SanTan Sun; 2-7-15: Neighbors

Neighbors

Chandler entrepreneur goes nitro on craft beer

BY CURT BLAKENEY

The old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” could certainly apply to Dr. Murthy Tata of Chandler. With his textbook smarts, a subtle accent from his upbringing in New Delhi, and affinity for scientific and mathematic formulas, Tata could pass for a bioscience engineer or geometry professor.

Tata’s passion, however, is not the Pythagorean theorem, but craft beer, and he has made a living bringing science to the brewing process to create a better-tasting beer. In 2002, he founded Chandler-based QuantiPerm, a company that specializes in developing innovative instrumentation for the brewing, biotech and packaging industries. His latest invention is NitroBrew, a handheld system that adds nitrogen bubbles to craft beer to enhance its flavor. The result is a stunningly presented, silkier “nitro-charged” beer with heightened malt characteristics and intensified flavors.

“Craft beer has a big spectrum of flavors and the nitrogen bubbles bring these out to create a bigger bouquet of flavors,” says Tata, who points out that his system will also work on coffee, cream soda and root beer.

Beer lovers know that carbon dioxide gives beer its tickly carbonation. Unlike carbon dioxide bubbles, which are relatively large, nitrogen bubbles are tiny. The nitrogen bubbles reduce carbonation bite

BETTER BEER THROUGH SCIENCE: Dr. Murthy Tata, whose Ph.D. work was in fermentation and bioprocess engineering, says “beer is a fantastic mix of fundamental sciences, art and flavors.” Submitted photo

BY ALISON STANTON

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. To celebrate a day devoted to love, many local eateries and other businesses are featuring specials for singles and couples. Check out the following Cupid-themed events: Chompie’s

Treat everyone to a special homecooked, four-course Valentine’s meal at Chompie’s. Served from 11 a.m. until close on Valentine’s Day, the four-course meal includes a starter of choice of soup or salad, choice between three entrées with two sides, a freshly baked bread basket and a free “Lovey’s Heartfelt” dessert. The special Valentine’s Day menu is $18.99 per person and is available for dine in only. To order or

TV writer seeking funds to continue time travel series

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

A Chandler writer and director is seeking funds to support his latest project, a television show filmed at Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House.

David Rorie’s TV pilot “Re-Do” was picked up by the distribution company Bengal Entertainment and, together, they are looking for a buyer for the possible series.

To help Rorie accomplish his goal of producing nine more episodes, he has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise $5,000 by Wednesday, Feb. 18. Those who would like to support the cause can do so by visiting www.indiegogo.com/projects/redoa-tv-comedy-sitcom. Depending on the amount of money given, donors can receive everything from a thank you note to a spot on the show.

The plot of “Re-Do” is similar to that of the popular show “How I Met Your Mother.” In the pilot, one of the main characters, Josh, downloads

Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is back

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has brought back its award-winning Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. For the second year in a row, chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants—including several in the Southeast Valley—will use their culinary prowess to reimagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scouts’ cookies—Do-Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils and a new flavor, Rah Rah Raisins—into a custom dessert menu item.

Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu through Feb. 28, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the transformation of the local council’s Camp Sombrero into a Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

Among the participating restaurants in the

make reservations, call (480) 398-3008. Chompie’s is located at 3481 W. Frye Rd. in the Chandler Village Center.

Earnest

On Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14, Earnest is offering a three-course tasting menu for $75 per guest. The meal includes a complimentary sparkling aperitif beverage. Special menu add-ons are available. For more information, call (480) 883-3773. Earnest is located at 4991 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 1, in Chandler.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Say “I love you” to your sweet babboo this Valentine’s Day by treating him or her to a delicious meal at Kai or Ko’Sin at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Kai is featuring a seven-course prix-fixe

area, and their creative desserts are:

Restaurant: Blue Wasabi in Gilbert

Chef/Dessert Designer: Christian Palomares

Dessert: Tempura Thin Mint Ice Cream

Restaurant: CHoP in Chandler

Chef/Dessert Designer: Grant Gates

Dessert: Tagalong Shortbread

Restaurant: Grimaldi’s in Gilbert and Chandler

Chef/Dessert Designer: Cory Lattuca

Desserts: Chocolate Thin Mint Cheesecake and Samoa Cheesecake

Restaurant: Melting Pot in Ahwatukee

Chef/Dessert Designer: Jon Boggs

Dessert: Melting Pot Dark Chocolate Mojito Fondue

Restaurant: Over Easy in Gilbert and Mesa

Chef/Dessert Designer: Aaron May

Dessert: Chocolate Do-Si-Dos Muffins

tasting menu from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. The menu is $175 per person with wine pairings available at $70 per person. Menu highlights include oysters and caviar with citrus crème fraiche, poached John Dory with Arizona beets, ninja radish and petite mache. Next, enjoy Guinea Hen and Three Sisters with corn custard and black tepary beans and sous vide squash, and continue the memorable meal with Wagyu beef tenderloin with vanilla poached Nova Scotia lobster risotto and Madeira glace. Those who have room for dessert will enjoy cartel coffee ice cream, peanut butter mousse, pecan clusters, chocolate-mesquite crumbles and Fontain Bleu. Also, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Ko’Sin

restaurant will feature a four-course prix-fixe menu that features a fusion of Native American and Arizona cuisine. The menu is priced at $80 per person or $72 for seniors and includes Pacific oyster with ponzu vinaigrette, foie gras terrine with a sparkling pomegranate vinaigrette, filet mignon and citrus butter poached lobster tail complete with a toma cheese potato purée and warm chocolate torte complete with spiced poached pears and crème caramel. Reservations are required for both restaurants. For more information, call (602) 385-5726 or visit www. opentable.com. The resort is located at 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., in Chandler.

an app that allows him to travel back in time to fix his mistakes. After Josh returns from his initial trip, his phone crashes to the ground, triggering him to go back in time once again.

“He jumps forward and back in time kind of randomly depending on the episode,” he explains.

Rorie encourages the public to view the pilot at bit.ly/1CMiYOq because the more views he receives on YouTube, the easier it will be for Bengal Entertainment to sell the episode.

The concept, Rorie says, gives him the creativity to expand on time travel from weeks, months to even years.

“I like the way it turned out,” he says of the pilot episode.

For future episodes, Rorie says he would like to shoot at various locations around town, including an apartment unit. Longtime goal

A Columbia College graduate, Rorie earned a bachelor’s degree in film. In 1990, he made his first documentary. Over the years he created television commercials before becoming the

director, writer and editor at Great Scott Productions in Phoenix.

A Chicago native, Rorie was inspired to shoot “Re-Do” a few years ago. He’s banking on success, thanks to online video streaming services.

“Now with the Internet and places like Netflix and Hulu, they are looking for content,” he says. He adds that Amazon also has an open call for screenplays and pilots.

The challenge in shooting the episode, he explains, was trying to find a shooting locale without a budget. When he spoke to the owners of the Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House, Rorie says, they invited him to shoot there.

The comedy was filmed from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.—after the bar closed— with cast members Eric Storie, Andy DeCarlo, Mike Kroeger, Scarlett O’Neil, Sandy Penny and Vincent Jamal. They were assisted by a volunteer makeup artist, two cameramen and a crew.

Because Rorie works full time, he says it took about two months to shoot the first episode. He says finding actors and getting five people together on a Thursday night was tricky.

“Murphy’s Law is the coolest bar in downtown,” he says of the atmosphere. “When you don’t have any money to do art directing and set design, it’s good to have a place that has a lot of cool stuff on the walls.”

For more information, visit www. directedbydavid.com, or http://on.fb. me/1HzNj7q.

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

Rawhide hosting two special events

Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse shows off its versatility with two very different events this February.

The venue’s steakhouse will host a Valentine’s Day special menu and wine list from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in its Sunset Room. The regular steakhouse dinner menu, created by executive chef Jonathan Scott, is also available from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The menu options include a selection of roasted red pepper bisque with parmesan crouton hearts or whole leaf Caesar salad with roasted garlic vinaigrette for the first course.

The second course includes either aged filet mignon medallions, red wine demi-glace, white truffle mash and candied baby carrots or pan seared sea scallops, apricot glaze, wild mushroom risotto and roasted brocolini.

The third course includes dark chocolate covered strawberries with wild berry-infused whip cream or vanilla bean crème Brule.

