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Neighbors

Wok Box offers healthy, fastcasual dining

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Wok Box, which just opened at Gilbert and Germann roads, is one of the few fastcasual concept restaurants that offers the many tastes of Asia in one stop.

There’s a little bit of everything on the clever menu—Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Vietnamese and Korean entrees—and each dish is fresh.

“We cut up our vegetables daily,” says John Stevenson, Wok Box area developer. “Our chicken and steak are grilled every day, and everything is prepared fresh.”

All main entrees are offered with a choice of chicken or tofu, marinated steak or shrimp or vegetables and are served with a choice of chow mein, Shanghai, ribbon or udon noodles. White, brown, jasmine or basmati rice can be substituted for free. Wok Box signature sauces don’t contain MSG or preservatives and are

Chandler photographer wins prestigious awards

of America scenic category for “Raven’s Nest on Schoodic Peninsula.” Photo courtesy of Colleen Miniuk-Sperry

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Colleen Miniuk-Sperry was a software engineer for 10 years at Intel when the stress of the job became overwhelming. To relax, her mom suggested she take an introduction-to-photography class.

“I showed up without a camera and without a clue,” she says about the September 2001 move.

The atmosphere was supportive and encouraging and led to a February 2007 career change.

“I found a lot of comfort in being able to communicate, not verbally, but

visually,” Miniuk-Sperry explains. “It opened my eyes to a whole different way of seeing, by putting a camera in front of my eyes.”

It opened the eyes of judges at the Outdoor Writers Association of America Excellence in Craft Contests as well. She received first place in the flora category for “Summer’s Gift, Avalanche Lilies, Glacier National Park;” first place in the scenic category of the photography contest for “Raven’s Nest on Schoodic Peninsula, Acadia National Park” and

SEE PHOTOGRAPHER PAGE 50

Benefit to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries

BY TRACY HOUSE

Since suffering a spinal cord injury on Nov. 21, 2005, Joe Jackson has lived by the motto “I can.”

Only three weeks after his injury during an intrasquad scrimmage at Hamilton High School, he began intensive physical therapy. Four months later, he returned to Hamilton to finish out the fourth quarter of the school year.

The 2007 graduate now works with

Workshop to help first-time homebuyers in Chandler

BY MATT LEWIS

Barbara Dowling never thought she would be a homeowner. But thanks to the Tempe-based Newtown Community Development Corp., she is.

“The process is really good,” says Dowling, who lives near 68th Street and McDowell Road in Scottsdale. “I remember the day I came over here and said, ‘This is mine. This is mine.’” She even uses the word “serendipitous” to describe the process and the notion of living in her home.

Now, the organization is coming to Chandler to host a workshop from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,

Sept. 30, at the Chandler Police Department’s community room at 250 E. Chicago St.

The City has partnered with the Newtown Community Development Corp., a nonprofit that has pledged to help up to 17 families purchase foreclosed homes totaling $1.4 million. The monies come from the federal government and are part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund.

Potential buyers cannot have owned a home within the past three years and must meet certain income criteria. To qualify, a family of four can only have a maximum income of $79,080.

The homes being purchased must be owner-occupied, not rented out and, if sold by the homebuyer, the homebuyer must share any accrued equity with the Newtown Community Land Trust.

Visit www.chandleraz.gov/content/ CommDev_NSP3_TargetArea.pdf for a map of the target areas.

Dowling is one of 18 members of Newtown’s board of directors, having joined not long after purchasing her home.

Jim Phipps, a Chandler public information officer, says the City has supported a handful of workshops like this. According to him, about 45

homes in Chandler are part of the CLT program.

Phipps says the CLT program can change someone’s life because it allows someone to purchase a home who normally wouldn’t be able to afford one.

Registrants can register on the Eventbrite website. Registration will remain open until the day before the event. As of Tuesday, July 29, there were 40 spots still available. The registration link is www.eventbrite. com/e/community-land-trustorientation-chandler-9914-tickets8096792725?aff=es2&rank=10

third place in the outdoor fun and adventure category of the blog contest for “The Constancy of Change: Seeing with Fresh Eyes.”

