SanTan Sun News,11-21-15: neighbors

Neighbors

Tumbleweed Tree: A long-standing tradition returns

BY NICOLE CHOKSI

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic. Perhaps most revered scene is the one in which the community, hand in hand, sings around the town’s tree.

The City of Chandler puts a decidedly Western twist on that scene. It builds and lights a Christmas tree created with tumbleweeds.

The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting is a long-held tradition in Chandler initiated by reside Earl Barnum in 1957. He and other community members gathered tumbleweed from around town to build the first tree.

They were the first to create a tumbleweed tree and, according to Chandler Public Information Officer Jim Phipps, it’s the only city in the Southwest that does this.

Barnum started the tradition and, for the last 15 years, Russ Lassuy has continued to create the larger-than-life tree.

Although the tree lighting does not take place until Saturday, Dec. 5, Lassuy and his team have already begun task, as it takes 14 days.

“The whole family shows up for the tree lighting and parade,” Lassuy said. “I don’t know how many people show up, but it’s in the thousands.”

Lassuy begins by bolting

BY ALISON STANTON

into place a 30-foot light pole with circular frames wrapped around the top and bottom. Cables are then stretched between the top and bottom frames to create the conical shape. The crew hangs chicken wire to the rings and cables to secure the tumbleweeds. This takes two

As the holiday season gets into full swing, thousands of Southeast Valley shoppers will head to local malls and stores to find gifts for everybody on their lists.

Brian Snyder, an attorney at Snyder and Wenner P.C., said that in addition to the festive lights, decorated trees and other signs of the season, there can be a sinister side to this time of year.

“Nobody wants to think about this, but chances are they are being watched by someone,” he said.

Criminals will take advantage of the busy shopping season to target harried and distracted shoppers.

Snyder said stores should do what they can to help keep their customers safe.

“The first thing to consider is security. Stores need to have a live security person there, and they need to make sure they are changing up their patrol schedule,” Snyder said.

“They should not patrol at the same time every day, because criminals will

Eating at a gym usually entails noshing on a power bar or sipping on a smoothie.

The state-of-the-art, 82,000-squarefeet Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is bucking the trend and serving a gourmet, chef-crafted five-course dinner paired with a globe-straddling selection of fine wines.

Named “Dinner of the Senses” and hosted at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, this meal is specifically designed to stimulate all five senses with exotic ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Provided by Alliance Beverage, the wine pairings will be chosen by a certified master sommelier.

“The whole idea came out of our winetasting series, which has proven to be a big hit with our members,” said Rodney Kinney, director of events and programs at the Ocotillo Village.

“So our chef, Isaac Rios, decided to take things one step further by hosting a fine-dining experience right here inside the club.”

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Golf is, at times, maddening and inspirational, humorous and serious. Retired school teacher and avid selfproclaimed high-handicap golfer Michael Pavlik encourages players to relax and take a deep breath in his new book “If You’re a Duffer, You’re OK in My Book.”

“A bad round should not spoil your day

nor should it discourage us from enjoying a day out with friends and exploring the great outdoors,” said Pavlik, a 10-year resident of Sun Lakes-Oakwood. For his first book, Pavlik wanted to speak to golfers who are too hard on themselves and would appreciate the game more if they just accept the good and bad shots.

days and four people to pull off.

Of course the most important part of a tree is the tumbleweed.

“We always manage to find a field with tumbleweeds in it—at least so far,” Lassuy said. “This year, it was field next to the freeway.”

Because Chandler is continuing to build out, finding the amount of tumbleweeds needed gets a little tougher each year. Soon Lassuy and his team may have to start looking outside of the city limits.

After all tumbleweeds are collected, Lassuy and his eight assistants begin

stuffing them into the tree. The tumbleweeds are tied to the tree with 4-foot strips of bailing wire.

The bailing wire is pushed through the frame and tied off inside. When the team gets into the groove, they have one person running the crane and someone in the basket along with two people inside the frame of the tree, two more make several runs to the shop to deliver from the stock of tumbleweeds. The other workers help unload and tie wire to the tumbleweeds.

