7 5 2014stsn p50 58 neighbors

Neighbors

Chandler named Playful City USA eight years in a row

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

With more than 1,200 acres of park space, Chandler was designated as Playful City USA for the eighth consecutive year.

Brooke Peterson, Chandler’s marketing and communication coordinator for community services, says this year 212 communities were named Playful City USA and Chandler was one of 12 in Arizona.

“We are extremely excited about that,” Peterson explains.

Only 14 cities and towns in the entire nation have received the designation for eight years in a row.

The designation is made by the nonprofit organization KaBOOM!, which works to advocate on behalf of children and the necessity of play.

Peterson says that cities have to answer such questions as what is Chandler’s population of children 18 and younger; what are Chandler’s biggest challenges; what is being done to identify those challenges and how many play spaces are available to be considered for the designation.

Peterson said the approximate number of people younger than 18 living in Chandler is 65,185.

The Chandler Parks and Recreation division maintains 1,214 acres of park space, which equates to one acre per 199 residences. She says their mission

Chino Bandido tantalizes with fusion cuisine

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When thinking of Chinese food and Mexican food, one might think of culinary styles that are from two vastly different countries and cultures.

Chino Bandido didn’t really see it that way and went ahead and combined the two unique cuisines into one dazzling combination of flavors that make perfect sense as soon as they leave the fork.

Ron Varela, general manager of the Chandler Chino Bandido, just came on board five months ago.

“We’re doing a whole bunch of new

things, including some renovating,” Varela states.

Updates include a new paint job, speakers and televisions in the large fast-casual restaurant. New menu boards are on the way.

“We’re kicking off a happy hour now... We’re doing a soft rollout, and we’ll have six new menu items including chips and salsa, taquitos and a guaca-dilla, which will be a flat quesadilla with a guacamole dipping sauce. Like all of our food, it will be made fresh.”

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Two Chandler women, who have changed the lives of others through their dedication to the community, were honored during the Soroptimist International Golden West Regional Spring 2014 Conference at Wild Horse Pass recently.

Lindsey Chew, a Hamilton High School graduate, received the Violet Richardson Award for the work she performs with the Chandler Regional Hospital’s Volunteer Program.

“It was definitely an honor,” she says of receiving the award. “I was happy that something that I consider small would be recognized by others.”

Chew was awarded $900, a combined total from the regional Soroptimist International and local Soroptimist chapter. Chandler Regional Hospital also received $200.

“I’m thankful for everyone who supported me and all the staff and mentors I have had at the hospital that have really encouraged me along the way,” Chew says.

Since her freshman year in high school, she has volunteered on average four hours a week. Seeing many patients alone and bored in their rooms, Chew founded Operation Origami.

“It was a good way for me to give

CHANDLER

LANDMARK: The Bashas’ Gallery, located in the Bashas’ Corporate office facility, is an expansive collection of paintings, sculptures and Native American woven baskets. Every turn in the gallery takes you into another large exhibit area.. STSN photo by Tim Sealy

See page 58 for more photos of Chandler landmarks

The menu is easy to follow and consists of a variety of rice bowls, quesadillas and combos that boast Chinese and Mexican flavors simultaneously. When ordering, diners can choose from white, jerk-fried, chicken-fried, plain-fried or pork-fried rice.

The most popular dish is the jade red chicken and emerald chicken combo with Cuban black beans and jerk-fried rice ($8.40). It was unlike anything any other restaurant’s dishes as both the Mexican and Chinese flavors came through. The flavor experience of the jade red chicken was located somewhere at the intersection of slightly sweet, tangy and spicy with just a bit of crunch. The dish was also large enough to share. Combos come with two main dishes, beans and rice, and there is lots of room for entrée creativity.

The machaca burrito and emerald chicken quesadilla with plain-fried rice and Cuban black beans ($8.40) is tasty. Again, the interesting Chinese flavor of the emerald chicken inside of a quesadilla was delicious with just a hint of spice and was entirely unique.

The signature snickerdoodle cookies ($8.50 a dozen or $4.50 for a half dozen) at Chino Bandido were too good to pass up. The cookie was perfectly baked and lightly dusted with cinnamon. Glutenfree and vegetarian menu options are also available. The staff is happy to work with customers to give them the entrees they want that meet their dietary needs.

“We try to get the staff involved in everything we’re doing,” Varela explains.

