san diego
January 2013
The Best of Nor th County for Kids & Their Families
Post-Holiday Detoxifying Cleanse
MOM to MOM
BOOK REVIEW
Celeb Parent New Years Resolutions
pg. 20
HELPING THE TRANSITION: FROM OLD NANNY TO NEW
pg. 24
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
pg. 12
Do You Need Help With Your Picky Eater? sdnor thcountykids.com
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Great Dental Group
from me to YOU! Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and Santa brought you everything you asked for. The world did not end on December 21st which put me in a bind because I had to get all of my shopping done in 3 days. But I was glad it didn’t end because there are so many fun things in North County I am looking forward to doing this year, as I am sure you are too! Our resolution at North County Kids is to make sure that you know about all of these fun things in our monthly Events Calendar.
www.childrensprimarydental.com www.greatdentalgroup.com
I always think of January as the month of endless possibilities and a happy start to another 365 days! The New Year is also always a great time to change those bad habits, or pick up some extra good ones; the feeling in the air is fresh, new, and ready for anything! With that mindset, this issue is “bulked up” with some great New Years-inspired features such as a Post-Holiday Detox plan and New Years Trend Alert thanks to Noni Salon, Boutique & Spa. We also hear from our helpful book worm in the Mom to Mom Book Review and tackle a heavy subject with Down to Earth Dad. As always, we have some very talented young North County-ers that we spotlight in our Surfer of the Month, Skateboarder of the Month, and North County Kid of the month so be sure to check them out too! Enjoy!
It’s all about
FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/NorthCountyKids. Be sure to “like” our page and stay tuned for some awesome upcoming giveaways. Our page is full of fun craft and recipe ideas, as well as what local events you just can’t miss! Facebook is a wonderful way to stay connected and we promise to do our best to keep you up to date with all things North County, while entertaining you at the same time!
Kate Schlicher
kate@sdnorthcountykids.com
www.Facebook.com/MyGreatDentist This month I taking a trip to the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA! For over 50 years, this YMCA has been serving the communities of recommend . . . Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley and Rancho Santa Fe with quality fitness facilities that include: eight
fitness areas, two pools, basketball courts, soccer arenas and over 180 free fitness classes. The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA is more than just a gym and prides themselves in providing the SD community with the best childcare options in the County. From preschool to camps, to after-school care and teen programs, nurturing and enriching the youth in our community is at the heart of their mission. Nestled on a 20-acre plot of ocean view property, this facility also provides access to Americaʼs finest Skate Park. Whether you live near the YMCA, or might need to take a little drive to it, Iʼm sure you will not be disappointed by the abundance of services and friendly staff that will greet you. Go in, take a tour, and do yourself (and your family) a favor and learn more!
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Catie Welsh 9 27 7 issue spotlight 5
North County Kid of the Month -
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Down to Earth Dad Gets Serious Pinterest - New Years! Surfer of the Month -
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Trend Alert - New Years Fashion Local Events Calendar How to End Picky Eating Spotted! Celeb Parent Tracker: What is your New Years Resolution? Kids & Their Pets Mom to Mom - Book Review Skater of the Month - Cristian Ritchart Aura Skateboard Training Facility: Custom Ramps How to Transition Old to New Nanny The Rock Church It’s Time to Welcome in a New Year! Homemade Kale Chips -
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A Gentle Post-Holiday Detoxifying Cleanse Hero of the Month - Angela Brannon Encinitas Country Day School: Q&A
Catie Welsh
Christopher Murnane
Graphic Design by Krista Connolly • designkcy.com • facebook.com/designkcy Advertising Inquiries: • info@sdnorthcountykids.com • {760} 452-0789
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North County Kid of the Month: Catie Welsh, 13 years old Januar y 2013
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The Center for a Healthy Lifestyle
Stats:
North County Kid of the Month! Hometown: San Diego Age: 13 Grade: 8th School: San Elijo Middle School Hobbies: Drawing, baking, camping, surfing, photography & reading Favorite Food: Pizza & Lobster Favorite thing about living in North County: The weather & having the beach so close!
Catie Welsh is no ordinary 8th grader. Her love of photography took off in August of last year when she started experimenting with digital editing and putting her personal touch on ordinary photos. In a very short time, Catie has become an incredibly creative talent and continues to impress everyone with her photography and editing skills. When Catie is not taking photographs she enjoys using her artistic flair to create and sell cakes (mmm!) which she likes to refer to as “edible art”. Weʼre sure Catieʼs creativity & talent will take her far! Continue to look for her photos in upcoming issues of NCK!
When did you first realize your love for photography? I've always loved taking pictures, but I started digital editing in Aug 2012. What is it about photography that you love? It captures a perfect moment. I usually forget a lot of moments so the perfect way to remember is to have a picture What are your favorite styles of photography? Any favorite famous photographers? Any usually. Making weird and creative edits are one of my favorites! I like dramatic pictures with depth. I've also been told I'm good with action shots. And I don't really know any famous photographers haha. What are you favorite things to shoot and why? Usually people surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Do you plan on doing something professionally with your photography skills? If so, what would be your “dream job” involving photography? No, everyone expects that however. It's more of a fun hobby. What is, in your mind, the best camera for taking photos with? Definitely the Canon Rebel XSi! Do you currently sell any of your photos? Maybe on Etsy? No, only because my photos are normally of my friends. But I may in the future! We also hear that you bake cakes and sell them, tell us more about that! I started baking when I watched Cake Boss and my cousin got into as well. I really enjoy it because itʼs edible art! Although I've sold only a few cakes, I've made more for free. Where can your new fans find out more information and keep up- to -date on your photo adventures? My pictures can be found on instagram @timeless_as_infinity and my drawings are posted on an account called @infinity_drawings sdnor thcountykids.com
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Year ! Happy New ss? , take a Whatever you’re working on
tion? More exercise? Less stre nd on What’s your New Years resolu aging posters, & silliness we fou our enc s, ing say rs Yea w Ne second to check out these fun
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The Down to Earth Dad Gets Serious When I sat down to compose this month’s column I had intended to write something whimsical about New Year’s resolutions, but then I turned on my computer and saw the breaking news about the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, and after that I couldn’t put pen to paper on anything humorous. I have to confess, I'm struggling more with this particular school shooting than I have with similar incidents in the past. I suspect this time I am finding it more difficult because the children who were killed were all in first grade and I have a son and a daughter who are about the same age. I can’t comprehend what the parents who lost their children are going through. I suppose you can only really understand their pain if you've lost a child yourself. But as a parent of children of a similar age I at least have a frame of reference for their suffering; I know how much I love my kids and just the thought of them being taken away from me is simply unimaginable. After I heard about the shooting I didn't really know what to do, so I went to the mall and bought my kids more Christmas presents. My wife and I were already done with our shopping, but the kids were at school and I couldn't hug them, so that's what I did. And as I was walking around the mall I just kept thinking about the children who were killed and their parents. Did any of the little girls who died in the shooting want an America Girl doll for Christmas like my daughter? Did any of the little boys killed at the school want packages of LEGO mystery figures like my son? I wandered if the parents of the slain children had already bought Christmas presents for their kids, and if those presents were sitting in a closet, waiting for a festive day that will never happen? In the days immediately following the shooting I did my best to avoid news coverage of the incident - it was just too painful to watch. But despite my best efforts I did see a few things - like one photo of a little boy who was killed. His name was Daniel Barden. He was only 7 and he was missing his two front teeth. My son is 7 and he too is missing his two front teeth. Seeing Daniel Barden's photo really hit me hard. At some point I am sure my kids will ask “Dad, why do bad things happen in the world?” I am trying to prepare the answer to this question in advance. Because dad is supposed to have all the answers, right? If I can't explain this question maybe they'll see a chink in the old man's armor. But right now I am struggling for an answer to that question. I keep singing the U2 song Sunday Bloody Sunday to myself. If you are not familiar with this song it's about the ongoing violence in Northern Ireland. There is line of the song that goes "How long, how long must we sing this song?" Well, I don't want to sing this song anymore. I don't want to turn on the TV and see a report of another school shooting. And this brings up another question I am struggling with: how can we realistically as a society prevent something like this from happening in the future? Life is hard when you don't have the answers to the tough questions. And while I might not be able to explain why bad things happen in the world or how we can prevent more school shootings in the future, I do know this – the fact that my son keeps leaving his bike outside all night and my daughter lost her new iPod just don’t seem like that big of deal anymore.
