SanTan Sun News,10-17-15: youth

Youth

This is not a trick...or treat Candy/medicine mix-ups too common on Halloween

BY JONATHAN SHERMAN, NATIONAL DEAN OF HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS AT CARRINGTON COLLEGE

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 300 children are treated in emergency rooms each day as a result of being unintentionally poisoned, two of whom lose their lives.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers also reports that in 2013, U.S. poison centers answered more than 3.1 million calls, including approximately 2.2 inquiries concerning human exposures to poisons. Just under half of all exposure cases managed by poison centers involved children younger than 6, many of whom swallowed harmful substances, including household chemicals and medicines, often having mistaken them for new toys—or candy.

And it’s no wonder.

Take a look at the medicines in your bathroom cabinet—and at the products under the kitchen sink. Ever notice the similarity between an aspirin and a breath mint? Or that pain relievers are almost identical to jelly beans? How about how all of the oil-based cleaning products look just like apple juice? Even the most common cleaning sprays resemble flavored waters and many of your children’s favorite juice packs.

Just think—if you have difficulty making the distinction, imagine what your kids see. This Halloween, ensure that your kids are getting harmless tricks and tasty treats by following these easy reminders.

Reduce the risk

To help keep children safe, parents should store anything that can be confused with candy, food or kids’ toys out of a child’s reach, perhaps in the garage or in a locked cabinet. These items can include: vitamins, household cleaning products, batteries, bug and weed killers, cigarettes, eye drops and contact solution, laundry products, nail polish, cosmetics, alcohol, mouthwash and plants.

Another recommendation: Make an effort to see the world through the children’s eyes. To young children, bright-colored bottles of any kind and candy-shaped boxes, no matter what is in them, look more like tasty treats than potentially fatal substances.

Share the knowledge

With more than 90 percent of poisonings occurring in the home (according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), parents must be vigilant and take precautions when visiting family members or when your kids are with the babysitter. Create a list of emergency contact numbers and helpful tips and have them in a visible place.

The CDC also recommends additional tips to avoid accidental poisonings:

• Always secure containers after use.

• Don’t let young children be around household cleaners or gardening products without adult supervision.

• Leave original labels on all products.

• If you have to do something else while taking medicine, such as answer the

phone, take any young children with you.

• Always take or dispense medications in a well-lit area to ensure proper dosage.

• Don’t give your children medicine prescribed for an adult.

• Never refer to medicine as “candy.”

• Install child-resistant latches on all cabinets and drawers. Purchase extra sets and share with others outside your home where your kids might visit.

And, perhaps most importantly, always remember that a determined child is a resourceful one—child-resistant locks and latches are no substitute for a caregiver’s watchful eyes.

Know the signs

Watch for signs that your child may have ingested a harmful substance— sudden vomiting or drowsy behavior, as well as evidence of the product on the child’s nose, mouth or on his or her

breath. Of course, if you suspect a child has swallowed a hazardous chemical or medication, immediately call 9-1-1.

You should also educate your children to spot the signs of a potential poisoning in their friends and siblings, and role play with them so they can practice what to do in those situations. And make it easy for them to find help fast. Put the poison help number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and save it on everyone’s cellphones. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Jonathan Sherman is the National Dean of Health Science Programs at Carrington College. Carrington College’s Mesa and North Phoenix campuses offer a certificate in pharmacy technology. For more information, visit www.carrington.edu.

Volleyball star working to ‘spike’ leukemia

BY TIM J. RANDALL

The tenacity, determination and spirit of 15-year-old Sierra Guyton will be celebrated on Wednesday Oct. 28, at Hamilton High School Gymnasium, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. That night, the girls volleyball team will help raise funds to alleviate the ongoing costs associated with the teen’s leukemia treatments.

“Sierra was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) on Friday, March 13, 2015,” said her mother, Michelle Guyton. “I remember it was the first night of the Ostrich Festival. It was devastating, a knife to the heart.”

Since March, Sierra has been undergoing intense chemotherapy.

“It is an eight-month treatment program, so I will be ending in December,” Sierra said. In this intense round, all of Sierra’s red and white blood cells are killed off by the chemotherapy, which impacts her immunity. “Next year I start the maintenance phase for 16 months,” Sierra said.

