On Saturday, March 28, Banner Health Center sponsored the KA-POW! Superhero Adventure Run. Parents and children enjoyed this costumed run, which featured several fun and challenging obstacles like Spiderman Tower, Thor Tires, Iron Man Crawl, Wonder Woman Wall and the popular Aquaman’s waterslide.
Nick Fury (Joseph Mentor) can’t hold out against daughter Maggie’s super power, cuteness.
This late morning heat of racers gets a good fast start.
Emarie Hotchkiss is superhero strong as Bat Girl.
The Raisor family, from left: Lillie, Steven, Mindy, Nellie and Jace.
Hannah Silva slides into action as Supergirl.
Linda Tunney and Megan White work for the Town of Gilbert and volunteer to help out at the race.
Kylynn, Chad and Tiffany Nelson sprint to the finish as they have every year at the Ka-Pow Race.
Scott Gladstein and Christina Johnson take their costumes seriously.
Logan Neugebauer celebrates his big race finish with his mom, Krista.
Don’t Miss this Limited Opportunity to Live in a Fairy-Tale Neighborhood — for Real!
Four collections of homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to just over 4,000 sq. ft. starting in the low $200’s
THE MULBERRY STORY
Blandford Homes is creating hometown charm, for real! Mulberry will feel like an enchanted land magically reminiscent of the early 1900s when homes sprung up to create quaint neighborhoods Blandford Homes presents an inspired line of home designs with significant character differences Imagine corner lots featuring homes with wraparound porches! This “New Old-Home Neighborhood” will be one-of-a-kind in Arizona.
Mulberry will feature two beautiful main entrances with lush date palm and tree-lined boulevards leading to centrally located Mulberry Park, no more than a 5-minute walk from anyplace in the neighborhood You will enjoy the park’s impressive Georgian Colonial-style building complete with white trim and green shutters, along with the pool, sport courts, fitness, and playgrounds Just imagine the events, concerts, and celebrations you’ll attend within the huge pavillions and green playing fields of Mulberry Park. In fact, these community amenities will be in place before the first homeowner moves in Mulberry is part of the top-rated Gilbert School District, and within a mile you’ll find major shopping, dining, a carwash and an even an IMAX theater A shopping area, “Mulberry Marketplace,” will include a Fry’s Marketplace designed in a Craftsman Bungalow style to tie into Mulberry’s architectural theme. Mulberry residents won’t even have to leave the community to shop!
Guadalupe Road, just 1.8 miles east of the 202 Fwy, exit 32 Over 2,000
Fight 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 http://donate. oralcancer.org/event/arizona2015.
Unlimited Smiles’ founder was inspired for dentistry field at a young age
BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
Dr.
Alireza
Moheb knew he wanted to be a dentist at a young age. Moheb, had, as he described it, a “very bad” crossbite.
“My parents had to wipe my face,” Moheb said with a laugh. “I would have the food all over my face.”
At the age of 11, he received braces. That dental work corrected his crossbite, and inspired him enough for him to embark on a career in dentistry.
“It changed the way I was eating, it increased my confidence and improved my appearance,” Moheb said. “I even sent the dentist a letter last year, thanking him.”
When he was 16, Moheb worked in a dental office. The following year, he made dentures. As a young adult, he earned a doctor of dental medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In 2002, Moheb founded his dentistry practice, Unlimited Smiles, in Walnut Creek, California. Moheb studied and perfected advanced techniques like dental surgery and implants, and expanded his
practice with offices in Chandler and Phoenix, and five in California.
“I had already worked in so many dentists’ offices that it was easy for me to open one,” Moheb said. He opened his offices in the Valley because he “loves the weather here.”
Moheb also taught and trained more than 130 dentists and 200 employees in the past 12 years.
Unlimited Smiles offers all phases of dentistry from orthodontics to implant dentistry. Moheb also teaches, as a visiting professor at Nova Southeastern since 2005, and dental implantology in the United States and the Caribbean since 2001. He was recently awarded an honorary fellowship in the International College of Dentists and appointed deputy director at the Caribbean Dental Implant.
