SanTan Sun News: Neighbors - March 19, 2016

Neighbors

ER physician beats odds, gives birth on Feb. 29

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Twenty-seven “Leap Year” babies said hello to the world on Feb. 29 at three area Dignity Health hospitals—10 at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, nine at Chandler Regional Medical Center and eight at

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

Among the newcomers is Bryleigh Harper McDonald, born at Mercy Gilbert at 5:57 a.m. to parents Mary Katherine Harper and Jeff McDonald.

“I was in labor for two days, but my

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA comes to Chandler/Gilbert

BY TIM J. RANDALL

A program dedicated to revitalizing the health and well-being of cancer survivors is coming Monday, March 21, to the Chandler/ Gilbert YMCA.

LIVESTRONG at the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA is the first Arizona-based YMCA to join the national LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.

“We are honored to be the first to bring the LIVESTRONG program to Arizona and share the passion of the LIVESTRONG Foundation for inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer,” said J. Bryan

Madden, CEO of Valley of the Sun YMCA. Since 2007, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has helped 334,500 cancer survivors at 460 locations across the country, according to Cameron Krier Massey, director of government relations for the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

“A LIVESTRONG survey showed that cancer survivors were having a really hard time returning to physical activity after treatment,” Massey said. “We felt strongly about addressing this need because physical activity can greatly reduce the impact of

Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria: A new venue for old-world food

BY JUDI KING

Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria celebrated its grand opening on March 8, providing pie aficionados a new venue for old-world Neapolitan pizza.

Co-owners Matt Nobile and John Araujo are pizza purists who adhere to the genuine traditions of pizza making, dating back to the late 1800s. It could be argued that pizza actually originated around 500 B.C. with ancient Greek soldiers who baked flatbread seasoned with garlic, onion and herbs on their shields. It was, however, in the 1880s when peasants in Naples added tomatoes to the flatbread, and pizza—as we know it—was born.

This “new” pizza was so beloved that Naples became a destination for travelers wanting to try this local dish. Due to the

proliferation of pizzerias and outdoor wood-fired ovens along the streets of Naples over the next century, the “Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana” (True Napoletana Pizza Association) was founded in 1984. It certifies and endorses the authentic pizzerias, those that use the proper ancient cooking techniques. Meticulous rules are enforced—using only San Marzano tomatoes, “0” highly refined Italian flour, freshly made mozzarella and dough rolled by hand and baked on the stone surface of a wood-fired dome oven at 900 degrees.

Nobile and Araujo adhere to these rigorous rules, going as far as procuring a custom built oven with a design and

function unique to Naples in which to bake pies.

“A true Napoletana pizza has unique qualities, the most important is the very thin crust which is soft and chewy,” Araujo said.

There are 13 Napoletana pizzas on the menu. On my visit, I chose Mary Margherita, a classic combination of tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella and garlic oil ($12). I loved the taste of the simple, fresh ingredients. Some of the other choices from the rossa (red) selections are the pepperoni with fresh mozzarella, spicy soppressata and pecorino romano ($14) and fungi, which is made with fresh mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, pecorino romano and white truffle oil ($14). Some interesting choices from the Bianca (white) selections include the Triple P, which has back fat bacon, goat cheese, fig jam, roasted mushrooms, arugula and pickled red onion ($16),

and Dr. Seuss made with eggs, garlic oil, house-made mortadella and shaved Grana Padano ($16).

Aside from the pizzas, there are five authentic homemade pasta entrees. A few are orecchiette bolognese, a somewhat spicy and extremely tasty sauce made of sausage ragu, rapini, Calabrian chile and parmesan over orecchiette pasta ($13); and Cacio de Pepe made with fresh pasta, brown butter sauce, black pepper and pecorino cheese ($12).

There are five specialty artisan panini sandwiches available served with parmesan frites and a choice of either Gusto BB or roma Caesar salad, ranging in price from $10 to $12. There are seven salads ($8.50 to $12), as well as focaccia bread ($4), bruschetta ($10) and its signature formaggi and carne boards for $22.

