9 20 2014 stsn p41 50 neighbors

Neighbors

Dentist collecting hats for pediatric cancer patients

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

A dental practice in Chandler and Gilbert is collecting new hats to donate to Valley facilities that treat children with cancer, so the youngsters have something to wear when they lose their hair during treatments.

Pediatric Dental Specialists dental hygienist Tina Larcey says she was seeking a community service opportunity when she stumbled upon a nonprofit organization called Hats Off for Cancer.

“This is the first time that we have done this,” says Larcey, who is also a member of Pediatric Dental Specialists’ marketing community. “Hopefully, we will make it an annual thing.”

Because September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Monday, Oct. 6, is Mad Hatter Day, the practice decided to hold a drive from Monday, Sept. 8, to Monday, Oct. 6, for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Larcey says her practice sees cancer-stricken children, so it made sense to partner with the organization.

“We love to do things that make kids feel good. It’s right up our alley,” she says.

New, unworn children’s hats that are kid-friendly will be accepted. Hats such as baseball caps, beanies and sock hats can be dropped off at the Gilbert location, 2550 E. Guadalupe Rd., Suite 101, or at the Chandler location, 2955 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 4.

The offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays at the Chandler location, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays in Gilbert.

Larcey says each hat will be bagged with a tag, so donors can leave their name on their gift.

The goal is to collect 50 hats at each location. She says her hope is to collect enough hats to donate to more facilities in the Valley.

Family

BY TRACY HOUSE

El Palacio classes cook up fun

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Cooking classes are always informative, fun and a great way to meet new friends. At El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina, monthly cooking classes are free and students learn how to create a variety of tasty, classic Southwestern dishes, appetizers and cocktails.

Chef Anthony Serrano is the owner of the 5-year-old family-owned and -operated Chandler restaurant. Serrano enjoys sharing recipes and cooking tips through classes that focus on one or two specific items.

“We started doing classes almost two years ago,” says Serrano.

“I love sharing my knowledge about food, and we’ve won a lot of awards at food festivals in town, like the Arizona Taco Festival and My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge. We had a

Greek festival celebrates country’s culture

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

For more than 30 years, St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church has invited the Valley to partake in every aspect of its home country’s culture during A Taste of Greece.

This year is no different. The church, at 2716 N. Dobson Rd., will host more than 8,000 people from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. The celebration includes entertainment, traditional Greek cuisine and drinks, a kids’ zone with bounce houses and a marketplace with crafts and goods.

grateful for fire department’s donation

While shopping at a supermarket, Edward Castanon came upon a team from Chandler Fire, Medical and Health Department raising funds for a charitable organization.

When he told them he would donate if they reciprocated, he never expected the return to be so great.

In 2007, his 9-year-old daughter, Savanah, was diagnosed with multiple hereditary exotosis, a disorder in which bone mass builds up at the end of the bones. She was in need of an operation, and her father was having a fundraiser to bring in the money to help with medical and transportation costs. Savanah has had surgeries on her hands, ankles and

right knee to shave off the bone masses.

“It’s ongoing for the rest of her life,” he says. “Usually, it stops when she stops growing. It doesn’t only affect your stature, but it also affects your nervous system. They believe it can give off autistic-type syndrome.” Savanah is in a wheelchair part of the time because she gets so tired.

Savanah and her siblings, Josiah, 6, and Mikayla, 7, attend Lauren’s Institute for Education. Savanah has been diagnosed with autism, and her brother and sister have special needs as well. The children do not have the same diagnosis, a rare occurrence in families with more than one special-needs child.

In January, Savanah and her mother,

lot of people start asking us how we made our salsas and some of our other award-winning things. And so we started holding classes.”

“It’s a big undertaking,” says Sam Kladis, A Taste of Greece committee member and church volunteer.

This year, the festival is featuring free parking and a complimentary shuttle bus at

Kristina, will be heading to Florida for a hip surgery to remove the extra cartilage that is causing her discomfort. The initial consultation with her physician, Dr. Dror Paley, happened with the help of the fire department.

Castanon says he was able to secure a round-trip flight with Miracle Flights, but there were still costs for the doctor visit, which was $1,050, and other expenses.

“I decided to do a car wash,” he says.

After speaking with the fire department, he says they offered to bring a fire truck to the car wash and donate money for the trip.

“I was blown away because I didn’t ask for that,” says Castanon.