“After we get the tree stuffed with tumbleweeds, we try to shape it into the traditional cone shape,” Lassuy said. “We

Served in the living room area of the Café dining space, the meal will have a fine-dining feel with intimate mood lighting, alongside the sit-down dinner guests. There, they will be treated to table-side preparation of the main entrée and live music. It’s all part of the Ocotillo Village’s commitment to creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere for members and their families.

Reservations are limited to 18 people,

with a cost of $99 per couple, or $60 per single. The event is open to the public.

The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

For more information, call (480) 6560045 or visit www.villageclubs.com, www.facebook.com/villagehealthclubs, www.twitter.com/villageclubs or www. instagram.com/villageclubs.

fill any voids and keep shaping until we are happy with it.”

The next step is painting the tree glossy white paint.

“When we do the finish coat, we put two guys in the basket of the crane,” said Lassuy. “One sprays paint and the other flings glitter onto the wet paint.”

Finally, they place all the lights on the tree. With his experience, Lassuy knows exactly how to place the lights. By spacing them 10 to 12 inches apart, there are between 1,200 and 1,300 lights.

“There is always some time (two or three days) between finishing and the actual lighting, it gives people and

Mother Nature time to mess things up for us,” Lassuy said. “It’s nerve wracking but kind of fun too.

“This is the one project during the year that everyone gets to work together,” said Lassuy. “It’s fun to talk to and mess around with guys you don’t see much the rest of the year.”

Tumbleweed Tree lighting takes place during Chandler’s holiday celebration from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler. Admission is free. The light parade begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call (480) 782-2669 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

Wear ugly holiday sweaters to art walk

Don those ugly sweaters on Friday, Dec. 18, when downtown Chandler celebrates the holidays.

At the event, stroll down San Marcos and Buffalo streets lined with palm trees decorated with twinkling holiday lights while perusing more than 50 local artists’ work for lastminute gifts.

In addition to a special appearance by Santa, enjoy caroling by C’est La Vie, live music by Dmitri Matheny, free holiday face painting by The Studio Academy of Beauty and a free photography by Emily Quist Photography.

This free, familyfriendly event is hosted by Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and located inside Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave.

For more information on the Chandler Art Walk, visit www. downtownchandler.org.

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to mobilize leadership and resources to advance the development of downtown Chandler as a regional destination for shopping, dining, living, culture, and the arts.

Enjoy a variety of dining options—from authentic Italian and Asian cuisine to award-winning modern American delights, as well as unique shopping retailers, fitness and salon services to make you feel your best, expert childcare in a friendly environment and so much more.

Addiction expert speaks to PAL group

Find out the latest trends regarding youth drug use at the Ahwatukee Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) group meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Rd., Phoenix.

Stephanie Siete, director of Community Education for Community Bridges, will be the guest speaker, bringing more than 13 years of drug prevention and education experience. She will bring targeted messages to the PAL parents, as she does to youth, teachers and administrators in school districts and colleges, locally and nationally. Siete also provides training for police departments, fire departments, corporate sites and crisis volunteers on drug awareness.

Siete earned two bachelor degrees in health education and mass communication from Illinois State University; leads the East Valley Synthetic Drugs Task Force; is a former board member for Teen Addictions Anonymous; is a 2010 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy; is a current participant in the Scottsdale Police Citizens Academy; and recently co-authored her first book, “WTF: Why Teens Fail and What To Fix,” a parent guide book focused on various teen risk behaviors.

Siete was one of the creators of the Northeast Valley Coalition against Methamphetamine in April 2006. She served in a leadership role on the steering committee and co-chaired the community education subcommittee. She was an

instructor for the Substance Abuse and Behaviors Health Sciences course at Paradise Valley Community College in 2007 and 2008.

She was featured in a “Crystal Darkness” documentary in April 2008, providing hundreds of hours of volunteer time to the project. She also was on the planning committee for “Hooked: Tracking Heroin’s Hold on Arizona” documentary that aired in 33 TV stations and 68 radio stations in Arizona last January.

Since 2002, Siete has been with Community Bridges, a private, nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health services and programs throughout Arizona. She has appeared on local television stations educating the public about drug use, and has been a speaker for the International Narcotics Interdiction Association (INIA), the Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC), AZ High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AZHIDTA) and the AZ School Resource Officer Association (ASROA).

