SanTan Sun News; 2-21-15: Neighbors

Neighbors

Intersession camps keep local kids happy and entertained

BY ALISON STANTON

It may be hard to believe, but spring intersession for the Chandler Unified School District is right around the corner, scheduled from March 9 to March 20. On Monday, March 23, there is also no school due to a teacher inservice workday.

To keep their kids busy and entertained during their two-plus weeks off from school, many local parents are looking for intersession camps and classes. With this in mind, the City of Chandler and businesses are hosting camps and classes for kids of all ages:

City of Chandler

The city offers a wide selection of educational camps for kids ages 5 to 12, according to Brooke Peterson, marketing and communications coordinator for the community services and recreation department at the City of Chandler. From programs for tweens to camps about nature and more, there are plenty of options from which to choose.

“Chandler Parks and Recreation also offers camps focusing on dance, science, cooking, movie making and sports,” Peterson says.

The two-week Nature Camp, which is for ages 6 to 12, helps kids explore the natural world through the use of games. This camp is held at the Environmental Education Center.

Full-day and half-day sessions are available at the Youth Spring Camp, which will keep kids ages 5 to 12 actively involved in sports, games and arts and crafts, at Snedigar Recreation Center.

And for kids who live and breathe anything to do with LEGO and/or Minecraft, Peterson says the Bricks for Kidz Mining and Crafting Camp

Intel and smart mom design Smart Clip

BY TRACY HOUSE

A group at Intel has endeavored to create a device that would save the lives of children, especially during the hot summer months, when the danger of leaving a child in a car is at its greatest.

As an Intel engineer and the mother of an 8-month-old daughter, Marcie Miller was personally interested in the creation of the Intel Smart Clip. As part of Intel’s Internet of Things Group, Miller and the team worked to create a prototype car seat toddler tech device that may promise to prevent tragic accidents with children being left unattended in vehicles.

“One of the things we’re really focused on, one of the things really important for this organization, is making unconnected things connected,” Miller says, of the goal of the Internet of Things Group. That is, take things that are in our everyday lives and build more intelligence, or make our lives easier by building some of these connections, Miller says.

When the opportunity to work on the Intel Smart Clip arose, Miller spoke with fellow parents and investigated other solutions that were in the market. She used the rival’s devices on her daughter, figured out what she liked and didn’t like, and what could be made better for the modern parent.

The concept, design plan and implementation was accomplished in three to four weeks, Miller says.

The Intel Smart Clip app can be downloaded to a smartphone. A clip, or device is attached to the car seat harness. When engaged and if the adult is out of range of the car seat, it can alert the parent or caregiver, it reminds that person that the child is still harnessed in the car. Around 40 or 50 feet away the connection will be lost, and so an alert will go off on the phone, as well as an alarm. There will be a visual and an audible alarm that sounds.

There is an acknowledgement button on the app which will pause the alarm, but it continues every 20 seconds until the phone is back in range of the clip and the clip is released, Miller says.

“There is a continuous reminder until you go get that child,” Miller says. “The continued reminder is a way to get your mind back on track.”

Local golden doodle chosen as hero dog recipient

BY TRACY HOUSE

A Chandler golden doodle has been chosen as the Arizona Friend of Animals Care and Control’s 2015 Hero Dog Award recipient for community service.

Hope and her handler, Pam Reinke, will be honored at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Omni Resort and Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. The event is a fundraiser for Arizona Friends of Animals Care and Control. For more information visit www. azfriendsofanimals.org.

Active in pet therapy since 2005, Reinke is thrilled about the award.

“When I retired I decided to be the best ambassador for pet therapy that I could be,” says Reinke, a retired nurse

who has had Hope for six years.

“It brings such a calming and peacefulness for someone who is hurting, or takes the pain away. I saw it firsthand, so I really, truly believe in it. I’m passionate about it. We’ve been a pet therapy team for four years.”

The 6-year-old dog and Reinke make the rounds of several places throughout the Valley, including Hospice of the Valley facilities, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and SHARP School through Gabriel’s Angels.

Hope is a certified working dog through HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response. Pet therapy is beneficial to people because it lowers their blood

pressure and heart rate, Reinke says.

“Just seeing a dog from a distance releases oxytocin, which is the hormone that is released when you’re nursing from your mother, so it gives you a feeling of calmness and well-being, ” Reinke says. “As the dog comes in, especially if you’re in a crisis or stress situation, it actually absorbs all those negative feelings.

“Just petting and interacting with it gives you a better sense of balance.”

Hope, who is certified through Pet Partners, is specially trained for natural disaster response for post-disaster grief recovery as well. She attended the memorial for the Yarnell firefighters.

