8 2 2014stsn p51 60 neighbors

Neighbors

‘Inviting’

Earnest emerges in former Cork space

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Each summer, Cork restaurant opts for a brief summer hiatus. After this season’s break, the well-known eatery reemerged as Earnest, a new restaurant concept in a remodeled space.

Executive chef Brian Peterson and co-owner and pastry chef Danielle Morris executed the transition in two weeks. The result is a destination that will attract couples, families and groups who appreciate a relaxing ambiance and thoughtful menu.

“I think we came out of the gates

Fisherman has catch of a lifetime

BY TIM J. RANDALL

What to do with a 662.5-pound marlin caught off the coast of Hawaii? That is the question for Chandler’s Jim Wood.

Of course, the possibility of a never-ending supply of fish for sushi, or an extremely oversized keychain are possibilities. But the master fisherman has far better ideas.

“We are having about half of it smoked in Hawaii and then shipped to us, and its beautiful nose tip will be mounted on a plaque for me,” says Wood, the owner of

Accurate Air Conditioning.

The setting for this remarkable catch was the Kona Firecracker Open Tournament, a world-renowned annual event that the 84-year-old Wood has been attending for more than 20 years.

For a $1,000 entry fee, Wood entered the contest with an eye toward snaring his first competitive fishing victory.

Forty-five boats entered the event from July 5 to July 6 to chase monetary

SEE FISHERMAN PAGE 52

Subway franchisee supports the community

LYNETTE CARRINGTON

BY

When Mark Roden was an ASU student, he discovered and fell in love with Subway restaurants.

“The first store that was opened was in ’83 in Tempe,” Roden recalls. “I happened to live down the street from that, and I was a pretty big fast-food consumer back then. I was there the first day they were open, and I was pretty much hooked after that.”

Upon graduation in 1986 with a marketing degree, Roden developed that love into a career and now owns more than 50 Subway locations. Roden calls Chandler the home of Desert Subway as well as his nonprofit, Subway

$20,000 in 2013 to help get health-focused programming into local schools and other child service organizations.

MAKUTU’S:

DIRECTION: How could you not follow a sign like this?

STSN photos by Tim Sealy

For more pictures of

running, and we’re right on stride,” Peterson says.

The new menu offers lower prices than Cork. The chef describes the menu as more “approachable” and features a quality and refined take on comfort foods. Although a few menu items from Cork transitioned to Earnest, such as Peterson’s famous foie gras (market price) and Morris’ outstanding banana cream pie ($10), Earnest’s menu still exudes some French flair.

“Everything is made here, and we support local where we can,” notes Peterson, who supports a variety of outlets including Bread Connection, Crow’s Dairy, Agritopia and Black Mesa Ranch.

“We did a lot of change to the scenery at the restaurant,” says general manager Winston de la Cruz.

“We have a fun community table for friends and groups. People love the new vibe, and it’s more welcoming now.”

The restaurant is spacious, decorated in warm tones and boasts a creative and stunning wine display wall. De la Cruz also pointed out the private dining room that seats eight.

Sharable plates include zucchini cakes ($13) with crab, pickled onions, asparagus and champagne hollandaise and “the board” ($13), which features goat cheese, pate,

Kids and Sports.

Roden says his father, who had fallen ill, encouraged him to be an entrepreneur.

“He said if he had any one dream in life it would be that my brother and I would have our own business,” Roden explains.

“He said he had always wanted to do that.”

He opened his first Subway store after his father died. Roden has 52 locations in Arizona, including several in Chandler, four on Maui and four stores in development.

Helping the community

As a successful businessman, Roden finds it important to give back to the community. Requests for donations and support from Subway are immense.

“What happens is each individual

a homemade berry and apple jam and melt-in-your-mouth bread from Bread Connection. The main menu includes some unique entrees including barbecue pork belly and ribs ($21) served with bacon and mushroom mac and cheese and coleslaw.

“We decided we wanted to change the menu and make it more approachable,” Morris explains.

“We’re dressed down but we’re still upscale, too.”

Morris then left for the kitchen where she whipped up a batch of fresh-baked macadamia nut cookies ($8) that were served along with a glass bottle of chocolate milk. Speaking of desserts, the cinnamon bread pudding ($10) with goat cheese caramel and crème fraiche ice cream was served up in a cast iron pot.

The cocktails’ menu is creative and includes the “Revival” ($10), a cocktail that boasts fresh grapefruit juice, ginger beer, Aperol and Casamigos tequila.

