Who or What Inspires Your Story, Art, Career, Etc.?

  “Who or What Inspires Your Story, Art, Career, Etc?”

I’d like to give a shout out to Melissa Barr, a zoo keeper who inspires me. 

If you’ve never met Melissa Barr, a zoo keeper at the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC learn about her here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/

       Melissa Barr,

• Happy Zoo Keepers Week (July 19-25)
• Congratulations on a recent promotion to lead keeper at the zoo.
• Thanks for agreeing to interviews on my blog, not once, but several times. I expect you’ll return again.
• Thanks for inspiring my current work-in-progress–a zoo story.

 

I’d like to give a shout out to Roxanne Hannah, a fellow blogger who inspires me. 

       Roxie Hannah,

• Thanks for posting your recent spider photo.  It inspired me to write a manuscript which includes a spider.    https://roxieh.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/lifes-garden/
• Congratulations.  Your publishing dream is a reality:   “Sunscribe is a traditional publishing company founded by me, Roxanne Hanna, a writer with over 30 years experience as an assigned ghostwriter or editor of custom writings and projects for individuals and corporations.”

       Check submission details here:  http://sunscribe.net/submissions/

• Chapter Books July 20 – 24, 2015
• Short Story First-person Nonfiction Narratives July 27 – 31, 2015

I’d like to give a shout out for blogging.  It inspires me. 

Sometimes, I question:  Is blogging a wise use of my time?  

My answer:  Yes, keep blogging.  It inspires me to reach out and meet zoo keepers and poet pilots, forester artists, author publishers, and others.  Blogging broadens my world.  What about yours?

I could spotlight other people or things that have inspired my writing.  How about you?  Who or what inspires your stories, art, career, etc?

I hope you’ll leave a comment.  Thanks for stopping in.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. Thank you!

 

December Activities and the Ho Ho Ho Spirit

“December Activities and the Ho Ho Ho Spirit” by Linda Martin Andersen

Just for fun, see if you can put a little Ho Ho Ho Spirit into the activities you do during December.  I’ll start you off. Instead of playing BINGO, why not play a Christmas version of the game such as GIFTS or another five-letter Christmas word that doesn’t duplicate letters.  The winner calls out, “Ho Ho Ho!”  (I haven’t tried playing this way, but it seems it should work).

December is…

• Bingo’s Birthday Month– Where have you played this game?  What did you use for markers?  What if you used chocolate kisses instead?  Seems to me everyone would be a winner.
• National Tie Month–I wonder if this is why dads often get ties for Christmas.  Name three things you think your dad would rather receive.  Consider making a paper tie for each person in your household.  Wear them to the dinner table.  Talk about the ties while you have your meal.
• Safe Toys and Gifts Month— Read the recommended age on each toy box.  Why do you think some toys are considered unsafe for small children?  Do you know of a time when someone got hurt with a new toy?  What happened?
• Universal Human Rights Month— What do you think are basic human rights?  Discuss this with a parent.  Do you have the basics you need?  Why might children not have what they need?

Special Days in December:

