On Oct. 4, Mike Lindsey, or “Writingbear,” performed in the Dorothy Rubel Room at the UArizona Poetry Center. The event was called A Life in Stories: Visions and Journeys in the Land of Mystery, and it began with an introduction from Karen Francis- Begay, Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives, and a blessing from Miguel Flores Jr., CEO at Holistic Wellness Counseling and Consultant Services.

 Are you ready for some turkey, great friends and family? The holidays are just around the corner.

Thanksgiving will take place on Thursday, Nov. 25. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated the last Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving is a day that doesn’t always fall on the same date each year unlike Halloween or Christmas. Thanksgiving is a great time to be thankful and appreciate who you have and what you have.

I asked some of my classmates and teachers what they were thankful for.

 Have you ever wanted to combine your love for being outdoors, meeting others, riding bikes, enjoying the beautiful Tucson scenery and fundraising? On Nov. 20, at El Tour de Tucson, you can accomplish it all!

 Recently Matt Brode met with Bear Essential Young Reporters during a Zoom meeting. For those who don’t know, Matt Brode is the chief meteorologist for News 4 Tucson. He talked to us about how he became interested in weather and about different types of weather that we experience in Arizona.

 I had the opportunity to visit the Hall of Flame Museum. It is a fire truck museum. They have firefighter uniforms, smoke jumper uniforms and hot shot uniforms on display.

Mark Moorhead, employee at the Hall of Flame Museum, says the oldest fire truck at the museum is the Newsham Manual Fire Engine from 1725. Richard Newsham from England created it.

 I have been volunteering with my mom since I was 9 years old. Over the last three years, we’ve done all sorts of interesting and fun volunteering projects! We’ve bagged peppers at a food bank, sorted through old hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles to make homeless hygiene kits and raked leaves at a low income apartment complex.

 This summer, I joined Pima County’s Jr. Lifeguard program. The program lasts four weeks. We’re in week three, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot.

 During the summer, I had the opportunity to interview educator and storyteller Mike Lindsey, or “Writingbear,” his name used for storytelling, prayer and ceremony. He will be sharing a story at the Tucson Humanities Festival this year. He has lived in many places and shares stories to various audiences.

 There are many ways you can help an animal, but did you know it could be as easy as shopping? I interviewed Steve Farley, CEO of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, about the grand opening of the HSSA Thrift Store.

 Jane Camp is a retired teacher and the founder of Reading2paws. She goes to schools and gives kids free books and stuffed animals. Students read aloud to their stuffed animal every day.

Camp says, “Books were special to me and I loved to read. When I retired, I wanted to do something for kids. I volunteered and found out that many kids had no books at home. I started my charity. Some people gave me books to give out, others purchased books for me and some donated money to help.”