Growing Up Chico Fall 2022 Issue by Growing Up Chico Magazine

A quarterly resource celebrating family life in Butte County since 2004 Fall Issue 2022 August - September - October

Start an Autumn Family Tradition Pilgrimage to a Local Pumpkin Patch

Eye Safety and Health:

Advice From a Local Eye Doctor

The Perfect Birthday Party Check Out Our Planning Guide!

Dr. Anna Griffith

Cover Photo By: Andrea Sidenstricker Photography Family & Wedding Photographer 530-570-1726 Facebook Page: Andrea Sidenstricker Photography Advertising Deadline: To advertise in our Winter Issue, please contact us by September 31st. Our Winter Issue will be on stands November, December, and January. Article Submission Deadline: Please submit family-friendly and seasonally appropriate photos and informative articles for the Winter Issue by September 20th. Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at over 150 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available online at www.growingupchico.com. Copyright © 2022 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.

Dr. Anna Griffith is an optometrist in Chico who does regular exams for glasses and contact lenses, and treats eye disease, infection, and injuries at Family Eye Care. She also does Vision Therapy for children who are struggling in school because of visual skill problems. She sees patients of all ages having difficulty tracking, working on the computer, using their eyes well together, poor depth perception, balance problems and dizziness at the Vision Training Center. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her nephews, playing sports, hiking, biking, and swimming.

Sumiti Mehta Sumiti is the author of A Campaign That Won Hearts and Not Votes. She serves on Sacramento city’s Youth Parks and Community Enrichment Commission and several NUSD Committees. Sumiti is also on OnCore Consulting’s staff as Recruiting and Proposal Writing Specialist.

Sandi Schwartz Sandi is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www. happysciencemom.com.

Christina Katz Author, journalist and writing coach, Christina Katz cannot get enough of trips to the farm. Hot apple cider, warm doughnuts, and caramel apples are her favorite fall treats.

Rebecca Hastings Rebecca is a freelance writer who loves to write about parenting.

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

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School and Home

see what’s inside...

08 Ways to Reduce Plastic This School Year

10 Returning to Work After a Career Break

Family Time

15 Local Family Resources

Parenting

17 Eye Health and Safety For Your Children

18 Ways to Start the New School Year Without Losing Your Mind

Birthday Party Guide

20 Growing Up Chico’s Guide to Help You Plan a Great Party

Fall Fun

24 Make a Pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch a Family Tradition

26 Local Pumpkin Patch Guide 27 Roast the Perfect Pumpkin Seeds 28 Fall Events in the Community

In Every Issue 04 Contributors 31 Advertiser Directory 31 Preschool Directory

school and home

Reduce Plastic This School Year

growing up chico magazine

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By Sandi Schwartz

Another new school year is just around the corner. That means it is time to stock up on all the supplies our children need for a successful school year. Have you ever noticed how much plastic is lurking in that school supply aisle? If we are not mindful about our purchases (from binders, to scissors, pens to backpacks), we can quickly end up with a pile of plastic waste doomed for the landfill. However, we can make some easy changes to our school supply shopping list to make a difference in how much plastic our kids use throughout the school year.

them and to use at home. So many of these supplies contain plastic, but there are alternatives to look for that are more sustainable.

Backpacks Every student needs a reliable backpack to carry books and supplies to and from school each day. Most backpacks are made from plastic materials like nylon or polyester. Instead, choose more sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or cork. More brands are also popping up, offering backpacks made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, bike tires, and even repurposed billboards.

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School Supplies To keep our kids organized and able to do their projects, we need to purchase school supplies to send to school with

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Notebooks and Folders: Avoid ones with plastic covers. Choose those made from 100% recycled paper instead. Binders: Look for plastic-free binders made from recycled cardboard. Pencil Sharpeners: Choose metal instead of plastic pencil sharpeners. Pens: Do not buy those throwaway plastic pens- buy refillable pens or fountain pens instead. Highlighters: You can now find pencil highlighters that do not contain plastic without worrying about drying out. Rulers: Look for wood or stainless steel instead of the cheap plastic ones. Scissors: Invest in durable 100% stainless steel, which is 100% recyclable. Staplers: Avoid those made from plastic. Pencil Cases: Look for pencil cases made with metal or 100% organic cotton canvas. Markers: It is tricky to find plasticfree markers, but Crayola offers a

marker recycling program called Colorcycle. Clothes About 60 percent of all clothing is made from plastic-based materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers. These synthetics may be inexpensive and versatile, but they also contribute to ocean plastic pollution. Try to avoid school clothes made from these materials. Instead, choose those made from natural fibers like linen, silk, Merino wool, hemp, Lyocell or Tencel, and organic cotton. Some innovative brands are using recycled plastic to make the yarns to create their products. Even if your kids wear school uniforms, you can still make a dent by choosing plastic-free accessories like plastic-free shoes, belts, and hair ties. Lunch Lunchtime offers a perfect opportunity to cut back on plastic waste. According to the Green Schools Initiative, it is estimated that the average school-age child using a disposable lunch generates nearly 70 pounds of waste per school year. That is over 18,000 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school. We can take many

steps to shift away from plastic-filled lunches. •

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Lunch Box: Choose 100% plastic-free, waste-free, and BPA-free lunch boxes or bags for your children. There are now many stainless steel and silicone options available. Stainless steel is an excellent option because it is lightweight, won’t break when dropped, and is 100% recyclable. Food Storage: Fortunately, there are ways to store food that do not involve plastic. Look for insulated stainless steel containers or bento boxes made of stainless steel or wood that contain multiple dividers to separate portions or items. Another option is using silicone containers and bags or cloth food sacks. You can also find reusable non-plastic wraps made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton cloth that contains beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil to create a self-adhesive to stick to itself so you can create sealed packages and pouches. Drinks: Replace disposable juice boxes/pouches, water bottles, and milk cartons with reusable drink bottles. Opt for stainless steel or glass ones with a protective silicone sleeve. Not only will you reduce plastic use, but you will choose a healthier option that does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA. Be mindful not to choose a reusable water bottle made out of plastic. It may be a better option than throwaway plastic bottles, but it still does not help with the overall plastic issue we are trying to address. Utensils: Do not pack plastic utensils or straws in your child’s lunch box. Instead, choose stainless steel straws

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and utensils or utensils made from sustainable materials like bamboo or palm leaves. Snacks: It is also important to try and avoid snacks like chips, crackers, cookies, fruit, vegetables, and cheese that are prepackaged individually in plastic.

As you can see, there are many ways to swap out plastic school supplies for other options. Another way to cut back on new plastic waste is to choose used items. Shop for clothes, backpacks, and office supplies at garage sales, thrift stores, and online sites like eBay, or organize a swap with family or friends. Thanks for doing your part to cut back on plastic this school year!

