We know all children learn differently , so we offer options that help them discover and build on their potential and passions , including:
• Preschool through adult education
• Homeschool enrichment classes
Thomas
• Franklin Traditional Schools
his past week I had the privilege of watching my son play in a tennis tournament at a Division I school tennis camp. The school’s tennis team is headed by Coach Brad Pearce, a former number one ranked national junior player, a Wimbledon quarterfinalist and 10 year pro tennis player. My son enjoyed the camp and came back not only a better player but returned motivated and more goal oriented. It turns out Coach Pearce has recently written a book entitled Life Lessons. During the week he gave some seminars that coincide with chapters in his new book. I am an avid reader and have always been goal-oriented so I purchased the book and read it over the weekend. I wanted to share the book with you not only because it is an excellent
book on goals written from a very focused and goal-oriented individual, but it also is an excellent book on parenting. Since I do not know of any parent who has told me they don’t need to learn anything more on parenting, I found this book to be extremely helpful with my children and helping them with their goals. The book speaks about helping our children set big goals and then becoming an “alignment specialist” in their lives. Coach Pearce states, “The principle of alignment states that when you are not properly aligned with a realistic chance of accomplishing your goal, you have two options: You can change your goal, OR You can change your actions and behavior to more fully align with your goals.” I found this statement so true to form. So many times we set up goals with our children
• Spanish immersion program
• Montessori schools
• International Baccalaureate
help your kids succeed?
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs
• Online learning options
Mesa Public Schools—the best place to learn.
and then do not help them stay aligned with their goals. Two weeks or less after the motivated goal is set, it seems some distraction is competing for their attention and throwing them off-track. As parents and alignment specialists, it becomes our responsibility to keep them on track, or occasionally redirect their goals if necessary. With the school season now approaching and a new year mentality in the air, now is a great time to set some goals with your children. Then, be their alignment specialist (or accountability partner, as I’ve often called it). Keep track of the goals and help them achieve and succeed. Unfortunately, I can’t do enough justice to this great book in my short article. However, if you contact my office I will gladly buy the book for the first 15 parents that contact me.
Two Chandler Locations: 3800 W. Ray Road (Ray & McClintock)
1055 W. Queen Creek Rd. (Queen Creek and Alma School)
Dr. Thomas Chamberlain
*DISCLOSURE:
#1 Down Payment Assistant Lender
Dental Implants
Permanent solution to tooth loss
People who have lost teeth might often feel too self-conscious to smile or talk in public. Additionally, early tooth loss can change eating habits and facial appearance and lead to secondary health problems.
Although you have a number of options for the replacement of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants are the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functioning of the teeth and supporting structures; dental implants provide a simple remedy with proven results.
Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures. Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth.
They are proven to preserve the jaw bone, gums and the adjacent natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. We offer state-of-the-art technologies and Dr. Shah is constantly implementing the latest techniques to provide you with the best care available. Patients who come to us can smile with confidence. For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
As of 8/1/2015, Academy Mortgage is the top volume lender for both Home In 5 and FHA Home Plus DAP grant program according to Maricopa IDA and HFA. **Source MCIDA Article: http://mcida.com/cm/content/home_ownership.asp
Academy Mortgage Corporation has originated over $107 million of mortgage loans since the beginning of the Home in Five Mortgage Origination Program in September 2012.**
Nearby News monthly contest
Each month we design an advertisement for something that doesn't exist. Find the fake ad and you could
Congratulations to this month’s lucky winner: ANGELA CIOPER, who found the fake ad, “Skin Thickener.”
Enter by email ONLY: FAKEADCHANDLER@NEARBYNEWS.COM
Please include your name and phone number in your email. We will call our winner by September 20. Good Luck!
Last Month’s Fake Ad
President Steve T. Strickbine
Executive Editor
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Associate Editors Ken Abramczyk, Kenneth LaFave
Graphic Design
Erica Odello, Paul Braun, Amy Civer, Nicole La Cour
Contact the Nearby News at (480) 348-0343 • Fax: (480) 348-2109 Editor@NearbyNews.com
more information visit our website at www.NearbyNews.com
The Tumbleweed News is published monthly and distributed to 10,000 residences and businesses within Chandler, 8,500 mailed directly to homes and 1,500 distributed on newsstands, and in several hundred high-traffic locations throughout the community.
Distribution Area:
• Complete Design & Remodeling Services
• Proven Stress-Free Process
• Lifetime Cabinet Warranties
• Premier’s Own Craftsmen
• Latest Styles, Trends & Technologies
• Everything In One Location
Cover Photo: Tim Sealy
community spotlight
When the City of Chandler restructured several departments and divisions last year, many cultural programming and arts areas were combined under the umbrella of the new Cultural Affairs Division.
e Chandler Public Library, Chandler Museum and Chandler Center for the Arts were separated from their longtime association with the Parks, Recreation and Aquatics divisions and moved to the new division under the leadership of Brenda Brown Brown served more than 10 years as the library manager prior to being named the new division’s director and now oversees more than 170 regular, parttime and temporary staff members. e library, museum and center have distinct missions, but Brown pointed out that they also have many commonalities.
