever-popular ugly sweater contest is at 6 p.m.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny will be there at 8 p.m. to participate in the tree-lighting ceremony and a show by the Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy will follow. Admission is free all day.

Chandler’s tumbleweed tree has becomes one of the city’s most celebrated holiday traditions, boasting more than 50 years of holiday history. In the past it has garnered national attention. The tree was featured in last December’s issue of

Neighbors

National Geographic. The original iteration of the tree came in 1957. Chandler resident Earl Barnum moved to Chandler from Indiana and remembered back East he had seen Christmas trees constructed out of fallen pine branches. While pine trees were nowhere to be found, Barnum had the perfect replacement in mind— tumbleweeds. Barnum built a small tumbleweed tree in his yard and, when the community noticed, they put a crew together and constructed a larger version in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler.

Over the years the tree has become

taller and more elaborate. Today the trees design includes a 25-foot wire frame to which the tumbleweeds are attached, and several coats of white and silver paint along with a coat of fire retardant to keep it safe. Once the tree has been painted the parks crew decorates it with more than 1,000 holiday lights.

For the past decade, Chandler park maintenance technician Russ Lassuy has been in charge of the project. Each year he assembles a team and goes tumbleweed hunting. Collecting all of the tumbleweeds and putting the tree together is a painstaking process but it’s one the crew enjoys.

“We get a chance to work with people we don’t normally get to see,” Lassuy said. “Plus it’s a Christmas tree. It’s hard not to want to get behind that.”

As Chandler builds out, tumbleweeds are becoming harder to find, but Lassuy and his team are prepared to keep up their search even if it means starting the job earlier each year. This tradition is in safe hands with Lassuy’s crew on the job.

Gavin Maxwell is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. He can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

includes artisan dinner rolls, garlic chive butter and a choice of a spiced crumble apple pie, locally harvested pumpkin pie or chocolate pecan pie.

Reservations for the meal will be taken up to seven days in advance of Thanksgiving and must be paid in full by Friday, Nov. 21. To place an order, call (602) 385-5726 and reference the “farm-totable” menu.

For those who would rather get out of the house, the resort is also offering a traditional four course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu in Ko’Sin restaurant from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meal starts with 60-day corn chowder and roasted squash and crisp pear salad with a chilecider vinaigrette. Entrées include turkey breast with cranberry compote, pork belly stuffing and rosemary jus, beef short ribs with buttermilk whipped potatoes and Brussel sprouts, porchetta with roasted peppers and baby carrots or cedar smoked salmon with grilled cauliflower and pumpkin seed pesto.

For dessert, diners may choose from Pastry Chef Samantha’s fall berry cobbler with corn cookie crust and buttermilk ice cream, pumpkin pie with bourbon reduction or chocolate bread pudding with chocolate brioche and whipped

cream. The cost is $64 for adults, $55 for seniors and a smaller version of the traditional turkey dinner is available for $25 for children 12 and younger. Children 4 and younger eat free from the existing kid’s menu. For reservations, call (602) 3855726. The resort is located at 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler.

Rawhide

The chefs at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse will be cooking up a storm this Thanksgiving holiday in true western style, inviting families and visitors to celebrate the spirit of the season, enjoy the hometown hospitality and indulge in a holiday meal that’s guaranteed to please the palate.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, guests will enjoy an authentic western buffet of traditional holiday favorites that includes a mandarin orange cranberry salad, maple roasted turkey, ham, rosemary-crusted prime rib, cornbread stuffing, garlic roasted mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, candied carrots and pumpkin bisque.

Dessert offerings top the list with pumpkin pie, apple crisp, fudge brownies, seasonal cookies and an ice cream bar.

Prices for Rawhide’s Thanksgiving menu are $18.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are encouraged

by calling (480) 502-5600 or email reso@ rawhide.com. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. An automatic gratuity of 12 percent will be applied to parties of eight or more.

All of Rawhide’s famed sites and attractions will be open on Thanksgiving Day, including the zip line, petting zoo, panning for gold, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, burro and hay wagon rides and the Six Gun Theater.

