July 6 – July 19, 2013
www.SanTanSun.com
SRP eliminates power line routes, Fire Station No. 1 to relocate local residents react BY ALISON STANTON
After a series of open houses and meetings that were often well-attended by the public, Salt River Project (SRP) announced that it is reducing the number of proposed routes for the Price Road Corridor 230-kV Project. SRP Project Manager Tom Novy says six of the eight east-west route segments between SRP’s Schrader Substation and the proposed RS-28 substation have been eliminated. The two remaining alternatives for this section of the project are Germann Road and Hunt Highway. Novy says removing the routes from the list of possible choices was part of SRP’s original plan that involved gathering input and analyzing the various segments. “We still went strictly by the criteria to eliminate the routes, but we did accelerate the process,” Novy says, adding that the public reaction had an input on the decision to speed things up. “We all agreed to do it now and not have to wait four and a half more months.” Jane and Al Andersen, who live in the community of Santorini Shores in Ocotillo, have been vocal and active in their opposition to using nearby roads for some of the proposed eastwest routes. The couple says they felt “jubilant” when they heard the news about the route eliminations.
FIRE STATION NO. 1: Artist’s rendering shows the plans for the new location expected in fall of 2014. Submitted photo BY TRACY HOUSE
MANY PROPOSED ROUTES ELIMINATED: Residents of Ocotillo were elated to learn that SRP had eliminated Ocotillo Road and other nearby roads from its proposed list of east-west routes for an upcoming power line project. STSN photo by Ron Lang
“We had just come out of a meeting and were driving home when we received the call to tell us that SRP had just eliminated some routes,” Jane says. SEE SRP PAGE 6
Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort to be renovated
Plans to relocate Chandler’s Fire Station No. 1 were approved at the June 13 City Council meeting as part of the City of Chandler 2013-14 budget. The station will be relocated to land already owned by the city at 1475 E. Pecos Rd., just east of McQueen Road near the water treatment facility. Tom Carlson, assistant fire chief of administration, explains the relocation was originally slated for fiscal year 2017-18 as part of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. Every five years the agency goes through an accreditation. In 2009, it was determined through a Standard of Response Coverage analysis—which takes an analytical look at the city, where the stations are, the response time and where the risk factors occur—that if an existing station were relocated, the city would only need to build one future fire station in the southeast part of Chandler. Future
plans were to build two fire stations in southeast and east Chandler. “The plan is now to relocate Fire Station No. 1, which helps with call volumes to the southeast and east portions of the city,” Carlson says. He explains refurbishing the existing fire building allows other departments— transportation and development and housing—to move in. Other than electrical or utilities there are no new costs associated with the relocation of Fire Station No. 1, according to Carlson. “The good thing about relocating a station is obviously there are construction costs. We’re going to take the engine and the personnel and all of our already related ongoing costs that are in the city budget and just shift those to the new location,” Carlson says. The entire project is estimated at $5.5 million. The new station will be 14,000 square feet with four bays that will house SEE FIRE STATION PAGE 8
Chandler Christian Community Center: Helping families since 1966
BY ALISON STANTON
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
A landmark hotel in downtown Chandler is set to be remodeled from top to bottom. The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, which opened in 1913, was purchased in late January by Interwest Capital. Karl Coleman, president of Interwest Capital, says the moment his company acquired the well-known property located in downtown Chandler, a multimillion dollar comprehensive renovation plan was set in motion. “This plan is anticipated to deliver fully renovated guestrooms, meeting space and public areas in time for the hotel’s Centennial Celebration in late November 2013,” Coleman says.
Chandler Christian Community Center is a bustling hub of activity. Founded in 1966, it houses a committed group of staff and valued volunteers that work to change lives by nourishing bodies and minds through a series of targeted programs. Its core services are designed to lend a helping hand to individuals and families when they need assistance in a variety of areas. Trinity Donovan is the chief executive officer at Chandler Christian Community LENDING A HAND: Trinity Donovan in one of Center. Additionally, she has been on the the food bank’s sorting areas. STSN photo by Chandler City Council since 2006 and Lynette Carrington served as vice mayor from 2011-2012. Her dedication to the general public and to
SEE HOTEL RENOVATION PAGE 6
UNDERGOING RENOVATION: The resort’s comprehensive renovation plan includes the lobby. STSN photo by David Karasinski
SEE COMMUNITY CENTER PAGE 9
F E AT U R E STO R I E S
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ICAN recognized for quality programming and services . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Paul’s Car Care: A one-stop auto repair shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Little league reaching for ‘big league’ greatness . . . . . . . . . . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Escape for the day to fun, high-country events . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Local ‘young adult’ author dives into e-books . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56
Community . . . . . . .1-13 Business . . . . . . . .14-24 Youth. . . . . . . . . . .25-34 Opinion. . . . . . . . .35-36 Neighbors. . . . . . .45-52 Spirituality . . . . . . 53-55 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 56-63 Directory . . . . . . 64-65 Classifieds. . . . . . 66-67 Where to eat . . . 68-70
SanTan Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Section
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www.SanTanSun.com
July 6 – July 19, 2013
Back and Neck
Dr. Scott Asay, Chiropractic Physician Troy Babel, Physical Therapist Dr. Michael Voisin, Chiropractic Physician Dr John McDonald, Chiropractic Physician/GM
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July 6 – July 19, 2013
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1447 N. AARON CIRLE, MESA 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 3,523 SQ. FT. Custom home with city and mountain views. Features a 6 car garage, RV garage with cabinets, attached workshop. Neutral tile, brand new carpet, and new paint inside and out. Kitchen has stainless appliances, 42 inch upgraded cabinets with pull-outs. Builder used 2x6, all copper to hot/cold. Double load walk-in pantry. Desk center in kitchen, copper wiring throughout. Softwater loop and tankless water heater.
1650 W. LANTANA CT., COTTONWOOD SPRINGS 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 2,592 SQ. FT. Beautiful home sits on over 11, 000 SQ. FT. cul-de-sac lot. Updated travertine flooring, upgraded maple cabinets and newer counter tops. Home boast two fireplaces, combination play/diving pool and extra large yard! Master bedroom is large with bay window and updated master bath. Family room is open to the wet bar which is great for entertaining.
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Beautifully appointed 1 story home in Cottonwood Crossings offering 4 bedrooms and 2 bath, over 2,000 SQ. FT. with vaulted ceilings, formal living and dining area, lots of wood laminate flooring throughout, granite counters and large island in the kitchen overlooking the great room, large master suite with dual vanity, large secondary bedrooms and lots of storage space. Out back enjoy the tranquil backyard with large covered patio, diving pool and grassy area.
Spacious Pecos Ranch home offering a beautifully updated kitchen with granite slab counters, lots of cabinet space and huge island, step down into the large family room with fireplace, one bedroom/bath downstairs, oversized secondary bedrooms and fantastic master suite upstairs. Outside enjoy the beautiful pool with water feature, extended covered patio and great grassy area. All this located near freeway access, community pool, shopping, dining and more!
Designated Broker: Cynthia Stevens 575 W. Chandler Blvd. #225-B, Chandler
24602 S. LAKEWAY CIRCLE SE, SUN LAKES SQ. FT. Spacious Sun Lakes home has it all, including an entertainers backyard! Brick lined courtyard entry w/fountain. Kitchen features stone counters tops, raised panel cabinets, double pantry. Plantation shutters, bay windows, upgraded tile, r/o, soft water, surround sound. Family room has built-in entertainment center, gas fireplace. Room extensions include 2 FT extensions on the master, family room, golf cart garage, front bedroom, main garage has a 4 FT extension.
480-812-1112 www.CentralProperties.HelpUSell.com
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Community
July 6 – July 19, 2013
www.SanTanSun.com
Arizona Avenue lane restrictions
Chandler City Council to address urban chickens June meeting recap The Chandler City Council will consider an amendment to Chapter 35 of the City Code to permit residents to raise chickens on single family lots. The council will also consider amending Chapter 11 of the City Code to designate unreasonably loud chickens as a disturbing noise and amending Chapter 14 by repealing the requirement to obtain written consent to keep animals within 200 feet of residences. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Thu., July 11, at the Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., Chandler. For more information visit chandleraz.gov/agendas.
Major lane restrictions will commence on Mon., July 8 at the intersection of Arizona Avenue and Queen Creek Road. Traffic along Arizona Avenue will be restricted to a single lane northbound and southbound at the intersection to accommodate the installation of a sewer pipeline. Left turns will be maintained in all directions. Westbound traffic on Queen Creek Road will also be narrowed to a single through lane. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of July. For updates on road work, visit chandleraz.gov.
Employees (ACE), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), International Association of Firefighters Chandler (IAFF), Chandler Law Enforcement Association (CLEA) and the Chandler Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (CLASA). Mayor Jay Tibshraeny noted Chandler recently announced that Garmin, the world leader in GPS devices, is expanding its operation in Chandler, building a 60,000-square-foot building and adding 141 new software and product development jobs over the next three years. In addition, he announced the Continuum Science & Technology Park in the Price Road Corridor received its first major tenant, Nationstar Mortgage which will bring 1,200 jobs to the city. Tibshraeny also thanked Municipal Utilities and the Water Conservation staffs for its work helping about 200 Chandler water audit participants save more than 10 million gallons of water. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed on the Web at chandleraz. gov/video.
Council recap At the June 13 Chandler City Council meeting, the council took action on 39 agenda items. The council allocated $1.12 million for human services funding for fiscal year 2013-14 for nonprofit organizations to provide services ranging from food and clothing to medical care and tutoring. Council also approved Memorandums of Understanding with five labor groups including: Association of Chandler
VITA helps families claim tax refunds Chandler’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helped 1,287 low- and moderate-income families, including elderly and disabled individuals, claim more than $1.5 million in tax refunds this past tax season. Chandler’s free preparation service began at the end of January and ended in April. The refund total included $554,721 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), a credit that IRS research indicates one in four eligible taxpayers fail to claim each year. The opportunity to help families claim the EITC refund prompted the city in 2004 to begin offering free tax preparation services to struggling families. “These refunds may not have been received without the
help of 58 volunteers who invested more than 3,000 hours assisting these families,” says Jeanne Bosarge, a community resource assistant responsible for coordinating the effort. The city’s Neighborhood Resources Community Development Division worked with the IRS to train volunteers and establish free tax preparation sites throughout the city to help working families. Success of the program is attributed to partnerships between the city and First Credit Union, Chandler Christian Community Center, The CARE Center, Sun Lakes Country Club, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and Chandler-Gilbert Community TAX HELP: A VITA volunteer assists a couple. Submitted photo College which provided facilities, staff and equipment.
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www.SanTanSun.com
DCCP announces officers, awards At the recent Annual Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) recognized the work the organization has done and thanked the volunteers and supporters of downtown. DCCP is a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit 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. Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny praised the continued efforts of the DCCP, business and community at the annual breakfast. Randy Clawson of APS received the DCCP Service Award for his numerous years of service and support to the DCCP and Downtown Chandler. Jeff Tolonen and Chris Bethany each received a Downtown Chandler Ambassador Award for their extensive service to downtown. A memorial award to Geoff Hancock, who passed away earlier this year, of the SanTan Sun News was presented to his wife, Laurie, for his support of Chandler. New DCCP board members were introduced: Greg Gienko of Meridian West Development, LLC; Mike Gutierrez of Walmart; and Renee Levin of Intel. The 2013-14 DCCP executive committee will comprise of President Derek Neighbors, VP Business Development Rich Fraizer, Treasurer Jay Curtis, VP of District Relations and Marketing Shelby Pedersen, Secretary Christy Thompson and members at large Ed Hines and Steena Murray. For more information, visit downtownchandler. org.
Community
July 6 – July 19, 2013
Donate school supplies, get a pizza Operation Back to School Chandler—For Our Students is seeking to provide 10,000 needy children with backpacks, school supplies, shoes, socks, underwear and uniforms in the largest school supply drive in Chandler history, and for those who donate they’re offering a free pizza. Donations of supplies are being accepted at numerous locations throughout the city, including Chandler libraries, fire stations, police stations and Chandler City Hall. The Arizona Rattlers will host an Operation Back-toSchool Chandler donation drive as part of their Kids Night at their July 13 game against the New Orleans VooDoo. Ninety volunteers are needed on July 19 to help set up for the July 20 distribution event, which on its own, needs 200 volunteers. For more information, to sponsor the event or volunteer and for a complete listing of donation sites, visit forourcity.org/ Back_to_school_drive.html or call 480-782-2214. Anyone dropping off supplies will receive a coupon for a free personal pizza from Peter Piper Pizza while supplies last. To make a cash donation visit chandlerfoodbank.org and click on the “donation” tab. Indicate the donation is for “Back-to-School” in the “purpose” section.
BACK TO SCHOOL: Volunteers sort through 2,400 backpacks donated June 18 for Operation Back to School Chandler—For Our Students. Volunteers included Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School Principal Heather Anguiano whose Title I students will be served by this project. Submitted photo
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July 6 – July 19, 2013
Community HOTEL RENOVATION FROM PAGE 1
SRP FROM PAGE 1
“We were surprised that they had taken Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek Road and Riggs off in one fell swoop.” The Ocotillo Community Association (OCA), its board of directors and homeowners say they were also ecstatic to learn SRP had removed Ocotillo and Queen Creek roads from the list of proposed routes for the Price Road Corridor 230kV Project. “The concerns of our residents have been heard and much of the outcome they fought for has been accomplished,” the OCA Board of Directors wrote in a collective statement sent via email. “We are very fortunate to have such informed and committed residents who rallied around this issue and spent the time to make their voices heard. We anticipate their continued support until Dobson, Ellis and Price Road pole routes are removed from the project.” Although the Andersens are pleased that SRP has eliminated the routes that would impact them and their neighbors the most directly, Jane says the recent announcement was bittersweet. “We knew that there were still neighbors, residents and citizens hurting. We knew we couldn’t give up the fight, just because our roads would not be affected by the 150-foot poles and 230kV wires.” The Andersens say they plan to continue their work and disprove SRP’s assertion that they need more power in the Price Road Corridor.
www.SanTanSun.com
“We know that Schrader (substation) can be upgraded with an additional 230-kV transformer,” Jane says. “Adding two 230-kV substations that will have step down transformers to distribute more power via 69-kV poles and lines seems like overkill to us.” The OCA Board of Directors says they intend to remain vigilant about the locations of the RS-27 and RS-28 substations. They also urge residents to continue to send in comment forms to SRP as “the substation locations and associated pole lines will have a profound effect on the community.” Jane says she and Al have been encouraged by the grassroots effort that the local community has shown in relation to the proposed power lines project. “We are truly grateful that we live in an area with so many people willing to do whatever it takes to save our community from high voltage power lines. But, there’s so much more to do.” For more information about the project and SRP, visit azpower.org/ priceroadcorridor and srpnet.com. Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
‘NEGLECT AND DISTRESS:’ Karl Coleman, president of owners Interwest Capital, says the property is definitely in need of attention and TLC. STSN photo by David Karasinski
After years of “neglect and distress,” Coleman says, the property is definitely in need of some attention and TLC. “The hotel deserves a renovation that will allow it to return to its rightful place as the cornerstone property of downtown Chandler.” Coleman says the renovation of the hotel—which has 250 rooms and has hosted a variety of famous people over the years including Fred Astaire, Jimmy Stewart and President Herbert Hoover— will continue through summer to the anticipated Centennial date in November. “A secondary renovation is planned for 2014 which will encompass golf course improvements in addition to property wide enhancements including the outlets, outdoor activity areas and exterior façade.” The revitalization of the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Hotel is being driven by a team of local and respected development and hospitality leaders,
Coleman says, including Cooper Riley, Strategic Hospitality Group LLC, Otak, J Kattman Associates LLC and GF Management. The hotel will remain open during the renovation, Coleman says. “The renovation schedule has been developed to provide for minimal impact to our guests’ experience,” he says. “Management will continually advise new and returning guests as well as the community on the status of the project as we move through this exciting process.” The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort is located at One N. San Marcos Pl., in Chandler. For more information, visit crowneplaza.com/Chandler or call 480-812-0900. Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
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Community
Client Testimonials...
July 6 – July 19, 2013
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July 6 – July 19, 2013
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
FIRE STATION FROM PAGE 1
Current SRP electric customers who attend a workshop about how to select, plant and care for trees to increase survivability and maximize energy savings can receive up to two desert-adapted shade trees, ranging in height from 4 to 6 feet. Eligible customers who attend the workshop must have a legal right to plant a tree on their property and the ability to care for the tree as needed. The trees must be planted within 15 feet of exposed exterior on the south, west or east side of the home. Desert-adapted trees require minimal watering and produce oxygen to help improve air quality. Reduce cooling costs, improve air quality and lower the urban heat effect without the use of a lot of water by planting desert-adapted trees in energysaving locations, according to SRP. During the hottest times of the day, shaded walls can be 10 to 35 degrees cooler than exposed walls with shade trees. Workshops are Sat., July 27 at the Williams campus of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 7360 E. Tahoe Ave., Mesa; and Sat., Aug. 24, at Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Visit savewithsrp.com, call 602-325-1254 or email SRPshadetree@VPAaz.org for more information.
Fulton Homes, in its 11th year of sponsorship, in partnership with KMLE-FM and Ironman Pool Fence is giving away one free pool fence each week through Sun., Aug. 18. The Tempe-based homebuilder is dedicated to watersafety and as part of its water-safety initiatives also sponsors “2 Seconds is Too Long” at Valley shopping malls. To be considered for a pool fence or to nominate someone visit KMLE1079.com and click on the Fence Patrol icon. Call 602-452-1000 or visit fultonhomes.com to learn more about Fence Patrol.
Education clinic tests water The Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, will be conducting an educational environmental water clinic 7 to 8 p.m. Thu., July 25. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Free testing for chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, arsenic, heavy metal, lead, uranium, chloramines, disinfectants, disinfectant by-products, aluminum, VOCs, inorganic chemicals, plastics, gasoline and other fuels will be conducted for participants who bring in a sample of their own water. Dr. Gail Kopin of Alternative Health Associates of Gilbert and a local health team of educators and water experts will conduct the clinic. Call the Environmental Education Center at 480-782-2890 for more information.
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This picture reflects dust, dirt and oil build up on a clock movement not serviced within seven years. Oils breakdown and collect dirt much like the oil in your car engine breaks down. If not serviced, this causes excess wear on the parts. Fry’s Shopping Center on Alma School & Germann
2040 S. Alma School Road, #24
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Tracy House is a freelance writer living in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children. She can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.
Save money with Fulton Homes pool fence giveaway summer shade trees from SRP
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Engine Company 281, a rescue team, Battalion 281 and equipment or, in the future, an additional company. In terms of response, Carlson explains stations are called by response time to the call—by approximate mileage to the call and time to travel. “Units are dispatched by GPS—wherever they are in the city, the closest unit goes to a call,” he says. Fire stations are planned by call volume and specific response diamonds, an area that a fire engine can travel from a fixed point—the fire station—and where the majority of calls inside a four-minute diamond occur. “What we try to do is four-minute travel time,” Carlson says. “One minute for personnel to get on the truck and get it started and four minutes to travel. We try to do that in 90% of the calls.” Coverage gaps are on the east part of the city where there is a border with Gilbert and in the southeast portion of the city near the Loop 202 freeway. Relocating the station allows absorption of calls east and southeast of the city. Built in 1990, the current location of Fire Station No. 1 overlaps in areas. Each fire station covers approximately a 2-mile radius around the station. Moving Fire Station No. 1 stretches the district so that the stations meet up with one another instead of overlapping. Multifamily housing, traffic issues and industrial growth impact the location of the fire stations. Chandler maintains 10 strategically located fire stations. All stations have one engine, six have rescue and one has an engine and ladder. Fire Station No. 1 has eight staff members—four on the engine, two on the rescue and two on the battalion chief. Carlson mentions that construction isn’t expected to start on the new station until December or January. The design is finished and the build will take around eight to nine months with completion anticipated in fall 2014. Learn more about the Chandler Fire Department at chandleraz.gov/fire.
Present this coupon and receive 20% off your order! Please present coupon at time of order. One coupon per visit. Alcohol purchases not included. Not valid with any other specials. Offer expires 7-31-2013.
590 North Alma School Road • Located in the Granada Plaza
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July 6 – July 19, 2013
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COMMUNITY CENTER FROM PAGE 1
the staff at the center is nothing short of a passion. With the center, there are four main programs: the Food Bank, Family Resource Center, Community Action Program and the off-site Senior Center programs. The food bank is a main component of the center’s operations. Each year they distribute more than 15,000 food boxes which provide nourishment to more than 50,000 children and adults. Both fresh and nonperishable food are distributed each week and sourced through a variety of methods. “We receive food that is donated from places like Papa John’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Fresh & Easy,” explains Donovan. “We also receive additional food donations from a variety of faith organizations, businesses and local grocers.” On a federal level, they receive food from United Food Bank. The center passes out food in accordance to a family’s size, also taking into consideration any special dietary needs they might have, or if they have an infant. Additionally, they distribute milk coupons that can be redeemed for fresh milk at participating grocery stores for families with children between 1 and 5 years old. The summer months present a challenge to the food bank operations because donations tend to drop off because there are many people on vacation and it is not the holiday season. They accept perishable and nonperishable food items, baby formula and diapers. Due to a recent expansion at the center, they have multiple walk-in refrigerators and freezers to assist with food storage. The
staff and volunteers do a tremendous job each week categorizing, boxing food and ensuring that families receive a variety of nutritional food. The Family Resource Center, added to the Chandler Christian Community Center in 2010, has a variety of programs designed to strengthen families and provide educational experiences. Giggles, Squiggles and Squirms early literacy program is from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday and Thursday. There is also an Interactive Family Play from 8:30 to 10 a.m. every Friday as well as during emergency food bank hours. During this program, positive and productive interaction is encouraged and supported. These programs are multigenerational, multiethnic and provide a safe, educational-style environment where staff will take the time to answer questions from parents and lead productive play. The Community Action Program is a needs-based program that provides rental and utility assistance in an effort to curb homelessness. “We remove barriers to those that need assistance,” notes Donovan. Many other resources are available to the community, including referrals for home repairs and food, clothing and emergency shelter and housing, job training and employment and educational referrals. After the initial application, a determination is made for what programs and necessities a person qualifies. Prescreening packets are available online. Senior Center activities take place at the Chandler and Gilbert senior centers. In addition to being a low-cost congregate
FOR FAMILIES: The Family Resource Center offers many opportunities for positive family interactions. STSN photo by Lynette Carrington
meal site with 25,601 meals served in their dining rooms last year, 38,551 meals were delivered to the homebound and elderly within the community. When meals are delivered, staff is trained to do routine wellness checks and be alert for situations that might require medical or other types of help. The senior centers also have hundreds of fun and engaging activities including Zumba, Tai Chi, Bingo and outings to various restaurants. The Chandler Senior Center is located at 202 E. Boston St., located south and east of Chandler Boulevard and Arizona Avenue and the Gilbert Senior Center is located at 130 N. Oak St., west and north of Gilbert and Elliot roads. Chandler Christian Community Center is very grateful for the many hours, dedication and uplifting spirit of their volunteers. “We really rely on our volunteers and they are so wonderful,” states Donovan.
They assist in nearly every aspect of the center and their assistance is valuable. In 2012, there were more than 1,100 volunteers who contributed more than 31,000 hours. In fact, some individual volunteers have been with the center a decade or more, and one very wellbehaved volunteer is only a few years old. New volunteers are always welcome at the center. Chandler Christian Community Center is located at 345 S. California St. in Chandler, west of Arizona Avenue and Frye Road. SNAP and AHCCCS program applications can be done at the site. Visit chandlerfoodbank.org or call 480-9631423 for additional information. Monetary donations can be made directly online. Lynette Carrington is a freelancer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
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Community
July 6 – July 19, 2013
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ICAN recognized for quality programming and services Compadres partner with ICAN’s shoe drive Chandler’s nonprofit ICAN is recognized by the Council of Accreditation (COA) for its delivery of high-quality programming and services, which meet more than 400 standards of excellence. ICAN is one of only 21 organizations in the Arizona that are accredited by COA. “ICAN is honored to be recognized by the Council of Accreditation for our quality programming,” says Becky Jackson, ICAN chief executive officer. “Since becoming accredited, COA standards have helped strengthen ICAN and confirmed the organization is truly a community resource that families trust and respect for its high quality and success.” COA’s mission is to partner with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying and promoting accreditation standards. COA is an independent, not-for-profit, international accreditor of the full array of social and behavioral healthcare services for children, youth, adults, seniors and families. ICAN first applied for accreditation in 2009, ensuring youth programs exceeded the standards set for program quality. ICAN provides quality programs to an average of 250 youth daily. Kicks for Kids The Chandler Compadres have
partnered with ICAN to support its Kicks for Kids shoe drive, helping to outfit more than 400 youth with new pairs of shoes for the upcoming school year. Providing support for East Valley families in need for more than 30 years, the Chandler Compadres are also supporting ICAN as a gold sponsor of the upcoming Festival of Trees event, which generates significant funding for ICAN’s free programs annually. “The Chandler Compadres and ICAN have a strong partnership because we believe in making changes for youth in the community who need it most,” explains Michael Deutsch, Chandler Compadres president. “The impact is evident with ICAN and the Kicks for Kids shoe drive is another way to provide something that many families wouldn’t have access to without this initiative.” Kicks for Kids shoe drive continues through July. Needed shoe sizes include boys’ and girls’ sizes one through six. For more information contact ICAN at 480821-4207 or visit icanaz.org.
The Hill sisters. Submitted photo
Hill sisters could be anywhere in the United States Sisters Ashley and Brittany Hill, who last year made a 33-hour nonstop drive in their new flame-red Jeep Wrangler from Hinsdale, IL back home to Chandler, saw the Sonoran desert with a new perspective. “With our Jeep Wrangler finally in Phoenix, Brittany, ‘Brit’ and I have made it a daily ritual to go to AJ’s grocery store to receive our fresh-brewed, piping hot and most of all, affordable Illy Coffee. We were lucky to encounter Jeremy Basha, a friend from my adolescence,” Ashley
wrote on her blog. But months later, on the way to observe the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the sisters learned of the passing of Jeremy’s dad, Eddie Basha, who they considered to be an historic Arizonan and American legend. The sisters made it a top priority to go to the Eddie Basha memorial service at ASU Gammage. Read about their travels and thoughts at magazine. asu.edu/blog/memoriam/sun-devilscelebrate-american-legend-eddie-basha.
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Discover Vietnam, Nominate your Cambodia with favorite business Gilbert Chamber The Gilbert and Tempe chambers of commerce in conjunction with Chamber Exploration, is sponsoring an eight-day inclusive group travel trip to Vietnam and Cambodia departing Mon. Nov. 11. Tours feature Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi. Highlights include Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei Temple, Angkor Wat (UNESCO), Mekong Delta Boat Trip, Thien Hau Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Hall, Old Quarter Cyclo Taxi Ride, Ho Chi Minh Memorial, One Pillar Pagoda, Seoul South Korea and optional Ha Long Bay overnight cruise-tour. The cost, $2,999 per person, is based on double-occupancy and includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, seven nights in firstclass hotels, 11 meals, baggage and handling, professional English-speaking guides, motor coach transportation, admissions/sightseeing per itinerary and all taxes and fuel surcharges. Interested travelers can learn about this all-inclusive opportunity at an informative meeting. Review of the itinerary and general questions will be answered at one of two scheduled times: 6 p.m., Tue., Aug. 20 at a location to be announced and 6:30 p.m., Wed., Aug. 21, at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. Information is available at gilbertaz.com/ vietnam.
Nominations are being accepted by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business for its 2013 Spirit of Enterprise Award. In addition to the for-profit Arizona business award, the Gary L. Trujillo Minority Enterprise Award, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona will be awarded to a minority-owned business. To be considered for the award the company must be incorporated, conducting business for at least four years, employ at least three or more full-time workers, headquartered or have a majority of its business operations in Arizona and be able to demonstrate profitability over the last three years combined. Cold Stone Creamery, Ollie the Trolley, China Mist, Total Transit (Discount Cab), GlobalMed and WebPT are some of the previous winners. “We’re looking for firms that demonstrate ethics, energy and excellence in entrepreneurship,” says Gary Naumann, director of the Spirit of Enterprise Center at the W.P. Carey School of Business. “They should have a great story and a positive culture internally, and be exemplary community partners in terms of how they give back.” Once nominated, the company will have until July 31 to complete an awards application. Winners will be announced, Nov. 22 at a luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Call 480-965-0474 or visit spiritofenterprise. org for more information, to apply for the award, nominate a company or attend the luncheon.
July 6 – July 19, 2013
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Grove Coffee serves fresh brews Nestled in a scenic grove of pistachio trees, Grove Coffee serves locally roasted organic coffee with a premium line of syrups and specialty drinks. Located between Queen Creek and Germann roads, at 2777 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, Grove Coffee features new local artwork each month and a variety of books for sale. Brewing Provisions Coffee, a local roaster, sources beans directly CUP O’ JOE: The art of espresso is apparent in from Guatemala every perfectly pulled shot at Grove Coffee. Submitted photo and maintains direct relationships with farmers. Profits go to support global and local outreach efforts, including Live Love, an organization that is working with the City of Chandler to improve the downtown community. Grove Coffee is open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Find more information at Facebook.com/grovecoffeeaz or email grovecoffee@thegroveaz.org.