Earnest is located at 4991 S. Alma School Rd. (at Chandler Heights Road). For additional information, visit www.earnestrestaurant.com or call (480) 883-3773. Earnest is closed Sundays and Mondays.

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

owner gives to the degree that they want,” Roden says.

“We felt like if we had one nonprofit organization that was communityinvolved that everyone could rally around and support, we could do good things in the community. By going through that, Subway owners could give to the extent that they were willing and able to give.”

Pooling resources with other Arizona franchise owners, Subway Kids and Sports assists with a variety of community requests via grants.

Subway Kids and Sports provides sports equipment, uniforms, registration fees and access to major sporting events for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate. Roden says Subway supports kids in sports because the company believes basic sports skills, such as teamwork, commitment and accountability, help kids throughout their

prizes for the most total pounds caught. Fishing begins at 7 a.m. and ends nine hours later, with the rules indicating all catches less than 400 pounds are tagged and released, while those above that figure must be brought back to the harbor and weighed.

The first morning, Wood and three ship hands set sail on the Golden Dragon along the Kona coast in search of prolific waters. The skipper was Will Lazenby, a sagacious expert who has been patrolling the waters for years and knows the fecund areas.

“I met Will years ago, and we became great friends; every year he is at the helm,” Wood notes.

Saturday at 4 p.m. ended without a catch, leaving Sunday as the last opportunity to score a win. Pushing off that morning, the destination was the Keahole fishing grounds and, a bit after 9 a.m., the crew spotted a stunning marlin.

“It was almost like it was meant to be, just waiting there for us,” says Wood.

With five lines out to seize on the opportunity, Wood’s choice of a Joe Yee lure tempted the fish, and the game was on. As with every sport, there are clearly delineated rules that must be adhered to. For competitive fishing, once the catch is hooked, only the fisherman may do the work to bring the prize to the boat. This entailed Wood taking the rod in his hands and maneuvering his way to the “fighting chair.” Once there, he straps himself in, essentially tying himself to the rod, the line and, of course, a 660-pound monster marlin.

lives.

Mesa-based Save the Family Foundation of Arizona received a grant from the organization.

“We used the funds for sports programs for our children,” states Jacki Taylor, CEO of Save the Family.

The foundation works with homeless families to help them achieve lifelong independence.

“We serve over 800 youth a year,” Taylor continues. “We work to get them involved in sports, which helps keep them out of gangs and off drugs.”

The grant from Subway Kids and Sports paid for sports equipment and uniforms. “It’s wonderful when a company like Subway so generously helps the community,” Taylor says.

In addition to grants, Roden hosts Cycle for Success, as Subway is driven by healthy lifestyles and eating healthy.

During the school year, teachers

“That marlin was pretty predictable at first, running away from the boat the full length of the 300 yards of line,” indicates Wood. The marlin thrashed and jumped around trying to loose itself from Wood’s No. 12 hook, with no success.

Recounting the hour-long battle, the visual imagery is a cross between Hemingway’s “Old Man and the Sea” and Robert Shaw’s character Quint in “Jaws.” With the fish diving deep to escape, Wood utilized his years of experience and the strength of a man half his age to slowly draw the marlin closer to the boat.

“We had a great fight in that hour,” says Wood.

With Lazenby positioning the boat, the crew was finally able to assist in pulling the catch into the Golden Dragon at 10:15 a.m.

“It felt great that I was able to do it,” notes Wood.

Back at the dock, the marlin was weighed, tipping the scales at 662.5 pounds, and then the waiting game began as the 44 other competitors raced to beat Wood’s success.

When 4 p.m. came and went, Wood had his first tournament victory and a $28,890 purse to celebrate with his wife and crew.

“After all these years, coming here this year was just great,” says Wood.

Next July, Wood will return to the site of his win and go for a repeat. “I am going after a 1,000-pound catch,” he says with a chuckle.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

nominate at-risk students who are doing good things in the classroom. One child is chosen to receive a new bike, lock and helmet. That child’s class also receives a catered lunch from Subway.

The 15th annual Subway Kids and Sports Golf Tournament and Charity Auction will take place this November. For more information on the organization, visit www. subwaykidsandsports.com.

