Recently I was able to participate in the 20th Annual Student Design & Build Contest, KIDStruction competition. KIDStruction is a competition in which sixth, seventh, and eighth graders can participate.

Using only business cards, toothpicks and hot glue, teams design a building that fits on a 12x12 inch foam based on one of five categories within the overall theme. Every year KIDStruction’s theme is different, this year’s theme was “The Path Ahead.” The Path Ahead focused on how the pandemic has changed our everyday lives and the spaces where we learn, live or work.

 In August a new system was put to work to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The new technology—System 002, nickname Jenny—collected over 20,000 pounds of plastic and trash. The trash is then hauled aboard the ship and it is sorted with much of the plastic becoming recycled.

Even if Jenny is successful at cleaning up, there is still much more garbage that needs to be removed. With 10 Jennys about half of the trash in the ocean could be removed in about five years. The Ocean Project hopes to have the ocean cleared of plastic and trash by the year 2040.

 Do you like collecting rocks? I have a rock collection. It has a lot of rocks.

There are many blue stones and calcite. They are common where I live. I have a whole garden of them, but I found only one clear one. It is very unique. I think it is a clear quartz. I also found a rock that is black and has little yellow spots. Rocks are very cool to me.

 Heidi Carman raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Carman had a puppy named, Kerith, a golden Retriever, and noticed that she would not be good as a guide dog because she wanted lots of people’s attention. Carman decided to make Kerith a therapy dog.

 With Christmas coming up, you should consider shopping for toys at Mildred & Dildred. Mildred & Dildred is a local, entirely woman owned and operated business. Their employees always help you with anything you need, check in on you, and they are very kind and friendly as well.

Mildred & Dildred has been serving the children of our community for the past 14 years. Mildred & Dildred has every type of toy, from Pop It to mini baking.

 On Aug. 10, the Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. The House passed the bill on Nov. 12 and President Joe Biden signed the bill on Nov. 15.

This bill is special because it was a bipartisan bill. (That means both Republicans and Democrats voted to pass it). They agreed to give money to different states to help transit, build and fix roadways, and help clean up carbon emissions (reduce pollution). It will also help people who live in rural areas and  also help people who live in rural areas and those with low income by giving them access to internet and clean water.