SEPTEMBER 2022 EPICKIDS AZ.COM
PAGE BIBLIOPHILE8 Phoenix teen finds fame with her love of books PAGE SARI12ON SCIENCE Hydrogen Peroxide Volcano
Avery16-year-oldFinley
Photo by Shelby Voss Photography
I
The resulting news clips are invaluable in growing and developing a portfolio of published work that can help students get scholarships and future educational opportunities.
EPIC KIDS Reporters Program
2 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
To be considered for this FREE program, students should be between the ages of 8-14 and have a parent’s approval. Please email hello@epickidsaz.com to get started.
ntroducing the Epic Kids Reporters Program, where aspiring young journalists can write for Epic Kids. Throughout the school year, Epic Kids Reporters cover issues and topics that matter most to them and their peers, including breaking news, current events, sports, entertainment, school clubs, and kid profiles. Their stories will appear in both print and digital editions of Epic Kids.
recyclable, biodegradable
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Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email advertising@egpublishing.com.at
Staff: Natasha & Brian Beal / Publishers Sondra Barr / Editor Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design Erica Odello / Ad Design Notes: Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If,
notify us. EPIC KIDSAZ.COM CONNECT WITH Beginner-CompetitiveRiskFreeTrial » NEW Socially Distanced Curriculum with Enhanced Health and Sanitization 14000 N. Hayden Rd #102, Scottsdale (480)596-3543 | xtremegymnastics.com XTREME GYMNASTICS Beginner Competitiveto Boys & Girls » Ages 3-12 years (480) 596-35 xtr5821 N. 7 tsdale, AZ Ages 3-12Health & fitness while having a blast! day camps (480) 596-3543 • xtremegymnastics.com 14000 N. Hayden Rd. #102, Scottsdale, AZ Move-n-Learn Preschool Ages 2.5 - 5 years Energy into Ambition Ninja Zone Ages 3 - 12 years Ninjas develop lifelong skills like focus and confidence by learning to safely spin, roll, flip and kick through a combination of martial arts and gymnastics training. Ages 6 months - 16 years Move • Learn • Excel Movement + Academics = Success! Full and Half DayRiskOptionsFREE Trial »All Ages 2 week unlimited free trial »limitations apply
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Get In Touch: 2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 888-313-791685027
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EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 3EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
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Chris’ game plan was to start a business. “Because I love working out, I created a company called Ice Shaker,” he says.
4 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
I’m Nicholas, your monthly Epic Kids columnist. I’m a third-grade CEO and I had the cool opportunity to interview Chris Gronkowski.
and to have a good team that supports you.
Headliners
during a Broncos versus Patriots game. He remembers having 80 friends and family members in attendance.
At 26 years old, Chris left the NFL to start a new career.
Chris is one of five Gronkowski brothers: Rob, Gordie Jr., Dan, and Glenn. The only one who didn’t play in the National Football League is Gordie Jr., he played professional baseball. Chris played NFL for the Cowboys, Colts, and Chris’Broncos.favorite memory in the NFL was playing his brother Rob
At first, Chris shipped all his products out of his house. Then, Chris went on the TV show “Shark Tank” and was picked by Mark Cuban and Alex Rodriguez to get funding for his Chrisbusiness.says
“Shark Tank” really helped his business grow.
Since I am a young CEO, I asked Chris for tips on running a successful business. He says it’s important to study hard in school
Chris is now a dad to three boys and a baby girl. He loves teaching his kids how to play sports. He also played football for the University of Arizona and his wife went to Arizona State University. That makes watching Wildcat-Sun Devil games extra fun in their household.
Nicholas interviews Chris Gronkowski, NFL Player Turned CEO of Ice Shaker.
TALKING SHOP
“I love my Ice Shaker team. It’s like we’re going into the locker room together getting ready for a game and working to win. It’s so relatable to when I was in football.”
See Nicholas’ interview with Chris Gronkowski at corner/chrisgronkowski.epickidsaz.com/parents-
Cowboys,playedGronkowskiChrisfortheColts,andBroncos.
“I was the middle of five brothers. We were always competing and playing sports. Now, as adults, we are all best friends,” says “FootballChris.wasmy dream. But unfortunately, like every sport, it came to an end, and I found a second game plan.”
Ice Shaker is a stainless-steel water bottle that keeps your drinks cold up to 30 hours.
Hi,
Join me on my epic journey via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas.com
Chris is one of five brothers.Nicholas and his brother Zaza interviewed Chris.
Headliners
Student Earns Prestigious Honor
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 5EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
Prisha Shroff created an AI-based system for wildfire prevention.
Hamilton High School sophomore Prisha Shroff created an AI-based Wildfire Prevention, Detection, and Suppression System that won the 2022 Broadcom Coding with Commitment recognition and Lemelson Award for Invention at the 2021 Broadcom MASTERS competition, along with earning her a nod as one of this year’s “Junior Achievement of Arizona’s 18 Under 18” winners. The Chandler resident is inventing the changes she wants to see in the world. She is currently working on applying STEAM knowledge and coding to reduce the impact of climate change by designing solutions such as a water-saving shower head, solar-powered drones, designing a tool that predicts how crops will adapt to a changing climate, and working with NASA on a rover project.
CA Insurance #0E87143 The Forbes Top Women, Best-in-State Women and Best-in-State Wealth Advisor rankings are developed by SHOOK Research and are created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. These rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and are based on data from the previous calendar year. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: www. SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Not FDIC or NCUA Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value Ameriprise Financial is proud to recognize Renee A. Hanson for being named #1 in Arizona by Forbes Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors for 2022. Thank you, Renee, for your dedication and commitment to helping your clients feel more confident, connected and in control of their financial lives. Renee A. Hanson CFP®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, ChFC® Private Wealth Advisor Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Affinity Wealth Advisory Group A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 602.923.9800 7010 E Chauncey Lane Suite Phoenix,200AZ 85054 affinitywealthadvisorygroup@ampf.com affinitywealthadvisorygroup.com
By Michelle Talsma Everson Photos Courtesy of Karli Kemper of State 48 Theatre Company and Felix-Albert Desmangles
North Phoenix: npyamahamusic.com
“I enjoy meeting new people— both fellow cast members and those who attend my performances,” Zack adds about why he loves performing. “I also just like having the opportunity to explore the different characters that I'm casted for; it lets me imagine myself as that character and then work with how it fits into the play or musical.”
6 EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
Headliners All The World’s a Stage
your child a brain boost. New group music lessons for kids are enrolling TODAY! FREE MUSIC LESSON
East Valley: evyamahamusic.com (480) 926 4441
Yamaha Teachers have music degrees and are specially trained by Yamaha
ighth grader
“My parents help me a lot with keeping my schedules straight and helping me to make sure I have fun in between shows, school, and life,” he says about his busy schedule.
“I get very nervous. I do deep breathing exercises and move around a lot before I go onto the stage,” Zack explains. “I get most nervous with the last show of the run, because the last one makes me nervous to make sure it's perfect and I don't want to mess Outsideup.” of performing, Zack, who lives in Gilbert, is busy with a schedule full of hobbies and “Whenclasses.I'm not playing guitar, keyboards, or creating digital music, I enjoy reading, playing video games, and doing fun, outdoor activities like skateboarding, riding my scooter, and riding my bike,” he says. “My favorite classes in school this year include Advanced Drama, the elite Encore Choir, and Rock HeBand.”also enjoys science, he
Give
shares. “I've always loved experimenting and learning more about how everything around us works.” Zack also makes sure to spend quality time with his younger brother Jayden.
members who see him confidently perform.
Keyboard Solfege Singing Movement, Ensemble, Reading & Music Appreciation
To learn more about Zack’s performances at State 48 Theatre Company, state48theatre.com.visit
answerbeforeWhenshowMonteMondegoinincludingplayedandwithGoingStateashoningtheambitiongrowsofDesmangles,Zack13,dreamsbeinganactorwhenheup.But,insteadofthatbeingadistantgoalinfar-offfuture,Zackisactivelyhisperformingskillsnowaregularinproductionsfor48TheatreCompany.intohissecondseasonState48,Zacksings,acts,dances.Lastseason,heavarietyofcharacters,NicelyNicelyJohnson“Guys&Dolls,”Fernandin“TheCountofCristo,”andhewasinthechoirin“Thunderstruck.”askedifhegetsnervousgoingonstage,themaysurpriseaudience
CLASSES INCLUDE
Practice on the above exercises until you work your way up to doing regular pull-ups. Don’t forget to hydrate, eat healthful, and study hard!
box. Hang with your chin above the bar until you begin to feel uncomfortable. Rest and then repeat five times, increasing the time you hang over the bar.
