Sonoma Family Life February 2014

sonoma February 2014

Wintertime

Family Hikes

How a community created a

Light Cloud Now Open!

Chimera Arts & Makerspace

iLearn Fair Fun & Gifts Ideas Best Family Events Calendar Guide to Local Fun Map

Romantic Boys, Toys & Guns Weekend Getaways Critical Questions:

ACADEMIC SKILLS MAKE THIS YOUR CHILD’S BEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER. For More than 35 years, Huntington’s highly trained tutors have given students the skills, confidence, and motivation needed to get their grades back on track.

• Academic evaluation identifies problem areas • Programs are tailored to address each student’s needs • Highly trained tutors work individually with students • Lessons are taught at the student’s pace

SAVE $100 WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD

CALL 707-836-7800 220 Windsor River Road, Windsor

Going Out For Valentine’s Day?

I Love Pizza

Order Pizza for the Kids ORDER ONLINE mountainmikes.com Santa Rosa

2280 Santa Rosa Ave 707-544-2828

Rohnert Park

1451 Southwest Blvd 707-795-4433

Petaluma

919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989

NEW LOCATION

Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

San Rafael 2100 4th St 415-454-4300

Santa Rosa

3781 Cleveland Ave 707-595-6505

February 2014

Feature Stories 10 Chimera Arts & Maker Space

Nurturing creative genius & Creating the Light Cloud

10

14 Romantic Weekend Getaways Choose a getaway and remember romance.

17 Make Your Own Unique Valentines Valentine craft ideas to make with kids.

18 Preteen Dating How to guide these first relationships.

22 iLearn Fair Map Check out this incredible showcase of learning and fun.

24 Wintertime Family Hikes for Little Ones Too! The best places to hike and get dirty.

38 Ready, Set, Camp!

14

24 4 SonomaFamilyLife

Is your child ready?

Every Issue 6

Dear Readers

7

It Figures

28 Calendar of Events Elephant Seal Love

8

Bits and Pieces

39 Marketplace

Inspiration Station

42 Humor Break

Watching the Winter Olympics with Kids

Summer Scholars On the cover: Creator Caleb Adam Haye, his daughter Kalea and wife Michelle Saxton sit in front of the Light Cloud, constructed in the new Chimera Arts & Maker Space in Sebastopol.

Photo by Dennis Urbiztondo.

SonomaFamilyLife.com February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

A Doctor’s Confession to Petaluma This Dr. Cures No One

Dear Friend, Dear Friend,to let everyone know what I wanted I wanted to letI was everyone know It what happened while in college. was a happenedthat while I was my in college.

It was a moment changed life forever.

But moment thatyou changed forever. IBut before I tell aboutmy mylife experience, before Itotell my experience, I wanted tellyou youabout my story from the start. wanted to tellbyyou my storythe from the in start.

Let me start explaining photo Let me startIby in this this letter. amexplaining the guy inthe thephoto middle, Dr letter. I am theknow guy inwhen the middle, Taatjes.

Taatjes.

You I meet Dr. people You know when meet people town andI in town and theyI usually say, in “Oh yeah, they usually say, “Oh I know you, you’re know you, you’re Dr.yeah, Taatjes.

You’ve been Dr.McDowell Taatjes. You’ve been for serving the commuon and Ross years…”

Well, nity forme. twenty-four years! Well that’s me. We that’s areTwenty-six now centrallyyears located our beautifulhapnew agoinsomething office totobetter servechanged the community. pened me that my life forever. years ago something LetTwenty-seven me tell you my story. happened to me that changed my lifein I was studying pre-Med in college, forever.

Let me tella medical you my doctor. story. hopes of becoming I waswere studying pre-Med college, in Things looking up, andinlife was good, Dr. Taatjes with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right). hopesthings of becoming a medical until took a turn for thedoctor. worse. whole ball of wax. This exam could cost practic, we don’t add anything to the body Things were up, and lifeand wasstomgood, with$350 x-rays, exam, report of findings…the but that simply isn’t the case. With chiroI began tolooking have terrible back you elsewhere.

Great care at a great or take anything from it. We find interferuntilproblems. things tookFor a turn for the worse. whole ball of wax. This exam could cost practic, we don’t add anything to the body ach a young guy, I felt pretty ence fee… in the nervous system and remove it, I began have terrible backthat andI stomyouPlease, $350 elsewhere. at a great or take anything from it. We find interferrotten.

My to back hurt so badly had a I hope that Great there’scare no misunderthus enhancing the healing capacities of the ach problems. a young guy, I felt pretty fee… ence in the nervous system and remove it, hard time even For concentrating in class.

I was body.

We get tremendous results…it really standing about quality of care, just because rotten. My The backmedical hurt so doctors badly that I had a Please, I hope thatfee. there’s noget misunderthus enhancing the healing capacities of the I have miserable. tried differa lower exam You’ll great is as simple as that. harddrugs, time even concentrating I was standing about quality of care, just because body. We get tremendous results…it really care ent but they only made in meclass. feel like I at a great fee. My qualifications…

Here’s what some of my patients had miserable.

The medical doctors tried differII’m have a lower exam fee.

You’ll get great is as simple as that. was in a “cloud.”

I was just not getting beta graduate of Northwestern College of to say: ent A drugs, but made me like Ia care at a greatwho fee.regularly My qualifications…

Here’s what some of my patients had ter. friend ofthey mineonly convinced mefeel to give Chiropractic goes to monthly “I have had a problem with migraines was in a “cloud.” waschiropractor just not getting I’m a graduate of Northwestern College to say: chiropractor a try. IThe did betan educational chiropractic seminars.

I’ve of as well as low back pain. Even after seeing ter. A friend of mine convinced to give a Chiropractic who regularly goes to monthly “I have had a problem with migraines exam, took some films and thenme “adjusted” been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to doctors and other health professionals, the chiropractor a try.

The chiropractor educationalthat chiropractic seminars.

I’ve as well as low back pain. Even after seeing neighbors my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurtdid -- an it you may know. I just have pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, exam, took thenand “adjusted” beenlow entrusted to take caremore of tiny babies to doctors and other health professionals, the actually feltsome good.films I gotand relief, I soon that exam fee to help people who they have helped me tremendously. They my spine. adjustment didn’t hurt -- it neighbors that you may know.

I just have pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, was off all The medication.

It worked so well need care. even take away my migraines. They’re actually felt good. gotthere, relief,toand I soona thatMy lowassociates, exam fee Dr. to help more they have helped me tremendously. They that I decided, then Iand become Rose, Dr. people Truongwho and great!” (Judy E.) was off all medication.

It worked so well need care. even take away my migraines. They’re chiropractor myself.

I are ready to see if we can help you. Our “I came in pending laser surgery for thatNow I decided, there,and to become My are associates, Dr. Letzt, Brown and great!” (Judy E.) for mythen kids,and Hayden Henry. a offices both friendly and Dr. warm and we two herniated discs. Over a few months chiropractor myself.

Itryareour ready to see if we can help you.

Our came in pending laser surgery for They have been under chiropractic care their here“Ithe best to make you feel at home. We need for surgery subsided, and the Now for my kids, Hayden Henry. offices are both friendly and warm and we two herniated discs. Over a few months entire lives.

And, unlike mostand other kids in pain has subsided to a mild discomfort with have a wonderful service, at an exceptional Theyclass, have been under get chiropractic care their here the need for surgery subsided, and the try our best to make you REDWOOD feel at home. We their they never the “common” fee.

Our office is called CHIoccasional morning stiffness. Over all, I entire lives.illnesses And, unlike most other kids in have a wonderful service, at have an exceppain has subsided to a mild discomfort with ROPRACTIC childhood like ear infections, and we now two locafeel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual their class, never In getfact, the “common” tional fee. office is is called REDWOOD occasional morning stiffness. Over all, I asthma and they allergies. they have tions.

OurOur main office located at 1225 N. process.” (Jaime O.) childhood like earlives. infections, CHIROPRACTIC and we now have two feel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual never takenillnesses a drug in their And they McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, phone number Several times a day patients thank me asthma allergies. locations.

Our main office is located at 937 process.” (Jaime O.) are nowand 17 and 18! In fact, they have for helping them with their health problems. is 763-8910. Dr. Taatjes would love to help never a drug lives. And Lakeville Street Petaluma, phone number Several times a day patients thank me It’staken strange how in lifetheir is, because nowthey you at this location.Our second location But I can’t really take credit. are nowcome 17 and 19! me with their back prob- for helping them with their health problems. is is at 763-8910.

Dr. TaatjesBlvd., wouldPetaluma, love to help people to see 225 N. McDowell Find out for yourself and benefit from It’sand strange howproblems. life is, because you at this location.

Call Alex, Amanda But I can’t really take credit. lems stomach They now come to an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t with Dr. Truong, and the phone number is people see me with their back probor Wendy. Call Our second location at 225 Find out for yourself and benefit from 775-2545. me withcome their to headaches, migraines, chronic Alex, Wendy, orisChauntel cost you an arm and a leg to correct your lems and problems. They N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, with Dr.you. an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t today pain, neckstomach pain, shoulder/arm pain, come whip-to for an appointment. We can help health. You are going to write a check to me with headaches,asthma, migraines, chronic cost you an arm and a leg to correct your Brown you. (is awesome), and the phone number lash fromtheir car accidents, allergies, Thank someone for your health care expenses, you pain, neck in pain, shoulder/arm pain, whipis 775-2545. Call Stephanie -Dr. todayJoel for Taatjes an aphealth. You are going to write a check to numbness limbs, athletic injuries, just to may as well write one for a lesser amount lash from car accidents, asthma, allergies, pointment.

We can help you.

Thank you. someone for your health care expenses, you P.S. name a few.

When accompanied by this first I am for chiropractic. When you bring in this numbness limbs, athletic injuries, just to -Dr. offering Joel Taatjes may as well write one for a lesser amount also If drugsinmake people well, then those the second family member this article by July 31, 2012, you will receive nametake a few.