“To be recognized by OWAA is quite a thrill and quite an honor,” she says.

New career

Miniuk-Sperry has been selling her work since 2003. She started by showcasing her photographs at art shows around the Valley. That snowballed into work as a writer as well.

“I had enough work by 2007 and walked out of Intel,” she says. “Intel is a great company. It’s awesome. They treat their employees very well. It wasn’t my path. I think everybody needs to find their way.”

Through her magazine articles and books, she hopes to encourage people to “get outside and have a safe and fun experience.”

Miniuk-Sperry, who leads photography workshops through Arizona Highways magazine, enjoys the water and geology, which has taken her to northern Arizona, Oregon and Maine. Her first published book, which was written with Paul Gill, is called “Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona’s Wildflowers, A Guide to When, Where and How.” Released in March 2012, the book boasts 200 photographs.

Her second book stemmed from a creative jolt she felt she needed in late 2008. It’s called “Photographing Acadia National Park: The Essential Guide to

When, Where and How,” which was published in February. The book contains more than 180 photographs. To view her photographs, visit www. cms-photo.com, or for her blog, visit www.youcansleepwhenyouredead.com.

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

HOMEBUYERS FROM PAGE 49

The program includes multiple discussion points: Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which allows people to get a forgivable loan of up to $15,000; the CLT program, to help determine if a CLT is a good fit for first-time buyers; sources for down payment assistance and other resources; Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) opportunities; credit issues, what to expect from lenders; how lenders decide loan amounts; and how to calculate a homebuyer’s buying power; and how Newtown housing counselors can help.

Also offered is an online course for first-time homebuyers, which takes about eight hours to complete. Most lending firms require firsttime homebuyers to be quizzed and complete the course on buying a home.

“It’s a little bit different than what we’ve done in the past,” says Allen Carlson, Newtown executive director.

“(This will be) geared toward people buying a home (for the first-time)” Carlson said.

Dowling makes a clear distinction between a house and her home, saying she takes pride in her home and especially enjoys her backyard, which she affectionately refers to as her “oasis.”

According to Dowling, there’s a program offered by Newtown that can triple first-time homebuyers dollars as long as they complete an eight-hour

online workshop.

The partnership with US Bank, which has a shelf mortgage loan or fixed-rate APR, is what helps Newtown be so successful in all its programs, Dowling explains.

She says the CLT program gives people the chance to buy homes and lease the land for 99 years.

“What’s neat about it is you come into it totally refurbished,” Dowling says. “You walk into this home and you go, ‘There’s no way I could afford this.’” However, it’s possible with help from Newtown.

One of Newtown’s premier programs is the CLT and the workshops it offers related to the subject.

The average home renovation project for Newtown comes in between $55,000 and $60,000. The home is then sold for well-below market value.

Newtown is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation and a federal Housing and Urban Development-app roved counseling agency. It is celebrating 20 years of service and more than 100 CLT partnerships throughout the Valley. Newtown has adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling, according to the Eventbrite page.

Visit www.newtowncdc.org for more information about Newtown.

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

not loaded with sodium or sugar. The difference is refreshing, and the flavors of the fresh vegetables and meats shine through in each dish.

I’m a huge fan of cashews, so I started my lunch with the Singapore cashew chicken ($6.95) served with sriracha spicy peanut sauce, cashews, soybean sprouts, onions, broccoli, cilantro and a wedge of lime, which added a bit of tang to the whole dish. It had a mildly spicy “kick” to it and, for the price, was a very generous portion.

Then I tried the butter chicken naanwich ($4.95), similar to a pita wrap, which included Indian marsala spiced chicken. The dish was mild, but the chicken was flavorful and tender. I also tried the firecracker chicken ($6.95), which was definitely spicier than the Singapore cashew chicken. It included several large crumbles of smoky bacon—a delicious addition to the entrée’s spicy kick.

