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Articles by Srianthi Perera
Southwest Shakespeare Company presents two productions
Southwest Shakespeare Company’s artistic director Keath Hall has taken on the challenge of enticing people to understand and appreciate the Bard’s timeless dramas. “I like taking something that people think is old and dusty and not funny or fun and showing them that—no—it can be really amazing and a great experience,” said Hall, who plays the lead role in William Shakespeare’s "Richard III," the season opener now playing until Oct. 24 at Mesa Arts Center.
Agritopia sees surge of interest in locally grown food
As a local farm, Agritopia takes the links out of the food supply chain. That’s how Christy Davis, executive director of the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation, describes what happens when consumers purchase food from the Gilbert urban farm rather than a grocery store. “When you purchase from us, we go out, and we harvest those vegetables,” she said. “The vegetables don’t go to a cooling refrigerator to then be packed by whoever to then go to the grocery store to then go into your hands.
Agritopia sees surge of interest in locally grown food
As a local farm, Agritopia takes the links out of the food supply chain. That’s how Christy Davis, executive director of the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation, describes what happens when consumers purchase food from the Gilbert urban farm rather than a grocery store. “When you purchase from us, we go out, and we harvest those vegetables,” she said. “The vegetables don't go to a cooling refrigerator to then be packed by whoever to then go to the grocery store to then go into your hands.
Farm to Plate: Agritopia sees surge of interest in locally grown food
As a local farm, Agritopia takes the links out of the food supply chain. That’s how Christy Davis, executive director of the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation, describes what happens when consumers purchase food from the Gilbert urban farm rather than a grocery store. “When you purchase from us, we go out and we harvest those vegetables,” she said. “The vegetables don't go to a cooling refrigerator to then be packed by whoever to then go to the grocery store to then go into your hands.
Gilbert bakery gives cinnamon buns a fancy twist
The search for a lactose-free dessert led Mitchell Chang and his wife, Meanarie Yang, to open Cinnaholic Gourmet Bakery in Gilbert. The Minnesota transplants and parents of three young children, say they feel fortunate to have found fair weather—and an established business with deep ties to the community. Meanarie loves cinnamon buns, but would always end up with a stomach ache because of the milk. “Cinnaholic is a great concept,” said Chang, a resident of Queen Creek.
Mesa theater couple surviving online contest
At the outset, Jere and Allyson Van Patten thought it a hairbrained idea to apply to the national America’s Favorite Couple competition. They had expected to be weeded out soon. Jere and Allyson Van Patten, a popular couple in the Valley’s theater community, are in the running for the America’s Favorite Couple competition. The Val Patten family consists of Jere and Allyson, and their children Maggie, Max and Mayzie.
Mesa theater couple surviving online contest
At the outset, Jere and Allyson Van Patten thought it a hairbrained idea to apply to the national America’s Favorite Couple competition. They had expected to be weeded out soon. Jere and Allyson Van Patten, a popular couple in the Valley’s theater community, are in the running for the America’s Favorite Couple competition. The Val Patten family consists of Jere and Allyson, and their children Maggie, Max and Mayzie.
Gilbert volunteers working to relocate Freestone Park ducks, other critters Original
Local wildlife rehabilitators have rescued about 12 ducks from Gilbert’s Freestone Lake, which is in the throes of a renovation project that will disrupt waterfowl and other creatures living there. The “domestic ducks” cannot fly and at least nine more young ducks must be salvaged, according to volunteers trying to rescue them. “As far as we can tell, they're in good health,” said Crystal White, who heads Gilbert-based East Valley Wildlife and Mesa-based Crystal’s Critter Haven.
Gilbert-based astronomy club a gateway to the heavens
If you’re interested in the heavens, you’re certainly not alone in the Valley. The Gilbert-based East Valley Astronomy Club, founded in 1987, gathers local enthusiasts who explore the wonders of the night sky. Current membership is at more than 300. Last year, about 2,800 participants attended the 40 public “star parties” the club organized around the East Valley.