PAL is a nonprofit organization with regular meetings in Arizona, Kentucky, Indiana, Montana, Oregon and Washington. PAL’s mission is to provide hope through education and support to parents of addicted loved ones. PAL’s vision is to make PAL meetings available to all parents of addicted loved ones. For more information on PAL, visit www. PALgroup.org, email info@palgroup.org or call (480) 300-4712.

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Myths & Masks

Creative Aging Workshop offers public performance at library

Experience the transformative power of myths and masks in a free public performance from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Copper Room of the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St.

The performances will be given by participants in Lifetime Arts’ Creative Aging Myths & Masks workshop, which was conducted this fall by master teaching artist Will Clipman.

Workshop participants are senior adults, age 50 years and older, who will present and wear their hand-crafted masks and perform their composed poems, which reflect their unique life journeys.

Clipman, Canyon Records percussionist and multiple Grammy award nominee will lead this performance.

“If you come without expectations, expect to be amazed by the originality and depth of the participants’ mask art and mythic persona poetry,” Clipman said.

“The word amateur means one who does something for love, and these amateur artists have brought a wealth of love, life experience, talent and creativity to the task of giving a face and voice to their highest inner selves over the course of our eightweek workshop.”

Clipman adds that in addition to wearing their masks while performing their poems, participants will be invited to “unmask themselves and reveal their personal impressions of their transformational experiences on this journey of selfdiscovery.”

Creative Aging in America’s Libraries is supported by a National Leadership Grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services in collaboration with Lifetime Arts Inc., AARP Foundation, American Library Association and Westchester Library System.

“It’s alright to be a duffer. This is for the golfer who just enjoys getting out with the guys once or twice a week,” said Pavlik, who taught art for 35 years in Lorain, Ohio. “You should still feel good based on the few good shots you remember. It’s what keeps you coming back.”

While acknowledging that getting better at the game can be a golfer’s goal,

watch the stores and learn their behavior, so a randomized patrol schedule is best.”

Stores should also add security cameras in places like parking garages, where thieves can hang out and wait for holiday shoppers with their arms full of bags.

“If criminals know there are security cameras and see the signs saying there are cameras, they are less likely to want to lie in wait,” Snyder said.

Unfortunately, Snyder said, many stores fall short of having enough security personnel and cameras.

“They may have a security person there, but with more people shopping and the stores being densely populated they should add more, and not just rely on what they do in July,” he said.

To stay as safe as possible, Nicole Swartwout,

it is not the only objective.

“You could take lessons and practice every day, but that requires time, work and money, which all take the fun out of the game,” he said. “The book encourages golfers to enjoy the game with no regard to the score. The beautiful drive, excellent chip and amazing putt, all sandwiched between the other shots give you the good feeling to keep trying— hope springs eternal.”

a partner with CallTeks Security said shoppers must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.

The first step, Swartwout said, is to choose the safest possible parking space.

“Park in a well-lit area that is close to the door of the store, and look at where the security cameras are located in the parking lot and park near them,” she said.

“People who are near security cameras may be less likely to be approached and if something does happen, you can request the footage from the store.”

When walking in and out of the store or mall, Swartwout said shoppers should have their cellphones charged and in their hand, and hold their car keys at an angle.

Purses should be zipped and held close to the body and, whenever possible, shoppers should avoid going

In the pages, readers will find “a description of experiences and definitions describing a duffer, plus a hole-by-hole round of my experience as a duffer,” he said. “Also there is a section of the book, which allows players to record their memorable shots.”

With one book under his belt, Pavlik does not rule out a follow-up, but it’s likely it won’t be about golf.

out alone, especially at night, she said.

“Just be prepared and ask yourself if you look like a person that a criminal would pick. Try not to look like a target,” she said.

To prevent their vehicles from being broken into, Swartwout said shoppers should not leave items out in plain sight.

“Criminals will look into cars and see the computer that you just bought or the game console,” she said.

Whenever possible, shoppers should return home to drop off expensive or large items. If this is not possible, placing purchases in a large plastic tub and covering it up can be a deterrent, she said.

Parents who typically store gifts in the trunks of their vehicles to hide them from curious kids can ask their neighbors for help, Swartwout said.

“My grandma used to do this and she taught me this tip. She worked out a deal with the neighbors and put a box in their garage and stored presents in there,” she said.