He says the firemen washed cars and

asked questions about his daughter. “They were just awesome,” Castanon

The Hungry Monk stands out among sports pubs

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

A beer-centric sports pub, The Hungry Monk is the eatery that every sports bar wishes it could be. The bar, so to speak, is set pretty high with food and beer, but the owner and staff drive it home to make The Hungry Monk a home-run experience.

I stopped in for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon and was promptly greeted by Jim Lolli, who has owned The Hungry Monk since 2008. Each week The Hungry Monk features rotating specials that include a drink, appetizer, entrée, salad and dessert. In offering a variety of specials each week, chef Matthew Ehnis keeps the menu fresh and interesting.

I started with wings, one of the things for which The Hungry Monk is known. The “crazy” wings ($5 for five boneless or bone-in wings) are a tangy blend of barbecue sauce and garlic that are simply mouth watering. I need to take a little detour here and remark that all chicken used at the restaurant is fresh, not frozen. Ranch and bleu cheese dressings are made in-house and easily rival those found in upscale restaurants. Soups and desserts are all homemade, and The Hungry Monk smokes all its own meat. Don’t miss the outstanding peach cobbler ($7) that pops up on the menu as a special item and is made with fresh sweet peaches and caramelized topping.

The ale-battered onion rings ($5.50) and breaded jalapeno slices ($5) are two must-try appetizers. Burgers range

from the gyro burger ($10) and classic patty melt ($9), to a signature bourbon barbecue burger ($9.50) and Swiss mushroom burger ($9). There is something on the burger menu to please every palate.

The signature Hungry Monk Trippel ($10) is a large enough entrée to share and includes a sandwich piled high with smoked pulled pork, smoked bacon and grilled tavern ham served on thick-cut Texas toast and served with tangy Freddy G’s barbecue sauce. It came with my choice of side—sweet potato fries. I like my sweet potato fries a little less fried

and a bit soft, and The Hungry Monk delivered the fries just the way I like them.

Unlike many sport bars or pubs, The Hungry Monk has a tasty selection of unique quesadillas, gyros, pitas and wraps. I had the Greek quesadilla as a lunch special ($6.99) which consisted of half of a tasty gyro-meat quesadilla and tzatziki sauce with a side (I chose coleslaw) and a drink. The quesadilla was was crispy and soft, and the inclusion of gyro meat was a nice departure from the usual. The Hungry Monk earns bonus points for exceptional value.

As a champion of local and craft brews, The Hungry Monk boasts a large selection of everything from Devil’s Ale (SanTan Brewing Company) and Kiltlifter (Four Peaks Brewing Company) to Nitro Milk Stout (Left Hand Brewing Company) and Smooth Rebel (Sonoran Brewing Company). Happy hour is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and features food special items, too.

The Hungry Monk is located at 1760 W. Chandler Blvd. at Dobson Road. Call (480) 963-8000 or visit www.hungrymonkaz. com for additional information and a special events listing, including sports.

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

Mark-Taylor boosts game-day antics with scavenger hunt

Luxury apartment company MarkTaylor is throwing its support behind hometown college football teams by giving fans a chance to win a MarkTaylor Fan Can, a giant cooler loaded with team gear, tickets and $200 rent credit for any Mark-Taylor community. The promotion will last through the entire season with Fan Cans located in discreet locations during the weeks leading up to home football games throughout greater Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas.

“Our communities are home to many passionate fans, and with Mark-Taylor’s expansion into Tucson and Las Vegas, the time was right for a fun, interactive and season-long promotion that

hopefully sees one of these great teams in a national championship,” says MarkTaylor Vice President of Marketing Kim Atkinson.

The giant can-looking coolers are each customized with Arizona State University, University of Arizona or University of Nevada-Las Vegas team colors and logos. The cans are loaded

with favorite fan merchandise, including limited-edition apparel, accessories, autographed memorabilia, game tickets and more, with an estimated value of $500 each, not including the rent credit.

The Fan Can hunt began with hints posted on the Mark-Taylor TV Facebook and Twitter channels the week of

Monday, Sept. 8. Fan Cans will be hidden in cities where the universities are located, other than the University of Arizona, which will have cans positioned in both Tucson and greater Phoenix because of the large number of passionate Wildcat fans in both markets.

Mark-Taylor is partnering with each of the athletic departments at the universities on the promotions. As part of the promotion, winning participants will be posted on team social media channels, as well as Mark-Taylor social media pages.

The contest is open to anyone. For more information, visit www.MarkTaylor.com/FanCan.

