Fairways and greens: That was the mindset of 11-year-old BASIS Chandler student Mahanth Chirravuri as he tied for second place at the recent IMG Junior World Golf Championship at Sycuan Golf Resort, outside of San Diego.
Competing in the 11- to 12-year-old bracket, Mahanth opened the three-day tournament with a sluggish 4-over par performance, but roared back over the final two days with rounds of 2- and 3-under par, respectively.
“He just played such great golf over those last two days,” said the sixthgrader’s father, Bobby.
Mahanth’s final-day effort put him in a tie for first place, forcing a four-way playoff to determine the winner.
“When I hit my tee shot in the playoff, I thought I had a good chance to win,” said Mahanth. “My second shot to the green, I pulled left into some trees, but I hit a great chip shot to a foot and saved par.”
Unfortunately for Mahanth, the winner made birdie on the first playoff hole to secure the victory.
Finishing high at the IMG Championship is significant. According to event staff, it is the largest international event in the world with 1,200 participants representing 56 countries and 42 states.
In Mahanth’s 11- to 12-year-old cluster, he competed against 132 players to earn the spot in the playoff.
“We are so proud of the way he played,” Bobby said. “His performance was a great accomplishment.”
So how does a young golf star, who
Mahanth Chirravuri tied for second place at the recent IMG Junior World Golf Championship at Sycuan Golf Resort, outside of San Diego. Submitted photo
has been swinging a golf club since he was 2 1/2 years old, celebrate such an effort?
More golf; he and his teammates from Lone Tree Golf Club played in Flagstaff in August.
“Our team played really well and we won our match,” Mahanth said. “I love competing and playing golf.”
Mahanth’s mom, dad and siblings enjoy watching him play and often follow him along on the course.
“It’s great to have them support me while I play,” Mahanth said.
Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
Chandler National Little Leaguers may not have made it to the World Series, but they’ll see the world. They’re headed to Taiwan for exhibition games later this month. The team is looking for sponsors. Email dougbcnll@aol.com for information. Submitted photo
Little Leaguers almost make World Series; Ready for Taiwan
BY TIM J. RANDALL
Baseball is often a game of mere inches; the called third strike on the outer half of the plate, or the potential game-winning hit signaled just foul down the third base line.
For the 12 year olds of the Chandler National North team, their quest to reach the Little League World Series in late August, fell just inches short.
The cusp of a Little League World Series berth for Chandler National North was the Western Regional played in San Bernardino, California, in early August.
“The West Region is typically the toughest in the nation to advance a team through to the Little League World Series,” said Doug Brewster, Chandler National North league president.
In reaching the regionals, Chandler National North recorded a perfect record, including winning Chandler North’s third consecutive Arizona Little League Championship.
“It is really quite an accomplishment to win any one year, but three years in a row is amazing,” Brewster said.
In the San Bernardino Regionals, Chandler National North faced a tough Northern California squad and defeated the team in a pitchers’ duel 1-0.
“Our team had two outstanding lefthanded pitchers, Brock Selvidge and Carter Wilson, who combined threw a great game,” said Paul Grako, Chandler National North manager.
Game two did not fare as well for Chandler, as a Utah team had a great performance in an 11-1 victory.
“Our bats were not as lively as they were in the Arizona State Championship,” Brewster said.
In a must-win game three in the doubleelimination format, the Chandler players gave it their all, but came up a bit short, losing 12-9 against a formidable Hawaii team.
“Our kids played really hard, but we just did not have enough to pull the game out in extra innings,” said Grako.
Despite the loss, Grako called the year an incredible success. “This is a great group of ballplayers, the roster was deep from top to bottom. We pitched, batted, fielded and ran well all year, and I am very proud of their play,” he said.
The team may have lost, but baseball is getting exciting for some of the players on the Chandler National North team. Fifteen Chandler all stars from Chandler National North and South will travel to Taiwan Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Friday, Oct. 9, to compete in an international goodwill baseball exhibition. The team is looking for sponsors for the trip. Those interested should contact Brewster at dougbcnll@aol.com.