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any moms choose to take an absence during their careers for various reasons, mainly to become stay-at-home parents to care for kids, home, and family. Whatever the reason, returning to work after a significant career break can be scary for anyone. A little over seven months ago, after spending ten years as a stay-at-home mom to my two sons, I began thinking about how to get back to work—paid work. I always assumed that I could not get back into the workforce in a realistic way. My parenting duties and volunteer activities were still just enough to make the idea of returning to work, even part-time, feel daunting.

esides the scare of the unknown and turmoil, I just felt ready for a change and liked the idea of having the extra cash. So, I decided to trust the magic of new beginnings and return to work.

oving back to joining the workforce was emotionally exhausting for me at first. There was always the fear of being unable to focus on work and looking for excuses while balancing work responsibilities with home responsibilities. Dealing with the transition was not easy.

growing up chico magazine

t took me a little time to love my job and the people I work with at OnCore Consulting, but I never thought I had made the wrong decision by returning. I am for sure busier now than I have been in years, but I feel that my life is deeper and more engaged than before going back to work.

approached my new job and the role in the Business Development and Recruiting Department the same way I did my previous jobs years back. I assumed I was supposed to be available to work, get instruction on what to do, do what was told, rinse and do it again. I felt I would be visible to the fact I did not belong if I asked for an explanation or requested work. Thanks to my supervisor, an amazing mentor at work, I realized that a professional

Photo credit: Natomas Jibe

Returning to Work After a Career Break It can be scary, but trust the magic of a new beginning. By Sumiti Mehta career is not about billing hours and senselessly following instructions. These mentors (Managing Directors and HR) created opportunities for me to get enthusiastically involved in the workplace, especially now when we all work remotely.

as life changed in any way? Undoubtedly yes. Now I must think ahead in an orderly manner about schedules and activities for my kids and myself. This has taught me to understand prioritizing my days and has given me tremendous admiration for the downtime in between tasks. It has also been challenging but

refreshing to learn and implement new IT slang and skills: Azure, Cloud, Quals, RFOs, RFI, BAFO, Bids, Admin Forms, Salesforce, AWS, Middleware Engineer, Tester, etc.

t the age of 43, I thought I had run my course as far as what I could do with my life. Getting appointed by Vice Mayor Ashby on a city’s commission, being the first South Asian woman in the district to run for office, and publishing my memoir give me great pride. Six months later, I have a new career, new skills, new coworkers, and an entirely new dimension to my everyday life.

The Durham Music Boosters would like to thank our Patrons for their generous donations to the Durham Unified School District Music Program. Platinum Patrons ~ $850

Gold Patrons ~ $500-$850

Silver Patrons ~ $350-$500

Bronze Patrons ~ $250-$350

AERI Brake Parts Supply The Durham Woman’s Club Exchange Club of Durham Howard and Janet Holman In Memory of Claire Grzanich Shirley and George Simmons Lela Waggoner

Lauralee and Douglas Bentz D&E Auto Durham Rotary Club Golden Valley Dental

Ashlie Hair Studio Willam and Dora Anderson Culp and Tanner, Inc. Tim and Regina Hunzeker

Cycleland Speedway Durham Community Women’s Club JC Hernandez Landscape Mark A. Hoffman Construction Susan and Larry Rinehart Pat and Steve Stevens

The Durham Music Boosters’ sole purpose is to support the Durham Elementary School, Durham Intermediate School, and The Durham High School Music Programs. Donations provide funds for concerts and performances, instruments and repairs, and scholarships for graduating seniors. If you , or your business would like to donate to the Durham Music Boosters, please contact Rosemarie Brown, Music Boosters President, at brownrose92961@gmail.com. You may also contact Matt Plummer, DUSD Music Director, at mplummer@durhamunified.org. Donations can also be mailed to: Durham Music Boosters, PO Box 600, Durham, CA, 95938, Attention: Matt Plummer. Please make checks payable to: Durham Music Boosters.

Richers’s Earthen Iron

Patrons ~ Up to $250 Almendra Winery Anderson Properties Dereena and Frank Bettencourt Commercial Tire Warehouse Nolan Davis Durham United Methodist Church Pat Gee Barb Gore Bettis Graves Larry and Joann Hamman

Wendy and Paul Johnson Vicky King Authur and Susan McHarg Katherine Montgomery Ann Murphy Lorraine Nock Qualls Farm Michele Rider Donna and Robert Siela Kevin and Anne Marie Spafford

Thank you for supporting your local music programs!

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school and home

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family time

This is your guide to free, or low-cost family resources in Butte County!

Parenting Resources Butte Baby Steps The Butte Baby Steps program is a national program model designed to help expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start. The program serves Butte County families. Butte Baby Steps is open to parents of all ages that are either expecting or have a child under the age of 3 months. 345-1600, nvcss.org/programs/butte-baby-steps/. Butte County First 5 first5butte.org, 530-538-7964. Butte College Foster/Kinship Education For more info and a current workshop schedule, call 530-897-6235. Butte County Library 891-2762, www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary. Chico Area Park & Recreation District Recreational activities and programs yearround include programs for children, adults, and seniors. Sports, camps, after-school program, preschool program, and leisure activities are offered. 530-895-4711, 545 Vallombrosa Ave., www.chicorec.com. Chico Mothers Club Find them on Facebook or go to www.chicomothersclub.org for more info. Durham Recreation & Park District DRPD offers many sports, classes/lessons, and programs for all ages. 530-345-1921, durhamrecreation.recdesk.com. Enloe Mother & Baby Outreach Program 530-332-5520, or online at www.enloe.org/baby. HelpCentral.org You can find services such as emergency food, parenting classes, recreational programs, support groups, drug treatment, tax assistance, in-home help, after school programs, hospice, counseling, and subsidized daycare at www.helpcentral.org.

Help Me Grow Help Me Grow Butte is a free service available to all families in Butte County with children aged 0-5 who are interested in learning more about their child’s development or behavior. Help Me Grow Butte works directly with caregivers to ensure they are connected to the services and resources they need to help their children thrive. To learn more about your child’s development, visit our website at www. helpmegrowbutte.org or call 530-552-3919 to connect with a Care Coordinator. Mothers Strong Mothers Strong is a group of mothers, professionals, and other advocates dedicated to bringing vital mental health information

to moms and families in Butte County. Mothers Strong helps connect local Butte County families with support, education, and resources to help with postpartum anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. To find resources for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, visit www.mothers-strong. org and follow us on www.facebook.com/ MothersStrong. Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, Inc. Low-cost or free mental health, housing, vocational, and support services for individuals and families in California’s Northern Sacramento Valley. 800-846-1451, www.nvcss.org. Paradise Recreation & Park District PRPD offers a wide range of recreation programming, including after school programming, summer camp, preschool activities, youth and adult sports, senior services, aquatics, teen programs, and numerous special events. 530-872-6393, www.paradiseprpd.com. Valley Oak Children’s Services Valley Oak is a Resource and Referral Program that provides free referrals for child care and other family-related services. Low-Income parents can call and get on the Centralized Eligibility List for preschool and subsidized child care in Butte County. Call 530-895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627 or visit valleyoakchildren.org for more information. WIC This program provides supplemental food vouchers and nutrition education to pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up through age five who qualify in Butte County. The WIC staff provides parent education about nutrition, breastfeeding, child safety, growth/development, and other childappropriate topics. 530-891-2767, www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/Programs/WIC. Youth for Change Family Resource Centers youth4change.org. 530-877-1965.

