Epic Kids, October 2021

PAGE2020 10 January

PLAY TIME!

Leisure Installs make fun happen

SISTER POWER

Vol. 1 • No. 1

Addison & Emerson PAGE 9

• Abby & Savannah hit the stage • Scout & Dot start The Love Project Club

Photo by Chadwick Fowler photo + cinema, chadwickfowler.com

OCTOBER 2021

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Mark Your Calendars!

DVUSD DVUSD Fall Fall Kindergarten Kindergarten Preview Preview Nights Nights Nov. Nov. 1-4 1-4 • Fall 2022 2022 Registration Registration Opens Opens Nov. Nov. 11 • Fall

Thinking Thinking about about Kindergarten Kindergarten options options for for next next year? year?

Find Find out out why why DVUSD DVUSD is is an an #Extraordinary #Extraordinary place place to to learn! learn!

For For aa Full Full List List of of Deer Deer Valley’s Valley’s Preview Preview Nights Nights Dates Dates & & Times: Times: www.dvusd.org/kinderevents www.dvusd.org/kinderevents 2 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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Be sure to include event title, date, time, place, cost, and details including contact number or website. The deadline for the November issue is November 1.

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Where to Find Us:

Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.

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Staff:

Natasha & Brian Beal / Publishers Sondra Barr / Editor Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design Erica Odello / Ad Design

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EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 3

H e a d li n e rs

DREAM CHASER

FISHING FOR SOLUTIONS

Local Girl Scout Troop Helps Protect Peoria Wildlife with Recycling Project

W

hen not disposed properly, monofilament fishing line can entangle wildlife and cause serious harm like feather damage and lacerations. After seeing the effects of this at their local parks, 12-year-old Aurora Arnett and 11-year-olds Mona Wilson and Shante Summers from Girl Scouts– Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Troop 558 collaborated on a project with Peoria park rangers to create fishing line recycling bins for Paloma, Pioneer, and Rio Vista Parks.

“I had seen the fishing line wrapped around the ducks and inside the lakes. We created these recycling bins so all the ducks and other birds cannot get hurt and because monofilament fishing lines can take hundreds of years to decompose,” says Aurora.

After the girls came up with ideas and researched the parts for the bins with a park ranger, Aurora and Mona reached out to businesses across Peoria to gather gift card donations for raffle tickets to sell to buy the needed parts. Through their fundraising efforts, the troop

Mona Wilson, Aurora Arnett, and Shante Summers came up with an idea to help protect Peoria wildlife.

4 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

was able to purchase bin parts and custom signs to educate the public on the importance of recycling the fishing line.

“With this project, I learned resilience because we were able to overcome obstacles to complete the recycling bins,” says Aurora.

Once the five bins were assembled and installed across the three Peoria parks, Aurora and Mona then spoke with members of the community about the importance of using the bins.

To help local girls and their families learn how to get involved with the local Girl Scouts as well as how some of these outreach projects work, the Council is hosting fun, free events and programs through the end of the year.

Make New Friends, a four-part online series designed to boost your girl's social skills and self-confidence.

Animal Dance Parties, an interactive Zoom party for girls to have fun and dance, meet new friends, and learn about Girl Scouts.

Robot Building Parties, an interactive Zoom party for girls to work together – albeit virtually – on "building their own robot at home" while learning about all the other adventures, science experiments, and outdoor activities they can participate in as Girl Scouts.

In-Person events throughout the Valley, families are invited to learn more about Girl Scouts at one of the local open-house-style events closest to them.

Visit and view the interactive map and calendar for upcoming informational events at girlscoutsaz.org/join.

Danit Knishinsky publishes fantasy novel.

F

ourteen-year-old Danit Knishinsky achieved one of her dreams––writing and publishing fantasy novel, Maddie Skirkoff: World of Odds.

The book is about a girl named Maddie who has always dreamed of finding the extraordinary. But what does she do when the extraordinary shows up at her front door? From goblins to fire-breathing dragons, and magic potions to corrupt rulers, Maddie is challenged.

Epic Kids chatted with Danit to hear about how she turned her youthful dream to become a published author into reality.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing Maddie Skirkoff: World of Odds?

The most challenging aspect of writing Maddie Shirkoff: World of Odds had to be the editing. It was a task that was terribly dull for me. However, I won’t ever regret any of the time I spent editing because of how wonderfully I was able to fix the writing in the novel.

How many pages is the book? During the process, did you ever get frustrated and want to quit?

The book is around 200 pages. And yes, there were plenty of times that frustrated me within the process. But at the end of the day, I was absolutely in love with my characters, and I wanted other people to experience the same attachment to the characters as I did.

How many pages would you write a day? Did you create a storyboard first or did it all come free flow?

Danit Knishinsky

There was never a solid page count per day. Now, with my new novel, I’m trying to do a solid amount per day to speed up the process.

Overall, it was free flow. The story was supposed to be based off something I wrote at 8 years old, but because of the age gap and the writing, it changed very drastically, and I only ended up keeping Maddie and the goblins.

Was writing a novel more difficult than you anticipated?

I really had expected just to write it and send it out. I always laugh to myself about the fact that I completely skipped over how challenging the editing process would be. The writing wasn’t very hard, though, and I’m glad about that part.

What about fantasy fiction appeals to you?

I absolutely adore the feeling of being in another reality! It takes away the repetitiveness of today’s world and truly adds a sense of creativity and adventure to one’s life.

To buy a copy of Maddie Skirkoff: World of Odds, visit danitbooks.com.

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Gi vi ng B a c k

BRIGHT LIGHT

Activities give girl with Down syndrome and autism the chance to enjoy life.

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ine-year-old Nicolette “Nikki” Hamilton is on the autism spectrum and was born with Down syndrome. At an early age, doctors tried to prepare her parents for what she would not be able to accomplish. However, Nikki keeps proving the doctors wrong and pushing the bar.

The day after her birth, Nikki was transported to the hospital for fear of complications stemming from a possible hole in her heart. Doctors anticipated Nikki would be there for two weeks, but she was discharged three days later, having overcome her symptoms.

Since then, Nikki, who’s homeschooled, has continued to surpass people’s expectations. Her schedule is as busy as most working adults. She has occupational therapy, speech therapy, education tutors, music and theory, gymnastics, and is also learning to swim.

She enjoys dancing, swinging, and spinning, especially to Taylor Swift songs.

She dances and practices gymnastics at Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center in their Unique Abilities Program, where, according to Site Director Heather Leligdowicz, Nikki has been a bright light at Arizona Sunrays ever since she walked through the doors. “She brings joy and laughter to every athlete and parent she meets. Nikki has developed a unique connection with all of us and we love sharing in her experiences as she single-handedly makes the world a warmer, more enjoyable place.”

Nikki’s mother, Kathy, says that Nikki represents the best of her dual diagnosis by having the loving, honest, blunt nature of Down syndrome and the meticulous, detailed nature of autism. “You can find where she has been by the perfectly sized and spaced toys, cups, spices, plates, etc., in the room she just left,” says Kathy.

Nikki poses for a photo in August with Olympic gymnast and Phoenix native, Jade Carey, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics for her floor exercise routine.

THE LOVE PROJECT CLUB

Sisters aim to change the world with service projects.

Dot and Scout Starr started The Love Project Club to change the world.

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S

at a time. Join them on their over $800 for the Navajo epic journey via Instagram community affected by COVID, and partnered with @the_love_project_club. the Phoenix Rescue Mission to collect diapers, cans of The Love Project Club food, toys, blankets, and Their first project brought collected items for the clothes for the holidays. This together 16 Valley kids to set year the group organized Phoenix Rescue Mission. up lemonade stands to raise another fun run and raised money for victims of the over $800 to donate to Australia fires. Their efforts the victims of the Texas raised over $1,100. The funds winter storms, in addition were sent to a Koala rescue to collecting water, sports center and the St. Vincent drinks, and ice coolers de Paul organization to hand out at Valley homeless camps.

The Love Project Club has also organized Valentine’s Scout, 10, and Dot, 9, are Day visits at a retirement determined to change the world, one service project center, a fun run to raise isters Scout and Dot Starr started The Love Project Club last year to organize community service projects for youth.

EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 5

C a r e e r D ay

LIFE SAVER Angela Lang works to fight fires and save people’s lives.

Angela Lang Profession: Firefighter Age: 40 What do you do for a living?

I am a firefighter and EMT for the city of Scottsdale What type of training do you need to do your job?

You need to be able to carry at least 50 to 100 pounds of extra weight when you are on a fire call, so we do lots of strength and cardio training. We also train daily on all the equipment and tools we use on calls, which includes the fire truck and medical supplies.

Angela Lang is a fire fighter and EMT for Scottsdale.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is being a part of a team that works hard to take care of people when they are having their worst day.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a marine biologist.

I didn’t know that I wanted to be a firefighter until I was done with college.

What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?

Work hard for what you want. Be nice and be respectful to anyone you meet.

One fun fact NOT about your job?

I used to play volleyball and now I coach.

Taking people's vitals is part of Angela's job as an EMT.

Knowing how to use firefighting equipment properly is an important part of Angela's job.

6 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

Daily training is important to Angela's job.

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H e a d li n e rs Fall Adventures: Fun activities to challenge your body and mind.

H

i! I’m Nicholas, your Valley-based Epic Kids blogger. I’m a secondgrade CEO, and this month I’m writing about four cool things to do this fall.

Two things I love: adventure and getting creative. That’s why I thought it would be fun to talk about some of my favorite area activities that’ll get you in a fearless, spooky spirit for Halloween.

1. Fly high! iFly is awesome.

I put on a special flight suit and the instructor brought me into a huge dome…and then, I was flying! It was super cool, Nicholas and we went high and around in taking flight circles. It’s a great at iFly. place to test your

fears and learn to skydive. Plus, when you leave, you can purchase future flights for a slashed price.

Info: iflyworld.com 2. Paint like a pro!

I’ve been taking art classes at Creative Color Art Studios for a year, and I love it. Every week we do something different: canvas paintings, sketching, clay molding, and more. In addition to weekly classes, the studio offers special seasonal art programs on the weekends, and I’m sure they have a lot of fall stuff for October’s calendar of events.

Info: creativecolorart.com 3. Howl for Halloween!

My mom says the Great Wolf Lodge is a Vegas for kids. There’s a big indoor water

’Tis The Season for Giving Thanks!

park, ropes course, mini golf, arcade, and more. Plus, the resort is having a Halloween fest for all of October with a Monster Bash, trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, and more.

Info: greatwolf.com 4. Climb on!

For the past few weeks, I’ve been taking rock climbing classes at AZ on the Rocks. It’s good for my focus, because I must think about my next move to get to the top. There are a lot of routes in the climbing room, and the best part is making it to the top and sliding down (it’s kind of like a roller coaster!). It builds your strength and self-confidence.

Info: azontherocks.com Join me on my epic journey via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas.com

AmeriSchools Academy Wishes To Thank Our Parents, Students, Teachers, and The Community for Their Love, Loyalty and Support. .

TUITION-FREE CHARTER SCHOOL / GRADES K–8 1333 W. CAMELBACK ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ 85013

www.AmeriSchools.org Call: (602) 532-0100

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EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 7

E pic c o ntest

Photo Contest EPIC KIDS

rticipated, Thank you to everyone who pa including these epic kids.

Luke, 4

Donovan, 7 John, 7

Winners Aubrey, 8, & Owen, 6

Nicholas, 11

Xochiti, 7, and Ralph, 12 Cannon, 11, and Kyndal, 8 Nanami, 4, and Kai, 7

d Congratulations to Aubrey an at Owen for winning a night stay ess the Fairmont Scottsdale Princ ur VIP for their family, along with fo a Pumpkin Fest wristbands, and contest. parking pass in our first photo 8 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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H e a d li n e rs ACTING DUO: The Springer sisters take to the stage.

Acting comes naturally for sisters Abby & Savannah Springer.

Epic Kids recently chatted with the duo to hear more about their performances.

Do you ever get nervous performing? How do you handle it?

Age: 14 I actually don’t get nervous when I’m performing, but I get really nervSchool: ous during the audition process. I Heritage Academy always get a terrible stomachache.

I don’t have a great way to handle Most recently it––I just take deep breaths and seen as Sharpay Evans power through and try to do my best! I’ve done a lot of auditions, so in Disney’s I’m getting better at getting through High School Photo by Regina Madison it despite the crazy nerves!

Musical JR. at Desert Foothills Theater.

What do you enjoy about performing?

What was your first stage I really love making people laugh! performance?

My first musical was Shrek at Lime- I’ve made really good friendships light Performing Arts in Gilbert. I was with other cast members. I also love learning to take on new roles.

8 and played the role of Goldilocks.

My most recent role was Sharpay I had been taking a musical theater Evans in High School Musical JR. class when I found out about the It was hard for me! It required me audition and knew I wanted to try!

Since then, I’ve been in shows pretty to be extra big and goofy on stage and was completely out of my much continually––except when comfort zone. everything was shut down.

Abby Springer

Savannah Springer

Age: 12 School: Stapley Jr. High Most recently seen as Junie B. in Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to Schools at Limelight Performing Arts.

What was your first stage performance?

My first performance was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Limelight Performing Arts in Gilbert. I was 6 years old and was part of the children’s choir. My older sister had done a show a few months earlier and I really wanted to be on stage with her, so my mom let us both audition for Joseph.

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Do you ever get nervous performing? How do you handle it?

Junie B. is my first lead role and I’ve definitely been more nervous with this show than in the past. To handle my nerves, I do a lot of voice workouts and tongue twisters, I go over my lines a million times and I remind myself that I’ve worked hard and am going to do a great job.

What do you enjoy about performing?

My favorite part is getting laughs!

I love being able to finally deliver what I’ve worked so hard on. I also love spending time with the cast and making friends. Some of my best friends are in theater and it’s so much fun when we do shows together.

What’s the most challenging thing about acting on stage?

The most challenging thing for me is managing my stress. I get

What’s the most challenging thing about acting on stage?

The most challenging thing for me is not breaking character, especially when I have friends in the audience! There were a couple of times during High School Musical when I did break character, but I figured out a way to make it work with my role. Sharpay smiles a lot, but then she makes a face that makes it clear she’s being snotty or sarcastic. I used that to my advantage and worked it into the Abby as Sharpay Evans Photo by Rob Madden character.

What advice would you give to another kid who wants to perWhat are your future goals? form on stage?

I’m not entirely sure! I plan on My best advice is to be respectful going to college in the Northwest. with directors and other cast mem- I do dream of an on-camera acting bers. Directors talk to one another, career. I have so many different so you want to make sure you have interests, it’s hard to narrow it a reputation for being respectful so down at this point and figure out they’ll want to cast you! my goals beyond acting. worried that I’m going to forget lines or that I’ll rush my lines and won’t do a good job. When I’m in the ensemble, the biggest challenge is finding a way to create the character and making sure I’m adding to the story and not taking away from it.

What advice would you give to another kid who wants to perform on stage?

Don’t get stressed out when you know that you’ve practiced and are ready. Don’t get nervous when there’s a big crowd. They are all there to see you do what you do best.

What are your future goals?

My goals are to work hard in theater and to play big roles! I really hope to continue doing this as an adult. Even if it’s not my main job, I hope to continue acting because I find so much joy in it.

Savannah as Junie B. with the cast and directors.

EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 9

PlayTime C o v e r s t o ry

Leisure Installs make fun happen.

By Sondra Barr

James and Sasha Lewis bring more than 20 years of experience installing residential playsets and backyard structures for families.

10 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

F

or James and Sasha Lewis, being a big kid is all in a day’s work. As the owners of Leisure Installs, they make fun happen for Valley families by installing and selling playsets and outdoor recreational equipment.

The husband and wife team consider themselves giant kids. With their colorful hair and boundless energy, it’s not uncommon to find them testing out their products in Leisure Installs’ giant showroom. From climbing the rock walls, to jumping on the trampolines, shooting baskets, zooming down slides, or swinging from the monkey bars, James and Sasha test out their products from a kid’s perspective with safety always top of mind.

“We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, so we can look at any playset and tell you the manufacturer, what its features are, the maintenance it’ll require, and if it’ll last,” says Sasha.

Specializing in “You buy, we install,” their speciality is installation including the assembly, maintenance, and relocation of residential playsets, basketball goals, and trampolines and many brands and models of do-it-yourself products including gazebos, pergolas, and sheds. They also sell Backyard Adventures Playsets, Swing Kingdom Vinyl Playsets, Gorilla Playsets, AlleyOOP Trampolines, and Goalrilla & Silverback Basketball Goals from their large showroom.

“What makes our business different is the education side of what we provide,” says Sasha. She explains EPICKIDSAZ.COM

that Arizona yards can be incredibly dangerous for backyard play because most backyards have many hazards including travertine pavers, garden rocks, and cactus, combined with narrow lots and concrete walls.

“We’ll come out and look at your yard, whether we’re installing a playset you bought from us, or if you’re buying it from someone else and we’re installing it, to assess your space for safety concerns,” says Sasha. “I have a customer right now who only has a 14 by 14 foot space to put a playset.

We’re working with one of our manufacturers that does custom sets to create the family one that’s going to safely fit in their small yard.”

“We used to say when our kids were little, ‘If we won’t let our kids play on it, we won’t let yours.’ Now I’m waiting for grandkids and it’s going to be the same thing,” she says, pointing out that boisterous

play on swings, monkey bars, and other equipment should be at least 6 feet away from walls and other hazards.

Since starting Leisure Installs in 2014, James and Sasha have witnessed countless smiles from their installs.

“Watching families stand at the window waiting for the project to be completed so they can run out and play is one of the best parts of my job,” says James.

“Helping families pick the best playset and make the best recreational space in their yard so that they can spend quality time together is what our local company is all about,” says Sasha.

To learn more, visit leisureinstalls.com.

Leisure Installs

(602) 935-9296 1731 W. Rose Garden Lane, Suite #10, Phoenix leisureinstalls.com

Meet this Month’s Cover Stars This M o nt h

’s

COVER STARS

Addison Fowler

Emerson Fowler

Age: 10

Age: 13 School: Highland Lakes Likes: Baseball, basketball, skateboarding, and long bike rides Favorite Spots: In & Out and Urban Air

School: Highland Lakes Likes: Drawing and watching anime Favorite Spots: Skatepark, Urban Air, and Zoyo

S H OW R O O M O P E N

SAV0E0 $ 50 de: With Co IC P E

A R I Z O N A’ S N E W E S T A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R

& INDOOR SHOWROOM!

Leisure Installs’ showroom is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only.

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602-935-9296

leisureinstalls.com

Local & Family Owned “YOU BUY, WE INSTALL” MOST OUTDOOR DIY PRODUCTS

EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 11

E a ts

Van Gogh Breakfast Tacos

Playing with your food is encouraged in this colorful, artistic recipe from artist Sandra Marshall.

INGREDIENTS pepper * 1 1 orange pepper * 3 yellow (or egg substitute) * 1/4eggs cup cooked quinoa * 3 chopped, jarred roasted * red peppers corn tortillas * 2 1 avocado * Chopped cilantro * 1/2 cup shredded cheese * (vegan or regular) * 1 teaspoon olive oil SANDRA MARSHALL, the author of the kids’ book The Razzle Berry Wackadoodle Garden, creates whimsical art creations made from real fruits and veggies. After she’s done creating art with the food, she uses the ingredients to make nutritious meals for her family. Sandra was inspired by the renowned Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh to create this art/recipe for Epic Kids.

Sandra used the ingredients in this receipe to create this artwork prior to preparing the breakfast tacos.

Breakfast tacos

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut up one orange and yellow pepper making the long shapes of sunflower flower petals.

2. Stir-fry peppers in one teaspoon of olive oil on medium temperature.

3. S cramble eggs, or use an egg substitute and cook in a nonstick pan on medium.

4. Add 1/4 cup cooked quinoa to the scramble.

5. Add the peppers and sprinkle with shredded cheese (vegan or regular).

6. Add a pinch of salt and some chopped, jarred roasted red peppers for some color.

7. Lightly toast corn tortillas and bend.

8. F ill the breakfast tacos with your peppers and eggs.

Top with chopped cilantro, your favorite hot sauce and avocado if you wish.

SHOW US YOUR FOOD ARTWORK!

Email a photo of your food creation, along with your name and age to hello@epickids.com 12 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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E a ts

Miracle Mile Deli Deli-ciously good food awaits at family spot.

By Gretchen Pahia

N

othing beats a good, hearty sandwich––and some of the best in the Valley can be found at Central Phoenix’s Miracle Mile Deli.

For more than 70 years, Miracle Mile Deli has been one of the best go-to restaurants in the Valley and it just keeps getting better. The deli provides a comfortable and casual atmosphere, great for the entire family.

The restaurant prides itself on not only delicious food but wonderful customer service as well, which can be hard to come by these days.

Traditional New York style sandwiches are the key for this menu. One of the best-selling items on the menu is their “The Straw” sandwich, which features hot pastrami piled high, topped with sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese.

And, of course, it comes with a side of hot French fries and a kosher dill pickle.

However, if pastrami is not your thing, there are plenty of other great options for

Shakes are a popular option at Miracle Mile.

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Miracle Mile Deli is known for jaw-dropping sandwiches and its school fundraisers. the whole family including grilled cheese, Mac & Cheese, hot dogs, chicken tenders, tasty shakes, and more. Their kids’ meals also come with a side of choice, drink, cookie, and a special prize.

Miracle Mile Deli goes above and beyond as well to help the community, especially local schools. For the last 70plus years, owners of the restaurant have taken pride in their community efforts and helping Valley schools. They host dine-out events that support local school organizations, which can then give them 20% of the proceeds from sales from event attendees.

This is a great way that schools can host a special fundraising event, while participants get to enjoy some great food. The restaurant has also been a participant in several community events that have benefited organizations including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, The Phoenix Theatre District, The Madison School District families, and many more.

Whether you are craving a super filling and delicious sandwich or a warm

soothing cup of soup, Miracle Mile is the spot to go when you are looking to fill up an entire family on a budget.

Housed along 16th Street between Camelback and Indian School, this centrally located restaurant is a perfect spot for a lunch meeting with friends, afternoon snack with the kids, a sweet treat, or an early dinner with the family.

If you would like information on their menu or on any of their fundraising programs for local schools, call or visit their website.

4433 N. 16th St., Phoenix (602) 776-0992

miraclemiledeli.com EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 13

B r a i n P lay

Book Club PET AUTHOR: Akwaeke Emezi GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy AGES: 9+

“The truth does not change whether it is seen or unseen.”

RATING: (1-5 stars) A A A A A SYNOPSIS: There are no more monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. With doting parents and a best friend named Redemption, Jam has grown up with this lesson all her life. But when she meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption's house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth, and the answer to the question—How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: My favorite thing about Pet was

the beautiful writing! I loved how the author described the world and investigated deeper topics with Jam.

MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: Jam was my favorite character, but

I also loved Pet!

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 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 2021 | 15

just ffo or fun B r a i n P lay

JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.

1

2

There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth.

Sandy’s mum has four kids; North, West, East, and?

3 Why didn't the teddy bear eat dessert?

That’s at least a billion trillion!

If you don’t keep me, I’ll break.

What am I?

The average person has 67 different species of bacteria in their belly button.

The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, which means ‘hand wing.’

Each bat wing is a thin layer of skin stretched between four long fingers and a thumb! In fact, the structure isn’t all that different to a human hand, or a crocodile’s. foot.

4

What goes up and down but doesn’t move?