Sierra hopes to begin her comeback to the volleyball court around the same time.

“I can’t wait to return and start training with my club team, East Valley Juniors,” she said.

While undergoing treatment, Sierra has been unable to compete for her high school team at Hamilton, where she thrived the previous year.

“She is a hard-working athlete that leads by example,” said Sharon Vanes, Hamilton High School girls volleyball coach. “She is an incredible kid who started games for us as a freshman last year. She stepped right in and earned that spot.”

On that 2014 team, Sierra helped Hamilton to a second place finish at the State Tournament, but this year she has taken on a new role.

“She comes to our games and practices, and if it were up to her she would be back playing right now,” Vanes said. “It’s day to day, and I know she would rather be working out at practices and in the gym instead of what she is going through.”

The fundraising effort on Oct. 28 will coincide with volleyball matches between Hamilton and Gilbert high schools. The freshman team starts at 4 p.m., followed by JV at 5 p.m. and varsity at 6 p.m.

“These three matches are not only important conference matches, but it’s an opportunity for both schools to come together to help support the Guyton Family. All proceeds will be presented to the Guyton Family. Two Teams, One CauseBeat Leukemia,” said Peggy Banyai, secretary of Hamilton’s Parent Teacher OrganizationVolleyball, and who helped organize the fundraising effort.

There is also an interesting twist, as the games were originally to be played at Gilbert High School, but were moved to Hamilton.

“Volleyball coach Joe Hesse at Gilbert offered to have the games played at Hamilton to help the fundraising effort for Sierra. I give him a lot of credit, because this is an intense rivalry. Hesse went through something similar with a student athlete at Gilbert,” said Vanes.

At the event there will be a raffle, donation booth and opportunities to purchase T-shirts, bracelets and tickets for a table auction. Some items include Ocotillo

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

Golf for four, a signed football from Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson, and One Boutique, said Banyai.

Sierra is eyeing her return, but in the meantime is accepting that she must cheer her team to victory.

“Competitive volleyball is something I love,” she said.

And something she is extremely good at, leading the EVJ team to a 2014 national championship.

“Before her first year in high school, she had multiple schools looking at her volleyball skills,” said Michelle. “We are hoping that over the next two years she can earn a volleyball scholarship.”

In the run-up to her return, Sierra has been working out in her home when she has the strength and energy. “My dad set up circuit training, so I have been doing that with him,” she said.

Well on her way to a full recovery, Sierra and family are thankful and grateful to friends and family. “Everyone has provided

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council

so much support during this difficult time for Sierra and our family,” said Michelle. On Oct. 28 the support of the community will be solidly behind Sierra Guyton. “It puts everything in perspective when you see someone going through what she has,” said Vanes.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

The

of

9 A.M. - 1 P.M. | TUMBLEWEED PARK

You bring the kids and we’ll provide the fun! There is a little something for everyone at the Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play. The day will open with remarks from Mayor Tibshraeny and feature more than 80 community booths, bounce houses, contests, games, demonstrations and activities good for all ages. Admission is free, however there are charges for food and some featured activities.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 0 5:30-8:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN LIBRARY PLAZA

All ghosts, goblins, ghouls, creatures, princesses, characters and superheroes... Join us in costume for a family-friendly, safe alternative to trick-or-treating. There will be a costume contest, haunted house, souvenir photo and frame ($3), carnival games, pumpkin bowling, spooky pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, Trunk-O-Treat and so much more! Admission is free, however light food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Chandler Kiwanis Club.

Ghosts and goblins to gather at Halloween Spooktacular

BY ALISON STANTON

Superheroes, princesses, ghosts, goblins and more are all welcome at a free and family-friendly event on Friday, Oct. 30.

The Chandler Recreation Division, along with support from the Chandler Kiwanis Club, is holding its annual Halloween Spooktacular from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the plaza in front of the downtown Community Center at 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.

Stephanie Feldaverd, recreation coordinator of special events, said Chandler has hosted this event for 34 years.

The Halloween Spooktacular offers something for everyone, Feldaverd said, including carnival games, arts and crafts, a spooky haunted house and a costume contest.

“We love to have the whole family come

dressed up,” she said.

It is especially fun to see what ideas and costumes families and friends come up with for the Best Family/Group category, one of the categories in the costume contest, she added.