Chompie’s

Chompie’s is offering homemade traditional Thanksgiving dinners that are available for dine-in or takeout. The to-go option is a complete dinner for 12 to 15 people that includes an 18- to 20-pound whole oven-roasted turkey, savory stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, string beans almandine, cranberry relish, candied yams, fresh dinner rolls, and two pies: one pumpkin and one apple. The meal package, which is called “The Traditional,” is $159.95.

A smaller package called “The Basic,” which includes fewer sides but also serves 12 to 15 people is $119.95. Individual whole oven-roasted turkeys, a variety of pies, desserts, fresh-baked rolls, and traditional side dishes are also available to order a la carte for pick-up. Order at least 72 hours ahead of pick-up. For dine-in guests,

Work off Thanksgiving meal while raising funds

The-Pitt.com Fitness is hosting an after-Thanksgiving Children’s Cancer Network fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, which features a free, one-hour workout as well as familyfriendly activities.

Fitness buffs as well as amateurs are encouraged to come in for a free workout from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the facility, 2150 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Memberships are not required. Stick around after the workout and

enjoy family activities such as bounce houses, face painting and kids games. Stop by the vendor booths and support local businesses.

Enter to win the raffle that includes items donated by members and friend of

Chompie’s is serving individual traditional dinners on Thanksgiving Day until 3 p.m. The meal includes sliced oven-roasted turkey breast, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied yams, string beans almandine, a fresh-baked dinner roll, cranberry relish and a slice of apple or pumpkin pie. The cost is $15.99 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended for groups of six or more. To order or make reservations, call (480) 398-3008. Chompie’s is located at 3481 W. Frye Rd. in the Chandler Village Center.

Festival of Lights

People of all ages will enjoy the Festival of Light’s Kick-Off Party at Desert Foothills Park in Ahwatukee. The event, which is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., features carnival rides, community entertainment, a beer garden, Marketplace Street Fair, and a Harley parade. Admission is free; wristbands for the rides are available for $20, or tickets may be purchased for 50 cents each. Desert Foothills Park is located at the southwest corner of Desert Foothills Parkway and Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee. For more information, visit www.folaz.org.

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

The-Pitt.com Fitness. All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Cancer Network. For more information, call (480) 855-3145 or visit www.the-pitt.com.

Annual Barbecue and Turkey Raffle set for Oldenburg Farm

The BLB Fund is hosting its third annual Barbecue and Turkey Raffle from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Oldenburg Farm, 12503 E. Via De Palmas, Chandler.

Join others on the farm for a pieeating contest, sack races, goat milking contest and a petting zoo. There will be music, a barbecue meal and s’mores. The raffle will include a farm fresh turkey just in time for Thanksgiving, as well as a Native Fire Design custom fire pit, an autographed Arizona Cardinals football and many gift cards to local businesses.

Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for kids and free for youngsters 5 and younger.

Raffle tickets are one for $5 and five for $20.

All the proceeds benefit the BLB Memorial Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship to Chandler High School varsity football players. The fund has awarded $6,000 in honor of Brandon Lee Beck, a former Chandler Wolf who was killed in 2010. To learn more about Beck’s story, visit www. brandonbeck.org.

The Oldenburg family has lived in South Chandler for more than 15 years and is dedicated to honoring Beck’s memory by supporting and encouraging the young athletes in the community.

CapTel Captioned Telephone presentation scheduled

Do you have difficulty hearing on the telephone? Would you like to try the newest captioned telephone technology?

Ron Dreyfus, outreach team for CapTel manager, will discuss the benefits of the CapTel product line. Come and learn about the free service, how it

works, who it will help and how it can be obtained from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Ed Robson Branch Library Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

CART, real-time captioning, is provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility. If you, a

Please Donate!

Arizona Income Tax Credit Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Thanks 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 working poor 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, employment and day treatment and training opportunities daily.

For tax year 2014, 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

For your convenience, you make your donation on our website: www.cgarc.org

We also accept Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Please contact Barbara or Toni at (480) 892-9422

Arts and Crafts Marketplace slated for Nov. 22

The seventh annual Arts and Crafts Marketplace will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at Solera Chandler, an active adult community. This is a public event located at 6360 S. Mountain Blvd.

There will be more than 50 vendors selling items ranging from quilts, paintings and handmade ceramics to candles, jewelry and delicious treats. The marketplace offers an opportunity for local vendors to sell their arts and crafts.

family member, or a friend is challenged by hearing loss, come and join others for education, sharing and refreshments.