P.S. When accompanied by$15. this ad. I am for chiropractic. When you bring in this ar- same who the most should be the healthiest, examination for only my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s drugs make people well, With then those ticle by February 28, 2014, you will receive also offering the second family member this butIfthat simply isn’t the case. chirowith x-rays, exam, report of findings…the who take the most should be the healthiest, my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s same examination for only $15.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

February is the perfect time to take your loved ones on some spectacular local hikes. Our editors have selected some Sharon Gowan favorite wintertime Publisher/Editor family hikes that Sharon@family-life.us even preschoolers can enjoy. Discover banana slugs and sprawling vistas, minute mushrooms and soaring trees. And, if you’re tired of working out in a gym, you can recommit to those fitness goals and enjoy a little more nature.

Parents of pre-teens may wish there was a little less nature-driven attraction going on. Parenting pre-teens through their first relationships or dating takes a watchful eye, careful timing, and tactful communication.

These important tips can guide you through what can be a difficult time.

this unique non-profit, and am so excited to introduce you to Caleb and his family who are featured on the cover with the Light Cloud. Learn more about this project, originally commissioned by Google. I hope we see you at the iLearn Fair January 25 where you’ll be able to see it in person.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camps-especially if you’re considering an overnight camp for the first time. Summer will be here in four short months.

Business Marketing

It may be a good time to reconnect with that special someone and rekindle the best in your relationship. Find five romantic getaways that are sure to brighten up your sweet Valentine.

Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us

Wishing you a terrific February full of X’s and O’s

Karlon Baker karlon@family-life.us

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Happy Valentines Day!

Features Editor Ann Ingraham ann@family-life.us

Chimera Arts & Maker Space is celebrating their opening now! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the amazing organizers of

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Supporting Families Through Change GO DIVORCE CLINIC

®

THE END OF THE UGLY DIVORCE

• One Affordable Flat Fee. • Free Initial Consultation.

• Typical 4-6 Weeks Process Time.

• No Divorce Lawyers.

• Strong Child Advocacy Emphasis.

• Cooperative Process Throughout

Marketing Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Esther Baruch Denise Yearian Cynthia Washam Bull Garlington

Cover Photo Dennis Urbiztondo

Calendar Anna Freeman

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 100 Professional Center Dr., #104, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Robert Revel, L.D.A. & Sneffles

“No matter what we choose as adults, we are forever mom and dad to the kids.”

Tel 707-586-9562 Fax 707-586-9571

( 707 ) 5 8 4 - 6 4 2 7 • G O D I VO R C E C L I N I C . CO M 6 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Do you have questions about health care reform and insurance?

We can help with that.

Accepting New Patients! ¡Aceptando nuevos pacientes!

We accept most insurances and offer a sliding scale fee based on family size and income for Southern Sonoma County Residents.

Health Care Reform Hotline: (707) 559-7580

It Figures

By Cynthia Washam

Adult & Family Medicine

Fit Facts

40 75

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Percent of children’s trips from home in the 1960s that were by car Percent of children’s trips from home now that are by car.

Less than Percent of eligible children who

50

$

Dental Services Integrative Medicine Health Education

707.559.7500

www.phealthcenter.org

1179 North McDowell Blvd.

take advantage of their school’s free and reduced-price breakfast program.

300,000

Amount Kellogg’s awarded nine school districts to fight childhood obesity by encouraging greater participation.

5

Number of Kellogg’s cereals the Environmental Working Group included in the “10 worst for kids” list, based on their sugar content.

56 4.5

Percent sugar by weight of Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, which tops the list.

Percent drop in childhood obesity in Philadelphia in the four years since the city’s schools removed sugar-sweetened drinks from vending machines and fryers from cafeterias.

Sources: Education Week, Entertainment Close-Up, CBS News, Publix Family Style, ADWEEK, Redbook, Chron.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Amy Rosenbaum from Arts in the Garden Preschool hangs peace flags.

Inspiration Station

A

group of St. Vincent High School students called the Art Angels has covered a dilapidated former taqueria in Petaluma in beautiful murals representing peace and the history of the area. Led

by St. Vincent High School art teacher Marla Pedersen, the space (also a former gas station) has now been dubbed the “Inspiration Station” where viewers can enjoy its beauty and be inspired to create their own.

Arts in the Garden preschool in Petaluma put the finishing touches on the space by creating peace flags to hang on the perimeter.

Hanging the peace flags is the culmination of the children’s daily work to better understand the meaning of peace through art, music, literacy, math, and social and emotional experiences.

Madeline Treiber at the Inspiration Station.

Arts in the Garden Preschool dances in celebration of a job well done.

Pedersen envisions further transforming the space into an art center for children of all ages with afterschool enrichment and a children’s art gallery. Questions, please email Marla Pedersen at mpedersen@svhs-pet.org. ¶

Watching the Winter Olympics with Kids

W

hen the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia takes place on February 7th through the 23rd, twelve exciting new events will make their debut. Check them out with your kids. It’s a great way to show them what can be achieved when hard work, talent, and that immeasurable force, the human spirit, come together. It’s also fun to better understand the games through fun and educational activities.

Try creating the flags of participating countries from five different continents and keep track of which ones win gold medals. Or create a bar graph comparing the performance of countries in the last Winter Olympics in the event of your choice (alpine skiing is fun) compared with their performance this year. How many golds will they win this year compared to last? You can also have your child create a picture of themselves competing in the event of their choice. This could serve as a vision board for their future.

Maybe your child will be the next Shaun White. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Summer Scholars Applications Due

T

he Buck Institute for Research on Aging is figuring out how to keep people healthier longer by conducting cutting-edge research into conditions specifically associated with getting older including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, cancer, stroke, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Part of their mission is encouraging future scientists and igniting students’ passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

They even offer a summer scholars program for future scientists, maybe giving your child the inspiration they need to finally discover a cure for cancer. The program is open to students completing tenth and eleventh grade in Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Students awarded entry into the scholars program will complete a course on laboratory/radiation safety that teaches valuable skills and ensures safety while in the lab. They will also participate in cutting-edge research, attend weekly meetings to receive mentorship, review laboratory notebooks, discuss data and delineate goals and expectations, and participate in an end-of-summer research symposium. Go to buckinstitute.org for more information. ¶

THANK YOU for Preserving her Health & Beauty!

I bought the house next to my girlfriend’s to bring her family back to California, but it was a foreclosed property and the trees suffered from long-term neglect.

Mistletoe had invaded the oaks and was threatening the neighbor’s trees as well.

And, of course, they were in desperate need of trimming. When escrow closed, the first call I made was to Fine Tree Care.

I was familiar with Fine Tree Care, having hired them to trim my girlfriend’s trees in previous years and found their work was outstanding. Our neighborhood showed up to watch the crew transform not only the Queen tree, but the whole backyard. Over time, the surrounding neighbors brought Fine Tree Care to their properties, spreading care & beauty instead of Mistletoe. I couldn’t be happier. ~ Alan Joseph, Forestville

To Learn what Fine Tree Care can do for you and your property…call

707-874-2018

Visit our website for testimonials from other satisfied clients and information about our range of services.

w w w.SonomaTree.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured

SERVING SONOMA COUNTY SINCE 1999 www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 9

Chimera Arts & Maker Space

Nurturing Creative Genius

By Esther Baruch

I

f your kids want to get involved in real-life, adult activities like making things (and what kid doesn’t?) it’s time to head over to Chimera Arts and Maker Space in Sebastopol.

root around in a fun pile of parts to find just the right one, and they had a grand time driving the pedal car around to see if it was working at various stages of creation.

Is Chimera kid-friendly?

What’s up for kids at Chimera?

3-D Printers

In a word: VERY. “They’re very kind and welcoming and always happy to see us,” says Kimberly Mullen, whose three kids are regulars at Chimera. Twins Lisa and Emma are nine. Riley is eleven. As a homeschooling family, they look for creative ways of learning. Riley loves making things. He especially enjoys taking apart electronics. Chimera has hosted a few hacker nights around electronic hardware, and Riley’s been a regular. “Chimera has an adult vibe but is very welcoming to children,” Mullen sums up.

It varies all the time. A couple of people decide to work on a project.

They list it on Chimera’s meetup page and a few more people come. It happens from the ground up, not from the top down.

The kids got to try out several 3-D printers and talk to the people who had made them. One twelve-year-old built a 3-D printer that takes Lego parts and assembles 3-D objects.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

Some projects kids have helped with recently: Building a Pedal Car While this project required a lot of dangerous activity such as welding, it was a fantastic opportunity for kids to watch hobbyists safely working on such a project. They got to see applied math and science. They also got to

Miniature Robot Fighting Competition This activity was very popular with families. Thirty-six robots entered the competition. What’s the attraction? “They’re loud, they’re fun, they’re exciting to watch,” says Dana Woodman, founder of Chimera. “One kid was clinging to the fence as his parents tried to

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Chimera Arts and Maker Space filled with creative work.

PHOTOS BY CALEB ADAM HAYE

on producing an amazing design accomplishment. See page 12 for more about the Light Cloud.

may be ant weight, beetle weight, or flea weight.

The Great Light Cloud Project

Kids and dogs are welcome at Chimera.

leave, crying, ‘don’t take me away from the robots!’”

The insect-weight robots fight each other in a round robin tournament.

Kids are mesmerized by them. They

An art installation made of light bulbs, programmed to work interactively, the Light Cloud is considered cool by kids and adults. Kids got to participate in unpacking cases of bulbs, and their small bodies were useful in programming the Kinect-powered motion & proximity detection software algorithms. All collaborated

See how to

PLAY

Art Meetups These are not art classes. Art classes are available elsewhere. At an art meetup, people come down and work on something and get inspired by the work around them.

Some bring a project from home.

Others pick up art supplies that are there. Everyone benefits from the collective energy and support.

How Do I Find Out What’s Going On? The best way is to go to Chimera’s meetup page. Folks post their meetup times there, and you can go on down and join in. meetup.com/ Chimera-Arts-Maker-Space/ “People aren’t making things anymore.

And if they are, it’s not set up for kids.

PAGES eo

s

1. Download the FREE App Apple www.sonomafamilylife.com

k in

id V

L

2. Activate our Channel 3 . Open the app, and point at pages with this icon

Android February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 11

spoke with Caleb Haye, founder of Touchfab, Inc, and Dave Lowensohn of Touchfab’s design team, about how the Light Cloud project started. Google commissioned the project to represent its Cloud platform. It made its debut at a Google corporate event hosted at an area winery. The Light Cloud is an art installation made of light bulbs programmed to work interactively through the use of mobile apps. The opportunity to work on the Cloud was a result of the award-winning work the founding members of the Touchfab team had previously done as consultants for Google.

The Light Cloud under construction.

PHOTO BY Dana woodman

As soon as the Touchfab team accepted the challenge, they began to look for a space, and quickly chose Chimera.

“It was a rousing experience,” says Haye of the Light Cloud project. “Like a child being born.”

PHOTO BY Mike SOLARI

Genesis of the Light Cloud I

The team bonded around this project. “We came to care more about the people executing the project than about the project itself. It gave us great joy. It was a breakthrough in our getting things done and was part of our evolution as a company,” Haye relates.

Do Kids Get It? “Kids are the best,” says Haye. “Kids get it the most. They see it; they run to it; they stand under it; they look up at it. They’re curious. The app mimics a familiar concept, finger painting.

They choose a digital color and put their fingers into it, and watch the cloud change color. They can also cause it to change brightness and can trigger interactive sequences.”

From a structural engineer who happened by and saved the day, to a kinetic sculptor and McArthur genius grant winner, to Caleb’s six-year-old daughter who was often on site, everyone had a respected place in its construction.

Lowensohn and Haye stress the fact that it was the entire team, working together, that pulled it off. “The coder and the welder, the dreadlocked and the bald, were all equal and all joined together to create so much joy and energy.

We get giddy when we talk about it.”

12 SonomaFamilyLife

Creator Caleb Adam Haye, his daughter Kalea and wife Michelle Saxton sit in front of the Light Cloud

PHOTO BY Dennis Urbiztondo

An interesting aspect of downloading the app is that you have to be there, at the event, to do so. It’s a hyper-local connector, encouraging people to come together, to join the fun and be part of the magic.

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Not all parents have the skills,” says Kimberly Mullen. “This is the only place of its kind in Sonoma County.

It’s a wonderful find for families with creative kids.”

How It All Started When artist Dana Woodman realized there wasn’t room in his small apartment to paint, he asked friends on Facebook if they were interested in a maker space, a shared space where all could come together to create, share tools and inspiration, and form a creative community. A week after he created the Facebook group, there were over 800 members.

From there he and a few others went on to form Chimera Arts and Maker Space in Sebastopol. Their website, chimeraarts.org, calls it a DIY creative space and playground for artists, inventors, and hackers.

Chimera is in its temporary headquarters while its large long-term space is undergoing renovation. The temporary mini-maker space is in the back lot of the Ford Garage building in downtown Sebastopol. The main space should be open soon.

Focus on Kids’ Programs Now that membership has grown and renovation of the large main space is underway, the next focus is developing programs for kids. “Kids are the creative geniuses. If you want good ideas, ask the kids,” chuckles Caleb Haye, a Chimera board member. “We just hope a little of their coolness rubs off on us.”

To become a member, participate in a meetup, donate, and more go to chimeraarts.org. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Learning for a lifetime . . .

Smaller Classes Enhanced Libraries New Technology Innovative Programs

Check us out at

WWW.CRPUSD.ORG February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Romantic Weekend Getaways

By Ann Ingraham

W

atching your husband cuddle your baby or seeing him patiently help your toddler learn to ride a bike can bring out some of your most loving feelings. But, sometimes you need to connect with your partner away from the kids.

You need to remember that you’re not just parents, but also lovers.

14 SonomaFamilyLife

Northern California offers some of the most beautiful places to get away for a night or two with your loved one. So bribe your mom or dad or sister or find a reliable babysitter and run away for a weekend. Here are a few romantic places scrupulously tested by busy Sonoma County parents. All agreed that it was worth it.

A Wild Getaway The spring is when many of us start to feel more frisky and the animals of Safari West are no exception. For those that want a wilder getaway, Safari West in Santa Rosa, offers glamping at its finest with luxury tents built on high wooden platforms and spacious decks. Pale green walls enclose plush beds, hot showers and rustic but elegant surroundings with polished wood floors, gleaming copper basins in the bathrooms, and one-of-a-kind hand-hewn furniture.

Take a safari to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, rhinoceros, flamingos, kookaburras, lemurs, Patas monkeys, and don’t forget to check out the lovebirds. Safari West also offers romance packages that include a safari drive, wine, chocolate, a Swedish massage, and overnight lodging. $$$ SafariWest.com.

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Not Your Usual Getaway The Featherbed Railroad Caboose Bed and Breakfast in Nice offers romantic rooms with private Jacuzzi tubs in Lake County wine country. These cozy cabooses set in a park-like setting overlooking a private boat launch and beach, offer a unique way to get away from it all.

The B&B is also surrounded by thirty premium wineries and hiking, biking, kayaking, and geocaching (where you participate in a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices). Explore the wineries and come back to your custom caboose with a bottle of Ceàgo biodynamic pinot noir from their nearby winery and enjoy a quiet glass with your love in the hot tub. $$ Featherbedrailroad.com

A n n e B a ke r R E A L T O R

Calm Coastal Getaway Bodega Bay Lodge has luxurious rooms with fireplaces and a spa offering facials, massages, and body treatments like a Cabernet Grape Seed Scrub. Wake up in the morning and walk to Dorran Beach, lounge around the stone fireplace of Drake’s fireside lounge or just get cozy in your room. Later enjoy the Duck Club restaurant overlooking Bodega Bay with delicious local fare from seafood stew with Bodega Bay Dungeness Crab or Cabernet braised short ribs with housemade pappardelle. Bodega Bay is a quiet beautiful place—a perfect, and close, lover’s getaway. $$ BodegaBayLodge.com.

A Unique Romantic Couples Getaway

Private Themed Rooms in Vintage Cabooses Spa tubs for two Full Breakfast On Clear Lake Open Year-Round (707) 274-8378

(707) 245-6090 . 01165299 annebaker.net www.sonomafamilylife.com

FeatherbedRailroad.com February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 15

Is Love Fading?

Rekindle the Flame!

Build the heat in this couples’ workshop on Sat., March 8 IF YOU LOVE YOUR PARTNER BUT…

you feel that the passion in your relationship has lost its luster, this unique one-day workshop can help. Regain the excitement, intimacy and charge between you. Learn new skills to resolve conflict, improve communication and build deeper trust.

$295 / couple (if registered by Feb. 22, 2014)

Questions? Call Dr. Barbara Molle

Re-Igniting

Rustic, Rugged, and Romantic Getaway Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn offers cozy rustic cabins decorated with treasures of the past in the heart of the dramatic rocky coast of Big Sur. There are no televisions, internet access, or cell phone coverage on the property so there are no distractions from fawning over the one you love. There is also an antique-filled dining room offering locally-sourced fare with a menu that rivals the beauty of its surroundings. $ Deetjens.com

BarbaraMolle.com/reigniting-passion

While you are there check out the Henry Miller Memorial Library down the street.

Miller’s saucy books were banned in the United States until 1961, and he wrote a love letter to Big Sur entitled Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymous Bosch.

HAVE A ROMANTIC DINNER

Then walk along the beach or hike in one of the parks in Big Sur (Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or travel north to Point Lobos), soak in the natural hot springs overlooking the ocean at Esalen Institute and get a world-class massage, then have dinner at Nepenthe or another fabulous restaurant in the area and come back to your little cottage at Deetjen’s to listen to your partner contemplate what is more beautiful, the power of the Pacific ocean or the depth of your eyes.

SM

(707) 478-2892

IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN SANTA ROSA AT STOUT’S! Irish Favorites • Sunday Breakfast Local Live Musicians

636-0240

527 4th Street • Santa Rosa stoutbrospub.com

16 SonomaFamilyLife

Quaint Small Town Getaway The Sweetwater Spa & Inn in Mendocino offers rooms and cottages with hot tubs and a spa with an eight-foot Redwood hot tub and massage therapists. The quaint town of Mendocino with its beautiful rocky coast and sandy beach is a quiet getaway from a busy life. Visit the giant Redwood trees of Montgomery Woods State Park or the pygmy forest in Van Damme State Park, enjoy the Mendocino Botanical Garden, then return to the little town of Mendocino, listen to the waves and remember what romance is. $$ Sweetwaterspa.com. ¶ Rooms range from approximately $105 to $300. One to three dollar signs indicate where they fall on the scale.

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Craft Valentines

Make Your Own Unique Valentines

V

alentines Day is a joyful and simple holiday. It’s a time to tell your friends and loved ones how much you really like them. You can buy valentines at the drugstore, but it always feels better to create and give your own unique valentines. Your children’s (and your own) friends will truly appreciate the care that was taken during the creation of these sweet gifts.

Handprint Hearts

Supplies: white paper, pink and red finger paint, large paintbrush, black Sharpie • Paint the palm of one hand red and stamp the hand on your paper facing downwards on a diagonal.

• Paint the opposite palm pink. Stamp the hand on your paper facing downward on a diagonal, opposite the other handprint.

They will overlap to form a heart.

• Using a black Sharpie, write cute loving messages around the handprint.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

Heart Crayons Supplies: old crayons, silicone pan with heart-shaped molds, scrap paper, double-sided foam mounting tape, scissors, colored card stock, and markers.

• Heat oven to 250 degrees.

• Collect old crayons, peel off paper, and break into pieces.

• Fill each heart-shaped mold with crayon pieces.

• Bake 10 to 12 minutes until melted.

• Once cool, remove hearts and use foam tape to stick them to card stock circles.

• Write or stamp loving messages around the heart. ¶

SonomaFamilyLife 17

Preteen Dating

By Denise Yearian

B

Trivial Terrain or Timely Talks?

oys and girls have always been attracted to one another.

But when attraction begins varies tremendously from one person to another. For some, those feelings of attraction start in late elementary school. For others, it’s not until high school. Although the age gap varies, experts agree when a child of nine-or ten-years-old begins showing interest in the opposite gender, parents need to sit up and take notice.

“Kids this age may have a boy-or girlfriend, but still not know what dating means,” says Shaunti Feldhahn, relationship researcher and analyst, and author of For Young Women Only.

“They are mimicking what they see played out on TV or by teenagers, but they don’t have a full grasp of how a relationship works.”

Parents, she says, may have a tendency to dismiss these early relationships as trivial, but they should be taken seriously.

18 SonomaFamilyLife

“It’s an advanced signal of what is to come and needs to be addressed by Mom and Dad while they still have a major influence in their child’s life,” Feldhahn suggests.

Jane Bowen, director of a statewide parent education organization agrees. “Parents should take the lead in facilitating age-appropriate discussions with their preteen regarding friendships, dating, decision making and sex. If your son says he has a girlfriend or is ‘going

out’ with someone, ask what that means,” she says.

But according to Bowen, talking about it shouldn’t be a one-time deal.

“These conversations need to happen frequently so parents know where their preteens are in relationships and preteens know what their parents’ expectations are,” she continues.

This is what Patty and David Ford did with their nine-year-old daughter Amber. “When she was in the fourth grade, Amber would tell me that so-and-so liked her and that other girls in the class had boyfriends,” recalls Patty. “I felt like if she came and shared it with me, it was important that we talk about it.”

Ford told her daughter she was too young to have a boyfriend, but she was careful to keep the line of communication open. Two years later, a bigger relationship issue cropped up.

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

With the parent-child dialogue already established, Ford was able to help her daughter navigate the sticky situation.

“This past fall, a boy at school gave Amber a necklace,” says Ford. “Since it was right before her eleventh birthday we told her if she wanted to keep it, it would have to be a birthday gift.”

But on her birthday, the same boy gave Amber a card with $50 tucked inside of it. Amber didn’t know what to do, so she brought the money home and talked it over with her mother.

“I told her there was no way she could keep it, and she understood,” Ford explains. “We talked about how accepting a gift like that could make the boy think their relationship could possibly go to the

next level—holding hands, giving him a kiss, that kind of thing. We agreed that I would call the boy’s parents, explain the situation and tell them the money would be returned the next day.”

“Rather than imposing rules preteens may resent, help them understand reasons why the rules are there.”

When parents talk with their children, they should communicate their values and expectations and then lay out boundaries. Equally important is to explain why the boundaries are there.

“Rather than imposing rules preteens may resent, help them understand

reasons why the rules are there so they begin to develop that internal compass,” says Feldhahn.

Parents should also try to find out what is influencing their child—be it friends, an older sibling, or some form of media—so they can address the issue as a whole.

“When Amber and I talk about relationships, I find out what is going on not just with her, but with the entire sixth-grade class,” says Ford. “It helps me understand what’s influencing her. Is it persuasion from a new friend? Is she trying to fit in? Does she feel pressured?”

Although ten-year-old Jordan Adams isn’t yet attracted to the opposite gender, he fell prey to a

HARVEST

C H R I S T I A N

S C H O O L

K - 8th Grades Classical & Christian Education in Petaluma Accepting applications for 2014-2015 2013-2014 -

Schedule a tour!

Financial Aid is available

(707) 763 - 2954 www.harvestpetaluma.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 19

peer-induced pair off that made him uncomfortable.

“This past fall, Jordan’s school organized a dance for the kids,” explains his mother Amy. “It was supposed to be a reward for good

“Attractions are normal and will only increase as children grow.”

nothing about the pair offs; it had been instigated by the students.

“Up to this point, I hadn’t discussed boy/girl relationships with Jordan,” Amy says. “I didn’t think I needed to. But I’m realizing now that even if he isn’t thinking about girls, the kid sitting next to him in class may be, so I’ve got to maintain a constant dialogue with him.”

grades, but things spiraled out of control. Jordan came home one day and told me he didn’t want to go to school because everyone had a date for the dance and he didn’t.”

“Attractions are normal and will only increase as children grow,” Bowen concludes. “If we want to prepare our kids for healthy dating relationships later on, we need to start communicating and building a trusting relationship with them now.” ¶

Amy called the school and talked with the principal. He informed her that the administration knew

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Resources For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk by Adele Faber How to Talk so Teens will Listen and Listen so Teens will Talk by Adele Faber You and Your Adolescent Revised Edition by Lawrence Steinberg, Ph.D. Raising a Thinking Preteen: The “I Can Problem Solve” Program for 8- to 12-Year-Olds by Myrna Shure and Roberta Israeloff

BiG,

AWESOME SMilES!

Call for a FREE orthodontic consultation today at (707)575-0600!

No Referral Needed

Santa Rosa • Windsor • Petaluma

www.BernsteinBraces.com (707) 575-0600

20 SonomaFamilyLife

Actual Patient of Bernstein Orthodontics

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Host a Rocket-Fueled Birthday Party I s your child building rockets and blasting off to space daily? Are they dreaming of being an astronaut and asking questions about the planets and stars? Do they want a telescope for their birthday? It might be time to host a Rocket-Fueled Birthday Party and take their knowledge of space to greater heights.

The Space Station Museum (Thespacestationca.org) located in Pacheco Plaza Center in Novato can help. You can bring the kids to Boca Pizzeria and then arrange a free private guided tour of the museum for your party.

Children can see real space suits, try on space gloves and check out the fifty-pound meteorites. Then they can visit the Mars exhibit, learn more about this planet, and see real photos taken by the Mars Rover of its surface.

Kids can also see the relative size and position of planets, learn about jet propulsion, and see signed photos of astronauts. Then sign up for The Space Station Museum’s email list and they will tell you about their recurring telescope nights where volunteers will help kids look through telescopes and discover the changing beauty of the night sky. œ

Other Places to Learn About the Stars www.sonomafamilylife.com

The Sonoma County Astronomical Society offers programs for young astronomers and contests for kids to win their own telescope. Sonomaskies. org.

February 2014

The Santa Rosa Junior College Planetarium. Santarosa.edu/ planetarium.

The Robert Ferguson Observatory.

Rfo.org.

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Wintertime Family Hikes for Little Ones Too! Fun for the Whole Family (Even the Little Ones)

By Ann Ingraham

M

y son spies a cute red with white spots Amanita mushroom and kneels down to get close. “Don’t touch it!” I say. I am always the cautious mama and warn him about the poisonous mushroom, but come down to his level and kneel close to him to have a look. The small grouping of oversized red and white mushrooms looks just like a tiny village for fairies that drink rose hip tea out of acorn caps. “This is where the fairies live,” my son whispers then gets up and jumps into a puddle with two feet soaking us both.

Winter hiking is the best.

24 SonomaFamilyLife

Being out in nature is not just fun.

Richard Louv claimed in his 2005 book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficiency Disorder, that lack of nature can contribute to childhood obesity, attention disorders, and depression. So get out in nature with your kids and hike. Here’s some great ones to try.

Palomarin Trail in Bolinas The Palomarin Trailhead on Mesa Road starts as a flat trail that winds down a eucalyptus-lined path near the ocean. The first path on your left leads down a narrow dirt path to a rocky beach.

The last bit of the trail before the beach is very steep and rocky. It helped to be wearing hiking boots, and I kept a strong hold on my four-year-old son as we scrambled down the rock path.

At the beach we built a house from old driftwood, collected huge crab shells and the first chiton shell I’ve ever seen, and gathered up beautiful rocks to make a fairy house for one lucky beachfront fairy.

The waves crashing in and out were our only companions. I felt lucky and special to find this place. You can too.

If you have older, stronger hikers, continue down the original trail four miles to Alamere Falls that is in its full glory during the wettest days of winter.

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CLOVERLEAF RANCH

Armstrong Woods in Guerneville Taking a four year old to Armstrong Woods in Guerneville is perfect. It’s a natural playground with felled Redwoods for your kids to explore underneath a canopy of the tallest trees in the world. I walk quietly under their majesty while my son calls to come see him ride the fallen Redwood “train.” We have a contest to see who can spot the banana slugs as we follow the easy paved educational trail and stop to ride trains or climb into fairy nooks in the trees, eventually coming to a picnic area where we eat our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and lolligag along the path (maybe stopping to perform a quick play in the outdoor amphitheater) that loops back to the parking lot.

Or if you are feeling adventurous and your children have the right attitude and energy, you can take the East Ridge Trail from the picnic area back to the visitor center for a 2.2 mile hike. This entails a 400-foot climb along a ridge shaded by firs, oaks, and madrones. My four year old has done this hike with plenty of snack and water breaks along the way and a few shoulder rides.

Helen Putnam State Park in Petaluma Helen Putnam State Park in Petaluma is a beautiful hilly 216 acre park with a marshy fish pond for finding tadpoles and a picnic table at the top that looks out over the valley of Petaluma. When meeting friends at the park (parking is $7) there is a playground next to shaded picnic tables where kids can play until everybody arrives.

Day Camp

choose from 3 programs explore camp lifestyle play outdoors cloverleafranch.com • 707.545.5906

Vertex Climbing C E N T E R

Mondays 4-6: Youth Climbers Club. Ages 10-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Non-competitive, building skills & technique. Club members can advance to the competitive teams from here, if they are interested.

Fridays 4-6: Mini-Monkeys. Ages 5-9. 3 Seasons / Year. Non-competitive, Perfect for very young kids.

Monkeys can eventually advance to the competitive teams from here, if they are interested.

Hiking from the parking lot along Ridge Trail up a mild incline, stopping for bananas and raisins at the picnic table at the top and then looping back down following Arroyo or Panarama Trail is about a mile hike that is doable for a sturdy four year old. Unless your child gets distracted fishing in the pond with cattails and then pretends to be a mountain lion in the bushes, then your hike may be abbreviated. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Resident Camp

create your own schedule enjoy over 25 activities make lifelong friends

Wednesdays 4-6 & Saturdays 10-12: Vertical Vipers. Ages 7-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Competitive Team.

Emphasis on intermediate skill development and training.

Thursdays 4-6 & Saturdays 3-6 + Monday Training 4-5: Team Vertex. Ages 7-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Competitive Team. Emphasis on advanced skill development and training.

707-573-1608

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Nex t Yo u r

d ay Bir thr t y Pa U s!

Have

With

Art & MUS IC | Soul M A RT | • Priv usic School ate DAN Mu C E s | YOGA | DRAMA ic L • Birt es hd sons ay P & Grou arti • Fun p ARTS Classes es in drai Art, D sers ance, Dra &S ma & Music cho ol Fie ld Trips

Call Today for more information: 707-575-7701 www.artandsoulmusic.com 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa

Michael Hamblin, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

We believe visiting a dental office should give you a reason to smile!

Quality, comprehensive care including:

• Digital x-rays (up to 90% less radiation) • Single visit crowns • Metal free fillings

3918 Princeton Drive in Santa Rosa (Across from Whole Foods Market on Yulupa)

707-544-6280

michaelhamblindds.com 26 SonomaFamilyLife

Howarth Park in Santa Rosa When you plan a family hike with little children, all parents know it’s good to have a back up plan.

Howarth Park in Santa Rosa has a great playground where kids can climb and run around. But if everyone is up for a little hike, across the parking lot from the playground is Lake Ralphine that offers about a mile hike around. As you arrive at Lake Ralphine, there are ducks and geese to feed and as you move around the lake there are little inlets to explore for frogs and tadpoles (in the summer you can fish for crawdads!). For older children, Spring Lake close by is a 3.5 mile hike around. Both are nice flat hiking trails.

Olompali State Historic Park in Novato Olompali (pronounced O-lum-pa-lee) State Historic Park is never crowded and is often discounted because of its location close to 101, but the park embraces thousands of years of history that is uniquely Californian, from the native Miwoks, to the Chosen Family Commune and the Grateful Dead. Children enjoy seeing the old buildings and the small demonstration Miwok village, and as you hike into the woods of Mt. Burdell, you forget you are beside the highway and focus on your 600-foot elevation gain and 2.75-mile round-trip hike. The trail is a loop so it doesn’t matter which way you take it.

The way is steep and would serve as a real challenge for young children. I’m afraid my four year old would want to ride on shoulders for some of the steepest paths. But third graders and above could do it with coaxing and feel a great sense of accomplishment when ascending to the top and looking out over the great expanse of the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay below. Heading back feels easy and free—you can imagine the Grateful Dead jamming down below.

These hikes, replete with waterfalls, banana slugs, and mushrooms will leave you grateful for California winters. ¶ February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Relax. You’re at Great Clips ™

Natural toys, books, clothing, accessories, and classes for parents and children.

12 99

greatclips.com

2/28/14

Circle of Hands proudly carries: Handmade Dolls & Wooden Toys Creative Games, Puzzles & Books Waldorf Art & Craft Supplies Organic & Woolen Children's Wear Artisan Soaps Made On-Site Parenting & Artisan Workshops

Hours Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm

6780 McKinley Ave. #120 at the BARLOW ph: 707-634-6140 www.circleofhandswaldorfshop.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Rohnert Park: 360 Rohnert Park Expressway Santa Rosa: Coddingtown Mall 750 Farmers Ln. (by Ross) 2240 Mendocino Ave. (by Safeway) 750 Stony Pt. Rd. (by Starbucks) 1425 Fulton Rd. (by Raley’s) 2700 Yulupa Ave. (by CVS) Windsor: 9018 Brooks Rd. (by Mary’s Pizza) Healdsburg: 1017 Vineyard Plaza NOW OPEN Sonoma: 19217 Sonoma Hwy. (Maxwell Village Center) Terra Linda: Northgate One Shopping Center

NEW LAW AFFECTS PERSONAL BELIEF EXEMPTIONS Beginning January 2014

Required: benefits and risk counseling session with a health care provider prior to school enrollment

707-565-4573 www.sonoma-county.org\schools

Check in online at Greatclips.com or with your smart phone app.

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 27

February Calendar of Events Elephant Seal Love

T

he elephant seals are recovering their population and returning to breed in Point Reyes in February. Weekend shuttle bus service is available at the Point Reyes National Seashore for interested visitors. The bus service eases traffic congestion at prime viewing areas that include the Point Reyes National Seashore’s historic lighthouse and Chimney Rock headlands.

The bus service runs only on weekends and federal Monday holidays in good weather through mid-April. Tickets are $5 and on sale between 9:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the Ken Patrick Visitor Center at Drake’s Beach. The Sir Francis Drake Highway is closed between 9:30 and 5:15 p.m. at the South Beach junction when busses are operating.

Docents are also available weekends and holidays at the Elephant Seal Overlook at the end of Sir Francis Drake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions about elephant seals. More information is available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center at (415) 464-5137 and at nps.gov/pore. ¶

1 Saturday FREE Sculpture Trail. Features

works in the Plaza & the Blvd.

Trail thru May 8, 2014. Downtown Cloverdale & Geyserville. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Henri Matisse Exhibit. Thru Sep. 7,

2014. Daily, except Mon. $6–$10. 12 & under free. Legion of Honor. San Francisco. famsf.org.

FREE Whale Watch at Bodega Head. The amazing sight of the yearly

2014

migration of Pacific Gray Whales.

Weekends. January thru April 2014.

Bodega Head.

Petrified Forest Meadow Walk.

See live oak, douglas-fir, madrone, manzanita, rare wildflowers & Mt. St. Helena. Sat. & Sun. 11 am weather permitting. Includes price of admission, $16, $15, free 11 & under. The Petrified Forest. 4100 Petrified Forest Rd., Calistoga. petrifiedforest.org.

FREE Friedman’s Kidsworx Creative Workshop. Children’s

Museum of Sonoma County hosts

fun science activities. 9 am–noon.

Friedman’s Home Improvement.

4055 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

FREE Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center.

Tangible experiments & projects let children explore the natural world. Every 1st Sat. 1, 2 & 3 pm.

393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Family Night at Cal Skate. Music, fun, games & prizes. Every Sat. 6–8:30 pm. $49 Family of four. Admission,

Coming in April

Be a part of Summer Camp Adventure Guide

28 SonomaFamilyLife

Call 586-9562

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Bennett Valley Union School District skates, pizza. 6100 Commerce Blvd.

Rohnert Park. calskate.com.

FREE Children’s Sale Day at Petaluma Library. Benefiting the

Petaluma Regional Library. Half price sale all day. 10 am–3 pm. Petaluma Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Lego Club. Build your own

unique creations. Lego bricks provided, along with a different theme each month. Ages 6–12. 2 pm.

Windsor Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Red Panda Acrobats.

Thrilling & exciting acrobatic feats!

10:30 am. Rincon Valley Library.

6959 Montecito Blvd. Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Sonoma County Orchid Show.

Orchids in the Redwoods show & sale. Sat. 10 am–5 pm & Sun. 10 am–3 pm. $8. Santa Rosa Veterans Building. Across from Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Santa Rosa. sonomaorchids.com.

Stunt Dog Experience. Amazing

tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, athletic feats! Every show includes interactive crowd participation. 3 pm. $21 adult. $16 child. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.

Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

2 Sunday Groundhog Day. Free Day at the Exploratorium! 10 am–5 pm. Pier 15.

San Francisco. exploratorium.org.

Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2014-15 School Year begins February 18 & 19

Call 542-6272 to sign up.

We have just begun accepting a limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2014-15

California Distinguished Schools

Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433

Consistently high academic performance indicators (API) at both of our schools

Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • Excellent Teachers • Reduced Class Size (K–3) • Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten • Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30-1:20) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs

• Band, Percussion and Chorus (4th–6th) • Boys and Girls Interscholastic Basketball (4th–6th) • Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship • Gifted and Talented Education (4th–6th)

On-site child care is provided at both schools by YMCA

NEW Family tour dates. Call for times and to reserve your spot!

Yulupa 2/18, 2/19, 3/6, 4/9 • Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org

SAFE MEDICINE DISPOSAL Keep unwanted medications out of the wrong hands and out of our rivers & streams.

For the disposal location nearest you, scan the QR code or vist us online.

Super Bowl Party! Five hours

bowling, prizes, food, games. 2–7 pm. $99 per lane (5 people max). 300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park. doubledeckerlanes.com.

www.SAFEMEDICINEDISPOSAL.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Turning your fleeting moments into precious memories

3 Monday Museum Mondays for Little Ones.

Enjoy stories, movement games, art & crafts. Ages 1–5. Every Monday.

10 am–noon. $5 child. Free for up to 2 adults per child (before 11 am).

Charles M. Schulz Museum. Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org Rock-n-Glow Bowling. Two hours, shoes included. LED lane lighting & automated scoring. Special bumper-rails for kids. Every Mon. 5–10 pm. $9. Windsor Bowl. 8801 Conde Ln. Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

Maternity, Child & Family Photography (707)245-5321 | BobRiderPhotography.com

ALL GIRLS CHESS TOURNAMENT 2/15/14 SAVE THE DATE

CHESS FOR KIDS All Levels Welcome!

Call today! (707) 527-6427 www.chessclubforkids.com

5 Wednesday FREE First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum. Creative play for all children. 9 am–5 pm. Bay Area Discovery Museum. 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org.

Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center Tours. Docent-led tours of historic

landmark. Every Wed. 10:30 am. $5.

2nd Floor Café. Rm. 233. Marin Civic Center. 3501 Civic Center Dr. San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Meditation Group for Mothers.

ActivityGu ide

Spring activities are here!

Spring/Summer 201 4

Santa Rosa’s Spring/Summer Activity Guide offers HUNDREDS of activities for the whole family!

Pick up a copy at Finley Community Center (2060 West College Ave.) or check it out online! santarosarec.com (707) 543-3737

6 Thursday FREE James K Visits Storytime!

Popular recording artist brings his musical magic to storytime. Invites audience to sing along and move to the music. Ages 2–5. 10:30 am.

Cloverdale Library. sonomalibrary.org.

We’re your best family adve source for the ntures in Santa

Register online

! www.santaro sarec.com Par a informacion

We Love Camp

30 SonomaFamilyLife

Every Wed. 8:30–9:45 am. $10 suggested donation. Shambhala Center. 255 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonoma.shambhala.org.

SCAN to access online registration

Traditional, spec ialty and sports-focused day camps for spring & sum mer breaks! pg. 28-41

Use our handy

Get Outside

Rosa!

en Español, vea

Take advantage of the season with thes e outdoor adult activities! pg. 60-61

pagina 92

Fitness for Everyo ne

Get

FREE Toddler Storytime. Stories, songs, fingerplays, & fun for children ages 0–3 with a caregiver.

index to find exa

in shape or mai ntain you2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com Februarycha r goals – classes to

ctly what you’re

llenge every abil ity. pg. 52-58

looking for! pg.

104

Every Thurs. 10:30 am. Sonoma Valley Library. 755 W. Napa St. Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org.

Fiddler on the Roof. Jewish family

clinging to its sacred traditions in a rapidly changing world thru Feb. 16.

Sing-a-long performance Feb. 9 at 5 pm. Various times. $10–$17. Evert B. Person Theater. Sonoma State University. sonoma.edu.

As seen in the New York Times, Nick News, Bay Area Backroads & KQED’s Truly CA. For nearly 40 years, children have run away to join our circus in beautiful Mendocino County!

Our multi-cultural curriculum of circus and performing arts encourages self-discovery, leadership and growth in a positive and affirming environment. Voted Family Favorite by Bay Area Parent and Best Overnight Camp by East Bay Parent’s Press and Oakland Magazine! www.campwinnarainbow.org Email: arainbow.org Phone: 510-525-4304

7 Friday FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore

the dynamic biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Drop-in Fridays, 2–4 pm. 2099 Westside Rd. Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

FREE First Friday Night Sky at SRJC Planetarium. Emphasis on

stars, constellations, planets & other interesting facts about the sky that night. Come early for free parking pass. 7 pm & 8:30 pm. Lark Hall, Room 2001. santarosa.edu.

SANTA ROSA SONOMA VALLEY Santa Rosa Oakmont Kenwood Glen Ellen Boyes Hot Springs SDC El Verano

AREA RUSSIAN RIVER Guerneville Monte Rio Forestville Rio Nido Graton Sebastopol Santa Rosa

Find your trip.

30 38

44 46 48

PETALUMA SANTA ROSA Petaluma Sonoma StatePenngrove University Rohnert Park Santa Rosa

RUSSIAN RIVER AREA LOCAL Guerneville Downtown Neeley Road Occidental d Park Guernewoo Mills Duncans

SSU SANTA ROSA Sonoma State Santa Rosa University Transit Mall

PETALUMA SANTA ROSA Petaluma Cotati Rohnert Park Santa Rosa

Effective August 18, 2013 sctransit.com

m

18, 2013 sctransit.co

Pick up a new schedule today!

Effective August

6060 6262

LE ERDA CLOV DSBURG LE ERDA HEAL A ROSAti CLOV SBURG SANT ale As HEALD ROSA erd sburg SANTA e Asti Clov Heald rkfield dal Clover aldsburg g erville r La He Geys Windso Stein Bld eld sa yserville r Larkfi g Kaise Santa Ro Ge Windsor Bld Stein ser Rosa Kai Santa ORT AIRP SA A RO RT AIRPO SA SANT NDSOR rt WI RO Airpo SANTA DSOR unty s Park WIN es ort ma Co n Sono port Busin t Fulto g unty Airp k po oma Co iness Par Air ein BldSon Bus sor De ton Wind Kaiser St nta Rosa Airport Depot Ful g r Bld Sa Windso ser Stein Rosa Kai Santa

Moscow Festival Ballet The

Effective August

18, 2013 sctransit.co

m

contact us at 800.345.7433 or visit us on the web at sctransit.com

Sleeping Beauty. Tchaikovsky’s

story of a princess who sleeps for 100 years, awakened only by a true love’s kiss. 8 pm. $20–$65. Marin Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags. San Rafael. marincounty.org.

SONOMA VALLEY SAN RAFAEL Agua Caliente Kenwood Glen Ellen El Verano Sonoma Temelec Schellville San Rafael Transit Center

20 28

20130820_SCT_SLM.indd 1

8/20/13 10:19 AM

, 2013

om

nsit.c

sctra

Challenging the Intellect, Nourishing the Spirit for over 50 Years tive

Effec

st 18

Augu

ust 18,

e Aug

Effectiv

2013

sit.com

sctran

8 Saturday FREE Steelhead Festival. Enjoy over

25 educational exhibits, a free trout pond for young anglers, a fly fishing demonstration pond with tips from the pros. 10 am–4 pm. Lake Sonoma Visitor’s Center. 3288 Skaggs Springs Rd., Geyserville. lakesonoma.org.

Paws for Love Auction & Gala. The

OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday February 12th 9:00am RSVP encouraged

www.sjshbg.org

707.433.2758

Foundation provides resources, www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 31

funding to shelters, rescue groups, & individuals dedicated to improving the health, welfare, & adoptability of unwanted & abused animals. 6–10 pm. $40 donation advance. $50 door.

Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College, Santa Rosa. pawsforlove.info.

Tickets held at will call. 8 pm. $15 under 22. $22 adults. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Bl. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org.

under 3 free. Lawrence Hall of Science. 1 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. lawrencehallofscience.org.

All Breed Cat Show. Feline agility

Meet the Makers Fixit Clinic. DIY inspiration & support. Free family admission if you bring something to disassemble. 12:30–3:30 pm.

Admission. $12, $9, $6, children

The Great Broadway Sing-a-Long.

Everyone is a star! Open seating.

Exclusively Organic only at

707.544.2766

312 D Street, Santa Rosa

competitions, adoptable cats & kittens, cat toys, furniture, gifts, jewelry. Benefitting Forgotten Felines, Humane Society & others.

10 am–6 pm Sat. 9 am–5 pm Sun. $5 adults. $3 children. Free under 5. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. sonomacountyfair.com.

FREE Peanuts on the Go. Learn

how to draw Snoopy! Make a hand puppet and other fun crafts! Ages kindergarten thru 2nd grade. Under 6 may participate with parent. 11– noon. Northwest Santa Rosa Library.

Coddingtown Shopping Center. sonomalibrary.org.

122ND ANNUAL “FAIR’LY COUNTRY”

CLOVERDALE CITRUS FAIR PRESIDENTS’ WEEKEND CONTINUOUS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 14-17 CITRUS EXHIBITS • ARTS & CRAFTS • FARM ANIMALS CARNIVAL • CHEFS’ DEMOS • KIDS TOWN • QUEEN PAGEANT WINE TASTING - SATURDAY & SUNDAY

AT Y CAMP, YOUR CHILD WILL MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME! SIGN-UP FOR CAMP STARTING MARCH 3RD Adventure Camp•Sports Camp•Super Science Camp•Little Campsters•Moving On Camp•Kids Club & Counselor in Training Program Call or visit us for more details & registration information.

707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org Sonoma County Family Y  1111 College Avenue  Santa Rosa 707-545-9622  www.scfymca.org The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

32 SonomaFamilyLife

DAILY! – PAY ONE PRICE FOR UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDES PRE-SALE DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE AT OFFICE THURSDAY Pre-Fair Cabaret “Fair’ly Country” Dinner and Show - $40. – 6 pm - Pre-Sale Only FRIDAY BINGO - SENIORS’ DAY, 62 & OVER $1.

SATURDAY PARADE AT 11 AM • Talent Show PAULIE’S GARAGE Country Western Dance & the Kicken’ Country Girls – Line Dance Lessons SATURDAY 7 pm - $15. Admission! ($10. Pre-Sale) SUNDAY MARIACHI MUSIC 1 pm & 3:30 pm Fair’ly Country Dinner & Cabaret (Pre-Sale Only – 6:30 PM) SOURDOUGH SLIM Country Entertainer Extraordinaire SUNDAY 2 pm & 4:30 pm - Free with Fair Admission!

MONDAY KIDS’ DAY 12 & UNDER FREE! General Admission - $7. • Juniors 6 – 12 & Seniors - $5.

Children 5 & Under are FREE! COME RAIN OR SHINE! TAKE HIGHWAY 1O1 TO CITRUS FAIR DRIVE EXIT IN SONOMA COUNTY • FOR INFO CALL 707.894.3992

or visit www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Happy Valentine’s Day Craft Program. 1–2 pm. Santa Rosa

Downtown Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Nature for Kids: Indian Valley.

See insects, flowers & lunch by the beautiful waterfall on 2.5 mile walk.

10 am–2 pm. Meet at the College of Marin Indian Valley campus, parking lot #6. 1800 Ignacio Blvd. Novato. marincounty.org.

7.07%

Let’s teach kids the value of saving.

Youth Deposit Rate

They’ll earn dollars in interest – not pennies.

7.07% (APY) on first $500 only. Must not yet be 20 years of age.

www.comfirstcu.org 707/546-6000

Guerneville, Healdsburg, Napa, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa x2

9 Sunday FREE Sunday at California Academy of Sciences. All day.

Golden Gate Park. San Francisco. calacademy.org.

12 Wednesday FREE African American Folktales & Legends. Celebrate Black

History Month with storyteller Kirk Waller. 4 pm. Sebastopol Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Pajama Movie Night. Mr

Magorium’s magical toy emporium is in trouble and Molly has to find a way to keep the magic alive. Rated G. Free popcorn. Pajamas, teddy

B Mî `ƒ

Mention this ad for

Free Month Call for details

EXPRESSWAY STORAGE 6001 Commerce Blvd.

Rohnert Park

707-588-8878

Mention this ad for:

50% off for the first 12 months

SONOMA COUNTY’S Select sizes

MUSIC SKILLS TO LIFE SKILLS

Classes for Every Stage of Development, Newborn to Seven

Supplies.

•

FREE

PREVIEW CLASS

Sonoma County Children’s Music 867 Third Street • Santa Rosa (707) 527-7900 Enroll Online at www.childrenlovemusic.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

while supplies last

off packing and moving favorite 20% pediatricians

Same day and after hours appointments • Convenient locations 6001 Commerce Blvd.

•

Manage your child’s healthcare online; lab results, prescriptions, Rohnert Park, appointments, and e-mail your doctor with questions 24/7

•

Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

CA 94928 707-588-8878

To find the Pediatrician that’s right for you, call 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org

February 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 33

Design, Create, Innovate!

All the electronics supplies you need to make your world!

Arduino Boards & Arduino Parts Electronic components & kits 3D Printing supplies & services 3D Scanning Services Awesome Consumer Electronics

AT YOUR SEBASTOPOL

564 Gravenstein Highway N 707-823-8320 • estuffpl@sonic.net

bears, pillows highly encouraged. 5:30 pm. Rohnert Park-Cotati Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Tweens Create Sugar Salt Scrubs & Valentine Cards.

Taught by Siobhan Loughney. All materials provided. Ages 9–12. 4 pm.

Healdsburg Library. sonomalibrary.org.

14 Friday Annie Get Your Gun. Musical Western about the one & only Annie

Oakley. Thurs. Fri. Sat. & Sun. thru Feb. 23. Various times. $22–$26.

Spreckels Performing Arts Center.

5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. rpcity.org.

Schulz Museum is Calling All Red-Haired Girls! In honor of Charlie Brown’s affection, red-hared girls get free admission on Valentine’s Day! 11 am–5 pm. $10 adults. $5 youth & senior. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org 46th Annual Coin Show. Free

appraisals. 10 am–6 pm Sat. & Sun. $2.

Kids under 12 free. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. sonomacountyfair.com.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE

Cloverdale Citrus Fair. Runs

Dr. Charlene R. Chan Dr. Monica L. Chmiel Public Skating • Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

585-0500 • FOR RESERVATIONS: 585-0494 6100 COMMERCE BLVD. • WWW.CALSKATE.COM

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics For Children, Teens & Adults Serving Sebastopol since 1980

707.823.1200 www. chanorthodontics.com

President’s weekend rain or shine.

Kids 6–12 Free on Mon. Feb. 17.

Seniors 62+ $1 on Fri. Feb. 14.

Admission $5–$20. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. cloverdalecitrusfair.org.

15 Saturday FREE Family Hikes at Spring Lake.

Naturalist guides one-hour tour of areas plants & wildlife. Third Sat. 1 pm & 3 pm. Environmental Discovery

Give Your Sweetie the Gift of Health Providing Superior Health and Balance Through Chiropractic

CALL TODAY

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

707 495-7703

free2movechiropractic.com

34 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Spring Hill Montessori

Center. Spring Lake, Santa Rosa. sonoma-county.org.

FREE Chinese New Year Festival

10 am–4 pm. Tues. & Thurs. 10 am–4 pm. $5–$10. Under 5 free. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

and Parade. One of the largest

5th Annual All Girls Chess

Asian celebrations outside of Asia.

5:20 pm–8 pm. $30 tickets only for bleacher seating. Parade starts on Market and 2nd. St., San Francisco.

Chineseparade.com.

Tournament! All ages and skill levels welcome! 9:30 am–1 pm. $25 entry fee.

Trophies and prizes for all! Roseland Prep High School. Santa Rosa. chessclubforkids.com.

FREE Hobby Expo 2014. Theme is “Building the Future” & will include model railroads, RC planes, ships & cars, battling robots, war gaming & RC car racing. 9:30 am–4 pm. Petaluma Community Center.

320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. ipmssantarosa.org.

tools, die-cast vehicles, train whistles, scenery items, Railroadiania Slides, t-shirts, videos, railroad gift items, books, photos, more. 10 am–4 pm Sat. & Sun. $7. Kids under 12 free. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. greattrainexpo.com.

Open House Feb. 1st & 8 th

Bilingual Toddler & Pre-K Elementary STEM Curriculum

Please RSVP to reserve your space

707-763-9222 springhillmontessori.org

Educating Hearts and Minds for 125 years

Great Train Expo. Hobby

Climb Aboard a Vintage Aircraft!

Pacific Coast Air Museum features DC-6 cockpit & history. Sat. & Sun.

You are invited to our Monthly Tour and Shadow Program

TypeA+ teaches computer keyboarding to students grades 2-8 Enrolling Now for Winter

Serving K - 8th Grade Financial aid and family plans available.

www.SVELEM.org

762-6426

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL

Tutors 2 You One-to-one In-home tutoring

EST. 1951

A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow.

• Accepting 2–5 Years Old

• Before & After School Care Option • Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect ~ Natural and logical consequences Pre K Classes Available for Academic & Social Kindergarten Readiness

579-3718

srecschool.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

“We Make House Calls”!

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION & FUTURE?

Free Consultation!

Call 707 843-3693 1-on-1 at Home tutordoctor101.com February 2014

End School School End Frustration!

Frustration!

Our highly qualified tutors can help with: Our high quality tutors can help with:

• • • • •

Academic Subjects Foreign Languages Test Prep Study Skills ESL

Giving students the skills For children and adults. they need to succeed!

(707) 585-2584

(707) 585-2584

www.tutors2youca.com sonomacountytutors.com

SonomaFamilyLife 35

Donate Your Vehicle.

Help Keep Kids Safe.

Your donation funds programs to find missing children.

888.317.7342 | carsforpkf.com/online Any condition.

Free pick-up.

Tax deductible.

16 Sunday 24th Annual Valley Ford Relay.

Four teammates each run 2.75 miles on beautiful west county rural roads.

9–11 am. $10 per person. Dinucci’s Restaurant. Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. empirerunners.org.

17 Monday Celebrate Chinese New Year.

Dragon dancers, Asian food and crafts, and more. 9 am–5 pm.

St. Luke Lutheran School Preschool - 8th grade

Cross & Crown Lutheran School 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 5th Grade

REGISTRATION FOR 2014-15 BEGINS ON

FEBRUARY 3RD 795-7863

905 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Preschool license #490100475

www.stluke-lcms.org

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org

Put your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

 Tour now for the upcoming 2014-2015 academic year  Learn about our Small Classes & Affordable Tuition

FREE Consultation

Nominate Guardians for Minors Revocable Living Trusts Wills Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net 36 SonomaFamilyLife

707-545-0526

RINCON VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Free with admission. Bay Area Discovery Museum. Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org

21 Friday Stuart Little. Performed by the

Dallas Children’s Theater Company, mild-mannered Stuart learns to survive in his super-sized world of humans & discovers the true meaning of family. 6:30 pm. $17 adult. $12 child.

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

22 Saturday Star Party! The Robert Ferguson Observatory’s three main telescopes will be open for viewing with a docent available. 7 pm. $3 Adult, Under 18 free, $8 parking. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org.

FREE Microbusiness Expo. Meet

local micro-businesses, have fun, win prizes. 11 am–4 pm. Steele Lane Community Center. 415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. Call Marlyn Garcia for more information 544-6911 ext. 1090.

Preschool– High School

Parents, does your child sometimes not listen or behave the way you want him to?

Academic excellence

Free report reveals why Shotokan Karate might be the answer.

Award winning Music Programs Leading Sports Programs Day School-Home School-Hybrid

707-539-1486

www.rvchristian.org

www.skls.org Shotokan Karate Leadership School 3082 B-1 Marlow Road 707-575-1681 ask@sonic.net www.skls.org

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Day at Charles Schulz

5K Run with Heart. Post-race

Museum! All day during Starry, Starry Night exhibition. 10 am–5 pm.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org .

celebration with chocolate & wine tasting. 9 am. 16 & under $15. Adults $30–$45. Parking $7. Riverfront Regional Park. 7821 Eastside Rd., Healdsburg. runwithheart.kintera.org.

FREE Dave the Horn Guy! Come see Dave Enns, a musician’s musician with a lot of horns. Ages 3 & up. 2 pm.

Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Sleepover at California Academy

Chucho Valdez & the Bahia Orchestra Project. Brazilian youth orchestra in their U.S. debut tour. 3 pm. $40–$85.

Green Music Center. Sonoma State University. gmc.sonoma.edu.

WINDSOR 707-838-7207 SEBASTOPOL 707-832-5207

Dr. Rob Oliver

P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T RY www.lifeofsmiles.com

of Sciences. Claude

the albino alligator. Storytime with Pierre, the wetsuit-wearing penguin.

Rainforests of the World exhibit.

Full breakfast. Price includes next day admission. $99 non-members. $79 members. Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco. calacademy.org.

Bring Your World into Focus • In House Optical & Lab • Licensed opticians • Thousands of frames in stock, including designer brands.

• Accept majority of insurance plans • State of the art instruments

23 Sunday FREE Tolay Lake Sunset Hike. Enjoy sweeping views of southern Sonoma County & learn more about the property’s rich biodiversity & cultural history. 2–5 pm. Petaluma. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Family owned and operated since 1956

720 4t h S t r ee t • San t a Ro s a • 575 -3800

BECOME A TEACHER!

NOW ENROLLING FOR WINTER CLASSES

reg

redwood empire gymnastics

Featuring our tumblebug program for preschool aged children Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12

Evening & Weekend Classes

It’s never too soon to protect your children’s future Kristen M. Ingersoll

Tumbling, Tramp, Camps

Proud Mother and Attorney

Parties & Parents Night Out

Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Law Offices of

UKIAH CENTER 707-463-4800 Dominican.edu/Ukiah

www.sonomafamilylife.com

www.regymnastics.com

707-763-5010 February 2014

Norton & Ingersoll, P.C.

kristen@noringlaw.com • (707)

230-2644

200 4th Street, Suite 350 • Santa Rosa

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Ready, Set,

You are considering a summer camp, but how to choose? There’s a camp that is ideally suited for every child, providing a summer of growth and fun whether your child attends a day or overnight camp, a specialized or traditional camp.

Camp!

Finding the Right Camp for Your Child

With a little help from the American Camp Association, here’s some sound advice that helps parents sort through the choices that camp delivers. As spring approaches, parents and children can look forward to planning for the future—a future that includes the opportunities for exploration and discovery that arrives with summer camp.

How to Decide When Your Child is Ready for Camp Children are ready for new experiences at different stages.

Parents know their children best and these questions can help gauge whether this is the summer your child will start camp.

What is your child's age, and what is your perception of his or her readiness 38 SonomaFamilyLife

level? Children under seven who have not had overnight experiences may do better with a day camp as their first camp experience. If you think your child might not be ready for an overnight camp experience, consider day camp to prepare him or her for overnight camp.

How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?

Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

If you decide this is the summer that your child is ready for a great camp, Family Life’s Family Expo and Camp Fair on April 11th has representatives from tons of camps to help you choose the perfect one. ¶

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Lessons

Lessons

Lessons

DO YOU LOVE TO

RIDING LESSONS SUMMER CAMPS

Sing!

un FBlast!

Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best family friendly weekend events.

www.SonomaFamilyLife.com

@

538-2000

markweststables.com

Carol Menke, Artistic Director Providing quality training and performance since 1984.

Beginning-advanced levels Auditioning children ages 7-12

Call Today for more inforamation: 707-575-7701 www.artandsoulmusic.com 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa *Bring in this ad and we’ll waive your registration fee

AFTER SCHOOL WITH PONIES! •Self-Esteem •Responsibility •FUN!

527-8813

srchildrenschorus.com

HULA LESSONS

Check out our online lessons directories Wings After School Martial & Arts Program

Wings (707) 544-2302 www.wingsmap.org

CHECK OUT OUR OPEN HOUSE March 1st 11am-1pm Call Today 707-575-8038

European Pony School

3185 Cleveland Avenue, Suite I taimalietane.com

europeanponyschool.com

546-7669

DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS BALLET, JAZZ, TAP, HIP HOP, BREAKDANCE

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

SUPPORTS ACADEMICS WITH FUN

(707) 695-5483 • mstudiodance.com 3952 Sebastopol Rd. Suite #158 • Santa Rosa

New Location!

• We Pick Up! Free Shuttle to studio from school • Daily karate classes & homework time

(707) 544-2302

www.wingsmap.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

Register Now for Winter Classes

All Levels Ages 6 & Up

Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus

Weekend

Lessons

Footloose

Dance Center

Tap • Flamenco • Hip Hop Wing tsun • Salsa Ages 6–80 Rehearsal Space Available Carole Savoy, Director 5681 Redwood Drive • Rohnert Park 707 584-8058 footloosedancecenter.com

February 2014

Take ME Driving Kandras Driving School Drivers Ed/Training in class or online

GREAT LOW PRICE! 838-3100

takemedriving.net SonomaFamilyLife 39

Camps

Parties

Super Kids Camp Fun weekly themes, field trips, swimming, rock wall climbing, & so much more!

An exciting, recreational, & educational experience for campers, ages 5-11.

A full week of camp starts as low as $125 per week.

Call, email, or check out our website for details.

Gifts

INVITE HER TO YOUR NEXT PARTY!

916-682-0311 Pamela-Hubbard.barefootbooks.com

707-664-3391

superkidscamp@yahoo.com sonoma.edu/campusrec/youth/superkids

Pets

We care for your pets as though they are part of our family!

Be a Part of Our April Camp Guide Call 586-9562

Op M o n d ae n y Saturdathru y

(707) 494-5490 Artful Arrangements

Parties

Delivery of Living-Plant Gifts

Need A Venue For Business Events?

PACIFIC COAST AIR MUSEUM

WE HAVE THE PLACE FOR YOUR PARTY A real airplane to sit in and play with the controls.

Refrigerator available.

Call the museum at 575-7900.

See what we have! www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

Let Us Decorate Your Next Party for You! • Birthdays • Quince’s • Weddings • Events • Corporate

Party Chicks Décor

707-888-7075 Lic. 69681

40 SonomaFamilyLife

Art’s for the soul – a gift to the eye Life is too short, to even ask why

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol 707-823-3250

1010 Gravenstein Hwy, South Sebastopol ahosvet.com

Conferences • Meetings Presentations Non-Profit Discounts

The

Odd Fellows Hall

Prompt Delivery Giftshop Open Saturday’s 10am-2pm 205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove

RESERVE @ 707-546-1591

ArtfulArrangements.org 707-664-8656

545 Pacific Ave, Santa Rosa

Check out our online directories

CRAIG’S PARTY STORE

Health

Your Family Chiropractor Dr. Jennifer Price, DC, CACCP

Boarding • Daycare • Training Grooming • All Day Play Web Cams Rohnert Park 206-9000

Santa Rosa 595-3834

ParadisePetResorts.com petbuddies@me.com

Legal

Good prices • Great service • Convenience •

Guidance in Difficult Times

San Rafael, Petaluma, and now Santa Rosa!

Check out our new website

craigspartystore.com

Pregnancy & Post-Natal Infants, Kids & Teens Scoliosis & Posture Correction 776-6932 • theposturechiropractor.com

Law Office of Joel Richard Rubin

Certified Family Law Specialist 707-527-4470 • joelrrubin.com

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Schools

Language

CLASSES

YMCA PRESCHOOL MOLDING YOUNG ONES INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE...

Santa Rosa: 2590 Piner Rd.

- Part time /Full Time Care-Flexible Plans Available-

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Academic Skills.

For All Ages - Since 2004 Sonoma & Marin Counties

PRICING & REGISTRAION: Contact the YMCA Program Office at 707.544.1829 The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

www.ColorsofSpanish.com

(707) 782-1084

Childcare/Preschools Casa dei B o’s Since 1981 amb i h Montessori School

ini

SPANISH

Childcare/Preschools

R

Counseling

Preschool•Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6-years

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ Joy of Learning ♥ Order & Detail ♥ Concentration ♥ Grace & Courtesy 2427 Professional Dr.•Santa Rosa, Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101 www.rhioscasa.com

707-528-0889 Developing the Whole Child ages Play-Based Learning 3 to 5 hours 8 am to 3 pm, years

Monday - Friday Christ Methodist Preschool

1717 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa • 707.526.0204 www.cmpreschool.org

Supportive Counseling. Helping children and families with anger, stress, depression and healing from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Counseling for parents. Kathleen Dunham, MFT. 829-7051. Se Habla Espanol.

CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY • Child Therapy • Family Counseling • Parent Coaching

Jennifer Ballard, MFT 707- 483-9061 FREE CONSULTATION SolutionFamilyTherapy.com

Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive?

It doesn’t have to be that way.

For children 3-6.

Start to see results in just 6 sessions.

ASK ABOUT A FREE CONSULTATION

707-545-4600 www.srcbt.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Your Child can Thrive!

Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours

Enroll now K12.com/AAS or 877-506-8631

For more information on these business & more check out our online directories

Program of First United Methodist Church Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

Diane: 546-7012

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699

FUMC

Preschool & Child Care Center

Check out our online directories

Schools

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment.

Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners.

Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified.

M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

Presbyterian Preschool is a developmental, play-based preschool with dynamic, caring teachers. Generations keep returning! We foster the love of learning. We are accepting applications for 2013. Call 542-7396 or go to our website: www.presbyterianpreschool.org

Beth Ami Community Nursery School Home School Program Grades K - 5 Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday Feb. 6th 5-7pm Tours Always Welcome All faiths welcome

4 Classrooms • 2 years to pre-k Reggio Emilia & Emergent Curriculum Potty training not required, 1:7 Ratios

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2844 February 2014

4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa

707-360-3030

www.BethAmiSR.org

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

AS THE DERBY IS STARTING

entire auditorium of parents shushed, their heads swiveling in unison toward me, I thought to myself: “I should have used a hair dryer.”

By “Bull” Garlington

L

et us establish now I am not very good at this fatherhood thing.

Never have been, never will be. I am a struggling father, an amateur, a dilettante. My children know this—I’ve been proving it to them since they were born. For my son, the proof was never so obvious as during the pinewood derby.

I tend to plan the way some people fall off a cliff. I back plan, coming to my senses moments after something expensive lies smoldering at my feet long enough to say “Maybe I should have read the instructions.”

So nobody should be surprised I screwed up my, I mean my son’s pinewood derby car.

First of all, the manufacturer’s verbiage claiming their paint will dry in one hour is a big fat lie. The only thing happening in an hour is the Scoutmaster will come into the broom closet where you’re building your car (your son’s car) as the derby is starting to tell you [unprintable] or he will [unprintable]. And the wheels will get stuck to the fuselage.

Which really doesn’t matter in the great story arc of life. But there is a moment when it does matter. There is, in fact, a moment where those wheels, 42 SonomaFamilyLife

shellacked to the body of the car by a generous application of Krylon Red #5, bear the weight of a ’57 Chevy in a single glance as your son tries to place his racecar on the track . . . and it sticks to his fingers.

However, there is another moment even heavier. When the chucks release

Look, I know something about being shamefaced: I attempted dating in the 80s. I worked at a theme park. I drove a Gremlin. I drove a purple Gremlin. and all the cars speed down the slope toward the finish line. All the cars.

Except his.

Yeah, the manufacturer coulda said something about that.

Look, I know something about being shamefaced: I attempted dating in the 80s. I worked at a theme park. I drove a Gremlin. I drove a purple Gremlin.

So I knew how to react. I knew precisely the harrowing precipice of dignity my father-and-son dynamic skidded uncontrollably toward in the gravity of that glance. As my son’s public humiliation went nuclear, as an

The next year was no better. Heck, the next two years were no better. My car—my son’s car—never placed. I spent at least fifty bucks on kits, sand paper packs, chrome pipes, high gloss lacquer; but no matter how many hours I put into my car–into my son’s car—I didn’t place. He didn’t place.

Finally the kid said, “Dad, can I try?” and then I got it. I mean, it was soooo obvious. I should have seen it coming a mile away: this was one of those blunt lessons of fatherhood, a Zen smack, a light bulb as bright as the sun, and it was shining across that dim auditorium directly onto me and I knew, I knew right then I needed powdered graphite lube.

The kid was having none of it. He grabbed a chunk of pine and built what appeared to be a wedge of cheese with a number 7 scrawled on its side.

It wasn’t sanded. The wheels were crooked. It was yellow. This car had nothing going for it.

He didn’t win. I mean, he was racing a block of cheddar against a Sponge Bob, a 3rd generation doorstop, and a perfectly rendered 1967 Camaro Super Sport. He came in fourth.

And he didn’t care.

Winning has nothing to do with it. ¶

February 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

sonoma

presents‌

Friday April 11th 3:30–7:30 p.m.

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

SENSATIONAL SUMMERS START HERE! Get Started Today! Find summer camps, family travel, fun, and learning.

Plan your next party or family event!

Graduations, Birthdays and more! Find family home experts to make your home-sweet-home! Enjoy demonstrations, prizes and discounts. sonoma

707-586-9562

We LOVE what we do.

The luckiest people on earth are those who love getting up every day and heading out to do work they enjoy. We are among those who are blessed with this gift. There’s great pleasure in pruning trees and plants to make them strong and healthy, to bringing light and air to their branches, and to finishing the day proud to have accomplished a job well done.

When we nurture plants, they respond with vigorous growth.

It’s pretty rewarding to see that happen!

Right now most plants are in their dormant stage. This is the time of year when you can clearly see the shape of branches for aesthetic pruning.

It’s also time to prune for maximum yield on fruit trees, trim flowering trees for beauty, and prepare plants for spring when they come out of their protective winter sleep.

Sonoma County’s Best-Loved Tree Service since 1999

(707) 874-2018

Visit our web site for more information and testimonials from satisfied clients.

www.SonomaTree.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

If it’s been a few years since you’ve had your trees trimmed for health and beauty, bring us by to evaluate what they need.

Your property can be dressed for spring so it has a head start going into the growing season.

You might it even find that having us do your pruning gives you time to take some time for yourself instead of spending the weekend doing yard work. Love yourself and your plants… give Fine Tree Care a call today.

CCL #947598, LTO #A10086, Certified Arborists Reports, Workers Comp., General Liability, Commercial Auto, & Third Party Liability Insurance