Desert Palms pairs with Market on the Move to offer discounted produce
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Desert Palms Church sees the importance of having a balanced diet. So three years ago, it latched onto a fledgling program called Market on the Move, which was founded to save produce from being thrown away in Arizona.
Market on the Move is held on the second Saturday of each month from December through May in the church parking lot at 4265 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. The next one is Saturday, March 8.
Volunteers arrive at the church to start setting up tables to display the produce around 6:30 a.m. for the 7:30 a.m. opening. Organizer Orris Anson says during the winter months the market runs until 11 a.m., and in April and May it closes at 10 a.m. due to the heat.
The day before the produce is delivered, Anson learns what is included in the inventory. To enhance the program, he displays recipes for the produce his customers will receive. Participants receive items such as green beans, eggplant, bell peppers, winter and summer squash, watermelon, honeydew, tomatoes and potatoes. On occasion, they also receive citrus.
Whatever does not sell is returned to the 3000 Club, which, in turn, donates the items to food banks. Spoiled produce is delivered to pig
farms.
Recently, the church received 14 pallets of produce in a month and had roughly 300 recipients. There is a ton of produce on each pallet.
āWe have a reasonable number of new people every month,ā Anson says. āWe give them boxes and bags and they load up and go home. We generally have people pick up 40 to 60 percent of what we have available.ā
Those who donate $10 can collect up to 60 pounds of produce.
Financially struggling folks are still allowed to pick up produce.
āWe are doing the best we can to get the word out,ā he says.
Inception of program
Market on the Move founder Lon Taylor says 5 billion pounds of produce cross the border from Mexico to Arizona annually from November until May. Brokers send the produce to grocery stores throughout the United States.
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Sunday Evenings
CORE (6th - 8th Grade)6:00 P.M. High School Youth Group6:00 P.M.
āSeventy-five percent of winter produce comes from Mexico,ā he explains.
Weather can sometimes upset the operation, as can the produceās size or color. In those situations, the items are tossed in the trash.
āThey used to throw it away to let the new come in,ā he says.
In 1994, Taylor approached brokers and asked them not to throw the produce away. The food was then donated to Nogales, Ariz., food banks. Four years ago, the Taylor-formed 3000 Club took over the āwhole rescue operation.ā
The 3000 Club was created by 3,000 supporters, each of whom donated $100 to kick-start the operating budget. There is now a warehouse in Nogales to store the produce.
Now the operation moves nearly 30 million pounds of produce to 50 agencies, churches and nonprofits in the United States.
āI think itās one of the best programs we came up with the last few years...neighbors helping neighbors,ā Taylor says. āPeople l ove having the opportunity to get produce and help those they think are in need.ā
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
PRODUCE: Desert Palms Church holds a Market on the Move on the second Saturday of every month, providing individuals with the opportunity to purchase 60 pounds of produce for a $10 donation. Submitted photo
The Perfect Place offers respite for caregivers
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
A secure, safe, entertaining environment is offered in Sun Lakes to provide caregivers support, so they can take a few hours to get things done and regroup while knowing their loved ones are being well taken care of.
Judy Waltersdorf, director of operations for The Perfect Place, describes the nonproļ¬t organization as a senior day care center for individuals who have diseases as Alzheimerās, Parkinsonās, dementia and multiple sclerosis.
Caregivers can drop off their loved ones from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The facility is closed on Thursdays.
āWe are thrilled to be here for the community and reach out to the families that might need that little extra time to pull away,ā she says. āAs long as they are seniors and their family needs a little bit of respite, so they can do what they need to do without short changing their loved one, we welcome them.ā
Waltersdorf says about 95 percent of participants have some sort of challenge that prevents them from living independently on their own.
āWe are reaching out to the community and telling them, we are here to give them a little bit of support, so the caregivers can have a little extra time,ā she says. āWhen they do pick up their loved one again, they are refreshed and ready to go.ā
CELEBRATING: An annual appreciation luncheon was held Feb. 6 for the volunteers who give their time at The Perfect Place. Submitted photo
Celebrating its 10th anniversary on March 29, The Perfect Place started with eight participants and eight volunteers. It has since grown to 23 participants ranging in age from 50s to 95, and 55 volunteers, according to Catherine Tinerino Moore, board member and volunteer.