Nobile and Araujo bring extensive and impressive backgrounds to Bella Gusto.

Nobile worked with two renowned

celebrity chefs—Bobby Flay and Mario Batali. He helped operate their Las Vegas restaurants, as sous chef for Flay at Caesars Palace, and operating manager and sous chef for Batali at the Venetian and CarneVino Steakhouse. Nobile honed his salami and pasta skills there, before moving to the Dallas area to become senior sous chef for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Araujo worked at Romano’s Macaroni Grill in Dallas as corporate research and development sous chef. He was charged with menu and recipe development for 200 stores worldwide. He gained his knowledge of authentic Neapolitan pizza as executive chef at the famed Cane Rosso in Dallas. He met Nobile while working for one of the finest caterers in the Dallas area.

The two combined their talents to open Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria, where their commitment to authenticity is evident. The sauces, ragu, pasta,

mozzarella, burrata, pizza dough, crackers, breads, salad dressings and sausage are made in-house daily with only the best ingredients.

“Even the water we use to make the dough and to cook with is filtered,” Nobile said. “We go the extra mile to seek out special ingredients from locally sourced vendors. If we can’t get what we need here, we will import the Italian brands that we used in Dallas.”

The pizzeria is contempory and chic with a large selection of beer and curated seasonal wines from which to choose.

“We have taken a uniquely modern twist on a very traditional concept in opening our restaurant,” Araujo said. “Hopefully the customers will appreciate the Naples’ experience here in Chandler.”

Bella Gusta Urban Pizzeria is located in Warner Plaza at 1964 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information call (480) 696-4455 or vist www.bellagustoaz.com.

side effects from treatment. YMCA of the USA was a natural partner because of their nationwide reach and focus on wellness/ health living.”

To set up the initiative in greater Phoenix, the YMCA of the USA provided a $3,500 grant to Valley of the Sun. Ultimately, the Chandler/Gilbert location was selected, because Lauren Lescio, health and fitness coordinator at the location, was the only certified trainer available. She previously set up the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at a Florida center.

“This will be the pilot branch,” said Lescio. “We hope to get more trainers certified and rollout the program to our

contractions were not close enough,” said Harper, a Chandler resident and ER doctor for Banner Health. “Bryleigh was actually not due until the 7th, but we went in on the 28th, because I knew I was ready.”

Arriving at 20 inches and 8 pounds and 2 ounces, little Bryleigh joins an exclusive club of over 5 million individuals around the globe who share Feb. 29 as their birthday. The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are 1 in 1,461.

“It’s kind of unique. My husband, Jeff, was actually against it at first,” she said chuckling.

Nevertheless, McDonald was elated when his bundle of joy arrived.

“We weren’t planning on having a ‘Leap Day’ baby but her birthday will be special and it will set her apart

other 15 Valley locations.”

An evidence-based approach to assisting those in treatment for cancer and for survivors, the small group program, which focuses on six participants, will meet twice a week for 90 minutes over a 12-week period. “We personalize routines and work with each individual on strength, flexibility, improving their energy level and their selfesteem,” Lescio said. “We want each person to continue a healthy lifestyle.”

The grant dollars are critical for chapters to get the sessions running, as they are free to YMCA members.

“LIVESTRONG provides seed funding to help each Y association with the onboarding process of starting the program,

from most others,” McDonald said.

Joining 16-month-old sister, Abriel, and 4-year-old brother, Zavian, Bryleigh will celebrate her birthday on March 1, according to her parents. But on Leap Year “we are going to do something big on the 29th,” Harper said. “We love to travel, so every four years we will go someplace special like Disneyland or Hawaii.”

Now back home, the family is resting and mother and child are doing well. “Everything is great,” said Harper.