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Coffee & MCLD scores $50K Connections Target grant helps businesses Coffee & Connections, a quarterly series presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the Innovations Science & Technology Incubator in Chandler, will be presenting information about Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs at “A Beginners Guide to the SBIR/STTR Programs” 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thu., July 18 at the Innovations Incubator, 145 S. 79th St., Chandler. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating. The program will be presented by Tom Swann, business analyst, Maricopa Small Business Development Center. Attendees will learn how the programs work, the difference between the two programs and how specific government agencies differ. Information will be provided regarding the benefits to the small business, how the three phase programs work and instructions on how to find specific topics of interest. Tips will be provided on what small businesses should do to prepare to participate in the SBIR/STTR programs. Register for Coffee & Connections at maricopasbdc.com or call Sanjay Dhole at the Small Business Development Center at 480-784-0591.
Help for dry skin sufferers
Target Corp. awarded a $50,000 grant to the Maricopa County Library District’s 2013 summer reading program, Maricopa County Reads. The grant will be used to provide incentives and tools that encourage youngsters to visit their local libraries and read. “At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” says Laysha Ward, president, community relations, at Target. “That’s why we are proud to partner with the Maricopa County Library District as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.” This year’s summer reading program will likely garner more than 81,000 participants, more than half of whom are projected to be early childhood readers. “One of our primary summer reading program objectives is to help younger readers maintain or improve their reading skills in fun ways when school is out,” says Cindy Kolaczynski, Library District director and county librarian. “We are fortunate to find in Target a partner organization that cares for planting and nurturing the seeds of literacy as much as we do.” All four Chandler Public Library branches are participating in the reading program that is open to 61 Maricopa County public libraries through July 27.
Chandler resident and owner of Merino Skin Care USA, Judy Reber, created Crack Blaster—a balm that repairs and protects extremely dry and cracked skin. Using natural ingredients of lanolin and sweet almond oil, the Crack Blaster softens cuticles and helps to relieve split fingertips and calluses. It is also useful on cracked heels, rough cuticles, hard patches of eczema or psoriasis, itching and to soften fingertips of diabetic patients. Reber first discovered the restorative effects on her 7-year-old niece who suffers from eczema. She applied Merino Lip Balm and within a week the patches of eczema were gone. Reber created the lip balm as a larger product to help find relief for those who suffer from dry, cracked skin. For more information about Crack Blaster, visit merinousa.com.
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July is pet dental month
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Verde Salon stylists earn master certification Verde Salon stylists earned their Master Colorist Accreditation from Organic Salon Systems in May, becoming the first in the nation to so. Verde Salon, 1900 W. Germann Rd., Suite 11, Chandler, is owned by Stephanie Schmidt, and is an upscale, nontoxic salon utilizing Organic Color Systems hair color, perms and smoothing systems. Schmidt, an organic salon systems region educator, and her staff demonstrated their skills and created a body of work to be entitled “An Autumn Romance— Verde 2013 Fall Collection” for Organic Salon Systems. The class and photo shoot were conducted over a three-day period in May. Also in May, Verde Salon hosted the first Organic Color Systems Certification class in Arizona. Stylists from as far away as Alaska attended the class to become certified colorists in Organic Salon Systems. Chanel Edens achieved her certification, joining Verde Salon’s team of top colorist and artists in their field. “Organic Color Certification was designed and intended to spotlight the Top 20 of this industry,” says Rebecca Gregory, technical director for Organic Salon Systems. “I recognize these stylists for providing top-notch service and guaranteed color results like no other.” To schedule an appointment or for more information call 480-786-1111 or visit verdesalonaz.com.
TRAINING DAY: Verde Salon stylists, from left to right, Chanel Edens, Hannah Brooks, owner Stephanie Schmidt, Nonnie Knight and Lacey Grace, are the first in the nation to become accredited master colorists from Organic Salon Systems. Submitted photo
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Wed., July 10 for the July 20, 2013 issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.
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