Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 29www.SanTanSun.com Youth

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‘Musicology’ opens children’s eyes to musicBY KRISTA TILLMAN

Watching his “Musicology” teacher play the xylophone, 10 1/2-month-old Brooks flashes a wide smile as he imitates her.

“I can definitely tell that he is developing and understanding concepts a lot quicker than a lot of babies his age and I attribute it mostly to this class,” said Brooks’ mother, Brittney Perry.

“Musicology” is a music-based learning environment for kids ages infant through 5. Classes are taught in two East Valley locations—Chandler Dance Center, 1987 W. Elliot Road, Suite 1, and in Scottsdale at 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 129.

Children in these classes are learning language development, physical coordination and rhythm and pattern awareness. Simple pattern awareness can help them with problem solving, critical thinking, mathematics, focus and attention. Therefore, it can get these young children on the correct path for entering school.

“The foundation of ‘Musicology’ is rooted in how the brain wires up for learning in the first three to five years,” said co-founder Mary Goodman. “Music is the one activity that lights up the entire brain.”

Children and instructors—as well as parents—use music, dance, musical instruments and other toys to interact and communicate. Parents will show

their children rhythm through sound and touch. The instructors teach repetition to the children so they can master the material. Teachers play a different musical genre every three weeks to create a novel learning environment.

“This one is just special,” said Amy Simon, who brings Emerson to “Musicology.” “Mary is special and her curriculum is. I think it’s really well thought out.”

Not only is “Musicology” a helpful tool in developing children’s brains, it helps hone children’s social skills. They begin socialization in these classes at a very young age.

“These little 2 or 3-month-olds who can just barely hold their head up are looking on their left at the baby on their left, looking on the right at the baby on their right, smiling at other babies,” Goodman said.

Parents learn socialization, too. They are brought together for these 10- to 12-week sessions and really bond because of it. They create playgroups outside of class.

“When you are a new parent, it is really important to have a support group around you,” Goodman said.

Musicology began when co-founders Goodman and Missy Powers started their business in Scottsdale six years ago. Their popularity grew by word of mouth and the East Valley expressed a lot of

Kids and parents gather together to sing, play and learn. STSN photos by Tim Sealy Musicology teachers Alix Turner (in blue) and Mary Goodman lead the welcome song with enthusiasm. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

Ellie Takawaki peers through her fuchsia scarf. STSN photos by Tim Sealy

interest in their program. They opened “Musicology” in the Chandler Dance Center about two years ago and have seen their business expand. Between the two locations, eight instructors teach 50 musicology classes per week.

“Musicology” has also partnered with community organizations such as New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development, Thrive to Five, Chandler Unified School District, Deer Valley Unified School District, Mercy Gilbert Hospital and Chandler Regional Medical Center, just to name a few. They are written into grants from these organizations to give this unique learning experience to children who could not otherwise afford it. They teach between 80 and 100 classes per year for these various organizations.

See page 59 for more photos.

Here is a list of “Musicology” classes offered at the East Valley location:• Infant Rhythms: Newborn to 5 months• Baby Beats: 6 months to 14 months• Mini Mozarts: 15 months to 2 1/2

years old• Beethovens: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2• KiddyKeys: 3 to 5 years old

To schedule a free trial class, contact “Musicology” at www.musicologyaz.com or (480) 596-4020.

Wee Blessings Preschool was “blessed” with a visit in mid-September from Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department Station No. 10. The fire personnel taught the children about fire, water and helmet safety. The students had fun watching the firefighters dress for their jobs, learning about how important firefighters are in the community and sitting in a fire truck. Wee Blessings Preschool is located at 1751 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler. For more information, call (480) 634-4788.

VISITING THE LITTLE ONES

Krista Tillman is a public relations student at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

30 Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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see BLADE OF GOLD page 36

BY KENNETH LAFAVEOne of the planet’s most dangerous

people with a sword is a 15-year-old Chandler girl.

And you better watch out for her little brother, too.

“I usually beat him, only because I’m older,” said Kara Linder, 15, of the sabre duels she has with Luke, 13.

But Kara was younger than many of the women she fenced against recently in Poland, where she took the gold at the Konin Sabre Cadet European Cup. It was the second year in a row Kara won that tournament, which is open to females up to age 20. Kara also won gold earlier this year at a tournament in Costa Rica, and at the time of this interview, she was preparing to travel to Hungary for a tournament there.

“I’ve been to France, Italy, Germany, Poland and Costa Rica for tournaments. I’ve heard the Hungarians are really competitive,” she said.

Kara got involved in fencing when she was 9 and Luke was 7. A fencer came to Luke’s school to demonstrate the sport.

“What 7-year-old boy doesn’t want to play with swords, right?” she said. But when Kara saw what the sport was like, she decided to try it, too. Turned out, she was good at it.

Kara and Luke, the children of Nina and Jason Linder of Chandler, are sabre fencers, or “sabreists” as they are known in the fencing world, adept at the third and most unusual of the three classic fencing weapons. While both the lightweight foil and heavier epee score hits only with the point or tip of the sword, the sabre is an edged weapon, meant for cutting, so the sabreist scores by contact with the whole

blade. The target is the entire body (except the hands) above the waist—below the waist is a miss. The reason relates to the sabre’s origin as a cavalry weapon. It was not practical for a sabreist on horseback to strike an enemy on horseback below the waist.