As for Bryleigh, she will need to accommodate to some of the challenges that “leapers” experience, such as when to apply for a driver’s license. Obstacles aside, Bryleigh will have one upside for sure. “When she’s 40 years of age, she can joke that she’s really only 10,” Harper said.

which includes training, tools and resources,” Massey said.

“Ongoing support is provided by both the YMCA of the USA and LIVESTRONG going forward, but each association becomes financially responsible for the cost of running the program in the future.”

The first session in March is expected to grow to multiple classes, as word of the LIVESTRONG Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA reverberates across the community.

“The fact that it’s offered at the Y, where we are dedicated to healthy living, emphasizes that the program is about hope and health, not the disease and sickness,” Madden said.

Lescio is excited to help those who

have beaten cancer, as well as those who are battling through the disease. “Cancer survivors are so optimistic and positive,” she said. “The program has really changed me, it is so fulfilling and rewarding.”

For more information, contact Lauren Lescio at: llescio@vosymca.org or call (602) 212-6123. Visit https://valleyymca.org/ chandler-gilbert.

Bike with mayor at Chandler Family Bike Ride

Join Mayor Jay Tibshraeny for a bike ride along the scenic Paseo Trail during the Annual Family Bike Ride at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 9.

The 7.4-mile ride is held in conjunction with Valley Bike Month (April) and will start at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot, 2100 S. Hamilton St., and travel the Paseo Trail along the Consolidated Canal to Crossbow Park and back.

“As a frequent user of the Paseo Trail, I know the benefits of cycling,” Tibshraeny said. “It promotes lifelong wellness and is an activity that can be shared by the entire family as we witness each year with this event.”

The event is free and participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last, along with information about bicycle safety, transit services and related topics. Pre-

registration can be accomplished online at www.chandleraz.gov/transit until 12 p.m. Thursday, April 7, or the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. at the Chandler Park & Ride lot on the southwest corner of Germann and Hamilton streets. All riders must wear helmets.

For more information, contact Ann Marie Riley at (480) 782-3442 or annmarie.riley@ chandleraz.gov.

State Forty Eight celebrating three years of success

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The State Forty Eight apparel line has grown by leaps and bounds since Chandler High grads Stephen Polando, Michael Spangenberg and Nicholas Polando started the business three years ago.

Founded as a simple T-shirt line honoring Arizona, State Forty Eight took the business to the next level after it was chosen as one of the “Emerging Designers” at Phoenix Fashion Week in 2014. Since then, the line has expanded and can be found online and in local businesses across the Valley including Sibley’s West and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“We didn’t want to make the clothing too busy,” Spangenberg said. “We did want something that was simple that people would recognize right away; something to get rid of the three for $10 shirts. We wanted to stress that Arizona is a really cool place to live. [Phoenix is] the sixth largest city in the U.S. for a reason.”

And Chandler is “cool” for State Forty Eight’s new headquarters, a 1,099-square-foot multiuse space that functions as its office, workshop and showroom. Previously, the trio was working out of its home.

“It’s a good problem to have, growing out of our home office,” Spangenberg said. “We wanted to take it to the next level. We’ve always been smart about putting profits back into the business. We really felt comfortable. It was

time to take that leap of faith. It’s so much more motivating to have an office. When you have employees and meetings, it makes the business a lot more official, in my opinion.”

Spangenberg said this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“There’s still a lot more to go, but it’s exciting,” he said.

“There are so many goals, but really the immediate goal this year is to establish a retail presence at the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Tucson. We want to kind of spread it out more in Arizona than just being in the Valley.”

That’s not to say that the trio isn’t thankful for what it has achieved. For that, it’s thanking the public with SFE Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at its headquarters, 3215 N. Arizona Ave., Suite B07, Chandler. The event will feature tours, music by Djayt3, food by Waffle Love and PAZ Cantina, Piexoto Coffee, giveaways and shopping.

Love waffle bar set up. We love them.