While he does not want shoppers to be paranoid, Snyder said people should definitely be aware that crimes can and

“I have a couple of comedic ideas in mind,” he said.

While a proud duffer, Pavlik can boast of two holes-in-one in his golfing career, “but I have put up a lot more quadruple bogeys in comparison,” he said. “I still take my mulligan.”

The book, which retails for $15, is available at golf clubhouses, bookstores and at mepavlik@yahoo.com.

do happen during the holiday season.

“No. 1, people must be aware of their surroundings,” he said.

Shoppers should also avoid advertising where they have shopped.

“You don’t want to flail your Louis Vuitton bags around. The intention is not to instill fear but to encourage some personal responsibility.”

The Brickyard to add ‘new American’ experience to downtown

Gavin Jacobs thinks there’s something unique being crafted in downtown Chandler.

Not only is he referring to the future of downtown, but he is referencing his under-construction restaurant dubbed The Brickyard Downtown at 85 W. Boston St.

The 2,400-square-foot restaurant is slated to open just before the end of the year.

Jacobs wouldn’t disclose menu items or the music to be expected, but he did confirm that The Brickyard Downtown will be an indoor and outdoor social experience. Doors will open daily for happy hour at 3 p.m. and will continue serving food until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

With an emphasis on craft cocktails

and sharable dinner options, Jacobs used the phrase “new American” in describing the dishes that will be perfect in size and price for young professionals and families. There will be vegetarian options, seasonal rotating cocktails, 12 beers on tap, laptop outlets and seats for about 90.

“My passion is to create an exceptional experience for every person that walks in,” Jacobs said. “I love hospitality and Chandler is my home.”

Jacobs plans to have a large garage door entrance that welcomes guests until 2 a.m. on weekends. This late-night menu will offer an additional option to serve the sophisticated evening crowd in downtown Chandler.

Jacobs is partnering with Elliott Hall of Hall Investment Properties to bring this

intimate atmosphere and a fresh culinary concept to historical downtown.

“[Downtown Chandler] honors its past by maintaining historical districts and facilitating local events,” Jacobs said.

“It looks ahead to its bright future by developing plans for diverse retail and office space, and investing in a culture of art, innovative and high-tech spaces [like TechShop and Gangplank] and facilitating culinary options from contemporary country to craft microbreweries.

The Brickyard Downtown will do the same. While taking a modern spin on traditional food and beverage options, Jacobs and Hall honor the building’s history by exposing the original brick and raw concrete floors.

The building was the home of the The Chandler Arizonan, a newspaper

first published in 1912 and bought in 1985 by The East Valley Tribune. Hall and Jacobs are putting extra attention on construction details that will benefit the city’s future developments and allow 85 W. Boston to continue to thrive in downtown Chandler.

Born in South Africa, Jacobs is a graduate of ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business graduate. He is excited to return as a business owner to downtown Chandler. After his tenure as co-owner at neighboring restaurant, Vintage 95, came to a close, Jacobs took a year to travel and experience other food cultures. It wasn’t long before he felt inspired to return.

“I believe in downtown [Chandler] and I want to be a part of the growth.”

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Dentist helping wounded warriors return home

Dr. J. Philipp wants to help reunite wounded warriors with their families this holiday season. Through Dec. 11, the Chandler dentist will collect and match donations made to Luke’s Wings No Soldier Spends Christmas Alone.

“No one who has sacrificed and served our country should spend the holiday season alone,” Philipp said. “We are excited to help those who protect us have a happy holiday season.”

Once donations are collected and

matched, Philipp will arrange to provide checks to families so their soldiers can come home for the holidays. Reuniting one solider costs $350.

Philipp is also offering a 5 percent discount on all services to current and former military members.

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

• United Food Bank’s “Christmas in July” drive

• Operation Gratitude

• Phoenix Rescue Mission

• My Hope Bag for breast cancer patients

Located at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, in Chandler, J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry was founded by Dr. Justin Philipp. The practice has won numerous awards and offers a wide variety of quality dental services. Visit www.jphilipp.com to learn more.

