by Ava Salado
Do you want to publish one of your papers, essays, or creative writing but don’t have time to join The Lighthouse, no problem at all! Just become a guest writer! Email us at: thelighthousetve@gmail.com with your completed work, and we can publish it on our website. As you might have noticed, we have two (yes two!) guest authors this month. And we invite you to become one too!
by Olive Pea
First off, Happy New Year everyone! Our Staff hopes all of you had a wonderful holiday season. Now that a new year has started we should all look back to see how far we have come and give ourselves a high-five for all we have accomplished! Don’t just look back, look to the future! The new year hosts many great and exciting opportunities for all of us. This article contains three poems that were submitted for our poetry challenge, so read on!
About the poetry challenge
Last month, our Staff posted a non-competitive poetry challenge. Submissions were to be sent to us by the 20th of December, and we got three fantastic poems! The submitted poems were to be posted in this very article, and never fear, we will not disappoint you!
Here are the three poems that were submitted by three kids from the TVE community! It’s not just poems that were submitted, actually, some art was submitted as well!
Christmastime
By Livi Skikos – 14 years old
Ornaments on every tree, some homemade of clay
People shovel snowy paths while candles light the way
Christmas cheer floods the homes of every girl and boy
Writing letters to the one who’ll bring them a new toy
Families gather ‘round to place a star on the tree
Children sled through the snow, feeling bright and free
Candy canes and silver bells remind you of the day
When Christmastime will come again, with Santa on his sleigh
HOPE
by Aleena Haimor
Hope is the bright flame
Like sunshine in the shadows
That I long to touch
Sunfish
by Max Yang – 8 years old
Sunfish, sunfish,
you remind me of a wish.
You are like the sun drifting away.
You remind me of the sun on most sunny days.
Oh oh, sunfish,
In my dreams,
you keep me company.
In the Monterey Bay Aquarium,
you wait for me.
Congratulations to all three of you! Give yourself a nice pat on the back for your hard work. These three poems are a joy to read!
These poems were read by our Staff, and were given these titles in the following categories:
Christmastime – Best Rhymes and Most Joyful
Hope – Best Topic
Sunfish – Brightest and Most Creative
We hope that all those who read these poems enjoyed them as much as we did. And a big virtual high-five to the participants. Once again, Happy New Year!
Winter time? Check! Cars? Check! Hot Cocoa? Check! Thousands of lights? Check! With holiday decorations inside and out, the Train of Lights is ready to choo-choo down the tracks. The antique coaches are quite a sight, especially in the open cars which feature wonderful views of the train. This one and a half hour ride is a truly fun activity, surrounded by a mesmerizing holiday atmosphere. The journey offers a “rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night,” as described on the Niles Canyon Railway website. It goes round trip through the Niles Canyon. With Santa Claus hitching a ride too, children of all ages can enjoy his company and the beautiful sights. The Train of Lights comes every year to take people on a Christmas-approved journey during November and December evenings.
The tickets to the train sell out very quickly, so it is recommended to purchase them months in advance. They go on sale on the Niles Canyon Railway website on October 1st, and sell out within the first couple of hours on the same day. First class tickets are sold at a higher price, and sell out even faster. These tickets come with extra perks, such as unlimited free hot chocolate, cookies, other snacks, and access to the exclusive first class cars. After the tickets are purchased, people arrive at the Niles Canyon Railway at the appointed time. The crew on the Train of Lights is made up of very knowledgeable and kind volunteers. Once everybody gets on and takes their seats, the conductor starts the train. You can walk through all the cars, which include the gift shop, a snack car (with snacks for purchase), a couple of open-air cars and uniquely decorated coach cars. Maybe, while you walk through the cars, you’ll find Santa Claus! You can take a picture with him, or ask him a question.
I took a ride on the Train of Lights to take pictures for you to see. As one of my fellow passengers said, “The beauty of the train doesn’t show as well through photos, as it would in person.” Here are some of them:
The train turning past a train crossing through the dome car window:
Inside of one of the cars:
Some fun Christmas decor
Enjoying the view in an open car:
Beautifully decorated open car:
Some of the cars get pretty busy:
The outside of the train:
According to Jaqcuez Verdier, a first-class Dome car volunteer, “There are over a million Christmas lights on the train.” The reason it is called the Train of Lights is because each car is decorated by many lights, which in turn, are powered by 2 generators.
When Santa came to the car we were in, my sister asked what he would like for Christmas. He said “I would like for all of the boys and girls to get what they wanted for Christmas this year.”
Santa!!!:
The Train of Lights is a truly magical thing. Maybe you can take a ride someday, and see Santa in person. Don’t forget to have a cup of hot cocoa, and ask the volunteers about the train. They are very knowledgeable. Have a wonderful 2023!
More information at:
Train of Lights
by The Lighthouse Staff
Hello TVE Kids and Teens!
Time for a poetry challenge! The staff of The Lighthouse (TVE’s own student-led newspaper) invites one and all to take part in our first ever poetry competition! Don’t be afraid to let your creative ideas run wild and why not show them off? We look forward to reading your submissions and getting inspired by your beautiful words! You could even share your poems with your parkday friends. Here are the rules. First off, YOUR POETRY MUST COME OUT OF YOUR OWN CREATIVE MIND. No quoting Edger Allen Poe, people! Second off, NO EXPLICIT LANGUAGE OR CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS. We will not accept any foul poetry submissions. Third off, WE ACCEPT ALL TYPES OF POETRY! We don’t hold grudges against haikus or anything.
POETRY IS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE 20th OF DECEMBER.
You can SUBMIT YOUR POEM AT: thelighthousetve@gmail.com
Our staff will decide who wins in each category, then we will email everyone to congratulate them for their hard work and receive an online certificate! ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE POSTED IN THE LIGHTHOUSE NEWSPAPER ON THE 5th OF JANUARY. (Unless you instruct us not to.)
HAVE FUN HAIKU
WE WISH YOU GOOD LUCK
HAVE FUN BEING CREATIVE
YOU CREATIVE KIDS!
Sincerely,
-The Lighthouse staff
The future is here! Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has finally unveiled the Optimus (also known as the Tesla robot). This epic piece of machinery contains AI (Artificial Intelligence), meaning that it can perform tasks that usually require a human mind. The Optimus was unveiled by Elon Musk on September 30th, Tesla’s AI day. The event happened at the Tesla office in Palo Alto, California.
The unveiling started with a screen on stage depicting robot hands making a heart, and once everybody settled in their seats, Elon Musk, along with some of the engineers, who helped make the Optimus, took to the stage. One of the engineers explained that it will be the first time that the Optimus will be “without any support cranes, mechanical mechanisms, no cables, nothing.” With that, the robot’s heart hands opened to reveal the Optimus prototype.
The robot walked out and waved to the crowd, receiving thunderous applause. It performed a simple dance, and one of the engineers pointed out that the robot uses the “self-driving computer that runs in [our] Tesla cars”. The robot walked to the back of the stage, while a video was playing on the screen, showing the prototype connected to wires, and support cranes, performing tasks such as watering plants and bringing in packages. Then, the robot was attached to a small platform, and managed to squat. Optimus must be able to squat in order to pick things up and perform chores.
Believe it or not, programming the robot to walk is not easy. In fact, it’s downright difficult. The engineers had to make sure that the robot is balanced, so that it doesn’t fall flat on its face. The Optimus prototype took its first steps in April 2022. Then, in July, the engineers were able to get its pelvis moving, as it walked. In August, they managed to get the robot’s arms to sway. Lastly, in September, they made the movement of its foot transfer from heel to toe, with every step.