Kara fences left-handed, which she says started out as an advantage against right-handed fencers.

“As I progress, I find more and more fencers who are used to fencing lefties, so I’ve lost that advantage.”

She does quite well without it.Sister and brother train at Chandler’s

Fencers Club of Arizona, where their coach is Bill Becker.

“Our coaches do all three weapons, but the focus is on sabre, and that suits the personalities at the club. Sabre is

Chandler girl swings blade of gold

Sabre fencers Kara and Luke Linder relax between bouts at the Fencers Club of Arizona in Chandler. Submitted photo

Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 31www.SanTanSun.com Youth

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BY TRACY HOUSEStudents at Perry High School are

getting more out of their high school courses and benefiting from the content with a STEM diploma.

Perry’s 2016 graduation seniors will be the first class at the school to receive a STEM diploma. STEM—an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math—incorporates the classes into a comprehensive program that readies students for college and career opportunities.

Perry Assistant Principal Joe Greene said that the students can take dual enrollment classes earning college credit in some of the courses. Perry partners with Embry Riddle Aeronautical and ASU Fulton School of Engineering to provide an in-depth and hands-on learning experience.

“We have 72 kids graduating this year,” Greene said. “We have two different types of diplomas. One is a scholar and one is a STEM diploma. The difference between the two is basically the level of math. For the scholar diploma you have to do all honors and AP courses throughout the four years. It’s very rigorous.”

Both of the Perry valedictorians are STEM students. There are close to 400 ninth through 12th graders in the program this year. Perry has 3,396 enrolled students on campus, the second largest Chandler Unified high school.

The STEM program is about getting students college and career ready, Greene said. “To graduate, you need four credits of math and three of science. To earn a STEM diploma you need five in math and six credits of science or menu items like engineering, computer science, AP Bio.”

Students begin STEM workshops their junior year as part of the diploma requirements. Working alongside ASU Fulton School of Engineering in the summer, students also attend workshops during the school year. “That’s the hidden side of it,” Greene said. “Project-based learning, working with groups and peers. At the end of their junior year they’re required to do a STEM experience such as a twelve hour job shadow or higher-end STEM workshop. It’s got to be a little more rigorous.”

To stay in the program, STEM diploma recipients must earn a 3.5 GPA, scholars a 3.8 GPA. Greene said the program is not for everyone, but the kids that stick through it can get almost their first year of college taken care of through the dual enrollment classes. Perry has one

counselor dedicated to the students enrolled in the STEM program throughout their four years.

Perry is building relationships with community businesses such as State Farm and Intel. “It’s something that is continually growing. You have to evolve as the nature of STEM evolves,” Greene said. “You have to have a clear-cut vision. A focus.” Perry’s vision and focus was awarded with the 2014 ASBA Golden Bell Award winner-Runner Up and 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee voted it as one of the top STEM high schools in the state.

Perry’s efforts have been rewarded further this year by receiving an Excellence Tour Judge’s Pick Award for April 2015 through Expect More Arizona, which recognizes outstanding achievement in creating a world-class education for all Arizonans.

Melissa Lempke, vice president of marketing for Expect More Arizona, said Perry was honored for its excellence and opportunities it is offering students. “It had a lot to do with the college and career readiness. Students can start this program their freshman year. They can graduate with as much as year’s worth of college credits, which puts them on that college and career path.”

The success rate of the program in terms of recruitment, student GPAs and the reflection of the standards that have been changed and implemented in the school were considered in choosing Perry for the award.

“Students are able to show that they understand what they’re learning, instead of rote memorization,” Lempke said. “Which is exactly what the STEM program at Perry is about. It’s very hands-on and rounds out their experience and ensures the student get a good idea of what that study is about and puts them on the path to success beyond high school.”

Expect More Arizona is a nonprofit advocacy for education for all children in Arizona. Started in 2009, as a community and educational organization, Expect More Arizona became a nonprofit in 2013 to create a nonpartisan advocacy platform and develop partnerships with businesses and schools, which is up to 140 statewide.

“We’re small but mighty,” Lempke said. “A world-class education for us means kids are starting kindergarten ready to succeed. That they’re meeting the third-grade reading benchmark. That they’re graduating ready for college and career, which is a big part of what the STEM program at Perry is all about. And

Perry offering STEM diplomas

that they have the opportunity to attain some type of degree, credential, or certification.”

Lempke said there are a lot of great things happening in schools around the state. “Teachers and administrators are being incredibly innovative in their approach. The one thing that they have in common is they care about the kids and want what’s best for kids and to see them be successful.” She noted that Perry’s STEM program was one those schools looking for ways to meet the needs of students.

One-third of the students enrolled in the STEM program at Perry are female and more than half are minorities. It’s a small percentage, but Greene mentioned there are students in the program who

were not in honors classes prior to high school, who he sees benefiting from the expectations and gaining confidence.