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

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ event line-up for fall

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities has set its 2014 fall activities schedule, and it’s packed with education, cultural and fundraising events. These events are open to the public, and the club always welcomes new interest in Chandler’s only Sister City—Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the restaurant Murphy’s Law is hosting a dinner fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is benefiting CTSC Student Ambassador Program. The price is $50 and includes a dinner for two, with a choice of appetizer, spinach and artichoke dip or Murphy’s cheese dip; choice of main entree, grilled chicken sandwich, fish and chips, chicken veggie mac and cheese or pepperoni pizza, plus a choice of two beverages, a three-beer paddle, glass of red sangria, chardonnay or unlimited Coca-Cola products. Live entertainment will be provided.

Tickets will be purchased at Murphy’s Law on the night of the event, but leave a registration on the website, www.chandlerirish.org, so the club can estimate how many will be attending.

The successful Pub Quiz is back, and it’s armed with new great subject matter and thought-provoking questions. Coach and Willie’s is the host for the evening, which starts at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Test your knowledge on history,

people, science, politics, entertainment, and of course, Ireland, all in a friendly setting. There will be many rounds, many questions, all for a great cause that is benefitting the student ambassador program. Entry fee is $10, all tax deductible through the nonprofit. Cash and restaurant menu will be available. Bring friends, make new friends, for tables of four. Those who do not have a party of four will be paired with others upon arrival.

The event is open to the public. No cellphones are allowed. Reservations and payment can be made online at www. chandlerirish.org by clicking on Pub Quiz to register. For more information, contact Ellen Harrington at (480) 600-8509 or chan.to.tull@gmail.com. Coach and Willie’s is located on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Boston Street in downtown Chandler.

The fourth annual Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Southwest Tea will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Chandler’s Community Center Ballroom, 125 E. Commonwealth in downtown Chandler. A luncheon provided by Coach and Willie’s with desserts by the creative bakers on the tea committee, all served surrounded by live entertainment and exciting raffle baskets. Proceeds will further the CTSC mission of education, business and cultural exchange. This

event is open to the public, however, reservations are required. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for children 11 and younger before Oct. 1. After Oct. 1, the pricing is $20 for adults and $15 for children 11 and younger. Payments can be made at www. chandlerirish.org. For more information, contact Sharon Anderson at duner@cox. net or (480) 229-4924.

The newest creative education event, Wine and Design Evening, will be held on Monday, Nov. 17. Chandler entrepreneur, artist and singer Laurie Fagen, publisher emeritus of the SanTan Sun News, will lead a make-and-take class at Gangplank in downtown Chandler beginning at 7 p.m. Creations of polymer clay with Celtic designs, newgrange swirls and more, will form ornaments, jewelry and pins, etc. Cheese and fruit, plus wine, water, soft drinks or hot tea will be served. The event will benefit the student ambassador program. For information contact Harrington.

East Valley Food Day is a free event to celebrate healthy, affordable and sustainable food as part of Gangplank’s Health and Local Initiatives.

Individuals looking for a worthy opportunity to use their talent and skills while collaborating to build community and awareness through celebration are invited. Help create an event of real food, live entertainment, learning, art and people celebrating one of the most basic needs as human beings.

A meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, for those who would like to volunteer at Gangplank, 260 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. The event is scheduled for Oct. 24.

For more information, contact Trudi at eastvalleyfoodday@gmail.com.

7th annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest scheduled

Professionally produced by HDE Agency and presented by Bashas’, the seventh annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest is set to invade the streets of downtown Chandler from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.

Celebrated since 1810, Oktoberfest is an annual tradition filled with an abundance of wurstl, craft beer and good times celebrating Bavarian culture. At SanTan Brewing Company, it’s a celebration with Reel Big Fish, 80 Proof, the Bad Cactus Brass Band, a beer pong tournament, bag toss, the buddy carry, wiener dog races, keg stacking, tricycle races and a brateating contest.

The SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest will feature a Bavarian-style beer garden where thirsty patrons can imbibe in SanTan’s Oktoberfest brew— on tap for the first time, in cans too. Oktoberfest is a traditional German lager boasting a toasty, strong malt profile with a clean and crisp lager flavor, ABV 5.5 percent. Also, SanTan’s core beers and a variety of seasonal beers will be available.

The festival will be located in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park across from SanTan Brewing Company at 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Presale admission tickets are $12 at SanTan Brewing Company, or online at www.santanoktoberfest.com. Also starting Sept. 1, presale tickets will be available for $10 at all Valley Bashas’

locations. Day of admission will be $15.

For more details, upcoming entertainment announcements and chances to win tickets, visit www. facebook.com/santanoktoberfest.

A portion of the proceeds from the SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest benefit St. Joseph the Worker, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless, low income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment. For

more information about St. Joseph the Worker, visit www.sjwjobs.org.

