happy valentine’s day
Fun spring break camps abound for Chandler area students
By Alison Stanton
It is probably hard to believe, but spring break is just around the corner.
For the Chandler Unified School District, spring intersession and an extra in-service day mean students will be out of school from March 7 to March 21.
Parents who wish to enroll their children in a spring break camp have plenty of options from which to choose.
From music and sports to programs about undersea life, cooking and arts and crafts, there are plenty of fun choices. For example, check out the following:
City of Chandler
Tiffanie Hawkins, marketing and communications coordinator for community and neighborhood services, said the City of Chandler is offering a wide variety of safe and affordable spring break camps.
For example, she said kids 5 to 12 can take part in a morning, afternoon or full day Youth Intersession Camp from March 7 to March 18 at Tumbleweed Recreation, Snedigar Recreation or Environmental Education centers.
For kids 10 to 13, Hawkins said the Tween Intersession at Tumbleweed Recreation Center offers afternoon or fullday sessions.
“Camp programming varies by location and includes a compilation of games, youth development, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, field trips and more,” Hawkins said.
Chandler’s Spring Intersession Camps are open to residents and nonresidents.
“Each session we see campers from across the East Valley including Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert.”
Pricing for the camps varies depending on location and residency, Hawkins said.
For more information on the City of Chandler’s spring break camps, visit www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime and go to pages 49 and 50.
Chandler Unified School District
Students in the Chandler Unified School District can take part in one of two Beyond the Bell Spring Intersession Break Camps.
Christina Speciale, program coordinator II, child care division, said the district recognizes that quality programs are essential to a child’s growth and development.
With that in mind, Speciale said the “Spring it On” camps—one for kindergarteners through sixth graders and one for fourth to eighth graders—will include art, cooking, sports, games and more.
Both camps, which are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 7 to March 21, will also feature special events and field trip days.
The camps are $27 a day or $33 for special attraction days.
Speciale said the camps are set up to create a multiaged and multichoice experience for students.
“We don’t just want to ‘warehouse’ children. We want them engaged, enriched and excited to be with us,” Speciale said.
For more information on CUSD’s spring break camps, visit www.cusd80. com and click on Community Education.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Kids who love singing, dancing and performing will enjoy the Spring MiniMusical Camp at Chandler Center for the Arts.
The camp, which is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 7 to March 11, is for kids ages 7 to 14.
Campers will get the chance to experience the process involved in putting on a musical production from auditioning and memorizing lines to learning songs and dance routines.
General Manager Michelle Mac Lennan said the Connecting Kidz performing-arts camps give kids of all ages the chance to participate in fee-based programs.
“We aim to provide kids with exposure to the arts in a variety of forms, provide arts educational experiences and build future arts lovers,” Mac Lennan said.
Students may return for the summer and fall camps.
“Our campers learn more than just how to sing, dance or perform; they develop self-confidence, collaboration, teamwork and public speaking--all which helps them socially in and out of the classroom.”
For more information, visit http://
chandlercenter.org/connecting-kidz/ camp-kidz/spring-camp.
i.d.e.a. Museum
Kids who adore science will find plenty to do during the 5-day i.d.e.a. Museum Spring Break Camp in Mesa. The camp, which is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from March 14 to March 18, is for kids ages 5 to 12.
The camp includes crafts, science experiments and more, centered on an investigation of the imaginary and reality of life underwater.
For example, during the camp on Mon. Mar. 14, students will take part in the Fish out of Water program.
The camp will allow kids to investigate humans in the ocean through art, a discussion about people who work and play in the water, and a talk about mermaids.
Parents may register their kids for one day or all five and snacks will be provided.
Members pay $13 a day or $50 for the week; non-members pay $16 a day or $65 for the week.
For more information about i.d.e.a. Museum’s spring break camps, visit www. ideamuseum.org.
A wide variety of spring break camps are available for students in the Chandler area. For example, children who love theater can take part in the Spring Mini-Musical Camp at Chandler Center for the Arts. Submitted photo
Underwater FantaSEA Chefs in the Making
2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This indoor play area is designed for children 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. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
3, 10, 17, 24
Game On! 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Relax with your fellow teens for two hours of after school gaming fun. Teens meet at the library every Wednesday afternoon to play games and socialize. No registration required. Tempe Public Library— Storytime Room, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-5500, www.tempe.gov.