“I think in the future the goal is to get more businesses involved,” Greene said. “Slowly but surely we’re getting more companies coming in in different aspects. That’s one of my goals in the future, to collaborate more with businesses and get them on board and see where that takes us.”

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Juniors and seniors in Tim Jehl’s honors introduction to engineering class are part of the STEM diploma program at Perry High School. STSN photos by Tracy House

32 Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

…The common denominator between young children and the love of reading.

BY MANDY LOADERThe Hamilton Library will host the perfect

event for teenagers who want to taste all that Chandler pizza businesses offer.

Teenagers can bring their appetites and discerning taste buds to the library’s ultimate Teen Pizza Taste Off from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. The Hamilton branch of the Chandler Public Library is located inside Hamilton High School, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.

Who better to critique than those with a palate devoted to delicious foods like pizza? The event is open to all teenagers who want to participate in the judging, and it is free for everyone.

“The Pizza Taste Off provides a fun way to empower teens to make decisions and use their brains as well as their tongues,” said Phyllis Saunders, branch coordinator at Hamilton Library.

The competition is open to any pizza shop and their employees who want to show off their skills and want their pizza judged by more than 100 teenagers.

The pizza businesses obtain additional exposure and the coveted title of the best in the Valley according to these teens. Pizzas will be judged in several categories including Best Sauce, Best Crust and Best Pizza. Each of the victors will be featured in an upcoming edition of the SanTan Sun News.

Library officials expect a large turnout, especially from local Chandler residents. The library held a similar Teen Pizza Taste Off

in 2009, and library personnel said they are “excited to bring it back.”

“The goal of this event is to promote community spirit between the library, residents and other organizations,” said Hannah Verdin, library assistant at Chandler Public Library. “October is National Pizza Month, so we thought this would be a fun community event highlighting pizza and the library together.”

The Hamilton Library involves students in numerous other activities, including workshops, gaming tournaments, story times and more. Other notable events include ‘80s Prom nights, the Science of Ice Cream and programs with a S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) focus. With the active population in South Chandler, these activities often draw a large turnout by providing the residents with free fun for the whole family to enjoy.

“The library loves hosting fun events like these, and as long as there are eager participants we can continue to organize them in the future. We want to be a place of fun, learning and community for everyone,” said Verdin.

For information on Chandler Library’s upcoming events, including those at the Hamilton Library branch, visit www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Mandy Loader is a freelancer who can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Hamilton Library hosts event for pizza-loving teens

BY ALISON STANTON

When Becky Osbeck, head director and teacher at Carebear Preschool in Chandler, gives parents tours of the facility’s Fulton Ranch location, she said they often ask her what helps to make the school different.

“I like to tell them that Carebear Preschool is an academic school and that we are a whole preschool. The kids definitely still have a chance to have fun here, but we are not just babysitting them,” Osbeck said.

“We offer structured learning but in a fun way, so we are not one extreme or the other. We are just a really well-rounded preschool.”

Carrie Edwards founded Carebear Preschool in the basement of her home in 2000, Osbeck said.

Edwards moved Carebear Preschool out of her home to a location in Chandler in 2003, and in 2008 she moved the school to its current Fulton Ranch location.

Osbeck said the preschool, which was recently expanded to add a couple more classrooms, teaches around 120 children ages 2 through 5. The 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds have their own classrooms, and ages 4 and 5 are in pre-kindergarten.

Rather than focus on just one curriculum, Osbeck said Carebear Preschool uses a “little bit of everything” to teach their young students.

“We find the best of each curriculum and go from there,” she said. For example, they use the Handwriting Without Tears method to teach the students the basics of the lines and curves of letters.

“Carrie, who is a certified teacher, really stays abreast of the current curriculum and Common Core standards and is really up to date.”

Osbeck said the teachers’ goal is to teach one year ahead; for example, the

pre-kindergarten students learn to write sentences with proper punctuation.

“The pre-K students can also write sight words, and we work to help them be socially and emotionally prepared for kindergarten,” she said.

Although the typical school day at Carebear Preschool is from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Osbeck said they also offer before and afterschool care for their students whose parents work early or late in the day.

“We open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., which has been really helpful for parents who would like their children to have a longer school day,” she said.

A Spanish emergent program is also offered to students ages 3 and older during the afterschool care program, Osbeck said.

Osbeck, who teaches the 2-year-olds and has been with Carebear Preschool since 2005, said that every teacher at the school “loves teaching and is passionate about it.”

“We just feel like an extension of the families, because so many have been with us for years and years,” Osbeck said.

“Parents tell us how grateful they are for us, and it’s so rewarding to see the spark of knowledge in the students.”

Carebear Preschool is located at 244 W. Chandler Heights Rd. in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 802-0058 or visit www.carebearpreschool.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Carebear Preschool prepares young students for academic success

Rock the Block! returns to Chandler this November

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the sixth annual Rock the Block! will return to downtown Chandler with a new look. The rock-themed event will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Rock the Block! is an annual, free, family-friendly block party that celebrates the fun, dynamic lifestyle that Chandler offers while promoting Chandler-based businesses. The event has garnered more than 18,000 attendees in the past and is expected to attract even more in 2015.

