April Edition of the Circle Gazette

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

Volume 2, Issue 07

APRIL 2011

A Newspaper by Children for Children

An Aceful Experience

Children’s BookFest

at the 2011 Delray Beach International Tennis Championship April 30, 2011

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13 Coral Springs, FL The 19th annual Delray Beach Tennis International Tennis Championships is an ATP World Tour 250 point event that took

place this year from February 21-27. Every year, thousands of tennis fans from the local area or from as far away as Helsinki, Finland, come to South Florida to watch and enjoy great tennis for reasonable prices. In the ATP (Association of Tennis Profes-

Reporter Ismail Ercan from the Circle Gazette, as professional on-site junior reporter at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

sionals) World Tour, there are 62 tournaments that are played each year, in 32 countries worldwide, and Delray Beach is one of its locations. (The 62 tournaments exclude the four Grand Slams during the season and Davis cup matches). Each of the tournaments is given a point value by the ATP. The smallest tournaments are 250 points, the medium-size ones are worth 500 and 1000 points, and the largest one take 1500 points.

There are 42 ATP World Tour 250 point events during the season.

Although Delray Beach is one of these smaller tournaments, it is the only professional tournament in the world that has both current pro tennis players and past champions playing in the same week, on the same site. (While the pro’s tournament is going on, there is also a 3 day ATP Champion’s Tour tournament that consists of tennis legends such as John McEnroe and Mats Wilander battling it out in a round robin to win

FULL COVERAGE OF THE EVENT ON PAGES 8 to 10 This article continues on page 10

A MODERN DAY HERO

Patricia Sawo helps to educate African people about HIV

By Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL Patricia Sawo used to believe that HIV was a punishment from God. She fasted and prayed but the disease didn’t go away. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a condition in humans that makes the immune system fail.

It can be spread from mother to child and that is one of the worst parts of HIV. Ms. Sawo learned that HIV is a lentivirus. A lentivirus is a virus that has a long incubation period. She dedicated time to help people in Kenya going through the same struggle as she had.

Ms. Sawo founded the Discover to Recover Centre, which helps educate people about HIV. At this center there live many children whose parents died of HIV. Patricia has their condition and that of their parents. She now specializes in gender and women’s issues and public awareness of HIV and she has more than twelve years of experience in counseling and care as a pastor for her church. Patricia lives in Kenya and she has a deep understanding of communities in East and Southern Africa.

This woman is a hero because she helps the ones who struggle

and gives all she can. Everyone should try to be as good and selfless as Patricia Sawo.

Patricia Sawo was nominated to be a CNN hero. CNN has been nominating everyday people who do good deeds to be considered heroes, since 2007. This program is hosted by Anderson Cooper.

Go to http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive11/ index.html for information on Patricia Sawo and all the other

nominated heroes.

People don’t need magic capes or flying powers to be heroes.

Look around you. You’ll see that we are all surrounded by heroes; not like Iron Man or Batman, but ordinary people who are kind and selfless!

To know more about the Discover to Recover Centre and donate to support their project, visit www.hopespan.org/discover_to_ recover_centre.htm.

Patricia Sawo, founder of the Discover to Recover Centre.

Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge

by Aaron Cross Page 3

the tournament).

The professional men’s tournament consists of a single elimination, 32-man draw, and this year’s draw has been the best the tournament has ever had. US Open Grand Slam champion and former world number 4, Juan Martin Del Potro, committed to the tournament on his comeback from a wrist injury from last year.

Past champions Kei Nishikori and Ricardo Mello also committed to the tournament alongside past runner-ups Ivo Karlovic and James Blake. Also, the Delray Beach International is the only ATP World Tour 250 point event in the world that offers its winner a luxury vehicle. This year, Porsche was the official automobile sponsor of the event, and the winner of the tournament received a new 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera, along with $75,000. In other words- this is a major event for a local 13 year old reporter to be covering.

by Bilal Amodu, Age 13 Deerfield Beach, FL

Do not dare to miss this special event of the year, a free festival to celebrate books, on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A fun-filled day which promises to entertain the children with a realm of stories and to encounter renowned authors, hear professional storytellers, see topnotch children’s shows, and interact with storybook characters. To top it all, the first 1,000 children will receive a free book to take home. So be there to embark on such a memorable quest.

Northwest Regional Library 3151 University Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065

JACK ROLO AND THE IRS

by Felipe Peña, Age 11 Boca Raton, FL Do you owe money to the IRS (aka, the people who get you in trouble if you don’t pay your taxes)? If you do, read this story about a man named Jack Rolo who doesn’t pay his taxes and gets in trouble with the IRS. Jack Rolo had a problem with money. He would scream and yell, “I LOVE MONEY more than YOU! And I HATE the IRS!” He had a strange flying piranha pet named Jet. Why was he named Jet? Because, whenever he saw money, Jet would go crazy and fly around like a jet! Weird, huh? Okay, now to the story.

One sunny, breezy afternoon, Jack was playing in a pile of money in his nasty, unkempt yard. He yelled, “I LOVE MONEY more than YOU! And I HATE the IRS!” By the way, since Jack was playing in the pile of money, it would fly in the air, so Jet flew up, caught three dollar bills, and ripped them up into a money salad. Jack screamed angrily at Jet, “Stupid Jet! If you do that again, you will meet Mr. Flushie!” Jet

2011 Renaissance Festival at Deerfield Beach

by Sara I. Cross Page 4

10:30 a.m.

Northwest Regional Library

APRIL 15: AMERICA’S TAX DAY!

Jack Rolo, a man who doesn’t pay his taxes and gets in trouble with the IRS. Illustration by author. Color pencils on paper. quivered in fear. Soon, it got dark. Jack took Jet in his bowl with him to bed.

As Jack was sleeping, fifteen police cars and two mysterious, black, undercover cars pulled

Please turn to page 13

FGC Junior Olympic Swimming Championship

by Daniela Gómez Page 7

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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

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A

APRIL 2011

word from the editor: Intent

Editor in Chief

PATTY GOMEZ

Serena Serrano

Editorial Board Sandra Wolkov

Pedro Gómez

Production

Patty Gómez

Serena Serrano

Christie Voss

Prepress Technician Christie Voss

Graphic Designers

Dora Font

Christie Voss

Cartoonists and Illustrators

Matias Sosa Wheelock

Daniela Gómez

Daniela Gómez

Emma Gómez

Regular Columnists Aaron Cross

Sofia Serrano

Bilal Amodu

Regular Contributors

Maria & Natalie Schlecht, Daniela & Emma Gómez, Aaron & Sara Cross, Liora Elkoby, Sofia Serrano, Danny & Andy Hernández, Shadya and Bilal Amodu, Ismail Ercan and Matias Sosa Wheelock

Proof Readers

Serena Serrano

Sandra Wolkov

Website Master

Victoria Martinez

Circulation

The Circle Gazette is available online and it’s distributed in paper via individual, classroom and library subscriptions. Free copies are available at community partner institutions (libraries, museums and educational organizations). This publication is currently distributed in more than twenty cities in South Florida and has subscribers and contributors from California, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Caracas-Venezuela, Rivas-Nicaragua and San Jose-Costa Rica.

We are immensely proud of the work our young writers and artists put in every month for the Circle Gazette. We see remarkable progress in the quality of their stories and their art, on the clarity of their opinions and the sharpness of the interviews they conduct. Of course, this is in part due to our contributor’s ongoing growth.

Their skills naturally strengthen and evolve as time goes by. We also attribute this development to their sustained inner drive, their interest in writing more stories, creating sequels, interviewing public figures and finding out what and how to report an event.

Joseph Chilton Pearce describes it in his book Magical Child, by elaborating on Jerome Bruner’s observation, with a straightforward but powerful sentence: “Intent,” which drives the child from within, “precedes the ability to do.” This is what we have seen happening. This is what we want to continue to foster.

In this issue, you will find the story of one of our journalists who covered a professional tennis championship. Ismail Ercan was accepted as an official member of the media in his role as a reporter from the Circle Gazette.

Professional reporters treated him

with respect and consideration as a “colleague.” Our young reporter has been honing his journalist skills for some time with various interviews and articles published in the paper. He looks for what is noteworthy in a story, what research he needs to do before the interview, what questions to ask, how to write about it when he has the answers, how do professional reporters go about doing this, and so on. By going through this process several times he has, not only developed the ability to get a better understanding of what journalism is about but also, earned the opportunity to spend a couple of days working and mingling with professional reporters and professional tennis players, to develop his talent further if perhaps he decides to become one of them when the time comes.

Many other Circle Gazette reporters are making their way through their communities to find the latest stories and report to you what they see and hear; what matters to them. Don’t miss the amazing stories this month: Sara Cross covered the 2011 South Florida Renaissance Fair, Daniela Gómez reports the happenings at the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic Meet, Emma Gómez in-

terviews two young local swimmers and Aaron Cross - always in his quest to create awareness for a healthier environment- reports from the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge. As always, you’ll find the riveting political remarks of Bilal Amodu in his column Kids & Politics and; this month we have a whole page full of what’s new in the British School Caracas, Venezuela.

We can safely say that intent to be an adult and operate successfully and happily in the adult world precedes the ability to do that. We are first kids; then we grow. What happens in that growing process is what matters!

Our writers and artists are not adults yet, (this is proudly a newspaper written by children) but they have every intention to be fantastic, creative, productive, responsible, accountable, motivated and happy grownups. They are rehearsing for it every day.

The impressions their brains receive continuously from the process of developing their stories and refining their art, serve as solid foundations to the new experiences that will come tomorrow.

Patty and Pedro Gómez Editors

Kids & Politics Recalling a Mayor

I am sure you are wondering why anyone would want to recall Free Copies Available at Mr. Alvarez. Well, there are many The Coral Springs Museum of Art The Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater The Northwest Regional Broward County Library The British School Caracas Hello, my loyal readers and wel- things that led to this election. come to this addition of Kids & One of them is how the mayor Sales, Advertising and Sponsorship Politics. You may or may not have proposed raising property taxes Mindy Joseph Jodi Jaffe heard of the turbulent demonstra- for around 40% of Miami-Dade 954-9182541 tions occurring in the Middle East homeowners. Like in any other TO SUBMIT WORK over unpopular leaders. Well, as it case, this movement to recall TO SUBMIT WORK The Circle Gazette is a publication available to public school, private school and homeschool students. Email a copy of your work, as a major word processor file or as a jpeg file, at info@enrichmentcircle.com. All entries should be accompanied by the parent/gua turns out, our local community is no the Mayor was led by a polarizThe Circle Gazette is a publication available to public school, private school and homeschool students. Email a copy Norman Braman, who led stranger to such dissatisfaction. Last ing figure, Norman Braman, a of your work, as a major word processor file or as a jpeg file, at Information info@enrichmentcircle.com. to contributors All entries should be the recall effort against month, hadofan election recall ofwealthy Circle Gazette theonline right toat edit, accept and refuse articles in we the interest brevity, clarity andto appropriateness subject matter.car salesman. His efforts accompanied by the parent/guardian consent to print.The Submission Form toreserves be found Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Miami-Dade mayor Carlos Alva- prevailed since on March 15, Mr. www.enrichmentcircle.com.

YOUNG CHILDREN PROVIDE A WEALTH OF WISDOM, FRESHNESS rez.

I am sure you are curious what Alvarez.

AND NEW PERSPECTIVES a recall election is and why it would Alvarez’s tenure of the mayor’s Information to contributors happen to Mr. Alvarez. Rest assured office was brought to an end by to them who put their own interests The Circle Gazette reserves the right to edit, accept and refuse the interest of brevity, claritytoand Thearticles Circle inGazette is packed from cover cover with the latest stories and creations of children of all ages; about local affairs, the environment, art, sports, entertainment and puzzles that engage and inspire young minds!

88% of his constituencies.

I will provide an explanation. above the will of the people. appropriateness of subject matter.

I approve of this effect since I A recall election is an election Now with Alvarez recalled, we The Circle Gazette is a one-of-a-kind publication because: where the people vote to remove do not think Mayor Alvarez had the must see if his replacement will take YOUNG CHILDREN PROVIDE A WEALTH OF WISDOM, FRESHNESS people of his city in mind when he unsatisfactory officials from office • It transcends one school/homeschool community. It goes beyond a state or a country. It’s about widening writer’s and reader’s horizons!

AND NEW PERSPECTIVES madeis created suchby infamous decisions. I this election as a lesson, or if this • is addressed This to children and the content children before their termsIt expire. pothat this can show some will fuel other recall movements.

• involves a multi-age/multi-level group ofthink contributors litical effort was Itdeveloped in the also The editorial team keeps a holisticelected and nourishing quality in thewhat selectioncan of content and design Basically, good luck, Florida officials happen The Circle Gazette is packed from cover to cover with the latest•stories and creations of children of all ages; about early 1900s in Oregon during the

by Bilal Amodu, Age 13 Deerfield Beach, FL

local affairs, the environment, art, sports, entertainment and•puzzles that engage and inspire young minds!

•

It’s a high quality mix of a variety of styles and topics It offers valuable feedback to authors

The Circle Gazette is a one-of-a-kind publication because: • It transcends one school/homeschool community. It goes beyond a state or a country. It’s about widening • • • • •

writer’s and reader’s horizons!

It is addressed to children and the content is created by children It involves a multi-age/multi-level group of contributors The editorial team keeps a holistic and nourishing quality in the selection of content and design It’s a high quality mix of a variety of styles and topics It offers valuable feedback to authors

On March 15, 2011, Mr. Alvarez’s tenure of the mayor’s office was brought to an end by 88 percent of his constituencies.

