STFF
8
November 2012 1 SanTan FAMILY FUN “An award-winning publication” A publication of the SanTan Sun News For info on sponsoring the SanTan Family Fun Calendar, email [email protected] Pages 2-5 SanTan Family Fun Calendar Page 8 Just 4 Kids Sponsored by City of Chandler Recreation Division by Alison Stanton “What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance,” former New York Mayor Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani is quoted as saying. “They give unconditional love, kind- ness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies.” Take a quick look around, and it’s easy to see Giuliani’s words in action. Every day, grandparents can be spotted picking up their grandchildren after school, taking them to appointments, playing at the park and – most of all – just being there for them. Ties that bind “Grandparents these days are helping their families in many ways,” says Patty Merk, Ph.D., an area agent and regional specialist for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Family and Youth Development. “Grandparents provide varying levels of child care support, even if just for a few hours on an occa- sional basis. Grandparents are there to be a sounding board and give parenting insights. Grandparents are there for their grandchildren as extended fam- ily, providing a different type of relationship to the children.” “Just go hang out at the parking lot of any school at pick up time,” says Jennifer Hutchison of Chandler via Facebook. “Grandparent central.” And for new parents who are just learn- ing how to take care of a brand new baby, Merk says grandparents are very helpful in providing emotional support and knowledge about child development and child rearing. Family jewels Overall, Merk says, what grandparents provide the most is stability. “When they are able to help by volun- teering their time, spending time with their grandchildren or running errands, it not only helps out a family economically, but it also helps with the overall stability of the family.” Children who spend a lot of time with their grandparents will benefit from learn- ing life skills, Merk says. “Grandparents have a lot of wisdom and knowledge to share, from how to tie shoes to developing other important skill levels. This knowledge can then be trans- ferred from generation to generation.” Grandparents who live far from their families can still be involved in their grandchildren’s lives, Merk says. The key, she notes, is to focus on making the visits as meaningful as possible and spend a lot of time with the grandkids doing things they enjoy doing. “Try to make connections from the time the child was born, and try to visit as often as you can,” she says. “Also, kids don’t get much mail anymore, so don’t hesitate to send them a sticker in a card or maybe a photo of yourself or something like that. It doesn’t have to be expensive.” Although Merk says she feels like tech- nology will never replace human contact, she does know of many grandparents who are having a ball using Skype to stay in touch with their grandchildren and feel connected to them that way. Repeat parenting In some cases, grandparents are more than the people who pick up Johnny from school or take Emily to her ballet lesson – they are also “mom” and “dad.” The most recent census counts 2.5 million households where grandparents are the primary caretakers. The census notes these grandparents are responsible for most of the basic needs like food, shelter and clothing for one or more grandchildren. Grandparents take over as caretakers for a variety of reasons, Merk says, most often due to substance abuse, either alcohol or drugs, by the parents who may be in prison. “The grandparents are the safety net for the grandchildren. They get them and either become foster parents to them or end up adopting them because as grandparents, they help families survive. And, they will do whatever it takes to help their families survive.” Ann Miller, who moved from Gilbert to help her grandchildren in San Tan Valley and Coolidge, says via Facebook that it took finding the right tool to help her special needs grandchild. “I have a disabled grandson, age 10, who could not add or subtract. I took time off work a couple years ago and researched many hours. I found a math tool called TouchMath and within 20 minutes, I had him adding and subtracting. He will never be a regular student, but my concern is to make sure he can know enough to survive on his own as an adult when that time comes. It is hard, but nothing can trump ‘grandparent love!’” As an article on AARP’s website notes, these grandparent caregivers and the children often feel isolated. “They lack information about the range of support services, resources, programs, benefits, laws and policies available to help them successfully fulfill their care-giving role,” the article states. “To better serve children, families and older adults, educators and program prac- titioners need access to information about these key resources.” Merk says there are a variety of local support groups for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. Grandparents are also welcome to email her at [email protected] with any questions or concerns they may have. No matter what role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, Merk says she likes to think of them as the prover- bial icing on the cake. “Grandparents add a lot to the top and help smooth things over and make everything look pretty, but they are also between the layers.” Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at [email protected]. Resources Books: “The Extra Parent: How Grandparents Are Helping Out, Pitching In, and Raising Their Grandchildren,” by Elaine Denholtz “Ticklebelly Hill: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,” by Hilda Osborne “The Grandparent Guide: The Definitive Guide to Coping with the Challenges of Modern Grandparenting,” by Arthur Kornhaber Websites: aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/ grandfacts-sheets/ grandparents.about.com/od/ grandparentingissues/tp/GrandChildCare.htm grandsplace.org/gp4/az.html Grateful for grandparents What’s inside LONG DISTANCE GRANDPARENTING: Even grandparents who live far way can spend quality time with grandkids. Noah and Helena Sherman of Chandler play piano with their Grandpa Jim, who lives in East Syracuse, NY. Submitted photo Patty Merk
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SanTan Sun News www.santansun.com
Transcript of STFF
November 2012 1SanTan
FAMILYFUN
“An award-winning publication”
A publication of the
SanTan Sun News
For info on sponsoringthe SanTan Family FunCalendar, [email protected]
Pages 2-5SanTan Family Fun Calendar
Page 8Just 4 KidsSponsored by City of ChandlerRecreation Division
by Alison Stanton
“What children need most are theessentials that grandparents provide inabundance,” former New York MayorRudolph “Rudy” Giuliani is quoted as saying. “They give unconditional love, kind-ness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons inlife. And, most importantly, cookies.”
Take a quick look around, and it’s easyto see Giuliani’s words in action.
Every day, grandparents can be spottedpicking up their grandchildren after school,taking them to appointments, playing atthe park and – most of all – just beingthere for them.
Ties that bind“Grandparents these days are helpingtheir families in many ways,” says Patty
Merk, Ph.D., an area agent andregional specialist for theUniversity of ArizonaCooperativeExtension, Family andYouth Development.“Grandparents providevarying levels of child
care support, even if justfor a few hours on an occa-
sional basis. Grandparents arethere to be a sounding boardand give parenting insights.Grandparents are there for theirgrandchildren as extended fam-ily, providing a different type ofrelationship to the children.”
“Just go hang out at the parking lot ofany school at pick up time,” says JenniferHutchison of Chandler via Facebook.“Grandparent central.”
And for new parents who are just learn-ing how to take care of a brand new baby,Merk says grandparents are very helpful inproviding emotional support and knowledge about child development and child rearing.
Family jewelsOverall, Merk says, what grandparents
provide the most is stability.“When they are able to help by volun-
teering their time, spending time withtheir grandchildren or running errands, itnot only helps out a family economically,but it also helps with the overall stabilityof the family.”
Children who spend a lot of time withtheir grandparents will benefit from learn-ing life skills, Merk says.
“Grandparents have a lot of wisdomand knowledge to share, from how to tieshoes to developing other important skilllevels. This knowledge can then be trans-ferred from generation to generation.”
Grandparents who live far from theirfamilies can still be involved in theirgrandchildren’s lives, Merk says.
The key, she notes, is to focus on makingthe visits as meaningful as possible andspend a lot of time with the grandkidsdoing things they enjoy doing.
“Try to make connections from the timethe child was born, and try to visit as often
as you can,” she says. “Also, kids don’t getmuch mail anymore, so don’t hesitate tosend them a sticker in a card or maybe aphoto of yourself or something like that.It doesn’t have to be expensive.”
Although Merk says she feels like tech-nology will never replace human contact,she does know of many grandparentswho are having a ball using Skype to stayin touch with their grandchildren and feelconnected to them that way.
Repeat parentingIn some cases, grandparents are more
than the people who pick up Johnny fromschool or take Emily to her ballet lesson –they are also “mom” and “dad.”
The most recent census counts 2.5 millionhouseholds where grandparents are the primary caretakers. The census notes thesegrandparents are responsible for most ofthe basic needs like food, shelter and clothing for one or more grandchildren.
Grandparents take over ascaretakers for a variety of reasons,Merk says, most often due tosubstance abuse, either alcohol or drugs, by the parentswho may be in prison.