During the Sept. 21 class, Serrano will show students how to make chile relleno.

“The majority of the items we prepare are things we serve at the restaurant,” Serrano states. Depending on the items being prepared, classes may be taught in the restaurant, bar, on the patio or in the El Palacio kitchen.

“People want to know how to make tamales for the holidays, too,” says Serrano.

He’ll do that on Nov. 16, when students can create two different kinds of tamales. “We’ll do an entrée tamale and a dessert tamale,” says Serrano. “For the dessert tamales, we flavor the masa with pineapple juice and then we put dried fruit in it. We can also make a chocolate tamale as well.”

Chandler resident Kathy Whitehead has attended many of Serrano’s cooking classes, diligently taking notes each time and sharing them with her classmates.

“Anthony shares his recipes and cooking tips with us in a manner that we can all understand—a little of this, a little of that and a dash of humor,” Whitehead explains.

“He makes us feel like we’re whipping up a special treat with the help of an old friend—always giving us explanations of the ingredients and options for us to try.”

Whitehead says that she and her sister also bring along a friend from Pennsylvania when she comes to town for the winter season.

Remaining classes include chile relleno, Sept. 21; turkey pipian taco

featuring pumpkin seed sauce, Oct. 19; tamales Nov. 16; and taquitos and margaritas, Dec. 14. All classes begin at 5 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the items being prepared. Space for each class is limited. To make reservations, visit www. epfamilyrestaurants.com/cooking-class. html.

El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina is

located at 2950 E. Germann Rd., with additional locations in Bullhead City, Kingman, Laughlin, Lake Havasu and Mohave Valley. Call (480) 802-5770 for additional information.

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

In addition to hosting the hat drive, Larcey says the office staff made props and hats. They also offer a photo booth for their patients.

“It is symbolic of the drive we are doing,” she says of the wall of smiles.

For more information about the drive, contact Pediatric Dental Specialists at (480) 839-0777.

In 1996, the organization began after Tara Lawrence Bracher started collecting hat donations. It has collected nearly 2 million brand new hats for hospitals, camps and individuals worldwide. For more information, visit http:// hatsoffforcancer.org.

DC Steakhouse offers specials

DC Steakhouse is offering a new happy hour Sunday through Thursday in the bar or on the patio, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The new 18-for-6 happy hour provides diners with the opportunity to enjoy a combination of drinks and food selections for $6.

The steakhouse is also offering Friday Fish Fry, featuring walleye or perch. On Saturday, a tender cut with generous marbling of prime rib, 12 oz. or 16 oz., is slow roasted all night.

For more information call (480) 8994400 or visit www.dc-steakhouse.com.

DC Steakhouse is located at 98 S. San Marcos, Chandler.

Taste will grace downtown Ocotillo this October

Chandler’s Culinary Festival, Taste, professionally produced by HDE Agency, is set for downtown Ocotillo, 2855 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, on Saturday, Oct. 25. Delectable culinary delights from more than 30 East Valley restaurants will be featured in the festival from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Last year, we relocated to a new venue in Downtown Ocotillo, and it was a huge success,” event coordinator Landon Evans says. “Every year, this event gets even better. We are looking forward to returning for another year at this beautiful waterfront location.”

Presale admission tickets are $65 and $80 day of the festival. Presale couple tickets are $130.

Admission to Taste includes unlimited food tasting, while supplies last, 12 drink tickets and live entertainment. Presale couples admission also includes a gift bag with a bottle of wine, two souvenir glasses and other gifts from local restaurants, one per couple.

Taste is also a competition for the restaurants. Each year, event patrons cast their votes for their favorite participants in nine categories.

In 2013, the overall, Hands-Down “Best of Taste” winner was The Keg, who also won in the “Steakhouse” category. It was the second year in a row that The Keg won the overall award, and it was the third year in a row to have won

in its respective category. Other 2013 winners included: Bourbon Jacks Bar and Grill for American; Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion for Asian inspired; Porkopolis for barbecue; GiGi’s Cupcakes for booth decor; Nothing Bundt Cakes for desserts; H and H City Pizza for Italian; El Palacio of Chandler for Mexican; and D’vine Wine Bar for wine bar. Restaurants interested in participating can contact Evans at landon@hdeagency.com. Restaurants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and space is limited.

Dobson High School. Off-site parking leaves more room for festival guests to enjoy the activities and food.

