SanTan Sun; 04-04-15: Neighbors

Neighbors

Franchise helps moms get fit with their kids

BY ALISON STANTON

Moms from Chandler and Gilbert are invited to get fit while establishing friendships with other families during a practical class called Stroller Strides.

Krista Fawley said the 60-minute workout, which is

the Fit4Mom franchise along with Rebecca Wade.

Fawley said she became acquainted with Stroller Strides when she was living in California. She joined the group when her daughter Amira, now 8, was just 6 weeks old.

“I met a lot of friends there and so when we moved to Chandler I joined Stroller Strides here as well,” Fawley said. The program has since expanded to be named Fit4Mom.

Thrift store celebrates facelift

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

The St. Vincent de Paul Chandler thrift store received a new look—inside and outside—to give customers a better shopping experience.

On March 23, the store celebrated its facelift with a ceremony attended by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, City officials, including Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, St. Vincent de Paul board members and administration.

“I want it to be a great shopping experience,” said store manager Abelardo Gordoa II. “We want (customers) to come in and shop and feel good about what we do, as far as helping us raise money for our mission.”

At the event, the store offered special shopping discounts, food and goodies. Management held the celebration to bring awareness to the store, which is located at 2051

N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

Established in 1946, St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing neighbors in need across northern and central Arizona. Some of the programs include services for the homeless, medical and dental care for the working poor and charity dining rooms.

The thrift stores not only generate funding for the services the organization provides, but also act as distribution points for families that lack basic items such as clothing and beds for children. In 2014, the stores gave more than $500,000 worth of clothing and essential items to families in need.

Gordoa became the store manager in December after being with the company for a

FrinGo’s offers fresh Puerto Rican favorites

offered by Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert, gives local moms the chance to get fit, meet other moms and be healthy role models for their children. Fawley co-owns

In addition to the Stroller Strides classes, which is a stroller-based workout that includes power walking, running and strength and toning exercises for mom along with songs and activities for the kids, Wade said Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert also offers a Body Back boot camp.

“It’s a more intense workout for moms and it’s meant to be done without kids,” Wade said.

BY ALISON STANTON

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Urias Torres has fond memories of going to bodegas to pick up Puerto Rican food. Urias, who was born in Puerto Rico, enjoyed eating the delicious dishes that reminded him of the food his mom or grandma would prepare.

In an effort to share his love of Puerto Rican food, Urias and his wife, Vanessa, recently opened FrinGo’s Kitchen in Chandler. The couple, who live in the San Tan Valley, work there along with Urias’ sister, Magaly Torres, who is a trained chef.

Vanessa said, as the only Puerto Rican restaurant in Chandler, FrinGo’s Kitchen offers people the chance to try some food they might not have had before in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

“We are a casual, take out bodega-style restaurant where the food is all packed to go,” Vanessa said.

There is seating available in the restaurant,

Young pianist to be showcased at MusicaNova concert

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

When Katrina Jia was 5 years old she started studying the piano and immediately fell in love. She enjoys how it makes her and her listeners feel.

“I enjoy performing and making others happy from listening to my music,” Katrina said.

Fans can witness this when she performs at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 12, during a MusicaNova showcase at Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix Central Arts District. Tickets $15 to $20. MusicaNova Composition Fellow Tengku Irfan, 16, will also play.

MusicaNova, which is comprised of top musicians in the Valley, is led by Music Director Warren Cohen. The professional ensemble also features

but most take it to go. Many of the main dishes are served buffet style, and anything that requires frying is cooked after it’s ordered.

“There’s usually not much of a wait unless people are having something fried, and even then it’s done quickly,” Vanessa said.

Vanessa said her husband is already thoroughly enjoying talking with the customers, many of whom have already returned multiple times.

“He loves to show customers the food and they can taste test it. Urias is so social and friendly, he really enjoys interacting with our customers and talking to them. This is just his dream.”

Although they have just been open for a couple of months, Vanessa said some of their dishes are already developing quite a fan base.

“For most people, if they have already had Puerto Rican food they know what their favorites are ,but so far our roasted pork is probably one of our most popular items—we get a lot of

young composers and chamber musicians, and talented solo and ensemble performers.

Katrina’s set will include “Konzertstück No. 92, Introduction and Allegro Appassionato for Piano and Orchestra” This is the first time Katrina has performed with an orchestra, Xu said. The duo have been working on understanding the orchestra’s music forms to help her visualize what it will be like to play the piano with them.

