Coaches encouraged to monitor social media posts of athletes
BY NICOLE CHOKSI
Most high school students don’t believe their social media accounts are being monitored, nor do they think they will get in trouble for what they post.
That is not the case for Hamilton High School football and volleyball players. School administrators encourage the coaches to punish players for negative posts.
“I believe social media needs to monitored not only for the protection of my volleyball program but also protection of my athletes,” Hamilton boys volleyball coach Jeff Bader said.
Bader is not the only coach who wants to ensure appropriate social media conduct.
Varsity football coach Steve Belles knows the affect that social media can have on athletes in high school as beyond.
“If a kid is being recruited, one of the things I know they look at now is their social media,” Belles said.
Belles and Bader encourage their athletes to post positive messages only and stress that negative ones will have repercussions.
“We enlighten our athletes about the positive and negative aspects of social media,” Bader said. “We make an attempt to help them become knowledgeable about social media.”
Bader laid down team rules regarding social media. If he sees anything that is unacceptable, he will deal with it unless it
is a serious offense, and at that point he would notify an administrator. His rules have made a point: He has yet to need to pursue any punishment. He hopes that open conversation and continued monitoring of the players will keep things positive.
“We have a talk about social media to our kids before the start of the season,” Belles said. “We tell them that every circumstance could be different to punishment or whatever action happens within the media.”
For the smaller teams at Hamilton, social media does not become an issue.
Jeff Kain, girls golf coach, only has seven girls and social media has not been an issue for his team.
“It is really just protecting them in the future,” Belles said. “And that the thing that I think most of them get that once they post something that it is going to be out there forever.”
Free SAT, ACT practice tests at Tutor House
High school juniors and seniors are invited to take a free SAT or ACT practice test on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Tutor House Tutoring Services, 1256 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite F, Chandler.
Testing is from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a welcome and registration from 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students should bring a calculator to the session.
Taking the practice test is a way for students to find strengths and weaknesses in a low-pressure environment. Participants will become familiar with the test format, question types, timing and content tested on these college entrance exams. Test results and analysis are given by email. Separately scheduled conferences are available.
This free practice test is offered in addition to Tutor House’s regular SAT and ACT prep programs. Tutor House is
a family-owned and -operated learning center helping students reach their full potential by providing an individualized approach to education. The tutoring process begins with a skills assessment that will identify students’ academic strengths and weaknesses; test results are then reviewed with parents, and a program is designed to address the student’s individual needs.
A wide range of one-on-one and small group tutoring for students in grades kindergarten through 12 is available, including tutoring in reading, math, writing, study skills, algebra, geometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, SAT/ ACT prep and more.
Sign up at www.TutorHouseAZ.com on the homepage to reserve a seat. For more information, call (480) 857-1222 or email tutoring@tutorhouseaz.com.
Breakfast with Santa set for December
Kartwheels for Kids is hosting a Breakfast with Santa and a Donation Drive Event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Noah’s Event Venue, 2100 E. Yeager Dr., Chandler. The event will feature Santa, Diamondbacks pitcher and Chandler resident Daniel Hudson, ASU men’s gymnasts and food trucks. There will be “Kartwheel clinics” for children with balance beams, bars and tumbling instruction.
Clean out the closet and garages for
the Stuff the Truck Drive. Small or large items are wanted—the heavier the better— because the nonprofit Kartwheels is paid by the pound.
All the funds raised will go toward scholarships for children to attend gymnastics programs. For more information, visit www. kartwheelsforkids.org, or email info@ kartwheelsforkids.org.
Child have Buck Teeth? New Research Points to Higher Risks of Trauma
From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop
Parents who have a child with an overjet, or what is commonly referred to by people as “buck teeth,” know some of the problems that may arise as a result. While they realize that their child may be at a higher risk for being teased or even have more difficulty biting into certain foods, they may not be aware that it actually puts their child at a higher risk for dental trauma.
