NeighborsNew Orleans to Chandler

Neighbors page 5050th ‘Chrismon’ Tree

Spirituality page 56Where to eat

pages 71-76

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 45www.SanTanSun.com Neighbors

CHoP steaks roasting on an open fire Holiday giving opportunitiesBy K. M. LANG

SanTan Sun area diners must have been extra good this year, because Santa brought them a gleaming new steak house just in time for the holidays. CHoP, set to open its doors Sun., dec. 16 at downtown ocotillo, will fill a culinary cavity, says co-owner Tom kaufman, whose other restaurants include The Living Room and The Sushi Room, as well as six Humble Pie locations.

“We opened The Living Room and it really resonated with the community,” explains kaufman. “Pretty much right away, customers started joking with me, ‘We need a mesquite grill – a steak house.’ We started casually talking about it a year ago.”

kaufman and his partners, including local commercial developer and Chandler Economic development advisory Board President Spike

Lawrence, hope to create for their guests a dining experience similar to that at Houston’s, a successful steak house with 20 locations nationwide.

How it startedkaufman, a longtime admirer of

Houston’s, must have been on Santa’s nice list, himself. Through a neighbor and by sheer chance, he met Charles o’Steen, Houston’s chef and general manager for 19 years, and convinced him to sign on with CHoP as both investor and head chef.

“did you ever see the movie, ‘Money Ball?’” kaufman asks. “Well, I feel like Billy Beane of the oakland a’s. I don’t know how I did it, but I got the star pitcher. all of a sudden this little place has a superstar.”

o’Steen will be working his magic

‘Tis the season to give, and there is no shortage of possibilities for helping those less fortunate. Brighten someone’s holiday by participating in these charitable events, programs and organizations in the SanTan Sun area.

Books for veteransdonate new fiction or nonfiction books on a

variety of topics through Fri., dec. 21 to support veterans this holiday season. Chandler’s Five Star Publications, Inc. is collecting the books from the public, charitable organizations and other publishers from throughout the country for Phoenix area military veterans, and then will deliver the books to the Carl T. Hayden Va Medical Center in Phoenix.

“The excellent library at the Carl Hayden Va Medical Center provides books to our veterans throughout the year,” says Linda F. Radke, president of Five Star Publications. “The holidays are an especially important time for the library’s shelves to be stocked with quality books which

CLASSY: CHoP co-owner Tom Kaufman and his partners went with their instincts when decorating their new restaurant which opens Sun., Dec. 16 “There’s an inherent masculinity to a steak house – the rich feel of dark woods and leather,” explains Kaufman. “If it looked good and felt good, we said, ‘Yeah, why not?’” STSN photo by Ron Lang

see CHoP page 46see Holiday giving page 48

Between now and New Year’s Eve, a variety of SanTan Sun area restaurants and bars feature tasty and festive holiday offerings to help the community celebrate the season without slaving in the kitchen. In addition, a variety of family friendly, holiday-themed events continue through the end of the december.

San Marcos Golf ResortaJ’s Restaurant at Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf

Resort offers a trio of buffets for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tue., dec. 25 and Tue., Jan. 1, guests can choose from a variety of items including fresh waffles with fruit toppings, eggs Benedict and denver frittata, poblano short ribs, prime rib and

Plan for New Year’s EveChristmas meals available, holiday events continue

see New Year page 46

46 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comNeighbors

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chipotle pork loin. The price is $34.95 per adult or $15.95 per child ages 4 to 12 and includes a glass of champagne or sparkling cider.

on Mon., dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m., guests select from Italian wedding soup, corn chowder, slow-roasted prime rib, potato-crusted salmon with Champagne cream and desserts like mud pie and three-layer chocolate cake. The price is $28.95 per person and includes a glass of house champagne or wine.

The San Marcos is at 1 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Info: 480-857-4401

Irish Republicon Christmas Eve from 8 p.m. to

midnight, Irish Republic holds a Santa Crawl. anyone who wears a Santa hat receives discounted drink specials. Christmas day hours are 4 p.m. to midnight.

on New Year’s Eve, the pub hosts its annual Red Tie affair with a live dJ playing music all night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations are $25 and include reserved seating and door cover charge, two drinks, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. There is a $10 cover at the door.