“Our talented Chandler players will be going up against the best 11- to 12-year-old squads from Korea, Japan, Philippines and Taiwan,” Brewster said. “There will be great baseball, but also the kids will experience another culture. The boys are very excited.”
For Brewster and Grako, both are looking forward to making a run to the Little League World Series next year. “We will be back and ready to compete for a fourth straight Arizona Little League Championship,” Brewster said.
The Chandler National North team is comprised of Aiden Phan, Brock Selvidge, Brok Liu, Carter Wilson, Chacho Trejo, Christian Reynard, Connor Roland, Ethan Linn, Hayden Grako, Jimmy Martin, Kai Taylor, Michael Martinez and PJ Johnson. Besides Grako and Brewer, other officials are coaches Cisco Martinez and Andy Summers and “team mom” Jeni Linn.
Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.
St. Mary Basha Catholic School students place high at Seton Catholic
St. Mary Basha Catholic Church’s graduating students have enrolled at Seton Catholic Preparatory as freshman. The students have had one of the highest percentages of placements in honors classes, specifically in honors algebra. Also, the number of students from SMB that tested into honors algebra at SCP have increased from previous years. St. Mary Basha Catholic School strives for educational excellence and would like
to recognize SMB teachers for a job well done.
St. Mary Basha Catholic School has been providing educational excellence for the community for more than 70 years. SMB Catholic School has 450 students enrolled for the 2015-2016 school year and will continue to provide these students with exceptional academic and faith-based learning.
…The common denominator between young children and the love of reading.
FutureKiddie classes teach children the value of STEM
Kids ages 3 through 7 can learn the fundamentals of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at the 19 Valley locations of FutureKiddie Discovery Kids Puterbugs.
Founded in 2010 by Ken Chan, Chandler-based FutureKiddie offers classes that teach younger kids computer skills and introduces them to reading, writing, math and problem solving. The program is offered year round, one day per week or bi-weekly, at schools in Tempe, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa.
The program uses software and special mini-laptops designed for small hands to teach through storytelling and games. Children wear bands with letters to help familiarize them with the layout of a keyboard. Each session starts with an overview of the lesson, followed by instruction on how to use a mouse and
other exercises.
“It’s so important for children to be exposed to the principles of STEM education at an early age,” Chan said.
“In addition to being taught how to use a computer properly, the kids learn to respect technology as a meaningful tool they will use all their lives.”
The classes range from 30 to 40 minutes in length and each child has access to their own laptop to learn technology concepts, letter and number recognition, leadership and teamwork development. Music, art and crafts are also integrated into the program.
Tricia Noche’s son, Ryder, started taking the classes when he was 4 years old at the Joyful Beginnings Academy in Chandler. “What he’s learned has far exceeded my expectations.”
Noche said Ryder, now 6, even knows
how to search for files and complete homework assignments by himself.
The classes cost approximately $45 per month per child at specific locations offering the course as a separate program. Schools that wish to offer the classes receive a lesser rate per child based on the number of participating students.
Class sizes range from 6 to 15 students. All instructors are background checked and are selected based on how well they work with kids and their love of technology.
FutureKiddie utilizes the Discovery Kids Puterbug STEM software designed by New Jersey-based Imagine Tomorrow.
Chan, a self-taught technology enthusiast, immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong with his parents in 1997 and is also the owner of
Rock the Block! returns to Chandler this November
The sixth annual Rock the Block! returns to downtown Chandler Saturday, Nov. 14, with a new look. The rockthemed 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.
Chandler-based Ironman Refurbished Business Computers (IRBC). IRBC was founded in 2012 with his sister, Linda, and provides quality, certified used laptops to businesses and consumers. He donates monthly to the Make a Wish Foundation and volunteers his time to area nonprofits working with children. A new computer e-commerce site will be launched this fall to make his refurbished laptops available nationwide.
