SanTan Sun News: Youth - Jan. 9, 2016

Second grader raises $2,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

BY ALISON STANTON

Laurie Preston and her husband, Jeff, were getting ready for bed one night last August when their son, Kai, approached them with an unexpected business proposal.

Kai, 7, told his parents that he wanted to start his own business—appropriately called “Kai’s Business”—and that his first project would involve creating and selling coloring books that would raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“When we asked him why he wanted to do this, Kai said that he wanted to help the kids and that he could do it by doing something he likes, which is drawing,” Preston said.

His now-3-year-old sister Lexi spent time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital when she was 11 months. This impacted Kai.

“He saw kids who were sick, and he wanted to do something for them,” she said. Kai, a second grader at Navarrete Elementary School in Chandler, told his folks that he wanted to raise $100 for the hospital.

As it turns out, he was able to meet this goal by twenty-fold.

In late December, Kai presented a check for $2,000 to some of Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s pet therapy dogs.

The money will be evenly split between the hospital’s PetSmart Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy Program and the Hope Fund, Preston said.

The day after Kai announced his plans, Preston said her son called his first family business meeting.

During the meeting, Kai told his parents

that for the coloring book to be as successful as possible, he would ask some of his friends to help.

Preston said Kai and nine of his friends dubbed themselves the Creative Kids and soon got busy drawing outlines of pictures for the coloring book.

When one of the kids suggested that the coloring book contain only drawings of super heroes, Kai disagreed.

“Kai said it was very important that the coloring book have all kinds of different pictures that all kids would want to color,” Preston said, adding that the finished Creative Kids Coloring Book contains 24 pages of different drawings including dogs, R2-D2, robots and a princess.

Jeff, who works in graphic design, put the coloring book together and added captions under each photo.

Preston said Kai and his band of Creative Kids friends then sold the coloring books for $5 each, and they also donated some of the books to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“I thought making a coloring book would be the easiest thing to do,” Kai said.

In addition to drawing and coloring a picture of Batman for the cover, he also drew a lady bug, The Incredible Hulk, two robots, Robin from Teen Titans, a princess, butterfly and “candy corn monster.”

Kai said it was exciting to raise a lot more money than his original goal of $100.

“Then we got to $500, and then my high goal was $1,000, but I got $1,000 more than that,” he said.

Preston said watching their son present

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the check at the hospital was something she and her husband will remember forever.

“It was definitely emotional,” she said.

Preston said she is very proud of Kai and his desire to help other kids, and the nine buddies who helped make it happen.

“He could not have done this without the support of his friends. They all have really kind hearts,” she said.

Kai said he hopes to eventually do another project that will raise more money for a worthy cause.

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“I’m thinking about making ‘Star Wars’ toys, but I’m not really sure yet,” he said.

Looking back to that warm August evening, Preston said she and her husband are amazed at how much Kai was able to accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.

“He kind of caught us off guard with his idea, but it got us thinking, ‘Gosh, how many people have ideas and never do them? But this is something that Kai made happen,’” she said.

www.jackandjillfetalphotos.com

High school teens tune into career early

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

At 16, Hamilton High School junior Dhruv Iyer has decided on his career— technology entrepreneur.

It isn’t an idle dream. He’s nearly there.

Dhruv, together with Adi Sidapara, 15, of Scottsdale, Viraj Puri, 15, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Aniruddh Iyengar, 17, of Boston, participated in a four-week camp at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology last summer. The curriculum centered on entrepreneurship, which they studied by putting it to practice.

The result is Allbeat, a technology platform that enables people to discover indie music with 11-second song previews.

Now, the teens plan to launch Allbeat as an IOS application for iPhones, and follow it with an Android version for Google phones and a release on the Web.

Allbeat is Adi’s brainchild.

“My idea really came to fruition out of the frustration I had when it came to finding music,” he said. “Finding new music you like is hard because you have to listen to entire songs. Allbeat really came out of that idea—it’s to make the entire process shorter and even powerful for the artist and for the listener.”

The music discovery platform enables its target audience of young adults to preview songs of any genre, follow a link to a particular artist’s website and download the music using a regular channel.

