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SanTan FAMILY FUN

Keeping Halloween happy and healthy for everyone

By Alison Stanton

This Halloween, Meghann and Marcus Sepulveda will help their three children—Sofia, 6, Julia, 3, and Milo, 2—into their costumes and take them around their Clemente Ranch neighborhood for some trick-or-treating.

Sofia is not too sure about spooky decorations, Meghann says, so her family makes sure to avoid those homes.

“There are a few houses in our neighborhood that go all out with smoke machines, scary music, and even people dressed up like zombies who try to scare the older kids,” Meghann says.

What’s Inside

“I try to remind her that everything is fake and there is nothing to be worried about.”

When the kids are done trick-or-treating, Meghann and her husband let their kids eat two or three pieces of candy, and everybody picks out a few more for the following day. The rest, Meghann says, heads off to work with Marcus for his co-workers to enjoy.

According to tips and advice from three local professionals, the Sepulveda’s approach to Halloween is spot on.

Staying safe while trick-or-treating

Sgt. Joe Favazzo from the Chandler Police Department recently released a list of Halloween safety tips that advise parents to never allow their children to trick-or-treat alone.

“Accompany your child on their trick-or-treating adventure,” he says. “Remember, safety in numbers.”

“Things like Laffy Taffy or gummy worms stick between the teeth and into the grooves on top of the teeth. This allows the bacteria that cause cavities to eat this sugar for long periods of time, creating large quantities of acid, and therefore cavities.

Rather than let kids eat one or two pieces of Halloween candy a day until it is gone, Philipp says it’s actually better to eat a larger quantity in one sitting and then be done with it.

In addition, Favazzo says, trick-or-treaters should bring a flashlight or some other device that lights up, as well as a cell phone.

If the lights are not on at a house, Favazzo advises families to skip it, and everyone should be extra careful when they are crossing the street.

“Remember, pedestrians are much less visible to drivers in nighttime hours, even if they are wearing light-colored clothing,” he says.

For parents who like to take their younger children out before it gets too dark, Favazzo says they should avoid being out at dusk, as this is actually the most difficult time of night for drivers to see pedestrians.

To make sure the plethora of funsized Kit Kats, M&Ms and Skittles are all OK for little ones—and their parents—to eat, Favazzo says mom or dad should check their children’s candy before they can eat it, and throw away anything that is homemade, improperly sealed or suspicious looking.

Tips for the post-Halloween smile

Dr. Justin Philipp, a dentist from J. Philipp Centers for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Chandler, says when it comes to Halloween candy and oral health, not everything is created equally.

“The stickier and gooier the candy the worse it is for your teeth,” he says.

“When you consume sugary snacks and drinks you expose the bacteria that cause cavities to their preferred food source. This is when these bacteria produce the acid that damages your teeth and cause cavities to form. When this process happens repeatedly all day long it can cause cavities to form very rapidly.”

As for which type of candy is the most preferable—at least in terms of the teeth—Philipp says chocolate comes in at No. 1.

“It might seem strange to hear the dentist tell you to eat chocolate but that really is the recommendation when discussing sweet snacks,” he says.

It might be an overstatement to say chocolate is good for the teeth, but “it certainly isn’t bad for them.”

“The bacteria that cause cavities like an acidic environment; however, chocolate is a basic food. This makes it much harder for the bacteria to do damage to your teeth.”

Respecting the sensitive child

Ruth Lucas, MPsych, a professional consultant and life coach, licensed facilitator of "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent" and owner of Lucas Seminars in Chandler, says to help make Halloween as scare-free as possible, parents can focus on the idea of make believe, imagination and impersonations that are funny and clever.

child understands the idea of trick-ortreating and can participate on his or her own.

“Until then, pick and carve pumpkins, decorate, and help hand out treats to older kids.”

As for parents who are tempted to go all out with Halloween, doing tons of decorating and buying expensive costumes for everybody, Lucas cautions them to not overdo it.

“Keep it simple. Don’t set a precedent you will feel obligated to improve upon every year,” she says.

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

Resources

Websites:

• cdc.gov/family/halloween/

• aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aappress-room/news-features-and-safetytips/pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx?

• safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips • partycity.com/content/keys+to+a+kid+ friendly+halloween+party.do

Donate Halloween candy

“Make decorations that are more innocuous like a funny scarecrow, a silly pumpkin, or a cute black kitten with an orange bow,” she says.

For parents of infants and toddlers, Lucas says it’s better to wait until the

J. Philipp Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Chandler is giving away $1 for every pound of Halloween candy, with a limit of 5 pounds per person, brought in by local children and families from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri., Nov. 1. All the candy donated will be sent to troops overseas. Everyone who participates will also be entered into a raffle to win a new Apple iPod. The practice will also be collecting cards and letters to send to the troops. Chocolate and nonchocolate items must be separated and brought in clear, zipped bags. The candy will be donated to Operation Gratitude for its holiday care packages. Operation Gratitude plans to send 60,000 care packages and it needs tons of candy, literally, to fill them. Last year, Operation Gratitude received and shipped 125 tons.

J. Philipp Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 3230 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 4, Chandler. For more information, call 480-306-5506, email contact@jphilipp.com or visit jphilipp.com.

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Chandler C3HR Mariachi Festival, 7 p.m. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Performers include: Mariachi Pajarillo, a Los Angelesbased mariachi ensemble comprised of world-renowned mariachi musicians, Mariachi Flores Mexicanas, an all-female mariachi group; special performance by the dancers of Chandler’s Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli - AZ, and other special guest dance groups, $20-40, chandlercenter.org.

2013 Oktoberfest, 4 p.m.-midnight. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Highlights include live entertainment, a beer pong tournament, bag toss, stein races, keg rolling, keg stacking, tricycle races, bratwurst eating contests and an area for the kids with bounce houses, $10, hdeagency.com or santanoktoberfest.com.

Family Spot Playground, 10:30 a.m.noon. Ages 0-5. Storytime and hands-on activities for parents and children. Take home activities will also be provided. Walk in, no registration. Conference Room A in the library lobby. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

5, 6

A Taste of Greece. St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 2716 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Greek dancing, music, food & fun, performances by costumed Greek dancers, Greek wine tasting, carnival rides, $3, Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., 480-899-3330 or atasteofgreeceaz.com.

5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 Arizona Railway Museum, noon-4 p.m. Visit Chandler’s railway museum at Tumbleweed Park. For information, call Tim at 480-833-4353 or Bart Barton at 480-831-6520. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Rd., Chandler, azrymuseum.org.

6 Walk with the Dragonflies and Butterflies, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Enjoy a guided walk to observe the many species of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies buzzing about the desert and wetland habitats at Veterans Oasis Park. The walks are not fast-paced and the terrain is easy. A suggested $5 donation to the EEC and optional guidebooks will be available for sale for $10 and dragon-

fly coloring books for $6. All ages, participants younger than age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, 480-782-2890.

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Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 18 months to 3 1/2 years. If you are bringing older siblings, they must also be registered. Age-appropriate stories and activities for little wigglers. Caregivers must stay in the room and sit with their children the whole time. If it is not a storytime kind of day for your child, it is OK to leave and try again another day. Doors close promptly at 10:30 a.m. Registration needed. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Study Club, 4-5 p.m. Grades 5-12. Looking for a quiet spot to get some homework done? Need a place to study for a test or work on a group project? Maybe you could use some help getting started on a research paper? Come check out the Study Club! We’ll have a quiet space, some computers to work on, and a librarian on hand to help you with research. We’ll also show you a few tools you can use to help make your work a little easier. Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

8 KBC (Kid’s Book Club), 4-5 p.m. Ages 8-12. Join the KBC. The Magic Tree House book club is expanding to include more juvenile books. Club members get to vote on which books to read. Each month there will be lively discussions or trivia games. Crafts and activities will also be part of the fun. Group is limited to 15. Registration needed. The Dig. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

9 Art of Drawing, 4-5 p.m. Ages 10-18. Do you like to doodle? Like comics and cartoons, and want to make some of your own? Or maybe landscapes or portraits are your thing? If you like to draw, come hone your skills in our Art of Drawing Group. Get some tips on cartooning, perspective, proportions, shading, color, and more. The Art of Drawing Group meets the second Wednesday of

each month. Registration needed. Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Baby Time, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Ages 020 months. Babies accompanied by a caregiver have fun sharing books, lap-sit, songs and rhymes, puppets, music and shakers, and the parachute. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program. No registration needed but please arrive on time. Older siblings may not attend due to safety issues. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. www.mcldaz.org.

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The Truth About...,6-7 p.m. Teens, 12-17 years old, gather for information on different topics like applying for college & financial aid, how to open and manage a checking account, resume writing skills, workplace etiquette and much more. Resident fee $3, nonresident fee $5. Registration deadline, day of program. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2727.

10 Library Scavenger Hunt, 2-4 p.m. Ages 12-18. Test your library skills with a team scavenger hunt over fall break. Prizes will be awarded! No registration needed. Meet in The Dig. Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

10, 17, 24

Family Storytime, 6 p.m. Enjoy stories, songs, & finger plays for the whole family. Meeting Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602652-3000. mcldaz.org.

10, 17, 24, 31

Pre-K Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 3 1/2-5 years. Children develop a love of literature and learn preschool skills through age-appropriate books, learning letter sounds, flannel board rhymes, songs and music, shakers, bubbles, scarf dancing, and parachute play. Learn tips for early literacy skills. No registration needed, but program will be limited to the first 25 children who arrive. Doors close promptly at 10:30 a.m. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch

Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Chandler Indian Art Market

A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. The best Native American entertainment, demonstrators and food & jewelry vendors, missindianarizona.com/ or chandleraz.gov.

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TRC Teen Sports Night, 5-9 p.m. Every Friday night, TRC hosts sports competitions with a chance to win prizes. Each week will feature a different sporting event. This is a drop-in program; no registration is needed. TRC day pass fees apply. Resident fee $3, nonresident fee $5. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, 480-782-2900. chandleraz.gov/teens.

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Paws to Read, 10:30-11:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.-noon Paws to Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers. Warm, brown eyes and happy grins make all the difference to children's reading experiences resulting in an increase in reading levels and word recognition, and a higher desire to read and write. The animals listen and don't tease, laugh, or judge the children. Plus, the animals love to be read to! Registration is limited to 16 children for a 15-minute time slot with a therapy animal. Time slot and animal selection are on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

TRC Basketball Clinic, 1-4 p.m. Call all basketball lovers! Join this one-day basketball clinic at TRC. Learn various basketball skills and techniques. Parental permission required. Space is limited; teens 12-17 years old must pre-register. Resident fee $8, nonresident fee $11. Registration deadline is one week prior to event. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, 480-7822900. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

Science Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring the whole family to do a science experiment at Tumbleweed Ranch. The ranch features animals, farm equipment and historic houses from Chandler’s agricultural past. Free. Located South of Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, on Pioneer

Parkway, at McQueen and Germann roads.

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C-Town Suitcase Club (Lores theme), 10-11 a.m. Participants will “travel back through time” as they sing, hear stories, and discover everyday objects from the past and present. The theme for the club’s fall sessions is “Chores, Lores, and S’mores,” where children will experience old-fashioned clothes washing methods, hear stories passed down by oral tradition, and investigate historic cooking methods. Each program includes a special take-home item to remember the activity. For 3 to 5 year olds. Free program. Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler, 480-782-2717. chandlermuseum.org.

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Celebrate Teen Read Week, 1 p.m. Ages 12-18. Teen Read Week is Oct. 14 -20. This year’s theme is Seek the Unknown @ Your Library! The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and Perry library dare TEENs in Gilbert to read for the fun of it! Take advantage of reading in all its forms—books and magazines, eBooks, audio books and more—and become regular library users. Perry Library will be holding activities each day Tuesday-Friday to celebrate teens and reading. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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All-Ages Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. Intended for toddlers through age 5. Meet in The Dig for a fun storytime, including stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities! Please note that for safety and comfort, sessions are limited to 60 people, including caregivers. Free tickets are required and distributed on a firstcome, first-served basis. Tickets will be available in the Youth Services area 20 minutes before storytime begins. Parents/ caregivers are expected to stay with children during storytime. Families only; no tickets will be issued to day care or preschool groups. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

See Calendar, Page 4

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Infant Lap Sit, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Ages 0-18 months with one parent or caregiver. Infant Lap sit is a special storytime designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays. No registration needed, however, attendance is limited to 20 per session. To provide quality one-on-one bonding time, siblings may not attend with the infant and parent. Tickets will be distributed at 11:10 a.m. near The Dig. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Family Night at the TRC – Wild Things, 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment at TRC. Free for TRC pass holders. Youth resident $2, nonresident $3. Teen resident $3, nonresident $5. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. For more information contact Michael Fenzel at 480-782-2908.

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All-Ages Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m. See previous AllAges Storytime.

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Sonoran Sunset Series, 6-7 p.m.

Outdoor entertainment for all ages and free admission. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E.

Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, 480-7822890. chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

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All-Ages Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. See previous All-Ages Storytime.

17, 24, 31

Independent Kinder Prep, 11:1511:45 a.m. Ages 4 & 5. Children will join library staff for this event. No registration needed, however, for safety and comfort, attendance is limited to 25 per session. Tickets will be distributed at 10:55 a.m. near The Dig. At Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Paws 2 Read, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Children ages 5 and older are invited to read their favorite book to the special registered therapy dog. At Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

Family Zumba Party at the TRC, 10 a.m.-noon. Come and experience two hours of Zumba with the entire family at the TRC. This event is designed to engage the family in a fun fitness dance party. Open to ages 8 years and up. Great for all levels. Free to TRC pass holders. Youth and teens get in free with parent or guardian. Register to guarantee a spot. Registration code: 600TW.163. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E.

Germann Rd., Chandler, 480-782-2900. chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

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Knit Happens, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Teens looking for a project to help earn hours for community service. Join in continuing the tradition of fun, food and friendship—all skill levels welcome. Current service project is lap-sized blankets for Project Linus! Newsstand Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Perry Branch Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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MOMS Club of Chandler East (boundaries in Gilbert & Chandler) will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m.noon at Chick-fil-a, 2900 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (Gilbert Road and SanTan Loop 202). All Chandler/Gilbert moms are invited to learn more about the club. The boundaries span Ocotillo Road from McQueen to Greenfield roads, over to the 202 area. Contact the group at momsclubchandlereast@gmail.com (Attn: Membership) or visit its blog at momsclubchandlereast.blogspot.com

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Building Blocks Halloween Carnival, 9-11 a.m. Wear your spookiest, cutest or most creative costume All recreation participants and their siblings are invited and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be no Building Blocks classes on this day at the Community Center, Snedigar Recreation Center or

Tumbleweed Recreation Center. One bag of candy per child is required to join in the festivities. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.

Halloween Spooktacular, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Join in costume for a familyfriendly, safe alternative to trick-or-treating! There will be a costume contest, haunted house, souvenir photos, games and arts & crafts. Light food and refreshments will be available from the Chandler Lions Club. Downtown Library Plaza, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, chandleraz.gov/special-events.