“We’re going to have live DJ music, right outside of our office, which is a parking lot,” he said. “We’ll have Waffle

“There’s going to be giveaways. Folks can go through the showroom. It’s just a way to celebrate and the City of Chandler’s been great helping us out. They were instrumental in helping us find a place. We knew what we wanted, but it’s a lot easier said than done. We went over our needs and expectations and they helped us find the spot.”

Spangenberg is humbled by the success of State Forty Eight.

“We know we have so much more to go,” he said. “It’s humbling and rewarding to have people reach out daily and think of us. To be able to have so many people who want to work with us it’s really cool.”

Arthritis Relief

Water—especially warm water—is a safe, ideal medium for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. That's why the Arthritis Foundation created a program, based on water immersion, that not only relieves stiff joints and associated pain, but keeps them moving, increasing their range of motion and maintaining or building muscle strength. The Arthritis Foundation points out that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints. And when that activity takes place in the inviting environment of warm water, any excess strain on your joints and muscles is greatly reduced.

Aquatic therapy provides great relief for joint pain, resulting in improvements in physical performance and function. (This study involved people with osteo-arthritis, or OA, in their knees or hips.)

“Not only does swimming slow down the aging process—by upwards of 20% in some cases—in terms of respiration, muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular activity and neurological function, but there’s also evidence to suggest that it increases mental health and even spiritual and social health.”

—Dr. Bruce E. Becker, M.D Well-being Benefits

• Increase vigor and vitality

• Decrease body fat

• Improve cholesterol scores • Stronger immune system • Enhance libido

Increased joint flexibility

Celebrate spring with Ocotillo spa specials

In celebration of the start of warm spring weather here in Arizona, the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is offering March spa specials throughout the entire month for members and nonmembers.

The Spa at Ocotillo Village wants to help guests cool down during the beginning of the 90-degree days with a spa experience.

The spa is offering a “Doubleheader Special” is honor of Spring Training season. Through March 31, guests can choose two spa services for a home-run price of just $159. Guests may choose two services including: 60-minute sports

massage, 60-minute signature massage, haircut and deep conditioning, 60-minute facial, 60-minute body treatment and signature mani-pedi.

Additional March spa specials for The Spa at Ocotillo Village include a rosemary mint mani-pedi with a foot scrub ($75), rosemary mint detox body treatment (60 minutes for $89) and a Dermaplane or microdermabrasion with a refresher facial (45 minutes for $115).

To book an appointment, (480)-5792940. The Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd.

For more information about the Village spa, visit www.villageclubs.com.

Rooftop yoga returns to The Perch

Rooftop yoga is returning to The Perch Pub and Brewery in downtown Chandler after two successful seasons.

Running Saturdays through April 30, rooftop yoga is an hour long 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., on The Perch’s famous rooftop terrace.

“The roof top at The Perch is one of the coolest places in Arizona,” said JAMM 7 Multimedia co-founder Melissa Anaya, who created the event.

“You have incredible views of our beautiful spring skies and you can see all of downtown Chandler. People absolutely love it. There’s no better place for a nice, relaxing yoga class to start your day.”

The classes will be taught by instructors from Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa, which is located at the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads.

“The Village health clubs are as high end as you’ll find in Arizona, so their instructors are all top-level,” Anaya said. “And like us, they are all about having fun and connecting like-minded people in a social setting. They are the perfect partner for us.”

When class is over, there will be a menu of special selection of “skinny” cocktails crafted exclusively for this event. The Perch’s 40-plus craft beers and full breakfast menu will also be available.

Each class is $15, or $20 with a skinny cocktail or Perch beer.

“This is such a fun event,” said Anaya. “It’s a nice relaxing workout in a serene location followed by light, refreshing cocktails in the beautiful Arizona sunshine. It’s the perfect way to start your Saturdays.”

The Perch is located at 232 S. Wall St., just west of Arizona Avenue. Its landscaped courtyard is home to more than 50 exotic rescue birds and its rustic indoor bar features a unique architectural blend of wood, stone, metal and garage doors with flat-screen TVs.