“It’s very exciting. As a teacher it is very rewarding to see your student performing,” he said. “Like all teachers and parents you have something you are looking for in the performance to see if they are doing it, so you can comment afterward.”

A Hamilton High School freshman,

Fawley said she and Wade, who also resides in Chandler, were both members of the group when it was under the former franchise owner. When they learned it was for sale last fall, they decided to buy it.

About 120 moms are members of Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert. Fawley said moms of all ages, shapes and sizes have enrolled in the program.

“We see drastically different fitness levels, from moms who have done triathlons or marathons to those who have never worked out before in their

lives,” Fawley said, adding that each workout can be modified to each mom’s fitness level.

“Also, all of our classes are taught by certified fitness instructors, and there is no judgment like at some gyms,” Wade added. “None of the moms are judging each other or their kids; we are all just here to get a workout that works for us.”

Fawley, who has a degree in fitness, said that joining Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert offers more than a fun way to exercise. The classes also provide moms with much-needed camaraderie, as well as a chance for their kids to meet other children.

“When you are a mom, you tend to gravitate to other moms who have kids the same age as yours,” Fawley said.

The friendships that are started in Fit4Mom extend beyond the classes to birthday parties and playdates.

“We also schedule moms’ nights out, or a nice dinner,” Wade said.

Members may also join the Our Village MeetUp that offers additional activities outside of class.

“Moms are going to make a new group of friends if they join. It helps to get them out of bed and give them someplace to go, and their kids will get to see their moms working out,” Fawley said.

Fit4Mom of Chandler and Gilbert offers classes at several locations throughout Gilbert and Chandler, including Morrison Ranch and Discovery Park in Gilbert. Membership options start at $45 per month, and the first week of the Stroller Strides program is free. For more information, please visit chandler.fit4mom.com or www. meetup.com/stroller-strides-chandlergilbert/#upcoming.

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

compliments on it.”

Alcapurrias, a meat fritter side dish that features mashed plantains, is also getting rave reviews, Vanessa said.

For those who are unfamiliar with Puerto Rican food, Vanessa said she and Urias are happy to answer any questions people may have.

“We often hear, ‘Is it like Mexican food?’ so we will explain that it’s more like a Caribbean-style Latin food. But I’ve been surprised how many people have already had it, either from growing up in Puerto Rico or being from the East Coast,” Vanessa said.

Vanessa said she and her husband are delighted by the number of customers who have mentioned seeing positive reviews of FrinGo’s Kitchen on social media.

“Many people are saying, ‘Oh, my friend posted about you on Facebook or Instagram,’ or ‘I saw your positive reviews on Yelp,’ so customers are already bringing in more customers,” Vanessa said.

She and Urias are extremely focused on making sure everyone who comes in has a great experience.

“We are just concerned about satisfying our customers and talking to them and making everyone feel comfortable. We definitely want people to try our food and then come back.”

FrinGo’s Kitchen is located at 1620 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 116 in Chandler. For more information call (480) 821-3012 or visit www.fringoskitchen.com.

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

MEN’S & WOMEN’S COMFORT SHOES, COME

We are a family owned-business that specializes in Euro-comfort shoes with a flair for fashion. Most assume that comfort can’t be cute, but that’s just not the case! Come visit our new unique comfort boutique so you can understand why, “Nothing is as thrilling as a shoe that looks and feels good!” Keen, Dansko, Josef Seibel, Olukai, Romika, Fly London, Birkenstock, Merrell, Antelope, Reiker, Miz Mooz, Clarks, Klog, Arcopedico, Alegria, Baggallini, Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Big Buddha.

Various community officials helped St. Vincent de Paul celebrate its grand reopening. Submitted photo

year. He said his promotion was a natural progression.

“I love thrift. I have always loved thrift,” said Gordoa, who has worked in thrift shops for 15 years. “I love the different people and shoppers you get to work with. When I came in December, I made changes within a month. I gave it my look, my experience and what I feel the customer would like.”

The boutique-style atmosphere features a living room setting with tables, chairs and dishwear set on the table.

“It gives the customers that perception that it looks really beautiful,” Gordoa said. A splash of cover was added to the walls; half of the store is maroon, while the other side is eggshell white. The building’s exterior is painted with southwestern, pastel colors.

“Everything looks modern,” Gordoa said. “We have a fountain in the front of the store. It’s a very beautiful store.”

St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores offer second-hand merchandise donated in

various departments such as electronics, clothing, shoes, linens, furniture and large appliances.