“ ey all focus on offering programs that are entertaining and educational, they provide public spaces where people of all ages come together to explore, create and learn, and they all enhance the quality of life in Chandler,” she said. “Plus, they all have strong support from the community with enthusiastic stakeholders, advisory groups and nonprofit boards.” ose groups include the Chandler Arts Commission, Cultural Foundation, Library Board, Friends of the Chandler Public Library, Museums Advisory Board, Pardners of Tumbleweed Ranch, Chandler Historical Society and Sports Hall of Fame. With two public libraries on Chandler high school campuses and the Center for the Arts a shared facility, the City and Chandler Unified School District maintains a strong relationship.
Brown wants to facilitate more collaboration between the center, museum and libraries, and leverage resources to expand programming, increase awareness and boost participation. “For example, the divisions can coordinate their programming around a common theme—such as Hispanic Heritage Month—and cross-promote each other’s events,” Brown said.
Here are some of the great things ahead for the Cultural Affairs Division:
Chandler Center for the Arts
Good News: e visual arts continue to thrive in Chandler, with dynamic exhibits in the Vision Gallery at Chandler City Hall and the Center for the Arts Gallery. e public art program places art in parks, municipal buildings and throughout downtown Chandler. For information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/art.
Better News: Vision Kidz art classes started Aug. 15 at the Vision Gallery. ese free, popular classes taught by professional artists fill up quickly. For information, go to www.visiongallery. org/vision-kidz.html.
Every Friday, a new bookface image is posted on the library’s Instagram
Centenarian still bowling strikes
By Tracy House
At 100 years old, Vern Nelson can still bowl a pretty respectable game. e centenarian averages 140 a game in the summer senior league at Brunswick Kyrene Lanes in Chandler.
Vern and his son, David, both of whom are Sun Lakes residents, have been bowling in the Tuesday morning league for several years. It’s a hobby that Vern has indulged in since he was about 18 years.
“ ere were about 20 years I didn’t bowl,” Vern quickly added.
“My top score was 300 when I was 90, here (at Kyrene Lanes),” he said. “I would have been 91 in a week or so. It was September 3rd.”
David, who has bowled with his father for about a decade, saw his dad bowl the 300 game.
“It was 11 days before his birthday. Every ball was right in the pocket, perfect,” David said. “It was a Friday color pin game. Brunswick gave him a plaque and a jacket. e bowling alley gave him a bowling ball.”
Vern, who turns 101 in September, uses the activity to keep busy and to escape the doldrums of home. But it’s more than that to him. He takes it seriously, having bowled a perfect game about 10 years ago.
It is an accomplishment they are both proud to share.
Up until the last few years, David said Vern was bowling pretty high games. As recent as last year, Vern bowled a 224 game. He uses a 10- or
e former president and CEO of Southwest Savings and Loan, Vern retired in 1982. He was born in Idaho, and moved along with his wife, Sylvia, to Arizona in 1977 to be closer to his son and grandchild.
Vern now has four children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren spread across the country in Seattle, San Diego, Tennessee and Texas.
“He used to have a sea plane and we had sailboats,” David said. “He’s had a good life.”
Vern Nelson, 100 years old, and his son, David, bowl in a Tuesday league at Brunswick Kyrene Lanes. Vern’s average is a 224. He’ll be 101 years old in September.
Vern Nelson, 100 years old, bowls weekly at the Brunswick Kyrene Lanes. He bowled his perfect 300 game when he was 90 years old.
Tracy House Tracy House
12- pound ball.
Best News: e upcoming season at the Center for the Arts promises to be one of the best ever, with a variety of music, dance, comedy and family-friendly performances. Tickets are on sale at www.chandlercenter. org.
Chandler Public Library
Good News: A public library is still a community gathering space, and a resource for those who may be economically disadvantaged. In addition to offering adult literacy and English language classes, the library also features a job center and provides assistance with resumes and job searches. One of five Americans do not have reliable access to the Internet, which is another challenge in today’s economy. Chandler public libraries offer free Wi-Fi and dozens of public access computers.
Better News: Chandler Library has embraced technology and is looking for more ways to innovate, but the staff is not neglecting the needs of users who prefer to relax and browse the shelves for a great read. A group of employees, called the Discovery Team, works to present new authors and titles to the public in interesting and creative ways. Other employees create book lists to help library guests find their next reading pleasure. Check out the Chandler Library’s social media accounts for examples of their creativity. Instagram @ chandlerlibrary and Twitter @ chandlerlibaz.
Preschool
Storytime, Toddlertime, and High Five-Reading Together and Read to Succeed are some of the programs offered at Chandler’s four libraries to help parents enhance their child’s literacy. In addition, more people participated in the Summer Reading Program than ever before. For information, visit www. chandlerlibrary.org.