Libraries loan a lot more than books now
The Mesa Public Library has a 67-item collection of Wilton cake pans that may be borrowed by patrons. At Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, several telescopes in the collection are on loan frequently. Chandler Public Library locations feature seed libraries, where herb, fruit and vegetable seeds are made available for planting. Tempe enables community members to play giant board games, such as Jenga, on a lawn. Books and videos continue to be the mainstays of a public library.
Award-winning tea concept opens in Chandler
Chicha San Chen, an award-winning tea concept from Taiwan, recently made its Arizona debut in Chandler. It’s not a place for a run-of-the-mill cup of hot water with a teabag. Tea in Taiwan means fragrant oolong teas as well as bubble/boba teas that blends a tea base with milk or fruit juice. The company has been brewing tea for more than 20 years and its key is customization.
Eat Tea, Don’t Just Drink It: Taiwanese tea house brings ritual of flavor to Chandler
Chicha San Chen, an award-winning tea concept from Taiwan, made its Arizona debut in Chandler. It’s not a place for a run-of-the-mill cup of hot water with a teabag. Tea in Taiwan means fragrant oolong teas as well as bubble/boba teas that blends a tea base with milk or fruit juice. The company has been brewing tea for more than 20 years and its key is customization. Rosa and Philip Chang of Gilbert own Chicha San Chen, the new tea house in Chandler.
Council to salute Gilbert teen for life-saving act Original
Royal Cothrun’s afternoon bike ride turned into an unexpected life-changing – and life-saving – experience in June. And on Tuesday, Aug. 11, Gilbert Town Council and the Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department will salute the 14-year-old South Valley Junior High student during Council’s regularly scheduled meeting. While riding his bike Royal came across a 75-year-old woman who was lost and disoriented in 103-degree heat. His deed probably saved her life, Gilbert Fire officials said.
Byzantine Church in Gilbert reflects a deep history
In the southern bookend of Downtown Gilbert, an ancient Christian religious service takes place on Sunday mornings in a small church with a gold dome tower and a picturesque interior. Candles and incense heighten its historical bearing and ritualistic traditions. St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church’s Divine Liturgy service dates back to the fifth century in Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey.
A License to Be Creative as Journalists Turned Authors
Many writers make the progression from journalism to novel writing, using inherent skills and relishing in the literary license that can place a river in the middle of a city or make animals talk. Others progress to long-form nonfiction and stay true to well-versed news reporting style. (List of Book Fairs and Book Festivals by State.) In my case, journalism informs my creative writing.
Scottsdale Artists League marks milestone
Shannon Gurley O’Donnell and Sheryl Blahnik stand in front of the Scottsdale Artists League show for its 65th anniversary. (Spenser Lee/Staff Photographer) The City of Scottsdale is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and the Scottsdale Artists League is only a decade younger. “I feel that it is the greatest opportunity that the organization has had since the beginning,” said John Fontana, one of the league’s oldest standing members and a two-term president. He joined the group in 1996.
Annual Art of Quilting show at HD SOUTH
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, HD South, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum is hosting its 21st annual quilt show titled “Red, White and Blue.” The Art of Quilting show runs now through May 25, showcasing about 33 themed quilts as well as 175 others available for sale. About 20 quilts were made by members of the museum’s quilting bee, and a significant number are on loan from residents.
Shroom Room, restaurant add vibe to Northeast Mesa
Mesa residents Kathy Sanchez and Bonnie Gibbons bonded over mushrooms. Their belief in the natural healing properties of adaptogenic mushrooms is so strong that it has led them to open a coffee shop where the fungi is an integral part of the beverage blends. The Shroom Room, 2860 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, has been a welcomed addition to a neighborhood where there aren’t many gathering spots.
‘Shrek’ takes stage at Chandler arts center
Chandler Center for the Arts will soon receive a visit from a green ogre and a red dragon. Rather than create widespread panic, they will foster delight. Shrek The Musical, based on the popular animated film, will take the stage with three performances from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15. It is a production of Mesa-based Showtune Productions. “The thing I like about Shrek is that it appeals to all ages,” said Seth Reines, director. “The kids enjoy it.