The Enrichment Circle

A Non-Profit Organization for the Advancement of Education

Progressive Reform movement.

The way a recall can work is that if the people are unsatisfied with an elected official and are unable to wait to just vote them out in the next election, they can engineer a petition which requires a certain number of signatures. Then, there must be an election where voters vote whether or not to recall the said official. If a two- thirds majority votes yes, the official will be recalled and an acting official will be placed or a date for a special election to replace the official will be set and held.

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

APRIL 2011

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THE EVERGLADES

Visiting the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge

by Aaron Cross, Age 13 Boca Raton, FL The Everglades is a vast swamp in South Florida. It covers 1,506,539 acres of protected land. This swamp is home to the largest variety of animals in the United States. It is the only natural place in the world where you can find both alligators and crocodiles.

Although the Everglades are great, this land is not what it used to be. In the past, humans have drained the Everglades to make farm land and build housing. The Everglades are now nearly half the size of what it used to be. Animal habitats were destroyed, and the constantly flowing ‘River of Grass’ that used to run all the way through the Everglades now exists only because of canals that conservationists have built to keep it flowing. Every single person who learns about the Everglades and helps to protect it brings us one step closer to restoring this beautiful swamp.

One person who dedicated his life to protecting the Everglades was a man named Arthur R. Marshall. He was an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. During his career he largely engaged in and supported efforts to teach the public about the Everglades and the importance of protecting it. Unfortunately, Marshall passed away in 1985 before he could organize a foundation. Fortunately, his nephew decided to continue his uncle’s work. He founded the Arthur R. Marshall foundation in 1998, to undo what humans have done in the past and reconnect Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and the Kissimmee River and save the slow flowing ‘River of Grass’. Being run mainly by volunteers, this foundation ended up planting more than 100,000 native Florida trees and has managed to collect and plant almost 3,000 pounds of Cypress seeds. More than $350,000 of scholarships have been awarded to kids seeking a career in protecting the Everglades.

Because the organization was such a big influence on the minds of the public and made national refuges much busier, in 1986 the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge was named after the late Mr. Marshall and it’s now known as the Arthur R. Marshall (A.R.M.) Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge.

The main entrance is located west of US highway 441, north of Atlantic Blvd. and south of Boynton Beach Blvd. on Lee road, past the farmers market called ‘Bedners’. It is a national refuge where animals do not have to fight humans to survive. It is one of 538 national refuges around the country. The cypress swamp and the marsh are open to the public. You only have to pay five dollars to get in with your car and only one dollar to get in as a pedestrian.

For eighty dollars you can buy an annual pass, and go there as many times as you want during that year. Annual passes can be used at any national wildlife refuge in the country. Inside the visitors’ center there are exhibits to teach you about the Everglades and the refuge. There is also a gift shop inside where you can buy all sorts of animal and nature themed souvenirs. All proceeds from the gift shop and entrance fees go towards maintaining the refuge. In various areas there are places where you can canoe, drive your boat, ride your bike, or even just sit down and relax. You can go slogging through the marsh if you are sure you know what you are doing, and get permission from a skilled employee. You are not allowed to bring any plants, animals, or anything else out of the refuge, even if they are dead or fallen. Dead organic matter is recycled back into the environment, and is what makes up the floor of the marsh. The refuge is open from sunrise until sunset most days of the year. Night use is forbidden due to the animal activity (some of it dangerous) that goes on during the night.

This March I went to the Loxahatchee Wildlife refuge on a tour just for homeschoolers. We explored the marsh and the cypress swamp. We all got to see many different animals including the turkey vulture, common moorhen, great blue heron, cattle egret, and the infamous alligator. I had a great time. After the tour, I interviewed our tour guide. Her name is Serena Rinker and she is an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Here is how the interview went...

Aaron for the Circle Gazette: How long have you been working here?

Serena: I have been working here at the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge for twenty years.

Aaron for the Circle Gazette: What got you interested in swamps, wetlands, and

Facts about…Black Bears Height: 2-3 feet (.6-.9m) at shoulders Length: 4-7 feet (1.2-2m) from nose to tip of tail Weight: Males weigh an average of 150-300 lbs (68-158 kg), females are smaller. Exceptionally large males have been known to weigh 500-600 lbs (227-272 kg).

Lifespan: Average lifespan is around ten years, though black bears can live upward of 30 years in the wild.

Did You Know... … that the Florida black bear is the largest native land mammal in Florida? It is shy and secretive, hiding in dense vegetation and rarely seen in the wild. The Florida black bear has a shiny, black coat of long fur and a light brown nose and snout. Some black bears have white diamond-shaped patterns on their chests.

After “patterns on their chests.” Please replace the following sentence with: “Their short tail is almost always hidden by its long fur, and their long, sharp claws help the bear climb trees or dig for food.”

These bears enjoy eating acorns, insects, berries, saw palmetto and Sabal palm fruits, armadillos and honey. Photograph Credit: Jim Phillips.

Reporter Aaron Cross meets Serena Rinker an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge. their wildlife?

Serena: When I was young my parents would ask me to do chores, and I always wanted to do outside things like raking leaves. Also when we went on vacation we would go camping instead of going to amusement parks. I was also a girl scout when I was even younger.

Aaron for the Circle Gazette: How long has the Fish and Wildlife Service been open and functioning?

Serena: Actually, the first national wildlife refuge was founded in 1903. Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt organized a wildlife refuge here in Florida called Pelican Island.

We have had a few name changes over the years, but the organization itself is over a hundred years old.

Aaron for the Circle Gazette: What are your favorite animals?

Serena: My favorite birds are the green heron and the pipe-bill grebe. My favorite reptile would have to be the five-lined skink. My favorite mammal is the bobcat.

Aaron for the Circle Gazette: What advice would you give to children who would like a career involved with nature

and wildlife?

Serena: My advice to children, who want to have a career working with outdoor and nature, is to start by volunteering at local wildlife and nature centers at a fairly young age. A lot of places allow children under the age of 16 to volunteer with their parent’s permission. We at the refuge here have a volunteer program. I also suggest that once they reach high school they should see their guidance counselor and get advice on certain types of classes if they have an idea they would like to pursue. They should continue volunteering through college and take classes that would help them, and also to get involved with an interning program where you get paid to work if you are off from school. The US Fish and Wildlife service has many different programs for college kids, so that when they graduate they will have a job with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

I hope all of you reading this article will visit the A.R.M. Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge and other refuges around the country to honor Marshall’s work and dedication to protecting the Everglades.

Changing the World for the Better

by Emma Gómez, Age 7 Margate, FL It is the year 2011 and the Florida Black Bear is very endangered because its ecosystem has been damaged by pollution, poaching and the cutting of trees.

This problem can be solved if we stop contaminating the water and the air.

This problem can be solved if we don’t overuse water.

Did You Know... … that there are at least 600,000 black bears in North America? In the United States, there are estimated to be over 300,000 individuals. The Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolu) and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) are threatened subspecies with small populations. The Florida black bear once ranged throughout Florida and numbered over 12,000. Today there are believed to be only 1500 bears surviving in the region. With destruction of the black bear’s forested habitat expected to accelerate in coming years, management under the Endangered Species Act will help the people of Florida recover a valuable part of their wildlife heritage.

Florida Black Bear Cub

This problem can be solved if we recycle plastics, paper and cardboard.

This problem can be solved if we put garbage in its proper place.

This problem can be solved if we stop cutting down too many trees.

This problem can be solved if, overall, we protect the environment of the Florida Black Bear.

I want to spread awareness about the importance of using water wisely, and you can join me!

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APRIL 2011

A Bit of the 16th Century in South Florida

by Sara I. Cross, Age 11 Boca Raton, FL On February 21, 2011, my mother took my brother and me to the 19th Renaissance Festival. The event took place at Quiet Waters Park, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The festival featured many ways to entertain young and old alike. There were many booths selling food, drinks, and merchandise having to do with the Renaissance period. The Festival focuses on the European Renaissance, most often called the Medieval Period.

The European Renaissance took place between the 15th and 17th century. During that time period, people started to disperse from the Catholic Church and the Pope. People like English King Henry VIII started their

own Church, now known as the Church of England. A European monk by the name of Martin Luther started his own religion, called Lutheranism. More and more people started to do things that the Catholic Church did not allow. The Church believed that people should spend their time working for the Church. In the time of the Renaissance, people spent more of their time playing games, and only working the bare minimum. The Renaissance period also contributed to the rise of Fairy Tales. People dressed up as fairies and witches, things the Pope would have thought inappropriate. The Renaissance Festival was geared towards Renaissance Spain.

I took my press pass with me to the Renaissance Festival, and talked to Alan Gardner,

Alan Gardner, owner of Creations in Glass.

owner of Creations in Glass.

He has made his career the art of glass sculpting, and travels the country, making and selling his products at Ren-Fests. He has been working with glass for forty two years. Twenty two of which have been at Renaissance Festivals. He started his career driving trucks for glass blowing companies. He loved the beautiful things you could make, and wanted to learn how to work the glass. He read drawing books to learn the art, and practiced hard to get good at controlling the glass. Now he is a member of the American Scientific Glassblowing Society, making little glass sculptures, so detailed, they look real!

Mr. Gardner told me that glass sculpting and blowing were very important in the Renaissance time. Glass was used for holding things, for it is lighter, and stronger than clay. It was used for making cobblers’ lamps, candles with little glass balls filled with water that were hung around them. The balls reflect the light outward, making the room much brighter. Fishermen used to put glass balls filled with air into their nets to make them float. Glass was very important in the Middle Ages.

To learn more about Alan Gardner and Creations in Glass, visit him at www.creationsinglass.net.

The Renaissance festival featured lots of shows, including singing, dancing, magic tricks, plays, animals, and jousting. I

PET RATS

by Sarah Damas, Age 8 Coconut Creek, FL

My name is Sarah Damas. I am 8 years old.

I used to have rats. I gave my rats away because I have asthma. One was black and the other one was white and tan. The person I gave my rats to had six rats, but now that I gave my rats to them they have eight! The black one’s name is Gaby; the white and tan one’s name is Jessie. Gaby was crazy and climbed on the blinds, Jessie was scared. If you want to know all the pets their new owner has I’ll tell you: fish, a dog, two cats, two birds, and eight rats. I do not know how they get along but they do.

“At least I have a pet mouse!

His name is Mickey!”

Illustration by author.

Pencil and color pencils on paper.

I miss my rats. My mom was sad for days. But everything was fine, because the new owner is a vet. Now I have a new friend and I get to visit my rats. At least I have a pet mouse! His name is Mickey!

He’s tan.

Illustrations by author.

Pencils on paper.

Reporter Sara I. Cross meets knights from Noble Cause Productions at the 2011 South Florida Renaissance Festival. watched a joust between Spain and Italy. After the show I interviewed Sir William, Lord of Whitehall, his true name being Bryan Beard. He told me that he had “always loved the idea of chivalrous knights from the storybooks, like King Arthur, like Lancelot and Galahad. So when a gentleman asked me if I wanted to go and learn for real, I said yes.” Mr. Beard continued: “… I worked for him for a few years, and then I was lucky enough to start my own company, and now he sometimes works for me, and so does his son. It has come around a full circle.” It is nice to be able to do something you want to do, and even more nice to get paid for it. His company is called Noble Cause Productions, now one of the larg-

est, most respected, and most established joust troops in the country. Noble Cause was voted best joust troop in 2010. He and his knights, squires, and horses go to Renaissance Festivals all over the country, performing shows for different audiences.

He started working with jousting companies in 1987, and did his first Renaissance Festival in 1990. To learn more about Bryan Beard and his troop, go to www.noblecausejoust.com.

I think that the Renaissance Festival is a great experience for any child, unless that child prefers playing video games. It is a great way to have fun for adults too, so go and enjoy yourselves.

The next Festival is in Oklahoma. Find out when it is at a location near you!

“Welcome Englishmen!

Welcome Englishmen!”

by Felipe Peña, Age 11 Boca Raton, FL When the Puritans landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, they soon found out that “Indians” inhabited this land. The White men were scared that the Indians would bring war to their new colony. One normal day, a tall brave Indian named Samoset came solo to the Puritan colony. When the Puritans caught sight of him, they were not happy to see him. But, Samoset spoke welcoming words: “Welcome Englishmen!

Welcome Englishmen!” he

hollered. The Puritans just stared at him, relieved. Before anyone could speak, Samoset speedily declared his intention of staying with the Puritans all night. “How rude of him to invite himself,” the colonists thought.

The next day, he would not leave, so the newcomers sent Samoset to find his Chief, Massasoit. Soon, Massasoit came with 60 armed Indian warriors. All looked fearsome in their war painted skin, feathers, and fur all over them. But as a matter of fact, they were not there to attack. Massasoit wanted peace between the Puritans and his tribe. He proposed

a treaty and smoked the pipe of peace with John Carver, the first governor of this colony. This treaty was kept for as long as Massasoit lived. The Puritans and the Indians both lived in peace for quite a while.

Sadly, Massasoit got sick and died. Things got worse after he died. There was a tribe South of Plymouth which hated Massasoit`s tribe. When they found out Massasoit had a peace treaty with the Puritans, they were horrified. Soon, they sent a messenger to the Puritan colony with a snake skin bag filled with bows and arrows. The messenger approached the new governor of the colony, William Bradford, ferociously. The messenger showed Bradford the scaly bag. Bradford asked, “What does this mean?”

