Dear Reader

Between the pandemic and wildfires, it has not been an easy year for local families. Kids, especially, need Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor help coping, and Sharon@family-life.us local psychiatrist Anish Shah is here to help. Read his “Trial by Fire” (page 10) for advice on how to make sure little ones feel safe.

COVID-19 continues to make all of us feel on edge, with many wondering how to celebrate Halloween. Local groups are working with county health departments to put on safe celebrations like drive-thru trick-or-treating and socially distanced pumpkin picking. Look in our Bits and Pieces section (pages 8 and 9) and in our Calendar of Events (page 24) for details. Besides these events, there is also plenty of fun to be had at home. Check out “A Crafty Halloween” (page 26) for creative projects, and a great recipe for pumpkin pancakes. This season of sweets can be hard on teeth. And, in this time of COVID, many are afraid to even step foot in a dentist’s office. Our interview with Petaluma Dental Group offers insight into procedures local dental care providers are implementing in order to ensure patient safety. See “Dental Care in a Pandemic” (page 14) to learn more.

Whatever your concerns are, try to make room for laughter. The humor piece “No More Potty Training” (page 28) may be just the ticket. Have a safe and delightful Halloween!

DID YOU KNOW?

HELPS YOU WE will walk you through the entire process of becoming a child care provider in your home.

WE have subsidies available to help with child care expenses for qualifying families.

WE have ongoing training & referrals to help make your child care business the best it can be!

Office Manager

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

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Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers

Malia Jacobson Tinita O. Kearney Pam Moore Karen Nochimowski Sandi Schwartz Anish Shah Denise Morrison Yearian

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Jan Wasson-Smith

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P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 586-9562

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