The little ninja menu for those 12 and younger is great, too. Selections such as Japanese dragon chicken, jungle noodles and breaded crispy chicken with rice and a choice of glaze are a great deal at only $3.95, including juice.

On the day of my visit, the restaurant was filled with business people and, Stevenson says, families come in toward evening and reflect a group of people who want great value and healthy food. Wok Box is a fantastic value that has delicious menu items that will appeal to anyone. I also loved that they have a menu

Neighbors

Wok Box offers healthy fast-casual dining as dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery. STSN photo by Lynette Carrington

of little noshes called “small bites” that includes spring rolls, house-made cheesy kimchi fireballs, chicken gyoza and Indian samosas.

Stevenson notes that for customers with special dietary requirements, specific utensils, pots and skillets are used to prepare those menu items to avoid any cross-contamination. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-friendly options are available.

Wok Box—located at 2100 S. Gilbert Rd., Unit 10—offers dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery within a 5-mile radius. Call (480) 855-5574 or visit www. wokbox.net for more information.

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

A Taste of Greece hosts semi-annual Fall Greek Festival

A Taste of Greece will continue its tradition this fall and host the 33rd semiannual Fall Greek Festival from Friday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 5. Nearly 10,000 folks are expected to attend the three-day celebration at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church at 2716 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler.

Festival-goers will enjoy traditional Greed food. Complementing the food will be performances by Greek folk dancers in authentic costumes, dance workshops, live Greek music and a Kid Zone. At the “Agora” marketplace, festival-goers can shop for Greek imports, jewelry, CDs, books and other traditional Greek products. In addition, numerous vendors, with products from around the world and here in Arizona,

will be available.

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

The festival will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Admission is $3 and free for kids younger than 12. Like A Taste of Greece on Facebook and receive two free tickets for one day. Handicapped parking is available on the church grounds. There will be free parking and a shuttle bus available at Dobson High School, 1501 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa.

For more information, visit www. ATasteofGreeceAZ.com.

Local woman a grant recipient

Mary Fuchs of Sun Lakes received a 2014 Ataxian Athletic Initiative (AAI) grant, as announced by the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), in partnership with The FA Project, Catrike, The Melting Pot and The Texas Irish Foundation.

The AAI provides adaptive cycling equipment to people with ataxia who have demonstrated the desire to stay active and healthy despite their disabilities. Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare, progressive and life-shortening neuromuscular disease for which there is no treatment or cure.

“Ataxia is not who I am; it is what I have,” Fuchs says. “I love adventure, and getting this Catrike gives me that Born-to-be-Free-to-Ride (feeling), the opportunity to feel normal. I may not have control of this ataxia disorder. But I can choose to live life to the fullest, to laugh, be positive, stay active and involved. To help others in our Arizona Ataxia Support Group and help with ataxia awareness to find a cure. See you on the open road or trail. Catch me if you can.”

The cost of a piece of adaptive cycling equipment (recumbent trike or handcycle) is $2,000 to $5,000 which makes the sport cost prohibitive for many people living with ataxia. The AAI provides funding to create an opportunity for recreation and physical fitness and the opportunity to improve confidence and self-esteem.

The AAI is managed by Ride Ataxia—a FARA program. AAI grants are administered through a competitive-application process. Applicants were invited to submit a short summary of their experience with Ataxia and their efforts to stay active. Individuals then selected the most appropriate adaptive cycling equipment to suit their abilities and described how such equipment would help them to reach their fitness goals and imp rove their quality of life.

With the 2014 grant awards, the AAI has provided equipment for 27 individuals since its 2009 inception. Additionally, Ride Ataxia teamed up with the Texas Irish Foundation specifically to provide equipment in the North Texas area.