One of the huge draws of A Taste of Greece is the food. Greek specialties are cooked up by church members and include full chicken and lamb shank dinners, pastitso, moussaka, spanakopita, dolmathes, pork souvlaki gyros and a large assortment of specialty Greek pastries. There is indoor and outdoor dining and a large outdoor sportsthemed bar and

“The centerpiece of the festival truly is the food and the entertainment,” Kladis notes. “Most of the groups on the schedule are dancing groups. We have dance groups at the church that range from children as young as 3 years old to our adults. As they get older, they compete in larger national competition. We also have a live band called Grecian Express that performs through the entire weekend.”

Festival chairman Vange Archuleta has been involved in A Taste of Greece since its inception.

“People love the food and love the entertainment, and they really enjoy watching the costumed children dance,” Archuleta explains. “We will also offer church tours during the festival, talk about the Greek Orthodox religion. And we have a fabulous bookstore with religious items and books.”

The agora marketplace will feature a large selection of vendors. Event attendees can peruse arts and crafts,

Neighbors

Greek imports, jewelry, CDs, books and other merchandise.

“Some of our vendors are so loyal to St. Katherine and return year after year,” Archuleta notes.

Admission to the event is $3; free for kids 12 and younger. Food is available at an additional cost. For two free event admission tickets and a full schedule of events, visit www.atasteofgreeceaz.com.

All proceeds from the event benefit St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church and related philanthropic activities and community charities.

“We work with a lot of families directly—both parishioners of the church and families in the community. We also work with a lot of other outreach programs such as Cardon Children’s Medical Center,” Kladis says.

Other charities that benefit include Chandler Christian Community Center, Whole Life Foundation, Phoenix Rescue Mission and Dress for Success.

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

says. “They took the time out to not only show up, but to wash the cars.”

In addition to helping with the car wash, the fire department gave Castanon $500 toward expenses.

“They were like, ‘We’re going to see everything we can do for you,’” he recalls.

Once the truck appeared at the car wash, people started flooding in.

“The people would stop by the truck and ask, ‘Hey, what happened?’ It was huge.”

Jeff West of Chandler Firefighters Charities says his organization likes to help the public, but it’s hard to relay that to the public.

“Once we get the information, we have funds available 24/7,” West says.

Money is used for fire-related incidents or just helping someone whose car has broken down on the side of the road.

A former U.S. Marine, Castanon and his family moved to Chandler in 2012. He’s grateful for the selflessness of the fire department to help his family get Savanah to Florida.

The Castanons are not covered by insurance, but they are applying for it in November. The procedure for Savanah is not covered, however. He says they’ll probably plan another car wash in the next few months.

Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

‘Heroic’ move means success for Chandler brothers

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER

Brothers Aaron and Rudi Sinykin have a unique perspective on the food business. They’ve succeeded as part of a national food franchise, but have changed their course and created Kettle Heroes.

Aaron, 37, of Chandler, and Rudi, 34, of Gilbert, started the company a little more than year ago and have already found success.

The CEO of Bashas’, Edward “Trey” Basha III, after tasting their kettle corn by chance, helped put their product on the shelves of his stores. Kettle Heroes was also selected by the Arizona Cardinals this season to be one of the featured local food trucks at the Arizona Cardinals Flight Deck on the north plaza of University of Phoenix Stadium.

As the brothers’ homegrown brand finds a foothold, the community benefits, too. Kettle Heroes donates 20 percent of its profits to the Pat Tillman Foundation.

Rudi Sinykin says they chose the Pat Tillman Foundation because Aaron attended ASU while Tillman played for the Sun Devils.

“The Pat Tillman Foundation has been really important to us because (Tillman) has been a continuing inspiration for us,” he says.

The brothers love supporting local, but they started out national. In 2009, Aaron Sinykin was one of the youngest Subway franchisees in the state when he was named one of the “Top 35 Entrepreneurs Under 35” by The Arizona Republic. Aaron grew his company to 12 Subway restaurants with the help of Rudi and business partner John Greer. The Sinykins’ Chandler locations included Subways at Pecos and McQueen roads and Ray and Cooper roads.

But after years of operating successful Subway franchises, the business group decided to take a different path.

“It was time to take the entrepreneur’s leap and try something on our own and prove a concept from the ground up while

LOCAL SUPPORT: Rudi Sinykin and son, Hillel, of Gilbert sell locally owned Kettle Heroes popcorn at the Gilbert Farmers Market. Submitted photo

we were still young,” Rudi says.