“We have them believe in everything we’re trying to accomplish.” Indeed, the staff was all smiles and very helpful in explaining the menu on the day of my visit. If you still need convincing that Chinese and Mexican fusion cuisine works, just stop by the sample station inside Chino Bandido and let your taste buds decide. The restaurant was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri five years ago and Fieri was sold

on the unique culinary styling of Chino Bandido.

Chino Bandido offers dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering and is located at 1825 W. Chandler Blvd. just east of Dobson. Call (480) 889-5990 or visit www. chinobandidochandler.com for additional information.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be

Travel to Verona this September for workshop and tours

Verona, Italy, and the Lake Garda region are the sites this fall for Explore Your Story: a retreat, workshop and tours, hosted by Bob Wilson of Smartful Coaching. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Lake Garda has a Mediterranean-like climate.

Explore Your Story will take place from Sept. 14 through Sept. 19 in Verona, Italy.

Cost is $1,995, based on double occupancy. Attendance is limited to seven people to ensure their experience is memorable and intimate.

The retreat includes six nights hotel stay in the heart of Verona; welcome dinner Sunday evening; breakfast Monday through Friday; writing workshop; walking tour of Verona; day trip to Lake Garda region including all transportation and admission fees; individual coaching session with Wilson per individual topic choice and Verona Card, which provides free admission to numerous attractions and free use of public transportation. The schedule also includes individual exploration of the city.

For more information, visit www.VeronaRetreat.com or www. VeronaSept2014.eventbee.com.

back to my community,” Chew says. She hand makes paper cranes for the patients at the hospital. Chew says after she hand delivers the paper cranes, she stays and talks with the patients for a while and prays with them.

“I really enjoy being able to talk to them and learn about their story,” she says, adding that she enjoys “being around people and having a way to help them no matter where I am with my education.”

So far she has donated around 10,000 paper cranes.

The idea to begin Operation Origami stemmed from the book “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes,” by Eleanor Coerr. The message of the book, Chew explains, is that if you can fold 1,000 paper cranes you can heal any illness.

Chew was also named a Flinn Scholar for 2014 and will be attending the University of Arizona to pursue a major in physiology with a minor in Spanish. She says she is interested in pediatric surgery.

April Macak was also recognized at the conference for the Women’s Opportunity Award.

“It was really shocking. I never knew anything like that existed and I feel very touched and honored. I was so overwhelmed that a club like that gives so much to single moms, especially to those that experienced a lot of bad. They try to put so much good into your life with all the bad you experienced,” she says of winning the award.

Macak grew up in a dysfunctional home, which created some life-changing moments as a young girl. Instead of

Neighbors

AWARDS: Soroptimist International of the San Tans members (back row) Marian Norris, Karen Durham, Valerie Jensen, Brenda Brown, Beverly Truett and Judith Register. Soroptimist International of the San Tans members (front row) Judy O’Donoghue, award winners Lindsey Chew (Violet Richardson Award winner) and April Macak (Women’s Opportunity Award winner) and Soroptimist International of the San Tans member Mary Ellen Crane. The women gathered to celebrate the awardees during a luncheon held at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. Submitted photo

allowing those moment to scar her, she was determined to make a better life for her and her children.

She began working at a shelter as

an advocate for women of domestic violence in June 2012. She works Wednesday through Sunday.

“I know there are a lot of women

that go through things and numb it with drugs,” Macak says. “I think you can go one or two ways, you cannot be like your family and you can be like them.”

Macak received $6,500 from Golden West Regional and Soroptimist International of the Americas, as well as a gift card to purchase a new computer for her studies. She was the top Women’s Opportunity Award recipient out of six at the Golden West Regional.

“I have never won anything ever. 2014 has been good to me,” she says.

The award money will prevent her from applying for additional student loans. She is working toward her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in criminal justice. Macak already has an associate’s degree in liberal arts and criminal justice.

She wants to use her bachelor’s degree, which she hopes to finish in 2015, to work with homeless women and children.

Her ultimate goal is to go to law school and become a legal advocate for the superior court to help women and children who suffer from child abuse and domestic violence.

Both Chew and Macak were award recipients from Soroptimist International of the San Tans, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls.

For more information, visit www. soroptimistofsantans.org.

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

is to have one neighborhood park per square mile of residential space.

“We are really proud of that,” Peterson says of providing access to open space.

Chandler has 56 play spaces and 62 completed neighborhood, community or regional parks.