“We have had some really great family costumes. Last year, our winner dressed up as the characters from ‘UP’ with the kids being the characters and the mom being the house and balloons.”

Feldaverd said the Halloween Spooktacular will also include games like pumpkin bowling, themed piñatas, cupcake walks, a witch’s broom race and more.

For $3, attendees can get a souvenir photo taken with a special spooky guest, she said, and the Kiwanis Club will sell snacks that will satisfy the hungriest of ghouls.

Younger kids will enjoy getting their faces

painted, a Trunk-Or-Treat station, and the chance to paint their own pumpkin to take home.

“Kids will definitely leave with their bags filled with candy and prizes from our activities and event sponsors,” she said.

One of the best parts about Halloween Spooktacular, Feldaverd said, is that it gives families the opportunity to celebrate the holiday in a safe environment.

“The energy is high and kids are having a blast participating in all of the activities,” she said.

“It is always great to see the community come together and spend time at our festival, which is a safe alternative to trick or treating.”

Feldaverd said she especially enjoys seeing the creativity of the kids who enter the costume contest, which has winners in

categories like Best Princess, Best Superhero or Cartoon Character and Scariest.

“Some of the costumes we get definitely took time and effort, and I like them all,” she said, adding that it’s also a perfect opportunity for kids and their parents to wear their costumes on a night other than Halloween.

“It is a great night for the community to spend together and get prepared for Halloween the next night.”

For more information about the Halloween Spooktacular, call the Special Event Hotline at (480) 782-2735 or visit www. chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=280.

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

Day of Play returns to Tumbleweed Park

BY TRACY HOUSE

The community is invited to spend the morning of Saturday, Oct. 24, at Tumbleweed Park for the Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play. The free, outdoor event is a fun time to be outside, enjoy the activities and weather, and be together with friends and family. Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play draws between 4,500 and 5,000 residents each year to learn more about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, staying active and having fun.

Day of Play celebrates Chandler’s nine Playful City, USA awards from KaBOOM!, according to Stephanie Feldaverd, recreation coordinator with the City of Chandler. As one of 12 other U.S. cities, Chandler has consecutively been awarded the honor since the program began in 2007.

“This year we’re bringing back the Foam Fun Run,” Feldaverd said. “They were with us two years ago, but they’re coming back.”

The Foam Fun Run is a 1 mile and 5K run that will have a 30-foot slip ‘n’ slide, five foam stations and fun obstacles for participants to maneuver through. This event costs $55, $15 for per child 13 years or younger. A discounted rate of $20 is available using the PROMO CODE: DAYOFPLAY. All paying entries receive a race T-shirt, race bib and swag bag. Kids 7 and younger may run free with a paying adult, but do not receive the race T-shirt, race bib and swag bag. Onsite registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the race starting at 9:30 a.m.

“We asked the Foam Fun Run to partner with a nonprofit,” Feldaverd said. “RAD (Recreation and Athletics for Individuals with Disabilities) is a huge part of our recreation division. RAD is benefiting from the run. Every entry they get, RAD is given a certain

percentage, and Foam Fun Run is also giving them a flat donation as well.”

A variety of entertainment will be on hand including dance and gymnastics demonstrations by Dance Connection 2, Aspire Kids Sports Center, the Arizona State men’s gymnastics team, Zumba instructors from Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Desert Star Dance and Studio 3 Performing Arts.

“We have a youth and teen fitness challenge that’s put on by our teen department here in the recreation area,” Feldaverd said.

New this year, the Youth and Teen Fitness Challenge is an obstacle course just for teens, with prizes awarded for top finishers in each age bracket. Times are tracked by gender and age category, 10 to 12 years old and 13 to 17 years old. Pre-registration is recommended for this event. The registration fee is $3 for residents, $5 for nonresidents. For additional information on the Youth & Teen Fitness Challenge, contact Shawn Peoples at (480) 782-2746 or by email at Shawn.Peoples@chandleraz.gov.

“We are also doing a TeamPlay Sports Slam, put on by Fun Coach. He’s bringing out a bunch of inflatables for kids to go through and receive a prize at the end,” Feldaverd said.

USA BMX will be out with an obstacle course. “Kids can bring their bikes, or they’ll have bikes for kids to use,” Feldaverd said. “They can go around the course and then they’ll have free raffle prizes they’re giving away.”

