Sonoma Family Life July 2019

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July 2019

July 4!

Local celebrations

Have Kids, Will Travel

Tips for family flying

Word Wise Raise a writer

Solo Sports 12 ideas

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July 2019

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Kids’ Fun Page A maze for your munchkin.

8

10 Features 10 Have Kids, Will Travel Practical tips for sane family flying.

12 Solo Sports

12

Get your introvert moving.

14 Rockhounds Dig in the dirt together.

16 Stop Brain Drain Learning is a year-round affair.

18 Word Wise

Bits and Pieces Theater Under the Stars Fragrant Fields Dance of History Broadway Meets Disney A Taste of Opera

25

Celebrate Families

24 Calendar of Events Oldtime Rivertown Fun

25 Family Fun Party in the Sky

32 Cooking with Kids Bowl of Crunch

34 Humor Break You Will Not Rest

How to raise a writer.

20 Little Bits of Courage Help wee ones face the first day of school.

22 He Did It First!

Managing sibling battles.

32 28 4 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

S

ummer is in full swing, and your vacation plans are most likely in gear. If you are flying anywhere with your family, check out Sharon Gowan “Have Kids, Will Publisher/Editor Travel” (page 10) for Sharon@family-life.us some practical tips on how to make it through your flight with your sanity intact.

If you are looking for ways to keep your kids entertained, we’ve got you covered, with ideas for introverts and extroverts alike. In the former category, “Solo Sports” (page 12) offers exercise options for kids who aren’t interested in team sports, while “Word Wise” (page 18) offers child-sized tips on cultivating the solitary art of writing. Meanwhile, “Rockhounds” (page 14) introduces an educational outing you and your extrovert can do together: rock hunting. As the author says, it’s more about connecting

to each other in nature than being a geological wizard. So consider giving it a try!

Of course, Independence Day celebrations, with their colors, sounds, and sparkle, are super fun for extroverted types. Turn to “Party in the Sky” (page 25) for a list of local fireworks displays.

As the gentle winds of summer still blow, we wish you a July of toes dipped in pools, faces turned toward skies of blue, and hearts filled with memories that will bring you joy the whole year through.

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2019-20 will be accepted at specific grade levels. Please call for availability.

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Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

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Registration for 2019-20 School Year Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools

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Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Tanni Haas Malia Jacobson Christina Katz Cheryl Maguire Kerrie McLoughlin Pam Moore Karen Nochimowski Ashley Talmadge

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As you look ahead to August, your parent-brain may already be thinking back-to-school thoughts, especially if your child is getting ready to enter kindergarten. Is your wee one feeling anxious about the big first day? Take a look at “Little Bits of Courage” (page 20) for ways to prepare her or him.

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Kids’ Fun Page

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July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Theater Under the Stars

D

rive-ins may be a thing of the past, but it’s still possible to see films outside, thanks to free local public programs. On July 9 at 8:45 p.m., after a 6 p.m. concert of Afrolicious’s soul/funk music, there will be a screening of Ralph Breaks the Internet ; both events will be at the Healdsburg Plaza in Healdsburg. On the same day, Zootopia will be shown 15 minutes before sunset on the Windsor Town Green in Windsor. (See townofwindsor.com for a list of other kids’ films that will be shown on Tuesdays through July 30.) The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park will host a free screening of How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World on July 14 at 5 p.m. (parking is $5; see gmc.sonoma.edu). And Incredibles 2 will be screened on July 19 at 8 p.m. at La Plaza Park in Cotati. (For more information, see facebook.com/cityofcotati). ¶

Movies at the Green Music Center

Fragrant Fields

T MonteBellaria farm

Dance of History

W

hen researching the history of Sonoma County, one would expect to read about the indigenous peoples, Mexicans, and Spaniards who all have called it home.

But maybe less obvious is another key player: Russians.

The annual Fort Ross Festival in Fort Ross explores how they got here and, with its Borsch Cook Off and Russian folk dance and music groups, also offers a glimpse into Russian culture. Besides Russian-oriented events, the festival features Kashia Pomo and Coast Miwok traditional dancing, musket and cannon firings, and demos by watch coopers, spinners, carpenters, woodworkers, and other craftspeople. The annual event will be held on July 27, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. General admission is $20 per car and may be purchased on Eventbrite (search on “Fort Ross Festival 2019”) or at the park entrance. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

he Provence region of southern France is famous for its lavender fields. But Sonoma County residents don’t have to travel farther than Sebastopol to see a display of the pale purple blooms. On weekends in July, the Monte-Bellaria farm will be hosting hour-long tours of its fields of the fragrant herb. Tours will be held Fridays–Sundays, July 5–28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with the last tour starting at 3 p.m., and will include visits to the bee hives and distillation laboratory. Admission is $10; kids younger than 18 get in free. Purchase tickets at monte-bellaria.com. ¶

Fort Ross Festival

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Fantastical Family Night

Broadway Meets Disney

M

Ray Mabry

ost children’s music is annoying noise to grownups. And the same might go for children’s theater. But, with its Fantastical Family Night, the Transcendence Theatre Company aims to create entertainment that both adults and kids will enjoy. Featuring actors from the stages of Broadway performing choreographed show tunes, Disney classics, and popular radio hits, the event will be held on July 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen.

At 5 p.m., there’ll be pre-show picnicking that will include pours from local wineries, vendors’ eats, and music. Tickets are $35–$154 and may be purchased at transcendencetheatre.org. ¶

A Taste of Opera he San Francisco Opera Guild wants to sow the seeds of music appreciation in young people.

With this aim, it began the Sing a Story for Libraries program. As part of the initiative, a professional opera singer will be visiting the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa. With the help of props and costumes, she will tell Richard Wagner’s classic tale Das Rheingold and encourage kids to act and sing along with her. The free interactive event will be held on July 17, 2–3 p.m. For more information, see sonomacounty.libcal.com/event/5307664. ¶

Sing a Story for Libraries

Susan Malott

T

Celebrate Families

E

very American family has most likely experienced the friend, boss, restaurant, or other entity that has not welcomed their needs. But the free Cotati Kids Day on July 13 embraces little ones and their parents—indeed, this celebration is all about them.