Chandler Museum
Good News: A new museum is scheduled to begin construction during the 2017-18 fiscal year. e museum’s design is expected to be completed during the current fiscal year, and it will be built adjacent to its current home, the historic McCulloughPrice House, located southwest of Chandler Fashion Center.
Best News: Chandler is a Read On Arizona community, “committed to ensuring that every child, birth through 5, obtains the necessary literacy skills for school readiness.” Lapsit Babytime, Family Storytime,
Better News: Until the new facility opens, the museum continues to highlight Chandler history, conducts educational programs for students and hosts the annual Chandler Chuckwagon Cook-Off at Tumbleweed Ranch on Nov. 7. Because it possesses the extensive archive of Chandler Arizonan newspapers, the museum also serves as a research hub for the public as well as other museums and historical societies in the East Valley.
Best News: Check out www. ChandlerPedia.com, the growing online resource, to learn about all things Chandler.
Vision Gallery.
The historic McCullough-Price House, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., near Chandler Fashion Center is home to the Chandler Museum.
neighborhood
Parking has always been an issue in downtown Chandler. Now the city center might get some relief! City officials are mulling over a proposal that would allow 11 zones in the area to operate valet services. Now you can get to dinner on time without spending 15 minutes looking for parking!
Katybug Faye Boutique at Casa Paloma Shopping Center will soon be operating under a nonprofit model! The trendy women’s boutique will partner with ICAN, which offers free programs to local families.
We know it’s hot out there, which of course means it’s pool time, but just a friendly reminder to keep those pool gates closed! Prevent drowning deaths and have fun the rest of this summer without the worry.
through his leadership, advocacy and consistent support of parks, recreation, and cultural services.
Kudos as well to our executive editor, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, who was named a Donation Champion by the Donor Network for her vast coverage of Donate Life Month in April. She will be featured in an upcoming edition of the organization’s newsletter.
Seton Catholic High School will be hosting a three-on-three basketball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 12. Registration forms are available in the Seton Catholic main office or online at www.setoncatholic.org. Call or email Karen Self for further information at kself@setoncatholic. org or (480) 545-4309.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to experience the new Old West as Rawhide Western Town and Event Center reopens for its 20152016 season on Friday, Sept. 4. It kicks off with new features—like the Rawhide Express train ride and a pizza joint—and parking and admission are free. The steakhouse has also been refreshed. For reservations, call (480) 502-5600 or email reso@ rawhide.com. Visit www.rawhide.com for more information.
Chandler residents don’t have to go far to find fresh, local produce yearround thanks to the farmers market that has been serving residents for more than 10 years. The Chandler Farmers Market is held 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning Oct. 1 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. This year, the market is expanding and looking for vendors. For details, email dccp@downtownchandler. org.
D’vine Chandler has added some, well, divine menu items to its happy hour offerings. “Pigs in a Blankey” features baked spicy andouille sausage wrapped in puff pastry with creole mustard dipping sauce ($7) and lemon garlic asparagus ($7) is sautéed in olive oil with lemon juice and chopped garlic, all the while topped with saffron aioli. The restaurant is located at 3990 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, (480) 7825550.
Congratulations to Mayor Jay Tibshraeny! He was presented with the “Outstanding Public Official Award” on Aug. 11 at the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association (APRA) Awards presentation held at the historic Fox Theater in downtown Tucson. Mayor Tibshraeny was recognized for furthering the quality of life in Chandler
What’s the buzz in your neighborhood? New babies or grandbabies? Announcements? Engagements? Let us know! Email hearsay@nearbynews.com.
East Valley Moms
Planting a seed
Years of nature love at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Story and photos by
Kimberly Hosey
Like any sentimental mother who can’t believe her little cherub is already a surly teenager, I’ve taken (and frequently look back on) my share of snapshots. Happily, with one destination that’s become a family tradition, I have a ready-made excuse, as well as a lovely background for those photos.
him to the natural world. As time went by and we got to know the trails well, we found favorite spots: the main trail as it winds around a canyon rim, flowers alive with hummingbirds and butterflies and many more. We’ve visited at all seasons, become members and even volunteered there.
Brought to you by:
everyone in attendance watched with childlike enthusiasm as Racut netted a large, orange-red flame skimmer dragonfly, gave everybody a close look and photo opportunity, and then placed the insect gently on my son’s finger, where it stood briefly before safely flying away.