As much as it will help listeners,

Year in Review

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

WAllbeat will also serve struggling musicians, the teens said. They said they feel that many talented musicians, who have not signed to a large music label, don’t get a chance to adequately market their work.

“We’re trying to give a channel for anyone, really, anyone with any kind of musical ability to share with people,” Dhruv said.

The MIT Launch Summer Program, which gathers 160 high schoolers from around the world to learn entrepreneurship and start companies, is thorough. In four weeks, students come up with an idea, identify the customer, learn what to offer them, how to reach them, how to formulate a business model and generate revenue.

Dhruv and his teammates did at least 100 hours of market research, talking to the public on the streets of downtown Boston and to students at a nearby college. They tested the theory that the human attention span for music was 10 to 12 seconds and discovered that 11 seconds was the most powerful length of time.

Back in their respective cities, they continued to work on the project, collaborating remotely. A fifth member was added to the team: 15-year-old Nathan Flurry, a student at BASIS Prescott.

In October, they launched a test site, and 700 people signed up (view the test version at http://allbeat.co).

ith 2016 now upon us I thought it appropriate to share a few reviews from last year. Over 2015 we received 281 reviews. When both our offices in Chandler are combined we are the highest reviewed and highest rated Orthodontics office in the State of Arizona. Thank you to all who give us feedback. I know my staff share in my passion for inspiring hope, raising self-esteem and improving the lives of children and adults in our community. Here are a few of the reviews we received over the last 12 months:

We were there on Friday morning and as usual it was an easy in and out. Everyone is happy and they make the experience as fun as possible for the kids. Thanks! — Gulnar B.

My daughter had a great experience. The appointments were always on schedule and never ran late and the office staff was always very friendly. And

Thomas Chamberlain

While Allbeat will be available for free to listeners, the teens have figured a means of revenue for their business.

“In entertainment and media in general, the data and the analytics is very valuable for advertisers,” Adi said. “What we’re trying to foster is this new kind of connection between artists and listeners. Any kind of interaction in this realm is going to be very powerful for marketers to use.”

Both Adi and Dhruv hail from families who have entrepreneurship and technology backgrounds. Adi, a sophomore at BASIS Scottsdale, said his father started two companies while working at another one. Dhruv’s father works at Intel Corp. in Chandler and his mother teaches science at Knox Gifted Academy.

“It was really after I went to the camp that I decided that entrepreneurship is the career for me,” said Dhruv, who has been participating in robotics competitions, science research and the like for much of his life.

Time will tell whether Allbeat will become a runaway success or not.

In the meantime, Dhruv revels in the experience. “There’s no secret formula for entrepreneurship,” he said. “You just have to find a good couple of co-founders and just start working on it.”

He also has a message to his fellow students.

“As high school students, we have the

of course at the end of it all, my daughter’s teeth looked perfect! Dr . Chamberlain did an excellent job. — Julia L.

Our family has been very fortunate to have found not only a fantastic orthodontist but a wonderful office team as well. I have sent over 10 families to Chamberlain Orthodontics who have also been greatly satisfied. Our last child will be getting her braces off soon and we can’t wait to see her beautiful smile. Thank you! —Jayme C.

I love this place! Great people and non-threatening environment. They take the time to sit with my daughter and talk with her about her life and her concerns. While she is the customer, most places aren’t nearly as accommodating to the child. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Chamberlain and his office to anyone...anytime. —Joyce V.

My daughter spent the afternoon at Chamberlain Orthodontics yesterday. She has never had a better time at a doctor’s office. From start to finish the entire staff was great, immediately gaining her trust and confidence. At the beginning of the day, she was scared of the possibility of getting braces, now she’s sorta looking forward to it so she can see her friends at Chamberlain.

Dr. Chamberlain spent plenty of time with us making

lowest risk in starting a company than any other demographic,” he said, adding that if Allbeat were to fail, it wouldn’t hurt anyone much. “Every high schooler should try starting a company. I think it’s a ton of fun more than anything.”

sure that we understood everything involved. And even though we were ready to start treatment today, he recommended that we WAIT! That gives me all kind of trust in his opinion, that he would not make any money off of us in order to do the right thing. —Jacob H.

My daughter got her braces on last year, and is about to get them off. Our experience has been wonderful. Everyone at Chamberlain has been SO nice, friendly, and informative throughout the process!