Luke’s Wings is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing travel services

Rawhide celebrates its third annual Snowy Christmas

Rawhide Western Town & Event Center will celebrate the magic of the season with the third annual Rawhide Snowy Christmas beginning at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

The town will be decked out with holiday décor and thousands of lights through Jan. 3. Rawhide will feature holiday festivities nightly during general public hours, which are 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.

Admission and parking are free, excluding special events.

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 has specialty shops and boutiques that have been stocked with

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. Visitors can buy a pound of fudge and get one free between Nov. 26 and Jan. 3.

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

Advance reservations are highly

for families of those wounded in the military that are hospitalized at medical and rehabilitation centers. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke’s Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our men and women at arms while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member’s recovery. Visit www.lukeswings.org for more information.

recommended during the holiday season at Rawhide’s Steakhouse because of pre-booked corporate events. Stay warm around its fire pits and make s’mores. Reservations can be made at

(480) 502-5600 or reso@rawhide.com.

Grimaldi’s adds five pizzas as part of chef’s selections

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is spicing up its menu—just in time for the holidays. It has introduced five new pizzas as part of a special “chef’s selections.”

Known for its award-winning, coal-fired, brick-oven pizzas and calzones, Grimaldi’s has added Quattro Formaggi, topped with mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, pecorino, romano and gorgonzola cheese as well as the Brooklyn Bridge, a combination of oven-roasted peppers, creamy ricotta cheese and hand-pinched Italian sausage to the menu. These chef’s selections are available year-round. Here is a complete list of new items.

• Margherita: A traditional pizza with extra famous sauce and fresh basil.

• Brooklyn Bridge: Oven roasted peppers, creamy ricotta cheese and hand pinched Italian sausage atop our traditional pizza.

• Quattro Formaggi: Mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, pecorino, romano and gorgonzola cheese.

• The Don: The traditional pizza topped with Italian sausage, meatballs and pepperoni.

• The Garden: The traditional pizza topped with fresh roma tomatoes, sliced onions, mushrooms and black olives.

Grimaldi’s uses a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough. It serves traditional pizza—as it began in Naples, Italy—in an upscale-yet-casual, family-oriented pizzeria. The intense heat of the oven evenly bakes the pies to create Grimaldi’s famous crispy and smoky thin crust that Zagat has repeatedly voted best pizza. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has eight locations in Arizona, including Gilbert, Peoria, Tucson, three in the Scottsdale area and two in Chandler.

In Chandler, Grimaldi’s is found at Casa Paloma, 7131 W. Ray Rd., Suite 23, (480) 785-1600.

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 an 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.

Those toys aren’t just noisy—they’re dangerous

BY ARIZONA COMMISSION FOR

HEARING

As holiday season gears up more people are shopping for toys. The next month will be spent walking up and down toy aisles trying to find just the right gift for the little one on your list. When shopping for the perfect gift, you may look at age appropriateness, price and other warning labels. But how often do you consider the noise level of the toys?

decibels (dB) is the maximum volume a child should be exposed to for no more than eight hours. Decibels are a unit of measurement to gauge volume, and decibel volume is measured in several industries including construction and engineering to ensure hearing safety. Sounds more than 100 dB can damage hearing in less than 15 minutes of exposure.

arm’s length

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Chewbacca Electronic Mask—92 dB near the ear, 79 dB at arm’s length When shopping for your precious little ones, remember these precautionary measures:

• Does the toy have volume control? If there is no way to turn down the volume, the child will be exposed to whatever decibel level naturally comes with the toy.

You won’t often find the decibel reading on a toy’s warning label, but the noise level could be detrimental to a child’s hearing.

Listen up—it’s important

Did you know that noise is the No. 1 cause of hearing loss? By first grade, less than 1 percent of children have hearing loss but by the time they are teenagers, 20 percent of children will have some level of hearing loss. Some toys with sound or noise components could be the cause for this loss. How can you tell how much is too much when it comes to noise levels?

According to the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association, 85

“The distance at which the decibels are measured can be misleading, because chances are, children aren’t using these toys at arm’s length,” said Dr. Jennifer Hensley, family and youth resource specialist, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.

How do you know which toys are safe and which should be left off your shopping list?