“You get registered with them and

BY DR. STUART H. AGREN

Ever wonder how some people can skate through spring and fall in high health while you are miserable with each new pollen onslaught? Some of the “credit” may go to your parents. Statistics show that if you have one allergic parent, you have a 50 percent chance of developing allergies. If both of your parents are allergic, your chances rise to 75 percent.

nose lining. If you have had the tight feeling of asthma in your chest, you know all about swelling of the airway lining. If you have had hives, you have seen and felt the result of inflammation of the skin and the ensuing welts.

While celebrants may not be able to HÐ yáng nÐi—drink a glass of goat milk—to ring in the Chinese New Year at Ling and Louie’s, they can enjoy offmenu items like Char Siu Pork Tenderloin while sipping on a “Wisdom and Peace” cocktail to summon their inner Buddha.

Ling and Louie’s will be offering a special Chinese New Year menu along with special festivities through Feb. 28.

Ling and Louie’s has upgraded this year’s Chinese New Year “Feast of Fortune” menu with limited-time items such as Miso Sea Bass, Lucky Noodles, Char Siu Pork Tenderloin and General Ling’s Chicken—a dish Ling traditionally serves for New Year’s only.

The special “Lucky Libations” menu developed by the restaurant’s mixologist was concocted to increase good fortune and promote kindness among men—a trait typical of those born in the Year of the Goat. Guests can enjoy cocktails aptly named “Abundance,” “Fortune,” “Family,” “Friendship” and “Wisdom and Peace.”

Those who order off the Scottsdale Chinese New Year menu can bang a gong and receive a special “New Year’s fortune envelope” containing gift cards, free appetizers and even complimentary

dinners for four.

“Ling and Louie’s always pulls out all the stops for Chinese New Year and The Year of the Goat is no different,” says John Banquil, regional general manager of Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill.

“Our Feast of Fortune menu will delight the senses while our Lucky Libations menu features a multitude of unique, top shelf ingredients promising to deliver a ‘Not Boring’ cocktail experience.”

The special menus are available at Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill locations at 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale and in the Wild Horse Pass Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler.

Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill was created and founded in 2006 by veteran and award-winning restaurateur Randy Schoch, owner and CEO of Desert Island Restaurants. For more information, visit www.lingandlouies.com.

You may have had allergies as a child—even babies can experience allergy symptoms—or you may have developed them in adulthood. I have had some patients live allergy-free until they are senior citizens, then suddenly develop allergies. This condition may be due to a change in their environment that exposes them to new pollens or a change in their own health that makes their immune system more vulnerable to allergies.

Whatever the source, if you have allergies, there’s a “war” going on in your body that accounts for your misery.

The internal ‘allergy war’

The body is naturally hard-wired to fight off germs. That’s how you stay healthy. But allergies occur when your immune system gets confused and mistakenly perceives harmless allergens in the environment (pollen, pet dander, mold, etc.) as “germs” that must be obliterated.

Perhaps you have encountered these pollens before without incident, but for some reason, your immune system may suddenly decide to flag the allergens as enemies. In response, white blood cells in your body known as mast cells release an explosion of chemicals into your body. These chemicals (such as histamine) have a common effect: They irritate tissues and cause capillaries to leak fluid.

That fluid leads to swelling and inflammation—the commondenominators of most allergic misery. If you have a stuffed-up nose, you know firsthand the effect of swelling of your

Arizona—an allergy haven no more If you could totally avoid the pollens and other allergens that first stir up the allergy war, you could live allergy-free, but that’s nearly impossible in the United States. As people have moved from region to region, they have taken with them allergy-causing plants that fill the surrounding area with airborne pollens. Arizona used to be regarded as the “place to go” to escape allergens, but that has changed. As people have poured into the state, they have brought many non-native plants along with them. Now it’s a “hotbed” of allergic activity— rife with ragweed, Bermuda grass, and olive, ash, and birch tree pollens. In fact, Phoenix is regularly ranked as one of the top 100 “allergy capitals” in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The good news, however, is that you do not need to be stuck with your allergies. There are many treatment options available, and they don’t have to be painful either. While allergy treatment used to be administered only through allergy shots, it’s now available through under-the-tongue drops that can be taken at home. I will discuss treatment options in an upcoming article.

Dr. Stuart H. Agren opened the Family Allergy Clinic in the East Valley in 1985, specializing in sublingual immunotherapy (“under-the-tongue” allergy drops). He has helped more than 15,000 patients overcome food and pollen allergies and was recently chosen as a “Top Doc” in the allergy field by Phoenix Magazine. His offices can be reached at (480) 827-9945; visit www.FamilyAllergyClinic.com for more information.

from March 9 to March 13 is sure to be a popular choice. Held every day from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., students will get to explore the world of Minecraft with LEGO bricks by building models and crafting key elements from the game.

For more information on these camps and others offered by the City of Chandler call (480) 782-2727 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/registration.

Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA

The Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA is hosting a Spring Camp 2015 that includes a weekly field trip, as well as two swim days per week in the facility’s heated pool. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, but kids must bring a healthy nonperishable lunch. Parents may register their children for single days of camp, or five- or 11-day sessions. Examples of scheduled activities include a trip to the Arizona Museum of Natural History on March 18 and a pizza lunch on March 19.

The Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA is located at 1655 W. Frye Rd. in Chandler. For more information, contact Brittany Gaitan at (602) 212-6104 or bgaitan@vosymca.org.

Pump It Up

Pump It Up’s Tempe location will host a Spring Break Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March 9 to March 13. The cost is $40 per day or $35 per sibling if enrolling more than one child. If parents want their child to attend for the entire week, the cost is $175. There is no age limit, but children must be at least 34 inches tall to jump. The camp will feature days filled with jumping and playing in the arenas, along with arts and crafts, snacks and special projects. Pump It Up is located at 1325 W. Auto Dr., Suite 101, in Tempe. For more information, call (480) 940-7867 or visit www. pumpitupparty.com/tempe-az.

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

every two years you have to get a graded evaluation,” she says. “They evaluate you and can tell the kinds of behaviors that you’re exhibiting or your dog is exhibiting. Most of the time you fail, the dog gets passed.”

In addition to volunteer work, Hope has appeared in the play “Annie” 32 times at the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert and 22 times at the Fountain Hills Theatre in 2012, saving the show when the original dog scheduled for the role developed stage fright. “She did everything she needed to do and got along with the cast famously,” Reinke says. “She saved the day there. I’m very proud of that. She retrieved the hat off the stage 54 times.”

The device is still a prototype, but Miller says the group is hoping to have it available by summer.

“We thought we’d start with the idea of an add-on accessory, one because we didn’t want to exclude anyone interested in the product who already had a car seat. And two, there are so many car seat manufacturers and options out there, it just doesn’t help address the problem as quickly as doing an accessory the way we’ve done the clip today.”

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

Reinke says she thinks that Hope was nominated for the award for her community service. However, the public has supported her since she was injured on Jan. 7, 2014, in an accident that claimed her left rear leg. She was in ICU for three days.

“She does everything a four-legged dog does,” Reinke says. “She swims every day, goes hiking once or twice a week. I try to walk every day and she still retrieves balls and is a normal, everyday dog. Always smiling and happy. She’s recovered completely.”

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

Heatstroke-related deaths

• In 2014, according to www. kidsandcars.org, 30 children died from heatstroke or suspected heatstroke while left in cars through October of that year.

• Safe Kids Worldwide, www. safekids.org, points out heatstroke is the No. 1 noncrash, vehiclerelated death in children ages 14 and younger.

• Arizona recorded two child deaths related to heatstroke in 2014.

• Since 1998, Arizona has had 28 child vehicular heatstroke deaths, according to www.ggweather.com

Ocotillo Women’s League seeks new members

BY ALISON STANTON

When Marilyn McDermott moved to Ocotillo, she was interested in finding and meeting women who had similar interests. Eight years ago she found the Ocotillo Women’s League and has since reveled in the organization’s activities. “I had a neighbor who was a member, and she told me about the group,” she says.

Since joining, the retired registered nurse has enjoyed participating in the monthly luncheons, the bunco and mahjongg groups, and the club’s community service group. She serves as one of the co-presidents.

Linda Heavin, chairwoman of the league’s publicity/outreach, says the nonprofit social club is always looking for new members. She says the group is made up of women of all ages who are residents of Chandler’s Ocotillo planned community as well as their friends from neighboring developments and nearby towns.

“We have members from all over including Tempe, Ahwatukee and other areas,” says Heavin, a Sun Lakes resident who joined the league about two years ago.

McDermott says the Ocotillo Women’s League formed about more than 15 years ago. It now has more than 100 members, including stay-at-home moms, widows, retirees and those who work full time. Younger women to those in their 80s have all found friendship and fun by joining.

or speakers on topics of interest to women.

The league also offers a variety of social activities, Heavin says, including a book club, movie group, Stitch and Chat, and numerous game groups including bridge, bunco, canasta, mahjongg and pinochle.

“We mostly get new members through word of mouth. Some come for the bridge group, some for the luncheons and others for the community service,” McDermott says.

The league meets for lunch the third Monday of every month at Bernard’s in the Ocotillo Golf Resort, Heavin says. In addition to providing an opportunity for visiting and conducting the organization’s business, she says the luncheons often include entertainment

The community service group stays active, conducting charitable functions throughout the year, Heavin says. Each month, the league makes a donation to Chandlerarea charities. Recipients have included Neighbors Who Care, Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank and The Clothes Cabin.

“We also try to remember the little organizations too, like we once made a donation to someone who makes beaded necklaces for cancer patients,” McDermott says.

Regardless of why a woman decides to join the league, Heavin says, she will surely have a great time being part of the

social club.

“It’s just a wonderful group of women, and you make some very nice friends.”

To learn more about the group, visit www.owlsgroup.org or email membership@owlsgroup.org.