The day begins with a free pancake breakfast, 8–10 a.m., at the Church of the Oaks in Cotati. After festivalgoers have fueled up, they can either participate in or watch a parade at 10 a.m. Those who wish to march can line up at City Hall at 9 a.m. The parade will end in La Plaza Park in Cotati, where the festival will run 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Entertainment and activities will include live music, games, bounce houses, face-painting, food and merchant vendors, and booths offering information on local services for families. The annual Diaper Derby, in which crawling babies race to the finish line, will be at 12:15 p.m. For more information, see facebook.com/cityofcotati. ¶

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July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 9

a wrestling match then? Nope, she slept the entire flight both ways. It was worth every penny.

Pack a change of clothes for the plane. Sometimes you learn the hard way, and other times you learn in a downright repulsive way. Don’t worry; you are going to hear all the gory details.

for Have Kids, Tips Family Will Travel Flying

By Cheryl Maguire

I

love to travel. Before becoming a proud parent of three darling cherubs everyone said to me, “Enjoy traveling now because once you have kids you won’t be able to do it anymore.” Well, I proved all the naysayers wrong by hopping on planes with three kids in tow. I didn’t let their ages stop me either; they all flew before they turned two.

It wasn’t always easy, though. In fact, it was thoroughly disgusting at times but definitely worth it. Here are the tricks that served me best.

Bring a car seat. The first time our twins flew internationally they were 18 months old. Most airlines do not require you to purchase a ticket for a child who is under the age of two so, of course, I saved the money and didn’t purchase tickets for them. I wish I had video recorded that trip because I know I would’ve won first place in America’s Funniest Home Videos.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

The entire ride both ways was a wrestling match between us (me and my husband) and our boy/girl twins.

They definitely won, in case you were wondering. There was no way they wanted to sit quietly on our laps for five hours—they wanted to roam freely through the exciting new airplane.

As you can imagine, I still have nightmares about it.

When we traveled with their younger sister, I purchased a ticket for her, which meant I could strap her into her car seat. Do you think there was

When my son flew for the first time, we didn’t know he is prone to motion sickness—until when, at 36,000 feet, he

I pack an entire carry-on suitcase with just snacks. vomited his egg and cheese sandwich all over me. Of course, I had nothing to change into for the rest of the five-hour flight.

Your child doesn’t have to get motion sickness; there could be a variety of other issues (I’m sure you can envision them if you try) that could require a change of clothes. So prepare accordingly.

Pack a change of clothes for your destination. Along with carrying on a change of clothes for the plane, you should also take clothes for your destination. Your luggage could get lost or it could take time getting to your room. You don’t want to be the family hanging out by the pool dressed in hoodies and pants because your swimsuits and shorts are in limbo. Besides being soaked with sweat, you will have three whining kids repeatedly asking, “When can I go swimming?” Trust me, it is no way to start your vacation.

Bring lots of food. I can’t stress this enough. I pack an entire carry-on

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

suitcase with just snacks. Food=kid happiness. You have to save the snack-dispersion moments for when your child is about to lose it. Even a suitcase worth of food will run out if overused. And, even if you do bring extra clothes, you don’t want your child to vomit on you because he or she was overfed.

Play old-school games. Let’s face it, things can go wrong with electronics (batteries die, the Wi-Fi doesn’t work), and kids can get bored with them. If you are relying on those cool seat monitors to keep your kids entertained, don’t. On at least three of our flights, none of the monitors worked.

There are lots of old-school games, such as Tic-Tac-Toe, I-Spy, or games

executed with a deck of cards, that are easy to play and portable. Kids of all ages usually love these games. You could even learn a card trick or two and wow your little ones with your sleight of hand.

this tip, and I’ve received numerous compliments from security and airline personnel whenever I implement it. In fact, I’ve probably heard more compliments about my passport covers than any other parenting technique I’ve tried. So, if for no other reason, you could use this tip just to hear, “what a great idea.”

Sometimes you learn the hard way, and other times you learn in a downright repulsive way.

Put names on the outside of passports. If you are, as I am, in charge of several passports, putting each person’s name on his or her passport means you don’t have to open each one to figure out to whom it belongs. A fellow traveler told me

Now that I shared my mishaps and admirations with you, hopefully you can have fun flying with your wee ones.

(That’s right, I used fun and flying in the same sentence.) Your flight will turn into a distant memory—unless you forgot your change of clothes. ¶ This article was originally published in Sasee Magazine.

TOO HOT TO COOK? Beat the Heat!

Find Cheryl Maguire on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

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Skateboarding With numerous forms, such as slalom, freestyle, street, off-road, vert, and park, skateboarding offers many benefits, including overall fitness and endurance, the ability to move with precision, and as many a skateboarder will attest, increased pain tolerance.

Solo Sports

Bicycling This is an excellent form of exercise that improves strength, coordination, and flexibility. There

Team sports aren’t for everyone.

Activities for Introverted Kids

are several forms of bicycling that might appeal to your child, including distance endurance cycling, mountain biking, and stunt riding.

By Kimberly Blaker

T

here’s no doubt, team sports offer an array of benefits to kids, providing opportunities to develop friendships, work with others, problem solve, and learn good sportsmanship.

But team sports aren’t for everyone.

Many kids, particularly those who are introverted or shy, lack interest in or struggle with team sports, finding social or group experiences stressful and mentally exhausting.

So what can you do to help your child get in shape, develop motor skills, and still be true to him or herself? There are plenty of sports and physical activities that aren’t taxing to introverts. Here are several: Martial Arts This sport is divided into the categories of wrestling, striking, grappling, and weaponry.

12 SonomaFamilyLife

Many disciplines use a combination of these categories; let your child help decide which style to try. Some of the most popular forms include judo, tai chi, karate, kickboxing, wrestling, tae kwon do, aikido, and jiujitsu. They all teach some form of self-defense, and also help kids develop motor skills and self-discipline.

Gymnastics This popular sport improves strength, flexibility, balance, and cognitive functioning. Kids can learn floor exercises as well as routines for balance beam, vault, uneven bars, still rings, and parallel bars.