Special Needs ARC Family Support Program Families who experience the challenges that come along with raising a child with a special needs are invited to this support group hosted by ARC of Butte County. 530-891-8157. Autism LifeSpan Autism LifeSpan supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Visit autismlifespan.org. 2418 Cohasset Rd., Ste. 150. 530-897-0900. Far Northern Regional Center Far Northern is a fixed point of referral for

individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. FNRC also provides services to infants and toddlers (from birth to three years old) who are showing a delay in their development, or who are at substantially high risk for a developmental disability. FNRC coordinates community resources such as education, recreation, health, rehabilitation, and welfare for individuals with developmental disabilities. 530-895-8633. Little Red Hen LifeSpan Center This nonprofit organization offers year-round socialization training programs for children, teens, and young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Provides sensory exploration and behavioral support in a fun and engaging environment. www.littleredhen.org/lifespancenter.html. 530-897-0300. Work Training Center WTC is dedicated to meeting the training, vocational, and recreational needs of people ages 18 & up with disabilities. 2255 Fair St. www.wtcinc.org. 530-343-7994. Parent Infant Programs This developmental program is designed for children diagnosed at birth with a regional center qualifying condition, or children at risk of developing those qualifying conditions. 530343-8106, www.parentinfantprograms.com. Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California They provide support, education, and advocacy services to families with children ages birth to 26 with special education needs living in Northern California. For information on trainings and support groups, please call the Chico office at 530-899-8801 and toll-free 888-263-1311 or www.rfenc.org. Hablamos Español. The Enloe Health Learning Center The Learning Center is a community library. Browse through a broad array of health and medical information. Learn more about a disease or disorder affecting a family member, research a medical diagnosis, or find wellness information. A free library card gives you access to health care information through books and periodicals, www.enloe.org/library. Wings of Eagles Wings of Eagles provides emotional and financial assistance to all families in the fourcounty areas of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, and Colusa who have children with a pediatric cancer or a life-threatening illness diagnosis. 530-893-9231.

Have a resourc e for us?

Do you know of a resource you would like to see liste d, or does a lis ting need to be updated? Let us know! Em ail us at: marne@grow ingupchico.com .

For More Resources, Visit www.GrowingUpChico.com.

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parenting

Eye Health and Safety By Anna Griffith, O.D, F.A.A.O

hen thinking about eye health and safety, three things immediately come to mind: sun protection, blue light protection, and protection from injury and laser pointers. Most of the sun’s UV rays absorbed by the eye happen within the early years of life. When we are born, the lens within the eye is crystal clear. This allows most of the sun’s rays to pass through to the back of the eye and to parts of the eye, such as the macula. Sunlight, over time, can damage the macula causing macular degeneration and vision loss later in life. Protecting against this condition should start early in life. The lens becomes more colored as we age, like pouring a little orange juice into a fishbowl. This change absorbs some of the UV rays in sunlight, but it is still an excellent lifelong practice to wear sunglasses or clear glasses with UV protection. UV protection also helps slow the progression of cataracts, a condition that reduces vision and can eventually need surgery. Blue light has become a hot topic, especially with increased screen time for children and adults. There has not been enough research, and companies selling products want to market to sell. However, it is known that short wavelengths of light, such as UV light, damage the eye. Blue light is the shortest wavelength of visible light and next to UV light on the scale of visible and non-visible wavelengths. It

might not be known how much blue-lightblocking glasses can help, or if they do, but some evidence suggests they help protect the eye. They certainly cannot hurt. Tragically, I know of an incident involving a laser mailed with an online purchase of blue-light-blocking glasses. It should serve as a reminder that unregulated vendors can cause safety hazards. A blue laser was sent, along with the purchased glasses, to show that they blocked blue light. The patient looked at the laser, pointed toward her eye, and afterward noticed she could not see very well with that eye. I examined her and followed her vision and retinal scans over time. Her vision (or at least her ability to view with her side vision) improved, and her retinal scans improved some, but she still has a permanent small blind spot right in the center of her vision in that eye. Sources say that 30,000-40,000 sportsrelated eye injuries happen each year in the U.S., or that every 30 minutes, an eye injury is treated at an ER, and that most of these are children. If your child wears glasses, their everyday “dress” glasses should not be worn for sports. Regular glasses do not have the same safety standards as sports goggles or “rec specs.” These include shatter-resistance lenses and parts that could break and penetrate the eye as easily as regular glasses. Baseball and basketball have the highest risk for eye injuries, followed by racket sports. The size of a racquetball is just the right size to fit within

the eye socket without the protection of the orbital bones, so eye protection should always be worn. Another special consideration for children (and adults) who have amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is always to wear glasses as eye protection to protect the better-seeing eye. Eye injuries are more common in children with amblyopia because they do not have as good depth perception, and possibly peripheral vision, as adults. It is essential to protect the better-seeing eye because if it is injured, vision could be lost in that eye, leaving the person with only the vision of their worse-seeing eye. Eye protection is also vital for some hobbies and work. Injuries doing woodworking, metalworking, welding, and yard work are very common. Also, if you get an eye infection, especially after working in dirt or around animals, you should tell your eye doctor right away. They can consider the possibility of a fungal infection, which can be much more serious than a bacterial or viral infection. Vision is an incredible process, something we take for granted, but it gives us so much. Let’s protect our vision and that of our loved ones. If you have any questions about eye health and safety, or anything else about the eyes and vision, I would be happy to talk with you.

parenting www.growingupchico.com

Ways to Start the New School Year Without Losing Your Mind

By Rebecca Hastings

growing up chico magazine

As I try to soak up the last moments of summer fun, I feel like I will never be ready for the switch back to the routine of the school year. I am not sure who invented the lazy days of summer idea, but it was not a mom. Summer is full of sun, the beach, Popsicles, and more TV time than I care to admit. But it does not feel lazy. Now we are on the cusp of a new school year, and the pressure is building. All of a sudden, a switch will be flipped and we are supposed to find routine and structure again (which feels kind of like playing with that disastrous moon sand my kids love). The sun is screaming “stay and play,” but the calendar is an annoying buzz in my ear, challenging me to get it together because the clock is ticking. The transition to a new school year does not have to be complicated. You can have a great start to the school year with a few simple tricks. No, these tips will not complete the reams of

paperwork headed your way during the first week of school, but they will help you feel better equipped to handle it.