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

Learn about the science of wellness with Inner Vision Yoga’s workshops

Inner Vision Yoga recently announced a two-day workshop to build stamina, strength and balance for the body, mind and spirit. The workshops will be held at Inner Vision’s Chandler studio at 1949 W Ray Rd.

Participants will learn to quantify the metrics of fitness including , body mass index, body fat, blood pressure, stamina/aerobic capacity, flexibility and balance. The workshops will be presented by Inner Vision Yoga co-owner and master-level yoga teacher Aaron Goldberg, Fred Goldberg, and certified wellness coach Tara Cosentino.

to wellness. Techniques such as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, Bell Curve workout versus intermittent exercise and exhaust/rest theory of strengthening will be covered.

OpenTable names Kai a best restaurant

Kai Restaurant recently was named a Top 10 winner of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top 100 Best Restaurants in America.

“This year’s Diners’ Choice Award winners for Top 100 Best Restaurants in America are providing unforgettable dining experiences time and again, and we are thrilled to acknowledge their continuous pursuit of culinary excellence,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable chief dining officer.

Kai was the only Arizona restaurant named to the list of the top 10 honorees, coming in at No. 8 in the nation. The list of winners is derived from more than 5 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

more than 15 million diners per month via online bookings across more than 32,000 restaurants. The OpenTable network connects restaurants and diners, helps diners discover and book the perfect table and assist restaurants with delivery of personalized hospitality to guests. The OpenTable service enables diners to see which restaurants have available tables, select a restaurant based on verified diner reviews, menus, and other helpful information, and book a reservation.

On Saturday, March 7, the workshop features “The Yoga of Wellness and Nutrition” from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn how to set and achieve SMART fitness goals and how to eat mindfully through bio individuality.

On Sunday, March 8, the workshop demonstrates “Aerobic Conditioning Yoga” from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn why aerobic capacity theories are crucial

The cost to attend is $99 for the full weekend before Feb. 27; $119 after Feb. 28. Single classes are $55 before Feb. 27; $65 after Feb. 28.

For more information, visit www. InnerVisionYoga.com or call (480) 632-7899. With studios in Chandler and Tempe, Inner Vision Yoga offers more than 100 classes per week to all levels of yoga practitioners. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings seven days a week.

“We are honored to receive this glowing acknowledgment from OpenTable diners,” says Director of Food and Beverage Lisa Mercer. “With every meal service each guest becomes our most valued critic and we are humbled to receive their high marks and this prestigious recognition.”

Based on feedback collected from OpenTable diners between Dec. 1, 2013, and Nov. 30, 2014, the 100 award-winning restaurants received the highest scores. For more information about all of the restaurants on the list, visit www.opentable. com/m/best-restaurants-in-america/.

OpenTable, part of the Priceline Group, is the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations, seating

In addition to the company’s website and mobile apps, OpenTable powers online reservations for nearly 600 partners, including many of the Internet’s most popular global and local brands. For restaurants, the OpenTable hospitality solutions enable them to manage their reservation book, streamline their operations, and enhance their service levels.

Since its inception in 1998, OpenTable has seated more than 700 million diners around the world. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, and the OpenTable service is available throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the UK.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes.

Kai Restaurant earns five-star rating; Aji Spa receives four stars

Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its annual Star Rising list, awarding Kai

Restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa with its highest rating, the Five-Star Award for the seventh consecutive year. Kai is the only restaurant in Arizona and one of only 38 restaurants in the entire nation to receive this prestigious honor.

Aji Spa, at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, was named for the seventh consecutive year to the list of Forbes Four-Star recipients, continuing its legacy as one of the top spas in Arizona.

In addition, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa maintained its place on the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel list. This designation describes hotels that have enhanced amenities and design, which provide a strong sense of location, whether through style or function.

“Our Star Ratings recognize the finest hotels, restaurants and spas in the world. These ratings serve as the most authoritative guideposts for guests seeking exceptional travel experiences. Our primary mission is to contribute to excellence in hospitality, serving the global tourism industry, as well as the guest,” says Gerald J. Inzerillo, chief executive officer of Forbes Travel Guide. “We’re proud to be associated with the new additions to our global list.”

Kai, the Pima word for “seed,” is a distinctive dining experience focused on sharing a regional sense of place through sophisticated cuisine. Treasured for being as luxurious as it is accessible, the talented culinary and service teams behind Kai’s success work diligently to bring Native American inspired cuisine to the forefront of national epicurean dialogue.

Aji, meaning “sanctuary” in the Pima language, continues to develop treatments and offerings inspired by the Pima and Maricopa culture that are part of the Indigenous Collection, which was developed by Aji’s Cultural Caretakers.