Archery Although archery might appear to be a passive sport, it offers several benefits, including improved balance, coordination, upper body strength, and mental focus. Also, during competitions, archers get plenty of aerobic exercise, as they often walk up to five miles.

Dance While many people argue dance isn’t a sport, it nonetheless is a physical activity that develops self-confidence, balance, stamina, and strength. Forms of dance include tap, ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, swing, Latin, contra, Irish step dance, and more.

Swimming and Diving Swimming builds strength, particularly upper body strength, while improving cardiovascular fitness. Diving improves agility and mental focus.

Golf For those who walk the course and carry their bags, golf is an excellent form of exercise. It also

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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reduces stress and stimulates the brain.

Unlike most sports, it has low risk of injury, offering parents peace of mind.

Running As straightforward as running may sound, there are several forms from which your child can choose. There’s adventure, cross-country, road, and mountain running, as well as the opportunity to participate in track and field

Dance develops self-confidence, balance, stamina, and strength.

Rock Climbing If you have a tree climber on your hands, rock climbing might be the perfect sport. Climbing is an excellent cardiovascular workout, tones and strengthens muscles, and improves mental focus. Indoor rock-climbing facilities offer safety apparatus to make it less-risky.

Inline Skating Although rollerblading first gained popularity with hockey, it’s a leisure sport unto itself. Inline skating offers almost the same cardio and musclebuilding benefits as running, but without so much impact on the joints ¶.

Kimberly Blaker is a nationally published freelance writer. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com.

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sandwich came in.” He also notes that “modest goals are best.” Some children may be satisfied with collecting a few pretty treasures to show their friends. Others will be interested in sorting and identifying the rocks and minerals they’ve collected. Follow your child’s lead.

Rockhounds Seek Treasure with Your Family

By Ashley Talmadge

A

s parents, we know our kids are natural treasure-seekers and collectors. And even for the very young, rocks seem to hold an allure all their own. What two-year-old hasn’t proudly presented her parents with a “gem quality” backyard stone? “Rockhounds” are said to be amateur collectors of rocks and minerals, but many admit they’re drawn to the quest itself. Put it all together, and you’ve got a great activity for the whole family: rockhounding. Don’t worry if the details of your Earth Science class are long forgotten. Just dig in alongside your kids to discover a mother lode of adventure and fun.

Take these simple steps to ensure success on your family’s first rockhounding excursion.

Keep it simple. Many experts recommend the seashore or a streambed for the first outing.

Minimal equipment is needed at 14 SonomaFamilyLife

such sites. Garret Romaine, author of Geology Lab for Kids as well as many rockhounding guides, says, “Picking up pebbles does not require any special equipment—you can load up your pockets to your heart’s content, or recycle the baggie your

Deliver the goods. You don’t want your kids to walk away with empty pockets on their first junket, so go to a site with a proven track record. Several guides list collection sites by state or by region. (Try the Falcon Guides or Roadside Geology

You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad day of fishing.” The same might be said of rockhounding. series.) In addition, get current “insider” advice on kid-friendly sites from an active rockhound.

The Santa Rosa Mineral and Gem Society (srmgs.org/links.php) is a good place to start.

Know what you’re looking for.

You’ve decided on a site, and you know what you’ll find there. Or do you? Rarely do the beautiful isolated photos in your field guide match the rocks at the collection site. Quartz crystals need to be scrubbed and polished, and agates need to be sliced or tumbled to achieve the radiance you see on the page. Find pictures of the raw specimens you’re seeking, and take them with you.

Better yet, ask your local rockhound to show you some raw samples.

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Enjoy your outdoor family time. You’ve probably heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a bad day of fishing.” The same might be said of rockhounding. There’s much more to the experience than finding rocks (or catching fish).

Kids love to scrabble in the dirt, pounce after crickets, and watch clouds skitter across the sky as the weather changes. In many ways, there is no treasure more precious

Kids love to scrabble in the dirt, pounce after crickets, and watch clouds skitter across the sky. than experiencing these things with the ones you love. Christopher Williams, a coastal geologist and environmental educator, fondly remembers hikes when he and his family built “size of a bedroom sandcastles” on the beach. He concludes, “Many of my best talks with my parents and five siblings and now my spouse have happened not at home, but out in the beauty of nature.”

Romaine echoes this sentiment.

Having been a rockhound for years, he has a substantial collection, but admits, “My favorite specimens are the ones handed down from my grandparents.”

In the end, your child’s collection will consist not just of rocks, but of crystalline memories and rock-solid connections, too.

Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer who specializes in parenting and health.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Resources that Rock!

Websites rockhoundkids.com thoughtco.com/geology usgs.gov (United States Geological Survey) Books For little ones: Molly Beth Griffin, Rhoda’s Rock Hunt (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2014) Natalie M. Rosinsky, Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, and Rough (Picture Window Books, 2002) Laura Purdie Salas, A Rock Can Be… (Millbrook Press TM, 2015) For elementary: Garret Romaine, Geology Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Explore Rocks, Gems, Geodes, Crystals, Fossils, and Other Wonders of the Earth’s Surface (Quarry Books, 2017)

Miranda Smith, Rocks, Minerals & Gems (Scholastic, 2016)

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For older students and adults: A. C. Bishop et al., Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Fossils (Firefly Books, 2005) Chris Pellant, Rocks and Minerals (DK, 2000) Garret Romaine, Gold Panning California (Falcon Guides, 2017)

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SonomaFamilyLife 15

Keep a vacation journal. We take at least one big family vacation trip every summer. Since my son was very young we’ve had him keep a daily journal about his

Going to nearby museums and learning about local history can also be surprisingly enjoyable.

Stop Brain Drain 7 Fun Ways to Engage Kids’ Minds

By Tanni Haas

D

o your kids seem a little less ready for school after each summer break? If the answer is Yes, don’t worry.

They’re far from alone. It’s a common experience known as the summer learning slide. Research shows that, over summer break, kids lose anywhere from 20–50 percent of what they have acquired during the school year—and it gets worse the older they get.

So, what can parents do to reduce the summer learning slide? Here are seven fun activities that have worked for my 15-year-old son, and I bet they’ll help your kids, too.

Quiz apps, like the board game Trivial Pursuit, are great for developing kids’ general knowledge.

