SanTan Sun News;12-5-15: neighbors

Neighbors

Family

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

Family time is important around the holidays and, this holiday season, one local family has a loss to celebrate—yes, a loss. Together, they have lost more than 200 pounds through significant lifestyle changes, including eating healthier, exercising more and attending Weight Watchers meetings in Chandler.

Skye Saine said that she has lost 106 pounds, her mom, Betty Graham, has lost 85 pounds, and her 10-year-old son, Caden, has dropped about 15 pounds. Her daughter, Anna, also is involved in the weight-loss journey.

“My mom was always pushing me to do something,” Saine said. “She would tell me I would feel better about myself if I lost some weight; she has always struggled with her weight and she never wanted me to have to struggle. Plus she knew if I got started she would be forced to do something also.”

She explained that Anna inspired herself and Graham to join the Weight Watchers program. The family began going to local meetings and following the program about 18 months years ago. This past summer, Caden joined them.

Saine said that the family has lost the weight by sticking with the Weight Watchers plan. “I figured out ways to incorporate our points into every meal,” she explained. “We changed our whole eating habits at home.”

As an example, Anna and Caden take

“I wanted him to join with us; also as I wanted him to be healthier and learn healthy eating habits that you learn from Weight Watchers,” Saine said. “He started joining us this summer a year after we had been going and he looks so much healthier and has so much more energy.”

their lunch daily they stick within the program’s point limits. (Each Weight Watchers participant “spends” a certain amount of “points” on food each day.) They also use the program’s recipes for family dinners.

“I have two other kids also and

Hearing loss commissioner honored with national award

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) Commissioner Elizabeth “Liz” Booth was honored with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Service Award at the organization’s 2015 national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, recently.

The HLAA Service Award is presented to a member or group who completes a direct act of service to further the mission of HLAA. Booth was nominated by her local Sun Lakes HLAA chapter for the award for her leadership in founding the chapter and for her work and service

to the hearing loss community.

“I am thrilled and honored to receive this award on behalf of the entire hearing loss community,” said Booth, of Sun Lakes. “There are so many people that do so much and work so hard in our community, and I want to share the spirit of this award with those individuals.”

Booth has been active in her local HLAA chapters for more than 30 years, including time as a hearing loss support specialist, a board member in the Chicago and Fountain Hills chapters, as well as

BY JUDI KING

Built more than 100 years ago by city founder Dr. A.J. Chandler, the historic San Marcos Hotel’s once-forgotten basement has been rediscovered, renovated and opened as The Ostrich.

Part of Crust’s Chandler restaurant, The Ostrich is infused with rich and colorful décor. According to owner Michael

Merendino, The Ostrich “is serving amazing craft cocktails.”

The Ostrich was named after the doctor’s love of the bird. He promoted the industry in town and supposedly stored their feathers in the San Marcos Hotel’s basement in hopes the fashionable plumes would come back in style.

they eat what we eat. It is healthier for everyone all around,” Saine confirmed.

In addition, Saine and Graham meet nightly to exercise, and the younger family members exercise daily, too.

“I have 8 more pounds I would like to lose; that will put me at the healthy weight that Weight Watchers says I should be at for my height,” Saine said. “...Caden and Anna don’t have a specific number they want to get to. They said they will know what they want to be when they try something on and it fits, and they like the way they look in it and they feel healthier.”

Saine said she has been so successful on this journey because it’s been a family effort.

“We encourage each other, we lift

each other up and we tell each other we can do it even when one of us thinks we can’t,” she explained. “I also stick with it because I am not only doing it for me, but I am doing it for my mom and my kids. I want it for them just as much as I want it for me.”

While the weight loss has been a journey within itself, maintaining the healthy habits will continue to be a family goal.

“I want my kids to be confident in themselves and not spend their lives struggling with weight. I want them to have healthy habits to use so they can live a healthy happy life,” Saine said. “Our mission will not be complete until we all get where we want to be, and we know we have each other to lean on to get us there.”

