February 2013 1SanTan

FAMILYFUN

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Joey had a crush on Carolyn whenthey first met in sixth grade at WeinbergElementary School in Chandler. Fast forward about a decade, and Joey Riceproposed to Carolyn Gogos, both ofGilbert, at Weinberg last November, and they will be married May 2.“Joey told me later on that he always

had a crush on me that year,” Gogossays. “We were good friends, and wealways kept in touch throughout middleschool and high school.” The staff at Weinberg Elementary

School was so moved when they heardthe couple’s story, at Carolyn’s mother’srequest, they changed the marquee outside the school to read“Congratulations Carolyn and Joey.”While most childhood crushes

probably do not lead to future weddingbells, Gogos’ and Rice’s story showsblossoming hormones and puppy loveare definitely alive and well in elementary age students.

Jennifer Corkins, a fifth-grade teacherat Weinberg Elementary School, has taught school at the elementary levelfor more than 15 years.She says when she noticesher students beginning totalk about other boys orgirls in social settings likerecess, it’s a pretty clearsign they have becomeinterested in each other.“Students also start

writing notes to oneanother expressing their‘liking’ of another stu-dent,” she explains.While she feels it’s defi-

nitely important that her

students have friends of the oppositesex, Corkins says she deemphasizes anyof the aforementioned behaviors duringclass time.“Students know to interact with their

peers during recess and lunch, and focusshould stay on academics in the classroom.”Although some of her students who

are smitten with each other may claim tobe “dating,” or “going out” with anotherfifth grader, Corkins says the idea ofactually encouraging it seems to be a bit premature.

“I feel the same as some par-ents do about saving this termi-nology for when students aremuch more mature to practiceusing it,” she says, adding thatwhen kids refer to “dating”another student, they are essen-tially trying to develop their ownidentity while they interact withtheir peers.“Students are experimenting

with developmental feelingswhile building their self-esteem.”Parents who provide a loving

and open relationship with theirchild, and who speak frequentlywith their kids who are startingto have crushes on others willhelp contribute to their child’sself-worth as well as their individuality, Corkins says.“During this particular age,

students start to become moreautonomous. Students beginspending more time with their peers,” she observes.

“I think communication is what’s mostimportant.”Near the end of the school year,

Corkins says the schoolteaches a HumanGrowth andDevelopment lessonthat focuses on thechanges occurring inchildren’s bodies as they approachpuberty.“Our counselor is

also available to speakto individual studentsand classes about these topics.”As for student-

teacher crushes, which have been a com-mon topic of television sitcoms over the years, Corkins says they definitely can and do happen at school, but usually inyounger students.

“From my experience, students mayjust have an admiration for the personand appreciates what she or he does tomake learning interesting and fun,” shesays. “I like to tell my students they cangive more attention to girls and boyswhen they are much older. My responsemight match what parents tell their kidsabout waiting until the age of 30 to start dating.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer wholives in the East Valley. She can be reachedat Alison@SanTanSun.com.

Resources

Books:• “A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys” by NancyHolyoke

• “Talking to Tweens: Getting It Right Before It Gets Rocky with Your 8- to 12-Year-Old” by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer

• “The Everything Tween Book: A Parent's Guideto Surviving the Turbulent Pre-Teen Years” by Linda Sonna

Websites:• kidshealth.org/kid/talk/kidssay/about_love.html • parentmap.com/article/puppy-love-your-childs-first-crush

• parents.com/kids/development/friends/how-to-handle-your-childs-first-crush

‘And theycalled it puppylove’by Alison Stanton

What’sinside

SMITTEN: When children experience a crush on someone of the opposite sex, it is importantfor parents to communicate frequently to help kids deal with their feelings and build confi-dence and self-esteem. photospin.com

FATED FRIENDS: Wedding bells will ring out this May for Carolyn Gogos and Joey Rice of Gilbert. The couple met in sixth grade at Weinberg Elementaryand maintained a friendship throughout junior highand high school before becoming engaged lastNovember. Submitted photo

Jennifer Corkins

Parents who provide a loving and open relationship with theirchild, and who speak frequently with their kidswho are starting to havecrushes on others will helpcontribute to their child’sself-worth as well as their individuality