The wine list includes a 2010 Turn 4 California cabernet sauvignon, 2010 Turn 4 California white wine and La Perlina Moscato.

Guests can add a heart box of chocolates for $8, a bottle of champagne (375ml) for $10, a single rose for $4, or all three items for $20.

The cost of the dinner is $49 per person or $89 per couple plus tax and gratuity. Gratuity is added for parties of

eight or more.

Reservations are highly recommended by calling (480) 502-5600 or by emailing reso@rawhide.com.

The America Loves Bacon Festival tour is stopping at Rawhide on Saturday, Feb. 28. A VIP sampling hour will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the regular event is from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The tour is spreading the bacon love around the country focusing on local flavors, sights and sounds, as well as the America Loves Bacon Tour menu, which will feature dozens of delectable bacon delights. Other tour stop features include chef demonstrations, baconeating contests, bacon-off competitions between local participants, live music, full bars, a children’s area, and much more.

For information visit www.america lovesbacon.com/az/.

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

February 7 - February 20, 2015

and add a creamier texture and taste, creating a unique beer-drinking experience. The NitroBrew system—essentially a stainless-steel kettle and charging station—comes in two variations: commercial and home. The commercial version ships in two bundles: the standard bundle ($1,200 on the company’s website) includes three kettles and one charging station and the high-volume bundle ($2,250) includes six kettles and one charging station. Both commercial versions require a pure nitrogen supply (tank).

Bars and brew houses can utilize Tata’s system to enhance the flavor of their full lineup of beers, so essentially 12 beers become 24 beers after the bartender “nitrogenates” the regular brew. With this innovation, bartenders have the opportunity to create unique flavor combinations and layered pours, taking beer mixology to new heights. NitroBrew can be used on any type of beer, including IPAs, pilsners, stouts, porters and ambers. Essentially, the more complex the flavor of the craft beer, the better NitroBrew works. The process takes between 60 and 90 seconds to add the nitrogen bubbles to the brew, and it’s performed by a bartender right in front of the customer.

North Mountain Brewing Company in Phoenix purchased the NitroBrew system several weeks ago, and co-owner Candy Frogozo couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

“We’ve been using the NitroBrew on the Golden Ale, and it really brings out the beer’s subtle flavors,” says Frogozo,

Neighbors

who doesn’t charge customers a premium for the enhanced beer. “Craft beer enthusiasts will really like it because they can discover new flavors with each beer. The nitrogen bubbles bring out more of the malt flavor and sweetness, so it has a creamier, silkier taste that you can experience with all your senses.

“And it’s so mesmerizing to the customer, because it looks like a lava lamp as its being poured,” she adds.

Whole Foods in Scottsdale has purchased the system, as has Taste of Tops in Tempe, which charges patrons $1 to add the nitrogen bubbles to any craft beer.

“This is not a product for mainstream beer drinkers, but will definitely appeal to craft beer lovers” says Greg Eccles, the owner of Taste of Tops. “It takes a great craft beer and makes it even better.”

The home kit ($499) lets beer aficionados and home brewers convert tap, bottle, can or home-brewed beer to a nitro beer. Home brewers can check how their own beer recipes and concoctions taste nitro-style using essentially the same system that bartenders use. Air is 80 percent nitrogen, so an oil-free air compressor eliminates the need to hook up the NitroBrew to a nitrogen tank.

Tata—a graduate of Indian Institute of Science in India and Tulane University in New Orleans—has a history with nitrostyle beers, having developed Creamy Draft for Leinenkugel, a subsidiary of Miller Brewing Co., in the 1990s.

However, as is the case with all beer, and especially a nitro-style beer, the issue of stability and consistency were difficult to maintain through the distribution and

retail chain. Tata says due to the interplay of a variety of complex factors during distribution, Leinenkugel’s Creamy Draft varied in taste, presentation and quality from bar to bar.

Tata—who has extensive experience in all areas of brewery operations including brewhouse, fermentation and packaging—hypothesized that beer could be better nitrogenated at the point of service, so he pursued his passion after leaving Miller. After a stint working at Motorola, he dedicated years of experimentation to developing NitroBrew at QuantiPerm.

Tata’s patent-pending system strikes the perfect balance of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, while avoiding the myriad of complications in the distribution process. His invention allows beer lovers to enjoy the beautiful, cascading presentation and silky “mouth feel” as he calls it.

