Bear Essential News October 2021, Phoenix Edition by Bear Essential News

Bear 40 YEARS!

October 2021 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

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In This Picture: Find a candle, a spider, a ghost, a lollipop, an apple, a sugar skull, a broom, a princess hat, candy vampire teeth and the word BOO!

FEATURE

NEWS

F light and UFOs

Volcanic Eruptions

Searching for signs of life! Pages 10 & 11

Spotlight on mapping coral reefs News Highlights page 5

NEWS

A Half-P in t J udge!

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 12, 14, 17 & 18

FAMILIES

CONTEST

S pooky Events

It 's Halloween!

Fun things to do for fall Page 16

Crayola coloring contest Page 2

2 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Let’s Go... VALLEY METRO! Behind the Scenes at Valley Metro By Young Reporters Aislyn and Euwain Sheard

You’ve seen them around. They’re long, tall, and full of passengers. They to catch any issues before are the Valley Metro buses! While you may have seen them, have you ever they become a roadside wondered what makes them run so smoothly? As it turns out, there’s a lot more breakdown. to it, than meets the eye! We interviewed Valley Metro’s finest bus fleet mainWhile the maintenance tenance specialist, Joey Templecrew is servicing the buses, ton, to find out how it all works they also have dispatchers behind the scenes. watching the buses on the “We have 209 buses here” road by using computer The bus lift is used for man Templeton says as we start our programs that track the safety inspectio tainence and ns tour, “The first bus leaves here vehicles. These dispatchers at about 3:30 a.m.; the last bus constantly map and route comes in at about 3 a.m. We any detours when there are traffic problems. They keep in contact with the have buses all day and night drivers to make sure the passengers have a safe ride, and those waiting at the going in and out.” All of these bus stop won’t be left in the heat for long. buses require teamwork and After a day of work, the buses are sent to the refueling Sustainability Coordinator Mackenzie maintenance from the Valley station and later to the cleaning station. Valley Metro McGuffie is onboard for the interview Metro teams. Some of these has their very own bus cleaners and washers. First, There's include: the drivers, dispatchers, fleet maintenance crew, cleaners, the refuelers fill the buses with either natural gas or a lot more to and refuelers. diesel, using their own gas “station”. Valley Metro’s Valley Metro than They have many different kinds of transportation to meet everyone’s cleaners and washers wash the bus inside and meets the eye! needs. Long buses joined together with an accordion looking connector out every time the bus has been used. Buses will in the middle are called articulated busenter into something that resembles a car wash, es. They can be 60–63 feet long! You and then go into a cleaning area where the cleaner may also see regular size buses that makes sure the inside is clean and safe for the next are between 37–45 feet long. Some of riders. After a long these are the Valley Express buses. day of helping the “Those go out first thing in the morning greater Phoenix area, and bring people down to downtown the buses will then Phoenix and they go back out in the be ready to use once afternoon when everybody is done with again. work. They go downtown and they bring As you can see, them all back up uptown.” Templeton Valley Metro has a lot explained. Lastly, the circulator buses going on behind the can be found in neighborhoods and scenes. It only works are 17–20 feet long, but here’s a twist, if all of these talented these ones are free to ride! people work togethThe safety of the riders is Valley er as a team. Each Metro’s highest priority. and every time a bus Touring the gigantic mantainence facility “We are one of goes out on the road, the only agencies with an extra condenser on the there’s a lot of work that goes into it. Valley back of our bus to make sure our passengers Metro knows how important their services are cool when it’s 115 degrees out,” Templeton are to residents of Arizona. They take their comments with pride. Knowing that heat is a job seriously, and work very hard day and huge factor in Arizona, they take the harsh night to make sure everyone’s needs are temperatures very seriously. Therefore, their met. So, the next time you ride the bus, Ramps make access easy maintenance crew services their buses reguthink about all of the efforts that went into larly to keep them running smoothly and providing you with a safe and clean ride.

For more info, go to https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/valley-metro-fun October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 3

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Volume 43 • Issue 1

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ctober is Orthodontic Health Month and a time when orthodontists make a special effort to talk about how orthodontic treatment can beneﬁt people.

Some beneﬁts of orthodontics include:

· Straight teeth and an attractive smile · Increased conﬁdence and better self-image · Proper jaw alignment for correct eating and speaking · Teeth that are easy to clean and maintain · Lower chances of severe, expensive dental issues later like gum disease, tooth decay, and pain in the jaw, head & neck

Don’t Forget to Floss!