Read fiction and non-fiction.

Since my son learned to read, we’ve had him read one book a week, alternating fiction with nonfiction.

It is summer after all, so instead of

assigning him books, we let him choose what to read. The point is to keep his reading and comprehension skills at his grade level.

16 SonomaFamilyLife

experiences. It’s been a great way to keep his writing skills up-to-date and document his childhood.

Email family and friends. To strengthen my son’s writing skills, we also have him email family and friends, especially those individuals we don’t get to see that much during the year. Teenagers really prefer texting, but we insist that he uses email because, as every parent knows, texts are usually full of broken sentences, odd grammar, and spelling mistakes.

Play math-based board games. In the evening, whether we’re on a family vacation trip or at home, we play math games like Monopoly or spelling games like Scrabble. The key is to focus on the fun part—the competition—then the learning automatically happens.

Watch feature and documentary movies. Aside from playing a board game or two, we also watch movies in the evening.

With all the streaming services available, it’s not that hard to find a documentary or feature film that also happens to be educational.

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Movies are some of the most entertaining ways to learn about other time periods, cultures, and current events.

Download educational apps.

Although we try to make our son’s summer activities as social as possible, we also indulge his interest in anything technological,

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It’s not that hard to find a documentary or feature film that also happens to be educational. like letting him download all the educational apps he wants. He really likes quiz apps, which, like the board game Trivial Pursuit, are great for developing kids’ general knowledge.

Visit arts, history, and natural science museums.

Museum visits are another great way to keep your kids up-to-date with the arts, history, and natural science.

San Francisco has myriad museums, including the Exploratorium (a children’s science museum) and the California Academy of Sciences.

But if making a trip into the city isn’t possible, going to nearby museums can also be enjoyable.

Check out the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, the Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Pacific Coast Air Museum, and the Museum of Sonoma County, all in Santa Rosa, and the Petaluma Library Museum in Petaluma. ¶ Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a college communications professor.

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July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 17

Word Wise

4. Test-drive media. Writers love words and words come in many forms.

Expose your writers to multiple forms of media, such as books (including e-books), magazines, newspapers, journals, comics, graphic novels, blogs, and websites. Variety inspires creative thinking.

Encourage your children to be free thinkers, and you’ll raise inspired writers.

Raising Kids Who Love to Write

By Christina Katz

D

o you think you have budding writers under your roof?

Well, never fear. Writing has evolved quite a bit in the information age. This list of tips will help you and your kids keep your feet on the ground as you explore the multiple possibilities of a writing life.

1. Express support. Kids may be vocal about their desire to write, or they may feel shy about it. If you notice signs that your children enjoy creating with words, why not just go ahead and ask if they’d enjoy learning more about writing? Don’t press them, though.

2. Encourage individuality.

Every person has unique ways of viewing the world, unless someone interferes with his or her perspective. It’s one thing to ask your children to consider your point of view; it’s another thing to

18 SonomaFamilyLife

pressure them to embrace a point of view that does not belong to them.

Encourage your children to be free thinkers, and you’ll raise inspired writers.

3. Purchase tools. Take your writers to the office supply store and ask, “Is there anything you need for school or even just for fun?” and watch what happens. Writers adore supplies. So if your scribblers want gel pens, pocket pads, and locked journals, either get them or add them to an upcoming gift list.

5. Study established writers.

The digital age gives us more access to real-life and virtual interactions with established writers than ever.

Ask your scribblers to list favorite writers and then help them track down reference materials. Consider websites, documentaries, YouTube videos, podcasts, radio interviews, profiles, and articles. Check author websites for upcoming book-tour dates. Try to attend as many author events as you can. You’re young writers will never forget the experiences.

6. Respect storytelling. Once your kids did not know where babies came from, so don’t expect your starry-eyed writers to know where stories come from either. Help your aspiring writers understand that stories do not fall whole and complete from the sky. Great works are crafted through inspiration, skill, and sustained effort over time.

Discussing the craft of the writing process helps kids understand the level of commitment it takes to complete a book-length work.

7. Check out biographies.

Unfortunately, in the past many

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

writers struggled. Some of their lives were, in fact, fairly tragic. For this reason, you may not wish to dwell on the stories of historical writers. You don’t want to inadvertently plant the seed in your youngsters’ heads that writers are destined for lives of suffering. Fortunately, we have many modern-day examples of writers striving and succeeding. Encourage your writers to look up some contemporary role models, and they will find plenty of real-life inspiration.

8. Protect privacy. Beyond what they write for school, young writers should be allowed to privately store their works-in-process. Whether they do not wish you to see what they write because they are tentative, shy, or embarrassed does not matter.

You SFL_12H_july.pdf 1 6/11/19

do not need to supervise every word they write. Make sure other family members also respect young writers’ need for privacy. Sometimes, if you ask patiently, your writers will come around and show you their work.

Try to attend as many author events as you can. You’re young writers will never forget the experiences.

3:50

9. Support research. Writers often need to stick an imaginary funnel in their heads and fill it with relevant data. When your young writers take an interest in a topic, make yourself their PM

research assistant. Schedule trips to the library, encouraging them to befriend the research librarian.

Brainstorm ways to learn more about the topic. Allow access to computer databases you’ve checked out together. (Set parental controls on your computers, though.)

10. Praise patience. Unlike other hobbies, avocations, and careers that come with expiration dates, writers can scribble from the time they can hold a pencil until their last day on Earth. Make sure your young writers know that they’ve got all the time in the world to write. ¶ Christina Katz was born a writer, but she still had to take a lot of concrete steps to bring her dream to life. She knows young writers will deeply appreciate any support parents can provide.

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SonomaFamilyLife 19

seem fun and familiar. Let them take ownership of ‘their’ school,” offers mom Shari Medini.

Find some friends. You should be able to discover some other kids in the neighborhood for your kid to meet before school starts. Otherwise,

Little Bits of Courage Ease Kindergarteners’ Separation Anxiety

By Kerrie McLoughlin

M

y mom always tells me she was a mess when she dropped me off for my first day of kindergarten. She had to go out to breakfast and cry. While it wasn’t a big deal for me, some kids do experience anxiety on opening day of kindergarten, and it’s entirely normal. Letting go of your child’s hand might be difficult for you, too. But it’s the first step toward letting her or him fly on her or his own, and it’s an important milestone. Here are some real-mom tips to make it easier on both of you.

Visit the school. Steph Dalrymple, mom of one, suggests visiting the inside of the school sometime before the first day. If the school is hosting a kindergarten intro session for new students—an 20 SonomaFamilyLife

experience created just for the purpose of getting kids familiar with the school, classroom, teachers, and their peers—don’t skip it. Also, “Play at the school playground a few times over the summer. It helps make it

As the first day approaches, express excitement even if you are anxious. talk about what it’s going to be like to make new friends at school and what it means to be a good friend.

Go shopping. Kitty Fulks, mom of seven, says, “Take them shopping for school supplies and for a few new outfits.” Back-to-school shopping is very important to get kids excited for the first day. A new backpack, water bottle, lunch box, shoes, and nap blanket might calm some fears.

Talk about it. Reading some books about kindergarten and school is a great way to get kids excited, offers Cathie Maschler, mom of four. Check out On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe (HarperCollins, 2016), and The 12 Days of Kindergarten by Jenna Lettice (Random House, 2017).

Hit the high notes. Tell your kid about fun school situations, such as field trips, recess, assemblies, substitute teachers, new friends, physical education, art, music, and lunchtime. Mom Gina Kennedy

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

suggests even calling the playground a “park,” since it really is like a park at the school.

Set it up. Laying out clothes the night before, planning a special breakfast, and packing a fabulous lunch will go a long way toward kicking off a great day.

Watch your emotions. As the first day approaches, express excitement even if you are anxious,

Tell your kid about fun school situations, such as field trips, recess, and lunchtime. and don’t talk about how much you’re going to miss your kid in front of her or him.

Don’t linger. “It’s easier if the kids can walk away from you [rather] than you leaving them. So don’t go into the classroom and hover. Walk them into school then let them go, or go to the classroom then [let them] go in and don’t linger. It’s like sneaking out when you have a babysitter,” suggests mom of four Tresa McAlhaney.

Wrap it up. Set up a routine for the end of each school day that your child can look forward to. Even a daily simple snack and a chat about the day will help the child stay positive and confident throughout the school year. ¶

Thank you for choosing local first when you shop!

Ukiah Police Department

NOW HIRING

Police Officer (Entry Level or Lateral)

Police Academy students are encouraged to apply as lateral officers for graduation employment. Bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities are highly desirable and will be given preference.

$5,246 - $6,696 per month; $5,509 - $7,031 per month with Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate; and $5,784 $7,382 per month with Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate $8,000 relocation bonus to out of the area applicants Benefits: City paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and 85% of the cost for dependent coverage; paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City also provides Credit Union membership, a deferred compensation program, and bilingual specialty pay.

Retirement: The city is a member of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

For and totoapply applyonline, online, Forfurther Fo furtherinformation informaiton and please please visit visit usus atat http://www.cityofukiah.com/jobs/ or call707-463-6272 707-463-6272 www.cityofukiah.com/jobs/ or call

Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five.

Find her at thekerrieshow.com.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Fuller’s My New Baby (Child’s Play International, 2009), Joanna Cole’s I’m A Big Brother (HarperCollins, 2010), or John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury’s There Is Going to Be a Baby (Candlewick, 2014).

Parents can pick out a special “big brother” or “big sister” gift from the new baby to the older sibling.

He Did It First!

How to Handle Sibling Rivalry

By Malia Jacobson

I

f you have more than one child living under your roof, chances are you’ve dealt with sibling rivalry, along with shrieks of “It’s not fair!” or “But he did it first!” Because eight out of ten US children live with at least one sib, rivalry is a daily struggle for millions of American parents. But sibling tensions don’t have to rule your home. Read on for age-by-age strategies on smoothing sibling squabbles.

TODDLER/PRESCHOOL (ages 2–5): Baby Blues Toddlers are often blissfully oblivious to sibling tensions—until a new baby arrives on the scene. Even a toddler who shows excitement and tenderness toward a new sibling can display a sudden, uncharacteristic jealous streak, says family therapist Josie Clark-Trippodo. “Behavioral signs of jealousy could include regression, clinginess, tantrums, and aggression toward the new baby, parents, or pets,” she says. Jealousy can be stealthy and 22 SonomaFamilyLife

appear seemingly out of the blue—one reason to never leave a new baby alone with a toddler sibling, notes Clark-Trippodo.

Spending extra one-on-one time with a jealous toddler can help reassure him or her and soothe feelings of jealousy. “Allow the child to warm up to the sibling on his or her own time, and don’t force interactions,” Clark-Trippodo says. Help prep a tot for a smooth sibling bond by reading together books such as Rachel

ELEMENTARY YEARS (ages 6–12): Compare Fair Parents of school-agers can accidentally fuel sibling feuds by pitting siblings against one another. It’s easy to do: Phrases such as, “Hey, let’s see who can

Never leave a new baby alone with a toddler sibling. finish their chores fastest” or “First person to clean her plate gets first pick of the Popsicles” seem like easy ways to motivate and reward kids, but these tactics can backfire, says licensed counselor Debbie Pincus, MS, creator of the Calm Parent program. Avoid creating a competitive atmosphere with “races,” and instead use individual rewards to encourage positive behaviors.

“Instead, try something like, ‘When you get your room clean, I will give you some time with the iPad.’ Have them compete with themselves, rather than each other,” Pincus says.

Beware comparisons and labels, too.

Simple statements such as, “Josh gets ready so quickly in the morning, why can’t you?” or “She’s the athletic one!” can feed resentment and spark rivalry, particularly if a sibling already feels sensitive about her or his performance

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

in that area. Separately recognize each child’s traits to help each child shine in her or his own right.

TEEN YEARS (ages 13–18): Brotherly (or Sisterly) Boost Bickering between teen siblings can be intense, but sibling rivalry isn’t always negative, Pincus notes. “If

Jealousy can be stealthy and appear seemingly out of the blue. parents can stay out of the middle, rivalry can be positive, helping kids learn about problem solving, empathy, and self-regulation, and helping them to recognize and strive toward qualities they admire in a brother or sister.” Help teen siblings learn from one another’s strengths, instead of resenting them, by stepping back and allowing them to work through problems on their own, whenever possible. If a teen envies a sibling’s possessions, grades, social life, or bank balance, ask him or her to think about the personality traits and behaviors that helped the envied sibling get where they are, and work together to outline a few steps to help the jealous sib achieve something similar—then step back and let the teen independently carry out the steps. This will promote personal growth without sparking competition.

When each sibling feels valued and heard, and nobody has to compete for a parent’s favor, kids will naturally respect their siblings, Pincus notes. ¶ Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 23

July

Calendar of Events

Oldtime Rivertown Fun

B

efore paved roads and motor vehicles were integral to transportation, steam riverboats transported goods and people through California— and Petaluma was a key destination. The annual Rivertown Revival seeks to capture the spirit of that era while also raising money to maintain the river and watershed that was once the site of bustling commerce. The big draw of the eco-friendly event will be a variety of live music, including blues, country, jazz, vaudeville, Latin, and bluegrass. There will also be an array of Sonoma County vendors, interactive art, a play area for kids, and the chance to dress up in zany costumes. The event will be held on July 20, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., at Steamer Landing Park on Copeland Street in Petaluma. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 16 and younger. Purchase tickets and get more information, including a lineup of musicians, at rivertownrevival.com. ¶

Thursday 4 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Transcendence Theatre

Company joins the Santa Rosa Symphony. Festival, carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, food & music. $12.50–$45. Gates open: 4:30 p.m. Concert & fireworks: 7:30–9:30 p.m. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Soak upCAMP! summer SUMMER

with rec & Parks!

Creating Community for Children FunMake + probelm-solving team building = friends at+camp, play all day, sethappy sail,kids! getJoin cooltheatgenerations the pool, resilient, cuddle some critters who have grown up with us... and

celebrate together!

20+ Camps, Register:

santarosarec.com SantaRosaRec.com 707-543-3737 707-543-3737

General’s Daughter BBQ & 4th of July Celebration. Live music, food &

a front row view of Sonoma’s fireworks display. $25–$85. Ages 5 & younger: free. 7–10:30 p.m. The General’s Daughter. 400 W. Spain St., Sonoma. eventbrite.com.

Red, White & Boom. Local bands &

kids’ activities. Food, drinks & live music. Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Ice chests & folding chairs OK. Admission:

$5–$10. Parking: $15. Music: 4 p.m.

Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. srboom.com.

Petaluma Fourth of July Celebration. Fireworks, live music

& kids’ activity area. Gates: 5 p.m.

Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. facebook.com/ events/460955871137728.

Violin lessons Melanie Webster, MA Instructor & Performer

Enrich your child’s life!

Prize Winning Students Beginning Beginning to Advanced classes for Levels 4-6-year-olds starting in Private Lessons, Groups & Chamber Music September Suzuki & Traditional Methods

www.mwviolin.com 823-3268

24 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Family Fun

Party in the Sky

Local Fireworks Displays July 3 Sebastopol: Fireworks and Music Extravaganza at Analy High School football field. No camping chairs, only beach chairs. Live music and dancing starts at 6:15 p.m. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m. $10. Ages 6–11 $5. Ages 5 and younger free. sebastopolkiwanis.org.

Petaluma: Fireworks, live music, and kids’ activities area at Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. facebook. com/events/460955871137728.

July 4

Rohnert Park: Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the Transcendence Theatre Company and the Santa Rosa Symphony at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center. Indoor and lawn seating. Kids’ Zone with face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, music, and food at 4:30 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks display follows the show. $12.50–$45. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Healdsburg: Fireworks at Healdsburg High School. Dusk.

Free. Donations accepted. cm.healdsburg.com.

Santa Rosa: Red, White, and Boom at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Local bands, children’s activities, and food and drinks. Music at 4 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. $5–$10.

Ages 0–5 free. Parking $15. srboom.com.

Windsor: Kaboom! Fireworks display at Keiser Park. Live music by the Scotty Mac Country Band and Pat Jordan. 4–10 p.m.

Fireworks at 9:40 p.m. $10. Ages 3–17 $5. Ages 0–2 free. windsorkaboom.com.

Cloverdale: Fireworks at Cloverdale High School. Dusk.

Free. Donations accepted. cloverdalechamber.com.

Kenwood: Fourth of July Celebration. Pancake breakfast and silent auction at Kenwood Community Church, 7–11:30 a.m. The following events will be at Kenwood Plaza Park: Kenwood Footrace 3K and 10K at 7:30 a.m. (Registration $30–$50; Trot Tots race for ages 5 and younger, free.)

Parade at 10:30 a.m. Rotary Club BBQ and Family Fun at 11:30 a.m. kenwoodparade.com.

Kenwood: Fourth of July Fireworks Hike at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Hike 6.5 miles up the tallest mountain in Sonoma Valley and view up to 18 Bay Area fireworks displays.

6:45–11 p.m. $50. Ages 12–17 $10. Not recommended for kids younger than 12. Space limited. Reservations required. brownpapertickets.com/event/4197819. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Sonoma: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration at Sonoma Plaza. Parade at 10 a.m. Carnival with games, food, and drink on the plaza 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Fireworks at dusk. Free. sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org/ fourth-of-july.

July 5

Monte Rio: Fireworks Over the River at Monte Rio Beach.

Big Rocky games for kids noon–4 p.m. Water Carnival Boat Parade and Water Curtain at dusk. Fireworks follow. No dogs allowed. Free. Firehouse barbecue on July 6, noon–5 p.m. monterio.org.

July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Fourth of July Fireworks Hike.

Strenuous 6.5-mile hike up to the top of Bald Mountain, where several fireworks displays may be visible. $50.

Ages 12–17: $10. Not recommended for children younger than 12. 6:45–11 p.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. brownpapertickets.com/event/4197819. sugarloafpark.org/events.

FREE 8th Annual July 4th Community Celebration, Kids’ Parade & Duck Dash. 10:30 a.m.–1:30

p.m. Free food. Registration for the parade: 10 a.m. Parade: 11 a.m.