The block party, which is organized by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations, will feature:• Live entertainment on multiple stages• A Kids Zone including interactive games

and rides, face painting, inflatables and a zipline

• More than 100 retail, arts and crafts vendors

• Top food trucks in Arizona• Beer garden

Rock the Block! will showcase the new downtown Chandler stage and will feature “Chandler’s Got Talent,” an annual variety act talent show. Online submissions will be accepted via YouTube or Vimeo and the top acts will be chosen to compete on the day of the event. For more information email gottalent@slentertainment.com.

Individuals interested in being volunteers, as well as inquiries about military or promotional trailer space can contact rtbvendor@slentertainment.com.

For more information regarding the event, vendor applications, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.downtownchandler.org.

Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 33www.SanTanSun.com Youth©

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Chandler’s Teen Leadership Academy accepting applications

Chandler residents who are enrolled in high school, or a similar level home-school program are encouraged to apply for Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Teen Leadership Academy. During the five-day program, students will meet with elected officials, managers and staff from every City department to better understand how Arizona’s fourth largest city is run.

“The Teen Leadership Academy was created to develop the next generation of leaders for our community,” said Tibshraeny. “This program provides a unique opportunity to learn about inner workings of our City, which will increase their awareness and engagement in the local government process.”

The academy will run from Monday, March 7, through Friday, March 11, during Chandler Unified School District’s spring intersession from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students must have

transportation to and from City Hall during the duration of the program.

Applications for the free program are available online at www.chandleraz.gov/connect and must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13. Completed applications may be mailed to Dave Bigos, mayor and council assistant, Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., fifth floor, Chandler, AZ 85225. Applications also may be sent via email to david.bigos@chandleraz.gov.

The selection process will occur during the month of December, and the class will be introduced at the Mayor’s 2016 State of the City.

For the second year in a row, the Chandler Kiwanis Club is funding the program costs for supplies, food and class T-shirts.

For more details about the program, contact Bigos at (480) 782-2222.

Nonprofit seeking local host families for exchange students

ASSE International Student Exchange Program, in cooperation with community high schools, is looking for local families to host exchange students between the ages of 15 to 18 from a variety of countries.

ASSE students are enthusiastic and excited to experience American culture while they practice their English. They also love to share their own culture and language with their host families. Host families welcome these students into their family, not as a guest, but as a family member, giving everyone involved a rich

cultural experience. The exchange students have pocket

money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance. ASSE students are selected based on academics and personality and host families can choose their students from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and personal interests.

To become an ASSE Host Family or to find out how to become involved with ASSE in the community, call (800) 733-2773 or visit www.host.asse.com to begin the host family application.

Arizona schools invited to register for poetry program

The Arizona Commission on the Arts invites Arizona high schools to participate in the 2015-2016 Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a free national program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Poetry Out Loud encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance while mastering public speaking skills, building self-confidence and learning about literary heritage.

Participating teachers receive free multimedia curriculum materials—a poetry anthology, audio guide, teacher’s guide, posters and comprehensive website, www.poetryoutloud.org, all which are aligned to national standards—augmenting their regular poetry curriculum with poetry recitation and a classroom level competition. School-level recitation champions compete to advance to the regional, state and then national levels.

A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends is awarded annually at the national finals.

More than 11,000 Arizona students and 47 schools in communities throughout the state participated in Poetry Out Loud in 2014.

The Arizona Commission on the Arts partners with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, as

well as regional and local organizations, to administer the Poetry Out Loud program in Arizona.

Arizona schools wishing to participate in the 2015-2016 Poetry Out Loud program are invited to visit www.azarts.gov/pol and complete a short online registration form. Online registration will be open until Oct. 30. Once registered, schools should contact their region’s partner to learn more about the many resources and opportunities available to them. Contact information for the regional partners can be found under the “Resources for Teachers” section of www.azarts.gov/pol.

For more information, email the Arizona Commission on the Arts at info@azarts.gov.

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School hosts annual fundraiser

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School has been providing excellence in education to the community for more than 70 years and continues to improve services and programs as part of its effort to enhance students’ future educational needs.

SMB is hosting the Eaglethon, which is the school’s largest annual fundraiser. The Eaglethon, named after their school mascot, financially supports the school and classroom technology and the school’s operating budget.

This year’s Eaglethon Fundraiser begins Wednesday, Oct. 14, and concludes on Eaglethon Day, Friday, Nov. 6. The

students will be seeking donors for their support.

At the conclusion of the fundraising period, students are awarded with a day to play in appreciation of their hard work and fundraising efforts.

All students will participate in a Fun Run, obstacle course, games and many other great activities. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available to anyone in the community. If interested in supporting the school, call (480) 963-4951.

St. Mary-Basha is located at 200 W. Galveston St. in Chandler.

Breakfast with Santa set for DecemberKartwheels for Kids is hosting a

Breakfast with Santa and Donation Drive Event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Noah’s Event Venue, 2100 E. Yeager Dr., Chandler.

The event will feature Santa, Diamondbacks pitcher and Chandler resident Daniel Hudson, ASU’s men’s gymnastics and food trucks. There will be “Kartwheel clinics” for children with balance beams, bars and tumbling instruction.

Clean out the closet and garages for the Stuff the Truck Drive. Kartwheels gets

paid by the pound for all items large and small.

All the funds raised will go toward scholarships for children to attend gymnastics programs.

For more information, visit www.kartwheelsforkids.

org, or email info@kartwheelsforkids.org.

34 Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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BY SHANE DEGROTEArizona’s desert climate has produced

just two NHL players—Jim Brown, active in 1993, and Sean Couturier, who has been active since 2012.

“It is a deficit of ice time, because kids up north can hop into their backyards and get their practice in whenever,” said Hamilton High’s forward Elden Brower.

But don’t dismiss the state of 110-degree temperatures as a hockey wannabee; 11 other states, including neighbor New Mexico, haven’t produced any NHL players.

Dan Nall, a board member on the Arizona High School Hockey Association and Hamilton’s coach, said finding good coaches is a struggle for the league due to the lack of hockey knowledge in the community.

Parents of hockey players have turned toward travel programs that provide players a higher level talent outside of high school hockey and get more practice on the ice. While travel programs appear a win-win, Nall said they cause as many problems as they solve for the AHSHA.

“They have a high-end travel kid who I am interested in, but they protect those kids, they don’t want them to play high school. They don’t want them to get hurt,” Nall said. “For the most part we have been able to get the travel programs to understand it is not good for hockey.”

Another developmental outlet is the Premier Program. Organized by the AHSHA over 10 years ago, the program coincides with players’ high school hockey league and provides at least 30 additional practices. Player

responsibilities and expectations increase, as well. This prepares players for the Team Arizona tryouts and if selected, The America’s Hockey Showcase tournament, a scouting event held in Pittsburgh.

Tait Green, the Premier Program hockey director and U16 head coach, has been with the program for more than six years. It was not until three years ago, however, that the program became efficient and effective at player development. He credited the uniting of two teams, U16 and U18, into one complete coaching staff.

“Without a doubt,” he said. “We are able to bring in new kids to the program, and having current kids sticking to the end.”

With more than 60 kids trying out for the U16 and U18 teams, there has been a significant rise in popularity over the three years. It is only expected to grow. Green is optimistic about the future of the program, and hockey for the state of Arizona. Over the last few years, several players have gone to Division I colleges on scholarships. He expects several of his current players to attend prestigious colleges.

It may be several years down the road until Arizona adds to its current number of NHL players and for the AHSHA to see its investments pay off. But for Green, it is not about getting players in the NHL, as much as it is preparing them for life outside of hockey.

Shane DeGrote is a journalism student at ASU. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

High school hockey flies under the radar

Mayor’s Day of Play returnsChandler Mayor’s Day of Play is a free,

all-ages celebration of the community’s health, wellness and fitness from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. The outdoor event will be held at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads.

There will be a variety of free activities that will get kids of all ages playing and their minds active. Meanwhile, parents can explore the various information booths promoting many of the nonprofit organizations, businesses and municipal divisions working to support a healthier lifestyle for East Valley residents. Details about the Day of Play activities can be found at www.chandleraz.gov/dayofplay.

Now in its ninth year, Day of Play also serves as a celebration of the City’s designation as a Playful City, USA, by the organization, KaBOOM! Chandler is one of 12 U.S. cities to receive the honor for nine consecutive years since the program began in 2007.

The event is hosted by the City of Chandler Community and Neighborhood Services Department and sponsored by the Chandler Unified School District, Spooner Physical Therapy, Garner Orthodontics, The Arizona Republic, Vacation Resorts and Wyndham Vacation.

New activities at this year’s event include the Youth & Teen Fitness

Challenge, a 5K Foam Fun Run, Chalk It Up, Move 2 Play Area and Team Play Sports Slam. The Youth and Teen Fitness Challenge includes an obstacle course full of challenges. The challenge is open to youth and teens ages 10 to 17, and prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category.

The Foam Fun Run is a noncompetitive 5K with colorful foam stations and fun obstacles that participants can run, walk, crawl, or laugh their way through. Chalk It Up is a community chalk area. The city will provide space and free chalk to enjoy; arrive early as space is limited.

Move 2 Play is presented by Spooner Physical Therapy and engages participants in improving one’s flexibility, balance, strength and knowledge of movements in three planes of motion in a fun and free environment. Team Play Sports Slam is provided by Fun Coach and will test individual skills through relays and slalom cones, hitting a ball, shooting a hoop, flipping a Frisbee and kicking a field goal.

Another way to participate in the Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play is by volunteering. Assistance is needed with event set up, organizing field games, or helping guests with event information. The volunteer form is available at www.chandleraz.gov/dayofplay.

The Mayor’s Day of Play will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, featuring many wellness and fitness activities. Submitted photo

Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 35www.SanTanSun.com Youth

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Chandler is entering one of the more activity-packed seasons of the year. The extraordinary lineup of family-friendly events will occur through the end of the year and are produced by the City or local organizations. • Saturday, Oct. 3: Chandler’s 16th annual

Mariachi & Folklorico Festival presented by C.A.L.L.E de Arizona. The 7 p.m. festival will be at Chandler’s Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., and combines music and traditional dances of Mexico featuring folkloric dancers and popular mariachi ensembles. Live entertainment and a Garibaldi Mercado showcasing local artists, vendors and businesses will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chandler Center for the Arts box office at (480) 782-2680.

• Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11: Indian Art Market. The free, two-day Indian Art Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. There will be entertainment and food, as well as authentic Native American art, including jewelry, photography, pottery, paintings, Katsina carvings, sculptures and tribal arts and crafts. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/indianaz, or call (480) 782-2214.

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: Sonoran Sunset Series. The series will be held the third Thursday of every month now through March. This free lakeside entertainment series begins at 7 p.m. in Veterans Oasis Park, located on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler

Heights roads. Bring blankets, folding chairs and food while enjoying great music. Snacks and beverages are available for a small fee. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

• Saturday, Oct. 24: Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play. Celebrate Chandler’s ninth Playful City USA designation at this free annual event held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tumbleweed Park, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads. Activities include health, safety and fitness information booths, games and activities, such as jump rope, Teen Fitness Challenge, Foam Fun Run and other field sports for children and parents alike. For details, visit www.chandleraz.gov/dayofplay.

• Friday, Oct. 30: Halloween Spooktacular. Dress up in your favorite costumes and enjoy activities for all ages, including carnival games, arts and crafts, costume contest, and scary haunted house. The free event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the plaza in front of the Downtown Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/spooktacular, for more information.

• Saturday, Oct. 31, Saturday, Nov. 21, Saturday, Nov. 28: Downtown Chandler Concert Series. Chandler’s new Downtown Stage will come alive with live musical entertainment from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with an accompanying beer garden and food vendors. For more information, visit www.downtownchandler.org.

• Sunday, Nov. 1: Dia de los Muertos Festival. Enjoy art, culture, cuisine and entertainment during this free celebration

Family-friendly events to be held through December

presented by the Si Se Puede Foundation from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. There will be costume contests, live musical entertainment, food, craft activities, art vendors, community alters, and assorted merchandise vendors. For more information, visit www.sisepuedefoundation.com.

• Saturday, Nov. 7: Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 1880s authentic chuck wagons as teams from across the west compete using slow-cook wood fire methods from the time period. Enjoy live music, storytelling and cooking demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tumbleweed Ranch in Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Visit www.chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon for more information.

• Saturday, Nov. 14: Rock the Block. Bring the whole family to this free annual block party being held from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Chandler featuring live entertainment on the new Downtown

Stage, a Kids Zone, plus interactive games, rides, face painting, inflatables, a zipline and more than 100 retail, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Visit www.chandlerblckparty.com for more information.

• Saturday, Nov. 21: Woofstock. This free event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Tumbleweed Park. Bring a leashed, well-mannered dog out to enjoy a day of fun with other dog lovers and their K-9 friends. Visit www.chandler.gov/woofstock for more information.

• Saturday, Dec. 5: Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Join others in Downtown Chandler from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate a unique southwestern tradition that draws visitors from far and wide during the holidays. This community festival includes the beautiful Parade of Lights and marks the 59th Tumbleweed Tree built in Downtown Chandler. Details can be found at www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree.

36 Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSOct. 1 to Oct. 9: First Intersession continued Oct. 12 and Oct. 13: Teacher inservice/workday—no school

CONLEY ELEMENTARY

Conley Elementary students participated in the Boosterthon fundraiser to raise money to purchase Computers on Wheels, sets of 30 laptop computers on a mobile car. The students had a fantastic time running through the glow in the dark course, while being cheered on by their parents and Conley staff members.

—Jennifer Maize

WEINBERG ELEMENTARY

Exciting things are happening and being learned at Weinberg Elementary. First graders are busy studying the season of fall, and made homemade applesauce. Students first tested and tasted different kinds of apple, cider, and juice, before creating their recipe.

Fifth grade went on their annual field trip to JA Biztown. Students had to run the town for the day, including working a job, applying for a business loan, getting paid, balancing a checkbook, being a consumer to help keep the Biztown economy afloat, and trying to pay off their business loan. The fifth graders decided that being an adult for a day was super fun, but they will stick to being kids for now.

The Campus Care Committee had its first meeting. Students helped tidy up the library and the music room. CCC students received a badge and will be sporting the badge at recess and lunch times. The badge comes along with the great responsibility of ensuring the campus is kept free of litter, and deciding which classroom will earn the coveted “Light of the Horseshow Trophy” for the month of October. Being a Wrangler is so much fun.

—Heidi Huggins

Evie Jefferson, a second grader, enjoyed Boosterthon. Submitted photo

faster and more aggressive.”Luke has participated in national

tournaments and plans to start the international circuit next year at 14, when he is old enough.

In Kara’s quieter moments, she likes to shoot firearms—shotguns, rifles, “anything I can get my hands on.”

Fencing was one of the modern

Olympics’ original sports, and it continues to be featured during the summer games. Is Kara thinking Olympic gold down the line?

“That’s a big ‘if.’ So much can happen before 2020. But it’s a goal.”

Kenneth LaFave is an associate editor for SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at klafave@timespublications.com.

BLADE OF GOLD from page 30

Kara Linder won gold twice in Poland and is off to Hungary for another tournament. Submitted photo

Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 37www.SanTanSun.com Youth

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cess Mastery Academy.” In this book Brian Tracy describes six character-istics of a master achiever. What is it that makes some people so success-ful? Here they are: 1. They are ambitious.They see themselves capable of being the best. They see themselves with the capacity of be-ing really good at what they do. The word “deserve” comes from two Latin words meaning “from service.” You deserve 100 percent of everything you make and enjoy as long as you get it from serving other people.

2. They are courageous.Successful people work to confront the fears that hold most people back. The two biggest enemies to our success are fear and doubt. When you do something repeatedly, you develop a habit. Make a habit through-out your life of doing the things that scare you. If you do the thing you fear, the death of fear is certain. So face your fear.3. They are committed.The top people in every field are completely commit-

ted. They believe in themselves; they believe in their companies; they believe in their products and services; they believe in their customers. They have an intense belief. We know that there is a one-to-one relationship between the depth of your belief and what happens in your reality.4. They are prepared.Successful people review every detail in advance. They do things that the average person is not willing to do. They make sacrifices the average person is not

willing to make. But the difference it makes is extraor-dinary. Successful people are more concerned about pleasing results than they are about pleasing methods.5. They are continuous learners.High achievers recognize that if they’re not continually

getting better, they’re getting worse. They read, they lis-ten to CDs and they take additional training. The professional never stops learning.6. They are responsible.100 percent of us are self-employed—we are presi-dents of our own personal services corporation. You work for yourself, and the biggest mistake we can ever make is to think we work for anyone else. The person who signs our paycheck may change, our jobs may change, but we are always the same. We are the one constant. You’re the president of your own career, your own life, your own finances, your own body, your own family, your own health.

I’m pleased to announce that our recent book with Bri-an Tracy has been released and has reached the best-seller list on Amazon. You can buy “Success Today” at any online or bookstore retailer, or you can call my office at 480.899.9423 and I can get a signed copy of the book for you for only $8. This could be your book that will change your life for the better.

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Dentists across the country are participating in a program to buy back children’s Halloween candy in exchange for incentives such as cavity-fighting xylitol candies from Xlear and cash.

“Ditch the sugary candy and get some healthy alternatives, that’s what we’re saying. Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excessive sugary sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. Chris Kammer from Lifetime Family Dentistry of Middleton, WI, who founded the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program in 2005.

Curtis Orthodontics, 2963 W. Elliot Rd., is participating in this year’s program.

The program began as a way to keep excess Halloween candy “off the streets” and help keep kids’ mouths healthier. This year, the program is moving to be a force for good by teaming up with Xlear Inc., a manufacturer of xylitol products, and Tess Oral Health, makers of dental, professional and oral hygiene products.

These companies will partner with dental offices nationwide to reach the goal of sending 100,000 toothbrushes overseas as well collect children’s sugary Halloween candy to give the soldiers a holiday away from home. Participating offices are encouraged to set up collection jars at the checkout desk for patients to have the option of donating their brush in the take-home hygiene kit to troops. This act enables children to exchange their Halloween

candy and receive a token in return while showing support to the men and women in the armed services who are deployed overseas.

In addition to supporting the troops, the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program helps promote a dental health message by introducing kids to a natural sugar, xylitol. While regular processed sugar candy is the favorite among children, it is not good for their teeth or body. Xlear officials said xylitol has a positive impact on dental health. Candy made with xylitol will be included in the product packs for offices to exchange for Halloween candy brought in.

Dental offices that wish to participate need to register their practices regardless of past buybacks if would like to appear in the ZIP code search on the website. The program has also implemented a new division, the Platinum Buyback. This status is designed to provide each practice with the supplies needed to host the new buyback program. Sponsors Xlear Inc. and Tess Oral Health have partnered to donate 30 brushes for each paid Platinum Buyback registration, up to 30,000 brushes.

For $125, participating offices will receive 50 baggies with $10 worth of xylitol candy, mints, gum, and other products as well as coupons and informational materials. The practice will be entered into the Buyback of the Year Contest. Info: www.xlear.com/platinum-halloween-candy-buyback/.

Dentists can participate in candy buyback program BY JUSTIN STABLEY

It’s the time of year for fun frights and spooky delights. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of the macabre or just looking for some light thrills, there’s a haunted house attraction just for you. Sectioned from most family friendly to most bone-chilling, these haunted houses are the best the Valley has to offer.

Be warned: the amount of scares you can stand is up to you.

The House on CaminoIt’s creepy for a cause. This garage-based haunt at 4055 E. Camino St., Mesa, has been running since 2008, and any money or toy donations go to the Child Crisis Center. This might be the only place in the Valley where you can feel good while feeling terrified. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visit www.thehouseoncamino.com.

Chase Court MotelThis house haunt, 155 N. Chase Ct., Chan-dler, has been running for 25 Halloweens and seems to get bigger every year. The show is completely handmade and computerized, but built with kids and adults in mind. Proceeds go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Visit www.chaseyourfear.com.

Golfland Fright NightsThe Gauntlet is a maze of animatron-ics and live actors built to induce heart-pounding terror. While the haunted house itself, located at 155 W. Hampton Avenue, Mesa, might be too scary for

more fragile attendees, the spookified mini golf course is perfectly harmless and would be a wonderful way to spend a family evening. Admission is $15 to $25. Visit www.golfland.com/mesa.

The CryptWhat happens when the inhabitants of a crypt refuse to stay dead? This year the event features three attractions in the same location: The Crypt, The Asylum and Chaos. One of Arizona’s longest running haunted houses, located at 1445 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, makes its return bigger than ever. Admission is $23. Visit www.hauntedaz.com.

Dark Scares HotelExplore a place abandoned by time but not by those who remained. This haunt, 1900 E. University Dr., Mesa, was voted Best of the Valley in 2013 by Arizona Foothills Magazine and they’re sure to deliver another year of successful terror. Admission is $20 adults, $15 for kids. Visit darkscares.com.

Enjoy a scare at these Valley haunts

38 Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2015 www.SanTanSun.comYouth

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BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSONThis month, it’s all about celebrating the

things that go bump in the night. Ghosts, goblins, vampires...all of the scary topics we usually shy away from are now front and center as we prep for Halloween.

One fabulously frightening Valley tradition now 12 years running is “A Vampire Tale,” a production of Scorpius Dance Theatre that has been referred to as “The ‘Nutcracker’ of Halloween.” Chandler resident Lisa Hammond, a longtime dancer and aerialist with Scorpius, will be sinking her teeth into a role as a vampire in the popular production.

“With Scorpius Dance Theatre I have been lucky enough to travel to Scotland to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and we also traveled to Helena, Montana to perform ‘A Vampire Tale,’” Hammond said.

“Last season, along with ‘A Vampire Tale,’ we performed two other shows, ‘An Unusual Love Story...David + Lisa’ and ‘ROCK,’ both very different productions.”

In this year’s rendition of “A Vampire Tale,” Hammond plays Tamara Debeaux.

“There is a vampire Klan of men and women who taunt and torment the innocent girl. My character is the head of the female Klan,” she explained.

To keep audiences coming back, choreographer Lisa Starry modifies the production annually to keep it fresh. This year’s tale features a variety of notable changes, such as new scenes, a revamped show order, a darker, more dramatic plotline and all new costumes,

Starry said. “As ‘A Vampire Tale’ has evolved over

the years, I’ve incorporated more and more humor into the show,” she added. “This season, I decided to scale back on the humor and revive the darkness and drama of the underworld that originally inspired my creation of ‘A Vampire Tale.’”

Not only will Hammond be performing for Valley audiences but Scorpius Dance Theatre will perform “A Vampire Tale” in Whitby, England, as well. Hammond said she is looking forward to the trip.

Hammond, who has been dancing since age 3, is a graduate of the U of A dance program and performed with the Royal Caribbean Cruise lines before Scorpius. She’s also a part-time administrative assistant for Scorpius; serves as the assistant company director at Desert Star Dance where she teaches and choreographs dances for classes and competitions; and teaches dance at the New School for the Arts & Academics and Mesa Community College. She’s also a mom of three active kids who also dance.

“It is definitely a struggle to be as busy as I am dancing with Scorpius, teaching dance, as well as being a mom to my three kids,” Hammond said. “...I’m so grateful to have a lot of help from my family and my husband to ensure that everyone gets where they need to be. I hope that my kids see me as an example that I am fulfilling my dream to perform, and that they will also follow their own dreams.”

While it may seem like a lot to juggle, to Hammond, it’s all about balance.

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A passion for danceHammond to star in Scorpius Dance Theatre’s “A Vampire Tale”

“We (the Scorpius Dance Theatre) definitely use a lot of acting in our performances, which allows me to be someone totally different from my day-to-day life as a mom running around with three kids,” she explained. “Scorpius is also like a family, and I have gained so many wonderful friendships.”

When it comes to “A Vampire Tale,” she encourages locals to not miss out.

“‘A Vampire Tale’ is a very visual and highly entertaining production. There are so many wonderful things happening in the show to keep audiences engaged, as well as incredible performers,” Hammond said. “‘A Vampire Tale’ features aerial arts, dancing

and acting, as well as a guest performance by Damon Dering of Nearly Naked Theatre, who provides some comedic relief as the Strange Man. ‘A Vampire Tale’ is one of my favorite shows to perform.”

“A Vampire Tale” runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hormel Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix. Tickets start at $25 plus surcharge. To learn more, visit www.scorpiusdance.com or call (602) 254-2151.

Michelle Talsma Everson is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

The cast of “A Vampire Tale.” Submitted photo Lisa Hammond and family. Submitted photo