He added, “Whenever I have the opportunity to help others, especially kids, I feel I am making a positive impact in the community.”
For more information and participating locations, call (480) 3313068, visit www.futurekiddie.com or email FutureKiddie@FutureKiddie.com
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.
Owner Ken Chan instructs the youngsters during class Submitted photo
Owner Ken Chan gives students ages 3 and 4 high fives at a class at Grace Garden Christian Pre-School in Phoenix. Submitted photo
Mini laptops are used, as well as software and bands for the kids to wear to help get them familiarized with letters and the keyboard. Submitted photo
BMX Bike Event features professional riders Girls fast-pitch tourney scheduled
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Bike riders and enthusiasts will soon fill the grounds of the Chandler BMX Park at Espee Park.
The BMX Bike Event is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the park, 450 E. Knox Rd. Admission is $3 for Chandler residents; $5 for nonresidents. The ticket price includes food from Buffalo Wild Wings.
“It gives the parents a chance to come out to see what the kids are doing at the park,” said City of Chandler Recreation Coordinator Shawn Peoples. “They can come out and see they are riding and learning tricks and getting better at what they are doing with their craft.”
Although the event is geared toward kids ages 12 to 18, it is open to all ages. Attendees will have the chance to test out the park and ride at 9 a.m. before demonstrations run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“I will have different vendors and demonstrations from professional riders showing tricks and how to use the park correctly,” Peoples said.
Nine professional riders, including Jose (DCat) Yanez, will be on hand. Yanez appeared in the film “Rad” in 1984.
In addition to the demonstrations, a video game truck will be on site featuring BMX games for kids who are unsure about riding their bikes at the park.
“They can go in and play video games that are similar to the park,” Peoples said. “Many (will) get their courage up and try it as well.”
Music, raffle giveaways and bike vendors are also a part of the festivities.
This is the second year the BMX Bike Event has been held since Espee Park was
Stop by the Chandler BMX Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, for the BMX Bike Event. Submitted photo
built approximately six years ago. It serves to showcase the park to nearby residents and the community as a whole.
The 25,000-square-foot facility, named one of the top five parks in the United States, has ramps, hills and half pipes.
Last year the event attracted up to 45 people. This year, Peoples said he is expecting up to 200 attendees.
“It should be a really nice time,” he said. “It’s time to kick back and have fun.”
Peoples said he wants to show youth that they can do this as a living. BMX riders receive sponsorships from companies to ride.
“It is something you can do as a profession,” he said.
Peoples’ hope is that ESPN will air events from the BMX Park.
For more information, call Peoples at (480) 782-2746, or email shawn.peoples@ chandleraz.gov.
Preregistration is encouraged due to limited space. Tickets will be on sale the day of the event while supplies last.
Meghan McCoy is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
The Chandler Recreation Division will hold a girl’s fast-pitch softball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Snedigar Sports Complex, 4500 S. Basha Rd.
Teams in age groups 10 and younger, 12 and younger, 14 and younger, 16 and younger and 18 and younger will compete in a guaranteed three-game format during pool play, followed by a single-seeded elimination tournament on Sunday, Sept. 27. First- and second-place tournament winners will receive prizes.
The entry deadline is Friday, Sept. 18, and entry fees are $350 for Chandler resident teams and $475 for nonresident teams. Residency is based on the address of the team manager.
Teams can register online at www.
chandleraz.gov/registration using registration code 1SN272, or in person at the following locations:
• Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.
• Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd.
• Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd.
• Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Registration forms and fees also can be dropped off at or mailed to the Snedigar Recreation Center, ATTN: Chandler Classic Softball Tournament, 502 P.O. Box 4008, Chandler, AZ 85244-4008. Checks should be made payable to the City of Chandler. For more information, call (480) 7822704.
Seton Catholic High School hosting basketball tourney
Seton Catholic High School will be hosting a three-on-three basketball tournament from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Age divisions include third and fourth grade; fifth and sixth grade; seventh grade and eight grade; junior varsity; varsity, adult, masters 38 years old and older for both male and female athletes.
Registration will be accepted through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. Game information will be posted online Friday, Sept. 11 with games being played
on Sunday. The cost is $80 per team with no more than four players to a team. Each participant will receive a tournament T-shirt and the winning team receives team apparel. Teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games, all of which will be played indoors with referees on all courts.
Registration forms are available in the Seton Catholic High School main office, or online at www.setoncatholic.org. Contact Karen Self for more information at kself@ setoncatholic.org, or (480) 545-4309.
Apple Dumpling Café
3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www.
appledumplingcafe.com.
Mondays are family value night, when kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, when kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.
Chompie’s
3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008
www.chompies.com
Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.
Copper Still Moonshine Grill
2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476
www.
CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com
Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.
Dilly’s Deli
2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645
www.dillysdeli.com
WHERE KIDS EAT FREE
Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.
Earnest
4991 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 1, Chandler (480) 883-3773
www.earnestrestaurant.com
Through the end of August kids eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée.
El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina
2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770
www.epfamilyrestaurants.com
Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.
Fat Willy’s
4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356
www.fatwillysaz.com/chandler
From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, dine-in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 or younger.
Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta 590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler
Boy Scout Eagle Project a
Tyson-Jay Saena, a senior at Hamilton High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 639, said he is thankful for the number of water cases and/or monetary support he received to exceed his Eagle Award’s goal. More than 700 cases of water were collected, which is over 9 tons of water. A huge thank you goes to the Chandler Rotary Club, and Chandler-Horizon Rotary Club, as well as Kiwanis Club of Chandler for their donations, he said.
(480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net
Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine-in only.
The Hungry Monk Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000
www.hungrymonkaz.com
Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.
NYPD Pizza
2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898
www.aznypdpizza.com
Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine-in only.
Pittsburgh Willy’s
48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197
Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 percent off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.
The water was delivered on April 11 to A New Leaf, a nonprofit organization in Mesa that serves approximately 19,000 people a year. It has homeless and domestic violence shelters, teen programs, community outreach programs, outpatient and afterschool programs. Most importantly, A New Leaf also serves a watering station for the greater East Valley.
Congratulations Tyson-Jay for achieving your Eagle Award.
High School teacher
Chandler High School Theater Department teacher Stephanie Likes was honored by the Disney Performing Arts Department at an Educators Summit–Inspiring Brilliance Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 in Anaheim, California. The summit was attended by 22 specially selected, outstanding and innovative performing arts teachers from all over the United States and Canada. Likes was invited and recognized in part because of her past professional experience as a lead performer over five years at Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and on the
Disney Magic Cruise Ship. After that she spent two years performing in “Les Miserables” on tour and on Broadway. She continues to perform in television, commercials, film voice-over and stage. In her first year as the theater teacher and director, Likes’ students won acting awards from National Youth Arts for best actors in “The Crucible” and “Seussical the Musical.” Last spring NYA also awarded the cast of “Seussical the Musical” the “Outstanding Ensemble” award.
and her family
Planet Sub 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503
www.planetsub.com
Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.
Social Box
1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735
www.socialboxeateries.com
Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.
Sidelines Grill
2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965
www.sidelinesaz.com
Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.
Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill
135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-7673
Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section.
Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.
Readers, if you know of a location that has a kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.
Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.
teacher,
Diamondbacks accepting submissions for school challenge
The Arizona Diamondbacks are accepting applications for the $100,000 School Challenge, which is presented by University of Phoenix, to benefit schools across Arizona. The program is open to all Arizona public, private and nonprofit charter schools, grades K-12. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to “make their best pitch” on why they deserve to receive this important funding by submitting an application at www.dbacks.com/schoolchallenge by Wednesday, Sept. 30.
