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Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop
It has been said that you don’t know where you are or where you are going unless you know where you have been. For Orthodontics, this is especially true. There have been some very significant changes in our profession over the past years that have affected the way in which we treat our patients. As a professional, if I don’t keep up on these changes and be vigilant in staying abreast on the studies and the literature, if I become complacent and say to myself, “this is good enough,” or, “It’s been done this way for a long time, why change now?”, then I am not treating my patients to the best care possible. For this article, I’d like to touch briefly on one aspect of Orthodontics that has changed dramatically over the past few years. There are many other changes in our profession, believe me. But this one I feel
inspired to discuss today. Accelerated treatment: In the past we have been limited in the speed of tooth movement. Move teeth too fast, and you risk damaging roots and causing excessive pain. Move too slow and treatment takes forever. Today, there are some nice alternatives to speeding up the movement process without causing any harm to the teeth. The first is completely non-invasive and causes stimulation of the bone by vibratory force. Studies have shown that at a certain frequency, cells will respond with greater activity to a vibratory force, causing teeth to move faster while also inducing less pain in the process. A simple device created by Acceledent, gives the teeth a vibration for 20 minutes each day. Studies have shown that teeth can move 30 - 50% faster. A second method for increasing the rate of movement of teeth is by introducing small vent, or hole in the bone around the teeth that we want to move faster. These small vents heal easily and completely, but in the process, they introduce more cellular
activity to move the teeth faster. One to two procedures to create these vents in the bone is usually sufficient to move the teeth 50% faster. No home use of any appliance is necessary and most times, only a topical anesthetic is needed to create the bony vents. For those looking to move teeth more quickly, either option can bring the results you want faster. Call our office to get more information. We’d love to see you there!
Each month we design an advertisement for something that doesn't exist. Find the fake ad and you
Congratulations to this month’s lucky winner: TOM DOBRICK, who found the fake ad, “Personal Grumpy Raincloud.”
Enter by email ONLY: FAKEADCHANDLER@NEARBYNEWS.COM
We will announce the winner in next month’s paper. If you see your name, please contact us by Sept. 20, 2016. Good Luck!
6
www.ImCrankyAndYouKnowIt.com
Publisher Times Media Group
President
Steve T. Strickbine
Editor in Chef Robbie Peterson
Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Associate Editor Srianthi Perera
Graphic Design
Erica Odello, Jay Banbury, Paul Braun, Christy Byerly, Ruth Carlton, Amy Civer
Administration Courtney Oldham
Contributors
Connor Dziawura, Howard Fischer, Kimberly Hosey, Judi King, Kenneth LaFave, Jill Pertler, Ralph Zubiate
Contact the Nearby News at 480-898-5610 • Fax: 480-898-5606 Editor@NearbyNews.com
Distribution
By Connor Dziawura
Chandler City Council recently approved an agreement with the Tempe Tourism Office to continue their long-standing partnership.
Known as Sunny Arizona, the campaign is a joint-partnership that aims to promote Chandler and Tempe as one stop for tourists.
“It focuses on promoting our two communities as a single destination that targets the AAA consumers and travel agents, and then a little bit of North American consumer markets,” said Chandler’s Tourism Development Coordinator Kimberly Janes.
originally formed between Chandler, Tempe and Mesa. Mesa left the partnership in 2013.
Over the past 14 years, the campaign has been successful, boosting tourism for Chandler and Tempe, said Tempe Tourism Office Vice President Michael Martin.
“I think, overall, what we’ve been able to do is secure a brand image in the AAA markets, specifically in the Midwest and the West Coast—those are our two target areas—as well as parts of Canada, Western Canada and the Ontario area of Canada,” he said.
Chandler and Tempe are two very different cities and the pairing has benefited them by providing a wider coverage of activities.
e campaign is largely financed in Chandler by the Proposition 302 Maricopa County Grant, which provides funding for tourism marketing.
e Sunny Arizona marketing campaign has been active since the 2002-03 fiscal year, when it was
e board of directors for the Tempe Tourism Office, which operates as nonprofit organization and receives funding through the Tempe bed tax, also approved its marketing campaign budget at the end of May.
“So the name recognition has been greatly improved within those offices and within the travel agent community and within the AAA membership.”
e Sunny Arizona marketing campaign steers tourists toward places to go, such as downtown Chandler, Mill Avenue or the Chandler Center for the Arts. It provides tourists with the best hot spots for shopping and dining.
“I think it’s bringing a lot of awareness of what activities and things there are to do,” Janes said.
“ e two cities Tempe and Chandler complement one another,” Martin said, citing the differences between places like the upscale Chandler Fashion Center and Tempe’s outlet mall, Arizona Mills.
“By combining our attractions, our shopping, our dining, our downtown, and…almost calling it one city, we’re able to better compete with other destinations and say we have all these things to offer together and ‘consider experiencing our part of the Phoenix metropolitan area.’”
Bob Meko, known throughout the Valley as an award-winning and beloved elementary school principal and teacher for 43 years, died Tuesday, July 19, after suffering a pulmonary embolism on Sunday, July 17.
Earning a master’s of education degree from Lehigh University, Meko passionately pursued to better the world of education by example. He became Pennsylvania’s youngest principal at 25.
After moving to Arizona, Meko took on the role of principal at Jefferson Elementary and then was the founding principal at Mendoza Elementary in Mesa. Under his leadership, Mendoza went on to be designated as an A+ school by the Arizona Department of Education as well as a Blue Ribbon school by
the U.S. Department of Education. After receiving the A+ status, Meko then went on to be a judge for the Arizona Educational Foundation for A+ School Recognition Program. During his tenure, Mendoza received $101,000 in environmental grants and more than $40,000 in grants by businesses/ agencies to create innovative projects. Mendoza was presented with the Valley Forward Award for Excellence, the first time in the award’s history that a school was chosen to be the recipient.
In 1986, Meko and his wife, Sharon, founded Ballet Etudes, a nonprofit youth ballet company. From its inception, Meko served as a board member of the company, and was a driving force for its continued growth and stability. In Ballet Etudes’ annual production
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of “ e Nutcracker,” which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this holiday season, Meko performed as “Mother Ginger” in the production’s second act. Due to Meko’s enthusiasm and antics in the role, it quickly became an audience favorite for the 25 years he performed as “Mother Ginger.”