Moore volunteers a few times a month. She says she enjoys the hands-on atmosphere of the Perfect Place.
āSometimes they get their memory for a split second,ā Moore says of the participants. āSometimes they hug you and thank you for being there. They know in their heart you are there for them.ā
Before the fun begins, everyone shares
something about themselvesāwhere they grew up, what they did for a living, information about their family life, as well as their favorite activities.
The volunteers spend three hours playing games with the participants, as well as doing chair exercises with them to keep their circulation going.
āWe provide structured activity,ā Waltersdorf says.
The Perfect Place has two directors who come up with a wide variety of activities for the participants. She says depending on the needs of the participants, there may be a volunteer ratio of one-on-one or two-on-one.
In an effort to help the participants maintain their integrity and personal well-being, Waltersdorf says the volunteers may partner with them while playing a card game.
āWe want them all to feel that this is their group and they are coming here because the folks love and accept them,ā she says.
Musicians and clowns visit the organization, and tokens are doled out to participants, which they can redeem for stuffed animals or Beanie Babies.
āWe do welcome donations of Beanie Babies,ā Waltersdorf says.
Moore explains Neighbors Who Care picks up some of the participants and brings them to The Perfect Place.
Those interested in using the services of The Perfect Place are asked to call (480) 895-2892 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com. After the initial phone call, Waltersdorf says the family then meets at an ofļ¬ce at The Perfect Place.
āWe have no stipulations,ā she explains.
Because it is not a medical facility, The Perfect Place cannon dispense medications or get vitals. āWe are only a social agency.ā
The nonproļ¬t organization is located on the campus of the Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes.
Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.
Chandler church on the go
Chandler Christian Church continues a busy spring season with a fundraising Life Walk, classes and more.
The two-mile Life Walk, raising money for the Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler, will be held Saturday, March 1, at the church, 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the walk at 9 a.m. Pledge forms can be found online at www. chandlercc.org.
Learn more about how to share Christ with family, friends and others at
Unleashed Equipping U at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2. Child care is available. Candy is needed for the churchās upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13. The outreach event brings in more than 500 children and their families. Donations of individually wrapped candy that can ļ¬t in a plastic egg are welcome and should be placed in the designated bins in the lobby. Visit www.chandlercc.org or call (480) 963-3997 for more information.
Advance directive workshop set for VUU
A workshop giving guidance on how to document wishes for end-of-life decisions is open to the public at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation (VUU), 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler.
Hospice of the Valley presents the workshop, which discusses the importance of having a plan and exploring the sharing of personal beliefs and values with family members, friends and doctors. Other provider information
Spiritual Reļ¬ections
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The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sunarea churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reļ¬ections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to news@santansun.com.
Be certain to put āSpiritual Reļ¬ections submissionā in the subject line, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your ļ¬rst and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website.
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will be available from organizations including the Funeral Consumers Alliance, the Alzheimerās Association and the Donor Network of Arizona.
VUU provides a welcoming diverse community that nurtures each personās lifelong spiritual journey, creates a place of peace and celebration and strives for social justice and sustainable living. For more information, email PastoralCare@ vuu.org, call (480) 899-4249 or visit www.vuu.org.
Egg hunt, Easter service at Chandler park
An egg hunt for children of all ages and a special, contemporary Easter service will be held by Hope Covenant Church Sunday, April 20, at Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler.
An egg hunt and continental breakfast begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. A childrenās program will also be held during the service.
To learn more, visit www. hopechurchchandler.com or call (480) 899-7255.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
Call ahead to conļ¬rm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com.
Bible study Meets twice a month
Members of the Womenās Life group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ in Chandler
Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882
Celebrate Recovery
6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
Join in fellowship and celebrate Godās healing power in our lives through the 12 steps and Eight Recovery Principles. The group addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by meetings at 6:30 p.m. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.