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

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event. For more information, contact Lynn Coffee at (480) 802-6996 or lcoffee@ solerachandler. com.

Dieck publishes book about abandonment to self-love

Paula Dieck launched her new book, “I Look Like Me: A Celebration of Self-Love,” which is available on Amazon. “I Look Like Me” is the author’s story of adoption: growing up in a loving home, yet realizing that she was affected by feelings of abandonment, through years of personal growth, to ultimately coming to a place of self-love. As a young adult, Dieck found her birth mother, thinking that the step would answer all her questions. Her quest continued when

she decided to look for her biological father. She was adopted when she was 9 weeks old and raised in Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Dieck is a certified life coach, a certified trainer of Infinite Possibilities and Reiki Master teacher.

For more information, visit www. ilooklikeme.com.

Aquatics programs ongoing despite cooler weather

Chandler Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatics programs continue. Log onto www.chandleraz.gov/ registration and or call (480) 782-3463 for more information.

Free swim lesson evaluations for youngsters

Individuals may visit the Chandler Parks and Recreation Aquatic facilities during public swim hours for a free swim lesson evaluation from one of the qualified personnel.

The ages listed on the course descriptions are basic guidelines to help place a child in the appropriate class level, except Seahorse, Otters and Surfer classes. 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.

A child may be more or less advanced than the suggested ages. When preregistering, keep in mind that children will likely remain in the same level for at least two sessions.

Year-round lap swimming

Lap swimming continues year round Monday through Thursday at Hamilton Aquatic Center from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lap swim will be held at Hamilton

Aquatic Center only on Thanksgiving morning. Mesquite Groves will be closed in the evening on Thanksgiving Day.

Mesquite Groves closes Sunday Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center will remain open through Sunday, Nov. 16. The Saturday and Sunday hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course will teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The course contents and activities prepare participants to recognize and respond

quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and injuries. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate for lifeguarding, first aid, CPR and AED, which is valid for two years. This is a 30-hour course. Class size is limited, so register early. Come prepared to swim each class session. It is $120 for residents; $150 for nonresidents.

The prerequisites include swimming 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Tread water for two minutes using legs only. Complete a timed event within one minute, 40 seconds starting in the water; swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface and then dive 7 to

10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object and return to the surface before swimming 20 yards back to the starting point with the object and exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Participants must be 15 years of age by the last day of the class.

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course trains instructor candidates to teach water safety, including the basic water rescue course, six levels of the Progressive Learn to Swim Program and parent and Child Aquatics.

This is a 43-hour course and it includes five hours of the F.I.T. course and eight hours of instructor candidate practical teaching time. It is $103 for residents; $127 for nonresidents.

Prerequisites include demonstrating proficiency in the following strokes front crawl freestyle, back crawl backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly; maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water floating or sculling and tread water for one-minute. Participants must be 16 years of age by the last day of the class.

Seventh annual Turkey Swim

The seventh annual Turkey Swim will be held from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at Hamilton Aquatic Center. Bring a can of food and swim for free.

MEN’S & WOMEN’S COMFORT SHOES, COME SEE THE NEW FALL STYLES!

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!”

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.

Fishing Clinic, Outdoor Safety Event set for Veterans Oasis Park

The Chandler Environmental Education Center (EEC) will host its annual Fall Fishing Clinic and Outdoor Safety Event at Veterans Oasis Park from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.

The event is free, open to the public, and appropriate for all ages. Veterans Oasis Park is located at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., on the northeast corner of Chandler Heights and Lindsay roads.

The event is a collaborative effort with the EEC, the Chandler Police Department, Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department (CFHM) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

In addition to the fishing, the event will offer free information, activities and demonstrations all focused around the theme of safety.

During the clinic, AZGFD sport fishing instructors will provide basic fishing tips and guidance to participants. They will also have a limited number of fishing rods and bait to be loaned to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants may fish

Goodwill opens Chandler location

during the event without a license once they have signed up at the AZGFD booth.

However, fishing outside of the clinic hours requires 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.