3, 17
Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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. $2 to $5 registration fee. For more information, contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.
3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 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. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
4
Discovering Outer Space, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a journey through space and an introduction to astronomy led by an amateur astrophysicist. Take a walk through Veterans Oasis Park and explore the vast solar system we call home. The class will conclude with a telescope viewing of the beautiful night sky. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
5 Bikes, Bounce and Boogie, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Come enjoy bikes, pedal cars, trikes, pedal push cars and a bounce house and music for children to enjoy. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Pre-registration fee required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.
5, 12, 19, 26
STEAM, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive and exciting activities. Ages 6-11. Downtown Library Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
5, 19
Lil’ Gardener, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and paint a ceramic pot while wearing your new garden fashion statement! Each class is a stand-alone class, however, a variety of aprons
will be made, so feel free to sign up for multiple classes! For participants ages 7 to 13. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
6
Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fathers and their little girls (ages 4-10) will create memories at the City’s Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance. If dad is unavailable, moms or guardians are welcome to attend. There will be music, dancing, contests, crafts and dinner. In addition, each couple will take home a keepsake photograph. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $25 to $34 registration fee. (480) 7822727, www.chandleraz.gov.
6, 13, 20, 27
The Teen Scene, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop or just munch on some snacks. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
7, 14, 21, 28
LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO, you supply the imagination. Ages 5-12. Downtown Library, Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
8 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tempe Public Library and New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development have partnered to bring this evidence-based parenting education series. This program will provide parents with four things every parent needs: information, skills, support, timeout—from parenting and time for fun. For ages 0-5. Registration required. Tempe Public Library—Storytime Room, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-5500, www.tempe.gov
8, 22
Science Story Book Series, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Find out what adventures Ms. Frizzle takes her students on during this story series. Class will begin with a Magic School Bus story followed by a craft or experiment from the book’s topic. Learn about animals, plants, bodily functions and much more! Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov.
9
Teen Book Lovers Club, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join fellow booklovers in discussing an array of books and get the chance to read and review books before they are published. Ages 12-18. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www. chandlerlibrary.org.
11
Teen Create-Space, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an open, create-friendly environment where teens are invited to create projects like crochet, coding, duct tape art, 3-D printing/3-D Pen Doodling and more. Ages 12-18. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www. chandlerlibrary.org.
10, 24
Rhythm and Rhyme, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy an energetic celebration of music with your child as we sing, dance and play musical instruments to your child’s favorite music. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.
11
Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teens will have a chance to express their artistic creativity in hip-hop dancing, poetry, an
urban artwork. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $2 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov.
12
Great Backyard Bird Count, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. A fun, and easy event that involves bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes on one or more days from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15 and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. This class will be training on how to upload GBBC sightings in preparation for the event. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Dive into an Underwater FantaSEA, various times. Explore the depths of the underwater world and discover your own connection to the ocean. This exhibit will feature many activities and interactive displays aimed at helping kids of all ages learn about the importance of oceans, their impact on individuals and how to keep them healthy—even hundreds of miles away in Arizona. Underwater FantaSEA also features approximately 60 artworks by 16 artists who bring together a mix of fascinating sea life and imaginative beauty to take you on a fanciful journey under the sea. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa. $8 or free for museum members and children under 1. (480) 644-2468, www.ideaMuseum.org.
13
Meet the Creature, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different, fascinating animals from around the world. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.
14
Blind Date with a Book! 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This Valentine’s Day, the Library will be celebrating with a very special display—mysteriously wrapped books. You won’t know what you’ve checked out until you’ve unwrapped it, but we promise each one has been carefully selected. You may just find your match! Tempe Public Library—Lower Level, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-5500, www.tempe.gov
14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Goodnight Moon, Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. The world’s most-loved bedtime story comes to life, it’s 7 in the great green room, it’s time to go to sleep, but Bunny isn’t ready, with the help of his friends and few moments of pure magic, he is finally ready to say goodnight, imagine alongside the kittens and mittens, the bears and the chairs, the red balloon and of course the moon! Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. $12 to $26. (480) 350-2822, www. childsplayaz.org.
15
Chefs in the Making, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and then cook something yummy while wearing your new kitchen fashion statement! Each
class is a stand-alone class, however, a variety of treats will be made, so sign up for multiple classes! Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.