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Check out more parenting laughs on our board “A Good Laugh” on our Pinterest page, pinterest.com/northcountykids/ . Januar yNorth County Kids is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Pinterest, Inc. Pinterest is a registered trademark of Cold Brew Labs, Inc. DBA Pinterest Corporation. 2013
Down to Earth Dad is a lawyer by day and youth soccer coach by night. He lives in Carlsbad with his wife and two kids.
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A is for APP
Presented by
Check out some of our favorite apps.! From helpful to entertaining, weʼre sure youʼll be downloading one soon! Run Keeper: Cost: FREE
Join the more than 12 million people who are using RunKeeper to turn their phone into a personal trainer in their pocket! Track your runs, walks, bike rides, hikes, and more using the GPS in your iPhone. Track your fitness activities and have fun doing it: - See detailed stats about your pace, distance, and time. - Get stats, progress, and coaching through your headphones with built-in audio cues. - Listen and control your music while you work out. - Measure your heart rate with many available sensors. - Take pictures along the way to share and save while you go.
Sleep Talk Recorder: Cost: $0.99
Did you say something in your sleep last night? A lot of people did. 50% of kids between the ages of 3 and 10 carry on whole conversations during the night. As we grow older the figure goes down to about 5%. Some people talk occasionally, some every night. Afraid of revealing secrets? Afraid of missing brilliant Da Vinci ideas you dream about? Or are you just looking for rock solid evidence that your partner snores? Sleep Talk Recorder monitors your sleep, but it's not just an ongoing recording. An advanced filtering function qualifies sounds and triggers Sleep Talk Recorder technology in a millisecond.
Toca Hair Salon: Cost: $1.99 - Let your child be a hair stylist for a day! Choose between six cute characters and cut and style them in whatever way you want. They make funny faces and sounds while you style them. If feels like you're cutting real hair! But without the cleaning up afterwards of course. And with the magic potion G.R.O. you can grow all the hair back again whenever you want. Drive Safe.ly: Cost: FREE - DriveSafe.ly is the solution to texting while driving. Instead of completely blocking you incoming messages, DriveSafe.ly
actually reads your text messages, calls or emails aloud. By reading to you, the app eliminates that urge to grab your cell phone and take your eyes off the road for a split second. Best of all, it automatically responds to recipients for you (with a pre-set response) or allows you to respond by voice, totally hands-free.
Google Maps: Cost: FREE - Itʼs back! Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-
use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more. Use Google Maps to discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust. Sign in to save your favorite places and quickly access all your past searches and directions from your computer, right on your phone.
Oh, The Pets You Can Get: Cost: $3.99 - Join Sally and Dick on a tour of the faraway land of Gerpletz to learn how to feed, shelter and care
for your pets! With the Cat in the Hat as your guide, you'll visit the Play with Your Pet Park, the Finer Pet Diner, and the Pets of Gerpletz TV show, learning fun facts along the way. Playful puppies, purring kittens, and flying birds bring the pages to life as children learn about animal behavior and how to keep pets happy and healthy. Look for information cards from Thing 1 and Thing 2 which teach pet safety, and find out more about each animal by tapping on instant glossary words throughout the story.
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r e h p o t s i r h C
e n a n Mur
Surfer of the Month
Grade: 11 School: Carlsbad High Age: 16 Hometown: Carlsbad Stance: Goofy Sponsors: Electric Visual, Surfride, Superbrand Surgboards Started Surfing (year): 2007 Starting Competing (year): 2009 Hobbies: Eating, reading, spending time with friends Favorite Surf Spot: Oceanside Harbor Long board or short board: Shortboard How has living in North County, even San Diego in general, affected your surfing career? There are fun waves pretty much every day of the year so I'm able to surf a lot. Who are some local pros and companies that have helped you in your achievements? How? Superbrand Surfboards has helped me out with boards and I ride for the store Surfride as well. Gotta give props to Kahuna Bob of the Valley Middle School surf team for without him I probably wouldn't be surfing. Any advice to other surfers out there looking to improve their skills? I think the best way to improve is to just go surf more. What’s your favorite part about surfing? Why? The surf's different every day and each session is always new and exciting. Have you ever had any shark run-ins? Other sea creatures? I've seen about two sharks since I've began surfing but never had anything very frightening happen to me. Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years? The ocean. Who is your favorite pro-surfer? Anyone who is working hard and killing it while making it look effortless. Parko comes to mind, Jack Freestone as well. Where is your go-to surf gear shop? Surfride in either Oceanside or Solana beach. They've been around since 1974 and have the widest selection of all things surf on the market. What’s the biggest wave you’ve ever surfed (feet)? 7 foot
Presented by
www.sixell.com
Trend Alert New Year Fashion presented by
Career Highlights: 1. Placed 2nd in NSSA Explorer Juniors in Westerns 2. Currently ranked in top 10 in NSSA Open Mens and Explorer Juniors 3. Won SSS contests #1 and #3 this season
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Here at NONI we believe, Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others. Everyone who comes to Noni is like our family, and we want our customers to feel right at home. - Paige Shores & Tawnya Proctor • 704 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 • 760.632.8852
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facebook.com/pages/NONI-Salon-Boutique-Spa
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what’s happening January 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Polar Bear Swim Meet on the lawn at La Jolla Shores 10am Community potluck www.lajollacoveswimclub.com Del Mar Holiday Lights *Last night Largest animated drive-through light show, 400 displays Del Mar Fairgrounds 5:30pm - 10pm $15 - $20 per car www.holidayoflights.com Escondido Farmers Market 2:30pm - 6pm Grand Ave., Downtown Escondido Every Tuesday (760) 839 - 4880 Skating by the Sea Outdoor ice-skating rink by the ocean Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado 3-hour sessions (2pm & 6pm daily) $25/adult, $20/kids 10 and under 2-hour matinee (11am): $20/adults $15/kids ages 10 and younger Option to pre-purchase tickets online: hoteldel.com/holidays.aspx (619) 435-6611 Ongoing until January 5
Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Free Tuesdays FREE admission to Balboa Park museums Museums vary each week For SD locals, active military and families 1549 El Prado, San Diego (619) 239 - 0512
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JANUARY 2013
January 2-4
The New Childrenʼs Museum Winter Day Camp 9am - 4pm $45/day for members $55/day for non-members 200 West Island Ave., San Diego (619) 233 - 8792 Winter Adventure Camp Boys & Girls Club or San Dieguito & The Center for a Healthy Lifestyle Half & Full day options Ages 5 - 15 Basketball, Holiday Cooking, Little Glee Superstars, Hip Hop etc. (858) 720-2180 www.positiveplacesd.org Winter Art Camp San Diego Zoo 9am - 4pm (619) 231-1515 $48/members, $51/non-members
January 2-8
Free Enrichment Classes Fitness, dance, music, art, & more The City of San Marcos Community Service www.san-marcos.net
January 3
Walking Thursdays With Coffee & Whine Magee Park, 258 Beech Ave. Carlsbad 9:30am Every Thursday coffeeandwhinelife.com
January 5
Heart of the City Hike San Marcos Community Center 3 Civic Center Dr., San Marcos 3 mile hike (7 mile hike also offered) 8:30am - registration
9am - hike starts (760) 744 - 9000 Families Make History San Dieguito Heritage Museum 450 Quail Gardens Dr. Encinitas 12- 4pm; FREE Hands-on history activities for families sdheritage.org/index.html Java Mama: Dance Party! 9880 Hibert St. Scripps Ranch 3:30pm FREE with $2.50 play www.javamama.com
January 12-13
Scholastic Surf Series South Pier Beach SAT: Orange County Middle Schools SUN: Division 1 & 2 Coastal High Schools 7am- 4pm (760) 518 - 2727 www.surfsss.org
January 13
Target Free Second Sunday The New Childrenʼs Museum 200 West Island Ave. in downtown San Diego. 10am- 4pm
January 13-18 January 8-9
PUSD- Choir Winter Concert: Bernardo Heights Middle School Poway Center for the Performing Arts 15498 Espola Rd. Poway (858) 449 - 9599 Jan 8th: 7pm, Jan 9th: 6 & 7:30pm
January 12
KinderTots: Shaping Up with Replies! San Diego Zoo Meet and learn about reptiles 10 -11am; $12/participant Reservations required: (619) 557 - 3962 * Also January 19 & 26 Free Teen Night Out Community Park 13094 Civic Center Drive Poway, 92064 4pm -9:30pm Teens grades 6th -9th Advanced registration required (858) 668 - 4671
San Diego Restaurant Week Discounted prix fixed menus from more than 180 SD restaurants No tickets required www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
January 13
Petco Walk/Run/Wag 5K9 Wyland Center 7am- 2pm 5K starts at 8am 1-mile starts at 9am Pet and Fitness Expo www.walkrunwag.com (760) 635 - 1795
January 14
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Parade begins at 2pm at the downtown SD Bay waterfront Musical bands, floats, & drill teams Parade from Embarcadero from N. Harbor Dr. south to Pacific Highway Free, (619) 264 - 0542
January 16
Tots & Tales at San Diego Humane Society North Campus 572 Airport Rd. Oceanside 10:30am, $3/child (619) 243 - 3432 www.sdhumane.org
January 18
Family Friday Lux Art Institute 1550 S. El Camino Real Encinitas 1pm - 4pm Recommended for kids 4+ Free for members $5/non-members (760) 436 - 6611
January 18-20
The Del Mar Antique Show Del Mar Fairgrounds: OʼBrian Hall Fri & Sat 11am-7pm Sun 11am-5pm Adults $8, $5 with coupon 17 & younger free with accompanying adult Parking $9 www.calendarshows.com (800) 943 - 7501
January 19
SEA Days Underwater Parks Day FREE admission to Scripps Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla 11am - 3pm (858) 534 - 3474 Wellness Week Festival Encinitas Library (Wellness Week lasts January 19-26) (760) 943 - 1950
January 20
4th Annual Mitchell Thorp 5K Walk/Run Poinsettia Park 6600 Hidden Valley Rd, Carlsbad Walk beings at 10am
Kids games, raffle, & entertainment www.mitchellthorp.org California International Young Artists Competition (CIYAC) Winners Concert California Center for the Arts Escondido 2pm; $10-20 www.artcenter.org
January 21:
Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Free Art in the Park Series Free crafts and family fun Poway Community Park Auditorium Patio 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway 10am -12pm (858) 668 - 4671
January 21-27
January 25-26
Scholastic Surf Series SAT: SD Middle Schools, Army Navy Academy SUN: SD Division 5 High Schools, La Jolla Shores www.surfsss.org/
January 26
Grom Bomb Surf Contest South Pier Beach, Oceanside 7am- 3pm www.ci.oceanside.ca.us
January 25-27
Home Improvement Show Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center & OʼBrien Hall Fri & Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 10am-5pm FREE admission Parking $9 www.showsusa.net (800) 999 - 5450
January 26
January 23-27
Just Us Girlz! Personal enrichment event, girls 10 - 15 yrs old San Marcos Community Services 9am - 2pm San Marcos Community Center 3 Civic Center Drive Deadline to register is Thursday, Jan. 24. $25/residents, $30/non-residents (760) 744 - 9000
January 24-27
Free 5th Annual Big Bay Whale Festival The Port Pavillion Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego FREE family community event Bounce house, face painting, live sea creatures (619) 686 - 8027
Farmers Insurance Open 2013 Torrey Pines Golf Course 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd. La Jolla (858) 535 - 4500 $20 -$130 www.farmersinsuranceopen.com Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream Valley View Casino Center Wed.- Fri. 7pm Sat & Sun 11am, 3pm, 7pm $12.50 - $62.50 valleyviewcasinocenter.com California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents Aladdin Jr. Thurs & Fri: 7:30pm Sat: 2:30 & 7:30pm Sun: 12pm & 5pm www.artcenter.org
Kids Marathon Mile LegoLand, Carlsbad 8am race start from Legoland parking lot Kids 12 and under
January 27
Carlsbad Marathon 6:15am start Carlsbad Half Marathon 7:45am start *Both races start at the Westfield Plaza, El Camino Real www.carlsbadmarathon.com Encinitas Country Day School 25th Anniversary Open House Celebration Manchester Campus 3616 Manchester Ave. Encinitas (760) 942 - 1111 12:30pm-4:30pm www.ecdschools.org Happy Moms, Healthy Families Luncheon With Dr. Harvey Karp Hyatt Regency La Jolla 3777 La Jolla Village Dr. 12pm-3pm $65-$100/ticket (adults only) Dr. Harvey Karp will speak about his approach to effectively parent toddlers happymoms.eventbrite.com San Diego Symphony: Family Festival Concert The Magic of Mozart Copley Symphony Hall 750 B St., San Diego 2pm (619) 235 - 0804 $15- $25/ticket *Pre-concert activities start at 1pm: Musical petting zoo, meet a musician, young musicians perform, and more! Classics 4 Kids Family Concert: “Mariachi Mania” Balboa Theater 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego 7pm (619) 570 - 1100 Music, dance, and son of Mexico!
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Rhymes & Reading Storytime
Escondido Public Library Turrentine Room 239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido 11am-11:55am Miss Merrily Cox sings, tells stories, & fingerplays for pre-readers Ages 4-5 (7600 839-4837 Preschool Yoga Encinitas Library 540 Cornish Dr. Encinitas 1pm Ages 3- 4 30- minute class: yoga poses, songs, nursery rhymes (760) 753-7376
January 29
January 30
Love Your Lagoon
San Marcos Library 2 Civic Center Dr., San Marcos 11am Parent and baby sign language class Infants-Toddlers (760) 891-3000
Carlsbad City Library Dove Meeting Room 1775 Dove Ln., Carlsbad 3:30pm Grades K+ Sign-ups required Learn about lagoons with fun facts and activities (760) 602-2047
Puzzle Mania
Teen Movie & Pizza Night
Baby and Me Sign Language
Georgina Cole Library 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad Cole Community Room 3:30pm Grades K-5 Celebrate National Puzzle Day! (760) 434 -2897
Pre-School Craft Del Mar Library 1309 Camino Del Mar Del Mar 11am Preschool craft, ages 3-5 (858) 755-1666
End Picky Eating helps picky eaters learn to enjoy new foods by using the S.O.S. (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to feeding. Children enjoy this play-based approach in one-on-one therapy sessions or group therapy sessions while parents receive the support and education they need through webinars and coaching. PERFECT FOR: Tricky Toddlers, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders
Enjoy a FREE 30 minute phone consultation today! Becky Miksic, OTR/L, T-NLP, T-TET, CHt Becky@EndPickyEating.com 619.846.1196 • EndPickyEating.com * Receive 50% off of any follow-up webinar when you register for the introductory webinar scheduled for February 5th 12pm-1:30pm or the 6th from 7pm-8:30pm * Follow-up webinars: Sensory and Behavior: Understanding why your child won't eat and what you can do to help (2 sessions) & Introducing New Foods In a Way That Leads to Success (2 sessions).
Price: 3 services for $50 *Includes party bag*
A La Cart Prices $20 ea. *12 years & under
Groups of 6 or more receive 15% off
Bellisima Day Spa *May upgrade to include shampoo & style dry or styling with flat iron or curling iron*
Plan Your Daughterʼs Next BirthdayParty at Bellissima!
Spa Party Includes: * Manicure * Feather Hair Extensions (Color Bug or Braid)
* Skincare/Makeup Introduction
Visit us online! www.bellissima-spa.com Call us for more info: (760) 480- 5668
Januar y 2013
Do people tell you, “If he's hungry enough he'll eat,” but you know this is not true for your child?
Signing Storytime with Tamara Vista Library 700 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista 10:30am Singing, learning, and signing Babies, Toddlers & Families welcome (760) 643-5100
Special Package
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Are you tired of cooking your picky eater a separate dinner?
January 31
Poway Library 13137 County Highway S4 Poway 4pm Watch a comedy and have pizza Grades 6-12 (858) 513-2900
Open 7 Days, 122 East Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA
Have meals become a battle with your picky eater?
Is your child a picky eater? Becky Miksic, Owner of End Picky Eating
January 28
Many parents consider their child to be a “picky eater.” Occasional pickiness is fine as long as parents donʼt encourage it by only offering the most preferred foods. Children who eat the same foods over and over eventually “burn out” on once preferred foods. If these foods get dropped permanently from an already restricted diet then a child will need professional intervention to regain a sustaining diet. End Picky Eating offers webinars and on-demand classes to help prevent picky eating as well as classes and therapy for children who have significantly limited diets. Signs that your child can benefit from intervention: 1. Not weaning completely from baby food by 16 months 2. Eating only soft foods and/or crunchy foods that turn soft in the mouth after minimal chewing (chips, crackers, cookies) 3. Ongoing poor weight gain or weight loss 4. Dropping foods from the diet 5. Aversion/avoidance of all foods in a specific texture group or food group. Interesting Facts About Eating 1. Children go through more than 15 steps before they eat a new food. Picky eaters and problem feeders often require more than 30 steps before eating a new food and children on the Autism Spectrum often require well over 50 steps! 2. Eating is a learned behavior after age 6 months. This means that with guidance from a feeding specialist picky eaters can LEARN to eat a wide variety of foods efficiently. 3. Itʼs a myth that children will eat if they are hungry enough. If a child has an eating problem the child needs help to learn how to eat successfully and starving the child will only make things worse. In fact 6-10% of children choose to starve every day because breathing and feeling stable are innately higher priorities than eating. Testimonials “Brady finally ate a grilled cheese sandwich again!!! Just want to let you know that he really likes and trusts you. I truly see the best in him when we are with you.” – Bradyʼs mom “Thank you for all you have done for our family. You have been a blessing in our lives. Thank you so much.” – Stevenʼs mom
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Celeb Parent Tracker
Mom Tiffany and sons Brayden, 5, Dustin, 9, and Brookes, 13, get in the Chrtistmas spirit at a Holiday Festival in Escondido.
What is your New Years Resolution?
“I’m considering taking up a bad habit now, so I can quit it on New Years.”
Matthew Broderick
“To get rid of anything that’s toxic. Guys, people, attitudes, anything I don’t like. Anything that’s not going the right way is out.”
Kelly Killoren Bensimon
“I don’t do New Years resolutions. I feel like anything that you can do on New Years, if it’s important enough to do it on New Years, start right now today. If you save it until New Years, it means you should have done it 8 months ago!” Will Smith
"My resolution is to shatter negative elements in my life and revel in the ones that help me flourish…with the ability to differentiate."
m!! Yumm
Mer r y Christmas!
Grace and Madeline, both 15, are bringing the Christmas spirit to the Christmas on Maple event in Escondido by passing out 500 tasty gingerbread men, all generously donated by A Delight of France! (www.ADeligtofFrance.com)
ister s Smiling S
! d e t t o p S
Sisters Zoe, 7, Lacey, 5, and Rylee, 4, make the perfect Christmas card while enjoying a fun filled day in North County.
Famil y Fu
n!
Kirstie Alley
Brother and sister Savione, 12, and Alysia, 10, flash their pearly whites in front of a festive Christmas tree in San Diego.
Say Chees
"To push the limits a little more when it comes to fashion design." Her personal goal: "Be nicer to Scott!"
Kourtney Kardashian
“To be the best father I can be.” "Ok new year resolution broken...damn this cucumber Woody Harrelson martini is good!"
Lisa Vanderpump
"I like to kiss a year goodbye and welcome another one because every day is just something new and exciting."
Jon Bon Jovi Uncle Will enjoys the “winter” weather in Carlsbad with his nephews Talan, 6, and Blake, 4.
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Two and a half year old twins, Avery and Bella, steal the spotlight with their matching outfits and adorable smiles!
e!
Double the Fun! sdnor thcountykids.com
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Kids & Their Pets
Sponsored by
Baby Carson, 5 months old, “hangs out” with the family pup, Roxy Roo! Ella, 2, enjoys a lap full (literally!) of her familyʼs long-haired dachshund, Mac.
Stacy, 6, loves spending time with her feathery friend, Chirp! 18
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Alexa, 9, takes her dog Elvis for a quick run in the park after a rainy day. sdnor thcountykids.com
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I give this book an A
Do You See A Trend Here?
Free Preschool, Community Development Institute Serving Encinitas I Solana Beach. CDI Head Start is a non-profit, federally funded preschool for children ages 3 - 5 residing in zip codes: 92023, 92024, 92007, 92075, 92091, 92014, 92130. We offer flexible hours, nutritious meals, a variety of educational activities, social/emotional development, and kindergarten readiness skills. (10% of funding goes towards special needs of children with disabilities.) Foster children are welcome.
STIFF: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach Who knew there were so many things a dead body could do?! Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers is a fascinating, and often funny, book about many of the possibilities in which a human body can be used. Such as being able to tell how accurate car safety crash tests are, how (or if) a person would be able to survive a plane crash, or my favorite, for crime scene investigation purposes. You didn’t have to ace your high school anatomy class (or even have taken one) to understand the amazing things our bodies can do, even if we’re no longer using them ourselves. And the way Mary Roach writes is so engrossing, I completely forgot I was reading non-fiction, and learning about something I would not have otherwise given a second thought to.
Valid with coupon only. Not valid on beverages, cookies, Premium Salad Toppers, To Go à la carte, or with any other discount/offer. Not valid at Field Kitchen or Express locations.
QCS/Head Start Co-op 1508 Windsor Rd., Cardiff (760) 942-3240 or (760)635-2600 Ask for Deeva Rivera
2240 Encinitas Blvd., Ste. H, Encinitas (760) 635-2600
I give this book a B+
Megan Rath is a wife and mom of a 7 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. She is the organizer of the Hip Chicks Book Club... www.meetup.com/hipchicksbookclub, a large group of diverse women of all ages that meets in North County every month. A native of North County all her life, she currently lives in Vista.
Top 10 New Years Resolutions
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We have a partnership with Quality Childrenʼs Services at the Cardiff location. CDI Head Start qualifying family will be able to receive extended hour services for a minimal fee. Now CDI Head Start Locations: Accepting Applications! Cardiff - Children Atelier Center
Encinitas Head Start
Januar y 2013
Expires 1/31/13 2 adults & up to 2 children (10 & under) After 4 p.m.
For location nearest you visit www.souplantation.com
The Forgotten Garden is the story of Nell, a little girl found in a shipyard in Australia with no memory of how she got there. After being secretly raised by the dock master and his wife, Nell discovers that she isn’t biologically related to her family, and she suffers dearly from it. She leaves, and begins to search for where she came from. After Nell’s passing, her granddaughter Cassandra takes over solving the family mystery. This was the type of book I would read again. If you like anything having to do with mysteries, romance, or historical fiction, The Forgotten Garden does not disappoint. The only issue I had getting into this book was that the dates jumped around from 1913 to 2005, and all over in between, but otherwise I could hardly put it down. If you liked this book, I recommend The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, and also The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett, because of its parallels to this book.
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21.99
Family Dinner
L01004
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Motron
Do you have an opinion about one of these books that you’d like to share? Or what about any great books that you want to recommend to our readers? Email us: info@sdnorthcountykids.com Read along with the Hip Chicks Book Club and start reading their current book, A Game of Thrones and see what they have to say about it in our February issue! Happy Reading!
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Leucadia Head Start
616 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas (760) 436-4800 Solana Beach Head Start
936 Genevieve St., Solana Beach (858) 509-2600
1. Lose Weight 2. Get Organized 3. Spend Less, Save More 4. Enjoy Life to the Fullest 5. Stay Fit & Healthy 6. Learn Something Exciting 7. Quit Smoking 8. Help Others in Their Dreams 9. Fall in Love 1o . Spend More Time with Family
New Years Resolution Statistics
Source: University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2012.
What Are YOU Reading?
Enjoy our mom-to-mom book review page written by the organizer of North County based Hip Chicks Book Club, & see what books were real page turners and which one are better left on the shelf!
Tossed Salads Cut Produce Baked Muffins Made Soups & Pastas
Age Success Rates
People who usually make their New Year’s Resolutions . . . 45% People who infrequently make their New Year’s Resolutions . . . 17% People who absolutely never make their New Year’s Resolutions . . . 38%
People in their 20’s who achieve their resolution. . . 39% People over 50 who achieve their resolution. . . 14%
Types of Resolutions
Length of Resolutions
Self Improvement or education related resolutions. . . 47% Weight related resolutions . . . 38% Money related resolutions . . . 34% Relationship related resolutions . . . 31%
Resolution maintained through first week. . . 75% Past two weeks. . . 71% Past one month. . . 64% Past six months. . . 46%
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NAME: Cristian Ritchart AGE: 14 HOMETOWN: Vista STANCE: Goofy SPONSORS: Tragedy Skateboards STARTED SKATING: 3 years old STARTED COMPETING: 11 years old FAVORED DISCIPLINE: Mini Ramps
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Aura Skateboard Training Facility Aura Skateboarding Company provides skateboarding environments outside of the nearly 10,000 square ft. skateboard training facility located at 1074 La Mirada Court in Vista. Jim Bell has been designing & building high quality skateboard ramps & grindboxes for over half of his life. Below you will find a sampling of what they offer. They also build custom ramps to fit any need or dream! We encourage you to visit their facility & collaborate with the friendly people at Aura on your future skateboard ramp or grindbox. We’re sure you’ll be the envy of your neighborhood!
auraskateboarding.com • (760) 542-0232
PRICE LIST: SPRING/ SUMMER 2013 GRIND BOXES 12” tall x 3’ wide x 6’ long . . . . . . $249 12” tall x 3’ wide x 8’ long . . . . . . $299
career highlights: 3rd @ YMCA contest series 12 - 14 yr old division 2nd @ Aura Skatepark in the best trick contest on the rail
QUARTER PIPES
HALF PIPES
2’ tall x 4’ wide x 4’ long . . . . . . $299 3’ tall x 6’ wide x 6’ long . . . . . . $399
3’ tall x 6’ wide x 18’ long . . . . . . $1499 4’ tall x 8’ wide x 26’ long . . . . . . $2499 4’ tall x 12’ wide x 26’ long . . . . . $3699
*CUSTOM LENGTHS & SIZES AVAILABLE IN ALL PRODUCT CATEGORIES*
Cristian ritchart
Skater
How has living in North County affected your skating career? There are a lot of skate parks in north county especially in Oceanside. The park we go to the most is Aura which is the only skate park in Vista. Since there are a lot of skateparks and skate companies here, there a lot of local pros that skate here. They help me when I skate with them and push me to do better. Who are some local pros and companies that have helped you in your achievements? Aura gives me a clean park to skate at. Tragedy Sponsers me and provides boards for me. Shane Hidalgo used to give me pointers when I skated with him. I also skate with a lot of other local pros who help me. Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years? I'd like to be pro/am or a flow rider. I'd also like to be doing more photos and making skate videos and possibly start my own skate company. Whatʼs your favorite after-school snack? Taquitos. Do you get nervous before every competition? If so, what do you do to relax and calm your nerves? Sometimes I get nervous. When I do I just skate and don't pay attention to anyone around me. What advice do you have for other kids thinking about learning how to skateboard? Try hard and don't give up.
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Helping the Transition from Old Nanny to New I recently received a call from one of my clients whom I had placed a nanny with about two years ago. Desperately on the other end of the phone I heard, “Dara! Katie is leaving! She is getting married and moving out of state! We will need a new nanny, can you clone her?!” I immediately thought, who could take the place of this nanny who had become woven into the fabric of this family’s life and how were the children going to adjust to a new nanny coming onboard? I found another great nanny for the family that was a great match, however that was the easy part. The harder part was to help the family transition these two children into life with the newly appointed nanny. For the ‘new’ nannies entering into such a situation, the goal is help the children feel safe and comfortable in their care. Part of that will take some time and trust will have to be built. The new nanny must understand that the children might act out and may or may not be in full control of their emotions after “losing” their nanny. The children’s reaction to the new caregiver might not be that embracing. The new nanny will need to know that this is a normal part of the process, and essentially it will part of their new position to help smooth the children’s transitional needs with gentle encouragement, some great insights and creative solutions. Here are some ideas to help ease the children into moving forward with this change. I suggest that the new nanny initiate and foster these adventures, projects and ideas as it will help create a bond between the new nanny, old nanny and family, while implementing a loving and trustworthy friendship with the children.
Be creative with your time and energy with the children. I’m Thinking of You Nature Hikes/Nature Collage - Take the children on a walk around the neighborhood, go to the local park, or take a road trip a few miles away from the house and bring a plastic bag to collect things that can be used as a collage to make for the other nanny as a “Thinking About You” gift. This not only gets the children out for exercise and fresh air, but it also encourages their language development and creative open-ended thought processes that are very important aspects when focusing on the “whole child” through cognitive, emotional and physical growth. I Miss You Art Projects - Art Projects are one of the best ways for a child to engage in self-expression through a creative endeavor while also allowing for a mood or energy release. Children love making things that mean something to someone and this outlet fosters more than just the creative aspects of development in children. It also fosters open-ended thinking, gross and fine motor skills and special skills, while also empowering their self-esteem. The new nanny might also suggest snapping a photograph of the children...children love a camera! (No matter if it’s a disposable or a nice one!) With the picture, encase it with a beautifully hand collaged frame and send to the old nanny. If the old nanny has moved out of state, the idea of going to the post office can also be part of the entire process. The packaging of their beautiful picture frame, the addressing of the label, packing up the gift and the excitement of meeting the postman, the adventure can be endless! This also helps them get to know the “people in their neighborhood”, and also learn how they fit into the larger part of our society. I love You Cooking Projects - Children love to cook, bake and create with food! There are a million different things you can make with children. Call the old nanny and ask if she can meet you at the park so that you can have a “Thank You Party”. Bake cupcakes, bring tea, sliced fruit, a picnic basket full of paper plates, juice, water bottles. You can also incorporate a beautiful Thank You Card for the old nanny. A cooking project on the larger scale not only has the children in the kitchen making something with their busy hands and minds, but it also incorporates fine and gross motor skills along with science, math and language development that empowers their self-esteem and allows them to be creative. The children miss the old nanny, of course they do, they should! Not only has she been a reliable source of continual love and warmth, but she has also been part of their routine and has been a source of continuity. Although any change in a child’s life is difficult, new nannies entering into a child’s life need to understand this progressive change. The children are the focus of all parents and their nannies. As a team, and to foster the needs of the children that are being cared for, everyone can help ease the transition of an old nanny to new so that new memories and relationships can blossom. Dara B. Green President, Seaside Nannies Inc.
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Seaside Nannies Inc. was founded by Dara Green, nanny of 23 years and preschool teacher in the San Diego community. Seaside Nannies has been created to serve the needs of each family and nanny to create relationships that last.