It’s an important part of maintaining dental health. • Wrap an 18-inch piece of floss around the middle finger of each hand. • Hold about an inch of the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger. • Gently slide the floss between the teeth and move the floss up and down. • Floss between all teeth, and when you move on to the next tooth, be sure to use a clean section of the floss.

www.KidzConnextion.com 4 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

18 We ARE Open for Assessments and Taking New Clients for All Services!

News Highlights

Coral Reefs Get Hi-tech Treatment

Photo: commons.w

A volcano began erupting on the Canary Island of La Palma on Sept. 19, sending lava shooting into the air and streaming across the island. The eruption forced the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, as well as AGRICULTURAL land. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported. Nine days after the eruption began, lava flowed over the island’s edge and into the Atlantic Ocean. Though it is only four miles from the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge to the ocean, much of the land is flat which slowed the lava flow. Initial air quality readings showed no immediate danger in the area, but scientists warned residents that the lava hitting the ocean was likely to produce small explosions and toxic gases. La Palma is home to 85,000 people and many residents who have not been evacuated have been cautioned to stay indoors. Although La Palma is located off the northwestern coast of Africa, it is one of Spain’s Canary Islands. La Palma’s economy centers on agriculture and tourism—both of which are being affected by the volcanic eruption. Spain classified La Palma as a disaster zone after the eruption began, which will provide some financial support for the island. La Palma is a small island, measuring roughly 22 miles long and 12 miles wide at its broadest point. The lava has already started reshaping the island’s footprint where it has reached the water as the hot

ikimedia.org/Eduard o Robaina

Volcano Erupts On Island of La Palma

lava mixes with the ocean water. La Palma is no stranger to earthquakes with its last eruption in 1971 that lasted for about three weeks. There are historical accounts of people seeing volcanic eruptions on the island all the way back to 1585, and radiocarbon dating done by scientists shows volcano activity as far back as about 5,000 B.C.! Experts say it’s impossible to determine how long the current eruption will last as previous eruptions have lasted weeks or even months.

Offshore Oil Spill Hits California Beaches & Wildlife October got off to a bad start as a Pacific Ocean oil spill hit the California coastline. Some people who live and work in the area saw an oil SHEEN on the water on Friday evening, Oct. 1, and could smell vapors from the crude oil. The company that runs the offshore drilling and production operation, Amplify Energy Corp., notified the U.S. Coast Guard of the spill the next Photo: Christian Monterrosa, EPA day. At least 126,000 gallons of crude oil escaped from an underwater pipeline into the Pacific, creating a

13-square-mile oil slick that made its way toward the Southern California coastline. Toxic black globs came ashore, along with a foul smell. The company shut down the pipeline and the rest of the operation that’s several miles out at sea. So far, about 6 miles of coastline, including some important wildlife areas, have been affected. Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr calls the spill an environmental catastrophe. “Our wetlands are being degraded and portions of our coastline are now covered in oil,” she said at a press conference. Certain beaches are expected to remain closed. Amplify Energy promises to continue helping authorities with the painstaking cleanup efforts until as much oil as possible has been recovered. It could take weeks or even months.

Arizona may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we’re not having a big impact on the ocean! The Center for Global Discovery and Conservation is working on some groundbreaking research around the world. The center is affiliated with Arizona State University and has locations in Tempe and Hawaii. It was part of a partnership that recently completed a comprehensive online map of the world’s coral reefs, known as the Allen Coral Atlas. The atlas combines about two million satellite images with local data to create high-resolution maps of coral reefs all across the globe. Nearly 100,000 square miles of reefs in water up to 50 feet deep were mapped, and about three quarters of those reefs have never The Maldives Habitat Mapping Team, Sept. 2019 Credit: Hana Amir

before been mapped with such detail or at all. The atlas allows users to see detailed information about local reefs, including everything from coral to the sand, rocks and seagrass. The Allen Coral Atlas also includes information about coral bleaching, which allows researchers to monitor reefs that are stressed due to factors such as global warming. “It is a gratifying milestone after years of dedicated nonstop teamwork to bring this global map to fruition, but the true value of the work will come when coral conservationists are able to better protect coral reefs based on the high-resolution maps and monitoring system,” says Greg Asner, managing director of the Allen Coral Atlas at ASU. “We must double down and use this tool as we work to save coral reefs from the impacts of our climate crisis and other threats.” ASU reports that there are already officials from 14 countries working with atlas team members to use the maps in marine planning projects. The Allen Coral Atlas is named after Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who funded the partnership behind the project. Allen reportedly wanted to help save the world’s coral reefs and liked the idea of using technology to make it happen—something the atlas will hopefully ensure! October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 5

6 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Get the Scoop!