Families are invited to bring the kids’ bikes to participate in this event. The Chandler Police Department will be holding bicycle safety demonstrations in

the parking lot throughout the day, near the BMX obstacle course.

Also new is Chalk it Up, an area for the community to come together to color in squares with chalk. “We’re hoping people will come together and get to know each other and have fun, draw and do some coloring as well,” Feldaverd said.

Other exhibitions include a jump rope activity on stage at 10:10 a.m. which is free for any age. Participants will receive a free jump rope. On stage will be Gael Tambe-Ebot, from the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, demonstrating circuit training. The rec center will be open for tours and to distribute information about what the center offers.

There will be over 100 vendor booths providing information, activities and food.

“The City will have an activity area where people can play horseshoes, sand volleyball and corn hole,” Feldaverd said. “We’ll have an area where people can step aside and play with their family for a little bit.”

Sponsors for Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play include: RAD, Spooner Physical Therapy, Chandler Unified School District, Just Go Connect.com, Garner Orthodontics, AASK, Western Bank and The Arizona Republic

For more information and to register for the events, visit www.chandleraz.gov. Under the pull down menu go to residents, parks and recreation, special events. Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play is at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., on the southwest corner of McQueen and Germann roads, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

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

The community is invited to the Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Tumbleweed Park. The free event is an all-ages celebration of the community’s health, wellness and fitness. Submitted photo

Event Schedule

• 8:30 a.m. Foam Run On-Site Registration

• 9 a.m.-9:20 a.m. Dance Connection 2— on stage

• 9:30 a.m. Foam Run 5K Start

• 9:30 a.m. Police Depart. Safety Demo— parking lot

• 9:30 a.m.-9:55 a.m. Personal Training Demo—on stage

• 10 a.m.-10:10 a.m. Mayor’s Welcome Speech—on stage

• 10:10 a.m.-10:25 a.m. Jump Rope Activity—on stage

• 10:30 a.m. Police Depart. Safety Demo— parking lot

• 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Aspire Kids Sports Center & ASU Men’s Gymnastics— on stage

• 11:10 a.m.-11:35 a.m. Zumba Demo— on stage

• 11:30 a.m. Police Depart. Safety Demo— parking lot

• 11:45 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Desert Star Dance— on stage

• 12:20 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Studio 3 Performing Arts—on stage

• 12:30 p.m. Police Depart. Safety Demo— parking lot

Youth

Dimming ‘Friday Night Lights’

Seniors saying goodbye to high school, hello to college

BY SHANE DEGROTE

With October upon us, high school football is rounding out its final month of the regular season. Seniors throughout the city will be saying goodbye to the “Friday Night Lights” and stepping up to the national spotlight of college football. Below, the SanTan Sun News has outlined the gridiron senior days, as well as some players the schools will miss.

Basha High School

The Basha Bears senior night is Oct. 29, when they play the Brophy Broncos in their final game of the regular season. Offensive tackle/guard Colton Dunkle, No. 56, has been a rock for the Bears offensive line all season and has shown what it takes to be a leader for younger athletes. He has excelled on and off the field, with a 3.7 GPA, as well as succeeding in the shot put for track and field.

Oct. 9, when they took on the Brophy Broncos.

The two-year starting quarterback Travis Lockhart, No. 3, hopes to bring home a state championship in his final year after finishing runner-up his previous year. The Huskies have stayed unbeaten thus far in the season in part due to Lockhart’s impressive play. He hopes to continue playing football collegiately and is looking at several schools including San Diego State. But for him, high school football experience has been a lot more than just the bright “Friday Night Lights.”

“Football is more than a game, it teaches you about life. Playing with a diverse group of guys, how to communicate with different types of people. You learn how to work together and become part of the family,” said Lockhart.

OLMC Catholic School schedules open house for youngsters

A special open house will be held for children entering kindergarten or preschool in the fall of 2016, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Prospective students will have the chance to experience a mini day of school during the open house. While the children are having fun in the classroom, parents may attend a presentation to learn more about OLMC Catholic School, meet the administration, find out about the school’s curriculum, discover how a

St.

“I am planning on either playing football or doing shot put for track in college, wherever I end up going,” said Dunkle.