• National Cookie Day: 4– Have you ever made cookies with cookie cutters?  Have you ever decorated with colored sugar or sprinkles?  Share your favorite cookie story.  Do you know what a cookie exchange is?  If not, ask your parents.  Do you know anyone who does this?
• Bathtub Party Day: 5–It seems a little chilly for a bathtub party.  What if you play in the tub without any water?  You can always bathe later.  Who will you invite?  Your stuffed animals?  Your action figures?  A brother or sister?  Your parents? 
• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: 7– Do you know anyone who fought at Pearl Harbor?  What happened on this day?  Research or ask a parent.  What countries were present? 
• International Civil Aviation Day: 7– What is an aviator?  What Peanuts comic character likes to pretend he is a World War I Ace?  Tell about one of your favorite comics with this character.  If you could spend Christmas with a Peanuts character, who would it be?  Why?
• National Cotton Candy Day: 7– What ingredients are used to make cotton candy?  What color cotton candy do you choose?  Why?  Where do you usually eat this treat?
• Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day: 8– If you could travel in time, what year would you visit?  Why?  Is this in the future or the past?  How do you know?  Is there anyone special you’d like to pretend to be?  Why?  Which Christmas would you like to travel back to and why?
• Gingerbread House Day: 12– Have you ever built a gingerbread house? If not, you’ve probably seen them.  What products could decorate the roofs?  Which would you use?  Do you like to eat gingerbread?  Do you think its spicy flavor is hot?  Can you tell the story of the Gingerbread Boy?  If not, look for a copy of the book to read to someone.  Why do you think Santa chose not to live in a gingerbread house? 
• National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day: 12– Have you seen an assortment of  items for making ugly sweaters?  Have you ever owned an Ugly Sweater?  Have you ever had your picture made in n ugly sweater?  Have you ever attended an ugly sweater party?  My mom’s birthday is on this day.  I wonder if she’d enjoy an ugly sweater birthday party? 
• Day Of The Horse: 13– If you love horses, raise your hand.  If you can ride horses, pretend to swing a rope in the air.  Read a horse story or book today.  If Santa drove a team of horses, who would lead?
• Monkey Day: 14–One, two, three. Name a song about a monkey.  Name your favorite monkey in a movie, book, TV program, etc.
• National Chocolate-covered Anything Day: 16– Name one food that would be terrible covered in chocolate.  Would you rather eat it in its natural state or not at all?  What is your favorite chocolate-covered food?  Do you like chocolate-covered cherries?  I used to get a box every year as a Christmas gift.  Who do you think of when you see these and why? 
• Wright Brothers Day: 17–For what are the Wright Brothers known?  If you could ask them one question what would it be?  What state were they from?  Where did they test their work?
• Underdog Day: 19–Who or what is an underdog?  Do you pull for the underdog?  Have you ever felt like an underdog and what did you do about it?  Think of a friend or family member who needs a little cheering up.  What can you do to make this person feel better?
• Games Day: 20– What kind of games do you think Santa’s elves would like to play?  What is your favorite indoor game?  Who could you teach this game?  Create  Christmas poems or riddles. 
• Crossword Puzzle Day: 21— Create a Christmas crossword puzzle.  Use http://www.puzzlemaker.com
• Forefathers Day: 21–Who or what is a forefather?  Where have you heard that word?  Ask your parents for help, if needed.  Who is Father Christmas?
• Humbug Day: 21–When do people use the word “humbug?”  What does it mean?  How did the word become well known?  Can you think of a time you might say it?  Why?
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day: 21—Name one or more agencies that help the homeless in your area.  Name a safe way you can help the homeless.  Do you attend a church that helps the homeless?  Maybe you can help too.
• National Haiku Poetry Day: 22–A short poem of three lines and a specific pattern:  5 syllables (first line), 7 syllables (second line), and 5 Syllables in the last line.  Nature is often mentioned.  Think of Winter nature topics and write a haiku poem. 
• Christmas Eve: 24– What Christmas traditions does your family have for Christmas Eve?  I usually go to a church service.  Do you?  Do you open one or more presents this night?  What tradition would you like to add?
• Egg Nog Day:24– Do you drink egg nog?  If not, what would you rather have?  What are the ingredients in egg nog?  Check the calories and other nutritional information.  Compare with another favorite beverage.
• Christmas: 25– Does your family celebrate Christmas?  What is a secular Christmas?  How is it different from a Christian’s celebration?
• National Thank-you Note Day: 26– Have you ever written a thank you note?  Did you text, email, or send it by postal mail?  What occasions would you send a hand written note?  Do you know someone who sends these often?  How would it feel to receive a thank you note in the mail?  Could you send at least one today?
• Visit The Zoo Day: 27– What is your favorite animal habitat at the zoo?  Do you know a zoo keeper?  Melissa Barr has visited this blog several times.  Check here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/
• https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/the-return-of-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/
• https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/our-zookeeper-friend-returns/
• National Pledge of Allegiance Day: 28– Can you recite this pledge?  Who taught you?  Thank them.  Where do you say this pledge?  Have you ever carried a flag in a special ceremony?  What ways to we show respect for our flag?
• Tick Tock Day: 29– This reminds me of a nursery rhyme.  Do you know one about a clock?  One more hint–and a mouse?  What do we call a tall floor clock that chimes?  Do you know any stories with a clock like this?  Which one?
• Bacon Day: 30– What does “Bringing home the bacon” mean?  Do you think Santa would rather have bacon than cookies for a Christmas Eve snack?  What do you eat for Christmas breakfast?  My family began a tradition of making cheese toast.  Now, I usually have ham biscuits at our son’s house.
• New Years Eve: 31–The year is nearly over.  Is there one last thing you wish you had done before the year ended?  Is it still possible?  Could it be started today and completed in 2015?  Do you plan to make resolutions or promises of things you’ll do in 2015?
• Universal Hour of Peace Day: 31– Do you know what this is and when it occurred?  Ask a parent if you need to.