Research in the “Journal of Dental Traumatology” reports that children who have an overjet are at a higher risk for experiencing dental trauma at some point. With the teeth protruding out more, it puts them in a vulnerable position that may lead to traumatic experiences that include chipped teeth or fractures, dislodged teeth, knocked-out teeth, and root fractures. The study also indicates
Thomas Chamberlain
that males are at a higher risk for the trauma than females are, and that those children who have an overjet that is greater than 6 mm have four times the risk of dental trauma.
Overjet can occur for a variety of reasons, including heredity, improper alignment, thumb sucking, overuse of pacifiers, and overcrowding of teeth.
Left untreated, it can also impact speech, leading to impediments. As most children who have an overjet can attest, it is also an aesthetic issue that may attract unwanted attention to those who have it. The good news is that overjet can successfully be corrected by working with an orthodontist.
Today, there are several treatment options available to help correct an overjet, thus reducing the risks of dental trauma and other related issues. Options range from braces and dental appliances to surgery for extreme overjet situations. The im-
portant issue for parents to remember is that it is a treatment that should not be ignored. Getting a proper treatment timeline may save the child years of problems and help them to avoid dental traumas.
Parents who have a child with overjet will want to make an appointment with an orthodontist.
During that visit, the severity of the condition can be assessed, and treatment options and timing can also be discussed. This is just one more step toward helping their child to avoid further injury, and move closer to having optimal oral health!
Journal of Dental Traumatology 2013; 29 (April): 110-114. Title: “Prevalence of Traumatic Injuries to Permanent Dentition and its Association with Overjet in a Swiss Child Population.” Authors: Scholtz J-P, Hakeberg M., et al.
Dr. Thomas Chamberlain
New BASIS Chandler building will open next fall
BASIS.ed campuses in Chandler and Scottsdale, which serve 1,485 students, will move into new school buildings next fall.
The new Chandler and Scottsdale schoolhouses will utilize the same state-ofthe-art building plan, which will be BASIS. ed’s largest in Arizona by square footage. The buildings will have the capacity to house up to 1,320 students and will include full-size gyms with attached theaters, and world-class chemistry and biology laboratories.
The new BASIS Chandler building will be located at the northeast corner of Arizona
Avenue and Chandler Heights Road, while the new BASIS Scottsdale building will be located at the southwest corner of 128th Street and Shea Boulevard.
The current BASIS Chandler building at Cooper Road and Chandler Boulevard is undergoing renovations, including installation of a new play area in the courtyard, as it becomes the home of BASIS Chandler Primary—North Campus. This new school will complement the existing BASIS Chandler Primary—South Campus, and both kindergarten through fourth grade primary schools will feed into the new, much larger,
BASIS Chandler.
This announcement of a new home for BASIS Scottsdale comes after a significant search for the right space. The new BASIS Scottsdale facility will allow the institution—which was the second BASIS charter school, opening in 2003—to increase its student capacity by more than 75 percent, providing a significant benefit to the community. Next year it will serve fourth to 12th grades. The current BASIS Scottsdale building on 136th Street will become home to BASIS Scottsdale Primary, serving up to 520 students and
featuring two new play areas and improved classroom facilities for the younger kindergarten through third-grade students.
“We have had overwhelming demand from parents in these two communities, and we have been working hard to meet their needs,” said BASIS.ed CEO Peter Bezanson.
“We are truly excited to have found such great school space, thus serving a larger population of families in Chandler and Scottsdale. We can’t wait to get these students into their new buildings.”
‘Tiniest Tumbleweed’ to make its debut at tree-lighting event
The only tumbleweed Christmas tree lighting event in America is a fitting place to debut the new children’s book, “The Tiniest Tumbleweed.”
The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Just around the corner, Sibley’s West, the Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop, will debut “The Tiniest Tumbleweed” and welcome author Kathy Peach.