“looks elegant, tastes delicious and feels great on the tongue.”

“It’s impossible for a brewer to control the quality of a nitrogenated beer after it leaves the brewery,” he explains. “NitroBrew takes out all the guesswork. You get a dependable mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide with every pour.”

Luckily for beer enthusiasts across the Valley, Tata chose to develop his product in Chandler, so local craft beer enthusiasts can be some of the country’s

If you’re hooked after the first sip, you can get more information on the home and commercial versions of the NitroBrew system at www.nitrobrew.com.

Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

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CUPID FROM PAGE 45

Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House

Grab your honey and head over to Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House. Starting at 9 p.m. Valentine’s Day, they are hosting a “Love Bites” party. The Dickensons will perform and couples can enjoy $5 Pink Martinis from 9 p.m. until closing time. Murphy’s Law Irish Pub & Ale House is located at 58 S. San Marcos Pl. in downtown Chandler. For information, call (480) 812-1588 or visit www.murphyslawaz.com.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: The Soul of Flamenco

At 7:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Chandler Center for the Arts will present Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: The Soul of Flamenco. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana is one of the nation’s premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies and features innovative movements and exotic music. Tickets for the performance cost $26, $32 and $38. For more information, visit http://chandlercenter.org/dance/25flamenco-vivo. Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler.

Social Box Neighborhood Eatery

On Saturday, Feb. 14, couples can celebrate a romantic night in at Social Box Neighborhood Eatery. For $75 per couple plus tax and gratuity, lovebirds can enjoy a shared bruschetta appetizer, simple salad per person, and a choice of spinach- and prosciutto-stuffed pork loin or herb Dijon-crusted escolar. For dessert, share a serving of chocolate

chip bread pudding with bananas foster ice cream. The meal includes one glass of red or white wine or nonalcoholic beverage per person. For information or reservations, call (480) 899-6735 or visit www.socialboxeateries.com. Social Box Neighborhood Eatery is located at 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Rock Lobster

Sushi fans can head to Rock Lobster for a four-course tasting menu for two for $39.99. The meal, which includes two glasses of champagne plus complimentary edamame, features a choice of miso soup or house salad for each person, a choice of appetizer including gyoza, eggroll, crab puffs and more, any two sushi rolls and a choice of a dish like coconut shrimp, citrus yellowtail sashimi and Korean barbecue beef. A Teppan menu is $49.99 for two and also includes two glasses of champagne plus complimentary edamame, a choice of any sushi roll and two shared Teppan entrées including soup, salad, steamed or fried rice, and choice of NY strip, chicken breast, calamari steak, shrimp, or soyglazed tofu. For more information, visit rocklobsterrocks.com. Rock Lobster is located at 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., in Chandler.

All Fired Up

All Fired Up is the place for a great date night on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant is serving a couples meal for $78 that includes choice of appetizer or salad, an entree, a dessert and a glass of wine or champagne. The special is available from 5 p.m. to close, and the regular menu will be available as well.

Light evening music will be provided by Brian Legate. For reservations, call (480) 940-4040 or visit www.firedupgrill.com.

All Fired Up is located at 7131 W. Ray Rd. Suite 45, in Chandler.

MWC Bistro

MWC Bistro is striving to make Valentine’s Day fun, affordable and easy with flights—which are a selection of smaller pours on a theme—of beer

or wine with a shared plate pairing. The location is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, with live music starting at 7 p.m. The pairings are available all day along with the full menu, so diners can feel free to stay a while and order more. The cost is $40 per couple, which includes three 3-ounce glasses of wine or four 6-ounce beers per person and a large shared

plate of artisan meats or cheeses, a combination meat and cheese plate, or a decadent dessert platter. For more information, call (480) 497-1422 or visit www.mwcbistro.com. MWC Bistro is located at 1422 W. Warner Rd. in Gilbert.

