RAK magazine October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

RaisingARIZONA Kids your partner on the parenting path PUMPKIN PATCHES,

HIKING TRIPS and FALL FAMILY EVENTS

Plus:

Teacher of the Year finalists Election 2020:

How your vote affects Arizona education CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR ONLINE LEARNING Luke Livingston (3) of Glendale at Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale.

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

GET READY FOR CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES!

COMING SOON YOU CAN CHECK OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE ON YOUTUBE! DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse © 2020 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS

October 2020 FEATURES

20

24

BRINGING HOPE TO LIFE THROUGH ART

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona was celebrating 25 years of its free therapeutic arts programs when the pandemic hit, and the need for its programs grew. “Children need a creative outlet … to get out the icky, scary feelings,” says Program Director Jessica Flowers.

12 16

ELECTION 2020

Early voting begins Oct. 7 for the Nov. 3 election. Expect More Arizona explains why parents should pay attention to more than the top of the ticket and how different elected officials affect your child’s education. Plus a primer on Prop 208 (a tax on high-income earners in Arizona to fund schools), important dates to know and online voting resources.

DEPARTMENTS

2

DIALOGUE

4

AZ GROWN

Better days ahead

• Free Kids San Diego continues during COVID-19 • Nonprofit offers free skateboards to kids in need • Legoland California hosts Halloween in Miniland • Care Card shopping fundraiser is back Oct. 16-25 • Flu vaccines are more important than ever during COVID-19 • Arizona Teacher of the Year finalists announced • Using Common Sense: Unequal access to high-speed internet and devices complicates distance learning • Helping children face their fears • Sari on Science: Creepy screaming balloons for Halloween

36

• Raising Outdoor Kids: Enjoy fall scenery on these colorful Arizona hikes • 10 tips for a safer Halloween during the pandemic

28

FAMILY TIME! • Top October events

• 3 ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos • Halloween events • Pumpkin patches around Arizona

38

FIRST PERSON

The quiet blessings of “interesting times”

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

1

dialogue

Better times ahead

COVER PHOTO: Luke Livingston (3) with his cousin, Faith Tolmachoff (2) at Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale. Faith’s father, Michael Tolmachoff was RAK’s October 2013 cover kid.

ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams

And the winter holidays, just around the

ballots are sent to voters who have requested

remembers visiting Tolmachoff Farms

corner, bring anticipation of more joy to

them. If you prefer to vote by mail, it’s not

seven years ago for a cover photo shoot

come. This year, all that’s still true. But

too late to request a mailed ballot. Visit

featuring a then-13-year-old Michael

one more word keeps popping into my

arizona.vote to do so (by Oct. 23), to check

Tolmachoff. Adams was pleasantly

mind this month: VOTE.

your registration or to get answers to all

surprised to see Michael again this year

The 2020 election is officially Nov.

your voting questions. Then, vote.

at a cover photo shoot featuring a new

3, but unregistered voters have only

Tolmachoff generation at the popular

until Oct. 5 to register to vote in this

events than we’ve had for months,

Glendale pumpkin patch. Michael’s

monumental election — by far the

including outdoor festivals and drive-up

nephew, Luke Livingston (3), is on this

most consequential of my lifetime. If

performances. No, the pandemic

month’s cover, and his adorable daughter,

you haven’t registered, please do. If

hasn’t disappeared. But if responsible

Faith Tolmachoff (2), is shown above.

we’ve learned anything recently, it’s that

adults can do the right thing — mask

democracy is fragile, and our informed

up when in public, and get a flu shot

yes, time flies — even in “interesting

vote is the most power we have to

ASAP — we can get to a place where a

times,” as writer Sheri Smith explains.

help determine the community, state

coronavirus vaccine is closer, the world

But it also shows how long (three

and country we want to be and the

is less terrifying and there are more fun

decades) Raising Arizona Kids has been

opportunities we want our children to

gatherings and better times ahead.

part of the community, offering parents

have. Our Election 2020 section gives

help and comfort.

great resources and a look at how voting

These surprise reunions show that,

October is always a gem. There’s finally a chill in the night air. Pumpkin patches and Halloween activities abound.

2 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

This issue is filled with more family

affects education.

Early voting begins Oct. 7, when in-person polling places open, and mailed

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

ARE YOU RAISING ARIZONA KIDS? October 2020 | Vol 31 | No 5 PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr EDITOR Kara G. Morrison CONTRIBUTORS Sari Custer, Sean Elliot, Ilana Lowery, Mona Qafisheh, Sheri Smith, Christine Thompson, Lisa Van Loo ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Reed 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.

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RAISINGARIZONAKIDS.com RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

3

az grown good to know

KIDS FREE SAN DIEGO continues during COVID-19

Nonprofit offers FREE

SKATEBOARDS FACEBOOK.COM/SANDIEGO

to kids in need

SKATE AFTER SCHOOL, a Phoenix-based

nonprofit, is giving free skateboards to kids.

Skate After School began in 2012 as a small community project and has grown to provide weekly after-school skateboarding

Every October, San Diego reaches out to families with free deals for kids — including

lessons to more than 240 underserved kids.

free admission for kids to major attractions including the San Diego Zoo. Many hotels

Among Arizona’s K-12 students, roughly

and restaurants offer kids-eat-free deals or gifts at check-in.

214,000 are alone and unsupervised after

While not all attractions are open during the COVID-19 pandemic, a surprising

school. After-school programs like Skate After

number of venues are offering Kids Free San Diego deals. More than 85 such deals are

School keep kids safe, boost student success

listed on the tourism website sandiego.org. Here are some highlights that might justify a

and help parents keep their jobs.

quick weekend road trip or family vacation over fall break:

Donations allow Skate After School to supply each student with equipment and

San Diego Zoo. Up to five children (ages 11 and younger) get in free per each paid

protective gear. Trained volunteers lead

adult admission at the zoo during October. See hippos, pandas, gorillas and elephants

instruction and ensure that fun and safety are

at the zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. The same offer applies at San Diego Zoo Safari

top priorities. Select students receive summer

Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido.

camp scholarships to join peers from all over the world at Woodward West in California

USS Midway Museum. Up to two children (ages 6-12) receive free entry with one

for a week of skateboarding and mentorship.

paid adult admission this month to go aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier.

The program also participates in community

Explore the floating city at sea and get a tour encompassing 50 years of world history.

outreach events at Phoenix-area homeless

910 Harbor Drive, San Diego.

shelters and refugee centers throughout the year and donates refurbished skateboards to

San Diego Air & Space Museum. See historic aircraft and spacecraft from all

individuals in need, providing them with a

over the world, including a flyable replica of Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the actual

crucial tool for mobility.

Apollo 9 Command Module spacecraft and the only real GPS satellite on display in the

Parents can sign up for the Radical

world. Up to two children (ages 12 and younger) get free admission with one paid adult

Reshuffle program to get a refurbished board

admission all month at 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego.

for their child at skateafterschool.org

4 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Halloween in Miniland LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA in Carlsbad,

California, hasn’t reopened, but the theme park is still hosting a scaled-back Halloween bash Friday-Sunday Oct. 2-31.

Halloween in Miniland features distanced character meet-n-greets, a scavenger hunt and family activities. Costumes are encouraged, but face coverings must be worn — including with any themed costume face mask.

Guests can enjoy fall treats including Granny’s Apple Fries and Smokehouse BBQ’s ribs. Kids will leave with a goody bag of candy. Advance tickets and reservations are required for Halloween in Miniland, which takes place from 3-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday. Learn more at legoland.com/ california

CARE CARD SHOPPING

FUNDRAISER IS BACK OCT. 16-25 The 2020 Care Card program gets underway this month. The charity shopping event is hosted by the Board of Visitors, a local nonprofit that works to raise money for the healthcare needs of women, children and the elderly. To purchase a $60 Care Card, visit boardofvisitors. org/care-card or buy the card at select participating businesses. Cardholders get a 20 percent discount at dozens of local restaurants and retailers Oct. 16-25. Participating shops and restaurants include: Kidstop Toys, Crate & Barrel, Girly Girlz, Grimaldi’s, Zinburger, Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School and more.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

5

az grown health

FLU VACCINES are more important than ever

DURING COVID-19

By Sean Elliott, M.D.

WITH SO MUCH focus on COVID-19, it’s

We do know that kids are at high

against influenza is a necessary step in

hard to remember we must still take

risk to suffer complications of influenza

precautions to prevent other infectious

and we can assume this risk might be

diseases. But this year’s influenza season

increased by COVID-19. Also, COVID-

Who should be vaccinated? To be most

is right around the corner, and flu

19 has caused huge burdens on our

effective, everyone in your family should

vaccinations this year are particularly

healthcare system, which have affected

be vaccinated. This includes all children

important.

availability and timing of services.

who are 6 months of age or older; all

So, anything we can do to reduce our

adults, including those older than 50; all

with COVID-19 in Arizona and

chances of having to go to the hospital

pregnant women; and anyone living with

elsewhere, and we continue to discover

or doctor’s office for a sick visit is

a chronic condition or immunodeficiency.

new information about this disease

going to reduce our chances of being

In fact, young children, older adults and

nearly every day. However, we don’t yet

exposed to additional viruses (like the

people with existing conditions are at

know how being infected with both the

novel coronavirus), experiencing long

even higher priority to be vaccinated than

COVID-19 virus and the influenza virus

waits and adding to the burden on our

everyone else.

will affect us.

healthcare system. Being vaccinated

We can anticipate ongoing challenges

6 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

this direction.