The young Brave answered angrily, “War, War, War!” Bradford answered calmly, “Very well then.” Why did he answer calmly? Because Bradford filled the sack with gunpowder! Soon, the Indian messenger dashed away to his village. When the villagers saw the gunpowder, they were really scared! So the tribe left the Puritans alone, and the colony lived in peace. Well, for a little while…

APRIL 2011

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

Theatre World My Favorite Shorts

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL On the chilly evening of Wednesday March 2, 2011, I went to the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach to watch my friend, Liora Elkoby, perform in My Favorite Shorts, a series of ten short plays directed by Michael Andron. My friend played the Little Gray Man in the Golden Goose, a Wave in the Fisherman and his Wife and Therese in the Birthday of the Infanta.

My favorite stories were A Marriage Proposal (aka the Proposal), Saturday, the Attack of the Moral Fuzzies and 15 minHamlet. An actor that impressed me a lot was Rafi de la Zerda, he was in A Marriage Proposal, the Monkey’s Paw and the Attack of the Moral Fuzzies. I think that his best performance was in A Marriage Proposal.

A Marriage Proposal is a oneact farce by Anton Chekhov written in 1888 and first performed in 1890. As a farce, this comedy was supposed to (and it did!) entertain the audience by presenting an extravagant plot using sophisticated verbal and physical humour, that included word play and well performed characterizations of a hypochondriac (played by De la Zerda). This short had a fastpaced plot and its speed increased as it went on. There were only three characters on-stage. Lomov (De la Zerda) is the neighbor of Stepan Stepanovich Tshubukov (Blake Mars) and has come to propose marriage to Stepan’s daughter, Natalia Stepanovna (Janna Berenson). After Lomov has nervously asked and received permission to marry Natalia, she

My Favorite Shorts, a series of ten short plays directed by Michael Andron at the J’s Cultural Arts Theater in Aventura.

is invited into the room, and he tries to convey to her the proposal. When he shyly tries to talk to her they get into an argument about the ownership of nearby meadows. It was really funny when Lomov would occasionally collapse on the couch and complain that he had ‘palpitations’ and ‘numbness’ in his leg. Lomov eventually gets kicked out of the house and Natalia realizes that he was actually trying to propose to her. She begs her father to bring him back and when he does they end up getting into another argument, this time about the quality of their hunting dogs. In the end, and after I had laughed all I could, the play ended with Natalia saying that her dog was better than his!

An interesting thing about My Favorite Shorts is that it had two casts! Cast A and Cast B. My friend, Liora, was in Cast B and I saw only that cast’s acting. A few of the kids in Cast B including Rafi de la Zerda, David BenArie and JoAnn Battat were in both casts; but mostly, there were different kids. Each cast did the same show, same script but at different times. My Favorite Shorts was a mixture of comedy, tragedy and fairy tales. It even had a bit of Shakespeare. 15-min Hamlet was like a messy dress rehearsal! It was meant to be that way though.

Everybody had a good laugh.

When we entered the theater, the show had just barely started with the Gooseberry Mandarin. It followed with the Golden Goose.

I didn’t get to understand the Gooseberry Mandarin that much because we came in a little late.

The acting was rich though!

You have probably heard of the Golden Goose. A story about the young boy everyone called Simpleton (Yael Sterenfeld) who was the only one who shared his food, poor quality as it was, with an old man (Liora Elkoby). I liked that story not only because of the acting; but it had a good plot too.

Saturday was a really funny short. There was a Jewish man (David Ben-Arie) somewhere on a Saturday. A woman (Alaisha Alexander) was scrubbing the floor. She had a cast on her arm and was cleaning with the other one. The man said that he needed to go downstairs. The woman told him to go down the elevator. The

man said that he couldn’t push the button because that was work and he couldn’t work on a Saturday.

He said that he would go down many stairs. The woman thought he was crazy because he could go down a long flight of stairs but he couldn’t press a button! It was hilarious! After a long time, the lady pressed the button and the man disappeared down the elevator. We laughed so much during that story! It was so amusing at the end to see the woman pressing that button to help him go!

The costumes were creative and beautiful. I was very moved with the setting, it was like one big set, and a few extra things like chairs and tables. The main set could be a house. If it was turned, it could be something really different! When I was in A Christmas Carol, there were two ‘turntables’ that were the city on one side and Scrooge’s house in the other! It was fun standing on it while it was pushed from the house to the city!

I loved going to watch My Favorite Shorts! Go to www.jcctheatre.com for more information on the show and this season. The cast list of My Favorite Shorts is also on that site. I really wish that the same actors and actresses would come together to perform the same collection of ‘shorts.’

I would definitely recommend that you keep an eye out for the upcoming plays “Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Bloom!” from March 30 - April 10 and “Radium Girls” from May 11 – 22. Watch many plays and shows and come with me as the lights go out!

A Family Night at the Opera

by Alizdair Sebastien Ray, Age 7 play because it was in Italian. My Mommy and Daddy told me they Davie, FL will have subtitles in English.

I felt a little better. My MomMy parents and I enjoyed a my suggested that I watch them night at the Opera in Palm Beach on stage and listen. I did that a on Feb. 24, 2011. It was our first little and it was not hard to undertime seeing one as a family. My stand what was going on. I still mother had seen Lakme and La found the beginning to be boring Boheme in South Florida. My but it was funny in the second act.

Daddy saw the musical Phantom I really enjoyed it with my famof the Opera in London, England. ily and I’m lucky to have expeWe saw Cosi Fan Tutte (Thus rienced it as a young child. It is a Do They All). I wasn’t set out different feeling when you go to to love the opera but my parents the movies as a family. You have love exposing me to different fun at the movies but the opera is things. I’m lucky to have parents like reading a book. It told a story. who do that for me. I was scared Here is an outline of the opera that I wouldn’t understand the (Source: Wikipedia):

Act I: In a cafe, Ferrando and Guglielmo (two officers) express certainty that their fiancées (Dorabella and Fiordiligi, respectively) will be eternally faithful.

Don Alfonso joins the discussion and lays a wager with the two officers, claiming he can prove, in a day›s time that these two, like all women, are fickle. The wager is accepted: the two officers will pretend to have been called off to war; soon thereafter they will return in disguise and each attempt to seduce the other›s fiancée.

Act II: The scene begins as a double wedding for the sisters and their «Albanian» grooms.

Despina, in disguise as a notary,

5

GREAT CATCHES!

Cure Spring Fever with a book!

by Bilal Amodu, Age 13 Deerfield Beach, FL Hello, my loyal readers. Welcome to the spring addition of Great Catches. Now that spring has arrived, one can have a plethora of fun outdoors. The temperature is warming up, and the days are getting longer, outside fun time will surely relax you. Best of all, with a new season comes new books and, believe me, these books are fit for a refreshing spring afternoon.

Young actress Liora Elkoby played the “Little gray man” in cast B of My Favorite Shorts.

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Play Ball Amelia Bedelia Author: Peggy Parish Age level: 1st grade and up Ratings:

This book is a peculiar tale that one can only find once in a lifetime. It has all of the components of spring and a child- like innocence that will surely attract young readers. A pilot who, despite being an adult, could never understand adults, crashes in the Sahara desert and meets an interesting youth. With much difficulty, the pilot gets the prince to reveal his entire story of small planets, proud flowers, and odd adults with questionable matters of importance, a wise fox and vital life lessons. This book can be a life changing experience for the reader.

The Lion, the Which and the Wardrobe Author: C.S Lewis Age level: 4th grade and up Rating:

When one thinks about spring, the first thing they think about is baseball. Though, I can guarantee that you have never seen baseball this way. Amelia Bedelia, a literal minded house keeper decides to spend her time playing baseball with a group of young boys.

However, her literal mind causes her to play in a questionable waya way involving kidnapping one of the bases and taking it home.

The Little Prince Author: Antoine de Saint- Exupery Age level: 3rd grade and up Rating:

presents the marriage contract, which all sign. Directly thereafter, military music is heard in the distance, indicating the return of the officers. Alfonso confirms the sisters› fears: Ferrando and Guglielmo are on their way to the house. The «Albanians» hurry off to hide (actually, to change out of their disguises). They return as the officers, professing their love.

Alfonso drops the marriage con-

This book is probably the best example of the transition between spring and fall. After a century of winter, four children arrive in the magical world of Narnia which needs their help to vanquish the evil witch who rules over the land as queen. They will need all of the help they can get from the great talking lion, Aslan.

tract in front of the officers, and, when they read it, they become enraged. They then depart and return moments later, half in Albanian disguise, half as officers.

Despina has been revealed to be the notary, and the sisters realize they have been duped. All is ultimately forgiven, as the entire group praises the ability to accept life›s unavoidable good times and bad times.

The Palm Beach Opera Poster for Cosi Fan Tutte

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6

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

APRIL 2011

COMING THROUGH THE WINDOW Summer and Winter at Avila Mountain, Caracas, Venezuela

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL

Seasons in Montreal

by Emma Gómez, Age 7 Margate, FL

Summer’s coming through the window Hot and steamy like an oven Ripples of rain are pounding down Summer is like a toddler’s smile!

Winter’s coming through the window Cold up in this mountain’s height Bare of fruit and laughing pleasure Old and sleepy becomes the world

Fall’s blustering wind, brings yellow leaves The orange, red and brown spirits Come tumbling through the cold air, Walking down the street.

Winter’s snow comes falling burying the whole town Like a blanket surrounding everything.

Winter is white and long.

We are freezing and, wearing thick coats, we wait.

Summer is here, bright, hot and humid; Flowery, colorful and short.

We can eat watermelon all day long.

While the leaves in the plants jump up to the Sun.

I am a young Anhinga, My homeland is affected My ancestors have seen some better days I fly above the world And see so many things, But some of them annoy me Please help spread the word!

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE ENVIRONMENT TODAY?

Playing, Caring, Sleeping Cuddly, Curious, Electric, Lifeless Buzzing, Whirring, Working Gray, Unnatural Machine

April is a Shower of Fun!

It has so many thrilling days My favorite is April Fool’s Day! Watch out for all the pranks In every nook and every blank.

Margate, FL

Stop eating up the rainforests!

They’re home to many beings!

Would you like your city destroyed?

I’d hate to see more!

Alive, Active

Jump up and run April is full of fun!

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11

Global warming is bad For pale-fur Polar Bears Because each year they have less To make their way to where they must.

Animal

by Shadya Amodu, Age 11 Deerfield Beach, FL

TRY TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER

I look at the Everglades Oh! Would you look at that!

The water and pollution Would you like to live there now?

by Daniela Gómez, Age 10 Margate, FL

Summer is a tiny toddler Smiling up at the bright sun Winter is the ancient mother Wrapped up in a white blanket

Spring is here, at last!

The bees come pollinating and it’s a little rainy too And fresh air greets us for the first time in lots of months.

Buds are growing and green leaves spread across the trees.

I fly above the world And see so many things, But some of them annoy me The world must turn again

Animals and Machines: A Diamante Poem

“Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter”

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11, Margate, FL Soft pastels and color pencils on paper.

Seasons

by Chris Thompson, Age 14 Parkland, FL

There are tricks everywhere So buckle up, don’t stand and stare.

But the most important thing Remember with April comes testing So get ready to grab those grades Work hard, no need to dread But don’t forget the April showers And look forward to May flowers!

Summer is a time of joy, Children gather to bring laughter to the land, Though it can be sadness for those who are free of work and seeking silence, The earth fights to keep peace in the world, The world’s temperature goes up, Making all the little boys and girls stay indoors, Now due to this you shall not see or hear many children under the Floridian sun.

Winter is a time of sorrow, The chills freeze time, but, No one can stand still, The morning’s a cool breath of air, People cuddle by the heater for warmth, It’s cold, icy, frosty, and bitter; however there is no ice, None shall freeze here, Though you can still get chilly in Florida.

Fall brings changes, The leaf of the tree changes, It turns brown, red, orange, and even yellow, Then the leaf breaks into a thousand pieces, Like the leaf, life is the same, It changes through time, “Florida” Everything does, Watercolors by Emma Gómez, Age 7 Even if in Florida’s Fall the leaves don’t change, everything else does.

Margate, FL

Developed at Art Spring Camp at the Spring brings new life, Coral Springs Museum of Art Other than in Fall where things end, with Artist Rolande Reverdy Moorhead In spring new things begin, This time is not noticed often, We only enjoy spring because we know that summer is coming, Even so, children play outdoors in spring, Searching for new friends, Florida does not change so much in spring.

APRIL 2011

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

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7

Swimming Trials and Tribulations

Swimming Workouts Meet Young Swimmers Julie Mason and Lydia Szakacs

by Emma Gómez, Age 7 Margate, FL On a cool March day I went to the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex to meet my friends Julie Mason and Lydia Szakacs. We greeted each other and sat down at one of the tables by the diving well, and we began to talk. Julie is eight years old and so is Lydia.

I was meeting them to talk about swimming workouts.

Julie has swum for three years and Lydia for two. Both of them were born here in Florida. Lydia goes to North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek and Julie goes to Riverglades Elementary in Parkland.

Lydia started swimming because she liked splashing in the water and that encouraged her. Julie’s older sister (Audrey) swam and impressed Julie with all she had been doing. Julie and Lydia have been swimming for six months now in the White swim team of the South Florida Swim Club (SOFLO). They train five or six days a week in the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex located in the Sportsplex in Royal Palm Boulevard.

In Mullins Park, where I now swim, my coaches teach three teams. The names of the teams are: Red, Green and Gold. Right now I’m in green and right after Green comes Gold. But kids don’t always have to go to Gold.

Sometimes swimmers just skip to White straight from Green. The White and Blue teams swim at the Aquatic Complex as I said before.

Julie and Lydia skipped straight from Green.