He also served as the backstage tour host where he gave insight to audience members of the inner-workings of the “magic” that goes on behind the scenes of a ballet. He also served as the chairman for Ballet Etudes’ annual golf
fundraiser in which 100% of all raised funds goes directly to Ballet Etudes.
An avid baseball fan and third baseman, Meko was a charter season ticket holder of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Along with baseball, his other passion—outside of education and ballet—was fly fishing with his greatest-loved trips being to Lees Ferry.
Besides his wife of 44 years, Meko is survived by daughters Teague and Kellan.
For more information about the ballet company, visit balletetudes.net.
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pianist
Amanda Sherrill feels right at home in church.
As Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s artist-in-residence through Aug. 14, Sherrill sees this opportunity as an extension of her lifelong love.
“I’ve played in churches all of my life,” said Sherrill, an adjunct faculty piano professor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “It feels very comfortable for me. An important part of my faith is sharing the gifts that God’s given me with other people.”
e artist-in-residence program was designed and directed by professional opera singer and producer Earl Hazell.
She will perform the passionate piano work of Rachmaninoff and the six-movement “Partita in C Minor” by Bach. e Gilbert resident will present different movements from the piece on each Sunday.
“It’s been very wonderful,” said Hazell, Trinity Lutheran’s interim choir director. “ ey’ve welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to bring in new ideas.
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Sherrill is the second artist-inresidence this summer. Melissa Solomon, Arizona Opera soprano, served in the church through July 3. e final songs of her residency were in English (she has sung sacred songs in German and Latin as well as English to date) and, while poignantly spiritual, also stirringly patriotic.
So far, Hazell said, the program is going well. He started working as the church’s choir director in February after a stint with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“ e church is going through a transition. It’s a remarkable period in the church’s history. Interim Senior Pastor Beverly Allert and Associate Pastor Scott ompson are assisting me in making some extraordinary changes after 37 years. It’s a very exciting time for the church and the program they’ve given me license to build.”
Church really powerful diff in community over the next couple years.”
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. For more information, call 480-9634127 or visit htlutheran.com.
After I saw “Sweeney Todd,” I couldn’t eat meat pies for three months. As you recall, the movie’s main female character, Mrs. Lovett, made pies containing meat from, well, curious sources. Let’s just say one of the songs was called “Try the Priest.” No, thanks. I’ll pass on the “shepherd pie peppered with actual shepherd,” as well.
It’s a good thing AZ Food Crafters isn’t Mrs. Lovett and that real life isn’t one of Broadway’s more bizarre musicals. (Also, I’m not Johnny Depp, though this is not necessarily a good thing.) AZ Food Crafters is Chandler’s uncrowned king-of-pies. And its ingredient craze is for Hatch chiles, those pungent-hot green chiles that ripen this time of year.
The theory behind eating hot chiles in the heat of summer is simply, “Fight fire with fire.” It’ll make you sweat, and when you sweat, the evaporation cools the skin. Also, they taste good.
Here are some of AZ Food Crafters’ seasonal recipes featuring the mighty Hatch: Pies featuring pork, chicken, or chile relleno (cheese-stuffed chile);
chile mac ‘n’ cheese; and chile-corn chowder. Have a sweet tooth but still want the fire? Try the chile and apple pie, seasoned with allspice and ginger and stuffed in a cheddar cheese crust. AZ Food Crafters is located at 961 W. Ray Rd.; call 480-264-2532.
How many excuses do you need to eat a taco? Personally, my list is empty. No excuse needed. Still, we play the game of taco Tuesdays, frequenting favorite restaurants the second workday of the week just to pick up a corn tortilla filled with tilapia or tinga chicken. That’s the weekly excuse. Here’s the annual reason to go crazy and eat still more: The fifth annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest on Sept. 17. Mark the calendar now for this day of beer, margaritas, ballet folklorico performances, Lucha Libre wrestling and, yes, the immortal taco. Fish, shrimp, chicken, potato, carne asada and carnitas are among the promised fillings. There will also be a piñata party, a salsa competition, Chihuahua races (the mind boggles) and a taco-eating contest – another
e American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a critical summer blood shortage.
e summer months are among the most challenging times of years to collect enough blood and platelet donations to meet patient needs. Many regular donors delay giving while they take vacation and participate in summer activities. e need for blood doesn’t take a summer break though.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to give now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. ose who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and double red cells can be donated every 112 days. In appreciation for helping to
excuse!
The Rockin’ Taco Street Fest used to take place in a parking lot of the event’s producer, El Palacio, but its popularity forced a move this year to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park downtown. Even so, only a certain number of tickets will be sold, so it’s best to buy now. Tickets are $8; go to rockintacoaz.com.
Growing beets in your backyard? Arugula in your garden? You might want to contact the folks at the Chandler Farmers Market. Market manager Deanne Fenton says they’re looking for new vendors, with a special focus on microgreens and other locally grown produce. The market, now 10 years old, is unique in the Valley in that it takes place on weekdays – Thursdays – instead of weekends.
For the coming season, which starts Oct. 6 and continues every Thursday through April from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fenton is looking to expand the range of vendors to include coffee, chocolate, meats and prepared items,
in addition to more varied produce. Vendors who step up to the plate before Sept. 9 can buy the market’s early-bird package for $240 for the season. Monthly rates are also available. To put your beets out there, go to downtownchandler.org.
The American Red Cross has announced a critical blood shortage. Potential donors can go to www. redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment at a Red Cross location. Donations will also be accepted at the following Chandler locations and dates: NXP, 1300 N. Alma School Rd., 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Walmart Supercenter, 1175 S. Arizona Ave., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements? Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com.
save lives, those who come to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass. Upcoming blood donation opportunities
• 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ursday, Aug. 25, NXP, 1300 N. Alma School Rd., Bldg. C/M, Chandler.
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, Walmart Supercenter, 1175 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
By Ralph Zubiate
It’s little more than a fishing line strung between 10-foot-tall poles, but it represents freedom to many Jews in the East Valley.