“There is no place around here like The Perch,” said Tim McGovern, general manager and executive chef. “People love our distinctive combination of food, beer, cocktails and atmosphere.”

Call Melissa Anaya at (480) 519-6828 for more information.

Get a ‘Taste of the Islands’ at Chandler Art Walk

Hawaiian shirts and flip flops are encouraged at the Chandler Art Walk: Taste of the Islands night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, April 15.

More than 50 local artists will be in downtown Chandler, in Dr. AJ Chandler Park and lining San Marcos Street. Artistic mediums range from paintings, photography, pottery, woodworking, jewelry and more. Many of the artists feature items that are $50 or less.

In addition to viewing locally crafted art, guests are encouraged to visit participating restaurants and bars in downtown Chandler that will have special, island-inspired food and drinks for the night. Guests can travel from merchant to merchant to taste each of their tropical offerings. These include offerings like piña colada paletas, Hawaiian

luau entrees and umbrella drinks galore. Prices and offerings vary. A full listing of participating merchants and their specials will be available at http://on.fb. me/1YO6Cyy beginning March 22.

In addition to the island-inspired flavorings and palm tree-lined streets, guests will also feel transported to the beach with the live music. Entertainment for the night is steel drum band, Sean Mireau and the Volcano Island Band. This family-friendly event is free to the public and hosted by Downtown Chandler Community Partnership. The address is Dr. AJ Chandler Park (west), 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

For more information, visit www. downtownchandler.org or email karli@ downtownchandler.org.

Designers wanted for Trashion Fashion Show

Chandler is seeking resourceful, inventive and style-savvy fashion designers to enter the City’s second annual Trashion Fashion Show.

The runway show at Chandler Fashion Center on May 21 will feature wearable fashion created from materials that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Chandler residents or students that attend a Chandler school have until April 29 to register. Registration forms and more information are available at www. chandleraz.gov/ recycle.

A combination of trash and fashion, the Trashion Fashion Show will provide participants with an opportunity to use their design skills to create and exhibit a garment created from discarded materials. Designers can choose to wear their garment in the show, or select a model.

“We thought this would be a unique way to get people thinking differently about waste,” said Traci Conaway, Chandler’s recycling specialist. “We’re encouraging entrants to let their imaginations go, be wildly inventive, and have fun with their designs.”

At least 75 percent of a garment must be made from recyclable or reused materials that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled. Participants must be residents of Chandler. Twenty-five entries will be accepted in three age categories; ages 10-13, 14-17 and 18plus.

Chandler’s Solid Waste Services Division is organizing the event. Persons interested in assisting, mentoring or inspiring young designers should contact traci. conaway@chandleraz.gov or call (480) 782-3525. In addition, prize donations are being accepted from local businesses.

Indoor cycling classes held at Chandler Tennis Center

A colorful banner along McQueen Road in South Chandler beckons drivers to park their cars and go cycling at Chandler’s Tennis Center where 15 new spin bikes adorn an indoor cycling studio.

The program is among the more than 50 group fitness and indoor cycling classes offered by Chandler’s Tumbleweed Recreation Center (TRC). Instructors coach and motivate each “spinner,” but participants determine their own pace and dictate the intensity of their ride.

“That is the beauty about indoor cycling; the rider is responsible for turning up their own resistance and the music makes it fun and inspiring,” said Vickie Lang, a recreation coordinator at the TRC. “The instructor will ask if

anyone is new to the class and help the rider with proper bike set-up and offer modifications along the way.”

Morning-only cycling classes are held Wednesday and Saturday and morning and evening classes are held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Single-day passes are available for as little as $2 for youth, $4 for adults and $3 for teens and seniors. Nonresidents pay a couple of dollars more, which remains a bargain given that pass holders can access dozens of other fitness classes and activities in addition to indoor cycling. A discounted Punch Pass good for 10 visits, plus monthly and annual passes, also are available. For more information, contact Lang at (480) 782-2907.