The White team trains for one

hour and a half. In my Green team we train for an hour and fifteen minutes. I asked Lydia and Julie how different their new training was from their past groups.

Julie’s answer was: “It’s harder” and Lydia said: “We do more exercises.” Then Lydia added “we do more dry-land stretches and more laps.” Julie also said: “We come to the pool more days now.”

Vlad Polyakov is the coach for the White group and Eddie Bernal is the head coach for the Red, Green and Gold groups. I talked to both coaches and asked them how many laps each group swam per week. In Green group I swim an average of 284 laps in a 25 yards pool, in 4 days. In White group kids swim an average of 660 laps in a six-day week in a 25 yards pool.

I think that the swimming workout for the White group is a lot more complicated and long than the workout for Green.

Practice makes perfect. Which means someday if I, and the rest of the green group’s kids, keep working hard in our swimming; we too will be able to swim 660 laps like Julie and Lydia do now.

Besides swimming Julie plays soccer, softball and piano. Lydia dedicates herself to swimming only.

I like breaststroke myself and Julie and Lydia like it too. Julie has three to five seconds to drop to achieve her junior Olympic time for 50 yards backstroke.

Lydia’s best times are in 100 yards Breastroke and 100 yards Individual Medley (IM).

After we finished our talk, we played for five minutes and then I watched them walk to the pool to start stretching.

Lydia Szakacs and Julie Mason are swimmers with the White group of the South Florida Swim Team.

Reporter Emma Gómez meets her friends Julie and Lydia for a friendly interview.

fast times

At the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic Swimming Championship

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL On Sunday, March 13, 2011, I went to the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex to watch and volunteer as a timer at the Florida Gold Coast Short Course Junior Olympics. This meet ran from Friday March 11 to Sunday March 13. That Sunday the competition began with event seventy-seven girls ten and under two-hundred yard IM (Individual Medley: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle.) My timing partner used the stopwatch and I wrote down all the times that she told me next to the names of the swimmers. This was my first time volunteering to do timing and I was very excited!

A Junior Olympic Swim Meet is a swim meet in which only swimmers that have Junior Olympic (JO) times participate in. There is a specific JO for every stroke, age group and size of a pool. For example the Girls Ten and Under, Short Course Yards (SCY: A twenty-five yard pool) 50 yard Breaststroke JO is 43.49 seconds and the girls eleven and twelve JO time for the same event is completely different (38.99 seconds).

When a swimmer signs up for an event he or she is put into a heat, lane and event according to the stroke, distance (fifty yards, one hundred,) age and speed. Swim meets are organized in events and heats. An event would be the kind of race for example: Girls 10 & Under 50 yards Breaststroke. Pools have between 8-10 lanes so only 8-10 swimmers can race at a time. Although sometimes there are only a few swimmers per event, it’s common to have fifty or more swimmers in each race. So swimmers will be organized in groups or heats of 8-10 (depending on how many lanes are available in the meet) within a particular event to have a go at their race.

The swimmers in the first heats have slower previous times or seed times than those the last heats. The swimmers race against the same gender, age group (10 and Under, 11-12 etc.) and similar time.

I was impressed with one particular heat in which the girls looked like a straight line across the lanes from the moment they dove into the water. They stayed in that neat formation until they had about half a lap to the finish. Then a swimmer broke the pattern and surged forward. At the end everyone arrived at different times but in general, it was a tight race.

My partner and I timed lane five. The swimmers we timed were almost always in the lead. Lanes four, five and six are the fastest lanes. The swimmer with the fastest seed time is in lane five, then second and third are put in lanes four and six; the farther from the center, the slower the lane.

I was blown away with all the kids, with their speed and style. One of my first coaches used to tell us to watch the older, more experienced swimmers and see how fast they went; I still follow her ad-

Reporter Daniela Gómez speaks with Kelley Heron right after her amazing one mile swim at the 2011 FGC Junior Olympics Meet. vice. I could sit watching them race for a long time.

Swimmers don’t just smile around when the loud beep sounds telling them to dive into the water. They mean serious business; I know this because I’m one of them.

Going to the JO meet was very exciting. Some girls swam 100 yards of freestyle in less than a minute! At the end, my partner had to go and I was left to time and write down the races. The last event I timed was event number 111, Girls 11 to 14, 1,650 yards Freestyle. Yes, 1,650 yards! That equals one mile or sixty-six laps of 25 yards each! While timing this long race I was shocked by the magnificent swim of eleven-year-old Kelley Heron from the South Florida Swim Club (SOFLO). She swam all sixty-six laps keeping a strong, quick and even pace. She got faster and faster as she swam her mile! In her last lap she seemed to sprint to the wall and it was amazing that she had enough energy to do that. Some swimmers were behind her by four laps! I asked her a few questions once her event was over and she shared with me a bit about her swimming life.

Kelley Heron is native from Florida; she has been swimming since 1st grade. Her dad inspired her to swim. When she moved to Pembroke Pines, she joined the Comets Swim Team. The Comets and the Coral Springs Swim Club (CSSC) merged about a year ago and became the South Florida Swim Club or SOFLO. Kelley’s favorite stroke is Breaststroke and it is her fastest as well. When she was nine years old, she attended her first Junior Olympics Meet. She told me that she felt great about her one-mile swim.

Kelley added that she just tried her best. “I just kept my mind on it” -she explained as we showered her with compliments about her accomplishment. She told me that she does mile swims in practice and that she was a bit nervous that she wouldn’t beat her practice time, but other than that she was not a bit afraid “because I was just going to do my best” -she

Please turn to page 13

Struggles of a Swimmer

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL

I am a swimmer.

When I dive in that pool there’s no fooling around, it’s just swim as hard and fast as I can. I personally try not to think about gaining a JO (Junior Olympic time) or beating my time in the water, more often than not I find myself not fulfilling that goal if I think about it while I swim.

Some days are tougher than others. Some, I just want to quit and go home. But I often feel proud when I jump in the practice pool or dive off the block.

When my coach tells me advice about a particular stroke and what I should do about it, I lis-

ten. My coaches know what they are doing. They were once in my shoes: the swimmer looking at the coach, waiting for their workout of the day or the swimmer in track-start position on the block when a coach or official says “Swimmers take your mark.” My coaches were once just like me.

Everyone has bad days. You have to learn to cope with them.

Beware! You will have some, even if swimming is not your sport; you’ll have challenging days in anything you do. Everything comes with patience and practice. Reading, writing, soccer, swimming. Those rules always apply!

I am a swimmer and I love every part of it! I’m even used to the muscle cramps in my foot that I

get for wearing swim fins too long! Swimmers, reporters, anyone, pursuing any sport or career has to try hard and not fall for the tricks your mood plays on you, for as the future nears, it brings a certain challenge and only those brave and strong to push its barriers, will succeed. When at one point, it seems as if you will never get your wish, then that is the challenge. You must be prepared to fight it and not give up. If you do, everything else comes easy, for free: guaranteed! And you will be proud and rejoice as one of the ones who made it! … made it to that gold medal. On it a few words will be carved: You have claimed your goal! You didn’t quit, the whole way through and you are the hero of your dreams!

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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

8

APRIL 2011

Tennis News and Views

THE 2011 DELRAY BEACH INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13 Coral Springs, FL

After meeting with Ms. Lisa Franson, the Media Director of the 2011 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, and saying bye to my parents, I walked to the media room. She introduced me to Brian Faigin, a volunteer at the event. He showed me around the media building and the whole tournament site so I could familiarize myself with my

had lengthy interviews and they gladly opened up on their successful cross-country business.

Both Mats and Cameron Lickle, his partner, were great men, and Steve and I had a great time interviewing them!

As Steve got to work transcribing the interview, I went to lunch.

There were many different restaurants that had food ranging from Philly cheese steaks and fish, to chicken tenders and pizza. Soon, Mr. Dorsey joined me, and after finishing up, we headed up to the grandstand where the American number two seed, Mardy Fish was playing Brazilian Ricardo Mello. Both Steve and I were expecting to stop in on the match at the beginning of the second set, but Fish was dominating and won the match 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour! We only got to see two games of the final set! So, we headed back to the media room to prepare some questions for Mardy’s interview.

Just half an hour later, Austin Nunn, the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Represen-

tative, invited all media people to the interview room for Fish’s interview. Beforehand Mr. Nunn told me that at the end of the interview he would give me the opportunity to ask Mardy a question. He first wanted me to see how it all worked out and to listen to the other media people’s questions. Before I knew it, Mr. Nunn pointed to me and I was on the “hot seat.”

Luckily, my voice came out strong and I asked Mardy, “Would you say your expectations in tournaments have changed since you’ve reached Top 20?” He responded, “Definitely, yeah.

I think it’s fair to say that I certainly go into an event like this feeling that, if I’m fit and healthy and I can play sort of the style of tennis that I have been playing the past ten to twelve months, I could win the tournament. Over the course of those ten to twelve months, I’ve shown that I can.

Like beating 4 top ten players in Cincinnati. So yes, I do feel a lot different. I do feel that I can be more consistent and play a lot

South African Pro Tennis Player Kevin Anderson and Ismail Ercan. surroundings. My favorite places during the tour included the interview room, where I would be allowed to ask the pros questions on their match/performance and the players’ lounge. The lounge itself was built inside of a gym and had anything a player might need: Food, racquet stringers, laundry, showers, treadmills, and even ping-pong tables and basketball hoops!

As soon as Brian and I returned from the “trip,” Ms. Franson assigned us on our first “mission” of the day, before Mr. Steve Dorsey, the reporter I would be working with, arrived. Mr. Faigin and I were to head over to the Wilander on Wheels site (see article on page 10) and take photos of the trailer for an article that Steve and I would do later that day. I even managed to take several photos with Mats, an eight-time grand slam champion! When we came back, Mr. Dorsey had arrived. Mr. Dorsey is one of the main writers for the tournament’s website; www.yellowtennisball.com, and has been a journalist for almost 30 years. He formerly wrote for the Palm Beach Post, and now writes for MLB.com and American Football Monthly. Ms. Franson certainly paired me up with a great journalist!

As soon as we had gathered everything we needed, Mr. Dorsey and I headed out for Mats Wilander’s trailer to do some interviewing for our articles. We

Journalists Steve Dorsey and Ismail Ercan (Dorsey: Official Writer for the Tournament’s Website, Ercan: Reporter for the Circle Gazette)

more matches over the course of weeks and weeks and weeks, and the matches keep on adding on.

That’s the tough part about being consistent out here.”

I was so elated; I could barely keep myself from jumping out of my chair! And just a few questions later, the interview was over, just like that. My first interview of a pro athlete…a success!

After jotting down some more notes from the interview, I headed over to the grandstand once more to watch Alejandro Falla of Colombia take on Adrian Mannarino of France, in the second round.

Falla won easily 6-3, 6-2, to advance to play Mardy in the quarterfinals. (Fish would win that match).

My first day of reporting was supposed to have finished at 4 p.m. (after the day session had ended), but I loved it so much and I reckoned that I would not get an opportunity like this for a while, so I decided to stay for the night session. My dad even stopped by to watch! It was worth it!

The first singles match of the night was U.S. Open champion and former world number four, Juan Martin Del Potro taking on the Russian, Teymuraz Gabashvili. Del Potro dominated most of the match and cruised to victory. Even though the match lasted only an hour and the score was 6-1, 6-1, Gabashvili put up a decent fight. But Del Potro was too much to handle. With a huge Argentine crowd supporting him, after the match he made sure to sign many autographs, including my tennis ball! It stands on my desk proudly today.

The second night match was South African rising talent, Kevin Anderson against the French veteran Florent Serra. This match was probably the most entertaining of the day, and there was great hitting on both sides. Unfortunately for Serra, his slow start in the first set cost him the whole match despite a last second attempt at the end of the second set.

After the match, my dad caught up with me quickly outside the player’s gate, and I managed to

Mardy Fish at Quarterfinals.

Photo by CameraSport, courtesy of www.yellowtennisball.com.

Juan Martin Del Potro was too much to handle for Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili.

Del Potro won easily 6-1, 6-1.

Photo by Andrew Patrone, courtesy of www.yellowtennisball.com. snap a shot with Mr. Anderson. I thought I was tall at 5 foot eight, but as soon as I saw Mr. Anderson up close, my jaw dropped.

He was a whole foot taller than I was! I am sure he can dunk!

I finally called it a night and said good-bye to Ms. Franson, Mr. Faigin, and Mr. Dorsey, whom were all still typing away in the media room. What a day! I went to sleep that night exhausted!

U.S. Open champion and former world number four, Juan Martin Del Potro taking on the Russian, Teymuraz Gabashvili.

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

APRIL 2011

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9

Tennis News and Views

Kidz Day S E M I F I N A L S AT THE DELRAY BEACH INTERNATIONAL TENNIS Fun at the Delray Beach CHAMPIONSHIPS International Tennis Championships

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13 Coral Springs, FL

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13 Coral Springs On my second day of reporting for the Circle Gazette at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, I was assigned

by Ms. Franson, the media director of the event, to do a story on Kidz Day. Kidz Day, as the name suggests, is the annual day at the tournament that focuses on kids.

This year’s event brought 125 children, mostly ranging between ages 2-10, and their parents to the tournament on Semifinal Saturday, February 26th. The children’s admission for the day is free, with

“Kids had a good time at the Quick-start Games” the purchase of an adult ticket.

This year’s “Kidz Day” event included bounce houses, Italian ices, obstacle courses, refreshments, mini-golf, sand art, and of course, tennis.

