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NEW MIDDLE-GRADE NOVEL “WOOT!” STARS RACING PIGEON AND HIS BEST FRIEND ARIZONA MARKETING EXECUTIVE’S RESCUE OF LOST PIGEON INSPIRES BOOK ABOUT COMPASSION

Most people don’t know that pigeon racing As Daniel and Jed prepare Woot for the South- About the Author is a sport or that there is a large breeding west Regional Pigeon Race, everything is on the Janice Lipsky is a business executive living in industry producing fancy pigeons that line. Will Woot win and prove to be the champion Scottsdale, Arizona. She holds a Ph.D. in social compete on looks alone. Janice Lipsky, an Arizona Daniel knows he is? Or will he lose the race and psychology and draws on her background to inmarketing executive and psychologist, got a crash be cast off, like so many other pigeons who don’t form her creative writing. She loves nature, hiking, course in all things avian after a downed racing become racing stars? The stakes are high for both and holds a third-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. pigeon appeared on her patio. boy and bird as this desert adventure unfolds.

The lost bird inspired Dr. Lipsky to build an aviary, acquire three more pigeons and, in a departure from her corporate world, write “WOOT!”, a thrilling middle-grade novel published this month and packed with adventure and fun facts to educate children about these fascinating birds in an entertaining way.

“Pigeons are really interesting animals, yet so underappreciated,” Dr. Lipsky said. “They have so many qualities that we admire and value. They’re highly intelligent and can recognize more objects than dogs or cats. Male and female pigeons share in feeding and nurturing their young, and when not separated, they mate for life.”

“WOOT!” centers around 12-year-old Daniel Wilson, who shares the hobby of pigeon racing and breeding with his father, Jed. But father and son don’t see eye to eye on the purpose of the birds. Jed views the birds as competitors and cares only about having a bird that wins every race. But Daniel has a special gift. He understands the birds as quirky and fascinating individuals and comes to discover he can even talk to them. His star racing pigeon – Woot – becomes his secret best friend. The inspiration for “WOOT!” began in Dr. Lipsky’s own Scottsdale backyard. Four years ago, she and her husband noticed a bird pecking at their bird feeder. Days later, he was still there. A green band encircled the bird’s ankle, which, Dr. Lipsky came to learn, identifi ed him as a racing pigeon. Delving into further research, she came upon Palomacy, a national rescue organization based in San Francisco.

Through Palomacy, Dr. Lipsky learned that pigeons can make great indoor pets and can live full, happy lives inside predator-proof aviaries. She decided to keep the bird, who she named Woot, built an aviary in her back yard, and acquired three more pigeons to keep Woot company.

“While I appreciate all animals,” Dr. Lipsky said, “cats were my favorite. But taking care of birds, observing their fascinating behaviors, and watching them thrive has been truly satisfying.”

“WOOT!” is available in paperback and e-book versions at Amazon. http://a.co/d/g7M807t

The book includes nine beautiful illustrations by New Mexico artist Carrie A. Schultz.

FOLLOW WOOT’S ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: www.facebook.com/Woot-TheBook-833017823754772/ • www.instagram.com/wootpigeon/

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TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR KIDS INVOLVED IN SPORTS

By Jill “MamaBug” Frier

One of the many wonderful things about living in Arizona is that your kids can participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor sports all year round. There are many great options for getting your kids involved in local sports programs here in the Valley of the Sun. And not only are sports a great way for your kids to have fun, get exercise and stay active, they also teach kids important life lesson like sportsmanship, teamwork and respect.

Whether you want them to participate in team sports or as an individual, here are a few things to keep in mind when you are selecting a sport for your child.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPORT FOR YOUR CHILD

Expose your child to a variety of sports activities, but help them choose a sport that is well suited to their age, interests and abilities. Don’t force your child to participate in a sport that doesn’t really interest them or that isn’t a good fi t for their skillset – it’s a waste of both time and money, plus it can have a negative affect on your child’s attitude towards sports. Be sure to pick something that fi ts your budget and your schedule, to reduce your family’s stress level and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. And don’t forget to include the cost of equipment, clothing and gear in your budget when you choose a sport!

Here is a short list of some of the popular sports available locally, to give you some ideas about different types of sports that may be fun for your youngster: • Archery • Baseball and Softball • Basketball • BMX • Football • Golf • Gymnastics • Horseback Riding • Ice Skating and Hockey • Martial Arts • Rock Climbing • Soccer • Swimming • Tennis • Volleyball

BE A GOOD FAN AND TEACH GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

A great way to get your kids to have more fun and be excited about playing sports is to be excited for them. Make sure they get to practice on time, stay to watch, attend games, volunteer to help with the team or individual events if you can and always cheer them on. Make sure that both you and your child understand the basic rules of the sport and be a good role model for your child by not overreacting when the competition doesn’t go your way. Show them that it’s okay to be competitive and disappointed when you don’t win, but that sports are meant to be fun, even if you don’t always beat the opposing team or competitors.

MAINTAIN A BALANCE WITH SCHOOL, SPORTS AND FAMILY

It’s important to keep your child from becoming overwhelmed with sports or competition. Participate in activities that work with your schedule and allow you to balance athletics with school, family and non-athletic hobbies. If your child feels stressed out, hates going to practices and games, or just participates to make you happy, it’s probably a good idea to call it quits.

RESOURCES FOR SPORTS IN THE VALLEY

How do you fi nd a sport that works well for your kid and their unique interests and skills? There are many resources to help you fi nd sports programs here in Phoenix. A few of the non-profi t resources include: • The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Commission Youth Sports provides affordable programs and resources for youth basketball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis and volleyball, and provides sports complexes, facilities and Community Centers around the Valley. www. phoenix.gov/parks/sports/phoenixplays

• One non-profi t organization helping kids through sports is Sports Kids AZ. This group provides quality coaching and athletic programs to home schooled families, after school athletes, and homeless children throughout Arizona. www. sportskidzaz.org

• The Valley of the Sun YMCA, one of the oldest and largest nonprofi t organizations in the Phoenix area, offers youth sports programs to help children build skills, learn about teamwork, and focus on sportsmanship. The YMCA offers a variety of sports and fi tness programs throughout the year to keep kids active and engaged. www.valleyymca. org/programs-activities/youth/

So do your homework and get your kids off the couch, away from their screens and interested in one of the many great sports programs available right here in Phoenix. And be sure to check out Ladybug’s Blog for more articles and recommendations for fun things to do outside with kids everywhere in Arizona! www. ladybugsblog.com

5 WAYS PARENTS AND COACHES CAN TAKE KIDS’ CORNER Kindergarten Registration THE TOXICITY OUT OF YOUTH SPORTS Visit our five A+ elementary

For many kids, organized sports schools – each one with aren’t much fun anymore. its own Signature Curriculum Overbearing parents, over-the-top coaches and overzealous competition and Point of Pride. are frequent images associated with youth-athletic leagues today. Though playing ball often used to embody the enjoyment of being a kid, the experience for many youngsters is too serious and stressful – and ultimately not worth it. One study revealed 70 percent of U.S. children drop out of organized sports by age 13, with pressure and burnout among the main reasons cited. Get Yo critics in the stands hurling profanities and insults during a game,” Castro says. “Parents should set the right example for their kid – and for adults who obviously haven’t grown up.” Black Mountain Elementary School • PERFORMING ARTS • SPANISH PRE-K-6 ur Desert Sun Academy • FRENCH IMMERSION • SPANISH PRE-K-6 • STEAM Kids Desert Willow Elementary School • SPANISH IMMERSION • TECHNOLOGY • INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Horseshoe Trails Elementary School • CHINESE IMMERSION • HORSEMANSHIP Lone Mountain Elementary School • STEM PROGRAM • CHINESE PRE-K-6

“The politics, as well as the overemphasis adults put on kids to see a college scholarship as the ultimate goal, is ruining a kid’s ability to get the most out of sports,” says Maya Castro, author of The Bubble: Everything I Learned as a Target of the Political, and Often Corrupt, World of Youth Sports (www. thebubbleweb.com).

“This over-emphasis has created an environment amongst the parents and coaches that is similar to a mafi a. We badly need changes in this toxic, political and corrupt environment. And it must start with the parents.”

Castro, who says her own experience as a young soccer player was tainted by misguided and misbehaving adults, offers ideas on how adults can improve the youth-sports culture:

STRIVE TO BE A MENTOR

Castro says parents and coaches have a great opportunity to use sports as a teaching tool for life. “The learning aspect of the game needs to be the focal point of youth sports,” Castro says. “Sports should be an extension of family values and behaviors. Good parents and coaches tie in the ups and downs of competition with the challenges in navigating adult life.”

MODEL POSITIVE BEHAVIORS

Part of the negative image of youth sports is related to parents yelling at coaches, referees, opponents, or even their own kids. “There are enough

OutENJOY THE MOMENT Too many parents and their young athletes are fretting the future. “Too often it’s all about winning and getting side!! the scholarship,” Castro says, “but my parents told me there was a time when kids actually enjoyed playing for the 480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org Want to reduce sake of playing, and parents won just by getting to watch them play. We need to screen )me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun ac)vi)es to do all get back to that. Without it, memories are wasted.” BE ENCOURAGING “Celebrate the effort, not just the result,” Castro says. “This goes for youth coaches as well as parents. When kids do some good things, don’t let the mistakes cloud your post-game Get Your Kids Outside! year long right here comments. Be honest in discussing in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog room for improvement, but not at the expense of making them feel like they have to play perfectly to get praise.” Want to reduce screen ti me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun acti viti es for ar<cles highligh<ng fun MAKE EDUCATION FIRST Castro and many observers of youth sports say parents have lost perspective by thinking their kid is on the fast to do all year long right here in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog for Arizona adventures for the whole family! track to a scholarship or a pro career. Statistics show few advance that far. “In the meantime, kids are exhausted arti cles highlighti ng fun Arizona adventures for the whole family! from travel leagues and tournaments,” she says, “and the way their future through sports is emphasized, education becomes a distant second.” ladybugsblog.com ladybugsblog.com Dedicated to getti ng Arizona kids outdoors and excited about nature, science and the world outside.“Whether a kid decides to keep playing sports or to walk away,” Castro says, “he or she should be able to do so without deep regret in having wasted Dedicated to ge+ng Arizona kids outdoors and their time.” SCOTTSDALE NORTH NEWS • February 2019 excited about nature, science and the world outside. • 11