Moheb, the dental director and founder of Unlimited Smiles, has teams working at each office, assessing dental needs.
Moheb’s dentists and staffs diagnose, treat and prevent oral disease, which is often linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term birth and arthritis.
Bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the blood stream, and inflame organs, Moheb said.
Older patients often create less saliva due to medications. When the mouth is dry, particularly at night, bacteria can grow. For some patients, Moheb recommends and conducts a three-month cleaning using fluoride and chlorhexidine.
“Gums impact your health,” Moheb said.
Moheb’s office also assesses patients for orthodontics or implant dentistry. He has created and trademarked Teeth for Life, and enjoys taking on major dental work with implants and prosthodontics.
A sense of accomplishment comes from the finished work and the smiles of his patients. “Their eyes light up and they are saying, ‘I have my teeth back again.’ It makes a difference in their lives. It affects confidence, relationships and careers,” Moheb said.
Unlimited Smiles is located at 2040 S. Alma School Rd., No. 21, Chandler. For more information, call (480) 895-3111 or visit www.unlimitedsmiles.com.
Finding a home
President Barack Obama visits with Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg and family members at Remsburg’s newly finished home in Gilbert. Remsburg suffered a severe brain injury in Afghanistan several years ago and has made remarkable progress.
Dr. Alireza Moheb
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.
Williams Field grad serves with Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-122
A 2013 Williams Field High School graduate and Gilbert native is serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 122, also known as the “Flying Eagles,” stationed at Naval Air Station in Lemoore, California.
Airman Deanna Vickroy is an aviation electrician’s mate with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-122, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
“I work on all electrical systems on the F/A-18 Super Hornet,” said Vickroy.
The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface combat. It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 pounds, and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.
Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.
“There are many opportunities to learn at the squadron and the amount of jets allow me to work on plenty of different parts on the aircraft,” said Vickroy.
Vickroy said she is proud of the work
she is doing as part of the squadron’s 1140-member team, helping to protect America on the world’s oceans.
“They call us aviation ‘everything’ because we are responsible for every system on this fly-by-wire jet,” said Vickroy.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied in VFA-122. Approximately 220 officers, 660 enlisted and 260 civilian men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly—this includes everything from maintaining aircraft airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry and flying the aircraft.
“The sailors here are the epitome of a team,” said Cmdr. Ernie Spence, VFA-122’s commanding officer. “Everyone here is professional, skilled in their job and they are great team players, which enables us to accomplish our mission.”
The Flying Eagles are the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Super Hornet. They train aircrew and maintainers to prepare them to go to the fleet and join the squadrons that fly the Super Hornet. VFA-122 trained aircrews have flown combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I have been able to travel and be a part of a melting pot of interesting people since I joined the Navy,” said Viceroy.
Serving the nation
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Dustin Corderman, from Gilbert, serves as remote controller of a 25 mm Mk 38 Mod 2 machine gun system on the bridge of USS Laboon (DDG 58) as the ship departs Naval Station Rota in Spain on March 5. Laboon, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Desmond Parks
Dignity Health Family 5 K
Kick-off a new tradition with Dignity Health’s Family 5K on Sunday, May 3rd at Freestone Park, Gilbert, AZ. The event has a distance for everyone, including a 5K Run/Walk, Family 1 Mile, and 100 Yard Kids’ Dash, so bring friends!
Your family will be supporting families in the Birthing Centers at both Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Chandler Regional Medical Center. Whether families are having their first or third baby, we want them to experience this exciting and special time in very comfortable and high-quality surroundings! Run, Play and Give!
For more information call 480-728-2036 or visit our race website at raceroster.com/events/2015/4876/dignity-health-family-5k
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Single mom of three boys receives upgraded car
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
One lucky single mom from Gilbert received a fully serviced 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix so she will have safe transportation.