“The grandparents are thesafety net for the grandchildren.They get them and eitherbecome foster parents to themor end up adopting thembecause as grandparents, theyhelp families survive. And, theywill do whatever it takes to
help their families survive.”Ann Miller, who moved from Gilbert
to help her grandchildren in San TanValley and Coolidge, says via Facebookthat it took finding the right tool to help
her special needs grandchild.“I have a disabled grandson, age 10,
who could not add or subtract. I tooktime off work a couple years ago andresearched many hours. I found a mathtool called TouchMath and within 20 minutes, I had him adding and subtracting.He will never be a regular student, butmy concern is to make sure he can know
enough to survive on his own as an adult when that time comes. It is hard, but nothing can trump ‘grandparent love!’”
As an article on AARP’s website notes,these grandparent caregivers and the children often feel isolated.
“They lack information about therange of support services, resources, programs, benefits, laws and policiesavailable to help them successfully fulfilltheir care-giving role,” the article states.“To better serve children, families andolder adults, educators and program prac-titioners need access to informationabout these key resources.”
Merk says there are a variety of localsupport groups for grandparents who areraising grandchildren. Grandparents arealso welcome to email her [email protected] with any questions or concerns they may have.
No matter what role grandparents playin their grandchildren’s lives, Merk saysshe likes to think of them as the prover-bial icing on the cake.
“Grandparents add a lot to the topand help smooth things over and makeeverything look pretty, but they are also
between the layers.”Alison Stanton is a freelance
writer who lives in the East Valley.She can be reached [email protected].
ResourcesBooks:“The Extra Parent: How GrandparentsAre Helping Out, Pitching In, andRaising Their Grandchildren,” by Elaine Denholtz
“Ticklebelly Hill: GrandparentsRaising Grandchildren,” by Hilda Osborne
“The Grandparent Guide: TheDefinitive Guide to Coping with theChallenges of ModernGrandparenting,” by Arthur Kornhaber
Websites:aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/grandfacts-sheets/
grandparents.about.com/od/
grandparentingissues/tp/GrandChildCare.htm
grandsplace.org/gp4/az.html
Grateful forgrandparents
What’sinside
LONG DISTANCE GRANDPARENTING: Even grandparentswho live far way can spend quality time with grandkids. Noahand Helena Sherman of Chandler play piano with theirGrandpa Jim, who lives in East Syracuse, NY. Submitted photo
Patty Merk
2 November 2012SanTan
FAMILYFUN
6
18 19
Wiggle Worms
Preschool TimeMagic TreehouseNovel Creations
Wiggle WormsBerry SpecialMashup
Little Red HenPreschool TimeFamily Nights
Chuck WagonsFall FestivalVeterans
CelebrationGilbert Art WalkLittle Red Hen
Wiggle WormsSteampunk Goggles
Wiggle Worms
Preschool TimeFamily Nights
Free DinnerOrigami YodaImagine This!
WoofstockImagine This!Solar System
Paws 2 ReadGilbert DaysHeritage Festival
Auto ShowLittle Red Hen
Arboretum Rocks!Fall Foliage
Wiggle WormsPreschool Time
17
HeyDayDrag Boat Race
Arizona State FairLittle Red Hen
VA ParadeThe Little Mermaid Jr.
Art WalkImagine This!
Sesame StreetSeussical Jr.Chess and Games
Manga ClubWiggle Worms
7
16
20
26 27
Heritage FestivalImagine This!
Always call to verify information as some eventschange or cancelafter the calendar
is printed.
Send family events and activities to
Auto ShowLittle Red HenThanksgiving Day
Chuck WagonsBlock PartyLittle Red Hen
Earth & SpaceSave AnimalsOld West Days
2North & South DakotaAdmission Day (1889)
1
Fulton Ranch Towne Center4040 S. Arizona Ave., Suite #13Chandler, AZ 85248
WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW AND BIGGER LOCATION!
Farmer’s MarketBookhype!