SanTan Brewing launches first aluminum growler

On July 24, Arizona craft beer lovers will be legally allowed to purchase and fill growlers made of materials other than glass. So, in true SanTan Brewing Company style, the CanZilla Crowler is born.

“The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild

fought a great battle on our behalf to get the growler laws changed in Arizona,” says Anthony Canecchia, founder and brewmaster of the SanTan Brewing Company.

“To celebrate these exciting times in local craft beer, we are working to continue our promotion of the can as the superior packaging method.”

The 32-ounce Crowler system will allow patrons to take their favorite SanTan beer to go, including small batch seasonal brews that are only available at SanTan Brewing—fresh from the tap, daily. These single-use, recyclable cans are packaged, labeled and sealed right at the pub and are easily transported to any outdoor event or tailgate. Once sealed, each CanZilla Crowler keeps its freshness for up to seven days.

SanTan Brewing Company is the first brewery in Arizona to offer the CanZilla Crowler as an aluminum alternative to the traditional glass growler.

With years of experience helping local buyers and sellers just like yourself, we know how to locate the finest properties and negotiate the best deals. It's our job to know about the latest market conditions, government regulations, and upcoming developments — so that you don't have to.

New Break Time brochure available; fall registration begins

Registration for Chandler residents for the fall sessions begins 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Registration for nonresidents begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8. To browse class offerings, special events and lists of parks and services, go to www.chandleraz. gov/content/Break-Time-brochure.pdf for a downloadable PDF of the fall Break Time brochure.

Registration for classes can be done by mail or in person at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.; Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.; Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., and Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., or online at www. chandleraz.gov/registration.

For more information call (480) 7822727.

Visit the Aquatics Administrative offices at 650 E. Ryan Rd. to register for swimming programs.

Sign up for adult recreational soccer divisions

Recreational soccer divisions, which include eight-player teams for the games, are now offered as a fall adult-sport option. The games consist of 25-minute halves.

At 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, men’s soccer will start and at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12,

co-rec soccer will kick off. Team costs are $574 for residents; $774 for nonresidents.

Prepare children for kindergarten with Building Blocks program

An Introduction to Building Blocks, which helps children prepare for kindergarten, is being offered at the Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 4. Such opportunities as growing and developing, both socially and educationally, are provided through Building Blocks.

Cost is $209 for residents; $283 for nonresidents. Children must be 3 years old by Monday, Aug. 4 and must be potty-trained. No diapers or pull-ups are allowed.

Swim practices for Special Olympics Swim Team

Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, 1400 W. Summit Pl., is offering a Special Olympics Swim Team, free of charge thanks to RAD. The team is not a learn-to-swim program. Participants must be able to enter the water independently and swim 25m of the pool with minimal assistance and must have a Special Olympics physical form filed with the office before attending practices.

Athletes ages 6 to 21 will be a part of

the Blue Team and will practice from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 8. Athletes ages 22 and older will practice from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, through Oct. 6 with the Gold Team.

Contact Collette Prather at (480) 7822709 for more information.

New software system goes live ACTIVENEt, a new reservation and registration software system, will go live for fall classes. A new customer account will be given to all customers for the system upon transition. Additional information about the program can be found in the newest Break Time edition or by visiting www.chandler.gov/ breaktime.

Sign up for mailing list and stay informed

Use “Come Out and Play Chandler” and #FunInChandler when posting on social media when visiting Chandler parks, recreation facilities and aquatic centers.

Sign up for the Chandler Parks and Recreation newsletter at www.chandler. gov/listserv and stay up-to-date with activities. Enter your email address in the Parks and Recreation newsletter opt-in box.

Visit Nicantoni’s for car and bike night

Victor Buono, owner of Nicantoni’s, a customer’s favorite New York-style pizza and pasta hub, just added cars to its menu.

On the fourth Friday of the month, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., hot rods, classics and bike night invade the parking lot at Warner and McQueen roads. Donations of notebooks, binders, pens and pencils and crayons for kids going back to school are appreciated.

Get 10 percent off when customers mention the word of the day, which can be found on its Facebook page. Cutthroat Customs Cars will be in attendance, as well as numerous other cars and bikes. Cutthroat Customs’ mission is to keep the cruise alive. By keeping classic cars on the street, it will inspire the next generation of rodders.

For more information, call (480) 892-2234 or visit www.facebook.com/ nicantonis or www.facebook.com/ pages/cutthroat-customs-classics.

