SRP offers 50 percent off air conditioner checkup

Photo courtesy of SRP.

SRP customers can make sure their AC units are ready for summer with a 16-point checkup for only $29.95 per working unit. Any repairs performed by the certified contractor will result in additional costs.

Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about five percent of its original efficiency for each year of operation. For example, a 12 SEER unit purchased a few years ago may be functioning as well as a 9 SEER unit if it is not properly maintained. S

SRP customers can take advantage of this offer and be referred to a participating licensed, bonded and insured contractor by calling the SRP Certified Contractor Program at 602-274-6808 or visiting savewithsrp.com. The offer runs through April 30.

SRP is the largest provider of electricity to the greater Phoenix area, serving nearly 950,000 electric customers.

A “Mini Murph” for kids

This week, Papa Murphy’s will introduce its Mini Murph™ Make ‘N’ Bake Pizza Kit in Arizona.

Papa Murphy's new "Mini Murph" for kids.

The  kid-sized pizza boxes showcase “Murph,” the company’s new mini chef. Once opened at home, the easy-to-assemble kits will inspire imagination and creativity among the smallest of Papa Murphy’s fans. The kit includes:

• Seven-inch pizza crust rolled out on Papa Murphy’s signature bake ‘n’ serve tray
• Container of pizza sauce
• Generous amount of 100% all-natural, whole-milk mozzarella
• Nearly a dozen slices of real pepperoni – enough to cover traditionally or place creatively
• Temporary “Murph” tattoo
• Baking instructions

A “cheese only” option is also available.

“A lot of time, love and thoughtfulness went into creating this product,” says Jenifer Anhorn, Chief Marketing Officer at Papa Murphy’s. “We wanted to make family pizza night even more fun and we’ve met that goal with the Mini Murph. During the testing process, many parents told us that it wasn’t only fun, the kids actually liked that it gave them a role in the family’s meal preparation process. Others loved using the Mini Murph as an activity at their child’s birthday party.”

As with Papa Murphy’s other pizzas, the Mini Murph bakes in a customer’s 425º oven for 10-14 minutes. The price starts at $3.

For more information, visit papamurphys.com.

Rawhide celebrating 41st birthday this weekend

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler is gearing up for an entire weekend packed with live music, western entertainment, birthday cake, dinner specials at the Rawhide Steakhouse & Saloon and original Western-style attractions to commemorate its 41st birthday.

The birthday celebration begins at noon Saturday and Sunday Feb. 25-26. All attractions will be free and kids will receive free hats and bandanas.

Rawhide recreates the Wild West in the 1800s with gunfights, explosions, daring falls and all the antics of the Arizona Roughriders. The Texas Kate Wild West Show is a family-style show displaying the skills and antics of a World Champion Trick Rider. JP Sage’s Shoot to Thrill Show brings gun spinning and trick shots you won’t soon forget.

Included in this year’s festivities is a full schedule of activities for all ages. Enjoy a desert train or stage coach ride, the petting zoo, panning for gold, shooting gallery, pie eating contest, cowboy stories, game alley, gun fights, stunt shows, trick roping, live country music, a real blacksmith, Rawhide Downs-Barnyard Animal Races and more. And don’t miss the 75-foot Stuntman High Fall with the cutting of the birthday cake at 6pm on Saturday.

Festivities continue with additional events through April 15. For dates, hours of operation and additional event details, visit rawhide.com.

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community is located at 5700 W. North Loop Road in Chandler, just off I-10 Exit 162 at Wild Horse Pass.

Ziva has arrived at SEA LIFE Arizona

Arizona has its first resident sea turtle now that Ziva has arrived at SEA LIFE Arizona. Here are some photos and a video about her arrival, and some interesting facts about sea turtles, from Malori Heppler, marketing and trade sales coordinator at SEA LIFE.

Ziva is a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles get their name from the green-colored fat under their shell.

Ziva was rescued off the coast of Florida on May 24, 2010, and was taken to the Volusia Marine Science Center, where she was treated for boat strike injuries to her head and carapace. Ziva has been deemed un-releasable to the wild because of her injuries. She sometimes has trouble swimming, so she has special places on her shell where she wears weights to help her swim and dive more easily.

Ziva will live in SEA LIFE’s 161,000 gallon ocean tank among sharks, rays, guitarfish and tropical fish.

Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 5 hours!

Sea turtles are faced with many threats in the wild. They can get entangled in marine debris and fishing nets or struck by a vessel, as Ziva was.

Incidental catch by fishing operations is one of the most serious threats that face sea turtles. Many fishing vessels now use trawl nets with turtle excluder devices (TEDs) that allow caught sea turtles to escape the net safely

Ziva's special traveling crate.

Ziva goes for a swim in her new home.

SEA LIFE Arizona is located on the northeast corner of Arizona Mills in Tempe. Hint: Tickets purchased online ar 20% off! For more information, call 480-478-7600 or go to visitsealife.com/arizona/.

“WICKED” holding daily lottery for $25 tickets

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held daily for “WICKED,” which is performing today through March 11 at ASU Gammage.

"WICKED" - photo courtesy of ASU Gammage.

Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, patrons who present themselves at the ASU Gammage Box Office will have their names placed in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each (cash only). This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. Lottery participants must have a valid photo ID when submitting their entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.

“WICKED,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Disney’s Enchanted,” Academy Award® winner for “Pocahontas” and “The Prince of Egypt”) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), is based on the 1995 best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. The musical is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (“Take Me Out,” Love! Valour! Compassion!,” “The Vagina Monologues”) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (“Aida, “The Who’s Tommy,” “How To Succeed…”).

“WICKED” is the untold story of the witches of Oz, and takes place long before Dorothy drops in, when two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One — born with emerald green skin — is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. “WICKED” tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

A very limited amount of regular tickets to “WICKED” are still available at through Ticketmaster (1-800-982-2787) or at asugammage.com. ASU Gammage is located on the main campus of Arizona State University in Tempe at Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard.

Shamrock Farms has been here for 90 of Arizona’s 100 years

Shamrock Farms is celebrating 100 years of statehood and its own 90 years of serving farm-fresh dairy products to Arizona families.

As an official sponsor of Arizona’s Centennial, Shamrock Farms is celebrating with a giveaway of 100 daily prizes and hosting a special edition Centennial farm tour.

Meal time for the cows at Shamrock Farms in Stanfield, south of Phoenix.

“We’re proud to be a part of the state’s history,” says Sandy Kelly, director of marketing for Shamrock Farms. “We are joining the celebration of Arizona’s centennial to pay tribute to this great state and thank the families who have supported Shamrock all these years.”

The dairy started in 1922 in Tucson with only 20 Guernsey cows, one model truck and a dream. Today, Shamrock is comprised of Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family-owned and –operated dairies nationwide and Shamrock Foods, one of the top 10 largest foodservice distribution companies in the United States.

The “100 Celebrating 100” giveaway includes 100 daily prizes and one grand prize of a Roxie-supply of dairy and a family fun pack to Arizona attractions. Everyone who enters instantly wins a free child pass to Shamrock Farms Farm Tour during Arizona’s Centennial year. Online entry and official rules are available at shamrockfarms.net.

Special Centennial tours now through May 2012 will educate guests about how the “cattle” of Arizona’s 5 C economy have thrived. All guests receive a limited-edition Centennial keepsake wristband.

Then & Now: Shamrock Farms Celebrates 90 Years

THEN: In 1922, Shamrock began with 20 Geurnsey milking cows. The herd was hand milked until 1933, when milking machines were used for the first time.

NOW: Shamrock Farms has a herd of more than 10,000 cows, including 700 specially raised organic cows. Some of the cows in Shamrock Farms herd are the Guernsey breed and thus, descendants of the first herd in 1922.

THEN: Shamrock Farms began by selling rich raw milk, delivered in traditional pint and quart glass bottles. The pasteurization process was introduced in 1926, and Shamrock Farms was one of the first to meet the requirements.

NOW: Shamrock Farms offers more than 200 dairy products, including 60 milk products alone. Shamrock Farms Extended Shelf Life (ESL) capabilities introduced in 2001 make it possible for its farm-fresh milk to be enjoyed across the country and created a national following.

THEN: Everything began in Tucson in 1922 and moved to Phoenix in 1956, when Shamrock Farms built a new plant including a state-of-the-art quality control lab and culture room for making sour cream, cottage cheese and buttermilk.

NOW: Shamrock Farms still operates from its 1956 location along I-17 and Thomas Road, best known for its iconic time and temperature sign. Much has changed since 1956, however, including the time and temperature sign, which was converted to an energy-efficient LED sign in 2009.

THEN: Shamrock Farms business began with 40 to 50 customers, with the majority of its customers being home delivery.

NOW: Today, Shamrock Farms and its sister company Shamrock Foods boast nearly 20,000 customers nationwide.

THEN: Shamrock was very proud of its one Model T delivery truck in 1922, and expanded to have 55 refrigerated delivery trucks by 1955.

NOW: Shamrock operates a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles to service their customers.

Visit shamrockfarms.net to sign up for the giveaway and learn more about farm tours.

Enchanted Forest portrait sessions are back March 16-18

Enchanted Forest Fantasy portrait by Allen Patrou.

It only happens twice a year and your next opportunity is coming soon. Apatrou Photography of Phoenix is booking Enchanted Forest Fantasy portrait sittings March 16-18.

Imagine a little girl’s delight as she dons a fairy dress and wings and steps into the Enchanted Forest. The special portrait that results will become an enduring memory of a magical moment.

Enchanted Forest portrait sessions for girls age 4 to 9 will be held on Friday March 16 (all day), Saturday March 17 (all day) and Sunday March 18 (afternoon only). The portrait session includes use of hand made, one-of-a-kind fairy dresses and wings, an exclusive Enchanted Forest Set and one 8×10 print for $49 plus tax.

Photographer Allen Patrou is a nationally certified professional photographer who specializes in creating custom environmental portrait photography, high school senior portraits and Enchanted Forest Fantasy children’s portraits.

Patrou was awarded the prestigious Emil Eger Photographer of the Year Award for 2012 by the Arizona Professional Photographer Association (AZPPA) at its annual convention last month.

His studio is located in the Sunnyslope area of North Central Phoenix. The recipient of numerous photography awards during his seven years in business, he is working on his third book cover for Developing the Art of Equine Communication, by Lee Anderson. Patrou also created an image with Anderson for the September, 2009 cover of True West Magazine entitled, “500 Years Before the Cowboy.”

Contact Patrou at 602-821-5307 or allen@apatrouphotography.com. View his portfolio at apatrouphotography.com and arizonaseniorphotoscom and follow his blog at blog.apatrouphotography.com .

Spring Saver Specials at UltraStar’s UltraLuxe Cinema

Spring Saver Specials go into effect Friday at UltraLuxe Cinemas, the flagship Arizona location for UltraStar Cinemas.

A Daily Early Bird Special is a chance to see the day’s first matinee showing for just $5. After the first matinee showing, all seats are $6 until 4 p.m. (Additional upcharges for 3D films, D-BOX motion seats & Star-Class auditoriums for ages 18 and over still apply.)

Movie lovers can also frequent UltraLuxe Cinemas on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when Discount Days feature $5 admission for select films all day.

Admission is $5 and $6 for students, military and seniors all day, every day.

“Movie going has always been a beloved pastime enjoyed by all ages, but in this economy, it can be difficult to budget for recreational activities,” says Julie Bravo, vice president of advertising and marketing for UltraStar Cinemas. “Our Spring Saver Specials are meant to make movie going as affordable as possible to the communities that we serve, so guests can continue to enjoy a well- deserved day or night out at the movies.”

UltraLuxe Scottsdale Pavilions is located at 9090 E. Indian Bend Rd. in Scottsdale at the Pavilions at Talking Stick. The theater offers a wide array of amenities, including 11 luxurious auditoriums, D-BOX motion seats, star class auditoriums for guests 18+ with in-seat food service, and a full- service Cinema Café serving gourmet movie fare, beer and wine. For a listing of movie show times, visit UltraStarMovies.com.

“Neighborhood Nights” offer discounts and family fun

Up to two kids per adult can eat for $2 at “Neighborhood Nights” at Bueno Burger Mex American Grill.

The central Scottsdale restaurant creates a family environment from 5 to 9pm each Tuesday. Board games and a community table are set up to encourage conversations and the sports-focused television in the dining room remains off. Diners can choose from a variety of board games including UNO and checkers, and patrons are encouraged to bring their own games.

Bueno Burger is a mesquite grill that combines Mexican-American favorites with burgers, dogs, salads, fries and more. “Neighborhood Nights” will continue into the summer and also feature wine and beer at half price. 6977 N. Hayden Rd. buenoburgeraz.com.

What’s in a picture?

By MaryAnn Ortiz-Lieb

It is that time of year again when we are all taking photographs of our families. This is our way to have memories, keepsakes of time spent together.

For many years, we have gathered our children together and visited photographers. Sometimes we are better at planning and have even made it out to the California beaches in the summer to have family portraits taken by some of our favorite photographers.

We realize that we are a tad bit behind the ball for the holidays, but it is never too late to think about portraits — for graduations, family and extended family gatherings, weddings and all of the other momentous celebrations we enjoy or endure over our lifetimes.

With the Internet and the Facebook craze anyone with a digital camera becomes a photographer — NOT. Each one of these photographers and may I dare say friends are true artists.

Sean Lieb, photo by Brad Reed.

Artistic Impressions by Mara
Mara Blom Schantz
602-263-5098

Brad Reed Photography
Brad Reed
602-264-2454

Sandra Tenuto
Sandratenuto.com

This Is Life Photography
Marisa Danielle Schibilla
602-354-8721

Kay & Co Photography
Kay Eskridge
imagesbykay.com
602-393-9333