Mesa business offers healing therapies
Jean Hanson has identified 60 negative emotions that can cause imbalances in the human body, saying emotions like anger, fear, frustration and jealousy can get trapped within and create havoc for the nervous system. Realign Your Life Wellness Center in Mesa, which she co-owns with her husband Steve, offers sound and light therapy as a way of releasing negative emotions to rebalance the nervous system.
Mesa business offers healing therapies
Jean Hanson has identified 60 negative emotions that can cause imbalances in the human body, saying emotions like anger, fear, frustration and jealousy can get trapped within and create havoc for the nervous system. Realign Your Life Wellness Center in Mesa, which she co-owns with her husband Steve, offers sound and light therapy as a way of releasing negative emotions to rebalance the nervous system.
Gilbert's Hale Centre series honors legendary performers
Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert is paying tribute to legendary artists with a lineup of 12 concerts at its Concert Hall all year long. Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Wonder, Janis Joplin, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers and John Denver are some names that will generate the nostalgia. Currently reigning at Hale through Jan.
Mom’s care for daughter produces a special Scottsdale farm
When Andrea Robertson talks about her daughter Lexie, her voice carries both the weight of years of struggle and the lightness of hard-won hope. The 24-year-old has autism, is nonverbal and communicates through an iPad. Over the years, the Scottsdale resident has been able to secure victories that helped her daughter and countless others with similar challenges.
Mesa venue sparkles with Vegas-like shows
Gilbert resident Chad Freeman, the main singer behind the Country Music Celebration at Silver Star Theater in Mesa, relishes the role to demonstrate his versatility. Freeman sings George Strait’s “I Just Want to Dance With You,” Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” and John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and many other numbers, with equal aplomb, and with constant, almost theatrical costume changes. Chad Freeman studied marine biology and became a golf pro before ending up as a musician.
Local dental surgeon gives back globally
Dr. Paul Kelly, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Gilbert, believes in giving back to the world. So, it is not surprising that Kelly extends his charity to clinics in other countries from time to time that have little-to-no expertise in what he offers. Kelly, who owns Paul Kelly Maxillofacial, has visited the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Guatemala, often taking a team of doctors and family members to experience these foreign environments.
Local dental surgeon gives back globally
Dr. Paul Kelly, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Gilbert, believes in giving back to the world. So, it is not surprising that Kelly extends his charity to clinics in other countries from time to time that have little-to-no expertise in what he offers. Kelly, who owns Paul Kelly Maxillofacial, has visited the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Guatemala, often taking a team of doctors and family members to experience these foreign environments.
Gilbert Days harkens to town’s Old West past
Giddyup! Gilbert Days are here. The town’s fun-filled annual nod to its Western heritage celebrates a time when horse ranches, dairy farms, agriculture and the rodeo lifestyle dominated the town. This year, the Gilbert Days Rodeo, organized by Gilbert Promotional Corporation, takes place from Nov. 21-23 in Queen Creek’s Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. The Gilbert Days Parade, organized by the Town of Gilbert, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Downtown Gilbert.
Gilbert Days harkens to town’s Old West past
Giddyup! Gilbert Days are here. The town’s fun-filled annual nod to its Western heritage celebrates a time when horse ranches, dairy farms, agriculture and the rodeo lifestyle dominated the town. This year, the Gilbert Days Rodeo, organized by Gilbert Promotional Corporation, takes place from Nov. 21-23 in Queen Creek’s Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. The Gilbert Days Parade, organized by the Town of Gilbert, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Downtown Gilbert.
Gilbert Days harkens to town’s Wild West past Original
Giddyup! Gilbert Days are here. The town’s fun-filled annual nod to its Western heritage celebrates a time when horse ranches, dairy farms, agriculture and the rodeo lifestyle dominated the town. This year, the Gilbert Days Rodeo, organized by Gilbert Promotional Corporation, takes place from Nov. 21-23 in Queen Creek’s Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. The Gilbert Days Parade, organized by the Town of Gilbert, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Downtown Gilbert.