2 February 2013SanTan

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17 18

Wiggle Worms

Preschool StorytimeToddler StorytimeValentine’s Activity

PreschoolStorytime

Toddler StorytimeWiggle WormsBookhype

Preschool StorytimeWacky WednesdayBaby Time

Presidents’ DayRenaissance Fest

Preschool StorytimeBaby TimeNature Tour

Story HourBird Walk

Star PartyArt WorkshopPaws 2 Read

Story HourRenaissance FestMommy& MeYappy HourScout-O-Rama

16

GourdFestival

Desert Discovery

Family Storytime6

15

19

Always call to verify information as some eventschange or cancelafter the calendar

is printed.

Send family events and activities to

STFF@SanTanSun.com

ToddlerStorytime

Pre-K StorytimeSunset ConcertWarhol’s Painters

Story HourPaws to ReadRenaissance Fest

Fulton Ranch Towne Center4040 S. Arizona Ave., Suite #13Chandler, AZ 85248

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW AND BIGGER LOCATION!

Valentine’s DayToddler StorytimePre-K Storytime

Preschool StorytimeBaby Time

February8 9

14

20 21 23

24Bird WalkRenaissance Fest

Toddler StorytimePre-K Storytime

7

28

4

10

3

11 12 13

Glass Class22

Toddler StorytimePre-K StorytimeMagic Treehouse

5

1

Preschool StorytimeToddler StorytimeWiggle WormsOrganic Gardening

Preschool StorytimeBaby TimeBeginning Techniques

27

SanTan Family Fun Arrives!

Family Bird WalkStory HourBird Walk

2

26

Guitar GuyAnime Club

25

Bird WalkRenaissance FestSunday Paint Bust

LEGO Kit ClubFamily Storytime

RenaissanceFest

Pancake DayPreschool StorytimeToddler StorytimeWiggle Worms

LEGO ClubFamily Storytime

February 2013 3SanTan

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2SanTan Family Fun Arrives!Pick it up the first Saturday of eachmonth in the center spread of the SanTan Sun News to plan your month.

Family Bird Walk, 8 a.m.-noon.Veterans Oasis Park EnvironmentalEducation Center. Desert Rivers Audubonleads a one-hour guided bird watchingtour, every 30 minutes. Sun protection,closed-toe footwear and drinking waterare recommended. Program may be canceled if weather is poor. Meet at theRed-Tailed Hawk Pavilion, located east of the center. All ages. Free. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.,Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

2, 9, 16, 23Saturday Story Hour, 10 a.m.Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, 45 minutes east of Mesaon US-60 near Milepost 223. Experiencethe Arboretum together as a family witha new book showcased each week during a read aloud. Featured storiesinclude: “Here is the SouthwesternDesert” by Madeline Dunphy / Anne Coeon Feb. 2; “Who Pooped in the Desert?”by Gary D. Robson / Robert Rath on Feb. 9; “Nature's Yucky 2” by Lee AnnLandstrom and Karen I. Schragg / RachelRogge on Feb. 16; and “Don't Call MePig” by Conrad J. Storad / Beth Neelyand Don Rantz on Feb. 23. All ages. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

2, 10, 16, 24Bird Walk, 8:30 a.m. Boyce ThompsonArboretum, 45 minutes east of Mesa onUS-60 near Milepost 223. Go on a two-hour guided walk and learn to identify resident birds and seasonalmigrants. Best for ages 8 and older. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and younger. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

3Gourd Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. PinalCounty Fairgrounds. “Running of theGourds” features more than 100 artists,exhibitors and vendors; classes anddemonstrations; gourd art; jewelry;

mini-gourd races and games; food;music; and thousands of dried and craft-ready gourds. $8 adults, kids free. 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner, Casa Grande.wuertzfarm.com/Annual_Gourd_Festival.html.