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated

WINNER: Sun Lakes resident Mary Fuchs was a 2014 Ataxian Athlete Initiative grant winner. Submitted photo

to accelerating research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia. For more information, visit www.curefa.org.

In 2007, Kyle Bryant, a young man living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), set off on a cross-country journey on his recumbent trike to empower himself and to raise money for FA research.

Since then Ride Ataxia has empowered thousands and has become FARA’s Marquee athletic fundraising event. In 2013, the Ride Ataxia program hosted six rides welcoming more than 2,000 riders of all abilities who helped raise $500,000 for FA research. For more information, visit www.rideataxia.org.

There is an Arizona Ataxia Support Group in Phoenix. For more information, contact Angela Li, angelali1010@gmail.com, (847) 5054325 or Mary Fuchs, mary11115@msn. com, (480) 212-6452.

The National Ataxia Association is hosting a car wash fundraiser at East Valley Auto Sales, 100 W. Hoover Ave., Suite 11, Mesa, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. September is International Ataxia Awareness Month. Donations are appreciated, but not mandatory.

his father, Todd, to bring awareness to spinal cord injuries and provide help, through grants, to other children and athletes who are younger than 21 with similar challenges.

The duo has organized the first Joe Jackson Foundation Charity Golf Classic for Saturday, Sept. 27, at Whirlwind Golf Club at 5692 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7 a.m. The deadline to sign up for the classic is Sept. 22. Sponsorship for the 18-hole tournament is being sought to help with the foundation’s objectives. Individual cost is $125, which includes a gift bag. There will be drawings, a silent auction and contests for players.

“We want to have at least 100 golfers,” Todd says.

To date, JJF has donated two rugby chairs to spinal cord-injured athletes.

“I’d like to do more because custom sports equipment is expensive because it’s custom to your body,” Joe says. “This golf tournament could potentially raise a lot of money for that.”

The goal is to help others who cannot afford the equipment that they may need. In the past, funds have come from United Way and through items sold on the JJF website. Todd says the foundation would like to accommodate more than one or two applicants per year. And not just for rugby, but for basketball, too.

Considered an inspiration for people with spinal-cord injuries, Joe encourages others to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. He learned by example.

“Someone came to me in the hospital

in his rugby chair,” Joe says.

“He also had a peer mentor who showed me I could still do stuff.”

He also likes to return to St. Joseph Hospital, where he went through rehab, and talk to folks who have had similar experiences or paraplegics.

“(It) kind of gives them hope,” he says.

An ASU student studying industrial engineering, Joe plays competitive rugby for the Phoenix Heat, which just won the national championship.

He works out five days a week and enjoys scuba diving and cycling, speaks to groups and schools about spinal injury and hopes to do more public speaking to inspire and motivate.

“Recently, I went to a summer camp in Anthem to talk about rugby,” Joe says. “When those kids ask, they’re fearless. I

mean they ask any type of question. It was good.”

JJF would also like to help others on a national level.

“We really want to get that money to help other folks,” Todd says. “People do call, not just for the chairs, but they do call for information.”

To become a sponsor or participant in the golf tournament, make a donation or inquire about Joe as a speaker, contact the Joe Jackson Foundation at (800) 480-0851 or info@joejacksonfoundation. org, or visit the website at www. joejacksonfoundation.org.

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

Panera Bread hosting library fundraiser

Support the Friends of the Chandler Public Library by attending the “Eat Bread to Raise Dough” fundraiser at Panera Bread, 3991 S. Arizona Ave., from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. The organization will receive a donation from Panera Bread based on the amount of sales from the fundraiser. The donation will benefit the Friends of the Chandler Public Library’s early literacy programs, such as the Tutor and Talk-Time, Adult and Teen Summer Reading Programs, Adult and Teen Volunteer programs, Adult and Teen Literacy programs, as well as the infant and preschool programs, such as Crawl into Reading and Learn and Play interactive programs at the Chandler Public Library.