“It is an honor to once again receive these awards from Forbes Travel Guide; recognition that is important to our resort’s success. This affirms the passion, talent and commitment of our team toward quality and luxury,” says Bunty Ahamed, general manager. “It is a point of pride to be listed among this group of hospitality leaders who are known for consistently delivering luxury to world travelers.”

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes.

‘Dog Whisperer’ visits Chandler to train ‘bad people’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Cesar Millan subscribes to the mantra that “There are no bad dogs, just bad people.”

As the original host of the hit TV series “Dog Whisperer,” he’s seen, first hand, the truth in that statement. Fans will witness it, too, Millan says, when he makes an appearance with a few pups— untrained pound dogs—at the Chandler Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7.

“The only thing that’s wrong with the (pound) dog is that he was abandoned by a human,” Millan says via telephone. “At one point, he was a puppy and everybody loved him. Then he grew up and nobody wanted him.”

Through humor, Millan teaches doggie parents how to handle problems with their furry friends. With all the problems in the world, he says, the “one thing we can eradicate is having a problem with dogs.”

The key to having well-behaved dogs is discipline. Millan says it’s a common misunderstanding that owners shouldn’t spoil their dogs.

“Of course spoil your dog,” he says emphatically. “But let it work for it. I’m not saying do not buy dog toys, do not give your dog a birthday party.”

Dogs—like owners—need to understand the benefits of working for goodies. For example, Super Bowl contenders are disciplined in their workouts.

“There’s no Super Bowl without

exercise discipline,” he says. “There’s no great team without a team leader, which is the coach, and then there’s Tom Brady.”

If dogs are not disciplined, they take control of the household.

“Dominance is exhibited by urination, to remind which scent is in the house,” Millan explains. “He uses his urine. People love dogs but they don’t understand them. I teach people to have great outcomes.”

And those outcomes can be absorbed not only by canine lovers, but cat people as well.

“You don’t even have to have a dog to come and watch my show,” Millan says. “There are four kinds of people—dog lovers, people who are afraid of dogs, people who don’t like dogs and people who abuse the dogs. My concert is for everybody because everybody will benefit.”

The live experience is what allows people to “really get it,” Millan explains.

“The TV makes you a fan,” he says. “Once you see it live, it makes you a believer. You’re a witness. You see me changing a dog from one hand to another hand.

“I explain things in a more detailed manner—obviously much funnier. I have a platform. I’m on stage. I’m alive. I have that direction with the audience. It’s an organic feeling that television can’t give you. Like it or not, the live experience is a great way of communicating.”

Millan is now the star of “Cesar 911”

Agave Quilt Guild hosts show at Oakwood Country Club in March

The Agave Quilt Guild will hold its sixth annual Quilt Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, for the first time in the Oakwood Ballroom of the Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.

This one-day, free quilt show features quilts of all styles; each one stitched by one of the more than 250 guild members. Attendees will see large traditionally pieced bed quilts, all of the beautiful forms of applique, machine and needleturn, and many superb artistic wall quilts. There will be examples of crazy quilting, miniatures, and yoyos, plus quilted totes, bags and purses. While many of the quilts are machine sewn and quilted, others are exceptional examples of hand-piecing and hand-quilting.

The show includes a special fundraising raffle, the President’s Challenge, designed by President Faith Bragg. The theme of the 2015 challenge is “Holidays and Celebrations.” More than 20 challenge wall quilts, as well as one larger art quilt, will be up for the silent auction or raffle. The three awardwinning challenge quilts voted on by the membership will be included.

The show will also include several themed raffle baskets, such as golfing, wine and cheese and quilting. Tickets are $1 and six for $5.

The Agave Guild, founded 20 years

ago has a boutique full of handmade items like aprons, small wall hangings, luggage tags, quilted purses, bags, totes, potholders and casserole carriers. There are handmade greeting cards, quilted placemats, Easter and Mother’s Day gifts, all reasonably priced. All boutique receipts will fund continuing member education and Agave’s community service projects.

For 2015, Agave’s service project is making shoulder totes for women and children staying at various shelters and filling them with much needed personal care items, since the women often arrive at the shelters with nothing. To donate any unused personal care items, such as hotel sized soap and shampoo, bring them to the show for drop off.

on NatGeo Wild. He travels to different neighborhoods using his expertise to bring balance to dogs and the community. At his personal appearances like the one at the Chandler Center for the Arts,

“Obviously,

America Loves Bacon Festival to stop at Rawhide

America Loves Bacon Festival will hit Rawhide Western Town in Chandler in Chandler Saturday, Feb. 28. The VIP sampling hours are 11:30 to 1 p.m. and the regular event hours are from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

An event that’s fun for the entire family, the America Loves Bacon Festival, features celebrity chefs, live music, comedy, nonfood vendors, children’s area, and plenty of bacon-infused and -inspired creations to sample. There will also be a bacon-eating contest.

Reality television celebrity Chef Brian Duffy of Bar Rescue will be there to do a cooking demonstration for the crowd, judge competitions and take time to meet and greet fans.