Topping the noisy toy list:

• Bruin R/C Racer—103 dB near the ear, 74 dB at arm’s length

• Disney: Sofia the First, Time to Shine Sing-Along Boombox—102 dB near the ear, 76 dB at arm’s length

• Leap Frog: My Talking LapPup—100 dB near the ear, 74 dB at arm’s length

• Blue Sky: The Peanuts Movie, Happy Dance Snoopy—96 dB near the ear, 78 dB at arm’s length

• Barbie: Rock ‘N’ Royals Rock Star Guitar—94 dB near the ear, 75 dB at

• Is there an on/off switch for the volume? An on/off switch is a great capability for the child to still be able to enjoy the toy, without the risk of damage to their hearing.

• Does the toy seem loud to you? If the noise level seems loud to you, it will probably be just as loud or louder to the little one playing with it.

As toy shopping season rounds the corner, take a few extra precautions to make sure your child is getting a toy they love, but is also safe. Once the toys are in their hands, you can also monitor their usage when they are playing with the toys as well as watching TV and listening to loud music. Keep solid time and volume limits to ensure the kids aren’t exposed to too much noise. Noise-reducing head phones are also a great gift to accompany any sound bearing device.

Enjoy the holidays with your family by making sure their hearing is protected.

For more information, please visit www.acdhh.org.

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. 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.

Sun Lakes Democrats host holiday party

Celebrate the holidays with the Sun Lakes Democratic Club at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, when it holds its December meeting at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

There will not be a speaker at this meeting. After a short business presentation, members can enjoy holiday refreshments and socialize.

At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing food bank.

Collections take place on meeting nights in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the North entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby.

Through October, members have raised 1,919.5 pounds of food and $356.

Everyone is welcome at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.

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

SanTan Mountain Regional Park offers many programs

Stop by the San Tan Mountain Regional Park for an array of different programs for children, adults and animals.

Full Frost Moon Hike

The Full Frost Moon Hike will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert under the glow of the full frost moon. While freezing weather is not anticipated, dress accordingly. This evening will consist of an easy 2.2-mile stroll along Stargazer Trail. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring water and meet at the main trail head. Flashlights are welcome.

Turkey Trot Dog Walk

Ruffle the feathers and gobble up some exercise with your two-legged companion while turkey trotting around the 1-mile loop trail. A doggy treat will

be available at the end of the walk, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. Bring plenty of water and meet at the main trail head.

Desert Walk ‘n’ Talk

Join Park Host Robert for an easy 1-mile walk and talk program about the beautiful desert at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1. Attendees will learn how to identify plants, as well as hear some interesting facts. Meet Robert at the flag pole to hear the answers to such questions as how to identify a cholla cactus, how jumping cactus got its name and how many seeds do saguaros produce. Bring extra water and wear closed-toed shoes.

Desert Cuisine: Persimmons and Pomegranates

Jean Groen is back for another

palatable adventure in desert cuisine— persimmons and pomegranates—at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. She will bring her wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and share how to prepare delectable edibles using these two tasty treats. Meet inside the Nature Center.

SanTan Wonderland

Santa is making a trip to San Tan Mountain Regional Park before he gets ready for his big day. Enjoy a night full of fun and adventure as individuals walk along the magical luminary trail in a desert wonderland, listen to a special story told from an elf’s perspective, be mesmerized by the lights on the windmill at the Buddy Pond, participate in the reindeer game challenge and create holiday ornaments and other crafts at Santa’s Workshop while having a picture

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) 652-300 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

Sonoran Sunset Photography

Enjoy an informal and special opportunity to learn about fun camera insight, for all ages and skill levels, and take some of the most spectacular photos. The Sonoran Sunset Photography program will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26. The program will take attendees on a one-mile round trip hike on the Goldmine trail. Bring plenty of water, hiking attire and a camera. Meet Ranger Tish at the main trailhead area. For a complete listing of the San Tan Mountain Regional Park programs visit www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan. There is a $6 vehicle day use entry fee.

Woofstock festival returns to Tumbleweed Park

Dog lovers from Chandler and neighboring communities are invited to attend Woofstock, the City’s popular canine-friendly festival Saturday, Nov. 21. The event is held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Parking and admission is free.

“It is a great day for the community to come and enjoy the cooler weather, plus an event for the whole family,” said Stephanie Feldaverd with the City’s Recreation Division. “We can’t wait to see you and your dogs there.”

