Kidsville News December 2020

Proudly sponsored by: UP & COMING WEEKLY My paper The Cape Fear Region’s Fun Family Newspaper • December 22002200 F REE

Holiday Safety Wally Watt Watcher Willy Water Drop It’s never too early for Wally Watt Watcher and Willy Water Drop to start wishing all their friends greetings for the upcoming holiday season. Everyone gets excited about holiday decorating and lights, but it’s important to follow special safety tips to ensure that the holiday season is a happy and safe one! Always: Happy Holidays from Willy, Wally, • Turn off all electrical light strings and and the rest of your friends at PWC! decorations before leaving home or going to bed • Keep decorations and ladders away from overhead electrical lights and power lines • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports with insulated staples • Replace any broken bulbs that have exposed filaments • Keep your live tree well watered to prevent bulbs from igniting dry branches • Follow directions when using artificial snow. It can irritate your lungs if inhaled • Consider replacing your old incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs Never: • Staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords • Run extension cords under rugs, around furniture legs, in doorways, or across sidewalks and driveways • Plug more than three light strings into an extension cord • Ignore switches or outlets that don’t work • Place tinsel or paper near hot lights • Use lighted candles near trees, curtains, or anything potentially flammable Share what you’ve learned with family and friends! Various artwork from © Vecteezy.com www.faypwc.com Vector Images © vecteezy 2 or call the ce at 223-4009 Communications & Community Relations O www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

THE FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER Hi, Kids! of Cumberland and Hoke Counties www.KidsvilleNews.com/Cumberland fbmsnwadaCoeheioomsniii“ahfavodtfIrWdTnshertrtoltnii,iohhhcrhdusmh“itesmeeiegtCehassinemsrthoyoaeerncycmedsretnnaromlepaogeesdnsoali.onfdnausrnoneMaealsdttenasdctnthuaruhtwr.hptidterginTml,peehbotipKhinttHi.aneevenWhoaeitreanasdreanrit,enrnoowt”strat,ossivgrnmhrnio―otflsieosdusldnrttlea.ftle”khwoaTdhndMrwafhleeN’eeooeshahaiecaunEnedmabyeottwrNatbroooiucleveirowoesadurtrelaKs!eihrlaotklyi’twtcssgenyroehhiemldsissamadufoliiPtnecadha.rtlpsoibozhenseod.fasalsareYd!maesrtaaivotvky.tfoeeusaTaeoerhntssftricetoatedtweai,hnvneSitaegnnhtlrits.wnjieeonLabgoryugdrrafcislanrdnaieoabgbdamoDsotuouhanttyeaw,aclliolnmteirng sEoeevuvUaLeetnsornwoytotinklhacnaraaotetnlnilcxiedttlydeioytsioitumnhiunrseeicad“,awAselreiynownoutuedenlarcrdresooatimnhldssee.tiidscWetehofaeornlrdwda.”innf itnedr PUBLISHER Bill Bowman [email protected] Managing Editor April Olsen [email protected] EDITOR Crissy Neville [email protected] OPERATIONS MANAGER Paulette Naylor accounting @upandcomingweekly.com ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dylan Hooker [email protected] SALES & MARKETING Linda McAlister [email protected] Jim Shaffer [email protected] DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR/SALES ADMINISTRATOR Laurel Handforth [email protected] IILLUSTRATOR Cover & Truman • Dan Nelson Copyright © 2020 by Merrigold Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without permission of the publisher or copyright holder. Neither participating advertisers nor the publishers will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors. The publishers reserve the right to edit any submitted material. Merrigold Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or other material. Children’s submissions should include name, address, telephone number, and permission to publish signed by a parent or guardian. Various pictures and vectors © freepik & Vecteezy. December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 3

Winter Holidays Christmas Las Posadas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth Latin American families in the United States celebrate of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on Dec. 25 as a religious Las Posadas from Dec. 16-24 each year. This holiday and cultural celebration among billions of people worldwide. commemorates the important passage made by Joseph Activities include decorating a tree, giving presents and and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem before the birth waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus. of Jesus. This remembrance includes an interactive story, special holiday carols, breaking piñatas and traditional foods, Hannukah including tamales and café de olla. This Jewish celebration Bodhi Day of Hannukah is an eight- day remembrance The Buddhist holiday of Bodhi that commemorates Day is Dec. 8 and is also known the Second Temple’s as the Day of Enlightenment. This rededication in Jerusalem. observance celebrates Buddha This beautiful holiday is when he sat underneath a Bodhi celebrated with nightly tree, meditated and experienced prayers, menorah enlightenment. Buddhist followers lighting and special foods decorate their homes with ficus celebrating the miracle in trees and place a statue of Buddha Jerusalem in the 160s BC. underneath the tree. Kwanzaa Boxing Day This seven-day cultural holiday celebrated by 5 million The origin of Boxing Day began in Americans begins Dec. 26 and observes the African the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages. In Victorian American heritage. Partaking of Kwanzaa’s celebration times, Boxing Day was the day that servants would be able includes lighting the Kinara and acknowledging the seven to go home and spend the holidays with their families after principles of the African culture. working during Christmas for their employers. The modern celebration remains Dec. 26 and reminds people to enjoy the St. Lucia Day fellowship of family and friends. The celebration of St. Lucia Day is a Scandinavian and Ōmisoka Italian celebration welcoming winter. On Dec. 13, traditional processions of young people in white robes, adorned with Dec. 31 brings a celebration in the Japanese culture called red belts and wreaths of holly and candles, bring forth the Ōmisoka. This special day is a reflective time to prepare and long winter months and represent “the Light of Christ” pray for the Shinto god for a rich harvest in the year ahead. through the darkness. New Year’s Day is received by eating “soba” or Japanese buckwheat noodles to bring good luck. https://www.learningliftoff.com/9-winter-holidays-around-the-world/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_multinational_festivals_and_holidays 4 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