Peach will sign copies of her book from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sibley’s, 72 S. San Marcos Pl. With the book’s official release set for Jan. 8, 2016, the shop’s owner thought the timing was
it in our store,” said Michelle Wolfe, owner of Sibley’s West. “What a fun way to honor the tumbleweed, which is such an important part of our culture and ecology here.”
The story is about two Sonoran Desert characters, a tiny tumbleweed and a baby house sparrow. Both enter their worlds with similar challenges—they worry they are too small to accomplish the things bigger tumbleweeds and birds do, like making seeds and flying. The synergy between the two and the boundless opportunities their relationship provides mirrors the real relationships between birds and tumbleweeds in
best selves, no matter their circumstances.
Joining Peach at Sibley‘s will be artist Danny Kunzelman of Mesa. He has been making tumbleweed pens for Sibley’s for three years. Each tumbleweed stem is “turned” like wood and spun into a unique pen. Additionally, Doris and Walter Husbands of Scottsdale will display their jewelry which is crafted from tumbleweeds and sold at Sibley’s.
After dyeing and compressing pieces of tumbleweed, the couple crafts oneof-a-kind earrings and necklaces in four combinations of bright colors.
Edited by award-winning children’s
author Conrad J. Storad and charmingly illustrated by Alex Lopez, “The Tiniest Tumbleweed” supports Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards (Common Core) for third grade English Language Arts (ELA). The book includes a curriculum guide with facts about tumbleweeds and sparrows following the story. “The Tiniest Tumbleweed” is published by Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications Inc., and is distributed by Midpoint Trade Books, Ingram, Baker & Taylor and eStarPublish.com. To learn more about the book, visit www. TiniestTumbleweed.com. The book retails for $12.95.
“The Tiniest Tumbleweed” was published by Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications Inc. Submitted photo Kathy Peach. Submitted photo
California Casualty provides lounge makeover for Santan Elementary
Santan Elementary School fourthgrade teacher Stephanie Lederman is thrilled to leave her mark on the school.
She won a $7,500 School Lounge Makeover from California Casualty. Lederman is in her fifth year of teaching at Santan Elementary School in Chandler, where most of the staff enjoys a much longer tenure. She’s a longtime Arizona Education Association member who learned about the contest from the local Chandler Education Association.
“This is such an amazing school and we deserve a nice space where we can go to decompress and revive for the second half of the school day,” she added. “I spend so much time here and my children attend school here; I know this will boost everyone’s morale.”
benefit our children.”
Designers will work with the staff to add new organized storage, incorporate soothing colors and replace aging appliances. They also will develop a new “flow” for the area, tying in an atrium outside the entrance to the tiny lounge area.
“Normally I walk right past the lounge, and if it’s crowded I eat lunch in my classroom. This will make life better for everyone at our school,” Lederman said.
Santan Principal Amy O’Neal explained that the facility was originally meant to be one K-8 school, but was eventually split into two separate campuses.
“The elementary school lounge was an afterthought and it is not very inspiring,” she said. “This will really make a difference for our staff because every dollar we receive goes to programs and materials that directly
The contest was created to provide educators a more conducive environment to take a break and share time.
Santan is the 11th school to receive a School Lounge Makeover from California Casualty.
“I am thrilled California Casualty has a relationship like this with the AEA and is dedicated to helping educators,” added Lederman.
California Casualty is a 100-yearold policyholder-owned company headquartered in San Mateo, California, with service centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas. More information about their auto and home insurance for educators, firefighters, peace officers and nurses can be found at www.calcas.com.
From left, Santan Principal Amy O’Neal, Chandler Education Association President Leanna Farmer, School Lounge Makeover winner Stephanie Lederman and California Casualty Field Marketing Manager Jill Strandquist. Submitted photo
Club builds ‘Legacy’ of soccer skills, love
BY KIMBERLY HOSEY
When Legacy was established as San Tan Soccer Club in 1979, the goal was to establish—as its current title suggests—a legacy of soccer in South Chandler and the surrounding community.