“The good thing about thrift, we always get something different every day,” Gordoa said. “We get antique, vintage items...a good mix of everything in the store.”

Individuals can drop off donated items to any store and obtain a tax receipt.

“We pretty much accept everything,” he said. “We have vendors that work for us for things that we cannot sell in the store. We always recycle if we don’t use it in the store.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Chandler thrift store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call the manager at (480) 812-1156. To donate items, or to volunteer at the store, call (602) 266-4673.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors, Spirituality, Arts and Youth section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities

Reception: Friday, April 17 from 5:30 to 7:00pm Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago Street in Historic Downtown Chandler

•Exhibit will feature poetry, essays and artworks submitted by Chandler students for our 2015 Art and Author Showcase

•Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities was chosen to host the 2014 Sister Cities International Showcase, featuring Young Authors and Artists from around the world! The pieces are included in the Exhibit for the month of April.

•Brandon Thornton, student from Hamilton High School, was the 2014 SCI Grand Prize Essay Winner, and is represented in the Exhibit.

•Friday is also Chandler’s monthly Art Walk in Downtown Chandlercombine the two and have an enjoyable evening!

For information and to view our winners and Reception photos, please see our website, www.chandlerirish.org; or contact chan.to.tull@gmail.com.

Hosting of the 2015 Art & Author Showcase is made possible by a grant from Special Events Sponsorship Funding and the Chandler Cultural Foundation, and through the generous support of Vision Gallery. www.chandlerirish.org

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Call us for your free VIP guest pass. Enjoy all our amenities, classes and clubs as if you lived here.

Katrina said she asked her mom nine years ago if she could start taking piano lessons. Her mom had the same idea, so they found a teacher that her friends were using.

Katrina practices two hours a week with Xu.

“He’s really nice,” Katrina said. “Even if I mess up, he still encourages me to keep going and learn from my mistakes. He taught me how to interpret music in my own way.”

Xu said he stresses music and technique, as well as areas that need improvement during her lessons.

“She is quite talented and a very hard worker and very focused since she was 5 years old,” he said. “She is very gifted and I hope she will do well in her future.”

The young musician mostly plays classical and jazz. At only 14 years old, Katrina said she wants to keep playing the piano and doing more with music.

“Maybe compose and maybe learn another instrument, but I think that would be really hard,” she said.

Fight

Although Katrina has performed in competitions in the past, she said she is mostly focusing on performing at concert halls this year.

At 8 years old, she won the World Piano Pedagogy Most Wanted Piano Competition. Katrina won the National First Prize of the 2012 Music Teachers National Association Junior Piano Competition at 11 years old in New York. The young musician also received the Outstanding Chopin Performance Award from the Chopin Foundation of the United States.

Other highlights of her nine-year career also include first prize in the Arizona Youth Piano Competition and the Arizona Young Artist Piano Competition, as well as being named a semifinalist in the International Institute for Young Musicians International Piano Competition.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors, Spirituality, Arts and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

oral cancer with zoo walk

Take the opportunity to raise awareness of oral cancer by participating in the Oral Cancer Foundation Walk for Awareness— Arizona on Saturday, April 25, at Phoenix Zoo, 544 Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix.

Registration includes an all-day pass to the zoo. Check in and registration begins at 6 a.m., and includes breakfast, entertainment and free oral cancer screenings. Walkers who register online pay $25; students pay $15. Oral cancer survivors and children younger than 5 walk for free. To register, visit www.donate.oralcancer.org/event/arizona2015

Disability law subject of meeting

Attorney Sarah Weimer will discuss the Arizona Center for Disability Law from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

She will also discuss disability rights provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and how to file ADA complaints.

Come and learn what your rights are as a person with hearing loss and what public accommodations you can expect.

If you, a family member or a friend is challenged by hearing loss, join others for education, sharing and refreshments at the Sun Lakes Hearing Loss Association meeting. All are welcome. CART, real-time captioning, is provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility.

For additional information, contact Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com; Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

Almy to speak at Democrat meeting

The Sun Lakes Democratic Club will feature Speaker Sam Almy, the elections director of the Arizona Democratic Party at 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, at the Sun Lakes Country Club Navajo Room, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

As the elections director for the Arizona Democratic Party, Almy receives and analyzes election reports from all county recorders.

He will present a PowerPoint presentation highlighting, “Lessons Learned,” which is his detailed analysis of the 2014 election voting results in Maricopa County with special and specific emphasis of voting patterns in the local precincts of Legislative District 17.