Papa Murphy’s

Through Valentine’s Day, Phoenix metropolitan Papa Murphy’s locations— including those in Chandler—are featuring the Papa Murphy’s HeartBaker Pizza. The HeartBaker Pizza costs $8 and starts with fresh, scratch-made dough in the shape of a heart which is topped with traditional red sauce, whole milk mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. The HeartBaker can be taken home, baked at 425 degrees and served fresh out of the oven in 12 to 18 minutes. Visit www.papamurphys.com for locations, phone numbers and hours of operation.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Couples who feel lucky in love can come out and celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s AkChin Casino. The steakhouse will feature live guitar and violin entertainment to set the mood for the romantic and tasty meal. The special menu includes selections like a selection of appetizers like lobster bisque, classic wedge salad and scallop Rockefeller, a choice of two entrées including Surf Meets Turf, spinach pine nut salmon and pan seared Chilean sea bass, and six layer chocolate cake for dessert. The dinner for two is $120. For reservations, call (480) 8025000. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is located at 15406 N. Maricopa Rd. in Maricopa.

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

Neighbors

Camp Sombrero is a 14.5-acre site that has been owned and used by Girl Scouts for the past 51 years.

“It’s time to better utilize this beautiful property and transform it into an urban program center, with camp appeal, to provide leadership training for girls and women, give girls their first camping experience close to home and serve the surrounding community groups, partner organizations and schools,” said Susan de Queljoe of the local council.

“We’re halfway to our fundraising goal for Camp Sombrero and look toward beginning phased construction in early 2015.”

In addition to benefiting from the dessert challenge, a portion of the council proceeds from all local 2015 Girl Scout cookie sales will benefit the Camp Sombrero project. The transformation of Camp Sombrero is one of the local council’s objectives as part of its overarching Campaign for Girls in Arizona.

“Our comprehensive campaign goal is to raise $15 million in philanthropic support. This will enable us to significantly expand and enhance the Girl Scout experience for more girls,” de Queljoe said.

For more information about the challenge, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/ dessertchallenge.

Alison Bailin Batz is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Peixoto Coffee Roasters’ grand opening scheduled for Feb. 12

Peixoto Coffee Roasters, 11 W. Boston St., Suite 6, will celebrate its grand opening in historic downtown Chandler on Thursday, Feb. 12, with a Chandler Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.

Live Brazilian music, samples and discounts on coffee will be provided.

Peixoto Coffee brings its own familygrown coffee from Brazil to be roasted and served at its coffee lounge in Downtown Chandler. It’s a true “crop-to-cup” experience.

Peixoto Coffee’s co-founder Julia Peixoto comes from a family of Brazilian coffee growers who have been producing specialty coffee for more than 100 years. As a young girl in Brazil, Peixoto watched her father relentlessly cultivate and care for his coffee farm through the ups and downs of the coffee market. His devotion was inspiring and the idea behind Peixoto Coffee was born from those memories. Inheriting her father’s passion, Peixoto aspires to share the Peixoto family’s coffee legacy and the warm experience of Peixoto Coffee with the enthusiasts of the coffee market in Arizona.

At the Peixoto Coffee lounge, the public will be able to watch the green coffee seeds being roasted by Jeff Peters, Peixoto’s husband and the business’ co-founder.

Once the beans are roasted, Peixoto Coffee’s baristas prepare made-toorder coffees and coffee beverages, including espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, pour overs and cold brew.

Peixoto Coffee Lounge will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays.

In addition to its own coffee, Peixoto Coffee will carry single-origin specialty coffees from other coffee-producing countries as whole roasted beans for sale. It is partnering with local pastry chefs who will bring fresh and unique pastries to the lounge daily. Free Wi-Fi is provided.

Peixoto Coffee will be at the Chandler Farmers Market starting in mid February.

For more information, email manager@peixotocoffee.com or call (480) 275-2843.

Ryder set to speak at Democratic Club meeting

Jon Ryder, the executive director of the Maricopa County Democratic Party since 2013, will be the speaker for the Sun Lakes Democratic Club February meeting. His presentation will focus on Maricopa County voting statistics from the recent election.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Collections take place at 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. More than 1,793 pounds of food and $170 were collected during 2014. This meeting is the last one before the February Veterans Stand Down. Donations of new sets of men’s underwear are always needed and will be collected at the meeting. Everyone is welcome to the meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.

