SanTan Sun News: Neighbors - April 16, 2016

Neighbors

Jewelry helps customers gain courage

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

South

Chandler

resident Amy Davis wants to help people be brave.

Davis does so through Bravelets, a Web-based retailer for which she is an independent fundraising consultant. The company sells jewelry, also called Bravelets, with the words “Be Brave” inscribed on them. With each purchase of a Bravelet, $10 goes to the charity of the buyer’s choice. As of January, the 4-year-old company has donated more than $2 million, Davis said.

The company was born after Stephanie Hansen’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“She was looking for jewelry that would help them be brave,” Davis recalled. “They couldn’t find anything out there.”

Bravelets’ range includes 12 styles of bracelets, earrings, two necklaces and a watch, either in stainless steel or leather, and two scarves. Necklaces with charms start at $22, while bracelets start at $36 and the watch is priced at $65.

Bravelets feature a triangle and are engraved with the words, “Be Brave.” Submitted photo

The items and the logo feature a triangle, chosen because it’s the strongest geometric shape, according the retailer’s website. Customers may design their own piece and pick the color as well.

In addition to sales, Davis’ role also includes helping individuals set up fundraising websites to raise money for a nonprofit organization or to offset a family member’s medical expenses. They can start their own fundraiser or buy the jewelry; either way they’re helping a nonprofit.

Home cook wins blue ribbon for hog chops

recipe

Chandler home cook Ashley Muller’s hog chops recipe has been awarded a blue ribbon at Just a Pinch Recipes, a recipe and coupon social network for home cooks at www.justapinch.com.

To land the award, Muller served up a full-flavored dish that was both tasty and easy to prepare.

“My aunt and uncle are Harley riders and I love my aunt’s marinade. I took it, tweaked it and now I make it all the time.”

Muller is one of 550 Chandler residents sharing recipes with the social network, which in four years has become

the largest database of user-posted recipes. On the site, users can post their own family-tested and -approved recipes and try those submitted by others. They can also use a menu calendar and grocery list, create custom cookbooks, print hundreds of grocery coupons, enter recipe contests and join discussion groups.

“We continually add new features to the club based on the feedback of our members,” Tharpe said. “It’s because of people like Ashley Muller, who is proud

Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara spices it up

BY JUDI KING

Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara might just be the best-kept secret in the Valley. Tucked away inside the Mercado Plaza de Sol, it is a hidden treasure near the heart of downtown Chandler. As the name implies, Guadalajaran dishes are served at this authentic Mexican restaurant. Tortas ahogadas are its specialty.

Tortas ahogadas—which means “drowned tortas”—originated in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the early 1900s when a street vendor selling typical Mexican meat-stuffed rolls accidentally dropped the whole sandwich into a vat of spicy salsa.

“You drowned it!” his customer yelled. He ate it anyway and loved it. The torta ahogada was born. As word of this salsasoaked torta’s popularity spread, other vendors began duplicating the process. Soon stands and restaurants selling

this wet sandwich dotted the streets of Guadalajara, and the torta ahogada quickly took its place as the region’s signature dish.

Guadalajara native Maria Medina and her husband, Alvaro, who was raised in nearby Zacatecas, brought their customs and recipes with them when they took over the struggling restaurant in 2005. They are purists who strictly adhere to the traditional Mexican cooking of their region. Medina said that he has customers who travel from Hermosillo, Mexico, to get the sandwich, “because it is closer than driving to Guadalajara.”

Medina said that this was always her dream. “I love cooking, even though it is a lot of work.” She makes everything by hand and prepares food each morning. She makes the salsas and tortillas several times a day so they are fresh.

Get the blindfolds ready for Dining in the Dark, hosted by Crust Chandler, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, to benefit the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Patrons will rely solely on their senses of taste, smell and sound. Dining in the Dark offers a unique awareness experience where guests will taste their

way through a sensational four-course wine pairing dinner.

Delicately crafted to enhance the sensory experience, Crust staff and special guests from the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired will help guide guests through a four-course dinner including:

“[The company] wants people to get the message across to be brave during hard times,” she said. “For me to set up a ‘brave’ page, all I would need is a tax ID or a Social Security number. All they have to do is share the link.”

Davis became a fundraising consultant after discovering the bracelets online.