Irish Republic is at 58 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Info: 480-812-1588

CorkCork in Chandler features its monthly

tasting dinner on Sun., dec. 23. The European Christmas menu offers selections like sour mushroom and barley soup, roasted goose, apple-prune stuffing and boiled potatoes. Finish the meal with a traditional French Bûche de Noël.

The four-course meal is $35 per person with wine pairings and supplemental courses offered at an additional cost.

Cork also offers two dinner seatings on New Year’s Eve at 5 and 8 p.m. with a special menu.

The restaurant is at 4991 S. alma School Road, Suite101, Chandler. Reservations: 480-883-3773

SanTan Brewing Company on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 1

a.m., SanTan Brewing Co. has its usual full menu available to patrons.

on Christmas day, it opens from 6 p.m. to midnight and features its full menu.

The complete menu is available once again on New Year’s Eve, when the pub is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

SanTan Brewing Company is at 8 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Info: 480-917-8700

Bernard’s at Ocotillo Celebrate in style on New Year’s Eve

at Bernard’s at ocotillo. The evening includes gourmet dining and dancing.

For reservations, call 480-917-6660. The resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse dr., Chandler.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

ko’Sin Restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers a scrumptious five-course traditional Christmas dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Tue., dec. 25. Highlights include slow-roasted prime rib au jus, oven-roasted duck breast with foie gras sourdough dressing and holiday paella. The dinner is $60 for

New Year from page 45on CHoP’s two 4-foot mesquite grills, cooking “the best possible product: steak, lamb chop, salmon, Idaho lake trout,” over an open flame. The restaurant will offer “something for everybody,” says kaufman, who’s already planning a Saturday event when local kids can vote their favorite dishes onto CHoP’s children’s menu.

For adults, the restaurant will have a carefully chosen wine list and a cozy-yet-sophisticated dining room, featuring a u-shaped bar where friends can socialize, as well as secluded booths where couples can chat. CHoP’s dark leather and wood are offset with tasteful copper accents including striking copper panels on one wall, and sliding windows that close to form a private dining room – a must for business clientele.

“I did want that option,” kaufman explains. “I’ve had a lot of Intel people and pharmaceutical reps and corporate people up and down Price Corridor who’ve said, ‘Please, Tom, please – we’ve got to get off campus.’”

Still, kaufman knows tasteful décor means nothing without a tasty meal to back it up, and that’s just what he’s planning to give area diners – during the holidays and beyond.

“We’re going to cook food over an open flame, get it to our guests as quickly as possible and exceed their expectations.”

CHoP is at 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information, call 480-821-0009 or visit chopchandler.com.

K. M. Lang lives and writes in Southern Chandler. To contact her, email KMLang@SanTanSun.com.

STEAKS ON THE GRILL: Guests at CHoP will dine on mesquite-grilled steak, fish, chicken, ribs and more, prepared by head chef Charles O’Steen, formerly of Houston’s. STSN photo by Ron Lang

PARTNERS: Among the partners in the new CHoP restaurant with Tom Kaufman is Angela Harolle. STSN photo by Ron Lang

CHoP from page 45

(480) 917-7270www.johnallensaz.com

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ko’Sin is open on Christmas Eve, offering its traditional dinner menu from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

on New Year’s Eve, the resort’s kai Restaurant features a five- or nine-course menu with unique offerings like braised korobuta pig cheek with Three Sisters and gooseberry jalapeno relish, and grilled Columbia river sturgeon with osetra caviar.

The holiday menus are from 5 to 9 p.m. and are priced from $140 to $225 per person, including wine pairings.

ko’Sin also offers a New Year’s Eve dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Select from five entrées including petite filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail, and Thai barbecue-glazed wild arctic Char. The four-course dinner is $80 for adults, $72 for seniors and $40 for ages 12 and younger. after dinner, a celebration is held in the Lobby Bar with a Champagne toast and performance by Grammy award-winning group Blue Stone Project.