CrossRoads Nazarene Church, Ministry Center Rooms 101-103 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 722-0700, www.crnaz.com
Celebrate Recovery
6 p.m. Fridays
For those with chemical dependencies or other issues. Dinner followed by meetings at 7 p.m. Dinner: $3 adult, $1 child. Free child care for children ages 12 and younger.
Chandler Christian Church, Room B200 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 963-3997, www.chandlercc. org
Chandler Yoga for Food 6 p.m. Tuesdays
All faiths, backgrounds, ages, and skill levels welcome. Yoga and stretching hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kristin Longenecker from Jacobās Well United Methodist Church and led via Skype by Yogi Sheila Lively from www.StepLivelyNowllc.com. Guests should bring mat and water and wear comfortable clothes. Admission: $3 or three cans or boxes of food to be donated to the Food Bank at Chandler Christian Community Center. No previous yoga experience necessary. Accompanying children can use Xtreme Air during yoga session for $5. Xtreme Air Jump āN Skate
910 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler Info: kristin@jacobswellumc.org
Christian Business Networking, TriCity Chapter ā Chandler, Tempe, Mesa
7:15 a.m. Tuesdays
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Mission Church Seminar Room 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
East Valley JCC Parent & Child Playgroup
9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Fridays Playgroup for parents with children ages 12 months to 2-1/2 years old. East Valley JCC 908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Emily Malin, (480) 897-0588, maline@evjcc.org
East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies, plays, etc. for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-yearold age range. Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@cox.net
Lent 2014
Sundays 10a
Hancock Elementary onechurch.com
Forever Marriage Ministries
Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives
7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays
Support group for wives committed to their marriages. Offering hope, encouragement, biblical truths, fellowship and prayers to stand together for the restoration of marriage.
Sozo Coffee House, private room 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@ lisacmyers.com, www.lisacmyers.com, www.facebook.com/forevermarriages.
Grief Care
6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You donāt have to do it alone.
Epiphany Lutheran Church, south campus old church building 800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler, a quarter mile south of Alma School Road on the north side of Ray Road. Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com
Grief Share
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have ābeen thereā themselves. Fee for materials is $15, but scholarships are available.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler
Spirituality
Info: (480) 963-4127, www.htlutheran. com
H.O.P.E. ā Help Overcoming Painful Experiences
7 p.m. Tuesdays
Free weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger.
Iguana Mackās 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler RSVP: (480) 802-9304, (480) 655-8812
JumpStart
11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays
JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving āsome of the poorest neighborhoodsā in Chandler, offering snacks, games and teachings about Jesus to area children. Participants meet at Faith Family Church 11530 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney, (480) 539-8933
Kidās Sunday School
10 a.m.-11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800, www. unityofchandler.org
Lift Your Spirit
10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800, www. unityofchandler.org
Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Info: Liane Wright, (480) 699-7887, www.momsinprayer.org
Monthly Womenās Fellowship 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month
The monthly fellowship Bible study of the East Valley Chapter of Christian Womenās Devotional Alliance āministers to womenās spiritual, emotional and physical needs.ā Best Western-Mezona
250 W. Main St., Mesa Info: (480) 232-3773
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) ā Chandler Chapter 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ļ¬rst and third Wednesday of each month Faith-based āCaring Connectionā for those who have loved ones with a mental illness, i.e., schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder. Find support and share experiences with others.
Risen Savior Lutheran Church 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Joan, (480) 883-8871
Re|Engage marriage program 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays Whether youād rate your marriage a two or a 10, this class will help you reconnect.
Chandler Christian Church 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info and registration: www.chandlercc. org/reengage
Rosary Prayer
3 p.m. second Friday of each month St. Stevenās Catholic Church 24827 S. Dobson Rd., Sun Lakes Info: (480) 895-9266
Shalom Chapter of Hadassah 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month
Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Cyril, (480) 802-0243; Kathy, (480) 895-5194; Shirley, (480) 883-9159; or Joyce, (480) 802-4902.
WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on āSpirituality.ā
Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or templeās events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to News@SanTanSun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for veriļ¬cation purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the ābestā or āhighest qualityā setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