NearbyNews
next few months, great for all members of the family:
My son and I have regularly visited Boyce ompson Arboretum, which houses more than 3,000 different desert plants as well as the animals that call the plants and environment home, since shortly after he learned to walk. In those days, it was the best local spot I knew to take long walks and expose
On this visit, my son and I showed up just in time for a guided dragonfly walk led by photographer and dragonfly enthusiast Roger Racut. We’ve been on most of the interpretive tours the arboretum offers; exploring plants, lizards, insects and more. e groups often, but not always, include other children. is time, he was the youngest participant. It didn’t matter;
• Swedish
Deep Tissue
Myotherapy (Sport Massage)
Cellulite Reduction • Advanced Lymphatic Drainage
e opportunities at the arboretum are limited only by your and your kids’ interests. One highlight not to miss is the Children’s Garden, a well-designed collection of mazes, flowers, mosaics and more. Kids can navigate the maze and pretend to be javelinas, excavate “fossils,” watch butterflies dance among the flowers, become a human sundial and more. It’s all about interacting with the natural world.
e arboretum has many events and interpretive walks coming up in the
• Saturday, Sept. 19, at 8 a.m.—Plants of the Bible Land Guided Walk: With a similar latitude as the Biblical Sinai Desert, our own Sonoran Desert climate allows many plants featured in the Bible to thrive. Palms, pomegranates, figs, olives and more are featured in this 90-minute tour along wheelchair-accessible paths.
• Saturday, Aug. 22, at 8 a.m.—Geology Walking Tour: Geology rocks—literally—as the minerals and volcanic formations along the Main Trail take center stage. Guests cover almost 2 billion years of geologic history with professional geologist Rich Leveille.
• Saturday, Aug. 22, and Saturday,
... continues on page 14
around the neighborhood
The Sunset Library celebrated the end of its Summer Reading Program by inviting kids to come to the facility dressed as their favorite “Star Wars” character. They were treated to a movie and a snack for their efforts. Photos by Tim Sealy
1. Wyatt Flint uses the Force to defeat his enemy. 2. Donnie Bratton poses in front of a green screen with a Stormtrooper and a Jedi Master. 3. The Stormtrooper is no match for the Force flowing through Hali Alvey. 4. Jadon Alvey poses with a Stormtrooper and a Jedi Master. 5. Aiden Wagner uses his considerable powers of the Force, and a little help from Jedi Master Daniel Cortez, to defeat the Stormtrooper. 6. Library staffers Elisia Simmons, Trish Combs and Heather Schultz get a group shot taken by Amira Simmons. 7. The Stormtrooper is no match for the Force flowing through Hali Alvey. 8. The Force is strong with Amira Simmons. 9. Joey Paz plays a convincing Stormtrooper. 10. Even parents like Mia Johnson got show off their mastery of the Force 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
By Erica Odello
Bottle cutting
You will need the following: Bottle cutter, glass bottles and jars, sandpaper (recommend Dremel sanding drums in 60-, 120- and 240-grit along with 400grit wet/dry sandpaper from 3M) Sharpie Oil-based Paint Marker, glass glue.
e first time I tried bottle cutting, I bought an extremely cheap tool at the craft store and it worked about as well as expected. A few months ago I read about the Kinkajou Bottle Cutter, which is designed to get rid of all of the problems I experienced the first time around. When I priced them on Amazon, however, I was shocked. I’m not sure I’m willing to invest $50 (or more!) in a single tool for doing casual art projects. After reviewing the list of “related products” Amazon so helpfully provides, I settled on the AGPtek Glass Bottle Cutter, which appears to address the same issues the Kinkajou was designed to take care of, but for $30 less.
Step 1: Scoring
I think calling these tools “glass-cutting machines” is rather misleading. ey are designed to enable the user to make near-perfect scores in the glass that allow the pieces to break cleanly. I learned very quickly that even with a much better glass cutting tool I needed to start with twice as many glass containers as I planned to finish with because there’s a steep learning curve and I broke about half of them.
e trick to good bottle cutting is keeping a constant pressure on the bottle as you’re making the score. If there’s a section of the bottle where the applied pressure is lower, that’s the area where the cut won’t break cleanly, most often spiderwebbing and ruining the entire piece.
e other thing I’ve learned is that the start and end of the score in the glass need to meet each other. If they are off at all when the glass splits in the next step, best case scenario is you will be left with an offset nub of glass that will take more time to sand away. Worst case scenario is the break in the glass will spiderweb through the entire bottle and ruin it.
Step 2: Separating
You will need a deep pot of boiling water and another of ice-cold water.
Grasp the glass piece with an oven mitt and submerge the scored section in the boiling water for at least 30 seconds. Immediately transfer to the ice water and submerge above the score. You should hear pings as the glass contracts. More often than not if I did it right, the two pieces would separate after a few seconds in the ice water. If it doesn’t separate after 30 seconds in ice water, transfer back to the hot water and continue alternating until the pieces finally separate.
Step
3: Sanding
I had two intended uses for the glass pieces I cut: Vases/candle holders and drinking glasses. For the pieces that weren’t going to be used for drinking out of, I used three grits of sandpaper to smooth
away the sharp edges left when the pieces separated. I went over them once with 60-grit, then 120, then 240 and this was more than adequate for making the glass safe to touch. As a note, wearing gloves, eye protection and long-sleeves is very important when using a Dremel on glass. It throws off small, sharp shards of glass throughout the process. For the drinking glasses, I took the extra step of going over the edges by hand a final time with 400-grit sandpaper.