I caught up with this year’s coordinator of the event, Danielle Kenney, and got to chat with her for a few minutes towards the end of the event. This is her third year organizing the ninety minute event for the children and she enjoys the job very much. She described the whole set-up of the event to me, “We invite a lot of charities to come… the Boys and Girls Club is here. Another big aspect of this event is the USTA

“They [kids and their parents] all look forward to coming back next year to celebrate tennis together.”

(United States Tennis Association) Quick-start Games. Those are over on the tennis courts, where they separate the courts into smaller ones for the kids to play. Some of the kids are very good [at tennis]. I think they all had a good time.”

As I went walking around the tennis Quick-start games, my eye caught Colin Alexander Gheorghe, a nearly 3-year-old toddler who was hitting balls almost twice as hard as everyone around him. I approached his mom, who was watching Colin hit with his father, and asked how he was so good. “My husband,” pointing to Colin’s father, “is a tennis coach, and ever since Colin could walk, he has been playing tennis.” Not yet 3 feet tall, with a huge blue hat covering most of his face, everyone can see that Colin has a bright future in the sport. Colin is also learning 3 languages: his parents native Romanian, Polish and English. I asked his mother if they were staying for the semifinal singles and doubles matches following “Kidz Day.” “Of course,” she replied. “We will stay here the whole day.”

Following the “Kidz Day” fun and games, many of the children and their parents enjoyed the four singles and doubles semifinals that concluded their great day.

They all look forward to coming back next year to celebrate tennis together.

Colin Alexander Gheorghe, almost 3 years old: “Hitting balls almost twice as hard as everyone around him.”

I felt comfortable on the way to the tournament on Saturday.

First of all, I felt experienced now with the whole tournament site and reporting with Mr. Dorsey. Also, I knew my way around the place pretty well so I was excited to take on my second day of reporting. Also, all the media people and security guards all remembered me (it’s pretty hard not to forget about a 13-year old reporter, wouldn’t you say?) and I felt right at home.

Before I tell my reporting experiences on day two, I must say I admire Ms. Franson a lot. She had a fourteen-hour work day every single day of the week, and I could tell she was running on coffee. On top of that she lived 45 minutes away from the tournament, so she had a nice drive in the morning too.

Brian and I were soon assigned

by Ms. Franson to do a report on “Kidz Day,” the annual event on Semifinal Saturday held every year, see adjacent article. As Brian and I headed over, I could already hear, from the screams of delight of the children, that the event was a success. There were many different activities that ranged from obstacle courses, to playing tennis. I had the chance to interview many people such as the coordinator of the event, Ms. Danielle Kenney, and the tournament chairmen, Mr. Ivan Baron. Overall, “Kidz Day” was a great event for the children and for the tournament as well.

That day, I was mostly focusing on the first singles semifinal

Juan Martin Del Potro wins 6-4, 6-4 over Janko Tipsaveric claiming the title of Champion of the 2011 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships of the ATP World Tour. Photo by CameraSport. played between past champion Kei Nishikori of Japan and the tough Serbian Janko Tipsaveric.

As part of the media, there was a section of seats in the front of the stadium reserved just for me! All I had to do was show my badge to the ticket person at the entrance, and I could sit down. I officially now loved my job for the day.

Janko had to work hard for many of his points throughout the first set, but he managed to steal away a break of serve from Nishikori to win it 6-4. In between sets, Nishikori received medical treatment for blisters on his foot which were clearly bothering him. However, this did not prevent Tipsaveric from stepping back and he won the second set 6-4 again to win the match.

He would face Juan Martin Del Potro in the finals where Del

Serbian Janko Tipsaveric plays Kei Nishikori of Japan in first singles semifinal. Photo by I. Ercan.

Potro would win 6-4, 6-4, claiming this championship as his.

After a quick lunch break, Mr. Dorsey and I managed to interview a few participants from Wilander on Wheels (see article on page 10) about their experience. They clearly enjoyed the session and got a major workout while hitting with Mats and Cameron. I admired Mats greatly for continuing playing the sport of tennis in his late 40’s and teaching others too for a reasonable price.

Afterward, I also attended both Nishikori’s and Tipsarevic’s interviews, but I was not allowed to ask any questions, so I just enjoyed the interview. Kei’s interview was especially interesting.

Despite losing and feeling pretty bad, Nishikori did not come up

Past champion Kei Nishikori of Japan at semifinals. Later, he’d credited his opponent for playing a good match.

Photo by I. Ercan. with any excuses for losing to Janko, and he credited his opponent for playing a good match, despite being hampered by blisters. He truly was a good sport.

After the interviews, I called it a tournament and thanked and said good-bye to all the volunteers that I had met, Mr. Faigin, Mr. Dorsey (for being such a wonderful mentor), and of course, Ms. Franson for giving me this great opportunity.

It felt bittersweet at the end of the day. I was exhausted, sunburned, and relieved that the day was over, yet I knew that I would not have another opportunity like this in a while.

Overall, I had a splendid time at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships and I hope I can report there again next year. Whether I will or not, this year’s tournament will live in my memory forever!

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THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

10

APRIL 2011

Tennis News and Views Wilander on Wheels: No Limit Tennis Camp An Aceful

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13 Coral Springs, FL On the morning of my first day on the job as a professional junior reporter, Mr. Steve Dorsey, the writer for the tournaments’ website, and I headed over to the Purple Parking Lot. I was at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships held in Delray Beach from February 18-27, and was reporting for the Circle Gazette. Our first assignment for the day was to interview Mats Wilander and West Palm Beachnative Cameron Lickle, founders of Wilander on Wheels (WOW).

Wilander on Wheels, which started in late 2009, is a fantasy dream camp experience where tennis pros and partners, Mats Wilander and Cameron Lickle travel cross country in their trailer coaching tennis sessions. For the non-tennis fans out there, Swedish native Wilander is one of the all-time greats of the sport of tennis. A hall of fame inductee, former number one in the world, and eight-time Grand Slam Champion, Wilander still plays and coaches today all around America and the world, with Cameron.

Although it sounds unreal, tennis players like you and me can call up these gentlemen to play tennis and they will come to you! That’s right! Instead of traveling halfway around the country, hassling with luggage and sleeping in hotels, to attend a fantasy camp, Wilander and Lickle will come to you in their famed “Winnebago” as they call it.

Their concept is “We bring the fantasy camp experience to you.”

Lickle and Wilander first met in Sun Valley, Idaho two years ago, where Wilander currently lives. Lickle, 30, played #1 on

Reporter Ismail Ercan and Mats Wilander at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships his college tennis team at Navy for 4 years, where he studied nuclear engineering. Lickle had just gotten back from his final deployment in Iraq and was playing some doubles in Sun Valley, “beating up on some local tennis pros” when Wilander saw him play and he invited Lickle to hit the following morning. Lickle describes the moment and the birth of the idea, “I remember feeling how excited I was, hitting with him. We finished up, [I] thought that would be it, we said goodbye. I was talking to the tennis pro in the shop and then Mats comes back in and says, ‘Hey, I’ve got an exhibition against Sampras in a month.

You want to come back out and get me ready?’ And I said, ‘Sure!’

And then one thing led to another, we started travelling together and created Wilander on Wheels on a cocktail napkin. [It was] his idea, mostly. ‘Cause for a better half of a decade, he’s been doing fan-

“Wilander and Lickle will come to you in their famed ‘Winnebago’... Their concept is ‘we bring the fantasy camp experience to you’ ”

tasy camps. And he had the idea of: well it’s only for the rich. You have to pay 5,000 dollars, really.

Who’s going to do that? Except for someone who is wealthy. And he goes, ‘Well, let’s just bring it to the people, so everybody can enjoy it.’” The company was conceived on September 8, 2009 and has been successfully coaching players all over America and more recently around the globe for almost two years now.

Scheduling sessions with these gentlemen, however, is a bit difficult, and must be done several months in advance to book them due to their very busy schedule.

Half of Wilander’s six months away from home is when he coaches with Lickle on Wilander on Wheels, while the other half is when he is a commentator at the Grand Slams and plays in Champions Tour tournaments.

(Wilander only schedules up to three sessions a day and most of his road stops are 5 to 6 max. per location.) But the wait is always worth it. At the Delray Beach Event, after Wilander played in the Champions Tour Event with other tennis greats such as John McEnroe, he and Lickle hit with several players in one of their 90 minute sessions. I caught up with one of the participants, Susan Yeager, after the session was over. As I walked to her I saw that she was drenched with sweat, but looked like she just had the time of her life. Her sister bought her a WOW session as a Christmas present and Susan was beaming after the experience. “It was unbelievable…It was more fun than I imagined. And also, it was more

Wilander and Lickle hit with several players in one of their 90 minute sessions.

Image courtesy of the event’s website media collection.

informative than I expected. It was really fun.” Yeager has been playing tennis for about ten years now and is one of the many participants of WOW that Lickle and Wilander encounter every day.

The participants’ ages range from juniors to senior citizens and Wilander believes that he now knows his fans better than he ever did before. “As a player, I didn’t really get to meet the fans,” says Wilander, “I mean, you meet them, but you sign a ball or a program and that’s it.

Now we (Wilander and Lickle) meet the people who make up the fan base.” The tennis experience also includes lunch or dinner with the coaches, after playing on the court.

As for the whole WOW experience, Wilander describes, “It’s fun. I’m a camper at heart, I’ve always camped my whole life.

I started camping when I was three or four years old. I loved it.

[Wilander on Wheels] It’s a fantasy camp on wheels.”

As for where they sleep Lickle says, “We do all of it…from RV parks, to truck stops, to uh… anywhere. We’ve camped in the woods…done all that stuff. Our longest cross country trip was three days from California to Washington D.C., where Mats was getting honored by the Swedish Ambassador.”

On that cross country trip, they had a blast. When Mr. Dorsey and I asked if they had any memorable camping experiences, both mentioned the Tennessee Trooper Incident. On the second night of driving, after a stop in New Orleans, Wilander was driving in very windy conditions at 1 A.M. in the morning. Both Lickle and their photographer were sleeping in the back of the trailer. All of a sudden, a Tennessee Trooper appears with sirens flashing behind the “Winnebago.” When the cop comes up to the window, Wilander tried to explain that he was a tennis legend, but the trooper did not follow tennis. He told Wilander that he had been swerving off the road and asked for the identification of the men in the back. Two minutes later, Lickle woke up to see a huge German Shepherd staring at him through the window, two feet away. He almost passed out. After the cop inspected the inside of the vehicle, (he found no drugs or alcohol) he said everything was okay, and good luck on the rest of the trip.

WOW is a great opportunity for all types of players, young and old, to hit with one of the great tennis legends without leaving the comfort of your town. Despite the generation difference, (Wilander is 46, Lickle, 30) both men get along very well and almost seem related. The twenty-nine foot trailer has allowed them to share many great experiences together and they hope to continue WOW for many years to come.

Contact information: Email address: Wilanderonwheels@gmail.com Cameron Lickle, Vice President/ Players Relations Phone: 787-438-4263 (GET GAME)

Experience Continued from page 1

by Ismail Ercan, Age 13

It was a few weeks back on Friday, February 11, when I was halfway home from school with my parents when suddenly, my mom’s cell phone started ringing.

On the phone was Mrs. Patty Gó-

The Association of Tennis Professionals or ATP was formed in 1972 to protect the interests of male professional tennis players. mez (Editor in Chief of the Circle Gazette) with excellent news. My application to be a professional on-site junior reporter at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships had been granted! After an email exchange with Mrs. Gómez, Ms. Lisa Franson, the Media Director of this important tennis tournament, decided to hook me up with one of her professional reporters to do a whole two-day coverage of the event for the Circle Gazette! I would be reporting Thursday, February 24, and Saturday the 26. As an avid tennis fan, this was like a dream come true, having the opportunity to interview professional players face to face! Many emotions all consumed me at once. Anxiety, happiness, joy, and gratefulness all flooded my mind; I was soon dizzy from thinking of it all.

What an opportunity!

As I arrived at the tournament site with my parents on Thursday morning, I could hear my heart beating ferociously inside of me; I was nervous. I was all dressed up for the job, and looked good on the outside, but on the inside, I was as jittery as an alarm clock going off at 6 a.m. Before entering the tournament site, I had to pick up my credentials at the credentials trailer. In less than a minute, the volunteer inside handed me my own press pass that would give me unlimited access to the whole tournament, including the player’s lounge! While, my parents and I waited for Ms. Franson to arrive outside the media building, Mardy Fish the current world number 15 tennis player walked right by us! It was then that the ice ball that had formed in my stomach melted. I was going to love this!

APRIL 2011

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

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11

News from the British School Caracas, Venezuela

HEALTHY EATING

by Alberto Toledano, Age 11

by Alexandra Henriquez, Age 11 Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela In the year 2009, Healthy eating was introduced to the British School Caracas (TBSC) by Edwina, the nurse, and Mr. Allen, the director. But we’re asking … “Is it fair?” Do students and teachers like Healthy Eating?

Mr. Allen, Edwina and some parents, decided to start the Healthy Eating policy, because many other good schools have it and also because teachers and students were eating so much of unhealthy foods.

Edwina told us that the students were getting too hyperactive because of all the sugar in the sweets and that that affected their studying.

Edwina, our main source, explained to us how she liked sweets and ate them a lot but despite this, she lives healthy and loves Healthy Eating with all her heart. She also told us not to eat too many sweets.

Most of the students and even some teachers, information not told not to get them in trouble, don´t like Healthy Eating, they confirmed to us that if they could change the Healthy Eating policy, they would! But what chil-

Edwina Wilkinson, School Nurse at the British School Caracas dren don´t realize is that they’re now keeping themselves fit and healthy.