The only requirement for vaccinations

is to be older than 6 months of age.

experiencing a really strong, and

Children ages 6 months to 8 years

protective, immune reaction to the

Meet the pediatrician

who have never received an influenza

vaccine which can feel a lot like the flu

DR. SEAN ELLIOTT

vaccination will need two shots, given

but thankfully only lasts a day or two.

earned his M.D. from Columbia University

at least four weeks apart. The rest of us Does vaccination mean you won’t

College of Physicians

get the flu? Getting the influenza

and Surgeons in

What to know about this year’s

vaccine does not guarantee you will be

1993, followed by a

vaccines? This year’s vaccines provide

completely flu-free. However, if you

pediatric residency

protection against four strains of

are infected with influenza, the vaccine

at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Northwestern

influenza that are expected to cause

will make it very unlikely for you to get

University School of Medicine, and a

disease in the U.S. in 2020-21. The

severely ill. This is especially important

fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases

vaccines have been modified this year to

this year because of the unknown risks

at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington

better protect against those strains of the

of dual infection with influenza and

University School of Medicine. He was

flu: Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A

COVID-19.

recruited to the University of Arizona College

need just one dose of vaccine.

of Medicine in 1999 and served in multiple

(H3N2), and two strains of Influenza B. When should you get vaccinated?

roles there: professor of pediatrics, associate

contain inactivated, recombinant or

Arizona’s influenza season typically

chair for the Department of Pediatrics,

attenuated influenza components.

begins in later October and peaks

pediatrics residency program director, director

The attenuated vaccine (meaning

anywhere from late December to early

of infection prevention for Banner University

one including live virus elements

March. September is the earliest month

Medicine-Tucson, and interim associate

whose virulence has been reduced) is

to consider being vaccinated against the

dean of curricular affairs for the University of

named the Live Attenuated Influenza

flu, because protection from the vaccine

Arizona College of Medicine.

Vaccine (LAIV). The only one given

will be super-strong before the onset of

by nasal spray, it is also the only

the flu season and will last throughout

Arizona after a 20-plus year career and

vaccine product that should not be

the expected flu season. Ideally,

now has returned to his first passions:

used in pregnant women, people who

everyone should be vaccinated no later

providing pediatric subspecialty clinical care

are immunocompromised, and people

than the end of October.

and teaching at the bedside. The COVID-19

RAWPIXEL

The available vaccine products

Dr. Elliott retired from the University of

However, anyone can still be

pandemic has called him back to the role of

receive an inactivated or a recombinant

vaccinated at any time if there is

content expert and consultant to healthcare

(genetically modified) vaccine safely.

still f lu activity in the state. The

systems in Arizona, and he is happy to

Most side effects from the shot

Arizona Chapter of the American

bring the current state of evidence to this

are mild, and include sore arms at

Academy of Pediatrics strongly

important discussion. He also is personally

the injection site and occasionally

recommends contacting your child’s

invested in the ongoing discussion about

some mild feelings of fatigue and

pediatrics provider now to schedule

returning to in-person school, as his life

malaise. Some people think they will

inf luenza vaccinations and ensure f lu

partner is a high-school teacher in one of

get the flu from a vaccination, but

protection is in place before the start

the most under-resourced and high-risk high

this is impossible. They are instead

of the f lu season.

schools in Arizona.

with severe asthma. Everyone can

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

7

az grown education

➌ ➍

➋ ➎ Arizona Teacher of the Year

FINALISTS

By RAK staff

MORE THAN ANY YEAR in recent memory, 2020 has reminded

Arizona’s 2021 Teacher of the Year winner will be

families how important teachers are to our communities and our

announced at a virtual ceremony at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23 at

children’s lives. Teachers have stepped up even more during the

azedfoundation.org. The winner will earn a $15,000 cash

coronavirus pandemic, in many cases learning an entirely new

prize, represent Arizona in the National Teacher of the Year

way of teaching online to keep kids learning and engaged. As

competition, attend International Space Camp and spend a week

in-person learning gets underway in many school districts this

at Google’s main headquarters in California with other state

month, the Arizona Educational Foundation is celebrating the

Teachers of the Year.

best of the best of Arizona’s teachers.

A nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and supporting public

Winners are selected by an independent panel after an open nominations process. Ten finalists and semifinalists are

education, the Arizona Educational Foundation has named five

interviewed; they also present a lesson demonstration and deliver

finalists for its annual Arizona Teacher of the Year award — a

an impromptu speech. Five finalists are named Ambassadors for

Glendale special education teacher, a bilingual Flagstaff teacher,

Excellence, and the remaining five are named semifinalists.

a Sahuarita career and technical education teacher, a Tucson chemistry teacher and a Chandler Spanish teacher.

8 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

➊ Estevan Carreon, special education teacher at

➍ Hillary Stacey teaches chemistry at Empire High School

Independence High School in Glendale. Carreon teaches students

in Tucson. Having worked in science research, Stacey challenges

with emotional disabilities and behavioral issues. He earned

students to develop real-world skills. For this work she has received

master’s degrees in both secondary education and educational

recognition as the Pac-12 Teacher of the Year, University of

leadership and has served three terms as president of the Glendale

Arizona Online’s High School Teacher of the Year, and National

Union Education Association. He also has served on the board

Outstanding Polymer Educator. Early in her career she was named

of directors for both the Arizona Education Association and

the Southern Arizona Chemistry Teacher of the Year from the

the National Education Association. Carreon coaches Special

American Chemical Society. She also was named Teacher of the

Olympics and is the director of the high school’s Unitown and

Year at Empire High. She holds bachelor’s degrees in chemistry

Anytown programs, which develop leadership skills and challenge

and secondary education from Montana State University and a

students with social justice issues. He is a recent graduate of

master’s degree in secondary education from the University of

Leading For Change, a nonprofit fellowship for future Arizona

Arizona. Stacey serves as her school’s technology teacher advocate,

leaders.

science instructional team leader and a district leading member of

➋ Jillian Hernandez is a fifth grade teacher at Puente de

the curriculum management team for science.

Hózhó in Flagstaff. Puente de Hózhó is a public bilingual magnet

➎ Sara Wyffels is a Spanish teacher at Chandler High School.

school that has Diné (Navajo)/English and Spanish/English

Wyffels earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington

programs and is currently seeking authorization to become an

University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University

International Baccalaureate School. Hernandez has a bachelor’s

of Portland. Wyffels learned Spanish as a second language,

degree from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in

which has shown her the power of human connections,

the teaching of mathematics from Western Governors University.

adventure, and the beauty of the human spirit — themes she

➌ Sara Mora is a career and technical education teacher

hs integrated into her Spanish, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes. She considers herself and her

at Wrightson Ridge School in Sahuarita. Mora designed a pilot

students global citizens who have the ability to make a positive

program introducing middle school students to trade professions

difference in the world every day. Since earning her national

including the culinary arts and engineering. She has a bachelor’s

board certification, Wyffels has embarked on a journey for

degree from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in

equity and access in her class, school and district.

educational technology from Northern Arizona University. Mora is also a technology professional development facilitator in her district and a Rodel Student Teacher.

Learn more about the Arizona Teacher of the Year Awards at azedfoundation.org/teacher-of-the-year

Semifinalists for the 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Shaw, social studies teacher at Rincon Vista Middle School in Tucson

Sharisse Nunes, elementary education teacher at Falcon Hill Elementary in Mesa

Jeffrey Mann, world history teacher at Flowing Wells High School in Tucson

Shaylyn Savage, special education teacher at Sunset Ridge Elementary School in Tucson

Nicole Powell, elementary education teacher at Las Sendas Elementary in Mesa

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

9

az grown technology

D

URING THE HEIGHT of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in 4​ 7 states, including

Using Common Sense

Arizona,​closed their doors, leaving ​55 million

UNEQUAL ACCESS

students at home. And the digital divide — the fact that a sizeable population lacks access to

to high-speed internet and devices complicates distance learning

high-speed internet or learning devices at home — became critical to address.

Arizona school districts had to pivot quickly to online distance learning with no guarantee

By Ilana Lowery

that each student had adequate access to the internet and proper devices. As children continue with hybrid learning amid the pandemic, large numbers of students still are unable to fully participate in the virtual classrooms, which are key to the remote learning models being used.

The digital divide is much larger than previously estimated. It had been reported that in Arizona, one in four students lacked access to the internet, but that number is closer to 30 percent, according to a state-by-state report, “Closing the K-12 Digital Divide in the Age of Distance Learning,” produced this summer by Common Sense Media and Boston Consulting Group.

When we talk about the digital divide, it is important to understand there are four interconnected components to solving the equity problem laid bare by the COVID-19 crisis — ensuring students and families have access to: • high-speed broadband internet • devices (computers or tablets) • high-quality, standards-aligned instructional content and supports that propel student learning and protect student privacy • support, guidance and professional development for both parents and educators to boost their

RAUL MELLADO

capacity and confidence to supplement and

10 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

support distance learning While most kids, parents and teachers across

the Valley have been able to carry out online learning, more than 335,000 of

limited bandwidth. Teachers say it’s

collaboration between Common Sense,

challenging, because they want rigorous

School Connect, the Arizona State

Arizona’s K-12 students lack high-speed

lessons, but the technology inequities make

Library, Archives and Public Records

internet access, and more than 19 percent

it difficult for all students to have the same

division, the Arizona Commerce

— about 220,000 students — lack access

learning opportunity.

Authority and the AZ Broadband

to appropriate devices. Of those dismal

“We are dividing the families who can

Stakeholder Network. Additionally,

numbers, Black, Latinx and Native

pay for internet access vs. the families who

the site, offered in both English and

American students, as well as those in rural

can’t,” one

Spanish, includes a free tech-support

communities and households (56 percent),

Phoenix teacher said. In addition, she

hotline and information, social service

face even greater barriers to accessing

added, homeless students have no internet

resources, educational support and

online learning. Additionally, 10 percent of

access, and their only option is what is

information about special broadband

Arizona’s teachers lack adequate access to

provided by the school district.

discounts. Organizations that are able

the internet.

The disparity is so dramatic that 48

to offer free Wi-Fi in their communities

Arizona school superintendents recently

are encouraged to fill out a form on the

rank high on The National Digital

wrote letters to Gov. Doug Ducey urgently

site to be included on the map, which is

Inclusion Alliance’s list of worst-connected

requesting public/private partnerships

updated regularly.

cities in the U.S. Their household internet

to address this issue. Fortunately, a few

access data looked at 625 American cities

collaborative efforts are working to help

org), created in response to the

with populations of 65,000 or more.

close the divide in Arizona:

pandemic, is Common Sense Media’s

Glendale ranked 85th for households

• School Connect (schoolconnectaz.org)

collection of free online learning

A number of Arizona communities

without broadband; Phoenix was No.

• Wide Open School (wideopenschool.

brings together community partners who

experiences for students in PreK-12.

159, and Flagstaff came in at No. 238.

are working to provide computers and

The site, which includes resources in

Several other Valley

internet service to students without access.

Spanish, also provides information

cities also were considered some of the

• Cox Communications

for families on how to access low-cost

Connect2Compete (cox.com/c2c)

or no-cost broadband and devices

provides qualifying families home

and provides a hotline/clearinghouse

states for broadband access, according to

internet for under $10 per month

that helps families access urgent

a 2019 analysis by the advocacy group

plus access to affordable refurbished

services addressing health, hunger,

BroadbandNow. Consider this: Fewer than

computers.

shelter, and psychological needs.

worst connected.

Overall, Arizona ranks 36th among

1 percent of Apache County residents have internet coverage.

Educators recently surveyed by Common Sense said the No. 1 problem

• Computers 2 Kids (c2sdk.org) recycles and refurbishes computers and provides

#ConnectAllStudents campaign,

them to families in need.

calling on Congress to close the

• Connect Arizona (connect-arizona.

their students face during this crisis is the

com) provides an interactive map

lack of bandwidth or connectivity. Even in

showing where free Wi-Fi is available

1:1 school districts — where each

throughout the state, including public

child gets a laptop or tablet device —

And Common Sense continues its

digital divide by funding community broadband internet services.

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense

libraries, schools, internet providers,

Media. She can be reached at

students can’t always connect, and if they

community organizations and others.

ilowery@commonsense.org.

can, they have

The map was developed through a

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

11

az grown parenting

Helping CHILDREN face their FEARS

By Mona Qafisheh

WE DIDN’T HAVE cable TV when I was

growing up, but my grandmother did.

One of my favorite memories of being at my grandmother’s house was watching “Child’s Play” — you know, the movie that kicked off the American horror film series featuring that scary Chucky doll.

I was probably about 10 when I saw that movie for the first time. I remember my grandmother sitting in her living room with me and reassuring me that Chucky wasn’t real. She said if I wanted to watch the movie, I had the ability to make it feel exciting and suspenseful instead of scary.

That is the power a trusted adult has to help a child manage fear. Kids today have lots of other things to be scared of, but the advice my grandmother gave me still holds true.

Above: Mona’s nephew Carter Bingham (5) of Chandler. Below far right: Mona’s niece Samira Bingham (9) of Chandler.

Biologically, fear begins in the amygdala — the part of the brain that manages the experience of emotions. Neurobiology tells

understand why I am scared of the

has experienced. They are fearful during

us that fear can vary from fun and thrilling

pandemic, racial violence and the current

virtual learning, and they are fearful about

to terrifying and stressful. The difference

political unrest. I have the context to

returning to school and seeing children

in experience comes from the context

understand where my fear comes from, but

and adults wearing masks and face shields.

surrounding that fear.

children don’t have that context. It’s our job,

They are fearful of what they are seeing

as trusted adults, to help them understand.

on the news and fearful of Halloween

As an adult, I know that if I watch a scary movie or go to a haunted house,

Today’s young children are facing

I will be scared, and I will love it. I also

fearful situations that no other generation

12 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

decorations.

Children’s fear responses can’t

distinguish between violent imagery on

the emergency has passed. Talk about what

they really go hand-in-hand. Children

TV and violence on their street. They

happened, talk about the fact that you were

(and adults!) thrive off routine. When they

can’t help but feel fearful. With the right

scared, and talk about the fact that the scary

know what to expect and the sequence

support, that fear can become a great

moment has passed. Children will learn

of events that will take place, they can

learning opportunity.

lessons about coping with fear by seeing you

anticipate what will happen next.

As a response to 9/11, renowned

effectively manage your own fear.

early childhood educator Jim Greenman wrote the book “What Happened to MY World? Helping Children Cope with

charged, politically volatile pandemic PLACES Think of the place that you are most

is that routine often will be next to impossible to maintain. Giving your child

Turbulent Times” to help support adults

comfortable. Are you imagining your

a heads-up that things will be different will

with the challenge of talking to children

home? Most of us will, and kids are no

help them weather the storm.

about disaster, fear and coping with the

different. During fearful situations, giving

strong emotions that go along with those

children a chance to be in a comfortable

school at my house for several weeks before

stressful events.

place helps them be in an emotional state

going back to in-person classes. When

where they can manage more effectively.

the school district set a return-to-campus

In his book, Greenman talks about children needing Four Pillars of Security.

What happens if kids can’t be in their

My niece and nephew did virtual

date, we talked a lot about what that would

These pillars are the context to fear for

comfortable place? What happens when

mean and the changes to their routine and

young children:

they have to go to school, and all their

rituals. For example, my niece wouldn’t

friends are talking about the virus, and

be able to make herself a cup of hot cocoa

the principal wears a full face shield in the

every morning when she arrived at my

drop-off line?

house, but she would be able to eat lunch

PEOPLE Children look to the trusted, caring adults in their lives to help them cope

Let children take a piece of their

with fear and anxiety. If caring adults

comfortable place with them. Let them

kids a heads up for transitions and changes

are missing or acting erratically out of

choose something from their home that

to their routines prepares them for a

fear, children aren’t able to manage their

becomes an updated safety blanket. I made

situation that might otherwise be scary.

emotions.

my 5-year-old nephew, Carter, a face mask.

Think of the old saying that dogs can MONA QAFISHEH

The reality of living in a racially

in the cafeteria with her friends. Giving

He chose the fabric (the ice cream-loving

You have the power to help kids manage

smell fear and are more likely to attack

little guy picked fabric with an ice cream

their fear. If you make a mistake — which

if someone is fearful of them. When the

cone motif). It’s also his favorite color,

you will, because we’re all human —

adults are acting fearful, kids pick up on

blue, and he picked out a PJ Masks lanyard

remember to talk about the scary moment

that and respond accordingly.

to clip onto the mask so he doesn’t lose

with your child after it has passed. And for

it. He can’t take his home with him to

goodness sake, don’t buy the red-haired

Mona, what if I am scared? How do I

school, but he can take his favorite food,

Chucky doll. We all know how that ends.

pretend to be calm for my child during an

his favorite color, and his favorite TV show

emergency?”

with him.

You may be saying to yourself, “Now,

The answer is that you probably won’t be able to. What is most important is ensuring that you and your child are safe and then debriefing with your child when

Mona Qafisheh serves as the director of grants and contracts with the Association for

ROUTINES and RITUALS The last two pillars are routines and rituals. I’ve combined them here because

Supportive Child Care and is the board president-elect of the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC).

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

13

az grown science

SARI ON SCIENCE

CREEPY SCREAMING BALLOONS FOR HALLOWEEN

By Sari Custer

THIS TIME OF YEAR, there’s nothing like

Directions:

is acting on the hex nut, and that is what keeps it

creating a spooky atmosphere. My daughter loves

1. Place a hex nut inside of the balloon; make sure it

moving in a circular motion around the inside of the

to try to scare people, so we spent some time exploring sound by making screaming balloons to add to her arsenal of scare tactics in time for

falls to the bottom.

2. Have an adult blow up the balloon so it’s about half or three-quarters full of air.

Halloween. You can try this experiment at home,

3. Tie off the neck of the balloon so no air can escape.

too, with just a few simple items from around the

4. Hold the balloon downward, so that the tie is at

(haunted?) house.

Did you know that some humans like to be scared? When we feel fear, our bodies get

balloon even when you stop swirling it. Eventually, friction and gravity slow it down. Note: the balloon will pop if you swirl it a lot, because the hex nut will wear down the polymers that make up the balloon.

Try this experiment again with a different sized

the top, in the palm of your hand, and your fingers

hex nut. Does it make a different sound? Try to

are keeping it in place.

inflate different sized balloons. Does this make a

5. Swirl the balloon in a circular motion; the nut may

difference in sound? Try to use a different object

a rush of adrenaline and release endorphins

bounce around the balloon in the beginning, but it

inside the balloon. Does the balloon still “scream?”

and dopamine, which are actually feel-good

will eventually roll around the inside of the balloon.

How quiet can you make your balloon scream while

chemicals. Once the fear subsides, we can be left

6. As the hex nut rolls inside, listen to your balloon

with a pleasant and sometimes addicting sense

scream! What happens when you swirl the

of well-being.

balloon faster versus slower?

still producing a sound?

Arizona Science Center will be open on Halloween for some spooky themed activities and daring demonstrations. Find details and more great

Supplies:

What’s happening?

• One balloon — 9 inches or larger

This experiment actually shows two different things:

• One hex nut (a quarter inch works well, but any

sound and motion. Balloons are smooth, and as the

size will do)

hex nut rolls around, its six sides allow for the flat

• Extra balloons (optional)

edges to vibrate along the inside of the balloon. This

• Pennies, marbles, seeds or other small objects

vibration is what creates the screaming sound that

(optional)

14 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

you hear. As you swirl the balloon, centripetal force

science activities online at azscience.org.

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief of Science and Curiosity at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (6). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ SariOnScience.

We blanket the area.

What’s more comforting than having one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation nearby?

Knowing Phoenix Children’s is close to where you live, blanketing the area with a network of more than 1,100 expert primary care doctors and specialists in over two dozen convenient locations.

So if you’re looking for top-notch care right in your community, you can rest easy.

Visit us at phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS (5437)

Free Virtual Event October 5–9 trics Join the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pedia d Atten fair. h and Strong Families AZ for a week-long online healt health live presentations by pediatric experts, visit virtual booths of agencies to receive helpful information and resources, plus enjoy online activities and giveaways!

LEARN

MORE AT

21432-6_BWCH_Speak Up Kids_7-25x4-75.indd 1

azspeakupforkid s.com

8/24/20 2:44 PM

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

15

az grown travel

Raising Outdoor Kids

Enjoy fall scenery on these colorful Arizona hikes Story by Lisa Van Loo | Photos by Ron Abler

16 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

I

grew up in Michigan, where fall

rainbows of leaves against towering

meant the arrival of colorful leaves,

canyon walls. Be prepared to manage

jackets (sometimes it would snow

wet feet (and maybe more if your crew

before Halloween), and hot apple cider

is super curious), navigate a heavily

with crumbly donuts.

trafficked trail, and temperature

It never meant air conditioning,

changes. Depending on the weather,

flip flops or tan lines. Ever. So, like

the shade can be chilly deep on the

many desert transplants, we’ve made

trail while spots in the sun warm up

a habit of seeking a fall experience

quickly.

in Arizona, even if it means a drive,

And then, just enjoy. Our kids

a day off work and overly optimistic

had fun trying to collect an actual

outfits. (No, sweet child, you

rainbow of leaves, crossing the water

probably won’t need a knit cap).

without slipping (most of the time),

Although we’re surrounded by cactus and desert landscaping in Phoenix, there’s no shortage of fall

and finding a pretty spot to stop and have lunch.

The showstopper for us is the

scenery to explore on a day trip.

aspen trees. In the fall, aspens turn

From Williams to Payson to the

from green to gold, creating a canopy

Santa Catalina Mountains or Mount

of color that has to be seen. There are

Lemmon, the Arizona landscape

a number of places to see clusters of

transforms over the course of a few

aspen, but for accessibility, Flagstaff ’s

weeks before the trees go bare for the

Arizona Snowbowl was easy for us

winter. It’s a must see.

and the dogs. I’m pretty sure all the

Tips for enjoying fall scenery: • Head out sometime between late September and late October.

• Drive 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, even if it’s just for the drive.

kids gasped when the trail we were

• Get to where you’re going early.

greater sense of urgency for those of us

on wound itself toward a cluster

• Bring extra socks, no matter what,

who crave a taste of the fall we know

of golden aspen. They had no idea

unless you’re cool with whiny kids

and love. We have a couple favorite

what to expect and that collection

with wet feet.

spots, in Sedona and Flagstaff, that

of golden leaves left them a bit

each offer their own special moments

awestruck.

The fleeting season creates a

to remember.

When we visit Sedona, we head to West Fork Trail, a popular trail along

And on the way home, we hit an

to park along the highway — but do it safely. Too many people don’t.

The easy-to-hike trail crosses water a number of times, and guides you back into a wooded area filled with

• Pocket a little cash to hit the

apple cider stand. Because it wouldn’t

roadside apple cider stands in

be fall without it.

Sedona.

89A with a small parking lot and a big draw. If you’re not there early, prepare

• Invite the pups, and bring a leash.

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

• Leave no trace. Pack out what you brought in on your hike.

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need. You may want to hike farther than you think.

• Take a million photos.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

17

az grown Halloween

10

tips for safer trick-or-treating during COVID-19

By Kara G. Morrison

LIKE EVERYTHING IN 2020, Halloween

the Arizona Department of Health

where allowed, the Centers for Disease

celebrations likely will look very different

Services have not yet issued Halloween

Control and Prevention and the American

this year. Some cities and neighborhoods

recommendations specific to COVID-19,

Academy of Pediatrics offer these safety

may discourage or even ban trick-or-

the Pima County Health Department

guidelines:

treating altogether if COVID cases are

(webcms.pima.gov) urges families to avoid

rising.

door-to-door trick or treating this year,

As of late September, more than

•

Offer no-touch goodie bags. If

noting it’s too difficult to maintain proper

your household is participating by

210,000 people had died from coronavirus

physical distancing and that reaching into

giving out treats, line up individually

in the United States — more than any

a shared candy bowl or being given candy

wrapped goodie bags and let kids

other nation on Earth. Earlier this fall,

by hand poses health risks in a pandemic.

grab their own, rather than handing

While outdoor festivities are presumed

them out. If possible, put the goodie

the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health made news when it was the

safer than indoor ones, anything that

bags or treats on a table at the end of a

first major city to announce Halloween

brings lots of people together right now

driveway or at the edge of the yard to

activities such as trick-or-treating would be

poses risks. Safer Halloween activities

allow for social distancing.

prohibited. L.A. has since revised its stance

include hosting a family scavenger hunt,

to say trick-or-treating is permitted but not

a scary movie night or carving pumpkins

recommended.

together at home. But for those determined

masks cannot be worn in lieu of

to participate in trick-or-treating festivities

face coverings — made of two or

While Maricopa County and

18 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

•

Mask up! Halloween costumes/

SIGN-UP FOR more layers of breathable fabric that

shown to emit large quantities of

cover BOTH your nose and mouth.

droplets that could contain the

Consider wearing a Halloween-

COVID-19 virus — especially when

themed cloth mask instead of a

not wearing a mask and within 6 feet

costume mask over a cloth mask,

of others.

which could make it too difficult to breathe. Avoid painting face coverings

•

Get a flu shot. Health experts are

with paints or markers that contain

still concerned that a difficult flu

toxins.

season could tax healthcare providers and make people more vulnerable to

•

•

•

Maintain social distancing. Avoid

COVID-19. Make sure everyone in

groups or clustering at treat tables,

your family who is 6 months of age

porches or at any other place, and stay

or older has gotten a flu shot before

6 feet away from others.

participating in Halloween activities.

Light up. As is recommended every

•

Quarantine the candy. When kids

Halloween, keep trick-or-treaters

bring their Halloween spoils home,

safe from vehicles and traffic by

wipe the packages/wrappers with a

having them wear glow-in-the-dark

sanitizing cloth or let them sit for a

lanyards (available at any dollar

couple of days before the children

store) or by putting reflective tape on

handle them. If possible, have some

costumes. Shoes and costumes should

special treats on hand that your kids

also fit well to prevent tripping or

can consume while they’re waiting to

entanglement.

dig into their trick-or-treating stash.

Wash hands. Have kids wash their

•

RAK

MAGAZINE’S FREE WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER AND GET MORE LOCAL PARENTING INFORMATION RIGHT TO YOUR PHONE!

Greet without touching. Do not

hands really well when they return

shake hands, bump elbows or give

home from trick-or-treating or any

hugs. Instead, wave and verbally greet

festivities. And of course, adults and

others or flash a peace sign.

kids who prepare goodie/treat bags should wash hands with soap and

•

If you’re sick, stay home! If you

water for at least 20 seconds before

have COVID-19 or have been exposed

and after. It’s also a good idea to take

within 14 days to someone who

hand sanitizer along when trick-or-

has COVID-19, do not participate

treating, etc.

in trick-or-treating or any other festivities.

•

Be respectful. Avoid singing, chanting, or shouting — activities

Kara G. Morrison is editor of Raising Arizona Kids magazine and is the mom of 8-year-old Sofia.

SIGN-UP ONLINE!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

19

Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is a nonprofit delivering creative and therapeutic arts programs, at no cost, to children ages 3-21 who have faced abuse, neglect and

FREE ARTS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN OF ARIZONA

Bringing HOPE to life through art, even ­— and especially — now

By Sheri Smith

homelessness. Free Arts relies solely

THE YEAR 2020 began with a sense of celebration and promise. Free Arts for Abused

on private donations and qualifies

Children of Arizona had just passed a milestone: 25 years of transforming children’s trauma

for Arizona’s Foster Care Tax Credit.

through artistic expression. Its staff, supporters and the families it serves were anticipating

Art supply drives and corporate

continued growth in programming, and the excitement of a completely remodeled, state-of-

matching programs are another

the-art headquarters in central Phoenix.

way to support Free Arts. A wish

Then the pandemic hit, upending plans and preventing the very essence of this

list of needed supplies can be found

organization’s mission: person-to-person connection through the arts, and a healing process

online. Volunteers, who go through

that builds strength, resilience and confidence in children whose worlds have been shattered

the training and interview process,

by abuse and neglect.

can decide on a time commitment that works best for them. Free Arts is located at 352 E. Camelback Road,

Program Director Jessica Flowers and her team started reaching out to 48 partner agencies, shelters and treatment centers.

“It was important to be at the forefront of responding,” she said. “We really believe

Phoenix. Learn more at 602-258-8100

Free Arts is a vital service for the children we serve. We asked, ‘How is this affecting

or freeartsaz.org

you? What will your kids need during this time?’ ” She prepared herself for the worst:

20 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

More ways to help Free Arts • Create and mail in Affirmation Cards for children! Free Arts includes homemade affirmation cards in all take-home packages for children, and the goal is to distribute 10,000 of these this fall. Cut a piece of cardstock to approximately 3 inches by 5 inches, decorate it with an encouraging message and artwork and mail it to the Free Arts office. Find sample messages and instructions here: freeartsaz.org/wp-content/ FREE ARTS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN OF ARIZONA

uploads/2020/09/Affirmation-Card-Instructions-Update-2020.pdf • Donate art supplies. Visit the Free Arts wish list on Amazon to purchase art supplies needed for take-home projects, or send Free Arts a virtual gift card it can use to purchase critical supplies. amazon.com/registry/wishlist/2CNJYOPHCZJGV/ • Tune in. Free Arts offers online videos that walk children and families through creative coping tools. They are free on the organization’s YouTube channel and available to anyone looking for ideas on ways to use arts to relieve stress. youtube.com/user/ FreeArtsofArizona/videos

Maybe, with so much

An online Caregiver Community allowed foster parents and staff

disruption and change,

from the group homes, shelters and treatment centers to come together

these organizations had

to connect, create and combine resources. As the summer ended, Free

enough to deal with. Maybe Free Arts would have to take a pause — or

Arts was gearing up to send volunteer mentors/teacher artists to partner

completely refocus its mission.

agencies and allow a limited number of children to come to the Free

“We found the opposite,” she says. “Everyone echoed that Free Arts was more important now because of everything that’s going on.

Arts site on weekends.

An alumni program, established for those who have participated in

Children need a creative outlet. They need to use the arts in any way

Free Arts programs and want to stay engaged with the organization, has

— songwriting, poetry, visual arts, creative movement — to get out

actually grown more robust during COVID. Teens and young adults

the icky, scary feelings. When you’re isolated … you have even more of

ages 14-25 maintain a virtual connection to mentor adults and to each

a need to know, understand and remember there are people out there

other. Some are given opportunities to apply for paid apprenticeships or

who care about you.”

to work for the organization.

The challenge was finding a safe way to allow these children to

“It keeps them involved in that caring, creative Free Arts

connect with loving, adult volunteers and the trauma-informed arts

community and continues to promote their resilience while developing

activities that have proven so transformative.

leadership and life skills,” Flowers says.

“We came up with a four-tiered approach,” Flowers says. “Phase I (videos, take-home project) were huge. We served more than 3,000

KRISTEN MORELLI, program coordinator at Free Arts, is an alumna

children during that [quarantine] time.”

whose life has come full circle; she now gives back to the organization

Over the summer, when it became clear “this would last longer than

that helped her as a child. Her first experience with Free Arts was when

we thought,” new elements came into the mix. Working in conjunction

she was 11 years old and living in a homeless shelter with her mother

with Florence Crittenden, an in-person multicultural camp for 25

and sisters. She talks about her encounter as a life-changing moment.

kids was offered. A virtual theater camp online offered performance opportunities.

The project was to make a 3D plaster mask. She remembers being reluctant to participate. “I had anxiety about laying still, and I had low

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

21

Art from the Heart goes virtual

self-esteem as I didn’t like the way I looked. I was able to work through some of these things, and I created a white tiger mask from a mold of my face.”

This was a new beginning for Morelli. She was able to see how she could cast herself in a new light and confront some of the emotional challenges she was facing. She recognized the ways art could bring clarity to her life, allowing her to trust others and start trusting herself as well.

Now Morelli helps children of Free Arts conquer their own fears.

Art has the power to transform, and is especially helpful for children, because they don’t have the verbal skills to express their feelings. Creating art can help them communicate their emotions in a safe way.

“The process of creating transcends their experiences and helps them reflect on their lives without judgment,” explains Free Arts founder Margaret Beresford, who now serves as alumni support liaison. She is also a board-certified art therapist and a licensed professional counselor.

“We tell them there are no mistakes in art, and there is not just one right answer. It allows them to find their voice and helps them heal.”

The coordinators at Free Arts are quick to emphasize that the mentorship component is just as important as the art, because mentors build connections through quality time with the kids. Mentors do not

A fully online version of Art from the Heart, the annual art

need to be artists themselves. They are trained in trauma-informed care

auction to benefit Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona,

and best practices of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experience Study).

will be held Oct. 21-26. The six-day event will feature the

After a one-hour orientation and six-and-a-half-hour training, the

work of approximately 80 local artists. Registration is free.

mentors are taught how to use art to reach through the barriers and

John Randall Nelson is the event’s featured artist.

Inspired by American “outsider art” (art that is self-taught)

help kids heal.

Their role is to support the kids through the process by helping the

he creates visual folklore in his collaged paintings and

children look past their current circumstances and envision a different

sculptures with a menagerie of figures and symbols, from

future and trajectory for their lives.

dancing jackrabbits and swaggering cowboys to lucky

Free Arts cover a wide range of artistic expression, from visual arts

wishbones. His work is held in collections throughout the

to music, dance, theater and mixed media. The spoken word program

world including The Disney Corporation in Los Angeles and

has been an especially powerful addition for older kids and teens

the Museum of American Folk Art in New York. Locally

because it gives them an outlet to tell their stories in powerful and

you find his work at Sky Harbor International Airport,

transformative ways.

Wells Fargo Bank, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Scottsdale

There are always opportunities to help at Free Arts, from becoming

Museum of Contemporary Art and many other venues.

a mentor to helping with administrative tasks. All it takes is a kind

Other participating artists include Barbara Rogers, Frank

and empathetic heart. And as many of the mentors can attest, helping

Ybarra, Jim Waid, Craig Randich and Candice Eisenfeld.

others is often the best way to heal yourself.

Funds raised during the Art From the Heart art auction will go toward programs and services so that Free Arts can continue to serve neglected, abused, homeless and foster care children in our state. Watch for more details at freeartsaz.org

22 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Sheri Smith is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.

Here’s how VOTING AFFECTS

ARIZONA EDUCATION

By Christine Thompson

AS

THE YEAR WINDS DOWN and Arizona families enjoy fall weather, many parents are turning their

the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents.

The Arizona State House of Representatives is the lower

attention to the Nov. 3 election. The top of the ticket has gotten

house of the legislature, and is made up of 60 representatives,

plenty of attention, as is always the case during a presidential

two from each of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts. The term of

election year. But the candidates farther down the ballot may

office is two years.

impact your child’s education most.

The Arizona State Senate is the upper house of the Legislature,

Do you know what your local school board controls? Or what the county superintendent does? What about the difference

made up of 30 senators, one from each of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts. The term of office also is two years.

between a bond and an override? Keeping schools running is complex and takes input from many levels of government. Here’s

Find your current district representation:

a quick overview of how state and local elected officials affect Arizona education.

Find a list of those vying for positions in the state legislature:

At the state level Arizona’s state legislators work in conjunction with the governor

Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction is a statewide

to budget state money for schools and create laws that govern how

elected position. This individual is responsible for distributing

schools operate. The governor also appoints members to a

school funding and executing policies set by the State Board of

number of boards, including

24 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Education. The superintendent also oversees teacher certification.

Our current superintendent of public instruction is Kathy

boards, many are unaware that the

Hoffman, who was sworn into a four-year term of office in

state’s community college districts also have

January 2019.

governing boards. These boards make decisions related to tuition and college policies, and they hire the

Referendums and initiatives have impacted school funding

presidents that run community colleges.

in the past. (Proposition 301, for example, was a voter-approved initiative passed in 2000 to provide millions of dollars in annual

At the district level

education funding. Originally set to expire in 2021, legislation in

School district governing boards have seen more attention in

2018 extended it to 2041.)

2020 than ever. These positions play a huge role in local school

The 2020 ballot will include two ballot propositions that were

districts, as they hire the superintendent, approve the budget, set

referred by the voters. This year, Proposition 208 (Invest in Ed)

salaries for employees, approve curriculum materials, adopt the

will allow voters to decide whether to create a new funding stream

school calendar and much, much more.

for Arizona schools. The proposition would increase the income

Also at the school district level, bonds and overrides are two

tax on individuals earning more than $250,000 and households

ways that districts can secure additional funding for everything

earning more than $500,000 and distribute the resulting revenue

from technology to building repairs. These voter-approved

to teacher salaries, schools, and education programs. (The second

measures have become more important than ever.

proposition seeks to legalize marijuana for personal use.)

RIDO FRANZ

With nearly 4 million voters in Arizona, you might wonder if

At the county level

you really need to go to the polls. But during the 2018 election,

County superintendents aid schools on everything from staff

only 65 percent of voters cast a ballot. And only 36 percent of

development to technology that can elevate student learning.

eligible voters participated in the most recent primary election.

County superintendent offices support district governing

Margins between winning and losing can be small, especially for

board elections and bond and override elections. When there

local district elections for school board candidates or local bond

is an unfilled seat on a district governing board, the county

and override measures.

superintendent makes an appointment to fill that seat. The county

Ballots can be overwhelming, but getting prepared can

superintendent also has a role in school finance, and maintainst

help. Take the time to research the issues and get to know the

homeschool and private school records.

candidates, from the top of the ballot all the way to the bottom.

Maricopa County’s current superintendent, Steve Watson,

Elect people who share your values and prioritize Arizona’s

a Republican, is running for reelection in 2020. His Democrat

children. Don’t leave your vote on the table. Cast a ballot and

opponent is Jeanne Casteen.

make your voice heard.

While most parents know that K-12 districts have governing

Visit expectmorearizona.org/vote to find everything from candidate contact tools and voter guides from organizations all

Find your district’s current governing board:

Find statements from those running for governing board positions:

Find information on upcoming bond and override elections:

over the state to background on statewide ballot measures and a list of bonds and overrides in every Arizona county.

Christine Thompson is president and CEO of Expect More Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization bringing communities together to create positive change in education at all levels. Learn more at expectmorearizona.org.

Raising Arizona Kids staff contributed research to this article.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

25

Register by Oct. 5 to vote in the NOV. 3 ELECTION RIDO FRANZ

Nov. 3, 2020, may be the most significant national election of our lifetime, and Arizona’s 11 Electoral College votes may very well be pivotal in the outcome of this presidential election. The outcome of many other races on your ballot will impact everything from the balance

INVEST IN EDUCATION ACT:

of power in the United States Senate to the quality of our children’s

What is Prop 208?

rather not vote in person as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Oct.

neighborhood schools.

Arizona residents who are U.S. citizens but are not registered voters have until Oct. 5 to register to vote in this election. For those who would 23 is the final day to request a mail-in ballot in Arizona.

Proposition 208, known as the Invest in Education Act,

Arizona counties will begin mailing ballots to voters on Oct. 7,

would create new funding for Arizona schools by taxing high-

which is also the first day of in-person early voting. Mail-in ballots

income earners — specifically Arizona individuals whose

should be returned ASAP. If there are U.S. Postal Service delays getting

annual income exceeds $250,000 or couples whose annual

your ballot returned, or questions about your signature (mail-in ballots

household income exceeds $500,000. These couples and

must include a signature that matches the one on file with election

individuals would pay a 3.5 percent surcharge on any income

officials), you could miss the chance for your vote to be counted. Oct.

that exceeds those limits, in addition to their regular state

27 is the latest recommended deadline for returning mail-in ballots, but

income tax. For example, a couple earning $501,000 per year

this year experts recommend returning ballots as soon as possible.

would pay an additional $35; a single taxpayer who makes $300,000 per year would pay $1,750.

If you’re a registered voter but haven’t voted recently, it’s a good idea to check your voter registration status well in advance of Nov. 3 to make sure there are no problems. Find answers to all your voting questions at

Prop 208 is on the ballot because Arizona spends less

the Arizona Secretary of State website: arizona.vote.

on education funding than it did a decade ago, and the other states for teacher pay. The Invest in Education Act is

Help America Vote Act

supported by groups including Children’s Action Alliance, the

Under the Help America Vote Act of 2002, voters are entitled

Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Stand for Children

to certain rights and protections when voting in the United States.

Arizona, Arizona Interfaith Network, the Arizona Education

Among them, voters have the right to receive instructions for how to

Association and numerous local school associations. Prop

vote their ballot, verify that their ballot was counted as cast, make

208 is opposed by groups including the Goldwater Institute,

changes or corrections to their ballot before it is cast, and vote using

the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Arizona

accessible voting machines. HAVA complaints — such as lack of access

state consistently ranks near the bottom as compared to

Lodging and Tourism Association, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, the Arizona Small Business Association and the Greater Phoenix Chamber.

to accessible voting machines or not being given a provisional ballot when warranted — may be filed by calling 1-877-THE VOTE (1-877843-8683) or 602-542-8683. On election day, the Arizona Center for Disability Law operates a HAVA hotline to address any election concerns for persons with disabilities: 602-274-6287 or 1-800-927-2260.

26 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ONLINE VOTING RESOURCES 270towin.com — To understand how

on your address so there won’t be any

extremely important Arizona’s 11 Electoral

surprises when you show up at the polls.

College votes are to the outcome of the

It also makes it easy to learn more about

2020 presidential election, explore this

candidates and issues.

website. There are plausible scenarios where Arizona voters could decide the fate

expectmorearizona.org — Expect

of the country by choosing either Donald

More Arizona is a nonprofit fighting for

Trump or Joe Biden for president.

Arizona’s children to have a world-class education system. Its Vote 4 Education

KEY 2020 ELECTION DATES:

aclu.org — The American Civil Liberties

section provides voter information and

Oct. 5: Voter registration deadline.

Union helps safeguard voting rights,

resources.

Oct. 7: Ballots mailed; early in-person voting

including the right to vote even after the polling site has closed, as long as you were

friendsofasba.org — Friends of the

begins. Find polling locations at arizona.vote.

in line prior to closing time. If for some

Arizona School Boards Association is

If voting in person, remember to bring valid

reason your name is not in the poll book

a nonprofit committed to providing

government-issued identification, such as an

at your voting location, you are entitled

information and resources on high-

Arizona driver’s license, and wear a face covering

to a provisional ballot. If you encounter

priority, high-impact policy issues related

as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

problems at the polls, you can call the non-

to education and the success of the more

partisan Election Protection Hotline at

than 1 million students who attend

1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Arizona’s public schools.

Oct. 23: Final day to request a mail-in ballot.

Oct. 27: Final day (recommended) to mail

arizona.vote — The Arizona Secretary

icivics.org/election — Arizonan and

in your completed ballot. Ballots that are not

of State maintains this website, which is

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra

received by county election officials by 7 p.m.

the primary information site for Arizona

Day O’Connor founded iCivics because

on Nov. 3 will not be counted. If you have filled

voters. Here, Arizona residents can

she was concerned about growing apathy

out your ballot but have not returned it by Oct.

confirm voter registration status, request

and disengagement from democracy. She

27, you can take it to any polling place.

a ballot by mail, find voting locations and

wanted to transform civics education.

much more.

iCivics is now used to teach to more than

Oct. 30: Final day of in-person early voting.

5 million students in all 50 states. Using azchildren.org — Children’s Action

innovative non-partisan election teaching

Nov. 3: Election day; polls are open from 6

Alliance is an Arizona nonprofit fighting

resources and games, students can learn

a.m. to 7 p.m. Arizona voters are required to

for public policy that benefits the health,

about the election process, understand

show identification — such as a valid Arizona

education and security of Arizona’s

the power of their vote and become

driver’s license or a valid government-issued

children. Their annual “Who’s for Kids

active participants in our constitutional

ID — when voting in person. Employers are

and Who’s Just Kidding” report rates all

democracy.

required to grant three hours of paid leave to vote, unless polls are open three hours

Arizona legislators on their support for vote411.org — 2020 marks 100 years

before or after your work shift. Employees

of women having the right to vote in the

must request leave before Election Day, and

ballotpedia.org — This national website

United States. The League of Women

the employer may specify the hours that

shows you an actual sample ballot based

Voters runs this informational website.

employees can be absent from work.

child and family-friendly legislation.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

27

family time!

OCTOBER TOP EVENTS The intense heat is dissipating, early voting is beginning, and kids are going back to the classroom. No, the pandemic hasn’t disappeared. Drive-in performances and socially distanced events still abound, but outdoor fall festivals and pumpkin patches are opening, and with seven months of quarantine behind us, we may be starting to see some tiny signs of normalcy. Let’s mask up and be responsible, so kids can enjoy safe family events and Halloween fun.

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

Desert Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale. (Oct. 16 – Nov 1).

ADAM RODRIGUEZ

28 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar Send calendar info to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

SEPT. 10-OCT. 18: Curiouser & Curiouser. TheaterWorks presents a first-of-its-kind multisensory theater experience allowing audiences to walk through the world of Alice in Wonderland. Recommended for ages 16 and up, the 100-minute immersive experience encompasses visual art, music, dance, puppetry and theater and is available for up to 10 participants per performance. Multiple performances Thursday-Sunday. $36-$48 in advance. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. 623-815-7930 or curiousertheater.org

OCT. 1-NOV. 1: Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party. Pick out the perfect pumpkin

golf, petting zoo, tractor play yard, deer feeding, carousel museum, yard games, line dancing, face painting and more. $14-$23. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THEATERWORKS

and enjoy a chili dinner. Admission includes rides, corn maze, mini Curiouser & Curiouser. (thru Oct. 18) at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 1-9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. schnepffarms.com

OCT. 2-31: AZ Field Of Screams. Tolmachoff Farms’ haunted corn maze features new spine-chilling scenes every year. Explore it from 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and Halloween night. $25.

OCT. 1-4

Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. tolmachoff-farms.com

Drive Thru Food Fair. The 2020 Arizona State Fair has been cancelled because of the pandemic, but the most popular fair foods will be available from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-

OCT. 3:

Sunday. Admission is free; food, of course, is not. Enter the Fairgrounds at

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art reopens. Explore SMOCA for free all

19th Avenue and Monte Vista. azstatefair.com/DriveThruFairFood

month. Staff and all visitors must wear masks, and attendance is limited to allow for social distancing, so reserved times are recommended. Free to all in October, as well as every Thursday and second Saturday. $10; $7 students, seniors (65+) and veterans; free for

OCT. 2-4:

ages 14 and younger. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesdays

Greasepaint Courtyard Theatre Presents: A Long Time Ago.

and major holidays. 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-874-4666 or smoca.org

Greasepaint Youtheatre stages this play, described as “the perfect mix of time travel, Shakespeare and ‘Star Wars!’ in its outdoor courtyard with limited seating. $20. 7 p.m. 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. greasepaint.org

OCT. 5-9: Speak Up for Kids Virtual Event. The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Strong Families AZ are calling all superheroes to unite in the battle against

OCT. 2-30:

the forces that threaten child health and well-being. This virtual event is open to all

Free outdoor concerts. Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace

Arizona families and will feature virtual superhero appearances, daily webinars with local

host local bands for free outdoor concerts on Friday and/or Saturday nights.

pediatric experts, kids activities, daily prizes and more! azspeakupforkids.com

See the full schedule at shopdesertridge.com and tempemarketplace.com

changinghands.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

29

family time! OTOBER TOP EVENTS OCT. 6: Muppets take Maricopa. Muppets make an appearance with Angie Geren from Arizona Recovers — a grassroots organization dedicated to changing the conversation surrounding addiction, mental health and trauma — during a video special “Little Children, Big Challenges.” The Sesame Street in Communities event will feature children’s questions with answers from Geren along with some familiar Sesame Street grown-up and Muppet faces. Tune in to learn about building resilience and coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and hear from experts about common stressors that have been intensified by the pandemic. Sesame Street has also partnered with Arizona Department of Health Services and First Things First. See this episode at 11 a.m. MST on Facebook Premiere. facebook.com/SesameStreetInCommunities/videos/413913142928106

OCT. 9, 16, 23: Movies in the Park returns to Kiwanis Park with a PG movie line-up and new safety procedures to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. Movies start at sundown — approximately 6 p.m. Oct. 9: “Goonies;” Oct. 16: “Onward;” Oct. 23: “Hocus Pocus.” Free. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. tempe.gov

Date Night Drive-in Movies. Tune into the movie’s audio from your car’s radio at this The Promenade shopping area. Reserve a free spot online and check in by 7:30 p.m. Bring a canned

Muppets take Maricopa (Oct. 6) on Facebook.

food donation to benefit Vista del Camino Community Center. Oct. 9: “The Peanut Butter Falcon”; Oct. 16: “Knives Out”; Oct. 23: “Gemini Man.” 16243 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. scottsdalepromenade.com

OCT. 16-NOV. 1 Desert Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale. Horticulture experts will help you find the perfect plant for your garden. To enhance safety this

OCT. 10:

year, the garden added additional sale dates, provides a touchless entry/

Drive-in Puppet Show. Drive up, tune in and enjoy “The Monkey and the Pirate” from the comfort

exit experience and is offering timed entry reservations from 7 a.m. to 1

and safety of your own car at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. A monkey, a pirate and a valuable

p.m. Free sale admission. Garden members (only) may shop Oct. 16, 23

banana treasure all add up to plenty of hilarious fun in this rambunctious original show. 9:30 a.m.

and 30. The sale is open to the general public Oct. 17-18, 24-25, 31 and

Prepaid reservations required: $30-$40 per carload. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050

Nov. 1. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org

or azpuppets.org

OCT. 14:

OCT. 16-NOV. 11 Concerts in Your Car. Enjoy live concerts from your car at the Arizona

Phoenix Art Museum reopens to the public. A new, virtual in-gallery experience connects

State Fairgrounds! Sound is distributed to attendees via their car radios.

visitors with museum docents to learn more about artworks on view. See extended popular

Admission ($99-$109 — purchased online in advance only) is per

exhibitions such as Ansel Adams: Performing the Print and India: Fashion’s Muse as well as new

carload, and the number of passengers must not exceed the vehicle’s

exhibitions including Stories of Abstraction: Contemporary Latin American Art in the Global Context

safety belts/seats. Tentative schedule: Oct. 16: Tower of Power; Oct. 17:

and Teresita Fernández: Elemental. Visitors are encouraged to purchase online tickets in advance;

Third Eye Blind; Oct. 23: Sublime with Rome; Oct. 25: The Beach Boys;

only credit or debit cards accepted onsite. $23; $5 ages 6-17. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-

Oct. 30: Aaron Lewis & Sully Erna; Nov. 11: 311. Details TBA. azstatefair.

257-1880 or phxart.org

com/ciyc/ or concertsinyourcar.com/arizona

30 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Dia de los Muertos family time!

OCT. 17: Drive-in Puppet Show. Drive up, tune in, and enjoy “Three Billy Goats Gruff” from the comfort and safety of your own car at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. There’s lots of musical fun in this story of three very determined goats and one very mean, very hungry troll! 9:30 a.m.

W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

OCT. 17-18: Pumpkin Painting @ Fall Plant Sale. Butterfly

3

Wonderland hosts a weekend fall plant sale and pumpkin painting — featuring designs and spooky Halloween ideas by Alex Simonets that will make your goblins

WAYS TO CELEBRATE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

and ghouls scream with delight! Purchase a pumpkin

Día de los Muertos is a celebration of Latin American art and culture related to the Mexican holiday

and have Alex apply your favorite design (donations

Day of the Dead. Officially it is Nov. 2, but celebrations have evolved to include Oct. 31 (Halloween)

accepted). 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon

and Nov. 1 (Dia de los Angelitos). Here are three ways your family can safely participate in this annual

Sunday. Free Fall Plant Sale admission from 9 a.m. to

cultural event.

4 p.m. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura,

DECORATE TRADITIONAL MASKS

#F100, Scottsdale. butterflywonderland.com

Kids can make Dia de los Muertos masks with an Art To Go box from Mesa Art Center. It’s just one of several kid-friendly art projects available in boxes that include materials, written instructions and

OCT. 17, 24 AND 31:

access to a tutorial video for two complete projects. Art To Go boxes are designed for ages 8 and

Drive-in Puppet Show. Drive up, tune in and enjoy

up and are available for contactless pickup. Cost for the Dia le los Muertos box (which includes two

“Trouble at Haunted Mountain” from the comfort and

masks) is $30. Learn more at mesaartscenter.com/index.php/classes/connect-with-art-studios

safety of your own car at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. This funny and not-too-spooky musical tale

ATTEND A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION

set in old-time Arizona features a prospector, his clever

Families can honor loved ones who have passed at Mesa Arts Center’s virtual Día de los Muertos

donkey and a haunted gold mine. 7 p.m. on Oct. 17; 10

Festival (Oct. 24). The free event, from noon to 3 p.m., includes artist and cooking demonstrations,

a.m. on Oct. 24 and 31. Prepaid reservations required:

performances by La Luz de Luna and Mariachi Pasion; fun family at-home activities: paper flower

$30-$40 per carload. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-

making, papel picado and altar making; and an online mercado (market) featuring arts, crafts, jewelry

262-2050 or azpuppets.org

and more. mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos

Pumpkin Painting @ Fall Plant Sale (Oct. 17-18) at Butterfly Wonderland.

The Día de los Muertos PHX Festival (Oct. 25) also is going virtual this year. Find the entertainment schedule at diadelosmuertosphx.com and log on at 2 p.m.

Plans are still TBA for Scottsdale’s Dia de Los Muertos celebration — a collaboration of artists, community, and local businesses — at the Old Adobe Mission, Civic Center and Scottsdale Center

NA

BR

EI

T

for the Performing Arts. Learn more at scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com

AN

SESAME STREET IN COMMUNITIES

Prepaid reservations required: $30-$40 per carload. 302

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

31

family time! OTOBER TOP EVENTS

Día de los Muertos Festival (Oct. 24) at Mesa Arts Center.

OCT. 24:

OCT. 24-NOV. 1:

Strides Ride of Phoenix! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Making Strides

Garlic Week at Queen Creek Olive Mill. Celebrate the garlic

Against Breast Cancer Walk of Phoenix is now a fun, socially distanced drive-through event with a

harvest with live music all week, a variety of organically-grown garlic,

route through greater Phoenix. Route and details TBA. Pink out your car, pile in your peeps and join

cooking demos, games in the olive grove, tours and a garlic-inspired

the little road trip to make strides against breast cancer. 7-10 a.m. makingstrideswalk.org/phoenixaz

menu. Free admission. Hours vary. 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek. Queencreekolivemill.com

Wiffleball Championship. Scottsdale Stadium will host 32 teams competing in the inaugural Western Wiffleball Classic. Teams of 3-5 wiffleball players (all levels and ages welcome) will play a minimum of three games (either 35 minutes or 4 innings) with 16 teams advancing to

OCT. 30-NOV. 1

a single elimination tournament. Games will utilize ghost runners to keep players at a safe

Greasepaint Courtyard Theatre Presents: Sleepy Hollow.

distance. $100 per team; $5 fee to participate in the Home Run Derby. Register or learn more at

Greasepaint Youtheatre stages this classic Halloween tale in its

littleleaguewiffleball.com

outdoor courtyard with limited seating. Washington Irving’s eerie tale set deep in the forest has enthralled people for generations.

Día de los Muertos Festival. The Mesa Arts Center’s free virtual event, from noon to 3 p.m.,

7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $20. 7020 E. Second St.,

includes artist and cooking demonstrations, performances by La Luz de Luna and Mariachi Pasion;

Scottsdale. greasepaint.org

fun family at-home activities: paper flower making, papel picado and altar making; and an online mercado (market) featuring arts, crafts, jewelry and more. mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos

OCT. 31: Pumpkin Splash at Mesa City Pools. Take a dip in a floating pumpkin patch. Admission includes

Autism Speaks Walk on Wheels. This year’s 15th annual walk

one pumpkin per person, pumpkin decorating and 45 minutes of swim time in Mesa’s heated pool.

in partnership with SARRC is a Walk on Wheels celebration — a

The event is limited to 40 participants per time interval with time for staff to clean and sanitize

socially distanced car parade. Registration is free. Register your

between event times. Pumpkin Splash is limited to the first 500 people who purchase advance

walking team online, complete your 1.54-mile walk with your team

tickets. Mesa Cares donations accepted for those who do not wish to keep their pumpkin. $8. 11

and then celebrate at the Mesa Convention Center. 9 a.m. to noon.

a.m. to 4 p.m. Brimhall Aquatic Complex & Mesa Aquatic Complex. 480-644-PLAY (7529) or

263 N. Center St., Mesa. autismcenter.org/autism-speaks-walk-

mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/pools/pumpkin-splash

partnership-sarrc-1

32 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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33

family time! Halloween

MESA Pumpkin Splash (Oct. 24). Take a dip in a floating pumpkin patch! Admission includes one pumpkin per person, pumpkin decorating and 45 minutes of swimming in the heated pool. Participation will be limited to 40 per time frame, with time for staff to clean and sanitize between groups. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8. Brimhall Pool, 4949 E. Southern Ave., Mesa and at Mesa Aquatic Complex, 1630 E. Southern Ave. mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/pools/pumpkin-splash

PEORIA Halloween Monster Bash (Oct. 24). The City of Peoria hosts a scary good time at its annual bash.

Time and details were pending as of publication date.

Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria.

FACEBOOK.COM/PIONEERLHM

peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/neighborhoodand-human-services/festivals-and-special-events/ halloween-monster-bash

Pioneer Living History Museum (Oct. 10) in Phoenix.

PHOENIX Fear Farm (through Nov. 7). Fear Farm offers scary attractions and a haunted house for teens and adults,

CHANDLER

7-11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Halloween

geared this year to a completely contactless experience.

Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 29-30). Join the

night. Last ticket sold one hour before closing. $25

General admission includes access to four attractions:

City of Chandler for an all-ages, drive-thru haunted

($18 special opening-night price). $30 combo ticket

The Plague, Fallout, Bunker, and Haunted Corn Maze:

experience. As you travel along Commonwealth Avenue,

includes haunted corn maze & family corn maze.

The Reaping at Fear Farm. The courtyard area will not

expect to see some larger-than-life scenic environments

Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. 602-

be accessible this year. Guests will enter each attraction

featuring Halloween favorites, multimedia displays, and

999-3276 or azfieldofscreams.com

one after another. The experience lasts roughly one

live characters. The experience is not scary but can be

hour. 7-10 p.m. select weeknights, 7 p.m. to midnight

a little spooky in a few places. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, 1-4

GOODYEAR

Friday and Saturday, 7-11 p.m. Sunday through Nov.

p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday. Free. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park,

Goodyear Ballpark Fall Festival (Oct. 23-24)

7. $24.99-$62.99. Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave.,

178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. All vehicles must

is a Halloween-themed illuminated drive through

Phoenix. fearfarm.com

enter at Boston Street and Arizona Place. 480-782-

the Goodyear Ballpark parking lots. Visitors will

2669 or chandleraz.gov

experience a trick-or-treat village with free candy

Pioneer Living History Museum (Oct. 10) hosts its

and pumpkin giveaways. Stay in your car the entire

Whispers in the Dark Tour for ages 13 and up. Minors

GLENDALE

time! 6-9 p.m. Free. goodyearaz.gov/government/

must be accompanied by an adult and no more than five

AZ Field of Screams (Oct. 2-31) is a haunted corn

departments-divisions-a-z/parks-recreation/

guests per group. Masks required in all buildings. 7-10

maze recommended for children ages 10 and older.

recreation-programs/special-events/fall-festival

p.m. $30. 3901 W. Pioneer Road Phoenix. 623-465-

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

34 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

1052 or pioneeraz.org

Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 21-31) features arts and crafts, carnival games, rides, face painting, food and more. Halloween costumes encouraged! 4-9 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31. $5. Paradise Valley Mall, 4568 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. 480435-4325 or halloweentownaz.com

All Hallows’ Eve Trick-or-Treat (Oct. 24) is a chance to trick-or-treat safely outdoors throughout Pioneer Living History Museum’s decorated Pioneer Village. TIME? PRICE? 3901 W. Pioneer Road Phoenix. 623-465-1052 or pioneeraz.org

QUEEN CREEK The Town of Queen Creek’s Trunk or Treat 2020 (Oct. 1-31) will be a modified format including a house-decorating contest (residents only), a costume photo contest (for people and pets), a pumpkin decorating contest, and a candy-drive fundraiser. queencreek.org/residents/parks-recreation/specialevents/trunk-or-treat-2020

TEMPE Downtown Tempe Halloween Stroll (Oct. 25).

Ghosts, goblins, and princesses of all ages are invited to to enjoy some not-so-spooky Halloween fun including festive crafts, games, trick-or-treating, and a virtual costume contest. 1-5 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. costume contest at Hayden Station on Fourth Street west of Mill Avenue. Free. Find a map of participating businesses at downtowntempe.com/halloweenstroll

VALLEYWIDE Halloween Comicfest (Oct. 31). Participating local comic book stores celebrate Halloween by giving away Halloween-themed comic books and hosting spooktacular costume contests. Keep an eye out for monsters, zombies, vampires and aliens! Times vary

Reserve your Santa Experience Now! INDOOR MINI SESSIONS: $150 » November 14, 2020 » December 5, 2020

Custom gift certificates available!

JUBILANTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

480-848-1462 | kate@jubilantphotography.com

at participating stores. Free. halloweencomicfest.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

35

family time! pumpkin patches

Tolmachoff Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days (Oct. 1-31) in Glendale.

Nothing says fall like taking the kids to a pumpkin patch for outdoor fun and family photos. Keep in mind: Pumpkin patches are often closed after a rainstorm, and many do not update their websites in real time. Call ahead before heading out.

Additional fees for pumpkin purchase and hayrides.

DEWEY

of activities; free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets must

GILBERT

Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze

be pre-purchased online. Mortimer Family Farms,

The Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm

(Sept. 18-Nov. 1). Farm-inspired rides, hayride

12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey. 928-830-1116 or

(Sept. 26-Oct. 31) includes a hayride, spider web

farm tours, barrel train rides, pig races, circus shows,

mortimerfarmsaz.com

crawl, farm animal feeding and Alexander’s Adventure

grain train rides, tetherball, zip lines, dog races, farm-

Hitching Post Stables, 4848 Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff.

928-774-1719 or historichitchinpoststables.com

Maze. Bring a picnic lunch; there are picnic tables,

to-table foods and ropes course races and the “pick

FLAGSTAFF

grassy fields and big shade trees. Or buy hot dogs,

your own” experience. And of course the signature

Hitching Post Stables Pumpkin Patch Festival

popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, drinks and more

15-acre pumpkin patch and corn maze! 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(Oct. 1-31) features horse/tractor-drawn hayrides, hay

at Maneau’s Munchies. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. $10/

Monday-Thursday (except Columbus Day); 9 a.m. to

maze, petting zoo, bounce house, games and more.

person includes a pumpkin. Mother Nature’s Farm,

9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and

Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. 480-892-5874 or

Columbus Day, Oct. 12. Rates vary by date and choice

Saturday-Sunday. $12; free for ages 2 and younger.

mothernaturesfarm.com/pumpkinpatch

36 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

GLENDALE

PHOENIX

26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-585-0239

Tolmachoff Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Days

Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 21-31) has

or macdonaldsranch.com

(Oct. 1-31). Enjoy a six-acre all-ages corn maze, a

moved to Paradise Valley Mall this year, with arts and

mini corn maze for little ones, a haunted corn maze for

crafts, carnival games, rides, face painting, food and

Pumpkin Nights at the Princess (Sept. 17-Oct.

those who dare, a petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid,

more. Costumes encouraged! 4-9 p.m. weekdays, 11

31). The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort makes

corn box, adult-child pedal cart track, jumping pillow

a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5. Paradise Valley

a spooktacular transformation to present a Pumpkin

and more. Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon-

Mall, 4568 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. 480-435-4325 or

Patch, Jack-o-Lantern Lawn, Jack-o-Lantern Lawn

11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.

halloweentownaz.com

Rides, Hay Maze, Haunted Plaza, Lantern Launch

to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday except

and fireworks show. 6-10 p.m Thursday-Sunday. $40

for Columbus Day, Oct. 12. $15; free for ages 2 and

QUEEN CREEK

for self-parking and general admission for up to four

younger (includes family and mini corn mazes, petting

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party (Oct.

people per vehicle (additional activities wristbands

zoo, play areas, jumping pillow); additional cost

1-Nov. 1). Pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy a chili

available for $10 each); $10/person for walk-in/

for pumpkins, train ride, food and tomato cannon.

dinner. Admission includes rides, corn maze, mini golf,

rideshare access; free for ages 2 and younger. 7575

Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. 602-

petting zoo, tractor play yard, deer feeding, Carousel

E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848 or

999-3276 or tolmachoff-farms.com

Museum, giant yard games, corn hole games, line dancing,

scottsdaleprincess.com/pumpkin-nights

face painting and more. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-

MARANA

Wednesday, 1-9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10

WILLCOX

Marana Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 3-31). Take a wagon

p.m. Friday and Saturday. $14 Tuesday-Wednesday, $23

Apple Annie’s Orchard Pumpkin Celebration

ride to the 50-acre pumpkin field and enjoy a corn

Thursday-Sunday. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse

(Sept. 19-Oct. 31) offers old-fashioned family fun

maze, straw mountain, sand toy area, Coronado

Road, Queen Creek. schnepffarms.com

picking pumpkins and vegetables, exploring a corn

KATE REED

swing, cyclone swing, super slide, petting zoo, pig

maze (with two levels of difficulty), taking a hayride

races, a 1/4-scale diesel train, pedal cart ride, tractor

SCOTTSDALE

and more. Arrive early for an all-you-can-eat buttermilk

train ride and little tractors. Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday-

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch (Oct 3-Nov.

and pumpkin pancakes breakfast. 9 a.m. to 5:30

Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $11-$14;

1). Hayrides, pedal cars, petting zoo, hay maze, Western

p.m. Saturday-Sunday (last entry at 4 p.m.); pancake

$5 pony rides; pumpkins are 50 cents/pound.

games and panning for gold. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed

breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. $6-$8. Apple Annie’s

14901 N. Wentz Road, Marana. 520-305-5481 or

Tuesdays. $10-$12; free for ages 1 and younger;

Produce Farm, 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox. 520-

maranapumpkinpatch.com

additional cost for pony rides and mechanical bull.

384-4685 or appleannies.com

MESA Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze & Fall Festival (Oct.

MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch (Oct 3-Nov. 1) in Scottsdale..

1-Nov. 1) features a five-acre corn maze, mini golf, pumpkin patch, inflatables, petting zoo, mini zip line, barrel train ride, giant jump pad (requires socks), giant tube roll, mini hay maze, spider web climb, duck races, train ride, animal area, pumpkin bowling and more. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. FridaySaturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Pumpkin Paint and Take events will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17-18, 24-25 and 31. $12; free for ages 2 and younger. 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-882-1482 or vertucciofarms.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

37

first person

The quiet blessings of

“interesting times”

By Sheri Smith

ADD THIS TO THE LIST of things I never

Not long ago, I could never have

too, and it wasn’t boredom. It was more

thought I’d buy: a pizza stone. And

imagined myself doing any of these

like an awakening. As I sipped tea on my

yet, against all odds, one arrived

things, and yet, here I am. A woman

deck, surrounded by the lovely sounds of

today, leaning against my front gate

transformed. You might think it was

the countryside, complete with chirping

with a receipt that gave away the

boredom that led me to the new person I

birds and munching deer, a quiet voice

incontrovertible evidence. I had indeed

am today. And perhaps it was, at first.

spoke to me. It was an old English

ordered this thing.

Was I excited? Yes. Can I explain

Like so many others who were sequestered at home, I found myself with

proverb. A curse I had long forgotten: “May you live in interesting times.”

why? I will try. But first, I will have to

time on my hands. This was new. In my

convey that six months ago my family and

previous life, I was a mother who lived

curse was real. Life as we’d known it had

I moved to the countryside to sequester

life at warp speed. I always seemed to be

been turned upside down. The death toll

ourselves from the world of COVID-19.

in a rush. Now that I had time, I found

from COVID was growing every day,

Since then, I have found myself doing all

myself taking up new hobbies.

and the research seemed increasingly

sorts of things I never thought I’d do.

Here’s an abridged list: I grow fresh

I was not alone in this. It seemed like

The setting seemed tranquil, but the

ominous. There were protests and unrest

everyone was either suddenly baking,

in the streets, and there were violent

herbs. I compost. I make my own

gardening or exercising. Who would

responses to these demonstrations.

marinara. I have afternoon tea — the

have thought a contagious disease would

The economy was in upheaval, as long-

fancy kind with an actual tea set. I bird

have led to a run on fertilizer, yeast and

standing businesses faced the prospect of

watch — with binoculars and a field

dumbbells? But this is America. We go

shuttering. Nothing felt certain. Would

guide. I have a butterfly garden. And

all in.

children go back to school? Would there

now, I guess, I make fresh pizza.

38 October 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Something else was happening to me

be sports? What about live music? Could

we plan for birthday parties or weddings

fought and worked and led revolutions,

too, who had lived through their own

or any kind of celebration? Would things

of course. They wrote books that

“interesting” times. Days when their

ever be “normal” again?

changed opinions. They brought people

husbands were off at war. Days of polio

together and rebuilt communities. But

and children in iron lungs. Days when

to me, as I poured some more tea, that

they also baked and canned and gathered

they didn’t know where the next meal

although this was new for me and my

pretty things for the table. They made

would come from.

generation, this was not new for the ones

do. They moved forward. They worried

who had come before. Every day, as I

and cried. They lost loved ones (as had

to action. And then there were times

strolled the tiny town I’d moved to, I

I). And then, they baked another pie.

they had to wait for the storms to clear,

No one knew. But it also occurred

would peer over my surgical mask at the

Perhaps it takes living in “interesting

There were times they were called

fearing the clouds would never leave. Yet

original homesteads. I gazed at the groves

times,” to realize how important the

somehow they pushed forward. They

of apple and citrus trees that I passed and

simple things are — the birds at the

canned and baked and gardened and

found what was left of the tiny houses

windowsill, the butterflies in the garden.

made pretty things. Somehow. And they

fashioned from the rocks that had been

Perhaps when we are in the middle of

most likely surprised themselves as they

collected and cobbled together by hand so

chaos, we instinctively slow down and

did it. Surprised at who they’d become

precisely to create their homes.

make do with the things we have at

— the people they really were.

These people, too, lived in interesting

hand and turn them into something

times. There was disease. And economic

comforting and nourishing and good. We

challenges. There was violence and

cobble together our homes out of stone.

unrest. And uncertainty.

And what did the women do? They

Sheri Smith is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.

I felt connected to these women, and the women in my own family,

RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020

39

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