Special Weeks in December: 

• Cookie Cutter Week: 1-7–Have you ever baked cookies?  Have you rolled out the dough with a rolling pen?  Have you cut out shapes with a cookie cutter?  Have you decorated cookies after they’re baked? Do you have a cookie story to share?
• Hand Washing Awareness Week: 7-13–Why is hand washing important?  How is it helpful?
• Recipe Greetings For The Holidays Week: 7-13– What do you think would make a good recipe for the holidays?  A cup of laughter, an ounce of kisses,  and…What recipes are favorites at your house?  Are they shared or kept secret? 
• Christmas Bird Count Week:  15-January 2– What are the rules?  Who would know?  Even if you don’t participate, be on the lookout for birds in your area.  Can you name the ones you see?
• Kwanzaa: 26-January 1–Where can you learn more about this celebration?  Have you participated in the activities?  Share what you know and what you’d like to try.

 Visit http://www.brownielocks.com/DECEMBER2014.html for more ways to celebrate December.

Complete this sentence–All I want for Christmas is ________________.  Please leave a comment below.  Thanks for visiting. Come again and bring a friend. 

Children 13 years old or older may leave a comment. Read more about the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA) See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

 

Our Zookeeper Friend Returns

“Our Zookeeper Friend Returns” by Linda Martin Andersen

 “A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

April 26, 2014 is Amphibian Awareness Day at the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro–

an annual event held in conjunction with

Save the Frogs Day

that occurs around the world.  Visit here to learn more:  http://www.savethefrogs.com/

Melissa Barr, the zookeeper pictured below, is here to tell us about Amphibian Awareness Day. She works with the alligators, cougars, waterfowl, as well as a variety of other reptiles and amphibians in the Cypress Swamp section of the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.  Anyone with this kind of courage deserves our attention and respect! 

You’ll also want to meet Melissa’s friend, the special frog mascot of the day. 

Zookeeper, Melissa Barr, with the Frog Mascot

 

Zookeeper, Lane Batot, with Spin the Wheel Amphibian Trivia Game.

Poison Dart Frog Exhibit

What are amphibians? Amphibians consist of  frogs, toads,  newts, salamanders, and caecilians.  Most people are familiar with frogs and toads as they are the “hoppers.”  Salamanders are amphibians that have four legs, a long and slender body and a long tail.  On a side note, North Carolina has more salamander species than any other state due to the diverse geography from mountains to coastal swamps.  Caecilians are a rarely seen amphibian that lacks limbs. 

Why Amphibians? 

What is cause of decline in amphibians?

Pollution, infectious diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting for the pet and food trades.

What can people do to help? 

A lot of the things that people can do to help amphibians also help other animals as well.  When possible, try to recycle or buy items that are made of recycled materials.  Use less water when taking a shower or turn off the water when brushing your teeth.  Keep pollution out of all waterways, including using pesticides and herbicides responsibly is used at all.  Don’t remove amphibians from the wild, but observe and enjoy them when you see them.  Learn as much as possible about amphibians and educate others!

How do amphibians benefit humans?

They eat lots of insects!  They are part of the food chain.  Tadpoles keep waterways clean by feeding on algae.  Frogs are an important food source for many animals.  Frogs are studied for use in medicinal research that benefits humans.

To read earlier posts by Melissa Barr, check these sites: 

The Return of Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/

To learn more about the North Carolina Zoological Park, check here: 

nczoo.org (NC Zoo website)

nczoo.com (NC Zoo Society website)

Let’s thank Melissa Barr for sharing her zookeeping experiences with us. Melissa, please tell all the animals in your area “Hello” from us.

Readers, please leave a question or a comment.  I encourage you to visit a zoo in your area.  And be sure to visit “A Writer’s Playground” again soon.  Bring a friend. Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

Children 13 years old or older may leave a comment–Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA)  See:  http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

Copyright © 2014 Linda Martin Andersen

The Return of Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park

“The Return of Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park” posted by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

July 21-27 is National Zookeepers Week.  To celebrate, Melissa Barr, a zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC, agreed to return for another visit.  If you’d like to look back at Melissa’s post from July 2012, check here:

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/

To learn more about the North Carolina Zoological Park, check here: 

nczoo.org (NC Zoo website)

nczoo.com (NC Zoo Society website)

Readers, have you been practicing your best animal cry?  If so, give Melissa a “zookeeper welcome.”  I wonder how Melissa would score your cry.

Melissa, what message do you have to share about what’s new for you at the zoo?

Hi, my name is Melissa Barr and I am a zookeeper at the North Carolina Zoological Park.  I work at the Cypress Swamp section with the alligators, cougars, waterfowl, as well as a variety of other reptiles and amphibians.

Keeper Barr feeding male gator, NC Zoo photo by Melissa Barr

Please Keep Your Chants Appropriate and Respectful of Zookeepers: 

Zookeepers are trained to practice safety when feeding animals.  Certainly we try our best.  Often pictures or video of our feedings make it look like we are closer to the animals than we are.  While feeding the alligators, visitors frequently call out chants.  Many cry out that they hope we get bitten! Even one of my son’s classmates made this chant during a field trip.  Please keep your chants appropriate and respectful of zookeepers.  Hey, we like our hands too!

