Epic Kids - May 2022 by Obstinate Ideas

A PASSION FOR DANCE

Tutu School Arcadia and Scottsdale bring to life the beauty of ballet

MOON

MAGIC Make your own impact craters

Dear Future Kindergartner...

“My twins have grown so much socially, emotionally, and academically this year. They love going to school! They are excited to tell me about their day. The teachers get to know the students and engage them individually. I am so glad we have them in this Kindergarten program!

It’s effective, safe, and provides a solid foundation for future learning.”

- Susan, DVUSD Parent

Scan the QR Code or visit www.dvusd.org/register to save your child’s seat for next year

For more information: www.dvusd.org/kindergarten

Get In Touch:

2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027

888-313-7916

Submissions and suggestions:

Press Releases:

Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.

Events Calendar:

Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the August issue is August 1.

Advertising:

Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.

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.

Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz

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, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.

Headliners

STAR QUALITY

Epic Kids chats with a local up-and-coming actress.

Hailey Glicksman loves to perform on the stage and screen.

Hailey Glicksman

Age: 14

Grade: 9th

School you attend: Desert Mountain High School

How did you get into acting?

I started off in dance when I was young, but I also always loved to sing. We were having a talent show in fourth grade, and I decided to sing “The Cup Song.” A teacher came up to me after and asked me to perform for her class because she liked my performance so much, and that’s when I realized how much I love to perform—and I’ve wanted to do it ever since. Not long after that I tried out for my first musical, which was Shrek, Jr. That’s where I

found my love for musical theater. What was your first acting job?

My first musical theater role was in Shrek, Jr., and I was cast as teen Fiona. As I was moving into film and television, I also filmed my first commercial. It was during the pandemic and I filmed a spot with Tim Tebow.

What are some of the other projects you’ve worked on?

Some of my favorite musical theater roles have been Annie in Annie; Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka, Jr.; Ladahlord in James and The Giant Peach; and Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Jr. I’m currently wrapping up Les Misérables. I’ve also done several fun commercials and am waiting to hear back on auditions for several projects, including television shows and a mini-series. I signed with ROSSI Talent Management in 2021, and since then have auditioned for everything from

On set, filming a commercial.

What do you enjoy about acting?

I enjoy playing different characters and emotions, and expressing myself through a character.

How do you train?

balance it out. Sometimes it’s a big juggle though!

What advice would you give to a kid who wants to start acting?

Don’t just act as the character, be the character. Also, try an acting class and see if you like it, and get the experience you need to become an actor.

What do you do when you’re not acting?

I like to spend time with my friends and family. I also am part of National Charity League and I volunteer throughout the Valley. I think it’s very important to give back and help others. What do you want to be when you grow up? An actor!

Performing in Annie at Desert States Theatre.

I currently work with an acting coach here in Arizona and one in Los Angeles, and I work with both each week in classes and some privates. I also take weekly vocal lessons, and I’ve taken several forms of dance.

How do you juggle being a student and acting?

I do my work during breaks with acting and I plan out when I’ll have time to do my homework to

Awakening Seed School Preschoolers Camp in Southern Arizona

Awakening

Seed School's Preschool 4s' class ventured into the wilderness for a firsthand experience in the Sonoran Desert, which they studied this spring. Twelve preschoolers and 20 adults camped overnight at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Activities included a hike to see desert vegetation, singing songs, a story read by their teacher by the fire, s'mores, scorpion hunting, constellation talk and a pre-dawn opportunity to view planets and the moon through a telescope. It was a fun and educational adventure for all!

HBO to Netflix to Nickelodeon.

Hailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Jr. at Art and Sol.

Tidbits New Pop-Up Food Bank Behind New River Elementary

Deer

Valley Unified School District has been working with the Foothills Food Bank to organize a Pop-Up Food Bank behind New River Elementary, located at 48827 N. Black Canyon Highway. The pantry is open to the community every Friday from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. through June 1 and provides perishable and non-perishable foods as long as supplies last. No proof of income is required.

Bradley Alberdi

Fifth Grader Wins Science Award

Bradley

Alberdi brought home first place in this year’s Arizona Science and Engineering Fair in the Elementary Division with her project “Can I Help Paint Dry Faster?" The fifth grader attends Grayhawk Elementary School in Scottsdale. Fair participants submitted project summary documents reviewed

and scored by panel judges and then participated in a live, remote interview with the same judges. Judges based their scoring on solid scientific principles, wellresearched background, creative solutions and testing, thorough analysis of the data, and the team’s understanding of the impacts of the project on society.

Students Create Arcade

Fifth

and sixth grade SPARK! students created an arcade at Union Park School in Phoenix. All the games were created by applying the knowledge of what students have been learning in STEM! They used EDP and cardboard, pipes, 3D prints, Scratch Coding, Arduino, circuits, and DC Motors to create nine games. Students enjoyed playing a coded video game, Skee-Ball, pinball, ring toss, Wheel of Fortune, claw machine, basketball, and football throws.

Registration for the 2022 Summer Reading Game Open Now

Phoenix

Public Library’s Summer Reading is a beloved tradition for many families. From June 1 through August 1, children, teens, and adults can read for enjoyment, earn prizes, and avoid summer learning loss. Get entered in to the grand prize drawings for LEGO sets and four tickets to LEGOLAND. Simply go to phoenixpubliclibrary.org and click on the Summer Reading Game icon to register.

Make your own happy notes! New group music lessons for kids are starting this January.

Headliners

20 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

I’m Nicholas, your Epic Kids columnist. I’m a second-grade CEO, and this month I’m sharing 20 creative things to do during the summer.

1. See new movies like Jurassic World Dominion, Lightyear, Minions: The Rise of Gru, and Tom Gun: Maverick.

2. Camp in your backyard.

3. Learn a new hobby like piano, art, or photography.

4. Create a new recipe or hold a kid’s baking challenge in your kitchen.

5. Make some money by starting a business, selling old toys/ clothes, or washing your parent’s car.

6. Put together a scavenger hunt for your family.

12. Use local resort passes to swim at nearby hotel pools.

13. Go on a hike and bring a picnic for lunch.

14. Make a scrapbook of your family’s favorite vacation.

15. Hold a family game night. Some of my picks are Nintendo Switch Sports, Gin Rummy, and Monopoly.

7. Write a family summer bucket list and check things off you’d like to do such as: go on vacation, be a tourist in your own city, or visit an amusement park.

16. Paint rocks (or even body paint).

Nicholas and his brothers enjoying the outdoors

8. Hold a tie-dye session with your neighbors.

9. Speaking of neighbors, get your buddies together for a water balloon baseball game.

10. Read a book series. I’m liking Bad Guys, The Boxcar Children, and the I Survived series (Or discover new books at the library).

11. Wake early to watch the sunrise and stay up to watch the sunset.

Giving Back

HADLEY’S HOPE

Seventh grader hosts charity Duel on the Diamond event.

For13-year-old Hadley Gray, bringing attention to those in need drives her.

The founder of Hadley’s Hope, a soon to be nonprofit, the Paradise Honors Middle School student recently helped organize a charity baseball game that generated nearly $15,000 for an organization near and dear to her heart—Soldier’s Best Friend.

Soldier’s Best Friend provides military veterans living with com-

bat-related injuries with service or therapeutic companion dogs that are typically rescued from local shelters. Hadley saw their colorful poster and was drawn to their mission of saving two lives at once. She soon got to work brainstorming fundraising ideas.

She settled on the idea of a charity baseball game and reached out to Peoria Diamond Club, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community programs that edu-

17. Discover new playgrounds/splash pads.

18. Build a backyard obstacle course with friends, and have it end in the pool!

19. Write and act out a play with your pals.

20. Organize a “Yes Day” for you and your family.

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

cate and enrich children’s lives. Recognizing Hadley’s passion for the project, they helped her organize Duel on the Diamond, a charity doubleheader.

Hadley sat in on meetings and gave her ideas. She also reached out to potential sponsors and people throughout the community to generate interest.

“The most challenging thing was trying to get everyone to be sponsors and finding the appropriate teams and having them agree to be part of this event,” says Hadley.

In addition to proceeds from tickets sales was a $1,000 check presented to Hadley by Peoria Councilmember Michael Finn. Sponsors of the event included Discount Tire, AZ on the Rocks, Arizona Cardinals, Chipotle, and others.

check for $1,000.

“I’m so grateful for everything we received,” says Hadley, who was recognized as Arizona State’s Middle Level winner for Prudential’s Spirit of Community award for her commitment helping the community for other fundraising endeavors in 2021. She was also Geneva Financial’s first ever Be a Good Human winner.

To learn more, visit Hadley’s Hope on Instagram.

Peoria Councilman Michael Finn presented Hadley with a donation

Headliners

Sunrise Middle DLC Students Advance to National History Day Competition.

ThreeSunrise Middle School Digital Learning Center (DLC) students took first place after attending the rigorous Arizona National History Day competition on April 9 and advanced to the National History Day competition in June.

Ira Parsons — Junior Paper: Debates Surrounding the Industrial Revolution

Audrey Haralson and Isabelle Ross — Junior Group Performance: The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Near Nuclear War Ira, Audrey, and Isabelle have already begun preparing for the next competition stage. After receiving in-depth responses from the judges at the state competition, social studies teacher

Rebekah West Keur met with the three students to examine the forms and discuss their strengths and potential areas for growth. “As this is a student-led passion project, my role is to offer guidance and feedback and ask guiding questions,” explains Rebekah.

We wish Ira, Audrey, and Isabelle the best of luck as they continue to compete at a national level, held virtually on June 12-16.

Giving Back

Boxed Up Project helps children unpack grief

By Lin Sue Flood

of us have difficulty accepting the death of someone we love, but that’s especially true for a child. At just 6, Milan Coraggio-Sewell didn’t understand how her best friend could suddenly vanish from her life.

“One day we were playing on the beach together in California, and then I never saw him again,” she recalls. “Being so young, I didn’t know how to express my sadness, anger, and confusion. I kept all my feelings boxed up inside of me.”

That was the impetus for Milan, now 16, to help other children who hide their grief after experiencing the same kind of loss. She created her own nonprofit, The Boxed Up Project, to help kids unpack their grief and heal.

The boxes are full of items that encourage kids to open up and share their feelings. It seemed only natural that she would donate them to young children and teens receiving support from the New Song Center for Grieving Children. The nonprofit organization, a program of Hospice of the Valley, offers comforting and confidential support to families struggling with grief and loss. Special activities and support groups at six locations across the Valley are provided at no charge.

“Youth grieve very differently than adults,” says New Song Director Lisa Schmitt-Betcher. “When Milan came to us with her idea, it was clear how much she wanted to help children

who are mourning. We are so inspired by her heart and vision!”

New Song collaborated with Milan, providing a mentor to help with design and content development for two age groups (5-10 and 11-17). Each box contains items like cuddly stuffed animals, art supplies, journals, picture frames, comfort and exercise cards, stickers, and more. Their construction also allows children to fill them with special mementos that remind them of their loved one.

Milan, a junior at Phoenix Country Day School, has enlisted friends to help assemble and deliver hundreds of boxes. She feels honored “to bring a little light into a child’s life with her project. I want to reach as many kids as I can because I know what it feels like to have a broken heart,” she says.

For information on The Boxed Up Project, visit boxedupproject.org.

Friends Elina Ferrigno and Sammi Hampton are all smiles with Milan Coraggio-Sewell knowing they are helping kids heal from the death of a loved one.

Summer Camps

THE SCHOOL OF BALLET ARIZONA

Get your child involved in classical ballet training this summer! The School of Ballet Arizona will offer a Summer Ballet School for students ages 4 - 12 at Ballet Arizona. Sessions are two or four weeks, June 13 - July 8. Classes are scheduled in the afternoon and early evening. Preregistration is required. Deadline to register is May 22. Give your child the opportunity to grow their confidence and expand their knowledge under the guidance of highly experienced ballet instructors.

TYPE: Day camp

WHERE: 2835 E. Washington St. Phoenix

AGES: 4 - 12

CONTACT: 602-381-0188

WEBSITE: balletaz.org

PHOENIX CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

A summer of music fun awaits. Campers have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun using musical instruments and gear, while exploring weekly themes like instrument exploration, music around the world, and more.

AZ ON THE ROCKS

TYPE: Day camp

WHERE: Phoenix

Conservatory of Music, 1316 E. Cheery Lynn Rd., Phoenix

AGES: 7 - 17

CONTACT: Call 602-3539900

WEBSITE: PCMrocks.org

Need a way to keep the kids active, moving and happy during their school breaks? Want them doing more than playing video games and sitting in the house all day? AZR has the perfect solution––their Kids Camps, the only place where it’s okay to climb the walls. High energy, well qualified counselors will help your child build new friendships, discover new interests and improve self-esteem, all in an inviting environment. No experience is required. AZ on the Rocks camps focus on movement, physical activity, and having fun.

TYPE: Day camp

WHERE: 16447 N. 91st St., #105, Scottsdale

AGES: 6 - 12

CONTACT: 480-502-9777

WEBSITE: azontherocks.com

ENGINEERING FOR KIDS

Discover the extraordinary world of STEM during Engineering For Kids’ Summer of Exploration! EFK Summer Camps provide kids with a hands-on immersive experience as they explore STEM concepts in the world around them. Their professional and engaging camps will guide your child in learning about STEM concepts, while encouraging fun. Activities foster their creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Featured camps include: robotics, technology and coding, Minecraft, and hands-on interactive engineering.

TYPE: Day camp

WHERE: Locations throughout Phoenix

AGES: 7 - 14

CONTACT: 480-779-8184

WEBSITE: engineeringforkids. com/phoenix-metro/

CAMP THEN AND NOW

Camp Then and Now is a three day co-ed mental health awareness sleep away adventure for campers. Campers participate in many activities: mindfulness walks and yoga, finger painting and paint fights, basketball, volleyball, and archery. They host entertaining movie nights, late night chats, and early morning walks. Most importantly throughout the camp, they host group sessions where anxiety, depression, bereavement, and coping strategies are discussed. Their goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where campers are not only inspired to meet new friends but also gain confidence in new skills.

TYPE: Sleep away

WHERE: Pinerock Camp and Retreat Center, 1400 Pine Dr., Prescott

AGES: 11 - 14

CONTACT: 602-888-9448

WEBSITE: thenandnowicc. com/camp-then-now

Cover story A Passion for Dance

Tutu School class sizes are limited to keep instruction personalized and to allow for a boutique ballet education experience.

Tutu School Arcadia and Scottsdale bring to life the magic of ballet.

Caroline Taylor’s most treasured memories are of watching her daughter twirl across the dance floor with pure glee. Watching the sparkle in her child’s eyes sparked Caroline’s own fond memories of a childhood spent practicing ballet and led her to open Tutu School Arcadia and Scottsdale.

A boutique ballet school offering weekly classes and birthday parties for children aged 18 months to 8 years, and camps for children ages 3 to 8, Caroline was first introduced to the franchise in the

Bay Area. There, Caroline and her family fell in love with Tutu School and the experience of being immersed in classical music, imaginative dance, and magical ballet stories

“As a busy mother, attending class with my daughter was such a gift. I had the ability to entirely devote myself to being in the moment with her without distraction, to watch her and share in her learning and curiosity, to help her point and flex her little feet, and to feel the essence of childhood filling the room,” explains Caroline.

After relocating with her family to Phoenix, Caroline was unable to find a similar experience tailored specifically for the youngest of dancers, and the idea to bring Tutu School to Phoenix was born.

“We provide students with a magical introduction to ballet and believe in introducing students to it in a way that makes sense for their bodies and their development,” says Caroline. “We want to cultivate a love for the arts in them and to provide a solid technical foundation to study ballet more seriously later on if

they choose, but more importantly to give them the kind of formative early enrichment experience that will serve them well in whatever dreams they follow.”

Tutu School class sizes are limited to keep instruction personalized and to allow for a boutique ballet education experience.

Caroline Taylor with her husband and daughter.

The faculty is made up of carefully chosen teachers trained in Tutu School’s developmentally appropriate and differentiated curriculum. Tutu School’s Ballet Storytime curriculum has been specifically crafted to highlight classical ballets and their scores, and to promote positive messaging and values for students.

Teaching even the youngest of swans to soar is something Caroline holds dear.

“Twirling should be a fundamental part of any childhood. We believe that the soft tulle layers of a tutu are beautiful, but so are the brave determined muscles that dance underneath it,” she says.

“We are committed to not only providing our dancers with an early arts education, but also to making sure we are impacting our students in a thoughtful, responsible way through the stories we tell them and the themes we choose to celebrate. Our studios are set up to be beautiful and inviting, with dance floors that are just the right size for little bodies, décor that is sweet but also sophisticated, and just enough sparkle,” explains Caroline. "We believe every child should know what it feels like to dance to the strains of Tchaikovsky and Bach."

Camp experiences at Tutu School are unforgettable. Fun-filled camp days are spent exploring the enchanted and enriching world of ballet. On any given day at Tutu Camp, a child might take a ballet class, decorate costumes, learn the story of a famous ballet, or even take part in a production of their own creation. Each camp session focuses on a different ballet story from the classical repertoire. Campers do not need to have prior ballet experience to participate, but they should be prepared for a lot of leaping, twirling, and imaginative adventures.

SUMMER 2022 CAMP SCHEDULE

The Firebird:

July 5 – July 8 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Swan Lake: July 11 – July 15 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Cinderella: July 18 – July 22 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Sleeping Beauty: July 25 – July 29 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Parent Testimonials

“This is the best place you can enroll your toddler. It is the only place my toddler has had a truly enjoyable experience. The lessons are fun and teach so many great skills in both dance as well as motor skills. My child is far more advanced than other children this age in motor skills and I have the Tutu School to thank for that! — Ri M.

“This is a great place! My daughter attended ballet classes at the Arcadia location last summer and loved them, and we had her fourth birthday party at Tutu School Scottsdale this spring. The studio manager was extremely helpful, professional, and responsive, and she ensured that all the details for the day were perfect.” — Meg H.

“My daughter is 2, they make the class fun for her and easy to understand! And the space is absolutely beautiful. My daughter had such a good time, she didn't want to leave!” — Porscha N.

St ybook Adven res in Ballet CLASSES |BIRTHDAY PARTIES | CAMPS

Boys and Girls ages 18 months to 8 years

6969 E Shea Blvd #165

Scottsdale 85254 (corner of 70th)

602.734.9950 twirl@tutuschoolscottsdale.com www.tutuschoolscottsdale.com SCOTTSDALE

Is your little dancer ready for storybook adventures as an enchanted swan, a brave fairy or the ruler of a far-oﬀ magical land? Don’t miss out on a summer full of twirling, leaping and lots of fun! Our camp days are ﬁlled with crafting, dancing, ballet storytime and games...

• For campers ages 3 to 8 years.

• Monday - Friday 9:00am-12:00pm at our Scottsdale location.

• Special end of week performance!

• Space is limited for social distancing

SESSION 1 (July 5-8) The Firebird

SESSION 2 (July 11-15)

Swan Lake F r Camp Se i s to Choose Fr :

SESSION 3 (July 18-22) Cinderella

SESSION 4 (July 25-29) Sleeping Beauty

Career Day TEA TIME

Melissa Harlan’s taste for tea is the inspiration behind her business.

Melissa Harlan

Profession: Drink Me! Tea Room Owner

Age: 40

What do you do for a living?

I own and manage a vegan and gluten free tea room called Drink Me! Tea Room in Tempe. We serve traditional afternoon tea (or high tea) that includes savory items, like small finger sandwiches, scones with lemon curd and cream, along with a variety of small cakes, tarts, and cookies. My job is to create a fun and memorable experience for our guests. That includes fun decorations, music, and an overall high level of service. We have a lot of guests come to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or other life events—I make sure their visit is positive and memorable. What type of training do you need to do your job?

Customer service experience is the most important training. Working with customers and being friendly and outgoing, while anticipating their requests is the majority of the job. For an owner, understanding operations and how a business works is also very important.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part is meeting all of our great customers and making new friends. Helping create a moment of joy for our guests and seeing their smiles is very rewarding.

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

I wanted to be an animal trainer or a photographer.

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

Seek out jobs that focus on a high level of customer experience and learn all you can. My work experience involved working at some of the top companies that made outstanding customer experience the most important priority like Southwest Airlines, Verizon, and Disney.

One fun fact NOT about your job? I used to sell balloons at Disneyland!

Drink Me! Tea Room offers an assortment of different teas and finger foods.

Melissa was inspired to open a tea room after a trip to London.

Melissa Harlan

Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE

MOON MAGIC: MAKE YOUR OWN IMPACT CRATERS.

Make your own telescope at home! Try this experiment and see how the moon got its signature look.

While you’re watching, look closely at the moon’s surface, and you’ll see it’s covered with craters—some of them billions of years old. Ever wonder what caused them? The moon has a very thin atmosphere, which allows objects like meteorites to strike the surface of the moon. When these objects reach the surface, they make an impression, called an impact crater, that varies depending on their size, shape, and speed.

Directions:

1. Take your materials outside or to an easy clean-up location.

2. Fill your tub with about 3 inches of flour.

3. Sprinkle a thin layer of cocoa powder onto the surface of the flour.

4. Now go make craters! Choose any ball to start.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Earth’s dense atmosphere typically causes meteorites and other objects to burn or break up. Occasionally, a few objects make it through. One of the best-known impact craters on Earth, Meteor Crater, is very large and located near Flagstaff, Arizona!

Here’s What You Need:

• 13” x 9” plastic tub (or use any shallow pan, tub, or tray)

• 5 lb. bag of flour (you may need more for a larger container)

• 8 oz. container of cocoa powder

• 3-5 balls of various sizes (golf balls, marbles, tennis balls, ping pong balls, etc.)

• 2 x ~1-inch angular or odd-shaped rocks

5. Stand so that your ball is about 3 feet above the container, and drop it into the cocoa/flour.

What Do You Observe?

Make a prediction about what will happen with the other balls, and drop them the same way you did before. What happened this time? Is it what you expected?

Now try dropping the angular rocks. Did anything change? Does it look different?

Remove your objects from the flour with the tongs.

If you want to try more craters, just dust off your objects, sprinkle more cocoa on top of the flour, and start again!

What’s Happening?

Here, we are experimenting with objects of different size and shape to see what their impact craters look like. Everything from the shape and depth of the crater to the “splatter” of material is affected based on the characteristics of the impacting object. Using cocoa powder helps show the contrast of the top layer of surface material from what’s underneath to show how deep the impact can go and how far the “splatter” or ejected material can fly for different objects.

For a challenge, try dropping your objects from different heights or from different angles. You may also want to try adding a third layer of material (like cookie or bread crumbs) to see how your results change.

Try this experiment with your friends and family and share your results using #AzScienceCenter and #SarionScienceatHome. We love seeing what you’ve created!

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

This month, you can see a total lunar eclipse from Arizona on May 15 between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. You’re invited to celebrate with Arizona Science Center. They’re hosting a free special viewing party to get an up-close view of the total lunar eclipse. Discover how astronomers learn about space by peering through different types of telescopes, and even learn how to make your own! For more info, visit azscience.org.

Brain Play just for fun

A cowboy rode into town on Friday. He stayed in town for three days and rode back out on Friday. How is this possible?

Porcupines can float, thanks to the hollow structure of their quills. These sharp spines are solid at the base and tip but mostly hollow in the middle, with a light spongy material sealed off inside. This helps porcupines stay buoyant. What did the limestone say to the geologist?

The tallest tree in the world is a coast redwood named Hyperion. It is 380.1 feet and still growing. Tug-of-War was an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1920.

It is impossible to lick your own elbow. Try it. The smallest country in the world is the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. It’s only about .19 square miles.

BOOK CLUB Brain Play

IVY + BEAN

AUTHOR: Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

GENRE: Middle-Grade Fiction

AGES: 6 - 9

RATING: AAAAA

SYNOPSIS: The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn’t be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quickly, Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Nancy thought Bean was a pain and a pest. Bean thought Nancy was a booger-head.”

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK: The shenanigans! Ivy and Bean get into many sticky situations with hilarious outcomes. This book had me laughing out loud!

MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK: Ivy and Bean are my favorite characters! Both of them were equally hilarious and never without the other.

FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO ENJOY: Clementine by

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.

Buy Se Trade

Sara Pennypacker, Judy Moody by Megan McDonald, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

Getaways

STAY & PLAY OR GETAWAY Ideas for summer vacations and staycations

By Gretchen Pahia

Whetheryou are looking for a vacation or staycation this summer check out these great ideas!

Where to Stay (California)

Paradise Point Resort: A private 44-acre island on Mission Bay, just minutes from downtown and adjacent to SeaWorld San Diego. There's a world-class spa, fitness center, and more than 450 guest rooms on-site. They also offer an array of family friendly activities like cooking s’mores on the beach! paradisepoint.com

Mission Bay Resort: This beautiful property offers several options for the family from on-site pools, sports activities, and a spa & fitness center. There’s also a Kids Kamp, beach games, bike rentals, and more for the family. missionbayresort.com

If you’d like to check out other properties in the area, a great resource is Discover Mission Bay. For more information, visit discovermissionbay.org

Where to Play

Petco Park: Home to the San Diego Padres, Petco Park is a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone in the family.

mlb.com/padres/ballpark

Balboa Park: A cultural oasis that includes 17 museums, gardens galore and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is one of North America's most iconic urban parks. balboapark.org

Where to Eat

Puesto Mexican Artisan Kitchen

& Bar: Known locally as Puesto, the family owned restaurant has nine locations and is a must-eat spot. Menu items include chicken taquitos, a variety of burritos, tacos, plates, and more. eatpuesto.com

White Rice: No trip to San Diego is complete without visiting White Rice. This rice bowl food stall is located in the historic Liberty Public Market food hall, and the menu features a diverse array of rice bowls. ricebowlsforall.com

Barbusa: Located in Little Italy, this spot is known for its delicious menu. Options include pastas, pizza, and a variety of specialty main dishes. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as they fill up quickly. barbusa.com

STAYING CLOSER TO HOME? HERE ARE A FEW STAYCATION IDEAS: Where to Stay (Arizona)

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Enjoy a summer getaway without leaving the Valley.

The Fairmont Princess is offering a wide array of kid-friendly activities all summer. fairmont.com/scottsdale

Arizona Grand Resort: A super family-friendly resort and staycation option, the major perk of staying on property is the Oasis Water Park, which offers slides, a giant wave pool, Wild Cat Springs for the younger kids, an active river, and more. arizonagrandresort.com

Where to Play

Chase Field: Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field offers a family-friendly day at the ballpark. Fireworks are scheduled certain nights and there are many delicious food options. mlb.com/dbacks/ballpark/information

Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Voted one of the top children’s museums in the nation, the museum is a great place to stay cool and have fun all summer long. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Mission Bay offers full beachside service.

S'mores on the beach at Paradise Point Resort.

The Arizona Grand's Oasis Water Park offers slides and more.

Eats

SCORPION BAY MARINA

OFFERS FOOD AND FUN.

By Gretchen Pahia

Scorpion Bay Marina is one of the Valley’s premiere outdoor playgrounds. Located next to Lake Pleasant, the marina is also a tasty spot to grab a bite. No doubt, the lake will be calling your name this summer and so will the delicious menu at Scorpion Bay Grill. Settled in along the marina and with amazing waterside lake views, this restaurant boasts delicious eats.

Starters on the menu include a quesadilla with grilled chicken, cheddar, pico de gallo, black beans, and salsa; jumbo wings that come with house-made wing sauce or barbecue sauce; and a pretzel platter, which includes a giant salted pretzel, parmesan pretzel, garlic pretzel braid, beer cheese, and housemade mustard.

Looking for something a bit more substantial than a starter? Don’t worry, the regular menu has you covered. Favorites include the marina club sandwich on wheatberry toast, sliced turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and

mayo. You can also nab a plate of Joe’s fish n chips, which include beer battered cod, fries, tarter sauce, and pineapple-sriracha coleslaw.

Flatbread pizza options include pepperoni, margarita, barbecue chicken, and a flatbread-ofthe-day. Patrons can also order off the grill with a protein of their choosing. Soft drinks and cocktails are available too, all served up with 360-degree mountain views.

Each evening, there’s a special pre-fix dinner menu that changes depending on the available fresh ingredients of the chef’s choosing. Call ahead for a look at what’s available each night. For more information, visit scorpionbayaz.com.

If you’re hitting the lake during the day, be sure to take time to check out the inflatable climbing structures at Paqua Park. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through Memorial Day and then Thursdays through Mondays the rest of the summer. Life jackets are required for all swimmers, and visitors are asked to arrive 15 to 20 minutes ahead of their reserved session to prepare for the fun. Kids must be at least 7 years old to play out at Paqua Park and be at least 45” tall to get on the floating structure. Single 45-minute sessions cost $25 per person. Purchase tickets online at paquapark.com.

By Renee A. Hanson, CFP®, ChFC®, CEP®, CDFA®, CFS®, APMA®

Gasprices have been rising steadily in recent months. Fuel costs are expected to grow as we move into summer. As families consider summer road trips, here are some ways you can make your gas budget go further even as gas prices rise.

Look for the lowest price. The highest per-gallon prices are usually found at gas stations in high-convenience areas, such as right off the highway. Before you gas up, check local fuel prices online or download an app that will alert you to the best deals in your area. If you belong to a warehouse club, take advantage of their fuel savings programs. You may only save pennies per gallon, but those pennies add up over time when you consider your total gas expenditures over an entire year.

Maintain your car. Anything that affects your car’s overall performance can reduce fuel efficiency. Keep your air filter clean, fluids topped off, and your tires aligned and properly inflated. A missing or broken gas cap can cause fuel inefficiency. Even choosing the right oil can help with engine performance, which affects your fuel economy.

Take the highway. Vehicle manufacturers provide different mile-per-gallon estimates between city and highway

TRIPS

miles for a reason. Gas-powered engines perform more efficiently at moderately high, steady speeds (highway travel). Cruise control on long stretches of highway can help you maintain optimal speed, while speeding and sudden acceleration use extra fuel.

Consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you own a gas-guzzling car, it may be time for an upgrade. Fuel efficiency has increased significantly, with electric and hybrid vehicles offering the most savings at the pump. If you can’t afford the latest model, you might consider a smaller car, which uses less fuel. Drive less. A foolproof way to reduce your gas consumption is to keep your car parked. Plan ahead and eliminate unnecessary trips to the store. If you commute to work, consider carpooling. In some instances, public transportation and rideshare services may be more economical than fueling up your car and paying for tolls and parking.

Flatbread

Paqua Park

What's Happening

May 2022

RETURN THE MAGIC

WHEN: May 15

WHERE: Tuscany Theatre, 861 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert

WHAT: This special event includes an interactive show filled with singing, dancing, and special performances. After the show, enjoy a meet and greet and photo opportunities with each of the princesses before joining them on the stage for a dance party where your little one gets to be the star!

INFO: heaentertainmentaz.com/events

GAVIN TOREL

WHEN: May 20

WHERE: Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix

WHAT: Gavin is a young singer, songwriter, and multi

instrumentalist of all genres. He won NBC 12 News Arizona Got Talent Kids 2019 & performed at NAMM 2020 for three companies on stage and at exhibits.

INFO: shopdesertridge.com

STARS ON ICE

WHEN: May 20

WHERE: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale

WHAT: Stars on Ice returns to Glendale on May 20. The show puts fans front and center to see the best of the U.S. Figure Skating team straight from the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, China.

INFO: gilariverarena.com/events/detail/stars-on-ice-1

SLEEPING BEAUTY — BALLET PRESENTED BY YEN-LI CHEN BALLET SCHOOL

WHEN: May 21

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

WHAT: A beautiful ballet performance that follows Princess Aurora and her escape from the evil Carabosse, who curses her. Upon her 18th birthday, she will prick her finger and die. The Lilac Fairy weakens the curse and proclaims Aurora will fall into a deep sleep for 100 years to be awakened by the kiss of a Prince.

INFO: chandlercenter.org

KID BIZ EXPO

WHEN: May 21

WHERE: Brighter View Life Enrichment Center, 4331 W. Bell Rd., Glendale

WHAT: An amazing opportunity for kidprenuers to showcase their business and for the community to encourage and support their efforts.

INFO: (888) 870-7637 or cordeania@ brighterviewfoundation.org

MERMAID & PIRATE FESTIVAL

WHEN: May 22

WHERE: Singh Meadows, 1490 E. Weber Dr., Tempe

WHAT: Ahoy Mateys! Brave the shores of the Caribbean as you set sail with the pirates and

make wishes with the enchanted mermaid. Play and enjoy options for yummy food, craft activities, boutique shopping, face painting, hair do’s and mini photos with the mermaid. Tickets include treat bags and a treasure hunt. This event is sure to be fun for all ages.

INFO: (480) 225-7199

PHOENIX FAN FUSION

WHEN: May 27 through May 29

WHERE: Phoenix Convention Center and Venues, 100 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix

WHAT: Phoenix Fan Fusion is the premiere pop culture event in the desert Southwest that attracts thousands of comic book enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind experience. Visit the event website to learn more about this thrilling event.

INFO: phoenixfanfusion.com

On Deck: June

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR INNER CHILD EXHIBIT

WHEN: June 3 through July 31

WHERE: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix

WHAT: Our inner child is the part of our personality that still reacts and feels like a child. It shapes the way we see the world. This free exhibit explores childlike experiences through art.

INFO: herbergertheater.org