Now in its eighth year, Woofstock is a family-friendly day of tail-wagging fun for adults, families and well-mannered, leashed dogs. The festival includes demonstrations of canine sporting activities, pet adoptions, a charity dog walk, low-cost vaccinations, a costume contest and pet parade, and a variety of pet friendly vendors. A small offleash dog park will be available, along with entertainment from a local dance group and Arizona Canine Music Freestylers, caricature drawings, face painting, a pet psychic, dog art by Fur Parlor, raffle prizes, plus food and beverages for sale.

A new event this year is the lure course by the Brittany Rescue. Dog owners will be encouraging their dogs, of all ages and sizes, to test their chase skills at Indy’s Run and Rescue. The cost is $6 for one run, $15 for three runs, with all proceeds benefitting the Brittany Rescue.

Brittany Rescue AZ is a volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, re-homing, and providing a senior sanctuary to purebred Brittany’s, Brittany mixes and

other sporting breed dogs.

Also new to the event is a Kid’s Corner with crafts and a demonstration by the American Service Animal Society on how to approach a service dog.

The Walk of Honor—a salute to veterans—will return to Woofstock. This charity walk is presented by and benefits the American Service Animal Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disabled veterans to live a more productive life through the use of service animals.

Demonstrations at various times throughout the day will include a fly ball tournament hosted by the Blazin’ K9s, Good Dog Agility, Chandler Police K9 unit, Dog Training Elite and Brittany Rescue.

The popular Pets on Parade, featuring costumed canines competing for prizes, begins at 12 p.m. The first 30 owners and their dogs that get an entry number beginning at 11:30 a.m. will be able to participate in the parade.

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, co-owner 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.

For more information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/woofstock. HealthSouth East Valley Rehabilitation Hospital offers experience that comes from working with patients in the East Valley community for 6 years. Our professional rehabilitation teams have helped our hospital earn recognition by The Joint Commission, offering patients and their families a higher level of rehabilitative care. When you need a rehabilitation provider, choose experienced care that makes a real difference. Call 480 567-0350 to learn more.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly meeting you would like to see 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, and minor home repairs. Info: (480) 802-2331, www.aboutcare.org

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International

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

Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Nikki Janulewicz, (480) 570-1835, Nikki@azbestmove.com

Action Networkers: Business Networking International 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays

Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, (602) 315-2056, 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 and no preregistration required.

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

American Legion James O. Schroeder Post 55

7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month Sun Lakes Country Club, Navajo Room 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Commander Byron Weston, (480) 802-6623

Arizona Special Education Network, Chandler area Provides disability-related education,

advocacy and resources to help parents navigate the complex special education system.

Info: (602) 531-0230

Breast Cancer Support Group

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. second Monday of each month

Free, no preregistration required Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

Build Your Own Business: Chandler

8 a.m. first and third Thursdays of each month

East Valley networking and referral organization, meets in Ahwatukee at a private location; address will be provided upon contact.

Info: Lisa, lisa@lisamatusak.com, facebook.com/BYOBAZ

Cancer Caregiver Support GroupChandler

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Free and no preregistration required.

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers 685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

Caregiver Support Group

10 p.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Ironwood Cancer & Research Center

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler

Info: Kelly Huey, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo located in Chandler in the upscale Ocotillo Community. Construction progressing with OPENING June 2016!

Chair Yoga Class-Chandler

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Free, no preregistration required Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Chandler Airport Commission

7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month The commission makes recommendations to the Chandler City Council regarding airport operations, physical growth, economic development and proposed land use. Chandler Municipal Airport terminal 2380 S. Stinson Way, Chandler Info: (480) 782-3540

Chandler Business Alliance

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays Professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole. BLD

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler Info: chandleralliance@gmail.com, www.chandleralliance.com

Chandler Chamber Business Golf

7 a.m. tee time, first and third Wednesdays of each month

Includes nine holes of golf, continental breakfast and networking opportunities. Preregistration required online. Golf venue varies. Info: www.chandlerchamber.com

Chuck Wagon Cook-Off

The sixth annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off rolled into Tumbleweed Ranch in early November, bringing with it 13 teams that demonstrated a bit of the 1880s Old West lifestyle. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy tasty grub during the culinary competition.

No modern-day techniques were used during