Imagine This!Sunset Series
Veterans DayBird WalkBugorama
Music FestivalLittle Red HenSymphony Concert
Family NightsMashupLittle Red HenBerry Special
November
Auto ShowBird Walk
Little Red HenFall Foliage
9 10
15
21 22 24
25
Farmer’s Market
Little Red HenKnit HappensPicasso's
8
Little Red HenPreschool TimeFinger PaintingFamily Nights
28 29 30
5
11
4
12 13 14
Día de losMuertos
Dia De LosMuertos
CPR ClassFall CarnivalGilbert Art Walk
3
Election DayPreschool Time
Auto ShowLittle Red Hen
23
CarolingFarmer’s MarketLittle Red Hen
Shrine CircusLittle Red HenChess and Games
November 2012 3SanTan
FAMILYFUN
3 CPR Certification Class, 2:30-6:30p.m. SWIMkids USA. Get CPR certified,learn how to perform CPR and help inother common emergencies involving illness or choking. Course includes abasic skills test and certification. Ages 16 and older. Space is limited.Preregistration required. Class is $60including workbook, materials andpocket mask. Childcare is $10 per child.2725 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa. 480-820-9109, swimkidsaz.com
Fall Carnival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Carnivalgames, a farmers market, craft vendors,food and other fun activities are part ofthe American Leadership AcademyGilbert Campus Fall Carnival. Admissionand parking are free, but there is acharge for activity tickets. 3155 S.SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert. 480-988-3204
Dia De Los Muertos, 11 a.m. to 6p.m. Dr. AJ Chandler Park. The festivalfeatures traditional music and dance bylocal performers, storytelling, children’sactivities, folk arts and crafts, ethnicfood, community altar and candlelightprocession. All ages. Free. 3 S. ArizonaAve. xicoinc.org
3, 10Gilbert Art Walk, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Downtown Gilbert. Stroll around localartists’ art exhibits featuring a variety ofmediums, with art for sale. All ages. Free.45 W. Page Ave., Gilbert.gilbertartwalk.com
4Drag Boat Race, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Firebird International Raceway. See the season finale of the Napa AutoParts IHBA World Finals, the biggest professional drag boat race in the country. All ages. $10-$41. 20000Maricopa Rd. off I-10, Chandler. 602-268-0200, firebirdraceway.com
Arizona State Fair, 10 a.m. ArizonaState Fairgrounds. The 128th annualArizona State Fair hosts a variety of fun-filled attractions, activities, concertsand rides for all ages at its traditionallocation at 19th Avenue and McDowellRoad in Phoenix. $10 adults; $5 seniorsages 55 and older and kids ages 5-13;free age 4 and younger. 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com
Alma School Ray Heyday, noon to 4 p.m. The four corners of Alma School and Ray roads are back tobusiness. Help celebrate the end of theconstruction with live music by TheChubby Dog Band, bounce houses, facepainting, pony rides and more. All ages.Free. Southwest corner of Alma School & Ray roads. chandlerchamber.com
4, 7-11, 21-25, 28-30“Little Red Hen” Puppet Show, 10 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. and2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. GreatArizona Puppet Theater. Hear Americanfolk songs and sing-alongs in this storyabout the little hen that just needed somehelp. Preschool-Grade 3. $6 ages 2-15, $9adults. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
5Manga Club, 6-7 p.m. Queen CreekBranch Library. Manga and anime fansjoin the club to meet every other monthfor snacks and fellowship, share favoritemanga and anime series and make new friends. Ages 12-18. Free. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
5, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m. Perry Branch Library. Tots have fun with flannel board rhymes, songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute play and age-appropriate books. Ages 18 months-3 years with a parent.Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
6, 7, 13, 14, 27, 28Preschool Storytime, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Queen Creek BranchLibrary. Stories, songs, rhymes, games,videos, finger plays and crafts forpreschoolers. Wednesday storytime is aduplicate of Tuesday storytime. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
14, 21, 28 Family Nights, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Tumbleweed Recreation Center. EachWednesday’s activities vary from themenights to arts and crafts to performancesand more. All ages. $2 for residents and$3 for nonresidents younger than 12.745 E. Germann Rd. 480-782-2908.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed
8Picasso’s Painters for Kids, 4-4:45 p.m. Southeast Regional Library.Become Picasso for a day and create apainting masterpiece. Bring a smock orold T-shirt to wear over your clothes.Registration needed. Ages 4-8. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
Knit Happens, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Perry Branch Library. Teens earn community service hours while knittingor crocheting and continue the traditionof fun, food and friendship—all levelswelcome. The current service project islap-sized blankets for Project Linus. Free.1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry HighSchool, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org
8, 15, 29Farmer’s Market, 3-7 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, in its new locationon the east side of Arizona Ave. Come experience homemade and farmgrown foods and vegetables available forpurchase. Various other trinkets, jewelry,crafts, pictures and more are on salefrom local businesses and artists. Free. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org.