1. Rest: Don’t skim past this. I know rest seems

counterproductive and even impossible sometimes, but it will make a huge difference. My family knows a tired mom is not the nicest mom (at least in my house). Start thinking about what you can do now to feel more rested. Skip that last episode of your favorite show late at night. Give yourself permission to sit down for ten minutes in the afternoon. Do things that make your body and soul feel calmer and more rested. Adequate rest will help you tackle the change to school days more effectively.

2. Eliminate: Think about the things you do- all of them.

I know it is a lot, but write them down. Now look at that list and cross off as many things as you can. Not because you have done them, but to eliminate them, at least temporarily. You can always add them back on the list later. Now that your list is smaller, look at what is left. Instead of vacuuming three times per week, try twice. Skip the daily laundry and pick two days to do laundry each week so you are not thinking about it every day. These ideas do not need to be permanent, but they will help during the busy transition.

3. Autopilot: Put as much as you can on autopilot. My

favorite area to do this is with food. Come up with a simple meal rotation by picking an easy thing for each night of the week. For example, salad night, chicken and veggie, burgers and corn, taco night, breakfast for dinner, pizza, and leftovers. Then rotate through for the next few weeks. Your grocery list

will be the same, and you do not have to think too hard or prep too much ahead of time. You can let this go after the first few weeks of school in favor of your favorite fall recipes, but it will save your sanity now. Other things you can put on autopilot include: morning and bedtime routines, easy breakfast and snack options, or 5 minutes a day for mail and paperwork.

4. Let Go: As much as I love finding fun ideas on Pinterest for

magical first-day photos and perfectly curated bento box lunches complete with animal face mini sandwiches, it does not help me stay sane. Instead, it makes the pressure build that I am responsible for making the new school year absolutely amazing. We do not need to make the start of school magical. We can let go of these crazy expectations during the transition from summer to school, and give ourselves permission to try those things in a few weeks when we feel more grounded. A happy, calm mom is more important than a sandwich shaped like an animal.

5. Grace: Let’s just say it right now – we are going to drop the ball.

It’s true. At some point, we are going to miss something or turn in a form late. Last year, I forgot to pick up my son’s inhaler from the nurse at the end of the school year. We all lose track of things sometimes. So, let’s start the year with a bit of grace for ourselves and one another. Instead of beating ourselves up over getting the wrong color folder or forgetting to send a water bottle, let us remember that we are all here doing our best to love our kids well. No folder or missed bus can change the way we love our kids.

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birthday parties

Throw the Perfect Party!

When you host your next party or gathering at Boys & Girls Clubs, you are not only getting a great flexible space filled with air hockey, foosball, multiple kitchens, a gymnasium and an enclosed outdoor area, you are also directly supporting local youth.

Are you struggling to come up with a new and fun idea for your kid’s birthday party? At Azad’s Martial Arts we take pride in providing your child with the most fun birthday party. We take care of planning an unforgettable party for your child while you sit back and relax. Azad’s Martial Arts offers three different birthday party packages for every level of budget. Planning and arranging a successful birthday party that is enjoyable, memorable, and within your budget can be pretty demanding. Fortunately, we offer the best and easiest solutions for a busy parent! Our martial arts-themed birthday program aims to educate, energize, and entertain! Your guests will be blown away by the attention to detail and assortment of activities to participate in. In fact, every activity is so special that your birthday celebrant and all other participants will leave the event feeling even more inspired, motivated, and fulfilled than before. Our Jongshindo Martial Arts Birthday parties are super fun, safe, exciting and action packed. Kids love them and parents enjoy their time not setting up or cleaning! Our team works closely with you to care for every detail following your taste and budget paired with various payment options (check, cash, credit card, electronic fund transfer), all for your comfort and convenience. Schedule your child’s birthday party today! Azad’s Martial Arts Center 313 Walnut Street #150 Chico 95928 530.892.AZAD (2923) OR 530.896.0777 www.azadsmartialarts.com

Our spaces provide fun for kids and parents of all ages for parties, or rent the gym for a sports tournament or team practices. Take advantage of our “Party Package” and get 3 hours, 3 rooms/spaces for only $300 total! We look forward to helping you host your next event.

601 Wall St. Chico 530.899.0335 www.bgcnv.org

CatCh it quiCk juggling Company juggling & balloon art Featuring the skills and enthusiasm of Michael Taylor!

Book your next birthday party with us! We offer parties for children of all ages. You provide the food and decorations, and we provide the FUN! 15,000 square feet is reserved just for your party. Our instructors will lead the children through obstacle courses, games and lots of free play! Call today to check availability (530) 893-4967. A $60.00 non-refundable deposit is required at booking.

Fun-filled juggling shows with plenty of variety, volunteers and audience participation! These fast-paced performances keep everyone amazed and amused. Balloon twisting is also available with the juggling shows or separately. Colorful and fun, balloon twisting is a great addition to events like children’s parties, school celebrations, music festivals, and more. Using impressive balloon twisting skills to quickly create balloon animals, hats and objects. I bring joy to my art. Call to schedule your party today!

415 Otterson Dr. Ste. 70 Chico, CA 95928 530.893.4967 www.athletichorizons. com

michaelthejuggler@gmail.com www.catchitquickjuggling.com 530.966.7468

Join us for your child’s special birthday celebration! Our dance themed parties are perfect for your child who wants to incorporate dance, crafts and celebrating their special day. Please contact us at 530-893-9028 or email us at juliechicocreekdance@gmail.com and get more information about our party packages.

FunLand/Cal Skate is proud to offer the best birthday parties in town. We have the most options, you can choose: Roller skating Miniature golfing Batting Video games or, all of the above!

We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

We only offer the highest quality food options – Round Table Pizzas and Baskin Robbins ice cream cakes. With our professionally-fun birthday specialists to personally host your party – we do all the work, you have all the fun! Choose from the entire facility (our VIP party) or one of our party rooms (the Classic party option). With well over 35,000 parties under our belt, we know how to party!

1144 W. 1st Street Chico CA 95928 www.chicocreekdancecentre.com 530.893.9028

2465 Carmichael Dr. Chico www.funlandchico.com 530.343.1601

Looking for a wild place to hold your next birthday party? Check out the Barry Kirshner Wildlife Foundation and our family of native and exotic species to host one of your most memorable birthday parties! Participants enjoy a guided tour, a reptile encounter, a free T-shirt for the birthday honoree, and use of the shaded picnic over a three hour period. Please call 533-1000 to book your party!