17
Crafts & Coffee 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Get creative and make your own stained class mason jar! Cahill Senior Center, 715 W. Fifth St., Tempe. $4 registration fee. (480) 858-2420, www.tempe.gov.
18
Outdoor Pizza Party, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come out to Veterans Oasis Park for an outdoor pizza party! Everyone will cook their own pizzas in Dutch ovens and then enjoy their pizza while watching a movie. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $12 to $16 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov.
19
Friday Feeding Frenzy! 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the EEC staff for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz. gov/eec.
20
Star Party, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy views of the moon, planets, double stars, nebulae, star clusters and more. Hot beverages will be available and donations are suggested. Prior to the telescope viewing, take a self guided tour of the Solar System Walk in Veterans Oasis Park. Learn about the sub, planets and other objects in the solar system! The walk is not fast-paced and the terrain is easy. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $10 to $14 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www. chandleraz.gov/eec.
24
Milkshakes with Mom, 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Come make milkshakes with your mom! We will create these tasty treats and enjoy spending time together. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.
26
Wild, Wild West Night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For mothers and their sons, come enjoy a night out with dinner, music, a cowboy craft and dancing. In addition, each couple will take home a keepsake photograph. Intended for mothers and their sons, but mom is unavailable, dads or guardians are welcome to attend. Snedigar Sports Complex, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $25 to $34 registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz.gov.
27
Fishing Trip, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pack a lunch and catch a ride up to Tonto Creek for some premium trout fishing! City of Chandler staff will transport you up to Tonto Creek and share some “secret” and favorite fishing holes. Just bring your fishing gear and valid AZ fishing license! Participants must be 6 years or older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $10 to $14 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.
‘Grease’ to electrify the Seton Catholic Prep stage
By Srianthi Perera
Romance and rebelliousness find an amiable home on the Seton Catholic Prep. stage as it presents the hit musical “Grease.”
The Drama Department’s high-energy production, which started Friday, Feb. 5, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 13, features a 60-strong cast and the song and dance numbers such as “Summer Nights” and “We Go Together” that made it special to millions of film buffs and theater-goers in the 1970s.
“It’s just a fun, joyful and lighthearted production,” said Bridget O’Neill, drama director and Seton English Department chairwoman.
“Grease,” the hit film, was produced by Paramount Pictures in 1978 and starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as the two lovers, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, in a 1950s high school. The pair have a summer romance and unexpectedly find themselves attending the same school, the fictitious Rydell High, where they rekindle their romance in a rocky sort of way.
Sandy is a member of the pink-clad Pink Ladies Group, while Danny struts about as the leader of the greaser gang T-Birds.
FOX televised a live, musical version on Jan. 31, while the Broadway version of “Grease” came earlier, in 1971. The movie followed the same storyline as the stage production; however, Seton’s rendition has milder elements. The story is stripped of its teen pregnancy, cigarettes and alcohol are missing, and the language and lyrics are tamer.
“Between when the original was on Broadway and schools started wanting to do it, they realized there were adult themes that were just not appropriate for some traditional
high school audiences,” O’Neill said.
Thus, Sandy doesn’t change to please Danny.
“It’s more she’s finding her true self, and her true spirit. So it’s a lot more celebratory of the human spirit rather than trying to fit into somebody’s mold,” she said.
Yet, the story still retains the basic elements of high school life, according to the young thespians.
“Even though the story takes place in the 1950s, things depicted in the show happen today,” said 17-year-old Sarah Kunz, who plays Sandy. “I think the only thing that really translates directly is our humanity.
“We see so many times in this show just how human we are. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get back up and try again. We want to please others, but eventually we learn who we really are and hopefully have the strength to stay true to ourselves in the end,” she added.
Jason Morse, 18, who plays Danny, said:
“Seniors still can’t wait to graduate, teens still have their drama, and some people are still bad at sports. However, one of the things that I am happy to see is still true is that many people are still falling in love in high school.”
Sarah and Jason have both been in theater for many years.
“They are probably the two most-humble, least diva-like students in drama that I’ve ever had,” O’Neill said.
A natural baritone, Jason is challenging himself to sing tenor, while Sarah is drawing from her past experience of singing in musicals.