9Veterans Day Celebration, 9 a.m. Navarrete Elementary School.Veterans and active service members ofNavarrete student families are invited toa school-wide ceremony, preceded by abreakfast in the school library. A speechby Capt. Robert Polston, performances bythe Basha High School Color Guard andselected presentations by Navarrete students from each grade level highlightthe celebration. 6490 S. Sun GrovesBlvd., Chandler. 480-883-4800
Fall Festival, 5-8 p.m. TotSpotPreschool. Festivities include music, petting zoo, bounce houses, food, carnival games, face painting, balloontwister and silent auction to benefitJuvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.The teacher who raises the most moneywill kiss a live pig at the event in a “Kiss the Pig” contest. Some games andactivities require ticket purchase. Foodavailable for purchase from Tom’s BBQ. Free admission. 4844 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert. totspotpreschool.com
9-10Chuck Wagon Cook-off, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Saturday. Tumbleweed Ranch atTumbleweed Park. A unique culinarycompetition combining the sounds,smells and tastes of the Old West asteams work from authentic 1880s chuckwagons to cook five courses in a judgedcompetition. Ages 13-17 years old canalso enter a new event this year, theDutch Oven Pizza Contest. Enjoy enter-tainment and activities that highlight history, cooking and local foods. Free admission and parking. Nominal fees for food and beverages.2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon
10Downtown Chandler Block Party,noon-8 p.m. Downtown Chandler.Residents are invited to come downtownfor a massive block party, including three stages of entertainment, a 12,000-square-foot KidsZone, more than 100 retail and arts and craftsvendors, and the debut of the Chandler’sGot Talent Competition. Free. ArizonaAvenue, between Frye Road andChandler Boulevard, Chandler. chandlerblockparty.com
Earth & Space Exploration Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Arizona State UniversityTempe campus, Interdisciplinary Scienceand Technology Building IV. Family eventfeaturing hands-on activities with earthand space scientists at ASU’s School ofEarth and Space Exploration, including avariety of interactive exhibits and sciencedemos; the Marston Exploration Theaterwith 3-D astronomy shows; a replica ofCuriosity rover; a guided field trip toTempe Butte; panning for gold; diggingfor meteorites; building an alien; earthquake activities; constructing rockets and robots; and driving underwater robots. Children can bringrock samples from their backyard to Dr. Rock for analysis. Ages 5 and older.Stop by the welcome table for information and special surprises. Free admission and parking. 781 E. Terrace Rd., Tempe. 480-965-3071, sese.asu.edu/earth-and-space-exploration-day
Fun, Food and Fido: Walk to SaveAnimals, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tempe BeachPark at Tempe Town Lake. Family anddog friendly 2K and 5K pet walks to
benefit Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA. Features dog agilitydemonstrations; dog training advice; pet photos with Santa; adoptable dogs;low-cost vaccine clinic; up-close interactions with exotic pets; pet vendors; kids’ zone with bouncehouses, face painting, games and prizes;food court; and entertainment by theRadio Disney Rockin’ Road Show. Bring milk bones and/or pet collars to the walk for a chance at a raffle prize.$30 donation or fundraising minimumper person to participate. 54 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. 480-423-1511, [email protected], aawl.org
Mesa Old West Days 2012, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Main Street, Mesa. An “old west” style, family event, with vendors selling western related arts, crafts, merchandise andfoods. Enjoy music, entertainment, cowboy shootouts, games, children’srides and a costume contest. Freeadmission and parking. 129 West Main St., Mesa. mesaoldwestdays.com
11Symphony Concert, 3 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts. A “Veterans Celebration” is the next performance by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. All ages. Free; donations accepted. 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-899-3447, ChandlerSymphony.net
Bugorama Volkswagen Drag Racing, 7 a.m. Firebird International Raceway.The Southwest’s longest running VW event features the finals for theBugorama Racing Series 2012 raceschedule, Show & Shine Car Show and Vendor Row Swap Meet. Adults $20, ages 6-12 $5. 20000Maricopa Rd. off I-10, Chandler. 602-268-0200, firebirdraceway.com, bugorama.com
Music Festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 nearMilepost 223. A day of live music with a
See Calendar, Page 4
4 November 2012SanTan
FAMILYFUN
new performer each hour featuring JimPipkin at 11 a.m. singing ballads aboutminers, outlaws and Arizona charactersfrom Territorial days; ‘The Storm’ at 1 p.m.; Millie Davis with well-knownstandards from the ‘40s through modernpop at 2 p.m.; and the Close EnoughString Band in the picnic area at 3 p.m.$9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12. 520-689-2723, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
11, 25Bird Walk, 8:30 a.m. Boyce ThompsonArboretum, 45 minutes east of Mesa onUS-60 near Milepost 223. Go on a two-hour guided walk and learn to identify resident birds and seasonalmigrants. All ages. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger.520-689-2723, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