Healthy Eating is one of the most of the important things in the world, because overweight children and teens are more likely to develop serious health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and type II diabetes. If current trends continue, today´s kids can die before their parents.

As you can see, Healthy Eating is very important to you if you don´t want to get fat or sick.

So, do you want Healthy Eating in the British School Caracas?

Mr. Allen is leaving!

by Claudia Sacks, Age 11 Caracas, Venezuela Between January 29 and February 2 of this year, four strangers visited our school the British School Caracas (TBSC). Their task was to win the principle’s candidacy! But, why? Don’t we already have a head?

In 2005 Mr. Allen successfully won the principal candidacy and was made the head teacher of TBSC after Mr. Free, the previous director left. Some children and staff truthfully say Mr. Allen has been the best director the school has ever had. Five years slowly passed and the time has come for Mr. Allen to sadly retire and give his place away as a school director. Does he want to?

Does he secretly shed a tear or two? Find out!

Around the end of the 19th century there were no school directors, but, just about the beginning of the 20th century School direc-

Is Detention Fair?

Brian Allen, current Head of School for the British School Caracas tors started evolving because schools started expanding and their needs were too much for teachers to handle by themselves, so, principal teachers (how they were then called) started to come in.

Children and staff have confirmed that they don’t want Mr. Allen to leave. When Mr. Allen was interviewed he said, “I am indeed sad, this is a marvellous school with wonderful staff and children.” He also said he doesn’t want to leave.

Each of the four candidates for Mr. Allen´s job was outstanding

Is detention fair? How did Mr. Cardall come up with this idea? Why did Mr. Allen accept this policy? Do parents agree with the fact their children are staying late in school? Want to know the answers? Read, and find out…

Mr. Cardall, the KS3* coordinator, is tired of students not bringing their homework to school on time, consequently, he decided to hold detention after school for those who didn’t bring homework on time. He asked Mr. Allen, [the British School Headmaster] and Mr. Allen agreed with Mr. Cardall’s idea, however, some students think it’s not fair.

Do you think Mr. Cardall is doing the right thing?

Mr. Cardall was interviewed by us, students of the British School Caracas. We asked him a few questions. He explained: “Since some students don’t bring homework on time, I can do what they did in my old school, detention after school. In my old school they even had detention on Saturday mornings!” He also confirmed that most students do bring homework on time, but some don’t.

We also interviewed some students for their opinion about the detention policy, some agreed with the policy, but most of them considered it unfair. We asked some students how much homework they have daily and the answered, “We have 3 [assignments] daily.”

We needed to ask a few questions to Mr. Allen and one of them was, “Why did you accept

Students in detention after school this policy?” Mr. Allen replied, “I accepted this policy because I want KS3 students to know they aren’t little children anymore.”

Most schools in the world have detention after school; however some even have them on Saturday morning. Some parents complain about their child having detention, but in the British School all the parents have agreed that it is fair.

In detention at TBSC you have

to stay for 1 hour in the science lab doing homework. Even though some students think it’s not fair, a school has all the legal rights to force detention after school.

As a conclusion, most students think detentions are unfair, whilst some think Mr. Cardall is doing the right thing. This policy is useful for all their lives. *KS3: Key Stage 3 (includes grades 6, 7 and 8).

Eight students think detention is fair, and 15 don’t agree.

and wanted to win, plus they gave very good first impressions. They all: Showed a sense of humour, Dressed professionally, Were punctual and Most of them warmed us with a pleasured smile.

Last week we were all surprised when news struck us. The new head had been chosen! He has a great personality and is above the standards required to be our next school director. The new head teacher will be... Mr. Mc Burney!

Mr. Mc Burney was born in Australia and has lived in India.

Will he be good enough? Will we call Mr. Allen to save us? Find out on our web page www.tbscaracas. com

Head Lice: Every Year

What is Edwina doing about this?

by Andrea Molina, Age 11 Caracas, Venezuela Well let’s find out!

The first person I interviewed was Edwina, the head nurse, and she said that this year 10 kids got head lice. Edwina checks every child to see if they have head lice

and if they do they go home. A child with head lice is not allowed to come back to school until there are no more head lice in their hair.

When we asked Macarena Tannús she said that she didn’t like head lice and Olympia didn’t like them either. Head lice are tiny little creatures that are parasites.

They suck your blood so you

must get rid of them as fast as you can.

As you can see people at our school do not like head lice...do you like them?

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To purchase tickets call 1-877-725-8849

PAGE

12

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

“Dawn” the White Fairy

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11 Margate, FL

Name: Dawn Age: 79 Size: 1 ½ inches Color: White Hobbies: Gymnastics, Ibisback-riding and soccer Least Favorite Thing to do: Wait Favorite Bird: White Ibis Favorite Insect: White Ladybug Animal Friends: Dimples (White Ladybug), SummerSnow (White Ibis), nicknamed: Summer Favorite Season: Winter Home: Underground cave in Pixie Place, a fairy town Favorite Flower: White Rose Favorite Accessory: Her rose petal riding helmet (Yes, it’s a strong helmet) March 4th 2011 My Dear Friend Violet, I had a wonderful day today. I woke up and the sun was shining brightly like an angel food cake just out of the oven. I went ibisback-riding and fell off SummerSnow. My hand, the one writing this letter, my friend, is still in a bit of pain. Let me tell you how it happened: I went on a trail ride in Oak Meadow Fairy Park. The trail was nice and warm; the sun shone proudly over its daughter, Earth.

In the shade of the trees and the bushes the temperature was significantly lower. It was relaxing to feel the cool air, here and there, after the burning sun had crept into my skin! Did you know that my pale complexion is very sensitive to the sunlight?

We were riding along nicely with the soft shade and the pouring sun. Summer suddenly spooked and I looked for the

cause of the commotion. All I found was a Saw Palmetto branch broken in the middle of the trail.

“Silly girl,” I said and reached down to pat Summer’s sweaty feathers. “Don’t be scared of some old palm branch.” I leaned back in my saddle comfortably and urged Summer faster. I rose and fell in the saddle, building my posting rhythm. Not meaning to brag, but I have a pretty good post. When I post, Summer and I blend together. We fly as if we were one.

After a while, I slowed Summer down to let her rest. We landed and walked until we came to a split in the trail. There was a large, tall tree and the trail just past it went in two different directions. I started to go around the tree. On the other side, a short, very thick and jagged-edged branch waited for me. The branch was biding its infinite time, sitting there, just waiting. I urged Summer to fly on, not knowing what was ahead, and went halfway around the tree. I reached that branch, but before I could pass over it, a mosquito passed in front of us. Summer does not like mosquitoes. They pester her, tease her and bite her. This mosquito was a large one, Summer backed up speedily to avoid the little critter and I lost my balance and fell. I would not let go of the reins. I could imagine how I looked, twirling in the air with my wings jumbled up. I couldn’t fly and went too far down. The reins were lost. I headed straight for the ground. Too late I realized that the patient, timeless branch

was in my way. I put my hands in front of my face to break the fall. My hand slammed right into the branch and its jagged jaws scratched my arm. I felt like I had lost my arm. Pain surged through me and I tried in vain to fly but my wings did not respond.

I was on the ground. I tried to get up and grimaced; my left hand was throbbing and my poor pinky finger was numb. “Ah!” I sighed as I stood up and grabbed at my daisy belt for my Pixie Dust Pouch. It wasn’t there! I spotted it on the ground an inch in front of me. I reached for it and realized how hurt my arm was. It was covered in bloody gashes that looked suspiciously like they had been rolling around in the dirt.

Finally, with a struggle, I reached and grabbed my pouch. I poured a bit of the magic stuff on my hand.

Cool perfection coursed through me. I felt the gashes slowly closing and the pain in my hand was fading. I dusted off my khaki pants and pointed my wings upward. I pushed my shoulders back and flapped my wings. I kicked off with my feet and flew into the air. I fell with a thump a centimeter behind were I’d started to fly. I shook my dusty wings but they were still not responding. It wasn’t a lack of Dust, my wings were simply still too shocked from falling. I looked around for Summer. She was sitting on the tree, still trying to shoo the mosquito away. I called her and she flew down. She looked at me, skeptically and chirped a little.

She wanted to know what had happened, and I promised to tell her later. I ground-mounted and we took off. I decided to try to fly again once I returned home.

My hand continued to hurt a little even, after I’d put Pixie Dust on it. I didn’t worry. The pain meant the hand was healing and the Pixie Dust was not a pain killer. At home, I shakily dis-

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APRIL 2011

Dawn by Daniela Gómez. Watercolors on paper. mounted and patted Summer, she was as surprised as I was. “There now,” I comforted her, “at least you didn’t fall.” I led her into her stall and I took off her tack, saddle blanket, saddle, bridle and halter; and I left her with a warm hug and a soft kiss. I could hear her eating as I left the stables. I came into the house and took off my tack, my rose petal helmet, shirt, pants and riding boots. I left myself with my cozy pajamas and my paper and pencil.

I wanted to tell you this story so you know that I will not make it tomorrow for tea, but next week, on the same day, you can meet me at the park.

Yours Sincerely, Dawn White

To: Violet, Purple Fairy Fallen Palm Tree Pixie Place, FAL From: Dawn, White Fairy Underground Cave Pixie Place, FAL GLOSSARY (added by Daniela): FAL: Abbreviation for FairyLand Post: To stand up and then sit down in the saddle, when riding (for humans) or flying (for fairies).

FairyLand: A place hidden in nature where fairies live. It is not uncommon for humans to occasionally get in, but they always find their way out!

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APRIL 2011

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

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13

The Return of Super Pup The Revenge of Sanity: Part II

by Shadya Amodu, Age 11 Deerfield Beach, FL Tolerance froze. This was the worst birthday surprise in the world. This was even worse than Super Pup’s pestering. A butterfly Tolerance’s size stepped out of the rocket. The only difference between Tolerance and the uninvited guest were the wings: Tolerance’s were green and white while the uninvited guest’s were pure, undoubtedly black. “Hello old friend, how are you?” The guest asked, his voice very high.

Super pup slowly crawled out of the trash can and started crawling toward the house. “What do we have here? My sis owns a dog? She hates animals and she lives with one? Well, you have changed, Tolly.” Tolerance clenched her teeth. True, she didn’t like animals, the ones that

could talk at least. She hated being called Tolly, and she hated her brother, Sanity. “Why are you here, Sanity?” Tolerance yelled.

Sanity jeered, “To get revenge, of course. Did you think you would get away with stealing my title as the good child? Sure, you were never bad, but I was good, most of the time at least.” Sanity shrieked.

“Good?! You started a magic war! Witches against godmothers, against pixies, against fairies against magic beasts, against fairytale characters; it was fairy world’s darkest time! Someone had to stop you!” Tolerance growled.

Sanity grimaced, “I don’t think we can have a happy birthday together, for my wish is to destroy you! Well at least one of us will be happy. But what shall I do with the mutt?” Sanity said to herself.

“Hmm, if he can talk, I’ll turn him

fast times

Continues from page 7

by Daniela Gómez, Age 11

added.

Kelley believes that the workout aids the swimmer and prepares her or him for the competitions; she says that she looks up the events ahead of time and keeping them in mind, she practices her strokes with her team.

When the coach gives her tips or advice she listens eagerly. She is one committed swimmer!

Kelley’s advice to all the swimmers who want to get their Junior Olympic times is to keep their heads strong and to try as hard as they can; and if they don’t get those times at a particular meet, to not give up and to train for the next one! Her message to kids who are just beginning to swim is not get discouraged and to try with all their might to get what they want (JO times, gold medals, everything a champion swimmer wants!) Kelley Heron’s amazing

swim and will to win placed her in the finals and earned her the well-deserved tenth place for the mile swim of her age group in the whole country!

I also talked to twelve year old Audrey Mason. She made it to the finals in many events and like Kelley Heron she swims with SOFLO, but on the Coral Springs side of the club. She swims with the Blue group. Audrey is from Parkland. She began to swim when she was three years old and it all started with the idea to learn the sport and be safe. That has taken her a long way! Audrey favorite style is Breaststroke.

I asked her if she was nervous at the meet. When she answered “no” the look on her face said “absolutely not!” Her first Junior Olympic time was in the 50 freestyle and she has been in a few JO meets before this one. Swimming is not Audrey’s only sport, she also does soccer and softball.

Audrey said she was proud of her

JACK ROLO AND THE IRS Continued from page 1

by Felipe Peña, Age 11

up to Jack’s house. Two men in black, both about 6 feet, 3 inches tall, stepped out of the car. One of the two men had a megaphone.

He yelled, “Come out with your hands up, Jack! We know you are there!” Jack woke up and could not believe his ears! After 6 whole years hiding in his secret house, how could they have found him? All of a sudden Jack yelled back, “Come and get me, you weird baboons!” But the men in black had already vanished, only the police officers remained.

The men in black had sneaked into Jack`s room through an underground tunnel. The drilling on the bedroom floor woke Jet in an angry mood. Jet really wanted to rip them up as if they were money! The men showed their gold badges: “IRS Team. Come with your hands up!” one said in a strict voice. Jack grabbed Jet in his bowl, and a sleek black

suitcase. Jack said sarcastically: “Yeah, sure, like that will happen.” Instantly, Jack whacked both men with his suitcase. He said “Oops! Did I hurt ya? Well, I can help you later, after I get away! HAH! HAH! HAH! HAH! HAH!” He jumped out of the window, right onto his driveway. He stood still, surrounded by one hundred police officers, and fifty barking and growling police dogs. Jack had a plan. Seemingly astonished he pointed to the hill behind the house, “Look! Godzilla is coming behind that hill!” he yelled. It was a trick. All the police officers looked at the hulking green hill.

Seeing nothing on the hill, they turned back to where Jack stood.

Wait! Jack was not there! Instantly, there were car tires screeching on the street. An extremely happy Jack was in his 57 Cadillac, screaming back, “Hasta la vista fools! I got to go! Oh! And tell the two black suited idiots that

evil, and if he can’t, I’ll just leave him. After all, what can a plain dog do other than eat and sleep?

Whatever!” And then she added: “Nice house, Tolly. Do you want to be destroyed in this house or in the forest?” “I’ll destroy you in this house since you already were born in the forest. Anyway I’ll need rest and my ship. Oh it won’t do! I’ll sleep in a tree, and Tolly don’t try to flee, for you know I’m a light sleeper!”

And with that, Sanity flew up into the tree and shut his eyes.

Super Pup looked at Sanity then at Tolerance and then opened his mouth to speak. Tolerance quickly covered it with her wing. She went inside and beckoned Super Pup to follow. As soon as they were both inside Tolerance shut all the doors and windows. “I need to train you, and fast. Once Sanity starts destroying he won’t stop. I just need you to learn

about a few magic items.” Tolerance started looking all over. She checked the bookcases and the kitchen. Finally, she came with a vial of purple liquid, an old book and a frying pan.

“What are those for? Are we going to cook something? I love chocolate cake...” Super Pup started.

“These,” Tolerance said, annoyed, “are magic items.” Super Pup stared at the frying pan. Tolerance rolled her eyes. “This is a magic sleeping potion.” Tolerance said, signaling to the vial.

“If Sanity asks you for a drink, pour this in a glass and give it to him. If that doesn’t work,” take distance and recite the first spell on page 498,769” she said, signaling to the huge book. Super Pup kept staring at the frying pan.

“And if that doesn’t work” Tolerance said, still annoyed, “which I’m not sure if it will, hit him on

the head with this frying pan.”

Super Pup raised one eyebrow.

“Can you show me a diagram?”

Eight hours later Tolerance was showing Super Pup the 52nd diagram. “That is it! You are impossible to teach! Just when he is not looking hit him with the frying pan!” Tolerance shouted.

Just then there was a big thump from the back yard. Super Pup and Tolerance rushed to see what happened. They saw a black winged butterfly on the ground, Tom hanging on the highest branch with a pillow.

“No black cat will ruin my day!”

Tom yelled. Tolerance quickly looked in the big book. “Stone, stone make this drown, make him a garden gnome!” Just like that, Sanity became a butterfly statue but instead of being black he was light pink. Tolerance laughed, maybe Tom wasn’t such a coward anyway.

performance at the swim meet and she mentioned that she improved her time. “I think that I did really good!” she exclaimed.

I was curious about her experience at the finals. Audrey took the 5th place in the final for 50 yard Breaststroke (Girls 11&12) with

Audrey Mason joins Daniela Gómez for a chat after the 2011 FGC Junior Olympics Meet.

33.97 seconds; first place went to Fatimah Westbrook from the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics team with 31.43 seconds. Kelly Heron got 4th place in this race with 33.91 seconds. Audrey had a few races that were back-to-back and she said it was hard to get to every single one.

When Audrey races, she just swims as fast as she can! “Workouts make you faster and stronger”. Audrey’s message to kids out in the world who are learning to swim is to “just have fun swimming!” She says is important to know how to swim the four strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle) and that joining a swim team and attending meets is the key to get better. For those of you kids who want to gain a JO times she says “keep working hard at practice!”

Audrey is committed and her efforts are paying off. She is already a great swimmer! Audrey also loves to read and write.

These two swimmers are off to a great start. If they keep up their work, Audrey Mason and Kelley

Heron could be yet some of the next Olympic swimmers to represent South Florida and the US! A total of 28 south Florida teams attended this championship, and with an average of 540 kids swimming each day, the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex was packed with competitive energy.

The South Florida Swim Team (SOFLO) won with 943 points.

Second place was taken by the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics team (FLA) with 895.5 points and third place was awarded to the Metro Aquatic Club of Miami with 804 points.

It was nice to cover the fun and exciting races at the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic Meet this past March. Every year with the breaking of spring, hundreds of young swimmers with qualifying times join in this three-day event.

Some get to the finals, some don’t. Some get medals, some don’t. Some have great swims and some have set-backs. But all of them have a good experience that will help them build their swimming career.

I got away! Hah!” He then sped off into the city streets. About four police officers went for the IRS team while the other ninetysix went for Jack and his terrifying pet. The IRS team was back on its feet, running to the undercover black cars parked on Jack’s driveway.

Meanwhile, Jack was racing in the city streets, being chased by ninety-six police officers. Jack looked at his mirror. He saw an officer coming up on him fast.

“Ah! So he thinks he can catch ME? Well, Get a load of this, officer!” Jack got a gun and fired a

bullet at the officer. “OW!” the policeman yelled in pain. Jack snickered. Jack had the same suitcase he used to whack the IRS team. What was inside? Billions of dollars, what else?

All of a sudden, a beeping noise came from Jack’s car. It meant that he was running out of gas.

“Oh no! Only one mile left!” He said. Jet wasn’t listening, he was way too busy looking at the flashing red and blue lights from the police cars. “RRRRRRRR….”

Jack`s car hummed as it slowed down. “NO!” He yelled in horror. The IRS arrested Jack, and

somehow, got Jet in handcuffs.

They were sentenced to forty years in prison. The next day, the IRS team searched Jack`s car for the money. One said, “I can’t find any money, not even a dollar bill!” Then, an officer suggested, “Why don’t you look in that suitcase”? So they did. Inside they found billions of dollars, and surprisingly, a bottle of beer.

“Look!” One IRS member said: “A Billion Dollars!”

THE END You see? This is why you should never, EVER cheat the IRS. This could happen to you one day!

Did You Know... … That In the United States, Tax Day is a slang term for the day on which individual income tax returns are due to the federal government. Since 1955, Tax Day is usually on April 15. When April 15 falls on a weekend, Emancipation Day, or any other holiday, tax returns are instead due on the following business day. In 2011, Tax Day is April 18.

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14

APRIL 2011

Tom, Dick & Harry

By Shadya Amodu, Age 11 Deerfield Beach, FL Tom Tales was doing his usual sitting at his favorite spot of the house quietly reading. Quietly reading, but not peacefully. In the Tales house, it is never peaceful. But, if it is ever peaceful, run far away, change your name, and wear a mask for the rest of your life. The Tales house is better off never peaceful than absolutely quiet, for if it is ever peaceful that could lead to possible destruction of the world. Tom or Thomas would never do anything wrong for he is quite a careful person. But his brothers, Dick and Harry, are somewhat dangerous. Whatever they touch is likely to explode. So if you ever

see Dick or Harry Tales or both, first, run for your life, then, move to Mars, maybe even Pluto. For they don’t mean to be destructive, they just cannot help their personality or their pride, laziness, and many other disorders. They, of course, lived with their parents in a small island in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle. That was the only place they could live because Dick and Harry are banned from most countries in North and South America, all of Asia, Africa, and most of Europe.

The island was quite peculiar; for the house next door was a shoe, most of the animals talk, there’s a girl who always runs around in a red cape, and pigs who build the most wonderful houses out of very strange materials. Their par-

Kids & Politics

Budget Battle

By Bilal Amodu, Age13 Deerfield Beach, FL

Half a score six years ago The political parties had a big fray The results of that brawl were so eminent That they are still being retraced today

While President Clinton had one plan for the budget His congressional enemies had another The two sides were very implacable Unwilling to concede to each other

The skirmish ended up causing A national catastrophe In the form of a government shut down As turbulent as can be

Major portions of the federal government Became inactive and closed All because the people in charge made the arbitrary choice Not to compromise the way they were supposed

With both sides clearly cognizant about the importance of compromise The Speaker and the President tried to see into each other’s eyes In the end it was Mr. Clinton who claimed victory in the battle While the sad little Mr. Gingrich was ousted three years later

Now fast forward to today’s world The same characters with different names Who instead of trying to compromise Occupy themselves with Chicken games

This time Republicans want to forthwith terminate Wasteful spending of any kind If the indigent suffer, so be it There is no solution they can find

While Obama knows the importance Of keeping the budget low However there is a plethora of jobs He just can’t stand to let go

However many Republicans want spending To revert to levels of 2008 When the economy was not much better off And they were the target of affluent hate

Both sides yearn for victory Despite its hefty cost They can flout each other’s plans all day To be overwhelmed by what they lost

Will history repeat itself?

One can find out in a week or two For the suspense harasses me As much as it does you

ents don’t mind, though; neither does Tom, but Dick and Harry have a lot of curiosity. Anyway, Dick was already awake looking at himself in his favorite mirror, combing his hair and putting on his mother’s make up. Dick was in love...with himself, of course.

He loved his parents and all, but his true love was himself. Harry was the only one asleep, but not in his bed. He was fast asleep on the floor cuddling a roasted turkey. Harry was the non-serious type and loved food. He usually is the one to start the trouble just like a match starts a flame. These two were the opposite of their brother, Tom. Their parents were off to work; their mom and dad worked together in the company “Build’n With Stuff.” It doesn’t sound like much, but it was one of the best companies in town.

“Tom,” their mother called, “look after your brothers at school.

Make sure they don’t destroy the school...again.” Dick looked away from his mirror for a moment and gave his mother a glance and retorted, “I didn’t know that we are not supposed to go in the school kitchen and I also didn’t know that the stove was on.”

Their dad gave Dick a stern look, “What did you know then?

You are in third grade! You should know better.” Their mom looked at the time and gasped.

Then she sped out the door.

Their dad quickly followed.

Tom put down his book. He was reading Sisters Grimm: Book Three The Problem Child by Michael Buckley. Tom wanted to know as much about fairytales as possible. He had a bunch of questions, like where they came from and who brought them here. So far, he was too busy

looking after his two brothers to even suspect anybody of being a fairy tale. Tom dashed to Harry’s room and shook him awake. Harry first stared down at the roasted chicken wondering where it came from. Then, he looked across the room at Tom’s side of the room which, of course, was neat and clean as always. Then he spotted Dick in his side of the room, kissing himself in the mirror. Harry was very dazed but got down to business right away. He ran to the kitchen and started gulping down all the milk he could, leaving some on his yellow pajama shirt. Then he ran to the cabinet and took out the Captain Crunch cereal box. Dick rushed in to the room to watch the messy show.

Tom had already started mopping the milk and had the broom ready. Butterflies started flying in the house hoping to get a taste of mom’s flower garden. Tom quickly rushed over and shooed them away. Harry finally finished his breakfast and fell asleep on the dining table. Dick left to go back to his mirror. After Tom was done with the mess he checked the clock: it was 9:01 --just one more hour till school. He was starting to suspect his teacher of being the frog prince, for he always wears green suits, wears a crown to school, and was once caught eating a fly. His name: Mr. P. Frog. And Tom also suspected their next door neighbor to be the woman who lived in a shoe. But he was positive his parent’s bosses were the three little pigs. They had told him once. Just then a butterfly landed on Tom’s nose. Tom looked around and realized that while he was thinking the butterflies flew through the window.

Harry usually opens the windows

because he said it was always too cold. Some of them surrounded mom’s garden, but the rest were around Harry except the one on Tom’s nose. Tom took a closer look at the butterfly on his nose.

It didn’t look like a butterfly he had seen before. This butterfly’s body was like a human’s, except it was tiny and it had rainbow colored wings. Tom gasped, “It’s a fairy!” Harry suddenly awoke, which was very strange because he is a heavy sleeper. Once Harry saw the fairies he fainted. “Dick, get in here, there are real live fairies!” It took Dick fifteen minutes to leave the mirror, then another ten minutes to get to the kitchen.

“You!” A tiny fairy yelled pointing at Dick, Dick almost ran when he saw the fairies.

“What did you do!?!?” Tom screamed as more tiny fairies swarmed inside the kitchen.

“I’ll tell you what this-this monster did. He offended our king! You know how all tales, legends, myths, and great literature plays live on this island? That very guy insulted one! He called the famous Fairy Godmother the wicked witch! Off with his head!”

Tom thought for a moment. “If she is the fairy godmother how come she is so ugly?” Dick said.

Dick was a lot of things- but not a good lawyer. “Come on, the famous Fairy Godmother really wants to cut a person’s head off?

There must be another way!” In a few minutes all three were at school: Tom in Mr. P. Frog’s class, Harry in Ms. Rose’s class and Dick mopping the school bathroom.

Turns out, the Fairy Godmother is the Principal. Four fairytales down, but there are a lot more to track down. Never doubt it! Fairytales exist and always will!

The Chronicles of Willow Johnson

by Ashley Paige Ingram, Age 12 next day. Jake took one glance at Boca Raton, FL Sarah and froze! His coach was screaming! “WHAT ARE YOU There once was a young DOING OUT THERE JOHNman. He was very smart, very SON?!” Jake snapped, shook handsome, and very popular in his head, and then got focused. school. He was the All-Star on There were only 10 seconds on his school’s basketball, swim- the clock now. “Jake shoots! ming, soccer, and track teams. He scores!” said Martin, while He was the best. All the girls making screaming crowd sound wanted to be his girl. His name effects. Jake’s parents were so was Jake. proud, but Jake couldn’t get the There once was a young girl. image of Sarah out of his head.

