SanTan Sun News: Neighbors - Feb. 6, 2016

Neighbors

‘Cinderella Affair’ gives girls their fairytale moment

BY STEVE CARR

The magic of Cinderella never fades. Even today, 319 years after Charles Perrault added the pumpkin, fairy godmother and glass slipper to Giambattista Basile’s first written version of the story Walt Disney made famous, the Fairy Godmother’s admonition rings clear: “Nonsense child. If you’d lost all your faith, I couldn’t be here. And here I am.”

And she remains, not with a wand and a bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, but with many smiles, helping hands and thousands of free ball gowns that have come to mean the annual Cinderella Affair is at hand. Now in its 14th year, the East Valley Women’s League’s (EVWL) Cinderella Affair offers free gowns, shoes and accessories for high school juniors and seniors to choose from.

“The biggest part of the Cinderella Affair is making the girls feel special,” said East Valley Women’s League President Christina McNamara. “It’s more than a dress and an outfit for one night. It’s to be there, help them find the perfect dress, give them hugs and tell them how pretty they look.”

with her best friend, Becca Weinstock, both of Mesa.

“The dress was really cool and it made me feel so beautiful to put it on.”

Shumway and Weinstock are among more than 9,000 high schoolers who have

This year’s Cinderella Affair takes place on three Saturdays—March 26, April 2 and April 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day—at the Cinderella Affair Boutique, 411 N. McKemy Ave., in Chandler, in a space donated by EVWL member Traci Estenson and her husband. High school girls statewide are invited. IDs are required. “I chose a dress that was short, black and kind of ruffly,” recalls Raychelle Shumway, who visited the Cinderella Affair Boutique in 2013 for her junior prom and came back last year to volunteer as a college freshman

selected from the thousands of donated dresses since 2002.

“I went with Raychelle in 2014 because she had been the previous year,” Weinstock said. “I loved it. There’s such a large quantity and they’re divided into different rooms by size to make it easy. You just go and have fun without a price tag and all the dresses are gorgeous.”

And, like it is for McNamara and her

Patti Luttrell turns son’s

fight with cancer into mission to help others

BY JASMINE KEMPER

Patti Luttrell is the one of the most kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. As the co-founder and executive director of the Chandler-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit Children’s Cancer Network, she works to help Arizona families who are battling childhood cancer through fundraisers, programs, support and education.

“We’re there from the moment of diagnosis all the way through long-term survivorship,” Luttrell said.

Childhood cancer is no stranger to the Luttrell family. In 1993 her then-5year-old son Jeff Luttrell was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Jeff

has spent 22 years of his life battling cancer.

Luttrell and her family were lucky when it came to the diagnosis. She is a registered nurse who worked at Grand Canyon University for nine years; she and her husband had stable jobs, good health insurance and the support from many friends and family.

“I think we had a lot of connections, but we see so many families who don’t. That can make a huge difference in coping with this rollercoaster that cancer throws you on. We don’t want any family to feel as though they’re

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

Since 1989, the Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA) has been an integral part of the community. In fact, according to the CCA, more than 300,000 people visit the center each year—and many times a volunteer is their first point of contact.

On a regular basis the CCA hosts several low cost and free community-centric events. To do so, the CCA promotes community fundraisers, one of their most popular being Eat Your Art Out Chandler, which takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

During the event, select area restaurants donate the proceeds they make from lunch

and dinner sales that day to the CCA.

“This is a community event that brings together Chandler restaurants, arts patrons and arts supporters for a day where we have the opportunity to support for the arts in our community by eating out,” said Michelle Mac Lennan, general manager of the CCA.

“Participating restaurants donate 25 percent of their proceeds on this day [and] all you have to do is have a meal.”

Mac Lennan said that these funds go toward supporting the Free Summer Concert Series, Connecting Kidz initiatives and

BY JUDI KING

The owners of Pitta Souvli are out to prove that nutritious food need not be dull.

“We try to come up with interesting, healthy, really good food,” said Lisa Schommer, who co-owns the restaurant with husband, Paul. “Using fresh

ingredients every day and the talents of our amazing kitchen staff, our delicious made-from-scratch food is unique. We like to come up with new dishes all the time like the pork burger created by Paul.” The menu is just as innovative as she suggested.

fellow “Fairy Godmothers,” the Cinderella Affair experience is an affair of the heart for the young ladies as well.

“They’re women you want to be when you grow up,” Shumway said. “They’re so happy, full of energy and so kind. They’re helpful to every single girl coming though the door and so selfless with their time to do this for girls to be able to get dresses for formal dances.”

Even waiting in line to get into the boutique is pleasant because “the women are there with baskets of cookies and smiles. They’re always so sweet.” Weinstock said, adding that volunteering only deepened the connection. “We were just freshman in college when we volunteered and were the youngest ones there. But they were so welcoming to us. We’re basically the same age as the girls we were helping. You can feel the sense of community within all of them.”

Tara Stainton, who founded EVWL with her sister, Tracy Worischeck, in 2001, continues volunteering at the Cinderella Affair that started as a high school project for a member, Gloria Fox, and her daughter, Megan, “to make a difference in our

community.”

“I don’t know that I ever thought it would be as amazing as it is,” Stainton said.

With 56 active members, the East Valley Women’s League has quietly gone about the business of giving back, looking only to make other lives better.

“Our members present a project and we all decide how to spend the money we raise” through two annual events, a signature gala, this year themed “Keys for a Cause” on Feb. 19 at Villa Siena in Gilbert, and the SEEDS for Autism Holiday Trunk Show in December.

The newest project is Kids in Transition with members loading quality schoolsized hygiene products into knapsacks for delivery to “young people in transitional care, but not a foster home or group home,” McNamara said. “These kids end up spending the night at an office decorated to look somewhat homey. Lots of these kids come in with nothing. When we met with a youth advisory board created for their voices to be heard and asked what they needed most, they wanted things like deodorant, but good deodorant—hygiene products that we take for granted but for them it’s about dignity.”

There’s also Packing for Success (backpacks for students), Homebound Women (gifts and friendship for women in the East Valley) and support for Chemo Companions and the Children’s Cancer Network. EVWL members have also awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to students attending ASU, Maricopa Community Colleges and in the Tempe Union High School District.

But it all comes back to the Cinderella Affair to really keep the magic alive. For more information, visit www. cinderellaaffair.org or www.evwl.org.

go to try a new place for lunch or dinner.”

headline entertainment.

“Through the success of the program we were able to use the funds raised to support education and outreach programs at CCA, which serve more than 4,500 youth each year,” she added. “Funds also go to support our Free Summer Concert Series, which serves more than 4,000 patrons each summer.”

As of press time, several restaurants were signed up to participate in the fundraiser.

According to the CCA, lunchtime participants include: Nando’s Mexican Cafe, Rock Lobster, San Tan Brewing Co., Serrano’s and Stone + Vine Urban Italian. For dinner, supporting eateries are: Bourbon Jack’s Bar & Grill, CHoP Chandler, Earnest, Floridino’s, The Living Room, Nando’s Mexican Cafe, Rock Lobster and Serrano’s.

(The CCA plans to continue recruiting restaurants up until the event, so the center’s website is the best way to find an updated list of participating eateries.)

“We’re so grateful to all of our restaurants who supported us this year and in the years past,” Mac Lennan said. “We encourage everyone to take a day off from cooking and

In addition to the Eat Your Art Out Chandler event, Mac Lennan pointed to other ways that locals can support the CCA.

“From donating time through volunteering programs to purchasing [a] membership, to helping through a financial contribution, there are so many ways to be a part of our mission,” she said.

“[The] Chandler Center for the Arts has a mission to make visual and performing arts available to the entire Chandler population; to become a creative force and an educational resource for the community; and to harness the economic vitality of the arts,” according to the CCA.

“It is our goal to bring world class entertainment and performances to our city and to cultivate audiences of the future,” Mac Lennan added.

To show their support, Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and other Council members will be eating out on Feb. 23, said Mac Lennan.

To learn more about Eat Your Art Out Chandler and other CCA programs, visit www. chandlercenter.org.

The couple puts a new spin on hummus, a different variety every day, ranging from fig and roasted jalapeño to the green chile blend ($5). The classics are still represented. Appetizers include pita bread and a dip. Try tzatziki—Greek yogurt, garlic and mint drizzled with olive oil—or traditional hummus, both of which are $4 and made daily. Still unsure? Order three for $9.80.

If you’re looking for a familiar appetizer, try this twist—Greek nachos. Tortilla chips are topped with black bean melt, tomatoes, olives, feta and tzatziki ($7). Or, if you want to opt for a truly classic Greek appetizer, try the spanakopita—spinach and feta cheese in phyllo dough and baked to perfection ($6).

Salads are a must in any good Mediterranean restaurant and salads at

Pitta Souvli are some of the best diners will find anywhere. The caprese salad with its sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction is elegant in its presentation ($8.50). Other standouts include the highly praised lentil salad made of spiced lentil beans, brown rice topped with feta cheese, tomatoes and onions served on a bed of mixed greens ($10), and the perfectly prepared classic Greek salad with fresh mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers and crumbled feta cheese tossed with the always delectable house vinaigrette ($8.50).

The house specialties include the traditional gyro platter with beef and lamb seasoned with herbs and spices, slow cooked on a vertical rotisserie ($11) and the chicken shawarma platter—thin sliced chicken breast marinated in olive oil

and fresh herbs, cooked on a griddle and finished with lemon juice and their secret shawarma sauce ($12). Souvlaki platters are skewered with either beef or chicken, marinated with fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil and grilled to perfection ($12). The Lamb Souvlaki platter is skewered leg of lamb marinated with fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil ($15), two more timeless favorites that are cooked perfectly at Pitta Souvli.

The extensive menu also has a variety of soups, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, flatbreads and even wings—with a Mediterranean twist. My favorites are the Greek burger, which is Angus beef charbroiled to order and topped with feta cheese, tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes and onion ($10) and the pitta club sandwich—a monster-sized, three-pita tower with Black Forest ham, chicken, gyro meat, Swiss cheese, lettuce,

tomatoes and pesto ($12).

Desserts include traditional fare such as baklava—layers of phyllo dough filled with walnuts and honey ($6), as well as the luscious chef-created specialty desserts like Key lime cheesecake and lemon rum cake with sweet raspberry sauce which are freshly made and change daily.

Pitta Souvli Mediterranean Grill is a charming, cozy, family run business with a contemporary dining room and bar, and a gorgeous patio for outside dining. It is a perfect choice for those looking to wake up their taste buds with authentic, delicious, fresh, healthy and truly unique food.

Pitta Souvli is located at 1940 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler. For more information, call (480) 907-5893 or visit www.pittasouvli.com.

Blood donations urgently needed by the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to make an appointment to give this winter. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative. Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small, across the country every day. For Heather Von Glahn, it was a personal emergency—her 8-yearold daughter’s leukemia diagnosis—that inspired her to make the commitment to give blood regularly. “I’ve seen blood save her life at least 10 times,” said Von Glahn. “When friends and family ask what they can do for my daughter, I tell them to donate blood. It

matters so much!”

Blood drives in Chandler are scheduled for:

• 2:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the INTEL Building OC2, 4500 S. Dobson Rd.

• 7 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the INTEL Buildings CH5/CH6, 5000 W. Chandler Blvd.

• 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, at BASIS Chandler, 1800 E. Chandler Blvd.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Info: wwww. redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College among nation’s top 150 community colleges

Eight Maricopa Community Colleges, including Chandler-Gilbert, were named among the Aspen Institute’s top 150 community colleges in the United States. All prize-winning community colleges were selected from a national pool of more than 1,000 public two-year colleges, using publicly available data on student outcomes in three areas:

• Performance - retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 full-time equivalent students.

• Improvement - awarded for steady improvement in each performance metric over time.

• Equity - evidence of strong completion outcomes for minority and low-income students.

The top colleges are eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million in prize funds. Ten finalists will be named in fall 2016.

“Having eight of our 10 colleges named to this prestigious list is a wonderful achievement,” said Maricopa Chancellor Rufus Glasper. “This is an indication of our colleges’ dedication to educational quality and student success.”

Info: www.aspenprize.org.

Mayor and community college co-host annual breakfast

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and ChandlerGilbert Community College are hosting this year’s East Valley Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast, 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, at the CGCC Coyote Center, 2626 E. Pecos Rd.

Now in its sixth year, the event brings together East Valley Mayors and active leaders of the faith-based community, government, businesses and nonprofits who work side-by-side to address human service needs in the area. Pastor Victor Hardy is also serving as co-chairman.

“This annual event offers a morning of reflection and inspiration,” Tibshraeny said. “Leaders from the East Valley community come together and share new ideas to make our region a better place.”

During the breakfast, Roc Arnett, former president and CEO of the East Valley Partnership for the past 13 years, will be honored with the 2016 Leaders

of Faith Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, the group will share a moment to pray for the safety and well-being of the community, police and firefighters, neighborhoods and those in need.

The event also will include a brainstorming session of community needs and service ideas for participating cities and towns, which include Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley and Cave Creek.

This year’s event theme is “Strong Partnerships, Strong Communities.” The breakfast is open to the public. Individual tickets are $40 and available for purchase online at www.evmpb. org. Tables of 10 also are available for $750. For information about sponsorship opportunities, call (480) 963-4571 or email info@evmpb.org.

Hope Covenant Church holding community parking lot sale

The Hope Covenant Church is holding a community parking lot sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the church, located at 1770 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. The sale will feature a variety of vendor booths, in addition to one large church sale.

Last year’s sale featured a wide variety of items from housewares, electronics and collectibles to clothing, vanity items and more. Shoppers are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Info: info@hopechurchchandler.com or (480) 899-7255.

alone,” Luttrell said.

In fact, the inspiration for Children’s Cancer Network stemmed from something the Luttrell family witnessed while Jeff was at a Tucson hospital for a bone marrow transplant. The young girl in the room next door had passed away, and her family didn’t have enough funds for gas to get back home to Phoenix.

“When we learned that the family didn’t have enough money to put gas in their car it just didn’t seem fair. They just lost their child [and] they had to worry about things like gas,” Luttrell said.

Her daughter, Jenny, who was 16 at the time, told her mom from that point on they were going to make a difference.

“Our very first funds were actually utilized for gas and food cards because of that initial story,” Luttrell said. “We learned that gas and food are two of the highest needs or Arizona families that are battling cancer.”

The Children’s Cancer Network was a grassroots idea that started in 2004 and now has more than 130 volunteers. The nonprofit organization has given those who want to help a platform to do so.

“People want to make a difference, but most often they don’t know how,” she said.

One of its newest programs is called Honoring Our Peers Everyday (HOPE). This program helps kids return to school by educating their peers about childhood cancer.

“Their friend may look different or act different. They might be more tired or they might be bald. They might look a little different but they are still the

same person,” Luttrell said.

One of the events coming up is the Run to Fight Children’s Cancer at GCU on March 12. Started by a man who is a cancer survivor himself, the run was meant to bring awareness and benefits the Children Cancer Network and the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“My favorite part is the survivor tent and the survivor’s walk. That is so inspirational, the families and all the kids wear superhero capes because they are cancer-fighting superheroes,” Luttrell said.

The Children’s Cancer Network does an excellent job with providing resources such as clothing, food baskets, admission bags and toys.

In addition, they offer an incredible amount of emotional support. It can sometimes take more than three months to receive counseling. The Children’s Cancer Network saw the need for counseling and recently funded a parttime family therapist position for the Center of Cancer and Blood Disorders, which they hope to turn into full-time within the next year, Luttrell said.

She and Jeff recently met with a family at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital whose 10-year-old was diagnosed a few days earlier and she was humbled by her son’s words for the family.

“At the end we were saying our goodbyes and Jeff stepped forward and he took the mom’s hand and he said, ‘Stay strong, you can do this.’”

The Children’s Cancer Network is based at 6150 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 1, Chandler. For more information, call (480) 398-1564 or visit www. childrenscancernetwork.org.

Latino Heritage Programs are announced at Chandler Public Library

The Chandler Public Library is featuring programming exploring local, regional and national Latino history and culture throughout the month of March. “Sharing Our Heritage: Chandler Latino Voices,” is offered with support received from the grant Latino Americans: 500 Years of History, from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

The series begins 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, with a presentation about Chandler’s Latino history. Individuals representing the past 100 years, including members of Chandler’s pioneering MexicanAmerican families and those who continue to empower the community, will share their oral recollections, stories and experiences. As a visual component, banners featuring related historical photographs from the Chandler Museum will be revealed for the first time at this program before traveling to library branches, public schools and Chandler-Gilbert Community College, a community partner.

Author Stella Pope Duarte will speak 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, about the “branches to roots” heritage of modernday Chicanos in her presentation “Corazon Del Nopal.” Her talk will be enhanced by a performance from Guerrero Family Music.

In addition to the public programming support, the library was provided the six-part documentary film “Latino Americans,” created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station. The award-winning series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day and can be borrowed through the library.

Two episodes of the “Latino Americans”

series will be screened at the library; Episode 5: Pride and Prejudice (1965-1980), 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, and Episode 6: Peril and Promise (1980-2000s), Tuesday, March 22. Dr. Christine Marìn, emeritus professor of history at Arizona State University, will lead discussions following both of the screenings.

“Latino Americans are the country’s largest minority group, with more than 50 million people, and still many people are unaware of their rich and varied history and culture,” said Brenda Brown, director of the City of Chandler’s Cultural Affairs Division. “Many of Chandler’s early residents built strong Latino-American neighborhoods and have contributed to our city’s culture and identity, which we want to celebrate.”

The programs are being held in the library’s Copper Room South-North, 22 S. Delaware St. Info: www.chandlerlibrary.org or (480) 7822800.

GRAND OPENING!

Upscale, intimate community of only 15 homes in one of the best infill locations on quaint lots in Chandler Square footage range from 1,970 – 2,300 Prices from $339,700. 1 and 2 story homes available

Chandler’s utility billing system makes it easy to manage your account, access your information, and make payments using the method that is most convenient for you. The system is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from your computer or mobile device. Here are some of the advantages of using the online payment portal:

FAST AND EASY

• No registration is required for “one-time payment,” the fastest way to pay online and confirm payment.

• Payments may be scheduled online by registered users.

• Payments will be electronically applied to your account immediately, regardless of the day or time.

SAFE AND SECURE

• Your payment information is kept confi dential and 100% secure. It is backed by the highest security standards, in an online system that safely stores your data in a “shopping cart-style” payment portal, so you do not have to re-enter the same information each month.

ECO-FRIENDLY

• A 36-month water consumption graph on the bill promotes conservation by helping customers track their water usage, identify potential waste, and establish a water budget.

• Paying online reduces paper use and is an easy way to help the environment. Plus, the City of Chandler will save money on payment processing. It’s a win-win!

• Sign up for e-billing and no longer receive a printed bill mailed to your home. Instead, you will receive an email with the amount due and notifi cation that your bill is ready to be viewed online. Then, at your convenience, you may log into the City’s Utility Billing System, view your electronic bill statement, and choose a method of payment. It’s simple, so sign up today!

PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY & CONVENIENCE

There are several ways to pay your City of Chandler utility bill.

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

Set up the payment through your financial institution’s online banking system.

ONE-TIME ONLINE

Make a one-time payment with a major credit card or e-check.

AUTOPAY – AUTOMATIC SCHEDULED PAYMENTS

Sign up for AutoPay, which authorizes the City and your financial institution to handle the transaction for you through an automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account, or with a major credit card.

PAY BY PHONE

Credit card and e-Check payments are accepted through the automated touch tone phone system by calling 480-782-2280.

PAY BY MAIL

We ask that you do not send cash and that you include the bill coupon in the return envelope.

PAY IN PERSON

Pay by cash, check, or major credit card at the Chandler Utility Customer Service Center, located on the first fl oor of Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Avenue, Suite A; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DRIVE-UP PAYMENT DROP BOX

Utility payments may be placed in the drive-up drop box located on the south side of City Hall, in the westbound median of Chicago Street, between Arizona Ave. and Washington Street. For security purposes, do not place cash in the drop box.

and pay their

online spend less

writing checks,

payments,

due dates, and filing paperwork. And time is a valuable asset in today’s fast-paced environment. They also reduce clutter and help the environment. According to the PayItGreen AllianceTM , if one in fi ve households were to switch to electronic payments, statements and bills, we could collectively: save 1.8 million trees each year (150,939,615 pounds of paper) and avoid using 103 million gallons of gasoline to mail bills, statements, and payments. Won’t you be that one in fi ve? To go paperless and only receive electronic statements, go to chandleraz.gov/utilitybill.

To register or learn more about the online utility billing system, visit chandleraz.gov/utilitybill. If you have questions, our customer service representatives are ready to assist you during regular business hours at 480-782-2280 or utilitybilling@chandleraz.gov.

Celebrate love with beauty treatments throughout February at Ocotillo Village Spa

Valentine’s Day is meant for love, chocolate and relaxation. And the Ocotillo Village Spa has combined these things into two special treatments throughout the month of February. Plus, the spa will be hosting an open house just three days later for guests to get extrapampered all week long.

Offered in February, choose Dermaplane or Microdermabrasion with an Eminence Chocolate Mousse Mask and Strawberry Hydrating and Revitalizing Treatment for $125. This advanced corrective treatment tones and firms the skin, while also nourishing, enriching and raising moisture levels. It will reduce the signs of aging. Large pores will appear minimized and results are instant with no downtime.

Also offered throughout February, for $94, is the Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Body Treatment, which starts with an exfoliating sugar scrub followed by an Eminence Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque that fights the visible signs of aging. The treatment provides a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich cocoa that is great for the skin. Macadamia, almond and jojoba oils provide deep hydration to leave your skin looking smooth and refreshed. Once the masque is removed, a hydrating application of strawberry moisturizing cream with

hyaluronic acid completes the treatment. For reservations, call (480) 579-2940

And on Valentine’s Day, the Ocotillo Village Spa will offer complimentary champagne or mimosas, chocolatecovered strawberries, and a longstemmed rose to every spa guest.

On Feb. 17, the Ocotillo Village Spa will host an open house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be product representatives on-site to answer questions, a raffle for a spa basket of pampering products, Jane Iredale color matching, mini spa services and special product promotions.

The open house will hold special offers such as the Ultra Smooth Skin special with Botox at $7 per unit, which includes $20 brilliant distinctions voucher. The limit is 50 units for a total cost of $350, including the 10-percent member discount. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase a Juvederm syringe for a 10-percent member discount ($365). Lastly, there will be an offer to buy six laser hair removal treatments on the underarms for $99 and get six bikini line treatments for free (includes 10-percent member discount).

For more information about the Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa, visit its website at www.villageclubs.com or call (480) 579-2940

Fresh produce market set for Desert Palms Church

Produce On Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) distributes fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere. The purpose of the market is to reach out to the community by providing quality produce at an affordable price. A $10 donation is good for up to 60 pounds of produce with six to eight varieties regularly available.

POWWOW is held on the second

Saturday of the month from November through May. The next scheduled event is from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb 13, in the parking lot of Desert Palms Church, 4265 S. Arizona Ave. The food goes quickly, so get there early.

For more information, visit its Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ POWWOWatDPC.

Inner Vision Yoga hosts 7-day retreat to the Mexican Riviera

Inner Vision Yoga is hosting a sevenday yoga retreat to Maya Tulum, Mexico, from April 23 to April 30.

Co-owner and master yoga teachers Jeff and Donna Martens invite all levels of yoga practitioners to nourish their mind, body and spirit on this exotic adventure to a beautiful setting on the Riviera Maya, between pristine ocean and emerald green rain forest.

Experience the unhurried pace and healing power that will allow participants to detoxify, rejuvenate and elevate their spirits as they enjoy yoga classes in a loving, supported environment emphasizing individual alignment, strength and fun.

The retreat is all-inclusive, with ocean-front bungalow accommodations,

amazing meals, daily private yoga classes, evening yoga workshops and other adventurous activities.

Space is limited and interested participants should call Inner Vision Yoga at (480) 632-7899.

With studios in Tempe and Chandler, Inner Vision Yoga offers more than 100 classes per week to all levels of yoga practitioners. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening seven days a week. A renowned yoga teacher training school, Inner Vision Yoga also specializes in bringing the benefits of yoga into the workplace with its Workplace Yoga program. To learn more, visit www.InnerVisionYoga.com or call (480) 632-7899.

Outward Bound—Break Time on stands now

Residents and nonresidents alike can find a reason to get outside this spring right in Chandler.

The City’s quarterly Break Time recreation guide offers hundreds of reasons to get out and explore while staying active with friends and family.

For an offthe-beaten path excursion, consider a 90-minute moonlit hike through Veterans Oasis Park to discover creatures of the night. Or relive playground glory with one of

the many Adult Sport Leagues. And find Nemo by challenging kids to tackle the swim team.

The spring session covers March, April and May and features leisure and lifestyle classes and programs for people of all ages. Printed copies of the recreation guide are available at numerous City facilities and an electronic version can be accessed online at www.chandleraz. gov/breaktime.

Priority registration for residents

opens 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, with general nonresident registration beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12.

Plan your must-attend activities ahead of time by taking advantage of the City’s “Wish List” feature available through the ActiveNet registration site. “Wish List” allows patrons to make a list of all the exciting activities they would like to register for this season while registration is still closed. Once registration officially opens simply login, review the wish list and add all final selections to the cart to complete the registration.

Be sure to check out this season’s newest classes including Ball Bonanza for toddlers, Family Fitness Boot Camp and Introduction to DLSR Photography.

Back by popular demand, enjoy intersession youth camps, the Senior Variety Show—Spice of Life, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Health Connect Expo and much more.

Buy arts and crafts at annual spring show in Sun Lakes

The Sun Lakes Arts and Crafts Association Annual Spring Show will boast more than 80 vendors during the event at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Oakwood Country Club, 9645 E. E.J. Robson Blvd.

Come early for the best selection of jewelry, gourds, beadwork, stained glass,

ceramics, handmade cards, leather tooled items, quilting and stitchery, dichroic glass items, hand-painted silk scarves and more.

This year, the association has partnered with Local First Arizona (www. localfirstaz.com) to help promote local businesses through the Shop Local Program.

Registration can be done online at chandleraz.gov/registration, by mail or in person at four locations:

• Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.

• Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

• Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd.

• Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd.

Swim program registration can also be done in person at the Aquatics Administrative offices at 650 E. Ryan Rd.

For more information on class registration, call (480) 782-2727. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest Chandler Recreation news and information when you “Like” the ChandlerRecreation Facebook page, subscribe to Chandler Recreation on YouTube and follow @ChandlerRec on Twitter and Instagram.

Admission is free and open to the public. Entrance to Oakwood Country Club is off Riggs Road and Robson Boulevard (west of Alma School Road). For more information, visit www. sunlakesartsandcraftsassociation.net.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS

Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly meeting you would like to see listed in Neighborhood Networks, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com. Note: SanTan Sun News has a Spiritual Connections column in the Spirituality section for ongoing religiousrelated events.

About Care

Monthly volunteer training, by individual appointment.

A nonprofit serving homebound Chandler and Gilbert residents; provides transportation, shopping and errands, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls, and minor home repairs. Info: (480) 802-2331, www.aboutcare.org

Absolute Business Builders: Business Networking International

8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Nikki Janulewicz, (480) 570-1835, Nikki@azbestmove.com

Action Networkers: Business Networking International

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays Chompie’s

3841 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Marty Recht, (602) 315-2056, Marty@AZMarty.com

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Chandler

5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month Support group for caregivers of people with dementia. Free and no preregistration required.

Chandler Regional Medical Center, Morrison Building, Learning Resource Room

1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler Info: Mindy, (602) 528-0545, ext. 201

American Legion James O. Schroeder

Post 55

7 p.m. third Tuesday of the month Sun Lakes Country Club, Navajo Room 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes Info: Commander Byron Weston, (480) 802-6623

Arizona Special Education Network, Chandler area

Provides disability-related education, advocacy and resources to help parents navigate the complex special education system. Info: (602) 531-0230

Breast Cancer Support Group

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. second Monday of each month Free, no preregistration required

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

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

Build Your Own Business: Chandler

8 a.m. first and third Thursdays of each month

East Valley networking and referral organization, meets in Ahwatukee at a private location; address will be provided

upon contact. Info: Lisa, lisa@lisamatusak.com, facebook.com/BYOBAZ

Cancer Caregiver Support GroupChandler

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Support group for caregivers of people with cancer. Free and no preregistration required.

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

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

Caregiver Support Group

10 p.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday of each month

Ironwood Cancer & Research Center

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler

Info: Kelly Huey, (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga Class-Chandler

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Free, no preregistration required

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers

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

Chandler Airport Commission

7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month

The commission makes recommendations to the Chandler City Council regarding airport operations, physical growth, economic development and proposed land use.

Chandler Municipal Airport terminal

2380 S. Stinson Way, Chandler Info: (480) 782-3540

Chandler Business Alliance

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays

Professional business coalition dedicated to the economic and social development of its members and the Chandler community as a whole.

BLD

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler Info: chandleralliance@gmail.com, www.chandleralliance.com

Chandler Chamber Business Golf

7 a.m. tee time, first and third Wednesdays of each month

Includes nine holes of golf, continental breakfast and networking opportunities. Preregistration required online. Golf venue varies. Info: www.chandlerchamber.com

Chandler Farmers Market

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays

Weekly market with more than 30 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet food and handmade crafts. Free admission.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, on the east side of Arizona Avenue, Chandler Info: (480) 855-3539, www.downtownchandler.org

Chandler Lions Club

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

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

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

PHAVORITE!