The play spaces include such options as typical playground spaces, open play space, walking trails, basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts and squash courts.

By 2018, eight additional parks will be added within the city limits.

Roadrunner Park, which is located in east Chandler, was recently dedicated. She explains that the park has open space, walking trails, playground space and lighted sports courts.

Another park, Citrus Vista Park, is in the planning stages for southeast Chandler. The park is slated to have a playground area, open space and some sport courts.

Peterson says they have a few ideas of what to include in the park, but they want to receive some feedback from the public to make sure it meets the needs and interests of the community.

The City Council, she explains, has been great about moving forward with the parks within the budget.

This summer Parks and Recreation included a Tween Camp for children 10 to 13 years old to promote play with the older children.

“It gives them an opportunity

to come out and have the camp experience,” she says, adding that some tweens feel too old for youth camp, but are not ready to be home alone or direct their own activities.

“It is something we started this year and it has been extremely successful,” Peterson says.

She says they offer very affordable programs for all of their recreational activities and there are scholarship programs available for low-income families.

With the continued growth of Chandler, the Parks and Recreation department decided to rebrand their services.

“We wanted to make sure that we could focus on the impact the services provide,” she explains.

The new brand is “Discover. Imagine. Grow.” The brand, Peterson says reflects the lifestyle of play and the impact recreation has on everyone’s daily lives.

“We thought those three words signify lifestyle and changes the individual goes through,” she says. “We always want people to feel safe and engaged.”

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

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities presents Irish Genealogy

Thinking of discovering your Celtic roots? Hit the inevitable “brick wall?” Planning a trip and need to know where to start with your ancestors?

As part of the Irish Connection Education Series, ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities will present “Getting Started: Irish Genealogy Research” from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. This workshop will acquaint participants with the basic genealogical process along with goal-setting, research source selection and documentation requirements using numerous resources available for discovering Irish ancestry. An actual research project will be used to trace the ancestry of an American-born Irish descendant back through three generations to locate the family’s ancestral homeland in Ireland. The instructor is Miles Davenport, who has more than 15 years of genealogy research experience and assists in genealogy research at the McClelland Irish Library at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.

The event will take place in the Chandler Police Committee Room, 250 E. Chicago St., Chandler. Preregistration must be made online at www.chandlerirish.org, or by contacting Ellen Harrington at (480) 600-8509. There are only 60 seats available.

There is no charge for this event; however donations will be gratefully accepted for the CTSC Student Ambassador Program. This year Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities hosted 20 students from Tullamore, Chandler’s Sister City, and sent 10 students to Tullamore in June. For further information about Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, contact Ellen Harrington at (480) 6008509 or by email at chan.to.tull@gmail. com. Information can also be found at www.chandlerirish.org.

Neighbors

El Palacio, Four Peaks wine-pairing dinner showcases flavors

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina played host to the first of its three summertime beer-pairing dinners in late June and the event was as fun as it was delicious and informative. The first dinner featured many off-the-menu specialty creations, each paired with a different Four Peaks Brewing Co. beer.

Teddy Golden is the “beer traffic controller” at Four Peaks Brewing Company and described each food and beer pairing. The group of 16 who attended the dinner was comprised of foodies, beer aficionados and people just wanting to try something new. “We love holding these beer pairing dinners and we’re proud to be here at El Palacio,” states Golden.

Our meal kicked off with chips and salsas and sauces from the El Palacio salsa bar. Although the salsas were all very good, my husband and I picked the guacamole as our favorite. We’re huge fans of avocado, so we may have been a bit biased. The first course was a shrimp and avocado truffle gazpacho that combined tangy, creamy, savory and a hint of spice. The entrée was paired with Four Peaks Sunbru Kolsch-style Ale. “This is a light beer with a dry finish, and lighter beers go with shellfish,” Golden explained.

The next course was a taco salad with seasonal vegetables and carne asada cleverly presented in a folded Four Peaks beer can. It was paired with 8th Street Pale Ale. “This is a classic English-style pale ale that is slightly spicy,” Golden states. The carne asada in the taco salad was even braised in Four Peaks’

Kilt Lifter Scottish Style Ale, and the sauce was simmered with 8th Street Pale Ale.

Next was the pork three-ways gordita with carnitas, pancetta and chorizo stuffed into a slightly crunchy corn masa pocket. This entrée was a bit spicier and paired perfectly with the Hop Knot IPA. “This beer is ‘hop forward’ and has a kiss of malt,” Golden notes. The spice in the gordita meat and the spicy bite to the Hop Knot mellowed each other out for the unique pairing.