She was the All-star on the Math“Aah! Prom! The butterflies, Lites, FCAT Reading Competi- the worries, the desperation for a tion. She was good at anything date,” said Karie to Sarah. “Yeah, that had to do with intelligence. I don’t really know who I’m goShe was incredibly beautiful. She ing with,” said Sarah. “Me eihad hair black as the night sky, red ther,” added Karie. “Later on, do lips, and beautiful skin. She was you wanna go dress shopping? always seen with her friends. She We can, our moms are together.” was also very talented. She could said Karie. “Sure,” replied Sarah. sing, dance, do magic tricks, evSo shopping they went. Sarah erything. She put the magic touch got the most beautiful dark blue on every talent show. She was dress. She played around in it. also on the decorating committee She was up for prom queen; evand her parents were on the PTA eryone said she was a shoe in. and were at every event and al- As Sarah looked at herself in the ways brought refreshments after. mirror she said to herself: “I’m so Her name was Sarah. excited. It’s my senior year!” She One day at a basketball game, had applied for Harvard and Yale.

Jake was planning to win for his She couldn’t wait to graduate. team, as always. There were 15 The next day at school Jake saw seconds on the clock. Sarah was Sarah and rushed over to ask her in the bleachers watching and to prom. “I’m sorry, I don’t know cheering, but she would have to you, so I have to say no” was her leave soon because she needed answer. Jake was confused, he her rest for her ballet recital the had never been rejected, he was

smart, handsome and popular, he had it all. He walked away and decided not to go to prom. Sarah told her friend what happened with Jake. “JAKE JOHNSON ASKED YOU TO PROM, AND YOU SAID NO?!” “ Yeah” replied Sarah, with an innocent look on her face. “He is smart, handsome, and the best athlete at our school,” Karie continued. “It’s just that it doesn’t matter how popular he is. I don’t know him,” Sarah said nervously. “You’ll get to know him at the dance! Come on Sarah, just give him a chance.”

All of Sarah’s friends nodded in agreement. “OK,” said Sarah.

The next day at school Sarah rushed up to Jake. “Jake, I decided to give you a chance,” said Sarah with a grin. “Really?” asked Jake as his face lit up. “Yeah, I’ve done a lot of thinking,” said Sarah, remembering how out of control Karie was about all this. “I’ll pick you up at seven,” said Jake.

Prom was the place Sarah and Jake fell in love. They both graduated and went to Harvard together and they traveled the world and became rich.

They soon had a beautiful baby girl. They named her Willow. She had her Mother’s black hair, red lips, and intelligence. She had her Father’s athleticism and big hazel eyes.

APRIL 2011

By Sara I. Cross Boca Raton, FL In the morning, Malana and Teresa changed back into their clothes. Elariyana had cleaned and put them in the refrigerator overnight to cool off. Then they

“Arnold… shot a stream of water at Devere. At a temperature of 20º F, [the water] froze rapidly around him.” Illustration by Aaron Cross. Color pencil on paper. thanked Elariyana for her endless kindness and hospitality. They were about to go when Malana stopped in her tracks.

“Oh no! I forgot something!” she cried, running back into the bedroom. She came out holding the two bathrobes, the map, and the Emerald necklace. She handed the necklace to Teresa. Teresa held up the necklace and fastened it around the neck of the young woman standing before her.

“Devere sends his regards,” Malana and Teresa said together.

Elariyana’s eyes turned bright orange, for they were swelling up with tears.

“Thank you,” she said. Olive flew into the air as Elariyana opened her arms and engulfed the two girls in a hug.

After a few minutes, they pulled away, saying they should probably get going. Olive flew down onto Malana’s shoulder, and they set off on a dirt path to continue their journey.

The boys ran across the bridge as the rope started to rip. There was a big tearing sound and the whole bridge ripped in half. The boys grabbed onto the half of the bridge facing the Ice Mounts, and started climbing to the surface. Most of them succeeded in getting to the top, but the bridge collapsed on the last guy, who soon met his doom at the bottom. The boys paid no attention to this depressing scene, they just triumphantly trudged along in the new found snow that lay ahead of them.

“Boys, tell me who you are, where you came from, and how you got here, right now, or I’m going to freeze you in an ice block,” Devere said, trying to stand his ground against the group of boys, while pointing his staff at them.

Arnold stepped forward and grabbed the staff, taking Devere by surprise. Arnold turned the staff around and shot a stream of water at Devere. At a temperature of 20º F, it froze rapidly around him. Arnold handed the staff

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

to another boy in the group and started to break down the door of the Mountain with his fists.

Elariyana sat by herself at the edge of her realm wearing the emerald necklace, and staring into Devere’s realm. She heard the commotion and decided to see what was wrong. She quickly put on five sweaters and jackets, and ran to the lake of ice outside her realm. She took a glass whistle (a gift from Devere, in case of emergency) out of the pocket of her dress, and blew into it. A second later, Any and Anis landed next to her, their long white manes flowing behind them. She took the reins and the deer took off, going as fast as they could. They were soon back in Devere’s palace, and Elariyana detached the two deer from the sled. The three of them bolted downstairs and found the boys going through Devere’s stuff. Seeing her defenseless, one boy pounced on Elariyana, counting her as another unworthy opponent. He was wrong. Elariyana changed her fingernails to flames and jabbed them into the boy’s chest. He caught fire and burned up. Any and Anis rammed the remaining boys with their antlers, each deer killing one. The rest survived, but were knocked unconscious. Elariyana made a quick exit out the door to try and find Devere. She was astonished to find her beloved friend frozen in ice. She used her flamed fingernails to melt the ice and free Devere. Elariyana took him by the hand and ran inside. She helped Devere onto Any’s back, then hoisted herself onto Anis. The frost deer leaped out the door, and into the air, as they made their escape.

Malana and Teresa looked at the map excitedly. They were almost to the end of the path. Teresa couldn’t wait to see what was at the end, in the mystery realm. Malana was nervous. She

had no way to know what was beyond the path on which they walked. It seemed like they had been walking for hours, yet they had not reached the next realm.

All they could see ahead of them was more pathway, going on forever. They were exhausted and not paying attention when Teresa bumped into something hard. She got up and looked at what she bumped into. Malana reached out to touch it. Standing in front of them was a colossal wall, painted to look like a continuation of the path they walked on.

“It’s an optical illusion!” Malana exclaimed.

“What’s an optical illusion?”

Teresa asked.

The bookworm smiled. “A trick of the eye. Something different than what it appears to be.”

“Oh, I knew that, I was just testing you.”

“Did I pass?”

Teresa gave Malana a playful punch in the arm.

“Okay, Okay. I was just playing around. How are we going to get past this wall?”

“I’m going to huff and puff and blow it down.”

“I’m serious.”

“I thought you were Malana?”

“I am Malana. And right now Malana’s being serious, and Teresa’s not. So Teresa needs to snap out of her own goofy world, and join me in the real one.”

“I’m starting to doubt if anything in this world is actually real,” Teresa said with a sigh.

“Okay, okay!” she said as Malana punched her arm. “We need to find a door in this thing.” Teresa felt around and came across a little knob. She yanked on it and opened a door in the wall. The hole revealed a cubbyhole, kind of like a safe. Inside the safe was an electronic device. The device looked like a calculator, only instead of math signs and numbers, this calculator had a full key-

Fairytale Gossip

by Shadya D. Amodu, Age 11 Deerfield Beach, FL

Hello all of Fairytale Land! like a couple of roses with holes Boy, do we have some new gos- in them. “Since my favorite colsip to tell you! Last weekend was or is yellow my eyes caught the the grand opening of Royal slip- sunflower sandals next to them. I pers, Snow White’s new shoe have no interests in roses.” Belle shop which is right next to Rel’s said. Both Cindy and Rose Red hair salon. You definitely need to (also known as Sleeping Beaube royal to afford those exorbi- ty) loved the slippers and tried tant prices. Anyway, the shop had to grab them. They accidentally all kinds of shoes from a lot of bumped into each other and then different companies. One of the a prince came along to talk to me, companies that has to do with this the reporter. I was interviewing story is A Fish’s Tale. The brand him about eating the gingerbread is imported from deep under the man, but that story is for another sea. The company makes shoes time. When we passed the room from natural Ingredients materials or things where they keep all A Fish’s its designers think are pretty. It Tale brand shoes, Rose Red and • 3 cucumbers peeled and diced was hard to find a parking space Cinderella were having a tug of • 3 tomatoes diced because the place was crowded seeded war with and the shoes while Belle with a bunch • of 1/2 carriages belongcup oil was just examining the suning to all the• Queens and Prin- flower sandals. The prince then 1 lemon cesses of Fairytale Land. There rushed in to break up the tug • Salt and were also some Princes, andpepper we of war just to land right on the even interviewed a few. Most shoes breaking them and angerprincesses were looking at shoes ing the princesses. The prince Directions

by Elf’s Style, the #1 company suffered minor injuries, includ• Stir tomatoes in Fairytale Land.

Butcucumbers a few oth- ingand a paper cut. Turns out the withshoes oil. were just red paper. Both ers, like Belle ortogether Beauty, Cinderella and Rose•Red, were looking princesses made up salt and decided Add juice from lemon and at A Fish’s Tale. The latest pairs never to fight over shoes again. and pepper to taste. had just arrived. One of those Now that is a happily ever afwas a pair of glossy red slippers ter. Tune in next month for the with roses all around them. COURTESY They next gossip: OF Beast and Beauty: were so beautiful; they looked together or apart.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Israeli Salad

Cooking with Enid

www.cooking-with-enid.com

PAGE

15

“Inside the safe was an electronic device. The device looked like a calculator, only instead of math signs and numbers, this calculator had a full keyboard!” Illustration by Aaron Cross.

Color pencils on paper. board!

“I’m going to try typing in pink pony,” Teresa said. “After all, it’s the password.”

Malana gasped.

“Teresa! You said the password, and now look at the map!”

Teresa didn’t look at the map, she just stared at Malana with a confused look on her face. Inside the mystery realm on the map, letters appeared, dancing about the paper. When they finally settled, the word they read made no sense.

“Yitavrg.” Malana struggled to pronounce the word.

“What?” Teresa looked at Malana. “Pink Pony didn’t work, and now you want me to try typing in ‘yitavrg’? I’ve never even heard of the word!”

“Well neither have I, and I don’t expect you to type it in.

It’s what the map says. It doesn’t make any sense. Maybe it stands for something.”

“What would it stand for? ‘You Idiot, Talk About Very Rhinoceros Grammar!’ I mean seriously, what would it stand for? I think we’re supposed to unscramble it.”

The two girls smiled at each other, and started to unscramble the letters in their heads. The letters on the map danced across the paper and moved around to make the words as the girls thought of them. Yitgvar, vargity, tavrigy, garvity.

“GRAVITY!” Malana shouted excitedly. Teresa reached for the keypad and typed it in. Nothing happened.

“Now what?” Teresa complained.

“Hmm. I have to admit, I don’t know. Gravity is like friction, or electromagnetism. It helps to

hold together the building blocks of life.”

“Wait a minute, we’re supposed to type in Lego?”

“No silly!” Malana typed in “Isaac Newton,” then “physics.”

As she hit the Enter key, a little door opened up in the wall. They walked through it, only to bump into another wall. The letters in the mystery realm changed again!

“S claro,” Teresa said doubtfully.

“It must be talking about a boy named Carlos. Anyways, you know what to do.”

S larco. L socar. C arslo. R csola.

“Oh I know. The answer is ‘C solar.’” Teresa said.

“What does that mean?”

“The C stands for circumference. And solar means sun.”

“Okay, now what do we do?”

“We find the circumference of the sun.”

“And what is that?”

“Well, the diameter of the sun is about 863,703 miles, so multiply that by pi, and you get...” Teresa was deep in thought. You could practically see the gears turning in her brain. “You get 2,713,406 miles in circumference.”

“I forgot you were so big into math and astronomy.” Malana found a knob and opened the cubby door. In it was an electrical device identical to the last one. Teresa leaned forward and typed in her number. Another door opened in the second wall, and the girls stepped into unknown territory.

Cooking Classes for Children www.cooking-with-enid.com

Children learn basic skills (measuring, cutting and reading recipes) while cooking healthy snacks, international foods and traditional favorites.

Children come home with a new recipe each week!

Classes held at Coral Springs Gymnasium for children ages 6-11

Pre-Registration is required Call (954)345-2107 March 7, 21, 28 (3 week session) April 11, 18, 25 (3 week session) May 2, 9, 23 (3 week session)

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16

THE CIRCLE GAZETTE

Letter “A” Natural Wax Crayons on paper by Valentina Peña, Age 4 Boca Raton, FL

APRIL 2011

“Bowl of Fruit” Watercolors by Ellie Gómez, Age 5, Margate, FL Developed at Art Spring Camp at the Coral Springs Museum of Art with artist Rolande Reverdy Moorhead.

“Squares with Concentric Circles”

by Olivia Napoleon , Age 7, Sunrise, FL Crayon on paper. Welleby Elementary School project.

Inspired by Wassily Kadinsky’s art Wassily Kadinsky was a Russian abstract painter.

“Sunflowers” Watercolors by Emma Gómez, Age 7, Margate, FL Developed at Art Spring Camp at the Coral Springs Museum of Art with artist Rolande Reverdy Moorhead.

“Vicky” Cartoon Practice at Spring Camp.

Pencil on paper by Emma Gómez, Age 7 Margate, FL

“Tropical Bird” Construction paper and glue by Sofia Serrano, Age 5 North Lauderdale, FL “Lady”

by Pierce O’Hagin, Age 7, Sunrise, FL Pencil, crayon and marker on paper.

Welleby Elementary School project.

Inspired by Pablo Picasso’s art.

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish Painter and sculptor.