For reservations, call 602-385-5726. The resort is at 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Chandler.

ultraStar Multi-tainment Center Ring in the New Year at ultraStar

Multi-tainment Center in Maricopa. Party favors, a balloon drop and sparkling cider toast at midnight are all part of this free event. No reservations are required.

ultraStar Multi-tainment Center is open at 10 a.m. on Mon., dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Tue., Jan. 1, and is at 16000

Maricopa Rd. Info: 520-494-7827, ultrastarakchin.com.

Holiday eventsSaturdays with Santa: From 3:30 to

7:30 p.m. on Sat., dec. 15 and 22, the Jolly old Elf himself is at The Promenade Farmers’ Market at the Promenade at Fulton Ranch. kids and their families can meet Santa, donate a toy to Toys for Tots and browse through the food and wares at the Farmers’ Market. The first 50 people to see Santa each week receive a goodie bag full of gift cards, a holiday craft and other treats. The Promenade at Fulton Ranch is at 4950 S. alma School Rd., Chandler.

Moo-ey Christmas: Superstition Farm in Mesa hosts this popular holiday event. From 5 to 9 p.m. on dec. 15, 21 and 22, enjoy unlimited Christmas light hayrides around the dairy, bonfires, hot chocolate, festive music, a petting zoo, a Moo-ey Marketplace and more. Price is $10 plus tax per person ages 2 and older. Extra food and activities are available for an additional fee. Superstition Farm is at 3440 S. Hawes Rd., Mesa. Info: 602-432-6865, superstitionfarm.com.

Train tracks: Fifteen homes throughout the Valley, including two in Chandler and one in Gilbert, have G-scale garden railroads on display for the arizona Big Train operators (aBTo) Christmas open House. Self-guided tours are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun., dec. 15 and 16. donations are accepted and used to support aBTo activities. Information and map available at azbigtrains.org.

JOLLY ST. NICK: Young children gather to listen to Santa Claus during the Polar Express event at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Submitted photo

Polar Express: Experience an evening of storytelling, hot cocoa and crafts when the Tumbleweed Recreation Center creates a North Pole-themed night of magic for kids ages 3 to 8 and their parents. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Thu., dec. 20, participants clad in their jammies await St. Nick’s presentation of the first gift of the season to each child. Space is limited and preregistration is required. The center is at 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Info: 480-782-2912.

Farmers Market pics with St. Nick: From 3 to 7 p.m. on Thu., dec. 20 the Farmers Market at dr. a.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler offers a free holiday-themed photo booth. The market also features a plethora of food items including fresh produce, baked goods and salsa. Info: 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org.

Avenues of art: View the work of local artists while strolling the holiday-lighted streets of downtown Chandler and shopping for last-minute gifts during the Chandler art Walk from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fri., dec. 21. Free professional photos are also available. Listen to live music performed by local musicians at this free event. Info: 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org.

Santa, furry friends and photos: Santa doesn’t just visit children. He also drops in to check on pets, as well, and will be at Riggs Road Veterinary Clinic, 975 E. Riggs Rd., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fri., dec. 21 for pictures with his furry friends. Monetary donations for Protect Police Canine are welcome. Three 6-month-old kittens are also available for adoption and would make great holiday gifts. Info: 480-821-1126.

SPARKLING AND FESTIVE: Colorful light shows are one of many holiday-themed events going on this month at SanTan Village. Submitted photo

Santa and snow: a variety of holiday activities and events take place at SanTan Village.

Nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. at the top of the hour watch a 10-minute light show set to holiday music. The lights are in the Children’s Play area through Christmas Eve. also in the Children’s Play area, experience a snowfall at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thu. through Sun., through dec. 23. Stories with Mrs. Claus take place at 7:15 p.m. Thu. through Sat. and 5 p.m. Sun., through dec. 23 near dairy Queen.

Santa is ready to pose for pictures through Christmas Eve at Santa’s Lane, west of Harkins Theatres Courtyard. kids who visit with Santa get a free gift. Info: 480-899-1878 or shopsantanvillage.com.

48 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comNeighbors

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are free to our veterans. We want to help this year by informing the public of this need and by offering to be a collection point.”

Radke is from a military family. “My mother grew up in a family of

nine brothers and sisters,” she explains. “Five members of the family, including my mother, served in World War II.”

