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SanTan FAMILY FUN

Eye exams important for children of all ages

What’s

Inside:

By Alison Stanton

June may be Child Vision Awareness Month, but as far as June Carson is concerned, parents should pay attention to their children’s vision every day of the year.

Carson, who is a district nurse for the Chandler Unified School District, says that it is very important that children get their vision checked. The school district does its part, she notes, screening all new students including preschool and kindergarteners, as well as anyone who transfers into the district.

“Although every student is not screened every year, we will screen their vision upon request,” she notes. Anyone can ask that a child is tested, including parents, teachers and aides.

CUSD uses three charts to test a child’s vision, Carson says. They are an E chart, where the letter faces different directions; a letter chart, and the Apple House Umbrella chart, which is helpful for younger students and those with special needs who may have trouble naming letters. The charts are also available in Spanish, she notes.

In addition to the vision testing that is done in the school, parents can also take their child to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam.

Dr. Roger Ethington, an optometrist at Southwestern Eye Center, says if there is any kind of family history of eye problems, if the parents notice any problems with the way the eyes are tracking, if the eyes are deviating from each other, and/or they are not working together, they should bring in their child at 6 months of age.

“If everything is going smoothly, parents should schedule their child’s first eye checkup before first grade,” says Ethington, a Gilbert resident.

“If there is no indication of problems, the child should come back every two years, but if there is an ongoing condition they should come back every year, as directed by the doctor.”

ask the parent a lot of questions in order to get an accurate family history.

“If both parents are wearing strong glasses and a parent started wearing glasses at 2 years old, there is a good chance the kids will have the same problem.”

Because checking vision is different in pediatrics than with adults, Ethington says he uses different methods to check visual acuity. These include charts with the E’s or C’s going different ways, or one where there are two different targets to look at.

“For example, there is one car where the wheels are broken and one where the wheels are not, and we will ask them to point to the one with the broken wheel. We can also use more objective measures with kids such as special scopes that we can use to determine their power.”

The two main things Ethington looks for during the eye exam are signs of strabismus, which is when the two eyes do not line up in the same direction, and amblyopia, or “lazy eye.”

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Although the special equipment sometimes reminds kids of a dental office and may cause them to feel scared, Ethington offers reassurance.

“There are no shots, no needles and no pain involved in the eye exam,” he says.

“When we dilate the eyes we use a numbing drop but it does not hurt. For preschoolers, we often let mom hold them on her lap.”

During the appointment, Ethington says the child will spend about 10 to 20 minutes with the doctor and 10 to 15 minutes with the technician, who will

Ethington says he has treated kids who are 12 to 14 years old who didn’t realize that they couldn’t see out of one eye, even though they had gone through a screening at school.

“Kids can still read well and still have serious eye conditions.”

At home, Ethington says parents should watch to see if their kids’ eyes are working together, or if one is looking straight ahead and the other is deviating off to the side.

“Children should be able to read books when held as far away from their face as their forearms are long, from elbow to index finger,” he says.

Little kids with shorter arms naturally hold things closer, he added.

“Watch how close the child is sitting in front of the television; if it’s a large television they should sit further away.”

One of the “cardinal signs” that there is a problem, Ethington says, is when the child is squinting to see.

“For many kids, they don’t even realize they are doing it.”

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

June may be Child Vision Awareness Month, but as far as June Carson is concerned, parents should pay attention to their children’s vision every day of the year.

Resources

Websites:

• www.visionquest2020.org

• http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/ eyes/vision.html

• www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/ child-eye-and-vision-problems

Books:

• “I Need Glasses: My Visit to the Optometrist,” by Virginia Dooley

• “Arlo Needs Glasses,” by Barney Saltzberg

• “Arthur’s Eyes: An Arthur Adventure,” by Marc Brown

EYE EXAMS IMPORTANT: Dr. Roger Ethington says children can have their first eye exam as early as 6 months of age.

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Opening Day with Baseball Player University, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. “Baseball Player University” will kick off its next TV season and celebrate baseball and the improvement of skills. The day will feature a commercial-free sneak preview of the BPU show, giveaways and other baseball-related activities, including hitting off tees, radar pitching, agility drills, swing analysis, soft toss hitting and hitting/pitching challenges. Pittsburgh Willy’s will sell hot dogs and a few other treats. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.downtownchandler.org.

Read to Dogs, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Following Doggy Story Time, read to dogs. Preschoolers 3-5 years old, school age 6-8 years old, tweens 9-11 years old. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

8 Wild About Animals Show, 10:30 a.m. Visitors can meet and learn about some of the zoo’s education animals, including coati, porcupine, parrot, owl, rats, toads and more. The Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. $10 to $20. (602) 273-1341, www.phoenixzoo.org.

9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 Family Story Time, 10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Join in for stories, fingerplays, songs and bubbles. Toddlers 18-36 months, preschoolers 3-5 years old. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

9 LEGO Kit Club, 4 p.m.-5 p.m. There is a variety of skill level kits for kids to assemble during this hour of fun. Ages 5-12. Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. No registration needed. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

TRC Teen Movie Night, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Whether it’s a classic or a new release, you’re sure to love it. Come watch a movie while hanging out with your friends under the stars at the TRC every third Thursday. Light refreshments will be provided. Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; Nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

9, 16, 23, 30

Family Story Time, 6:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays for the whole family with books, flannel board stories and puppets. Toddlers 18-36 months, preschoolers 3-5 years old, school age 6-8 years. Old Basha Library Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Minecraft Monday, 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Join in every Monday to play Minecraft. Ages 9-18. Downtown Library, Cactus Room (Adult Ed Classroom Room 219), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. No registration necessary. Space is limited. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org

Monday Matinee, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Fun movies for the whole family.

All movies rated either G or PG. Free popcorn included. Bring your own drink with a lid on it. The first movie is “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.”

Second movie is “Smurfs 2.” The subsequent movies are TBA. Hamilton Library Programming Room, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Adventure Camp, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Through imaginary adventures, kids will enjoy tumbling, balancing, climbing, rhythm, obstacle courses, swinging a bat, kicking a ball, throwing, shooting and dribbling. Camp includes free play and a snack break. For ages 3 to 6. Great Play of Chandler, 2855 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. $30. (480) 726-7529, www.greatplay.com/chandler.

9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30

Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; Nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

Desert Tortoise Encounter, 7 p.m.7:45 p.m. Stop by the Desert Tortoise habitat at Veterans Oasis Park and meet the resident Sonoran Desert Tortoise. A naturalist will be onsite to provide information and answer questions about these fascinating creatures. Meet at the Desert Tortoise habitat on the south side of the EEC. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

Sport Skills Camp, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Kids will have a blast playing a number of fun-filled, high-energy games, mastering sports skills and burning off energy. Great Play’s interactive arena turns practice into play. Camp includes free play and a snack break. Ages 5 to 11. Great Play of Chandler, 2855 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. $30. (480) 726-7529, www.greatplay.com/chandler.

10, 17, 24

Family Story Time,

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The whole family is welcome for this story time featuring favorite stories and songs. Preschoolers 3-5 years old, toddlers 18-36 months. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26

Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. This indoor play area is designed for children 5 years of age and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $2; Nonresident fee: $3. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

11 Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2730, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

Family Movie-“The Croods,”

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a family movie each Wednesday at the library. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

11, 18, 25

Kids Club, powered by National Geographic Kids, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. The Chandler Fashion Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for children to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Chandler Fashion Center, in the Gap wing near the Food Court, 3111 W Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Open to the public. Free. (480) 812-8488, www.ShopChandlerFashionCenter.com/ KidsClub/.

12, 19, 26

Preschool Story Time, 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Get your child ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, games and fingerplays that will develop a love of learning, print awareness, vocabulary, concepts, social skills and motor skills. For preschool children 3-5, siblings welcome. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Adventure Camp, 10 a.m-12:30 p.m.

13, 20, 27

Teen Nights, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Teen Nights at the Senior Center are a great way to hang out with friends and have a good time. Play the Wii, Xbox, PS3, listen to great music, make crafts, watch movies, play pool and all sorts of other fun games. Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2720, www.chandler.gov/breaktime.

Party Theme Camp,

1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Everyone loves a party and Great Play hosts an awarding-winning party for campers that includes fun games, contests, giveaways and prizes. Kids will enjoy a variety of themes such as superhero, princess, carnival, championship, Olympic, pajama and beach. For ages 4 to 10. Great Play of Chandler, 2855 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. $30. (480) 726-7529, www.greatplay.com/chandler.

Fishing Lessons, 8:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Students will learn the basics of fishing, such as baiting and casting a line. Fishing licenses are required for all participants ages 10 and older. All supplies, including rods and bait, are provided. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $10; Nonresident fee; $14; Supply fee: $5. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Summer Splash, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stay cool in Downtown Chandler with a fun day of sunshine, swimming and community. Join in for this family event and don’t forget the sunscreen. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. www.downtownchandler.org.

Family Movie-“Nim’s Island,” 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a family movie each Wednesday at the library. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Family Night, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Youth resident: $2, nonresident: $3; $3 teen resident, $5 teen nonresident. (480) 782-2908, www.chandler.gov/breaktime.

See Calendar, Page 4

“The LEGO Movie” Speed Build Competition, 5 p.m. Visit the LEGO Store to join in the competition and build like a LEGO Movie Master Builder. Race against other builders to create something out of the available LEGO bricks—just like Wyldstyle and the other Master Builders do in “The LEGO Movie.” Be the fastest Master Builder and earn a special prize. See a brick specialist for details. The LEGO Store, Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Free. (480) 899-0228, http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/ us/chandler-fashion-center.

20 Chandler Art Walk, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Art Walk is a family friendly monthly event featuring local artists and musicians, and is a great opportunity to visit all of the unique establishments in downtown Chandler. Every third Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Downtown Chandler welcomes more than 50 local artists to the historic square. Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Ave. Free. www.chandlerartwalk.com.

Kids Night In, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Kids are invited to spend the evening at Great Play of Chandler. Everyone will have fun with interactive throwing walls and games. Pizza will be served. Kids Night In

means lots of fun and playing in a safe and caring environment. There will be a 5 to 1 child to coach ratio. For ages 4 to 12. Great Play of Chandler, 2855 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. $25; $15 for each additional sibling. Reservations required. (480) 726-7529, www.greatplay.com/chandler.

Friday Feeding Frenzy, 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Join the EEC staff on the first and third Friday of each month for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Stick around and watch the animals be fed. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Bugology, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Explore the world of insects and arachnids. Discover just how important insects are and learn about their traits with live examples of insects and arachnids from around the state, country and world. Ages 7 and older. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Resident fee: $3; Nonresident fee; $5, (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Things That Fly with Gary Alpert, 11 a.m-12 p.m. Make paper airplanes and other things that soar while learning about aerodynamics. Manual dexterity required so best for 8 and older. Register at Sunset Library information desk beginning June 14. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Hands-on Robot Basics, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. This workshop will show why using Arduino and robotics is easier than some might expect. Concepts include how to use an Arduino with and without the BoeBot robotics platform— button control, servo control, LED fades, loads and mods (line following, obstacle avoidance, bump detection, self-destruct mode). Further demonstrations include musical instruments, “Simon” games, scrolling random screen messages and how to continue learning beyond the workshop. Online resources for different aspects of electronics, robotics, and programming will also be explored. All participants younger than 18 must have an adult present. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Family fun the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2730, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

Family Movie-“Night at the Museum,” 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a family movie each Wednesday at the library. Downtown Library Copper Room (former City Council Chambers), 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Zoo to You, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

The Phoenix Zoo presents an engaging educational encounter with animals. Best for age 5 and older. Register at the Sunset Library information desk beginning June 21. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Robots-4-U-Teens, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Robots-4-U programs and kits teach the basics of S.T.E.A.M. using robots as a hands-on tool. They work in projectbased education and individual struc-

tured and unstructured instruction. Their kits and programs allow students to progress at their own speed and learn new skills with every robot built. New skills include design and building of robots, engineering trade-offs, physics, such as gears and pulleys, programming, sensors and how robots and humans interact with their environment. Ages 12-18. Registration required. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

The Scottsdale Chorus-Triple Crown of Barbershop, 3 p.m.

The four-time international championship Scottsdale Chorus presents: The Triple Crown of Barbershop, featuring two award-winning men’s choruses— Kentucky Vocal Union, Aaron Dale, director and Spirit of Phoenix Chorus, Gary Steinkamp, director. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Reserved seating: $20; student: $10. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.

Around the world in a day at i.d.e.a Museum

Campers ages 5 to 14 will enjoy arts and crafts inspired by countries around the world at the i.d.e.a Museum from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, July 14, through Friday July 19. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $65 for the week or $16 per day.

Monday, July 14

Paris in the Springtime Campers will use Paris as inspiration to create cookie canvas art. Meredith Green, a culinary instructor and personal chef, with degrees from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, will introduce campers to art and Paris landmarks using edible watercolors and cookies as their canvas. Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” will be featured to highlight ways to create texture and movement in art. An Eiffel Tower will be constructed using fruit. A fun morning of food and art will be celebrated by all. (Wheat will be a featured ingredient so please notate to Leeza.Forward@mesaaz.gov any food allergies upon registration through the ActiveNet point of sale program.) Pre-registration by Wednesday, July 9, is required so that food allergies can be addressed in the ordering of specialized food products.