4995 Durham-Pentz Road, Oroville 530.533.1000 www.kirshner.org

Not sure how to celebrate your child’s special day? Come join us at the Forebay Aquatic Center for a birthday party on the water! With 3 different party packages, and ton’s of additional add-ons, we can help you plan a party that the kids will love, without breaking the bank! Packages include 2 hour equipment rental, life vests for your whole party, and equipment instruction! With a large variety of aquatic equipment, our party packages are great for kids of all ages! Parties available Friday-Sunday during regular rental hours!

For more details visit our website www.forebayaquaticcenter.com or to reserve your party spot please call 530.774.7934, or email us at aquatics.education@gmail.com

Parties at Kinetics are magical, easy and fun! Sit back and relax while you enjoy watching your special one celebrate with friends. Each two-hour dance or gymnastics party includes a hostess, crafts, obstacle course, guided themed dances and a tea party with real china. Choose from themes such as princess, fairy, Fancy Nancy, hip hop or gymnastics. Tea, fruit, set-up and clean-up provided.

627 Broadway St., #100 Chico, CA 95973 (Next to Tin Roof Bakery) www.KineticsAcademyofDance.com 530.345.2505

Nothing gets kids more excited than cotton candy. When kids see the Cotton Candy Lady at your party expect clapping, shrieks of joy & huge smiles. SPUN Organic Cotton Candy is a modern take on your favorite carnival treat. We have 30+ flavors that are certified Organic, Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-free, and Nut-free & contain NO artificial flavors or artificial colors. And, if you’re looking for bright-colored County Fair style cotton candy, we have that too.

Call Miss Irene at 530.591.3444 to book your Petite of Grande Cotton Candy Cart Service. Facebook @spunocc Instagram @spunorganic

birthday parties www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) has premier locations to host your next special event! Get outdoors and party in the park, have a themed adventure at Chico Creek Nature Center, splash around at Pleasant Valley Pool, or host an elegant affair at the Creekside Rose Garden or Lakeside Pavilion. Rates start at the low price of $85 for a four-hour block. Contact CARD today to learn more and book your party. Helping people PLAY and so much more!

Funny Faces has been providing quality entertainment at affordable rates since 2004, specializing in creative and flexible painting designs for the face and body that are fun for all ages. Funny Faces also provides balloon twisting that will add energy and excitement to any party or event. Let’s make your next event extra special when the fun comes to you! Do you have a fun event coming up and want some great pictures to remember the night? Snapshots would love to be a part of the occasion! Our team is dedicated to making sure you and your guests are having a blast while making cherished memories in the process. You name it, we do it! Traditional Curtain Photo Booths Open-Air Photo Booths & Our 1969 VW Photo Bus!

545 Vallombrosa Ave. Chico, CA 95926 530.895.4711 www.chicorec.com

funnyfaceschico@gmail.com www.funnyfaceschico.com 530.570.0199

Serving the North State 530.321.7989 www.SnapshotsNorcal.com

Their special day only comes once a year, so celebrate with the Chico Children’s Museum!

A Kid in a Candy Store

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For over 15 years, Sweet Chico Confections has been hosting the sweetest birthday parties in town! Our most popular party is a Candy Scavenger Hunt, where each kid gets a treasure map and searches the store for the candy on their map. At the end of the activity, kids get to keep their candy as a party favor and then choose a scoop of our famous Italian GELATO! We handle the setup, order pizzas, host the party, and cleanup the mess!

Have your next birthday party at TPCC! Our standard group party is 2 hours long and includes climbing instruction in your own designated area (reserved portion of the wall), all the necessary rental gear, full access to our party room, ping pong, and foosball tables, and an amazing TPCC party director! Each birthday boy or girl will also recieve a gift from us at Terrain Park Climbing Center, a complimentary two-week climbing membership!

Our birthday party package includes: 2 hours in the celebration room, admission for up to 20 guests, and a provided art activity. Your child will have the option between decorating superhero masks, beaded bracelet making, journal decorating, or an air dried clay activity! Food, drinks, and decorations are encouraged in the party room. Our docents are here to help with any set up, clean up, or walk through you may need. Reach out to the Chico Children’s Museum to schedule your birthday today!

Your child’s birthday will be unforgettable as they excitedly explore the store with their friends! Call or email us to plan your perfect party! Sweet Chico Confections 121 W. 3rd Street Chico, CA 95926 530.332.9866 Robin@SweetChico.com

931 W 5th Street, Suite 100 Chico www.terrainparkclimbingcenter.com 530.809.0796

325 Main St, Chico 530.809.1492 www.chicochildrensmuseum.org

Autumn Tradition

fall fun www.growingupchico.com 24 growing up chico magazine

Pilgrimage To The Pumpkin Patch: Make It An Annual Family Tradition!

By Christina Katz

very year, weeks before Halloween, we take a half-day pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch. Our local pumpkin farm is so festive that we usually go twice each season: once as a family and again with friends. Years ago, I was even brave enough to chaperone a field trip with super-enthusiastic elementary school students who could not have been prouder of their pumpkins they had just plucked right out of the patch. Pumpkins are bright globes of cheer against the muted shades and foreboding weather of autumn. Kids, from toddlers to teens, never tire of annual visits to pumpkin farms. While some farms keep things as simple as a roadside patch and pay station, others go all out and create a full harvest festival with animals, rides, bakeries, and shops. No matter how fancy the farm is, a visit to the pumpkin patch is good for the soul. It is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time in nature, take in the wide-open views, and enjoy the crisp fall air in fields dotted with pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Visit a local pumpkin farm every harvest season so your kids can witness the transformation of seeds planted in late spring into fields overflowing with produce. Supporting locally owned farms feels great and helps connect your family with nature and with each other. Here is how to make the most of each and every trip

Plan Ahead

Check the websites of local pumpkin farms in advance. Subscribe to farm newsletters to stay abreast of announcements. You cannot control the weather, but you can try to visit on discount days if your farm has any. Expect the farm to get increasingly busy as Halloween draws near, and plan accordingly. If you must go on peak days, arrive early to beat the crowds, and get the best parking spot. If your local pumpkin farm has a loyalty program, be sure to sign up. Leave strollers, pets, and food at home, and bring plenty of cash to purchase delicious seasonal snacks like kettle corn, caramel apples, and fresh doughnuts.

Make a Day of It

Purchasing a full-day, all-activity pass rather than individual tickets is usually the best value for your money. A petting zoo, a hay or corn maze, hayrides, face painting, food, and entertainment are all possibilities. If your children are of different ages, parents can split up to find age-appropriate activities and then meet up later for a bite to eat or to hit the pumpkin patch. Many working farms make a big chunk of their annual income during harvest season, so why not purchase some produce before you leave?

Expect to Get Dirty

Grab Photos

Bring Friends

Take Breaks

Don your blue jeans, flannels, and rain jackets because you are going to the country! Expect rain and mud, and you cannot go wrong. Hiking boots or rain boots are your best footwear for the farm. Portable umbrellas with hand straps are helpful if you have them. Or, if you will be out in the sun all day, you may need sunscreen for your face, neck, and arms. Toss a few beach towels in a bag in case you need to wipe yourself off afterward or cover car seats. They can also protect your car from muddy pumpkins on the ride home.

Spread your love of local farms by bringing friends to the pumpkin patch. What’s great about going back year after year is that you get to watch your children become old enough to try things they have looked forward to doing, like braving the haunted hay maze or driving the pedal carts. You might leave some activities behind as the years go by, like the petting zoo or the kiddy playground, and that’s okay. Just be sure to choose a farm that has age-appropriate activities for your kids and their guests. You can always visit more than one farm throughout the weeks-long harvest season.

You are unlikely to find as many photo ops anywhere as you will find at the pumpkin patch. Try getting down low in the patch and shooting upwards. Also, try standing on something and shooting downwards. Take shots yourself or hand your camera to a friendly passerby to capture your happy group. You are after the fun shots, not perfect shots. Do not forget candids. You can click three times per pose and edit out the duds later. If you know your kids will tire out, get photos early on and then put the camera away and enjoy the day.

At some farms, you will find as many activities as an amusement park! Let kids get their energy out on the playground before you expect them to wait patiently in lines. If the things you want to do are on opposite ends of the property, be prepared to build in some downtime, especially if you plan to stay all day. Grab your beach towels, or bring a blanket because you can usually find a shady spot under a tree where younger children can regroup with a nap or a little quiet time.

How To Pick a Pumpkin: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Avoid harvesting pumpkins after a frost. Find out when the first frost of the season is predicted in your area and get your pumpkins at least two weeks prior. Select pumpkins according to your needs. Is your pumpkin for cooking or for decoration? Cooking pumpkins are smaller and more solid than carving pumpkins. Grab a wheelbarrow or a wagon if your farm provides them. If you have a wagon or wheelbarrow, pick any size of pumpkins you like. If each child wants to carry their pumpkin, help them select a manageable size. Choose a carving pumpkin that feels firm and heavy for its size when you pick it up. Pumpkins do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so choose a pumpkin that is uniformly orange and not at all green with a nice, thick stem. A green stem indicates a freshly harvested pumpkin. Stems can be fragile, so do not lift or carry pumpkins by the stem. Avoid any pumpkins with soft or brown spots, holes, cracks, splits, wrinkles, or mold. The pumpkin shell should be uniformly hard to the touch all the way around the pumpkin. Be sure to check the bottom of the pumpkin and the side that was on the ground. Round or oval-shaped pumpkins are easier to carve and are full of seeds you can scoop out and roast. Put your pumpkins on a flat surface before you bring them home to make sure they will sit pretty without rolling over. Haul in a few extra pumpkins from the patch, just in case you have some rejects. Newer varieties of decorative pumpkins have a range of colors, shapes, and warts. When unsure about the quality, have a salesperson inspect your selections before you pay. Carved pumpkins last about two weeks. Once pumpkins start to decay, chop them up and add them to your compost. If you would like a volume of pumpkins to last until Thanksgiving, purchase less expensive pumpkins from your local grocery store right before Halloween, once they go on sale, and do not carve them.

fall fun www.growingupchico.com

Growing Up Chico’s Annual Pumpkin Patch Guide

Book Family Farm:

Book Family Farm is an oldfashioned pumpkin patch and sustainable farm. The farm is located 10 miles south of Chico. Chickens, pigs, cows, horses, and turkeys, as well as the Book family, look forward to your visit. Scheduled education field-trips are available. 153 Heavy Horse Ln, Durham 530-342-4375 www.Bookfamilyfarm.com

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Country Pumpkins:

Country Pumpkins is celebrating over 20 years of family fun for everyone! It is located on HWY 32, about 10 miles west of Chico, and 4 miles east of Orland. Explore a fiveacre pumpkin patch, a ten-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, a hay pyramid (with slide), country store, and a haunted maze at night. 7152 CA-32, Orland www.countrypumpkins.org

Patrick Ranch:

Come visit the pumpkin patch in Durham! Cost for admission is $5.00 per person, with children 12 years and under $3.00. The Ranch will have hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and educational tours and much more! 10381 Midway, Durham 530-342-4359 www.patrickranchmuseum.org

The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch:

The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch has a great selection of pumpkins and decorative gourds. Come out and pick the perfect one! Each weekend they will be hosting family-friendly games. Have fun with children’s activities, kids’ hay maze, and hayrides. Baked goods and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit their Facebook page for more details on activities that will be available. 3200 Bell Rd, Chico www.pspumpkinpatch.com

TJ Farms:

Each year, the Moss family opens their lovely home to the public for seasonal festivities - the most popular being the fall Pumpkin Patch. Come pick out a pumpkin on the farm’s lovely grounds! Take the kids for a wagon ride, have them sit on an old tractor, pet the farm animals, climb on the hay bale obstacle course, or visit the country store where they have farm fresh and gourmet products for sale. School and other groups are welcome. Please call ahead to schedule. Free admission & parking! 3600 Chico Avenue, Chico 530-343-2294 www.tjfarmsestates.com

Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

By Christina Katz

While everyone is carving pumpkins, offer a large bowl or pot for pumpkin pulp. When the bowl is half full, loosen the seeds with your hands and fill the pot to the three-quarters mark with water. The seeds will rise to the top. Squeeze them through your fingers to remove any clinging pulp as you transfer them to a colander to rinse again. Then, spread them on paper towels and pat dry. Set your oven to 325 degrees and transfer the seeds to cookie sheets in single layers. Sprinkle each pan of seeds with a tablespoon of olive oil and a few shakes of salt. Turn the seeds with a spatula every eight minutes until crispy on the outside and golden on the inside. The estimated roasting time is 20-30 minutes, but do not let seeds turn brown. Remove roasted seeds from the oven, cool, and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months.

fall fun

Welcome Fall! Check out all of the great things we have to look forward to this fall! Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm events. Check out our website for more events: growingupchico.com/calendar growingupchico.com/ongoingevents

Ongoing Events

www.growingupchico.com

Back to School Back to Giving Supply Drive Ongoing Until August 13th Bring school supplies to participating retailers, local businesses, and all Chico Marketplace events. Donate school supplies and be entered to win a $500 gift card. Get all details at ShopChicoMarketplace.com. All supplies are donated to local students in need. Thursday Night Market Every Thursday Until September 22nd Explore Downtown Chico’s Thursday Night Market on Broadway between 2nd and 4th Streets, including side streets, and the fabulous City Plaza! This festive, weekly market is a ton of fun and features a bounty of farm-fresh produce from CDFA certified farmers, mouth-watering prepared foods from food trucks, booths, and Downtown restaurants, handmade, local arts & crafts, and singer-songwriter entertainment for all ages. Held from 6–9 pm; for more info, visit www.downtownchico.com.