Since then, the soccer club has grown to host about 5,000 players ages 4 to 16 in its recreational programs each year, as well as almost1,000 competitive players during some seasons.
Chris Farabee, the assistant director of coaching for the club’s recreational division, attributes his facility’s success to the devotion of everyone involved.
“We offer a lot,” he said. “Full MLS uniform, coaching no matter what level you come in at. We’re just wrapping up our fall season with nearly 1,300 players on the recreational side, and it’s really great for kids. Great for volunteers and families.” Farabee’s son is a Legacy referee.
He also noted that Legacy licensed more volunteers as coaches last year than anywhere else in Arizona, and is the only club that requires its volunteers be fully licensed coaches.
Legacy offers coaching in several different ways. The Legacy Academy offers players ages 4 to 7 an introduction to the game. Professional coaches teach the fundamentals while kids develop their motor skills, confidence and a love for the game. The program doesn’t include competitive games and is only for about an hour each Saturday, which works well for families shorter on time or who are just helping their kids try out a new sport, Farabee said.
The Legacy Recreational program
teaches fundamental ball skills in a positive atmosphere that emphasizes fun and allows every player to play for at least half of each game. The players, which are organized into different teams each eight-week season, are primarily coached by parent volunteers, though professional trainers are available.
As sort of a bridge between purely recreational play and the association’s more competitive side, the club offers its Excel program. Excel players ages 5 to 10 still play in the recreational program but are coached by a paid professional Legacy staffer rather than a volunteer.
The Legacy program is the club’s competitive side. Each May, players try out for a spot on one of the Legacy teams, which remain the same throughout the year and play in matches around the Valley, state and even out of state.
Often at the end of the season, coaches and players participate in a tournament, such as next week’s holiday classic and the spring break tournament.
Competitive players try out again the next May.
Regardless of skill level, Farabee said, the coaches and staff at Legacy are dedicated to providing playing opportunities and spreading love for and knowledge about the game to all players. Every player gets top-notch coaching, ample playing opportunities and an official Adidas MLS professional replica jersey.
Farabee came to Legacy in 2009 after a career coaching and directing soccer around the Valley for years. Just in the
GRAND
time since he’s joined, he’s watched the club—which boasted about 25 teams at that time—nearly triple in size.
As assistant principal at Hamilton High School who grew up in Tempe and has played and coached soccer around the Valley for almost 40 years, Farabee’s connection to local youth as well as his coaching and soccer experience made him a great candidate.
He was coaching in the area already and was impressed by the potential he saw in the Legacy players. After meeting with Andy Bonchonsky, newly hired Legacy director of coaching, and Kevin Boyd, assistant director of coaching, who run the competitive side of Legacy, Farabee decided it was a great match.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of what these coaches were building,” he said. In 2013, he took over as assistant director of coaching for the recreational side. He credits the community and Legacy’s team of staff and volunteers for making it possible.
“That’s really our success. The community’s buying into it and we want to support the kids at whatever level they’re playing.”
An eight-week recreational session costs $105 for ages 4 to 6 and $135 for ages 7 to 16, which includes the uniform.
Visit www.santansoccer.com or call (480) 988-3448 for more information.
Upscale, intimate community of only 15 homes in one of the best infill locations on quaint lots in Chandler Square footage range from 1,970 – 2,300 Prices from $339,700. 1 and 2 story homes available
Five tips to help prevent parental burnout
BY ALISON STANTON
Endless loads of laundry. Driving kids to and from numerous lessons, games and play dates. Juggling parenthood with work, chores and dozens of other responsibilities.
It’s enough to cause even seasoned parents to throw their hands in the air and cry “uncle.”
Feeling burned out as a parent might be even more prevalent this month, said Marcia Leach, youth services director at the Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa in Chandler.
Leach, who is a mom herself, said the busy holiday season and its many “to do” lists can cause alreadystressed out parents to feel like they are hitting the emotional breaking point.
