Bear Essential News, June 2018 Tucson

Bear

essential news

®

June 2018 • Tucson Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

COOL Summer

Summer Escapes!

In This Picture: a Father’s Day necktie, a book, a June bug, a movie ticket, the sun, a camping tent, sunglasses, a slice of watermelon, a popsicle and the word FUN!

Summer Fun

NEWS

Cool S umm er Escapes!

Geography Whiz Kid Motorcycle R acin g !

Boomer shares great destinations. pages 10 thru 12

Spotlight on wildfire danger News Highlights page 5

NEWS & more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 13–15 & 17

FAMILIES

Letters to Boomer S ummer Meals Sponsored by Pizza Hut TUSD Feeds Kids!

Page 6 Page 2

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BEAR 35 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• June 2018

Visit Us Online!

B Letters to Boomer

Sponsored by

As we head into summer, what’s on your mind? Write to Boomer Bear at Bear Essential News • 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 or e-mail your letters to boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Dear Boomer, This summer my family and I plan to look at the stars!

Yours truly, G.J. That’s super cool, G.J.!

You’ll Find All Our Guide Listings, Fun Contests, Coupons, Activities and Great News Stories, too!

Go to BearEssentialNews.com

Have a

field trip or classroom presentation?

What a great thing for families to do. And it’s smart to be out and about at nighttime when it’s cooler.

Our skies are crystal clear for so many of our evenings, too. What’s your favorite constellation? Mine’s the Big Dipper.

to reserve your space!

792-9930

BearEssentialNews.com

Wow, L.B., that’s a lot of travel!

You’ll need to get up plenty early to travel to Phoenix—those hot air balloons like to fly in the cool morning air. Can’t wait for your stories about your summer adventures.

Have fun, Boomer Bear Hi, Boomer Bear!

To stay sharp this summer, I will swim every day.

Your friend, J.H.

Dear Boomer, I’m going to stay sharp this summer by reading, going to museums, playing cribbage and Dicecapades.

See ya, E.P. Wow, E.P.!

Seems like you’ve got one heckuva plan! I’m glad reading is at the top of your list. And if you go to any awesome museums, be sure to send in a news story about it.

Dear Boomer,

Call today

Your buddy, Boomer Bear

Dear Boomer, My summer plans include going on a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix, going to my brother’s tech camp and staying at a hotel, and going to the Discovery Center at Legoland.

Yours truly, L.B.

Star struck, Boomer Bear

Have fun, Boomer Bear

Don’t miss out on Bear’s 2018 Aug. & Sept.

Field Trip Guide!

Dear R.G., Punny that you used the word “force.” I love getting together with my friends in the summer!

I just went with my buddies to see “Solo”—it was action-packed and funny, too. While I missed the lightsabers, I love Chewbacca in it.

For summer, I’m going to force my friend into watching the Star Wars movies she hasn’t seen yet.…And I’m going to sleep.

Yours truly, R.G.

Hi, Boomer!

This summer, I plan to stay at home and play drums, guitar and video games!

Your friend, S.S. Sounds amazing, S.S.!

I love making music, and my claws are perfect for plucking guitar strings! (My parents refuse to let me have a drum set though.)

Rock on! Boomer

Hey, J.H., You’re one of the most athletic kids I know, so I hope being in the pool keeps you strong and wellcoordinated.

Splish splash! Boomer Bear Boomer Bear, My favorite way to cool off when it’s hot is to go to Mount Lemmon!

— A.C. Dear A.C., Mount Lemmon is awesome fun!

For other cool escapes, check out my feature on pages 10–12.

Enjoy, Boomer Bear

A Summer Puzzling Pizza Maze!

START

Visit pizzahut.com for details Pizza Hut Locations 1502 W. St. Mary’s 1865 W. Valencia 2680 E. Valencia 2943 N. Campbell

884-8780 294-4490 889-9583 322-9825

3801 S. 6th Ave. 6305 E. 22nd St. 10605 N. Oracle 3964 N. Oracle 4710 E. Speedway 7082 E. Speedway

294-0876 747-0472 575-8181 293-9118 323-0042 290-0600

7665 N. La Cholla Blvd.

8906 E. Tanque Verde 9564 E. Golf Links 8140 S. Houghton Rd. 8245 N. Silverbell Rd. 4811 E. Sunrise #151

219-0320 749-0900 296-9273 663-5656 744-0848 529-2607

FINISH

Just ! for fun

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

June 2018 •

BEAR 35 YEARS

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BEAR 35 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• June 2018

Keep Up with BEAR All Summer Long!

There’s still time to join a camp or summer program.

Go to:

BearEssentialNews.com

then click on “Guides” for a fun list of summer camps.

Sign up for Bear’s weekly newsletter!

Go online to BearEssentialNews.com

• Click on the “envelope” icon on the top right corner of our homepage.

Look for BEAR at your local library.

Find us on Facebook.

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B

News Highlights

Arizona Teen Reaches Finals in Geography Bee

by Bryan Pietsch, Cronkite News

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Gayatri Kaimal grinned and immediately scribbled down an answer when she heard the question: What species of cactus has a national monument named for it at the U.S.-Mexico border?

The Tucson middle schooler may have had a homefield advantage over the other contestants in the final rounds of the National Geographic Bee on May 23.

“I knew it right away,” Gayatri, 13, said of the organ pipe cactus, namesake for the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Southern Arizona. Most contestants guessed the more famous saguaro cactus.

It was that type of quick thinking that landed the BASIS Tucson North seventh-grader in the final six of the competition, which began with students around the country last year who were narrowed down to the 54 who squared off in Washington, D.C., for the 30th annual bee.

Those 54 represented every state and the District of Columbia, the Pacific territories, the Atlantic territories and Department of Defense schools. Rounds spanned several days, until 10 contestants were left in a crowded auditorium full of nervous parents and antsy siblings.

Seated behind desks that looked like they came from a TV game show, host Mo Rocca alternated

Gayatri, a BASIS stude nt, made it to the Final Six!

between questions to individual students and questions to the group as a whole, for which contestants were given 12 seconds to jot down an answer.

Questions covered the globe—literally and figuratively—with students asked everything from the official state crustacean of Louisiana to the Viking settlement that would become Dublin to an African geologic feature that spits acid.

“I don’t think any of the questions were extremely hard,” Gayatri said after the competition. “It was just all the pressure on you to perform.”

There were also less stressful moments, including one intermission when contestants asked Rocca trivia questions about their home states. Gayatri stumped Rocca by asking him which Indian reservation is located inside another reservation, referring to the Hopi reservation that is surrounded by the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona.

Hawaii’s Kilauea Continues Its Fiery Eruption

Since the volcano first erupted on May 3, more than It’s that time of year in our sunny state—time to 2,000 earthquakes have hit the area. make an escape to cooler climates and sandy beachAlso, ash is still erupting from the volcano’s summit. es! One popular destination for some families is the At one point in May when the volcano erupted, Kilauea beautiful state of Hawaii. Unfortunately, Hawaii is a little less appealing right now for both tourists and resi- launched a cloud of ash up to 10,000 feet in the air!

The air presents several dents of the Big Island. challenges as well. “Vog,” or Last month, the Kilauea volcanic smog, is a gas mixvolcano started erupting on ture that includes sulfur dioxide Hawaii’s Big Island. Since and other pollutants mixed with then, approximately 2,500 resmoisture and dust—definitely idents on the island have had not something you want to be to evacuate due to the lava breathing in! Another bi-product that’s consuming everything in of the volcano is “laze,” the term its path. for lava and haze, which forms Lava has even been shootwhen the hot lava mixes with ing several hundred feet into the A fiery river of lava flows down a road. ocean water. Laze sends nasty air and at one point flowed on particles into the air and has proved deadly in past land so quickly that it covered almost a half-mile in 80 volcanic eruptions. Kilauea is one of the most active minutes! The lava has damaged more than 400 power volcanos on Earth. poles, numerous cell phone towers, and at least 75 In Guatemala, Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) structures. had a very violent eruption on June 3, killing at least 69 Lava is not the only threat that the Kilauea volcano people and forcing the evacuation of thousands. is leveling at the Big Island’s residents and visitors.

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Preparing for Wildfires With very little rain this year, our parched state faces what could be an extremely tough wildfire season.

We’re already into the wildfire season for the Southwest, and Gov. Doug Ducey has doubled Arizona’s budget for thinning and clearing areas where too many fuels have built up.

He also has held press conferences to inform the public about the highly flammable conditions around the state.

Much of the state has suffered drought for the past two decades, and currently most areas, including Phoenix and Tucson, are in “extreme drought” conditions or even worse!

So the governor is calling on everyone in the state to be careful during their summer fun. If you and your family are in an open space, be aware of and obey all fire restrictions. Adults need to follow smoking restrictions for areas and be careful to snuff out their cigarettes completely. Even a trailer’s tow chains dragging on the road can spark an uncontrollable wildfire.

For homeowners living in more rural areas, Gov. Ducey asks that they clear the vegetation (fuels) from around their property. It’s not just about preventing forest fires anymore.

In fact, there’s a grassroots message we all need to keep in mind: “One less spark, one less wildfire.”

The buildup of fuels like overly dense forests, dead or dying trees and easily ignitable finer fuels like dried grass pose a real wildfire danger. In response, the state budget to thin out these fuels so wildfires don’t burn so intensely has been doubled this year from $1 million to $2 million. “(Reducing fuels through thinning and prescribed burns) will not only improve our forests in terms of health, they’ll improve our watershed, they’ll have fewer fires burning with less intensity,” Gov. Ducey said at a press conference in Tucson this month.

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BEAR 35 YEARS

• June 2018

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e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Get the Scoop!

I Raced to See MotoGP in Austin

by Reporter Lizzy Barrett, Ocotillo Ridge Elementary The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, the only U.S. stop of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship, brought the best of International motorcycle racing to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, the weekend of April 20–22. Five races were featured at the event. At the top was the premier class of MotoGP along with the associated Moto2 and Moto3 classes. Joining them were two SuperBike races of the USA Motul MotoAmerica SuperBike Championship, featuring mostly American riders. The event was super-popular, and tens of thousands of people came from all over the world to see the races, which were also shown on TV. The winner of Sunday’s MotoGP race was reigning champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda). After a second-row start, Marquez led the whole race, winning with an impressive 3.6-second lead over Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha). Marquez seems unbeatable at CotA

and he has won all six of the MotoGP races that were held here since 2013. Moto2 was won

by Francesco Bagnaia (SKY Racing Team) and Moto3 was won by Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini).

TheMotoAmerica SuperBike races were equally exciting. The Lizzy with Toni Elias only race held on Saturday was won by Matthew Scholtz (Yamalube/Westby Racing). Sunday’s race was won by reigning MotoAmerica Champion Toni Elias from Spain (Yoshimura Suzuki).

MORE MOTOGP, page 13 ➧

Young Scientists Thrive at SARSEF

by Reporter Rori L. Divijak, Quail Run Elementary In April, SARSEF held its 63rd annual Science and Engineering Fair at the Tucson Convention Center. About 95,000 students from southern Arizona competed to be a part of the fair and 2,117 projects were displayed at the fair. Only 10 percent of the projects displayed received awards.

During the awards ceremony, Jeremiah Pate talked about the projects he completed throughout the years and how SARSEF helped him to become the scientist he is today. In first grade he studied the most effective way to make paper airplanes. He completed a project for SARSEF every year from first grade through high school.

During his final year in high school, Jeremiah decided to make his last project special and discovered a cure for Parkinson’s disease in fruit flies. He was inspired because one of his friends died of this disease. Jeremiah received first place at the International Science and Engineering Fair and was asked to attend the Nobel Awards Ceremony due to his project. Students can learn from Jeremiah Pate’s example of how to become a scientist.

Prepare to Escape the Heat, Go Camping!

by Reporter Taryn Smith, Canyon View Elementary Camping is a fun activity to do in the summertime, while also getting away from the hot sun! In order to have a fun time, it is important to prepare.

Recently, I went on a camping trip with my Girl Scout troop at Camp Whispering Pines on Mt. Lemmon. We noticed some of the advantages of camping: the big trees, breathtaking views, and learning important skills without the high-tech items we rely on today. We did archery, hiking, nature art, soap carving, dish washing and cooking. But for these activities to happen, we had to prepare.

Packing is the most important part of having a successful trip. REI.com has comprehensive articles online. Plan on bringing more food and water than you think you need. You also need to know the 10 Essentials: • • • • •

Food Water Whistle with whistle commands A flashlight or headlamp Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm)

• • • • •

A first aid kit Compass and/or map Weather protection (poncho/ temporary shelter) Matches Backpack for your things MORE CAMPING, page 17 ➧

June 2018 •

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News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids What Ramadan Means to Me

by Reporter Aleena Rathi BASIS Oro Valley This year, the month of Ramadan started on May 15. Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, read the Quran, give to charity, visit each other and pray late at night.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast throughout the day. This means they can’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset for approximately 30 days. However, you don’t have to fast on some conditions (pregnancy, illness, etc.). Muslims wake up early in the morning before sunrise, and they have a meal called Suhoor. They fast from this time all the way until right before Maghrib, our prayer at sunset. This is the time when they break the fast with dates, water, fruit, etc.. It is called Iftaar.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims also read the Quran. They read it in the night prayer or at home by themselves. They try to finish the whole Quran by the end of the month of Ramadan.

During the month, Muslims also give charity called Zakat. This is when they give money and goods to the needy. They believe that the joy of Ramadan should be shared with everybody. Some people even share the joy by giving goods to their neighbors. There are many ways to share the happiness of Ramadan with others.

People visit each other during Ramadan, too. People have Iftaar at other people’s houses. Some Muslim families invite non-Muslims to Iftaar too.

MORE RAMADAN, page 14 ➧

Join us at

Young Reporter Night Thursday, June 21 5 till 6 p.m.

Joel D Valdez Main Library More details on page 19.

Call 792-9930 for information.

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www.bearessentialnews.com

• June 2018

Summertime Blues A column on mental health by Cathexis, 6280 E. Pima Street, Suite 100

H

ave you ever heard someone complain about having the “Summertime Blues”? This is what people say when they realize they can’t do everything they want during the summer because there is simply not enough money or time to get it all done.

This desire to have everything exactly when we want it only leads to frustration and sadness. It is not realistic to think that we can have everything all at once.

Sometimes we have to wait until next year to take a trip or save up money to buy that awesome video game. We may want to have a friend over right away but have to wait until their parents can bring them.

It does no good to give into the frustration or anger over not getting what we want right when we want it. Life just doesn’t allow us to have everything all at once, so we can either decide to be unhappy about having to wait for something, or we can accept it, and choose to look forward to having it in the future. Always go for the second choice—looking forward to something is often more or as much fun than getting it!

And never forget there are important lessons to be learned while working, planning and saving for things, so that even if we don’t actually get the thing we want (unfortunately, in life this often the case), we can still benefit from the work we did.

We learn skills that will help us our whole life such as patience, persistence (which means not giving up when things get hard) and keeping a positive attitude.

Make the best of whatever summer brings your way and enjoy working toward next year’s fun!

Help for t he S um m ertime B lues!

1

3

4

Clues ACROSS: 2) If you have to wait for something, always go for the ______ ______.

3) Putting money aside 4) Thinking about or figuring out what you need to do to achieve or get something

5

5) Keeping a ______ ______ can help us our whole life!

6) The act of being OK with your situation or what’s going on.

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Our goal is to ensure that high-quality, affordable services are available to meet the needs of all in our community.

DOWN: 1) Not giving up when things get hard 4) _______ , waiting with understanding, is another good skill to learn!

Answers: Across: 2) second choice, 3) saving, 4) planning, 5) positive attitude, 6) acceptance Down: 1) persistence, 4) patience

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Cathexis is a proud therapy provider for AHCCCScovered (Cenpatico) “Member Voice and Choice” insurance.

Call us directly at (520) 329-1250 for details on enrolling for therapy with AHCCCS. We also accept private pay arrangements with a sliding scale fee.

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 35 YEARS

SAFETY POOL RULES

Water is fun when you play safely. Circle the pictures of things that are safe when you’re at the pool or beach. Then, read the important safety rules below.

Activity courtesy of www.mightykidsmedia.com

A = Adult • Do you maintain constant eye-to-eye supervision with children around ANY body of water (pool, bath, buckets, etc.)?

• Have you assigned an adult to supervise children around ANY water, especially at parties?

• Do you know that floaties or other inflatable flotation are NOT life jackets and should NEVER be substituted for adult supervision?

• Have you posted the 911 emergency number, and both the home address and phone number on every phone?

B

= Barrier

• Is there a fence in good repair that separates your pool from the house and play yard?

• Is the pool gate closed and locked?

• Are all doors and windows leading to the pool area locked?

• Is there any way a child could get into the pool, such as squeezing through a hole in the fence?

• Have you emptied all containers that hold water and stored them upside down?

• Are there any items nearby that a child could use to help climb over the fence?

C

= Coast Guard Approved Life Vest & Classes

• Anyone who does not know how to swim must wear a Coast Guard approved life vest.

• Floaties are toys and do not count as a life vest.

• You need to take swimming lessons so you can learn how to swim!

• Older kids and adults should take CPR classes so they know what to do in case of an emergency

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June 2018

June 2018

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with cool water. Then finish your visit in its air-conditioned aquarium!

Inside, there’s the Stingray Touch Tank, where kids can feed the stingrays flying around in the water. “And we have Dillon’s KC Style Barbecue inside the aquarium so they can have a drink by our flamingos or dine next to our 60,000-gallon shark tank,” she adds.

And for an amazingly cool experience

Cool Summer Escapes!

Summerlike temps already are baking our state. But have no fear, Bear’s cool summer escapes are here!

I

t has been unBEARably hot, but don’t sweat it—there are all sorts of cool escapes you and your family and friends can make this summer break!

And what makes this summer fun even cooler is the fact that you don’t need to turn off your brain to enjoy these super special places. How about experiencing sea creatures up close and personal? Or maybe hitting the high country up in Eastern Arizona with your family? You can even learn firsthand what it’s like to be a packrat, exploring a giant midden to gain an eye-opening and lasting appreciation for these impressive desert hoarders!

It’s Not Just a Zoo— It’s an Aquarium, Too!

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park “was developed with our hot summers in mind—we’re usually about 10 degrees cooler than anywhere else outside of the zoo because we have so many shade trees and irrigation,” points out Media Relations Director Kristy Morcom.

Located on the southeast corner of Northern Avenue and the State Route 303, there are thousands of creatures from around the world to see and learn about, including dozens of endangered species.

The baby animals are always a big hit with visitors. “With more than 6,000 animals, we have babies year-round,” Morcom says. “So you never know what baby you’re going to see when you come out.

We ALWAYS have babies!”

The baby giraffe, Austin, is the zoo’s big draw right now. The energetic calf, born in February, is almost 7 feet tall already (he was 6 feet tall at birth). “He is so playful, always putting on a show for our visitors,” Morcom says.

In the Wildlife World Zoo’s nursery, you can see a month-old bobcat kitten being raised by hand. “The reason we hand-raise our cats, it helps establish that basis of trust through positive reinforcement,” Morcom points out. He won’t stay a cute and cuddly kitten for long, though, and eventually the interactions will be through protective barriers.

“The Baby Animal Nursery is a great place to escape the heat as well. It’s nice and cool in there. So he’s in our nursery, and folks can come out and see him and get really close to him,” Morcom says.

Sunny, the zoo’s baby sea lion, is part of the popular sea lion show at the Shipwreck Cove area.

Babies are a But the coolest part of cool attraction Wildlife World Zoo is its at Wildlife World aquarium. Four big, air-conZoo & Aquarium! ditioned buildings house more than 80 displays, with the largest tank being a 60,000-gallon shark tank!

Morcom suggests arriving when it opens at 9 a.m. to take in the zoo portion, including doing the popular Lory Parrot Feeding. As temps start rising, head over to the nursery and even do the log flume ride, which will splash you

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for animal fans, Wildlife World Zoo still has a few spots left for its Safari Camp.

This is a very hands-on camp for those ages 7–12, where they get to do sea lion and otter training, feed sharks and meet a variety of the zoo’s animal ambassadors!

The June session starts June 11, while the July session starts July 16.

Visit WildlifeWorld.com for ticket prices and camp details.

Escape to the Mountains!

may choose to rent a cabin for an extended stay or maybe go camping in the forest.

There are lakes and streams for boating, fishing or just enjoying a cooling breeze off the water.

Hit the trails to get the most out of the fresh mountain air. Whether you choose to go hiking or take a trail ride, you’ll experience a real change of scenery with pine trees, fields of wildflowers and local wildlife— birds, deer and elk are just a few of the critters you might encounter on your outing. Horseback riding is available through the various ranches and stables located in the White Mountains. Mountain biking is another great way to explore the trails and appreciate the Arizona flora and fauna that we desert dwellers don’t often get a chance to see.

In the summer, you can get an eagle’s eye view from a scenic lift ride at Sunrise Park Resort. There are other fun activities like a bungee trampoline jump, a super slide and a rock climbing wall.

A great way to escape the summer heat in the desert is to head to the mountains. The White Mountains in eastern Arizona boast temperatures that are usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the normal highs and lows in the Valley or Tucson.

So why swelter in 100-plus-degree weather when you can take a three- to four-hour drive and enjoy temperatures in the 80s?

Some popular summer getaway spots in the White Mountains include Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer. Families Kartchner Caverns State Park is an amazing place to explore.

Or consider heading up to the high country of Eastern Arizona for a really cool time!

MORE COOL ESCAPES, page 12 ➧

Cool Escape Word Scramble These words are taken from this feature and can help keep your summer cool!

AYBB FARIFEG __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

GIHIFSN

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

NOUNIMAT KIGINB __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

QUUMARIA

__ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

PARTAKC SHYLOUPAE __ __ __ __ __ __ __

GINTSARYS

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

KACBSHORE DRINGI __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __

Hidden in the Midden!

For those into desert critters and desert ecology, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-see.

And to draw more kids and families to this awardwinning destination, it has just opened its amazing Packrat Playhouse: Hidden in the Midden!

Located west of Tucson at 2021 N. Kinney Rd., the 98-acre zoo features creatures and plants of the Sonoran Desert. New to this nationally recognized zoo is an indoor play/educational area. “Packrat Playhouse is our newest exhibit, and it’s air-conditioned, which is a huge sell, especially in these hot summers. And it’s basically a Honey, I Shrunk Yourself, kids type of thing, except a desert edition!” explains Kat Rumbley, Desert Museum marketing manager.

The lighting for this 4,000-square-foot area is sort of dim. This makes sense because packrats are active at dusk and at night—and you’re the packrat!

The centerpiece is an almost two-story tall climbing area, representing a packrat midden (packrat house).

“Kids can climb around prickly pear cactus pads, they can slide down a slide made to look like the ribs of a cholla cactus, they can climb through dice, they can go through netting, they can slither through an oversize rattlesnake,” Rumbley says. Up at the top, there’s a beautiful view of a desert landscape!

The playhouse is full of fun, informational activities so kids (and their parents) leave with an appreciation of the important role packrats play in the desert ecosystem. There’s also a toddler area, a gift shop, a place to buy snacks and beverages, and restrooms.

Packrat Playhouse opens at 10 a.m. and is included with admission. But admission is free for young people (ages 6–12) who join the Kids Coati Club.

Other cool Desert Museum offerings are Stingray Touch, the natural-looking enclosures for the animals plus Cool Summer Nights that happen every Saturday now through Sept. 1. Plus, there are a few spots left for some of its summer camps!

Rumbley says to get to the Desert Museum when it opens at 7—it’s cooler for you and the animals are more active, too.

Go to DesertMuseum.org for details on membership, schedules, etc.

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• June 2018

Continued from page 11

Cool Summer Escapes!

Here are some great escape ideas to get you out of the heat and into the fun!

When the temperatures rise in Tucson, you need to find fun things to do to cool off. There are many options to avoid the heat—here’s a list with a few things that Boomer Bear came up with that are guaranteed to make your summer the coolest one yet!

Tucson KidsFest Tucson KidsFest, powered by TEP, is at the Tucson Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 23–24. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Activities for kids of all ages include the TNT Slam Dunk Show, a dinosaur encounter and fossil dig, game trucks, inflatables, carnival rides, electric animal rides, Bookman’s Entertainment Area and more. Meet Disney Channel stars. Admission is $15 for kids, $12 for adults, and free kids under 2. For more information visit tucsonkidsfest.com.

Soarin’ Saturdays for Kids at Pima Air & Space Kids ages 8 and up can explore things with wings this summer. Build and take home a rocket at Imagine Rockets on June 9 or learn about How Things Fly on June 16. Both 90-minute sessions start at 1 p.m. and are included with admission. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Familes can also visit the museum as the sun goes down at Night Wings! on June 23 and July 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. For information, visit www.pimaair.org.

AZ Air Time Have fun indoors while getting exercise at AZ Air Time! Play dodgeball, shoot basketball, do some rock wall climbing, jump into a huge foam pit, practice your trampoline skills and more! Visit www.azairtime.com for hours and prices.

Free Summer Meals for Kids Tucson Unified School District is hosting its “All kids eat Free” at various TUSD schools and community sites starting Monday, June 4, through Friday, July 18. Start your healthy eating habits early!

For locations and more information, visit tusd1.org.

Sun Tran Summer GoPass A Summer GoPass lets kids ages 6 to 18 get unlimited rides through Aug. 2. The GoPass can be used on Sun Tran buses, select shuttles and the Sun Link Streetcar. The pass is just $45. Besides getting you around town, the pass also gets kids into City of Tucson pools for free (except Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center) and can be used for buy

one/get one free admission at the UofA Flandrau Science Center! You must purchase the GoPass by July 1. For more information, visit Suntran.com.

Storytime at Mildred & Dildred Each Tuesday features a story at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime is aimed at the preschool set, but everyone is welcome. The toy store will also host Magic with Michael Howell on Saturday, June 16 at 11:30 a.m. and Mr. Nature’s Music Hour on Sunday, June 24 at 11 a.m. For more information, visit mildredanddildred.com.

Vantage Bowling Centers Hit the lanes for a summer of fun! Youth camps and programs and bumper bowling will have you staying cool and rolling strikes. For more information, visit vantagebowlingcenters.com.

Golf N Stuff

It's time to get your All Park Pass for a summer of fun. The pass includes miniature golf, four ride attractions and four arcade tokens. For more information, visit www.golfnstuff.com.

The Mini Time Machine It's always cool inside the Museum of Miniatures.

Get your Family Summer Pass for $30. For more information, visit www.theminitimemachine.com.

Summer Kids Events at Bookmans Free summer kids activities each week. Meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at the east store, Thurdays at the midtown store, and Fridays at the northwest side store. For more information, see page 4 in this issue or visit bookmans.com.

Summer Science Saturday This year’s free open house at the UofA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory will focus on Our Sun. There will be lots of science activities for kids on July 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit lpl.arizona.edu/sss.

Children’s Museum of Tucson

Mondays are special during the summer at the Children’s Museum Tucson. Every Monday through Sept. 3 will feature extended hours (open till 7 p.m.), $3 admission and special guests and activities. Other days are full of fun with Wee Play, Roll Out Science (T, TH and Sun), and other cool fun.

For times, details and more information, go to www.childrensmuseumtucson.org.

Trail Dust Town

Check out the Wild West Stunt Show, ride the vintage carousel, go on a train ride or take a spin on the Circle the Wagons Ferris Wheel every Wednesday through Sunday. Trail Dust Town is also the place where you can pan for gold, visit a haunted house, and dine on some cowboy beans and steak.

For hours or more details, go to traildusttown.com.

Loft Jr. Free Movies

Free family friendly movies screen the second Saturday of each month at the Loft Cinema at 10 a.m. On June 9, enjoy “The Peanuts Movie.” It’s a spooky Christmas in July on July 14 with “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Then enjoy the live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book” on Aug. 11. For more information, go to loftcinema.org.

Colossal Cave

When it’s hot outside, you can enjoy the cool 70°F interior of Colossal Cave in Vail. Take a cave tour and explore the place that has served as home, hideout and more. Or head outside for camping or horseback riding at Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

Find out more at colossalcave.com.

Skate Country

What could be cooler than a turn around the skating rink? Get a Summer Fun Pass for $50 and you can skate every day from 1 to 4 p.m. until Aug. 5. If you need your very own skates, check out the skate sale happening in June. For more information, visit skatecountry.com.

Summer Safari Friday Nights

Every Friday night through Aug. 3 is a Safari Night at the Reid Park Zoo. There will be live music, animal encounters, themes, activities and more from 6 to 8 p.m. Kids will also enjoy the carousel, face painting and glitter tattoos. For more information or to find other great zoo events, visit reidparkzoo.org.

Tucson Parks and Recreation

Kids ages 17 and younger can enjoy free swim at 18 city pools and free recreation during open recreation hours at 10 centers. For locations and hours, visit www.tucsonaz.gov/parks.

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

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More MotoGP Racing

BEAR 35 YEARS

Continued from page 7

Continued from page 7

Some of the riders did wheelies as they celebrated on their victory laps.

Qualifying was also packed with action.

During MotoGP qualifying Session 2, Marquez crashed at turn 13. With only minutes left in the session he was able to return to the track on his backup bike and qualify on Pole. However, during his fastest lap he cut off Vinales, earning a penalty which caused him to start the race on the second row.

The weather for the weekend had many changes. On Saturday, it was overcast but there was no rain until the SuperBike race at the end of the day. Sunday was bright and sunny. Regardless of the weather, the race was very crowded and it took a long time to park and then find our seats.

There many other things going on throughout the event. The National Anthem was sung at the opening ceremonies and sky divers entertained the crowd.

There were many souvenir shops and places to eat. There were also sessions where fans could meet the riders and get autographs. Overall, it was a very fun race weekend and any fans of motorcycle racing should consider going to see it.

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club

Where Country Club Road ends and family fun begins!

!

Join Us

Friday Night Family BBQs with Live Music!

A Tucson Racquet Club Summer tradition continues!

Fitness Club Tucson Racquet & family has been a Tucson 67. Open 24/7 tradition since 19 on the we have 20 acres nnis, handball, te h, at p er iv R o it Rill uch more! restaurant and m in to see why we Call today or stop loved club. are Tucson’s most-

Enjoy live music from Tucson’s favorite bands, great Mesquite BBQ and our cool pool. Bring your blanket, hang out & rock out.

Lifeguard on duty. Non-members welcome ($4.00 for ages 13 and above, FREE for kids 12 and under).

Children’s Parties!

Make your next party hassle-free.

Ramada rental $35.00 for members. $70.00 non-members; includes use of pool, jacuzzi, sand volleyball courts & basketball courts. Everything you need for a great party is included: tables, chairs, plates, utensils and wait staff.

We cater with great, affordable food & drinks.

(Minimum food purchase $100)

Call 795-6960

for more info or go to

tucsonracquetclub.com

13

14

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• June 2018

Tucson Country Day School

us at Join venture r! p Ad Cam Summe s i h t

Where Every Student Is a Champion and Every Champion Is a Leader!

ENROLLING NOW!

• Outstanding, Caring, Dedicated Teachers • Small class sizes (1:22 K-5, 1:26, 6-8) • Beautifully landscaped 10-acre campus • Private Preschool & Prekinder Program onsite Curriculum includes: Art, Technology, PE, Spanish, Band, Orchestra, General Music and Choir After-School Programs include: Sports, Drama, Garden Club, Jump Rope, Karate, KidzArt and More!

Mention Bear Essential News ad when you come in for a tour, and receive a free “I’m a Champion” T-shirt!

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Join the Fun! • Weekly Themes • Swimming • Archery • Technology • Field Trips • Science • Arts & Crafts • Music & Dance • Sports & More...

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Continued from page 7

Good Reads at Lemoncello Library

by Reporter C.W. Morrison, Satori Charter School “Is it fun? Hello! It’s a Lemoncello!” is the catchphrase of Chris Grabenstein’s series Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

This laugh-out-loud author has written and co-authored 45 books! On top of that he has written for the Muppets, a movie for CBS called “A Christmas Gift,” and the plays “Curiosity Cat” and “The Island of Dr. Libris” based on his book “The Island of Dr. Libris.”

I like these books because they are a mixture of riddles, games, adventure, books and libraries. So far, there are three books in the series, with plans for the fourth book. Last fall, an “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” movie aired on Nickelodeon.

Grabenstein was at our very own Festival of Books! He had a “make a story on the spot” event, which I went to! Many kids participated, and the result? One of the funniest stories I’ve ever heard. It was about a raccoon named Joe who sold Cheetos on the Black Market to buy Takis.

The story started with Joe saying to his mother, “But mom, I DON’T KNOW WHAT A VERB IS!” Once he left the house, he got caught by a dog working for Cheetos Inc., who chased him to the Takis store. The store owner gave him a balloon and he bought some Takis. When he ate one, however, his tongue felt like it was on fire and the store owner offered him a gallon of milk. Joe said, “Nah, milk tastes better after eating cereal.” And for some reason, that’s the end!

More Ramadan Continued from page 7

At the end of each day people go to the mosque, or sometimes stay at home and pray. This is a non-obligatory nighttime prayer called Taraweeh. It is a special prayer for the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan ends when we see the new moon. Muslims get together at the mosque on the last day and they pray in the morning. This day is called Eid-ul-Fitr. This holiday lasts for three days. Muslims celebrate this day with gatherings, feasts, and gifts.

This year, I will try to fast each day of the month. With fasting, I learn how the less fortunate feel when they do not have food. Fasting helps me to have discipline to control my hunger. Muslims do good deeds during Ramadan to prepare for the rest of the year.

CAMP ADVENTURE for a summer to remember!

Summer Camps • June 4–July 27 Summer Camp

Early Childhood & Kindergarten Ages 3–5 for eight weeks.

June 4– July 27 Fun, structured curriculum-based Grades 1–8 learning program. Arts & Crafts, Weekly themes and a variety of activities.

Swimming, Science & Swim lessons, Archery, Technology, Crazy Nature, Music Science, Field Trips and much more.

Regi s & Movement ter Join us for one week, or come for all eight. and more!

Rates starting at $135/week!

9239 E. Wrightstown • 296-0883 • Visit us at: TucsonCampAdventure.com

NO W!

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Hatching Ducks & Chicks at TCDS

by Reporters Mateo Barton, Isabella Barton & Brooke Bachman Tucson Country Day School Ms. Wendy, a kindergarten teacher at Tucson Country Day School, just had chick and duckling eggs donated to her classroom. They hatched them in an incubator. Fourteen out of the 20 hatched. Three of the eggs were not fertile, and three of them unfortunately stopped developing or were not able to make it out of the egg.

There are seven ducklings and seven chicks. They were really soft when you held them. We saw Ms. Wendy's kindergarten kids petting them with two fingers so that they would not hurt them. You have to be gentle.

Most of the chicks were really wild and wanted to jump out of your hands, but don't let them go! One of the ducks wanted to cuddle.

Have you ever felt or looked at a duckling and/or chick? Here are some facts about them. First, they come in many colors—for example, yellow, brown, black, tan and white. They are very, very fluffy.

Next, you can tell the difference between a chick and duckling by looking and their beaks, feet and size. Chicks have different types of feet and beaks than ducklings do.

For example, chicks have sharp, pointed beaks, and ducks have spooned beaks called bills.

Ducks have webbed feet, and chickens have, well, chicken feet.

If you start with eggs, you need an egg hatcher called an incubator. Some eggs are the same size, and some eggs are bigger or smaller.

When they hatch, some eggs may look the same size, but the ducklings and chickens are different sizes. Their fine feathers are called down.

How do you care for chicks and ducklings who were recently born? Chicks and ducklings need a heating lamp if they don't have their mother to keep them warm. They also need a food feeder for their food and a water holder for their water. A soft surface for them to grow up on is nice, inside a large container or cage. If they are cold, you can use a towel to cover half of the top of their container.

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Bumper Bowling for kids 7 or younger is $6 per week or $75 paid in full Schedule a summer camp or field trip! $4/two hours.

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info@vantagebowlingcenters.com vantagebowlingcenters.com

BEAR 35 YEARS

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BEAR 35 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• June 2018

Teacher Month

Nominate Your Teacher!

of the

Parents, faculty & students—let us know who you think should be in the spotlight!

James A. Weaver D.D.S., M.S. Laura Robinson-Rabe D.M.D., M.S. Kyle Rabe D.D.S., M.S.

Making teachers smile! Each month Dr. JAW Orthodontists honors our teachers for their commitment, hard work and dedication by sponsoring the Teacher of the Month column in Bear Essential News.

Teacher name: _______________________ School: _____________________________ Your name: __________________________ Grade: ______ Phone: _________________

Literacy Was a Struggle, Now Students Reap Success

S

ean Taylor teaches fourth grade at Rio Vista Elementary. But when Taylor was a student, some of his teachers told him he would never read or write.

He explains, “Literacy for me was almost an unrealized, unattainable dream! As a dyslexic learner I was unable to read, write or decode words as a child—p, d, b and q were all the same letter.”

After overcoming his own learning difficulties, Taylor shares his struggles with dyslexia and dysgraphia and uses his experiences to teach in new ways. He has been teaching for 16 years.

Taylor was born in Los Angeles and adopted and brought to Tucson with his family. He graduated from the UofA and worked as a reading specialist. But he wanted to have a class of his own to “have those relationships and teach kids the way I want to be taught—(through) hands-on, exciting” methods.

His grandma was a fourth-grade teacher, too, he says. Taylor taught sixth grade before moving to fourth grade. He also does an artist-in-residence program teaching about Monet.

“Art is a passion,” says Taylor. He explains that his brain is wired in a way that leads him to be creative, but he needed to learn things in a multi-modal way.

Now he shares those skills and mechanisms with his

students (and with other instructors through his blog).

Travel is another passion for Taylor. He spent a year in Sweden and has visited over 20 other countries.

Taylor lets students know that if they work hard and put the time in, they will succeed.

“Even though my mind is set up to be an artist, I still have to practice,” he says.

Taylor was nominated by student Ramona K. She writes, “He inspires me to go above and beyond” and “he makes learning fun.”

“My teacher is great because he can teach new ways each day...to solve problems,” notes Ramona, who adds, “he always makes us laugh.”

Fun Facts: World Traveler: Taylor loves to travel. He says he has visited 27–29 countries.

The Gift of Art: Taylor considers his affinity for art a gift that is tied to his dyslexia. His artwork has led to travel and helped him pay for college.

Teaching Mantra: ALL children are gifted and can learn to read!

email: ______________________________ Why is your teacher great? ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Send your nomination to Bear Essential/Teacher of the Month 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 or submit by email to renee@bearessentialnews.com

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

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More Camping

Continued from page 7

BEAR 35 YEARS

“One, Two, Three Up and Under!”

Continued from page 7

If you want to bring extra items, multi-use tools, rope, duct tape, a water purifier and extra wool socks are very helpful.

In order to go camping, you need to know some important skills. You need to know how to read a map, pitch a tent, put out and start a fire safely, whistle commands and meanings, use a compass, do open-fire cooking, make knots, and how to use a water purifier. Supplies and instruction guides can be found at stores like REI, Summit Hut, Miller’s Surplus, and even Target, Big 5 and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Now that you know how to successfully prepare for a camping trip, you are ready to go camping!

Tucson’s Premier Indoor Swim School

520-877-SWIM (7946) www.demontswim.com

2850 W. Ina Rd. #130

N.E. corner on Ina/Shannon

Summer Fun Days!

Memorial Day thru Labor Day All Park Pass includes:

Miniature Golf, 4 Ride Attractions and 4 Arcade Tokens

ALL PARK PASS 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • Tucson, AZ

$20.35 plus tax

www.golfnstuff.com

www.golfnstuff.com

Call (520) 296-2366 ext. 13 for reservations!

FREE Golf Pass! (with the purchase of another at the regular price) 36 Holes of the Worldʼs Finest Miniature Golf Arcade • Skee-ball • Wet nʼ Wild Bumper Boats • Cool Go Karts • Batting Cages • Laser Tag • Group Rates

6503 E. TANQUE VERDE RD. • 885-3569

Expires 7/31/18

17

BEAR 35 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• June 2018

Coast Into Summer!

s ’ r e m Boo zlin’ Siz er m m u S

Fun Page Down & Across the Tracks Crossword 8

2 7

Do the math in each roller coaster car and then add the value of each car to get the grand total of your roller coaster! +1= 6x6=

4=

6x8 =

3x9 l

a Tot

6

1

SUMMER

THEME PARK FUN

4

3

5x5+

21+3-8

Answer: 149

18

Across

1. Everybody lend a hand, letʼs put our _____ in the van.

3. Through the door, through the line, get strapped in for a fun ____.

5. Almost like you can fly, take a _________ __________ to ride the sky!

7. Watch the clock, then take a seat—on a stage youʼll see a ________ thatʼs really neat.

9. Summer __________ was so much fun; I canʼt wait for another one!

10 5 9

Coasters are the Best!

Down

2. Near or far, to get there take a _____ or car.

4. Ready for hugs and handshakes too, _________ love to greet you.

6. Whether from the sea or on dry land, watch __________ do tricks or just sit or stand.

8. Fun, fun, all over the place, in ________, youʼll have a smile on your face.

10. All the people that couldnʼt be here, happily accept their ____________.

Answers: 1. bags 2. plane 3. time 4. mascots 5. roller coaster 6. wildlife 7. show 8. photos 9. vacation 10. souvenirs

June 2018 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 35 YEARS

19

For grades 3 thru 8

Young Reporter Nigh t Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone Ave.

Thursday, June 21, 2018 5–6 pm • 4:30 p.m. Article Editing

Library Maker Space Tour & Sign Up for Summer Reading Program • Win a $50 gift card to AZ Air Time!

• Sign up to be a Young Reporter • Bring in your story for editing & a chance to win special prizes!

For more info please call 792-9930 Proudly Sponsored by:

• Refreshments will be served

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• Preventive Care from Birth to Teens • Professionally Trained Staff • Over 23 Years in Tucson

Across from the Tucson Medical Center (between Craycroft & Rosemont)

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Summer Pass Special!

7 Days a Week, 1-4 p.m.

5

www.skatecountry.com 7980 E. 22nd St.

298-4409

$ 50

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For $

Bring in this coupon and for $5, get admission for up to 5 skaters. Valid Mon–Fri., 3 pm to 6 pm.

Skate rental $3.00 extra if needed.

Not valid for birthday parties or with other offers. Please limit coupon use to 1 per person per week. Not valid for groups or day care providers.

Skate rental extra. Expires 6/22/18

20

BEAR 35 YEARS

• June 2018

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