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Friday Night Concerts Every Friday Until October 7th Held in the Chico City Plaza from 7:00–8:30 pm, 418 Main Street. Downtown Oroville First Fridays Every First Friday Explore Downtown Oroville’s shops and restaurants during the monthly First Friday events hosted by the Downtown Oroville Business Association! During these themed events, select shops keep their doors open later and invite you to enjoy a night of shopping and festivities! Held from 4–8 pm. Oroville Fall Concerts In The Park Every Saturday Until October 22nd Join us at the new Amphitheater in Riverbend Park for the 2022 Fall Concerts in the Park series. We are excited to announce the return of these free-admission community events. Food Trucks & Local Vendors will be there! 2 pm - 6 pm, visit www.frrpd.com/concertsin-the-park for more details.

Community Kayaking Paddles 2022 Select Days Through October Recreation Staff at PRPD are excited to organize the Community Kayak Paddle schedule at Paradise Lake for the 2022 paddle season! This is an opportunity to connect with the water sports community in Butte County will be as fun and easy to access as it will be beautiful! Enjoy Paradise Lake at sunset as you polish up your paddling skills, watch the Bald Eagles soar over the lake, and cruise at a leisurely pace on the pristine water of this hidden gem on The Ridge. Held on August 21st, September 15th, and October 20th. Please visit www.paradiseprpd.com for more details. Walk on the Wild Side Animal Show Tuesday-Sunday Until August 14th Join us for a fun-filled educational wildlife show, and see animals showcasing their natural behaviors in a captivating and inspiring atmosphere. With great new animals this season, this show is one that you won’t soon forget. 11 am and 12 pm; for more info, visit www.turtlebay.org. Wings of Summer! Butterflies Daily Until August 14th Visitors view hundreds of butterflies in a tranquil, enclosed garden. Nestled in the Redwood trees of Wildlife Woods, the Butterfly House is the coolest place in the park! For more info, visit www.turtlebay.org.

AUGUST Enole’s Mothers Stroll Saturday, August 6th Join Enloe and other community organizations as we raise awareness for maternal mental health during World Breastfeeding Week! This FREE event for mothers and their families offers education and support in a fun and engaging ways. There will be refreshments, face painting, mental health resources, prizes, breastfeeding info, group latch-on, community connections, and more. ¡La información también está disponible en español! Biz Kidz Showcase Saturday, August 6th Sponsored by ChicoStart and Chico State, Center For Entrepreneurs, winning entrepreneurs will display their products and services from 11 am – 2 pm at Chico Marketplace. They will have face painting, character appearances, and raffles during the event. Awards will be handed out following the event at 2:15 pm. Visit shopchicomarketplace.com for more details. Family Movie Night Friday, August 12th Join us for our quarterly family movie night at Chico Marketplace. The movie will

begin at 6:30 pm. Get movie and character information at ShopChicoMarketplace.com. Chico Marketplace Kids Club Saturday, August 13th Join us for our monthly Kids Club. Bring back-to-school supply donations and enter to win a $500 Gift Card. Held from 1 pm – 2 pm. Register and get all details at ShopChicoMarketplace.com. Free Vaccine Event at Valley Oak Children’s Services Monday, August 15th Walk-ins are welcome; pre-registration is recommended to avoid wait times. English Registration Link: https://myturn.ca.gov/ screening?config=b7d7bbd6-90a4-43eb-bc4a3fc3533c4866 Spanish Registration Link: https://myturn.ca.gov/ screening?config=09b5b025-aedf-40b3-8de70a2b07ef1c25 Chico SummerFest Saturday, August 20th This year’s SummerFest is hosting three live music tribute bands, great food, corn hole, gambling tables, a kids zone, inflatables, games, vendors, shade, and fun-filled competitions (and more). Come dressed in your best Hawaiian-themed outfit. Partial proceeds will go to support the 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations known as the Chico Mighty Oaks Rugby Club, Hope Commons Church, and SOL Seed of Love. For tickets and more info, please visit www. blueskyfestivalsandevents.com. Hot August Apples Sunday, August 28th A uniquely curated group of small local business owners put on this event. The Sip and Shop at Lassen Cidery is always a fun time for the whole family. Find something for yourself, a friend, or a family member. There will be food vendors, sweets, cider, kids activity area, and so much more. All from 12-5 at Lassen Cidery 643 Entler Ave. Suite 52. Held from 12–5 pm. Bring the whole family. They will have a kids activity area and dogs are also welcome (well mannered please). Ride your bike and get a free ticket to our Treat Yourself Baskets (these are all worth at least $50 each!).

SEPTEMBER Scarecrow Building Contest Entry Period Thursday, September 1st – Thursday, September 15th Join Chico Marketplace for the 2nd annual Scarecrow Building Contest. Purchase your Scarecrow frame at Chico Marketplace from September 1st through 15th (while supplies last). The deadline to turn in your completed Scarecrow is Thursday, September 29th.

Scarecrows will be on display from October 1st – October 31st. Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 Scarecrows. Find out all the rules and get full event details at ShopChicoMarketplace.com. Movies In The Park - Sing 2 Friday, September 16th Come and enjoy this summer tradition! Bring a blanket or a low-back chair and sit under the stars while enjoying a family-friendly movie. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The movie starts 15 min. before sunset - official time TBD; please visit www.chicorec.com for more info. Durham High Ride 2022 Saturday, September 17th Help support the Durham High Cheer program by registering for this fun bike ride! Ride the 10, 30, or 60 mile ride. Visit www.bikesignup.com/ Race/CA/Durham/DurhamMiniFondofor more info. Fall Prevention And Senior Health Fair Sunday, September 25th Visit this health fair for our Chico Seniors! An opportunity to have your balance tested, canes or walkers checked, glasses and hearing aids cleaned, and educational opportunities for our seniors, caregivers, and family members to learn how to monitor and prevent falls in their home environments- no matter where they live! Visit www.chicorec.com for more info.