Chandler High School

The Chandler Wolves senior night was Oct. 9, when they faced off against the Perry Pumas.

First-time starting quarterback Mason Moran, No. 15, has led the Wolves to another fantastic season following their state championship season from a year ago. Moran is looking forward to playing at the next level in the prestigious Pac-12, where he has committed to Oregon State on a football scholarship. He will surely miss Chandler, however, and is thankful for every moment it has brought him.

“It has been an amazing experience, it has totally been an awesome ride. From the coaches and players to the teachers and parents, it has been totally awesome and a great experience at Chandler High,” said Moran.

Hamilton High School

The Hamilton Huskies senior night was

Perry High School

The Perry Pumas’ senior night is Oct. 23, when they play the Basha Bears in their final game of the regular season.

Active captain and starting quarterback Gabe Tomaszewski, No. 19, has enjoyed every minute playing for the Pumas, especially the team camaraderie. Being so close with his teammates and experiencing the ups and downs of the season have been some of his favorite moments with the Pumas. Tomaszewski is excited to play football collegiately but he has not decided on a college. Wherever he goes, he is excited to take the next step.

“I am ready to play at the next level and see how well I do, as well as move on with my life. A little more independence and responsibilities, also meeting new people and trying new things,” said Tomaszewski.

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

Catholic education is affordable and have questions answered to help families plan.

All children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2016, to attend the kindergarten open house and 3 by Sept. 1, 2016, to attend the preschool open house.

To reserve a space visit www. olmschool.info, email openhouse@ olmcschool.info or call (480) 967-5567.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church is located at 2117 S. Rural Rd., Tempe.

Mary-Basha Catholic School hosts annual fundraiser

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School has been providing excellent 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 needs.

SMB is hosting the school’s largest annual fundraiser, the Eaglethon. Named after the school’s mascot, Eaglethon financially supports classroom technology and the facility’s operating budget.

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

students are 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) 9634951.

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

Teen creates annual haunt to help charity

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Casey Likes always enjoyed his room at his grandparents’ house. He loved its spaciousness.

As he sat, the 5-year-old’s creative thoughts wandered first throughout the space of that room, then beyond the walls through the rest of the house.

“I thought it would be really cool to make a haunted house,” said Casey. Casey, a big fan of Halloween, mentioned his idea to his grandmother, Diana Likes. They created a haunted room, which was enjoyed by family members. Rooms were added each year until the whole house was “haunted.”

Casey’s idea as a young child has now evolved into a fundraiser for a local charity.

“Casey Likes’ Haunted House: The Warehouse Out Back: Your Worst Nightmare” will treat visitors to horrorthemed props and actors from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, at 764 W. Carob Way in South Chandler. Visitors are asked to donate nonperishable food or cash to help Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. That organization provides food for 3,500 people in the East Valley every week.

At the age of 13, Casey, an eighth-grade student at Willis Junior High School, may be displaying his creative side, but he is also showing a magnanimous and charitable side by helping the food bank

feed individuals who experience financial difficulties.

Diana remembers that Casey didn’t know what to do about admission for the public when they began the haunt two years ago. “He asked, ‘what if we just ask for food donations or cash?’” Diana said.

“He was really impressed with this (Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank) organization when he was on the student council (at Knox Gifted Academy),” Diana said. “We could see it was a good one and that it was on the up and up.”

Casey said Knox conducted a fundraiser the year before. “I got a chance to see the people getting food,” Casey said. “I thought they would appreciate it if they got more donations.”

Last year the event drew more than 300 people, which doubled the first year’s turnout. Diana Likes said last year’s event brought in more than 500 food items and about $300 cash.

Mom helps with actors

The Haunt is designed, built and directed by Casey with the help of the Chandler High School theater department, where Casey’s mother, Stephanie Likes, is the theater teacher and director. Stephanie also has experience on Broadway, appearing in “Les Misérables,” Diana said.

More than 40 fully costumed actors

will play scary roles throughout the haunt. “My mom is casting most of the scare actors from her students she teaches at Chandler High School,” Casey said.

A new maze will be added to this year’s house which includes “Carn-Evil.” Visitors will wear 3-D glasses, Casey said. “The black light will give the UV paint some pop,” Casey said. “Carn-Evil” will be followed by “Your Worst Neighbors” and “The Uprising with the Zombie Apocalypse” in the maze, Casey said. “It was a lot of fun to build,” Casey said.