Books may be shipped to: Five Star Publications, 4696 W. Tyson St., Chandler, aZ 85226. If delivering in person, contact Five Star Publications at 480-940-8182 prior to delivery.

Donate toys, foodGive kids a memorable holiday season

and help feed the hungry by bringing new, unwrapped toys and nonperishable food items to SanTan Honda Superstore, 1150 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler.

SanTan Honda Superstore collects the toys for Toys for Tots and donates food items, such as canned vegetables and fruits, tuna fish, peanut butter, rice, dry beans and pasta, to the Chandler Food Bank. Info: 480-285-2800, santanhonda.com.

Santa, toy driveVisit Tasti d-Lite Chandler in Fulton

Ranch Towne Center, 4040 S. arizona ave., from noon to 4 p.m. on Sat., dec. 15. to enjoy Santa’s Block Party. The outdoor festival features an appearance of Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m.,

local vendors selling holiday crafts and fun activities for kids. attendees are encouraged to dress up for pictures and bring Christmas wish lists. a portion of the proceeds from any vendor sales is donated to ICaN youth programs.

GIFTS FOR KIDS: ICAN staff and volunteers wrap donated toys for ICAN youth from last year’s Adopt-a-Youth program. Photo courtesy of ICAN

also, through Sat., dec. 22, Tasti d-Lite holds a toy drive to benefit the ICaN adopt-a-Youth program. donate an unwrapped toy, and receive a buy-one-get-one-free on any menu item, such as seasonal holiday flavors including peppermint bark, salted caramel treats, peppermint fudge sundaes, warm fruit ’n granola cobbler, or a hot chocolate float.

“This is such a fun and wondrous time of year, we’re looking forward to teaming up with ICaN to help spread holiday cheer to the children of our community,” says kellie Threadgill, owner of Tasti d-Lite Chandler.

ICaN provides free, comprehensive programs that empower youth to be productive, self-confident and

responsible members of the community, such as: substance abuse and gang prevention; homework and academic assistance; leadership and job skills development; and a wide range of classes on topics like health, nutrition, fitness and parenting.

ICaN is at the Lon E. Hoeye Youth Center, 650 E. Morelos St., Chandler. Info: icanaz.org, facebook.com/ICaNaZ.

Tasti d-Lite is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Info: tastidlite.com/chandler, facebook.com/tastichandler, twitter.com/tastichandler.

Santa at Farmers Market Bring a toy for Toys for Tots, share

your wish list with Santa Claus and shop The Promenade at Fulton Ranch Farmers’ Market at the Saturdays with Santa events from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. dec. 15 and 22, 4950 S. alma School Rd. at Chandler Heights Road near amTrust Bank, Southern Chandler.

Santa will give a goodie bag full of special offers, a holiday craft and other treats to the first 50 people to see him each Saturday.

The Farmers’ Market offers fresh produce, breads, jams, honey, olive oils, jewelry, soaps, candies, salsa, nuts, dog treats and many holiday gift items. Contact Chris of Ray’s Market at 602-214-1653 or visit raysmarket.net to learn how to be a vendor at the market. Free and open to the public. Info: promenadeatfultonranch.com.

Buy pizza, give pizza at Rush St.Feed your own

family as well as another family in need this holiday season from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat., dec. 15 at Rush St. Pizzeria, 2925 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 7, Chandler, on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Riggs roads in the albertson’s Plaza.

For every 18- or 24-inch specialty pizza bought by customers, Rush St. Pizzeria will donate a large cheese or pepperoni pizza to help feed children in need in the community. The pizzeria will also be accepting $5 donations to send a pizza. Info: 480-883-7300, rushstpizzeria@gmail.com, rushstpizzeria.com.

Fun Run, 5K benefits youth all ages are invited to run for fun and

raise funds to give youth a memorable holiday season at the first “Santa Hustle: Making Wishes Come True” Fun Run and 5k on Sat., dec. 15 at kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill ave., Tempe.

Holiday giving from page 45

Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 49www.SanTanSun.com NeighborsThe fundraiser

event benefits the nonprofit New Horizon Youth Homes, Inc. (NHYH), which provides

outpatient mentoring, counseling services and safe, secure homes for at-risk youth.