Healthy eating tips for the holidays

• Don’t go to a party hungry . Take off the edge before you go with a piece of fruit or small container of yogurt.

• Don’t eat just to be polite . It’s not that hard to say “no thanks” to that giant slice of pie dripping with ice cream.

• Set your priorities . Think about what foods you won’t see until next year, then savor them in moderation.

• Keep a friendly distance from the food . You’ll be less tempted to mindlessly nosh.

• Limit the number of choices on your plate . The more choices you have, the more you’ll eat.

• Plan your own guilt-free event . That’s the beauty of hosting a party.

You get to choose what to serve.

• Share party leftovers . Local homeless shelters and other nonprofit organizations will be grateful.

• Drink extra water . It will flush out excess sodium from rich meals.

• Watch your portion sizes . Think about smaller portions by using sizes of common objects: a tennis ball, a deck of cards, a CD.

• Make a splurge worth it

• Get moving . Take a walk after you eat and don’t forget to go to the gym.

Tips courtesy of Weight Watchers.

Census enters final push

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

With the City seeing a potential increase in millions in state shared revenue from an increase in population, officials have extended efforts to count residents in the 2015 Special Census.

The City established a phone bank so that residents who believe that they were not counted or were missed in the census can call.

The City worked with the U.S. Census Bureau to establish the bank, which is staffed by sworn Census enumerators to obtain information. The phone number, activated Monday, Nov. 30, is (480) 782-3269.

Phones will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

Chandler residents who want to verify that everyone in their household was counted accurately also can call the special number.

Chandler and six other Arizona cities and towns are participating in a mid-decade Census to update their population counts as more homes are built and populations grow.

If the communities did not conduct the special census, they would not collect more revenue until the next census was completed in 2020. According to the City’s website, the population in 2010 was 237,161. It is estimated at 249,062 as of Nov. 1.

“By being counted, Chandler receives funding that helps provide important services our residents rely on,” Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said. “This money helps pay for essential public services such as police and fire protection, properly maintained streets, parks, libraries and more.”

Census Bureau enumerators have been going door to door collecting Census data since October. City officials estimated that approximately 90 percent of the City has been counted.

a founding member of the Sun Lakes chapter.

She also has served as a member of the Association for Late Deafened Adults and the Hard of Hearing Task Force, a Bionic Ear Association Chapter leader and as a statewide speaker for hard of hearing and deaf organizations.

“We are proud and excited for Liz’s accomplishments not only within HLAA but throughout the entire hard of hearing and deaf communities,” said Sherri Collins, executive director of ACDHH.

“Her continued dedication to these communities and the furtherment of hearing education is astounding.”

Booth earned her Bachelor of

Wear ugly holiday sweaters to art walk

Don those ugly sweaters on Friday, Dec. 18, when downtown Chandler celebrates the holidays.

At the event, stroll down San Marcos and Buffalo streets lined with palm trees donned with twinkling holiday lights while perusing more than 50 local artists’ work for last-minute gifts.

In addition to a special appearance by Santa, enjoy caroling by C’est La Vie, live music by Dmitri Matheny, free holiday face painting by The Studio Academy of Beauty and a free photography by Emily Quist Photography.

This free, family-friendly event is hosted by Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and located inside Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave.

For more information on the Chandler Art Walk, visit www.downtownchandler.org.

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) is a 501(c)(6) not-forprofit corporation whose mission is to mobilize leadership and resources to advance the development of downtown Chandler as a regional destination for shopping, dining, living, culture, and the arts.

St. Mary Basha Catholic School looking to raise monies

St. Mary Basha Catholic School, Serrano’s and Brunchies have teamed up to raise funds for the school, 200 W. Galveston, Chandler.

Family Food Night Fundraiser from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at both restaurants is a way of giving back to the school.

St. Mary Basha Catholic School’s

Home and School Association will be using the money to build the community and strengthen the relationships within its families. The funds also will support receptions for the children’s Christmas programs, guest speakers and teacher appreciation.

For more information, call (480) 9634951.

Arts degree in English with a minor in education and psychology from Gettysburg College and a master’s degree in English literature from Northwestern University. She is a retired teacher and reading specialist.

She has been married to her husband, Harold, for 43 years and they have two sons and three grandchildren.

Produce on Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) distributes fresh produce in a farmers market atmosphere. The purpose of the market is to offer quality produce at an affordable price to the community.

A $10 donation is good for up to 60 pounds of produce with six to eight different 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, Dec 12, 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.

Local Family Owned Certified Jewelry Store

for insurance, estate and liquidation

City to celebrate two parks in ceremonies on Dec. 12

The completion of Citrus Vista Park in Southeast Chandler and renovations to Folley Memorial Park near downtown will be celebrated in back-to-back ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12. The public is invited.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and members of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Board will gather at 9:30 a.m. at Citrus Vista Park, 4511 S. Mustang Dr., to dedicate the new 10-acre neighborhood park, and then travel to Folley Memorial Park, 601 E. Frye Rd., for a 10:30 a.m. ceremony.

Citrus Vista Park is located in the square mile bordered by Ocotillo, Gilbert, Chandler Heights and Lindsay roads. It is the 49th neighborhood park in Chandler and brings to 65 the total number of developed parks in the City. Citrus Vista Park features a lighted basketball court, sand volleyball court, shaded playgrounds, swings, ramadas, lighted walking paths, landscaping, open turf

areas, horseshoes and bocce ball.

The park was designed by J2 Engineering and Environmental Design and constructed by Nickle Contracting LLC. The playground equipment was manufactured by Exerplay Inc.

The renovations to the 24-acre Folley Memorial Park included the replacement of aging ramadas and addition of new ramadas, lighting, shade canopies over softball field bleachers, upgraded basketball courts, parking lot renovations, landscaping, irrigation, and new curb, gutter and sidewalks. The park was built in 1976 and is named after boxer Zora Folley, a Chandler resident who in 1967 fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title and later served on the Chandler City Council.

The Folley Park renovations were designed by Gavan & Barker Inc., and were constructed by DNG Construction.

Fun Run/Walk. This run has an event for everyone, including a 5K or 1 Mile Run/Walk and a 100 Yard Dash, so bring your family and friends! The fun starts at 8am. Proceeds from the run benefit the Orthopedics departments at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, which support the Total Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine programs.

San Tan Hyundai

Sun Lakes Democratic Club hosts holiday party and food collection

Celebrate the holidays with the Sun Lakes Democratic Club at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, when it holds its December meeting at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

There will not be a speaker at this meeting. After a short business presentation, members can enjoy holiday refreshments and socialize.

At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing food bank.

Collections take place on meeting nights in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the North entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby.

Through October, members have raised 1,919.5 pounds of food and $356.

Everyone is welcome at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. For more information call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.

Dentist helping wounded warriors return home for the holidays

• Operation Gratitude

• Phoenix Rescue Mission

• My Hope Bag for breast cancer patients

Dr. J. Philipp wants to help reunite wounded warriors with their families this holiday season. Through Dec. 11, the Chandler dentist will collect and match donations made to Luke’s Wings’ No Soldier Spends Christmas Alone.

“No one who has sacrificed and served our country should spend the holiday season alone,” Philipp said. “We are excited to help those who protect us have a happy holiday season.”

Located at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, in Chandler, J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry was founded by Dr. Justin Philipp. The practice has won numerous awards and offers a wide variety of quality dental services. Visit www.jphilipp.com to learn more.

Once donations are collected and matched, Philipp will arrange to provide checks to families so their soldiers can come home for the holidays. Reuniting one solider costs $350.

Philipp also is offering a 5 percent discount on all services to current and former military members.