The materials that will be used when these bots are put into production include metal and plastic (less metal and more plastic makes the bot lighter). The battery life on the robot is 4 to 23 hours, and it uses the 2.3 kWh, 52V battery. It can pick up 20 pounds with each hand, and weighs 160 pounds. The Optimus is 5’ 8” tall, and can walk 5 mph (miles per hour). Its eyes are cameras, ears are microphones, and the voice is a speaker. The joints are inspired by the joints of a human.
Optimus is a humanoid, meaning that it is a robot resembling the body of a human in shape. Instead they were powered by a system of levers and pulleys.
It is expected that by 2027, this epic piece of machinery will be on sale for about $20,000. So, you better start saving up! Tesla’s Optimus is a truly magnificent item, and many people are very excited for it to become a selling product. I, for one, can definitely utilize this robot to clean my room.
by Meru S.
Deepavali (or Diwali) is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated on the new moon that occurs between mid-October to mid-November, according to the Lunar Calendar. The word Deepavali is a combination of two Sanskrit words — Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning rows or series. Therefore, Deepavali means rows of lamps.
In Southern India, Deepavali celebrates the defeat of the demon Naraka at the hands of Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Northern India, it celebrates the victorious return of Prince Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu, having defeated the demon Ravana. The demons represent the vices in human nature.
Deepavali symbolizes light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Families wake up as early as 4:00 AM and apply an herbal medicinal oil before bathing as a cleansing ritual. Hindus celebrate this bright and joyous festival by lighting oil lamps, cooking traditional sweet and savory treats, and, more recently, lighting sparklers or firecrackers.
This is a universal prayer in Sanskrit on the occasion of Deepavali
असतो मा सद्गमय |
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय |
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय |
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्ति | |
Asatho ma sadgamaya,
Thamaso ma jyothirgamaya,
Mrithyorma amritham gamaya,
Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.
Lead us from untruth to truth,
From darkness to light,
From death to immortality
Peace, Peace, Peace.
Here is a healthy, sweet recipe to celebrate with — Carrot Payasam
Ingredients:
4 large carrots
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup water or reserved cooking liquid
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
4 whole cloves
saffron for garnish (optional)
by Olive Pea
Hello TVE Community, and hello fall! Isn’t it just so nice to finally have a few not-100-degree weeks? Geez! That sun of ours can be so mean sometimes! Well, now that there isn’t a sizzling noise when we walk onto our front porches, the sunset-colored trees are dropping their leaves at the slightest breezes in front yards which are decorated with pumpkins and scarecrows, waiting for Halloween, which is lurking right around the corner! The TVE Leaders host an annual family dance for this special community, to celebrate this equally special time of year. And now, I am going to subtly tell you IT IS COMING UP PEOPLE! TVE’s annual harvest dance will be held this Saturday, the 22nd of October! It will take place in Danville (further information can be found on the event page in the TVE Facebook group) from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Costumes are highly encouraged, so it’s time to dust off that old Thor costume from 2011 in your brother’s closet. It is also advised that you do not wear any costumes that are too gory or scary, in favor of the many younger attendees that will be present. There will be music, a photo booth, a variety of snacks, games, and even a costume parade! Tickets cost $8 per person, and $25 for 3 people or more. And don’t forget to bring a treat for the potluck! Click on the link below to see the list of snacks needed. Also, note that there will be no actual meals, just snack-worthy items such as chocolate chip cookies, chips, and cupcakes. We hope to see you at the Harvest Dance this year!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AAAA2FA7FCC25-tves
by Ava Salado
Hello future journalists! Have you ever wanted to write? Let me elaborate, not just write short ‘thank you’ notes for those gifts your friends gave you at your birthday party or long, drawn out essays about George Washington for school. I mean writing stuff that you are interested in! From Leaping Blennies, flatulence facts, to on-site coverage of Tri-Valley Explorers events. We pride ourselves on being a pretty versatile newspaper. Now, being back from summer break, we are inviting you to be a part of our staff! We accept students from ages 11-18 with a love, passion, and drive for creative writing. Contact us to find out where our bi-weekly meetings are located, when they start and end, and all those other lovely details! At these meeting we will discuss:
First, how to write interesting, engaging, and proper articles.
Second, our upcoming publishing. Are there any TVE events, world events, or just… cool stuff you would like to write about?
And sometimes we just mess around and play fun writing related games and activities!
These are the jobs we have open:
Copy Editor
In addition to writing for the publication, this person is responsible for editing all copies in the newspaper. This staff member is responsible for checking grammar, spelling (including names), and mechanics. Additionally, the copy editor will also be responsible for fact checking..
News Editor
In addition to writing for the publication, this person is responsible for making sure that all news stories are assigned and written on time. Each section editor is also responsible for keeping their section populated with new stories and properly updated with current events.
Sports Editor
In addition to writing for the publication, this person is responsible for making sure that all sports stories are assigned and written on time. Each section editor is also responsible for keeping their section populated with new stories and properly updated with current events.
Op/Ed Editor
In addition to writing for the publication, this person is responsible for making sure that all opinion and editorial stories are assigned and written on time. Each section editor is also responsible for keeping their section populated with new stories and properly updated with current events.
Just because you have a specific title like, let’s say “Op/Ed Editor” does not mean you can’t write something in the “Sports Section”. Your interests are the most important thing! For all jobs what we ask is that you:
We invite anyone who has any questions or who would like to join to come — and see a meeting in action! This club will be in session until June 1st, 2023. From the Lighthouse staff to you, “we hope to see you there!”
If you are interested, feel free to email us at thelighthousetve@gmail.com.
by Ava Salado
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
This was posted on a small, framed piece of white paper outside Buckingham Palace at precisely 6:30, September 8th, 2022. One can only imagine that some passersby thought for a moment it wasn’t true. That someone had put the paper up as a “joke”. But, unfortunately this was not the case. Earlier that day, The Royal Family’s official Twitter account had made the same announcement. Like with any breaking news, rumors started spreading fast surrounding the legitimacy. It is both sad and comical that even when a direct announcement comes from the Royal Family themselves, the world could not believe it. When something this unbelievable happens, the world could, sort of, go into a shock. Maybe most of us didn’t know her personally, but she is, in many ways, a humongous part of our world and being. Many, from all walks of life, can’t even remember a time when she wasn’t a Monarch. That’s what makes this all so unbelievable. We have lived with her as a part of our subconscious for so long, many will find it hard to let go. Those living in the US have a president, and yes we may feel attached to a certain one, but in the grand scheme of things, he is only with us for four to eight years, then moves on. And that is why all our hearts go out to the people that have called Her Majesty The Queen for so long. I guess the London Bridge has finally fallen down.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born April 21, 1926 in Wayfair, London. Her father, Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and mother Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother), were delighted to have their, one day, future monarch. Four years later, her beloved sister, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon was born. January 20, 1936 her grandpa and former King of the United Kingdom George V passed away. This made her father George VI the King, which meant Elizabeth must prepare for the inevitable… that she would be queen one day. She was schooled at home with her sister and taught things like literature, history, language, and music. But the underlying message in every lesson was ‘How to be Queen’. In her later years she was greeted with many opportunities. Going places, seeing things, and meeting people many others could only dream of. Including being introduced to her future husband Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark (later Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh). To learn more about him, check out our other article, In Honor of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. After her father’s unfortunate death from lung cancer, she was crowned on the 2nd of June,1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. In total, she was in rule for an amazing 70 years, longer than any other monarch before her. Her reign included so many accomplishments which shaped the world we know today. All we can do now is hope for the future and appreciate the past.
Personal note:
A close contact of a Lighthouse staff found some original newspaper clippings from the time of the Queen’s reign. This contact lives in a British commonwealth country and can recount many ways the Queen’s influence shaped the way they live today. Recently, in the dusty abyss of my garage, I found a copy of Reader’s Digest June 1953 with a very interesting article titled Buckingham: Palace of the Queen. Searching in the equally dusty abyss of the internet I could not find the same copy. Just goes to show what treasures you can find.