To prevent burning out—this month and the rest of the year— Leach said there are five essential tips that all parents should keep in mind.
Tip one: Take care of your own needs
“All parents need exercise, good nutrition and enough sleep. In order to do this, parents need to look around them and see what they can take advantage of that is already going on,” Leach said.
For example, when a mom takes her kids to the park, she can use some of this time to get in her own exercise, either by taking a brisk walk close to where the kids are playing
or by running around and playing with the kids, Leach said.
When hanging out at home with young kids, parents can sneak in some exercise by using their children as weights.
“My kids always loved it when I would have them sit on my back and do pushups,” Leach said.
To make sure busy parents eat right, try planning a lunch out with a friend at a restaurant that serves healthy foods.
“It’s nice to get out with other adult people,” she said.
Tip two: Manage stress
To help keep stress at a minimum, Leach said parents should find something that they enjoy doing, and carve out time to do it when the kids are occupied or asleep.
“For me, I love to read books when my kids are taking naps,” Leach said, adding that for other parents, scheduling a spa day or time to soak in a Jacuzzi can help them reduce their stress levels.
Tip three: Cultivate a support network
All parents need at least one friend who they can talk to, and who truly gets what they are going through, Leach said.
In many cases, this will be another parent who is also on the front lines of caring for children 24/7/365.
“Moms and dads need to have people who are in the same boat as
NEW PRIMARY CARE OFFICE
they are,” she said.
Sharing the challenges of parenthood with other moms and dads—for example, when a child has a big tantrum in the grocery store— can help parents feel less alone.
“It’s great to have a friend come over and say ‘oh no, you are not alone. I had that same thing happen last week,’” Leach said.
To find other parents to connect with, Leach suggests going to the park or joining a health club.
“As a parent, it also feels good to help other parents, and it’s easy to help others who are in the same situation.”
Tip four: Be a realistic parent
Trying to be everything and do everything for their kids can lead to burnout, Leach said.
“We juggle so much, like taking them to different places like school, programs and sports,” Leach said.
Instead of feeling stressed out over their endless list of parental responsibilities, Leach said parents need to give themselves permission to say no.
“It’s OK to say ‘no’ to our kids, or maybe suggest that you all do something together instead of taking everyone to different places,” she said.
Having a network of parent friends can also come in handy when there is too much to do and not enough cars, time or parents to do it, Leach said.
“A mom can say to a friend ‘if you take our kids to practice then I’ll pick them up,’” she said.
Tip five: Don’t compare yourself to others
Watching other parents in action who seem to effortlessly get it all done can lead to feelings of inadequacy, Leach said.
Instead of comparing themselves to others, Leach said parents should remind themselves that they are doing a great job.
“We have to remind ourselves that we cannot be that other person and tell ourselves that what we are doing is good enough,” she said.
Andrea Alexander, a Chandler mom of two, said she struggles with this issue from time to time.
“I always feel torn between my work responsibilities,” said Alexander, who has a 2-year-old daughter named Alexa and a 5-yearold son named Paxton.
“Seeing opportunities to volunteer in the school is the hardest and missing out on the ability to take my daughter to her classes and seeing other moms who are able to do so is also hard,” Alexander said.
In addition to reminding themselves that they are doing the best they can, Leach said parents should embrace help and support from other parents who want to help lighten their parental load.
“If someone offers to help you,
Andrea Alexander, seated on left, said feeling torn between work and family responsibilities can lead to feelings of parental burnout. Submitted photo just accept it and be happy with it,” she said.
For Alexander, scheduling a manicure or pedicure or date night can help recharge her parenting batteries.
“Sometimes just sitting with my kids for five to 10 minutes and hugging and kissing them helps me to keep this in perspective,” she said.
