Growing Up Chico Winter Issue 2021

Cover Photography by: Park Avenue Photography (530) 521-4340

www.parkavenuephotos.com

Park Avenue Photography specializes in Newborn, Maternity, and Children Photography. Visit their new studio at 1376 Longfellow Avenue in Chico.

On The Cover: Liam and Audrey from Chico

Advertising Deadline:

To advertise in our Spring Issue, please contact us by January 6th. Our Spring Issue will be on stands February, March, and April. Contact Rachele at: 530-519-0320 or rachele@growingupchico.com.

Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at many family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available online at www.growingupchico.com.

Copyright © 2021 by Growing Up Chico Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are prohibited. Articles and advertisements found in Growing Up Chico Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management. We reserve the right to edit. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.

For Advertising Information, Contact Rachele Thompson: (530) 519-0320 rachele@growingupchico.com

DeAnna

Holman

Layout Design/Editor

Marne Larsen Publisher marne@growingupchico.com

(530) 518-6154

Three Cheers for Teachers!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers

That Won’t Bust Your Budget

By Christina Katz

Get in the spirit and spread cheer to your child’s teachers this holiday season. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way and it sets a great example for your child.

In recent years, teachers have been asked to take on extra duties, often accompanied by pay cuts. This has impacted their ability to purchase extra classroom materials to enrich the content and make the classroom more fun. Although most teachers have always paid for extras out of pocket anyway, it has been especially rough over the past few years.

Your donations of money, time, and cheer to your child’s classroom can boost a teacher’s ability to consistently do their best work. Recognizing the hard work teachers do each day will let them know they are appreciated and can energize them.

If your child catches you being generous to her teacher, and working together in harmony, she sees a terrific example of how to like and trust authority figures, which will pay off for a lifetime.

There are many great gifts you can give to a child’s teacher, but sometimes you want to do something different. Here is an alphabet list of teacher gift ideas that will put a big smile on three faces-yours, your child’s, and your child’s teacher’s-without breaking the bank this holiday season.

A is for art supplies that enrich the learning experience

B is for books, for teachers, and for the classroom

C is for chocolates, candies, or cupcakes

D is for donations to a charity in her name

E is for erasers in all shapes and sizes

F is for food baskets, think: fast, ethnic, or organic

G is for games for classroom downtime

H is for handmade mugs, frames, or vases

J is for jewelry or anything bedazzled

K is for kitchen gadgets everyone always needs

L is for lottery tickets stuffed in a personal note

M is for money in any form-coins, cash, or checks

N is for a personal note of praise sent to the principal

O is for office supplies, but any type of supplies will do

P is for a potted perennial or herb plant

Q is for quote books your teacher would fancy

R is for recipe books written for busy people

S is for salts, scrubs, or soaps

T is for tea, but don’t forget the coffee

U is for a big colorful umbrella

V is for volunteering your time with a smile

W is for a water bottle that will last all day

Y is for a yearbook donation so no child is left without

Z is for Zinnias, but any colorful bouquet would do

GUC’s Guide to Education

Alternatives

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences is a tuition-free, public charter high school for students and families who think and learn outside of the box. We offer twelve majors for students wishing to hone skills in fields such as theatre, dance, engineering, humanities, and digital arts, as well as a range of electives that allow students to explore their passions and interests. Our approach to learning challenges young people to aim for excellence. Our smallschool environment and expert staff provide the support and encouragement to find success. This is learning, Inspired. Visit InspireChico.org to learn more.

335 W. Sacramento Avenue

www.inspirechico.org

530-891-3090

Sherwood Montessori

Every child is a unique person with her or his own interests, skills, abilities, and personality. The Montessori approach facilitates individualized instruction with multiage groupings in an environment that naturally fosters a love for learning. Sherwood Montessori is a tuitionfree charter school with beautiful classrooms, engaging hands-on materials, and on-site, high-quality child care before and after school. Our transitional kindergarten/ kindergarten offers a shorter day or full-day option for families. We are committed to educating the whole child: intellectually, physically, and psychologically.

1010 Cleveland Avenue

www.sherwoodmontessori.org

530-345-6600

Hooker Oak Elementary School

Hooker Oak Elementary School is a tuition-free, TK-5th grade public school that embraces a hands-on, thematic learning approach. Our thematic style promotes engaging, meaningful, and real-world contexts for standards-based teaching/learning across the curriculum. Classes spend time exploring fine arts, performances, choir, gardening, service projects, and go on several field trips throughout the year. At Hooker Oak, families, teachers, and community join as partners to foster creative, confident, and lifelong learners.

www.hookeroakpto.com

1238 Arbutus Ave., Chico (530) 891-3119

Wildflower Open Classroom

Grade: K-8

160 Students

Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1

Average Class Size: 22

Our mission is to enable students to flourish through the use of innovative curriculum and instruction that empowers them to reach their innate intellectual, creative, and leadership potentials. We endeavor to educate the “whole child” by addressing our students’ cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs.