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Shape Up Arizona! At Mayor Tibshraeny’s Day of Play, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring the entire family for a morning of free fun and play at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Enjoy outdoor games, play a team game with friends, bounce around the park and explore all sorts of activities and learn how to stay active all year round. Free admission. chandleraz.gov/special-events.

Fall Rhythm Fest, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Come enjoy an evening of free great music and fun with family and friends. Food, beverages, merchandise and interactive games available. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy fireworks at 9 p.m. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler, chandleraz.gov/special-events.

Dirty 6 Mud Run Fall Edition, 9 a.m. at Wild Horse Pass. Bring your friends to play in mud at this amazing Phoenix mud

run! You'll run through a river, slide down the longest mud slides, and have plenty of obstacles to test your strength. Rawhide Western Town, 5700 West North Loop Rd., Chandler. terrainracing.com/ terrain-mud-runs/phoenix/

Librarycon, noon-4 p.m. LibraryCon celebrates all of the stuff that you love including comics, anime/manga, cosplay, cartoons, gaming, and sci-fi/fantasy books, movies, and games. Costumes encouraged! Assembly Room. Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert, 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

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Family Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m. Families will enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, books, flannel boards and puppets. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850.

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Haunted Swamp, 4-6 p.m. Join the lifeguard staff as they transform the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr., Chandler, into a haunted swamp. Traverse the river of doom if you dare. Show off your Halloween costumes, play in-water and on deck games and practice scary faces. The event is held during public swim hours. Come to swim or hang out on land. In the neighborhood to trick or treat? Stop by the front window and ask for a treat. Admission: $1 children, $2.25 adults, $1.25 seniors.

Carebear Preschool At Fulton Ranch and Riggs

Is Tongue Piercing Safe For Me?

BY DR. DAVID RUSH, DDS, AND DR. KYLE RUSH, DMD. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Health and beauty are two concepts that have worked for and against each other throughout human history. Often, indicators of good health are considered beautiful, like clear skin and a trim waistline.

On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for a given culture to think up beauty ideals that are unhealthy and sometimes downright harmful.

The Chinese used to bind girls feet, leaving them deformed. Victorian women wore corsets, showing off a thin waist while cutting off circulation. And who can forget Queen Victoria’s infamous husband, Prince Albert with his scandalous body piercing.

Prince Albert may have embraced body piercing, however, he certainly didn’t start the trend. It is nothing new to civilization. Native tribes around the world have practiced various forms of body piercing in religious and ceremonial circumstances. The ancient Roman soldiers would sometimes have their nipples spiked. Belly button piercing can be traced back to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The Mayan peoples of Central America would pierce their tongues in ceremonial rites to communicate with their ancestors. Today, body piercing is becoming an increasingly common fashion statement. However, despite its prevalence, body piercing, especially tongue piercing, poses a multitude of very serious risks that need to be considered.

and a slew of other serious complications. Cracked and chipped teeth require fillings, crowns, root canals and other invasive and costly restorative procedures.

Serious complications arising from tongue piercing are rare, but with more people getting their tongues pierced combined with the lack of regulation in the industry, these instances are increasing. Major complications include cardiac endocarditis, Ludwig’s angina, trigeminal neuralgia, keloid scarring and the spread of diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, and Herpes Simplex virus.

There are a number of serious complications that may arise from a tongue piercing, but let’s start with the more common and most obvious. Immediately following having your tongue pierced you may experience some tenderness and swelling. Following the instructions given to you by your body piercer to clean and care for the piercing may not prevent the most common problem, a localized infection due to insufficient home care. An infection will be accompanied by soreness, redness, and some mild swelling but can be treated by brushing and flossing frequently, eating soft foods, and rinsing often with a disinfecting mouthwash (if you use Listerine, make sure it’s diluted to 1/4 strength).

The most prevalent side effects of tongue piercing that affect dental health are gum damage/recession on and chipped/cracked teeth. A recent study featured by the American Academy of Periodontology, shows after two years, 50% of patients with tongue piercing experienced gum recession and after four years, 47% of patients had chipped molars and premolars. Gum damage and recession are heavily associated with periodontal disease which dramatically increases your risk for heart attacks, endocarditis, diabetes, pneumonia, stroke, diabetes-associated kidney problems,

The tongue is an especially dangerous place to get a piercing because it is full of blood vessels. It’s also close to many important nerves of the head, as well as your respiratory path. Since the mouth is naturally full of bacteria it makes new tongue piercings an easy port for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. For those with congenial heart defects (diagnosed or not), that means an increased risk of endocarditis, and infection of the heart which can be fatal. Alternatively, the infection could remain local, infecting the floor of the mouth in what is called Ludwig’s angina, which causes the tongue and throat to swell and block the airway. If the piercing is placed incorrectly it has been sown to irritate a nerve connection to the trigeminal nerve, one of the biggest in your head. This causes excruciating pain, medically referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. This condition is also called suicide disease because of the extraordinary amount of pain it causes. Finally, if a completely sterile procedure is not followed (including disposable needles, gloves, antiseptics, and autoclave-sterilized instruments), infectious diseases like HIV, Herpes Simplex, Epstein-Barr virus and Hepatitis (B, C, D, and G) can be spread. To avoid these complications, educate yourself! Learn the risks and consult with your doctor and dentist on how to avoid them and make your procedure as safe as possible. Research a reputable piercing salon and learn their procedures for sterilization. Make sure they follow sterile procedures protocol and use sterilized jewelry. Only non-reactive metals like surgical-grade stainless steel, 14-karat gold, platinum or titanium should be used. Or you could follow the American Dental Association’s advice and mine: Avoid tongue piercing altogether.

Dr. Rush excels in the areas of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental reconstruction, laser gum treatments, and safe amalgam filling removal. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Rush has also actively been continuing his education and recently even earned two new degrees: Doctor of Integrative Biologic Medicine (IBDM) and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD). These degrees support his belief in the importance of overall body health, and he is pleased to be able to offer his patients new naturopathic options if they wish. Dr. Rush is a member of the Central Arizona Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, The Academy of General Dentistry, and The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dentistrytheway

Sponsored by: Dr. David Rush, DDS and Dr. Kyle Rush, DMD

SEASON PROVES AREA SCHOOLS HAVE INFLUX OF TALENT

Through five weeks of the high school football season, one thing is abundantly clear: SanTan Sun News-area high schools have an incredible amount of talent. They have a combined record of 16-9 for the season and have a host of impressive wins against out-of-state and out-of-conference opponents, as they gear up for regional play this month. By Seth Cox

Hamilton Huskies

Head Coach Steve Belles

3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler

2013 Record: 4-1

Seton Sentinels

Head Coach Rex Bowser

Seton Catholic Preparatory High School

1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler setoncatholic.org/athletics/ football.cfm

2013 Record: 4-1

The 2013 season for Hamilton is off to a better start than 2012, but that won’t be enough.

The Huskies kicked off their season in California taking on Eastlake High School.

Hamilton’s swarming defense created three turnovers holding Eastlake to 172 yards of total offense for the game, while the offense pitched in 28 first half points, including two touchdown passes from quarterback Sam Sasso.

Game two against the Brophy Broncos saw the emergence of junior receiver Brandon Krcilek, who filled in for starter Elijah Williams

Defending their state championship wasn’t going to be easy with the roster turnover at Seton Catholic, but so far the Sentinels’ young players, and some key veterans, have been up to the challenge.

Starting with a week one win, 38-20 over Estrella Foothills, the Sentinels new starters have been making an impact. First-year starting quarterback Kyle Johnson threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another touchdown. Nathan Agnes led the way for the Sentinels in receiving with four catches for 135 yards, while P.J. Delrio and George Wolter each caught a touchdown pass from Johnson.

Week two saw the Sentinels having to find a way to come from behind, doing so on the

after he suffered a concussion. Krcilek completed four catches for 110 yards. However, the defense was the driving force again for the Huskies, behind Caleb Peart and Garrett Rand with two sacks each, as the Huskies held the Broncos to only 9 points in their 24-9 win.

The Huskies took on the upstart Pinnacle Panthers at home in week three and squeaked by 24-20 behind an opportunistic defense and just enough offense, spearheaded by Frankie Bueno’s 62-yard touchdown run, putting Hamilton ahead for good.

ground for a victory over Maricopa 34-23. Despite trailing 23-14 in the third quarter, the Sentinels never altered from their game plan and were led by junior running back Antonio Campanella who carried the ball 22 times for 227 yards and four touchdowns. The Sentinels’ defense was the key to comeback, as they were able to create turnovers, including an interception in the end zone by Manny Estrella.

Game three was a struggle for the Sentinels, as sloppy play and an ineffective offensive night led to their first loss of the season at the hands of Snowflake 28-23. The Sentinels were held to 201 yards of offense for the evening while giving up 351 yards, and despite the poor offensive performance, the Sentinels were

The Huskies won another out-of-state game in week four against Liberty High School of Henderson, NV, 14-10.

Week five presented the biggest test to date for the Huskies, and it didn’t go as planned as the Mountain Pointe Pride beat the Huskies 37-27. The Huskies struggled to stop the running game of the Pride in what many believed to be a possible state championship preview. Hamilton was led offensively by running back Tyrell Smith, who finished the game with 152 yards rushing.

in the game all the way to the end. Seton rebounded from its first loss with its most dominating performance of the season in game four’s 47-13 defeat of Cortez. Johnson had a huge game, throwing for 232 yards and a touchdown, and junior backup Zach Wade got in, throwing for 86 yards and touchdown.Campanella added two touchdowns rushing, and the Sentinels’ defense made life difficult all night long for Cortez. The Sentinels most impressive performance of the season may have come in a week five shutout of Coronado 34-0. Seton’s defense allowed 208 total yards of offense, while Johnson had his best performance of the season, throwing three touchdowns to three different receivers in the Sentinels blow-out win.

Basha Bears

Basha came into the season with high hopes, and through five weeks of the season, that hasn’t changed.

Zach Werlinger came out slinging the ball to start the season in the Bears’ win over the Green Valley Gators of Henderson, NV, as he threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns.

He wasn’t the only productive Bear. Running back Rajhan Meriwether ran for 62 yards and two touchdowns as well as catching three passes for 116 yards. The other big contributor, offensively, was junior receiver Doc O’Connor, who caught five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Bears limited the Gators to only 17 points led by Bryant Black who was able to nab two interceptions.

Perry Pumas

Perry has been competitive in its first season in Division I football, as it has found a way to not just hang around, but win.

Game one was against Tucson Sunnyside High School, resulting in a hard-fought 20-17 loss. Junior quarterback Austin Nightingale threw for 132 yards and one touchdown, but it was the Perry defense that kept the team in the game. The Pumas were led by seniors Lane Veach, Marcus Pane and Logan Arrendondo, who were all over the field trying to slow down the Sunnyside rushing attack.

Game two saw the Pumas notch their first win of the season, behind another dominant defensive performance, over Sandra Day O’Connor 21-7. Nightingale threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, one touchdown

Game two resulted in the first loss of the season to the Centennial Coyotes 32-17. The Coyotes were able to neutralize the Bears’ prolific passing attack with a ground game that gashed the Bears for 353 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the loss, Werlinger was effective; throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and Meriwether was able to put up 95 yards of total offense for the Bears.

In game three, the Bears returned to their winning ways with Werlinger throwing for 271 yards and four touchdowns against Cesar Chavez High School. O’Connor had another big night receiving, catching seven passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears’ defense picked off the Cesar Chavez quarterback four times en route to a 54-28 victory.

each to Ben Terhark and Alec Monte. Running back Aaron Ratliff ran for another touchdown, but the defense again proved to be the difference in the game for the Pumas. Pane registered another 1 1/2 sacks and Arrendondo finished with 12 tackles.

Nightingale had a breakout performance in the Pumas’ game three 27-7 victory over Gila Ridge, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns as well as rushing for 102 yards and another score. Terhark caught both touchdown passes from Nightingale and finished with 96 yards receiving as the Pumas offense had their best output of the season.

Game four was a shock to the Pumas’ system, as they fell hard to the Mountain View Toros 51-16. Nothing seemed to go right for

The 35-21 game four win over the sixthranked Pinnacle Pioneers was the penultimate of the season thus far. It displayed the aerial attack that Coach Bernie Busken wants to employ as Werlinger threw the ball 49 times completing 31 passes for 396 yards and two touchdowns. O’Connor was again the key target, totaling 13 receptions and 162 yards as the Bears were able to keep the offense going without injured running back Meriwether.

Week five saw the Bears stage a furious, but eventually futile, comeback attempt in a loss to Westview 38-28, despite another big performance throwing the ball from Werlinger. Basha missed two field goals, and turned the ball over on downs all in scoring position, hurting its chances for a win.

the Pumas as they were outgained in passing yards 312 to 182 and turned the ball over five times.

The biggest loss of the season for Perry though may have come in game five, and it had little to do with the Pumas losing to Mountain Ridge 45-26. The Pumas were unable to stop the Mountain Ridge rushing attack, which cost them the game. The factor to monitor going forward will be the injury to quarterback Nightingale who was carted off the field just before halftime with an apparent leg injury. Alec Monte played admirably in his absence though, throwing two touchdowns, but it was too little, too late, as the Pumas were unable to recover from their 28-10 half time deficit.

It was a fast start to the season for one of the highest octane teams in the state, as the Chandler Wolves came out in game one against Peoria Centennial and set the field ablaze. Junior quarterback, and ASU commit, Bryce Perkins led the Wolves with 116 yards and three touchdowns rushing on 16 carries, also throwing for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Chase Lucas chipped in 69 yards and two touchdowns as the Wolves romped to a 41-21 victory.

It was much of the same in game two, as

HAMILTON:

8/31/13:Eastlake (28-17 won )

9/6/13:Brophy (26-9 won)

9/12/13:Pinnacle (24-20 won)

9/20/13:Liberty (14-10 won)

Chandler boat-raced Sierra Vista Buena, 65-13, behind Perkins and Lucas, as well as welcoming back wide receiver Dionte Skyes who caught two touchdown passes in the game.

Chandler took on Bellflower, CA, powerhouse St. John Bosco in game three and achieved an early 28-17 lead before the opposition took over the game, winning 52-31. Perkins put up 381 yards of total offense, as well as running and throwing for a touchdown. Lucas continued to run the ball well, rushing

for 103 yards and a touchdown.

The first in-state test for the Wolves proved to be an uphill battle in their loss to the Mountain Pointe Pride, 38-14. Chandler struggled, fumbling the ball twice, throwing an interception and having two punts blocked. It was the first game in which their dynamic offense was unable to get on track at all, and the result was a tough loss.

Chandler rebounded in week five with a 41-21 rout of Cesar Chavez setting the stage for its week-six showdown against rival Hamilton.

HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

CHANDLER:

8/29/13: Centennial (41-21 won )

9/6/13: Buena (65-13 won)

9/14/13: St. John Bosco (52-31 lost)

9/20/13:Mountain Pointe (38-14 lost)★

9/27/13:Mountain Pointe (37-27 lost)

10/4/13:Chandler, away

10/11/13:Basha, home

10/18/13:Gilbert, away

10/25/13:Highland, home ★

11/1/13:Perry, away

9/27/13:Chavez (41-21 won)

10/4/13:Hamilton, home

10/11/13:Gilbert, away

10/18/13:Perry, home

10/25/13:Basha, home

11/1/13:Highland, away

BASHA:

8/30/13:Green Valley (41-17 won )

9/6/13:Centennial (32-17 lost)

9/12/13:Cesar Chavez (54-28 won)

9/20/13:Pinnacle (35-21 won)

9/27/13:Westview (38-28 lost)

10/4/13:Perry, away 10/11/13:Hamilton, away 10/18/13:Highland, home ★ 10/25/13:Chandler, away 11/1/13:Gilbert, home

PERRY:

8/30/13:Sunnyside (20-17 lost )

9/6/13:O’Connor (21-7 won)

9/13/13:Gila Ridge (27-7 won)

9/20/13:Mountain View (51-16 lost)

9/26/13:Mountain Ridge (45-26 lost)

10/4/13:Basha, home

10/11/13:Highland, away

10/18/13:Chandler, away

10/25/13:Gilbert, home ★

11/1/13:Hamilton, home

SETON:

8/30/13: Estrella Foothills (38-20 won )

9/6/13: Maricopa (34-23 won)

9/13/13: Snowflake (28-23 lost)

9/20/13: Cortez (47-13 won)

9/27/13: Coronado (34-0 won) ★

10/4/13: Florence, away

10/11/13: Coolidge, home

10/18/13: Combs, away 10/25/13: Chino Valley, home 11/1/13: Rio Rico, away

Homecoming = ★ Seth Cox is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Arizona Orthopedic Surgical

will offer free Orthopedic Sports Injury Evaluations for high school athletes on Saturdays this fall.

These sessions will be conducted by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine and include both an evaluation and treatment recommendation.

Saturday registration from 6:30 - 9 a.m. Physical examinations begin at 7 a.m.

OCTOBER: 5, 12, 19, 26

NOVEMBER: 2

Boy’s hair donation benefits others

By Tracy House

It was the end of second grade when the then-8-year-old decided to grow his hair and donate it.

“I just wanted to,” Harrison Healy, now 10 years old, says. Harrison grew his hair through the end of fourth grade until it was long enough to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

His mother, Tracy Healy, chronicled his metamorphosis throughout the two years as his hair grew.

“I tried to take pictures that showed a young boy surrounded by boys with short hair—that is a big feat in itself.”

“You always hear of little girls that grow out their hair and donate it, but you never hear of little boys,” Tracy mentions. “So for him to ask to do that, of course I said we have to ask your dad.”

Mark Healy, Harrison’s dad says, “I absolutely didn’t even hesitate. Sure. It’s just hair. Hair is one of those things you can do anything you want with it.”

As Harrison’s hair got longer he was ridiculed by kids, parents and even at a community event by an emcee, Mark notes.

The first year was easy, Tracy says.

“Just kind of growing, looking like little boy hair, even when it just got over the ears,” she says.

It was going into the second year that

Tracy says they noticed people judging Harrison.

“There were a lot of people calling him a girl and teasing. The important thing that I was trying to point out was his strong will. It was something he wanted to do and he didn’t care what other people had to say,” she explains.

Midway through third grade Harrison

cut his bangs to keep it out of his eyes. Harrison says in third grade one of the teachers called him “Son of Hair” and near the end of fourth grade some fifth graders called him a girl. Harrison didn’t tell his parents until the end of the year.

“I like his streak of perseverance,” Mark says. “There are a lot of kids that would have said ‘I don’t fit in, I’m done,’ but

once he had it in his mind, we were going to grow it.”

At the end of the school year, when Harrison got his hair cut, he says the kids didn’t recognize him. He had moved schools between third and fourth grade so at the new school they were used to the longer hair.

When Harrison’s hair was long enough to donate, about 9 inches, he went to a salon where his hair was put into 11 pigtails and cut closer to the scalp. The family chose Pantene Beautiful Lengths because they make wigs and then donate them to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks.

When he got it cut, Harrison says his head felt lighter.

“It felt good. Whenever I play outside I’m not as sweaty as much and when I get out of the pool I’m not dripping as much.”

Tracy says when he came home from the salon, Harrison kept running his hands over his head.

“It felt weird, but it felt good,” he says. Harrison isn’t sure if he’d grow his hair out again.

“I really don’t know.”

It was a long two years for him, but he says he feels good about donating his hair to benefit somebody else.

Tracy House is the SanTan Sun News news editor. She lives in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children and can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

Pint-sized chess champ goes global

By Ana Anguiano

A young Chandler boy’s love of chess has taken him across the world and labeled him a champion. Kevin Chor is only 8 years old but he has already dominated chess competitions at a global level.