The Chandler Police Department will have some of their specialty vehicles on display as well as demonstrations by the Crime Prevention Unit, the Chandler Arizona Police Department Explorer Post, and a possible appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog. The Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department will also have a vehicle on display.

Inclement weather may cause the program to be altered or cancelled. Call the EEC Program Hotline at (480) 782-2889 to get updates on the status of the fishing clinic and outdoor safety event. For more information, call (480) 782-2890 or (480) 782-4900 for additional information, or visit www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona opened a Chandler location on Friday, Nov. 7, at 25410 S. Arizona Ave. With 65 years of serving central Arizona’s communities, Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in

CHoP overall winner for annual TASTE

Foodies had a chance to taste, savor and vote for their favorite restaurant at TASTE, Chandler’s Culinary Festival, on Saturday, Oct. 25.

“Best of TASTE” winner was CHoP, who also won in the “Steakhouse” category. This is the first TASTE win for CHoP who served a braised beef with an Asian slaw.

Other winners include Desert Rose Catering for American; Roy’s for Asian inspired; Honey Bear’s BBQ for BBQ; Bourbon Jack’s for booth decor and pub grub; Nothing Bundt Cakes for desserts; Grimaldi’s for Italian; El Palacio of Chandler for Mexican and D’Vine Wine Bar for wine bar.

For more information, event photos and to learn how to get involved in next year’s TASTE, Chandler’s Culinary Festival, visit www.tastechandler.com. Also stay tuned to its social media pages for foodie updates @ tastechandler.

See related photo story, page 52.

Arizona. Its commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantage and disabilities that can include mental and emotional barriers, physical disabilities, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age.

Ocotillo Golf Resort hosts Post Turkey Day Shootout

Ocotillo Golf Resort, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., and Backspin the Golf Show will host the 10th annual Post Turkey Day Shootout at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. The shootout will be followed by dinner.

Radio personality Bill Huffman will serve as the event’s emcee.

The two-person scramble is $75 per person. The entry fee includes sleeve of Bridgestone golf balls, $10 gift certificate to Van’s, Backspin’s incredible super raffle, $25 bounce back round at Ocotillo Golf Resort, prizes and an awards dinner hosted in the Crown Terrace Ballroom.

There are three divisions: the good, the bad and the ugly.

To register, visit www. backspinthegolfshow.com.

In 2013, Goodwill served more than 59,607 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 23,506 employment opportunities. For more information on Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona, visit www. goodwillaz.org.

my family to our home.” —Piyush T., Chandler

“As a first time homebuyer I was very satisfied with the personal attention I received from my Realtors Jason and Renee. They made the home search comfortable and straightforward working around my schedule and my needs. I love being a homeowner and Jason and Renee are a BIG reason why I was able to find a home to fit my needs!” —Trevor W., Tempe

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities hosts Wine and Design evening

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. Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities is hosting the event.

Celtic designs from polymer clay will be created by participants. Cheese and fruit platters, plus wine, water, soft

drinks or 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.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly meeting you would like listed in Neighborhood Networks, email complete details to News@ SanTanSun.com. Note: SanTan Sun News has a Spiritual Connections column in the Spirituality section for ongoing religious-related events.

About Care

Monthly volunteer training, by individual appointment.

A nonprofit serving homebound Chandler and Gilbert residents; provides transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls, minor home repairs.

Info: (480) 802-2331, www. aboutcare.org

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International

8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Chompie’s 3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler

Info: Nikki Janulewicz, (480) 5701835, Nikki@azbestmove.com

Action Networkers: Business Networking International 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s 3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, (602) 3152056, Marty@AZMarty.com

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Chandler 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no

preregistration required. Chandler Regional Hospital, Morrison Building, Learning Resource Room 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Gilbert 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. first and third

Friday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no preregistration required. First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

For a complete list of SanTan Sun area clubs, associations and networking groups, visit www.SanTanSun.com and click on “Neighbors” to read Neighborhood Networks.

Neighbors

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

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

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

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 kids-eatfree program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.

Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

TASTE.

Chandler’s Culinary Festival allowed foodies to sip, savor and indulge under a romantic night sky in late October. The mouth-watering event featured delectable culinary delights from more than 30 East Valley restaurants. Admission to TASTE. included unlimited food tasting,12 drink samples and live entertainment. STSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo