Issuu

January 2020

PAGE 10

FAMILY FUN

Vol. 1 • No. 1

PAGE 9

Pumpkin Festival Returns to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

KIDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE • Hope Pops by Mia • OM Warrior Kids • Miss Elementary Arizona

SEPTEMBER 2021

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H e a d li n e rs

OM WARRIOR Animated video adventure series created by tween teaches the benefits of yoga.

t 14, Maddie Faye Toren became one of the youngest certified yoga instructors in North America. Since then, she’s been teaching kids, tweens, and teens yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. The first couple years of being certified, Maddie taught classes at local libraries, schools, and events. She was on a mission to empower as many kids as she could, through teaching the benefits of yoga, but to reach more kids she knew she had to change the way she taught her classes and go online. That’s when the OM Warrior brand was born. First starting with the idea of OM Warrior Kids, a video adventure series for kids, ages 3 to 12 years old, where they learn yoga poses, mindful breathing exercises, and ways to meditate, all through fun and entertaining animated story videos. Maddie Faye Toren became a certified yoga instructor at 14.

4 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

She then launched an app, where users have access to 11-plus hours of animated yoga videos, along with activity printables. “OM Warrior Kids became the catalyst behind my mission to spread the message of good vibes, inclusion, and human connection,” says Maddie, who’s homeschooled. “Kids have a wonderful time learning yoga poses, practicing mindful meditation, learning why yoga and mindfulness are great for our bodies, and how the video series keeps our bodies staying healthy, encouraging kids to be strong, and empower them to become kind and confident OM Warriors of the world,” she says. Maddie has since launched an eco-friendly clothing line, where the intention behind the OM Warrior clothing brand is that every person wearing the clothing embodies the purpose and free-spirit behind the brand. From eco-friendly inks to a commitment to producing clothing in childlabor free facilities, Maddie wants every OM Warrior item to spread good vibes. Now 16, Maddie continues to expand her brand and is working on a new way of connecting for teens, through a yoga, mindfulness, and meditation video series. To learn more, visit omwarrior.com.

GRATITUDE

Being positive starts with finding the good in things. What’s your mantra? 2. Surround yourself with kind friends Positive people help you be a better person, and make you feel better about yourself. Pick buddies that bring out the best in you! Who is your most positive pal? 3. Smile (and sing!) You can’t be sad if you’re smiling. I looked on Google i! I’m Nicholas, your and found that smiling helps Valley-based Epic Kids you relax, improves your blogger. I’m a secondhealth, and shows you’re a grade CEO, and this month I’m friendly person. One thing writing about being positive: that always makes me smile is finding the good in things. upbeat music. Music releases a chemical in your brain called Pour some water in a glass and ask yourself: is it half full or dopamine, which brings you joy. half empty? What song makes your heart To me, it’s half full because I happy? choose to focus on the water 4. Celebrate your happy that’s inside, rather than the moments water that isn’t. Glass half full Each night, invite your family people are naturally more to talk about their success of positive people! the day. Did you ace a test? Here are five ways us kids can Help someone? Discussing be more positive. your happy moments is a very positive practice. 1. Have a mantra A mantra is a powerful What’s your success of the sentence that strengthens your day? mind. My teacher has us say 5. Be thankful a daily mantra: “Today, I will be kind; happy; and I’ll do my Being thankful helps you realize good things in your life. best.”

Here’s an activity:

create gratitude stones—small rocks with a word that reminds you to be grateful. Keep them in your pocket for a more positive day! What will your stone say? Join me on my epic journey via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas.com EPICKIDSAZ.COM

H e a d li n e rs

S H OW R O O M O P E N

SLOTHEE WANTS COFFEE Book inspired by 8-year-old’s travels.

he inspiration behind kids’ book Slothee Wants Coffee comes from the love of exploration (and coffee). Written by first-time authors, 8-year-old Cameron Fica and his mom Nikki Pezzopane, it’s an educational, yet fun adventure that helps kids learn about different cultures, and making friends. The tale follows Slothee’s travels from Costa Rica to Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Hawaii, in search of the perfect cup of coffee. On the way, he meets new friends and learns about coffee and culture. For Cameron, an Arizona Connections Academy student, the book showcases his knack for research and love of traveling. According to his mom Nikki, Cameron has a passion for traveling and went on an airplane for the first time at 3 months old. Since then, he’s lived in three states, and traveled to 14 countries and 23 states. Available for purchase at slotheewantscoffee.com, the book is the first of the Slothee and Friends series.

The book follows Slothee’s travels in search of the perfect cup of coffee. EPICKIDSAZ.COM

A chat with 8-year-old author Cameron Fica

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Did you come up with the idea for this book or did your mom suggest it? I came up with Slothee Wants Coffee in Costa Rica. I was on vacation with Mom in Costa Rica and said, ‘Slothee Coffee.’ Mom said that would be a good coffee shop name. Because of Covid, we couldn't travel anymore, so made it a book instead. What are some of the ideas you contributed to in this book? I helped Mom with the animals and their names. I also helped Mom with the countries and Googled a lot of things to help out. I like doing the social media for it too. What do you love about sloths? I think they are cute and think it's funny that they only poop about one time a week. What did you learn about writing and publishing during this project? There is a lot to do and it takes a lot of time and hard work. We are always working on more things for Slothee and the new books. What was it like working with your mom? I like it. I love my Mom and she teaches me a lot of things, like social media. But I know TikTok better than my mom. What’s next? We are working on Slothee Still Wants Coffee and I helped with picking the countries and animals already. My mom said when I finish school this year, we will work more on it. It will come out next year.

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Gi vi ng B a c k

Donor Needed

Simple Pleasures

Music Together brings joy to girl with Down syndrome.

hen Lillian Yslas got the diagnosis her daughter had Down syndrome, her first concern was for Phebe’s health. She also worried that Phebe wouldn’t be able to enjoy simple pleasures like singing and dancing. Rather than let her worries hold Phebe back, Lillian enrolled Phebe in classes at Music Together. “I knew no matter what, music was something we had to incorporate in her life. I took that chance on Music Together and I've been blessed and blown away ever since,” says Lillian. Phebe attended her first class at 8 months of age and has been taking classes nonPhebe was stop since then with her mom. Now, 4, diagnosed with Phebe’s love of music continues to grow. Down syndrome at 8 months old. “When we attended our first in-person class I could have cried all the happy tears. I was worried that Phebe wouldn't be able to focus and sing, but she fooled me. She followed every note, sang every song, danced every movement, drummed every beat like this online year never happened. Her teacher even sweetly mentioned that one day, Phebe could lead the classes because she knows it so well,” says her mom. “Music Together established solid foundational skills––musically, but also verbally, physically, socially, and more,” says Lillian, who’s excited to continue seeing her daughter flourish in a positive environment that promotes the joy of singing, dancing, and playing.

Nine-year-old cancer patient Luke Ozga needs stem cell donor.

he Ozga family is temporarily moving from Arizona to Texas to attempt to save the life of their son Luke as he battles T-cell cancer for the third time in his young life. The Car T clinical trial, being performed at Texas Children Live in Houston, Texas, normally only accepts patients ages 13 and up. However, the trial made an exception and allowed Luke to enroll. While the treatment cost itself will be covered in the trial, the Ozga family still needs to pay for lodging, food, and expenses surrounding the six-week trial, and find a donor for the bone marrow transplant Luke will need following his return home to Arizona. The Armer Foundation is helping them do so by giving 100 percent of all donations directly to the Ozga family. “Our goal is to help local families whose children have

extreme medical needs, and we do so by giving 100 percent of the Luke Ozga is donations battling T-cell cancer directly to for the third time. the family, rather than taking a cut like larger online donation platforms,” says The Armer Foundation founder Jenner Armer. Luke also needs a stem cell donor. The previous transplant he received via donation by his brother Joshua did not take. It is suspected that it is because their cells were too similar. The family is now asking anyone who is willing to come forward help save Luke’s life. To view the criteria and sign up to become a donor, visit Be The Match at bethematch.org. To donate, visit armerfoundation. org/luke.

Hope Pops by Mia

Fourth grader Mia Carbajal creates fun concept to help pay for medical bills.

ope Pops by Mia was created by Mia Carbajal two years ago, when she was 7. Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was just 1 year old, Mia came up with the concept for Hope Pops by Mia to help pay for her medications and the different therapies that she needs. A fourth grader at EAGLE College Prep: South Mountain, Mia has always been an entrepreneur. From a young age, Mia would sell lemonade or cookies outside her home to help pay for her medical necessities. Mia created the logo for her business, as well as the name, “Hope,” because she hasn’t lost hope. “I’ll fight through anything,” 6 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

she says. Meanwhile, she incorporated the word “Pops” because she makes the chocolate pops by using different molds and flavors. Among Mia’s specialty flavors: pumpkin spice chocolate, vanilla chocolate, and salted caramel chocolate. Hope Pops by Mia attends different pop-up events throughout the Valley, including the Vendor Fair that her school, EAGLE College Prep: South Mountain hosts each month. In addition to attending vendor events, Mia also caters to parties or gatherings either through school or her Girl Scout troop. Mia’s goal for Hope Pops by Mia is to develop it into a non-profit organization to be

Mia Carbajal sells Hope Pops by Mia to help pay for her arthritis medications and treatments.

able to help other children who also suffer from juvenile arthritis. To place an order, visit Hope Pops by Mia on Instagram or Facebook. EPICKIDSAZ.COM

C a r e e r D ay

ANIMAL CARE

Helping homeless pets get another chance at life and love is all in a day’s work for veterinarian Katherine Daigle. Katherine Daigle Profession: Animal Shelter Veterinarian

Age: 46 What do you do for a living? I am a veterinarian for the Arizona Humane Society. I work in AHS’ trauma hospital, which is an emergency room for Veterinarian homeless pets and helps Katherine Daigle care for 11,000 patients grew up on a small each year! I care for stray farm and spent her childhood caring sick and injured dogs, for animals. cats, and rabbits from all over the Valley, and treat them so they can get adopted. I perform surgery, give medicine, take X-rays, and place bandages. What type of training do you need to do your job? After high school, I attended eight years of college to become a veterinarian. My training didn't stop there though; there are always new and exciting treatments for animals! Every year I attend conferences so I can learn more about animals. Right now I am back in school working on my Master’s Degree in Shelter Medicine. What’s your favorite part of your job? I love making animals feel better. I have to be a detective so I can figure out what is wrong, since the animals can't talk and tell me! It is so rewarding when an animal is healthy and happy; I love when they wag their tails at me and give me kisses. What did you want to be when you were growing up? I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I grew up on a small farm and spent my childhood caring for dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and chickens. My life has revolved EPICKIDSAZ.COM

around animals. I didn't know much about animal shelters until I started working at the Arizona Humane Society. I realized how important my job is since I care for animals with no home or owner and the Arizona Humane Society takes in the animals who are very sick or very injured and have only us to care for them. I am very thankful to be in a career that I am so passionate about. What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? If you love animals and want to help them, go to veterinary school. I focused on math and science, and even took Latin in high school. This really helped me in college. I also worked for a veterinarian in high school. It is very important to have hands-on experience in a veterinary clinic before going to veterinary school. The Arizona Humane Society also offers summer and spring break camps for all ages, which can help you decide if you want to work with animals. One fun fact NOT about your job? I love to cook, and plan to go to cooking school when I retire from being a vet. I especially like that you get to eat while you learn.

Dr. Katherine Daigle performs dental surgery on a homeless dog at the Arizona Humane Society.

EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 7

E p i c c r e a ti o n s

CASH WINNER To celebrate the arrival of September, Epic Kids awarded one lucky kid $20 for an epic coloring page. Keep your eyes peeled on the publication and our social media channels for more fun giveaways.

Eight-year-old blogger, Nicholas Bubeck and his brother, showing off Nicholas’s first column in Epic Kids.

1st Runner Up: Luke, 4

2nd Runner Up: John, 7

Winner: Harshitha, 5

YOUR EPIC CREATIONS Colter, 8

Kyndal, 7

Share Your Epic Creations Email a photo of you holding your creation to hello@epickidsaz.com.

Desi, 10

8 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

Psst, don’t forget to include your first name and age.

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H e a d li n e rs

MISS ELEMENTARY ARIZONA 2021

Sixth grader Sadie Jane Scott competed in national pageant.

adie Jane Scott, a sixth grader, was chosen to represent Arizona in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the Miss Elementary America Pageant this summer. Sadie Jane attributes her successes to her eclectic education. Her favorite competition in pageants is the interview portion, where she gets to answer questions about herself, her community, and various topics ranging from peer pressure and social media to world events and more. Not only for pageants, but all year, she collects items to donate to Sun Valley

Animal Shelter, volunteers at Rock Steady Boxing Phoenix (a boxing gym for people with Parkinson’s Disease), packs boxes at Feed My Starving Children, and hopes to work towards an internship at her favorite animal conservation park. In Miss Elementary America, Sadie Jane competed with 38 other sixth graders from all around the country. Delegates competed in personal interview, community service, fun fashion, and formal wear. The title went to Miss Aloha State, Aspen Taylor, from Hawaii.

Sadie Jane Scott

Sadie Jane traveled to Arkansas to compete in the Miss Elementary America Pageant.

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Age: 10 School: Western Sky Middle School When did you compete in your first pageant? I competed for the first time when I was nine months old. What’s it like being on stage in front of a lot of people? I find it very exciting, enjoyable, and easy. Besides panel-style and one-on-one personal interviews, it is my favorite part of pageants. Do you get nervous performing in front of people? Sometimes I get nervous, but

Sadie Jane wore a white ball gown for the formal wear portion of the pageant.

the good kind of nervous! I take a deep breath, smile, and just go for it. What are some of the things you like about competing in pageants? As an only child, the most fun part of competing in pageants is getting to meet tons of girls around my age and making lots of friends. We get to do events and parties together all year, and like this summer, road trip across the country together! What’s the most challenging thing about competing in pageants? Getting support can be hard

because it is challenging to get people to understand pageants and what really happens when a person competes. Win or lose, with each pageant, I gain life skills and confidence in myself to keep trying new things. Pageants are way more than looking pretty and wearing fancy dresses, that’s for sure. What advice would you give to another kid who wants to compete in pageants? Start in a local pageant and see if you like it. Just like anything else, it takes practice and dedication. Learn from all of it, and you can’t ever “lose.” EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 9

n u F y l i Fam C o v e r s t o ry

Pumpkin Festival Returns to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

umpkin Fest is back by popular demand at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this year with a new name to avoid any guest confusion. The festival is a community event, and does not require an overnight stay. Guests can enjoy many of their favorite fall themed attractions from last year, including a pumpkin patch, a hay maze, characters, and fall food––with new attractions this year. Fireworks will light the sky above the Princess at 8 p.m. nightly. Rides at Jack O’Lantern Lane include the fun slide, black widow spider, yo-yo swings, happy swings, and dizzy dragons.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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HOW TO ATTEND Overnight Guests

Book an overnight stay and receive: • Complimentary general admission • Up to five VIP Express wristbands • Pumpkin Fest $100 treat package, which includes a $100 resort credit • Fall Family Package, buy one room, get the second free same day

Valet Park ($108) • Valet parking for one vehicle • Up to six wristbands

Dining at the Resort ($54) Spend $75 per vehicle at any of the resort’s dining outlets the same evening and receive • Complimentary general admission • Valet parking • Includes up to 6 ride & attraction wristbands

Self-Parking & General Admission ($72) Includes • Self-parking for one vehicle • Up to 4 wristbands

General Admission Wristband ($18)

NEW THIS YEAR

THE CIDER ORCHARD guests can enjoy flaming ciders, both for kids and adults, as well as roasted nuts, caramel apples, and house popped kettle corn. THE MYSTIC PASSAGE a great area for families to enjoy animatronics and great photo ops. THE SPOOKEASY reimagined inside the Plaza Bar, guests can enjoy fall themed food and drinks, special collaboration beers, and tasty desserts.

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Smile! EPIC KIDS

Photo Contest Win a night at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, along with four VIP Pumpkin Fest wristbands, and a parking pass.

How to Enter: 1. Must be a subscriber to the Epic Kids eNewsletter at EpicKidsAZ.com 2. Take a photo of your kids with a copy of this September issue of Epic Kids. If you don’t have access to a hard copy, pull up the digital cover from our website on your phone and hold up the phone in the photo. 3. Email the photo to hello@epickidsaz. com by Mon., Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. For an extra entry, follow @epickidsaz on Instagram, post the photo, and tag our account in your post using the hashtags #AtThePrincess and #EpicKidsPrincessGiveaway Good luck to all. Entries close on Mon., Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. MST and the winner, selected at random, will be announced on our social channels and in our October issue.

EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11

E a ts Grab the chopsticks for this fun, kid-approved morning treat.

Breakfast Sushi

INGREDIENTS * Banana yogurt (we used plain * Greek Chobani, but you can experiment

The dark color of blackberries is evidence of the high antioxidant levels contained in the fruit.

with different flavors) Fruity Pebbles cereal Blackberries

* * DIRECTIONS

1. Peel the banana. 2. With a butter knife, spread a layer of Greek yogurt on the outside of the banana. 3. Pour Fruity Pebbles on a baking sheet. Roll the banana in the Fruity Pebbles. 4. L ay the banana on a plate and carefully slice into “sushi” sized pieces––top with blackberries.

12 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

Greek yogurt is rich in calcium, which is important for healthy bones

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte in the body that carries a small electrical charge. These charges cause nerve cells to send out signals to the heart to beat regularly and muscles to contract. EPICKIDSAZ.COM

Food & Fun at Dave & Buster’s

E a ts

Kids and video games go together like peanut butter and jelly. By Gretchen Pahia

Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as they have several delicious options. From or families looking for a fun and cinnamon churros served with chocoentertaining place to enjoy some time together and get a great bite to late and caramel dipping sauces to Big Daddy chocolate cake or an amazing eat, look no further than Dave & Buster’s. cheesecake dip, you’ll want indulge. We visited the Tempe location. Located To quench your thirst, enjoy soda bevin Tempe Marketplace, it’s a great spot erage options, iced tea, cool flavored for kids and adults of all ages. lemonades and slushes for the kids, and The menu has a good mix of dishes for alcoholic options for the over-21 crowd. everyone’s tastes. Like hamburgers and Dave & Buster’s isn’t just about the food. cheeseburgers? They have them and The entertainment and games alone are some amazing ones to boot. Like chickworth a visit to this happening spot. With en fingers or other fried goodies such dozens of video game options to choose as French fries, fried pickles, or pretzel from, there really is something for everydogs? They have those too. And for the one. Claw games where you can earn a adults (or kids) looking for a little bit prize on the spot, games where you can more, there’s an amazing steak option, earn tickets to collect for an even bigger grilled chicken, fire grilled Atlantic salmprize at the end of your visit, or video on, and even BBQ ribs. If you’re looking games that are simply fun to play and to try a healthier option, Dave & Buster’s can challenge even the biggest gamers. also offers a range of scrumptious salads. If you're looking for gaming that offers more realism, check out their Virtual Reality spot, found on the video game floor. Get a thrill from Vader Immortal and Terminator: Guardian of Fate. Note: if you tend to get motion sick on amusement park rides, you may want to ask the employees about the level of motion Apples are a good provided by these games. source of fiber.

Whether you’re looking for something to do with friends for a birthday party, or hanging out with the family on a Saturday night, Dave & Buster’s is an awesome spot to spend time together. They do offer special packages for things such as game passes and tokens as well as packages for those looking to celebrate something special such as a birthday or graduation.

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THREE VALLEY LOCATIONS! TEMPE 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Suite 1100 480-281-8456 PHOENIX 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 44-4100 480-538-8956 GLENDALE 9460 W. Hanna Ln. 480-759-7800 DAVEANDBUSTERS.COM EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 13

B r a i n P lay

Book Club THE MYSTERIOUS “What is life BENEDICT SOCIETY without laughter?”

AUTHOR: Trenton Lee Stewart

GENRE: Middle Grade Mystery AGES: 9+ RATING: (1-5 stars) A A A A A SYNOPSIS: “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all? MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: My favorite part was reading about these brilliant children solving puzzles and mysteries in ways that I could never have imagined! It taught me the power of thinking outside the box! MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: Kate is my favorite character in The

Mysterious Benedict Society because she is so creative and can solve any problem with her handy bucket of tools!

FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: A Series Of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, The Jigsaw Jungle by Kristin Levine, The Wolf Keepers by Elise Broach Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.

14 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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e l z puz PAGE

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FIND 10 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES. 1.

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EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 15

just ffo or fun B r a i n P lay

JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.

What gets wetter the more it dries? A towel

A group of kangaroos is called a mob.

mob: Collective nouns are names for a collection or a number of people or things. Words like herd, group and mob, are collective noun examples.

Why did the scarecrow win a Nobel prize? Because he was outstanding in his field

A bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the sun.

You can't breathe and swallow at the same time.

Apples float because they are one-quarter air.

Huma strong n teeth ar e as as sha rk tee th.

make us chuckle!

Email a joke or far out fact, along with your first name, age, and the school you attend, to hello@epickidsaz.com 16 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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B r a i n P lay

AZ on the Rocks Has it All!

from our readers 1. Why did the singer climb up the ladder?

KLIMBERZ AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES at kids@azontherocks.com

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2. What did the dog make in art class?

Dameon, 9, Stepping Stones Academy 1. To reach the high notes 2. Blue prints

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Circle words in the puzzle below

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E M O N K E Y B N

P E N F O M C R T

H K N U R U H A I

A O C D W I E D G

N A L H O A R E E

T L A N T G D E R

P A N D A E Y R W

dog

monkey

emu

deer

tiger

lion

zebra

koala

elephant

panda

bear

giraffe

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3184 E Indian School Rd Phoenix 85016

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• No registration fees • Unlimited make-up classes, while enrolled • Custom classes for “pods” of friends, family or classmates • Tutu TV on-demand classes available

utu School is a boutique storybook ballet school that provides a creative dance education experience for children 18 months to 8 years. It is a place where dancers are encouraged to

fully exercise their imaginations as well as their bodies, and where we not only focus on teaching children age-appropriate motor skills and the fundamental principles of ballet, but also expose them to the world of classical music and the enchanting stories of famous ballets.

EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 17

What's Happening

September 2021

REPTILES UP CLOSE WHEN: Every Sunday in September at 2 p.m. WHERE: Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, A100, Scottsdale WHAT: In this interactive experience, enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland Reptile General Curator Lindsey Meder. Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforest with tropical butterflies. There will also be a Q&A session with Lindsey. Free with admission. INFO: butterflywonderland.com

¡SOMOS PEORIA! WHEN: Sept. 25 WHERE: Old Town Peoria at 83rd & Grand Avenues WHAT: Along with live music, festival goers will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of local, traditional foods, shop arts and crafts, and enjoy celebrated Hispanic activities such as Ballet Folklorico, Lucha Libre, music by mariachis, and a classic, low-rider car show. This is a ticketed event — tickets are required for entry. INFO: peoriaaz.gov/somospeoria DISNEY ON ICE! LET’S CELEBRATE WHEN: Sept. 30 through October 3 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix WHAT: Have the best day ever celebrating with some of your favorite Disney characters for this year’s Disney on Ice! Join the Disney Princesses along with Flynn, Eric, and Olaf for adventures like you’ve never seen before. INFO: disneyonice.com

FREE ICE CREAM WHEN: Sept. 18, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Creamistry–Park West, 9744 W. Northern Ave., Peoria WHAT: Creamistry, the liquid nitrogen sweet shop is celebrating its first location in the West Valley with a special grand opening celebration. Guests can enjoy a free small ice cream. The spot is owned by Former Arizona Cardinal Player Andre Wadsworth and real estate professional Ryan Zeleznak. INFO: creamistry.com 18 | SEPTEMBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

MATILDA JR., THE MUSICAL WHEN: Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 WHERE: Musical Theatre of Anthem WHAT: Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. INFO: musicaltheatreofanthem.org EPICKIDSAZ.COM

On Deck: October

22ND ANNUAL MARIACHI & FORKLORICO FESTIVAL WHEN: Oct. 1 WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler WHAT: The Chandler Center for the Arts is celebrating the rich cultural history of Mexico through vibrant music and dance. Featuring music of Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson, Herencia Mexicana and much more, it’s fun for the entire family. INFO: chandlercenter.org MONSTER JAM WHEN: Oct. 2 WHERE: State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale WHAT: It’s time to fire up the engines again as the most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world today roars back into Arizona for another highoctane weekend event. Arizona motorsports fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilled Monster Jam athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, Skills Challenges and Racing competitions. INFO: monsterjam.com

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Featuring SPOOKTACULAR vignettes, FREAKY photo-ops, GHOULISH sights, NINJA drummers & SPOOKY surprises!

EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 19

Now Enrolling

K-8 STUDENTS Creighton School District is enrolling K-8 students for the 2021-2022 school year! Some of the specialty programs Creighton offers are:

NOW HIRING Creighton School District is seeking staff members who share our belief of inspiring students to become adventurous thinkers, collaborative learners, and kind-hearted leaders.

Dual Language Spanish Immersion Arts Integration Coding and Robotics

Visit us to learn more at www.CreightonSchools.org

Apply online today at www.CreightonSchools.org 2702 E. Flower St. Phx, AZ 85016 (602) 381-6000 See what fun we’re having at:

2702 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-381-6000 | www.CreightonSchools.org

@CreightonElementarySchoolDistrict

Epic Kids, September 2021