Ahwatukee woman debuts as symphony director
When Julie Desbordes steps onto the podium and takes up the baton at the Ikeda Theater in Mesa this weekend, the Ahwatukee woman will be leading her first season as music director and conductor of the Symphony of the Southwest — and beginning what she hopes will be a long and inspiring partnership with both musicians and audiences. The 69th season for the Mesa-based symphony begins Saturday, Nov.
Scottsdale author’s nonfiction scarier than her fiction
A 40-year international criminologist as well as an author, Susan Magestro of Scottsdale deals with difficult and heartbreaking situations, mostly involving youth. They include averting school shootings, children of incarcerated parents navigating life, youth with bottled up rage and family violence. The most frequent call she fields is from parents who are afraid of their children. “They don't know who to talk to because they feel like it's their fault. But they call you; they talk to you.
Memory café helps dementia sufferers to connect
As a caregiver for her husband, George, who had dementia, Shafeeka Brown of Gilbert used to wish for a place to take him where he could socialize with people in a similar situation. Several years after his death, Brown established a Memory Café at St. Matthews Episcopal Church at 901 West Erie St., Chandler, for others to avail of the opportunity.
Mesa journalist is writer in residence
Marc Mason, a journalist, librarian, professor and author, is the current writer-in-residence at the Mesa Public Library’s Red Mountain Branch. The program, supported by the Arizona State Library, allows him hold one-on-one consultations and host workshops for aspiring and experienced writers through December. “A good author uses life experience to help build the emotional core of their writing,” said Mason, who lives in Tempe.
Gilbert musician recruiting for kids choir
Valley music educator Jana Minov aims to nurture a love of music in children. To that end, the Gilbert woman’s latest endeavor is setting up a community choir for them based at Mission Coffee & Tea in Chandler. Auditions are on-going for the Southeast Valley Children’s Choir, which enrolls children ages 7-16 with a view to creating three age-based ensembles. No singing or instrument playing skills are necessary.
Authors will gather soon in North Scottsdale
For the fourth year in a row, North Scottsdale readers will have a chance to meet authors at the Desert Foothills Book Festival, presented by the Holland Center and Desert Foothills Library on Oct. 18. Over 100 authors from across Arizona will gather to display and sell their work, with proceeds going toward the library’s youth literacy programs.
Ex Tempe official aims to stimulate conversation
Former Tempe City councilman, teacher, writer and lawyer Kolby Granville wants to encourage robust intellectual conversations, such as those that Greek philosophers Plato or Socrates would have held. To that end, six years ago, the Tempe resident founded a literary magazine of short fiction called After Dinner Conversation, focusing on issues of our day. He followed it up with organizing personal and virtual meetup story discussions as well as podcast discussions.
Musician recruiting for kids choir in Chandler
Valley music educator Jana Minov aims to nurture a love of music in children. To that end, the Gilbert woman’s latest endeavor is setting up a community choir for them based at Mission Coffee & Tea in Chandler. Auditions are on-going for the Southeast Valley Children’s Choir, which enrolls children ages 7-16 with a view to creating three age-based ensembles. No singing or instrument playing skills are necessary.
Mesa nonprofit helps amputees regain their livelihood
Randy West of Gilbert and David Banks of Peoria met at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center over 25 years ago, when Banks needed a prosthetic and it was created by West. That meeting was destined to turn them both into Good Samaritans. Today, they run The Limb Center, a prosthetics company that West co-founded with Dave Sharma in Arcadia and Casa Grande and in which Banks is a partner.
Exciting Challenge: Gilbert woman trades numbers for tasty boards
Del Salisbury once pored over salary statements and kept an eye on mortgage interest rates for a living. Now, the former mortgage loan officer takes pride in shaping cured meats into rosettes and arranging harmonious displays of olives, crackers, cheeses and nuts. Ditching the corporate world and founding a homebased charcuterie business, DelChuterie, was “exciting and challenging,” the Gilbert woman said.