Blood donations still needed throughout summer

need for blood donations is still high in Arizona through the summer. Residents are urged to donate and save a life.

Donate blood for chance to win new Passat S

In appreciation for giving blood this summer, Sunday, June 1, through Sunday, Aug. 31, United Blood Services donors are being automatically entered to win a 2014 Passat S donated by Valley Volkswagen dealers. Ten summer blood donors will be drawn as finalists to participate in the Sept. 19 grand prize drawing.

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

The upcoming blood drives for Chandler are set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Avnet Logistics, 60 S. McKemy Ave.; from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Compass Prep School, 202 N. Arizona Ave.; from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at LDS Mesa Arizona Alma Stake, 2252 W. Mesquite; from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at City of Chandler, 250 E. Chicago St.; and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Spectrum Boulevard, 1445 S. Spectrum Blvd., Suite 100. Donations can also be made at the Chandler Donor Center, 1989 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 32.

American Red Cross issues urgent call for blood and platelet donors

The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage, leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give.

Donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent over the last 11 weeks, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline, and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.

In addition, the Independence Day holiday falling on Friday reduced the number of blood drives scheduled in early July. Many sponsors did not host drives because people took vacations either over the long weekend or for the entire week. In an average summer week, about 4,400 Red Cross blood drives are scheduled, compared to Independence Day week when only 3,450 drives occurred.

“Hospital patients continue to need lifesaving blood this summer, and they’re relying on the generosity of volunteer donors to give them hope in the days and weeks ahead,” says Julia Wulf, CEO for the Red Cross Lewis and Clark and Arizona Blood Services Region. “Please consider giving the gift of life. Each day donations

come up short, less blood is available for patients in need—and you never know when it could be your loved one needing blood.”

Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed at this time. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients.

There is also an urgent need for platelet donations. Platelets, a key clotting component of blood often needed by cancer patients, burn victims and bone marrow recipients, must be transfused within five days of donation, so it’s important to have a steady supply of platelets on hand.

The summer can be among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they take vacations and participate in summer activities. When school is out of session for summer break, donations from those who normally give on campus tend to drop by more than 80 percent.

Every day this summer is a chance to give hope to patients in need and their network of family and friends. Sunday, July 13, marked the halfway point for the Red

Cross campaign “100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope.” Blood and platelet donations are needed and for the rest of the summer. Individuals who donated blood earlier this summer may now be eligible to donate again and help patients.

There are a few upcoming blood donation opportunities in Chandler. Those include from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Harley Davidson, 6895 W. Chandler Blvd; from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at Chandler Gilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd.; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at LDS Chandler West Stake, 1950 W. Galveston.

Neighbors

El Palacio dinner series features Grand Canyon Brewing

El Palacio will feature Grand Canyon Brewing on Thursday, Aug. 14, as the third and final installment of the Southwestern Summer beer dinner series. More details can be found at El Palacio’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/elpalaciochandler.

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina of Chandler, which opened in 2009, offers authentic handmade Mexican cuisine, award-winning flavors and family friendly hospitality. The restaurant has won many awards for its salsa, guacamole and tacos for its robust flavor and quality ingredients.

El Palacio is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and is located at the Crossroads Towne Center, 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Visit www.epfamilyrestaurants. com for a complete menu, catering services and to sign up for special offers. For additional information, call (480) 802-5770.

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest slated for Sept. 13

Save the date for the third annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest at El Palacio of Chandler on Saturday, Sept. 13. Presented by Corona, doors open at 4 p.m. and highlights include a salsa competition, live entertainment, a street taco station, a margarita hut, a sand bar, beach games, sun, sand, surf and a chance to win a trip to Ensenada.

Each $5 admission ticket automatically receives one raffle ticket for the Ensenada

from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13,

Birthing workshop hosted by Inner Vision Yoga

A workshop for women interested in a natural approach to their labor and birth experience will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Inner Vision Yoga’s Chandler studio.

trip and additional tickets will be available for $5 each or two for $8 the day of the event.

“Our theme this year is Find Your Beach!” says Anthony Serrano, owner and head chef at El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina of Chandler.

“We’re going to create a beach-like paradise right here in the desert complete with sand, sun and surf. We’ve added more delicious Baja-style eats and tequila tasting. We want everyone to come on out and enjoy a day at the beach—chill out under the cabanas, play games, sip on margaritas and relax.”

The Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will be held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at

El Palacio, 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Admission is $5; free for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available at El Palacio, online at www.rockintacoaz.com or at the door on the day of the event.

A percentage of the proceeds from El Palacio’s Mexican Independence Day Fiesta will benefit Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the awareness and education of Mexican culture through folkloric dance. Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ is located at the northeast corner of Elliot and Dobson roads, 3016 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 16, in Chandler. For more information, visit www. quetzalli-az.com, or www.facebook.com/ quetzalliAZ.

Sally Appleby, a master level teacher, an ERYT 500 and specialist registered prenatal yoga teacher and a certified nursing assistant, will teach the class. Appleby, a member of the International Childbirth Educators Association, is influenced by the principals of Lamaze. Such comfort measures as relaxation, breathing, massage, vocalization, mediation/mantras, visualization, hydrotherapy and optimal positions for all stages of birth will be taught to participants. Support people and doulas will learn about key responsibilities for labor. Advanced registration is $45 per couple and $55 at the door. The workshop will be held at Inner Vision’s Chandler studio, 1949 W. Ray Rd. To register or to get more information, call (480) 632-7899 or visit www.InnerVisionYoga.com.

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

“BILTMORE BUYS OR LOANS ON ANYTHING YOU OWN”

347 Grill

Ak-Chin

16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa (520) 233-2426

www.ultrastarakchin.com

Here’s the deal: Sunday Brunch 6 and younger eat free with paid adult. On Tuesdays, all kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879

www.appledumplingcafe.com

Here’s the deal: Mondays are Family Value night, where kids eat free with each adult meal and two drinks purchased. On Family Fun night, kids receive free ice cream with a meal. After-school coolness is from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, where kids buy one ice cream and get one free

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008

www.chompies.com

Here’s the deal: All day Tuesday, children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with adult meal purchase of $8 or more. Dine in only.

Connect5 Family Centers Corp.

222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler (480) 699-2122

1495 S. Higley Rd., Gilbert

(480) 361-8410

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Here’s the deal: Mondays and Fridays, free kids’ meals with an adult purchase for Munchie Monday Free Lunch and Freebie Friday Free Dinner.

Copper Still - Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 242-1258

www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill. com

Here’s the deal: Every Tuesday, kids ages 10 and younger eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0644

www.dillysdeli.com

Here’s the deal: On weekends, get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased for $4.79 or more.

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770

www.epchandler.com

Here’s the deal: Wednesday, kids 12 and younger eat free with paid adult.

Fat Willy’s

4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356

www.fatwillysaz.com/Chandler

Here’s the deal: From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, dine in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Little Leaguers menu

only, 12 and younger.

Nabers Music Bar and Eats

825 N. 54th St., Chandler (480) 705-0288

www.nabersaz.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free every Monday and Tuesday, with the purchase of an adult meal and two beverages.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler (480) 722-0898

www.aznypdpizza.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat for free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler (480) 857-2860

www.pittsburghwillys.com

Here’s the deal: Every day except Sunday breakfast, kids younger than 10 eat free with each paying adult. Additional kids eat for 50 percent off; Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503

www.planetsub.com

Here’s the deal: Monday, kids eat free with paid adult.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965

www.sidelinesaz.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free from

kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with adult entree. Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offers or specials.

Someburros!

3461 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 2597 S. Market St., Gilbert 1335 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert www.someburros.com

Here’s the deal: Every Tuesday night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of combo or specialty meal. Dine-in only.

The Cove Grill

5070 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 400, Chandler (480) 802-9070

www.thecovegrill.com

Here’s the deal: Tuesday, kids younger than 12 receive one free meal per adult entrée purchased.

The Sushi Room

2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (480) 821-9000 www.sushiroomaz.com

Here’s the deal: Sunday Funday means kids 12 and younger eat free, two kids per paying adult.

Uncle Bear’s Grill and Bar

1980 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 722-1555 www.unclebearsgrillandbar.com

Here’s the deal: Wednesday, kids eat free with each full price entrée purchased.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd. Chandler (480) 895-ROSE (7673) www.whiskeyrosesaloon.com

Here’s the deal: Kids eat free every Tuesday and Sunday with purchase of an adult entree.

WHERE KIDS

EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section.

Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc., Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details. Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

Makutu’s Island reopens for fun, adventure

Chandler’s own Makutu’s Island reopened to the delight of children and parents. Under new ownership, the unique play-place is offering fun adventures for kids to explore, including the Banana Tree, puppet shows, entertainment and visits from Makutu. STSN Photos by Tim Sealy