“Because my nursing school is at the Interstate 17 and Dunlap, and I live in Gilbert, I’m driving a lot,” said the mother, Lindsey Isaacs, in a prepared statement. Isaacs’ 1998 Honda Accord, which had more than 200,000 miles, had a broken dashboard, windows, air conditioning and other problems.
“One of the more challenging parts of the commute is always remembering to keep my foot slightly on the pedal while idling; otherwise it will vibrate and then simply shut off.,” she said of her old car.
As the mother of 4-, 8- and 10-year-old boys, Isaacs takes them to school and day care regularly. She also drives to and from work and nursing school.
“She had an older car,” said Jacinda Dawson, program director of Helping Hands for Single Moms. “Things were literally falling off of it. Physically the car was a complete wreck. She was fresh in my mind as a great candidate.”
The donation of the car was made possible through a 10-year partnership between Helping Hands for Single Moms and Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO).
“We come alongside her through this journey and offered assistance in
see UPGRADE page 16
Concert benefits Animal Cancer Center
BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON
When three of Kim Gauchat’s dogs died from cancer in 2010, the owner of Born to Run Dog Activity Center knew she had to do something to help fellow canine lovers.
She is proud to be hosting the fourth annual Concert for a Cure 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, that benefits the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University at Born to Run.
Concert for a Cure takes place at the Gilbert’s Born to Run facility, which sits on more than 2 acres of land at 13811 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert. Guests bring a picnic dinner and their favorite beverages. There is a nohost bar.
Tickets for Concert for a Cure are $30, or $210 for a table of eight. This event is reservationonly, with RSVPs due by Tuesday, April 21. For tickets, visit www. borntorundogs.com or call (480) 812-3647.
Local band Smooth Groove has been a part of Born to Run’s Concert for a Cure since the beginning. The musicians are excited to be entertaining at the 2015 fundraising event.
Browne added that it’s touching to see folks pull together in the name of canine love.
“I had no idea about some of the things that Born to Run offers,” she said. “We always enjoy doing this event.”
The Born to Run facility offers doggy day care and overnight boarding, grooming, training and agility classes and workshops.
“As an animal lover, I have lost six of my own dogs to cancer—three in 2010,” explained Gauchat who, along with her husband, shows and competes with dogs.
Kim Gauchat, owner of Born to Run Dog Activity Center, with her dog, Trec, is hosting Concert for a Cure to benefit Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center on Saturday, April 25, in Gilbert. Submitted photo
“Kim came to see us perform at Warren’s Jazz Bistro in Gilbert and we were the house band there,” said Jennifer Browne, the lead singer of the fivemember band who formed in 2009.
“Since then she got in contact with our band manager and pretty much from there, it’s been history. We love Born to Run, they love us and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Smooth Groove plays regular gigs at various casinos including Lone Butte Hotel & Casino, Wild Horse Pass Casino and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino.
“We’ll play Top 40s, Motown, R&B and smooth jazz,” said Browne. “Most of the music is songs that you recognize and that you want to move to. It’s old school and new school.”
Smooth Groove counts the Concert for a Cure as one of its favorite events.
“I think it’s amazing to be able to see a lot of people come together just for their pets,” Browne said. “I honestly didn’t even know that there was such a camaraderie that would draw such a crowd.”
Every year, the Concert for a Cure event grows and last year’s event drew 70 guests.
“As a small business owner in the dog-service industry, I have seen too many pets lost to cancer.” She wants to ensure that science continues to advance so that pets have more effective cancer treatments available or so that perhaps cancer can be prevented and eventually eliminated.
When Gauchat took one of her dogs to the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, she was treated like family. The facility has advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.
“Research is making great strides at the university level,” Gauchat explained. “Some cancers are close to being identified by genetic markers so that they can be bred out of dogs.”
Advancements in cancer treatments made at Animal Cancer Center are increasing pets’ survival rates and increasing their quality of life.
Gauchat founded Concert for a Cure to fundraise for the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University to help them advance in efforts of animal cancer research and treatment. More than 90 percent of its funding comes through private donations.