East Valley company helps seniors at a trying time
Jamie Davis, a digital marketer by profession, enjoyed buying items from online auctions to stock her eBay thrift store for many years. Little did she realize that one of the online auctions she frequented would lead her to transition to another business for herself.
Nonprofit helps amputees regain their livelihood
Randy West of Gilbert and David Banks of Peoria met at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center over 25 years ago, when Banks needed a prosthetic and it was created by West. That meeting was destined to turn them both into Good Samaritans. Today, they run The Limb Center, a prosthetics company that West co-founded with Dave Sharma in Arcadia and Casa Grande and in which Banks is a partner.
East Valley company helps seniors at a trying time in life
Jamie Davis, a digital marketer by profession, enjoyed buying items from online auctions to stock her eBay thrift store for many years. Little did she realize that one of the online auctions she frequented would lead her to transition to another business for herself.
East Valley company helps seniors at a trying time
Jamie Davis, a digital marketer by profession, enjoyed buying items from online auctions to stock her eBay thrift store for many years. Little did she realize that one of the online auctions she frequented would lead her to transition to another business for herself.
Nonprofit helps amputees regain their livelihood
Randy West of Gilbert and David Banks of Peoria met at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center over 25 years ago when Banks needed a prosthetic and it was created by West. That meeting was destined to turn them both into Good Samaritans. Today, they run The Limb Center, a prosthetics company they founded together in Arcadia and Casa Grande. They also have a nonprofit called Limbs for Humanity, where they donate their time and resources to help those in distress over amputated limbs.
Gilbert woman trades numbers for tasty boards
Del Salisbury once pored over salary statements and kept an eye on mortgage interest rates for a living. Now, the former mortgage loan officer takes pride in shaping cured meats into rosettes and arranging harmonious displays of olives, crackers, cheeses and nuts. Ditching the corporate world and founding a homebased charcuterie business, DelChuterie, was “exciting and challenging,” the Gilbert woman said.
Roving lab connects Mesa residents, arts
Housed in the Mesa Arts Center, a 12-foot trailer named MABEL is being rolling around to various events in Mesa and garnering the center of attention. The Mobile Art-Based Engagement Lab is an adaptable and flexible creative space and pop-up arts center on wheels. It offers activities meant to create connections on the spot, prompt discussion, and spark creativity through the arts, said Danica Marlin, community engagement specialist at the center.
Queen Creek business gets a lift at special Mesa mall space
Next Phase, a program of Mesa’s Chamber of Commerce Foundation, offers a helping hand and a nurturing space to new entrepreneurs to hone their business. The 1,200-square-foot space at Superstition Springs Center (on the second floor, west of the food court) has been open since last September. It offers a customer facing storefront, a co-working space and business training. The retail incubator has also created an enclave for local authors to display and market their books.
Mesa mall space gets small businesses off the ground
Next Phase, a program of Mesa’s Chamber of Commerce Foundation, offers a helping hand and a nurturing space to new entrepreneurs to hone their business. The 1,200-square-foot space at Superstition Springs Center (on the second floor, west of the food court) has been open since last September. It offers a customer facing storefront, a co-working space and business training. The retail incubator has also created an enclave for local authors to display and market their books.
Mesa aviation school puts kids airborn
Jonathan Behnke overcame many challenges when he was studying for his pilot’s license years ago. As the owner of Kids in Aviation, a flight school he runs with his wife, Shannon, at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, he now ensures a smoother ride to students. The couple offer discovery flights for children to determine whether they are suited to learn flying, private flying lessons, commercial pilot training and introduces students to careers in aviation.
‘Willie Wonka’ comes alive on Hale stage
Remember Willie Wonka and the Oompa-Loompas? The mysterious chocolatier and his diminutive workers in the chocolate factory will cavort on the Hale Center Theater stage when it opens “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on July 5. In this Roald Dahl tale, Charlie Bucket, a sweet boy who loves chocolate, wins a golden ticket to visit the magical chocolate factory with four equally motivated kids. Adventures await as Charlie’s good qualities shine among the bad-mannered brats.
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