As part of his year-round commitment to giving back, Philipp also has supported the following projects:

• United Food Bank’s “Christmas in July” drive

Luke’s Wings is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing travel services for families of those wounded in the military that are hospitalized at medical and rehabilitation centers. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke’s Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our men and women at arms while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member’s recovery. Visit www.lukeswings.org for more information.

Discover a wide variety of dining options from casual

The next hearing loss association meeting to be held in December

Michele Michaels will talk about the programs and services offered by the state agency for hearing loss. As the hard of hearing specialist for the state of Arizona, she provides outreach, education, training, information, and resources regarding the hard of hearing community. Michaels will address the questions and concerns.

The event will be held from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Ed Robson Branch Library Lecky Center, 9330

E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

For those who are challenged by hearing loss, stop by the library for education, sharing and refreshments. CART, real time captioning, is provided and the meeting room is looped. For more information, contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-300 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

The rumors that the basement also may have been a former speakeasy inspired Merendino to replicate the era and meticulously preserve the basement and its history. Plumbing and electrical have been updated, but concrete walls and ceilings are original. The bar and booths were purchased from the now-shuttered Monti’s La Casa Vieja. Other furniture pieces from the era complement the historical ambience. Now, the basement serves as a throwback to the opulence and decadence of the Roaring ‘20s.

The renovation was educational to Merendino and his crew. They discovered a concrete staircase leading to the street level. It had been covered by concrete flooring years ago; the crew rerouted it to enable access from Crust’s kitchen to the basement bar.

There is no signage for The Ostrich. Instead, patrons can ask for whispered directions to the stairwell or search for it themselves.

True to its speakeasy vibe, The Ostrich is all about the cocktails. To get it right, Merendino hired nationally celebrated mixologist, Brandon Casey, who left his position at Citizen Public House to become beverage director for Crust and general manager of The Ostrich. Along with Casey, the second in command is Maxton Kennedy, another talented mixologist who just moved here from New Orleans. Both men know their cocktails.

Cocktails were created in the early 1920s to oblige the ladies who flooded the speakeasies after gaining the vote. Feeling their independence, the women demanded something other than beer or straight shots of liquor. Bartenders started mixing alcohol with sugary

soft drinks and fruit juices to make the bootlegged liquor more palatable. Names like White Lightning and Firewater were out. Bathtub gin and booze were in. The cocktail was born.

Casey, a master of classic cocktails as well as his own creations, will delight you with his knowledge and presentation as he brandishes the different bottles. He adds flourishing details, such as whacking the mint on the back of his hand to intensify its flavor before adding it to the drink. It’s all in the name of creating the perfect cocktail. It’s fun to watch him craft one of his masterpieces. It’s even more fun to drink one.

The night I was there it was busy and there were no tables available, so my husband and I sat at the bar watching the bartenders doing their thing. They were efficient, friendly and a little showy, reminding me a bit of Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown in the movie, “Cocktail.” It’s highly entertaining.

Along with the cocktails, The Ostrich offers a full menu from Crust. Choices include sharable charcuterie boards ($13), eggplant parmigiana rollatini ($9), bruschetta boards ($10), crusted mac and cheese ($9) and arugula and prosciutto pizza. ($12).

The atmosphere is exactly what you would expect for a speakeasy-inspired lounge. The food is good, the cocktails are great, the patrons are loud and the joint is crowded. This is not your grandmother’s type of place—unless, of course, she was a flapper.

The Ostrich opens its doors at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 10 N. San Marcos Pl. For more information call (480) 917-4903 or visit www.crustrestaurants. com/ostrich.

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 religious-related 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

Knox Gifted Academy Giving Thanks Parade

Students at the Knox Gifted Academy created their own floats and balloons for the academy’s Giving Thanks Parade. The students, inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, presented character balloons, musical entertainment, ancient Greek geo-cities, “History of Flight” scaled replica rod puppets and float commentary and history.

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