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

I Was a Half-Pint Judge at Fiesta Bowl by Reporter Hailee Ball, Legacy Traditional

One day my mom heard an advertisement on the radio about The Arizona Milk Producers holding a contest to become a Half-Pint Judge at the Fiesta Bowl Parade! They asked for a video submission on what my favorite dairy product was and why. I made a video about how much I love chocolate milk and I even did a back bend to show how much energy it gives me! I had no idea whether I was going to win or not. I was so anxious to find out that I kept asking my mom if she got an email yet. Finally, she got an email announcing that I was one of the winners! I was so excited that I told everyone in my family, all my friends, and even my teacher. We were invited to several events. First, we were interviewed on Channel 3 News! Then my family and I got to go to a celebrity breakfast before the parade and we met Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury and USA National Soccer player Julie Ertz! During the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the other Half-Pint judges and I got to see the floats up close. Then we got to choose which one we liked the most and why, and we were featured on Channel 3 news again! The parade was so much fun and I had a really great time. It is a memory that I will never forget!

Stay Safe This Halloween! by Reporter Matthew Richards, Arizona Desert Elementary Are you ready for Halloween? Are you safe? Chris Medaglia has been with the Tolleson Police Department for eight years. He likes helping people and working as a school resource officer. “Working with kids is very rewarding,” says Medaglia. Medaglia has some important Safety tips: • Trick or Treat in a known area. • Stay on the sidewalks. • Stay away from “Stranger Danger.” • Check your candy before you eat it. • Bring a light and cell phone.

Medaglia’s tips for trick-or-treaters going to house parties: • Make sure you have permission to go. • Make sure your parent knows where you are. • There should always be a responsible adult at the party. Tolleson will have a “Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 30. Medaglia says when you get home, let your parents check your candy. Throw away loose candy, fruit and any opened candy. “Trick or Treat is a fun event, but we want everyone to stay safe,” says Medaglia. Adviser: Karen Golden

Student CSO Shares Love of STEM by Reporter Georgiana Readhead, Homeschool On Sept. 15, 2021 Bear Essential News had a Young Reporter Zoom meeting with Chief Science Officer of the Year for 2021, Nikhil Johnson, CSO for North High School in Phoenix. Nikhil, 16, spoke about what CSO means, what the CSO program does, and what he has achieved in his four years in the program. The mission of CSOs is to be a voice for their peers by creating Action Plans. Action Plans can be varied in scope and bring positive change to the community. “As a Chief Science Officer I want to show my peers that STEM is in everything and to get students who think that STEM is nerdy to realize that everything they have a passion for stems from STEM,” says Nikhil.

His Action Plans have included organizing to clean up and develop a park in Phoenix. This project helped him win the Environment Leadership First-place Youth Award from The Trust for Public Land and The Boeing Company in 2021. Nikhil is also part of a CSO YouTube channel that highlights what CSOs are doing around the world. One of the most fun events Nikhil helped plan and was part of was a district wide coding night. It was some of the most fun he had in months! He was also part of a laptop donation project and a paper-recycling project.

Fun & Interactive Exhibits at AZ Science Center by Reporter Paul Perez Kiva Elementary

Have you ever been riding in a car with someone who’s driving and texting at the same time? On my last trip to the Arizona Science Center I saw several new exhibits, but their new Multitask Exhibit really caught my attention. It asks you to do four activities all at the same time, and I failed at this every time. It was easy to see why doing a bunch of things at once is so dangerous and why texting and driving is so dangerous. A more fun project that made everybody smile was the bubble making project. With a whole lot of soap and two very thin sticks, you could make gigantic bubbles. I saw spiders and scorpions and a cool science demonstration that showed how dumping hot boiling water into liquid nitrogen makes a chemical reaction that creates a giant pure white cloud. It was awesome. I really enjoy the Science Center. Every time we go we see something different. I’m looking forward to going back again soon to see more amazing science projects. MORE SCOOPS, page 12 ➧

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MORE STUDENT CSO, page 12 ➧ October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 7

PLANET PATROL Reports on the environment and ways kids can help to keep this planet healthy & safe

GREEN

Have Yourself a

HALLOWEEN! Halloween is a blast, but it can also be a very wasteful holiday. The average American spends over $75 each Halloween for costumes and decorations, only to throw most of it in the landfill once the holiday is over. Here are a few tips to make your Halloween a little more green! Go local– Most pumpkins from the grocery store come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Shipping these heavy pumpkins requires a lot of energy in the form of fossil fuels. Instead, ask your parents to take your family to a local pumpkin patch. Most pumpkin patches have fun stuff to do during Halloween like hay rides and corn mazes, so you get to have fun while supporting a local farmer and helping the environment. Score! Get the most out of your pumpkin– A pumpkin is more than just a decoration; it’s food! You can roast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy treat. And remember, your jack-o-lantern contains lot of nutrients and should never be thrown in the landfill. Find a new home for your pumpkin in a compost pile so its nutrients won’t go to waste. Get creative– Don’t you hate when you show up to school on Halloween and someone else is wearing the same costume as you? So embarrassing. Shop at a thrift store and create your own costume instead of buying a brand new one and you won’t have that problem! Goodwill, Savers and other thrift shops have unique costume ideas that are way cheaper than other stores, and you’ll never have to share your costume with another classmate again. Save your wrappers– We all know the best part of Halloween is all the candy, right? During this time of year, Americans purchase and consume almost 600 million pounds of candy. So what happens to all those candy wrappers? Sadly, they get tossed in the trash. Plastic candy wrappers are not recyclable, but you can get creative with them and make cool crafts from trash like this purse! There are tons of fun craft ideas that reuse candy wrappers available online or on YouTube. 8 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Growing, Growing,

Strong!