2414 Cohasset Road, Suite 3

info@wildflowerschool.com wildflowerschool.com

530-892-1676

CORE Butte Charter School

CORE Butte Charter School is a public personalized learning K-12 School. CORE places a strong emphasis on parental involvement, smaller class sizes, and one-to-one teacher/student interaction. We pay attention to students’ different learning styles and encourage student-driven participation in the learning process. We provide access to varied learning environments and a vast array of curriculum. We offer a wide variety of classes including enrichment, remediation, acceleration, and math classes weekly. As a hybrid model, CORE’s High School students have the opportunity to attend classes 2-3 days a week and complete the remainder of their curriculum as independent study. We will conduct a random public drawing on Thursday, February 18th, for available spots in our TK-8 and High School programs for the 21-22 school year. Please visit www.corebutte. org for more information.

2871 Notre Dame Blvd

www.corebutte.org

530-894-3952

Hope Academy

At Hope Academy, we recognize every child is uniquely created by God, and we address learning differences through personalized education. Our K-8 non-denominational Christian school program includes highly qualified credentialed teachers, small class sizes, and enrichment courses in the arts. Contact us at office@chicohopeacademy.com or call 530-518-4092 to schedule a tour!

www.chicohopeacademy.com

530-518-4092

Blue Oak Charter School

Your child’s happiness, learning, and future matter to you. And they matter to us, too. With Blue Oak, you can find the education you’ve hoped for and the unique instruction your child deserves. At Blue Oak, your child will experience a complete well-rounded approach to education through the successful implementation of proven Waldorf methodology. Our teachers ensure we are teaching to the whole child: the head, the heart, and the hands. Art is incorporated in every subject at Blue Oak and specialty classes such as Spanish, music, handwork, technology, and movement are offered, too. Blue Oak offers full and half day Kindergarten programs and has CARD after school care on site. Deciding on the right education for your child can be stressful. At Blue Oak, we take each child’s needs, wellbeing, and developmental stage into consideration so you can rest assured they are getting the care and attention they deserve. Call to schedule a tour today!

450 W. East Ave. Chico

www.blueoakcharterschool.org

530-879-7483

Achieve Charter School

Achieve Charter School serves K-5th grade students in Paradise and K-8th grade students in Chico. Achieve is committed to supporting the unique needs of each student with personalized learning plans. Our character building small school environment empowers students to be positive contributors to their community.

www.achievecharter.org

530-872-4100

Forest Ranch Charter School

Elevate your child’s education at Forest Ranch Charter School! We are a free, public TK-8 charter, just a 15-minute drive from Chico, in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada. For your convenience, we provide FREE busing to and from Chico, every morning and afternoon. We offer:

• High Academic Standards

• Positive Social/Emotional Development

• GATE classes, project-based learning, travel study trips

• Electives including Outdoor Ed, Dance, Student Leadership, Visual & Performing Arts

• After School Program offering Makerspace and Homework Club

• Small class sizes for one on one learning

Chico and Forest Ranch’s small school solution since 2008!

15815 Cedar Creek Road, PO Box 5 Forest Ranch, CA, 95942 www.forestranchcharter.org

530-891-3154

Earthbound Skills

Nurture the Nature in your child! Earthbound Skills provides a safe environment for your child to connect with nature. We work with various home-school charters for weekly immersion opportunities and run popular and fun summer camps. Through stories, games, crafts, and hands-on activities we will teach the basics of wilderness survival, create relationships with our local plants, and learn about animals through tracking, all the while increasing your child’s awareness, confidence, proprioceptive skills, teamwork, and more. Our trained naturalist and survivalist instructors nurture children’s innate curiosity and love for nature, inspiring a long-lasting relationship with their natural world.

www.earthboundskills.com

earthboundskills@gmail.com

The Holiday Spirit is Live on Stage at Chico Performances this Winter

By Lauren Shannon

Auditorium stage”, said Deborah Jorritsma, creative director for Chico Community Ballet. ‘The lights, the laughter, the applause, the energy between dancers and audience, that is where the true magic happens and we are beyond excited to bring this years’ A Very Chico Nutcracker back to the Laxson stage.”

The days are becoming colder which can only mean one thing, the holidays are just around the corner! What better way to celebrate than by heading to the theater and celebrating with your community?

Chico Performances’ winter season was announced just in time for the start of another magical holiday season. With several unique shows, there is a show for every member of your family to enjoy!

To kick off the season, Chico Community Ballet is back again with A Very Chico Nutcracker from December 3-5 at Laxson Auditorium. The story, which chronicles adventures through the radiant Land of Enchantment, features fantastic music and breathtaking choreography. This reimagining of the traditional Nutcracker ballet is a can’t-miss event for the entire family to experience.

“You can always expect something new and exciting as you return to seeing our very own Chico Nutcracker live on stage at Chico’s on beautiful Laxson

The classic children’s book, The Polar Express comes to life in Believe from December 10-12. An original production created, produced and directed by Sarah Schneeweis of Hype Dance Studio, this family-friendly holiday experience takes you on a journey to the North Pole with music and dance, all performed by members of our local community. This production promises to bring back the most special moments of Believe! The sound of the train, the kids dressed in holiday pajamas, the hundreds of wrapped presents on set, the live drums, and the hot chocolate will excite all!

“Just walking by the Laxson Auditorium building gives us chills...We can’t even imagine how excited we’re going to be to actually take the stage! It’s a little bit of thrills, nerves, and excitement all in one,” said Sarah Schneeweis. “Our dancers have missed the feeling of live performances and that interaction you only get with a live audience.”