Present a printed flier or an electronic version of it on a mobile device or tablet when ordering. The flyer can be found here: http:// origin.library.constantcontact.com/ download/get/file/1101657251323193/FriendsCPL.pdf.

Visit Chino Bandido at Dish It Out fundraiser

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Chino Bandido general manager Ron Varela has a tough decision regarding the Dish It Out fundraiser set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.

“Right now, we’re trying to settle on the menu items we want to use at the event,” says Varela of the MexicanChinese restaurant in Chandler.

“We’re debating whether we want to serve our Chinese barbecue pork and jerk chicken or the jade red chicken. We’ll do at least two entrée items in sample size. It’s a great opportunity for us to get in front of a lot of people and take part in raising money for such a good cause.”

The outdoor culinary event features more than 60 restaurants and beverage vendors and a fierce chef competition with all proceeds benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. More than 3,000 patrons are expected to attend.

Dish It Out’s “Food Fight” portion will feature executive chefs battling it out “Iron Chef”-style on the event’s central stages. This year’s participants include James Porter from Petite Maison, Aaron May from Praying Monk, Matt Carter from Zinc Bistro and Beau Macmillan from Elements. Last year’s winner was James Fox from Bootleggers.

“Nearly one in three children in Arizona is food insecure,” says Amy Gibbons, president and executive director of Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix. “As one of the state’s largest providers

of free hot meals to children, we see how kids, families, schools and communities are transformed when children are fed. ‘Food Fight’ will raise visibility for children’s hunger in Arizona, and help us in our mission to give every child a place at the table.”

Valera is happy that the Chino Bandido family will be taking part in the event.

“I’ve worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs before...it’s an amazing group to work with,” says Valera, whose restaurant is located at 1825 W. Chandler Blvd.

“Now that I have kids of my own, I appreciate their efforts that much more. I’ll be the face of Chino Bandido at Dish it Out, working really hard with our crew.”

Some of the other restaurants participating in Dish It Out include D’vine Bistro and Wine Bar, Ra Sushi, SanTan Brewing Company, Rita’s, The Mission, 24 Carrots, Foosia, Hob Nobs, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, Citizen Public House, Bourbon Steak and Roka Akor.

Tickets for Dish It Out are $75 for general admission and $500 for VIP tickets, the latter of which includes early event admission. Cocktail attire is requested. For tickets or additional Dish It Out event information, visit www. dishitoutaz.org. For more information on Chino Bandido, visit www.chinobandido. com.

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

The Joint offering free treatment to first responders, their families

As a small token of thanks for their everyday bravery, police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, activeduty military and their families can visit The Joint, the chiropractic place, for a free adjustment during First Responders Week, Sept. 8 through Sept. 13. The benefits of chiropractic care include relief from the back and neck pain that can result from the physical demands of the work first responders typically perform. During First Responders Week at The Joint, these everyday heroes and their immediate family members may come in for a free adjustment at any of The Joint’s participating clinics located in Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and Tempe.

No appointments are required and clinics are open evenings and weekends. For regular clinic hours, visit www. TheJoint.com.

Neighbors

Amalfi co-owner visits Italy, returns inspired

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Owners, executive chefs and brothers Giuseppe and Sergio Miele go to great lengths to bring the authentic tastes of Italy to their customers at Amalfi Ristorante Italiano.

Sergio Miele recently returned to Amalfi after reconnecting with his roots and being inspired by the flavors of his homeland during a summer trip to Italy.

“I went to Naples, Rome and Tuscany,” he explains in his thick Italian accent.

“The trip was for my two little kids because they hadn’t been there in two or three years. We want to make sure that they know where they come from and that the language sticks with them, plus they have four cousins there.”

While in Italy, Miele also reunited with friends who were in the restaurant business. By his own account, Miele “went a little” crazy eating and doing culinary research. He had to refresh his memory on how certain dishes were prepared.

The winter menu at Amalfi is typically in place by November and, until then, Miele will be fine-tuning certain menu items and creating tantalizing daily specials that can be found on the board at the front of the restaurant.