Sponsored by

Fun tips on healthy foods, fitness and well being —from our family to yours!

Reasons to Go to Farmers Markets!

Written by Daniela Larson, CARE Program Manager at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

phoenixchildrens.org 602-933-0935

Farmers markets are a great way to stock up on fresh local produce, but they can be a fun family outing too.

Here are 5 reasons to visit your local farmers market:

1 2 3 4 5

To find a list of farmers markets near you, just do a simple Google search. Get out and have fun!

Discover new foods

Farmers markets carry fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and you may even find produce you have not tried yet or seen at the grocery store. If you see something new, don’t get intimidated by it, but instead, ask about it or see if you can try a sample. The farmer would probably be happy to talk to you about it and may even share some fun recipes!

Look for the rainbow

Eating a diverse color of fruits and vegetables ensures you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. Do a scavenger hunt! See if you can find and buy an item for each color of the rainbow.

Enjoy the season and taste real flavors

The produce sold at the farmers market is the freshest and tastiest you will find. It is minimally processed, often grown organically, and chemical free, which is better for your health. It also doesn’t travel long distances to get to your table. Did you know fruits and vegetables travel, on average,1,200 miles before reaching your grocery store shelf? Farmers market produce is as real as it gets!

Support local farmers

Small family farms need your support! They have a hard time competing against large companies, so shopping at a farmer’s market ensures your money stays within your community. Many accept EBT/SNAP/WIC vouchers to make it more affordable and offer double the amount for the same price!

Listen, dance, do!

Farmers markets offer more than just shopping for fruits and vegetables. You will often find live music, arts and crafts, and other activities the entire family can enjoy.

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Boomer Bear Climbs Into the Cockpit for... The U.S. Navy recently conﬁrmed that the video footage from 2019 is authentic.

Have you ever wondered what an astrobiologist is and what one does? I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Graham Lau, an astrobiologist who shared much about his work and the field of astrobiology. He said an astrobiologist is someone looking for signs of life in the universe. Some people immediately think that astrobiology is looking for little green men on Mars. However, it is far from that. Astrobiologists are looking for other life signs both on Earth and elsewhere in the universe. They are trying to explore and find life out there. They also study the origins of life. Did life start on Earth or somewhere else? How does life change in the environment? What is the future of life? So, astrobiology is a big field. It includes people who work ition. in oceanography, t," during a FameLab compet Dr. Lau, the "Cosmobiologis biology, chemistry, astrophysics, and geography and even those who classify and try to understand history and culture. Lau says his main job is to communicate science with other people. He is also a geochemist and so he has traveled to impressive, cool places on Earth for his work! He went to the high arctic and collected bits of material there. He likes to explore what remote environments on Earth can teach us about finding life on other worlds. I think he has a cool job! Lau likes to watch Star Wars and Star Trek. He is also into video games and sci-fi. He jokingly said he was a self proclaimed nerd when he was young. He watched Star Wars repeatedly. Back then there was not Star Wars LEGO. He said he used to take LEGO bricks and take the hot piece of a rocket model launcher and heat it up to create his own Star Wars LEGO. He made his own 10 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Image: cosmobiota.com

by Reporter Theron Plant, Jacobson Elementary

Looking Deeper Into Our Galaxy’s Beginnings

Searching for Signs of Life

lightsabers out of LEGO! As part of his work in astrobiology, Lau said one time he found a mineral in the high arctic that was not supposed to exist in cold temperatures. He said he found it on top of a glacier. The way that he found it was using an X-Ray Diffraction or XRD. So, he used that instrument and it told him that there was a really weird mineral that was not supposed to exist on a glacier. He drafted a paper about it suggesting that it was formed because of life that was present—it caused the formation of the mineral. He said that was pretty exciting for him to discover! So to wrap up, I will say that Dr. Lau has an amazing job! It was an incredible experience to hear from him and I hope that this inspires you to begin exploring, creating and discovering in your own house just as Lau did! Be curious and ask questions! Don’t be afraid. To learn more about Lau visit NASA’s show hosted by him called “Ask An Astrobiologist” or visit his website at https://cosmobiota.com/.

Credits: NAS A/Chris Gun

f you are one of those people who’s always looking up, you’re bound to see something beautiful, wonder how the universe started or maybe see something unfamiliar ﬂying through the sky! Boomer Bear has been watching the skies lately, too—and wondering how much do we really know about our galactic neighborhood?

Look, Up in the Sky…It’s a What?! Mysterious lights, fast flying objects, wreckage of crashed machines, military or government cover-ups. For decades UFOs—unidentified flying objects—have been a fantastic part of our pop culture. Now a recent report to Congress, including an unclassified version for the public, reveals what our military and even satellites have “seen” lately. Instead of UFOs, the report calls these flying objects and sightings “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena,” UAP for short. In August 2020, our military set up the UAP Task Force to COMPILE the report, which covers sightings mostly by Navy pilots from 2004 through 2021,

The James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch on Dec. 18. This BEHEMOTH Final preparat weighs 6,500 kilograms or over 14,300 ions of the N ASA James Webb Space pounds. The solar powered instrument will Telescope fo r shipment make the first part of its journey into space to the launch site! with its gigantic solar array folded. The JWST will leave Earth aboard a rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, on the northeast coast of South America. JWST is an international program led by NASA with its partners the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. When it reaches space, JWST will unfold its sunshield and 18 hexagonal mirrors and start generating its own power. The infrared observatory will be able to see through clouds of cosmic dust. The JWST will extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, according to NASA’s website, because its longer wavelengths will look for the formation of the first galaxies and inside the dust clouds where stars and planets are forming today. The telescope is named for James Webb (Oct. 7, 1906–March 27, 1992) who was the head of NASA during the Apollo program in the 1960s. It will be used by astronomers worldwide.

including what their sensors were able to pick up and record. Since most of these UAPs happen in or around military areas or places where our military operates, like out at sea, these flying PHENOMENA are being looked at as possible threats to our national security! In some instances caught on the fighter jet sensors and also on sophisticated ship radar, whatever these UAPs are exceed what our known aircraft can do in terms of acceleration, maneuverability and ability to operate underwater. Those are known as USOs—unidentified submerged objects. According to the report, only one of the 144 cases can be explained—and that was a partially deflated big balloon. All others remain unexplained. Some of the UAPs appear triangular, oblong (like a Tic Tac candy), round or other distinctive shapes. Obviously, the UAP report that was released this summer is just a starting point. Government officials will continue to look into UAPs and might come up with a specific reporting system to get important facts for future incidents. What do you think? Could some of these UAPs be extraterrestrials? Or could they be drone technology spying on our military or even secret research being developed by our country?

Outta This World

Art Entries!

Last month, BEAR asked readers to send in art entries for the UFO Art Contest. Here are Boomer’s Top 5 Picks! Thanks to all who entered.

Ava L. Age 10

Alexander S. Age 7

Blair L. Age 7

Nikolette C. Age 8

Illustration of the fully deployed James Webb Space Telescope.

Lily L. Age 8

Image: nasa.gov

October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 1 1

Boomer Bear Climbs Into the Cockpit for... The U.S. Navy recently conﬁrmed that the video footage from 2019 is authentic.

Image: cosmobiota.com

by Reporter Theron Plant, Jacobson Elementary

Looking Deeper Into Our Galaxy’s Beginnings

Searching for Signs of Life

Credits: NAS A/Chris Gun

Outta This World

Art Entries!

Last month, BEAR asked readers to send in art entries for the UFO Art Contest. Here are Boomer’s Top 5 Picks! Thanks to all who entered.

Ava L. Age 10

Alexander S. Age 7

Blair L. Age 7

Nikolette C. Age 8

Illustration of the fully deployed James Webb Space Telescope.

Lily L. Age 8

Image: nasa.gov

October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 1 1

Get the Scoop!

More Student CSO Last year Nikhil started work on the CSO EE (Equity for Everyone) committee. Dr. Jeremy Babendure launched the CSO initiative in 2015. He invented this unique idea of CSOs being a bridge between industry and schools by having CSOs ignite new opportunities in STEM and innovation. Elected by their peers, CSOs are students who are part of a global network of other students in grades 6–12 who serve as STEM ambassadors in their schools and communities. Volunteer adult STEM professionals, SciTech Jedi Mentors, are available to help CSOs achieve their goals. Nikhil was born in Doha, Qatar, and comes from Indian heritage, which sparked his love for Indian cuisine. He and his family moved to the United States in 2007. Nikhil says that he has a lot of STEM role models and inspiration in his family. Nikhil says that he likes science the best out of STEM, but

Continued from page 7

Continued from page 7 his best subject in school is math. I asked him what he is most excited for in the future of STEM, and Nikhil commented that it would be the fact that we can’t predict what the future holds. He can’t wait to see the new types of careers and things that will show up in the future. For example, certain types of engineering didn’t even exist previously, so it’s crazy to think that there may be developments like medical robots doing surgeries in the future. As for Nikhil’s future plans, he says he wants to study at John Hopkins Medical School to become an anesthesiologist. Nikhil says that the CSO program has given him a life changing opportunity, which has fueled his life skills and passion. If you like STEM you can learn more about the program at chiefscienceofficers. org and www.youtube.com/c/ perspectivewithcsocyra.