In directing, Casey said he likes to present misdirection in his work, and that is, “give ‘em a scare of what they aren’t expecting” including classic horror in Theater 13, one of the sections of the haunt.

Parents who think their young children might be frightened by the house can visit with a Mickey Mouse-costumed actor who will be handing out candy.

Casey has acted since the age of 3 in television, films, commercials and on stage, so he experienced at a young age the behind-the-scenes process of production. Casey loves writing and seeing his creative process come to fruition in film and on display in the haunt.

Casey also befriended his grandparents’ neighbor who saw the

event the first year and wanted to become involved. That neighbor’s house was added to the haunt last year.

Even Diana’s mother, who is 93 and “acts like she’s 73,” Diana said, sits out front of the house and hands out cookies as the Cookie Monster.

But Casey runs the show, Diana said. “He’s our director and he calls the shots,” she said.

Diana said Casey’s love for film and directing doesn’t surprise her. “He is very creative,” Diana said. Casey has visited Stanford University, UCLA and Universal Studios to study filmmaking techniques. He also showcases his videos and his directing skills online on YouTube.

For Casey and the Likes family, it’s all about helping others and the neighborhood has assisted with donations.

“We have a lot of people from the neighborhood who come by and bring food because they think it’s a good idea,” Diana said.

Casey hopes that support continues this year.

“Any nonperishable items are accepted and a cash donation works as well,” Casey said.

Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.

The coach’s kid Competitive drive, life lessons taught on the volleyball court

BY KYLE KERCHEVAL

The saying may be “leave it all on the court,” but All-State volleyball player Justine Spann knows that a serve she missed will find its way out of the Basha High School gym and into the car ride home.

The outside hitter is the coach’s kid.

“I take everything home with me,” said Justine, a Basha senior. “If I miss one little thing, I hear about it the rest of the week. But honestly, I love it. She’s the best coach in the nation—hands down.”

Terri Spann knew she wanted to coach her daughter from day one, given her own accolade-filled volleyball career and more than 20 years of coaching experience. Her daughter showed an instant love of volleyball, too.

“Justine’s always been a gym rat, she was a little baby in the ball cart and always in the gym, so it was obvious she was going to play volleyball,” coach Spann said. “I grew up with the same coach for pretty much my entire career and basically decided to do the same thing.”

Spann never intended to coach her daughter in high school, but after being asked to fill in as Basha head coach, she parlayed it into a full-time position during Justine’s sophomore season.

“When I was asked, I was like ‘Oh gosh, this is normally Justine’s time away from me,’” coach Spann said. “Plus I was enjoying not coaching high school

because I also run a huge club in Arizona, so it was a touchy situation.”

Spann took the job, but not before checking with Justine.

“I asked Justine if she wanted me to coach, and she was kind of like, ‘Well, not really,’” coach Spann said. “So basically what I told her was that it was me or you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

Justine opted for the constant challenge of her mom’s coaching style.

“I love coaching and so sometimes I forget that she’s my kid,” coach Spann said. “I’m not that type of parent who’s more concerned about my daughter. I’m just coaching a group of kids.”

While her coaching duties are by no means simple, for the former four-year starter at ASU, coaching is the easiest part. Spann admitted that flipping from coach to mom is the real challenge.

“That’s where I struggle, that’s the hard part,” coach Spann said. “A coach’s kid never gets a break. I’m always working on balancing that and I’m trying my best not to say too much at home, but coaching is my life and I love it.”

For the Basha Bears girls’ volleyball team, the passion is felt on the sidelines. For junior setter Alexandra Fisher, the coaching life that Spann loves transcends far beyond the volleyball court.

“Life lessons with Terri Spann, where do I begin?” the University of Central Florida commit said. “One of her favorite

sayings is ‘Passive people don’t make it in life and they’re not going to make it in volleyball.’”

Coach Spann’s competitive drive and underdog philosophy are also elements of her teachings that Justine and Alexandra will take with them when they leave Basha.

But for Justine, the Basha captain is ready to put her mom’s teachings to the test next year when she heads north to the University of Colorado.

“I’m very proud of everything that Justine’s accomplished all four years here at Basha,” coach Spann said. “She’s had an amazing career here. She has to work very hard to compete at that level, but I

remind her that you can always be that kid that comes in and makes a difference. ”

The coach’s kid is ready.

“It’s going to be a little tough not having my mom there to talk me through everything,” Justine said. “I love my mom, but in the end it’s time for me to grow up.

Anywhere I go I’m going to be the same exact player and I’m going to bring my underdog mentality to wherever it is.”

Kyle Kercheval is a sports journalism major at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Breakfast with Santa at BLD

Breakfast with Santa will be held at BLD Restaurant, 1920 W. Germann Rd., at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The reservation-only event is $12 for children 12 and younger and $18 for adults 13 years old and older.

A limited number of family packages, which includes two adult and two child tickets for $50, will be available. The tickets include a family swag bag full of goodies from Little Duck Organics, Smarty Pants Vitamins, Neat Cheeks and more.

Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast buffet including French toast, buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon

and fruit. An assortment of hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate will also be served.

Tickets also include a professional photo with Santa, available as a high resolution digital download, from E.L. Hicks Photography.

East Valley Moms Blog will have a craft for the children and giveaways for everyone to win.

Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive and receive three extra raffle tickets.

To purchase tickets, visit http://bit. ly/1PoDtak and enter code SantaVIP.

Rock the Block! returns to Chandler this November

The sixth annual Rock the Block! will return to downtown Chandler with a new look from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Rock the Block! is an annual free, familyfriendly 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.

Animal Medical Center of Chandler is a full service veterinary hospital providing wellness visits as well as advanced diagnostic, surgical, dental, dermatology services and more.

PREVENTIVE WELLNESS

SPAY/NEUTER DENTISTRY DIAGNOSTICS

SOFT TISSUE SURGERY K-LASER THERAPY AND MORE.

Andrea Stickland, DVM Owner/Operator of AMCofC Carolyn Duregger, DVM Associate Veterinarian

Applications now accepted for Teen Leadership Academy

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Teen Leadership Academy is a five-day program offered for high school, or a similar level home-based program.

It provides students with the opportunity to 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 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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.

Kartwheels helping kids celebrate Christmas

Kartwheels for Kids is hosting a Breakfast with Santa and a 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 men’s gymnasts 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. Small or large items are wanted—the heavier the better—because the nonprofit, Kartwheels, is paid by the pound.

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.

CLIENT APPRECIATION OPEN HOUSE!

Join us November 6, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Bring the entire family for an evening filled with food, fun and education!

 Meet the doctors and tour the hospital

 Enjoy food catered by GRAZ: Kitchen Fresh

 Raffle to benefit local pet-based charities

 Bouncy house, face painting, and balloon twisting

 Chandler Police Department Canine Unit

 Liberty Wildlife educational demonstration

 Exhibits on dental health, medical bathing therapies, diet and nutrition, cold laser therapy and surgery

 Meet Katherine Breeden from Be Kind to Dogs – training and behavior consultant

 Meet our recommended groomer –Nyah’s Mobile Grooming

• Follow us on Facebook for updates and more information!

• For safety reasons, we strongly recommend all pets be left at home.

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

Valley dentist offers Halloween candy tips

With Halloween right around the corner, a Chandler dentist is providing helpful tips for parents in regard to the kind of candy that should be given to trick-or-treaters.

Dr. Justin Philipp offers insight on some of the good candies parents can buy this holiday season.

• Sugar-free lollipops stimulate saliva production, which flushes away bacteria.

• Chocolate melts quickly and it’s best to stick to plain.

• Sugar-free gum helps dislodge food particles and stimulates saliva production, which can prevent tooth decay.

Some of the bad candies parents should avoid include:

• Sticky, chewy treats like gummy bears, caramel and taffy stick to the teeth. Generally, the stickier the candy, the worse it is for the teeth.

• Sour candies have high acid levels that

break down tooth enamel.

• Jawbreakers can actually chip teeth.

While getting a bag full of candy is a child’s dream, it can be a parent’s nightmare. Set a time to eat candy. Kids need to know that eating sweets is not a nonstop activity. Moderation is key and when kids know they have a specific treat time they’re less likely to think about candy at other times.

Brush and floss after eating sweets— and make it fun. Let kids pick out their brushes and pastes; just make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride.