Healdsburg Plaza. Healdsburg. rotaryclubofhealdsburgsunrise.org.

Friday 5 West Side Story. $25–$35. Younger than 30: $22. July 5 & 6: 7:30 p.m. July

6 & 7: 2 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse.

52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 523-4185.

6thstreetplayhouse.com.

FREE Friday Night Live & Street Fair. Live music. Fridays. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Plaza. Cloverdale. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Featuring Drea Lusion & Eric Parthum. 11 a.m.–noon. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

FREE Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom. Kids will get up close & personal with creatures from around the world. 11 a.m.–noon. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Funky Fridays. Live music, dancing & picnicking. $10. Ages 18 & younger: free. Free parking. July 5: Poyntlyss Sistars Band. July 12: Dylan Black Project. July 19: Gator Nation. July 26: Soulshine. Fridays.

5:30–9 p.m. Show: 7 p.m. The Hood Mansion. 389 Casa Manana Rd., Santa Rosa. funkyfridays.info.

$10–$35. July 5–6 & 11–13: 8 p.m. July 7 & 14: 2 p.m. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 North St., Healdsburg. raventheater.org.

FREE Figmentally. Circus

Lavender Field Tours. Weekends

arts, dance, mime & physical comedy.

Juggling, puppetry & acrobatics.

Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein.

through July 28. $10. Ages younger than 18: free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

YMCA Summer Camps are in your neighborhood!

We have Summer Camp Programs in:  Petaluma  Rohnert Park  Sonoma  Santa Rosa

ald McDaonnch R

Summer Day Camps

Weekly Session 8am-5pm June through Mid August • Horseback Riding • Swimming • Archery • Counselor-In-Training • Farm Animals • Camp Cooking and more!

Shuttles from Santa Rosa, Petaluma & Rohnert Park Camps Held at Sky Tree Ranch in Santa Rosa www.mcdonaldranch.org • 707 583-6711

26 SonomaFamilyLife

Adventure, Sports, STEM and more!

June 3rd—August 9th

Call or visit us for more details 707 544-1829

www.scfymca.org

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

Financial assistance is available.

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Monte-Bellaria di California. 3518 Bloomfield Rd., Sebastopol.

Saturday 6 FREE Rockin’ Concerts at the Village. July 6, 13 & 27: Noon–3 p.m.

July 7, 14 & 28: 1–4 p.m. (except July 21). July 11 & 25: 5:30–8 p.m. Visit website for a schedule. 911 Village Ct., Santa Rosa. mvshops.com.

starts 15 minutes after sunset (8:30 p.m.). Healdsburg Plaza. Healdsburg Ave. & Matheson St., Healdsburg. facebook.com/avfilmsociety.

Wednesdays. 5–8:30 p.m. Courthouse Square. Santa Rosa. 524-2123. wednesdaynightmarket.org.

FREE Peacetown Concerts.

Wednesdays. 5–8 p.m. Ives Park. 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. peacetown.org.

Wednesday 10 FREE Wednesday Night Market.

New Moms’ Circle. Join other new

Live music, vendors & produce.

moms in a safe & compassionate

August 1-11

Sunday 7

FREE Western Fun!

FREE Summer Patio Series.

Art projects for kids of all ages.

Materials provided or bring sketch pad. Sundays. 2–4 p.m. Runs thru Aug. 11. Sebastopol Center for the Arts. 282 High St., Sebastopol. sebarts.org.

Karen Quest’s Cowgirl Tricks is a fun-filled vaudeville style comedy western show complete with trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic and audience participation every day of the Fair.

FREE Live at Juilliard. Summer Concert Series. Sundays: 5–7 p.m.

Juilliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. For lineup see, srcity. org/2169/Live-at-Juilliard.

Philippine American Friendship Day Summer BBQ. Live entertainment,

children’s games, raffles & silent auction. $8–$12. Ages 4 & younger: free. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. St. Elizabeth Seton. 4595 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park.

For tickets visit the parish office or call/text 888-9672 or 588-8131. Tickets will not be available day of event.

Tuesday 9 FREE Zootopia. Outdoor

screening of film 15 minutes before sunset.

(Free films Tuesdays through end of July.) Windsor Town Green.

701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. townofwindsor.com.

FREE Ralph Breaks the Internet. Part

of the Movies in the Plaza series. Film www.sonomafamilylife.com

FAIR ADMISSION

Adults (13+) $15; Pre-Sale $12 Kids (7-12) $7; FREE on Thursdays Kids (6 & younger) FREE daily

Carnival Pre-Sale wRISTBAND ONLY

Top Hogs of the West! is an amazing, comedy-filled trick pig show filled with action-packed & fun for the entire family! Mudslinger and Digger will take the stage in three hilarious shows each day.

$30-35 Value - Pre-Sale Price $25 Good any day of the Fair! Includes one unlimited ride wristband. Only available through July 31.

Carnival Pre-Sale Combo $50 Value - Pre-Sale Price $35

Good any day of the Fair! Includes Fair Admission, and a wristband to ride all day at our spectacular carnival. Only available through July 31.

Wild West Gold Rush Gold panning fun is coming to the Fair! Gold Rush Mining & Refining Company brings the river to the Fair, with a trough filled with real gold ore. Each fairgoer gets a chance to pan for gold, and “No one walks away without gold!”

Tickets at SonomaCountyFair.com July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 27

The WORD Path Summer Sessions

Closing the Literacy Gap

Structured Literacy Development for reading and writing difficulties.

Orton-Gillingham as well as other multisensory structured literacy approaches.

Summer Speech Boost

Speech and Language Therapy for articulation, fluency, voice, and language difficulties.

July 8 – August 9

Choice of two or three sessions per week.

Sessions are individual, conducted in downtown Santa Rosa as well as online.

Please call for more info: (707) 775-5006 Susan Rogers Miller, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech and Language Pathologist susan@thewordpath.com

CUSTOMIZABLE SUMMER PROGRAMS TO FIT YOUR VACATION SCHEDULE! Mon–Fri 10am–3pm $30/hr.

