Turkey Lap Swim is fun in fowl weather

On behalf of Chandler’s Recreation Division, I would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving weekend, and may you enjoy feasting with family, friends, more food, football and perhaps a shopping foray in the coming days.

When you have time to relax after digesting all of the seasonal goodies, read through the winter Break Time to see all that is going on at various city facilities over the next month as we close out another exciting event-filled year and look forward to 2010.

Turkey Swim at Hamilton

If you are an avid swimmer itching for a refreshing morning swim before you carve into the turkey and the ensuing sweets, you can catch the third annual Turkey Lap Swim at Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Bring a can of food and your swim is on the house.

Paseo Trail update

Just a reminder to joggers, walkers and bicyclists that the multiuse Paseo Trail is closed from Queen Creek Road to Ocotillo Road until Dec. 23 because of construction. When it reopens, it will provide convenient access to the new Paseo Vista Recreation Area, which is expected to open by the end of the year and is profiled in this month’s national industry Parks & Rec Business magazine.

TRC open on 'Black Friday’

Tumbleweed Recreation Center will be closed on Thanksgiving but open for its normal hours from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on “Black Friday,” so if you need a shopping break or don’t want to brave the crowds, you can start working off those calories in the fitness center, taking a group exercise class or playing racquetball or basketball.

First-time customers are invited to try a free one-week fitness pass until Dec. 15. Just bring in the coupon from page 70 of the Break Time or mention this article at the customer service counter.

Holiday Expo vendor deadline

TRC’s Holiday Expo is still accepting vendor applications until Tuesday at 5 p.m. All accepted vendors will be notified on Wednesday. Local businesses interested in applying can download the application at www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed (under the “News & Notes/Tumbleweed Talker” section) or call (480) 782-2900.

This festive event on Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. will feature a variety of local businesses selling gifts and food and providing information and samples of their products and services. The “Frosty” mascot will be available for photos with children for $3 to benefit the Mayor’s Youth Commission.

Blood drive at TRC

Following the long holiday weekend, you can be a hero at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center Blood Drive with United Blood Services on Nov. 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the TRC Cotton Room at 745 E. Germann Road. Call (480) 782-2907 for more information or to make an appointment.

New EEC Sonoran Sunset series

The Environmental Education Center will host a new free family event called the Sonoran Sunset Series, which debuts on Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Chandler Children’s Choir will perform holiday songs at 6 p.m., followed by a luminaria walk around the lake at Veterans Oasis Park.

S’mores and hot chocolate will be available for a small fee. This series will take place the first Wednesday of each month and will include storytellers, musicians and other arts performers. The EEC is located at the northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads. For more information, call (480) 782-2890 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Santa events for kids

If you need to get out of the house, have children to entertain or want a break from shopping over the next few weeks, you can continue to experience the joys of the season with the following events and activities:

• The historic McCullough-Price House, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, presents its annual “Cookies and Photos With Santa” for parents and children on Dec. 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (480) 782-2717.

• Santa’s House will be at A.J. Chandler Park with photos on Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., during the Parade of Lights and 53rd annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting festivities. Santa’s House continues on Dec. 10, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, noon to 5 p.m.

• The popular “Lunch With Santa” coloring contest returns for children ages 3 to 8 to enter for a chance to have lunch with Santa at the Elephant Bar restaurant on Dec. 19. Forms are due Dec. 7 and are available at any city recreation facility or at www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.

• If you have children ages 3 to 6, you can surprise them with a phone call from Santa by filling out a “Santa’s Calling” form (due Dec. 8) at any recreation center or at www.chandleraz.gov/special-events. The calls will be made Dec. 13-17.

Liam O’Mahony is an information specialist with Chandler’s Community Services Department. His recreation column is published Sundays in the Chandler Tribune. He can be reached at liam.o’mahony@chandleraz.gov.