“We fell in love with the doctors there and we’ve since taken other dogs there for non-oncology appointments,” Gauchat explained.
She added that the benefit is a fun evening for all involved.
“We’ll supply the tables, chairs and gala atmosphere. There will also be a raffle and silent auction, too,” Gauchat said. “Smooth Groove is the same band that has been playing this event every year. We would never think of changing it. They fit the bill so perfectly and they are the energetic, uplifting people that are masters of their craft.”
Breakthrough Treatment for Constant Migraine Pain East
Valley Clinic Provides Advanced Therapy
(Chandler, AZ) There are several different kinds of migraine headaches and a wide variety of methods to treat them. Among the most debilitating headaches are intractable migraines. This refers to migraine pain that continues in spite of all traditional attempts of migraine prevention and treatment. Simply put, they are migraine headaches that just won’t go away.
Novocur Pain Management Clinic is achieving significant results for treating intractable migraines with a breakthrough method called neuromodulation or neurostimulation therapy.
A very small, thin device emits an electric current to nerve tissue, blocking the pain signals and replacing them with a pleasant vibration felt in the back of the head. This nerve blocking effect
provides a long term reduction in the intensity, duration and frequency of these headaches.
Patients can “try out” this therapy before choosing to go ahead with a permanent implant. Novocur’s president and CEO Dr. Alex Bigham says, “Our priority is always to match the very best treatment for each specific kind of pain.”
Bigham adds that neuromodulation has also proven effective for other pain problems related to failed back surgeries, sciatic leg pain, and peripheral neuropathy.
A comprehensive guide to understanding migraine headaches and many other types of pain and pain treatments is available at novocur.com. For specific questions and appointments call the clinic directly at (480) 855-6686.
Ingenuity key to Gilbert Farmers Market
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Rain or shine, every Saturday vendors fill historic Gilbert with local, chemicalfree, organic produce in an intimate environment. Consumers vie for prime parking spaces, while others line up to get the best in wine, sausage rolls and produce.
That’s the exact response Jessa Koppenhofer was hoping for when she started the Gilbert Farmers Market.
“When I opened the Gilbert Farmers Market in 2010 there wasn’t a single farmers market in the East Valley for the community,” she said. “I felt that the community needed to learn where their food was coming from—the ground and not the grocery store. I still believe in this as our farms are being wiped from the landscape and replaced with housing developments.”
The year-round farmers market is held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays, just west of the water tower, at 222 N. Ash Dr. During the fall and winter months, the Gilbert Farmers Market has 80 vendors. During the spring and summer, it decreases to 60 vendors.
“Today the community can come to
the market and meet with farmers and learn how they grow their food, what’s in season and purchase produce and other food items for meals during the week,” she said.
Patty Flanigan of Juice Core has been a vendor with the Gilbert Farmers Market for four years.
“It’s a healthy environment that you can purchase healthy food options,” Flanigan said. “You get to meet the farmer or the person who prepared your food and actually have a conversation. Everything is fresh and for the most part non-GMO and organic.”
Brian Bergeson of the popular Gilbert shop Bergies Coffee quickly came on board.
“We have been there pretty much from the beginning,” he said. “I like that it is a little downtown local thing. Pretty much everyone there is a mom-and-pop-type of thing.”
Bergies Coffee, which is located about 250 feet away from the farmers market, brings wheelbarrows of fresh coffee to the market every Saturday. The custom coffee roasting shop sells coffee from all around the world including Central
brown. Unique eggs are one of many fun finds at the Gilbert Farmers Market. Submitted photo
America, South America, Indonesia, Africa and Hawaii.
Koppenhofer explained the Gilbert Farmers Market is perfect for selfproclaimed foodies. The market sells locally grown produce like grass-fed beef, lamb, pork and chicken; seafood; and a large assortment of locally produced honey, jams, oatmeal, cheese, chocolate, sauces, pasta, juice, tea and salts. The market also includes a minimum of at least three food trucks.
Koppenhofer said all of the farmers only sell what they personally grow.
“This is a big issue at many farmers markets in the Valley, so we decided to
really make the Gilbert Farmers Market different by only working with farmers that are in the business for the right reason: To provide the local community with the freshest locally grown produce,” she said.
The farmers include The Crooked Sky Farm; Desert Roots Farm; Agritopia Farm; Sky Hi Sprouts; Phil’s Farm; Jeff’s Nursery; The Funny Farm; Splendid Acres Farm and Chow Locally.
For more information, visit www. gilbertmarket.com.
the form of financial stipends, dental care, auto care and many other service providers,” Dawson said.
Dawson said Isaacs is a very humble client and she struck her as quite deserving.
Garnand said it’s been a really unique experience to work with Helping Hands for Single Moms. He said throughout the year, NARPRO services for free the cars of women who are affiliated with Helping Hands for Single Moms.
Helping Hands for Single Moms worked with NARPRO and Valley Towing to donate the car to Isaacs and her family.
“I don’t know what words to use to describe it...that feeling of helping others,” said NARPRO Board Member Jim Garnand. “The fact that every mom that we dealt with has generally been working toward getting better, makes it so much more rewarding. They certainly pick people (who) one need it, and two welcome the chance to get better.”
He said the organizations found the Pontiac Grand Prix at a recycler.
“The towing company (Valley Towing) found us the car and one of the shops did the majority of the work, Community Tire, which is through NARPRO,” Garnand said.
“So, if something happens to the car, we provide the labor and Helping Hands provides the parts,” Garnand said. “Every now and then a mom’s car is no longer physically viable.”
Dawson said the women contact the program director with any safety related mechanical issues before being referred to one of the 28 auto shops with which Helping Hands for Single Moms is partnered.
“We also provide our participants with AAA memberships,” she said.
“They are encouraged to use this during after hours or emergency situations.”
Garnand said every mother his organization has worked with has been pleasant.
“It’s always been the type of people that you have been wanting to help, which is really cool,” Garnand said.
UPGRADE FROM page 14
The Gilbert Farmers Market is held downtown from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays. Submitted photo
Chickens lay many different colored eggs, not just white or
BY KATHY KERBY
Sometimes I find a very delightful restaurant in a very unlikely place. Such is the case with Sushi Ave, which is cradled between an auto parts store and a bank on the northwest corner of Higley and Guadalupe roads.
I visited Sushi Ave recently with my sushi-loving daughter, Katie, and best friend, Johnnie, neither of whom miss a chance to indulge in their favorite cuisine. We were welcomed into this smallbut-soothing dining area by dark tile and well-decorated walls. Shelves held hundreds of chopsticks belonging to loyal customers.
What this little jewel lacks in space, it more than made up in the eight-page menu that boasts beautiful pictures of the food. The menu offers a vast selection of salads, appetizers, soups, noodles, entrees, beverages and, of course, rolls (fresh, baked and tempura). In addition, there are special lunch, happy hour and drink menus.
I was very happy that I had two experts to help me maneuver through the choices. We started with the miso soup ($2) and the pot stickers ($3). The soup was flavorful and mild. The pot stickers with their crunchy edge and soft filling were yummy. Next came the orange chicken ($10) and coconut shrimp ($8). The chicken was wonderful, meaty and not too sweet, served on a perfect bed of rice. The coconut shrimp was perhaps the best that I have ever eaten. Seriously, I will be back just to eat this delicacy again.
happy hour menu and each generous selection was fresh and tasty. We tried the Las Vegas, crunchy California, shrimp tempura, spicy crab and the salmon rolls. We couldn’t decide which we enjoyed most, because all were excellent.
There are five desserts on the menu (including tempura cheesecake which sounds amazing) but we were too full to sample them.
The husband-and-wife team of HaeChung (Harry) and Nansook (Nana) Choi are the talented owners and chefs. They are proud of the fact that they have more than 70 rolls on the menu and no two rolls share ingredients. They feel that good rice and fresh fish are the most important elements in preparing sushi.
Sushi Ave has many loyal customers because of its delicious food, almost limitless menu and excellent service.
While the location can be somewhat difficult to spot, the reward for eating here is well worth it.
The sushi was carefully delivered next, perched on a large, wooden, sailing ship. Wow! Each roll was just $5 on the
Make mom happy with one of Fuchsia’s Mother’s Day specials.
*Purchase by 5/31/15 and redeem by 5/31/16 Don’t forget
2 Layer Eye Lift & revitalizing massage of arms, hands, neck and chest. It’s all she could ever want! (Value $145)
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Give her a Fuchsia Spa Membership available in 6 or 12 month denominations.
Don’t forget May 5th is Teacher Appreciation Day. Fuchsia Spa gift cards make ALL teachers happy.
Nansook (Nana) Choi proudly presents the Sushi Ave sushi boat. GSN photo by Kathy Kerby
Coconut shrimp and pot stickers made a great start to our meal. GSN photo by Kathy Kerby
The orange chicken was served in a unique way. GSN photo by Kathy Kerby
Get out and celebrate Gilbert in April
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
To encourage residents to participate in the Town’s wealth of activities, Gilbert is offering a dozen events throughout April—the month dubbed “Gilbert Gets Out.”
Krista Neugebauer, Gilbert Community Center recreation coordinator, said she’s hoping Gilbert residents take advantage of the nice weather and the free, all-ages activities.
First up is the Concert in the Park with the Cover Ups from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Water Tower Plaza, 45 W. Page Ave.
Twenty-six vendors will showcase their wares during the Senior Center Expo featuring health care providers, hospice, chiropractors, handmade crafts and free massages. The expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St.
Neugebauer said anyone can attend the expo—not just Baby Boomers.
The Movie in the Park will feature “The Box Trolls” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Gilbert Community Center. Free popcorn will be provided at the event, regularly held the second Friday of each month.
Perhaps the centerpiece of Gilbert Gets Out month is the Global Village Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Gilbert Civic Center North Campus, 50 E. Civic Center
Dr. The multicultural celebration will include traditional and contemporary forms of dance, music, children’s activities, arts and crafts and ethnic foods.
The Bird Walk Guided Tour, which usually has a suggested donation of $5, will be free from 6 a.m.to 8 a.m. Sunday, April 12, at the Riparian Preserve, 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd.
Neugebauer said although the walk is
geared toward adults because it can last anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours, children are welcome.
Southeast Regional Library will host a LEGO Demo for ages 5 to 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. Three half-hour sessions will be held.
Bounce Bootcamp, featuring blow-up obstacle courses, will be held at the Freestone Recreation Center. Submitted photo
The second Concert in the Park will feature AZ Dueling Pianos from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Water Tower Plaza.
Wiggle Worms, a program for ages 5 and younger, will be held from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m. Friday, April 17, at the McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne. Neugebauer said the event is held inside the gymnasium where toys and games are set up for the kids to play with as they run free indoors.
From 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, April 17, a Prime Time Fitness Forum will be held at Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Rd.
The Earth Day Celebration featuring family activities, face painting, recycled arts and crafts and recycling-themed
activities and games will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at McQueen Park Activity Center.
“Frozen’s” Elsa and Anna will dress up and read stories from 10:30 a.m.to 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd. Neugebauer said she encourages individuals to arrive early because it will fill fast.
The last event for Gilbert Gets Out month will be held at Freestone Recreation Center. The Bounce Bootcamp, for youngsters 5 to 14 years old, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.
For more information, call (480) 503-6200 or visit www.facebook.com/ GilbertParksandRecreation.
Join Elsa and Anna at Southeast Regional Library for storytime and songs Friday, April 24. Submitted photo
Keep it inside
Indoor activities to keep the kids entertained this summer
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 be accompanied by an adult. Socks are required to play. Admission for kids is $10. 6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, (480) 3443741, 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
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 hands-on 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) 5480005, 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
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