They sold their Subway restaurants and, in the spring of 2013, began creating a business. They ran a design contest and selected a logo from 99 submissions. Rudi says they chose the superheroes theme because they wanted the brand to be built on supporting the local economy and giving back to the community.

Last year, Rudi and Greer created the kettle corn flavors and experimented with the popping process and flavors to create six recipes. They decided to make their kettle corn all natural, kosher, and GMO- and gluten-free. Some of the flavors are creative, ranging from original to cayenne lime and “movie theater.” Rudi says the process of developing each recipe was a learning

Chandler-Tullamore

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ pub quiz has returned, and organizers are armed with new subject matter and thought-provoking questions—and a new twist on scoring. The pub quiz is played at Coach and Willie’s at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Test your knowledge on history, people, science, politics, entertainment and, of course, Ireland. The games benefit the ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities’ Student Ambassador

process, but they eventually created a kettle corn that is light and flavorful at the same time. Lots of research when into finding their style, he says.

“If you see my office, I have any and every type of popcorn imaginable—just bag after bag,” he says. “I’ve tried everything. I call it my war room. I look at everything everyone else is doing.”

Kettle Heroes is creative about distribution, too. In addition to selling in retail stores like Bashas’, the company sells at farmers’ markets, operates a fleet of food trucks and sells direct from its website, www.kettleheroes.com. Its food trucks can be booked for events, and it will even make customized bags of kettle corn with unique labels.

Rudi, who considers himself a “foodie,” says he is proud to be a part of the Valley food-truck scene, which includes many passionate chefs. But besides contributing to Arizona’s local food culture, the brothers’ inside knowledge of business and the food industry make them eager to boost the economic effects of eating local.

“Part of the thing with being a local company (is) more of the tax dollars and the money that you’re spending on purchasing supplies will go back and recycle into the local community versus a franchise system,” Rudi says.

“At Subway, we did buy a lot of stuff through our main distributors here locally, but all the royalties that we paid were going to support corporate headquarters in another state.”

Rudi says patrons don’t have to sacrifice to snack local. He suggests that prospective customers try Kettle Heroes.

“I think you’ll be happily surprised,” he says.

Where to Find Kettle Heroes

• Bashas’ Markets, Chandler, Mesa and Tempe

• A.J.’s Fine Foods, Mesa

• Gilbert Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays

• In front of Walmart at 35th and Southern Avenues, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays

• In front of Walmart at Priest Drive and Elliot Road, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays

• Arizona Cardinals Flight Deck, North Plaza University of Phoenix Stadium, opens 10:45 a.m. on game days.

Scott Shumaker is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Sister Cities back with its pub quiz

Program. Entry fee is $10, all tax deductible through the nonprofit. Cash bar and restaurant menu available. This event is open to the public; no cellphones allowed. Registration and payment can be made online at www. chandlerirish.org. For further information, contact Ellen Harrington at (480) 600-8509 or chan.to.tull@gmail.com. Also upcoming is the fourth annual

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Southwest Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Chandler’s Community Center ballroom, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., downtown Chandler. Lunch will be provided by Coach and Willie’s, with desserts by the tea committee. There will be entertainment and raffle baskets. Proceeds will further the sister cities’ mission of education, business and cultural exchanges.

Open to the public, this event requires reservations. Southwest Tea tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 11 and younger before Oct. 1. Afterward, it will cost $20 for adults and $15 children 11 and younger. Payment must be made on the organization’s website, www.chandlerirish. org. For more information, contact Sharon Anderson at duner@cox.net or (480) 2294924.

Neighbors

New swim hours in effect for aquatic centers

Take advantage of the new swim hours that are in effect for the Chandler Aquatic Centers now that school is in session.

Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays through Sept. 28, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday from Sept. 29, through Oct. 4. Mesquite G roves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Oct. 21. Nozomi Aquatic Center, 250 S. Kyrene Rd., is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 21.

Discount offered

The City of Chandler Community Service Department is getting ready to implement a new registration and software system that will enhance the online experience. The City would like to invite individuals to test the new system from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Individuals can visit online or stop by select recreation centers to create a test account, enroll in test activities, reserve test facilities and renew or purchase memberships. All participants who help test will receive a 15 percent discount off their first transactions completed in the live system Saturday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, April, 4.

Fall semiprivate sessions offered at Mesquite

The fall semiprivate session will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Mesquite G roves from Sept. 23, through Oct. 9.