NOW... it’s my turn. Yep - adult braces. It was a no brainer to go to Chamberlain for mine, in fact I didn’t really even consider getting them until my daughter had such great results! So far I am very pleased. Everyone is helpful, patient, and can laugh with me on this journey...

—Tori S.

LOVE CHAMBERLAIN!!!

In 2016 we are so excited to unveil our updated office. We have equipped it with the top of the industry i-Cat 3D technology and made impressions a thing of the past. Come experience what so many others in the community have come to appreciate. Make this the year for a positive change in your life.

Chandler High’s Harry impresses at Under Armour game

BY KENDALL HILTON

Two weeks before traveling to Orlando for the Under Armour All-American game, future ASU Sun Devil N’Keal Harry shocked the social media world with his unbelievable feat on the basketball court.

A shattered backboard.

“It was just a regular dunk but I tugged a little harder than what I usually do,” said Harry, a Class of 2016 student at Chandler High School. “I looked back and I [saw] everyone in the gym was going wild, glass was on the floor, and my hand was all cut up. It was crazy!”

Harry also dazzled everyone in attendance at the Under Armour All-American game during which he showed off his athleticism. The 6-foot2-inch, 211-pound wide receiver proved challenging for the majority of the defensive backs attempting to check him at the line. His mixture of size, athleticism and power has made him one of the best wide receivers in the country.

In its ninth season, the Under Armour All-American Game showcases the top 100 high school football players from around the country. Former NFL players and coaches also participate in the event; this season included Herm Edwards, Steve Mariucci and Deion Sanders as the coaches.

In the inaugural game, current Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, Julio Jones, was named MVP and would go on to be the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Since 2008, the UA All-American game

has produced 94 NFL draft picks, 23 first rounder, and a Heisman winner.

With his size and catching ability, Harry has the same traits of those who played before him such as Julio Jones, A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Alshon Jeffery of the Chicago Bear.

Some said he doesn’t have great speed—which could be debated—but he does know how to attract the ball.

“I’m a big physical receiver,” Harry said. “I love to block, I love to hit people, and I love to go up and get the ball.”

He credits his grandmother, Felna Harris, for his ethic and relentless approach toward the sport. They moved from the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean to the United States when he was 7 years old, and since then Harry has adapted to America very well. Harry’s grandmother is the main motivation for him staying in the Grand Canyon State to attend ASU.

“I choose to stay home because my grandmother is there and I didn’t want her to have trouble going to other states just to see my games,” he said.

Harry has not eschewed his Caribbean roots. He said he loves the game of football because it can help him create opportunities for residents of his homeland like jobs and schooling.

The Under Armour All-American game is just the beginning of Harry’s future. With a strong sense of humility and family values, Harry could be a future NFL talent. To reach the NFL, character is one

of the most important attributes coaches pay attention to.

“It was great week for me to learn about myself. coach Edwards gave me a ton of advice for both on the field and off.” Harry said during a post-game interview.

Just before the start of a morning practice, Edwards, Harry’s head coach, gave an intense speech to all the players in the wake of the news that TCU star quarterback, Trevone Boykin, was arrested for assault on an officer just days before his school’s game against Oregon in the Alamo Bowl.

“Don’t be that guy,” Edwards told the players. “They’re going to play that game without him. They’re not canceling the game. Don’t think you’re not replaceable because you are. And when you do stuff like that you shouldn’t play. The game of football is bigger than any coach, any player.”

Harry was a part of Team Highlight, who was victorious, defeating Team Armour 27-0. He led all receivers with five receptions, tallying up 32 yards. He also recovered a fumble in the first quarter that on a muffed punt that set up Team Highlight’s first touchdown of the game. If it wasn’t for the no-advance rule, he would have ended up with a touchdown. (The opposing team cannot advance the ball on an unforced fumble on punts. Once the ball is recovered, the play is blown dead at the spot of the recovery.)

Nonetheless, Harry enjoyed the experience and walked off the field with a huge smile on his face and these final words.

“I appreciate my grandmother [and] everyone in the hometown for sticking and following with me throughout this recruiting process and I hope they stay blessed.”