Talk about oral health. Halloween should not be about the message that candy is bad for you, but that excess is not good for the teeth. It’s not just candy, but also fruit juices and snacks like pretzels.

Parents can also have kids choose their favorite pieces and donate the rest. On Monday, Nov. 2, Philipp will continue

his Halloween tradition of paying $2 per pound, up to 5 pounds, for candy. The candy will be shipped to American troops as part of Operation Gratitude. Sending candy to troops provides a taste of home and lets them know that children appreciate their services. Parents can bring their children to Philipp’s office in Chandler from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to donate at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4.

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.

Kids in the Kitchen at Chabad

Children in grades one to six will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, cook, bake and decorate fabulous foods, and take home their own handmade creations, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. There will also be an opportunity for each child to create their own cookbook.

Participants should bring their creativity, an appetite and a sack lunch. Cost is $12. RSVP by emailing rabbi@ chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333 for details.

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL

DISTRICT NEWS

Nov. 11: Veterans Day, no school Nov. 26 and Nov. 27: Thanksgiving holiday, no school

TARWATER TOROS

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mrs. Graff’s class for having the most attendance at Peter Piper’s fundraising night. Her class won a pizza party to celebrate. Way to go first graders.

Running Club

Running Club registration is available through Community Education, www. cusdcommunity.com. The fee to participate is $15 and does not include a club T-shirt. The parent information meeting is from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Practice starts on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

School Cents

Continue to log receipts for Chandler Fashion Center eateries throughout the month of October. They are worth quadruple points. Check the www.shoppingpartnership. com for those stores that are also offering double bonus points through the end of the month.

PTO Meeting

Join us at Barro’s Pizza, at Germann and Alma School roads, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, to learn about the Fall Festival and other upcoming events.

Fall Festival

Our favorite autumn outing is just around the corner—5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Plan to bring the family and neighborhood kids for bounce houses, games, music and a spectacular jack-o-lantern display.

Fine Dining

Toros magically transform the school cafeteria into a fine dining restaurant complete with table cloths, centerpieces, hosts/hostesses, food servers, bus persons, classical music and a delicious chicken and gravy lunch menu on Thursday, Nov. 5. The meal is served family style at each table and the event is a special annual tradition. Students are asked to dress up for the occasion in clothing that they would wear out to a nice restaurant.

—JoAnne Cawley

CTA INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY

PTO News

PTO thanks all our families for their support of the Spirit Wear sale in September. They will soon be sending home an order form for hoodies and long-sleeved merchandise. Watch your child’s backpack for more info. This year, PTO will continue with a Fun Run for our students to participate in. We will be kicking off our event on Friday, Oct. 23 with an amazing Pep Rally, and Friday, Nov. 13 will be the run. Volunteer opportunities will be available for both events, and students and staff are sure to have an amazing time. Information will be sent home with your child after the Pep Rally.

Give to a good cause

Student Council is hosting a cereal drive Nov. 2 through Nov. 13. If you are able, please send in a box or two of breakfast cereal. All boxes collected will be donated to the Chandler Care Center to help families in need. Thank you for donating to this cause.

—Wendi Olson

Chandler Service Club held annual Flower Girl Tea

The 82-year-old Chandler Service Club held its annual Flower Girl Tea on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Omni Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale. This “Mad Hatter Tea Party” was a festive and magical event where the 2015-2016 Flower Girls were formally introduced.

This year, 51 Flower Girls—local high school seniors—were introduced and presented their individual service projects. More than 450 women were in attendance to hear the Flower Girls passionately share their inspiring service project and its positive impact on the community.

Some of the projects included clothing and or feeding the needy, helping health-challenged individuals,

mentoring and teaching life skills. In addition to their individual service projects, Flower Girls volunteer throughout the year at local agencies, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Feed My Starving Children and AZBrain Food. The girls participate in activities that foster self-improvement, social etiquette, leadership and other life skills.

Founded in 1933 by a small group of local women during the Depression, the Chandler Service Club has maintained a role in hands on service and financial support to local causes since that time. The Flower Girl program began in 1952 to build a lifelong commitment to community service in young women.

We are committed to making our practice as convenient and accessible as possible. We want you to feel confident in us, as well as in your new smile.