“I hadn’t heard of Bravelets,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow. That’s a cool thing.’ I thought the bracelets were cute. I read that they were opening the business to have people be independent fundraising consultants.

“I checked back for two years. I knew I would be one of the first ones. I wanted to get on the ground floor of something

like Pampered Chef or Tupperware. I thought I could be the only person out there to get this going and to build something under me.”

There are nine independent fundraising consultants throughout the United States. Davis is the only one in the Arizona.

“I love the fact that you can give back,” Davis said. “The jewelry is very cute; it’s not expensive or pricy. It’s affordable to the average person. You get to help something that’s near and dear to your heart.”

To buy Bravelets or to set up a fundraising website, contact Amy Davis at amydavis.bravelets.com or email azdavisfamily@q.com.

The Perfect Place is a social destination for seniors needing day care

With her British heritage, Diane Thackray decided to add a bit of the posh to Tuesday afternoons at The Perfect Place.

The program director naturally thought of an afternoon tea with herbal varieties, complete with china cups and saucers, as well as table cloths. Participants chose the perfect accompaniment of strawberry preserves and scones.

The afternoon tea isn’t the only option for participants. The Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club is held in the Fellowship Hall of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, the home of The Perfect Place. The church is located at 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Sun Lakes.

The organization is a nonprofit, faithbased adult care center. Volunteers are knowledgeable of Alzheimer’s, dementia, developmental disabilities and various adult neurological challenges.

Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

For information about The Perfect Place’s services, contact Barb Ruiz at (480) 895-2892 or email ThePerfectPlace85248@gmail.com.

Contributions from service organizations and personal donations to the scholarship fund allow The Perfect Place, a 501(c)(3), to provide financial assistance.

Hog Chops Ashley Muller (Chandler)

In a gallon plastic bag, combine all ingredients except the pork chops. Close the bag and shake or mix well. Add the pork chops to the marinade and let marinate four to five hours.

Preheat grill on high. When heated, turn to medium. Place pork chops on the grill and cook about 9 to 14 minutes on each side depending on the grill. Be sure not to overcook or else they were turn out dry.

Course IV

Course I

exercising

Roasted Beets Salad: goat cheese, walnut pesto, garlic honey ciabatta, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. Wine notes: exploding with flavor. Intense and vividly focused, with plenty of fruit and herb flavors.

Course II

Crab and pineapple mousse on endive spears with candied jalapeno and insalata prezzemolo, paired with 2014 Chardonnay. Wine notes: opens with an inviting tropical fruit-like bouquet and aromas of kiwi, banana and summer stone fruits (apricot and white peach). A slight hint of toasted oak on the finish.

Course III

Short rib ravioli: wild mushroom ragu, crispy shallots, paired with Rapture Cabernet. Wine notes: medium bodied, the wine shows flavors of dark raspberry, spiced plum and integrated toasty oak notes.

Chocolate lava cake with a cayenne pepper whip cream, paired with Lust Zinfandel. Wine notes: a deliciously smooth, showy and seductive Zinfandel that lives up to its name

Tickets for Dining in the Dark start at $65. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call Crust Chandler to reserve a spot at (480) 917-4903. Crust Chandler is located at 10 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Proceeds from Dining in the Dark will benefit Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Operating out of central Phoenix, it offers services including technology centers, social recreation, support services and rehab training for adults who are legally blind or visually impaired as well as those who have a degenerative eye condition which may eventually become a visual impairment.

The extensive menu has something for everyone. For the more adventurous palate, there are pork stomach, beef tongue and head meat tacos ($1.29 to $1.69), pork feet or pork skin tostadas ($3.99) and birria—goat meat in a special broth ($9.99). Fans of more traditional dishes will find many different—yet familiar—choices, as well.

I ordered an enchilada platter which was a beautifully presented dish consisting of three cheese enchiladas topped with shredded lettuce, chunks of avocado and Mexican cheese, with rice and beans ($9.99). The enchiladas were lightly covered with a dark, rich sauce that had layers of flavor in each bite, as

did the scrumptious rice and beans. It was fabulous.

On the burrito menu, there are nine to choose from ranging in price from $3.99 to $8.99. Some choices are the burrito tapatio, made with grilled beef, marinated pork or flat pork with potatoes, avocado, pico de gallo, cheese and sour cream ($7.99), and the chile verde which is stuffed with green chile, pork and rice ($6.99).

On my next visit, I tried empanada de carne, a tortilla filled with meat and cheese with the sides pinched together and deep fried ($2.49), and the tacos Dorados, a hard-shell taco filled with potatoes and beans, served with cabbage, onions and tomato sauce ($1.09). Both

were topped with shredded lettuce and Mexican cheese and they were delicious. There are 17 other choices on the taco menu ranging in price from $1.29 to $5.99.

Among the seven breakfast choices from $4.99 to $6.99, the most popular is the chilaquiles with eggs, a mouthwatering feast of fried tortilla chips smothered in chile sauce and Mexican cheese, topped with three fried eggs ($6.99).

Of the seven tortas on the menu ($5.99 to $7.99), I had to try the restaurant’s namesake, torta ahogada. It is crafted by spreading a thick layer of beans on both sides of a split crusty roll, then stuffing it with carnitas—shredded pieces of crisp, roasted flat pork. The whole thing is then

drenched with a tomato sauce and as much hot sauce as you can take ($5.99). It takes two hands—and two people— to eat this massive, messy, magnificent masterpiece. It is easy to see why it is Guadalajara’s signature dish.

Low prices and large portions of deliciously distinctive authentic food make Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara my new go-to place for my Mexican food fix. The secret is out.

Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara 518 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler 85225 (480) 855-3888

care our residents deserve with their desire and right to independence.

• Safe, residential environment

• Specially trained, experienced and attentive staff available 24/7

• Customized care plan for each resident

Assisted living apartments available!

Ironwood offers support groups, education and Tai Chi

With community-based centers throughout the East Valley of Phoenix, Ironwood offers advanced therapies and a multidisciplinary approach usually associated with large academic centers, but with a personalized touch that patients describe as “being treated like family.” Studies have shown that patients that are supported mind, body and spirit do much better when faced with cancer. Patients report less pain, are better able to cope with diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and have a greater feeling of personal growth when they receive the support they need. Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers offer support, education and Tai Chi classes every month

American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 23

3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 855-2224, www.ironwoodcrc.com

American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 9

1432 S. Dobson Rd., Suite 106, Mesa Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com

American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 16 6111 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 855-2224, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Breast Cancer Support Group

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. second Monday of each month

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Caregiver Support Group

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. third Monday of each month

685 S Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Metastatic Cancer Support Group

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month

685 S Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Prostate Cancer Support Group (USTOO)

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. second Monday of each month

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday 685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Chair Yoga

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. first and third Tuesdays 3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 19

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 26

3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert

Register: Sandra Surgeon (480) 855-2224, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Craft, Create, Heal

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21 685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Choose Right, Live Well

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. second Wednesday of each month

685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Spirituality Group

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. third Wednesday of each month

685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com

Robson Library adds April events

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

• 1 p.m. Monday, April 25: “It’s a Mystery to Me: Storytime for Grownups.” Want to hear a good mystery story? Join the group for “Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie. Originally entitled “Traitor Hands” and later adapted into a play, and then a film, this has long been considered one of Christie’s finest short stories. Feel free to bring a lunch or snack.

• 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28: “Planning for Social Security: What You Need to Know.” Jack Burns, public

affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, talks about requirements, filing options and resources to help residents navigate an often confusing system. Participants are asked to create a “My Social Security Account” at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. The uses of this online program will be discussed during the presentation.

On the day of the program, please come by the library front desk for a free ticket, limit two per person. Park in the church parking lot next to the library. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

Tao Healing Center offers free healing yoga class

Tao Healing Center wants to enhance the well-being of Chandler residents by organizing a free healing yoga class from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

The instructor will gently guide participants through yoga postures—at their ability level—to improve circulation, breathing, posture and selfhealing abilities.

The center’s management team encourages participants to wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Yoga mats will be provided for those who do not own one.

The Tao Healing Center is located at 1840 W. Chandler Blvd., at the northeast corner of Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard, in Chandler.

For more information, call (480) 786-6000 or visit www.taohealingcenters.org.

Cays at Downtown Ocotillo located in Chandler in the

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities present Irish Wine and Design

Spots are still available for the Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities’ event during which supporters can paint the Blarney Castle.

Burst of Butterflies at 141 W. Boston St., will host this creative event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21. Light hors d’oeuvres, plus wine, water, soft drinks or hot tea will be served. Cost for the event is $30 for CTSC members and $35 for nonmembers; payment may be made at www.chandlerirish.org, or mail payment to CTSC at P.O. Box 1474, Chandler, AZ, 85244-1474. This event will benefit the sister cities’ Student Ambassador Program.

The guest instructor is Bonnie Lou Coleman, an award-winning artist. She is a private art and music instructor in the East Valley and is a member of the Chandler Art Commission.

She is the founder and former executive director of the Phoenix Conservatory of Music, now in its 11th year. She also worked as director of classical guitar studies at Glendale Community College from 1987 to 2000 and ASU-West from 1987 to 1991. Coleman earned a master’s degree in music performance (classical guitar) from ASU, and a bachelor’s degree in music performance and arts education from The University of Texas at Dallas.

Burst of Butterflies is a family-owned business located in historic downtown Chandler. It works closely with the City Redevelopment and Planning departments to provide a service to the

area that fits in nicely with the art and culture of the area. The 2,700-squarefoot facility allows plenty of space for group, couples and singles to enjoy the experience of painting. It also offers instructor-led classes, such as clay handbuilding, glass fusion, canvas painting, candle making and more. In addition, it provides a 2,000-square-foot patio area for outdoor painting and group art events.

Celebrating its sixth year, the mission of Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities is to cultivate and maintain a strong reciprocal relationship between the cities of Chandler and Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, to encourage cultural understanding, community involvement, economic development and educational exchanges. Visit www.chandlerirish.org, or contact Ellen Harrington for further information at (480) 600-8509 or chan. to.tull@gmail.com.

Therapeutic massage program announces new evening class

A new flexible option is available for students looking to pursue a certificate in massage therapy. ChandlerGilbert Community College’s (CGCC) Therapeutic Massage Program is offering a new evening co-hort beginning this May for interested students. This expansion is the result of student demand and CGCC’s commitment to being a Valley leader in therapeutic massage education.

“It is our goal to make this field as accessible and affordable as possible for our students,” shared Trine Bourke, program coordinator, therapeutic massage. “We are proud to be approximately one-third the cost of private therapeutic massage schools around the Valley, and now we are even more accessible with the addition of evening classes.”

Program graduates are well-prepared with the skills to enter the field of massage therapy in a variety of settings, including: hospitals, physical therapy clinics, sports performance institutes, spas/resorts and private practice, among many others. The program focuses on enhancing healing and wellness through a variety of therapeutic massage techniques.

Upon completion of our program students can earn either an associate of applied science (AAS) degree or certificate of completion. In addition,

the AAS transfers directly to the bachelor of applied science at ASU East Campus and bachelor of interdisciplinary studies at all ASU locations.

Registration for the evening cohort is open and classes will run from May 30 through Dec. 14 (massage core classes only). Classes will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For all of those interested in the therapeutic massage program at CGCC contact Program Director Trine Bourke, AAS, LMT, at katrina.bourke@cgc.edu or visit the website www.cgc.edu/massage for information.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College is one of 10 Maricopa County Community Colleges, the largest community college system in the country. CGCC serves the higher education needs of more than 19,000 students at four locations in the Southeast Valley—the Pecos Campus in Chandler, the Williams Campus in Mesa, the Sun Lakes Center in Sun Lakes and at the Communiversity in Queen Creek. CGCC offers degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, university transfer, workforce development programs, and continuing education, along with nationally recognized programs in service learning, learning communities and civic engagement. For more information, visit www.cgc.edu or call (480) 732-7000.

Ocotillo Village to host summer wine tasting series, organic evening

Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is out to inspire its neighbors to work out and have fun.

Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is giving members the opportunity to work out and then enjoy a post-workout wine tasting. Each month throughout the summer, the Ocotillo Village will host an interactive and informative “Wine Experience Series” about wines from all over the world.

Each interactive class will include a guided tour of eight highlighted wines by certified Sommelier and wine expert, Mark Massimi. The wines will also be paired with hand-selected foods from the highlighted regions on an artisan charcuterie plates, designed by Isaac Rios, the executive chef for Ocotillo Village.

The idea behind this Summer Wine Tasting Series, is to give members and guests a reason to reward themselves for working out and leading a healthy lifestyle, along with strengthening the social engagement among the Ocotillo Village members and guests.

The schedule for the summer wine tasting series is as follows:

• May 19 through May 20: Viva Le France

• June 23 through June 24: Under the Tuscan Su

• July 28 through July 29: South America

• Aug. 25 through Aug. 26: Bordeaux

• Sept. 22 through Sept. 23: Spain and Portugal.

Speaking of wine, Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa is hosting a tasting and Eminence Organic Handmade Skincare event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28. The cost is $20 and the event will be limited to 20 people.

The evening will feature a tasting of organic wines and cheese and fruit samplings to enjoy while browsing the Eminence Skincare line. Those in attendance will receive 20% off any Eminence purchase and a voucher for a skin analysis at the spa. Additionally, guests will receive a coupon for $10 off any spa or salon service and will have the chance to win a basket full of Eminence Skincare and Organic Wine as part of a raffle.

Guests will be handed a goodie bag full of samples. Plus, aestheticians will be on hand to answer skincare questions and a wine educator will guide the tasting. Eminence representatives will also be at the event to share what organic skincare can do for every skin type.

Members and nonmembers are invited.

Ocotillo Village is located at 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit http://villageclubs. com/locations/ocotillo/.

Anyone with questions regarding the wine tasting events can contact Rodney Kinney, the director of events, at rkinney@dmbclubs.com.

City accepting nominations for park’s monument

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 longterm city projects or activities

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

The editors of the SanTan Sun News are seeking residents of the Southeast Chandler community to contribute to our publication. We have been delivering the news of the area to 30,000 driveways for more than 17 years. As a writer for the SanTan Sun News you would be compensated for reporting on local stories in your community. Professional writing experience is required. If you might have an interest in joining our stable of talented community journalists, please send your resume and writing samples to Christina@SanTanSun.com.

Grimaldi’s brings back popular summer pie

As the weather heats up Arizona’s taste palate turns toward barbecue, and Grimaldi’s is cooking up a pizza that is perfect for warmer weather.

For a limited time, Grimaldi’s will be offering its barbecue chicken pizza. This is back by popular demand and is made with Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, chicken, smoky bacon and red onion on Grimaldi’s classic pizza crust.

Using only the freshest ingredients,

a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza (as it began in Naples, Italy) along with delicious, fresh salads in an upscale yet casual, familyoriented pizzeria. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has eight locations in Arizona, including Gilbert, Peoria, Tucson, three in the Scottsdale area and two in Chandler. For more information, visit its website at www.grimaldispizzeria.com.

Study Japanese flower arrangement at Robson

Study the art of Japanese flower arrangement, or Ikebana, at the Ed Robson Library at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 3.

Ikebana is subtle, sensitive, sophisticated and meditative, with roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism. The growing appreciation for Japanese art and architecture in the West has extended to this Japanese art form.

Ikebana emphasizes lines and space, celebrates simplicity, and is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature. In this program, Ping Wei, a member

of Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher Association, will discuss the art of Ikebana and demonstrate how it is created.

Tickets are required; patrons can stop by the library front desk to pick up a free ticket on the day of the event. There is a limit of two tickets per person. Seating is limited. Park in the church parking lot next to the library, which is located at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. For more information, call (602)652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

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 Thursday of each month East Valley networking and referral organization, meets in Ahwatukee at a private location; address will be provided upon contact.

Drinks & Mediterranean Eats!

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

(yes,

on

from 3pm-6pm, includes 1/2 price apps, and drink specials from $3-$6! Patio season is here, join us!

Open daily 11 am - 10 pm (open until Midnight Friday & Sat.) (480) 699-6189 | www.ivyaz.com

Family bike ride

residents joined Mayor Jay Tibshraeny for a bike ride along the scenic Paseo Trail during the annual Family Bike Ride on April 9. The 7.4-mile ride was held in conjunction with Valley Bike Month (April). The event was free and participants received a T-shirt, along with information about bicycle safety, transit services and related topics. STSN photos by