“I’m going to make several different dishes of pasta with different sauces and meats,” he says.

“I also want to offer more soups. Rather than do a potato or cream of

broccoli soup, I’m going to do something with bacon or prosciutto, and there will be more appetizers.”

He plans to sit down with Giuseppe, fine-tune the recipes and then move ahead with updating the specials menu.

“There will be appetizers, soups and entrees, and we won’t feature them on the regular menu,” he says.

“They will be on the specials’ board, and we’ll rotate them. Every day, you’ll get something different. Every week, you’ll get something different.”

Upcoming dishes will include fresh fish and eggplant.

The Mieles pay special attention to the specific types of pasta that are used

in their dishes. Pastas that have longer and broad surfaces are chosen for soup because they have broader areas to absorb broth and flavors.

“A lot of thought goes into it,” Miele explains. “We have linguini, spaghetti, penne, ravioli...but for specials, I may incorporate rigatoni or ziti.”

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano is located at 4991 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 12. Call (480) 895-8200 or visit www. amalfipizzaaz.com for additional information.

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

PAL seeking members

The PAL board of directors has agreed to continue to bring individuals to the opera, the “Coffee Classics” and the theater by bus.

Membership to PAL is $10 for singles, $15 for couples. Once a member, individuals can drive to Cottonwood Country Club and get on a bus for only $20 round trip. To become a member, send a check to PAL, P.O. Box 13051, Chandler, AZ 85248-0035.

PAL will start its theater season later this year. For more information about opera call Vera at (480) 8959679. For “Coffee Classics,” call Lynn at (480) 883-0671. For theater, call Pat at (480) 339-0283. Any other questions call Mary at (480) 802-9354.

Sign up for new Parks and Rec courses

During the months of September, October and November programs for all ages, some new, and other returning favorites, are offered in the fall Break Time brochure.

The Break Time brochure can be found at City facilities or online at www.chandleraz.gov/ breaktime. The new brochure outlines camps, classes, programs and special events through November.

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) 782-2727. Visit the Aquatics Administrative offices at 650 E. Ryan Rd. to register for swimming programs.

The City of Chandler offers several newsletters to the public for updates on services and programs. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.aspx to look at the full list and sign up.

New software system available for fall classes

ACTIVENEt, a new reservation-and-registration software system, has gone live for fall classes. A new customer account for the system will be given to all customers upon transition. Additional information can be found in the Break Time brochure, www.chandler.gov/breaktime.

Social media postings

Use “Come Out and Play Chandler” and

#FunInChandler when posting on social media while visiting Chandler parks, recreation facilities and aquatic centers.

New adult sports leagues

Two new leagues are being offered for Chandler Adult Sports this fall. Co-rec softball double header games are offered on Friday nights, as well as new soccer leagues. For more information contact Teo Ruiz at (480) 782-2704 or email teofilo.ruiz@chandleraz.gov.

Remodeled courts opened at Chandler Tennis Center

Six of the 15 tennis courts at the Chandler Tennis Center have been remodeled. The court fee to play is $2.50 for residents; $4 for nonresidents. The ball machine is $6.50 for residents for 30 minutes and $9 for nonresidents.

Birthday party packages offered at Tumbleweed

A multitude of birthday party packages are offered at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, one of which is a Princess Party. An authentic experience is offered for the little princess.

Dress as your favorite princess for an enchanted day of fun. Princess crafts, games and a new feature, a photo area to take pictures of your princess are part of the party package.

Parents can choose to have a special guest appearance from Belle, Cinderella or Elsa. For more information, contact Deanna D’Arcangelo at (480) 782-2909.

‘Muslims for Life’ blood drives honor victims of 9/11

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, will be holding its fourth annual nationwide “Muslims for Life” blood drives through Nov. 15.