In 2004, Almy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wooster College in Ohio. He has been involved in the Arizona Democratic Party since 2008 as canvass and field director for Pima County and field organizer for the Arizona Democratic Party in 2010. He became the elections director of the Arizona

Democratic Party in 2012.

At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. Collections take place in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby.

In 2004, 1,880 pounds of food was collected, as well as $170.

In January, 178 pounds of food was collected, as well as $35.

Everyone is welcome at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Tom Amrhein at (480) 8951162.

The organization is planning a Spring Social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Oasis Park in Sun Lakes. Enjoy the food and friendly socialization. There is no fee for participating in the event.

Scramble for eggs and prizes at Chandler’s Family Easter Celebration

Win a bag of goodies at Chandler’s annual Family Easter Celebration Saturday, April 4, by finding the golden egg, at Snedigar Sportsplex, 4500 S. Basha Rd.

The event will also feature information booths, displays, art and take-home crafts, interactive amusements, and performances. The event is free, with minimal charges for some interactive children’s activities and photos with the Easter Bunny.

One of the Valley’s most enthusiastic Easter Egg Scrambles with 8,000 plastic eggs begins at 10:30 a.m. for kids up to 9 years of age. Egg hunts

are held in four age groups, with a special “golden egg” included in each hunt and redeemable for a sports bag or backpack stuffed with Easter toys, candy, jump ropes, outdoor items and more.

“We love Chandler’s Family Easter Celebration,” said Erin Kuroiwa, a participant last year. “My little guy loves the egg hunt, bounce houses and

Join the community on Saturday, April 4, for the annual Family Easter Celebration at Snedigar Sportsplex for a morning of fun.

Submitted photo

The classes include:

Chandler is offering free classes on how to install and maintain irrigation systems and save water and energy inside of a home.

visiting with the Easter Bunny. We’ve made the event on of our family traditions.”

At 11:30 a.m. a drawing is held for Family Easter Basket consisting of a cooler filled with Easter goodies such as toys, games, candy, a sports ball, free golf at Golfland and gift card to Valle Luna Mexican Food & Cantina. For more information, call the City’s special event line at (480) 782-2735 or go to www.chandleraz.gov/specialevents.

Free classes offered on saving water indoors and outdoors Countryside Estates Community Garage Sale set

Simple Savings on Water will show residents how simple changes or low-cost repairs using environmentally friendly products and water-saving devices really

make a difference. How to track down sneaky leaks will also be covered.

“Leaks can account for thousands of gallons of water wasted in the home every year,” said Cathy Rymer, Chandler’s water conservation coordinator. “Fixing easily corrected leaks is not only a smart way to save water for the future, but homeowner’s can save money on their water bills.”

Classes are free to Chandler utility customers, but participants must register online at www.chandleraz.gov/water or by calling (480) 782-3580. All of the classes will be held at Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave.

Yard Watering and Timer Instruction will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Thursday, April 9. The class will answer the question of how long, how much and when to water landscapes. This class will take the mystery out of irrigation and will teach attendees the how, when and where of landscape watering. Participants will learn how to program an irrigation timer using actual controllers (timers).

Maximize Your Irrigation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Are you puzzled by the irrigation system installed by the builder or previous owner? Learn how to identify the performance robbing problems in a system and what to do about them. Attendees may be surprised, ripping out the old system and starting over is rarely needed.

The Countryside Estates Community Garage Sale, which is located on the northeast corner of Cooper and Chandler Heights, will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park April and May activities

San Tan Mountain Regional Park has many featured events during the months of April and May that will attract individuals of all ages.

“Scrambled EGGstravagance” crafts and games

Rascal the Rabbit is up to his usual tricks and hidden some EGGStravagant treats inside the San Tan Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 4. In order to receive his goodies, attendees must locate secret clues he left along the Interpretive Trail, which is roughly onequarter of a mile round trip. Check in at the Visitor Center to receive a special map to help locate Rascal’s treasure. Stay after for some fun craft activities while supplies last.

Desert denizens

Help Ranger Tish find where animals like to hide and where the wildflowers grow at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, along the Interpretive Trail. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the flag pole.