Up next in Chico Performances winter season is the return of another seasonal favorite. Christmas in Mexico isn’t just a single day; it’s a whole season of Christmas-related celebrations enriched

by indigenous culture, Spanish heritage, and other influences. Celebrate the holidays in the traditions of Mexico on December 17 with two premiere Los Angeles dance and music ensembles Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. Come on a journey through the rich tradition and heritage of Christmas Eve in Mexico! Beautiful dance, colorful costumes, soaring instrumentals and songs, combine with Christmas cheer for an unforgettable performance.

The Chico Performances winter season also extends after the New Year with events in January and February. With so many whimsical performances coming to the stage of Laxson Auditorium, this is the perfect opportunity to get everyone in good spirits!

Tickets for holiday performances and every other show coming this season can be purchased one of three ways; by phone at 530-898-6333, online at chicoperformances.com, or in person at the University Box Office located on the first floor of Sierra Hall on the corner of West Third and Chestnut streets.

Chico Performances cares for the health and safety of all of our guests, so this year we have a new attendance policy to help combat COVID-19. In accordance with state and local guidelines, face masks are required for entry. Check the Chico Performances website for current health and safety procedures as these policies are subject to change.

Opportunities to Serve with Your Kids

By Sarah Lyons

When children have the opportunity to serve in their community, they develop a desire to help others and make a difference. Not only do they become more aware of others who are less fortunate, they will learn to appreciate the blessings in their own lives. Kids who serve others are more likely to give of their time and treasures for a lifetime. When you choose a family service project, try to pick something that excites or interests your children because they are much more likely to become invested in the project. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Organize a Drive

Collect coats, hats and gloves, blankets, toys, or clothing to donate to those in need. Have the kids clean their rooms and sort through items that are in great shape but are no longer needed. Many organizations will collect these items to give to shelters, foster care, or victims of fire.

Give Back to Mother Earth

Kids who love nature may enjoy volunteering to clean up a local park, adopting a street in your city, or cleaning up the green space in your own neighborhood. Contact your local school or church to see if there is landscaping that needs attention. Kids can help plant trees, flowers, pull weeds, and lay mulch. They will see the beauty of their hard work in no time.

Fill the Food Pantry

Talk with your kids about others who may not have enough to eat. Take them shopping to choose their favorite nonperishable items for meals and snacks to donate to a local food pantry. Try going door to door in your neighborhood to collect even more items.

Send Cards

Words of encouragement, handmade cards, or coloring pages are a great way to brighten a soldier’s day and show your appreciation for the sacrifice they are giving for our country. This is a great way to talk to kids about soldiers, veterans, and our country’s freedom they defend. Nursing homes also appreciate delivery of items like these for their residents.

Work Outdoors

Help a neighbor, friend, or family member who may be unable to do their own yard work. Offer to rake leaves, shovel snow, or mow the lawn. Ask if there are other projects like painting, gardening, or maintenance that your family can help with.

Donate Proceeds

Do you have a budding entrepreneur in the family? Consider hosting a lemonade stand, garage sale, or bake sale and donating the proceeds to the charity of your choice. This is a great way to teach kids money management and business skills while helping others in need.

Work in the Kitchen

Everyone loves cookies. Get the kids to help out in the kitchen by baking up some tasty treats to share with friends and neighbors. Consider taking them to a local police or fire station to show your appreciation for their hard work in the community. If you know a family in need, consider taking them a meal and, if appropriate, deliver it as a family.

Help a Four-Legged Friend

Animal lovers will enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter. Typically shelters need help walking dogs, cleaning cages, and giving lonely animals attention. Oftentimes shelters can also use donations of food, cat litter, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Contact your shelter to see if there are things your family can donate.

These are just a few ideas of how you can serve your community, and there are countless others. When parents take the time to serve others, their kids will see volunteering as a priority and will develop a desire to give back as they become adults.

The Gift of Time: Not All Presents Come in a Box

By Janeen Lewis

Parents want Christmas to be magical. Sometimes this means driving all over town or frantically searching online for trendy toys or gadgets only to find that children grow bored and banish them to the back of the closet or toy box after the holidays. This Christmas, why not give your child the gift of time by picking out an activity you can do together? Try one of these experience-gift ideas and pair it with a related fun item to go under the tree.

A Heart for the Arts

Is your child a budding Van Gogh or drama queen? Here are some ideas for visual and performing arts gifts.

Experience Gifts:

• A membership or ticket to tour an art museum

• A day at a paint-your-own pottery place

• Acting classes

• Parent and child painting class

• Dance lessons

Tangible Gifts:

• The book 13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel

• Ed Emberley's Drawing books

• An easel

• A table and chair that it is okay to drip paint on

• Spirograph

• Paint pens, gel crayons, or oil pastels

• Makeup kits for actors

• Tap, jazz, or ballet shoes

• Leg warmers

• A costume representing a favorite character

• Microphone

Crafty and Creative

Does your child like to create projects over time? Maybe you’re a maker-minded parent that wants your child to learn practical life skills. Here are some ideas to get your hobbyist started:

Experience Gifts:

• Knitting or crocheting classes

• Home Depot free woodworking classes

• Sewing classes at JoAnn Fabrics

• Crafts class at Michael’s

• Beginning jewelry making classes

• Lessons in glasswork

• Bath bomb, soap, or lotion making lessons

Tangible Gifts:

• Knit or crochet kit for kids

• The book,Woodland Crochet: 12 Precious Projects to Stitch and Snuggle by Kristen Rask

• Young Woodworker's Project Kit from Lakeshore Learning (includes everything needed to build a small corner shelf, toolbox, and treasure chest)

• Beginner sewing machine like the Singer Start 1304

• Calligraphy set

• Origami or craft paper

• Beads or jewelry making kit

• Materials to make bath bombs, bath salts, soaps, or lotions

Sports Fans

Sports are not only a fun way for a child to get exercise, but they also provide an opportunity for parents to connect to kids.

Experience Gifts:

• Tickets to a professional sporting event

• Tour a sporting stadium or Hall of Fame

• Membership or admission to an ice or roller skating rink

• Lessons with a private coach for a favorite sport

• Batting facility membership

Tangible Gifts:

• Sports Equipment

• Professional or college team jerseys or hats

• Ticket stub diary to hold memorable sporting event stubs

• Fitness tracker watch

• Gymnastics or yoga mat

• Over the door basketball hoop

Future Foodies

You could be raising the next Pioneer Woman or Bobby Flay. Support their love of creating dishes with these fun ideas.

Experience Gifts:

• Cooking lessons

• Kroger Chef Junior classes on Saturdays at participating stores

• Dinner at a fine dining, gourmet, or culturally diverse restaurants to explore different foods

Tangible Gifts:

• MasterChef Junior Cooking Essentials Set

• Personalized chef apron, jacket, or hat

• MindWare Playful Chef Knife Kit (it really cuts but is safe for kids)

• Make Your Own Chocolate Kit

• Kid Chef: The Foodie Kids Cookbook by Melina Hammer

Wild About Books

Book gifts don’t have to be boring! Spice up your present by making stories come alive and adding a cool reading gadget.

Experience Gifts:

• Visit a storytelling venue

• Attend an author visit or book signing of your child’s favorite author

Tangible Gifts:

• Book ends

• Book light

• E-reader, like a Kindle or Nook

• Magnetic clip bookmarks

• Reading tent

• Comfy bean bag chair

• Personalized book stamp

• Magazine subscription

Fashionistas

Clothes and accessories are always a hit at Christmas, especially if you have teens in the house. These ideas show your fashion lover you care about their style.

Experience Gifts:

• Go to a fashion show

• Modeling classes

• Mommy and Me mani-pedis

Tangible Gifts:

• My First Fashion Designer by Lakeshore Learning. This kit includes a miniature dress form, cloth swatches, and buttons to create runway designs.

• A mix and match fashion drawing set like Fashion Plates

• A chic hat, scarf, gloves, or earmuffs

• Leather boots

• Graphic tees

• Bangles

• Designer watch

• Faux Fur accessories

• Animal print scarf or leggings

• FabKids subscription box

• Gift card to favorite clothing store

STEAM On

If your child loves STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), these are great ideas.

Experience Gifts:

• Engineering Class

• Membership at a nature center

• Membership to a children’s museum

• Computer camp or classes

• Join a maker space

Tangible Gifts:

• Science subscription boxes like Groovy Lab in a Box and Kiwi Crate

• Microscope

• Composter

• Telescope

• Snap Circuits

• Lego Master Builders Academy

A Flair for Design

Help your child find their inner interior designer with these gift ideas.

Experience Gift:

• Consult with a local interior decorator and use your child's ideas to design his or her bedroom or playroom makeover

Tangible Gifts:

• Klutz Design Your Dream Room. This portfolio lets your child explore with patterns, color, space, and 300 punch-out pieces to design a room.

• Paint for a bedroom or playroom picked out by your child

• Sheets, bedspread, curtains, or designer pillows

• Lamps, desk set, or wall art

Nature Lovers

Get outdoors and enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, or more with your child.

Experience Gifts:

• Membership in the Wild Explorers Club

• Membership at a nature center

• White water rafting trip

• Fishing trip

• Beginner SCUBA diving lessons

Tangible Gifts:

• Fishing rod and gear

• SCUBA gear

• Compass

• Hiking gear

• Tent

• Binoculars

• Canoe or kayak

Tea Time

All kids enjoy quiet conversation over a warm cup of tea.

Experience Gifts:

• Book a teatime at a tearoom

• Plant an indoor herb garden from which to make herbal tea (try chamomile, lavender, and peppermint)

Tangible Gifts:

• Tea pot and cup

• Tea cozy

• Costume necklaces, hats, gloves, and purse to wear to teatime

• Tea pot necklace

• Scones and tea biscuits

How Parents Can Discourage Teens Child from Underage Drinking

By Rob Baquera

As the holidays approach, many people are planning to celebrate with family and friends. These celebrations often include the serving of alcohol. For some teens, this can be an opportunity to experiment or abuse alcohol. Underage drinking increases during the holidays. A contributing factor is when teens are left home alone with access to alcohol.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, on an average December day, 11,000 young people in the United States ages 12 to 17 will use alcohol for the first time. Unfortunately, 400 young people under 21 die from alcohol-related causes every month.

What happens when these teenagers get behind the wheel?

Here are a few facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that all parents should know:

• 70% of all teenagers admit to drinking alcohol.

• One in 10 teens in high school drink and drive.

• Teens are 17 times more likely to die in a crash when they have a blood-alcohol level of .08%.

• Every 15 minutes, a teenager will die due to drunk driving.

• 60% of all teen deaths from car accidents involve alcohol.

• In a national survey, 24% of teens reported that within the previous month, they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a crucial role in keeping their teenagers from drinking. Talking with your teen about the dangers of underage drinking and your stance on the issue can influence your child’s behavior toward alcohol. Here are a few tips to help prevent underage drinking:

• Do not change or relax your rules about alcohol during the holiday season. Teens need limits and monitoring.

• If you leave home for an evening, be certain that your alcohol is locked up, especially if your teen may have friends over. Be aware that unsupervised teens are at risk for alcohol use.

• Be sure to lock your medicine cabinet when teens are at your house. Alcohol is not the only substance that might be accessible. Prescription medicine abuse is growing, so be aware of this.

• Be a role model yourself. Know your limits. Do not drink and drive.

• Never provide alcohol or a place to drink alcohol to underage persons. This is against the law.

• Have an exit plan established if your child finds himself/ herself at a party that has alcohol, and he/she starts to feel unsafe or need an alternate way home.

When it comes to underage drinking and driving, California law has a zero tolerance for alcohol use. Here are a few highlights from the CA Department of Motor Vehicle handbook.

If You Are Under 21 Years Old

• You may not carry liquor, beer, or wine inside a vehicle unless you are accompanied by a parent or other person as specified by law and the container is full, sealed, and unopened.

• If you are caught with an alcoholic beverage in your vehicle, the vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days. The court may fine you up to $1,000, and either suspend your driving privilege for 1 year or require DMV to delay the issuance of your first DL for up to 1 year, if you are not already licensed.

• Your driving privilege will be revoked for 1 year, if you are convicted of either driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs. On the first offense, you will be required to complete the educational portion of a licensed DUI program. A subsequent offense may require a longer DUI program and you will not have a restricted DL to attend the DUI program.

Teenagers still need the guidance of their parents throughout their teen years. Peer pressure can often make teens do things that they would not ordinarily do. Therefore, it is even more important for parents to talk with their teen about the dangers of drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The consequences of this risky behavior can impact their future forever.

Moms are busy and often forget about self-care. Do not feel guilty about making more time for you, mom. Notice the difference in how you feel every time you do something sweet just for you. Don't wait for someone else to come along and make you happy. Please yourself and then go about your daily routine more cheerfully. Here's some inspiration to get you in the mood:

Hand Model Worthy

Candy Apple Red? Toasted Pumpkin? What about Autumn Gold? Discover your signature fall color and give those fingernails and toenails two coats between one clear layer of bottom coat and topcoat.

Oatmeal-Cookie Soak

You'll fall hard for this sensual skin-softening bath. In a food processor, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Blend on high into a coarse powder you can dump right into a warmrunning tub. Enjoy your soak!

Instant Bliss

Try this any time of day when you feel tense. Breathe in deeply through your nose all

Time Out for Mom

10 Winter Treats to Trump the Too-Busy Blues

By Christina Katz

the way down into your belly and hold that breath for a moment. Let the air slowly out of your mouth. Pause. Repeat four more times.

Spice up Your Coffee

Make your own pumpkin spice latte. In a microwavesafe bowl, combine 1 cup of 2% milk, 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. Partially cover and microwave until hot (1-2 minutes). Whisk until mixture is foamy and pour over ½ cup fresh espresso in a large mug. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Yummy!

Bring

the Outdoors in

Slip on a lightweight jacket, grab a basket, and go gathering in your neighborhood. Keep an eye out for seedpods, bird feathers, pine cones, acorns, branches, fallen leaves, and twisty vines. At the store, supplement your stash with dried flowers, mini-pumpkins, gourds, nuts, and Ornamental corn. Pull items together onto platters or into vases to create inspiring autumn displays throughout your home. Enjoy the compliments.

Teatime

Purchase some fancy tea cookies, scones or muffins, and stash them away in a secret place especially for you. Flavors in season might include maple, ginger, cinnamon, oatmeal, cranberries, pumpkin and toffee. Pull them out when you are ready to create a festive afternoon tea party. Don't skimp on the silver and the good china. You deserve it

Discover a Timeless Daily Practice

When I collage, time disappears and I am free to spin a unique story on the page without a care in the world. What's the thing you enjoy doing that makes time irrelevant? Is it knitting, drawing, reading, writing, or painting? Whatever it is, can you make time for your passion daily, or at least weekly, this fall? Set some alarms on your cell phone to remind you when it's time.

Magazine Escape

Grab your favorite magazine and head to the corner coffee shop. You are sure to find all of the seasonal drinks and treats you are dreaming about there right there. Choose something special to enjoy while sitting by the window as

you turn the pages slowly and savor slowing down.

Invent a Healthy Ritual

Do you love to grab a farmfresh apple in the morning and start your day with an invigorating 20-minute walk around the neighborhood as you listen to your favorite audio book? If so, you know how to combine things you love into a feel-good ritual. Feel good rituals are healthier because they put us at ease in our bodies. What can you combine that will create this effect for you each day? Adapt a new habit

Invest in Your Yes

Imagine you already have the future you would value. What images represent this vision? Tear photos out of old magazines, or surf the web for just-the-right mood image. Gather these images together onto a piece of cardboard that you have cut out into your favorite shape. Use Mod Podge to make them into a collage that inspires you. Trim the edges if you like or thread two corners of your image with colorful yarn or embroidery thread. Post your vision board where you will see it daily, and each time you do, say, "Yes, yes, yes."

As many of you might know, my name is Rachele Thompson, and for the last 11 years, I have worked as the Marketing Manager for Growing Up Chico Magazine. What you may not know is that lung cancer has directly impacted my life. I am living with Stage IV ALK+ Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer, and in honor of November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I felt compelled to share my story to help bring awareness and education to one of the most misunderstood cancers out there. My journey began amidst the global pandemic over the summer months of 2020. One day, after mowing the lawn, I could not catch my breath and experienced a terrible coughing fit, which had never happened to me before.

Lung Cancer AwarenessAn Important Part of the Fight

By Rachele Thompson

Thinking back, I had noticed that I had felt a little winded when I was working in the yard and walking my dog, but I had not thought much of it until this episode. In fear that I had caught COVID19, I got tested, but upon a negative result, I was sent to a pulmonologist for further testing and imaging. Little did I know that my world was about to be turned upside down.

After an agonizing week of waiting, my doctor called and told me the results revealed an aggressive lung cancer. Scans revealed a 2 x 1 in. tumor in my chest and that my left lung was collapsed due to surrounding fluid. Further tests revealed that the cancer had spread to my spine, lymph nodes, and left lung. Not knowing what this meant or what treatments were available to stop the spread, I was hopeful when I was referred to a top oncologist who could help me uncover the type of cancer I had and what caused it.

Another few weeks went by, following more tests, before I learned that I had Stage IV Non-Small Cell Adenocarcinoma. Intensive treatment started immediately while I awaited further biomarker testing to reveal what was driving my cancer since it was not common for someone my age with no known risk factors. Through this specialized testing, it was discovered that I have a gene mutation called ALK+ (anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive). ALK+ is what is causing the uncontrolled cell replication in the form of cancer. According to Alkpostive.

org, this type of lung cancer occurs in only an approximate 5% of patients, but is more prevalent in younger adults, occurring in 30% of lung cancer patients diagnosed under the age of 40. ALK+ is not thought to be hereditary, and there is no known correlation between it and any environmental toxins, including smoking. Unfortunately, scientists do not know why the rearrangement of the gene happens, but with broadening awareness, support, and research there is HOPE!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the message is simpleanyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Although lung cancer is one of the most endorsed in its awareness, the message is marred by the stigma that lung cancer is a “smoker’s disease” brought upon

through lifestyle choices. The frightening reality is that lung cancer is becoming more prevalent amongst those who have never smoked.

While smoking is still the single greatest cause of lung cancer, there are other, less known factors that can cause lung cancer, these include exposure to radon, air pollution, and asbestos as well as having a family history or a gene mutation. Worldwide, over 600,000 women die of lung cancer each year. Currently, 1 in 17 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime, and the numbers continue to grow. In 2021, an estimated 62,470 women will die of lung cancer in the US alone; this is more than breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer combined.

Lung cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because symptoms are not typically predominant during

the early stages when surgery and/ or treatments can be effective. Further screening recommendations apply only to current and former smokers. Sadly, the proportion of never-smokers being diagnosed is trending upwards. Health experts are working to uncover how never smokers disease differs from that of smokers and whether the screening guidelines need revision. Just another reason why funding and research matters!

In 2020, The White Ribbon Project was founded to promote awareness about lung cancer by working towards changing the public perception of the disease. The message - anyone with lungs can get lung cancer! Patients and survivors from across the country are coming together to advocate to make sure no one walks this journey alone or in shame that sometimes arises from the stigma of having lung cancer. Heidi Nafman-Onda, The White Ribbon Project founder, a lung cancer survivor, and advocate (along with her husband Pierre) have been creating plywood ribbons,

hand painting them and have been distributing them to patients, advocates, doctors, hospitals all over the world over the past year. Her movement is building momentum and awareness and is bringing hope to people like myself and my survivor friends I have made along the way!

In September of 2021, I had the honor of meeting Heidi and Pierre at the first California White Ribbon build event held at Woodland Bible Church. Also in attendance was Chris Draft, a former NFL linebacker who lost his wife, Keasha, about ten years ago to lung cancer. Chris is a fierce advocate for lung cancer patients, bringing awareness to the disease and making sure everyone feels supported and knows that they will not walk this journey alone. Through these leaders, I have learned that every voice matters, even mine.

My goal in writing this article is to promote awareness. Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to get it checked out by your doctor. Don’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to your healthcare. Even if something doesn’t fit the statistics, it doesn’t mean you should be denied further testing. Keep pushing for answers - you are worth it!

Want to get involved in the fight against lung cancer? Check out LUNGevity – a nonprofit working to improve how people are diagnosed with, navigate and live life with lung cancer by working strategically with regulators, legislators, policymakers and other advocates.

In honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a fundraiser has been set up to raise money for research. To donate, please visit: https://alkpositive.kindful. com/mission-2021/team-rachele.

Learn the Facts

ABOUT LUNG CANCER

LUNGevity Foundation is changing outcomes for people living with lung cancer through research, education, support, and advocacy. Share these facts to spread awareness and help make lung cancer a national health priority

FA CT : ANYONE CAN GET LUNG CANCER

60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers

Every 2.2 minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer

1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. More than 235,000 will be diagnosed this year; this is more than the population of Richmond, VA

10%-15% of lung cancer cases are in never-smokers

Lung cancer can a ect anyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity

361 Americans will die of lung cancer today, about the maximum who can fit on a full Airbus A340-500.

Butte Humane Society (BHS) Finds its Forever Home

After 110 years, Butte Humane Society (BHS) has finally found its forever home. For a non-profit organization that has faced endless challenges on its mission to uphold animal welfare, BHS is prevailing its long-winded efforts and is now completing construction on a new facility and campus for the animals and community to enjoy. Established in 1911, BHS is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Butte county. BHS has evolved through the years culminating in the varied services and programs available today that include rescue and adoption, humane education, spay and neuter programs and affordable veterinary care to the public. However, the journey over the years has not always been easy.

For the past 12 years, BHS has been operating out of three different locations spread throughout Chico, with each location facing its own significant challenges. The Dog Adoption Center, located on Fair Street, is located in rented space from the City of Chico, which restricts the organization from intaking animals from outside of Chico city limits and the space to house more than 29 dogs on-site. The Cat Adoption Center and low-cost Veterinary Clinic, located on Longfellow Ave, are miles away from the other locations – making day to day communications and pet transportation more challenging. Lastly, the administration and fundraising offices are in yet another location—a warehouse—where staff does its best to manage the organization from makeshift, cramped offices. Butte County has been waiting for over a century to have an efficient, sufficient animal welfare facility that would serve communities within Butte County and beyond. In 2017, the BHS Board of Directors took the first steps to invite individuals and businesses to make an investment in the community—one that will far surpass the current standards of animal welfare. With over 25,000 square feet of animal space and 10 acres of wide-open space, the BHS Animal Welfare Center will be an amazing place to adopt, volunteer, and learn. Amenities include ample kennel space for both cats and dogs, a state-of-the-art medical care facility with a spacious surgical suite, canine kennels with direct access to outdoor exercise area, community center for meetings, training, education and community events, shelter activity yards, and much more. All of this means that BHS will not only be able to house, care for, and find homes for more animals than ever before, it will help position the organization as the “animal welfare hub” for Butte, Glenn, and Tehama counties.

The need for this new facility could not be greater. In a time where wildfires are running rampant, the community and surrounding areas are faced with unprecedented challenges - one of them being navigating pet ownership in the event of a wildfire. After the notorious Camp Fire in 2018, approximately 15,000 pets were relocated throughout Butte County. Since then, more devastating fires have impacted the county and surrounding counties every year,

including the current Dixie and Fawn Fires.

During these tragic events, pets become detached from their owners and are unable to find their way back home. Even if a pet prevails safely with their owner, finding evacuation centers that accept animals during the crisis are often hard to come by and BHS is ready to act as a temporary boarding facility for individuals and families while more permanent plans are made. Additionally, families who are impacted by wildfire crises are oftentimes faced with long-term housing and financial limitations, which means more and more families are being forced to surrender their pets. With the increased rate of displaced, surrendered, and lost animals, BHS’s new facility will be ready to act as a “second responder” in times of natural disasters and help animals and their owners in times of need. The efforts to build a new facility, publicly known as “The Journey Home” Capital Campaign, would not have been possible without the support from our community. A few key players in this journey have been Clif Bar, The Rachael Ray Foundation, The Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, California Water Service Company, Subaru Chico, Ken Grossman, and Katie Gonser, as well as dozens of dedicated individuals and businesses committed to animal welfare and BHS. The goal for this new facility is to continue upholding its mission of saving lives, finding homes, and inspiring compassion - all while expanding resources and programs to the community. It is the vision of BHS to provide for the well-being of all companion animals; provide affordable veterinary care and make it accessible to all pet owners, without sacrificing high quality resources; address animal overpopulation and reduce the number of unwanted animals through spay/neuter programs; and promote the human-animal bond through adoption, education and outreach programs. The new BHS facility will be able to take in and care for more animals than ever before, alleviating the burden put on local and regional animal shelters, as well as concerned community members who seek affordable medical care for their pets. It also plans to expand the pet food and supply pantry and be able to provide more resources to community members and animal shelters who need assistance in the event of a wildfire or financial limitations. The education and community center will be a place of learning, raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare in our community. BHS also plans to grow the volunteer and foster programs so that it has more hands on deck to care for the animals. BHS is beyond thrilled to introduce the community to its new facility and invites the public to “The Welcome Home” Grand Opening, scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 12:30 - 4 pm. All are invited to tour the facility, learn more about BHS and its programs and services and take part in the beginning of what will be the final, “fur-ever” home for Butte County’s oldest animal welfare agency-A home that will deliver quality animal welfare care for decades to come.

Family Favorite Recipe

By Christina Katz

Homemade Chicken PHỞ With Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth

Add some inexpensive ingredients to rotisserie chicken bone broth, and you've got a one-bowl dinner your whole family will adore!

Phở (Simple pronunciation "Fah") is so easy to make at home and so delicious and healthy, you will wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. This non-traditional soup is actually a wellness broth served with Phở ingredients. Start this bright and flavorful soup the day before you plan to serve it, so you can simmer the nourishing chicken bone broth for several hours and refrigerate it overnight. Or, if you are crunched for time, combine store-bought chicken broth with chicken bone broth and jump straight to Part Two. Healthy, homemade Phở is sure to become a family tradition at your house, especially during cold and flu season. Don't be surprised when your family starts begging you to serve it often!

Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth Ingredients

• 1-2 rotisserie chicken carcasses

• 1-2 onions, yellow or whatever you have on hand

• 4-6 cloves of minced fresh garlic or 4-6 teaspoons chopped garlic

• 4 carrots, chopped

• 4 celery stalks, chopped plus any extra leaves

• Half a bunch of parsley, chopped

• 2 inches of fresh ginger root, minced

• 1 inch of fresh turmeric root, minced

• 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Several thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon powdered thyme

• Juice from half a lime (save the other half)

• 1/2 cup white wine

• Organic chicken stock, one carton

Part One

Strip the chicken meat from one or two rotisserie chickens and refrigerate in storage container. Add remaining ingredients to a large soup pot and then cover completely with water. Bring broth to a boil and simmer for 4-6 hours, uncovered. Let sit until cooled but not cold. Pour through a large, sturdy colander into a large metal bowl. Then pour broth through large fine strainer or line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth. Strain broth a second time into a storage container and refrigerate overnight.

Remove fat layer from top of chilled broth. Don't worry if the broth is cloudy. Simmer homemade broth with one carton of organic chicken stock added. Skim any fat that floats to the surface. Or purchase your favorite chicken or chicken bone broth instead.

Chicken Phở Ingredients

• Chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)

• Rotisserie chicken meat, chopped

• Asian rice noodles, cooked

• Bean sprouts, one bag

• Cilantro leaves, half bunch

• Green onions, one bunch, sliced

• Jalapeño peppers, sliced

• Lime wedges

Part Two

Ladle chicken broth into bowls adding rice noodles and chopped chicken. Squeeze a wedge of fresh lime into each bowl. Top each serving with bean sprouts, green onions, jalapeño slices, and cilantro leaves. Serve with an extra wedge of lime. Provide salt and pepper to taste.

Little Pines Preschool

License #:045407962 and 045407961

Little Sprouts

Preschool

License # 045405784

Preschool & Childcare Directory

Monday-Friday

2-5 years 7am-5:30pm

Monday-Friday

Children’s Center Preschools offer a wide variety of learning opportunities that are developmentally appropriate and support Kindergarten Readiness.

We strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment that promotes creativity and instills a love for life long learning and discovery.

Little Sprouts Preschool offers organic gardening and recycling. The Kindergarten readiness program has Zoo Phonics, daily circle time, and enrichment activities. Nutritious snacks and lunch included.

Little Wonders 3-5 years

8am-12:30pm

Monday-Thursday

Little Wonders is guaranteed to get your little one ready for kindergarten by making learning fun and adventurous! Through interactive play and stimulating hands-on activities, Little Wonders’ curriculum encourages exploration and discovery of both academic and social learning skills. Science experiments, cooking fun, field trips, animal discovery, and more, will cultivate a life-long enthusiasm for wonder and learning in your little one!

Step-by-Step

Child Care of Chico

Ca. License # 045407934

3-10 years

7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Monday – Friday

Elite education for only 4 children at a time:

• READING, CURSIVE WRITING, MATH.

• PIANO and VIOLIN every day

• FRENCH, SIGN LANGUAGE, SCIENCE, ART … and more beautiful activities for their age.

Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory

To learn more, call (530) 532-5643 or visit www.cdps.bcoe.org

530-399-3692

Littlepineschico.com

littlepines@yahoo.com

15 Overland Ct.

530-345-0123

littlesproutspreschool1@gmail.com

Dorothy Johnson Center 775 East 16th St. 530-895-4711

www.chicorec.com/preschools

Mihaela Beatrice Harjau-Broughton 530 – 551 – 2124

Without the support of our advertisers, this magazine would not be possible. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico Magazine.

Meals: pg 26

New York Life Insurance: pg 20

Northern Valley Indian Health: pg 19

Paradise on Ice: pg 7

Paradise Performing Arts: pg 20

Park Avenue Photography: pg 4

Patrick Ranch: pg 9

Run 4 Food: pg 30

Sherwood Montessori: pg 10, 28

Sierra Nevada Connections: pg 14

Silver Dollar BMX: pg 27

Taming Tangles Hair Salon: pg 19

Thistle and Stitch: pg 27

Turtle Bay Exploration Park: pg 2

Wildflower School: pg 10

Willow & Birch Realty: pg 19

Youthful Smiles Dentistry: pg 28