Race day registration begins at 8 a.m. with the first race starting at 9 a.m. Medals are presented to the top three finishers in different age divisions for 5k runners. after the race, participants can enjoy vendor and sponsor booths, giveaways, raffles and the awards ceremony. The first 150 participants to register receive a T-shirt, goody bag and race bib. Info: 480-722-2730, nhyh.org.

Sponsor families in need Purchase items from a gift guide,

such as toys, clothing, household items and food items for a Christmas dinner, for adopt-a-Family through St. Steven’s Catholic Church.

Many deserving family adoptees are referred by clergy from the Catholic Church or members of St. Vincent de Paul, who help complete an application during required home visits.

Pick up a sponsor application at the parish office at 24827 S. dobson Rd., Sun Lakes. Info: 480-895-9266, ext. 200.

‘Toys for Tatts’The third annual Toys for Tatts

charity event runs through Fri., dec. 21 at Rebellious addiction Tattoo Studio at 1111 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. donate new toys with a receipt, and the studio

matches up to $50 in value, or bring in $25 worth of new toys and receive a tattoo valued at $50 for free.

arizona adoption of Special kids (aaSk) is the beneficiary of the donated toys. For those who prefer not to get a tattoo or piercing, a $50 gift certificate to give to someone who does is offered in lieu of a service.

Info: 480-343-3513, rebelliousaddiction.com.

‘Adopt-a-Family’Grant a local needy family’s wishes

by purchasing wish list items, like toys, electronics, blankets, warm clothing, food and other basic survival items, by Mon., dec. 24 through the Black Family and Child Services of arizona adopt-a-Family Program.

Families such as single moms, fixed-income grandparents raising grandchildren and others who have been out of work for a year or longer submit their wish lists, and then donors choose the families they help by providing information about the kind of situation they would like to assist, or by giving a price range of how much they can afford to spend to purchase wish list items.

Bring donated wish list items to the BFCS Family Service Center at 1522 E. Southern ave., Phoenix, or make a cash contribution online.

Info: 602-243-1773, bfcsfamily.org.

Sponsor seniors this season The fifth annual “adopt-a-Senior”

program, supported by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and the Gilbert Senior Center, seeks sponsors to fulfill wish lists for low-income, homebound and / or disabled seniors in Gilbert, as well as donations of gift bag items that would be useful or appreciated by a senior in quantities of 50 or more to be distributed at the Chamber’s holiday party for low-income seniors.

average wish lists cost $25 and may include a number of needed items. also, a check to purchase gift cards for unfulfilled wish lists can be mailed to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, P.o. Box 527, Gilbert, aZ 85299. Info: Sara Clifton, 480-941-6350, ext. 115, adoptaSenior@gilbertchamber.com.

Warm seniors’ feetThrough dec. 25, the Socks

For Seniors Campaign, an annual community service project that collects new socks to be given to elderly in local nursing homes around the holidays, seeks sponsors to host a sock drive.

Sponsors simply decorate a box, find locations for collection boxes, collect new socks and then distribute the socks to a local nursing home, assisted living center or other senior community.

Socks For Seniors can also help promote and connect a local sock drive sponsor with a local senior community for distributing the socks. Info: socksforseniors.com/register.html.

Footballers feed less fortunateSeveral players from the arizona Cardinals,

including long snapper Mike Leach of Chandler, served an “Early Bird Thanksgiving dinner” last

month to more than 400 homeless and working poor at Phoenix Rescue Mission, an event the team has participated in since 2004.

“It shows the heart and spirit behind the team that they came down here to serve some of

the least fortunate people in the Phoenix area,” says Jay Cory, Phoenix Rescue Mission president and CEo. “We are deeply grateful for our relationship with the Cardinals.”

In Maricopa County, more than 13,000 people are homeless, 40% of which are families. Info: phoenixrescuemission.org.