Wildflower portraits

Gardeners will be rewarded with an explosion of colorful wildflowers this spring. Join others at Rock Peak Wash Trailhead in search of the desert delights at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 12. Participants will learn how to capture the beauty of the flowers with a camera. Meet Park Volunteer Roger at the Rock Peak Wash

Trailhead entrance. Park entrance fees apply. At the stop sign at Phillips Road and Thompson, continue straight ahead on Brenner Pass Road. The Rock Peak Wash Trailhead is on the right hand side. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring plenty of water, and a camera. All levels of photography are welcome for the twohour program.

Mountain Bike 101: Beginner mountain bike class/ride

Join the Santan Shredders for a MTB 101 class and beginner ride where individuals will learn some basic skills that every aspiring mountain biker should know. The class and ride, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12, will cover proper riding position and braking techniques; front/rear fork adjustments; gear-shifting; uphill/downhill climbs and much more. A helmet is required for safety reasons and attendees are asked to bring plenty of water and an extra tube.

Movie in the Park: ‘A Bug’s Life’

Take a journey inside the world of bugs as one ant searches for warrior bugs, which turn out to be circus actors, to help battle the grasshoppers who threaten his home. Bring a blanket and a pillow to the Nature Center and enjoy this family friendly movie at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Attendees are asked to arrive 15-minutes early. Concessions are available inside the center.

Bloomin’ cactus walk

Participants will hike the Goldmine Trail in search of beautiful cactus blooms at 8 a.m. Friday, May 15. Meet at the Goldmine Trailhead on the north side of the park. From Hunt Highway, west on Empire Road, left on Wagon Wheel, right at Skyline to parking lot. Wear closedtoed shoes, hat and sunscreen. Bring a camera and plenty of water.

Mountain Bike 101: Beginner ride

Join the San Tan Shredders for a beginners ride where participants will learn some basic skills that every aspiring mountain biker should know. Such topics will include proper riding position to braking and how to navigate uphill and downhill climbs. A helmet is required for safety reasons and participants are asked to bring plenty of water and an extra tube. All riding abilities are welcome. Participants should meet at the main

trailhead west of the Visitor Center at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 24.

Scorpion scavenger hunt

The year’s first scorpion hunt will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Join others as they set out on a desert exploration at night to search for the fascinating creatures and find out just how cool these amazing arachnids really are. Wear closed-toed shoes; bring plenty of water and a black light. Black lights are available for purchase inside the Visitors Center. Meet at the flag pole.

For a complete listing of the April and May programs, visit www.maricopa.gov/ parks/santan.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park has a $6 vehicle day-use entry fee. There are no additional fees for programs, unless otherwise noted. San Tan Mountain Regional Park is located at 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek.

Free wellness workshop at Tao Healing Center

In response to stressful or fearful experiences, the brain releases chemicals that help the body respond quickly. This also activates major communication systems in the brain, which regulate important bodily processes and functions.

Neuroscientists have discovered how chronic stress and the release of chemicals like cortisol, can trigger long-term changes that damage the brain.

Tao Healing Center, 1840 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite D6, is holding a free wellness workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

Through the workshop attendees

will learn key principals and simple, yet powerful tools, to maximize the body’s natural healing capacity and develop a healthier lifestyle.

Individuals can protect themselves by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress while taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

Once an individual recognize the signs, they can use simple natural methods to improve the brain health and maximize their wellness

For more information, call (480) 7866000 or visit www.taohealingcenters.org.

Republican Club speaker to address drug legalization in April

The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature “Marijuana Legalization?” with Deborrah Miller, substance abuse coalition consultant, at its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the presentation on the impact of marijuana legalization on the public health and safety of the state’s children and citizens.

State Sen. Kelli Ward will discuss the status of health care from her perspective as a physician and the status of Common Core legislation from her perspective as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Sister Cities hosts International Art and Author Exhibit

The Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities was chosen by Sister Cities International to host the 2015 International Young Artists and Authors Showcase in April. The exhibit will be held at Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., in Downtown Chandler. A reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 pm. Friday, April 17, also at Vision Gallery.

Each year the Young Artists and Authors Showcase encourages youth from

around the globe to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork and literature. SCI aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. Students submitted their work based on the 2014 designated theme, “Connect Globally. Thrive Locally.”

Hamilton High School student Brandon

Thornton received the honor of Grand Prize Winner for his 2015 essay, which will accompany the international exhibit.

Also on display is the 2015 local Chandler Young Artists and Authors Showcase, themed “Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity.” Chandler’s first-place artwork, essay and poem will be sent to Washington, D.C., where a panel of judges selects the winners based on originality, composition and them interpretation. Entries from sister city Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland will also be exhibited.