OCTOBER Downtown Oroville’s Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner Saturday, October 1st Restaurants without walls, Downtown Oroville’s outdoor farm-to-table experience brings the freshness of fields, orchards, and artisanal foods directly to your table. This lovely evening under the stars will feature locally sourced food prepared by Downtown Oroville chefs, along with classic cocktails and wine. For tickets and more info, visit www.downtownoroville.com.

Chico Reptile Show Saturday, October 8th The 9th Annual Chico Reptile Show is a great opportunity to experience reptiles up close and personal. Plus, vendors will have animals and merchandise for sale. Held at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. 29th annual 2022 Chico Walk to End Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Saturday, October 8th Join your community at Sycamore Field in Bidwell Park at 8:30 am for the 29th annual 2022 Chico Walk to End Alzheimer’s in support of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, their caregivers, and further research for a cure. Register your Walk Team TODAY at http://act.alz.org/Chico. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. They are moving forward with plans to host Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in person this fall. The health and safety of participants, staff, and volunteers remain top priorities as they make decisions about event details in your community, and they will continue to offer options to participate online and in your neighborhood. 31st Annual Chico Parade of Lights Saturday, October 15th The Parade begins @7:00pm w/floats, marching bands, horses, car clubs, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, and more! Visit www.chicoparadeoflights.com or find them on Facebook for a full schedule of events!

Johnny Appleseed Days Saturday & Sunday, October 1st & 2nd Local businesses will give demonstrations and display their wares, and Paradise will host artisans from all over the state and beyond selling a variety of handicrafts. The ever-popular children’s area will feature face painting, games for the young and old alike, and prizes. Johnny Appleseed will visit and tell stories. There will be continuous entertainment on both days. Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 10am-4pm at Terry Ashe Park, 6626 Skyway in Paradise. Free admission.

27th Annual Festival of Roses Saturday, October 29th The Butte Rose Society will host the 27th annual Festival of Roses at the Chico Community Center at 545 Vallombrosa Ave. in Chico. The doors to the free show will be open from 1 to 4 pm. Hundreds of roses, grown by local members, are expected at the judged show, so it is a great place to check out the plants that do well in the north state. And as rose growers say, the rose isn’t difficult to grow. There will be educational exhibits, photographs, and an arts and crafts section that must incorporate roses. The Butte Rose Society is a nonprofit, community-oriented, educational organization dedicated to the enjoyment of roses and is affiliated with the American Rose Society. For more information, see www.butte-rosesociety.org

Art & Wine Walk Friday, October 7th Kick-off the month-long art walk with an evening of wine and beer tastings, live art showcases, live music, and more beginning Friday, October 7th. The Art show will feature an exciting mixture of paintings, ceramics, and sculptures produced by local artists. www.downtownchico.com.

Chico Marketplace Pumpkin Decorating and Kids Costume Contest Saturday, October 29th Join the Chico Marketplace for their annual pumpkin decorating and kids costume contest. Space is limited; registration is $10 per family (max five per family). Get all the details at ShopChicoMarketplace.com.

Local Farmer’s Markets Saturday Chico, 7:30am-1:00pm Downtown Municipal Parking Lot at 2nd St. & Wall St. Open year round. Oroville Farmers Market, 8:00am to 1:00pm, Oroville Convention Center Parking Lot, 1735 Montgomery St. Open until the end of September. Monday Paradise Monday Farmers’ Market 4:30pm -7:30pm, 6848 Skyway. Every Monday until October 10th Wednesday Chico, 8:00am-1:00pm, North Valley Plaza Mall Parking Lot at Pillsbury Rd. Adjacent to Trader Joe’s, open year round. Oroville Hospital, 9:00am2:00pm at Dove’s Landing, 2450 Oro Dam Boulevard East. Open until the end of September. Thursday Chico, 6:00pm-9:00pm, Downtown Chico between Broadway and Main, held through September.

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www.growingupchico.com

directories

P re s c h o o l & Childcare Director y

Center

Ages

Hours

Curriculum

Contact

Butte County Office of Education Children’s Center Preschools

3-4 years

Part-Day 8:30-11:00 & 12:00-3:00 Monday-Friday

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

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

Chico Montessori Children’s House License # 045406630

2.9-5 years and potty trained

Half day & full day 8:30am11:30am/1:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm Monday-Friday

The goal of the Montessori approach is to help the child acquire the confidence and motivation he or she needs to fulfill his or her best potential! This is done by providing an environment with activities that fit the child’s individual needs, builds his/her interests, and nurtures his/her enthusiasm.

814 Glenn St 530-342-5518 www.chicomontessori.com montessorichico@gmail.com

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

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.

15 Overland Ct. 530-345-0123 littlesproutspreschool1@gmail. com

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!

Dorothy Johnson Center 775 East 16th St. 530-895-4711 www.chicorec.com/preschools

License # 045405784

Growing Up Chico’s Chico’s Business Directory

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. Magazine. 3 Little Birds: pg 14 Athletic Horizons: pg 12, 20 Azad’s Martial Arts Center: pg 11, 20 Barry R Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary: pg 12, 21 Bless Your Heart Mercantile: pg 12 Book Family Farm: pg 5 Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley: pg 20 CalSkate/Fun Land: pg 21 Catch It Quick Juggling Company: pg 20 Chico Area Recreation District: pg 22, 30 Chico Children’s Museum: pg 22 Chico Creek Dance Centre: pg 11, 21 Chico Montessori Children’s House: pg 5 Chico Parade of Lights: pg 2 Chico Pediatric Dentistry: pg 14 Chico Youth Rugby: pg 30 Children’s Choice Dental Care: pg 32 Country Pumpkins: pg 27 Danielle Hernandez, Fairway Independent Mortgage: pg 16 Durham Music Boosters: pg 11 First 5 Butte County: pg 7 Forebay Aquatic Center: pg 19, 21 Forest Ranch Charter School: pg 5 Funny Faces: pg 22

Girl Scouts of Northern California: pg 14 In Motion Fitness: pg 5 Inspire School of Arts & Sciences: pg 7 Jennifer Johnston, Personal Coach: pg 12 Kinetics Academy of Dance: pg 14, 21 Little Sprouts Preschool: pg 11 Mothers Strong Butte County: pg 16 Nor Cal Makers Marketplace: pg 29 Northern Valley Indian Health: pg 13 Patrick Ranch: pg 27 Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch: pg 9 Reptile Show: pg 16 Sherwood Montessori: pg 9 Sierra Nevada Connections: pg 19 Snapshots Photobooth: pg 22 Spun Organic Cotton Candy: pg 13, 21 Supportive Conceptions Surrogacy Agency: pg 3 Sweet Chico: pg 7, 22 Terrain Park: pg 13, 22 TJ Farms: pg 12 Valley Oak Children’s Services: pg 23 Vision Training Center: pg 16 Youthful Smiles Dentistry: pg 13