4, 11, 25Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m. Basha Library. Families enjoy stories,songs, fingerplays, flannel board storiesand puppets. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

5National Pancake Day Fundraiser,7 a.m. to 10 p.m. IHOP. Free pancakesare given away to celebrate NationalPancake Day and raise money forChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals’30th anniversary. Guests are encouragedto make a voluntary contribution to thelocal Children’s Miracle Network Hospitalor other local charities; 100% of thedonations helps local charities providevital equipment, life-saving proceduresand critical care for sick and injured children. SanTan Sun area IHOP locations: 935 W. Elliott Rd., Chandler;920 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert; 3495 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert. ihoppancakeday.com, CMNHospitals.org.

5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27Preschool Storytime, 11:30 a.m.Southeast Regional Library. Preschoolersenjoy storytime including books, songsand finger plays. Ages 3-5. Free. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28Toddler Time Storytime, 10:30 a.m.Southeast Regional Library. A fun story-time including stories, finger plays andsongs. Toddlers learn letters, sounds andhave fun with music and movementactivities. Toddlers up to age 3 with adult.Free. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

5, 12, 19, 26Wiggle Worms, 10:30-11 a.m. or11:15-11:45 a.m. Perry Branch Library. Totshave fun with flannel board rhymes, songs,shakers, bubbles, parachute play and age-appropriate books. Ages 18 months-3½years with a parent. Free. 1965 E. QueenCreek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert.602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

6Wacky Wednesday. As You Wish. Free studio fees all day. Pottery notincluded. Not valid with any other couponor offer. Locations: Crossroads TowneCenter in Chandler, 480-899-1231;Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

6, 13, 20, 27Baby Time, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.Perry Branch Library. Introduce baby tobooks, songs and fingerplays. Ages newborn-20 months. Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry HighSchool, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

7, 14, 21, 28Pre-K Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. PerryBranch Library. Preschoolers have funwith flannel board rhymes, dancing,songs, shakers, bubbles, parachute playand age-appropriate books. Ages 3-5with a parent. Free. 1965 E. Queen CreekRd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

8Nick the Guitar Guy, 10 a.m.Chandler Downtown Library. Listen to stories, sing songs with Nick the Guitar Guy. Ages 5 and younger.Free. 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. 480-782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Anime Club, 3:30 p.m. Basha Library.Explore Japanese culture, Anime andManga. Ages 12-18. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, www.chandlerlibrary.org

9Paws to Read, 10:30 a.m.-noon.Southeast Regional Library. Paws to Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with youngreaders, which increases reading levelsand word recognition, and gives kids ahigher desire to read and write.Registration is on a first-come, first-served-basis on program day. Free.775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

9-10, 17-18, 23-24Arizona Renaissance Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Festival Village, 7 mileseast of Apache Junction on US-60. Visit a

medieval amusement park with a 12-stage theatre, 30-acre circus, artsand crafts faire, jousting tournament andfeasts. Costumed knights, knaves, lords,ladies and hilarious jesters amuse visitors. Families enjoy clowns, animalperformers, people-powered rides, sillygames, stories, crafts and food vendors.All ages. $10-22, free ages 4 andyounger; buy advanced tickets online orat Fry’s stores for a discount. Free parking courtesy of Fry’s. 12601 E. Highway 60, Gold Canyon. 520-463-2600, royalfaires.com/arizona.

10Sunday Paint Bust. As You Wish. $4 studio fees all day. Pottery notincluded. Not valid with any other couponor offer. Locations: Crossroads TowneCenter in Chandler, 480-899-1231;Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

11LEGO Kit Club, 4 p.m. Basha Library.The library supplies a variety of skill levelkits for kids to put together during thishour of fun. Ages 5-12. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

12Yay! It’s Valentine’s Day!Activity, 4-5 p.m. Southeast RegionalLibrary. Meet in the Dig for Valentine'sDay games, stories and a take homecraft. Ages 6-9. Registration needed. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

13“Home Schooler Days” Nature Tour, 10 a.m. Boyce ThompsonArboretum State Park, 45 minutes east of Mesa on US-60 near Milepost 223.Homeschool families are invited to experience Arboretum education pro-grams during the Trees of The Arboretumtour. Prepayment is required. Reserve aspot no later than two weeks prior to thetour by calling 520-689-2723. Ages 8and older. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12,free ages 4 and younger. 520-689-2811, ag.arizona.edu/bta, facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