The dessert wound up being our personal favorite. It was a deep-fried peach paired with a deconstructed peach and strawberry paleta served with Four Peaks Peach Ale. It was light, refreshing and a fun change of pace to have a fruity beer. Owner and executive chef at El Palacio, Anthony Serrano made an appearance and our group applauded. “I loved putting together this dinner and doing something a little different,” Serrano states of the special event.

Gilbert residents Alicia and Joe Bastek were excited to participate in this dinner. “We’ve done three of these dinners before; all of them with Four Peaks, but each one was in a different venue.” Alicia states. “The dessert was my favorite entrée because I love peaches and the Four Peaks Peach Ale is my favorite beer. It’s light and summery.”

El Palacio will hold its next beer-pairing dinner July 23 and feature the beers of Santa Fe Brewing Co. The final summer beer- pairing dinner will be Aug. 14 and highlight the beers of Grand Canyon Brewing Co. El Palacio is located at 2950 E. Germann Rd. Call (480) 802-5770 to make reservations for a beer-pairing dinner or visit www.epfamilyrestaurants.com for additional information.

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

Vendor opportunities available for ‘The Big Chill’ Shop

Vendor opportunities are available for “The Big Chill” Shop, a local cause event benefiting the Chandler-Compadre Boys & Girls Club. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. De Atley Events is hosting the event at the Chandler-Compadre Boys & Girls Club, 300 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

Attendees will enjoy more than 60 vendors, geared toward women, children and families. Some of the vendors will include direct sales consultants, crafters, service providers and beauty and salon providers.

The event will also include such activities as face painting and bounce houses for the youngsters. Lunch and treats will be available for purchase.

For more information about vendor opportunities, contact Shannon@deatleyevents.com or call (480) 544-7042.

Relax this summer with Tai Chi, QiGong

Chandler, Gilbert and Sun Lakes offer many ways to get moving. One moving form that can be done standing or sitting through a series of low-impact flowing movements recognized for producing several health benefits is Tai Chi and QiGong.

There are several variations of Tai Chi. Easy and gentle movements focused on stretching and balance while relaxing the mind and body. These slow-flow movements are good for everybody.

Sometimes it is referred to as Chinese yoga, but it’s easier for most people than yoga; and individuals do not have to get up and down from the floor. Tai Chi is easily modified and individuals can adjust the movements to their particular body type, limitations and needs.

Tai Chi is known to help with many diseases and physical challenges, from Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s to multiple sclerosis and diabetes. An important part of Tai Chi is using diaphragmatic breathing, which allows individuals to breathe deeply, while relaxing the whole body. Tai Chi can be done by all ages and abilities, anywhere and without expensive equipment.

Some of the benefits of Tai Chi include decrease in stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure; increased flexibility, posture and balance; enhanced the immune system and reduced risk of falls in older adults.

As a Tai Chi practitioner certified by the American Tai Chi-Qigong Association and a Silver Sneakers FLEX instructor, Kim Kubsch is also certified to teach PWR! Moves for Parkinson’s and ChairChi. With a passion of “active aging for all,” Kubsch uses Tai Chi to enhance overall health, increase flexibility, imp rove balance and coordination and reduce stress, while building bone strength.

Introduced to the practice as a young professional working and living in 10 countries of Southeast Asia, Kubsch would observe mobs of people in parks and open areas in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the smallest alleys of Hong Kong. Now as a yearround resident of Sun Lakes, she has been leading Tai Chi classes, workshops and semi-private or private series for four years throughout the Southeast Valley, including Casa Grande.

“I really enjoyed it when I first tried it out and decided it was something that could be really useful,” says Randall and his wife Glenda. “Kim’s classes have helped me have a better sense of balance, calm, heart rate control and blood pressure.”

For more information about Kubsch’s easy and gentle Tai Chi-QiGong classes, workshops, private instruction or DVD’s and online classes, contact Kim@ SafeMovements.com or call (480) 3923436.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

The summer is upon us and, with temperatures in the 100s, I am sure you would like the opportunity to get away for a long weekend to a “cool” vacation spot. You can generate that extra cash to enjoy this break by using an asset you already own.

Is there something in your safety deposit box, garage, a drawer or maybe on a wall in your home that has value and can be converted to cash? Take some time and look for this asset that no longer is bringing you pleasure or is not appreciating and find out “What’s it worth.”