Other Seton seniors in the cast include Jade Panlener, who plays Betty Rizzo, the tough and sarcastic leader of the Pink Ladies and Weston Boardman, who plays Danny’s
second-in-command, the arrogant Kenickie. “Grease” runs through Saturday, Feb. 13, at Seton Catholic Preparatory’s Fine Arts Theatre, at 1150 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler. Evening performances run Feb. 6, Feb. 12 and Feb. 13
with a 3 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 7. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults. Call (480) 963-1900, ext. 2036, or visit www.setoncatholic.org for more information
Carebear Preschool At Fulton Ranch
The cast of Grease waves goodbye as the performance comes to an end during the rehearsal of “Grease” at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School. The debut performance will be at Seton’s Fine Arts Theatre on Friday, Feb. 5 and will run until Feb. 13. Submitted photo
Ben Leach, playing the role of Sonny, dances on stage during a rehearsal. Submitted photo
Sarah Kunz, Sandy, talks with the musical director behind the stage during the rehearsal. Submitted photo
•
•
(Non-resident registration opens February 12 at 10 a.m.)
We offer hundreds of opportunities for you and your family to discover hidden talents, develop new skills and have fun through our classes, programs and events. For a complete listing of upcoming activities or for more information on programs highlighted below pick up Break Time magazine at Chandler facilities, visit www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime or call 480-782-2727.
Spring INTERSESSION YOUTH CAMPS
MARCH 7–18
Don’t let your kids be home alone or bored all break - enroll them in our fun and affordable youth programs! Qualified staff will engage kids in sports, games, arts & crafts, skits, youth development activities and special events. Morning, afternoon, or full day sessions are available at the Community Center, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Snedigar Recreation Center and the Environmental Education Center.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 • 2 p.m.
MOTHER & SON Campout
MARCH 4 –5
Moms, aunts, grandmas and other mother figures join us at Veterans Oasis Park for a fun night of games, s’mores and campfires! This special evening is open to boys ages 6 to 11 years old. Morning will bring a pancake breakfast and relay games as mothers and sons pair up to win fun prizes.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17 • 7 p.m.
Enjoy the talents of many of our senior adults (50 yrs+) on display at this popular variety show.
Tickets are $8.
For schedule information please, contact the Senior Center at 480-782-2720.
CLUB TRC TWEEN Spring Camp
MARCH 7–18
Keep your “tween” busy this spring intersession with Club TRC. This exciting two-week camp offers weekly full day and afternoon half-day sessions for ages 10-13. Days are packed with a variety of activities including sports, crafts, trips and more!
MAYOR’S HEALTH CONNECT
SATURDAY, MARCH 19 • 9 a.m.-noon
Refresh, renew, and recharge with our timely advice for a healthy approach by attending Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Health Connect Expo. This free, family-friendly event will feature dozens of health conscious vendors, fitness and cooking demonstrations, speakers, giveaways and more. For more information about this event, please call 480-782-2243. cooking this
Aquatic Family Pass Sale!
Receive a 15% discount on a Family Season Pass for a family of four (4) when you purchase a Family Season Pass March 5-20. Only $95 for admission to all six (6) aquatic centers from March-November 2016! Family Season Passes are available to Chandler residents only. Purchase the pass by visiting Hamilton or Mesquite Groves Aquatic Centers. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity.
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council
First place award for student robotics team
The Paragon Science Academy FTC Robotics Team scored big at the FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying tournament held Jan. 30 in Goodyear. Out of 24 teams, the Chandler-based PSA Panthers took first place with their partners and won the Winning Alliance award to qualify to compete at the state finals. The finals will be held Feb. 27 at Coconino High School in Flagstaff. Unwilling to settle for only one award, PSA also claimed the prestigious PTC Design Award for the best in industrial design.
The team members are: Hongquy Nguyen, Nahima Chowdhury, Maximo
Botiller, Mohammed Sadaat, Youngseo Lee, Omar Laimeche, Hongan Nguyen and Thomas Denig. The team’s head coach is Robert Wiesner. Mentors are Paul Strickler, Senan Smoudi and Sal Tiryaki.
Bushra Hasan, Stephanie Denig and David Lopez serve a mentors.
Paragon Science Academy is an A-rated, tuition-free, public charter school focused on science, technology, engineering and math, and college preparation. It is located at 2975 W. Linda Ln., and serves students in grades K-12.
The 2015-16 Paragon Science Academy Panther FTC Robotics Team. Submitted photo