Kid swim lessons

Parents may visit any pools during public swim hours to have their child tested for the level of class they should be enrolled in for the fall courses.

The ages listed on the course description are basic guidelines to help place a child, except seahorse, otters and surfer classes. A child may be more or less advanced than the suggested ages. A general rule of thumb is that children will remain in the same level for at least two sessions. The descriptions on the class list are available to assist in educating customers on the variety of classes the aquatics program has the capability of offering. Some classes may not be offered during each session or at each location.

Adult swim lessons

The City of Chandler offers several different class types that are designed around the swimmers’ needs. Imp rove stroke technique or endurance, or learn how to swim. Course listings are offered in the Break Time brochure.

Lap swimming at Hamilton and Mesquite centers

Lap swimming continues year round from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, at Hamilton Aquatic Center, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mesquite G roves Aquatic Center. Admission is $2 per visit, regardless of age. Be sure to purchase a punch pass to save 5 to 30 percent each visit or an annual pass for only $200, valid at both locations.

Pumpkin Dunk

Pumpkin Dunk will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Mesquite G roves Aquatic Center. Cost is $1 for children, $2.25 for adults and $1.25 for seniors. Join the lifeguard staff as they transform the pool into a floating pumpkin patch. Come take a swim and join in the fun of getting a jack-o-lantern. Show off your Halloween costumes, play in-water and on-deck games and decorate a pumpkin. This event is held during public swim hours.

Mesquite G roves offers $1 Family Swim

One dollar Family Swim is offered at Mesquite G roves during the post season from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

Total Fitness Solutions to host first Community Health Fair

Total Fitness Solutions LLC is hosting a free community health fair at the studio, 9655 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 145, Sun Lakes, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. The fair will include massages, foot detoxifications, blood pressure, weight and body fat checks and fitness assessments.

This is an informational event to raise health awareness for the community. There are many advantages of living a healthy lifestyle, and the focus is to raise the awareness level of people and how easily they can incorporate ideas into their daily lives.

For more information, call (480) 2259730, email davidbush@totalfitsolutions. net or visit www.totalfitsolutions.net.

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 religious-related 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

Breast Cancer Support Group

2 p.m.-4 p.m. second Monday of each month Free, no preregistration required Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

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

Caregiver Support GroupChandler

10 a.m.-12 p.m., third Saturday of each moth Support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Free, no preregistration required. Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

Caregivers Support Group-Mesa

6 p.m.-8 p.m., first Thursday of each month Support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Free, no preregistration required.

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

6111 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa Info: Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga Class-Chandler

10 a.m.-11 a.m. every Wednesday Free, no preregistration required Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info; Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga Class- Gilbert 10 a.m.-11 a.m. every Thursday

beginning Oct. 2

Free, no preregistration required

Ironwood Caner & Research Centers

3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert Info: ; Kelly, (480) 340-4013, www. ironwoodcrc.com

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 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

Chandler Lions Club

6:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of the month

Area residents are invited to come join like-minded volunteers and make new friends.

Atria Chandler Villas, Community Room

101 S. Yucca St., Chandler Info: RuthJon Wick, (480) 895-3569, az1ruthjon@q.com

Chandler Rotary Club

12 p.m. Tuesdays Dynamic, service-oriented group meeting for fellowship, lunch and informative programs on topics of global and local importance. Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort

One N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler Info: Kevin Dempsey, (480) 2162849, www.chandler-rotary.org

Chandler Young Professionals: Kiwanis

6 p.m.-8 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays of the month

For busy professionals who volunteer to primarily help the children of the world.

Iguana Mack’s 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Jeremy McClymonds, (480) 241-7256, Jeremy@formprosperity. com, facebook.com/KiwanisCYP

Childfree Friends

First Thursday and third Saturday of the month

Times and locations vary Fun social club giving couples and singles without children an opportunity to meet one another and participate in a variety of activities. Info: www.childfree.meetup. com/274

Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter: Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays

Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Crackers and Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

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.

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

Neighbors

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.

El Palacio’s Rockin’ Taco Street Fest

El Palacio brought back its Rockin’ Taco Street Fest, which featured a taco-eating contest, a salsa competition, entertainment, a street-taco station, a margarita hunt, Corona’s sand bar, beach games and a chance to win a vacation getaway. It wa held at El Palacio in the Crossroads Shopping Center, 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. For information about next year’s event, visit www.rockintacoaz.com.

STSN photos by Tim Sealy

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