12Phoenix VA Health Care System’sAnnual VA Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m. Downtown Phoenix, starting atCarl T. Hayden VA Medical Center andgoing north on 7th Street and Central toNorth Phoenix Baptist Church. Pays tribute to veterans, with the theme“Healing Wounds, Honoring TheirSacrifice,” featuring 100 entries includinglarge helium balloons, Veterans organiza-tions, floats, bands, military vehicles,color guards and a military flyover. Free.602-222-2667,phoenix.va.gov/news/parade.asp
The Little Mermaid Jr., 7 p.m. Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. Ariel the mermaid is in love with Eric, but he is a human? Will Ariel succeed inliving above the waves with her father,King Triton? $15. 22149 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek. 480-987-7469, qcpac.com
13Magic Treehouse Book Club, 4-4:45 p.m. Southeast Regional Library.Read the selected book “Thanksgiving onThursday” before the club meets andcome ready to talk about the book andmake a fun craft. Preregistration required online. Ages 7-9. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
Novel Creations-A Crafty Gift forBibliophiles, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Perry Branch Library. Create an upcyclingcraft project to turn gently used booksinto a book purse. Basic supplies provided, including ribbon. Bring other items from home to personalize your purse such as old costume jewelry or buttons, rhinestones, beaded or wood handles.Registration needed. Ages 14-18. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
14Free Dinner, 5 to 7 p.m. ICAN Lon E.Hoeye Youth Center. The entire commu-nity is invited to enjoy ICAN’s annual
Thanksgiving dinner with fun activities,live entertainment and a sumptuousmeal. All ages. Free. 650 E. Morelos St.
Origami Yoda & More, 4:30-5:30p.m. Queen Creek Branch Library. Learn how to fold a variety of differentorigami Yodas, Darth Vaders andWookiees to celebrate the release of themost recent book in author TomAngleberger’s “Origami Yoda” series,“The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee.”Beginning and experienced folders andStar Wars fans welcome. Ages 7-11.Space and supplies limited; registrationneeded. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., QueenCreek. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
14-18Imagine This!, 10 a.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater. This program featuresoriginal stories written by children andperformed by professional puppeteers. All ages. $6.00 ages 2-15 years, $9.00 adults. 302 W. Latham St.,Phoenix. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
15Bookhype! 3:30-5 p.m. Perry BranchLibrary. Teens evaluate YA books frommore than 30 participating publishers.Ages 12-18. Free. 1965 E. Queen CreekRd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
Sonoran Sunset Series, 6 to 7 p.m.Environmental Education Center. Features
live lakeside entertainment by theChandler Gilbert Community College Big Band. Patrons may bring blankets,chairs and food and should dresswarmly. Program may be moved indoorsor canceled due to inclement weather. Atall performances, beverages and snacksare available for purchase. All ages. Free.4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. 480-782-2889. chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis
16Downtown Chandler Art Walk, 6-10 p.m. Downtown Chandler. See various art in galleries, purchasejewelry or just enjoy the sights andsounds of the historic downtownChandler area. This is a free event sponsored by the Downtown ChandlerCommunity Partnership. 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org
“Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Super Heroes,”10:30 a.m., 7 p.m. Comerica Theater.See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird andothers as super heroes singing anddancing their way through lessons onhealthy habits, as they discover howexercise, rest, nutritious food and goodhygiene can save Super Grover. $25-50. 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. livenation.com
“Seussical Jr.,” 7:30 p.m. ScottsdaleDesert Stages Theatre. A Children’sTheatre production and a musical
extravaganza with some of Dr. Seuss’most beloved characters, featuringHorton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat,Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a littleboy with a big imagination – Jojo. $15.4720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 480-483-1664, desertstages.org
16, 30Chess and Board Game Club, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunset Library. Keep your chess skills in check, and play otherboard games with friends and family.Ages 6-18. Free. 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. chandlerlibrary.org
17Solar System Walk, 8 a.m. Chandler Environmental EducationCenter. All ages are invited to take a free,half-mile self-guided tour of the monuments and signs representing thesun, planets and other objects in thesolar system – placed at scale distances along the pathway that surrounds the lake. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis
Woofstock – The Great Chandler DogWalk, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tumbleweed Park.Family and dog friendly activities includ-ing: charity dog walk, concert for critters,pet contests, raffle prizes, interactivedemonstrations, dog massages, pet psychic, mini bark park and pet-friendly vendors. Free admission.