Drinking glasses
I tried two versions of drinking glasses, one where I used glass glue to adhere the top of the bottle to its base to create stemware. e other was simpler, just turning the cut-and-sanded base into a 12-ounce tumbler.
Candle holders and vases
As you can see from the picture below, the rest of the pieces I cut were turned into either candle holders or vases. I turned my kids loose on some of the finished pieces with Sharpie’s Oil-based Paint Markers to decorate. I bought the pastel collection but they’re also available in metallic and primary colors. I haven’t washed them yet, so I am not sure how durable the decorations are. I also recommend battery-powered votive candles, as the bottles that were sitting over the real candles got extremely hot.
This custom USB drive will provide you with informative videos, fertility treatment options, pregnancy success rates, and other valuable information to help you get started on your journey to achieve your dream of having a baby. The Fertility Treatment Center has been a leader in reproductive medicine for over 25 years. Go to fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/key to receive the “Key to Getting Pregnant”, free of charge.
Fertility Treatment Center...Turning Patients into Parents.
H Randall Craig, MD Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
In the ASU Research Park 2155 E. Conference Drive, Suite 115, Tempe, AZ 85284 480.831.2445
www.fertilitytreatmentcenter.com
MPS’ Montessori offers first-rate opportunities for students
Story by Laurie Struna; Photos by Tim Hacker
Dr. Dawn Foley, director of curriculum and instruction for Mesa Public Schools, discusses the district’s Montessori program.
What is Montessori?
e Montessori philosophy dates back to the early 1900s. It is based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, who developed a teaching method based on scientific observations of young children’s behaviors. She found children learned best in a homelike environment, filled with developmentally appropriate materials that provide experiences that contribute to the growth of self-motivated independent learners.
Why is Mesa Public Schools program top-notch?
Our Montessori teachers are highly qualified. ey have dual certification from the Arizona Department of Education and the Montessori
Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Our Montessori Teachers receive professional development, training and support to continually expand their knowledge and skills to implement the best educational practices.
An exciting component of our program is that we offer a full Montessori preschool and kindergarten option for children ages 3 to 5. is early childhood option is available at the
Jordan Center for Early Education. Students can transition to one of our nurturing elementary school programs grades K-6 at Bush, Johnson or Pomeroy elementary schools.
When you step into a Montessori classroom, what will you see?
Students are placed in multi-age classrooms, based on developmental periods. It is important for teachers, students and families to develop long-
term relationships, and it is common for students to spend several years in a classroom with the same teacher. Environments are prepared with multisensory, sequential and selfcorrecting materials to support learning. ere is a balance between freedom and responsibility, and children may work independently or in small groups. When you enter a classroom, you will find child-size furniture and spaces low to the ground that support learning. Dr. Montessori believed the child’s learning environment should be peaceful and welcoming. Teachers are often side by side with students, interacting with them instead of at the front of the classroom or a desk.
Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace, and this is supported through individualized work plans based on their achievement levels and progress. Hands-on learning is central to the curriculum to ensure learners are engaged.
For more information regarding Montessori programs, visit mpsaz.org/ montessori.
DEVELOPING ATHLETES FROM INSTRUCTIONAL TO COMPETITIVE
Mesa Public Schools Montessori teachers have dual certification from the Arizona Department of Education and the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
top 10 family events
Aug. 20 - Sept. 20, 2015
1 Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival
Hello Kitty and her super cute friends will perform with their first live tour, which features dance sequences and interactive displays.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 23, at 12 p.m.
WHERE: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
COST: Varies
INFO: (800) 745-3000 or bit.ly/1ek6On8
2 Plugged In
Eight youth bands and two soloists perform at the Chandler Center for the Arts’ signature concert, “Plugged In.”
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free
INFO: (480) 782-2680 or www.chandlercenter.org
3 Cinderella Puppet Show
Everyone’s favorite fairy tale is told with elegant hand puppets and two little mice rod puppets.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe COST: Free INFO: http://1.usa.gov/1N6tAhw
4 Lapsit Babytime
Join the group for a 40-minute High Five Program with books, fingerplays, songs, puppets and community playtime. Activities in Lapsit are developmentally appropriate for children ages newborn through 16 months.
WHEN: Wednesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
WHERE: Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: (480) 782-2800 or www.chandlerlibrary.org
5 Pajama Storytime
Family storytime complete with songs, movement activities and finger plays that encourage early learning. Pajamas are encouraged!