W STheoWlstiicneter DECEMBER hen old man winter comes • Since ancient times, the winter solstice has blowing, you know the winter been seen as a significant time of year in many Dec. 1, 1990 England was solstice, also called hibernal cultures. Festivals and rituals have marked connected to mainland Europe solstice or midwinter, has arrived. the event. for the first time since the ice age Happening twice each year, as engineers digging a railway • Some solstice holidays include the Welsh tunnel under the English Channel once in each of the Earth’s hemispheres — both observance of Alban Arthan, the Western broke through the last rock layer. Christian time of Blue Christmas, the East Asia Dec. 5 The birthday of Walt Northern and Southern — the solstice occurs celebration of the Dongzhi Festival, the Disney (1901-1966) in Chicago, Ancient Roman’s day of Saturnalia, and Illinois. As a little boy, he liked to when one of the Earth’s poles has its most Christmas, which takes place a few days after draw farm animals and eventually the solstice each year. found a job as an artist. He significant tilt away from the sun. moved to Hollywood and in 1928 • Some holidays that coincide with dates after produced “Steamboat Willie,” The winter solstice is the day with the shortest the solstice are the Cold Food Festival in Korea starring Mickey Mouse, in the first amount of daylight and the longest night of and China, happening 105 days after the winter cartoon with synchronized sound. the year. The opposite of this is the summer solstice and the Harvest Festival in India called In 1937, he released his full-length solstice, with the most extended daylight and the Makar Sankranti, which marks the end of the animated film, “Snow White and shortest night of the year. cold months. the Seven Dwarfs.” Dec. 17, 1903 After three years • The winter solstice occurs during the • In astronomy, the winter solstice also marks of experimentation, Orville and hemisphere’s winter. Where we live, in the the beginning of winter, which lasts until Wilbur Wright achieved the Northern Hemisphere, the date of the solstice the vernal equinox — March 20 or 21 in the first powered, controlled is usually Dec. 21 or 22. Northern Hemisphere or Sept. 22 or 23 in the airplane flights. They made four Southern Hemisphere. flights near Kitty Hawk, North • The summer solstice is six months later, on Carolina, the longest lasting June 20 or 21. • After the solstice, the days get longer, and the about a minute. day has thus been celebrated in many areas of Dec. 25 Christmas Day, • Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a the world as a time of rebirth. commemorating the birth of moment, the term sometimes refers to the day Jesus of Nazareth. Although the it occurs. exact date of his birth is not known, it has been celebrated on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice this day since A.D. 336. GEE THANKS! to our partners for sponsoring our Kidsville News! in literacy initiative UP & COMING WEEKLY December, 2020 To be a corporate educational sponsor, call: 910.484.6200 5 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland

The Polar Bear he world’s most massive bear, paws act like natural snowshoes to help them Food While they are moving, they are also the polar bear lives in Arctic get across dangerous ice and deep snow. hunting. Polar bears spend over 50% of their T regions and cold coastal regions They also have three eyelids to protect their time hunting for food — mainly seals. A polar in harsh conditions. If you eyes and from the elements and 4 inches bear might catch only one or two out of 10 wonder how anything can survive in these of fat under their skin for warmth. The polar seals it hunts, depending on the time of year coldest places on Earth, understand that bear’s fur is not white but transparent. It only and other conditions. Ringed and bearded animals like the polar bear thrive in such looks white because of the way it reflects the seals provide the large amounts of fat the extremities. The icy seas and glacier ice are ice and snow. Their thick layer of body fat and bears need to survive. home to these interesting creatures. a water-repellent coat insulates them from Threatened status Outside of the water, Name The polar bear’s Latin name, Ursus the cold air and water. polar bears travel, hunt, rest, mate and make dens on sea ice. But as the sea ice habitat maritimus, means “sea bear,” and the place to Motion Excellent swimmers, polar bears can see them in the United States is Alaska. cover 6 miles per hour by paddling with their changes, the Arctic polar bears are threatened Bodies Their bodies are adapted for the cold. front paws and holding their hind legs flat like with habitat loss. The bears have been listed For example, the bears’ 30-centimeter-wide a rudder. They are speedy runners, too. as a threatened species since May 2008. https://polarbearsinternational.org/ • https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear 6 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

Where is the North Pole? The North Pole is the northernmost point on temperatures are well below freezing in this ice cap, the the Earth and is opposite the South Pole. This average temperatures peak just above freezing in July and location is at the Northern Hemisphere center, August. Winter temperatures at the northernmost weather where the Earth’s axis of rotation meets its surface. station in Greenland can range from about −58 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Under international law, no country The sea ice at the North Pole is typically owns the North Pole or the Arctic around 7-10 feet thick, although ice Ocean region surrounding it. The thickness studies have shown that the Arctic Ocean borders the following average ice thickness has decreased in countries: Russia, Norway, Iceland, recent years. Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Canada and the Due to the location of the North and South United States of America. Poles on Earth, day and night are not the same as in other places. The sun only rises While the South Pole is on land, the North Pole is located and sets at the North Pole once a year. The polar night in the middle of the Arctic Ocean in water permanently occurs in the northernmost and southernmost regions of covered with sea ice. The nearest landmass is Kaffeklubben the Earth when the night lasts for more than 24 hours. The Island off the northern coast of Greenland, about 430 opposite phenomenon, the polar day, also called midnight miles away. The closest place with human life is Alert in sun, occurs when the sun stays above the horizon for more the Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada, located 508 than 24 hours. Twilight occurs all the rest of the time, which miles from the Pole. No humans permanently live at the is in between light and dark. North Pole. Wildlife near or in the Artic region includes the polar bear, The North Pole is a great deal warmer than the South Pole ringed seal, Artic fox and birds such as the snow bunting, because its sea location holds in heat. Even though the northern fulmar and black-legged kittiwake. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pole FAMPO PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES FAMPO, in partnership with Sustainable Sandhills, held an Air Quality Photo Contest to feature photos in the 2021 FAMPO Air Quality calendar. Photographers’ entries from left to right: Jillian Johnson, Leah Martin, Adelynn Johnson, Bruce Harms, Nolan Strickland, Aureon Williams, Ethan Morgan, Karoline Hall, Greyson Morgan, Mary Claire Canady, Miles Hall, Caroline Canady, Mason Rice. December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 7

GIFT GIVING AROUND THE WORLD G ifts are fun to give and receive. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or another winter holiday, exchanging gifts with family and friends is a custom in many cultures. Gift giving occurs worldwide year-round for many different occasions. Japan One custom for gift giving in Japan is to offer or receive the present using both hands. The gift, beautifully wrapped and presented, is then opened later and not in front of the giver. The most important times of the year for gift giving are at the end of the year, O-seibo, and in midsummer, O-chugen. Presents are given to anyone who has done something for the giver to show thanks and appreciation. China In China, the recipient of a gift will refuse to accept a gift two or three times before finally taking it. This gesture is a sign of good manners and modesty. After giving a gift, the common practice is for the giver to receive a gift back in turn. The Chinese are sensitive to the use of gifts to express appreciation for a favor or gift received. Certain gifts symbolize things to the Chinese that can make them inappropriate for gift giving. For example, a letter opener or a knife as a gift would represent the end of a relationship. Clocks symbolize death, and handkerchiefs mean sorrow. The United States Americans generally do not bring gifts to customers when meeting for the first time or as a thank you for doing business together. In addition to buying presents for loved ones, Americans may also give co-workers, colleagues and customers gifts during the holiday season. When a gift is given to a person from the U.S., the giver might not receive one in return. Americans often open the gift right away, in front of the giver, so that they can see what it is and express thanks for the item at that time. France Good taste and timing are most important when giving gifts in France. While the French avoid giving gifts at the first business meeting, they bring a present when going to someone’s home, presenting it before the meal or party. In France, good gifts show an appreciation of knowledge and the arts, such as books and music. https://www.globesmart.com/blog/guide-to-gift-giving-around-the-world/ https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/10-countries-curious-gifting-traditions/ 8 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

Have you ever gone ice skating? If into their opponent’s net to score The frozen you love roller skating and enjoy goals. Hockey is played for fun and canals and cold weather, ice skating may be recreation and also competitively. ponds of the for you. Ice skating is a recreational Netherlands, activity or sport where the skater England and France have been glides across an ice surface on popular sites for outdoor blades fastened to the bottom of recreational ice skating since shoes called skates. A favorite winter the 1700s. In the 1740s, British pastime in cold areas that receive servicemen introduced ice skating a lot of snow and ice, ice skating to North American residents. can be enjoyed anywhere, thanks to indoor ice rinks. The activity of ice skating led to the Ice skating probably developed in Refrigerated ice rinks started development of the sports of figure Scandinavia as early as 1000 BCE, transforming ice skating from a skating and speedskating. Figure with the first skates being made of winter recreation to a major sport skating involves the performance the rib bones of elk, oxen, reindeer and year-round entertainment we of various jumps, spins and dance or other animals. know it as today. The first artificially movements, while speedskating is a frozen rink in the United States was form of racing on ice skates. Until the middle of the 19th century, built in Madison Square Garden in the skate’s metal portion was New York City in 1879. Ice hockey is the best-known fastened to a wooden footplate. A team sport that involves skating. skater would strap the skate to the Ice hockey appeared in the Summer The contact sport is played on ice, foot with leather thongs or straps. Olympics in 1920. Traditionally a usually in a rink, in which skaters male sport, women’s hockey made on opposing teams use their its Olympic opening debut in 1998. sticks to try to hit a rubber puck https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-skating • https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/ice-skating/ December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 9

?? ? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ?? What’s It Like to Be? ? ? ? ? ?? ?? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? An Author Rodney Hartman Please tell our readers a little about yourself, including your name and occupation. My name is Rodney W. Hartman, and I am in three other series. comes from my mind, and my words are the an author. I didn’t always write stories for a What do you write about? result of everything I’ve ever read or imagined. living. I served in the United States military for 20 years, living in Cumberland County. I now It’s probably due to my military background, What is your favorite thing about live in Harnett County. After retiring, I got a but I like to write about soldiers. In my case, your job? college degree in computer programming, I write about futuristic soldiers who operate which I worked in for 23 years. Yes, I am that from starships in faraway galaxies. Since I Instead of driving to work, I walk out on old, but I’m young at heart. I am married and always enjoyed fantasy novels while growing my back porch with my computer in hand have four children and four grandchildren. up, my Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles and start writing. The other thing is my series is a mixture of technology and magic. interaction with my fans. I get emails from When did you know that you wanted to Soldiers wear advanced armor and carry lots of different countries and people of all be an author? plasma-beam weapons while fighting against ages. That’s very humbling. I make it a point magic users: orcs, elves, dwarves, dragons and to reply to every one of the emails. While I’m I’ve always enjoyed reading science fiction. other kinds of fairytale creatures. talking about favorite things, I’ll add in my During my last year in the military, I spent a least favorite. Authors need to have thick skin. lot of time in the desert doing nothing. With What kind of education and training You are putting your stories out there for all time on my hands, I started creating a story is needed to become an author? What to see, and not everyone will like them. That’s in my head about a futuristic soldier that background do you have that lends itself OK. Just make sure you enjoy them. gets transported to a place where magic to your writing topics? works. After I retired, I wrote the story for my What do you wish everyone knew about amusement. The manuscript remained on It helps to have a firm handle on written being a book author? my desk for 20 years until I read an article on language since that is a writer’s medium, but how to self-publish books. Thinking it would there is no set college degree necessary for It’s hard work. It takes dedication to get up be cool to have a print copy of my book, I becoming an author. You do need a passion every morning and write. I set a goal of two went ahead and published it. Lo and behold, for reading. I think all the reading I did in my thousand words a day. I try to get all my and to my surprise, people began buying it. youth prepared me to be a writer today. I writing done in the morning to spend time Enough people bought it that I quit my job have copy editors and proofreaders who help with my wife in the afternoon. Whatever as a computer programmer and became a me get my story technically correct, but they profession you choose in life, remember to full-time author. That first book has expanded can’t help me with the information itself. That reserve time for your family. into a 10-book series, and I have written books www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020 10

MATHTIME On Monday, Tasha had a pocketful Jill counted the number of petals on five flowers that are all alike. of pencils. On Wednesday, she loaned four When she finished, she had counted 20 petals. How many petals to her friends and had seven pencils left. are on each flower? How many pencils were in Tasha’s pocket on Monday? (four petals) Several strategies will be useful to help students (11 pencils) Working backwards is an effective strategy, but not the only one with this problem: draw a picture, model with manipulatives for solving this problem. or repeated subtraction. Students should be encouraged to share their methods with their classmates and to try other strategies. Send it!* Sandhills Hey, Kids! Pediatric & Family Dentistry We want to remind you to send us your photos, original artwork, letters, poems and stories, Dental care for the whole family. We would really love hearing from you. We Free orthodontic consultations. Se habla Español. may even print them in a later issue or include them on our cool website. www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland Name: Age: Address: Grade: 1st Dental City: State: Zip: Visit at Age 1! Phone: \"Baby Teeth\" Need To Be \"Babied\" Name of your School or location where you picked up a copy of Kidsville News!: Parent, Teacher, Guardian Signature (Permission): Bryan C. Dunston, DDS, Email: Board Certified Pediatric Dentist (Receive a “Free” online subscription of Kidsville News!) 919.499.9950 www.sandhillsdental.com 55 Amarillo Lane, Sanford NC Send to: 208 Rowan Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 • 910-484-6200 (Located off Buffalo Lake Rd., 8 miles north of Spring Lake near Carolina Lakes) December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland Providers for: MetLife, United Concordia, Delta Dental, Medicaid, NC Health Choice, Cigna, Ameritas, GEHA & Connection Dental 11

12 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

December, 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Holiday decor at 3 Christmas in the 4 5 Holiday Lights The 1897 Poe House Park drive-thru at Cape Fear in Fayetteville through lights at Fayetteville’s Botanical Garden in Jan 5. Details at https:// Arnette Park. Nightly Fayetteville through museumofthecapefear. excluding Fridays and Dec. 23. See www. ncdcr.gov/ Saturdays. www.fcpr.us capefearbg.org www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 6 Holiday Lights 7 8 9 10 11Kid-Friendly 12 Christmas 14 15 16 17 German Drive- Thru at Sweet Valley Ranch 23 24 Christmas Market at at Village Bpatist in Fayetteville various Dirtbag Ales in Hope Church in Fayetteville. nights through Dec. MIlls. Dec. 11, 5-10 p.m.; Dec. 11-13. 6:30-9:30 30. See www.sweet Dec. 12, noon-9 p.m.; p.m. nightly. https:// valleyranchnc.com. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-2 pm thevillagebc.church/ 13 18 19 City Market at the Museum. Weekly on Saturday. Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 20 21 22Winter Solstice 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 NewYear’s Eve 13

Make the Holidays a Little Sweeter What would the holidays be without platters full of homemade cookies? It’s that time of year for pulling out favorite recipes and filling the house with delicious aromas and delectable treats. This recipe for Stareos from Classic Stars Desserts (Chronicle Books) by Emily Luchetti adds a gourmet spin to a popular chocolate sandwich cookie. Stareos Makes 18 cookies Chocolate Shortbread 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 8 ounces cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/2 cup granulated sugar Flour for dusting Pinch of kosher salt Filling 1 cup mascarpone cheese 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract To make the chocolate shortbread: In a bowl, stir together the flour, salt and cocoa powder and set aside. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on low speed until the butter and sugar begin to incorporate, about 15 seconds. Add the dry ingredients and continue to mix until the dough comes together, about 3 minutes. It will look dry just before it comes together. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2-inch star cutter, cut out as many cookies as possible. Gather together the scraps, reroll, and continue cutting out cookies until you have 36 cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Bake the shortbread until firm, about 35 minutes. At the midway point, switch the baking sheets between the racks and rotate them 180 degrees to ensure even baking. Let cool on the baking sheets to room temperature. To make the filling: In a small bowl, stir together the mascarpone, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Turn 18 of the cookies bottom-side up on a work surface. Using a table knife or a small icing spatula, spread about 1 tablespoon of the filling on the bottom of each cookie. Top with the remaining cookies, bottom-side down. 14 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

A s we move forward into winter and forming the standard six arms of the long, needle-like crystals to form, while lower through days of chilly weather, some snowflake that branch off the center, creating temperatures, about 5 degrees, result in very parts of the U.S. have started to see a shape sort of like a star. However, though flat, plate-like crystals. their first snowstorms. Over the next all snowflakes have six sides, examples of this Another reason for the difference in snowflake few months, as you perhaps watch the snowfall frozen precipitation do not look the same. shapes is the path it takes to the ground. Once a snowflake begins to fall, every single outside your window or go outside to play in One main reason why every snowflake is one follows a slightly different direction. This variation exposes each one to somewhat it, you may notice that no two snowflakes are unique is due to the atmosphere in which it unique atmospheric conditions along the way, causing occasional bumping into one exactly alike. Why is that the case? is created. As a snowflake forms, it can shift another, as well. With so many possibilities, two snowflakes being exactly alike is nearly and move to different parts of the cloud that impossible. The next time it snows where you live, investigate this weather phenomenon First, let’s talk about how snowflakes are it is in, exposing it to different temperature for yourself. formed. Snowflake creation starts when a and humidity conditions. For example, a very cold-water droplet high up in the clouds snowflake’s branches might begin to take on freezes onto a pollen or dust particle floating a long, thin shape, but a sudden change in in the sky. This process creates an ice crystal, the temperature could cause the extensions which then begins to fall to the ground as to flatten out or grow differently. Usually, snow. Other water vapor molecules freeze meteorologists have found that higher onto it as the crystal falls, building new crystals temperatures, around 23 degrees, cause Your Source for Convenient Medical Where we Kim McAllister – Director Care for the Whole Family Pamper, Hugs, & Luv’s Adults and Children Ages 2 & Up Pamper, Learning Center 634 Sandhill Road Now Offering Psychological Testing, Counseling and Hug, & Luv Hope Mills, NC 28348 Cardiology Services (910) 424-4646 all Children! [email protected] • Primary Care • Allergy Testing Kim McAllister – Director Pamper, Hugs, & Luv’s • Acute Care • Sports Physicals Afterschool Facility 620 Sandhill Road • Minor Illnesses & Injuries • Skin Conditions Hope Mills, NC 28348 (910) 424-4647 • ADHD Screening/Treatment • New Telemedicine Services [email protected] Now Accepting New Patients in Western Harnett Co. TriCare and most insurance providers accepted. 15 919-842-5566 • FamilyMedicineNC.com 181 Mittie Haddock • Cameron NC 28326 December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland

Coloring Corner Tffiarnvuiosmrhaitnceollowovrieninstgetrothabcisetipoviuictttysu?irdWee!,reitveena ipnatrhaegrwaipnhtearb! oWuthiatt’asnydour TTrrumua-n Truman’s December, 2020 Tricky Picture Find these wTpirutwuezmmwzl.saek!snid’Bassnevhdisalultge!raneFmeotwoerssfim,.cnvooidsrmiet. 16 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland

Holiday Safety Checklist: 9Make sure outlets and extension cords are not overloaded. 9 walkways, where people could trip on them. 9Make sure electrical cords are not pinched in windows or doors. Damaged cords are a 9 9 when you leave home or go to bed. December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland HOLIDAY SAFETY TIP Remember, safety rst! Always ask an adult to help you with any electrical cords or outlets. The Energy Explorers wish you a safe and happy holiday season! 17

Enjoy More Time Outdoors - Even When It’s Cold Go on a nature hike While many plants and animals hibernate in winter, there is still plenty to see. Bring along a sketchbook or camera and T he amount of time people spend outdoors has dramatically capture nature in winter. White-washed hills can be beautiful to behold, decreased, as the Environmental Protection Agency now reports the average American spends 87% of his or her time in and many small animals and birds look even more vivid a residence, school building or workplace. against the white backdrop of snow. Being outside is linked to better moods, Make an obstacle course Turn an area of the yard or more physical activity and less exposure park into a homemade obstacle course. It’s much more to contaminants (concentrations of some difficult, and a great workout, to try to jump over snow pollutants are often two to five times higher mounds or rundown paths when decked out in warm indoors). Also, people who spend time outside layers. Engage in lighthearted competitions with friends may not contact surface germs or develop and family members. various illnesses spread as often as those who spend a lot of time indoors. Build a bonfire Children can set off in different directions to gather up firewood to craft a bonfire with adults in Cold weather can make the desire to be a safe location. S’mores taste equally delicious, whether outside less appealing, but getting outdoors it’s warm or cold outside, and in winter, they can be is essential for one’s mental and physical well- accompanied by toasty mugs of cocoa. being. The following activities might coax people outside for some crisp air. Get sporty Sledding, skating, snowshoeing and ice hockey are just a few of the winter sports that can get the heart Create snow critters Why do snowmen and pumping and muscles working outside. These activities women get all of the fanfare this time of year? are entertaining and also great exercise. When venturing outdoors in Just about any living or fictional creature can be molded from snow and winter, dress in layers. In this way, you can put on or take off clothing to embellish landscapes. Use food-grade coloring in spray bottles to add reduce the likelihood of hypothermia. even more creative flair to snow designs. 18 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

How to involve kids with holiday baking T he holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many holiday traditions are centered around food, focusing on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings. Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started. Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment. Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about baking if they have their equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking. Plan ahead. Seasoned bakers know that when involving children in holiday baking. Make a mess. Don’t be afraid to get a little it’s imperative to have the right supplies, Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies messy when baking with children. Moms and including ingredients, on hand before with frosting and sprinkles are fun, dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend beginning a baking session. Preplanning kid-friendly tasks. to have more fun in the kitchen when things is even more necessary when baking with get a little messy. Douse each other with a kids, who might not be as patient as moms Add some fun foods to the menu. If you little flour and make a joke of things if some and dads hope if a baking session has to plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid- ingredients find their way onto the counter or be paused to run to the store for a missing friendly holiday cookie cutters before your the floor instead of into your mixing bowl. ingredient or to dig out some tools from the baking session so youngsters have as much back of the pantry. Start by setting everything fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if Parents can make the holiday baking that out and assembling all the necessary they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or much more fun by letting their kids pitch in ingredients the night before you plan to bake. Rudolph cookies. this year. Delegate wisely. Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and strict adherence to recipes. So, parents must wisely delegate December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 19

The International Space Station: 20 Continuously Crewed Years of Operation By David Prosper (left) The ISS photobombs the Sun in this fantastic image taken during the eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, from Banner, Wyoming. Photo credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky More info: bit.ly/eclipseiss (right) This photo shows a complete view of the ISS as of Oct. 4, 2018, taken from the Soyuz capsule of the departing crew of Expedition 56 from their Soyuz capsule. This structure was built by materials launched into orbit by 37 United States Space Shuttle missions and 5 Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets and assembled and maintained by 230 spacewalks, with more to come. Credit: NASA/Roscosmos More info: bit.ly/issbasics. Did you know that humans have been living in the International Space meteorology and environmental monitoring, particle physics and Station, uninterrupted, for 20 years? Ever since the first crew members astrophysics. Of course, one of the biggest and longest experiments docked with the International Space Station in November 2000, more on board is research into the effects of microgravity on the human than 240 people have visited this outpost, representing 19 countries body itself, absolutely vital knowledge for future crewed exploration working together. They have been busy building, upgrading and into deep space. maintaining the space station ― while simultaneously engaging in cutting-edge scientific research. Stargazers have also enjoyed the presence of the ISS as it graces our skies with bright passes overhead. This space station is the largest The first modules that would later make up the ISS were launched object humans have yet put into orbit at the 357 feet, almost the length into orbit in 1998: the Russian Zarya launched via a Proton-K rocket. of an American football field (if end zones are included). The large solar The American-built Unity module launched about a week and a half arrays — 240 feet wide ― reflect quite a bit of sunlight, at times making later by the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Subsequent missions added vital the ISS brighter than Venus to observers on the ground. Its morning elements and modules to the Space Station before it was ready to be and evening passes can be a treat for stargazers and can even be inhabited. And at last, Nov. 2, 2000, Expedition-1 brought the first three observed from brightly lit cities. People worldwide can spot the ISS, permanent crew members to the station in a Russian Soyuz capsule: and with an orbit only 90 minutes long, sometimes you can spot the NASA astronaut William M. Shepherd and Russian cosmonauts Sergei station multiple times a night. You can find the next ISS pass near Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenk. you and receive alerts at sites like NASA’s Spot the Station website Since then, an entire generation has been born into a world where (spotthestation.nasa.gov) and stargazing and satellite tracking apps. humans continually live and work in space. The pressurized space Hundreds of astronauts from all over the world have crewed the ISS inside this modern engineering marvel is roughly equal to the volume over the last two decades, and their work has inspired countless people of a Boeing 747. It is sometimes briefly shared by up to 13 individuals, to look up and ponder humanity’s presence and future in space. You though the average number of crew members is 6. The ISS’s unique microgravity environment means that long-term studies can be can find out more about the ISS and how living and working onboard performed on the space station that can’t be performed anywhere on this remarkable outpost has helped prepare us to return to the moon Earth in many fields, including space medicine, fluid dynamics, biology, and beyond at www.nasa.gov. December, 2020 20 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland

Peart made this movie a family due to an early-life and respecting your elders. Also — experience with the trampoline dodgeball solves everything. book. When Tre was “The War with Grandpa” in the third grade, “The War with Grandpa” is the perfect he came across the film for the whole family! It is funny, has book and suggested great actors and delivers a feel-good that they make a message to all of us. movie about it. The family didn’t, but Tre This movie is about a boy named Peter, grew up and did just an average sixth-grader. But that all that. The script is changes when his Grandpa Ed moves in hysterical and takes with his family. Neither Grandpa Ed nor many lines directly Peter likes the new living arrangement from the book. because grandpa loses some of his independence, and Peter loses his The amazing cast includes Robert De I give “The War with Grandpa” 4 out of 5 bedroom. A secret “prank war” ensues as Niro (Grandpa Ed), who plays a terrific, stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 13. Grandpa Ed and Peter try to outdo each immature, but loving father and Adults will also enjoy this movie. And as other until someone gives up. grandfather. Uma Thurman plays a stern the film is playing in theaters, we can all but wonderfully caring mother (Sally), and now enjoy a trip to see it. This film is based on the bestselling Oakes Fegley plays Peter, an excellent book, “The War with Grandpa,” by Robert prankster protagonist. The supporting For more information or to find a list of Kimmel Smith. Executive producer Tre cast consists of terrific A-list talent, theaters, visit: including Rob Riggle, playing a “cool dad.” www.WarWithGrandpa.com Christopher Walken and Cheech Marin team up with Grandpa Ed to make him even more immature. My favorite parts of the movie are found in the creative ways Peter and Grandpa Ed find to prank each other, and sometimes another family member (sorry, Sally). The messages of the movie are about the importance of communication within December, 2020 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 21