He recently returned from Brazil where he won the gold medal at the 2013 Pan American Youth Championship in the Boys U-8 section. He was undefeated and won nine out of nine rounds.

Kevin’s introduction to chess was a fluke, according to his mother, Amy Ni. Neither one of his parents played nor had Kevin shown much interest in the game. However, a conflict with a scheduled summer camp meant they had to find a backup, and they chose chess camp.

“I asked Kevin if he wanted to try it and he didn’t object so we went to the chess camp and the rest was history,” says Ni.

It didn’t take long for Kevin to fall in love and master the game. It was only a weeklong camp but he wanted to go back. After his second time at chess camp, his coach suggested his parents try taking him to tournaments.

Ni admits that they were hesitant about giving up their weekends for chess tournaments, but it came as a great surprise when Kevin started winning. He won first place in his division at the qualifier tournament for the state championship, and he was only 6 years old when he took first place at the Governor’s Cup Chess Tournament in Arizona.

He has played in tournaments in-state, out-of-state and

has been invited to play international scholastic tournaments due to his high ranking. He attended the World Youth Chess Championships in Slovenia last year and placed 11th out of 136 players in his age division. He was also the youngest player to rank so high at age 7.

This year Kevin was ranked No. 1 for his age group by the U.S. Chess Federation.

“I like how the pieces move and I like making new friends at chess tournaments,” Kevin says.

The competitive chess scene has been a whirlwind for his parents, but Ni says they are taking it “one day at a time.” They plan to eventually scale back his tournament playing to give Kevin the opportunity to be more well-rounded.

Ni describes her son as a social butterfly who makes friends wherever he goes. That said, Kevin looks forward to seeing his friends from Texas, California, Florida, Illinois and Tennessee when he’s on the tournament circuit.

This year Kevin was awarded the title of “candidate master” by FIDE (World Chess Federation), and he is gearing up for the 2013 World Youth Chess Championships this December in Al Ain, near Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

Still, Kevin is a normal student Chandler’s Knox Elementary School who loves playing basketball when he isn’t globe-trekking for chess. Ni says she still doesn’t play chess very often, and it certainly isn’t easy going against a tiny champ.

“He will talk trash if we try to play with him,” she says with a laugh. “He’ll laugh and snicker and be like, ‘Mom, you’re done.’ So I don’t even try anymore.”

Ana Anguiano is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Just4Kids

Chandler Recreation Offers A Variety of Fall Activities!

This month’s Just4Kids Page is sponsored by:

The City of Chandler Recreation Division

Register for Fall Classes!

Registration is open for Fall classes! The winter issue of Break Time outlining all-ages recreation classes, youth camps and special events in December, January and February will be available to the public beginning October 18 at city offices and online at www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. For more information, call 480-782-2727.

Swim Lessons Continue into the Fall

Hamilton & Mesquite Groves Aquatic Centers will be hosting Fall Session 2 learn-to-swim on Saturdays October 12 through November 2. Registration is currently available on-line at www.chandleraz.gov/registration. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center will offer Fall Session 3 Tuesday/Thursday evenings October 15 through October 31. Call 480-782-2733 for more information.

Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play at Tumbleweed Park

Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. - 1p.m.

There is a little something for everyone at the Chandler Mayor’s Day of Play presented by Banner Children’s. The day will open with remarks from Mayor Tibshraeny and feature more than 125 community booths, bounce houses, food venders, games, including pickleball demonstrations and activities good for all ages.

Fall Rhythm Fest at Tumbleweed Park Saturday, October 26, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

American Idol season 12 winner Candice Glover, and Rhythm Edition will perform at Tumbleweed Park (745 E. Germann Rd.) at this free event fun for all ages! For more information please visit www.chandleraz.gov/special-events or call 480-782-2889.

Stay Connected!

Build Your Board Workshop at Xtreme Air Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Chandler Teens presents Build Your Board Workshops at Xtreme Air (910 E. Pecos Rd). Each participant will get their own skateboard kit that they’ll be able to customize and take with them. There is a $14 ($19 nonresident) class fee and a $50 supply fee. For more information, call 480-782-2746.

Sonoran Sunset Series at the Environmental Education Center Thursday, October 17, 6 -7 p.m.

The Environmental Education Center (4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd) presents the Sonoran Sunset Series featuring free lakeside entertainment by local musicians suitable for all ages. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/EEC or call 782-2890.

Halloween Spooktacular at the Downtown Library Plaza Friday, October 25, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us in costume for a family-friendly, safe alternative to trick-or-treating! There will be a costume contest, haunted house, souvenir photos, games and arts & crafts. Light food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Chandler Lions Club. For more information please visit www.chandleraz.gov/special-events or call 480-782-2889.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @ChandlerRec, and on Facebook and YouTube at Chandler Recreation for the latest news. Check out the September/October episode of “Come Out & Play, Chandler!” on YouTube. This episode features the Chandler Libraries. You can sign up for the Chandler Recreation monthly newsletter at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. For more information, call 480-782-2727.