HELPING THE HOMELESS: Arizona Cardinals’ long snapper, Mike Leach, signs autographs for Robert and Miklo, brothers who regularly eat at the Phoenix Rescue Mission dining hall with their mother. Submitted photo

For more Neighbors news, including Neighborhood Networks plus Luxe Salon & Spa charity event; Free pizza for blood donors; Winter solstice meditation, free Xmas yoga; Tai chi, tea tasting fundraiser; Hearing loss meeting; Boost energy with ‘S.E.L.F.’ care tips; Simple steps to tackle holiday stains; and Extend life of holiday trees, plants, visit www.SanTanSun.com and click on Neighbors.

WebXtra:

IrIsh grouP shows PrIde

50 Dec. 15 – Jan. 4, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comNeighbors

Please Donate!Arizona Income Tax Credit

Supporting People with Intellectual andDevelopmental Disabilities

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, A.R.S. 43-1088, you may be able to designate a donation to Chandler/Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [The work-ing poor tax credit is in addition to the education tax credits…you can take advan-

tage of both tax credits in the same year.]

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmentaldisabilities in the East Valley since 1975, and provides community living, employmentand day treatment and training opportunities daily.

For tax year 2012, contributions up to $400 may earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit onyour Arizona Income Tax return. Taxpayers filing as single or unmarried head ofhousehold have a maximum credit amount of $200; married taxpayers filling jointlyhave a $400 maximum credit.

As you plan your end-of-year giving, please remember that the Arizona Charitable TaxCredit can serve to benefit both you and those we serve here at Chandler/Gilbert Arc.If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity; please make your checkpayable to:

For your convenience, you make your donation on our website:

www.cgarc.orgWe also accept Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Please contact Carol at (480) 892-9422, ext. 104 for details and ask her how to become a sustaining contributor.

Chandler/Gilbert Arc is an IRS Section 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and is a qualifying charitable organization registered with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Contact the Arizona DOR at (602) 255-3381, or visit www. revenue.state.az.us

Chandler/Gilbert Arc Charitable Tax Fund3250 N. San Marcos PlaceChandler, AZ 85225-7789

Friday, Jan. 25th at 10:30 a.m.

Irish dancers jig to Chandler Hundreds of Irish dancers

from all over the world compete in the 23rd annual Feis in the desert, Sat. and Sun., Jan. 19 and 20, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler.

all levels of dancing will be on display, from beginners to world championship qualifiers. The schedule includes both solo dances and ceile, or team, dances., and live musicians accompany the dancers. In addition to the dancing, many vendors will be available, selling all manner of Irish dancing supplies and Celtic items of all types and In addition, attendees will have a chance to honor Irish traditions through various art competitions.

as a celebration of Irish culture and heritage and held in conjunction with the Chandler’s multi-cultural festival, the Irish dance competition, pronounced fesh, is hosted by Chandler’s Bracken School of Irish dance and sponsored by damhsa Irish dance Company, which supports the Sister Cities program.

admission and parking are free to the event. The San Marcos is a historic resort located in the heart of downtown Chandler, and visitors can walk to the shops and restaurants along arizona avenue.

For more information, including a general schedule of events, visit brackenirishdance.com/fitd, where visitors can find out more about the feis and special rates at the San Marcos. Email feisinthedesert.jackie@gmail.com with specific questions.

DANCE COMPETITORS: The Bracken School’s award winning ceile team from the 2012 Feis in the Desert, wearing costumes with the official logo for the feis: a cactus with the traditional Bracken swan wrapped around it. The design is based on ancient Celtic art patterns. Submitted photo

EIRE IN AZ: Odran Condron, far right, a resident of Tullamore, Ireland, carried the Irish flag while walking in Chandler’s 23rd Annual Parade of Lights with the Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC). Condron works for Intel in Chandler. Also sharing the holiday spirit are from left: Leah Powell, Stirling Anderson and Sharon Anderson. Submitted photo

PUB QUIZ: Pat Harrington, husband of Ellen Harrington, president of Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, leads a packed room with Irish and Arizona questions at the Pub Quiz held by CTSC and hosted by Coach & Willie’s in downtown Chandler. The players were tested on current events, history, science and nature, with the proceeds underwriting the travel of students in the Pioneer Ambassador Program to Tullamore in June 2013. One of the winning tables called themselves the “Pauls,” with Paul McGowan, owner of Chandler Mixed Martial Arts and a native of Tullamore; Chandler resident Paula Moore; and Paul Daniel Glennon, a resident of Tullamore who works for Intel in Chandler. Submitted photo

New Orleans comes to Chandler

Chandler’s version of Mardi Gras is celebrated New orleans-style with music and signature purple, green and gold 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Jan. 27 in the San Marcos Ballroom at Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, 1 N. San Marcos Pl.