Implant technology topic of discussion Feb. 12

Sarah Hargest will discuss cochlear implants from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

Hargest will describe cochlear implants, individuals who may benefit from using them and how everyone can help meet expectations for living with hearing aids or cochlear implants through aural rehabilitation. CART, real-time captioning, is provided and the meeting

room is looped for hearing accessibility. For additional information, contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com; Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or Scott Sjolin at (623) 652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

Stay active this winter with ongoing aquatics programs

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

Winter swim classes offered

Registration for learn-to-swim classes, adult group practice and stroke development classes are underway. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/registration to sign up for classes. The water is heated.

Hamilton and Mesquite Groves will offer Winter Session 2 from Saturday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, March 14.

Season reopens March 7

All six facilities are closed for public swim hours. Chandler Aquatics is making deck improvements and general facility maintenance at each location. The improvements are being made so swimmers can return to safe and accessible facilities later this year.

Hamilton and Mesquite Groves Aquatic Centers will reopen Saturday, March 7, for the season.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course

Participants will be taught the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies during the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course. The contents and activities will prepare attendees to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergences and prevent drowning and injuries.

Participants will receive a certificate

for Lifeguarding/First Aid/ CPR/AED valid for two years upon successful completion. This is a 30-hour course. Class size is limited, so register early. Participants are asked to come prepared to swim during each class session. It is $120 for residents; $150 for nonresidents.

The prerequisites for the course include: swimming 300-yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, treading water for two minutes using legs only, and completing a timed event within one minute and 40 seconds starting in the water, which involves swimming 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface diving seven feet to 10 feet, retrieving a 10-pound object and returning to the surface, swimming 20 yards back to the starting point with the object and exiting the water without using a ladder or steps. Participants must be 15 years old by the last day of class.

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course

The 43-hour American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course trains instructor candidates to teach water safety, including the Basic Water Rescue Course, six levels of the Progressive Learn to Swim Program and Parent and Child Aquatics.

The course includes five hours of F.I.T. course and eight hours of instructor

MEN’S & WOMEN’S

COMFORT

candidate practical teaching time. The course is $103 for residents; $127 for nonresidents.

The prerequisites include: demonstrate proficiency in the following strokes (25 yards) front crawl (freestyle), back crawl (backstroke), breaststroke, elementary

backstroke, sidestroke and butterfly (15 yards). Participants must also be able to maintain a position on their backs for one minute in deep water either floating or sculling and tread water for one minute. Participants must be 16 years old by the last day of class.

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‘American Pickers’ seeking collectors for Southwest visit

The History Channel TV show “American Pickers” is looking for folks who are enthusiastic about their collectables but willing to part with them. Keep in mind, show producers stress that the collector—not the goodies—really make the show.

“American Pickers” hosts and childhood friends Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are planning a trip to Arizona or New Mexico in the spring and are looking for “rusty gold.”

To be considered, collectors must send an email to americanpickers@ cineflix.com or call (855) OLD-RUST. Be sure to include your name, contact number and description of your item(s). Some of the items sought are:

• Motor scooters: Vespas, Lambretta and Cushman

• Old advertising signage

• Motorcycles

• Old toys: Tin, wind-up and cast iron

• Pre-1950s vending machines

• Pinball and slot machines

• Old movie posters

• Unusual radios

• Antique casino/gaming machines

• Vintage movie memorabilia and advertising items

• Taxidermy

• Vintage concert posters and T-shirts

• Early Boy Scout items

• Sports memorabilia

• Casino tables

• Houdini items

• Old rodeo items

• Airline collectibles from Pan-Am, TWA, etc.

• Mobster memorabilia

• Vintage police officer collectibles

• Firefighter collectibles

• Pre-1940s telephones

• Folk art

• Vintage BB guns/cap guns

• Early Halloween items

• Pre-1940s Christmas items

• Hawaiian/tiki collectibles

• Vintage election memorabilia

• Musical instruments

• Civil War antiques

• Vintage gas pumps

• Pre-1970s neon signs

• Strange woodcarvings

• Vintage collegiate collectibles. The show’s hosts are not seeking farming/agriculture items, tools, glassware, appliances, tractors, crocks, stoves or country primitives.

Indulge in the arts with PAL this March

The Performing Arts League will see “The Magic Flute,” “Anything Goes,” “Carousel” and “Chopin & Grieg” this March.

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 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.

POWWOW scheduled for Feb. 14

Produce on Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW), formerly Market on the Move, distributes fresh produce on the second Saturday of the month November through May. The next scheduled event is from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave.