Tuesday, July 15

A Walk in the Amazon Rainforest—South America

Campers will design their own unique rainforest animals using unusual art materials. Exploration of the i.d.e.a. Museum rainforest will introduce the many special, exceptional and colorful animals that call the rainforest their home.

Wednesday, July 16

Asia: Japan to China

Campers will learn the significance of the dragon in the Chinese culture. They will create their own Chinese dragon and explore tangram art. Origami animals will be fashioned out of paper and the artistry of China and Japan will be featured for creative inspiration.

Thursday, July 17

Out of Africa

Campers create their own one-of-a-kind animal masks using African animals to inspire the imagination.

Friday, July 18

Down Under in Australia

Campers will design their own duckbilled platypus or echidnas, unique animals native to Australia. Learn about and create an original Aboriginal work of art.

Project 10 Challenge fights hunger

As many as 1 in 4 children go to bed hungry every night in the United States. Many families have to choose between buying food and keeping a roof over their heads. It’s an impossible choice. Emergency food assistance is more than charity; it’s a necessity for struggling families who have no other way to feed their children.

Project 10 Challenge officials believe that they’re part of something much bigger and strive to positively impact the local communities and make a difference every day.

Visalus is proud to partner with the Chandler Unified School District and the Chandler Care Center for the Project 10 Challenge. This partnership will help those families in the Chandler Unified School District. With each $24 donation Visalus provides a child with 60 Vi Shape Nutritional Shake mix meals—equivalent to a month of healthy breakfast, lunch or snack options. Visalus has already donated more than 4.5 million meals to children in need. For more information on how to feed children in the Chandler Unified School District and donate to the Chandler Care Center, visit www.cusdproject10.com.

i.d.e.a. Museum is located at 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa. For more information, call (480) 644-IDEA or visit www.ideamuseum.org.

Lightning Bolts win championship

The Zenimura.com Lightning Bolts were crowned champions of the Chandler Girls Softball League 10U Division with a 7-1 victory over the Delta Diversified Black Widows on Saturday, May 31, at Folley Park.

Five runs in the first three innings allowed the Lightning Bolts to put the game away early. A triple by Tristin Jamar and an RBI single by Krystyna Pagel during the first inning helped spark the Lightning Bolts’ rally. Tristin got a hit in each of her three at bats.

Pitcher Alison Staples dominated with 14 strikeouts in the Lightning Bolts win. She allowed one earned run, three hits and one walk over five innings.

The Bolts piled on three more runs in the top of the third. A single by Kyndra Rojo ignited the offense, scoring Liberty Rodriguez. That was followed up by Tristin’s single, scoring Jaila Wilkins.

The Lightning Bolts pushed across one run in both the

fourth inning and the fifth. In the fourth, they scored on an RBI double by Lily Matthews, scoring Bella Penuela. In the fifth, Kyndra’s single was followed by a line drive to center field by Tristin, driving in the final run of the day.

The Bolts’ triple threat of Alison, Kyndra and Tristin combined for eight hits and four RBIs to help secure the championship crown.

The Lightning Bolts finished their season with a 15-1 record, with one loss coming at the hands of the Black Widows in a close 4-3 battle early in the season.

During the course of the 16-game clip the Bolts outscored their opponents by an impressive 186 to 22 runs. Offensively, the Lightning Bolts were unstoppable with a team batting average of .467 and a .618 on-base percentage.

Baseball Player University celebrates ‘opening day’

Baseball Player University (BPU), a locally produced, nationally distributed instructional baseball show, invites the community to its “Opening Day” as the show celebrates the launch of its fourth season Saturday, June 7, at the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler.

BPU’s “Opening Day” is a free event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering baseball clinics, giveaways and a commercialfree sneak preview of the first episode. The show premieres the same day at 2 p.m. on FoxSports Arizona.

tutorials. Show host Jeff Forney, a former major league and college coach, will be on hand with tips to improve players’ skills.

The event is open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including hot dogs from Pittsburgh Willy’s, ice cream treats and more. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.

“Opening Day” will run like a mini-clinic, where all ages can test their pitching speed, evaluate their swing with instant video replay, improve their agility and cool off in a splash ball station. Families can watch the season opener on a big screen, and receive giveaways and discounts on memberships to BPU’s online archive of shows and

BPU TV is an instructional baseball show that brings professional-level baseball instruction to players of all levels with instruction from former pro athletes including infield hitting coach Delino DeShields, catching instructor Kelly Stinnett, pitching coach Dave Burba, and scouting instructor Brad Holland.

In addition to baseball skills, BPU TV includes segments on injury prevention, fitness and nutrition. Visit www.bputv.com for more information.