Nonstop entertainment will be presented by “arizona Roadrunners,” “original Wildcat Jass Band” from Tucson and “52nd Street Jazz Band” from Mesa. There will be second-line parades and beads for everybody. Costumes are not required, but those in them will have an opportunity to win a prize.

Mardi Gras colors represent justice, faith and power and are thought to have been chosen by the Grand duke alexis alexandrovich Romanoff of Russia during a visit to New orleans in 1872 and are often incorporated into Mardi Gras costumes.

The event is hosted by arizona Classic Jazz Society, and the cost is $20 per person. Food will be available for purchase in the Ballroom. For more information, call 480-620-3941 or visit azclassicjazz.org.

IN COSTUME: Arizona Classic Jazz Society members celebrate Mardi Gras in style. Submitted photo

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OUR SCOTTSDALE STORE IS CLOSING! OUR SCOTTSDALE STORE IS CLOSING! OUR SCOTTSDALE STORE IS CLOSING!

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Feeling depleted, stressed or recovering from an illness or jet lag? Partake in a special restorative yoga class facilitated

by Brooks Ranch resident Claudia Schroeder from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sun., dec. 16 at Sol Yoga, 985 W. Chandler Heights Rd., on the southeast corner of alma School and Chandler Heights roads in Chandler.

The class begins with gentle poses to open the body, preparing for poses that are held a little longer, offering a passive stretch, and ends with an extended Savasana. Many poses will use props to help support the body and allow students to “let go.”

The class costs $15, and a minimum of three class attendees must be registered two days prior to the event. For more details, email info@solyogaaz.com or visit solyogaaz.com.

a holiday party celebrates John allen’s arizona Body Sculpturing grand opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., dec. 15 at the fitness studio’s new location in Las Tiendas Village at 2915 S. alma School Rd., Suite 8, Chandler.

attendees meet the personal trainers, receive complimentary blood pressure checks and chair massages, and enter a drawing for prizes. There will also be boutique shopping, a bouncy and face painting for kids, food and beverages.

Visit johnallensaz.com or call 480-917-7270 for more information.

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Z-Ultimate martial arts deals

Get a jump start on your fitness resolutions before the end of the year and alleviate holiday season stress with discounted martial arts classes at Z-ultimate Self defense Studios, 4991 S. alma School Rd., Suite 6, Chandler.

New adult, teen and child students who sign up by Mon., dec. 31 can save as much as 75%, depending on the selected program. The limited time offer is “open to anyone who has the desire to better themselves,” says Chief Instructor Brad Bennett.

Z-ultimate offers a “personalized and professional private martial arts experience” and self-defense training that “can change your life.”

“our program is safe, fun and

designed around you, the individual. Challenge yourself now to make those positive changes that you have always wanted to make, and let us help you get there. Why wait until January when you can get started doing it today and save money in the process?” adds Bennett.

For more information contact the studio at 480-895-4466, email chandler@zultimate.com or visit zultimatechandler.com.

John Allen

Personal trainer hosts grand opening

Restorative self with Sol Yoga

Sol Yoga

BBQ fest set for March

The fourth annual 2013 Great american Barbeque & Beer Festival heads to downtown Chandler Sat., March 23 at dr. a.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. arizona ave., Chandler.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors and more than 50 vendors from across arizona serving up more than 20,000 pounds of pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken paired with craft beer, according to festival coordinator Landon Evans, creative director at HdE agency. He says there will also be live entertainment, an expanded children’s zone, a farmer’s market and eating competitions.

The last festival won the title of outstanding Event of the Year at the 18th annual azTEC awards and was recognized by “CNN Money Magazine” as a contributing factor in recognizing Chandler as 49th out of 100 for best places to live in america.

For details, visit chandlerbbq.com.