RAK magazine July 2020

JULY 2020

Raisingyour ARIZONA Kids partner on the parenting path Prepping for

KINDERGARTEN

from home

Safer summer EXCURSIONS It takes a village to fight COVID-19

12

ways to help kids be

CRITICAL

THINKERS

BUILDING

“ANTI-RACIST”

FAMILIES

Self Development Academy teaches critical and creative thinking, from the mastery of physics to the performing arts. Here, Cadem (6) of Glendale, in costume. Learn more about Self Development Academy on page 31.

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LOCATIONS 455 E. 6th St. Ste. 100 Mesa, AZ 85203 (480) 844-4702

10238 E. Hampton Ave. Ste. 301-B Mesa, AZ 85209 (480) 632-2004 1327 S. Higley Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 257-2700 1492 S. Mill Ave. Ste. 201 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 257-2777

CONTENTS

July 2020 FEATURES

22

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO FIGHT COVID-19

26

BUILDING ANTI-RACIST FAMILIES

34

PLAY CHEF AT HOME

Sophie Strosberg reminds us why this pandemic is still serious, and why we need one another to get through it.

“Not racist” is not enough. Change requires courage and intentional, proactive efforts from all of us.

These takeout kits from local restaurants let kids and adults decorate cookies, make gourmet pizzas and create delectable pasta dinners.

26

DEPARTMENTS

4

DIALOGUE

6

AZ GROWN

10

The kids are all right

• Start of in-person school year delayed until Aug. 17 • Register to vote by July 6 for the Aug. 4 primary election • Phoenix Children’s recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals for excellence in all 10 specialties • Help stop child drownings during these peak months • JOANN donates face masks to schools • COVID-19 cases in kids are increasing • Estate Planning: A global pandemic is a stark reminder to make a will • Safer summer excursions • Media literacy skills help kids navigate truth vs. “fake news” • Prepping from home: How to get your child kindergarten ready

36

FAMILY TIME!

12

• Top July events • July 4th events • Around Arizona

COMING NEXT MONTH:

What will the 2020-21 school year look like?

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

3

dialogue

July 2020 | Vol 31 | No 3 PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr

The kids are all right ONE HAS TO DIG deep to find something

Another such kid is Jarem Bailey,

to celebrate in the midst of a global

12, who stood in front of a crowd of

pandemic, massive unemployment and

about 400 peaceful protestors gathered

racial injustice. When the stress of these

in downtown Phoenix for the Valley’s

times feels too heavy, I try to think about

first Kids Walk for A Change in support

amazing kids who are pushing us in the

of Black Lives Matter, to share his

right direction — a wave of upcoming

devastating experiences with racism in

voters who won’t stand for bigotry,

our community. Our Publisher Karen

ignorance or hate.

Barr, talked with the Bailey family

Every day, I look at the ncov2019.live

about the June walk and ongoing efforts

website to check the impact of COVID-

to help address systemic racism. The

19 on our world, country and state. This

bottom line is, we can all do more.

site — so thorough that epidemiologists

If anything, 2020 is a stark reminder

consult it — was created by Washington

that democracy dies when citizens are

State teenager Avi Schiffmann. He was

uninformed, don’t vote or are purposely

following the pandemic before most in

excluded from voting. July 6 is the

our government were taking it seriously,

deadline to be registered to vote in the

and he stepped in to scrape and compile

Aug. 4 Arizona primary election. If you

worldwide data in a way that would be

are a registered Arizona voter concerned

helpful to all. He did the same in the

about casting an in-person ballot during

wake of George Floyd’s death, creating

a pandemic, consider signing up for the

2020protests.com, a hub pinpointing

Permanent Early Voting List that provides

state-by-state protests and resources to

a convenient mail-in ballot sent to your

help people peaceably and safely assemble

residence for every upcoming election.

in support of Black Lives Matter.

Arizona residents can also request a one-

This is just one kid, doing big things

time ballot at azsos.gov/votebymail

to make our country more informed, more who see adults aren’t fixing some of and are finding their voices.

4 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

CALENDAR EDITOR Carrie Wheeler CONTRIBUTORS Katie Kurtin, Illana Lowery, Lisa Van Loo, Sophie Strosberg, Elaina Verhoff ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Allen Patrou OPERATIONS MANAGER Tina Gerami-Bynum MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg

R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2020 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20 for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Content guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 10645 N. Tatum Blvd. #200-314 Phoenix, AZ 85028 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) | F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

inclusive and just. There are so many the biggest problems we face right now,

EDITOR Kara G. Morrison

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

5

LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS

az grown good to know

START OF IN-PERSON

SCHOOL YEAR

delayed until Aug. 17 WITH COVID-19 CASES continuing to spike

the end of July — to slow the spread of

in Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey on June 29

COVID-19. And public gatherings of more

issued an executive order delaying the start

than 50 people are banned.

of in-person classes for the 2020-21 school year to Monday, Aug. 17 at the earliest.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffmann clarified that

from the pandemic.

“Our numbers continue to increase

schools can start virtual instruction/distance

in Arizona. They’re going in the wrong

learning earlier than Aug. 17. She also urged

by Aug. 17th remains unclear. But one thing

direction,” Ducey said about the pandemic,

Arizonans to wear face coverings in public

is for certain: If efforts are not taken across

adding that Arizona has had more than

and to stay home whenever possible to slow

the entire state to curb the spread of this

74,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is

the spread, so in-person classes will not be

virus, our schools will only continue to face

now averaging 2,857 new cases per day.

further delayed.

complications in re-opening their facilities,”

Ducey also announced that bars, gyms,

So far, there have been more than 1,700

“What Arizona’s numbers will look like

Hoffmann said via Twitter. “I urge all Arizonans

movie theaters, water parks and tubing

fatalities in Arizona due to coronavirus, and

to #StayHome and #MaskUp to slow the

will be shut down for 30 days — through

more than 129,000 Americans have died

spread of this virus in our communities.”

REGISTER TO VOTE BY JULY 6 for the Aug. 4 primary election ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT rights we have in a democracy

can also request a one-time ballot for the Aug. 4 primary

is determining who will make and enforce our laws. Arizona’s

election (the request deadline is July 24) and the Nov. 3 General

primary election is on Aug. 4, and voters will be deciding which

Election at https://recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvotingballot/

candidates for city, state and federal office will make it onto the

earlyvotingballotrequest.aspx

Nov. 3 general election ballot.

The deadline to register in order to vote in the Aug. 4

In order to vote in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old

by Nov. 3, be a United States citizen and a resident of Arizona and

primary is July 6. To register or to update your voter registration

the county listed on your registration. You cannot register to vote

information, including your address, name, or political party

in Arizona if you have been convicted of a felony and have not

preference, visit www.servicearizona.com.

yet had your civil rights restored or if you have been adjudicated

Arizona residents have long been able to vote from home

incapacitated by a court of law. For more information, visit the

by signing up for the Permanent Early Voting List at https://

Arizona Secretary of State’s website at azsos.gov or arizona.vote.

recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvotingballot/earlyvotingballotrequest.

Registered voters in Maricopa County can double check

aspx. Doing so provides a convenient mail-in ballot sent to your

their registration status at the Maricopa County Recorder’s

residence for every upcoming election.

office and preview their ballot at https://recorder.maricopa.gov/

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona residents

6 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

BeBallotReady

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S RECOGNIZED IN U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT’S

Best Children’s Hospitals for excellence in all 10 specialties

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL is one of only 24 children’s

hospitals in the country to earn top rankings in all 10 surveyed

• Orthopedics: No. 23, represented by the Herbert J. Louis Center for Pediatric Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals

• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery: No. 37

rankings for 2020-21.

• Urology: No. 45

The national publication annually ranks children’s hospitals

“We are extremely proud of this recognition, but there is

on measures including clinical expertise and patient outcomes.

always more work to do,” Dr. Michael Ritchey, senior vice

This marks the 10th consecutive year that Phoenix Children’s has

president and chief medical officer at Phoenix Children’s, said in

been named among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals and the

a statement. “Quality improvement is an organizational mind-set

fourth time the local health system has received top marks in all

that’s supported by clinicians, patients, technology, community

10 surveyed specialties by the publication. Of the 118 children’s

and everyone involved in our healthcare organization. Phoenix

hospitals ranked by U.S. News & World Report, only 24 ranked in

Children’s is committed to challenging itself to do better every day.”

all 10 pediatric specialties.

Phoenix Children’s specialties rankings were as follows: • Hematology and Oncology: No. 35, represented by Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders • Cardiology and Heart Surgery: No. 27, represented by Phoenix Children’s Heart Center

Scoring for pediatric health centers heavily reflects patient outcomes and care-related data. U.S. News & World Report sends clinical questionnaires to nearly 200 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. Every surveyed hospital also receives a reputation score, which is a contributing factor in its final ranking. Specialties are measured by national surveys of pediatric specialists who rank top

• Diabetes and Endocrinology: No. 39

pediatric hospitals in specific specialties by indicating where they

• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery: No. 34

would send their sickest patients, without respect to proximity or

• Neonatology: No. 20

cost. Phoenix Children’s is the only Arizona hospital to make the

• Nephrology: No. 33

list. One of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, Phoenix

• Neurology and Neurosurgery: No. 29, represented by Barrow

Children’s delivers care across more than 75 pediatric specialties.

Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s

Visit phoenixchildrens.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

7

az grown safety

HELP STOP CHILD DROWNINGS during these peak months JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST are peak times for

diligent. Sutton, who is board president of

same as they were in the past couple of years.

child drownings in Arizona. So far this

both the Drowning Prevention Coalition

We are just starting to look at the May data

year, Maricopa and Pinal counties have

of Arizona and the National Drowning

and will have June’s soon, which is showing

reported 22 deaths by drowning, including

Prevention Alliance, shared these safety tips:

an increase in our pediatric and adult

15 adults and seven children under age 6.

numbers from 2019, but not 2018.

Phoenix, Mesa and Glendale had the most

There’s been concern drownings

incidents, according to childrenssafetyzone.

would increase during the pandemic,

How can parents be more diligent? We

com, which compiles numbers from fire

with kids staying home and working-

know that these are stressful times for so

departments across the Valley.

from-home parents too distracted to

many reasons. We also know that stress in

properly supervise. Have you seen

the home is proven to be a precursor and

to home pools, and in-person water safety

this? Everyone in the water safety and

an indicator of potential unintentional

events reminding parents about “layers

drowning prevention community is keeping

injuries occurring. The more layers one

of protection” were canceled, we asked

a close watch on this. Initially, in March and

can put in place is going to buy you more

Melissa Sutton how adults can be more

April, drowning rates seemed to be about the

time. A highly motivated child, wanting to

Because kids now have increased access

8 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

go back to the place where they had the most fun, is going to be hard to stop. Making their path to water difficult buys the time (hopefully) needed before they reach the pool and tragedy occurs.

Put high locks on the doors, secure the doors with child-proof door locks, lock the doggie doors, and activate door alarms. These are things you can do

JOANN donates FACE MASKS to schools

in the home before they even get outside. Outside: Fence the pool, cover the pool and ensure the gate and fence are maintained and are in proper working order and meet code. Add a pool cover as one more layer! The last layers are going to be swim lessons and CPR. We hope it never gets to having to administer CPR, but if it does, ensure everyone is trained who will be around your children.

Swim schools were mostly closed during the shutdown, affecting one “layer of protection.”

Fortunately, we have some clever people and

JOANN STORES, a national fabric and crafts retail chain, is helping to prepare

organizations within our membership. Places like the

the most at-risk schools as students and teachers go back to classrooms with

City of Peoria Aquatics and SWIMkids USA were

its Masks for Schools program. With every pre-made protective face mask

offering either “How To” videos or Zoom lessons

purchased from its stores, JOANN will donate one to a school in need through

during the shut-down. … The private swim schools,

the Kids in Need Foundation (kinf.org).

the YMCAs, JCCs and most of the municipalities are

“We realize that as schools — from preschools to universities — resume

back open and offering lessons. The coalition reached

in-person classes, they will be in need of masks,” Wade Miquelon, CEO &

out to our membership to see who was offering

President of JOANN, said in a statement. “We aim to continue the mission we

either free or discounted swim lessons and [we] were

set forth in March — to help mask and protect all, while supporting those on

surprised to get a rather healthy list back.

the frontlines, and regardless of any ability to pay.”

So far, JOANN has provided nearly 200 million masks to Americans by way of

What other trends do we need to be aware of?

store and corporate donations, and customer mask-making purchases throughout

We are seeing a spike in above-ground and pop-up

the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

pools. If the pool can’t be drained at the end of each

advises wearing cloth face coverings to slow the spread of coronavirus and to

use, it absolutely needs a 5-foot fence around it or

help asymptomatic people from transmitting it. As of June, face coverings are

a very secure pool cover designed for that kind of

mandatory in public settings in Maricopa County as numbers of COVID-19 cases

pool. It is imperative that ladders are taken out so

and hospitalizations continue to rise in Arizona.

that children cannot gain access when an adult is

JOANN has more than 865 stores across 49 states. For more information

not present and toys are never left in the pool (any

about its Masks for Schools program, visit joann.com/masks-for-schools. For

pool) so that there is not [an] added draw back to

free mask-making tutorials, patterns and updates on the Make to Give effort,

the water.

visit joann.com/maketogive

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

9

az grown health

SCOTTSDALE PEDIATRICIAN:

COVID-19 cases in kids are increasing While there’s still no cure for coronavirus, Dr. Sarah Wiersma urges families to wear face masks in public, continue observing social distancing and keep up-to-date with childhood vaccinations.

By Kara G. Morrison CASES OF COVID-19 were spiking

had to mandate that people wear

patient volume since March as parents put

dramatically in Arizona when we checked

them. What’s the case for face masks

off care for fear of COVID-19 exposure.

in with pediatrician Sarah Wiersma,

as a tool to lower the transmission

With the decreased number of children

M.D., who has seen the troubling trend

of COVID-19? Some recent studies have

immunized, I worry about an outbreak of a

play out at her practice, North Scottsdale

shown that masking when around others

vaccine-preventable illness such as measles

Pediatrics. Wiersma serves on the Board of

not from your household can significantly

or pertussis (whooping cough). I hope

Directors for the Arizona Chapter of the

slow the spread of the coronavirus. A

families can see how essential vaccines are to

American Academy of Pediatrics and is the

surgical mask or cloth face covering

protecting our children from serious illness

Vice Chair of Pediatrics for HonorHealth.

provides some protection to the mask

by watching the course of the coronavirus

As a mom, she also understands firsthand

wearer, but much greater protection to

pandemic and vaccine development efforts.

the stresses of parenting and working

their close contacts. Since the coronavirus

Optimistically, this represents only a

during this summer of COVID-19.

is very contagious in the days preceding

temporary delay in vaccinations as we get

symptoms, it’s important to wear a mask

kids caught up on well care this summer.

Have you treated many children for

even when feeling well. Wearing a mask

COVID-19? Our practice had only seen

out of the house is a way to show you care

How do you reassure parents that it’s

a few children diagnosed with the new

for the most vulnerable in our community.

OK (and important) to bring kids in for vaccinations and annual check-ups

coronavirus during the spring, but we have seen an increasing number of teens

According to the American Academy

right now? The decrease in vaccinations

and school-age children testing positive

of Pediatrics, childhood vaccination

is likely due to many families avoiding

since the rise in cases statewide in June.

rates have been decreasing nationally.

medical offices due to the pandemic.

We continue to encourage our community

Hasn’t COVID-19 made people better

Many parents are also not calling because

to practice social distancing measures to

understand the importance of

they think we are busy — but we are

prevent continued spread in our area.

vaccines? In Arizona, we are seeing a

not too busy to take care of your kids!

similar decrease in vaccination rates and

Check with your pediatrician about what

There’s been some resistance locally

office visits as noted nationally. In a recent

practices they’ve implemented to keep

to wearing face coverings in public —

survey of Arizona pediatricians, there has

your family safe when coming to the

and mayors across Arizona recently

been about a 70-80 percent decrease in

office. Many offices are implementing

10 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

telemedicine visits, separate locations or

that most children have done well after

each day to connect as a family, but don’t

times for sick and well care, and increased

hospitalization. There is still much we

worry if your kid’s days are not full of

cleaning and hygiene practices.

need to learn about MIS-C and the long-

social media-worthy activities.

Also, everyone over the age of 2

term effects of the coronavirus in kids. If

should wear a mask when out in public,

you have any concerns about your child’s

Do you have concerns about kids

including attending medical appointments.

health, call your pediatrician! We’re here

going back to school campuses and

We’re encouraging parents not to put off

for our families and happy to answer any

regular routines for the new school

preventative healthcare for their kids.

questions you may have.

year, or do you think we’ll be ready?

Call your pediatrician! The American

So much can change between now and

Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently

What are your recommendations to

the fall. School districts and universities

launched an educational campaign

parents about keeping kids safe while

have been diligently planning now with

#CallYourPediatrician to highlight the

we come out of quarantine — and

the information we currently have.

importance of well care even during a

while there’s still no cure or available

Hopefully classes can resume safely with

pandemic and for parents to contact their

vaccine for COVID-19? Staying home as

some level of social distancing to keep

pediatrician with any concerns. Routine

much as possible and physical distancing

kids safe but connected. However, likely

well care not only includes vaccines but

from those not in your immediate

things won’t be fully back to normal until

important screenings such as growth,

household are still the safest options.

after a vaccine is widely available.

development, and mental health concerns.

However, for parents returning to work, sending kids to daycare and camps may be

What would you like to add? I have

While coronavirus seems to have

the only childcare options available. The

been getting questions from parents about

impacted adults much more than

CDC has helpful guidance regarding social

the safety of a potential coronavirus vaccine

children in terms of severity of

distancing for daycares and camps, and I’d

in kids. Currently the vaccine candidates

sickness and fatalities, there is news

encourage parents to check what policies

are still undergoing early-phase trials

about Multisystem Inflammatory

their childcare provider has enacted.

enrolling adults. As a pediatrician, I would

Syndrome in kids linked to COVID-19.

want to ensure there are rigorous trials to

Have you seen any cases of this in

How have you been holding up through

assess safety and efficacy before we give a

your practice or locally? With COVID-

all of this? I am a mom to a very active

new vaccine to children. The coronavirus

19 such a deadly illness for adults, globally

1-year-old son, so it’s been a bit chaotic

vaccine development has been going at an

young children have done remarkably well.

at my house! Usually my parents provide

unprecedented speed, but this shouldn’t

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

our childcare when my husband and I are

compromise vaccine safety. The process

in Children (MIS-C) is a seemingly rare

working. We decided to isolate from my

has been shortened due to trials being run

condition associated with the coronavirus

parents due to their age and my potential

simultaneously or in quicker succession than

affecting mostly school-age children and

exposure at work. Like many families right

normal. We don’t have information on the

teens. I haven’t heard of cases thus far

now, we’re juggling my husband working

ultimate vaccine candidate as of now, but as

in Arizona, but the trend seems to be

from home while watching our son. My

information becomes available your child’s

that hospitals see cases about a month

advice to families finding themselves in

pediatrician will be your best resource.

after a location is hard hit by coronavirus

similar situations is to give yourself grace.

infections. Parents should know that the

The silver lining to social distancing is the

Kara G. Morrison edits Raising Arizona Kids

condition is considered very rare, and

found family time. Try to take some time

magazine and is the mother of Sofia (8).

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

11

az grown finance

ESTATE PLANNING:

A global pandemic is a stark reminder to make sure the kids will be OK ISTOCK

By Elaina Verhoff

CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN is something that

know you or your family will decide what

will make your healthcare and financial

often sits on parents’ to-do lists for years —

is in the best interest of your children,

decisions and see that your children are

one of those unchecked boxes we’ll get to

says Paine, who helps clients with estate

cared for. An estate plan provides for

eventually. Being in the midst of a global

planning, probate, trust administration

guardianship of your children and the

pandemic may be the motivation we need

and more. And probate — the court-

distribution of your assets if you die. Some

to get our affairs in order.

supervised process for managing assets

plans can help your estate avoid probate

and appointing guardians — can be more

altogether.

Though your chances of becoming incapacitated or dying from COVID-19

costly than proactive preparation.