In addition, Arizona State Rep. Jeff Weninger will offer a brief update on the current Arizona legislative session. For more information, visit www. slgop.org, or contact Mike Tennant at (480) 802-0178.

Hosting of the 2015 Young Artists and Authors Showcase is made possible by a grant from special events sponsorship funding and the Chandler Cultural Foundation and through the generous support of Vision Gallery.

Friday, April 17, is also Chandler’s monthly Art Walk in Downtown Chandler. For more information and to view the winners and reception photos, visit www. chandlerirish.org or contact chan.to.tull@ gmail.com.

Keep it inside

Indoor activities to keep the kids

BY AINSLEY DESPAIN

Most people around the country love summer, but the intense Arizona heat can make it difficult for kids to stay active and have fun. There are so many exciting places in the Valley, so there’s no need to settle for the library and local splash pad every day. Kick this summer up a notch by taking the whole family to enjoy these indoor venues designed to keep kids happy for hours on end!

Makutu’s Island

This multi-level indoor playground for kids of all ages includes several play areas, including a 35-foot slide and an arcade. The 25-foot indoor oak tree has mole holes and tunnels for the kids to explore. Children 18 and younger must

entertained this summer

be accompanied by an adult. Socks are required to play. Admission for kids is $10. 6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, (480) 344-3741, www.makutusisland.com

Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland features the largest butterfly pavilion in America. A colorful addition to the Valley, this attraction brings the rainforest to the desert with an innovative indoor environment. Thousands of butterflies fly freely, landing on plants, flowers and even the guests! Come see these beautiful flying creatures from around the world and make new friends. Admission for adults is $20, kids $12. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, (480) 800-3000, butterflywonderland.com

reference Store # 6480

Site 1940 West Chandler Blvd Suite 4 Chandler, Arizona

Wal-Mart Hiring Site 3460 West Chandler Blvd Chandler, Arizona

Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Aquarium transports visitors to the ocean, providing close encounters with a variety of sea creatures including rays, seahorses, colorful tropical fish and more. Check online for information about watching a sea life creature feeding. Kids can touch urchins, rays, and other sea life in the touching pool. Prices vary.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle., Tempe, (480) 478-7600, www.visitsealife.com/arizona

TopGolf Summer Academy

TopGolf Summer Academy is an exciting program filled with every aspect that makes up the great game of golf. Your child will learn everything they need to know about golf from putting and full swing to etiquette and rules of the game. Each session is designed and taught by a teaching professional who ensures the environment is enjoyable and relaxed so the kids have a great time while they learn. Summer Academy is staffed with a low student-to-teacher ratio to make sure your child gets handson attention while they develop a winning golf swing. Academy admission per week is $199. While the driving range is not technically indoors, kids can cool off at the indoor restaurant, or while playing games inside.

1689 S. Santan Village Pkwy., Gilbert, (480) 240-1282, www.topgolf.com

Laser Quest Phoenix

Talk about air conditioned fun! This cool, dark laser dungeon will keep kids of all ages entertained. Get a group of friends together, ages 7 and up, and get assigned a “mission” at Laser Quest. The goal is to get as many points as possible while showing your expert skills at hide-

and-seek. Admission for kids $8. 3335 W. Peoria Ave., Phoenix, (602) 548-0005, www.laserquest.com

Dave & Buster’s

One place to make the whole family cheer! Dave & Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace caters to both kids and parents, offering a huge arcade inside a full restaurant and bar. Kids can have a blast playing games while parents enjoy a cocktail. A convenient place for fun and food—stay for dinner and keep playing, everything you need is right there. Admission is free, individual game prices vary.

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, (480) 281-8456, www.daveandbusters.com

Octane Raceway

If your kids have a need for speed but you want to avoid standing in the summer heat, then consider heading to Octane Raceway. This indoor track provides a safe place for kids to race on 3 miles of track out of the sun’s heat. The entire family can come enjoy a day at the tracks while enjoying the cool indoor environment. Admission for kids is $18, adults $21.

9119 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, (602) 302-7223, www.octaneraceway.com

Snow day

Chandler Presbyterian Church’s congregation showed just how much fun it can have by hosting a Snow Day. More than 250 people attended the first-time event, which included more than snow! There was food, face painting and other fun, family activities. The church, led by the Rev. Dr. David Hodgson, is located at 1900 S. Arrowhead Dr. For more information, visit www.chandlerpres.org. STSN photos by Tim Sealy