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe
COST: Call (480) 350-5500 for cost INFO: http://1.usa.gov/1hAAD4Y
6 Glow Kayak
Join other kayakers ages 10 and older for a night under the stars as everyone glows and glides across the water.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Tempe Town Lake, 620 N. Mill Ave., Tempe COST: $20 to $35 INFO: (480) 350-8069 or www.tempe.gov
7 The Teen Scene
Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop or munch on some snacks.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: (480) 782-2800 or www.chandlerlibrary.org
8 Childsplay: “Sideways Stories from Wayside School”
Based on Louis Sachar’s beloved children’s books, “Sideways Stories from Wayside School” brings to life an elementary school where the oddest things can happen
WHEN: Weekends Sept. 13 through Oct. 18, various times
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe COST: $12 to $25 INFO: (480) 350-2822 or www.childsplayaz.org
9 Cupcake Craziness
Have a little fun with cupcakes during Family Night at the TRC.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler COST: $2 residents; $3 nonresidents INFO: (480) 782-2900
10 Minecraft
Join kids between the ages of 6 and 18 for Minecraft at the library. No registration is needed but space is limited.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler COST: Free INFO: (480) 782-2800 or www.chandlerlibrary.org
School, Work or more Focus in
Sept. 26, at 8:30 a.m.—Butterfly Walk: Queens, Empress Leilia, spring azures and more stir delight during a leisurely walk through the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, Demonstration Garden and Children’s Garden collections, led by local butterfly
researchers and experts.
• Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7:30 a.m.—Guided Bird Walk: Discover how to spot yellow-breasted chats, Lucy’s warblers, Bell’s vireos, northern cardinals and many more birds during this interpretive walk led by members of the Arizona Field Ornithologists board.
• Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 a.m.—Drag-
onfly Walk: Blueeyed and common green darners, flame and roseate skimmers, Mexican amberwings, blue dashers…even the names are colorful. Roger Racut guides this walk around the arboretum’s pond and water features to find and study these brilliant insects.
• Saturday, Sept. 12, at 8 a.m.—Learn Your Lizards: is guided walk isn’t just for kids. Anyone with a love for lizards and other reptiles will be fascinated as “Wildman” Phil Rakoci uses humor and his way with critters to entertain and educate.
ily tradition has continued. Indeed, the biggest problem we encountered was overhearing a toddler crying as they left: “My butterflies!”
“I don’t think he wants to leave,” my son commented. “I don’t blame him.”
e arboretum also offers history walks, photography workshops, home school day tours and more.
ese days, my son is as likely to swipe my camera as he is to pose in front of it, but it’s nice to see this fam-
By Jan D’Atri
Tammy Hines’ Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies What’s Cooking?
So many of my fondest memories are related to food, and the beginning of the school year is no exception.
I had a best friend in first grade. Didn’t everyone? To this day, I still remember the beyond-delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie that Michele’s mom would pack in her lunchbox.
I would have traded everything I had in my brown bag and then some for just one bite of that cookie. Fortunately, Michele had a generous heart and would share the cookies with me every time her mom would bake them.
I’ve been on a lifelong search to find a recipe that even came close to that treasure. So you can imagine my excitement when I received an email from Valley resident Lee Hines about his wife’s chocolate chip cookies. Tammy Hines was determined to duplicate a well-known winner and finally succeeded. And I had found the recipe that has come the closest to the cookies I loved so many years ago! Lee shares the story of Tammy’s quest:
“Yes, I remember that fateful day. It was a few years ago when Tammy announced she was going to make
chocolate chip cookies. e first thing that popped into my head was Doubletree. If you’ve ever stayed at a Doubletree Hotel, you know that the first thing that happens when you check in is you’re handed a wonderful chocolate chip cookie.
“After searching the Internet she tried and modified several recipes that claimed to duplicate the Doubletree cookies. After baking and testing batch after batch, the results are a cookie that our friends and family can’t resist. Be prepared to never love another chocolate chip cookie like this one!”
As I plant my face in a plateful of decadent chocolate chips, I’m thanking Tammy and her dedication to the pursuit of “ e Cookie,” while reliving memories of snowy Lake Tahoe school days and the best warm-out-of-theoven chocolate chips a 6-year-old could ever dream of!
If you have a recipe that you think our readers would love to try, email me. While you’re there, check out more recipes and cooking tips at www. jandatri.com.
Tammy Hines’ Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs
3 cups semisweet premium chocolate chips (Ghirardelli or Guittard preferred)
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the oats, flour, soda, salt and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, vanilla and lemon. Add eggs and mix until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients. Mix in chocolate chips and nuts. Spoon rounded balls (about 1/4 cup each) onto a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown on outside edges but still soft in the middle. Makes 40 large cookies.
Note: Tammy refrigerates the dough, which helps to hold the cookies together. And Lee (who says he hovers over every batch to make sure he gets to scrape the bowl clean) tells me that these cookies freeze well, too.
on the town
By Lynette Carrington
Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli
Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli is the culmination of a friendship that blossomed into a tasty and successful business. Carlo Ventura and Emilie Frances put their culinary, business and management knowledge together to create a deliciously different kind of deli. ey met when Ventura was working as a manager at Bernard’s at Ocotillo Golf Resort.