Push: The discipline to move beyond your comfort zone

BY NEW VISTAS DIRECTOR CAROL ELIAS

Learning can be scary, especially if children are pushed beyond something they have never ventured to try. Children can recall learning how to ride their first two-wheel bicycle. They remember the trepidation mixed with excitement when mom or dad let go of the seat for the first time. The feelings of exhilaration and sense of accomplishment made any fear they might have had a distant memory. As young bike riders gained proficiency, there could have been a few skinned knees but those tiny setbacks did not overrule their desire to get back on the bike again. Learning in the classroom is like that also.

A teacher replicates the necessary steps it takes to become proficient in essential skills. Like the bike metaphor, teachers dutifully coax and gently push students to grasp more and more skills, not “letting go” until they feel the kids are ready. The “pushing” part of the equation moves children out of their comfort zone—the place where they feel most proficient, least challenged and least stressed—toward the new skill. And, in case you’re wondering, science affirms that remaining in the “comfort zone,” while neither right or wrong, can impede new learning.

The science behind push

What are the benefits of push? In 1908, two psychologists, Robert Yerkes and John D. Dodson, conducted a classic experiment that explained that relative comfort in a situation creates a steady

level of performance. While this is good, they learned that to maximize performance, that is, push beyond the status quo, the participants needed a state of “relative anxiety”—a place where stress levels are only slightly higher than normal. Yerkes called this phenomenon the state of “optimal stress.” “Optimal stress” breeds positive actions and growth, while, too much stress leads to paralysis or inaction.

The world’s most successful entrepreneurs instinctively understand this. GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons’ top rule is “Get out and stay out of your comfort zone.” Habitual thinking can rob you of growth and creativity. It’s the brain’s way of keeping you efficient, but it also tends to keep you in your comfort zone. If you know what works one time, your brain starts to recognize this and creates more defined neural pathways that allow you to almost unconsciously create an efficient action. That’s great for your drive to work every morning or your email routine. But, it’s not necessarily great for coming up with the next game-changing idea. Clearly, the idea of push is as critical for top entrepreneurs to build their businesses as it is for students to learn.

Learning and push

Returning to the bicycle metaphor, the learning process begins by gradually increasing risk within safe boundaries. Children have a clear vision of the intended goal, and through self-discipline, works incrementally

toward the goal of independence and proficiency. In the classroom, teachers encourage risk by building trust within a safe, nurturing environment. They build on what is familiar with the new material until the desired skills are mastered. Just like muscle memory required for riding the bike, students can then apply what they’ve learned to new learning experiences that are more advanced and sophisticated.

Pushing toward that so-called “optimal level” of stress in school can have amazing benefits for children’s growth.

1. Productivity increases.

2. Self-challenge inspires peak performance.

3. Timidity and fear of change are dissipated.

4. Creativity is more easily harnessed.

5. Measured risk-taking is easier.

6. Success tends to breed success.

Help children stretch beyond their comfort zones. The benefits far outweigh the temporary discomforts and will provide them with an important life skill.

Named a Top 10 School by Johns Hopkins University CTY, New Vistas Center for Education was founded in 1979. The private school teaches preschool through sixth grade from August through May, and preschool through high school from June to August. It is located at 670 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 35, Chandler. New Vistas is celebrating its 36th anniversary

‘Kids in the Kitchen’ shares chefs’ secrets

The Chabad of the East Valley presents “Kids in the Kitchen: Master Chef Junior Edition,” a program that incorporates lessons from renowned chefs and caterers in the Valley.

The event is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, and children are asked to bring their creativity, an appetite and lunch. The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life is located at 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. The charge is $12. At Kids in the Kitchen, children in first through sixth grades will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, cook, bake and decorate fabulous foods, and take home their own handmade creations. They also have the opportunity to create their own cookbooks filled with delicious recipes.

For more information, email rabbi@ chabadcenter.com or call (480) 855-4333.

The Red Carpet Sales Event

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Tour Our Award-Winning Model Home!

Single-family homes with 1-acre home sites

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From the mid-$600,000s (480) 656-0024

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Gated community of single-family homes with beautiful mountain views. 1+ acre home sites!

From the low $1 millions (480) 773-7308

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Gated community of 20 estate homes with 1-1/2 to 2 acre home sites

From the mid-$1 millions (480) 625-0181

NORTHEAST PHOENIX

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New Phase Coming Soon!

One and two-story single-family homes

From the low $500,000s (480) 595-2800

MARANA, PIMA COUNTY

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Luxury gated community of single-family homes located within the Dove Mountain resort community with exceptional city lights, golf & mountain views.

From the mid-$400,000s (520) 572-9005

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Single-family homes with estate sized home sites

From the low $600,000s (480) 404-6480

PEORIA

Toll Brothers at Blackstone Vistancia Tour Award-Winning Models! Amazing golf course location with golf and mountain view home sites

From the mid-$400,000s (623) 398-6241

DESERT RIDGE

The Villages at Aviano New Homes Just Released!

Gated community of luxury condominiums

From the upper $200,000s (480) 419-9300

SCOTTSDALE

Windgate Ranch

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Single-family homes at the base of the McDowell Mountains

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SOUTHEAST VALLEY

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Single-family homes with 4-car garage on approx. 1/2 acre home sites!

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STUDENT CHRONICLES

Abhi Bagchi, who attends BASIS Chandler, has been awarded a $20,000 scholarship through the H&R Block Budget Challenge—a free, interactive, real-life simulation personal financial education program that rewards students for mastering real-world budgeting and personal finance decision-making. Now in its second year, the H&R Block Budget Challenge works by replicating an adult’s financial life, requiring students to pay virtual bills, save for retirement and repay student loans, all from the safety of a classroom. This is the second year that BASIS Chandler has participated. Abhi is one of only 66 winners nationwide.

Jared Fleming has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2015 semester at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To achieve the dean’s list, a student must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average while enrolled in at least nine credits of regular coursework. Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, nonprofit university serving nearly 9,000 students at campuses across Michigan and online. With tuition among the lowest of all private universities in the state, Davenport provides highacademic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 50 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs addressing in-demand careers in business, technology, health professions and urban education. More information is available at www. davenport.edu.

Sydnay Tucker has been named to the chancellor’s list at Troy University in Troy, Alabama, for the fall semester/ term two of the 2015/2016 academic year. The chancellor’s list honors fulltime undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0. The fall semester includes students at the Troy, Ala., campus. Term 2 includes students at Troy’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, Alabama, and Global Campus, which consists of teaching sites outside of Alabama and online. Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni.

Marietta College’s Nathan Walker has been named to the fall 2015 dean’s list. Walker is majoring in petroleum engineering and is scheduled to graduate in May 2017. Walker is a graduate of Hamilton High School. Any full-time Marietta College student completing at least 15 credit hours with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.74 in a given semester is recognized as a dean’ list student for that semester. Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy begun in 1797, the college was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The college offers 45 majors and has been listed among Barron’s Best Buys in College Education and Peterson’s Competitive Colleges, and has been recognized as one of the top regional

comprehensive colleges by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review.

Brennen Pierson has been named to Eastern New Mexico University’s dean’s lists for the fall 2015 semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours with a GPA between 3.25 and 4.0. ENMU, a state institution in Portales, New Mexico, offers associate, bachelor and master degree options. Courses are offered oncampus and online.

Rhonda Williamson graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. Cum Laude graduates earn a 3.3 to 3.59 grade point average. Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students—nationally and internationally— at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education locations, as well as locations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree program. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

Brittany Lichty earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Tri-City Christian Academy encourages parents to ‘choose’ it

Tri-City Christian Academy is opening its doors to the public for an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the school, 2211 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. Drop in to catch part of a home basketball game and get a personal guided tour with a teacher or staff member.

The open house is held in conjunction with National School Choice Week, which is from Jan. 24 through Jan. 30. The week celebrate the growing number of school choice options.

For more information, call (480) 2457902 or visit www.tcawarriors.org.

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Day Holiday— no school

Feb. 2: Junior high parent/teacher conferences for J2

Feb. 4: Junior high parent/teacher conferences for J1

Feb. 10 to Feb. 11: Elementary parent/ teacher conferences

Feb. 15: Presidents Day—no school

HANCOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Spelling Bee

Hancock’s 2015-2016

Spelling Bee winner is fifth-grade student

Gabriel Biasca from Vanessa Barutha and Sarah Doerneman class.

Gabriel will represent Hancock in the District Spelling Bee on Friday, Jan. 29. The runner up was Blake Enwiller from Mrs. Wilson’s classroom.

Kindergarten registration

Kindergarten enrollment for the 20162017 begins at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11. Children who turn 5 years old by Aug. 31 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten.

Open enrollment

Online open enrollment begins at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11.

Calendar

Jan. 11: Online open enrollment begins at 7:30 a.m.

Jan 11: Kindergarten registration begins at 9 a.m.

Jan 19: Kindergarten open house 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Enhanced Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs

• Academically Enriched Curriculum and Low Ratios

• Free Language Enrichment: Spanish, French, Mandarin

• Daily Yoga, Art & Sign Language

• Before and After School Club with Transportation and Food

• Daily Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Hot Meals

• Outdoor and Indoor Playgrounds

Now Accepting New Students Ages 1-10

940 E. Riggs Road, Chandler NW Corner of Riggs & McQueen 480-237-9790 • www.plapreschool.com

A Celebration of Unity in honor of the MLK Jr. Holiday

The City of Chandler kicks off every year by hosting a series of events that honor Chandler’s diverse community, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. This year’s Celebration of Unity events include the 16th Annual Creative Expression Competition, a musical performance by Black Violin and the 21st Annual

Chandler Multicultural Festival. The weekend series of events attract more than 10,000 attendees each year.

It’s time to cast your vote in the annual Creative Expression Competition!

Any student who lives or attends a school in Chandler was eligible to enter. This year’s theme is “Peace Through People.” The winner’s work will be displayed at the annual Multicultural Festival, which will be held at Chandler Fashion Center for the first time. To view the top three entries submitted by Chandler students and to cast your vote for the top video, visit chanderaz.gov/ unity. Voting closes at 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 11.

It’s not too late to

get tickets to see Black Violin on Friday, Jan. 15, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. This dynamic duo features violinists Wil B and Kev Marcus, who fuse together an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues and R&B. Visit chandlercenter.org to purchase tickets online. For more information on Black Violin or to hear their musical style, visit blackviolin.net.

If you haven’t already, mark your calendar for Chandler’s annual Multicultural Festival. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at its new location, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. A highlight of the festival is the naturalization ceremony, where 200 individuals will become United States citizens. Residents are invited to join City of Chandler elected officials at 11 a.m., as they

witness this ceremony presided over by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

During the festival, attendees also can expect a variety of cultural performances on two stages (indoors and outdoors). The entertainment line up includes performances by: Jam Pak Blues ‘N’ Grass Neighborhood Band, Lelea and the 3Nations, Si Se Puede Folklorico, Grupo Axé Capoeira of Arizona, Polynesian Dancers from Aloha Studio, Silhouette Band, James Taylor, DeeDee Carson and much more. Attendees also can enjoy cultural interactive areas featuring various activities including free salsa lessons all day from

Yana Naftaliev, a Latin/Salsa dance coach at Arizona State, tai chi lessons in the morning and free

For more information on Chandler’s Celebration of Unity, visit chandleraz.gov/ unity and connect with Diversity Office on social media at facebook.com/ ChandlerDiversityOffice.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www.appledumplingcafe.com.

Mondays are family value night, when kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, when kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008

www.chompies.com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Copper Still Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476

www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645

www.dillysdeli.com

Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.

El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770

www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.

Fat Willy’s

4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356

www.fatwillysaz.com/chandler

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, dine in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 or younger.

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta

590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine in only.

The Hungry Monk

Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000

www.hungrymonkaz.com

Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898

www.aznypdpizza.com

Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 percent off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503

www.planetsub.com

Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.

Social Box 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735

www.socialboxeateries.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965

www.sidelinesaz.com

Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-7673

Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section. Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification. Readers, if you know of a location that has a kids-eat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details.

Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun.com.

Grace Community hosting open house

Chandler parents are invited to an open house at Grace Community Christian School, 1200 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. Prospective parents and their children in pre-school through eighth grade can tour the campus, meet teachers and pick up enrollment applications for the 2015-2016 school year. There will be scholarship information, refreshments, student-performed music and door prizes. For more information, call (480) 9665022, ext. 301, or visit www.gccsaz.org. Parents can also email school@graceaz. com.