“We are excited to once again offer the School Challenge program for the third year in a row,” said Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall. “Along with our partners at University of Phoenix, the D-backs are impressed with the innovative programs that schools around the state of Arizona have created. We are committed to helping launch new and inspired programs, as well as assisting those that are in the greatest need of funding for even the most basic items. We are dedicated to ensuring that the schools in Arizona receive the resources that will make the biggest impact on our students and the community at large.”
The D-backs kicked off the program in the spring of 2012 with the $100,000 School Challenge and received an overwhelming response that inspired the team to continue the program annually. With more than 2,500 applications over
the past three seasons, the D-backs have been able to help 111 schools for a grand total of $550,000 since the program began. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and the University of Phoenix provide a combined $100,000 for the program. The $5,000 grants have helped schools from across the state with innovative programs, such as vocational activities for special education students, digital sculpting for animation art classes, communitygardens and after school fitness classes.
“University of Phoenix recognizes the financial challenges facing K-12 schools across America, and is proud to partner once again with the Arizona Diamondbacks to invest in deserving students and educators,” said Timothy P. Slottow, president of University of Phoenix. “The School Challenge recognizes innovative programs and projects at schools across Arizona. We are thrilled to join with the Diamondbacks to celebrate these educators and the noble work they do each day to brighten the hearts and minds of our youth.”
The School Challenge is part of the D-backs’ overall charitable efforts. In 2014, the team and its charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, surpassed $41 million in combined donations since its inception in 1998, including more than $3.8 million in 2014.
Nonprofit seeking local host families for high school 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) 7332773 or visit www.host.asse.com to begin the host family application.
STUDENT CHRONICLES
Madison LeBlanc will be studying biology at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Renee Terrell will be studying business administration at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Chelsea Santiago, a Hamilton High School graduate, enrolled at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.
Zariah Claiborne has enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico.
Inc.’s
Patric Pray is a member of the 2015 Hofstra men’s soccer program at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
Cameron Berry was awarded a scholarship at SUNY Oswego in New York.
Junior Chuck Wagon Cook-Off invites
youth to participate
Chandler’s sixth annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is a family-friendly culinary competition and living history event on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7. The event will feature a special cook-off open to a few adventurous and creative 10- to 15-year-old Valley youth on Saturday, Nov. 7. The festivities are held at Tumbleweed Ranch, near the southeast corner of Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Admission is free.
For the Junior Chuck Wagon Cook-Off each youth participant is assigned to one of the authentic 1880s chuck wagon teams whose members will provide guidance for cooking cobbler in a Dutch oven over a wood fire. No cooking experience is required to enter the Junior Cook-Off, and while parental cooking help is not allowed, their enthusiastic support is welcome.
Laurie Brimhall’s 14-year-old son, Harrison, competed the last two years in the Junior Cook-Off, and they both loved the experience.
“It was like taking a walk back in time, seeing the authentic wagons and the history they represented,” she said. “We learned more about the Old West and our American past. It’s nice to see our Western heritage being preserved.”
All youth participants receive the same basic peach cobbler recipe and the necessary ingredients upon arrival. The young cooks are encouraged to add their
own 1880s era spices and/or sweeteners to personalize the recipe. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. and the cobblers must be delivered to the judging station at 2:45 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three peach cobblers, and the winners will be announced at 4 p.m.
Harrison enjoyed the experience so much in 2013 that he participated again in 2014, and influenced his younger sister and a cousin to compete. He also won first place.
“It was a fun day and I’m excited to do it again,” Harrison said. “The best thing was meeting Musselshell Wagon, (a chuck wagon team from Montana.) They were friendly, helpful, and taught me more about cooking in a Dutch oven.”
There is no fee to register for the Junior Cook-Off, and the deadline to submit an entry form is Friday, Sept. 25. Participants will be chosen on a firstcome, first-served basis and notified by Oct. 9. Interested participants can contact the competition coordinator Melissa Jimro, at (480) 874-7591, or at melissa@icanaz.org. For complete rules and a registration form, visit www. chandleraz.gov/chuckwagon.