Linkan Marler is a 12-year-old fitness enthusiast.
I’ve been working on my pull-ups, because for the longest time I could barely do one. With practice, I can now do more than I thought possible. How many can you do in a row? If you can’t do any yet, that’s okay, here are some ways to build up to doing pull-ups:
1. Flexed Arm Hangs: To build muscles in your shoulders and arms, start with flexed arm hangs. To do flexed arm hangs, place a box near the pull-up bar that allows you to put your chin just over the bar. Place your hands on the bar with your palms facing you. Lift yourself upward and hold yourself slightly over the bar with your feet off the
Have ideas for fitness challenges and/or comments about workouts?my subjectattn:comhello@epickidsaz.EmailandputLinkanintheline.
you should be able to control the speed of your body as you lower it.
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 7EPIC KIDS AZ.COM CASH
Fit Kids Pull-Ups for Beginners
FOR COSTUMES YOUR STORE HERE
Hey
everyone, I hope the school year has been good to you so far. For me, things have been stressful with chores, homework, and football practice. Good thing I know something that can help blow off steam—working out!
AHWATUKEE • GILBERT • PEORIA • TATUM FIND
2. Dead Hangs: Build your arm strength and work up to pull-ups with a dead hang. Place a stool near the pull-up bar so that your arms can just reach the bar. With your palms facing away from you, grab the bar and pull yourself up an inch, moving your elbows to the side as you pull up. Lift your feet off the stool by bending your knees and hold this position for as long as comfortable. Rest and then repeat five times.
3. Lower Your Body Slowly. Place a chair under the pull-up bar and grab the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and your palms facing you. Tense up your muscles as you step off the chair and lower your body slowly. Rest and repeat five times. Eventually,
8 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
With the local volleyball league and her school's National Honor Society and book club on hold, Avery watched BookTok videos about her favorite genre, young adult (YA) fantasy, and checked out new genres.
Originally, Avery started an anonymous TikTok account to watch book reviews and post videos. Then a few of her BookToks blew up. Today, the 16-year-old has more than 86.1k followers on TikTok and over 4,200 on Instagram. She also gets paid to promote books.
Avery, who lives in Phoenix, was even recognized at her dentist's office by someone who works there. "She asked if I had a BookTok," she explains, adding that getting noticed was surprising.
Cover story
Phoenix teen finds fame with her love of books. BIBLIOPHILE
"My parents say it's OK to do as long as it doesn't cut into school and fun," Avery says.
H
That propelled Avery to her newfound level of fame. She's enjoying her status as a book influencer thanks to the app.
unkered down with not as much to do, local teen Avery Finley turned to TikTok during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The video-sharing platform leaped in popularity during the pandemic, with 850 million downloads in 2020. Before lockdowns, TikTok had less than 600 million monthly active users. Now it has more than 1 billion users.
Avery was always an avid reader, but with more free time, she was drawn to BookTok, a strand on the video-sharing platform started by young book lovers at the height of the pandemic.
By Shay Moser Photos by Shelby Voss Photography
Book publishers, such as Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, typically reach out via email to see if Avery would like to create content on her BookTok for one of their new releases. The book publishers send a contract if she agrees to work with them, and "my parents sometimes help review the representativeathatongoingthefromlookreading.teensandmoneylittlebringsbooksPromotingschool.juniorsayspaperwork,"Avery,ainhighonTikTokinaspendingforAverygetsfellowbacktoIfweatdataMonitoringFuture,anstudysurveysnationallysample of approximately 50,000 eighth-, 10thand 12th-grade students annually, 60% of high school students read every day in the 1980s. But unfortunately, it was only 16% in 2016.
Asidebed. from her busy days, Avery moderates the Sapphic Lit Book Club on Fable, the book club app for social reading.
If you find a genre you love, great, but try and branch out to other spaces. ”
“
With the popularity of BookTok, this trend is reversing as teenagers share their experiences with books and engage with others about shared interests in books. The Teen Magazine says this was partly due to the Avery'spandemic.bookcollection, organized like a horizontal rainbow, includes more than 500 books.
She recently worked with Harvard Bookstore to host a livenextpart-timeandseniorhalf-daysforwardissuccess,socialDespiteinfluencers.otherpanelsTokonshe'sauthorwithinterviewanandbeenliveBookQ&AwithpopularthemediaAverylookingtoheryeargettingajobsummer
that she can keep through her senior year. "I'm looking into undergraduate law programs," she says. "Social takes a lot of time and energy, so I may not be able to do it long term."