Live music and entertainment will include Jared and The Mill; The Back Moods; Blackkiss; Rhea Markiaris; Rick Elliot and The Secondhand Smoke Band; Adam Esrick, as well as Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers. Comedians Gregory Feller and Travis Thurman will also be performing, along with Kevin Gassman of Driving with Gass who will host the festival.

The sampling of the America Loves Bacon menu includes Al Pastor bacon; bacon burger slider; bacon cheddar hot dog; bacon chips; bacon cotton candy; bacon doughnuts; bacon funnel cake; bacon peanut brittle; bourbon bacon; Canadian bacon candied maple brown sugar; caramel bacon; caramel bacon popcorn; Carolina barbecue espresso and black pepper; garlic buffalo sauce; general tso’s bacon nuggets; hot sticks jerk bacon; root beer bacon; shoulder bacon; sweet Thai chili bacon; tempura bacon with sauce and chocolate bacon.

Tickets can be purchased at http://americalovesbacon. com/az/tickets.html.

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

The president of Arizona State University Young Democrats, Zach Josephson, will be the featured speaker at the Sun Lakes Democratic Club monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Navajo Room, Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd. He will discuss the ASU organization’s programs and activities, and ways the SLDC can reach out to young Democrats in Chandler. Josephson is joined in the presentation by the ASU group’s vice president, Austin Marshall, and Michael Sheridan, president of the Arizona Young Democrats. Prior to the SLDC club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank 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. The total collected during 2014 was 1,880 pounds of food and $170. The

Josephson to speak in March to Sun Lakes Democrats

January collection was 178 pounds and $35. Everyone is welcome at the club meetings, which are on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Tom Amrhein (480) 895-1162

Demolished Elevation Chandler materials recycled

International real estate firm Hines has recycled 100 percent of the materials from Elevation Chandler after demolishing the legendary unfinished eyesore in November. More than 9,300 tons of concrete and 130 tons of steel (rebar and wire cable) were recycled.

BCS Enterprises of Gilbert oversaw the recycling and razing of the structure.

“Demolishing and recycling Elevation Chandler was an incredibly large undertaking and we are thrilled BCS Enterprises helped us ensure that 100 percent of the materials are reused or recycled,” says Chris Anderson, managing director for Hines.

The real estate firm is building Chandler Viridian at the northwest corner of the Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange. The mixed-use development plan includes a luxury

multifamily complex, a six-story modern brand hotel, a central plaza with 250,000 square feet of office space and retail options along with a pedestrian promenade to the Chandler Fashion Center.

Alliance Residential of Phoenix is developing the multifamily property at Chandler Viridian. Apartment construction is expected to begin soon; construction on the horizontal infrastructure for the commercial properties is in the second quarter of 2015 and the hotel, office and retail projects begin later in 2015 and into 2016.

Blood donors can obtain vouchers for Renaissance Festival

“Take it to the MAX” and make a blood donation at any United Blood Services Valley donor center through Saturday, Feb. 28, and receive a complimentary voucher for a one-day gate pass to the 2015 Renaissance Festival, courtesy of the Arizona Renaissance Festival.

MAX donors help United Blood Services better meet the daily needs of Arizona hospital patients by giving the

automated donation procedure that is most needed based on their blood type and physical attributes.

To make a donation appointment, call (877) 827-4376 or visit www.bloodhero. com. The Chandler Donor Center is located at 1989 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 33.

During United Blood Services’ partnership with the Renaissance Festival, the young patients of Phoenix Children’s

Hospital are expected to require approximately 1,000 lifesaving blood transfusions.

Dedicated to preserving culture and tradition, the Renaissance Festival has partnered with United Blood Services during February for the past seven years.

“Enjoying the childhood days of makebelieve at the festival in appreciation for saving Arizona lives is a great way

to celebrate family traditions,” says Sanja Malinovic, the festival’s marketing director. “We want to show Arizona blood donors that they are truly knights in shining armor.”

Other blood donation locations include Chandler Regional Medical Center, 475 S. Dobson Rd., lower level conference rooms one and two from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.

March landscape workshops offer pruning tips and more

Chandler’s lineup of free landscaping and irrigation classes continues in March with information on pruning trees and bushes, converting your grass into a colorful low water use landscape, detecting leaks in the home and designing a yard that is attractive, functional and sustainable. The workshops are designed to help residents learn how to use water more efficiently and still have lush yards. The classes are free to Chandler utility customers, but participants must register. Visit www. chandleraz.gov/water to register or contact the City’s Water Conservation Office at conserve@chandleraz.gov or (480) 782-3580.

March classes include:

• Pruning and Maintaining Your Landscape, 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, Chandler City Hall, 275 S. Arizona Ave. A certified arborist teaches the art and science of good pruning and how to avoid common pruning mistakes.

• Basic Yard Makeovers, 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, Chandler City Hall, 275 S. Arizona Ave. Easy stepby-step methods to conserve water while transforming a grass yard into

an outdoor living space that is cool, colorful, fragrant, and interesting. Rebates of up to $3,000 are available.

• A two-part series, Create Your Own Oasis, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays March 14 and March 21 at Chandler’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Participants are encouraged to bring their yard layouts to learn landscape design principles and techniques, how to plan for small spaces, selecting plants and plant combinations, and using an array of desert-adapted plants.

• Tracking Down Sneaky Leaks is 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Chandler City Hall. Three-time national Green Plumber of the Year John Smith provides helpful hints on how to save water, energy and money with simple changes or repairs using environmentally friendly products and water saving devices. Workshops continuing into April including Sprinkler Design and Installation, April 2; Yard Watering and Timer Instruction, April 9; and Maximize Your Irrigation, April 16. Complete class descriptions are at www.chandleraz.gov/ water.

Chompie’s offers burger discounts in March for Spring Training

In March, people will flock to Arizona from all over the country to watch their favorite baseball teams train during the Cactus League Spring Training season. To welcome fans to Arizona and to celebrate Spring Training, Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York Deli, is offering a “buy one, get one free, premium Angus beef burger” deal.

From Tuesday, March 3, through Tuesday, March 31, every day after 3 p.m. diners can buy one, and get one free charbroiled half pound premium angus beef burger of equal or lesser value, with the purchase of two beverages. These thick burgers are served on a fresh-baked sesame brioche bun and are companied by Chompie’s famous homemade coleslaw and home-style fries. Glutenfree friendly buns are available.

Chompie’s premium half-pound Angus beef burgers can be customized with a variety of toppings including cheese, bacon, fried egg and pastrami at an additional cost.

Burger choices include Classic Borenstein Burger, lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion; The “Original” Grilled Patty Melt, served on grilled rye with sautéed red onion and Swiss cheese; Chipotle Ranch Burger, topped with green chilies, jalapeno jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, chipotle ranch dressing and crispy onion strings; Texas Longhorn Burger, topped with smoky barbecue brisket, sliced cheddar cheese and creamy coleslaw, served with side of onion strings; Sourdough Patty Melt,

Indulge in the arts with

During the month of March, the Performing Arts League will see “The Magic Flute,” “Anything Goes,” “Carousel” and “Chopin and Grieg.”

The cost is $10 for singles or $15 for couples. Those interested can send a check to PAL at P.O. Box 13051, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Members board a bus from Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes

PAL

for $20 roundtrip to various theaters. For those interested in the opera can call Vera at (480) 895-9679 for more information. If coffee classics and symphony music is of interest, call Lynn at (480) 883-0671. Musical show information can be sought by calling Mary at (480) 802-9354.

served on grilled sourdough with American cheese, mustard, pickles and grilled red onions and the Baja Burger, topped with bacon, avocado, jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and sliced red onion. This offer is not valid on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17. Serves two guests. Dine-in only. No substitutions. Not valid with promotional gift cards or any other coupons, offers or discounts. Subject to change.

Chompie’s was made famous by Adam Richman of the Travel Channel’s “Man. v. Food.” For more information, visit www. chompies.com.

Chompie’s is located at the Chandler Village Center, 3481 W. Frye Rd., just south of Chandler Fashion Center.

bring dogs on stage; dogs that belong to that part of the country. Many times we use shelter dogs so people can see they’re not broken.”

His goal in any medium is to help the United States and the world that there’s no such thing as problems with dogs.

“We don’t have an understanding about how to raise a dog properly and the commitment that it takes. Thirteen years is a longtime commitment. Most people want a perfect dog, but they don’t want to act as a perfect human. How can you ask for perfection when you don’t give the same?”

Cesar Millan Live! at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets are $48 to $125. For more information, call (480) 782-2674 or visit www.chandlercenter.org

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

Sex trafficking topic of training event

A recent event allowed community leaders and members to put themselves in the shoes of some of the most vulnerable citizens, young girls and women.

“In Her Shoes,” an experiential training event for sex trafficking awareness, allowed participants to experience and understand the impossible choices victims face out on the streets.

Soroptimist International of the San Tans and the National Advocacy and Training Network, both Chandler nonprofit organizations, co-hosted this event at the Chandler Downtown Library. SIST and NATN invited key members of the local community to place themselves “In Her Shoes” to help raise awareness of sex trafficking.

This form of violence against women increases exponentially during such sporting events, as the Super Bowl, as well as its related festivities, which recently brought hundreds of thousands of sports fans to the Valley.

The approximately 40 attendees included the Executive Director of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Kris Jacober and Chandler Gilbert Community College professors and students. Other participants included members from Soroptimist International of Mesa and Soroptimist

International of Gold Canyon.