The Chandler Chuck Wagon CookOff is presented by the Pardners of Tumbleweed Ranch and Biscuitflats Chuck Wagon. For more information, call (480) 782-2751.
O’Sullivan wins 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship
Hannah O’Sullivan, 17, of Chandler won the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Portland Golf Club, earning a 3 and 2 victory over Sierra Brooks, a 17-year-old from Sorrento, Florida.
After trailing by three holes through 15, O’Sullivan steadily inched closer, cutting the deficit to one down at the 18-hole break, squaring the match through 23 holes, taking the lead on the 24th hole and make a 4-foot putt on the 34th green to seal the victory.
“I can’t really describe how good it feels,” said O’Sullivan, who also earned co-runner up honors at the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship. “It was just such a tough match today, and to be able to come out on top, it’s just incredible. I just feel so blessed.”
O’Sullivan and Brooks received exemptions into the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open Championship at CordeValle, near San Jose, just 30 minutes from where O’Sullivan grew up in suburban San Francisco. O’Sullivan also received a 10year exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur and one-year exemption into the Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship, ANA Inspiration and Evian Championship. Brooks received a threeyear Women’s Amateur exemption.
Both competitors played exceptional golf during Sunday’s 36-hole final match, with O’Sullivan playing to 7 under par and Brooks to 3 under, with the usual match-play concessions. O’Sullivan struck first, winning the par-4 third, but Brooks took holes five and six for a 1-up lead. O’Sullivan squared the match through seven holes, and Brooks regained the 1-up advantage with a 10-foot birdie on No. 9.
For the next several holes, the momentum swung notably in Brooks’ favor. O’Sullivan flew the green on No. 10 and stubbed her chip, with the resulting bogey giving Brooks a 2-up lead. She extended the advantage to 3 up with another birdie on the par-4 14th.
“This morning, I was striping it, and everything was really clicking,” said Brooks, who has verbally committed to attend and play for Wake Forest University for 2016. “I didn’t miss a lot of shots.”
O’Sullivan returned to her early form on the par-4 16th, where she drained a
30-footer for birdie and cut Brooks’ lead to 2 up. Brooks then stumbled on the par-5 18th, finding a left fairway bunker off the tee. Her escape shot clipped some low-hanging trees and failed to advance more than 20 yards, ultimately resulting in a bogey that dropped her advantage to 1 up going into the lunch break.
“I felt like I wasn’t playing very well at all the first 18, but I fought back and I still shot 1 under,” said O’Sullivan, who plans to join the University of Southern California golf team in the fall of 2016. “I knew the game was definitely there, and I had the opportunities.”
O’Sullivan took her first lead since the fourth hole with a 5-foot birdie on No. 24. A second consecutive birdie on the 25th hole, this one from 6 feet, extended O’Sullivan’s advantage to 2 up.
Brooks fought back with a birdie on No. 27 to pull within one, and the match again went to all square when O’Sullivan missed a 6-foot par putt on the 29th hole.
The match turned squarely in O’Sullivan’s favor on No. 30. Brooks’ 40-footer for birdie just missed to the left and O’Sullivan dropped a 30-footer of her own for a 1-up lead. She went 2 up after Brooks failed to get up and down from a greenside bunker on No. 32, and gained the 3-up advantage by nailing a 7-foot birdie on the 33rd hole.
“I knew if I was standing over that putt thinking about (winning), probably the result wouldn’t be what I would have liked,” said O’Sullivan. “I just tried to push that aside and just stand over the putt, commit to it and put a good stroke on it, and to see it go in was awesome.”
Brooks had an opportunity to extend the match on No. 34. Her long birdie putt was on line, but heartbreakingly squeaked just past the hole to the left.
“When we came back out (from lunch), she definitely played 100 percent and she definitely brought it on,” said Brooks. “I struggled a little bit, but I still played well, and she just played better, and she made more putts, and in match play that’s what it always comes down to.”