A typical day for Avery includes being out of the house early, going to school all day, doing any homework immediately after school, spending a half-hour on any
Still, Avery is excited to put out three book choices for the Sapphic Lit Book Club and learn what the readers vote to read in October.
She also says to try new things. "If you find a genre you love, great, but try and branch out to other spaces. For example, I found that I also like mystery thrillers."
Follow Avery on her TikTok and Instagram accounts @readbyfin to find out her latest YA book recommendations.
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 9EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
"I spent an hour a day on my social channels in the summer and a lot less now," says Avery, advocating time management and trying to finish her homework at school.
BookTok sponsorships, and then
For teens who want to start a BookTok or something similar, Avery's advice is, "Make stuff you like to make. I tried making what I thought others wanted based on TikTok videos and their traction, but it takes the fun out of it and it's not worth sacrificing your creativity."
I love to build teams and inspire hope. My laughter therapy skills enable me to help others increase their happiness levels and live better lives.
Christine Hayes uses laughter therapy to help people lead better lives.
Do what you enjoy and what brings you happiness. If you do, you will feel satisfied and hopefully believe that you have the best job! Whenever our jobs are focused on helping others to feel better, we also feel good, and it increases our happiness. How great is that?
As a counselor, Christine offers support and care to her clients.
A cosmetologist and a counselor (both
What’s your favorite part of your job?
help people feel good about themselves and listen to people’s life stories).
Career Day ASLAUGHTERMEDICINE
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
What do you do for a living?
I make people laugh and use laughter therapy as a form of treatment to help individuals overcome mental health challenges. I am also an active member of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the World Laughter Tour.
Christine Hayes is certified intherapy.laughter
Christine Hayes
10 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
One fun fact about your job?
Offering support and care for individuals struggling with mental health is a very important job. I have had and
continue to receive a lot of training to help me do my job. Some of the classes include leadership skills training, clinical supervision, and continued laughter therapy certifications.
Profession: Program Director and Licensed Professional Counselor Certified in Laughter Therapy for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services.
Age: 46
Laughter has the opposite effect of stress on our bodies.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
The number four is the only number to have the same amount of letters as its value.
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 11EPIC KIDS AZ.COM just for fun JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. There is an uninhabited island in the Bahamas known as Pig Beach, which is populated entirely by swimming pigs. What andlettersthreehasstartswithgas? 1 Brain Play 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 What theAlexanderdoGreatandKermittheFroghaveincommon? 2 Greenlandistheworld’slargestisland. Did fracturesneezeknowyouifyoutoohardyoucouldarib? Despite tomatomisconception,commontheistechnically a
fruit because it contains seeds. They’re produced in larger quantities than any other fruit. Most tomato crops come from China, India, Turkey, and the United States.
1.Acar.2.Thesamemiddlename!3.Sotheydon’tgetspotted. 4
Why do tigers have stripes? 3
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VOLCANO
• 1 safety goggles per person participating
Here’s What You Need:
• 1 funnel
• 1 pair of rubber gloves per person participating
Directions:
• Use the funnel to add yeast mixture to hydrogen peroxide mixture•Remove the funnel and watch the reaction
s school is back in session, let’s take a moment to explore one of my favorite at-home science experiments. Grab an adult and get ready to get messy!
decomposition process. This volcano is more reactive than a standard vinegar and baking soda volcano; proper protective gear and parental supervision are absolutely necessary!
• Use the funnel to add hydrogen peroxide to the bottle
What Do You Observe?
The hydrogen peroxide volcano demonstrates how a catalyst works in chemistry. Hydrogen peroxide naturally wants to break down into water and oxygen (2H2O2 --› 2H2O + O2). This process usually happens too slowly to be easily perceived and this is where our catalyst comes in. A catalyst is a substance that increases how fast a chemical reaction happens without undergoing any permanent chemical change. In this case, our catalyst is the yeast, which will help to speed up the
• 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
• If you would like, you can add five to eight drops of food coloring to the bottle
• Rinse bottle thoroughly, and place it upright in the sink
This reaction is exothermic, which means it produces heat. Do you see steam? How big was the reaction? What did the experiment sound like? Could you hear the gasses reacting? Did you smell anything? How long did the reaction last? If you added food coloring, how did the color change over the course of the experiment? Try the experiment again in a different container. Does the size of the container make a difference?
• 1 stir stick (popsicle stick works fine)
12 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
• 1 recycled water or soda bottle
• 3 tablespoons of room temperature water in a bowl
• Add dishwashing liquid and gently agitate mixture by swirling and not forming bubbles
• Add yeast to the bowl of room temperature water, mix with the stir stick for 30 seconds (it should become the consistency of melted ice cream)
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap
• Optional: food coloring
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, SariOnScience.andFollowdaughterCenter,atCuriosityChiefOfficerArizonaScienceandmomtoCarson(7).heronTwitterInstagram@
A
• 1 packet dry yeast
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “I just received a call from a phone that wasn’t hooked up—with a cord that went absolutely nowhere”
AGES: 9+
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: “A Tangle of Knots” by Lisa Graff, “A Snicker of Magic” by Natalie Lloyd, “A Tale of Magic” by Chris Colfer
Buy Buying used is good for your pocket and for the planet, so why buy new? Phoenix 8034 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 433-0255 Mesa 1056 S. Country Club Dr Mesa, AZ 85210 (480) 835-0505 Locations in Flagstaff and Tucson too! www.bookmans.com Keep the blues away by trading in your books, games, instruments and more. Follow us on social media for great events! Trade credit spends like cash in all of our stores and expires.never We buy all booksentertainmentthingsfromtoinstruments! STrade e
RATING: AAAAA
in the story that I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened in the end.
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 13EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
Avery, 16, 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! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
SYNOPSIS: When Larissa Renaud starts receiving eerie phone calls on a disconnected old phone in her family's antique shop, she knows she's in for a strange summer. A series of clues leads her to the muddy river banks,
Kimberley Griffiths Little GENRE: Middle-Grade Fiction
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
THE TIME OFAUTHOR:FIREFLIES
where clouds of fireflies dance among the cypress trees and cattails each evening at twilight. The fireflies are beautiful and mysterious, and they take her on a magical journey through time, where Larissa learns secrets about her family's tragic past—deadly, curse-ridden secrets that could harm the future of her family as she knows it. It soon becomes clear that it is up to Larissa to prevent history from repeating itself and a fatal tragedy from striking the people she loves.
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: The mystery was my favorite part! I became so invested
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: Larissa! She added so much excitement to the story with her curiosity and big heart.
Burger, sandwich, salad, and main dish options include a barbeque white cheddar burger with Black Butte barbeque sauce, white cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings, and garlic aioli; a roasted chicken Caesar salad with cia batta croutons, parmesan crisp, and Caesar dressing; a classic Reuben sandwich with corned beef brisket, peppered sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1000 Island on rustic rye bread; and a Szechuan orange chicken dish made with tempura chicken in a garlic ginger orange sauce, scallions, Szechuan chilies, sticky rice, and soy glazed Thai Thirstyvegetables.Lionhas
Copper Canyon Elementary School
CHANDLER
Ryan Elementary Corona Del Sol High School
delicious options for those older than 10 include yummy appetizers like artichoke spinach dip with cream, chopped artichokes, jalapenos, garlic and served with chips; crispy calamari served with a chili lime sauce and lemon thyme aioli; an oven baked soft pretzel with housemade beer cheese, jalapeno jam, and sweet mustard; and for those who like a
14 | SEPTEMBER 2022 | EPIC KIDS EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
D
By Gretchen Pahia
Thunderbird High School
four locations in the Valley: Desert Ridge, Santan Village, Chandler, and Tempe Marketplace. Thirsty Lion is working to bring another location to the West Valley and is hoping to open a new restaurant at Westgate in fall 2023.
DESERT RIDGE
San Tan Elementary Charlotte Patterson Elementary Neely Elementary School
Desert Canyon Elementary School
For details on hours, locations, and menu options, thirstyliongastropub.com.visit
Copper Ridge School
friendly spot. The kid’s menu offers diners age 10 and under an assortment of classics including chicken strips with a dipping sauce; fish and chips with tartar sauce; and spicy chicken sliders with chipotle aioli and pickles on a toasted brioche bun. These entrees are served with French fries. A hearty mac & cheese dish is a popular option too.
Ryan Elementary Higley High School
little Asian cuisine, there’s a spicy tuna roll and California roll.
Wildfire Elementary School
California roll
School fundraiser underway at Thirsty Lion Gastropub.
ining for a cause is a great reason to check out a delicious restaurant chain here in the Valley.
Thirsty Lion is a tasty family-
DINE-TO-GIVEPARTICIPATINGSCHOOLS
Classicmac&cheese
CREIGHTON SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFERS FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN FOR OUR FAMILIES! Now enrolling for the 2022-2023 School Year. Our full-day program is filled with adventurous learning, discovery and joy as your child works and plays in an environment that is warm, safe and challenging. Check out our website to learn about our nine schools! www.CreightonSchools.org www.CreightonSchools.org(602)381-6000 2702 E. Flower St. @CreightonElementarySchoolDistrictPhoenixSeewhatfunwe’rehavingat
Eats
SANTAN
This September, Thirsty Lion Gastropub is partnering with local schools to raise money for their Parent Teacher Organizations (PTA/PTO) with a Dine-to-Give fundraising program. Diners can just tell their server they are there to support any of the schools registered and 15% of each check from dine-in purchases will be donated back to those participat ing schools. The fundraiser runs through Sept. 29 and donation checks for schools that raise $100 or more through guest visits will be distributed in October.
Thirsty Lion also offers a weekend brunch and there are options for kids, including a kid’s breakfast with two eggs any style, grilled bacon, potatoes, and toast; French toast coated with crunchy flakes and grilled; and a Belgian waffle with powdered sugar and Severalsyrup.
DINING OUT FOR A GREAT CAUSE
WHEN: Sept. 24
WHAT: Grab a blanket, chair, family, and friends for a free Halloween movie night featuring “Ghostbusters Afterlife,” food tucks, costume contest, dance party, and tasty eats available for purchase from food trucks.
WHEN: Oct. 6 – Oct. 9
WHAT: Discover why no dream is too big at Disney on Ice when your favorite Disney stories come to life
WHERE: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
WHEN: Oct. 1
WHEN: Oct. 8
CHANDLER OKTOBERFEST 2022
INFO: downtown-chandler-oktoberfestdowntownchandler.org/do/
WHERE: Fletcher Heights Park, 8135 W. Lone Cactus Dr., Peoria
INFO: azstatefair.com
WHAT: Meet your favorite action heroes, fly on a zipline, enjoy bounce houses and slides, face painting, live entertainment, actionpacked performances, raffle prizes, giveaways, and shopping. No admission or activity fees required.
WHAT: Enjoy hayrides, a spider web crawl, feeding animals, and Alexander’s Adventure Maze. A selection of food and treats are also available to eat while visitors enjoy fall decorations and pumpkins.
September 2022
INFO: action-adventure-festivalazboardwalk.com/event/free-
ARIZONA STATE FAIR
INFO: pumpkinpatchmothernaturesfarm.com/
DISNEY ON ICE: INTO THE MAGIC
WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
INFO: https://bit.ly/3Bm9oqz
INFO: footprintcenter.com
WHAT: Live music all day, German fare, games, and a family zone await at this family friendly event to celebrate October.
Pumpkins
Friday, September 30th - Sunday, October 30th, 2022 4011 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 (480)882-1482 www.v ertucciofarms.com V ertuccio Farms Monday-Thursday 3pm - 9pm, Friday-Saturday 9am – 10pm Sunday 12pm – 7pm Fall FestivalFall Festival
WHERE: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler
ACTION & ADVENTURE FESTIVAL
WHERE: 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
PEORIA HALLOWEENOUTDOORSPOOKTACULARMOVIE&PARTY
WHERE: Mother’s Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert
What's Happening
WHEN: Sept. 24 – Oct. 31
through world-class ice skating.
MOTHER NATURE’S FARM PUMPKIN PATCH
Corn MazeJump PadPetting Zoo
WHEN: Sept. 23 – Oct. 30
NEW Mega Slide
WHAT: Cancelled last year due to budget and safety concerns, the Arizona State Fair is back with amusement park rides, food vendors, and an array of agricultural exhibitions including everything from pig races to horse festivals.
On Deck: October
EPIC KIDS | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 15EPIC KIDS AZ.COM
SavageHomeImprovement.com602-652-2866 Fall Special WHOLE DAY HANDYMAN GET YOUR TO - DO LIST READY! 2 men. 8 hours. Anything you need done around your home for JUST $800!* *Materials not included. Veteran Owned - Insured - ROC 337590(Normally $1000)