There are experts who have the capability to evaluate collectables, jewelry, art, etc. through research and market knowledge who will provide the estimated value of your

item. There are consignment stores on every corner that will take the item and attempt to find buyers. There is also the Internet, which is becoming a mall and shopping center. The valuables that before were not readily saleable now can be sold 24 hours a day. But first you need to have the experts determine a value. From this point, the marketplace will determine the true selling price. Also ask the experts if they are possible buyers of the assets. It will expedite the conversion of the item to cash. Please take the time on one of these hot days to search for valuables that can be converted to funds for a break from the heat. Remember there are experts and buyers who want to assist!

— David Goldstein Owner, Biltmore Loan and Jewelry

Donate blood and win a Passat

Each Sunday through Aug. 31, United Blood Services donors will be automatically entered to win a 2014 Passat S donated by Valley Volkswagen dealers.

For the fifth summer, Volkswagen has partnered with United Blood Services to sponsor the “Drive Away a Hero” campaign. Blood donors will also receive a bonus-entry card that provides two more chances to win. Register the entry code online and for even better odds, also deposit the card in any Metro Phoenix area Volkswagen dealer showroom raffle box.

Ten summer blood donors will be drawn as finalists to participate in the Sept. 17 grand prize drawing. Finalists will be unveiled throughout the summer on AZ-TV, proud media partner for the “Drive Away a Hero” campaign.

For a blood donation appointment, call (877) 827-4376 or visit www. BloodHero.com and enter city or ZIP code.

CAR: All United Blood Services donors will automatically be entered to win a 2014 Passat S until Aug. 31. Submitted photo

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

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

About Care

Monthly volunteer training, by individual appointment.

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

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

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International

8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler

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

Action Networkers: Business Networking International

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays Chompies

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, (602) 315-2056, Marty@AZMarty.com

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Chandler

5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month

Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no preregistration required.

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

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Gilbert

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. first and third Friday of the month

Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free; no preregistration required.

First United Methodist Church of Gilbert

331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

American Legion James O. Schroeder Post 55

7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month Sun Lakes Country Club, Navajo Room

25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Commander Byron Weston,

(480) 802-6623

American Society of Women Accountants, Mesa East Valley Chapter

5:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month

Nonprofit organization holds monthly networking and educational sessions for women in accounting.

Landmark Restaurant

809 W. Main St., Mesa Info: Shelby, (602) 430-8834, www. aswa-mev.org

Arizona Business Connection Networking Group

7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays Networking / referral group holds weekly breakfast meetings with member presentations and marketing training sessions. Guests are free. Call in advance.

Dobson Ranch Golf Course Restaurant

2155 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa Info: Danny, (602) 363-0147, Danny. Balanon@RealLiving.com

Arizona Special Education Network, Chandler area

Provides disability-related education, advocacy and resources to help parents navigate the complex special education system.

Info: (602) 531-0230

Business Referral Exchange Worldwide (BREW) 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. first and third Thursday of the month Industry-specific referral and networking group

Dobson Ranch Inn

1666 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa Info: Jeremy McClymonds, (480) 444-2228, www.BREWus.com

Build Your Own Business:

Chandler

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

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

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

Chandler Airport Commission

7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month

The Commission makes recommendations to Chandler City Council regarding airport operations, physical growth, economic development and proposed land use.

Chandler Municipal Airport terminal

2380 S. Stinson Way, Chandler

WebXtra:

Info: (480) 782-3540

Chandler Business Alliance

7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Thursdays

Professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole. BLD

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

Chandler Chamber Business Golf

7 a.m. tee time, first and third Wednesdays of the month Includes nine holes of golf, continental breakfast and networking opportunities. Preregistration required online. Golf venue varies. Info: www.chandlerchamber.com

Chandler Farmers Market

3 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays

Weekly market with more than 30 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet food and handmade crafts. Free admission. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, east side of Arizona Avenue, Chandler Info: (480) 855-3539, www. downtownchandler.org

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

Chandler’s unique landmarks

The City of Chandler has an assortment of unique landmarks to visit and enjoy. Whether its taking in a show at the Chandler Center for the Arts, browsing through the collections at Bashas’ Gallery, taking a train ride at Desert Breeze Park or quenching a sweet tooth at Sweeties Candy, there’s always something to enjoy around Chandler. Photos by Tim Sealy