An amphibian alert: 

                        

Decline of Amphibians:  Nearly one third of frogs are in danger of becoming extinct.

One of the animals I love to work with are the frogs.  We are trying to raise awareness of the decline of amphibians.  Most people don’t realize that nearly one third of frogs are in danger of becoming extinct.

Amphibians are important environmental indicators, meaning they are sensitive to environmental problems, and if something is affecting their populations, then likely something is wrong in the environment.  Amphibian populations are faced with many environmental problems, including pollution, infectious diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and over-harvesting for the pet and food trades.

Another role of amphibians is their part in the food web.  They eat mosquitos and other pests and  in turn provide food for other animals.

They have potential in medicinal research that could provide new medicines to help people.

Finally, amphibians have a countless number of diverse and interesting species. 

One thing in particular I would like to point out is that frog dissections are unnecessary in schools.  It depletes wild frog populations and could spread disease among amphibians.   A program is available for a virtual frog dissection.

Some of the things that you can do to help amphibians (and other animals too!) is to recycle, turn off the water when you brush your teeth, use less electricity, keep pollution out of all waterways, don’t take amphibians from the wild, be responsible if using herbicides or pesticides, and simply help spread the word about the importance of amphibians!  The zoo holds Amphibian Awareness Day every year at the same time as Save the Frogs Day.  The 6th Annual Save The Frogs Day will be Saturday, April 26th, 2014.  Please visit http://www.savethefrogs.com/ for more info on frogs!

We have a really cool new frog species at the Cypress Swamp.  Now, this frog isn’t a swamp species, but a part of a special exhibit that highlights the worldwide decline of amphibians and features species from around the world.  Our new addition to the exhibit is the golden poison dart frog.  It is found in the Pacific coast of Colombia.  These wild frogs are lethally toxic, perhaps the most poisonous of any animal! Most dart frogs get their toxicity from the ants they eat in the wild.  However, the golden dart frog even has some toxicity in captivity. What do you think causes their toxicity?  Stop by and see these bold, brightly colored frogs on your next visit to the zoo!

The best thing that visitors can do to show appreciation of the animals is to really show them respect.  What a wonderful opportunity it is  to see animals up close that you rarely would get to see otherwise.  Zoo animals may not be active at times, but it is never a good idea to throw things, spit, or bang on the glass.  Learn as much as possible about animals, because if you understand them and are aware of their problems, you are more likely to help them.  Learn how you can get involved in conservation or at least be aware of the impact that your actions may have on wildlife.

Melissa Barr says, “One of my favorite quotes is:  We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.  ~Native American Proverb”

Once again, let’s thank Melissa Barr for sharing her zookeeping experiences with us. Melissa, please tell all the animals in your area “Hello” from us.

*Applause!*

Readers, please leave a question or a comment.  I encourage you to visit a zoo in your area this week or when you can.  And be sure to visit “A Writer’s Playground” again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

It’s July–What Outings Are on Your Calendar?

“It’s July–What Outings Are on Your Calendar?” by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”

A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

Think:  What does the word “July” bring to mind? In the USA: fireworks, and all things red, white, and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July.  It also means days at the pool, lake, or beach.  Summer camps, Vacation Bible School, and time out of school.  Family reunions and family vacations.  Ice cream, watermelon, and fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden or a local produce stand.  Hot, humid days, sunburns, and time in the SUN.

Make a list of outdoor events you’d like to attend.  Discuss them with your family.  Volunteer to help with planning and preparation. 

Special Days in July:

• U.S. Postage Stamp Day:  1  For those who live in the U.S, visit your local post office today or some time this month.  Wish them Happy U.S. Postage Stamp Day.  Do you collect stamps?  Do you have favorites?  Ask to see a brochure of stamps for sale.  Why not buy a sheet, a book, or a roll of stamps?
• I Forgot Day:  2  Find a book about a character who forgets things.   Here’s one suggestion:  I Just Forgot (Critter Series) by Mercer Mayer
• World UFO Day:  2  What is a UFO?  Research a UFO sighting.  Do you think UFOs exist?  Why or why not?
• Compliment Your Mirror Day:  3  What is a compliment?  Give an example.  What does it mean to compliment your mirror?  Give an example.  When you see your mom look in the mirror, give her a compliment. 
• Fourth of July or Independence Day:  4  What is your favorite way to celebrate this day?  Have you been to a fireworks show?  Does your family grill out for the Fourth?  What foods do you serve?  Do you usually stay at home or go on vacation for this holiday?  Research early Fourth of July celebrations.  Did they have fireworks?
• Global Forgiveness Day:  7  What is forgiveness?  Do you know the expression “forgive and forget?”  What does it mean to you?  When I read the name of this celebration, I thought of more than one meaning for global.  Global can mean worldwide or all of something.  Have you ever forgiven part of what someone did to you and not all of it?   Tell about it.
• Tell the Truth Day:  7  What book character comes to mind?  Tell about a time when you were honest, even though  you knew you would get in trouble.
• International Town Criers Day:  8  What is a town crier?  What did he usually hold in his hand?  Why?  What words did he cry out to get your attention?  Why did he want people to hear his message?
• Slurpee Day:  11  How many different locations can you name where you have bought a slurpee?  What is the difference between a slurpee, an icee, ice cone, and shaved ice?  Which do you prefer?  Why?  Have you ever made your own?  Search for recipes.
• Collector Car Appreciation Day:  12  I know three car collectors.  Do you know any?  Have you ever been to a car show?  Did you talk to any of the owners?  Once, I passed by a house with a special glass showroom for collector cars.  What stories can you share about collector cars?  Here’s a photo of one I’ve ridden in. 

1929 Model A ride to celebrate my first magazine publication. Copyright 2012. Linda Andersen

• National French Fries Day:  13  Survey your friends and discover which fast food fries they prefer.  Ask which style they choose at home:  wrinkle cut, home fries, or skinny fries.  Find out how many eat homemade fries at home.  Ask if they deep fat fry or bake in the oven.  Chart your results.  Ask who eats fries with ketchup.  Consider gathering friends for a get-together where everyone brings his/her own fries.
• Gummi Worm Day:  15  What does it mean to “worm” something out of someone?  What does it mean to “worm” out of something?  http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/worm+out+of
• Do you know who created gummi candy?  Research to find out.  Name ways to have fun with gummi worms.  Here are some food suggestions: 
• Have you ever eaten a “dirt” cake?  Would you like to make one?  Gummi worms are optional.  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/dirt-cake
• Here’s a link to a YouTube video showing how to make homemade gummi worms (sugar free)  Good for Type 1 diabetic kids (T1 Kids)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMqOMExjo8
• National Get Out of the Doghouse Day:  15  What does this expression mean:  get out of the doghouse?  Name comic strip characters who get in the doghouse.  Do you know book characters who do also.  Name them. 
• Celebration of the Horse Day:  20-21  Name favorite horse movies and books.  Brainstorm words you think of when you hear the word “horse.”   Find nonfiction books at the library about horses.  Use these resources to add to your brainstorm list.  Think of a horse project you can try such as interviewing someone who stables horses or make a collage about horses, etc.  Name famous horses and tell why they are remembered.  If you were to ride a horse, what kind would you like to ride and why?
• National Lollipop Day:  20  Name businesses that give away suckers to children.  Is a sucker different from a lollipop?  If so, how?  What flavor is your favorite?  Which is one you do not like?
• Cousins Day:  24  Do you have cousins?  Are they first cousins, second cousins, or some other category?  Who can explain the family tree to you?  Have you ever made one of your own?
• Tell am Old Joke Day:  24  What is one of the oldest jokes or riddles you know?  Change it somehow. Make it an original idea or borrow from another expression.  Tell it to a friend.  For example:  Why did the chicken cross the road?  “To see if the grass was greener on the other side.”
• National Dance Day:  27  Have you ever taken a dance class?  Which kind?  Tell a story about it to someone and have them share their experiences with you.  Ask them to teach you a dance step and you teach them one.
• Walk on Stilts Day:  27 Have you ever seen someone walk on stilts?  Where were you?  What people walk on stilts for their job?  Research and see.  Not all are entertainers.
• Aunties Day:  28  Name your aunts.  Name something you like about each one.  Find a way to let them know on this day.  Read a book with an aunt as character.  Yuri’s Brush with Magic by Maureen Wartski features an aunt from Japan who visits North Carolina. 

                                    Truman’s Aunt Farm by James Kim Rattigan is about a birthday gift from Aunt Fran.  What other titles do you know and recommend? 

• Rain Day:  29 Look for poems or stories that include rain.  Watch a documentary on TV or DVD about the tropical rain forest or other locations with high rainfall.  Watch a documentary about people who work in the rain or in areas that are swampy such as “swamp loggers.”  Research tropical storms, hurricanes, or flash floods.  Name ways to keep storm drains clean.  What other ideas come to mind?
• Paperback book Day:  30  How big is your paperback collection? Is it getting larger or smaller?  Why?  What do you do with copies you have read?  Consider swapping with friends or donating to a public library. 

Special Weeks in July:

• National Farriers Week:  7-13  What is a farrier?  What does he/she do?  Research about farriers.  Find books, videos, DVDs about the subject.
• National Ventriloquism Week:  17-21  Name a ventriloquist.  What was his/her dummy’s name?  Was the routine funny?  If so, who got to tell the punch line most times?  Why do you think so?
• National Scrabble Week:  21-24  Do you have a Scrabble game?  If so, who would you like to invite to play with you?  Or consider asking a friend who owns this game to teach you to play.  Why not have a family game night?  Invite friends to bring a favorite game board and enjoy a game night together.
• National Zoo Keeper Week:  21-27  What is a zookeeper’s job?  Revisit the interview with Melissa Barr at this blog last summer:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/  If we all call out Melissa Barr’s name, maybe she’ll join us again this summer!  Come on, shout it:  MELISSA BARR!
• World Lumberjack Championships:  25-27  What is a lumberjack?  Is that the same as a forester?  Research to see.  Check the link here to learn about competitions at the championship:  http://www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com/lumberjack-events.php

July is…

• Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days (7/3 to 8/15) Do you have air conditioning in your home?  Have you  ever had your air conditioner to break down?  How did you keep cool?  Have you ever stayed overnight somewhere with no air conditioning?  Tell about it.  Research air conditioning and its inventor.
• Family Reunion Month  Have you ever been to a family reunion?  Did everyone bring a covered dish or was a meal catered?  Were games played?  What did you enjoy most about your experience?  Would you like for reunions to continue?  What can you do to make that possible? 
• National Grilling Month  What comes to mind when you hear the word “grill?”  Does your family own a grill?  What is your favorite grilled food?  Tell about a time you went to a cookout.  
• National Ice Cream Month  What is your favorite flavor ice cream?  I read that the national flavor is “vanilla.”  If you nominated a favorite flavor, what would it be and why?  Survey friends to find out their responses.
• National Recreation and Parks Month  Name three parks or recreation centers you have visited.  Recall a memory you have of each one.  Would you recommend this location to a friend.  Ask a friend which ones he/she would recommend to you.  Create a flyer about favorite sites and post them around town or pass them out in your class in school.
• National Wheelchair Beautification Month  Who do you know who uses a wheelchair? Give a gift to beautify the ride this month.  Items to consider:  flag, silk flower, ribbons, streamers, and a sign. 
• National Blueberries Month Did you know that blueberries are very good for you?  Do you know why?  Consider going to pick some at a blueberry farm.  It would make a great outing.  Maybe you can make muffins or other desserts with blueberries.
• National Hot Dog Month  What day of the month do you think more hotdogs will be eaten this month?  Why?  Will you eat some that day?  What places do you think of when someone mentions hotdogs?  Why?  How do you like yours prepared?  With what toppings?

*Thank you Brownie Locks.com for July celebration information.  For more July observances check out: http://www.brownielocks.com/july.html

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Please come again soon.  Bring a friend. 

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

Meet Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park

“Meet Melissa Barr, a Zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park” posted by Linda Martin Andersen

 

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

July 15-21 is National Zoo Keepers Week.  To celebrate, a zookeeper has come to visit “A Writer’s Playground.”

Welcome Melissa Barr, a zookeeper at North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC.

nczoo.org (NC Zoo website)

nczoo.com (NC Zoo Society website)

Let’s give Melissa Barr a “zookeeper welcome” by growling out in our best animal cries.  What animal sound did you make? 

Melissa, please tell us what it’s like being a zookeeper. 

Hi, my name is Melissa Barr and I am a zookeeper at the North Carolina Zoological Park.  I work at the Cypress Swamp section with the alligators, cougars, waterfowl, as well as a variety of other reptiles and amphibians. 

Keeper Barr feeding male gator, NC Zoo photo by Melissa Barr

We have four keepers in our section and we may work either an early shift from 7am-4pm or from 8:30-5:30.  We work a rotating schedule that includes some weekends and holidays, as the zoo is open everyday except Christmas Day and occasional closures due to severe weather.  Being a zookeeper is a fun and rewarding career, however job openings are very competitive with minimal salary considering the necessary educational credentials.  Our job duties vary as keepers, but most always will include daily feeding, cleaning, training, providing enrichment, and observation of the animals we take care of. 

Keeper Decker Scale training female alligator, NC Zoo photo by Melissa Barr

Visitors enjoy our gator feeds that we typically do 4 days a week.  We do go in with them and work on training our gators to station at a particular area to be fed, as well as target training with a bamboo stick or other pole.  We are able to get a gator on a scale to weigh them, as well as work on an unrestrained blood draw via the tail. People often ask have we ever been bitten, and the answer is no.  The gators are only wanting to be fed and we are aware of their capabilities and behavior and do use caution as we toss them their food by hand.  One interesting fact about the gators is that they only eat from mid April to mid October as our weather is just too cold for them to eat year round.  They become less active during this time, but will still bask on warm days. Of course, gators in warmer climates would be able to eat longer than ours as we are the farthest north of any facility to house gators outside. 

Eggstravaganza with Cougar Oliver, NC Zoo photo by Melissa Barr

The best part of my day would have to be hearing Oliver the cougar purr.  But having said that I want people to realize that cougars and other wild cat species are dangerous animals and should never be kept as pets as they get big and too difficult to handle.  In fact, both of our cougars were rescued from the illegal pet trade.  One more interesting fact is that cougars are the largest member of the small cat species, hence the ability to purr whereas large cat species roar. 

Eggstravaganza event in April, NC Zoo photo by Melissa Barr

The best thing that visitors can do to show appreciation of the animals is to really show respect to them.  What a wonderful opportunity it is for people to see animals up close that they rarely would get to see otherwise.  They may not be active at times, but it is never a good idea to throw things, spit, or bang on the glass.  Learn as much as possible about animals, because if you understand them and are aware of the problems they have, people are more likely to help them.  Learn how you can get involved in conservation or at least be aware of the impact that your actions may have on wildlife. 

Melissa Barr says, “One of my favorite quotes is:  We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.  ~Native American Proverb”

The zoo posts a list of animal feed times in the plaza as you enter.  There are a variety of camps and programs for kids.  Check the zoo’s website at nczoo.org and the zoo society website at nczoo.com. 
What are the most frequently asked questions from visitors at the zoo? 

Melissa Barr, from North Carolina Zoological Park, shares the questions she hears most frequently and her answers.

1. Are the alligators real?  Yes!  Since they are reptiles they are not very active and like to bask in the sun.

2.  When/what do you feed the alligators?  They are fed twice per week.  Each receive roughly ½ chicken, 1 rat and 1 large fish.  On the days they are fed we post a sign giving the time in front of the exhibit we plan to feed that day.

3. Why aren’t the alligators more active? Can you make them move?  They are reptiles and get the energy they need from basking in the sun.  We do not make them move and hope that people do not throw things at them to try to get them to move. 

4.  Are the cougars going to have babies?  No, they are both male cats.  They are getting older in age and have some sagging skin in their belly.

5. How old is the alligator?  The male alligator is about 33 years old, and the females range in age from 12 -17 years old.

6. Where can you find cougars in the wild and are they endangered?  They have a large range and population from western Canada to South America.  There is an isolated subspecies in Florida, called the Florida Panther that is critically endangered

7. Do you go in with the animals?  We do not go in with the cougars as they are a dangerous animal, but instead work with them through the mesh for training helpful behaviors.  We do go in with the gators as needed and to feed them.  They are target trained using a stick and are tossed their food by hand.

8. Did you paint the ducks bill blue?  No, the ruddy duck males have a blue beak during the breeding season.

9. Where is the closest restroom?  Either to the right at the North American plaza or to the left at Nathan’s.

10. What kind of education do you have to be a zookeeper?  I have a bachelor’s degree in biology.  Some keepers here also have a 2 year degree in animal science

11. How do we get out of here? This is a question we usually hear at the end of the day and with over 500 acres of exhibits to explore visitors should allow 4-6 hours to see the entire park.  The zoo offers shuttle bus service that goes directly from parking lot to parking lot, as well as tram service that can get visitors from one area of the zoo to another.

12. Can you see the animals from the tram?  The tram is meant to get visitors from one area of the park to another.  In general you cannot see animals from the tram.  One exception is that the tram goes by the African plains exhibit and you may or may not see an animal as the tram is driving by.

13. Where are the kangaroos/giant tortoises/white alligators? These exhibits were all temporary exhibits that the zoo had in the past and the animals have moved to other zoos.

14. Where are the tigers?  We do not have tigers as the zoo exhibits animals from Africa and North America.

Once again, let’s thank Melissa Barr for sharing her zookeeping experiences with us. Melissa, please tell Cougar Oliver and the alligators “Hello” from us. 

*Applause!

Readers, please leave a question or a comment.  I encourage you to visit a zoo in your area this week or when you can.  And be sure to visit “A Writer’s Playground” again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen

July 2012 Activities

“July 2012 Activities” by Linda Martin Andersen

  “A Writer’s Playground”

A place to find word play, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

Think:  What does the word “July” bring to mind?

• Fourth of July, fireworks, picnics, and family reunions.
• Swims in the pool, lake or ocean. 
• And no school. 
• Time to read whatever you like.  If you are interested in nonfiction, David L. Harrison and Cheryl Nathan’s book is sure to spark attention.  It compares volcanoes to fireworks.  Visit David L. Harrison at  http://www.davidlharrison.com/.  Check out his blog too.  There’s a page for kids to publish their poems.  See the illustrator’s site at http://www.cherylnathan.com/books.html .