The 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship is open to female amateur golfers with a handicap index not exceeding 5.4. It is one of 13 national championship conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.
The Junior Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is fun for youngsters 10 to 15 years old. Submitted photo
Chandler’s Teen Leadership Academy accepting applications
Chandler residents who are enrolled in high school, or a similar level homeschool 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
CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Sept. 7: No school due to Labor Day
Sept. 25: First quarter ends
Sept. 28 to Sept. 30: First intersession
(Sept. 28 to Oct. 9)
BASHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Basha Elementary School’s PTO has created a free mobile app for the 2015-2016 school year. The Bobcat app allows parents and students to access all the information found on the school, PTO and district websites. Users can access grades, lunchtimes, bus routes and teacher contact information. Also, with the one-touch attendance line, parents can call direct from the app to report an absence. With the Bobcat app, parents can receive push notifications for changes in daily schedules or other timely information. It is available free in the iPhone, iPad and Android app stores.
—Kevin Adey
CTA INDEPENDENCE
The CTA Independence Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser is coming soon. Watch for
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 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, March 7, through Friday, March 11, during Chandler Unified School District’s spring intersession.
Students must have transportation to
information in your child’s backpack. Your student will learn the importance of good heart health and have fun jumping rope in physical education classes. Donations will benefit the American Heart Association.
Mark Your Calendar:
Sept. 7: Labor Day, no school
Sept. 16: Picture Retake Day
Sept. 28 – Oct. 13: Fall Intersession —Wendi Olson
Miss Arizona Madi Esteves, above, visited Sue Tharalson’s fifth-grade class at Tarwater Elementary on Aug. 18. Students asked Esteves, who attended Tarwater,
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.
questions about her favorite teachers, her talents, and how she prepared for the upcoming Miss America Pageant. The competition is held in September in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The students were fascinated with her answers, and pleasantly surprised when she presented a personalized autographed postcard of herself to each student.
School Cents:
School Cents is offering quadruple points (20 points per dollar spent) when you log recipients from any Chandler Fashion Center eatery or restaurant. The offer includes restaurants around the mall, too, such as Benihana, Majerle’s, Famous Dave’s and the food court inside. Any receipt dated from May 1 or later can be logged at Guest Services, or turned into the School Cents box in the front office. Let’s get Tarwater in first place.
Mark Your Calendar:
Sept. 15: Restaurant fundraiser at Peter Piper Pizza from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Alma School and Queen Creek)
Oct. 30: Fall Festival from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plan to bring the family and
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.
neighborhood kids for bounce houses, games, music and a spectacular jack-olantern display. The PTO is accepting DJ bids; submit bids to the PTO at tarwater. president@gmail.com.
—JoAnne Cawley
WEINBERG ELEMENTARY
First- and second-grade students were treated to a special visit from firefighter Tom Foshee on Thursday, Aug. 13. Students learned about fire and home safety. This lesson was part of a partnership with the Chandler Fire Health & Safety Department called Life Partnership. Students are taught how to handle emergencies or dangerous situations.
WNN (Weinberg Network News) held tryouts for positions on the news crew. Forty-five students attended. Eighteen students were selected and will begin videoing this week to provide news for the entire school.
Fourth graders created a map of Arizona made out of a giant cookie. Many outstanding moms came in to help out with the project.
—Heidi Huggins
From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop
ecently, I have had the distinct privilege to be asked to write alongside renowned bestselling author, Brian Tracy. This was a life-list opportunity for me to contribute a chapter in his next book. In consideration of that honor, I thought I would summarize a past writing of Mr. Tracy from his book, “Success Mastery Academy.” In this book Brian Tracy describes six characteristics of a master achiever. What is it that makes some people so successful? Here they are:
1. They are ambitious. They see themselves capable of being the best. They see themselves with the capacity of being 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 throughout 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 committed. 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 extraordinary. 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
Thomas Chamberlain
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 Brian Tracy has been released and has reached the bestseller 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.