The three-month campaign is aimed to honor the victims of 9/11 and emphasize the Islamic teachings of the sanctity of life by collecting 13,000 pints of blood to help save 39,000 lives. During the previous three campaigns some 33,350 pints of blood has been collected to help save more than 100,000 lives.

Locally, the drive will take place on Sept. 13 at Baitul Aman Mosque, 2035 W. Elliot Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 993-2257.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community invites everyone to set aside their differences and gather to commemorate the victims of 9/11 by participating in the campaign.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the community spans more than 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the first AmericanMuslim organization.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.

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Gem Talk: Sapphires

BY JANE RAKHMAN

The ancients believed that blue sapphire—holding in its depths the power of the sea and sky—had influence over the spirit world. The calming influence of blue has also made it an enduring symbol for loyalty and trust. This is one reason why women from around the world choose sapphires for their engagement rings.

If someone were to ask you to name a gem family famous for its wide range of colors, would sapphire come to mind? Probably not because sapphires are synonymous with blue. Over time, the Latin word “sapphirus” was attached to this magnificent deep-blue corundum found for millenniums on the island of Sri Lanka (formerly British-ruled Ceylon) off the southern coast of India. Today the economically important sapphire deposits are in Australia, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

It has taken the jewelry world centuries to recognize, and centuries more to celebrate, the corundum color wheel. The most well-known of the corundum family other than sapphire is the ruby, of which there is no definite demarcation between the two. Light red, pink or violet corundum are usually called sapphires.

Now sapphires are becoming the color-category leader for pink and yellow but can be found in violet, purple, green, bright reddish-orange, sometimes referred to as “papaya,” gold

and orange shades.

Inclusions of rutile needles result in a silky sheen. If the quantities of rutile needles are sufficiently large, the result will be a six-rayed star sapphire. According to some opinions, this asterism is not caused by rutile needles, as in the case of rubies, but by intersecting hollow channels running in three directions.

All in all, sapphire can be considered the ideal colored stone. Besides excelling in color selection, sapphire excels in durability. With a rating of nine on the one to 10 Mohs scale for hardness, it is second only to diamond, with the highest rating of 10. This means sapphire will preserve its looks when stones with similar colors from other species start to look the worse for wear. If, as the experts say, the attributes of a gem are its rarity and durability, as well as its beauty, there isn’t any wiser choice for most primary and pastel colors than sapphire.

Jane Rakhman is with Rakhman Jewelers, 3165 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 857-9707.

New swim hours in effect

New swim hours 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. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 28, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. Mesquite G roves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 11, and Sept. 18, and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 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.

Adult Swim courses

Several different class types that are designed around swimmers’ needs are offered through the City of Chandler. Learn to swim, imp rove stroke technique or endurance. It is never too late to learn to swim or become a better swimmer. Consult the Break Time brochure for course listings.

Class descriptions offered for swim lessons

The Break Time ages listed for the course descriptions are basic guidelines to help place a child. Seahorse, Otters and Surfer classes are exempt. The child may be more or less advanced than the suggested ages.

The child will remain in the same level for at least two sessions, according to the general rule. The descriptions offered are for assistance in educating customers on the variety of classes that the Aquatic Department has the capability of offering. Some of the classes may not be offered during each session or at each location. A free swim lesson evaluation from one of the qualified personnel is offered during public swim hours.

Mesquite G roves offers $1 Family Swim

Mesquite G roves will offer $1 Family Swim during the postseason from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. It’s a great opportunity to get the family together for some fun in the sun, without breaking the bank.

Hamilton and Mesquite offer lap swimming year round

Hamilton Aquatic Center offers lap swimming year-round from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Mesquite G roves Aquatic Center offers lap swimming from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $2, regardless of age.

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

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

(480) 361-8410

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.

Chandler Center for the Arts 25th anniversary celebration

In a special weekend of celebration, the Chandler Center for the Arts’ 25th anniversary brought a colorful and eclectic group of performers to all three stages, providing nonstop entertainment for the community to experience. STSN Photos by Tim Sealy