Temperatures are dropping, snow may be falling and Santa is coming. Is there any time of year more magical for a child than the holidays? Get your kiddo in the spirit of the season with these holiday-themed books! Find more great books for kids of all ages at ReadKiddoRead.com. BEGINNER READS The Nutcracker in Harlem By T.E. Morrow Madeline's Christmas For ages 4-8 By Ludwig Bemelmans 1 For ages 3-6 All of the girls in the old house in Paris all In this jazz-inspired retelling of \"The covered in vines are bedridden with a bad Nutcracker,\" little Marie is surrounded by jazz cold, except for little Madeline, who's taken legends, including Cab Calloway and Adelaide over keeping the house. While she's doing Hall. She's afraid to sing herself until a the dishes one evening, a mysterious man magical toy her uncle Cab gives her opens comes to the door, selling magic carpets. Of her up to a whole new world. In this world, course Madeline takes him up on the offer! she finds her voice. The delighted girls forget all about their sickness when they're finally able to fly A beautifully illustrated storybook, \"The home to see their familes for the holidays. Nutcracker in Harlem\" is also a great way to introduce your little ones to jazz music. PAGETURNERS BEVERLY CLEARY Ramona and Her Father Moxy Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing By Beverly Cleary Maxwell Thank You Notes \"{<DIf\\MATHA[R For ages 6-9 Doesl\\lot By Peggy Gifford For ages 8-11 Life is great for Ramona Quimny until her l.ove father loses his job. While money is tight for Writing Moxy Maxwell has a problem. Her mom the family, Ramona adjusts her Christmas Thanl<-you says if she wants to fly to Los Angeles list to reflect the one thing she wants: a tomorrow to visit her father for New Year's happy family. For the church's Christmas l\\lotes Eve, she's going to have to finish 12 thank- pageant, Ramona is cast as a sheep you notes for her Christmas presents. But alongside her friends, Davy and Howie. Moxy is a procrastinator! Hilarity ensues as she searches for different ways to complete This is a heartwarming story about the her relatively easy task. power of love, just right for the season. Full of heart and full of laughs, Moxy is a fun and festive heroine. ADVANCED READS We Are Okay The Afterlife of Holly Chase By Nina Lacour By Cynthia Hand For ages 14 and up For ages 12 and up It's winter break, but college freshman Holly Chase, age 17, died five years ago after Marin isn't going home. In fact, she's not having been visited by three ghosts who were quite sure that there's a home for her to go there to convince her to change her ways. Now, to anymore. Since the death of her loving she's the Ghost of Christmas Past, stuck at 17, but stoic grandfather back in San Francisco, and on the way to save another miserable Marin feels alone in the world. But her best grouch from the fate that befell her. Only this friend (and one-time girlfriend) Mabel is time, the miserable grouch is a handsome boy, coming for a visit. Cycling back and forth about her age. between Marin's memories of home and her This fun reimagining of Dickens' \"A Christmas reality at college in New York. Carol\" will get your reader in the holiday spirit. This is a perfect winter break read for your young reader. Kidsville News, Truman and James Patterson's READKIDDOREAD.COM are pleased to p ARENT OWN partner on this page to help you discover books that the kids you love are sure to love. 22 www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020

C hildren with special needs often benefit from gifts with specialized purposes. While general gifts certainly can be fitting, customizing the gifts to the recipient’s particular emotional or behavioral needs can be a great way to ensure kids get the most use out of their toys. For help with making selections, gift-givers may want to visit Miniland Educational USA, www. minilandeducationalusa.com/able-play/, which offers a variety of ideas, comprehensive information on toys/products and its own rating system, known as AblePlay™, for special needs individuals. In addition, the company offers solutions for smart growth, care, fun activities, and learning opportunities for all children. Miniland is an educational-toys brand with expertise focused on social and emotional learning toys, delivering on the values of diversity, inclusion, cooperation and tolerance. Hey, teachers, parents PARENTS! and students— Give them the Gift Did you know That Keeps on Giving! that every issue of Kidsville News! has accompanying enrichment lessons called Kidsville Brainworks to extend the fun and learning? Each News! issue has free downloads of activities to print as well as an online electronic version, which is is online! adaptable for use on classroom smart boards, white boards, computers and tablets. Check these out at: https://www.kidsvillenews. com/parents/resources-for- teachers-and-parents/ Enjoy! www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland 23 December, 2020

Healthy Families, Healthy Soldiers For details on our virtual support ACS Family Advocacy options call (910) 396-5521 ACS Family Advocacy is committed to helping Soldiers and their Families build and maintain happy, healthy lives. Sign up for FREE workshops and discover new ways to improve your relationships. Sometimes a new perspective can make the difference. DECEMBER 2020 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Dec 1 and 3 Active Parenting First Five Years 9 am - 12 pm Dec 2 Anger Management 9 am - 1 pm Dec 8 and 10 Positive Discipline 1 pm - 4 pm Dec 10 Stress Management 9 am - 11 am Look forward to the posting of Dec 14, 16 and 18 ScreamFree Parenting 9 am - 1 pm our 2021 parenting classes! Dec 16 Radical Dad 101 9 am - 11 am Dec 17 Couples Communication 9 am - 4 pm Dec 21 and 23 Co-Parenting 9 am - 12 pm HOW MANY? How many snowmen can you find in the picture? ANSWER: 9 Child care vouchers are available for To ensure the safety of guests and free CYS hourly care. Children must be staff, class sizes are limited, masks are registered through CYS and parents must required to be worn in our facility, and make reservations in advance for care. social distancing guidelines are followed. (910) 396-5521 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FortBraggACS Soldier Support Center, 3rd floor Like us at www.Facebook.com/FortBraggFAP Normandy Drive, Fort Bragg www.Bragg.ArmyMWR.com/Programs/FAP 24 Download our FREE “Fort Bragg ACS” mobile app today! www.kidsvillenews.com/cumberland December, 2020