Autumn’s VIP Readers Fun Online Parties • Book Fairs Reading Incentive Programs Cards For A Cause Fundraisers Vendor and Other Events To Promote Community Literacy

n Mentioand d this a OFF % get 10r first u o y order

‘Cinderella’ Has Big Dreams by Reporter Georgiana Readhead, Homeschool The new “Cinderella” film is a very exciting live-action-theatrical-musical-romantic-comedy that reminds the viewer to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. The star-studded cast includes Camila Cabello (Cinderella/Ella) making her acting debut.You may recognize Cabello’s voice from her hit songs “Señorita” and “Havana.” It also stars Nicholas Galitzine (Prince Robert) who is known for his roles in the films “High Strung” and “Handsome Devil,” Billy Porter (Fab G) who is an award-winning singer and actor, James Corden (one of the producers) whose voice you may know from the films “Peter Rabbit” and “Trolls,” and Idina Menzel (Vivian) whose voice you may recognize as Elsa in “Frozen.” The movie is directed by Kay Cannon, best known for her work on the Pitch Perfect series, and follows the story of Ella, who dreams of becoming a dressmaker. Ella’s step-mother disapproves of this choice. Meanwhile Prince Robert is dealing with pressure from the King (played by Pierce Brosnan) to find someone to marry. The King wants Prince Robert to marry to gain power but Prince Robert believes that if you marry someone the relationship should be about love. While Ella and Prince Robert meet and fall in love, they are faced with challenging decisions about what direction to take their lives and their relationship. Although the film follows many parts of the classic “Cinderella” story, there are plenty of new twists and interpretations of the plot and characters.

Addams Family Back on Screen by Reporter Tre Hallberg, Homeschool It’s the perfect time of year for a movie full of spooky characters, and that’s just what you get in “The Addams Family 2.” This time they depart their famously haunted house and take their family adventures on the road! The plot was packed with action, taking you everywhere from Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon, and had lots of moments where I was falling out of my seat laughing. Not just for kids, my mother and grandmother also had their laugh out loud moments throughout the film. This wacky and exciting story will have you engaged the whole 93 minutes it’s playing. With the presence of your favorite creepy family and the introduction of some new kooky characters, this movie is exactly what everyone that watched the first Addams Family is looking for. The soundtrack makes the movie even better. The whole family will be tapping their feet and singing along with piano playing Lurch, and rap star Cousin It. Plus, of course, the movie has your favorite Addams Family song, so be ready to snap your fingers. You do not have to watch the first Addams Family in order to understand the plot of the second one, although I do recommend both movies for some all together ooky fun. After all, you don’t want to miss a Thing! MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

12 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Local Girl Scout Earns GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship Girl Scouts are leaders, and girls in grades 9–12 can demonstrate their leadership by earning the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. When a Girl Scout achieves the Gold Award she contributes to her community and the world, and she sets herself apart for prospective colleges and employers. Ariella Hirsch, a 2021 Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Gold Award recipient, also received one of the Inaugural Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarships. This scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout per council that exemplifies the core components of the Gold Award. To earn her award, Ariella designed an inexpensive device for those in a manual wheelchair to have a way to carry bags and still self propel their wheelchair. She

created this with veterans in mind and made it so they can download the PDF template and build the device on their own. Ariella is in Troop 1624 in Mesa. She came up with the idea and titled it “Helping Hand,” when she was selling Girl Scout Cookies in front of a grocery store. She saw a veteran in a wheelchair carrying a gallon of milk in a bag using his mouth. She thought, “I personally would not want to have to resort to using my mouth to carry groceries, especially (something) as heavy as milk. So I started to think, there has to be a better way to do this, to carry bags, groceries and things.” When designing the Helping Hand device made of PVC pipe available from any hardware or home improvement store, Ariella considered keeping bags to the side of

Ariella Hirsch

the wheelchair where they are accessible to the user. The PDF instructions and a video of Ariella demonstrating the device is online at www.helpinghand4vets.com. Available to girls in grades 9–12, the Gold Award program challenges girls to identify an issue, investigate it, create a plan, and take action, investing a minimum of 80 hours on a sustainable resolution. They prove their leadership skills and stand out when applying to college and seeking scholarships. Over 80 percent of Girl Scouts noted their Gold Award on college applications and interviews and on their resumes. Over 90 percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts attribute their commitment to community, development of essential life skills, and success in life to Girl Scouts! Learn more about the Gold Award, Silver Award and Bronze Award online at www. girlscoutsaz.org. Free trainings to learn about earning an award take place once a month. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/ join to learn more about joining and how to get started.

Join Girl Scouts today! Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 13

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 12

Arizona Team Shines on the Diamond in Florida by Reporter Tre Hallberg Homeschool Baseball is the sport that I love, and getting invited to play in Florida, representing Arizona, was an awesome opportunity. Team Arizona was made up of myself and nine other Arizona ballplayers selected based on game stats and previous accomplishments. We were the first Team Arizona in the history of this tournament, and we came ready to play hard. On day 1 we went undefeated, beating Team Mid-Atlantic and Team Puerto Rico both by scores of 10-2. We went on throughout the week to beat Teams Georgia, Southwest and North. After a hard week of baseball we went 5-1, making it all the way to the Championship game. That record is definitely going to be hard for next year’s team Arizona to beat. Team Arizona wasn’t the only thing that was hot in Florida, the weather was downright unbearable! Yes, Arizona does get hot, but nothing like Florida. In Florida, it could be 95 degrees out, with 90 percent humidity, making it feel more like 125 degrees. The air feels as if it is sticking to you, and you are always covered in sweat. There is nothing dry about that Florida heat, but Team Arizona didn’t let it stop us, and there’s nothing I would’ve rather been doing than playing ball in Florida that week. All of the Team Arizona boys are back in Arizona now, playing on their individual baseball teams. We will never forget our week in Florida though, and we all have our Championship rings to prove that Arizona made their mark.

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www.blackmountainbmx.com 14 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Explosion in Chandler Under Investigation by Reporter Georgiana Readhead Homeschool On Aug. 26, 2021 at 9:23 a.m. there was an explosion in my neighborhood that was found to have occurred at Platinum Printing, 4940 W Ray Rd, Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85226. I talked to some people at a nearby grocery store and a library next door to where the explosion happened to learn more about the event. The library, Chandler Sunset Library, is special to me because it’s where I discovered Bear Essential News. “I drove over and parked in the back of the employee parking area. I was due to be at work at 9:30 a.m. and I came at about 9:20 a.m. I was getting out my things, I took a couple steps then I heard this huge boom! It hurt my ears. Then I saw the explosion. It went a couple hundred feet high. My hands started shaking and I was thinking of my grandchildren because they were in a school nearby.” Says Jenny Felix, Cashier from Fry’s Food Stores. “I was just here at work. I just heard a loud boom. Our ceilings shook and our doors blew open.” said a barista at Starbucks located in Fry’s Food Stores. According to my sources, no one in Fry’s Food Stores got hurt. My local library, Chandler Sunset Library reopened on Monday Sept. 20, 2021. I was able to speak to Sunset Library Branch Manager/Admin Librarian, Sue Van Horne who said she was in her office at the time of the explosion which was scary and sounded like something big had landed on the library. The explosion was loud and rattled everything, causing books to fall from shelves and ceiling tiles and grates to come out of the ceiling. She said it was fantastic to be back at work. No one was hurt in the library.

Blast Off with CatStronauts by Reporter Brett Eymann Transitions Delta Center When a global energy shortage causes the world to go dark, a team of feline astronauts is sent to set up a solar power plant on the moon. This all happens in a book called CatStronauts: Mission Moon, which is written and illustrated by Drew Brockington. The CatStronauts are commanded by Major Meowser. He and Waffles the pilot, an inventor named Blanket and a science officer named Pom Pom will together use their skills to see if they can complete the mission. This is the first graphic novel in a series of six that sends the CatStronauts on exciting missions. The books are fun, colorful and humorous. The recommended reading age for these books are ages 6-10. MORE SCOOPS, page 17 ➧

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October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 15

Fall & Halloween Happenings B

all and Halloween activities might look a little different this year. While some families enjoy door-to-door traditional trick-or-treating, there are other options available for families. Most venues will be following COVID safety protocols, so it is a good idea to check the venue’s website to see what guidelines are to be followed.

Crayola Experience–Screamin’ Green Hauntoween Now–Oct. 31. 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2154, Chandler Screamin' Green Hauntoween is back and more colorful than ever! This event is chalk full of spooky happenings: a themed scavenger hunt, monster-iﬁc crafts, pumpkin painting, and more! Plus every weekend we'll host trick-or-treating. www.crayolaexperience.com/chandler/things-to-do/screamingreen-hauntoween Family Pumpkin Splash Oct. 23 from noon–3 p.m. Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave. Swim with pumpkins, select a pumpkin to take home, enjoy games and crafts. https://www.facebook.com/events/2772190616411317/ Goodyear Fall Festival Oct. 30 from 5–9 p.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way. Enjoy the petting zoo, pumpkin patch and bounce houses. Collect candy in the

trick-or-treat village and participate in the costume contest. This event is free. https://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/ special-events/fall-festival Halloween Festival in Apache Junction Oct. 30 from 5–8 p.m. Flatiron Park, 100 N. Apache Trail. Trunk-or-treat plus a human and dog costume contest. www.apachejunctionaz.gov/962/Halloween-Festival Halloween Stroll in Downtown Tempe Oct. 24 from 2–5 p.m., at the 6th Street Park. Trick-or-treat, enjoy activities, games, crafts and a costume contest at this free event. www.downtowntempe.com/events/Halloween-stroll Mother Nature’s Farm–Pumpkin Patch Now to Oct. 31. Located at 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert Visit the pumpkin patch, take a hayride, feed the animals and explore Alexander’s Adventure Maze for only $10 per person. www.mothernaturesfarm.com/ pumpkinpatch Tolmachoff Farms–Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze Oct. 1–31. Located at 5726 N. 75th Avenue in Glendale. Visit the pumpkin patch, have fun in the corn maze, the mini corn maze or the haunted corn maze. Visit the petting zoo, ride the train and bounce on the jumping pillow. https://app.hauntpay.com/events/pumpkin-days-corn-maze Tolmachoff Farms–AZ Field of Screams Oct. 1–31. Located at 5726 N. 75th Avenue in Glendale. Are you brave enough to enter the spooky corn maze at night? This corn maze is built on top of an old forgotten cemetery so there are bound to be plenty of spirits and thrills. https://app.hauntpay.com/events/az-ﬁeld-of-screams Schnepf Farms–Pumpkin & Chili Party Oct. 1–31. Located at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek. Enjoy the petting zoo, corn maze, jumping pillow and ride the carousel, mini ferris wheel and rollercoaster. https://www.pumpkinandchiliparty.com/ticketing Vertuccio Farms–Cooler Days in the Corn Maze Oct. 1–31. Located at 4011 S. Power Road in Mesa. Explore the corn maze and pumpkin patch. Visit the petting zoo, play on the tube slides, the hay climb and spider crawl. https://www.vertucciofarms.com/ fall-festival. Wildlife World Zoo’s SPOOKTACULAR Oct. 31. Located at 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchﬁeld. Wildlife World will be celebrating its Annual Spooktacular Event! Bring the whole family out October 31st to experience Arizona's largest exotic animal collection. Kids dressed in costume will receive free admission into the park! One child per paid adult admission. Offer not valid with any other offers. With Wildlife Encounter & Sea lion shows, animal feedings, zoo rides & over 6000 animals, it will be a treat for the whole family! www. wildlifeworld.com/

Clickable links available at bearessentialnews.com on the calendar and in the Community Blog under “Things to Do.”

16 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 14

Most Wildfires Human Caused

October 1–31st, 2021

by Reporter Dalia Bukundja Arizona Desert Elementary Nine out of ten wildfires are human caused. The biggest wildfire of 2021 was the Dixie fire burning in California. It burned more than 700 square miles. Some people were worried about air quality. The smoke was going up into the atmosphere. According to the Orange County Register, the air quality could be bad for us to breathe. Firefighters would sometimes start fires to burn the gases in the grass to stop the fires that were heading their direction. This could make for cleaner air. If you are camping at a campsite, watch for wind. If the wind is super high, it could spread to the grass which could spread to the trees and cause a wildfire. The website on “How to Prevent Wildfires” suggests dousing your campfire with water until it is cold. If you happen to have fireworks with you, make sure you do them in a safe place. If you are having a BBQ, campfire or party and your parent says, “Don’t get close to the grill or fire because you may get sick,” that is super true when charcoal is burned. Sciencedirect.com says charcoal is made from carbon and ash obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances.

Adviser: Karen Golden

ACTIVITIES:

Pumpkin Patch • Corn Maze • Petting Zoo • Play Areas Farm Market • Jumping Pillow • Train Ride • Hay Pyramid (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

MORE SCOOPS, page 18 ➧

October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 17

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 17

Making School Lunches Takes Planning by Reporter Marcus Richards Arizona Desert Elementary Do you like school lunches? What does your school provide to students in the way of meals? Juana Amezcua began as a cashier in the school cafeteria and is now the manager in our school cafeteria. She has done this for 13 years and has been a cafeteria manager for 10 of those years. Amezcua feels it is important for kids to have a good meal in order to stay healthy and it also helps with growth. She feels it is important for students to have nutritious and delicious meals approved by the state. Laura Alvarez, the district’s Food Services Director, makes up the menu for the school. Amezcua says, “The favorite meal is pozole,” a Mexican soup. They come up with recipes by having a very extensive recipe base and those recipes are based upon product availability and what students like. Amezcua says, “We serve 1,510 meals a day. The school lunches are made of five components, meat, or an alternative, grain, vegetable, fruit and dairy. Amezcua is happy to provide lunches to Arizona Desert students. Adviser: Karen Golden

18 • Bear Essential News • October 2021

October 2021 • Bear Essential News • 19

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20 • Bear Essential News • October 2021