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.
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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
Now Open
M U
T I We are Your Healthcare Team.
MESA ARTS CENTER
We are pleased to announce the opening of our new clinic, the Midwestern University Therapy Institute, featuring one of less than 20 Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) systems in the United States. The Therapy Institute team provides integrated, cuttingedge virtual reality assessment and treatment services for multiple complex health and vision conditions affecting patients of all ages, including stroke, Parkinson’s, brain injury, balance/vestibular issues, and more.
• Clinical Psychology • Pediatric Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech-Language Pathology • Vision Therapy • Low Vision Rehabilitation • Sports Vision Performance Training
Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 Midwestern University
5815 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 mwuclinics.com
Therapy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare
We’re here for you. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona is a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization that has been serving Arizona families since 1967. Our award-winning programs and services include:
· · · ·
Autism Adolescent Clinic Brief Intervention Outpatient Counseling
· Respite · Residential Treatment · Therapeutic Foster Care (for Adults & Children)
Join us and make a difference. DevereuxAZ.org
Beginner–Competitive: Boys & Girls Ages 3–12 years Risk FREE Trial: All Ages New socially distanced curriculum with enhanced cleaning and sanitization!
Contact us today!
480-596-3543 xtremegymnastics.com 14000 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Volunteer. Donate. Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2020
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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