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
–Her Majesty the Queen 1926-2022
I interviewed my grandfather, Yuri Manirko, who grew up in the Soviet Union. He lived in the city of Odesa located in Ukraine. 31 years ago, this country was one of the republics of the Soviet Union. Yuri moved to the United States at the age of 36 in 1994, in order to start a new life with his family.
Photo of Yuri Manirko as a child in 1972
Why did you and your family make a decision to leave the country where you spent your whole life to move to the U.S.?
“I wanted my children to live in a free country. The Soviet Union was a socialist nation, and the people were living there almost like slaves. Citizens were not able to live, work, or travel where they wanted. They needed permission from the government to do almost anything. Education and healthcare was free, but that does not mean it was good. The government didn’t even let me visit my friend in Eastern Germany.”
What was life like in the Soviet Union and how did it differ from life in the United States?
“In the Soviet Union, the government controlled absolutely everything. Also, there were 3 types of jobs: farmers, factory workers and jobs that require a good education like engineers, scientists, ect. My mother was a distinguished medical doctor, yet, her salary was lower than that of a factory worker. Blue collar jobs that require no education were much higher paid than scientists, doctors and engineers. This was incredibly unfair and, frankly, took away the motivation for people to study or excel. Life was terrible in the Soviet Union, and living here is much better.”
What was your home like when you were growing up?
“My parents and I lived in a communal apartment. It was very small, and we lived there with 3 other families. Each family lived in a small, single bedroom. We shared one bathroom and a tiny kitchen with three tables. Oh, and to get hot water in the bathtub, we needed to make a fire.”
Odesa is a large city with, roughly, a million residents. Getting around could get tricky. Most American families own one or two cars, but that was not the case for you. How did you and your family get around the city of Odesa?
“A few people owned a car, but not a lot. Most people used public transportation, and had to squeeze into a bus or a trolley. It was available all around the city. Public transportation never ran on schedule. You could easily end up waiting for a bus for an hour in the freezing cold, even though there was supposed to be one every 10 minutes.”
What was your favorite part about going to school in the Soviet Union?
“The soviet children were in the same class of about 30 people from kindergarten to 10th grade, so friends were always in the same class.”
What was your least favorite part of school back there?
“They forced us to work very hard for 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday), and our teachers did not hesitate to scream rude things at us.”
What did your family do in the summer and where did you go on your vacations?
“We didn’t go on vacations, but luckily, we lived near the beach, so my parents would sometimes take me there in the summer.”
Were you able to travel to other countries around the world?
“It was prohibited by the government.”
What kind of hobbies and extracurricular activities did you and your friends have growing up? Were the non-school activities similar to the ones we have in the U.S.?
“I was part of the track and field team, and I spent a lot of time out on the field. I started in 4th grade and stopped in 10th grade. There were a few other extracurricular activities available, but I only took part in track and field.”
How did shopping for supplies such as food, clothing, school and craft items in the Soviet Union differ from shopping in the U.S.?
“The grocery store had very few items. If you wanted to buy meat, cheese, etc., then you would have to go to the farmer’s market, even though the farmer’s market was much more expensive. Each family spent about 75% of their income on food.”
What was your favorite food in the Soviet Union?
“Fried eggs and beef stew.”
What stood out to you the most when you moved to the U.S.A.?
“Honesty and dignity.”
You witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. This was three years before you got a chance to move to the United States. What changes have you witnessed around you, once Ukraine was declared an independent country?
“I was surprised that nothing had changed. People voting in the first Ukrainian election elected a person from the communist party. After that, I realized that the people didn’t understand freedom.”
You have been living in the United States for almost 28 years. Are you happy with the decision you made almost 30 years ago to relocate your family and restart your life?
“Absolutely! Even now, I wake up in the morning thinking about how happy I am to live here, in the United States.”
Thank you for telling me about what growing up in the Soviet Union was like.
Photo of Yuri as a Pioneer in 1966
The Lighthouse 