Nearly two years ago, the Chabad of the East Valley helped put up an eruv around parts of Chandler and Tempe.
An eruv is a symbolic wall, delineating an area in which orthodox Jews can move about freely during the Sabbath. In the East Valley, that wall can sometimes be no more than a string.
“You want to be unobtrusive and respectful of other people,” said Yehoshua Bedrick, treasurer of the Chabad of the East Valley in Chandler. “Unless you’re looking for it, you never see it.”
e Chandler eruv also uses existing walls—in this case, the freeway walls of Interstate 10 to the west, Loop 101 to the east, Arizona 60 to the north and Loop 202 to the south.
According to Jewish law, no work can be performed on the Sabbath—
from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. at means no carrying, either— whether prayer books, water bottles or children. Even pushing strollers or using wheelchairs is forbidden for Orthodox Jews.
Many Jewish moms have to stay home with younger kids because they can’t carry them or push them to synagogue. And no other work can be done.
But neighborhoods are considered a single property, a community created as with walls of old.
“It’s like Jericho,” Bedrick said. “It’s a wall demarcated so you can carry things on a Sabbath.”
An eruv, which means “boundary,” lets modern Orthodox Jews create those walls and communities so more people can participate in the Sabbath observance.
Adina Anhalt used to live in a community without an eruv—Little Rock, Arkansas.
“I was at home with my oldest daughter on the Sabbath,” she said.
Her husband Joseph went to synagogue, but “I was lonely.”
When the Anhalts had an opportunity to move, they looked for a community with an eruv.
“ at was the deciding factor for us,” Anhalt said. “We weren’t going to go to any community that wasn’t going to have one.”
e Anhalts found the Chandler eruv and happily moved in. Now, they fill an important role in the community: ey check the eruv before the Sabbath.
e Anhalts take their children—Abigail, 5, and Evelyn, 3 months—with them every ursday to survey the boundary.
“We keep the kids engaged in learning about our traditions,” Adina said. e family loads the car and drives around the East Valley, checking on the status of the fishing line. If it’s broken, they notify Fluoresco, a private company contracted to repair the line.
“At least once a month, the eruv breaks,” Anhalt said. “Wind, rain, things like that can break the fishing line.
“Last week, there was a motor vehicle accident that took out the pole and string.”
When the family certifies that the eruv is unbroken, meaning the community is intact, Joseph sends out an email with the good news to those who have put their name on a list at the Chandler Eruv website. e success of the project depended on a vibrant Jewish community.
“Surprisingly, there is a very strong and active one right here,” said Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley.
“Part of why we did the eruv is to allow Jews be engaged and empowered. It shows it’s OK to be who we are,” he said.
Anhalt said the funding for upkeep and repair of the line comes from donations from the East Valley Jewish community.
“ e eruv would not stay up if we didn’t work together and make it such a priority,” she said.
To see a map of the Chandler eruv, go to tiny.cc/ eruv-map.
To get on the list for email alerts about the eruv’s status, go to tiny.cc/eruv-email.
“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” –Franklin D. Roosevelt
Each election year, Chandler voters have the opportunity to make themselves heard and choose their representation on the City Council. Chandler’s primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 30. Vice Mayor Jack Sellers and Councilmember Rick Heumann will leave office after eight years due to term limits. Councilmember Nora Ellen is running for re-election and will compete for three council seats with seven other candidates; Matt Eberle, Seth Graham, Aaron Harris, Sr., Sam Huang, Gregg Pekau, John “J.R.” Repar and Mark Stewart. Voter participation in the August primary election is important as City Council candidates have the ability
to be elected outright if they receive a majority of the votes cast. If any elected offices remain unfilled after the primary election, those seats will be decided in a runoff that will take place on the Nov. 8 general election.
In addition to Council and statewide seats, a local General Plan Update (Proposition 493) will be on the ballot.
e Chandler General Plan 2016 is a comprehensive plan with broad policies that will be used to guide growth and development in the City of Chandler during the next 10 years. State law requires cities to readopt or update their general plan at least once every 10 years. e current General Plan was adopted by Chandler’s City Council on June 26, 2008, and ratified by voters at the general election held on Nov. 4, 2008.
e 2016 update was prepared a couple of years in advance with public participation and feedback to address
changing development trends and factors that are facing the City. e City Council adopted the Chandler General Plan 2016 on April 14. More information on the General Plan and the final, adopted version is available online at chandleraz.gov/GPupdate.
Hard copies of the plan also are available at the following locations:
• City Clerk’s Office, 175 S. Arizona Ave, first floor.
• Transportation & Development Office, 215 E. Buffalo St.
• Downtown Library (Reference Desk), 22 S. Delaware St.
• Sunset Library (Reference Desk), 4930 W. Ray Road.
• Hamilton Library (Reference Desk), 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
• Basha Library (Reference Desk), 5990 S. Val Vista Drive.
Polling place information e polls will be open for voters
The athletic trainers took care of my injury and helped me to get better. They took me in as if I was one of their family members. The crew had no problem getting me back on the field with great care, helping me prevent re-injury.
Read his story or learn more about the program: supportdignityhealtheastvalley.org
to cast their ballots on Election Day from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Every qualified elector is required to show proof of identity at the polling place before receiving a ballot. All qualified voters who are in line by 7 p.m., shall be allowed to prepare and cast their ballot. An assigned polling place locator is available online at recorder. maricopa.gov/pollingplace/.
Completed early ballots can be dropped off at Chandler City Hall through Friday, Aug. 26. Any voter in possession of their voted ballot on Election Day may drop off their ballot at Chandler City Hall, or to any polling place designated for this election from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early voting for the primary election may be done in person from 8 a.m.
... continues on page 10
to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from Monday, Aug. 8 through Friday, Aug. 26, at Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave. Early voting also is available at the Maricopa County Recorder Offices in Phoenix and Mesa, starting on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
Voters may request an early ballot by mail, but must do so by Friday, Aug. 19. To have an early ballot mailed to you, contact the Maricopa County Elections Department, 510 S. ird Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602506-1511. Requests (written, verbal, or online) must be received before 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. Written requests should include: 1) name and residence address; 2) birthdate; 3) election for which the ballot is requested; 4) address where the ballot is to be mailed, if different than residence address; 5) signature of requester. Early ballot requests also can be made online at: recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvotingballot/ earlyvotingballotrequest.aspx.
Prior to the primary election, a sample ballot or election pamphlet was mailed to each household that has a registered voter. e polling location specific to the voter’s registered address was indicated on the sample ballot/election pamphlet.
Arizona now has a law that allows a voter to place their name on a “Permanent Early Voting List.” is means that once a voter is on the list, they will receive an early ballot by mail for any election in which they are eligible to vote. Approximately 27 days prior to the specified election, a ballot automatically will be mailed to the voters on that list.
Political signs e City Code outlines the proper size, construction and placement of political signs, their proper maintenance and timely removal. All private signs, including political signs, are generally prohibited in
By the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department
For nearly 17 years, executive management assistant Nan Kahl has worked in Chandler’s city clerk’s office. She’s the most tenured staff member in the clerk’s office, second to City Clerk Marla Paddock. Kahl’s 34-year career in municipal government started as an accountant with the City of Monona, Wisconsin. She held a variety of positions in Monona, and her final role was as city clerk/deputy treasurer. She always felt supported and gives credit to Monona City Administrator Kevin Brunner for encouraging her along the way.
While working as a city clerk, she was hooked on the job’s function and knew she found her place in government. She also was looking to move to Arizona to be near her future husband. Kahl considers herself to be very fortunate to have found an open position in the Chandler city clerk’s office. She applied, got the job and on
public right-of-way or City-owned property. Political signs placed in an unsafe location, or violating code requirements such as size and construction, will be removed even if they fall within the allowable time limits. Questions regarding the posting of political signs can be addressed by the City’s Code Enforcement Division at 480-782-4320.
Be informed
Visit chandleraz.gov/elections to learn more about the upcoming elections, including a candidate listing along with their contact information, campaign finance reports, prior election results, answers to frequently asked questions and links to various voter tools, such as a polling place locator.
e public also may contact the Chandler City Clerk’s Office at 480-7822180 with any questions or the Maricopa County Elections Department at 602506-1511.
Nov. 1, she’ll celebrate 17 years with Chandler. Nov. 1 is her lucky day. She also started on that date with Monona and left after 17 years of service.
As an executive management assistant, Kahl loves her job. e function of the city clerk’s office is important to government transparency. Here’s how it works: the City Council passes city ordinances, the city manager (along with city staff ) facilitates these into action, and the clerk’s office provides essential services to comply with state law and local ordinances, such as open meeting laws, public records and elections. During election season, she works with the city clerk to assist City Council candidates with submitting the required paperwork. Another duty that keeps her busy is maintaining the city clerk’s website. Chandler’s city clerk’s office is also a passport agency, so Kahl stays very busy serving staff and the public.
Kahl has been married for more than 12 years, and she has one daughter and two stepchildren. She loves to
travel; Hawaii is the best place she’s visited, and her next trip will be a European river boat cruise. She plans a trip to Wisconsin each summer, too. In addition to traveling, Kahl loves cooking, gardening, genealogy and reading. She likes “old things”—such historical people, places and things. In her world, “museums rock”! She’s well informed, as she reads the newspaper every day (a hard copy, not the online version) and always likes to read the “On this day in history...” section. Kahl also is passionate about her Green Bay Packers. She can say “her” Packers because she owns stock in the team and is part owner. She takes great pride in this and can’t wait for football season to start.
By Kimberly Hosey
“How old do you have to be to go there? How young?”
I’ve been hearing that question from my son often.
He wants to plan family trips. My son is a young teenager. My niece is a year and a half old. Lately, he’s has been waxing nostalgic (just don’t tell him I said so), thinking about places we’ve gone over the years to have fun and build memories—with an eye toward taking his younger cousin once she really starts walking.
Because he’s an only child, our trips have grown up with my son. I’ve never before considered how challenging it can be to please everyone across a range of ages. McDonald’s Play Places and splash pads did the trick when he was 3, but I don’t think that cuts it at 14. He’s game for zip lining, glider flights and hiking, but I don’t think my niece is quite up to that. And it’s too dang hot to go to the park and call it a day. Are there any spots good for both of them? And, come to that, entertaining for the adults involved? Fortunately, the answer is yes. After a brief review of some of our trips, and a little input from my son, we prepared the following suggestions for staying cool indoors with kids of all ages.
Makutu’s Island
6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
480-344-3741
makutusisland.com
e tunnels, slides, bridges, zip line, climbing surfaces, turrets, platforms and more in this place accommodate all ages, though you might keep that fact under your hat in case your little
(or not-so-little) ones wear you out and you need a breather. Seriously, Makutu’s Island was a no-brainer. It underwent a change in ownership two years ago, but most structures, including the giant tree centering the 20,0000-square-foot facility, were built for adults as well as children to play. All main structures are great for kids 5 and up, but your littlest ones should probably stick to Oscar’s Lagoon, built especially for toddlers with foam blocks and a small slide. Everyone can enjoy refreshments (and free Wi-Fi) at Kiki’s Cafe.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to ursday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Admission: Kids ages 1 to 17 $11.99; one adult per child free; extra adult $6.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa
480-644-2230
arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
I see toddlers at the “dinosaur museum” nearly every time we visit, and they’re having a blast. And here’s how I know we’ve got the other end of the age spectrum covered: I didn’t make it out there until I was an adult, and I was hooked! In between, my son’s spent long days as a kindergartener, “big kid,” and now teen enamored with the giant dinosaur skeleton replicas; as well as other displays detailing the biology, archaeology, art, culture, history and more of the Southwest. One of our favorite exhibits is “Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies,” and my son can’t wait to stand his little cousin
beneath the Quetzalcoatlus northropi, with a wingspan of 39 feet, the largest animal that has flown. Also not to be missed: Check out dinosaur skeletons and replicas, watch and listen to a “flash flood” every 23 minutes on Dinosaur Mountain, and “lock up” your kids in a cell from the Mesa Territorial Jail.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday.
Admission: Kids 3 to 12 $7; students 13-plus with ID $8; adults $12; seniors 65-plus $10.
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
Butterfly Wonderland: 480800-3000; Mirror Maze: 480270-6200
butterflywonderland.com; odyseamirrormaze.com
Kids get out of a place what they bring to it, so there are many attractions that can grow and change with them.
Both Butterfly Wonderland and the adjacent Odysea Mirror Maze, part of the OdySea in the Desert complex on the Salt River Reservation, offer kids enchanting fun at very young ages, which can grow to challenges and more to explore as they get older.
In Butterfly Wonderland, winged wonders flit and flutter everywhere: a perfect enchanting moment for a tiny nature lover, and a great opportunity for older budding naturalists to observe and study the insects. In the
Mirror Maze the colors, lights, mirrors and effects will amaze everyone. Kids 2 and younger are free, but parents are advised to keep an eye on kids under 5 as the effects can be scary for some.
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Butterfly Wonderland: Children 3 to 12 $12.95; students with ID $17.95; adults $19.95; children 2 and younger free / Mirror Maze: All-day pass $9.95; other prices for individual walkthroughs.
i.d.e.a. Museum
150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa 480-644-2468
ideamuseum.org
Of all the “children’s” museums that we might soon show my niece, this was my son’s first pick. While it has exhibits and activities designed to engage the littlest visitors in appreciation of art, creation, science and more; its exhibits are consistently fun and engaging for me as well—and my son agrees. e current exhibition, “Sci-Fi: Fantasy to Reality,” features an invention lab, green screen room, time tunnel and costume creator. Storytelling, role playing, arts that encourage the development of motor and pre-literacy skills and more are available for young children, while young and older kids alike will enjoy the gallery exhibits. (And if you promise not to tell, your older kids might create a masterpiece or two as well.)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $8; children younger than 1 free.
Know a Chandler student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for Student Chronicles to christina@timespublications.com.
Chantel Haughton, a native of Chandler, has been named to the University of Iowa’s dean’s list for the 2016 spring semester. Approximately 4,500 students were named to the UI dean’s list for the 2016 spring semester.
Loren M. Carrier of Chandler earned a master’s degree in architecture from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Approximately 400 graduates, including 10 earning master’s degrees in architecture, received diplomas. Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distancelearning programs culminating in baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States. It is the birthplace of the ROTC.
St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, has issued its spring semester 2016 dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement. McKenna Johnson of Chandler was on the list. Johnson is a senior studying biology.
Two Chandler students were named to Champlain College’s president’s lists for achieving a GPA of 4.0 or higher in the spring 2016
semester. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the college honored Sean McDow and Christopher Sardynski. McDow is majoring in computer forensics and digital investigations. Sardynski is studying computer forensics and digital investigations, computer forensics and digital investigations. Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college with additional campuses in Montreal, Quebec, and Dublin, Ireland.
Chandler native Blake Somsen was named to the Seaver College dean’s list at Pepperdine University in Malibu. In order to earn Dean’s List honors, students must be in the upper 10% of their class and maintain a 3.5 or higher grade point average. is year Somsen is one of only 295 students to receive the honor.
MCPHS University in Boston has announced that two Chandler natives are on the dean’s list for the spring 2016 semester. Alyssa Titus is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Titus will graduate in 2016 from the Worcester, Massachusetts, campus. Shamma Bhanvadia is pursuing a doctor of pharmacy. Bhanvadia will graduate in 2020 from the Boston, Massachusetts, campus. e Dean’s List recognizes those students with a full-time course load who have achieved outstanding scholarship with a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic term.
Aug. 20-Sept. 20, 2016
The first 20,000 D-backs fans through the gates can jump on the freight train and take home a David Peralta Bobblehead. The adorable collectible shows the outfielder in his trademark leaning pose.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, at 5:10 p.m.
WHERE: Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
COST: $19-$250
INFO: 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
Based on the book series by Barbara Park, this hilarious play is perfect for families with young readers.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 11, to Sunday, Oct. 16, various times
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
COST: $12-$26
INFO: 480-350-2822 or http://bit. ly/2aGmcyG
Children can learn about Latin American culture and music as they create instruments, make music and explore the museum with a guide.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix COST: $12
INFO: 480-478-6000 or themim.org
Author Maria Mahar will share her interactive e-book as well as fun activities to teach children about hummingbirds.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4:45 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe
COST: Free
INFO: 480-350-5500 or http://bit.ly/2aFq5xJ
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater tells the classic story of a stubborn troll who tries to stop three clever goats from crossing his bridge.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, to Sunday, Sept. 18, various times
WHERE: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix COST: $6-$10
INFO: 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org
Looking to escape the heat? Bring sunblock and beach towels to Chandler Fashion Center’s splash pad and cool off.
WHEN: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Thursday, Sept. 15
WHERE: Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
COST: Free
INFO: 480-812-8488 or shopchandlerfashioncenter.com
Children and teens are invited to celebrate the third annual Batman Day with activities, trivia, coloring and cosplay.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: Free INFO: 480-894-6954 or barnesandnoble.com
8
Play games, dig up dinosaur bones, learn weird science and take part in fun crafts to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-782-2800 or http://bit.ly/2aP4kfF
If you love science, come visit the museum to explore science through fun crafts, activities, stories and experiments.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Halle Heart Children’s Museum, 2929 S. 48th St., Tempe COST: Free INFO: 602-414-2800 or halleheartchildrensmuseum.org
10
Children 6 and older are invited to work as a team to build creative and entertaining Lego creations.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m. WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-792-1312 or barnesandnoble.com
By Jill Pertler
We are entering the wedding stage of life – better put, re-entering. Since our own wedding, we’ve been on sabbatical, during which time we experienced all other stages – from the baby shower to the kindergarten and high school graduation stages and everything in between. Now, the cycle has come full and I do believe we’re back to weddings. (Cue “Here Comes the Bride.”)
We’re attending a number of nuptials in the near future, but one in particular has piqued our interest: the wedding of our daughter. is, in turn, means one thing – wedding plans.
I am overwhelmed by the scope of planning opportunities available through an average wedding today. But there is one element that has me focused to the point of distraction. e dress.
Not hers. Mine.
I’ve completed numerous shopping trips – online and to real live stores where I tried various necklines, hemlines and waistlines. I found one I seriously considered getting but then had second thoughts. is has happened three or four times. In the meantime, the bridesmaids have chosen and bought their dresses.
ey’ll look fabulous. e flower girls have theirs. ey’ll be adorable. My husband and sons have all purchased brand new suits. ey’ll be the definition of handsome. Even my daughter has said yes to e Dress. It’s gorgeous and she’ll be magnificent.
I’m still looking.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand the overall insignificance of my decision. I’m the mother of the bride for goodness sake. People won’t care about what I wear. All eyes will be on my sweet baby girl. As they should be.
Still, I have just one daughter and this is my only shot at filling the role of MOTB. e more I go through life, the more I realize these moments shouldn’t be squandered. It is an important day and I want to feel good in my skin (or lace over satin, as the case may be).
So, while this whole dress ordeal isn’t important to anyone else, it is to me. ere are numerous beautiful choices to choose from. I’ve been contemplating why I’m having such a hard time with the decision. It’s pretty simple, really.
I live in the day (but usually not by choice). I am still shocked that my daughter is a grown up. I thought she’d be a little girl forever. But that is not the case (thank goodness) and now I am soon-to-be the mother of the bride.
I’m not sure I’m ready to be the mother of the bride. My daughter is ready. Her fiancé is ready. ey are a beautiful couple. We love them both.
I, however, have always been a little stunted. It seems I’m perpetually playing catch-up when it comes to understanding the logic of this thing called life. Most people are able to look ahead and anticipate milestones.
Except I’m not old enough, not ready enough to be the mother of the bride. At least not in my mind. e numbers would prove otherwise. (How and when did this happen?) is brings about such tugging feelings. I don’t feel appropriately mature to be right here right now. But I am. at’s life.
And I need a dress.
I know I will find one. Perhaps I already have. I just need to pull the trigger, or swipe the plastic – if we are being honest. Which I will do. I’ve got to wear something. e alternative wouldn’t be pretty. But we don’t want to go there. I best get shopping.
By Erica Odello
is project comes courtesy of my 10-year-old daughter. She made these in class last year and had such fun she wanted to teach it to me. When my mom had to have surgery last month, we decided that this was the perfect craft for a get-well gift.
You will need: 1 package of paper coffee filters, pipe cleaners, water soluble magic markers, food coloring, spray bottle, tray with sides, glass jar, tissue
Less-mess flowers
Separate out six coffee filters and flatten them as much as possible. Color the coffee filters with the magic markers, getting as much coverage as possible. I found two techniques that worked really well: Draw in circles or section the filter into quadrants. Designate one filter for the leaf.
Place one filter in the bottom of the tray and spray with water until the paper is just saturated. Let sit until the color spreads, then remove and spread flat on some dry newspaper. Rinse the tray and repeat with all of the filters.
Flatten six coffee filters as much as possible. Spray a light coat of water in the bottom of the tray, then place one of the filters inside. If it doesn’t get completely saturated, spray on more water.
Choose two to three food coloring bottles. Drip two to three splashes of each color across the filters. If the color doesn’t spread as much as you’d like, use the spray bottle to encourage the color along.
Immediately remove the filter to a dry newspaper and rinse the tray out. Repeat for the rest of the coffee filters, designating one for the leaf.
Assembly
Gather five of the filters after they have dried. Cut petals into the filters, either as straight lines or round the edges out.
Use a pen tip to poke two small holes in the center of the filters, then thread the top 1.5 inches of two pipe cleaners through the holes. Gather the filters into a bunch, then wrap the shorter ends of the pipe cleaners to hold the shape of the flower.
Cut the filter designated as the petals into a rough shape of a leaf, gather in the middle then hold in place by wrapping the pipe cleaner stem around the gather.
Repeat entire process until you’ve made as many flowers as desired. When complete, wrap a piece of tissue around a glass bottle and secure in place with another pipe cleaner. is is your vase.
Chandler’s Arrowhead Pool hosted a free pool party, dubbed Verano Sano (Safe Summer), on Saturday, Aug. 6, and families enjoyed music, refreshments, raffle prizes and swimming throughout the afternoon. Verano Sano is a Valleywide campaign that combines water safety awareness in a series of fun, family-friendly activities. Among the attractions was a fire engine from Chandler Fire, Health and Medical, as well as safety demonstrations. Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst.
1. Kecia Covich high-fives her swim instructor, Mariza Roslaes. 2. The event featured presentations and safety material. 3. Ariana Clavell volunteered to pretend to be a drowning victim as practice for safety personnel. 4. The high dive is irresistable, even at a safety event.
5. Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Scott Wall, tells stories about when the pool first opened, thirty some-odd years ago. 6. Rolland Steinert plays with his grandson, Tristian Bryant. 7. Aspen Covich works hard to blow up her new beach ball.
By Laurie Struna
Dobson High School has been named a Recognized ASCA Model Program by the American School Counselor Association.
is summer, 76 schools across the country were honored during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference.
Dobson is the only Arizona school to earn the 2016 award. It is the school’s second time being honored as a national model school and receiving the RE-RAMP designation.
“ e highest acknowledgment a school counseling program can attain is the RAMP award given at the national level,” said Tamara Addis, principal at Dobson High School. “We are proud of our student advisers and appreciate the work they do to support our students.”
RAMP designations are valid for three years and recognize schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment.
A Recognized ASCA Model Program aligns with a nationally recognized school counseling model. All RAMP schools go through a structured process to demonstrate the specific impact an advisement program has on student achievement. Dino Recla, college and career readiness and prevention counselor at Mesa Public Schools, said last year Dobson High School went through the intense application process to apply for RAMP status.
“ e advisement department worked to implement the ASCA national model and collect, review and analyze two years of data,” Recla said.
“ e results show students at Dobson High School are better as a result of the work and programs their advisers deliver to students.”
e data submitted contained detailed information, including ways the program ensures community outreach, support from administration at school and district levels, and the roles and responsibilities of each counselor.
“We are focused on delivering an advisement program that serves all students,” said Jeni Nye, Dobson student adviser. “Our program demonstrates how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives.”
Interventions implemented led to doubling the number of designated Advanced Placement students, a 24% increase in the number of freshmen on track for graduation, and a 20% increase in the number of graduating seniors completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“Because we measure the success of our interventions through data, we are able to analyze their effectiveness and implement changes or stay the course based on the results,” Nye said.
Since the program’s inception, nearly 600 schools have been designated RAMP recipients. Dobson joins Holmes, Irving, Johnson, Robson and Washington elementary schools as RAMP schools.
Aug. 20-Sept. 20, 2016
ImprovMANIA’s Thursday Night
Shows
Find yourself laughing with humorous improv based on audience suggestions. ImprovMANIA is now offering a great buy-one get-one-free discount.
WHEN: Thursdays at 8 p.m.
WHERE: ImprovMANIA, 250 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
COST: $5
INFO: 480-699-4598 or improvmania.net
Cisco and the Racecars
Cisco and the Racecars is loved for its expressive bluegrass music and great performances. Come excited to see and hear this unique group of vocalists and instrumentalists playing banjo, guitar, fiddle, cello and more.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-782-2680 or chandlercenter.org
Thaddeus Rose Band
Awarded the 2016 “best cover band” prize, Thaddeus Rose will bring a highenergy performance with some of the best dance and rock hits.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 26, at 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
COST: Call for ticket information INFO: 800-946-4452 or wingilariver.com
Poetry Open Mic
Recite or listen to local artists’ poetry with a cup of coffee, great tea or one of SoZo’s delicious cookies.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: Free
INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
Amaya Lim
Enjoy coffee and music with local vocalist Amaya Lim. Lim is known for her folk covers such as “Winter Trees” and original pieces like “Masterpiece.”
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
Boyz II Men
One of the most iconic R&B groups, this trio has won four Grammy Awards and continues to perform its timeless hits.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler COST: $55-$115 INFO: 800-946-4452 or wingilariver.com
Lucius Parr
Enjoy jazz musician Lucius Parr’s performance and a variety of food trucks such as Demarco’s Italian Ice and Paz Cantina in Phoenix Premium Outlets’ Concert Series.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-639-1766 or premiumoutlets.com/outlet/phoenix
Continental Jade
Come listen to Continental Jade’s jazz music and try variety of food trucks such as Paz Cantina and Frosted Frenzy in Phoenix Premium Outlets’ Concert Series.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler
COST: Free INFO: 480-639-1766 or premiumoutlets.com/outlet/phoenix
Lauren Case
Lauren Case is a young singersongwriter from Gilbert who performs a variety of music from indie to pop. Case is a favorite of SoZo patrons.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
John Caufield with Jarod Clemons
Singer-songwriter John Caufield has been posting his music on YouTube and will perform his pieces with musician Jared Clemons.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 3, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
Ryan Nicholson
Nicholson will travel from Nashville to perform songs from his upcoming
album, “Inspire.” He writes and performs hoping his music will bring some peace to the chaos and business of everyday life.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: $20 INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
Strelitzia
Sip coffee or tea and listen to local band Strelitzia. Strelitzia is a math rock band inspired by bands like TTNG and American Football and will perform its “laidback” music this September.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: 480-726-7696 or sozocoffee.org
Rockin’ Taco Street Fest
Enjoy live entertainment, Lucha Libre wrestling, taco eating competitions, a salsa competition, Chihuahua races and, of course, many delicious tacos. WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, at noon WHERE: Downtown Chandler, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler COST: $8
INFO: rockintacoaz.com
e Chandler Center for the Arts will celebrate its 27th season with performances ranging from comedic and family-friendly, to immersive and instrumental.
“ e extraordinary multicultural and multidisciplinary performances of this year’s lineup deliver the artistic merit that Chandler Center for the Arts is known for,” said Michelle Mac Lennan, general manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Tickets are on sale by visiting chandlercenter.org. Here is the lineup:
Concerts
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25: Get the Led Out-American Led Zeppelin; $22-$36. e tribute act Get the Led Out focuses on Led Zeppelin’s early years, touching on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16: Christmas with Clay Aiken; $52-$72 Former “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken will perform holiday classics accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22: e King: e Music of Elvis, $46-$58. e group celebrates the music of e King with a 12-piece orchestra. ese aren’t Elvis impersonators, but four Broadway and cabaret singers who bring a new twist, shake, rattle and roll to the classic hits.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27: Roots and Boots featuring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Ray, $44-$64. ree country legends come together for an evening of hits.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18: War, $38-$68. Everyone has heard “Low Rider,” but there are plenty of hits to accompany that one. Come to the CCA to hear tracks like “ e World is a Ghetto,” “Me and My Baby Brother” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26: e World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, $30-$40. is show features more than 40 hit songs from four
decades of jukebox chart toppers. “Tuxedo Junction,” “In e Mood,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “Moonlight Serenad.”
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11: Art Garfunkel: In Close-Up, $54-$84. A Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree, Golden Globe-nominated singer and actor, Art Garfunkel will play solo hits, Simon and Garfunkel songs and cuts from his favorite songwriters.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18: e Doo Wop Project, $28-$42. Featuring current and former stars of Broadway’s smash hits “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: e Musical,” e Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate some of the greatest music in U.S. pop and rock history.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25: Stormy Weather: e Story of Lena Horne Starring Mary Wilson, $32$48. e Supremes’ Mary Wilson shows her pop-jazz prowess as she sings Horne’s trademark songs, including “Stormy Weather,” “ e Lady is a Tramp” and “Honeysuckle Rose.”
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10: e SnowCat by Dmitri Matheny, $8-$10. A musical production, e SnowCat is the heartwarming holiday tale of a little girl’s search for her wandering white cat on a chilly afternoon and the life lessons she learns on the spirit of sharing and gratitude that makes the holidays such a magical time.
Various times Tuesday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Jan. 8: Zoppé, An Italian Family Circus; $15-$40. Zoppé welcomes guests into its intimate 500seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the history of the Old-World Italian tradition.
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12: Rhythm of the Dance- e National Dance Company of Ireland $34-$44. is two-hour dance and music extravaganza contains a wealth of Irish talent.
6 p.m. Sunday, March 5: Golden Dragon Acrobats; $32-$46. e performers of Golden Dragon Acrobats mix award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance and spectacular costumes to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.
Instrumental events
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19: New York Gypsy All Stars; $28-$36. Led by classically trained Macedonian clarinet wonder Ismail Lumanovski, the group never loses its sharp musical focus, astounding chops and true spirit of their Gypsy namesakes.
8 p.m. ursday, Jan. 28, Drumline
Live: $38-$46. is show-stopping attraction, created by the team behind the hit movie and TV series “Drumline,” brings the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition to the theatrical stage.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, California Guitar Trio & Montreal Guitar Trio; $22-$32. When the ensembles join forces, they perform some of the greatest rock classics from Queen and e Beatles, as well as spaghetti western themes.
3 p.m. Friday, March 19, Piano Battle; $28-$44. e Piano Battle sees the duo go head-to-head on stage, charming and enchanting the audience with a variety of classical pieces.
By Judi King
A native of Guangdong, China, Dan Zhen is committed to giving diners an authentic Chinese experience with his restaurants Moon China Bistro in Chandler and Moon China Restaurant in San Tan Valley.
He said that the two restaurants share the same menu and philosophy. “We offer delicious, healthy food prepared fresh daily, and strive to give you a memorable, authentic Chinese food dining experience,” he said.
Zhen moved to Arizona from China in 1999 and worked in restaurants serving his home country’s food around the Valley to gain experience. He opened the Moon China Restaurant in 2008 where his brother, Sam, is the head cook. Zhen said that he and his brother created traditional, authentic Cantonese and Mandarin cuisine using old family recipes.
Zhen is committed to the quality of the food preparation.
“We do not cut corners. We make quality, fresh food in our kitchen each day. e food does not sit around waiting for customers. We make it when the customer orders,” he said.
Zhen has been known to put his own spin on traditional dishes. e Moon China special chicken features his spicy chef sauce combined with lightly fried chicken, snow peas, water chestnuts, carrots and bamboo shoots ($8.95). Another of Zhen’s creations is his signature pineapple sauce which is used in the dish, sweet Hawaii—a pineapple stir fry with vegetables and chicken or beef ($8.95 to $9.25)— and also in pineapple beef which is comprised of wok-seared lightly battered beef slices, with pineapple, onions and bell peppers in chili pineapple sauce ($10.95).
Although Moon China Bistro is a small restaurant, the menu is extensive. Traditional Chinese fare such as kung pao, General Tso, Mongolian, orange chicken and moo goo gai pan are some of the 17 classic entrees ($8.95 to $10.25).
Cantonese shrimp and honey-
walnut shrimp ($10.95 to $12.95) are among the 12 chef specialties, all of which come with rice, egg roll and crab wonton.
ere are five items on the noodles and rice menu including Singapore rice noodles, a dish that combines angel hair rice noodles wok-fried with scrambled egg, vegetables, yellow curry and a choice of meat, tofu or shrimp, or a combination ($7.25 to $9.25).
e lunch menu has 24 largesized entrees—most from the classic menu—and comes with a choice of rice, egg roll and cheese-filled wonton for $5.95 to $6.95. Order take-out from the lunch menu before 3:30 p.m. for a low-priced dinner at home.
Appetizers ($2.50 to $9.95), soups ($2.50 to $6.95), vegetables and tofu served with a choice of rice ($7.95), as well as a family meal ($12.95) and kids’ meals ($3.95) round out the menu.
By Jan D’Atri
We ate it only once a year during the holidays, and every time I bit into an almond Roca, I remember thinking there wasn’t anything on earth as delicious as this!
at’s probably one of the reasons I’ve always been so timid about making homemade English toffee. If I couldn’t make it just like the quintessential bites of Roca, I wouldn’t even try. en came the email from Donna Nall of Phoenix along with her recipe for English coffee. Since then, I’m embarrassed to tell you how many batches of this favorite childhood delight I’ve been stirring up— much to my neighbor’s delight.
caramel and fondant for pecan log rolls, caramel for pecan turtles, ganache for truffles and several kinds of fudge. is can be a two- or three-day process, so I wanted to find a recipe that would take the place of the pecan log rolls and truffles. When I found this English toffee recipe, my first reaction was there are hardly any ingredients in this recipe and I had all them on hand, so why not give it a try?
I’ve been making candy for years and I couldn’t believe how fast this toffee recipe came together. Now it is the only candy I make other than fudge.”
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Here’s Donna’s email: “Jan, for the past 10 years my gift to my family and friends is baking homemade candy but the candy process is very painstaking. I make
Before you know it, it will be the holidays we’ll be looking for gifts from the kitchen and new recipes for cookie exchanges. Donna has just given us a delicious head start.
You will need:
Silicone sheet or parchment paper
Jellyroll pan
Candy thermometer
3-quart saucepan, preferably nonstick
Food processor
Wooden spoon
Ingredients:
4 cups whole almonds
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (minis work well)
11/2 cups unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons corn syrup
3 tablespoons water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour almonds on baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Stir almonds and roast for another 5 minutes. Let cool. Pour almonds in small batches
into food processor and chop fine. Measure 3 1/2 cups and set aside. Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper or silicone sheet. Pour chocolate chips onto surface and evenly disperse. Cut butter into cubes and place in the 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, water and corn syrup and bring to boil. Attach candy thermometer and let boil until mixture reaches 302 degrees. ( e hard crack stage.) Remove from heat and add 3 1/2 cups almonds, mixing thoroughly. Quickly pour over chocolate chips and spread over the entire baking sheet with wooden spoon. Add the remaining chopped almonds to the top of the candy and score the top of the candy with a knife (this helps to break the candy up evenly once it has hardened). Allow it to set up over night. Break into pieces and store in plastic container lined with parchment paper.
Terrie’s Day Care
Childcare in my home. Old stone ranch area. 20+ years experience. Openings for all ages. Flexible Monday-Friday day hours.
Breakfast, lunch & pm snack provided. Call Terrie 480-785-6817
Complete landscape and property maintenance including clean ups, hauling, installations, sprinkler install, maintenance and repair, tree care, painting, handyman, etc.
English speaking, dependable, Insured, SmartScape Certified, Free estimates. Valley wide 480-200-9598
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