1. Sandy, of course 2. A promise 3. Because he was stuffed 4. Stairs

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 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

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B r a i n P lay

AZ on the Rocks Has it All!

from our readers

Sign Up for

1. What is brown and sticky?

KLIMBERZ AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES at kids@azontherocks.com

James, 10, Bright Beginnings

Climbing • Birthday Parties Camps • After School Adaptive Programs • Yoga Team Building & Much More

2. What event do spiders love to attend?

Ashley, 8, Phoenix Christian Preparatory 1. A stick 2. Webbings

All Ages No Experience Required 16447 N 91st St, Scottsdale 480.502.9777 azontherocks.com

602.734.9950 CLASSES |BIRTHDAY PARTIES | CAMPS SCOTTSDALE

6969 E Shea Blvd #165 Scottsdale 85254 (corner of 70th)

tutuschoolscottsdale.com

ARCADIA

3184 E Indian School Rd Phoenix 85016

tutuschoolarcadia.com

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

T

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

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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 | OCTOBER 2021 | 17

What's Happening

October 2021

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS PUMPKIN NIGHTS WHEN: Through Oct. 31, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WHERE: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale WHAT: Carve out some fun this fall season and visit the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with friends and family as the resort transforms for its second annual Spooktacular event.

With all-new featured experiences, get ready to experience one of Scottsdale's favorite fall festivals.

INFO: scottsdaleprincess.com SCHNEPF FARMS PUMPKIN AND CHILI PARTY WHEN: Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 31 WHERE: Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek WHAT: Part amusement park, part family farm, this annual fall party is fun for both kids and adults. Minigolf, corn mazes, and a roller coaster are part of the fun.

INFO: pumpkinandchiliparty.com HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TRACK-ULA WHEN: Through Oct. 31, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale WHAT: Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun. The family-friendly event is perfect for kids of all ages and has a spooky train ride created with younger children in mind.

INFO: therailroadpark.com

18 | OCTOBER 2021 | EPIC KIDS

FALL FAMILY FUN AT THE BLACK MOUNTAIN CAMPUS WHEN: Oct. 22, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Bldg. B, Scottsdale WHAT: Join the PVCC, the YMCA, and the Holland Center as they serve up some scary fun for the family with a live 80's band, trunk or treat, costume contests, a bounce house, raffles, and foot trucks.

INFO: hollandcenter.org 2ND ANNUAL SURPRISE PUMPKIN SPLASH WHEN: Oct. 23, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave., Surprise WHAT: Participants can swim with the pumpkins and then select a pumpkin to paint and take home. Fun games and a spooky photo-booth will be available for all to enjoy.

Concessions will be available for purchase during the event. Pre-registration is required for all ages.

INFO: surpriseaz.gov/civicalerts.aspx

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BOO BASH WHEN: Oct. 30, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Park West, 9744 W. Northern Ave., Peoria WHAT: A frightfully friendly family night featuring spooktacular vignettes, freaky photo-ops, ghoulish sights, ninja drummers, and spooky surprises.

INFO: shopparkwest.com

On Deck: November TRICK OR TROT FAMILY FUN RUN WHEN: Oct. 24 WHERE: McCormick Ranch Golf Course, 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale WHAT: Help raise funds for the children in the community impacted by abuse and neglect. Come as you are or dress up in costume for this fun family event. Wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons welcomed.

INFO: childhelp.org/trickortrot JONAS BROTHERS: THE REMEMBER THIS TOUR WHEN: Oct. 26 WHERE: Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix WHAT: Music by the American pop band Jonas Brothers and special guest Kelsea Ballerini.

INFO: jonasbrothers.com/tour ARIZONA TOY CON WINTER EDITION WHEN: Oct. 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W Glenn Dr., Glendale WHAT: The Valley’s largest toy show returns with a new winter show. Over 100 vendors will be in attendance with vintage and modern toys based off comics, anime, video games, pop vinyl, and more.

INFO: aztoycon.com.

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FASHION WEEK 4 KIDS WHEN: Nov. 6 WHERE: Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix WHAT: Fashion Week 4 Kids (FW4K) is an annual, oneof-a-kind event designed to give kids a fashion week of their own. This playful event is filled with imaginative experiences featuring fashion, high-quality entertainment, and activities.

INFO: fw4kids.com

EPIC KIDS | OCTOBER 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