Vocanoes–Nature’s Incredible Fireworks by David L. Harrison51gTrbuepXL__SS500_

What else happens in July?  Choose one of the conversation starters below and leave a comment.

Special Days in July:

• I Forgot Day: 2 (Name a time you forgot something.  What did you do about it?)
• Made in USA Day: 2 (Divide the room in half.  Check labels on one side of the room and have a friend check the other side.  Set a timer for three minutes.  The winner is the one who locates the most USA products.)
• World UFO Day: 2 (Watch old movies about UFOs.  Share titles you liked with a friend.)
• Fourth of July or Independence Day: 4  (Read books that mention the Fourth of July or Independence Day.  Suggested Middle Grade title:  Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood.  See http://augustascattergood.com/books/bk_glory.html)  Historical fiction centered around segregation of a public pool in Mississippi in 1964.  Apple Pie Fourth of July (Chinese American girl) and Declaration of Interdependence (poems) by Janet S. Wong.  See http://www.janetwong.com/books/index.cfm
• Global Forgiveness Day: 7 (Who do you need to forgive?  Send them a card.  Who do you need to ask to forgive you?  Send them a card.)
• Tell the Truth Day: 7 (What is that promise made on the witness stand at a trial?  Watch a movie about a court trial.)
• Chocolate Day: 7 (Plan a menu for the day.  Serve chocolate at each meal.  Help prepare the chocolate dishes.  Be sure to eat some.  Share with a friend.)
• Gummi Worm Day: 15 (Eat gummi worms while reading books about worms such as Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin at http://www.doreencronin.com/www.doreencronin.com/Home.html  and illustrated by Harry Bliss.  See http://www.harrybliss.com/main_content.html  Write a diary entry pretending you’re a gummi worm.  Look for Wiggle and Waggle (chapter book)by Caroline Arnold.  See www.carolinearnold.com  It is illustrated by Mary Peterson.  See http://www.marypeterson.com/  Check out the worm facts in the back of the book.)
• National Lollipop Day: 20 (List as many lollipop flavors as you can.  Assign a flavor to each friend and tell why you chose that one.)
• Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day: 21 (When have you used these words in a sentence?  Write down what you said and then toss the paper away.  Example:  I could have made a home run, if I hadn’t stopped at third.)
• Paperback Book Day: 30.  (Fill your backpack with paperback books.  Pull one out and reread it.  What’s your favorite paperback?  Recommend it to someone.  Swap  with a friend)
• Tell an Old Joke Day: 24 (Here’s one for you:  What are 3 good reasons to be a teacher?Answer:  June, July, and August.  Ask a friend to join you in  reading and sharing old jokes. Favorite first words of your conversation:  “Here’s one for you.” or “Do you know this one?”  Make up jokes or riddles of your own.) 

Special Weeks in July:

• Dog Days (3-11): (Do you know why this week got this name?  What does it mean?  Name three things you do to stay cool during Dog Days.  Ask friends for their ideas.)
• National Zoo Keepers Week (15-21): (When was the last time you visited a zoo?  What was your favorite animal doing when you visited his area?  What would you like to ask a zookeeper?  Be sure to visit “A Writer’s Playground” during National Zoo Keepers Week for your chance to ask a zookeeper a question.)
• National Ventriloquism Week: (18-21) (Find a ventriloquism act to watch in person or see one on television or a movie.)
• World Lumberjack Championship: 27-29.  (Research.  Can you name a real lumberjack and one from a folktale? What was his/her record?)

July is…

• Cell Phone Courtesy Month (Describe a sign you’ve seen in a public place reminding customers to use cell phone courtesy)
• Family Reunion Month (Do you know all your cousins, aunts, uncles?  Could you help plan a reunion?  What about a skype reunion?)
• National Grilling Month (What is your favorite grilled food?  Does your family grill inside, outside, with gas, charcoal,  or wood?  Who does the grilling at your house?)
• National Ice Cream Month (Have you ever churned ice cream?  What flavor of homemade ice cream is your favorite?)

*Thank you Brownie Locks.com for July celebration information.  For more July observances check out: http://www.brownielocks.com/july.html

Let’s talk:  Choose one or more of the conversation starters above and leave a comment.  Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Please come again soon.  Bring a friend.

*Resources:  http//vertex42.com (calendar) and http://www.brownielocks.com/july.html (calendar observances)

Coming next:  Meet Melissa Barr,a zookeeper from the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.  Celebrate National Zookeeper Week (July 15-21)

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen