Sonoma Family Life January 2016

sonoma

FREE!

January 2016

28 Private Schools Your local guide A+ Education

How to choose a school

Dream Center

Help for homeless kids

Learning Styles What’s yours?

Signing Bonuses FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Join our fast growing state-of-the-art outpatient facility.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

QUALIFIED HIRES CAN RECEIVE:

• Physician Doctors & Dentists • Signing bonus for many positions (CALL FOR MORE INFO) • Dental Director Purchased Referred Care Asst.

• Competitive salary •• Registered Dental Manager Assistant Clinic Operations • Regular office hours •• Licensed Vocational Nurse Certified Medical Assistant No night shifts •• Registered Registered Nurse Dental Assistant • Medical insurance for entire family •• RN PediatricDiabetes Experience RN –Certified Educator • 403-B retirement plan • Clinic Operations Manager • RN – Pediatric Experience • Paid time-off and 15 paid holidays • Clinical Applications Coordinator • Human Resources Coordinator • Injury Prevention Coordinator • Educational loan repayment–multiple • Clincal Applications Coordinator programs available • CHR (Community Health Rep.) • Quality Improvement Coordinator • Diabetes Lifestyle Coach (Ends 1/08/16) • CHR (Community Health Rep.) JOB DESCRIPTIONS & APPLICATIONS AT:

www.lcthc.com

APPLICANTS MUST: • Have great customer and patient care skills • Enjoy working with the local community

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:

(707) 263-8382

Lake County Tribal Health Modern Medicine

Personalized Care

707-263-8382 • 1-800-750-7181 • 925 Bevins Ct., Lakeport • www.lcthc.com

Imagine Your Child Cavity Free Petaluma Dental Group has created the Discovery Hub program, which takes place during the kids’ one-hour dental checkups. This fun hands-on learning helps kids develop knowledge and behaviors to support a lifetime of health.

‘more than a dental checkup’

Call for an appointment today!

Join the Club!

www.petalumadental/discoveryhub | 1301 Southpoint Blvd, Petaluma | (707) 520-4300

Birthday Parties Afterschool Programs, Classes Kids ages 4 to 14

707-207-6505

www.engineeringforkids.com/northbay

January 2016

Every Issue

10 Features 10 What Dreams May Come New facility gives hope to homeless kids.

12 Educated Decisions Find the best school for your child.

14 School Smarts Tap into a slew of educational options.

15 Private School Guide Get the scoop on all the great local programs.

6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Gimme a Gami-Bot Call of the Wild Symphonic Fairy Tale Feel the Beat A Gem of a Fair

26

26 Calendar of Events Get Your Slurp On

42 Humor Break Not This New Year

20 Small Talk Want your kids to “use their words�? Chat with them.

22 Whistle While You Work Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner?

24 From Resolution to Reality How to make positive life changes.

22 4 SonomaFamilyLife

12 January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

ADVERTISEMENT

“Why do They Keep Coming to this Doctor?...”

A Doctor’s Confession to Petaluma (who admits to curing no one)

Dear Friend, I wanted Dear Friend,to let everyone know what happened while I was in college. was a I wanted to let everyone know It what moment changed life forever.

But happenedthat while I was my in college.

It was a before I tell you about my experience, I moment that changed my life forever. But wanted tellyou youabout my story from the start. before Itotell my experience, I Let me start byyou explaining photo wanted to tell my storythe from thein start. this letter. amexplaining the guy inthe thephoto middle, Dr Let me startI by in this Taatjes.

You know when I meet people letter. I am the guy in the middle, Dr. Taatjes. in town and theyI usually say, in “Oh yeah, You know when meet people town andI know you, you’re Dr. Taatjes.

You’ve been they usually say, “Oh yeah, I know you, you’re on McDowell and Ross for years…”

Well, Dr. Taatjes. You’ve been serving the commuthat’s nity forme. twenty-four years! Well that’s me. We years agoinsomething hapareTwenty-six now centrally located our beautiful new pened to me that changed my life forever. office to better serve the community.

LetTwenty-seven me tell you my story. years ago something I was studying pre-Med in college, happened to me that changed my lifein hopes of becoming a medical doctor. forever. Let me tell you my story.

Things looking up, andinlife was good, Dr. with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right).

I waswere studying pre-Med college, in Dr.Taatjes Taatjes with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right). until took a turn for the doctor. worse. hopesthings of becoming a medical whole ball of wax. This exam could cost practic, we don’t add anything to the body I began to looking have terrible back Things were up, and lifeand wasstomgood, you $350 elsewhere. Great care at a great or take anything from it. We find interferach problems.

For a young guy, I felt pretty ence but that simply isn’t system the case.and With chirolesser amount for chiropractic. When you until things took a turn for the worse. fee… in the nervous remove it, rotten.

Mytoback so badly thatstomach I had a practic, we don’t add anything to the body or in this article bythere’s January 2016, I began havehurt terrible back and Please, I hope that no31, misunderthus enhancing the healing capacities of the bring hard time even in pretty class. rotten.

I was body. take anything it. We results…it find interference you will receive my entire new patient exam problems.

For aconcentrating young guy, I felt about quality of care, just because We get from tremendous really standing miserable.

The in as thesimple nervous $27.a That’s with x-rays, exam, My back hurt so medical badly thatdoctors I had atried hard differtime Ifor have lower exam fee. You’ll getreport great of is as system that. and remove it, thus ent but theyin only made memiserable. feel like I enhancing the healing of thehad body. care findings…the ball of wax. This exam evendrugs, concentrating class.

I was at a great whole fee. My qualifications…

Here’s what some capacities of my patients was in a “cloud.” not getting Wesay: get tremendous results…it really is as could cost you of $350 elsewhere. College Great care The medical doctorsI was triedjust different drugs, betbut I’m a graduate Northwestern of to ter. friend of mine convinced give a simple as that. at a great fee… theyAonly made me feel like I wasme in ato“cloud.”

Chiropractic who regularly goes to monthly “I have had a problem with migraines chiropractor try. The chiropractor an Here’s whatback some of my patients had Please, I hope that there’s no misunderI was just not agetting better.

A friend ofdid mine educational chiropractic seminars.

I’ve as well as low pain.

Even after seeing exam, tookme some films and then “adjusted” to say: and other health professionals, the standing about quality care, just because convinced to give a chiropractor a try. The doctors been entrusted to take of care of tiny babies toI my spine. The didn’t hurt -- it “I have had a problem with migraines have a lower exam You’ll getI great care at chiropractor didadjustment an exam, took some films neighbors that youfee. may know. just have pains remained.

After coming to Dr. Joel, actually felt good.

I got relief, and I soon as well as low back pain.

Even after seeing a great Myfee qualifications…I’m a graduate and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustthat lowfee. exam to help more people who they have helped me tremendously.

They was all medication.

It worked so well doctors and othermy health professionals, of Northwestern College of Chiropractic who mentoff didn’t hurt -- it actually felt good.

I got need care. even take away migraines.

They’rethe that to become pains remained. regularly goes to monthly educational chirorelief,I decided, and I soonthen wasand off there, all medication.

It a My associates, Dr. Rose, Dr. Truong and great!”

(Judy E.) After coming to Dr. Joel, chiropractor myself. they have me tremendously. seminars. take worked so well that I decided, then and there, Ipractic are ready to see I’ve if webeen canentrusted help you.to Our “I camehelped in pending laser surgery They for Now fora my kids, Hayden and Henry. evenherniated take awaydiscs. my migraines.

They’re care of tiny babies to neighbors that you to become chiropractor myself. offices are both friendly and warm andmay we two Over a few months They have under chiropractic careThey their here great!” know. just have that you low exam to helpWe Now for been my kids, Hayden and Henry. try ourI best to make feel atfee home. the(Judy need E.) for surgery subsided, and the entire lives.

And, unlike most other in came in pending laser discomfort surgery for with two more apeople who need care.at an exceptional have been under chiropractic care theirkids entire have wonderful service, pain“Ihas subsided to a mild their class, they never get the “common” herniated discs.

Over a few months here My associates, Dr. Martin, and Dr. Linzey, lives. And, unlike most other kids in their fee. Our office is called REDWOOD CHIoccasional morning stiffness. Over all, I childhood illnesses like“common” ear infections, the need surgery the pain and I are ready toand seewe if we canhave helptwo you.locaOur class, they never get the childhood ROPRACTIC now feel betterforvisit after subsided, visit. It’sand a gradual asthma In fact, they and haveallerhas subsided to a O.) mild discomfort with ocoffice isOur bothmain friendly andiswarm andatwe try N. illnessesand likeallergies. ear infections, asthma tions. office located 1225 process.”

(Jaime never taken drughave in their they casional morning Overthank all, Ime feel our best to make you feel at home.

Wenumber have gies. In fact,athey neverlives. takenAnd a drug in McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, phone Several times astiffness. day patients are 17And and they 18! are now 17 and 19! better visit after visit.

It’s a gradual process.” wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. theirnow lives. is 763-8910.

Dr. Taatjes would love to help for helping them with their health problems.

It’s strange strangehow howlife lifeis,is,because becausenow now (Jaime O.) really take credit.

Our at office called REDWOOD CHIROIt’s people But you thisislocation.Our second location I can’t people to with see me with their back probSeveral a day patients thank me for is PRACTIC. We are located at 937 Lakeville come tocome see me their back problems and at 225 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, Find outtimes for yourself and benefit from lems andproblems. stomach problems. helping them with their health problems.

But Street Petaluma, and our phone number stomach They comeThey to mecome with to an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t with Dr. Truong, and the phone number isis me their headaches, chronic cost I can’t really takeand credit.

763-8910. Call Chelsea, or theirwith headaches, migraines,migraines, chronic pain, 775-2545.

CallAlex, Alex,Danielle Wendy, and or Chauntel you an arm a leg to correct your pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whipFind out for yourself and benefit Wendyfor today for an appointment.

Wehelp can you. help neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from today an appointment.

We can health. You are going to write a check to lash from car accidents, asthma, allergies, from an AMAZING OFFER. Look, you.

Thank you. car accidents, asthma, allergies, numbness in someone for your health care expenses, you Thank you. numbness in limbs, athletic just to it shouldn’t youone an for arma and a leg to -Dr. Joel Taatjes limbs, athletic injuries, just toinjuries, name a few.

-Dr. Joel Taatjes may as wellcost write lesser amount name a few. correct your health.

You are going to write P.S. When When accompanied accompanied by If drugs make people well, then those P.S. by this this ad. firstI Iam amalso for chiropractic. When you bring in this drugs then those a checkbytoJuly someone for your care offering the second family member this same whoIf take themake mostpeople shouldwell, be the healthiest, also offering the second family member this article 31, 2012, you health will receive who take the most should be the healthiest, expenses, you may as exam well write oneThat’s for a same examination for only examination for$15. only $15. my entire new patient for $27. but that simply isn’t the case. With chirowith x-rays, exam, report of findings…the

ADVERTISEMENT

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

W

hat are your New Year’s resolutions? If you are like many parents, making sure your kids get a great education is Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor one of them. With Sharon@family-life.us our “2016 Sonoma County Private School Guide,” we aim to make that task easier. We spoke with the staff of 28 local schools, and placed the most updated information in our guide. See “Educated Decisions” (page 12) for strategies to help you choose a school that suits your child’s needs. Hint: Read “Whistle While You Work” (page 22), and then factor your kid’s learning style into your decision-making process.

Before some kids can get an education, they need a home. In “What Dreams May Come” (page 10), we report on Social Advocates for Youth’s (SAY) new Dream Center, which is poised to help Sonoma County’s 678 homeless youth find not only shelter but also jobs.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us

As the days of January tick off, your other resolutions—you know the ones about losing ten pounds or nixing smoking for good—are most likely patiently waiting for your attention. Let “From Resolution to Reality” (page 24) teach you about a research-based, three-stage process that will help you reach your goals.

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

We hope 2016 is the best year ever for your family!

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Holly Hester Christina Katz Jan Pierce Denise Morrison Yearian

Where ideas become reality.

Live Music! Food Trucks, Prizes.

Family friendly event!

Calendar

Show off your cool MAKE

134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Anna Freeman

Publishing Office

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

Sonoma State University Presents the 1st

SUNDAY MARCH 6TH 11AM - 3PM SOMO Village, Rohnert Park

Register to exhibit or attend: www.northbayihub.com 6 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR A REWARDING FUTURE WITH

OPEN ENROLLMENT JANUARY 6 THROUGH MARCH 31 2016

LEARN+EXPLORE=GROW JOIN US!

KINDERGARTEN RGARTEN REGISTRATION FAIR

GO TO: WWW.CRPUSD.ORG/KINDER

learning for a lifetime . . .

Bits & Pieces

Symphonic Fairy Tale

T Gimme a Gami-Bot

T

he ancient originators of origami, which was invented in 105 AD, could only imagine their paper cranes taking flight on their own. They would no doubt be fascinated by Gami-Bots, the motorized origami robots kids 7 and up will learn to make at the Gaining STEAM workshop on January 9. The free event—part of a series that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM)—will be held at 2 p.m. at the Petaluma Regional Library in Petaluma. Materials will be provided. ¶

he symphony Peter and the Wolf has been entertaining families since it was first composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1930s Russia. On January 24 at 3 p.m., the Santa Rosa Symphony and Platypus Theatre will offer their inventive take on the classic tale with a performance featuring two dancers, beautiful masks, and colorful sets. The show will be held at Weill Hall in the Green Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for kids, and may be purchased at tickets. santarosasymphony.com. A musical petting zoo will be held one hour before the show. ¶

Call of the Wild

D

o you have cat lovers in the family? Take them to the Wild Cat Adventure, where five felines— either a cougar, cheetah, serval, ocelot, fishing cat, black leopard cub, or Geoffroy’s cat—will take the stage at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center on January 10, 3–4 p.m. Watch them safely show off their abilities to climb, leap, and even hunt as you learn about their habits and habitat.

Reserve tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12, by calling 874-3176 or by e-mailing wildcat@ wildcatfund.org. Find out more at seb.org. ¶

8 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Feel the Beat

T

he sounds of African rhythms are infectious, especially for little kids. Take your young ones (ages 3 and up) to hear some dynamic African drumming at the free performance of master percussionist Onye Onyemaechi on January 9, 2–3 p.m., at the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa. Besides playing, Onyemaechi will also teach kids about African culture and tribal life. Find out more at sonomalibrary.org. ¶

A Gem of a Fair

W

ondering how to spend winter’s rainy days? Maybe jewelry-making is the ticket. To get inspired, go to the free Gem Faire on January 22–24 at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael and walk through rows and rows of colorful gems, beads, crystals, minerals, and gold and silver. The fair will be open on January 22, noon–6 p.m.; January 23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and January 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Find out more at gemfaire.com. ¶

Healthy Smiles

for life!

Success = Smiles On Report Card Day!

Comfortable Caring Affordable Dental Care

Sylvan helps students of all ages catch up, keep up, or get ahead!

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL!

99 Exam & X-rays

$

Dr. Nijjar, DDS

as low as $165/mo.

Special offer for Sonoma Family Life Select copy layout Readers call 528-6000 today and get started with Sylvan! *Valid at Santa Rosa location only.

May not be combined with other offers.

Expires 2/29/16

We take most types of insurance

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Coding & Robotics Spring Break Camps!

Call for Dates

$195 value)

Offer expires XX/XX/XXXX. Valid at participating centers only. May not be combined with other offers

Sylvan Learning of Santa Rosa

Coddingtown Dental Care

1801 Cleveland Avenue • Santa Rosa (707)-545-3338 • coddingtowndentalcare.com

FREE ASSESSMENT

• Low 3:1 student/teacher ratio.

• Individualized lesson plans.

• Regular progress reports. in today for a FREE • Payment Plans start atStop $118 mo.

Sylvan Assessment (a • Flexible, affordable, interest-free.

Locally Owned and Operated over 30 Years.

707-528-6000 • www.educate.com READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST PREP, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE!

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 9

mosaics by local artist Mario Uribe.

Each step along the path features an uplifting word, contributed by homeless youth themselves—inspire, imagine, dare to win.

They are words of hope, which is what SAY is all about, offering Sonoma County’s youth not only concrete homes, but shelter from the storms of their lives.

“Thirty-seven percent of homeless youth in Sonoma County have

What Dreams May Come New Center Gives Homeless Youth a Fresh Start

A

ll youth have dreams and the homeless kids of Sonoma County are no different. The nonprofit Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) and its new Dream Center in Santa Rosa aim to help to turn those dreams into reality.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

In Sonoma County, 678 homeless people under the age of 24 are on the streets. For more than a decade, SAY, which offers a variety of services to thousands of kids every year, has helped such youth find homes and jobs.

The new facility is the result of the fastest fundraising campaign in Sonoma County history—9.5 million raised in a year and a half—and the generosity of Sutter Health, which donated the old Warrack Hospital building that now, after extensive renovation, houses the center.

The entrance to the center is placed strategically by a bus stop for its clients low-income, car-free kids. As they walk toward the lobby’s wall of windows, visitors will be greeted by a walkway tiled with colorful

A mosaic on the walkway of the new Dream Center in Santa Rosa.

experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in their homes,” says SAY Communications and Marketing Manager Caitlin Childs, explaining why for many kids the streets feel safer than their own bedrooms.

As they come from such troubling circumstances, one of the first services youth receive when they reach out to SAY is counseling.

“It’s an honor to have a young person let you in to support them,” explains SAY Counseling Services Program

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Manager Elizabeth Goldman.

“It’s an honor [because] they are revealing some of their biggest vulnerabilities.”

It is these vulnerabilities that SAY staff kept in mind when designing the new Dream Center. Most clients will get their own rooms, which are housed in a keycard-accessible part of the building that only

“Finishing the building is not finishing the work.”

—Elizabeth Goldman

residents and staff will be allowed to enter. And when residents want to socialize with others, they can convene in community spaces rather than take people to their rooms, which are for formerly homeless youth “sacred space,” Childs says.

Once a sense of safety is established, and youth are in counseling, they can start looking for a job.

“I like to ask people how they found their first job. And eight times out of ten [they] say…either their parents knew somebody or they worked for their parents,” says Childs. Homeless youth don’t have that kind of support.

Through its Career Services program, SAY partners with various nonprofits to place kids in paid internships such as at the Santa Rosa Boys and Girls Club and the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

One of SAY’s success stories, Jeramy, works at a nonprofit that helps youth coming out of foster care advocate for themselves.

“I think it’s really great because now he is giving back to others,” enthuses Childs.

With successes like Jeramy and a new building launched, Goldman worries that people will think the homeless youth situation is solved.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! YOUTH – TEEN – ADULT – ALL AGES! THE APPRENTICE COMPANY PRODUCTION SIGN UP NOW – SPACE IS LIMITED! FOR CLASS INFORMATION INFORM & REGISTRATION:

6THSTREETPLAYHOUSE.COM 707-523-4185

WAUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Relentlessly Pursuing Success for All

The new facility is the result of the fastest fundraising campaign in Sonoma County history.

Computer classes will teach kids the ins-and-outs of word processing and résumé building. Residents can also avail themselves of a phlebotomisttraining program, which will be held in a large conference room in the center. Meanwhile, the Ceres Community Project, the Sebastopol-based program that produces meals for families struggling with serious illnesses, will offer kids an opportunity to learn how to cook in the center’s commercial kitchen.

“Finishing the building is not finishing the work,” she says adamantly. “The young people need our help. We want…a healthy community and to do that we need healthy young people.”

Besides the chance to learn new skills, SAY offers youth another important component to finding work: connections.

To that aim, SAY, with its new center, will continue to offer youth the chance to imagine a better future and dare to follow their dreams. ¶

www.sonomafamilylife.com

SIGN UP FOR SPRING CLASSES!

But she wants the public to know it mostly assuredly is not.

January 2016

Now Enrolling for 2016-2017

Corona Creek & Meadow School Transitional Kindergarten–6th Grade Computer, Art & Music Teachers, Band, Librarians, Classroom Aides, Animation Lab, Maker Lab & Small Class Sizes

COME FOR A TOUR Call (707) 765-3331 to make a reservation

1851 Hartman Lane, Petaluma

www.waughsd.org

SonomaFamilyLife 11

What are your children’s academic strengths, weaknesses, interests, and talents? Also consider what sort of learning environment your children would be most comfortable in.

Self-motivated students, for example, may do well in a program where they get to direct their own learning.

Rather than look for a “perfect school,” parents should look for one that meets their children’s needs.

Educated Decisions

How to Choose a Private School

But children in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. Certain schools are right for certain children, says Koetzsch. It’s just a matter of finding what fits.

or the past eight years, Josh Baker attended public schools.

Up to this point, his parents were pleased with the kind of education he had been receiving. But as their son hedged toward high school, Mom and Dad felt a need to give him a more tailored education—one that would better prepare him for college. So when September rolled around, Josh began attending a nearby private college prep school.

As you evaluate your children’s needs, make a list of what you want in a school. Consider your own preferences, as well as your children’s personalities, gifts, and talents. “Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework, where parents fit into the running of the school, and so on,” says Koetzsch. But remember, he advises, you are not constructing an absolute educational ideal, just one that is appropriate for your children.

Every year, scores of parents look into the option of sending their children to private schools. But because no two schools are alike, finding the right fit can be a daunting task. So where do you begin?

Next make a list of all the schools in your area that are potential candidates. Call and ask for information about the schools.

Once the information has arrived, look at each one’s program, mission, services, faculty, and administration.

By Denise Morrison Yearian

F

12 SonomaFamilyLife

In his book, The Parents’ Guide to Alternatives in Education (Shambhala, 1997), Ronald Koetzsch, PhD, states that rather than looking for a “perfect school,” parents should look for one that meets their children’s needs.

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Cross & Crown Lutheran School

What makes the school unique?

What is its teaching philosophy?

Is there a vision for the future? Is there anything the school does particularly well? What about the curriculum? Will it cater to your children’s talents and interests?

Don’t let cost and commuting distance deter you. Many expensive schools offer scholarships and often others in your community will welcome ride sharing.

After reviewing the materials, arrange to visit those schools that appeal to you—and even some that aren’t your favorites. “The school you expected to love may disappoint you, and you may

As a parent you know your children better than anyone else. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school or not. find a gem where you didn’t expect one,” Koetzsch says.

While visiting, sit in on the classes and observe the teachers and students.

“Note the obvious facts: school size, class size, ambiance of the school as a whole and of individual classrooms, absence or presence of a dress code, and general demeanor of the students and teachers,” Koetzsch says. Also be sure to record your reaction. Did you feel comfortable and relaxed, or uptight and anxious?

When you visit, spend a few minutes talking with the principal or school administrator. Don’t feel www.sonomafamilylife.com

embarrassed about asking questions, says Koetzsch.

If possible, also talk with teachers, preferably the ones who would have your children in class. As you get a feel for their personalities, consider how your children will interact with them.

Next get the names of several parents whose children attend the school and would be willing to talk with you. Ask them what they do and don’t like about the school.

Also try to obtain a few names of parents who were not happy there and enrolled their children elsewhere.

Once you have visited several schools, narrow your selection to those that might work for you.

Plan to return, this time with your children. Have them meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students.

Follow your intuition. As a parent you know your children better than anyone else. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school or not. And while it may not fit your specifications exactly, it more than likely will be an environment where your children can grow and flourish— intellectually, emotionally, physically, and in some cases, spiritually, too. ¶

Where the JOY of learning meets the JOY of the Lord ter Regis for Now 017 /2 2016 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten Kindergarten 1st - 6th Grade Preschool license #490100475

Call or email to visit our school:

(707)795-7863 www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org

Now for the NowEnrolling Enrolling for the 2016-2017 Academic Academic Year 2016-2017 Year

traditional education focusing on AAtraditional education focusing creating well rounded andand wellwell on creating well rounded equippedstudents students for future, equipped forthe the future, Christ centered setting. inin a aChrist-centered setting.

For more information about local private school choices, see our “2016 Sonoma County Private School Guide” on page 14.

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

January 2016

905 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401

707-545-0526

www.stluke-lcms.org

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Find Top-notch Local Programs

School Smarts H ow do you choose the right school for your child? It helps to break your search down into manageable tasks.

First, go on a fact-finding mission to discover what’s out there. Are you considering a private school? Start your search on the facing page with the “2016 Sonoma County Private School Guide.” We surveyed staff and researched websites of 28 local private schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

While you are in research mode, don’t ignore your neighborhood public

school. Is there a public school that may be a great fit? You may be able to transfer. Ask the district office.

(Charter schools, even though they’re public, generally don’t require transfer approval.)

Figure out your priorities. What is your child interested in? What are your top expectations of a school? What college or trade school do you want your child to attend after he or she graduates?

RVC Preschool

Next, decide on three to five schools for a “deep dive.” Write down questions to ask administrators before you schedule tours. Visit the schools’ websites and review upcoming deadlines. Talk to teachers and parents, especially parents whose children graduated from the schools you’re visiting. If possible, attend some school events to get a feel for the culture and community.

Apply to your dream school and back-up schools as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly.

Finding the right schools can be a daunting experience. There are so many options in our area. The best school for your child is out there, just waiting for you to find it!

For even more ideas for how to shop for a school, see “Educated Decisions” on page 12.

Celebrating 127 years of Excellence

NOW ENROLLING!

3 year olds class 4 year olds class Transitional Kindergarten

OPEN HOUSE

707-539-1486

www.rvchristian.org 14 SonomaFamilyLife

JANUARY 31ST, 10:30-12:30PM Serving K - 8th Grade Financial aid and family plans available www.SVELEM.org

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Fin. Aid

Fam. Disc.

Cafeteria

Transport

Summer

School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment

Philosophy Size Current/Max

Uniform

Private School Guide Ext. Care

2016 Sonoma County

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

Address Phone

Graton Pacific Christian Academy

$3,500

K–12

10

/ 125

8877 Donald St.

Christian values & philosophy taught and lived.

N

823-2880 pacificchristianacademy.org

Healdsburg Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

$12,114–$22,626

9–12

15

165 / 190

3200 Rio Lindo Ave.

Learn. Serve. Lead.

St. John Catholic School

$6,500–$8,220

$14,500

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

431-5100 riolindo.org TK–8

22

223 / 270

217 Fitch St.

Catholic philosophy.

The Healdsburg School

N

Y

Y

Y

433-2758 sjshbg.org/ K–8

20

182 / 198

33 H Healdsburg Ave.

Inspiring compassionate leadership through academic excellence.

Y

Y

N

433-4847 thehealdsburgschool.org

Napa Justin-Siena

$16,400

9–12

24

660 / 660

4026 Maher St.

A Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition.

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

Y

N

Y

255-0950 Justin-Siena.org

Petaluma Harvest Christian School

$5,750–$6,600

TK–8

15–25

145 / NA

3700 Lakeville Hwy. #210

Classical & Christian philosophy.

Spring Hill Montessori

$7,500–$13,700

PreK–6

$6,027

OPEN HOUSE

K–8

Y

Y

763-2954 harvestpetaluma.org 8–20

120 / 150

825 Middlefield Drive

Montessori/bilingual/science-focused/creativity.

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary

Y

29

265 / 324

Y

N

Y

Y

763-9222 springhillmontessori.org 100 Howard & Union St.

Committed to guiding students in reaching their full academic potential.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

762-6426 svelem.org

St. John School

NPlease N YcallYforYa N personalized meeting and 10 am Grades 1-7 • 1 pm Kindergarten, Preschool, Toddler College prep. developing their spiritual, academic, & social potential.

763-1032 svhs-pet.org tour with our Principal Transfer Scholarship Available 707-433-2758

JANUARY 23 $13,200

St. Vincent De Paul High School

9–12

18–20

310 / 400

Pk–6

10

25 / 200

Rohnert Park

Cross and Crown Lutheran

$2,000–$5,600

Christian-based. Spanish, art, music enrichment.

Santa Rosa

849 Keokuk St.

• Serving T-K - 8th grade.

Y Y student Y Y scores N N • Advanced on 5475 Snyder Lane standardized testing.

795-7863 crossandcrownrp.org • Low ratio class size with teacher assistants.

• Technology used in all classrooms: smart boards, N NiPads Y &YKindles.

N N 4676 Mayette Ave.laptops, • Welcoming Catholic & 360-3000 bethamisr.org Non-Catholic students.

STEAM Curriculum Beth Ami Religious•School $250–$1585 PreK–9 8 30 / 50 • Makers Program Leadership, exploration & the love of Jewish life & learning!

• Whole-Child Education • Low Ratios Bridge Haven School $9,500 K–8 15 20 / 45 755 Baywood Drive, 2nd Floor

www.sjshbg.org

707-763-9222

Structured academics. Strong creative arts program.

SpringHillMontessori.org Brush Creek Montessori

www.sonomafamilylife.com

$8,750

PreK–8

Montessori (AMS affliated).

12

70 / 100

January 2016

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Historic Downtown Healdsburg

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

812-7227 bridgehavenschool.com

1569 Brush Creek Rd.

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

SonomaFamilyLife 15

539-7980 bcmontessori.org

Classical & Christian philosophy.

A Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition.

Harvest Christian School

$7,500–$13,700

PreK–6

8–20

120 / 150

Montessori/bilingual/science-focused/creativity. $5,750–$6,600 TK–8 15–25

2016 Sonoma County Classical &K–8 Christian philosophy. $6,027 29

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary

N

N

Y

763-9222 springhillmontessori.org 3700 Lakeville Hwy. #210 Y Y Y

Y

Y

N

N

825 Middlefield Drive 145 / NA

Y

N

Y

Y

Private School Guide Y

Y Yharvestpetaluma.org Y Y N 100 Howard & Union St. Y763-2954

265 / 324

Fam. Disc.

Cafeteria

Transport

Summer

762-6426 svelem.org

Fin. Aid

Committed to guiding students in reaching their full academic potential.

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y YSt. YN Y N N Y 25 18–20 849 Keokuk / 200 310 / 400 5475 Snyder Lane Christian-based.

Spanish, art, music enrichment.

College prep. developing their spiritual, academic, & social potential.795-7863 crossandcrownrp.org 763-1032 svhs-pet.org

N Y

YY

N

Y

N N

N

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

Y

Ext. Care

Spring Hill Petaluma Montessori

763-2954 harvestpetaluma.org 255-0950 Justin-Siena.org

College prep. developing their spiritual, academic, & social potential.

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary $6,027 K–8 29 265 / 324

763-1032 svhs-pet.org 100 Howard & Union St. Y

Committed to guiding students in reaching their full academic potential.

Rohnert Park

Cross and Crown Lutheran St. Vincent De Paul High School$2,000–$5,600 $13,200 Pk–6

Uniform

School Spring Hill Montessori $7,500–$13,700 PreK–6 8–20 120 / 150 825 Middlefield Drive Y N Y Y N N Y School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment Address Paul High School Philosophy Size Current/Max N N Yspringhillmontessori.org Y Y N Y 763-9222 St. Vincent De $13,200 Montessori/bilingual/science-focused/creativity.

9–12 18–20 310 849 Keokuk St. Phone / 400 Y

762-6426 svelem.org

10 9–12

Santa Rosa Rohnert Park Beth Ami Religious Cross andSchool Crown Lutheran

$250–$1585$2,000–$5,600 PreK–9

Bridge Haven School Rosa Santa

$9,500

Beth Ami Religious School Brush Creek Montessori Bridge Haven School

N Lane N YY Y Y N Y N Y 3010 Ave.Snyder / 50 25 / 200 4676 Mayette5475 Leadership, Christian-based. exploration & theSpanish, love of Jewish life &enrichment. learning!

360-3000 795-7863 bethamisr.org art, music crossandcrownrp.org

K–8

Pk–68

15

20 / 45

Structured academics. Strong creative arts program. $250–$1585 PreK–9 8 $8,750

30 / 50

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

812-7227 bridgehavenschool.com 4676 Mayette Ave. N N Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

N Ybethamisr.org Y Y Leadership,PreK–8 exploration &12 the love of70Jewish 1569 Brush Creek Rd. Y360-3000 / 100 life & learning!

Montessori (AMS affliated). $9,500

K–8

15

20 / 45

Structured academics. Strong creative arts program.

Brush Creek Montessori

N

755 Baywood Drive, 2nd Floor

$8,750

PreK–8

Montessori (AMS affliated).

12

70 / 100

539-7980 bcmontessori.org 755 Baywood Drive, 2nd Floor Y Y

Y

812-7227 bridgehavenschool.com 1569 Brush Creek Rd.

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

539-7980 bcmontessori.org

A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition

Where Students Succeed

Academically, Spiritually & Socially

At St. Vincent, we have been providing excellence in Catholic education for more than 100 years. Committed to the success of our students’ well-rounded development, we offer a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities and new athletic fields as well as 20+ sports teams.

Our Debate team is also ranked top 5% in the nation.

Over 99% of our students go on to college and in 2015, our graduates earned $3.7 million in scholarships.

Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.

849 Keokuk St. Petaluma 707-763-1032 x113 www.svhs-pet.org

16 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Learn how 2015 graduates earned over $12 Million in scholarships.

research

Discover why Cardinal Newman High School received

learn

the distinguished Elmer Brown Excellence Award from the North Coast Section for being the top earner of both academic and athletic pennants.

CARDINAL NEWMAN IS AFFORDABLE Over 25% of Cardinal Newman students receive tuition assistance up to half the annual cost.

Now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year.

Discover

Research and apply for admission at cardinalnewman.org.

apply

become

50 URSULINE ROAD Â&#x; SANTA ROSA CA 95403 Â&#x; 707.546.6470 www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 17

$250–$1585

PreK–9

8

30 / 50

4676 Mayette Ave.

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

Transport

Beth Ami Religious School

Cafeteria

Santa Rosa N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

N

Summer

Y

N

Summer

N

Cafeteria

Fin. Aid

Fin Aid

N

Trans

Uniform

Uniform

50 Ursuline Rd.

Fam. Dscnt. Fam. Disc.

Ext. Care

Y

Address/Phone 539-7980

Ext Care

2016 SonomaLeadership, County Private360-3000 School exploration & the love of Jewish life & learning! bethamisr.org Guide

School Bridge Haven School $9,500 K–8 15 Enrollment 20 / 45 755 Baywood Drive, 2nd Floor Y Y Y Y N N Y School Name Tuition Grades Class Address

Philosophy Size Current/Max Phone Structured academics. Strong creative arts program.

812-7227 bridgehavenschool.com

Brush Creek Montessori Name

Cardinal Newman High School

$8,750

PreK–8

Tuition/Philosophy Grades Montessori (AMS affliated).

$14,300

9–12

12 70School / 100 Class Enrollment Size Current/Max 22

608 / NA

Co-ed college prep high school. Educating mind, body & spirit.

Redwood Adventist Academy

$5,355–$9,500

K–12

12

100 / 200

Academic, physical, social & spiritual growth focus.

Rincon Valley Christian School

$7,295–$8,495

PK–12

15

220 / 500

Celebrating 46 Years of quality Christian education.

Sonoma Academy

Sonoma Country Day School

$1,807–$34,333

9–12 12–15 269 / 330 College prep with environmental & global leadership. $21,950

K–8

18

275 / 300

Bringing learning to life.

St. Eugene’s Cathedral School

$5,980

PreK–8

$4250–$6250

PreK–8

30

300 / 360

$5890–$6390

PreK–8

10

75 / 150

$3,700–$16,750

PreK–12

Y

Y

Y

546-6470 cardinalnewman.org 385 Mark West Springs Rd.

Y

N

Y

545-1697 redwoodaa.com 4585 Badger Rd.

Y

N

N

539-1486 rinconvalleychristian.org 2500 Farmers Lane

N

N

Y

Y

545-1770 sonomaacademy.org 4400 Day School Place

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

25

12–28

300 Farmers Lane

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

905 Mendocino Avenue

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

545-0526 stluke-lcms.org 250 / 360

Nurturing environment with high academic standards.

Summerfield Waldorf School

N

bcmontessori.org

545-7252 steugenesch.org

Small private traditional Christian school.

St. Rose Catholic School

Y

284-3200 scds.org

Catholic philosophy. Foreign languages.

St. Luke Lutheran School

1569 Brush Creek Rd.

393 / 400

Waldorf, college-prep, arts & academics.

4300 Old Redwood Hwy.

Y

Y

Y

545-0379 strosecatholicschool.org 655 Willowside Road

Y

N

Y

Y

N

575-7194 www.summerfieldwaldorf.org

Sebastopol Pleasant Hill Christian School $5000 TK–6 15 50 / 80 LOVE • LEARN • LEAD Academic excellence & character development.

1782 Pleasant Hill Road

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

823-5868 phcs.org

Sonoma SoloQuest School and Learning Center

$10,000

PK–adult

1:1

45 / 75

One to one teaching & cognitive tutoring.

Sonoma Valley Christian School

$6,000

K–8

6–10

8 / 30

Quality education creates happy & successful students.

K–8

24

Faith, excellence, innovation & service.

NOW ENROLLING!

Experience the advantages The Presentation School of a K-8 Independent school. presentationschool.com 707.935.0122 x210

18 SonomaFamilyLife

$10,500

N

N

939-1133 soloquest.com

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

FEBRUARY St. Francis Solano4TH SchoolFROM 6-7PM $6,000

414 W. Napa Street

200 / 300

K–8 20 181 / 185 Founded in the Catholic tradition, embracing all faiths.

542 First Street East

N

N

Y

996-1853 sonomavalleychristianschool.org 342 West Napa Street

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

996-4994 saintfrancissolano.org 20872 Broadway

Y

Y

Y

Y

935-0122 presentationschool.com

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Small private traditional Christian school.

St. Rose Catholic School

$5890–$6390

PreK–8

25

545-0526 stluke-lcms.org 250 / 360

4300 Old Redwood Hwy.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

environment with high academic standards. strosecatholicschool.org 2016 SonomaNurturing County Private545-0379 School Guide N

Y

Summer

N

Transport

Y

Cafeteria

Y

Fam. Disc.

N

Fin. Aid

Y

Uniform

655 Willowside Road

Ext. Care

Summerfield Waldorf School $3,700–$16,750 PreK–12 12–28 393 / 400 School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment Waldorf, college-prep, arts & academics.

Philosophy Size Current/Max

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

Address 575-7194 www.summerfieldwaldorf.org Phone

Sebastopol Pleasant Hill Christian School

$5000

TK–6

15

50 / 80

Academic excellence & character development.

1782 Pleasant Hill Road

Y

N

823-5868 phcs.org

Sonoma 45 / 75

One to one teaching & cognitive tutoring.

6–10

939-1133 soloquest.com 8 / 30

Quality education creates happy & successful students.

St. Francis Solano School

$6,000

K–8

24

200 / 300

Faith, excellence, innovation & service.

The Presentation School Name

Windsor Windsor Christian Academy

$10,500

K–8

Tuition/Philosophy Grades

K–8

School Class 20 Enrollment 181 / 185 Size Current/Max

18

N

N

Y

996-1853 sonomavalleychristianschool.org 342 West Napa Street

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

996-4994 saintfrancissolano.org

Founded in the Catholic tradition, embracing all faiths. $4,250–$6,700

542 First Street East

184 / 300

WCA provides a Christ centered education.

20872 Broadway

Address/Phone

Summer

K–8

N

Trans

$6,000

N

Cafeteria

Sonoma Valley Christian School

414 W. Napa Street

Fam. Dscnt.

1:1

Fin Aid

PK–adult

Uniform

$10,000

Ext Care

SoloQuest School and Learning Center

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

935-0122 presentationschool.com

10285 Starr Road

Y

838-3757 windsorchristianacademy.org

Get to

Know

San Domenico School

SD

Grades K-12 Day and 9-12 Boarding and Day | Flex-boarding Buses throughout Marin, North Bay, San Francisco, and East Bay

Come tour our 515-acre campus!

Contact: admissions@sandomenico.org | 415.258.1905 Exceptional Education and a Sense of Purpose | sandomenico.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 19

didn’t speak to my brother and me with the expectation of hearing our responses, but at least she talked a blue streak and we learned a lot of vocabulary. She had a sense of humor that lent itself to plays on words. She wrote little poems for office parties and family gatherings.

She was a verbal whiz. In turn, I learned to love words.

Small Talk

By Jan Pierce

Y

How to Grow Your Kid’s Vocabulary

ou most likely know that reading to your children paves the way to reading readiness. But did you know that talking to children is equally important? It’s true.

Talking to preverbal children, and having two-way conversations with verbal kids, can mean the difference between success and failure in learning.

Luckily, my husband and I were surrounded by verbal people during our childhoods. My husband lived with his grandmother, an elementary teacher, for the first ten years of his life. She made him nutritious meals and shared her knowledge about the natural world, and also grammar. She never stopped believing in him, even though he was a “late bloomer” in school.

And me. Thank God, my mother was a talker. My father was a quiet man, but my mother more than made up for that. She

20 SonomaFamilyLife

So what, exactly, is the ideal home environment for later learning successes? Studies on key characteristics of children who learn quickly and do well in school clearly show that a home rich in talk is one of the essentials to later learning. Interestingly, the number of words spoken to children at home increases with socio-economic status. The higher the education level of the parents, the more they engage in speaking to their children, and the more complex the language they use. With education level,

Much of the language experience can take place while reading to your child. families move from only directive or disciplinary words to asking questions and talking about feelings, thoughts, goals, relationships, and the like.

A landmark study conducted in the 1980s by Todd Risley and Betty Hart at the University of Kansas uncovered remarkable information about the talk/learning connection.

This team tracked 42 families by observing conversation in their homes an hour a month for two

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

ONE COMMUNITY

and a half years. The results were surprising. Low-income children heard an average of 600 words per hour, working class children heard about 1,200, and the children of professionals heard approximately

Studies on key characteristics of children who learn quickly and do well in school clearly show that a home rich in talk is one of the essentials to later learning.

2,100 words per hour. By age four the poorer children had heard 30 million fewer words than wealthier children.

What made this study so important was not just the initial tracking of language spoken in the home, but the later follow-ups on these children and their performance in school. The children from language-rich homes were more successful learners, and scored higher on language tests.

In Providence, Rhode Island, a group of city caseworkers has taken the information in the Risley and Hart study and given it feet. They’ve made home visits and added “conversation services” to their agenda. They provide recording devices to low-income families and encourage them to speak more to their children. With practice, the quantity and the quality of parent/ child interactions have increased.

Parents are taught to respond to the child’s language use with more information (Doggy? Yes, that’s a www.sonomafamilylife.com

brown doggy.), and generally raise the number of verbal interactions throughout the day.

What does all this information mean for your home learning environment?

You can give your child a boost in language learning. Much of the language experience can take place while reading to your child. Books lend themselves to many forms of language experience, and you can begin the day your baby is born.

Singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, engaging in word games— all of these provide rich learning opportunities for your child.

Talk to your child throughout the day. With older children make it a point to ask questions that are open-ended. What is your favorite color? Why are you feeling happy, angry, afraid? What was the best thing that happened today? Take the opportunity to praise your child appropriately. (You’re right, that is a dinosaur. Can you find another one?) You respond to their speech and add a bit more.

If you grew up in a home where there wasn’t a lot of talking, you might find it a stretch to add to the number of words spoken to your children. But know that words are free and you are doing a wonderful service to your child’s language awareness and future learning success. So talk, talk, talk— your child will benefit from it. ¶ Jan Pierce, MEd, is a retired teacher and a writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read (Homegrown Publications, 2015). Find her at janpierce.net.

January 2016

3 AMAZING SCHOOLS

PARK SIDE (K-4)

BROOK HAVEN (5-8)

CASTLE CHILD CARE Preschool & School Age PROGRAMS

ENROLL NOW Come for a tour.

Our doors are open!

sebastopolschools.ORG (707)829-4570 SonomaFamilyLife 21

Whistle While You Work

Exploring Different Learning Styles

By Christina Katz

S

chool should be an adventure in learning. But if you have not taken the time to observe how your child learns best, your child might be struggling unnecessarily. Most people’s learning styles land in one or more of these categories: visual, auditory, verbal, kinesthetic, tactile, and logical. You don’t have to get tested to find out what kind of learners are living in your house. You simply have to be willing to reflect on what makes each of you tick. Which qualities do you see in each family member and yourself? Which qualities are less apparent? Listed below are ideas for trying out each approach.

Visual • Draw pictures, doodle, or color.

• List both sides of an argument.

• Use flashcards for memorizing.

• Make a lesson into a comic strip.

• Search for and read fun, visual blogs.

• Research topics on Pinterest with an eye for colorful infographics.

• Watch videos with a steady stream of images or drawings.

• Play a video game or flip through a magazine as a break from learning.

Auditory • Use music in the background while learning.

• Read work out loud into a recorder or 22 SonomaFamilyLife

to the dog or yourself.

• Listen to lectures or stories.

• Write down what you notice as you listen or after you listen.

• Listen to the opinions of others to help sharpen your point of view.

• Enjoy discussion, dialogue, and debating.

• Turn what you are learning into a rhyming poem or song lyrics.

• Listen to some upbeat or moving music while taking a break from learning.

Verbal • Read up on topics of interest, highlighting any points to remember.

Most people use a combination of learning styles. Do you know yours?

• Look up word definitions to spark ideas.

• Write and rewrite thoughts to clarify what you think.

• Talk through your thoughts with another person.

• Play with acronyms. For example, make up a story using every letter in one word as the first letter in a part of the story.

• Increase memorization by turning written words into spoken words and vice-versa.

• Immerse yourself in reading as a break from learning.

Kinesthetic • Physically act out ideas you are trying to understand. Play all the parts.

• Draw your ideas out on large sheets of paper or on a whiteboard.

• Memorize information while you are in motion.

• Use storyboarding techniques.

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

BILINGUAL | BILITERATE | BICULTURAL | BY CHOICE

Cesar Chavez Language Academy • To integrate what you’ve learned, get outside and get your hands dirty.

• Teach other students what you’ve learned.

• When sitting for long periods, take frequent breaks to stretch or move.

Tactile • Incorporate art projects into your assignments.

• Pull together a bunch of seemingly disparate parts into a collage or sculpture.

• Create a 3-D visual representation of lessons.

• Keep your hands and fingers moving while learning.

• Trace words or images to help you study.

• Work with clay, putty, or dough when stuck or integrating ideas.

• Build a model or bake some cookies as a break from learning.

Logical • Notice patterns in whatever you are studying.

• Classify or categorize things.

• Break up information into small chunks.

• Set goals and track your progress.

• Make a to-do list.

• Use examples, stats, and research.

• Pose a word problem and solve it.

• Use a spreadsheet to track progress.

• Tidy or organize things, or do a jigsaw puzzle, as a break from learning. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz can increase her productivity quite a bit by paying better attention to flexing her dominant learning-style muscles.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

We are a public Dual Immersion School in Santa Rosa City Schools offering a highly focused educational environment that will prepare your child for the future. Kindergarten registration for 2016-2017 school year begins January 12, 2016.

(707) 528-5011 • ccla.srcs.k12.ca.us

Call to schedule a tour with our principal

“RVCS gave me the skills to be an independent learner, inspired me to seek out new experiences, and gave me the technological skills I needed to excel in high school, graduate early, and be well prepared for college.”

Middle School Can Be An Excellent Experience.

The technology-empowered middle school chartered by the Rincon Valley Union District now has 2 campuses.

• Laptops issued to all students • Inquiry-based STEM science technology program • Integrated, project-based curriculum • Campus-wide participation in the arts including an award-winning music program

Limited Openings for Fall 2016 rvusd.org/schools/rvcharter (707) 542-7375

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 23

create a 500-calorie-a-day deficit by logging 250 calories worth of steps on your pedometer and cutting 250 calories from your diet by, for instance, switching to skim milk and nixing your midday frappucino. If you think this seems precise, you’re right. To be successful, your goal has to be specific, Norcross says.

Sustained behavior change doesn’t happen overnight.

From Resolution to Reality 3 Steps for Reaching Goals

By Sandra Gordon

R

egardless of your goals—to pay down credit card bills, get along with your mother-in-law, lose a few pounds—these three steps will help make your New Year’s resolutions a reality.

If you’re like nearly 50 percent of Americans, you made at least one New Year’s resolution on January 1, most likely involving your health, money, or improving a relationship. But research shows that many of us abandon our resolutions by mid-February. How can you avoid being part of that daunting statistic? John C. Norcross, PhD, a distinguished professor of psychology and coauthor of Changing for Good 24 SonomaFamilyLife

(William Morrow, 2007), knows how.

His research shows lasting change happens in three stages.

STAGE 1: PREP TIME Start by taking a few minutes to clearly define a realistic and measurable goal. Rather than trying to get to what you weighed in high school, set a modest goal of losing just 10 percent of your body weight in six months. For example, you could

Next, plan a healthier substitute for any behaviors you’re trying to eliminate, for example, tea with lemon instead of that frappucino.

While you’re in the prep stage, troubleshoot. Before vowing to take a brisk walk every morning, ask yourself why you haven’t done that before. Will it disrupt your schedule? Are you really not a morning person? If your resolutions aren’t a good fit for your schedule, lifestyle, or your personality, tweak them until they are.

STAGE 2: TAKE ACTION Once you have a measurable, realistic, and doable goal, and a healthy surrogate for any habit you’re trying to give up, you’re ready to just do it, right? Not exactly. Check the timing. If you’re changing jobs, moving, or otherwise going through any other major life transition, put off implementing your New Year’s resolution until the dust settles.

When your life is relatively calm, you’re ready to plunge in and actually make the resolutions you’ve been planning. Go for it—but be sure to

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

reward yourself frequently so you’ll keep up the good behavior. And while you’re at it, try to control your environment so old behaviors don’t tempt you. If weight loss is your goal, spend time with active people and avoid high-fat restaurants.

During the action stage, which typically lasts two to six months, you’ll also need to implement that long-term healthy substitute you planned for, such as taking swigs from your water bottle instead of opting for a caffeine/sugar fix. You’ll also want to avoid a saint-or-sinner mentality. That is, when you lapse into old behaviors (don’t kid yourself, you will), don’t fall prey into thinking, “Well, I overate, I might as well give up.” That’s demoralizing and demotivating.

Instead, simply get right back to your new routine.

Stage 3: MAINTENANCE At this end-of-the-line stage of behavior change, your New Year’s resolutions are reality. To avoid reverting back to your old ways, you’ll need to continue everything you were doing in the action stage: rewards, environmental control, opting for a healthy substitute, and snapping back after a slip.

That is, unless you’re among the select few who reach the final, be-all, end-all stage of behavior change: termination.

At this utopian juncture, your former, less-than-healthy habits feel as foreign to you as your new habits once did.

Congratulations: You’ve developed a new lifestyle.

Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting, and consumer issues.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS ADULTS • TEENS • KIDS Confidence • Respect • Self-esteem Character Development • Leadership Coordination • Power • Flexibility Focus & Concentration • Balance

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH US!

www.jeffspeakmannorthbay.com • 707-331-7626 2688 Santa Rosa Ave. Suite C, Santa Rosa

A set

grand oPening in SanTa roSa

February 1

of barbells for the

brAin. Think abouT working ouT every day at the gym with a personal trainer who customizes every workout, holds you accountable, and encourages you beyond your comfort zone. That’s what one-on-one cognitive training is like. Learningrx trains the cognitive skills the brain uses to learn, read, and pay attention. we identify weak skills and then work on them through targeted, one-on-one personal training. and it’s fun! if your child struggles, call us today to schedule an assessment and find out why. we call it brain training.

Parents and kids call it life changing.

50% off a cognitive skills assessment at Learningrx Santa rosa (707) 890-2300 | www.learningrx.com/santa-rosa Training also available at www.learningrx.com/petaluma

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 25

January Calendar of Events Get Your Slurp On

G

et out your soupspoons. The 13th Annual Chowder Day will take place in Bodega Bay on January 30 at 10 a.m. Take in the beauty of a serene bay while you taste local chowders and vote for your favorite. Plan on taking three to four hours for the full experience. Tickets are $10 and go on sale on the day of the event and will be sold until 2 p.m. or the competitors run out of chowder. Parking is limited, so get into town early. For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, see visitbodegabayca.com. ¶

Friday 1 Union Square Ice Rink. 90-minute

skating sessions. Thru Jan. 18. 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m. $11. 8 & under $7.

Skate rental $6. Holiday Ice Rink.

Union Square, San Francisco. unionsquareicerink.com.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Napa. Thru

Jan. 10. Check website for hours. $13, including skates. Inside the grounds of the Napa Expo. 3rd St. between Soscol Ave. & Silverado Trail, Napa. napaonice.com.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Birthday Parties Public Skating Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

CAL SKATE

Resolution Run 5K. Resolve

to be fit for 2016! 10 a.m. Nonmembers $10.

Race day entry $20. A Place to Play Park. 2375 West Third St., Santa Rosa. empirerunners.org.

FREE Sculpture Trail. Enjoy &

interpret the art of sculptures in publicly accessible streets of Cloverdale & Geyserville. Thru May 5. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural

FREE Small World: Tiny Toys & All

Reserve. Picnic, hike & hug ancient trees. 8 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset. Visitor Center 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Parking $8. Senior parking $7. Free to pedestrians & bicyclists. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville.

869-2015.

Things Miniature. Wednesdays–

Fridays. Thru Jan. 3. Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society.

221 Matheson St., Healdsburg. healdsburgmuseum.org.

FREE First Friday Art Walk Guerneville. Enjoy

music, food,

Flips Fitness Fun Come learn the ropes In a clean, safe, inviting environment; classes, camps, & parties!

Classes fill quickly reserve now

Roller Skating & Blading Center

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

26 SonomaFamilyLife

(707) 400-8926 • 126 1st St. West • Sonoma www.sonomagymnasticsacademy.com January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Gift of Giving wine, art & art receptions all around Guerneville. 3–8 p.m. Sonoma Nesting Company. 16151 Main St., Guerneville.

1% of company proceeds are donated to nonprofits and schools. When you buy or sell through us, you can choose where funds are donated.

Buying or Selling?

Saturday 2 Santa Rosa Symphony One-for-One.

Get one free youth (ages 7–17) ticket when you purchase one adult ticket on Classical Series concerts. Call 707-54-MUSIC. Prices vary. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center.

1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. santarosasymphony.com.

707-515-6683

www.mikkimoves.com License #01913386

FREE Calistoga Farmers Market.

Hot tamales, fruit crepes, savory sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, unique gift items, musician of the day. Saturdays. 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sharpsteen Plaza. 1235 Washington St., Calistoga. localharvest.org/ calistoga-farmers-market-M7724.

FREE Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Wednesdays & Saturdays. 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.

50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com.

FREE Santa Rosa Community Farmers Market. Live music. Open year-round. Wednesdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturdays 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Veterans Building. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. localharvest.org.

FREE Bilingual Storytime: Hora de Cuentos para Niños. Stories

in Spanish & English, songs, crafts. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. Roseland Community Library. 779 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Sunday 3 FREE Boating at the Barn.

Volunteers help you try a www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 27

Their future begins with a great education.

Registration for One & Two Year Kindergarten for Santa Rosa City Schools Begins on January 12, 2016 Sonoma Clean Power is celebrating another great year of service to Sonoma County. Customers received $207,000 in payments for local renewable energy generation, one third of which benefited local schools.

13 Kindergarten programs to choose from: Albert F. Biella 522-3110 Brook Hill 522-3120 Luther Burbank 522-3140 Hidden Valley 522-3180 Hidden Valley Satellite 522-3190 Helen Lehman 522-3200 Abraham Lincoln 522-3210 James Monroe 522-3230 Proctor Terrace 522-3240 Steele Lane 522-3260 Charter School for the Arts 522-3170 French/American Charter 522-3161 Cesar Chavez Lang. Acad.

528-5011 Applications are being accepted for attendance area schools, dependent charters and inter-district transfers

Sonoma Valley Unified School District receives their NetGreen payout check. (L to R) SCP Board Member and Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin, John Bartolome, Chief Financial Officer, Louann Carlomagno, Superintendent.

Thanks Sonoma County!

Empowering Communities sonomacleanpower.org

SCP Great Year 3.46 x 4.56 Monday, December 14, 2015 1:12:14 PM

Register early because classes fill quickly.

Children must be five on or before September 1, 2016 for Kindergarten. We also offer a two year introduction to formal education for children turning five between September 2 and December 2, 2016.

Children who turn 5 between December 3, 2016 and January 31, 2017 may also be eligible for the two year program if space is available.

Bring proof of birth date, proof of residence and immunization records with you to registration.

Kindergarten Highlights

 One & Two year

Kindergarten programs

 Full day  Before and after school

 

    

day care at select locations Experienced, fully credentialed teachers After school academic and enrichment activities School library visits Early reader curriculum Music, art and dance programs Convenient neighborhood locations A positive academic foundation to develop a love for learning

For more information contact your school of choice or the Office of Curriculum & Instruction K-6 at 528-5272

Child & Player Development FOR AGES 18 MONTHS-8 YEARS

Grow with us!

• Bunnies (18-24 mo.) Parent/child • Thumpers (24-36 mo.) Parent/child • Cottontails (2.5-3.5 yrs.) Parent/child • Hoppers (3-4 yrs.) Beginner • Jackrabbits (3-4 yrs.) Intermediate • Big Feet (5-7 yrs.) Beginner • Micro Classes (4-6 yrs.) Intermediate • Micro Classes (5-7 yrs.) Advanced • Micro Classes (6-8 yrs.)

“As seen in the New York Times, TIME magazine and The Today Show!”

SIGN UP ANYTIME AT A PRORATED PRICE!

FREE TRIAL CLASS! For first time participants only.

www.playsportscity.com • 707-526-2884 • 921 Piner Road, Santa Rosa • 6700 Stony Point Road, Cotati 28 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

nonmotorized vessel on the Petaluma River, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or sailboats (yours or theirs). Open year-round. Sundays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

FREE Sebastopol Farmers Market. Accepting

CalFresh. Open year-round. Sundays. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sebastopol Plaza. Weeks Way across from Whole Foods Market. Downtown Sebastopol. sebastopolfarmmarket.org.

FREE Rohnert Park Certified Farmers Market. Open

year-round.

Sundays. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. City Center Plaza. 500 City Center Dr., Rohnert Park. ci.rohnert-park.ca.us.

Monday 4 Rock-n-Glow Bowling. Family

fun with LED lane-lighting & automated scoring. Special bumper-rails for kids. Mondays. 5–10 p.m. $10 for 2 hours. Shoes included. Windsor Bowling Center. 8801 Conde Ln., Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

Tuesday 5 FREE First Tuesday at the de Young Museum. Golden

Gate Park. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco. deyoung.famsf.org.

CELEBRATE

THE NEW YEAR with Mountain Mike’s LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

NOW offering gluten free!

EASY ONLINE ORDERING

MOUNTAINMIKES.COM

FREE Petaluma East Side Farmers Market. Year-round.

Rain or shine.

10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Deer Creek Village next to City Sports. 501 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. communityfarmersmarkets.com.

Wednesday 6 FREE Drawing the Peanuts Way with Schulz Studio Artists. Artist

www.sonomafamilylife.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

January 2016

Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

San Rafael 2100 4th St 415-454-4300

Santa Rosa

3781 Cleveland Ave 707-595-6505

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Nomi Kane demonstrates. Supplies provided. Ages 5 & up. 3:30 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Castles & Crowns Chess Club.

Ages 7–18. 3:15–5 p.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum. 9

a.m.–4 p.m.

557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org.

Friday 8 FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore

the dynamic biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Closed Jan. 1.

Fridays. 2–4 p.m. 2099 Westside Rd.,

Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

FREE Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Fridays. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Arnold Field. 241 W. First St., Sonoma. svcfm.org.

Into the Woods. Tony

Award– winning musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Thru Jan. 17. Times vary. $16–$26. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org.

FREE Fitness Fun with MyGym.

Fitness & movement activities for little ones with mobile MyGym. Ages 0–3. 10:30 a.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Mindful Minis. Kids Yoga &

Meditation Workshop. Playful yoga practice & exploration of mindfulness through fun activities. Ages 6–12.

Register 433-3772. 4 p.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

Saturday 9 FREE Village Rhythms with Onye Onyemaechi. World-renowned

master percussionist performs program featuring the music, rhythm & drums of African culture & village life. Ages 3 & up. 2–3 p.m.

Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Somebody’s Darling: Songs from the Civil War. All ages. 2–3 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library.

ur Spark yo y ! it Creativ y ! a Call Tod

*Mu sic Les *Ar son tC s fo las r all s e age s *Da s i nce n c l ,Yo udin ga, *Bir g Ceramic s Dra thd ma ay Classe Par s ties & Ca mps

A A | DRAM | YOG E C N | DA ART MUSIC |

MUSIC | ART | DANCE | YOGA | DRAMA | PILATES

Art & Soul Music School

www.artandsoulmusic.com • 707-575-7701 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa 30 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Transitional Kindergarten

Free full day for all 4-year-olds

401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Carl & Eddie Musical Duo.

American roots music, western, folk & swing performed with voice & acoustic & steel guitars. 2 p.m.

Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Teen Leadership Council.

Discuss favorite resources, phenomenal books, ideas for programs, events, volunteer opportunities, more. Grades 7–12.

3–4 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Gaining STEAM: Gami-Bots.

Learn how to make your very own motorized origami robot. All materials provided. Ages 7 & up. 2 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org.

Star Party! 6

p.m. $3. Under 18 free. Parking $8. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org.

Sunday 10 Wild Cat Adventure. Featuring

five wild cats displayed on stage as information about their natural behaviors & habitat is shared. 3–4 p.m. Adults $10. Children under 12 $5. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. seb.org.

Wednesday 13 FREE Family Movie Night. Manolo goes on a journey through three different worlds to face his

www.sonomafamilylife.com

FIVE AMAZING SCHOOLS ENROLLING NOW FOR 2016 La Tercera Elementary School

Featuring a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Loma Vista Immersion Academy Charter School

Featuring the internationally acclaimed Dual Immersion Language Model

Miwok Valley Language Academy Elementary Charter School Featuring a focus on language and hands on Experiential Learning

Kid’s Care Program

Old Adobe Elementary Charter School

Available at all schools 6:30am–6p.m.

Featuring a focus on Arts and Ecology

Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School Featuring a focus on Arts and Music

845 Crinella Drive, Petaluma • 707-765-4321 • www.oldadobe.org

Bennett Valley Union School District Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2016-17 School Year begins February 9 & 10

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2016-17 is being accepted

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

Consistent high academic performance indicators (API) at both 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 (8:30-1:25) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs YMCA provides on-site child care

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

Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 1/11, 2/1, 2/22, 3/2, 3/16, 4/11 Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433 Registration Packets available Jan. 4. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2016 to be eligible for kindergarten.

Two year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2016.

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 31

fears. PG. 6 p.m. Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

Thursday 14 FREE Knit Wits Club. Learn how to knit or share your knitting tips & tricks. Crocheters welcome, too. Ages 12–17. 4 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

Color Me Sleepy

W

hat happens in a museum after the lights are switched off and the doors locked? On January 30, Girl Scout Brownies will find out at the Art and Adventure Sleepover with Snoopy at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Girls will earn a badge as they learn to design a stamp and letterbox. Drop off your Brownie at 5:30 p.m. and pick her up at 9 a.m. on January 31. The $30 fee includes dinner and a continental breakfast. To register, which is required, go to girlscoutsnorcal.org/events/1731 or call 544-5472. ¶

Friday 15 Sleepovers at California Academy of Sciences. Live

animal demonstrations, after-hours planetarium show, continental breakfast. Price includes next-day admission. Nonmembers $109.

SAFE SWIMMERS START HERE

REGISTER NOW FOR SWIM LESSONS

SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA 707-545-9622 x 3138 www.scfymca.org

Sonoma County Family YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 • 707-545-9622 • F 707-544-7805 The Y is a non-profit Community Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

32 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CLIMBING, TRAINING, COMMUNITY

WE LOVE TO PARTY!

Do you change your own oil? (in your cars, trucks, boats, or motorcycles)

Birthday Party & Group Events $150

We Have A Preschool Program for You

For up to 6 participants.

Additional climbers $24 each

Evidence-based, in-classroom therapy in an inclusive Santa Rosa preschool among typical children.

Includes: • 2 hours of climbing with Vertex staff belaying/supervising the group.

• Access to our fun and challenging Obstacle Course (weather permitting).

• Use of our party room during and after event.

• Harness rentals are included.

• Shoe rentals are $5 per pair (not necessary if kids are wearing closed-toe shoes).

BEST GIFT EVER! GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE Come get your climb on at VERTEX!

Do You Have A Special Needs Child?

We help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder or Serious Emotional Disorders.

Children are treated behaviorally and not chemically.

Whatever the vehicle, you haven’t finished the job...

Until you’ve properly recycled the oil AND

filter!

Get info:

RecycleNow.org

Eco-Desk 707 565 3375

Treatment is led by renowned child psychiatrist and winner of the 2016 Anna Freud Educational and Psychoanalytic Achievement Award, Gilbert Kliman, MD (Med Lic # G55912).

For more information, please contact Dr. Kliman at

(707) 978-2755 www.childrenspsychological.org

Discounted group rates for non-profits

707-573-1608

climbvertex.com 3358a Coffey Lane • Santa Rosa www.sonomafamilylife.com

Lic# 490110337

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 33

KaCees Car Wash

Members $89. Golden Gate Park.

55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco. calacademy.org.

Self-Serve Dog Wash

3.00 OFF

$

San Francisco Boat Show. Northern California’s premier boating event.

Thru Jan. 18. Jan. 15: Noon–8 p.m.

Jan. 16–18: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Adults $15. Ages 15 & under free. McCovey Cove & Pier 48 at AT&T Park. San Francisco. sfboatshow.com.

It’s not just

Gymnastics...

Reg. $10.00 • Expires 1/31/16 Present this coupon for discount.

Coupons cannot be combined with other offers.

586-8997

It’s confidence for a lifetime!

• Tumblebug Program for preschool-aged children • Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 • Tumbling & Tramp Classes www.regymnastics.com

UpcomingEventsAd_12-04-15A_bluedesign.pdf

1

12/4/15

1:10 PM

Upcoming Family Events in Santa Rosa Fishing in the City

p.m.– 9 a.m. $20–$35. Sonoma County Family Y. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. scfymca.org.

reg

707-763-5010

320 Rohnert Park Expressway Open Daily 8am–6pm

Youth Overnight at the Y! 7

redwood empire gymnastics

2016

Saturday 16

February 6

Spring Lake Family Nature Walks. Families

can return to the Environmental Discovery Center after each hike for nature-themed crafts & exploration of the touchable tide pool. Every 3rd Sat. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Hikes free. Parking $7.

Environmental Discovery Center.

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

Learn to fish with firefighters at Lake Ralphine in Howarth Park C

Fishing Derby

M

Kids’ fishing contest with prizes at Lake Ralphine in Howarth Park

Fairytale Ball

Y

February 20

A dance party for kids and their favorite chaperone at Finley Center

CM

Crab Feed at Finley

MY

February 27

Annual all-you-can-eat dinner to benefit Senior Programs

CY

CMY

February 7

Arbor Day Tree Planting Party Visit santarosarec.com for event details

K

March 12

Plant trees & celebrate Luther Burbank’s birthday at Southwest Park

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 13

Celebrate the Irish Holiday with fitness and fun at Juilliard Park

Spring Egg Hunt for Tots

March 26

Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund. At Howarth Park For accessible information, call (707) 543-3292/TDD (707) 543-3289 (M-F 8am-5pm)

B Mî `ƒ

Mention this ad for

Free Month

Call for details

Monday 18

Ask About Our Premium Wine Storage

FREE National Park Entry Day.

Enjoy nature & celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free entry to all national parks. nps.gov.

Wednesday 20

6001 Commerce Blvd.

Rohnert Park

707-588-8878

expresswayss.com 34 SonomaFamilyLife

Bay Area Guitar Show. Dealers, artists, collectors, foreign buyers, authors & celebrities. Thru Jan. 17. Jan 16: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Jan. 17: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $20.

Ages 11 & under free if accompanied by adult. Marin County Civic Center Exhibit Hall. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. texasguitarshows.com.

FREE The New SAT & College

EXPRESSWAY STORAGE Mention this ad for:

50% off for the first 12 months

Standardized Test Preparation Workshop. Ages

12–17. 6 p.m.

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

NEW YEAR, NEW SMILE! • LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS • ZERO INTEREST FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECKS ~ • HABLAMOS ESPANOL

CALL (707) 575-0600 FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

www.BernsteinBraces.com

HARVEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

10 am -1 p m

Saturday

Jan. 30

TK – 8 th

E nroll i ng Now f or 2016!

3700 Lakeville Hwy, Ste. 210, Petaluma

(707) 763-2954

www.harvestpetaluma.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 35

Put Your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

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

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL

EST. 1951 A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow.

• 2 & 3 year old class and a Pre-Kindergarten class for academic & social Kindergarten readiness • Positive Discipline tools and classes for parents • Oooey gooey fun environment combined with teaching communication and responsibility skills.

Now accepting applications for 2015/16 school year

579-3718

srecschool.org

Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Water: Super Solving for Drought, Storms & Floods. Participants tackle the drought problem. Everyone gets a cape & a badge. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. General $13.95. Babies & seniors $12.95. Bay Area Discovery Museum. 557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org.

Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 100, Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

STEM Superheroes! Extreme

Thursday 21

Saturday 23 RoCo Dance on Stage: Peter. Modern twist on the classic story of Peter Pan. Features ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz & break dancing. Thru Jan. 24. Jan. 23: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24: 4 & 7:30 p.m. $27. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. rocodance.com.

Sunday 24

Songwriters in the Round.

Featuring the North Bay’s most prolific songsmiths. Standing room only. All ages. 8 p.m. $8. Hopmonk Tavern. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. hopmonk.com.

Friday 22 FREE Gem Faire. West Coast’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show. Thru Jan. 24. Jan. 22: noon–6 p.m. Jan. 23 & 24: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Marin Center.

10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. gemfaire.com.

FREE Build It Club: Marble Runs.

Awesome marble runs made out of recycled materials. All supplies provided. Ages 5 & up. 4 p.m.

Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old

Peter & the Wolf. Santa Rosa

Symphony. Arrive 1 hour early for instrument petting zoo. 3 p.m.

Adult $17. Child $12. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. santarosasymphony.com.

Hick in the Hood: Michael Sommers.

Touching, funny, suspenseful, one-man show featuring 30 different characters. Sold out at The Marsh in San Francisco! 3 p.m. $15.

Occidental Center for the Arts.

3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. michaelsommers.com.

SONOMA COUNTY’S

favorite pediatricians

GOT LICE?

TREAT TODAY… GONE TODAY! • Unique system for lice removal.

• 100% guaranteed on 1st visit.

• Certified operators. • FDA cleared.

415-328-1350 • www.lcanorthbay.com 159 Lynch Creek Way • Petaluma

36 SonomaFamilyLife

•

Same day and after hours appointments

•

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

•

Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

•

Convenient locations

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

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

5 Star Yelp Rating

Wednesday 27

They LOVE our work & you will too

FREE Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the SOVA Lion Dance Team! All

ages. 4:30 p.m.

Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

❤ We Love what we do!

NOSE TO TAIL

EXAM

Friday 29 Tahoe Adventure Film Festival Road Tour 2016. All ages. 7:30 p.m. $15.

Mystic Theatre. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. mystictheatre.com.

Saturday 30 a culinary tour of Bodega Bay. You’ll have 3–4 hours to taste all the best chowders. 10 a.m. $10. Various locations. visitbodegabayca.com.

• Family owned and operated for 33 years • Excellent personable service • Free loaner cars & rental deals • 10% off deductible

13th Annual Chowder Day. Take

1

$ .00

First time client exams Limited spots, call to check availability Limit One Pet & Coupon Per Household

Mon. –Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat 9am–1pm

525-1767 • www.sichelsautobody.com 3172 Condo Court • Santa Rosa

(707) 544-1313

2002 4th St, Santa Rosa www.SantaRosaVet.com

FREE Puppet Art: The Tale of the Dragon’s Tail. Ages 4 & up. 11 a.m.

Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

Sonoma County Airport

Art & Adventure Sleepover with Snoopy. Brownies

earn a badge designing a stamp & letterbox.

Dinner & continental breakfast included. Advance reservations required. Go to girlscoutsnorcal. org/events/1731 or call 544-5472 to register. 5:30 p.m.–9 a.m. $30.

Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

We want to know what you think.

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

TS

• What did you like?

• What didn’t you like?

• What subjects would you like us to cover?

• Got any local story ideas? e-mail melissa@family-life.us

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, Seattle; Orange County starting March 2016

©P N

FREE LumaCON 2016! 2nd Annual Youth Comic Convention. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Petaluma Community Center & Lucchesi Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lumacon.net.

HEY MOM GIVE US A SHOUT!

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Classified Marketplace Services

Services

Parties

We Can Help!

504? IEP? Suspension?

We can help!

Child Struggling? Get Help NOW!

Counseling Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive?

10 OFF Birthday Party $

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

 Paternity and Child Support Order Establishment  Payment Collection Services  Payment Tracking and Accounting  Child Support Modification

Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Visit our new mobile-friendly website

SonomaFamilyLife.com

888-536-9640•www.paces.solutions

Help for ADHD, RAD, ASD and Learning Disorders Neurofeedback has been rated #1 ADHD alternative to medication by American Academy of Pediatrics.

Call 707-829-8315 or e-mail davidsortino@comcast.net for a consultation.

NeurofeedbackInstitute.blogspot.com Blog: Dr. David Sortino - SR Press Democrat

Special

Cut & color $65 Special for 1st time clients.

Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

38 SonomaFamilyLife

Gift certificates now available! ring Solu tte

Decl u

NOW!

ns tio

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

794-9533 374 Blodgett Street • Cotati pumpitupparty.com/cotati-ca

Family Owned Local Bakery

Know someone with too much stuff?

Sonna, Crystal, Katie, Lindsay, Megan, Melanie, and Morgan

Real Estate where your imagination comes to play

www.declutteringsolutionsnow.com 917-623-6529 info@declutteringsolutionsnow.com ~Now in Sonoma County~

Amazing Custom Cakes

WITH EACH CLOSED ESCROW, WE DONATE $500 OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES! To the school of your choice.

WEDDING • QUINCEAÑERA • CUPCAKES

El Paso Bakery 8282 Old Redwood Hwy • Cotati elpasobakerycotati.com • 665-9068

Check Out Our New Online Directories

707-586-9900 www.rickobrien.com • #01226992

Buying or Selling?

SonomaFamilyLife.com

Like Us On Facebook

707-515-6683

www.mikkimoves.com License #01913386

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Schools

Tutors

Childcare/Preschools

Childcare/Preschools

Montessori In Motion

Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts

Now Offering Kindergarten

YMCA PRESCHOOL

YMCA PRESCHOO

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE YMCA PRESCHOOL

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA ROSA GROW.LEARN.THRIVE 2590 PINER SANTA RD. ROSA

• Creativity • Collaboration Critical Thinking • Communication

Call for more information & to schedule a tour

707-522-3170

2230 Lomitas Ave • Santa Rosa

Join us for our NEW Kindergarten & Early Childhood programs

End School Frustration!

Our high quality tutors can help with:

Academic Subjects • Test Prep Foreign Languages Study Skills • ESL

Don’t wait until your child falls behind

(707) 585-2584

sonomacountytutors.com

Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

Now Enrolling

Part Time /Full Time Care

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Health & Flexible Nutrition, Motor Skills, Plans Available

Health & Nutrition, Relationships, Motor Skills,Self Interpersonal Serving 2-5 year Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Academic Skills. & Confidence, and Cognitive PRICING & Academic Skills.

REGISTRATION:

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

707.544.1829

YMCA Program Office The Y isConfidence, a non-profit community based organization. and Cognitive 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 300D 707.544.1829 Financial Assistance is available.

838-1260 • townofwindsor.com Academic Skills.

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

FUMC

Preschool & Child Care Center

Montessoriin Windsor Fun!

Counseling

Thriving Academics, Creativity, & Well-being • Traditional Montessori Curriculum • Ages 2 - 6 years old • Kindergarten Program • Summer Program

Developing the Foundations for a Lifetime of Creative Learning 537-8889

2810 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa bvmontessori.com

Join us!

Home Preschool license #490170838

Morning, Afternoon or Full Days till 2:30 Organic Meals Spanish Class Every Day Academics & Fun! Small Class of 12 - Two Trained Teachers www.montessorifun.com

Visit our new mobile-friendly website

SonomaFamilyLife.com

January 2016

&

The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

PRICING & REGISTRATION: Casa dei Bam

YMCA Office b io’s Program Since 1981 707.544.1829 Montessori School

Preschool•Kindergarten The Y is a non-profit Parent-Toddler Class community based Ages 18 months organization. to 6-years

Financial Assistance is available.

Diane: 546-7012

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2276

olds

PRICINGwww.scfymca.org & Health & Nutrition, Motor Skil REGISTRATION: Interpersonal Relationships, S Register at the Parks and Recreation Office

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

Schools

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Children’s Circle: 2.5–3.5+ yrs.

Kinderclub: 3–5 yrs.

Montessori In Motion: 3–6 yrs.

7:1 Teacher Ratio

ini

Homeschool Program Grades K-5

SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER RD. Serving 2-5 year olds

Rh

High academic curriculum taught through the lens of the visual and performing arts since 2007.

Part Time2590 /Full Time Care PINER RD. Flexible Plans Part TimeAvailable /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving 2-5 year olds

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Joy of Learning Order & Detail Concentration Grace & Courtesy

2427 Professional Dr. • Santa Rosa Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101

707-528-0889•www.rhioscasa.com

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.

SonomaFamilyLife 39

Warm Up Winter

with a cup of hot , fresh-pressed apple cider

Find our award-winning Sebastopol Ratzlaff Ranch’s

Apple-A-Day Cider At These Local Stores

Andy’s Produce in Sebastopol, Pacific Markets in Sebastopol & Santa Rosa, Speers Market in Forestville, Bill’s Farm Basket in Sebastopol, Bohemian Market in Occidental, Glen Ellen Village Market in Glen Ellen, Oliver’s Market in Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park, Petaluma Market in Petaluma, Sonoma Market in Sonoma, Santa Rosa Community Market in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Community Market in Sebastopol, Sheltons Natural in Healdsburg, Whole Foods Markets in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Sonoma & Petaluma.

Also at Ratzlaff Ranch, 13128 Occidental Rd., Sebastopol Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8am–5pm • Closed Sat. • Sun. 9am–5pm

VOTED BEST CIDER BY SF CHRONICLE

Classified Marketplace Wings After School Martial & Arts Lessons Program

Lessons

SonomaFamilyLife.com

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

@

RIDE

Wings

MARK WEST STABLES WITH

US! Wwww.markweststables.com

(707) 538-2000

|

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

SUPPORTS ACADEMICS WITH FUN Health

Kristine Sheets Stewart 415-302-8118 horsemom302@aol.com crossroadsranchridingstable.com

AFTER SCHOOL WITH PONIES!

Endermologie Massage Proven Effective for

Cellulite Reduction And Fibromyalgia Scar Tissue and More Free Evaluation & Sample Massage

M-F from after school until 6pm • We Pick Up! Free Shuttle from School to our Studio • Daily Karate Classes & Homework Time • Light Meal Provided • Child Centered Curriculum

B IJ A

Premium Studio Locally owned & operated PILATES • BARRE • RETAIL

353 E. Washington St. • Petaluma • 707-338-0710

546-7669

europeanponyschool.com

Call 206-5613

5212 Old Redwood Hwy, Santa Rosa www.bodytec-massage.com

•Self-Esteem •Responsibility •FUN!

European Pony School

(707) 544-2302

www.wingsmap.org

Endermologie

Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

H C

DREN’S CH IL O

In Sebastopol for ages 5-18 who

Teaching the art of the sword Sign up for after school classes today!

Love to Sing

TRIAL FREE ON S CLA S AY D FIRSbyT advance request, space permitting bija-childrens-choir.com

www.lifestylepilatespetaluma.com

Like Us On Facebook www.sonomafamilylife.com

R * A * N * C * H

Ride with us in Penngrove, California

SHAPING BODIES FOR LIFE

YOUR AD HERE

Western Riding Lessons Youth Camps & Birthday Parties

(707) 544-2302 www.wingsmap.org

IR

Get Mom’s Attention!

W

un FBlast!

Weekend

Lessons

January 2016

LEARN TO

DANCE Kids Who Dance are:

Proud • Focused Healthy • Inspired Committed • Smart Passionate • Confident

What more could a parent ask for?

ST NOT JU E FOR TH IRISH!

542-1367

www.keenanirishdanceschool.com

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

Not This New Year

Resolutions I Won’t Keep

By Holly Hester

1

Get in shape. No longer will I be able to use my stomach as a convenient tray for snacks while I watch TV. No longer will my son be able to hide his matchbox cars in my belly button. I’m going to exercise so much this year that a random person is going to walk up to me and say, “Wow, you look amazing. I can’t believe you’ve had three children.” I’m not above paying someone to do this.

2

I will be early everywhere.

I will no longer leave the house every day like I’m on fire. I am going to become what is known as “one of those really annoying early people.” If you have a party, expect me to arrive while you’re still in the shower. If there’s a school assembly, I will be seated in the first chair, video camera poised and ready. And if you are late anywhere ever and I happen to witness it, I will be the very first to judge you.

3

I will live in an organized house. Whose house this will be, I don’t know yet. But I will find an organized person, and I will steal his or her house.

4

I will make meals ahead of time. No more take-out pizza on the way home from soccer. No more cereal with a side of nachos for dinner. I’m going to get one of those

42 SonomaFamilyLife

gigantic freezers and stuff it full of mind-blowingly delicious homemade meals. And I’m going to make stuff really far in advance. Like I’m already making next year’s Thanksgiving dinner, some food for when my children have their own children, and some fried chicken for my own funeral.

I’ll put a little sticky note on it that says, “As soon as I die, turn oven to 350 degrees. Serve with frozen side salad. Enjoy!”

fail to do it, but that’s because I try to learn something that’s too hard—like how to speak French or how to walk in high heels. So this year, I’m going to lower the bar on what I’m learning. So far, I’ve decided to learn how to spit really far, how to eat a pie with no hands, and how to burp the alphabet. Or at the very least, the vowels.

5

7

I will appreciate my husband. Sure, he might not do things exactly the way I would do them or let’s say, any sane person would do them, but hey, the guy is trying. So the next time he puts our daughter’s Olaf underwear in my underwear drawer, or gives the kids left over cake for breakfast, or let’s them ride on top of the car for “just part” of the way home, just smile and say, “Thanks, honey. I really appreciate the fact that our children are still alive and full of four thousand pounds of Twizzlers. I would love to give you a hug right now, but I’ve lost all feeling in my legs because of this size 4 underwear you put in my underwear drawer.”

6

I will learn something new. I know I always put this one on my list and I always

I’m going to stop biting my nails. I’m pretty sure I’m not in third grade anymore chewing the Bitter Apple off my fingertips. I’m an adult now and I can release my stress in different ways. Like drinking.

8

Enjoy the moment. Grocery lists, things to do lists, resolution lists…Moms make so many lists. Lists are necessary, but they can distract from the moment we’re living in right now. And that moment is perfect. So my only real resolution this year is to enjoy each and every beautiful, funny, imperfect moment I have.

And possibly get in shape.

Have a happy, happy New Year.

Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

January 2016 www.sonomafamilylife.com

The path to an

unlimited future.

California Connections Academy is a tuition-free, fully accredited online public school for grades K–12 that provides a well-rounded, personalized school experience for students who will go far.

To learn if it’s right for you, or to register for an online information session, visit CaliforniaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6019.

Fully accredited (grades K–12) by the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

MELT A FEW SNOWMEN

FIRST WAX FREE* *This fab offer expires 1/26/16

SAN RAFAEL 415 479 7700

SANTA ROSA 707 528 2147

waxcenter.com

*First-time guests only. Guests must reside in state where redeemed. Not valid for all services. Additional restrictions may apply. Visit waxcenter.com for complete terms and conditions. © 2015 EWC

9157_SanRafael_FamilyLife_B.indd 1 www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2016

11/23/15 3:18 PM SonomaFamilyLife 43

are you

born with an IQ?

or can

you improve it?

Is being smarter a skill you can learn? The simple, scientifically-proven answer is “yes.” Cognitive function can be improved. And the results are not only dramatic,

they last. And that’s key because permanent improvements in how the brain processes information can put a child on a radically new path for life. We call it

Find out what’s holding your child back.

Mention this ad and get your $50child off an initial Find out what’s holding back.

Cognitive Skills Assessment.

Mention this ad and get $50 off an initial Cognitive Skills Assessment.

brain training. Parents and kids call it life changing.

See their stories and learn more at learningrx.com.

LearningRx Petaluma

In the Adobe Creek Shopping Center LearningRx Colorado Springs North at Lakeville Hwy. & McDowell Blvd.

(719) (707)550-8263 781-7373 www.learningrx.com/colorado-springs-north www.learningrxpetaluma.com See other area locations at: www.learningrx.com/colorado