Each participant received a neon bright story card informing them of the name and background of the young girl or woman they role played. The cards relayed brutal stories of virtual slavery. Throughout the evening, these role playing victims found their way to their next station based on a decision they had made. As they walked “In Her Shoes,” participants wore neon bright wigs, which coordinated with their color-coded cards.

“These story cards are based on true, real life stories I’ve come across while working with trafficking victims through NATN,” explains MonaLou Callery, founder and executive director of NATN.

The stories were intricate and cruel as they guided the victims through impossible decision making processes. At each decision making juncture, the participants decided what they would do as the victim they were role playing. They were given two choices, one choice often just as hopeless as the other, offering no real choice.

One local student and her professor followed the plight of “Nicole” who was homeless and on the streets more than once, taken in by a john and held against her will.

“We’re still working on including

people who are brought in from other countries, but are being trafficked here in the U.S.,” says Callery.

The program is continually being updated and offered to organizations and groups who are interested in increasing awareness, according to Callery.

NATN, founded in 2002, is a nonprofit agency committed to addressing the health, safety, economic and social justice issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse through education, public awareness and direct services.

Soroptimist International of the San Tans is a nonprofit organization of business and professional women working to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. The local chapter serves the Chandler area through service, public awareness and fundraising. New members are welcome. The organization meets at 12 p.m. Thursdays at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort Hotel.

Firefighters to compete in chili cookoff to raise funds for Clothes Cabin

The Phoenix, Chandler and Sun Lakes fire departments, along with the East Valley Marines, will compete in local clothing food bank Clothes Cabin’s second annual “No More Chilly Nights” Chili Cookoff at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets are $35 for the event at Chandler Airpark’s PRS Property Management, 4129 W. Milky Way, Chandler.

Clothes Cabin is a clothing bank that provides free clothing, shoes and linens to people who cannot afford them. The fire departments will enter their chili and compete for two awards, Best Comfort Food and People’s Choice. The evening will also include live entertainment and a silent auction.

Chandler Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide

We invite you to be a part of the Chandler Chamber Business and Relocation Guide. It’s an excellent way to have your company’s voice be heard through our business profile options, ad space and listing of members in the directory. Our business resource guide represents over 80,000 employees within Chandler Chamber businesses. Not only will this guide be seen by our members and potential members but also the 25,000 plus residents who receive The Arizona Republic in the Chandler area will also receive it in their newspaper.

Publication Date: May 8, 2015

SanTan Brewing Company releases The Mad Czar

SanTan Brewing Company has launched its third Vault Series installment, the Mad Czar. This brew is a Russian Imperial Stout that boasts a rich and silky, fully body taste delivering a malt flavor packed with chocolate, coffee and caramel notes with a dark roast aroma. The Mad Czar has been conditioned for a minimum of eight weeks creating a bold flavor and bringing the ABV up to 9.9 percent.

The Vault Series is a collection of limited release specialty craft beers inspired by the Valley National Bank’s iconic vault, which still remains at SanTan Brewing Company’s downtown Chandler brewpub. All Vault Series beers have a high ABV of 9 percent or more and are conditioned for a minimum of six to eight weeks. This is SanTan Brewing Company’s first 16-ounce canned series.

slowly condition the beer we’re able to produce a strong, but balanced southwestern style ale,” says founder and brewmaster Anthony Canecchia.

After the Mad Czar Russian Imperial Stout, the Vault Series lineup will include 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.

The Mad Czar Vault Series is available on tap at SanTan Brewing Company and in 16 ounce cans across Arizona, California and Texas at select bars, restaurants and retail locations, while supplies last.

“The six- to eight-week conditioning process is essential for this series due to the high alcohol content. By slowing things down and allowing the yeast to

Open since 2007 under the leadership of Canecchia, SanTan Brewing Company has established a strong reputation as one of Arizona’s favorite craft breweries. In addition to brewing, SanTan features a friendly neighborhood brewpub in Downtown Chandler, which has quickly become one of the top local food and beer destinations in the Valley.

All SanTan Brewing Company craft beers are Southwestern-style ales. SanTan’s brews are fermented to completion and carbonated higher than traditional American beers for a more effervescent, crisp and refreshing handcrafted beer, perfect for quenching thirst in the hot Arizona sun and throughout the southwestern region of the United States.

In 2009, SanTan Brewing began distributing its Southwestern Style

Ales throughout the state of Arizona, operating with a mission to pair craft beer with craft food that would inspire great conversation and good

MONTH OF MARCH 2015

times. 2014 marked the beginning of taking this journey throughout the southwest and California.

Daddy and Daughter Valentine’s Dance

Nothing tugs at a father’s heart like watching his little princess growing up. At the annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine’s Dance at the Chandler Community Center on Friday, Feb. 6, daddy-daughter duos enjoyed dinner followed by music, dancing, contests and crafts. It was a heartfelt evening worthy of framing, so everyone got to take home a keepsake photo. STSN photos by Kimberly Carrillo