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Presented by
Your City
It’s time to welcome in a new year! Now that 2012 has come to a close, it is time to look back on this year’s memories and blessings. On Dec. 8th, the staff and volunteers at the Rock Church were thrilled to build memories and hope for families in the community. On the Saturday of the annual Toys for Joy event, more than 10,000 San Diegans began lining up outside the Southeastern San Diego campus 15 hours before the event was set to begin. As a result, more than 10,000 toys, nearly 14,000 bags of groceries and 196,000 articles of clothing were collected for the event. More than 2,500 dedicated volunteers watched as members of the community gathered together to bring joy to those in need. “I’ve been up and down the lines,” said Toys for Joy volunteer, Tommy Hathorn. “And what I’ve realized is that there’s not one person who’s different from the other. Every single story is powerful, compelling and heartbreaking.” Like Nicolas Espinal, who waited in line overnight so his wife and children could gain early entrance to the event. “It makes sure the kids have something for Christmas,” said Espinal. “Unfortunately, times are bad. We lost our home last year.” Angel Ware also searched for toys with her four children. “It means a lot, because Christmas is kind of hard this year,” said Ware. “I lost my job. And with four kids, I’m just trying to work it out.” For many San Diegans, especially the 17 percent living below the poverty level, Toys for Joy means the difference between having a more joyful Christmas or none at all. “My favorite part about this event is seeing the whole community come together, from the churches to the schools, from the businesses to the church congregation,” Pastor Miles McPherson said. “It’s a win, win for everybody...Christmas is a time when everybody needs to be blessed. Everyone needs to be reminded that God gave His son, so we need to give something.” San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts and San Diego City Councilman Kevin Faulconer came to show their support for the volunteers and families. “I know the real thanks comes from participating,” said Roberts. “But from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to volunteers who made this event possible. Giving back is a gift.”
If you would like to give back as a gift this year, visit www.toys-for-joy.org/donate
ABOUT THE ROCK - The Rock is San Diego’s largest church. It was started in 2000 by Pastor Miles McPherson, a former NFL player. Over 12,500 people attend the Rock's five Sunday services online and in person at their multiple campuses. For more information go to www.therocksandiego.org. Twitter (@therocksandiego) & Facebook (The Rock San Diego) 26 Januar y 2013
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Enjoy this Easy, Healthy, & Tasty New Year Snack brought to you by Amanda from the Good Food Factory!
KALE CHIPS INGREDIENTS:
- One bunch Kale!
DIRECTIONS: 1. Wash, dry and cut up strips of Kale. 2. Lightly sprinkle on olive oil & sea salt. 3. Toss. 4. Place on baking sheet. 5. Bake at 350* until crispy (about 20 minutes) 6. Remove from oven and enjoy!
A G ENTLE P OST -H OLIDAY D ETOXIFYING C LEANSE Why do a cleanse after the holidays? Our environment and foods expose us to numerous toxins which keep our body from operating at its peak. A detoxifying cleanse is a great way to bring your body back in to balance, remove toxins and create a healthy body. A common mistake a lot of people make is starting with a hardcore cleanse, which can be a bit unpleasant. However, most experts think that unless you have parasites, yeast overgrowth, or have been through chemotherapy, a full blown cleanse is not really necessary. You might want to spare your family, neighbors, and friends and go for this 7-day gentle cleanse.
STEP ONE: Simply use a scoop of powdered greens along with water or organic juice a couple times a day. This will help with your intestinal movements and will provide you with the added benefit of meeting your daily vegetable requirement. I recommend investing in a small canister of Amazing Grass GREENSuperfood. STEP TWO: Drink one or two cups of a detoxifying tea each day. Yogi Tea Peach Detox is a bestselling detox tea that also tastes great! Don’t like tea? Take a high dose of magnesium instead. Natural CALM by Natural Vitality is a great choice. Not only does this supplement have a laxative effect, but it can also help with stress, pain and inducing sleep. STEP THREE: Keep hydrated during your cleanse with at least 8 glasses of water a day. Electrolyte enhanced water will help increase your energy levels. Did you know that you can make your own electrolyte water by adding drops of Trace Minerals to water? That's a lot cheaper than those post work-out re-hydration drinks. STEP FOUR: Try consuming mostly raw, organic and plant-based foods and fresh juices during your cleanse. Hopefully this will kick start healthier eating habits for you this year and will help you get the optimal nutritional value from your food. Read up online about the many health benefits of consuming raw food if you want to know more about this. STEP FIVE: At the end of the cleanse, a probiotic containing bifidobacterium is recommended. It will help replenish healthy bacteria levels in the gut. A good probiotic is Super Bifido Plus Probiotic by Flora.
HISTORY: Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, & chard, are consumed at New Year's in different countries for a simple reason — their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune (or until brown & crunchy!). Have you been by The Center for a Healthy Lifestyle at the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito? Not only do they offer fun cooking classes and camps for kids, but they are also home to a very impressive and beautiful garden (and even a couple of chickens)! LEARN MORE HERE: centerforahealthylifestyle.com 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, CA (858) 436-7502. www.thegoodfoodfactory.com
And lastly, you may even want to invest in a good bathroom finding app for your phone, like "have2p." During your cleanse you’ll want to always be close to a bathroom, loo, wash closet, toilet, or port-a-pottie. Trust me on this one. Be sure to consult your health care practitioner when taking supplements and be aware that it can be dangerous to use some supplements while pregnant or in combination with prescription drugs. Renee Simpson, mother of two, works as a Vitamin Specialist at a local health food store and enjoys spending time with her family in her hometown of Carlsbad, CA.
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H E RO of the Month!
Angela Brannon
Co-founder of Itʼs All About the Kids Foundation
Angela Brannon grew up in Scottsdale Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University. As a child, her family spent their summers in Coronado, where she told herself that after college, she would live in San Diego. In 1993, she moved to San Diego, her favorite city in the United States. In 1997, she started a company called Partying for a Purpose, as a way to have parties and donate to her favorite charities. In 2004, she co-Founded It's All About the Kids Foundation to use her talents and help less fortunate youth. Angela was nominated for the 2005 San Diego Business Journalʼs Women Who Mean Business Award and received the Channel 10 Leadership Award in March 2006. In 2007, Angela received the prestigious Pierre Toussaint Award from Father Joe and St. Vincent De Paul and the Legacy of Hope Award from Christie's Place. Also in 2007, she was chosen by San Diego Magazine as one of San Diegoʼs ʼ50 People to Watchʼ and she was nominated for the Art in Living Foundationʼs Heroes of Humanities Award. In 2008, she won the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award in Education. In 2010 and 2011, she was also nominated for San Diego Magazine's Woman of the Year Award.
What is the mission of the Itʼs All About the Kids foundation? It's All About the Kids Foundation
is a 501 c [3] non profit organization that helps kids SUCCEED! Since 2004, the Foundation has created and provided unique programs to enhance the lives of less fortunate youth and their families in Southern California. The Foundation is committed to the advancement of children through the joining of music, the arts and the generosity of corporations and individuals. What led you to start Itʼs All About the Kids? Ever since I was young, I always helped the less fortunate.
My Mother taught us to always give back and pay it forward. As I grew older, I knew that I could my talents to help children to succeed, to help those who needed a helping hand and to teach children how to dream. I feel that as successful adults, it is our responsibility to help others, especially children who are suffering from poverty, disease and neglect.
How many kids each year does the Foundation help? Over 1000 children annually. In 2013, we will be focusing on helping children and their families with HIV/AIDS, victims of crime, and orphans in Baja Mexico. What are the various programs that are run by the Foundation? Our Difference for a Day program
helps kids succeed through monthly programs to build self esteem, learn financial literacy, prepare for college and realize that life is limitless - to dream! Our Difference for Week program is for college students who were previously homeless. We provide cell phones, a modest phone plan, school supplies, care packages and mentoring. We are their lifeline and help them succeed in college. Our Toys from the Heart program provides new and educational toys and books and other necessities to the children of our partner charities during the Holidays and all through out the year. Our Difference for the World program provides clothing, shoes, toys and necessities to the children who are suffereing from HIV/AIDS and those who live in orphanages in Baja California.
What makes Itʼs All About the Kids different from other charitable organizations focused on helping kids? We create programs to help our partner charities with issues that face children NOW - TODAY!
We teach the children to dream, and how to live their dreams. We create fun activities that let kids be kids, while we integrate life skills, respect and love. We are a support system for our partner charities, while they are doing the day to day things to keep the families going, we come in with the extras - the fun things to enhance the lives of the kids.
What is your favorite Itʼs All About the Kids success story? We have so many! It is hard to choose one! One of our first successes was when we coordinated surf camps with professional surfers and homeless girls. One of the girls was in and out of the shelter, prostituting and on drugs. After the love she was shown in two surf camps, she put her past behind her, joined Job Corps and then joined the Army and became a Nurse. All because strangers believed in her and showed her love. I still get tears in my eyes thinking about it. She became my inspiration to never give up and to continue on my mission to help children. If our readers want to help or get involved, what can they do? Go to our website and check us out! Watch our videos, read about our programs and help us continue by donating online. We also take in-kind donations, in which we share with our partner charities. We are also looking for sponsors to "Adopt A College Student" and help them succeed in college by donating $100 a month. www.ItsAllAboutTheKids.org
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ENCINITAS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Frequently Asked Questions: Answered by ECDS Principal Graeg Lehmunn & Executive Director Kathleen Porterfield
Q: When did Encinitas Country Day School begin serving families in the coastal North County area? A: “In September 1988 ECDS began operating at 2155 Encinitas Boulevard. It presently boasts a combined enrollment of nearly 500 students from preschool to 8th
grade at its state-of-the-art 12-acre campus at 3616 Manchester Avenue that opened its doors in the Fall 2005, and its Encinitas Blvd location. The combined operations have served more than 6,500 students and currently employ nearly 70 staff members.”
Q: What makes the ECDS approach to education distinct from public and other private schools in the coastal North County area? A: “Our formula for student success has proven to be broadly appealing to families from a wide range of cultural, religious, educational and professional
backgrounds. We believe this is because ECDS is committed to a balanced approach that includes an academically challenging program, integrated study of the arts and sciences, attention to citizenship and character and wherever possible, the use of hands-on, project or problem-based instructional methods. We believe this type of program supports students in developing a life-long love of learning along with the skill, confidence, self control and moral strength they will need for success in higher education and in life.”
Q: Does Encinitas Country Day School have a particular mission or purpose that guides its programs? A: “At Encinitas Country Day School we are committed to guiding students to become well-rounded individuals of scholarship, integrity and service.” Q: Has the unique ECDS curriculum been studied or reviewed by a 3rd party educational accreditation body? A: “In May 2012 ECDS received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), affirming the efficacy of its unique curriculum model
that combines both Montessori and traditional instructional methods in its lower school, and a traditional college preparatory middle school program that continues the school’s emphasis on citizenship and character. All ECDS students enjoy small class sizes and a full complement of visual and performing arts, science and technology, foreign language and sports instruction as part of their regular curriculum.”
Q: Are there particular events planned in the coming 12 months to commemorate the school’s 25th year anniversary? A: “On September 28, 2012 we commemorated the beginning of the school’s 25th year serving families in coastal North County by hosting a school-wide celebration
that included the release of one dove for each of our 25 years in operation, and 100 doves to guide the school on its journey over the next century. Students, staff, neighbors and families marveled as the doves gathered and swirled above the campus in a mid-air ballet. That was the first in a series of celebrations scheduled over the next 12 months that includes an Open House in late January 27, 2013, and will culminate in a 25th Anniversary commemoration in late September, 2013. The public is invited to visit the Manchester Ave. campus for the Open House event on January 27, 2013 from 1pm - 4pm. Attendance is expected to be in the thousands, so overflow parking will be provided at the parking lot of nearby Mira Costa College, where shuttle buses will provide free transportation to and from the ECDS campus every 15 minutes.”
Q: What role do sports play at ECDS? A: “In addition to a day school curriculum that includes golf, Taekwondo and a PE program that varies its offerings monthly, ECDS 5th to 8th graders can participate
in interscholastic league sports. Students can compete in league sports during three seasons of the year: Fall (football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross-country), Winter (boys basketball, boys and girls soccer), Spring (girls basketball, boys volleyball, boys and girls track & field). At ECDS, everyone who joins a sports team will play in each game during the season. While some see this policy of inclusion as diminishing a team’s competitive advantage, it did not deter the ECDS girls or boys cross-country teams from each going undefeated and winning first place in the league during the Fall 2012 season.”
Q: Are visual and performing arts simply an after school enrichment or are they also part of the ECDS curriculum? A: “Every ECDS student enjoys time each week with our credentialed visual arts instructor developing an appreciation of artists old and new, as well as an
understanding of major milestones in art history. They also acquire hands-on experiences with an array of artistic media in our art studio, with each student submitting one or more entries in our annual art show. ECDS students receive instruction in the dramatic arts once-a-week as part of their day school curriculum. After school and summer camp drama enrichment programs help them develop self-confidence, as well as performance and presentation skills. The ECDS Rising Stars children’s theater production company typically presents two musical theater productions per year, including child actors from both within ECDS and the wider local community. Beginning and intermediate dance classes take place at ECDS after school and during the summer. Please visit our website or call our office for details (760-942-1111).”
Q: What part can the thousands of past students and dozens of former staff members play in your upcoming anniversary commemoration events? A: “ECDS alumni and prior staff are encouraged to contact the school at
info@ecdschools.org to learn more about event plans and alumni participation in celebrations marking our 25th year in operation.”
For more information, you are invited to peruse our web site (www.ecdschools.org) and/or call (760-942-1111) to schedule a spot on one of the campus tours that begin at 9:30am every weekday morning at both ECDS campuses. sdnor thcountykids.com
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