Calendar, From Page 3
Lessons, Training and Horse Sales
November 2012 5SanTan
FAMILYFUN
Fee to participate in walk. 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/woofstock
Paws 2 Read, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Perry Branch Library. Join a registeredtherapy dog that loves stories. Ages 5and older are invited to read their favoritebook to the special library dog. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry HighSchool, Gilbert. 602-652-3000,mcldaz.org
Annual Gilbert Days Parade, 9 a.m. Downtown Gilbert. Kicking offGilbert Days, the parade is a celebrationof Gilbert’s Western roots and heritageand involves local businesses, nonprofitorganizations, special interests groupsand schools. Gilbert Road betweenGuadalupe and Elliot roads. 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov/events
17-1810th Annual American HeritageFestival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Schnepf Farms.A family friendly educational event with acreative, interactive and historic activitiescelebrating American heritage, such asbattle reenactments of the RevolutionaryWar and Civil War, parades, artillery,music, historic church service on Sunday,living history demonstrations, food andshopping. The Colonial era through theAmerican Revolution, mountain men, pio-neers, the Civil War, westward expansionand more are represented by craftsmen,musicians and actors portraying diversehistoric roles and famous Americans
such as George Washington andAbraham Lincoln. $15; ages 3 andyounger free. 22601 E. Cloud Rd., Queen Creek. americanheritagefestival.com
19Steampunk Goggles, 5-7 p.m. Queen Creek Branch Library. Learn aboutsteampunk books to read and makesteampunk goggles. Space and supplieslimited; registration needed. Ages 12-18.21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
20, 21Berry Special Storytime Mashup,10:30-11 a.m. Tuesday; 11:15-11:40a.m. Wednesday. Queen Creek BranchLibrary. Join Miss Karrie and Mr. C for a“berry” special storytime mashup. Free.21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
22-25Arizona International Auto Show, 9 a.m-7 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.Phoenix Convention Center. Children areinvited to climb into cars, interact withrobots and more, as adults inspect hundreds of new cars, trucks and othervehicles in a nonselling environment, sit behind the wheels, view engines, kick the tires and even take a spin inseveral new models. On Family Day,Sun., Nov. 25, all children 12 andyounger are free with a paying adult. $10 adults; $6 ages 62 and older,
ages 7-12 and military w/any DOD ID.Ages 6 and younger free. 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.AutoShowPhoenix.com
24Arboretum Rocks!, 1:30 p.m. BoyceThompson Arboretum, 45 minutes east ofMesa on US-60 near Milepost 223. This geology walk teaches about therocks and volcanic formations seen alongthe main trail, spanning almost two billion years of geologic history.Learn why the rocks make this regionone of the world’s richest in copper andhow an active geologic past shaped thelandscape of today. All ages. $9 adults,$4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4 andyounger. 520-689-2723,ag.arizona.edu/bta,facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
24-25Fall Foliage Festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 near Milepost 223. See the ChinesePistachio trees turn shades of gold,pumpkin-orange and red along withother seasonal autumn leaves. Theannual festival includes live music, hotspiced apple cider and arts and craftsvendors. All ages. $9 adults, $4.50 ages5-12, free ages 4 and younger. 520-689-2723, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum
28The Fine Art of Finger Painting,4:30-5:30 p.m. Queen Creek BranchLibrary. Find out how Ruth Faison Shaw,an American woman, invented modernfinger painting and the formula for thenontoxic paint in the 1920s. Learn fingerpainting techniques to create amazingworks of art. Wear old clothes or bring asmock. Space and supplies limited; registration needed. Ages 7-11. 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
29Caroling in the Library, 4:30-6:30p.m. Perry Branch Library. Usher in theholiday season with caroling, gingerbreadcookie decorating, pajama storytime, hotchocolate and coffee. All ages. 1965 E.Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School,Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org
30El Zaribah Shrine Circus 2012, 6:30 p.m. WestWorld of Scottsdale.Featuring the Jody Jordan Circus fromLas Vegas, “A Sparkling Jewel AmongCircuses of the World.” The Shriners giveaway one boy’s and one girl’s bicycle ateach performance. Pony rides for chil-dren available at each performance. All ages. $15 adults, $12 military andseniors, ages 11 and younger are freewhen with a paying adult. Tickets may bepurchased one hour prior to each show.16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. 480-946-3696, el-zaribah.org
We offer classes ages 6 months and up:• Gymnastics• Tumbling• Trampoline• Martial Arts• Dance• Cheer• Ballet, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater
• Adult Bootcamp• Swimming
Great after schoolactivities for kids
of all ages!
Independent gymnastics classes
for 2 year oldsoffered!
480-820-3774www.aspirekidsports.com
50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center
$30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 12/22/2012
32,000 Square Foot, Air-Conditioned Facility with an Indoor Heated Pool
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SanTan Sun NewsCOMING INDECEMBER:
Makingmemorieswithout themadness
6 November 2012
October 2012 7
8 November 2012
Just4Kids
This month’s Just4Kids Page is sponsored by:
The City of Chandler Recreation Division
Register for Winter Classes! The winter Break Time magazine outlining
all-ages recreation classes and special
events for December, January and
February is now available at libraries
and recreation centers and at
www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
Registration begins on Saturday, November 3 at 10 a.m.
(Friday, November 9 for non-residents). For more information, call 782-2727.
Stay Connected!Chandler Recreation distributes a monthly newsletter (sign up atwww.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html). You can follow @ChandlerRec onTwitter and Chandler Recreation on Facebook and YouTube.
Special Events in NovemberThe third annual Chandler Chuckwagon Cook-Off will beSaturday, November 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. atTumbleweed Ranch. This culinary competition combines thesounds, smells, and tastes of the Old West. Teams work fromauthentic 1880s chuck wagons to cook five courses: bread,beans, meat, potatoes, and dessert. The event also featuresentertainment and activities that highlight history, cooking andlocal foods. Admission is free, but chuck wagon meal tickets are $10and they sell fast.
The Environmental Education Center hosts its Sonoran Sunset Series outdoor entertainment on Thursday, November 15 from 6-7 p.m. with a Veterans Day-themed concert. The series features free lakeside entertainment for the entirefamily. Beverages and snacks will be available for a small fee. Participants maybring blankets, chairs, or food and should dress warmly. For details on performers, visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.
The fifth annual Woofstock event willbe at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday,November 17 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.There will be a variety of dog-friendlyactivities and entertainment for all ages.Admission is free.
Parent & Toddler Activities at the TRC!Tumbleweed Recreation Center (TRC) will host its popular fall parent and toddlerdrop-in activities from 9-11 a.m. “Bikes, Bounce & Boogie” will be held onWednesday, November 7 and “Bubble Blast” will be on Wednesday, November 21.There is a $2 fee ($3 non-resident) per child. Call 782-2900 for more information.
Wednesday Family NightActivities!Join in the fun at Family Nightat Tumbleweed RecreationCenter every Wednesday from5:30-7 p.m. There is a differentactivity each week. The fee is $2 ($3 for non-residents ages 1-12) and $3 ($5 for non-resi-dents ages 13-17). Call 782-2900or visit www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed for more information.
SanTanFAMILYFUN