Anthony
Music Maker Workshops available during winter break
Chandler residents Shelley Yakubow and Beverly Bigam are offering kids the opportunity to practice an array of fine arts over winter break. Their Music Maker Workshops school will be offering both a morning music camp and an afternoon art camp from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23.
At the morning music camp, kids can select three classes from the choices of drums, guitar, piano, voice or violin and are then divided up by age and ability levels. Although guitar players are asked to bring their own instruments, potential violin players will be temporarily provided with instruments by Milano’s Music. Ages 6 to 12 are welcome and class will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will cost $115.
At the afternoon art camp, professional artist Barbara Schoepf will inspire students to draw and paint while learning the basics of art—shape/value, composition and color. Projects will vary each day and will include gift making and keepsakes. The last day of camp will see students hosting an art show for family and friends. Ages 6 to 12 or welcome and class will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will cost $115.
These classes can either be paired up so kids stay all day or purchased and attended separately. For more information call (480)706-1224, email lessons@musicmakerworkshops.com or head to www.musicmakerworkshops. com
Hamilton cheerleaders working to raise funds
The Hamilton High School cheerleaders are raising money for their team by collecting household items for a rummage sale. Donors can drop off items at Dollar Self Storage, 275 E. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.
and reading, preparing him for a playground journey to Mars.
Seton Catholic wrestling program attains national spotlight
With high school wrestling season underway, Seton Catholic Preparatory’s program has helped put the school on the map not just locally but nationally.
The team, which has has several nationally ranked student athletes, is training for and anticipating a strong showing at the Beast of the East wrestling tournament this month in Newark, Delaware.
At the heart and helm of the wrestling program is Seton wrestling coach Eric Larkin, a Gilbert resident and former national wrestling champion, who wrestled and coached for ASU before joining the Seton coaching staff during the 20122013 season. Since taking over the program, Larkin has helped take Seton and its student athletes to the next level, doubling the team roster and cultivating a bevy of nationally ranked student-athletes, many of whom go on to attend Division One schools on full wrestling scholarship.
One student exemplary of the caliber of Seton’s wrestling program is Quentin Hovis of Chandler, who already has committed to the Naval Academy on a full ride for the Class of 2017.
Quentin chose to attend Seton not only for the impressive academic curriculum (he’s an “A” student), but also to cultivate his wrestling prowess under Larkin’s supervision. Locally, Quentin has received recognition as the Southwest Kickoff Classic
champion and nationally, he has gone on to win the sophomore division in the NHSCA National held in Virginia Beach, won freestyle in last summer’s Pan Am games, and previously reached All-American status when he took third in Greco Roman during the ASICS/ Vaughan Junior and Cadet National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota. According to Larkin, “Quentin is a joy to coach. He’s the type of competitor who always believes he can win, gives 100 percent, and therefore he consistently gets results. His huge heart—which he puts into everything he does—is a testament to his success on and off the mat.”
Founded in 1954, Seton Catholic Preparatory is a private, coeducational high school in Chandler that is open to students of all faiths and dedicated to academic excellence, leadership and loving service to others. Seton Catholic Prep serves young men and women from parochial, private, charter, public and home schooling backgrounds. Students come from Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Casa Grande and the Gila River Indian Community. The Seton experience allows ample opportunity for students to discover and develop their God-given talents in a supportive community, thus enabling them to succeed in higher education. For more information, visit www. setoncatholic.org.
Seton wrestler Quentin Hovis of Chandler already has committed to the Naval Academy on a full ride for the Class of 2017. Submitted photo
Have breakfast with Santa at BLD
Breakfast with Santa will be held at BLD, at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The reservation-only event is $12 for children 12 and younger and $18 for adults 13 years old and older.
A limited number of family packages, which includes two adult and two child tickets for $50, will be available. The tickets include a family swag bag full of goodies from Little Duck Organics, Smarty Pants Vitamins, Neat Cheeks and more.
Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast buffet including French toast, buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs,
Dec. 16 through Dec. 17: High school early dismissal
Dec. 17: Second quarter ends Dec. 18: Teacher inservice/workday—no school
Dec. 21 through Jan. 1: Intersession
CTA INDEPENDENCE
Get in the holiday spirit by joining the school for its Winter Band and Orchestra Concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. The chorus will perform at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Open enrollment for siblings and boundary students is coming Jan. 11. School tours for prospective parents will be held at 3:45 p.m. Dec. 10 and Jan. 7. Open enrollment and registration information for new students and other siblings of current students will be announced soon. See the district website for more information.
bacon and fruit. An assortment of hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate also will be served.
Tickets also include a professional photo with Santa, available as a high resolution digital download, from E.L. Hicks Photography.
East Valley Moms Blog will have a craft for the children and giveaways for everyone to win.
Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive and receive three extra raffle tickets.
To purchase tickets, visit http://bit. ly/1PoDtak and enter code SantaVIP.
Sixth-grade students completed a Veterans Day service project for which they donated candy to active military troops. The school shipped more than 34 pounds of candy to Operation Gratitude, a company that makes care packages for troops. In addition, sixth-grade students as well as a student at Hamilton High School have become pen pals with the troops.
CTA Independence PTO hosted and facilitated the Independence Run on Nov. 13. The school received $64,894 in donations and plans to purchase new technology, additional academic resources, as well as update the school’s playground. Officials appreciate the tireless PTO and all the parent volunteers who pitched in to assist at the event. What an amazing Independence Run it was.
Profits from our fall book fair yielded 231 new books for the library. Mrs. Tibke appreciates everyone who purchased merchandise. Every little bit helps.
—Wendi Olson
• Gender at 15 Weeks!
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We are a family owned-business that specializes in Euro-comfort shoes with a flair for fashion. Most assume that comfort can’t be cute, but that’s just not the case! Come visit our new unique comfort boutique so you can understand why, “Nothing is as thrilling as a shoe that looks and feels good!”
Keen, Dansko, Josef Seibel, Olukai, Romika, Fly London, Birkenstock, Merrell, Antelope, Reiker, Miz Mooz, Clarks, Klog, Arcopedico, Alegria, Baggallini, Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Big Buddha.
Taos, Buddha.
If you’re getting started on your holiday gift list, remember to Shop Chandler and give yourself the gift of community services. Sales taxes on the merchandise you buy at businesses in Chandler go directly to the City’s General Fund. The General Fund pays for important City services, such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, recreation programs, neighborhood preservation efforts and street maintenance. Shopping in Chandler also helps support many youth organizations,
food banks, social service agencies and other local nonprofi t groups that rely on funding from the City of Chandler and donations from business owners.
Did you know that the largest revenue component for funding our City’s basic services is sales tax? It accounts for 51 percent of General Fund revenues. By shopping in Chandler, residents have a direct impact to support the City services they enjoy. When you chose to shop in neighboring cities, residents in those communities benefit from your tax dollars, not you and your family.
Our local businesses also are committed to investing in Chandler.
Local business owners are more likely to give back to local charitable causes and organizations that you care about the most. Many business owners are actively involved in our community and help to support Chandler schools, local events and festivals.
You can make a difference. With every local purchase, your patronage positively impacts the local economy, the sustainability of local shopping centers and our community, the health of our schools and vital City services and programs. Remember, where you choose to shop truly makes a difference. Let’s bring it home!
Looking for a list of locally owned businesses? Visit the following websites:
✔ Chandler Chamber of Commerce chandlerchamber.com
✔ Downtown Chandler Community Partnership downtownchandler.org
Owl’s Nest Nature Store
Did you know? You can Shop Chandler at the City’s Environmental Education Center (EEC)? The EEC is home to the Owl’s Nest Nature Store and off ers a variety of eco-friendly
products and natureinspired books and toys. The store is located at Veterans Oasis Park (inside the EEC), 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, just east of Lindsay Road. Come stop by!