Save the date for the Great Southwest Cajun Fest hosted by Abita Brewing from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in downtown Chandler. Showcasing the heart and soul of New Orleans paired with Arizona fusion and flavor, this second year event will be held at Chandler’s Dr. AJ Chandler Park for a full day packed with cultural festivities, food and entertainment.

URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT

options for local businesses to participate. I’m looking forward to bringing Cajun culture to the great people of Chandler; it’s going to be a blast for all ages to experience.”

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Presented by Angry Crab Shack, the Southwest Cajun Fest celebrates Cajun culture, cuisine and handcrafted beer, and will feature live music with jazz, blues and contemporary swing revival bands. Festival patrons will feel transported to the southeastern region of Louisiana during the Cajun Fest.

“Last year’s event was a huge success and I’m excited to bring the culture and flavors of Louisiana back this year,” said Landon Evans, event coordinator.

“Moving Cajun Fest to downtown Chandler will allow for expanded event grounds, additional parking and more

The festival will feature live entertainment and a variety of food vendors serving up regional dishes. Festivities also includes themed zones such as Bourbon Street, French Quarter, Garden District and more. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to dress in festive parade-style attire and join in on the fun and celebration. The event will take place at the Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 125 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler.

General admission is $10; kids 12 and younger will be admitted for free. VIP admission is $65, which includes catered food, six adult beverages, access to private seating in the VIP area, private restrooms and front stage access. VIP tickets are only available in advance, online at www. southwestcajunfest.com.

City accepting nominations for Celebration Plaza

Each year, the City of Chandler inducts one or more honorees into Celebration Plaza, a monument honoring individuals and organizations who’ve made significant and enduring contributions to the community. Nominations for induction come from the public, and the City is accepting nominations through April 30. The nominating criteria and form is online at chandleraz.gov/celebrationplaza. Forms are also available at all Chandler libraries, community centers, recreation facilities, Chandler Museum and City Hall. There is no fee to submit a nomination.

Celebration Plaza is a permanent water feature and monument wall near the center of Tumbleweed Park, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads. Since 2007, it has served as a central location to honor service organizations and a select group of residents, living or deceased, for their civic leadership, public outreach, personal service and commitment to the community.

Inductees are selected by the Chandler City Council, based on recommendations from the Museum Advisory Board.

Any nominee selected for induction after the review process will be honored at an induction ceremony in November. As part of the induction, a brass plaque will be

placed in Celebration Plaza. Last year’s honorees included Officer David Payne and Chandler Kiwanis Club.

Celebration Plaza nominee criteria Celebration Plaza nominees should be residents, living or deceased, who have displayed outstanding civic commitment, leadership, public outreach and service to the people of Chandler. Nominations should clearly state why the individual or organization deserves this recognition, and supporting letters or documentation is strongly encouraged. The nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Community leaders whose outstanding personal service has resulted in significant and enduring contributions to the community (support for this recognition should include endorsements from other groups, neighborhoods, or organizations)

• An individual or individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the City of Chandler

• An individual or individuals who have added to the quality of life for Chandler residents through their involvement or financial contribution to short- or long-term city projects or activities

• An individual who has demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity,

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which have made Chandler a better place to live and work.

• City of Chandler employees killed in the line of duty.

Nominees cannot be individuals holding an elected City of Chandler office or serving on the Museum Advisory Board or Parks and Recreation Board at the time they are either nominated or approved for

inclusion in Celebration Plaza. Questions about the Celebration Plaza nomination criteria or the recognition process can be directed to Cultural Affairs Coordinator Jean Reynolds at (480) 782-2751 or jean. reynolds@chandleraz.gov.

Robson Library sets March schedule

Officials at the Ed Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, are inviting the public to the following programs in March:

• Thursday, March 24, at 1 p.m.: Chandler Symphony Presents Pam Hahn, Harpist: Chandler Symphony’s principal harpist, Pam Hahn, presents a solo performance and introduces fascinating facts about the harp.

• Monday, March 28, at 1 p.m.: Literary Speed Dating 50+: If you’ve ever wanted to be a literary hero or heroine, being your favorite book featuring that character and have a series of 3-minute encounters across a table. A fun twist on the speed dating trend. Limited to 24 attendees. Registration required. For the March 24 program, tickets are required. They are free, and are available directly after the library opens on the day of the program. Limit is two tickets per person.

The Ed Robson Library is located at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

Chandler Aquatics offering discount on Family Season Pass

Chandler residents can receive a 15-percent discount on a Family Season Pass to the City’s six aquatic centers if they purchase a pass before March 20.

A Family Season Pass holder may swim at any of the City’s aquatic centers between March and November during published or posted public swim hours with the purchase of a $95 family pass. Up to four family members can use the pass. Additional family members can be added for $13 each.

The discounted passes can be purchased at the Hamilton Aquatic

Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., and at the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr.

Plastic key fobs will be issued to each family member with the purchase of a family pass and are scanned at City pools for quick entry. A driver’s license photo ID must be presented showing a verifiable Chandler address and all family members listed on the pass should be present so photos can be taken when the key fobs are issued.

For more information, call Chandler Aquatics at (480) 782-2750.

Arizona Rattlers wide receiver calls playing for AFL dynasty a blessing

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

After an unsuccessful stint in the NFL, Chase Deadder was looking for a different opportunity.

The wide receiver dabbled in the Arena Football League before finding his home with what could be called an AFL dynasty—the multiple world champion Arizona Rattlers.

“This team is really where you want to be in the AFL,” Deadder said.

“In the AFL, you want to be a part of the Arizona Rattlers because of their history, the coaching staff and their whole support system. The owner and the players, they really treat it like an NFL team and they treat you the way you’re supposed to be treated.”

That positive attitude rubs off on fans as well. As a result, the Arizona Rattlers are hosting open training camp practices through March 25 at Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Maricopa.

The training camp will wrap up with Fan Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, 16000 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Players, Sidewinders dancers and Rattlers mascot, Stryker, will be in attendance. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of tickets to ride the Fan Express, providing roundtrip transportation from Talking Stick Resort Arena to the UltraStar Multitainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.

“Our training camp is down in Maricopa because they’re big sponsors of our team,” said Deadder, as his pug plays with his little football. “It’ll be good to give back to the community.”

Fans are enamored with the Rattlers. Tickets to games at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix are at a premium, and fans regularly visit practices during the season at Gene Autry Park, 4125 E. McKellips Rd., in Mesa.

“It’s just such a fast-paced game and there is a lot of scoring back and forth,” Deadder said about why arena football is such an attraction. “The drama during the game, the light show, the fireworks before the game all make it a great sporting event.

“As a wide receiver, this is a dream come true. It’s an all-passing league. It’s just so fast.”

Growing up in Modesto, California, Deadder has played football since he was 8, participating in Pop Warner as well as sports in school and college.

“It’s something I’ve been doing my whole life,” he said.

It was during his senior year of high school that he realized he could make football his living.

“I started to have some interest from Sacramento State and some other schools,” he said. “I realized that I could go to the next level and turn this into something as long as I follow

it and push hard. It’s led me in the right direction and here I am.”

The athletes on the Rattlers are close. Deadder regularly practices with quarterback Nick Davila and wide receiver Rod Windsor.

“We get out there and throw and run around and work really hard with each other to get on the right page and get ready for this next season,” he said.

“It’s really nice to be a part of a team where all of the players hang out. We like to do stuff together and I believe it really helps our team chemistry out there on the field as well.”

LOTS OF PRIZES

Ostrich Festival

The 28th annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival once again transformed Tumbleweed Park into a bustling fair with thousands of guests enjoying family fun on a perfect spring weekend. The ostrich races, carnival rides and games, loads of food and live entertainment, treated families to great times . STSN photos by Tim Sealy