“Because he spoke French, we became friends,” explained Frances, who hails from France. “ en he introduced my mom to my stepdad and they got married, and my stepdad is the third partner here.”
for the cannoli, and I make my own fresh bread every day. For sandwiches, there are two types of bread that I make—two different hoagie breads— one is sun-dried tomato with my own homemade pesto and then the other is a regular hoagie. Eventually, I will also make my own pasta.”
Although Ventura is Italian and Frances is French, the duo saw potential in opening a business. Ventura’s experience includes working in the hotel and restaurant industries in Italy, Germany and France prior to coming to the United States in the 1970s.
“I was asked to do something and I thought it would be good to do a deli,” Ventura said. “We have similar types of foods where we are from originally— tomatoes, peppers, fish.
Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli opened in December and it quickly made its mark as a restaurant with a unique menu variety.
Sandwiches include prosciutto with hard salami and asiago, smoked turkey with asiago and soppressata, prosciutto and asiago. Hot sandwiches boast Ventura’s meatballs made fresh daily, chicken pesto, beef braciole, and veal and eggplant parmigiana.
“We do a lot of orders to-go, especially in the evening—more so pastas than sandwiches,” Ventura said.
“I make my own sausages, my own pasta sauces and some of my own desserts including carrot cake, tiramisu, Italian cheesecake, the filling
A point of pride for Ventura is the variety of pasta sauces that he crafts. Available sauces include puttanesca, pesto, Alfredo, Bolognese, tomato and fresh sage with browned butter. Ventura said the butternut squash ravioli as the most requested pasta. e tomato and fresh sage with browned butter is usually the sauce of choice for that pasta.
Homemade soups include chicken with fresh vegetables and wild rice, potato, squash soup, beef soup, Italian wedding soup and, on Fridays, lobster bisque.
Running the deli gives Frances and Ventura the opportunity to get to know their guests.
“I love people—that’s the main thing. I love people and I love to see people. I’ve been doing this for so long and I cannot be without people,” Ventura stated.
Frances added, “I’m enjoying cooking and I like being at the register, also, to see people’s reaction when they get their food and say, ‘Oh, wow that is huge.’ I love that. It’s so amazing and it makes me feel good.”
Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli
2040 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 12
Chandler 85286 (480) 786-4019 or www. gourmetdelichandler.com
Carlo Ventura and Emilie Frances own Carlo and Emilie’s Gourmet Deli, a unique deli boasting both Italian and French influences.
Women’s faces by women artists on display at the CCA
By Kenneth LaFave
e faces of Arizona women, interpreted by Arizona women artists, will line the walls of the Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery, 250 N. Arizona Ave., through Oct. 24.
Portraits of Arizona businesswomen, civic leaders, philanthropists, writers, politicians and celebrities comprise the exhibition, “Women Making Faces.” Ten Arizona women artists created the show’s 65 portraits in oils, watercolor, charcoal and silverpoint.
“I’ve always had an obsession for anything with eyeballs,” said Debra Jones, the Scottsdale artist who curated “Women Making Faces.” “Portraiture is everything to me. ere’s something in the eyes.”
Jones got the idea for the exhibition when she saw a show called “Women Painting Women” in Alexandria, Virginia.
“In Virginia, they’ve been doing these for about five years,” she said. “When Chandler Center for the Arts’ gallery came available, the opportunity to do
one like it here was huge.”
Jones contacted every Arizona woman artist she knew and some she didn’t, and asked them to make a list of notable Arizona women they would like to paint. e resulting exhibition represents 10 artists, each of whom have contributed from two to 16 portraits of prominent Arizona women.
“It’s a showcase, a walk-in portfolio of work by 10 women artists,” Jones said.
In addition to Jones, the exhibition’s artists are: Carole Andreen-Harris, Mary Rochelle Burnham, Linda Fox, Moira Marti Geoffrion, Gini Heywood, Carla Keaton, Chris Saper, Gay Myers Scheibl and Annette Smith.
Jones’ own list of 16 portraits includes some stellar subjects. Sandra Day O’Connor tops a list that includes businesswoman Kimber Lanning, ASU Gammage’s Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, author Jana Bommersbach, philanthropist Cindy McCain and former governor, Janet Napolitano.
Artist Mary Rochelle Burnham, who moved to Cornville from Michigan two years ago, chose five subjects: Kimberly McWaters, CEO of Universal Technical Institute; Beverly Damore, of St. Mary’s Food Bank; Rabbi Alicia Magal of the Jewish Community of Sedona; world traveler and volunteer Marjorie West, and Dr. Hollis Underwood, an internal medicine specialist in Scottsdale.
Like all the other artists, Burnham also included a self-portrait.
“I’ve been doing portraits since I was 11 years old. It’s my number one thing,” Burnham said.
Part of the intent of “Women Making Faces” is to alert Arizona art lovers to the value of having one’s portrait done and the local talent available to do it.
“I call it iPhone marketing,” Jones added. “Nobody knew they needed an iPhone until there was one. It’s the same with portraiture.”
“I’m hoping this exhibition will let people know my style, so if they like it, they might commission me,” Burnham said.
For more information on “Women Making Faces,” call (480) 782-2695, or go to www.chandlercenter.org.
This exhibit features portraits of some of Arizona’s most renowned women painted by Arizona’s most dynamic portrait artists.
WHEN: Through Oct. 24; various times. Meet-and-greet reception with artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Includes live painting demonstrations.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
COST: Free
INFO: (480) 782- 2680 or visit www. chandlercenter.org
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo 35th Anniversary Tour
Along the way, the union of Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo has become one of the most successful in music history and their legacy continues to be celebrated across the globe.
INFO: (800) 946-4452 or visit www.wingilariver.com.
Tres Guittaras
Flamenco, blues and jazz entwine through the hands and musical voices of three incredible artists. Chris Jácome, Bob Fahey and Stan Sorenson embark on a six-string journey with their distinctive musical voices.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free
INFO: (480) 782- 2680 or visit www. chandlercenter.org
Ritmo Latino
Led by singer Andres Martinez, Ritmo Latino masterfully mixes up a salsa, cumbia, cha, cha, cha and Latin jazz musical blend. Ritmo Latino is comprised of some of the top Latin jazz players in the Southwest.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free
INFO: (480) 782- 2680 or visit www. chandlercenter.org
Sinbad Actor and comedian Sinbad arrived on the comedy scene with a “hit’em in the face” style of comedy that has kept audiences laughing in the aisles for the past two decades.
INFO: (800) 946-4452 or visit www. wingilariver.com.
Vietnamese Concert: Tieng Cuo Am Nhac/Dance
Enjoy an evening of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese entertainment at Ovations Live! Showroom. Top-name performers take the stage to showcase the best in Vietnamese music, singing, dancing and more
INFO: (800) 946-4452 or visit www. wingilariver.com.
resort amenities • perfect location
The Cays at Downtown Ocotillo is an exclusive collection of luxury designed condominiums located in Chandler in the upscale Ocotillo Community.
Chandler Symphony Pops Concert Music director Jack Herriman and associate conductor Alex Zhen lead volunteer musicians from around the Valley for this “Purely American” concert. The orchestra performs quality symphonic and orchestral music.
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler COST: Free. Suggested donations are $5 child, $10 adult or $15 family.
INFO: (480) 782- 2680 or visit www. chandlercenter.org
Latin Comedy Jam
Dillion Garcia, Javi Luna, Frankie Quinones, Roberto Rodriguez and Steve Trevino are featured in the Latin Comedy Jam.
As owner of Diamondback Air, a full-service air conditioning and heating company located in Mesa, John Herman knows he and his team are helping their customers stay comfortable—even after hours.
Clients who have issues with their A/C unit after the office has closed are able to speak to a service technician who is concerned about the home’s residents. ose with medical conditions and elderly folks require Diamondback Air to fix the unit immediately.
“ ey are trained to ask, ‘Do you have more than one system in your home?’ or ‘Do your kids have asthma?’” said Herman, who has 40 years’ experience in the HVAC industry.
Diamondback Air is not a 24-hour emergency service company, but staff will take care of existing customers after hours who have health or other issues.
Tyler Stettler, operations manager for Diamondback Air, said the company focuses on residential and commercial air conditioning and serves customers throughout the Valley.
“Anything related to air conditioning needs we can satisfy and take care of,” Stettler said.
In addition to installing, maintaining and repairing A/C and heating systems, Diamondback Air also offers air duct cleaning, whole house air balancing and other related services.
Herman said about 35 percent of his business is from referrals. He chalked it up to Diamondback Air’s “personal” service.
“We offer good old-fashioned, family-owned personal service. People are not just a number here, and we handle all of our service calls personally,” Herman said.
However, to avoid service calls, Stettler said homeowners
should change the filters regularly.
Homeowners with a lot of pets, kids and/or dust should change their filters more frequently.
“I always say that people should keep their filter in for a maximum of one month,” Stettler said.
“Preventative maintenance is always the cheapest route, and changing the filters regularly just helps the unit to breathe. Air flow is everything in our industry.”
Herman also wants people to know that older A/C units with R22 Freon are slated to be phased out by 2018, and as of Jan. 1, 2015, 13 SEER units are no longer being manufactured. The minimum SEER is now 14 with a refrigerant R410A Freon, he said.
“We can still find R22 Freon, but it’s like liquid gold. Now is the time for people to get their systems switched out, because if they do not do it soon, they will be in jeopardy of getting sticker shock when it’s no longer available. We are already seeing a shortage of the equipment,” Herman said.
In addition to stellar customer service, Herman said Diamondback Air is involved in the community.
“We help with organizations like Angels on Patrol and Habitat for Humanity, so we do like to pay it forward,” he said.
Diamondback Air’s main office is located at 6239 E. Brown Rd., Building 2, Suite 116 in Mesa. For more information, call (602) 977-0800 or visit www.diamondbackair.com.