15Desert Discovery: Hummingbirds,10-11 a.m. Veterans Oasis ParkEnvironmental Education Center. Search for hummingbirds in the SonoranDesert. Enjoy stories, games, finger playsand crafts all about hummingbirds. Wear good walking shoes for trails andbring a water bottle. Preregistrationrequired. Ages 3-4 years with parent.$11-$14 per child, with one unpaid adultpermitted. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.,Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

16Star Party, 6:30-9 p.m. Veterans OasisPark Environmental Education Center.The East Valley Astronomy Club bringstelescopes to the parking lot for visitorsto explore Arizona's amazing night sky.Views the moon, planets, double stars,nebulae, star clusters and more. Programmay be canceled due to inclementweather. Call the EEC Program Hotline forupdates: 480-782-2889. All ages. Free.4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Art Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon. Veterans Oasis Park EnvironmentalEducation Center. Children and parentsdiscover the joy of art with a nature-themed project. Paint and brushes areprovided. The supply fee includes a 9- by 12-inch canvas. No experiencenecessary. Ages 7-12 years. $14-18.4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Paws 2 Read, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Perry Branch Library. Join a registeredtherapy dog that loves stories. Ages 5and older are invited to read their favoritebook to the special library dog. 1965 E.Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School,Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

19Bookhype, 3:30-5 p.m. Perry BranchLibrary. Teens evaluate YA books frommore than 30 participating publishers.Ages 12-18. Free. 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd. at Perry High School, Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

See Calendar, Page 4

4 February 2013SanTan

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21Sonoran Sunset Series Concert, 6-7 p.m. Veterans Oasis ParkEnvironmental Education Center. A lakeside concert by the Dry River YachtClub group. Guests may bring their ownfood or buy snacks and drinks from alocal food truck. All ages. Free. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler.480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis, dryriveryachtclub.com.

Warhol’s Painters for Kids, 4-4:30 p.m. Southeast Regional Library. Become Warhol for a day and create apainting masterpiece. Bring a smock orold T-shirt to wear over clothes.Registration needed. Ages 5-8. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

22Glass Class, 7-9 p.m. As You Wish.Create a glass wall bud vase bud usingbasic glass fusing techniques and a newglass – millefiori. $25. Ages 10 and older.Locations: Crossroads Towne Center inChandler, 480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace, 480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

23Mommy & Me Class, 9-10:30 a.m. As You Wish. Work together to create abunny of handprints on a “Some Bunny

Loves Me Plate.” Basic pottery paintingtechniques are taught. $20. Preschooler-toddler ages and a parent. Locations:Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler,480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

Yappy Hour, 9-10 a.m. Veterans OasisPark Environmental Education Center.Enjoy a dog-friendly, guided hike throughVeterans Oasis Park and view the lushwetlands of the park, as well as the aridhabitats and wildlife of the SonoranDesert. Bring a leash, a plastic bag,water and wear proper hiking footwear /attire. Meet at the Red-Tailed HawkPavilion, located east of the center.Preregistration not required. All ages.Free. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.,Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Boy Scouts Scout-O-Rama, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. University of PhoenixStadium. The Boy Scouts of America’s(BSA) Grand Canyon Council partnerswith International Sportsmen’s Exposition(ISE), co-locating its Scout-O-Rama withthe state’s largest annual outdoorsmenevent for the entire family, Feb. 21-24.Scout-O-Rama activities include: Dutch-oven cooking, knots and lashing,push carts, monkey bridges, water rockets, archery and more. Families whoparticipate in Scout-O-Rama also receiveISE $2 discount coupons. Inside theExpo, the new Scouts Challenge offer

prizes to troops competing in severalactivities, including BB-gun and archeryranges, rock-climbing wall, catch-and-release fishing and a radio-controlled off-road race track, hosted by Arizona Off Highway Vehicle Coalition. The Expoalso features the newest fishing, hunting,off-roading and RVing, boating andcamping products and services, local andglobal travel destinations, an AdventureTheater, giant fishing-demonstrationtank, huge casting pond, two trophy displays, a computer-controlled three-dimensional pop-up target archery rangeand a Youth Fair with hands-on activities.All gear and guides included at nocharge. Ages 16 and younger enter ISE for free; free parking. $5 per familyadmission to Scout-O-Rama; familiesthat include a uniformed Scout enter for free. 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale.info@SportsExpos.com,SportsExpos.com, grandcanyonbsa.org.

25LEGO Club, 4 p.m. Basha Library. The library supplies the LEGOs and kidssupply the imagination to engineer creations. Ages 5-12. Free. 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. 480-782-2850, chandlerlibrary.org.

26Organic Gardening, 6:15-7:45 p.m.Veterans Oasis Park EnvironmentalEducation Center. Learn how to grow agarden in the desert even with very lim-

ited outdoor space. Discover the basicsof organic gardening including localresources that help make home gardensthe best ever. Preregistration required.Ages 16 years and older. $8-11. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. 480-782-2890,chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

27Beginning Technique Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn basic pottery painting techniques and some tricks ofthe trade creating a “Spring ChickenPlatter.” $15 plus pottery of your choice.Ages 12 and older. Locations: Crossroads Towne Center in Chandler,480-899-1231; Ahwatukee, 480-753-9500; Tempe Marketplace,480-557-9100; asyouwishpottery.com.

28Magic Treehouse Book Club, 4-4:45 p.m. Southeast Regional Library.Read the selected book “Sunset of theSabertooth” before the club meets andcome ready to talk about the book andmake a fun craft. Preregistration requiredonline. Ages 7-9. 775 N. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert. 602-652-3000, mcldaz.org.

Calendar, From Page 3

Lessons, Training and Horse Sales

Coming in March: Kids andchores.

February 2013 5SanTan

FAMILYFUN

We offer classes ages 6 months and up:• Gymnastics• Tumbling• Trampoline• Martial Arts• Dance• Cheer• Ballet, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater

• Adult Bootcamp• Swimming

Great after schoolactivities for kids

of all ages!

Independent gymnastics classes

for 2 year oldsoffered!

480-820-3774www.aspirekidsports.com

50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

32,000 Square Foot, Air-Conditioned Facility with an Indoor Heated Pool

NOW OFFERING:

ONLINE REGISTRATION AND CLASS

ENROLLMENT!

$30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 3/31/2013.

HEALTHY EATING: To help kids get all the vitamins and nutrients they need,they should eat five fruits and vegetables per day.

Within the past 30 years, diets andlifestyles of U.S. families have changed dra-matically. As a result, the obesity rate amongyouth has tripled, which means nearly one infive kids in the United States are overweightor obese, according to figures obtained byBlue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. The rising rate of obesity – among adults,

as well – led to a spike in preventable dis-eases such as diabetes and heart disease. Notto mention the psychological and academiceffects that excess weight can have on a child.It’s not always easy to make healthy deci-

sions. And it’s even harder to helpkids live healthy lives – theywould often rather eat junkfood and watch TV or playvideo games.“Creating healthy

habits at a young ageis easier than tryingto dislodge habitsthat are long-estab-lished,” says Dr. EdFenstermacher of BlueCross Blue Shield ofArizona. “That’s why BlueCross Blue Shield ofArizona has long beenadvocating for the healthof our youth.”

Fenstermacher says following a few sim-ple rules called the 5-2-1-0 strategy canimprove health. The program was developedby pediatricians to help kids stay active andhealthy. Here's how it works:• Five: Eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day.

This will help kids get the vitamins andnutrients they need, whether they’re pickedfresh out of your own garden or purchased atthe grocery store. Fruits and veggies are also agood source of fiber and are low in fat andcalories. The vitamin C in many fruits booststhe immune system, which is especiallyimportant when kids are exposed to those ill-

nesses which occurevery school year.When it comes tovegetables, pick

those with more color, asthey are packed with nutri-tional value. Try carrots,tomatoes, squash, spinach,eggplant and broccoli. Skipthings like iceberg lettuce.• Two: Limit screen time

to 2 hours per day. Whethertheir vice is online social networking, TV orvideo games, it’s vital to get kids active andlimit sedentary time to ensure they’re burn-ing enough calories and developing theirmotor skills.• One: Get at least 1 hour of physical

activity. Every day, kids should be physicallyactive for at least one hour. Find an activitythey enjoy, and they’ll be more likely to con-tinue the sport into adulthood. For example,have them try sports like biking, swimmingor soccer, or even games such as hopscotch,jump rope or Frisbee.

• Zero: Drink zero sweetened drinks.Sugary sodas and sweetened drinks add alot of calories to a person’s diet, with-out adding any nutritional value.Water and milk are better options.

Juice can even be watered down to keepsugar intake to a minimum, and when pur-chased should always be labeled 100%juice. For another sweet treat, try waterwith added fruit or garnish – mint with

strawberries or limes with melon are tastyoptions that will quench thirst and satisfy asweet tooth.“If you find yourself running out of fresh

ideas for healthy living,” says Fenstermacher,“tap into the resources around you, such asyour pediatrician, teachers, school nurses ora dietician.”To help kids learn these guidelines, Blue

Cross Blue Shield incorporated them in theirannual health challenge, Walk On!, whichruns through the end of February. The freeprogram is open to fifth-graders throughoutArizona. Walk On! encourages students tomake healthy changes, such as eating betterand exercising more frequently.Children model their behavior after their

parents, so don’t forget to follow these rulesyourself. Choosing to be healthy will posi-tively affect children and their future, whilesetting them up for success.

Contributed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

6 February 2013

REGISTER NOW: SPRING SEASON STARTS MARCH 23!

February 2013 7

8 February 2013

Just4Kids

This month’s Just4Kids Page is sponsored by:

The City of Chandler Recreation Division

Register for Spring Classes! The spring Break Time magazine outlining

all-ages recreation classes, youth spring

intersession camps and special events for

March, April and May is available at libraries and recreation centers and at

www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime. Registration begins Saturday, February 2

(Friday, February 8 for non-residents). For more information, call 782-2727.

Stay Connected!Follow us on Twitter (@ChandlerRec) andFacebook (Chandler Recreation) for thelatest news. Check out the January episodeof the “Come Out & Play, Chandler!” show on the Chandler Recreation YouTube Channel. Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at www.chandleraz.gov/listserv.html. For more information, call 782-2727.

Parent & Toddler Activities Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11 a.m., the Tumbleweed Recreation Centerhost “Tumble Tots” indoor activities designed for children five years of age andunder to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and cleanarea will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep thekids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Fee included inall TRC family passes. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. There is a $2 fee($3 non-resident) per child. Call 782-2900 for more information.

Teen Lounge NightsTeen Lounge Nights at the Senior Center area great way for teens to get to know otherteens and have an awesome time for free!Participants will play the Wii, Xbox, and PS3;make crafts, watch movies, play pool and allsorts of other fun games. Drop in and makethe most out of your Thursday nights from5-8 p.m. This is a drop-in program; no registration is needed. You can find the class information atwww.chandleraz.gov/breaktime or call 782-2727 with any questions.

Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance• Friday, February 8 from 6-8 p.m.• Chandler Community Center, Room 109• $25 per couple ($34 for non-residents); $10 for each additional daughter ($14 for non-residents)Fathers and their little girls (ages 4-10) will create memories at the DaddyDaughter Valentine's Dance. If dad is unavailable, moms or guardians are welcome to attend. There will be music, dancing, contests, crafts and a pastadinner. Each couple will take home a keepsake photograph. Registrationrequired. Call 782-2641 for more information. Parents are required to registerbefore the event at the Downtown Community Center, Snedigar RecreationCenter or Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

Sonoran Sunset Series at Environmental Education CenterThe Environmental Education Center presents the Sonoran Sunset Series onThursday, February 21 from 6-7 p.m. that features free live lakeside entertainment by the Dry River Yacht Club. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis or call 782-2890.

Wednesday Family Night ActivitiesJoin in the fun at Family Night at Tumbleweed Recreation Center everyWednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. There is a different activity each week. The fee is$2 ($3 for non-residents ages 1-12) and $3 ($5 for non-residents ages 13-17).Call 782-2900 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed for more information.

SanTanFAMILYFUN