What could happen to my kids if I die

may seem remote — even as more than 120,000 Americans and more than 1,300

If my assets and affairs are fairly

without an estate plan? Ensuring that

Arizonans have died from the virus in a

modest, do I really need an estate

children are cared for is a primary reason

matter of months — there’s something to

plan? Sometimes the word “estate”

parents of young children form estate

be said for the peace of mind of outlining

makes people think planning is only

plans. The best way to be certain that your

how our children will be cared for if the

for the wealthy. However, estate plans

children would be cared for by the person or

worst should happen for any reason.

do not have to be overly complicated or

people you choose is to put plans in place.

expensive, and everyone should have some

If both parents die, and there is no estate

sort of a plan in place.

plan, any interested party can petition the

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy, says Lisa Paine, an attorney at the Phoenix law firm of Jaburg Wilk, and the

An estate plan includes documents to

court for guardianship of your children.

mother of two young children. If no plans

ensure that you are cared for during any

A judge who does not know you, your

are in place, a judge who likely does not

periods of incapacity — including who

children or your family will hold a hearing.

12 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Considering only the information presented

you a questionnaire to fill out before your

regarding life-sustaining interventions you

at that hearing, the judge will decide what is

first meeting. Review it and fill it out to the

would want under certain circumstances,

in the best interest of your children.

best of your ability, but do not let it become

such as if your death were imminent

a stressor or roadblock to your planning. It is

from a terminal condition or if you were

by the court will have the responsibility of

meant to gather information and to have you

in an irreversible coma. Life-sustaining

caring for your children and their finances

start thinking about the types of decisions

interventions can include feeding tubes,

until they reach the age of 18.

that will be made.

hydration tubes, CPR and more. Some

The guardian and conservator appointed

Guardianship decisions are difficult,

people are hesitant to sign a living will,

and for some parents, there is no obvious

Do you have any tips on deciding who

because they are afraid that doctors will

choice. However, I still recommend you

will be in charge of handling my estate?

stop trying to treat or cure them. However,

go through this process and list the option

This is an important decision. After paying

the living will does not come into play

that is currently the best (or at least not

your debts and taxes, this person will

until doctors have taken the steps necessary

the worst) choice. Remember that you

oversee distributing your assets as you have

to be reasonably certain of your condition.

can always change your documents if

instructed in your estate plan. In most

circumstances change.

circumstances, you want to provide for your

How do I choose a lawyer to handle

children and their education, but you do not

my estate plan? You will be discussing

What documents do I need to put

necessarily want them to be handed large

intimate details of your finances and

together before meeting with a lawyer

checks on their 18th birthdays. To address

family relationships with your estate

to start my estate planning? Being

this issue, you can set up a trust for your

attorney. It is important that you choose

prepared can save you time and money.

children. The person you name as your

someone you feel comfortable having these

You certainly don’t have to have all

successor trustee will oversee the trust until

conversations with (or as comfortable as

decisions made before meeting with your

your children reach the ages where your trust

these conversations get), and that your

lawyer, who will spend much of your

allows them to have the money outright.

attorney fully listens to understand your

first meeting answering questions and

The person you choose for this

specific circumstances. Your attorney

giving guidance. But it is helpful if you

responsibility can be the same person who

should explain concepts and documents in

have thought about who you would like

will be named as guardian to care for

a way that is understandable to you.

to name in your documents to care for

your children, or you can choose someone

your children, manage your money and

different. Either way, you want to think

area of law is because we enjoy working

make health care decisions if you are

about your family dynamics. Ideally,

with individuals and families who are

unable to do so. If you are married or

this person is someone who has a healthy

taking steps to care for themselves and

in a committed relationship, your first

relationship with your family members

others. I think it is important that estate

choice may be your spouse/partner, but

and children. This person also should be

attorneys establish ongoing relationships

I recommend having at least one backup

someone who is responsible with finances.

where clients are comfortable reaching out

person. Have each person’s address and phone number with you.

It is also a good idea to list your assets and

One reason estate attorneys choose this

with questions or concerns in the future.

What exactly is a living will? If you are unable to make your own medical

their approximate value, including checking/

decisions, your estate plan should name

savings accounts, brokerage accounts,

a health care agent to make medical

retirement accounts, real properties and

decisions on your behalf. A living will

business interests. Some attorneys will send

gives guidance to your health care agent

Elaina Verhoff is a Phoenix freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

13

az grown Raising Outdoor Kids

The Salt River.

SAFER

SUMMER excursions Story by Lisa Van Loo | Photos by Ron Abler

T

he email came two days before we were ready to leave. We had hotel rooms rented, we had kept up with our training, and we were

already planning out our meal situation for the quick, 24-hour trip to Payson when we found out our favorite mud run of the year was canceled.

It actually fell victim to a raging wildfire instead of COVID-19 — which is itself, according to reports, again spreading like wildfire in Arizona.

Cancellations in 2020 are becoming all too familiar: Campsites we had reserved earlier this year for a summer getaway were canceled, as was a concert, which would have been the first ever for one of the kids. One of our favorite city pools will remain closed all summer, too.

To stay sane, and to keep disappointment at bay, we retreat to the outdoors. But we do that differently, too, these days. Instead of flooding shorelines with public access, we look for that tiny spot, big enough just for us, away from other people. Sometimes it comes with more thorns or

14 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Canyon Lake.

a rockier entry into the water, but it also comes with peace of mind. We know we’re doing everything we can to keep our distance, get our valuable infusions of vitamin D and seize opportunities to unplug.

Arizona is a desert, yes, but it sure does have a bounty of water to splash around in. And most of our bodies of water come with incredible views of the mountains, up close and off into the distance. So instead of crowding together in areas of public access, challenge yourself this summer to uncover a spot for just you. Wear water shoes and hike along the shoreline, be it at one of Arizona’s many lakes, along a river or through a creek.

It requires a little planning and a little research

Less crowded spots to explore There are multiple ways to cool off, safely, in and around the Phoenix

before heading out, but it costs basically zero dollars

area. Here are a few of the less crowded spots to check out this summer.

to try, if we’re not counting gas money. Consider

Remember to wear water shoes for rockier water-entry points, stay a safe

venturing over to the Salt River to see the wild horses

distance from others and always pack out what you bring in.

that frequent the area, or taking a road trip north to jump into Oak Creek. Study the lake closest to you, be

❱ Oak Creek Canyon. Everyone is aware of Slide Rock State Park, which

it Saguaro or Pleasant or Canyon, and target a place to

fills to capacity early, but some people may not know that the creek can be

splash around.

accessed at multiple points along 89A. Between the north end of town and

Regardless of the destination, bring a raft, float

up to Slide Rock, visitors will find a number of places to pull off and hike

on a noodle or find a cool, rocky outcropping waiting

down to the river. The earlier you go, the better chance you’ll have at finding

to be jumped off of — after first testing the depth,

a parking spot on the side of the road and a secluded area on the river.

of course. After monsoon storms pass, hike out to

Remember: “No parking” signs are enforced.

trails that get replenished with running water, from little pools spilling into one another to waterfalls that cascade down a mountain.

We have the privilege of living in an area where

❱ Local lakes. We like to scoot out to Canyon Lake, because it’s the closest

to us. And when we do, we park in a pull-off on the side of the road, away from the public access point near the marina. It avoids crowds and the

mountains meet water and water meets desert. Open

usage fee. At the lake nearest you, look for those types of pull-offs. Every

space is plentiful; we’ve got plenty of elbow room. Take

lake is different, so have patience when you’re headed out. Most fill up

this social distancing thing as an opportunity to safely

early in the day.

and economically explore parts of our state offering refreshing relief to overheated bodies and spirits in need of lifting.

❱ Salt River. Salt River Tubing has been closed for the month of July the

there are different parts of the river you can explore on your own terms.

A number of managed recreation sites offer river access, and within

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist.

Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer. Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @ RaisingOutdoorKids

those sites are spots to find solitude. Tonto National Forest’s website lists recreation areas where you can find space just for you. Be sure to pick up a Tonto Pass if you plan to park at any of the designated areas. https:// www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_018742

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

15

az grown education

Using Common Sense

Media literacy skills help kids navigate what’s true

and WHAT’S “FAKE NEWS”

By Ilana Lowery

P

ARENTS ARE CONSUMING A

— training them to think critically about

studies of how young people get their

mountain of information from

information. With strong media-literacy

news, engage with it and feel about it.

multiple media platforms as they follow

skills, they’ll be informed, engaged and

Some key findings released in April found

news about COVID-19, protests following

less likely to be duped.

that many teens look to social media

the death of George Floyd, the upcoming

“The news isn’t what it used to be.

personalities, influencers and celebrities

presidential election and more. Like adults,

What was once shared by newspapers,

for news. The most commonly mentioned

kids also have a lot of information to sift

radio and TV now comes in Snapchat

personalities teens say they trust are

through and a lot of sources to evaluate.

stories, on Facebook Live broadcasts,

Swedish YouTuber PewDiePie, The Daily

That’s why media and news literacy is

in Twitter conversations and through

Show host Trevor Noah, President Donald

critical for young people whose exposure

other new forms of communication,”

Trump and pop star Beyoncé. CNN,

to “fake news,” political satire and scary

says Michael Robb, director of research

YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat are top

content is greater than ever. According to

for Common Sense. “To an extent, that

news sources for kids.

Common Sense Media’s ongoing research,

means kids must understand what’s

a vast majority of kids today feel scared

happening in the world and apply

have many questions, but they honestly

and depressed about the news.

critical-thinking skills to information in

take it all as true,” says Katey McPherson,

all its forms and from all sources.”

whose daughters — ages 11, 12 and

So how can we help them? It starts with asking questions and encouraging kids to question what they see and hear

16 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Common Sense Media is one of the only organizations to conduct large-scale

“My kids enjoy watching the news and

13 — attend school in Chandler. “From social media memes on Tik Tok about

HIGHWAYSTARZ-PHOTOGRAPHY

us going to WWIII to immigration

understand what’s going on in the world,

policy and school shootings, their

but I wouldn’t say I ‘value’ it,” said her

general impression is that it’s all bad

14-year-old daughter. Her 12-year-old

news. I don’t hear them speak of anyone

had a completely different opinion: “I

at school helping them to decipher the

don’t really like it or understand it, and

difference, and in general, they are

it’s scary sometimes.”

worried about what they see and hear.”

Low’s children say they get their

Local realtor Dianne Keck’s son is 7,

news primarily from Instagram and

so his exposure to the news is “extremely

other social media platforms, from kids

minimal, by design,” she says. “I think

at school or on the radio on the way

that is more common these days, because

to school. Some of the news is filtered

many people are ‘cutting the cord,’ so-to-

through mom.

speak, with cable TV. Instead, they have

“I want my children to be aware of

Netflix and other streaming services,

what’s going on in the world and to be

so they have a high level of control over

cautious of what and whom they listen

what content their kids are exposed to.”

to, and to know that not all the news that

Keck says she and her son don’t spend

[is] reported is indeed true,” says Low,

time in places or with people who leave

founder and CEO of U & Improved, a

television news on around children.

Scottsdale-based leadership development

“In first grade, children do not have

and training company. Both of Low’s

enough life experience or social context

girls say the news can negatively affect

in which to evaluate news they are

their moods, making them sadder or

hearing, so our primary goal in raising

more scared rather than depressed, but

informed citizens is to educate them

neither of them said they could spot

on science, history and culture so they

fake news or really know what media is

have broad context to draw upon when

considered credible or trustworthy.

they eventually start consuming news,” Keck says.

Jarrett Ransom, president and CEO of The Rayvan Group, says her

That’s why teaching media literacy skills to evaluate where information comes is an important life skill.

“I can see this generation as a whole

9-year-old son, a student at Great Hearts

constantly wondering what’s true or

Academies, understands what news is

not and that the undercurrent of the

and can be skeptical of things like click

world seems generally negative,” says

bait, but she acknowledges he really

McPherson. “It’s always in the back of

doesn’t know which sources are better

their minds.”

than others. “If he hears it or sees it, he often believes it,” she says.

When asked if her tween and teen

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media. She can be reached at ilowery@ commonsense.org. Find more resources to help

understood and valued the news,

kids fact check the news, determine reliable

Scottsdale mom Jodi Low asked

sources and learn to separate fact from fiction at

them. She got this reply: “It helps me

commonsensemedia.org or wideopenschool.org.

12

ways to help kids become critical thinkers and smart consumers of information • Kids hear about the news at home, at school and in communities they’re a part of.

Explain that “word-of-mouth” stories and rumors aren’t always true. Playing an oldschool game of “Telephone” illustrates how information can get twisted along the way.

• Make sure kids know the difference between fact and opinion. If they’re older, talk about objective vs. subjective information and bias.

Ask them for examples of indisputable facts and colorful opinions.

• Explain the difference between credible news organizations that follow specific professional standards and other types of publishers.

• Talk about the different kinds of news sources: investigative journalism, research studies, opinion pieces, blogs, punditry, evening news and so on.

• Watch out for viral videos. Videos that circulate around the internet may or may not contain nuggets of real news, but they rarely represent the whole situation. And, like photos, videos can be doctored and edited to bend the truth.

• Teach kids to avoid sharing, forwarding or commenting on stories until they’ve verified that the stories are true.

• Talking about a real-life situation can help little kids understand the idea that different people have different points of view.

• Older kids already understand the concept of perspective, but might need help transferring the idea to the news. Ask them to consider how different audiences (by gender, race, and culture) might interpret a story.

• Walk kids through the questions they can ask to test a source’s validity: Who made this? Why did they make it? Is it for or against something or someone? Are they trying to get a big reaction from me or just inform me? How can I tell? Is anyone else reporting this news?

• Look for signs that the source is legit and not fake, such as a clear “About Us” section and a standard URL (for example, “.com” instead of “.com.co”).

• Remind kids that it’s hard to have all the facts all at once. Even respected news outlets make mistakes or jump the gun. It’s smart to wait to make up your mind about something until you have more information.

• Model a wise approach to news by using medialiteracy skills yourself. Show kids how you

check other sources and ask questions.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

17

az grown education

PREPPING FROM HOME:

How to get your child kindergarten ready

By Katie Kurtin

PREPARING FOR KINDERGARTEN? Me

more fun and developmentally appropriate

problems that occur frequently in stories.

too! This year, I will begin my 12th year

ways to help ensure they start the year off

Creating a predictable ritual around

of teaching young children and will

with their best foot forward.

be heading back to the kindergarten classroom after spending the last year substitute teaching across the age

reading shows children that reading is valued and deepens the connection

Create a reading ritual You may already be doing this

between parent and child. If you don’t already have a bedtime reading ritual,

span. I feel excited, nervous and a little

without even knowing that it’s one of

consider starting one. Let your child pick

overwhelmed.

the most important ways to prepare

the book or books, and you pick one, too.

children for kindergarten. Reading

This can help make bedtimes predictable,

things as you prepare your child to start

aloud to children is one of the leading

ease power struggles that may arise and

kindergarten. You may be flooded with

determinants of children becoming strong

set a calm and connected tone for your

questions, concerns and emotions. You

readers during their school-age years.

children before they drift off to sleep. In

may be thinking it’s time to buy a 300-

Reading three stories a day for at least

addition to a bedtime reading ritual, use

page workbook and cram your 5-year-old’s

15 minutes helps children develop and

reading together to help reset your child’s

brain with something all summer to get

understand language, begin to decode

brain and your relationship throughout the

them ready. Think again! There are way

their surroundings and understand social

day. The loving connection that develops

You may be feeling some of these same

18 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

around reading together can have lasting

make signs for plants or objects around

what you did. Teaching children to “read

effects on the parent-child bond as well as

the house by copying the letters from a

the pictures” is a helpful tool for raising

the child’s school success.

reference sheet.

strong readers.

One of my favorite ways to write with

Practical writing practice

children is to create love notes and artwork

the family bond and creates connection,

for family and friends. Drawing a picture

but it also helps children develop their

write before they enter kindergarten; this

and helping your child label “to” and “from”

sense of identity. You can print photos

is part of what kindergarten is for. Some of

can give meaningful writing practice.

and create books of favorite people, places,

It’s OK if your child is still learning to

the first writing they learn in kindergarten is how to write their name. You can practice this at home with writing utensils,

foods or anything you can think of.

Play!

Your child can help label the pictures or

I cannot stress this enough. Play with

decorate the pages, and then you can add

writing in the sand with a stick, letting

your child! Play is the work of children and

these homemade books into your bedtime

your child trace their name written in

is the way they make meaning of the world

reading rituals.

chalk with a wet paintbrush, or a million

around them. Board games, card games,

other creative ideas.

Legos, Magna-Tiles and blocks all help

Young children are still building the

FIZKES

Sharing family stories not only deepens

facilitate mathematical thinking, strategy

Promote their autonomy One of the scariest parts of sending

muscles in their hands that allow them to

and planning. Simple games like Go Fish,

a child off to school is the idea that they

grip a pencil and write successfully. Playing

Uno, Candy Land, checkers and Spot

will be more on their own, and you won’t

with play dough, picking up items with

It! can help build number sense, spatial

likely be there to help. First of all, don’t

small tongs, painting with different types

awareness and skills for comparison and

worry! We teachers will be there to care

of brushes, coloring and drawing all help

measurement.

for, love and help your child throughout

strengthen these small muscles and help

Games like hopscotch can be made

the school day.

develop the fine-motor control children

with letters or numbers and incorporate

need for handwriting.

large-muscle development. Pretend play

for this new level of responsibility by

with dress up, stuffed animals or dolls

helping build autonomy. Let your child

widely in children ages 3-6 — some may

can help children create their own stories,

pick out clothes and get dressed (even if

be navigating how to grip a marker or

act out stories they’ve heard and make

shoes go on the opposite feet). Let them

pencil, while others can begin to write

meaning. Create a play of your family’s

be in charge of basic hygiene tasks like

on their own. Encouraging your children

favorite book. Craft some simple costumes

brushing their teeth and washing their hair

when they use emergent writing (scribbles)

or puppets and have a narrator read the

and body in the bath. You can absolutely

can help them see themselves as a writer.

story, or just make it up as you go.

support them as they’re learning to do

Development of these muscles varies

Ask your child to tell you about their work and writing, or have them dictate a story to you that they can illustrate.

If your child is interested in learning

However, you can prepare your child

these things on their own, but as time

Share family stories Sharing oral stories with children can

goes on, they will become more and more independent with these tasks and more

prepare them for listening and sharing

responsible for themselves. This will

more about writing, offer support with

ideas in class. Look through some family

prepare your whole family for success

practical life writing activities. Have

photos together or make a slideshow of

in the morning as you get ready for and

them help you write the grocery list or

photos from a favorite trip and talk about

transition to school and work.

the weekly meal plan. Children can

where you were, who you were with and

Kindergarteners love to help! Giving

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

19

az grown education Try not to dwell in worries. Offering a time of the day to do a “worry dump” can help — a 10-30 minute session where your family talks about what they’re worried about without trying to fix or make it better. Children overhear conversations and sense your worries.

Addressing them as a family can help create a safe space for children to share discomfort in the future.

Once more information about what schooling will look like in the fall becomes available, share it with your children. Set them up for success by them fun ways to be of service around the

Take photos of your child (or use

giving them information and creating a

house can help them build responsibility

clip art) of each step of the process of the

plan. Find time throughout the day to

and independence. Have your child help

task, and create a chart on the wall or a

read, play, sing and cook together with

prepare parts of meals, pick out and pack

small book for reference. For example,

your child. A connected child is a child

lunches or do some simple cleaning around

the before-school routine might look like

who is ready to learn.

the house. Jobs like sweeping, washing

this: 1. Eat breakfast 2. Brush teeth 3.

dishes, tidying toys and folding towels

Get dressed 4. Pack backpack 5. Put on

and clothes are absolutely appropriate for

shoes 6. Drive to school. To help children

many parents who were worried about

5- and 6-year-olds. Make these jobs fun,

take charge of their own morning routine

whether or not their child would be ready

and do them together. Put on some fun

and limit power struggles, creating a

for kindergarten. Something I tell parents

music as you clean or make up a song and

wall chart or book of what to do and

often is that we’re all in this together.

work together, especially in the beginning

what it looks like can help children

We are here to work together in the best

as they are learning.

begin to manage their own behavior and

interest of the children and find ways

responsibilities. You can do this with any

to help them be kind, safe, connected

and persevere through simple tasks will

task or any routine where power struggles

and successful. If you want your child to

develop focus and resilience and prepare

are happening: the steps of brushing teeth,

learn some academic skills before his or

them for a future of independent school

bedtime routine, cleaning up, etc.

her first day of kindergarten, keep it fun!

Helping kindergarteners be self-starters

work and homework.

Make things visual This is one of the most helpful tips I

Play and read as many books as you can.

Build trust and connection and deepen the family bond Children are very aware and observant.

have learned in my years working with

With everything happening in the world

young children: Their brains think in

right now and as we wait for more details

pictures, not in words. Making tasks and

about what schooling will look like in the

routines visible in pictures can relieve a lot

fall, reassure your child (and yourself) that

of the stress of constant reminders and help

however school looks, you will make the

children be more independent.

choices that are best for your family.

20 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Over my years of teaching, I have met

Spend time together, listen to your child and strengthen your family bond. This is the ultimate preparation for a successful school career.

Katie Kurtin is a kindergarten teacher, a parent and family consultant and serves on the board of the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC.org).

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

21

It takes a village to fight COVID-19 When you’re sick and scared, reaching out to friends and family can be the best medicine

By Sophie Strosberg

22 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

M

Y SYMPTOMS FIRST arrived

nose swab. As the nurse got ready to

on a Thursday at the end of

administer it, Ben held out both of his

May. I was dizzy and unable

hands to me, and I clung to him. The test

to focus all morning. My partner, Ben,

itself wasn’t as bad as I’d expected, but I

was out with our 3-year-old daughter,

wouldn’t have made it through even that

Poppy, so I had some time to myself. I was

hurdle without him.

trying to focus on an editing job, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of the chapter in front of me. Sentences seemed to grow

As the days crept along, I listened

and shrink as I stared at them. I’m usually

to Ben and Poppy playing and stewed

adept at imposing order on others’ writing.

feverishly in bed, thinking that they

But not that morning.

sounded a million miles away. I was

I’ve gotta take a nap, I thought. I drank

getting bored and lonely. Ben had his

a beer instead. But the drink made me

hands full with Poppy and me sick.

woozier than any wheat beer should, and

Work was out of the question, and even

by early that evening, I was in bed. I had

a pulpy mystery novel wasn’t holding my

a low-but-miserable fever, complete with

attention. I picked up my phone blearily

chills, body aches and random stabs of

for the hundredth time, and decided it

pain in my limbs. The next morning, I was

was time to tell others about my state. I

worse. I met Ben in the kitchen and told

had already told my parents, my sister, my

him I was feeling bad. COVID-y bad. And

close friend Marita, and a few others. But

that I didn’t know what to do.

it was time to tell Facebook.

Usually, I have an answer for everything.

I don’t usually share about my personal

Want to break up with your boyfriend?

life on Facebook, but I needed more

Here’s what you should do. What should

connection. Feeling too sick to talk on

you feed your infant? I’ve just done five

the phone had added another layer to the

hours of research on that. Trouble getting

isolation of months of quarantine. So, I

your life together? Here’s a spreadsheet I

wrote a one-line post that was meant to

made with your personalized five-year plan.

be funny. Humor always makes it easier

But that day, I needed someone else to

for me to draw attention to myself. What

manage my life. Ben helped me back into

I received in return were heartfelt and

bed, had me call the El Rio health clinic

personal comments, direct messages from

and made me a doctor’s appointment for

friends around the world, get-well cards

that morning. Between my symptoms and

a few days later, and a special delivery of

the fact that I’d had a known coronavirus

medicinal elderberry syrup to my doorstep.

exposure, I was presumed positive, but was

An old boss in a faraway city offered to

told I should get tested the next day.

send me fire tonic.

My symptoms worsened over the next

TSINGHA 25/ISTOCK

REACHING OUT

“Anytime Poppy needs to be

24 hours, and by the time we were all in

entertained, give us a FaceTime call and

the car driving to the test, I was almost in

we’ll do our best to occupy her,” my

tears with anxiety and discomfort. I was

mother and sister texted.

terrified of the test itself — the aggressive

“Please know that I am sending healing

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

23

energy your way, and that I will keep you

Coast — would be asleep.

in my thoughts,” my editing client wrote.

Marita in California would

After that, someone checked in on me

be awake. Sheltering in place

just about every day. Because I’d reached

on her own, she almost

out, the loneliness scampered away.

always picked up the phone.

FRIENDSHIP TO THE RESCUE Sometime in the middle of my sixth day of symptoms, the fever broke for good, and was replaced with a sore

It wouldn’t be the first time I had dialed her number since this began. But could I really bug her for support, again?

I could, and I did.

throat. No fever meant I could think

And when she picked up,

clearly at last. But that, in turn, meant I

my fears streamed out. I was

had more attention with which to scour

worried that I would die or have

the internet for COVID information.

COVID-19 forever. That the wheezing

Everything I read indicated that I may

and coughing was coming for me. I

car? Something else happened in that

very well experience a resurgence in

don’t remember quite how she did it,

moment. I recall Poppy chiming in with

symptoms. And if I followed the same

but she calmed me down. And then she

her dad from the back seat: “It’s OK,

pattern as a friend of mine, who’d also

helped me process the historic protests

Mom, it’s OK.” I remember feeling a wave

had a weeklong, mild-but-miserable fever,

that had erupted across the country

of guilt for letting her see me so panicked

the worst — those dreaded breathing

while I was laid up. And finally, after

and needy. But now, I believe that

problems — was yet to come.

an hour or so, we were bantering and

she probably learned something really

goofing around like we usually do. The

important in that moment: Adults have a

inhabiting my throat only until it could

next morning, I woke up to a bouquet

hard time too, sometimes. But we can all

find its way to my lungs. I’d read the story

of magenta gerbera daisies and a load

face our fears if we have a hand to hold.

of the 27-year-old woman who’d had a

of get-well snacks she’d had delivered.

double-lung transplant to save her from the

Friendship to the rescue.

Surely, I thought, the coronavirus was

ravages of the virus. It was not comforting.

It wasn’t long until I found myself fully

My first instinct after talking to Marita

As I write this, three weeks exactly since I first fell ill, I have finally overcome my sore throat. I never developed

had been to apologize for calling in tears.

breathing problems. But even a mild

panicked once again. Ben tried to talk me

But looking at the pile of snacks sitting

case of COVID-19 can be unpleasant

down, but he was emotionally burned out.

under the flowers, I realized that a “thank

and scary. Running a household when

Besides, we still couldn’t have a serious,

you” would be more appropriate. Her

the coronavirus has caught you is

private discussion without our little third

actions were truly appreciated; she had

an intimidating prospect. My latest

roommate reminding us of games to be

helped a great deal. I had to trust that she

pandemic preparedness advice? Be ready

played and water to be fetched.

wasn’t just putting up with me. I had to

to let others in with grace and gratitude,

accept her acts of friendship with grace.

and leave the guilt behind.

On my eighth day of symptoms, I was particularly upset. It was about 8:30 p.m., and Ben was putting Poppy to bed, so I hid my tears and stepped onto our back

TEACHING EMPATHY Remember when I was about to get

porch. I had my phone, but who to call?

my nose swabbed, and I was freaking

My family — all of whom live on the East

out in the passenger seat of Ben’s

24 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Sophie Strosberg is a Tucson freelance writer and mother to 3-year-old Poppy.

ARE YOU RAISING ARIZONA KIDS?

SIGN-UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER! RAISINGARIZONAKIDS.com

Get them care, while still being careful.

Even in times like these, your child’s healthcare needs don’t stop. At Phoenix Children’s, we’re making it safer for you to see us, with telehealth appointments and enhanced precautions for in-person visits.

Whether your child requires vaccines, an appointment with a specialist or a scheduled surgery, don’t let being careful stop you from getting your kids the care they need.

Vaccines. Scheduled surgeries.

Specialist visits.

Visit phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS to schedule an appointment.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

25

“Not racist” is not enough.

Change requires courage and intentional, proactive efforts from all of us.

By Karen Davis Barr | Photos courtesy of Kids Walk For A Change

T

welve-year-old Jarem Bailey stood in front of a crowd of about 400 peaceful protestors. He paused, momentarily unsure. His face reflected the deep

emotions and doubt simmering inside. He looked to his parents for strength.

His father got up, embraced him, and stood beside him as he told his story: “I may be young, but I’ve been called a very, very offensive name four times. Twice at school by classmates and twice by adults on public streets. I just want to let everyone out there know: Always stand strong, no matter what happens.”

Jarem was not the only child to courageously share a painful story that day. Others stood up to talk about their experiences within the safety of a supportive crowd of families gathered in downtown Phoenix for the Valley’s first Kids Walk for A Change in support of Black Lives Matter.

It was, quite likely, one of the greatest challenges of their young lives. And perhaps the most transformative.

26 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Clockwise: Eric Baily stands beside Jarem while he speaks to the crowd. Protester with signs. The protest crowd Jarem addressed.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

27

Malia Winey delivered a powerful speech about racism and her own personal experience with it at school.

28 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

The first time it happened, it caught

family and moved. “We don’t need that

Jarem, then in 5th grade, by surprise. In

kind of environment for our kids to learn

fact, he wasn’t even sure he’d heard the

in,” Eric says. The Baileys now live in

word correctly. When he got home that

Chandler, where their children will be

day, he asked his parents, “What is a

attending a southeast Valley school district

niggle?” Eric and Jamie Bailey called the

with a more diverse population.

principal, who called in the other child’s family. Everyone agreed the word was

Feb. 23, 2020: Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-

unacceptable. Promises were made.

old aspiring electrician in Brunswick,

The next time it happened, Jarem was

Georgia, is out jogging two miles from

bike riding with his parents in their Cave

his home in Brunswick, Georgia, when

Creek neighborhood. Someone jumped

he is shot three times by two white

out at them, screaming “f***ing n****rs!”

men claiming they believed him to be a

The third time, the Baileys had stopped

burglary suspect.

in Las Vegas during a road trip. They

Small steps toward being anti-racist

wanted to experience the Tournament

March 13, 2020: Breonna Taylor, a

of Kings, a kid-friendly jousting dinner

26-year-old emergency room technician, is

theater experience at Excalibur Hotel &

fatally shot by Louisville, Kentucky police

Casino. They had some extra time, so

officers who use a battering ram to enter

Encourage your school to register

they decided to take a walk to catch the

her home shortly after midnight and fire at

for the Anti Defamation League’s No

dramatic Fountains of Bellagio water show.

the unarmed woman at least eight times.

Place for Hate initiative, which supports preK-12 educators and students in

Eric had his daughter Jasmine, then 6, on his shoulders. He held his 7-year-old

May 25, 2020: George Floyd, 46, is killed

understanding and challenging bias,

son Kai’s hand. Jarem, then 11, walked

by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota

building ally behaviors, and creating a

behind them, hand in hand with Jamie.

during an arrest for allegedly passing a $20

climate of respect. Registration is due

A woman walked toward them in

counterfeit bill. The horrific incident lights

by Aug. 20. https://arizona.adl.org/

an aggressive manner, yelling at them to

a match to long-simmering frustration

no-place-for-hate/

get out of the way: “Move, you f***ing

and outrage about excessive use of force

n****rs!” she screamed. The vicious

against Blacks by police officers around

Join your PTA, go to school board

words landed just as she came adjacent to

the country.

meetings, learn more about the curriculum. Demand accurate history

Jarem, leaving him frightened and crying inconsolably.

The fourth time, when Jarem was

The murder of George Floyd

lessons about race.

proved to be the tipping point. Graphic,

again harassed by classmates using the

horrifying video images offered

Support policies and legislation

derogatory epithet, his parents arranged

inescapable, incontrovertible evidence of

designed to educate all students

yet another meeting with school

casual disregard for the life of a Black man

about race, racism, its history and its

administrators and the parents of the name

by a white police officer who couldn’t be

effects. Change.org recently circulated

callers. Then, a couple of months later,

bothered to remove his hands from his

a petition designed to lead to national

they found out the only other Black boy in

pockets while he slowly snuffed the breath

legislation to include comprehensive

the school also was being harassed.

and life from someone who was unarmed,

race and racism education in schools

outnumbered, and certainly not posing an

nationwide.

That’s when they packed up their

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

29

“If we can come to that place, we can MOVE PAST the PAIN and the HURT and get to the HEART OF THE MATTER,”…

“But it’s going to take ALL OF US to make that happen.”

-Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams

immediate threat.

It’s hard to avoid the sickening images,

ASU early childhood experts, it affirmed

Raising Arizona Kids is doing to address

the importance of addressing racism in

issues of systemic racism?”

which keep playing on the news as though

ongoing, purposeful and age-appropriate

I flashed back to the first time we

on a loop. They kicked off massive, global

discussions and family practices. I added

featured a Black child on the cover of our

protests. Most were peaceful. Some were

links to related articles we had run: books

magazine. It was September 1990. The

hijacked by malicious elements determined

celebrating diversity, an essay about racial

magazine was just seven months old. We

to take advantage of the situation by

profiling, a troubling resurgence of the use

were excited about that issue, our first to

looting and burning.

of the “n” word among young people.

be available for sale at magazine racks in

As tensions escalated, fueled by the risk

Then came her Facebook message:

Valley grocery stores, bookstores and resort

of new coronavirus infections as thousands

“You did address BLM … kind of. To be

gift shops. When the magazines arrived at

of people congregated and marched, it

honest, it looks like you posted in a way

our distributor’s warehouse, he called me.

felt like the world was falling apart. The

that allowed you to check the box, but

“What were you thinking?” he said. “No

collective anguish and rage was — and

avoided the larger conversation that needed

one is going to buy this!”

remains — palpable.

to happen. … Small statements can be big

I was stunned. And the experience

when you have a large audience. You have

only strengthened a commitment to

A young woman I’ve known since she

a responsibility to speak up when you have

fairly and adequately represent all

was in my sons’ middle school orchestra —

that audience.”

members of our community in the

a beautiful, thoughtful, nurturing mother

Only the truth can sting like that.

magazine. It is something we often

of two with a compelling, if sometimes

The next challenge came from a

discuss in planning meetings, counting

acerbic, social media presence — took

woman who subscribes to our email

on guidance and perspective from our

Raising Arizona Kids to task in those early

newsletter. “For each company that has

art director, who has been with us since

days after Floyd’s murder.

sent me information on how they are

2005 and is Black. As a staff, we have

dealing with COVID-19, I have decided

a shared mission to promote values of

were scrambling for appropriate ways to

to ask them how they are dealing with

inclusion, understanding and empathy in

respond. It suddenly seemed everyone

systemic racism in their own company,”

our coverage. But is that enough?

felt compelled to make public statements

she wrote. “COVID-19 is important, and

I called the email subscriber and

denouncing racism.

my family has taken it very seriously, but

asked what she was hoping to hear. Even

systemic racism is a long-term issue that

she wasn’t exactly sure. But she defined

too effortlessly — by simply reposting a

has a much larger economic, personal and

it as “the difference between saying the

story we first ran in 2016. Written by two

public health cost. Can you tell me what

right words and building policies that are

Businesses and nonprofits Valleywide

I responded too hastily — and perhaps

30 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Sponsored Content specific, sustainable and meaningful.”

Shortly after George Floyd’s murder, Eric Bailey’s phone started ringing.

“People kept asking me, ‘What do I do?’” he said. Bailey, author of “The Cure for Stupidity” and international speaker whose work focuses on effective leadership and communication based in brain science and psychology, still has not watched the Floyd video. Knowing about it was painful enough.

He stepped back a moment to examine his feelings. Not just about Floyd’s murder, but “all the other Black men and Black women who have been killed by the police in recent and not-so-recent years — and about a system that makes me intentionally act differently so folks are not afraid of me,” he says. “I am one of the sweetest,

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SELF DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY has one driving ethos: full brain learning. Students

people be afraid of me just because I’m

enjoy our diverse coursework that teaches critical and creative thinking through an enriched

Black? It’s heartbreaking. And it has been

and captivating curriculum. Key to our success as consistently one of AZ’s top performing

breaking my heart since I was a child.”

schools has been our focus on critical and creative thinking. From Philosophy to Precalculus,

He and Jamie decided to take their

students engage in a deep, socratic dialogue with themselves and each

three kids to one of the protest rallies.

other. Unlike traditional schools we see mastery as a base level.

They wore masks and hung out at the back

From mastery, students can reimagine and create what they learn

of the rally, not sure what to expect.

in their Physics class or their Formal Logic course. Students excel

“The march we went to started off with a prayer,” he says. “Everyone was positive. There were police officers walking in front with the organizers, in the middle, and in the back, walking with us. It was wonderful.”

The couple posted about their experience on Facebook and soon realized there was “an appetite for parents to engage their kids in this kind of movement and spark dialogue between kids and adults about race and racism.”

Eric and Jamie started thinking about organizing a family-friendly rally. Through

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a mutual friend, they connected with

environment in which we shop.’ Find

milestones, the stories have a different

football coach and former pro Rudy Burgess

ways to break it up a bit” by traveling to

impact, Jaimie says.

and his wife Brandi, who had the same idea.

different neighborhoods once in awhile to

The two couples put their heads together.

do your shopping.

They got on the phone to learn about city

Speak up if you don’t feel your child’s

Being “not racist” is not enough, as the political activist Angela Davis

permits, notify the police department and

school is doing enough to raise the subject

has said. Her powerful voice and many

get advice on radios, water for walkers and

of racism, the Baileys suggest.

others urge us to be actively anti-racist,

other logistics. They announced the event

“Our [prior] school didn’t do anything

which demands more listening, rigorous

on Facebook just a few days before the

for Black History Month,” Jaimie says.

Saturday, June 13 event. More than 400

“Black History Month is not just for

people showed up in the late afternoon to

Black kids! It’s about appreciation for this

unfortunate first name of “Karen” (which

walk a mile, in 106-degree heat, in support

culture.”

has suddenly become slang for obnoxious,

of Black Lives Matter.

Jarem was one of several children who

When kids grow up without

thinking, and intentional action.

As a white woman with the

entitled, privileged and even racist white

experiencing racism, the only

women), I have often held back in these

spoke to the crowd that day. Until then,

conversations they have about it are in

conversations. I tend to overthink my every

his mother says, he didn’t talk much about

history class, Bailey says. “Racism with

word, fearing I will unintentionally say the

the hurtful episodes he’d experienced.

slavery was in the past. Jim Crow laws

wrong thing or come across as insensitive.

“Putting it out so openly, in front of 400

were in the past. Martin Luther King

people, getting that off his chest fully — it

was in the past. And so kids believe that

was such a relief,” she says. “He realized,

racism doesn’t exist anymore.”

‘I’m safe here.’ Bringing it into such a

In the metro-Phoenix area, he says,

I confessed that fear to Eric Baily, who encouraged me to jump in anyway.

“It’s OK to be uncomfortable,” he said.

“That’s how you work through it.” It’s a

public forum gave him some power, gave

where Blacks make up no more than 5

message he shares broadly in his work and

him a voice.”

percent of the population, generations

his own relationships. He reminded me that

of children are growing up without

caring people can always backtrack and

events in the future, but for now, with

meaningful relationships with Black

try again if something we say doesn’t come

COVID-19 numbers spiking ominously

authority figures. The Bailey children have

out right. The important thing is that we

in Arizona, they have taken their efforts

never had a Black teacher.

continue to engage in the conversations.

The families hope to organize similar

online. The Kids Walk led to a private

Ask school leaders what they are

He addressed that theme in his remarks

Facebook group that now tops more than

doing to include People of Color on the

at the Kids Walk in June, validating an

600 members.

staff, “and not just the janitor,” Eric adds.

approach that conveys “‘I don’t know, but I

“Schools need more teachers who are

want to understand.”

Developing an anti-racist family

Black, Hispanic, Latinx. Kids need to

value system means thinking about “small,

learn authority looks like this.”

realistic steps we can all implement into

Keeping a diverse home book shelf is

He was followed by Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, the first woman and only the second Person of Color to be

our daily lives to combat discriminatory

important, says Jamie Bailey. “We are a

named chief of police for Phoenix, the

attitudes” Eric says.

big reading family. We want our children

fifth largest city in the U.S.

Think about your choices in everyday

to have plenty of opportunities to explore

“If we can come to that place, we can

habits, he suggests. “There are little

alternative stories. We’re not forcing it

move past the pain and the hurt and get to

signals toward how we treat people that

down their throats; we just make the

the heart of the matter,” she says. “But it’s

show up in our daily lives, whether we

books available.”

going to take all of us to make that happen.”

acknowledge it or not. For example, if

Sometimes their kids will pull a book

we only go to stores where certain types

out they’ve ready before, when they were

Karen Davis Barr is founder and publisher of Raising

of people shop, that signals ‘this is the

younger. As they hit new developmental

Arizona Kids.

32 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

The Bailey and Burgess families organized the event for families.

Conversation starters Arizona PBS LearningMedia resources

Conversations with Common Sense

The New York Times

on race, racism, protests, civil rights and

Experts in child development, children’s

How to Raise an Anti-Racist Kid

more. https://azpbs.org/2020/06/pbs-

health, and trauma care talk about ways

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/24/well/

learningmedia-resources-on-race-racism-

families can support their children, one

family/how-to-raise-an-anti-racist-kid.html

protests-civil-rights-and-more

another, and a just future as they navigate near-constant exposure to news and social

Holy Post - Racism in America

ASU Now

media about violence against Blacks and its

Three years ago, Veggie Tales founder Phil

Eleanor Seaton, an associate professor in

aftermath. https://youtu.be/dhjMyOqu2G8

Vischer and his brother Rob co-taught a class

Arizona State University’s T. Denny Sanford

that discussed issues of racial injustice. The

School of Family and Social Dynamics, explains

The mural project “Spread the Love”

class turned into a popular podcast episode,

how racism is “baked in” to our society and its

Downtown Tempe is displaying the artwork of

they have now turned into this video. Vischer

institutions, “including schools, neighborhoods,

three local Black artists who share their vision

is the creator of the computer-animated

workplaces, banks, health care, the media and

of a better world filled with love, diversity,

video series VeggieTales and provided the

policing systems.”

inclusion and positivity. Look for the murals

voice of Bob the Tomato. https://youtu.be/

https://asunow.asu.edu/20200614-discoveries-

at Centerpoint Plaza (near the AMC theater at

AGUwcs9qJXY

%E2%80%98systemic-racism%E2%80%99-

Seventh Street and Mill Avenue) or check is

defined-and-deconstructed

out on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

33

takeout

PLAY CHEF AT HOME WITH LOCAL

FOOD KITS

By Elaina Verhoff

WHILE MANY LOCAL RESTAURANTS have reopened, families in greater Phoenix may

be hesitant to venture back for dine-in service while COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

One of the ways restaurants have gotten creative during this pandemic is by creating takeout food kits that let their customers assemble a restaurant-quality meal at home.

So grab the kids and the aprons. These make-at-home kits will let you have some fun as a family while creating tasty meals and treats.

Make-athome pizza kits The Parlor in Phoenix offers pizza kits, so everyone can play chef and make their own pizza masterpiece. The standard kit comes with fresh dough,

Cookie and cupcake decorating kits

Parlor secret pizza sauce, house-blend cheeses (mozzarella and aged cheddar), Schreiner’s pepperoni and fresh basil.

For a different price, any Parlor pizza

Known for its whimsical and inventive sweet creations, Ruze Cake House in

can be made into a kit, or you can

Scottsdale is offering boxed kits that let the kids have some fun decorating either mini

pick and choose from the restaurant’s

cupcakes or iced sugar cookies. Ruze’s Boredom Buster kits have featured unicorns,

extensive list of toppings. $12 for

trolls and ninjas. Check their Instagram page for the latest offerings, and email

a standard kit. The Parlor, 1916 E.

jessicarose@ruzecakehouse.com to place an order. Prices vary. Ruze Cake House,

Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-248-

7033 E. Main St., Suite 100, Scottsdale. ruzecakehouse.com

2480 or theparlor.us

34 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Cook-at-home pasta kits Love serving up big flavorful bowls of pasta, but don’t feel like cranking out the homemade noodles and sauce? The Sicilian Butcher’s pasta kit serves four, and includes bread, your choice of pasta (spaghetti, paccheri, pappardelle or creste de gallo) and sauce (marinara, amatriciana, parmigiano cream or bolognese). Extra hungry? Add eight Sicilian meatballs (made with ground veal, prime beef and pork, pine nuts, raisings, pecorino cheese, garlic and fresh herbs). Cook, assemble, and you have a gourmet meal without the hassle. $32 for bread, pasta and sauce; additional $12 for meatballs.

The Sicilian Butcher, 15530 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 160, Phoenix; 602-775-5140. 3151 W. Frye Road, Chandler; 480-573-8550. thesicilianbutcher.com/meal-kits

Gourmet sandwich kits Miracle Mile Deli in Phoenix is offering

Fresh fish taco kits

some of its most popular gourmet deli

A trip to the coast may not be in the cards, but you can still enjoy amazing fish tacos

two pounds of hot pastrami, brisket

at home. Chula Seafood in Phoenix and Scottsdale is now offering fresh fish taco kits

or corned beef plus cheese, rolls and

for home delivery. Each kit serves four and includes one pound of fresh chef’s choice

dressing/sauerkraut for $45. 4433 N.

whitefish accompanied by pico, cabbage, salsa verde, eight tortillas and a molcajete

16th St., Phoenix. 602-776-0992 or

(mortar and pestle for food preparation). The type of fish varies by availability and

miraclemiledeli.com

sandwiches as takeaway kits featuring

typically features grouper, swordfish, mahi or sea bass. Order for next-day home delivery. $38. Chula Seafood, chulaseafood.com/delivered.html, email delivery@

Elaina Verhoff is a Phoenix freelance writer and the

chulaseafood.com for more info.

mother of two teenagers.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

35

family time!

India: Fashion’s Muse (July 1-31) at phxart.org

JULY TOP EVENTS

By Carrie Wheeler

Drive-in destinations, virtual performances and exhibits and take-home crafts are just a few of the safe and socially distanced family options for summer fun this month. Here’s what you won’t want to miss.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.

JUNE-AUG. 1: Imagine Your Story. The Maricopa County summer reading program continues this month encouraging all ages to dive into a good book. Log reading minutes, participate in online challenges and earn prizes — all from the comfort of home. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story.” The program challenges participants to read or listen to audio books for at least 20 minutes a day. read20az.com or leepor20az.com (in Spanish)

JULY 1-2: A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy featuring love triangles, mistaken identities and transformations will be streaming for one week on the UK National Theatre’s YouTube site. nationaltheatre.org.uk

JULY 1-31: India: Fashion’s Muse. Take a virtual tour featuring more than 50 stunning ensembles and accessories celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of fashions from India. See

Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar

36 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

the clothes as well as the global trends and they’ve inspired from famous designers like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Halston, and Chanel. phxart.org

JULY 2-6: Cruise the Zoo. Enjoy the Phoenix Zoo at a socially safe distance as you drive your vehicle through the grounds to see flamingos, giraffes, elephants and more while listening to an audio tour.

Only 450 vehicles will be allowed daily from 7 a.m. to noon. $50 per vehicle. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. phoenixzoo.com

JULY 2-4:

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM

Drive-in Movie Night at The Princess. Take in a family-friendly movie on a giant, inflatable screen from the safety of your vehicle with a festive fireworks show during the intermission. $40-

JULY 5:

$60 per vehicle includes admission and parking, one bag of popcorn, two bags of cotton candy and

Medieval Times will open its doors and resume its dinner shows —

four bottled waters. Purchase tickets online. 8 p.m. movie. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E.

two-hour medieval jousting tournaments on horses. 9051 E. Via de

Princess Drive, Scottsdale. scottsdaleprincess.com

Ventura in Scottsdale. 214-596-7600 or medievaltimes.com

JULY 2-30:

JULY 6:

Mindfulness Thursdays. Hospice of the Valley and Phoenix Art Museum present a 30-minute

Desert Botanical Garden will open its trails to guests. All visitors will

at-home Zoom session to promote mindfulness at noon on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Scientific studies

be required to make a timed reservation online or by calling 480-941-

show mindfulness can relieve anxiety, depression, pain and stress and actually change the way we

1225 in advance. The garden will limit capacity and provide a touchless

feel, think, work and play by opening new pathways in the brain. Join Zoom meeting at https://hov.

admissions experience. $14.95; $9.95 for ages 3-17. 1201 N. Galvin

zoom.us/j/705719545 (ID: 705 719 545).

Parkway Phoenix. dbg.org

Watch Hamilton on Disney+ (July 3).

JULY 6-17: As You Wish Summer Classes. Ages 5 and older can visit As You Wish locations Valleywide on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for a range of in-studio or to-go crafts. $25 includes the pottery, paints, instruction and firing. In-store classes are from 9-10:30 a.m. At-home kits are available for pick up after 10 a.m. Check the website for locations, a list of projects and registration information. asyouwishpottery.com

JULY 7, 14, 21 AND 28: Drive-thru Out of Africa. Visit the zoo safari-style and see hyenas, DISNEY +

zebras, tigers and more from your vehicle every Tuesday in July. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20; $10 for ages 3-12. Out of Africa Wildlife Park, 3505 W. State Route 260, Camp Verde. 928-567-2840 or outofafricapark.com

JULY 3: Watch Hamilton on Disney+. Lin Manuel Miranda’s wildly popular Broadway show “Hamilton”

JULY 8 AND 22:

will air in movie form on the Disney+ streaming channel today. Get ready to celebrate Independence

Remix It: Teen Summer Virtual Workshops. From 2-3:30

Day by learning about Alexander Hamilton in a whole new way.

p.m., teens 13-18 can put their own spin on an existing work of art, combining old and new influences to create a mixed media artwork

Kids Club Crafts. This 1-hour Zoom class will have kids making red, white and blue crafts the

during this series of interrelated virtual workshops from the Phoenix

whole family can use to celebrate Independence Day. The first 1,000 participants will receive

Art Museum. Each session will explore a different approach to the

access to the 1 p.m. call. Free. michaels.com

creative process. phxart.org RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

37

family time! JULY TOP EVENTS Free Comic Book Summer (July 1 – Sept. 9).

JULY 17: The Whole Story. This live stream storytelling show celebrates the nuances of our humanity through personal stories told from the Black perspective. The pay-whatyou-wish program will be live-streamed on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and on phxart.org

JULY 18: Sensory-Friendly Day. Enjoy Dave & Buster’s minus the excessive noise and televisions. This sensory-friendly morning will have the lights turned up and all music and TV’s turned off.

Plus, there will be quiet rooms available with coloring and more.

9-11 a.m. $17. Dave & Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. tempemarketplace.com

JULY 8-29:

JULY 18, 25: AZ Virtual Summer Storytelling. Every Saturday through Aug.

Online MIMkids Mini Music Makers. Introduce your child to the wide and wonderful world of

8, Pueblo Grande Museum is hosting a free virtual summertime

music through MIM’s early childhood music and movement courses. This 30-minute Zoom class

storytelling event featuring Arizona authors reading their own

on Wednesdays explores music through song, dance, and play. Participants don’t need musical

books. Videos will be posted on their YouTube page and can be

instruments; this class uses household items to make music. 10:15 a.m. for ages 3 and younger; 11

accessed through Sept. 5. Craft kits to accompany each story

a.m. for ages 3-5. Choose what you pay between $4 -$12. mim.org

will be available online for $5 per kit and can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday the week before the story at the

JULY 10-AUG. 16:

Pueblo Grande Museum. The July 18th story will be Phoebe Fox’s

Broadway Jukebox. Copperstate Productions presents “Broadway Jukebox,” an original, interactive

“Panda Proud;” July 25th is “Green on Green” by Dianne White.

musical revue where no two shows will be the same. The theater will be kept at half capacity for social

Free. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix.

distancing purposes. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $33; $18 for children 17 and

phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/pueblo-grande

younger with student IDs. Mainstage at Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. fhtaz.org

JULY 23-24: Baseball’s back! Major League Baseball’s regular season

JULY 11:

is set to start July 23-24, although the 60-game schedule

Historic Downtown Glendale Christmas in July. Avoid the Christmas rush by doing your holiday

has not yet been finalized. To limit travel distances, teams

shopping in July! Glendale boutiques, specialty shops and iconic eateries will feature festive treats,

will play a majority of games against their division op-

holiday gift ideas and merry make-and take-crafts. A shuttle will be available to transport event attendees

ponents and the rest against their geographic counterpart in

throughout the area. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 5836 W. Palmaire Ave., Glendale. visitdowntownglendale.com

the other league. Find details at mlb.com or dbacks.com

JULY 15-SEPT. 9: Free Comic Book Summer. Free Comic Book Day has been rescheduled and reworked to take place from July 15 through Sept. 9, making it a Free Comic Book Summer! Comic shops will receive five or six Free Comic Book Day titles each week, but the release of the titles may vary from shop to shop. Check out the site to see participating comic shops in your area. freecomicbookday.com

38 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler is the mother of Wilson (9).

Send calendar info to Carrie@ RAKmagazine.com.

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You already have good grades, great attendance and an appreciation for art. Now enroll in a school where you fit in, a school that appreciates you, your talents and will offer you a challenge - every day.

Metro-Arts is a tuition-free charter school for grades 7-12. Focusing on visual, performing and literary arts, college prep academics, and honors classes in a safe, closed campus with small class size.

Metropolitan Arts Institute A tuition-free charter school in Phoenix.

ENROLL TODAY! Please visit the “How to Enroll” section of the website for an application.

For more information, pleavse call our Admissions Department at 602-258-9500 ext. 13. Apply early as spaces fill up quickly. www.metro-arts.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

39

family time! around AZ

OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK

Out of Africa in Camp Verde.

CAMP VERDE

Bird Walks (July 18). Join the

PRESCOTT

available to help locate animals and

Out of Africa. You can drive your

Audubon Society to see some of the

World’s Oldest Rodeo (June

answer questions. Bring a flashlight!

vehicle through this safari-style

more than 130 species of birds found

29-July 5). Prescott Frontier Days

8-9:30 p.m. $10. 1403 Heritage Park

zoo and see hyenas, zebras, tigers

at the gardens. All participants will

presents the 133rd annual World’s

Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or

and more on Tuesdays. The rest of

need to wear a mask, and advance

Oldest Rodeo. Watch judged events

heritageparkzoo.org

the week, take self-guided walking

registration is required. $10; $5 for

(bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding)

tours. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20; $10

ages 4-17; $7 for seniors/military.

and timed events (steer wrestling,

YUMA

for kids ages 3-12. Out of Africa

9:30 a.m. The Arboretum at Flagstaff,

tie-down, team roping, barrel racing).

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

Wildlife Park, 3505 West State Route

4001 S. Woody Mountain Road,

Plus, the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo

(July 4). The city of Yuma will host a

260, Camp Verde. 928-567-2840 or

Flagstaff. thearb.org

Parade, the Kiwanis Kiddie Parade,

20-minute drive-in fireworks display.

an arts and crafts show and a rodeo

8:45 p.m. at the Pacific Avenue

Wildflower Walks (July 25). Join

dance. 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday,

Athletic Complex, 700 E. 8th St.,

FLAGSTAFF

the knowledgeable Arboretum staff on

1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Yuma. yumaaz.gov

Flagstaff Urban Flea Market (July

a morning walk through the gardens

Sunday. $12-$27. Please note the new

11). On second Saturdays, local artisans

and explore the colorful varieties of

clear-bag policy. Rodeo Grounds, 840

WILLIAMS

sell their wares — handmade wood and

native Northern Arizona wildflowers.

Rodeo Drive, Prescott. 928-445-3103

Arizona Cowpunchers Reunion

leatherwork, ceramics, soaps, vintage

Bring water, a camera and comfortable

or worldsoldestrodeo.com

Rodeo (July 24-26). Contestants

clothing, used tools, comics, toys,

walking shoes. All participants will

household goods, jewelry, upcycled

need to wear a mask, and advance

Zoo by Moonlight (July 4). Visit the

in wild horse races, wild cow milking,

goods, flowers and flea-market-type

registration is required. $10; $5 for

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

cowboy bronc riding, ribbon roping

treasures. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. City Hall

ages 4-17; $7 for seniors/military.

every full moon for the opportunity

and team roping. 1 p.m. $5; free for

parking lot, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

9:30 a.m. The Arboretum at Flagstaff,

to see nocturnal residents out and

ages 10 and younger. Williams Rodeo

flagstaffmarket.com

4001 S. Woody Mountain Road,

about — something you might not see

Grounds, 750 Airport Road, Williams.

Flagstaff. 928-774-1442 or thearb.org

during a day visit. Docents will also be

azcowpunchers.com

outofafricapark.com

40 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ranging in age from 3 to 90 participate

You Want Complete

[Pediatric Eye Care.]

We Are Your Healthcare Team.

Did you know there are 17 visual skills required for learning? Basic vision screenings are not equivalent to a comprehensive eye examination. We recommend a child’s first eye examination be performed as early as six months of age.

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5/28/2020 9:48:00 AM

RaisingARIZONAKids.com July 2020

41

family time! July 4th events Scottsdale’s Rockin’ 4th.

Instead of attending parades and block parties, this

festive fireworks show during the intermission. Movie

Town of Queen Creek will set off large-shell fireworks

year we are celebrating our country’s independence

begins at 8 p.m. The $60 fee per vehicle includes

that go much higher and can be viewed by east Valley

with drive-ins and virtual events. Families can still

admission and parking, one bag of popcorn, two bags

families from the safety of their homes. 9 p.m.

enjoy fireworks displays around the Valley while

of cotton candy and four bottled waters. Purchase

observing social distancing — and maybe develop

tickets online. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

some new July 4th traditions.

Princess Dr., Scottsdale. Scottsdaleprincess.com

Let Freedom Sing. Some of Tucson’s greatest musical talents will embrace the patriotic spirit of

MESA

Scottsdale’s Rockin’ 4th. Scottsdale hosts a

Southern Arizona at this unique virtual concert.

Drive-in Fireworks Show. Due to Covid-19 concerns,

drive-up Fourth of July celebration at WestWorld that

Streaming video is available anytime after 2 p.m. Tickets

the Titan Solar Power Arizona Celebration of Freedom is

will start with a parade honoring all of those on the

available by donation starting at $10. arts-express.org

turning into a drive-in fireworks show. Cars will convene in

front-lines of the COVID-19 fight including nurses,

Fiesta Mall parking lot while sponsor 94.5 KOOL-FM plays

doctors, police, fire, EMTs, restaurant workers,

PBS: Capitol Fourth. Tune in to Arizona PBS for a

patriotic music over the radio. 9-9:30 p.m. Free. 1425 W.

truck drivers and others. The evening will end with a

nation-wide celebration of America’s 244th birthday.

Southern Ave., Mesa. azcelebrationoffreedom.org

fireworks show. All proceeds benefit Not My Kid, a

This all-star salute will feature coverage from cameras

non-profit that inspires positive life choices for youth.

all around Washington, D.C., ensuring viewers are

SCOTTSDALE

front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in

Drive-in Movie Night at The Princess. Watch

QUEEN CREEK

“Sonic the Hedgehog” on a giant, inflatable screen

Hometown Fourth at Schnepf Farms. The on-site

from the comfort and safety of your vehicle with a

event has been cancelled but Schnepf Farms and the

42 July 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

the nation. 7-9:30 p.m.

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Offers cannot be combined with any other coupon, special offer, package pricing, prior orders or insurance plan, unless otherwise noted. All offers and prices are subject to change without notice. *All exams performed by Associate Doctors of Nationwide Optometry.

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Complete pair purchase required (frame and lenses). Includes single vision polycarbonate lenses, eyewear protection plan and select frames $89.00 and under. Offer valid July 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020. (3) VSP® is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan and is not affiliated with Nationwide Vision.

You Want to Communicate

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Also Offering Online Telemedicine Appointments 19389 North 59th Avenue Glendale, Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com