POWWOW is set up in a farmers

market atmosphere, as a way to reach out to the community by providing quality produce at an affordable price. A $10 donation is good for up to 60 pounds of produce with six to eight different varieties regularly available. For more information, visit www. Facebook.com/POWWOWatDPC.

The Perch celebrates first anniversary

The Perch Pub and Brewery in downtown Chandler is celebrating its one-year anniversary by throwing a daylong party in its restaurant and a neighboring parking lot on Sunday, Feb. 15.

The Mardi Gras-themed celebration will include live music from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., costume and talent contests, food, signature cocktails and craft beer.

“We’re bringing in a stage, sound and lighting system, scaffolding, you name it,” says Perch owner Rebecca Lavenue. “It’s going to look like Bourbon Street Southwest. This will be a party like downtown Chandler has never seen before.”

The Perch offers breathtaking views from the rooftop bar and lush garden landscape in its courtyard, which hosts more than 50 tropical rescue birds in the most unique setting in downtown Chandler.

The restaurant features more than 30 beers on tap, including seven of their own house brews that are brewed onsite by Andrew Bauman. Bauman was recently voted 2014 Brewmaster of the Year by the Arizona Society of Home Brewers, which also recognized The Perch as the best new brewery in the state. Its eclectic house mix of brews includes Orange Plum Spiced Porter, Sage Thyme English Pale, Belgian Cherry Mericier and the slightly sour Lime Gose with lime, coriander and salt.

“I like to make beers that not only appeal to craft beer enthusiasts, but also for those who are new to the experience,” Bauman says. “I like to incorporate familiar flavors that will entice them to try something they haven’t had before.”

The Perch also has a full menu of beer-infused food created by head chef Matt Marlowe and his team. It includes traditional pub favorites like pizza, wings with flavors like jalapeno marmalade, a Sin City burger made with house ground ribeye and lobster, and a variety of tacos and salads. Some of the other offerings include brick oven tamales, fried green tomato sliders, tater tots and a pub mac menu of mac and cheese with choice of toppings including green chiles and lobster.

“Our menu is very unique and different,” Marlowe says. “There are several dishes you just won’t find anywhere else.”

Lavenue agrees.

“People have come from all over the state and the country to experience The Perch,” she says. “I feel blessed every day that people have found us and embraced us the way they have.”

For more information, call (480) 7737688, or visit, www.perchpubbrewery. com.

The Perch Pub and Brewery is located at 232 S. Wall St., just west of Arizona Avenue. The Perch features 30 craft beers on tap, specialty cocktails, a full menu of upscale pub food, garden seating and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views of downtown Chandler.

Participants, donors sought for About Care’s golf tourney

About Care is looking for tournament sponsors for the eighth annual Charity Golf Tournament, as well as participants and donations for its auction and raffle.

The cost—$400 for a foursome and $110 for individuals—includes breakfast and lunch. Sponsorships are also available for the tournament. Those who are unable to attend, can still help support the organization by sending a donation— either financial or with an item for the auction or raffle.

The tournament, which is About Care’s major fundraising event, will be held Saturday, April 18, at the newly renovated San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler. About Care board and staff are hoping a variety of local celebrities and sports figures will attend the event.

Support of this event will directly impact the area’s less fortunate neighbors, which includes economically disadvantaged elderly women who need help with transportation and appointments.

TOURNAMENT: About Care is hosting the eighth annual Charity Golf Tournament at San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler on Saturday, April 18. Submitted photo

About Care, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, delivers caring, compassionate support services to homebound elderly and disabled citizens in Chandler and Gilbert. The services include transportation to medical appointments, shopping and errands, and respite care at no cost. Proceeds from the tournament will ensure that the organization can continue its mission to help keep its neighbors independent in their own homes to live with self-respect and dignity.

For more information, visit www.aboutcare.org or contact Ann Marie McArthur at (480) 802-2331.

Most Valuable Partners

The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated their corporate partners during the team’s fourth annual Most Valuable Partners event at Gila River Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Guests were welcomed along a red carpet, where several players, coaches and executives made appearances. The ballplayers, front-office staff and even partners provide the entertainment. Photos by Brooke Smith and Mimi Murad of the Arizona Diamondbacks