AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE 4th-Grader Named SemiFinalist In NASA Competition

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK

– A local student was one of 45 kids selected as a semi-finalist of a national competition hosted by NASA.

The “Power to Explore Challenge” required students to submit a 200-word essay on how they would use Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to succeed in their own science mission. RPS is a type of “nuclear battery” that NASA uses to explore the solar system and more.

Sofia Chiaravalle, a 4 th grade student at Midstreams Elementary School, wrote about her idea titled “Project Cousteau.” Project Cousteau would be a rover that would investigate the depths of oceans on Europa, which is the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter

In her essay, Sofia asked: Is there any existence on Europa? Is there an ocean underneath the ice? How frigid is the water? Can you breathe on Europa?

Sofia went on to explain that the rover would collect samples, take pictures of any species, and record temperatures of the environment.

When asked what excited her the most about NASA’s RPS, Sofia expressed her eagerness to learn more about the planets within the solar system.

“I love space and writing so I started working on my entry right away. What I’m most excited about NASA’s RPS probes is that they allow us to learn more about all the planets in the solar system and they may help find life on Europa like in my essay,” Sofia said.

After being named a semi-finalist and recognized by NASA, Sofia said, “I was watching the video when they announced the semi-finalist on the screen at school, I was very excited and screamed in joy when my name popped up!”

Sofia expressed that when she grows up, she would love to be a veterinarian and

–Photo courtesy Dennis Chiaravalle Sofia Chiaravalle extensively researched technology and astronomy for her essay. have the opportunity to work at NASA.

“I do enjoy astronomy and learned the basics from my dad. We visited the planetarium at the college a few times and I’m always asking questions. When I grow up, I would love to become a veterinarian and work at NASA where I can help a create a habitat on Mars. Maybe I can go there someday!” Sofia said.

“I’m so proud of Sofia!” Sofia’s father Dennis said. “She took days to research everything she could on Europa, Jupiter, and RPS probes. It took her a long time to make it under 200 words, the original report was over 20 pages. Being able to see her learn about Europa and discovering that there might be life somewhere else in the solar system was a great joy.”

“We were thrilled when she was recognized! Sofia is very smart and she worked really hard on this project. I can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish,” Dennis added.

Summer In The Parks

LACEY – “Summer in the Parks” Program Registration is online at parksrec. egov.basgov.com/laceynj as well as in person at the Recreation Office.

They are using a new registration site this year please contact them if you are having any issues. They encourage those interested in registering for the “Summer in the Parks” Program to register online. It is also recommended for users to set up their online accounts with their information and children’s information completed before registration begins. If you have an account but do not remember the login information, please use the “Forgot username or password” option at the link provided above.

The “Summer in the Parks” Program will run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program is slated to run from June 26 to August 10. The program will not run on Tuesday, July 4.

Lacey Township residents aged 5 to 13 are eligible. The fee is $175 per child and includes 4 t-shirts as well as the end of the year pizza party.

The program will run at Clune, Hebrew, and Huff y Wallis Parks. There are no capacity restrictions this summer.

Before Care will be offered this year. Sign-in for Before Care begins at 7:45 a.m. and takes place at the park you sign your child up for camp. The fee for Before Care is $125.

Game

: Continued From Page 20 play it with ease.

Tournament events provided by the local game stores are the perfect spot for beginners to get a grasp on the game, Cottinger said. During those events, they will be able to see players using different decks and tactics, as well as meet new people. Most stores post their gaming schedule online or in the shop.

A piece of advice he also gives out to parents who might have kids that are inter- ested in the game: “Let them go to events and talk to people… let them have fun,” said Cottinger.

Just like Ward enjoys spending quality father-son time with his boy while playing Yu-Gi-Oh!, he suggests that this can be a great way for parents to get involved with their kids.

And while it might be a challenge at the very start of a person’s dueling journey due to a learning curve, the trading card scene here at the shore has created a close-knit community where everyone is welcome.

–Photo courtesy Nova Games Gamers flock to local card stores to play in casual matches or tournaments.

Summer Art Camp

LACEY – Join Lacey Recreation for the art summer art adventure! Art camp is a wonderful way to have fun, meet friends and express yourself! This camp focuses on project-based instruction, centered around daily themes. The child will be guided through a variety of projects that utilize an assortment of media. Come join the fun! Sign up today- Spots are limited! Location: Lacey Recreation Classroom;

Instructor: Diane Salkeld. Camp is from July 17 to July 21. Fee is $169. Ages: 5 to 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages: 8 to 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. To register visit parksrec.egov. basgov.com/laceynj.

Monday: Rainforest adventure

Tuesday: Aloha Summer

Wednesday: Animal Safari

Thursday: Landscape fun

Friday: Under the Sea

Youth Pickleball Class

TUCKERTON – Pickleball is the newest sports sensation taking the country by storm, and it is loved by all age groups. This class is designed for children and teens to get to know the basics of this wonderful sport. Dinking, serving, volleying, and scoring are some of the topics of instruction in this class. Come out and learn to play pickleball with your peers! Please wear sneakers and bring a drink. Paddles and balls will be provided.

Classes are held at the Pickleball Courts 5 & 6, Stanley “Tip” Seaman County Park, Tuckerton, Thursdays June 8 through June 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. Fee is $8 per person. Open to ages 10 to 16.

Barnegat Farmer’s Market

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Farmer’s Market is seeking vendors for the 2023 Season: June 22 to October 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 14 Birdsall Street Barnegat.

Interested vendors are asked to email Jeanne Broadbent jbroadbent@barnegat. net for more information and an application form.

Build Your Own Terrarium Class

TUCKERTON – The St. Francis Counseling Center is offering a free build your own terrarium class on May 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Union March and Gallery, 120 W.

Main Street, Tuckerton. Light refreshments will be served. Call 609-494-1554 to register. Limited spots available.