Fun Learning Activities Academic Progression Life Skills Development Enhanced Self-Esteem

Learn about our school year tutoring, call or visit our website

environment for sharing the challenges of motherhood. Drop-in: $10. First group: free. 11 a.m.–noon.

The Luma Center. 616 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Register online: thelumacenter.com.

Thursday 11 FREE Krush Backyard Concert.

Live show with music. All ages. No pets or coolers. 6–8 p.m. KRUSH Backyard. 3565 Standish Ave., Santa Rosa. krsh.com.

Summer Night on the Green Concert Series. Live music, food

5213 El Mercado Pkwy., Suite D, Santa Rosa 707-522-2289 summiteducationcenter@hotmail.com www.summiteducationcenter.net

vendors & farmers’ market. July 11: The Purple Ones (Prince tribute). July 18: Coco Montoya Band (blues, rock).

July 25: Caravanserai (Santana tribute).

Thursdays. 6–8 p.m. Thru Sept. 5.

Excluding July 4. Windsor Town Green. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. townofwindsor.com.

Friday 12 FREE Party on the Plaza. Farmers’ market & outdoor concert by the Soul Section. 5–8 p.m. 500 City Center Dr., Rohnert Park. facebook.com/ events/899429937065090/.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

FREE Teen Trivia Night. Every 2nd

PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS FOR PRESCHOOLERS ART, MUSIC, DANCE & SPANISH August 20th-May 28 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am–12pm

Art & Soul School @ Windsor

707-575-6858 • www.ArtandSoulSchool.com 28 SonomaFamilyLife

Friday of the month. Grades 7–12.

4–5:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. facebook.com/ rohnertparkcotatiregionallibrary.

Saturday 13 Make a Meme. Students will learn

to use original photos & graphics software to create combos of picture & text. 2–3:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Registration

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

required: sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/5322645.

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown.

Cartoonist Robert Pope & writer Jason Cooper will give a talk on the making of their new graphic novel Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown.

Included in price of admission ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger). 11 a.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

The Sandlot. Live

concert, followed by screening of The Sandlot (8:15 p.m.) on a 35” outdoor screen.

Also local food trucks & beer & wine garden. $6–$16. 5–11 p.m.

3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. foodtruckcinemas.com.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Cotati Kids Day Parade & Festival. Live

entertainment, games, music, contests, food, family resources, crafts & activities & vendors. Free pancake breakfast at Church of the Oaks (175 Page St., Cotati): 7–9 a.m. Parade: 10–11 a.m.

Festival: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. cotaticity.org.

FREE The Grind: Skating, Chalk & Vibes. Chalk

artwork designs, skating, scooter demos, competitions & live music. All ages. Bring your board & helmet (mandatory). Free lunch. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Carson Warner Memorial Skatepark. 1100 Grove St., Healdsburg. eventbrite.com (search under “The Grind”).

July 2019

Windsor Chili Cook-Off. $10–$25.

Benefits local firefighters & Windsor High School. Noon–4 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 701 McLelland Dr., Windsor. windsorchilicookoff.com.

FREE Family Yoga at the Park.

Bring yoga mat or blanket. Ages 2–8 & carried babies. Parents/ grandparents/caregivers welcome.

10–10:45 a.m. McNear Park. 1008 & G Streets, Petaluma. facebook.com/ thelumacenter.

Sunday 14 How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. Outdoor film screening.

Movie: free. Parking: $5. 5 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

SonomaFamilyLife 29

FREE Art & Garden Festival. Local

crafters, artisans, gardeners, live music & street chalk-art competition.

Food, wine & beer tastings. Kids’ zone. Festival: free. Tasting packages: $30–$50. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com.

Art & Street Printing Festival. 10

a.m.–4 p.m. Sebastopol Center for the Arts (parking lot). 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. sebarts.org.

Chalk Art Competition. Entry fee:

$5–$15. Bring supplies. Participants suggested to register by July 10.

Walk-ups welcome, but space is limited. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. B Street between 4th & 5th Streets (near the Petaluma Historical Museum). petalumaartscenter.org.

Thursday 18 FREE Around the World with Magic Tree House. Join

Jack & Annie on a quest to save the library from a terrible curse. Use the tree house & travel to each library station to collect special items or clues.

6–7 p.m. Rincon Valley Library.

Civil War Days. Battles,

cannon firings, artillery demos & cavalry horses. Set in an 1863 town. Battles twice daily. $6–$12. Ages 6 & younger: free. Parking: $5. July 20: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. July 21: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 1/4 mile down Freezeout Rd., Duncan Mills. civilwardays.net.

6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Friday 19 FREE Incredibles 2. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Starts 15 minutes after sunset. La Plaza Park.

60 West Cotati Ave., Cotati. facebook. com/cityofcotati.

Wheels & Wings Car Show. Classic car show next to the museum’s historic aircraft. $10. Ages 7 & younger: free. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum.

3631 N. Laughlin Rd., Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

Fantastical Family Night. Broadway Under the Stars musical production. $35–$154. July 19 & 20: 7:30 p.m.

Pre-show picnicking, food trucks & wine: 5 p.m. Jack London State Historic Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. 877-424-1414. transcendencetheatre.org.

Car Show & BBQ Picnic. BBQ: $15.

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Petaluma Elks Lodge.

2105 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. eventbrite.com (search on “Petaluma Elks Lodge”).

Saturday 20 Ghostbusters. Part of the Summer Drive-In series. Car: $40. Individual: $12 (bring chair). Prices go up at the door. Food & wine available for purchase. 9 p.m. Citrus Fairgrounds.

1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale.

866-811-4111. Tickets online: web. ovationtix.com/trs/cal/34924.

HOME OF

Relay for Life of Northern Sonoma County. Benefits

the fight against cancer. July 20–21. 10 a.m.–10 a.m.

Analy High School. 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. 545-6728. relay. acsevents.org.

B Mî `ƒ

Rivertown Revival. Live music, food, drinks & play area for kids. Dress up: zany, odd, ugly, or avant-garde. $5–$20.

11 a.m.–8 p.m. Steamer Landing Park. 6 Copeland St., Petaluma. rivertownrevival.com.

Sunday 21 Bluegrass Festival. $25–$55 ($12.50 lawn seating for ages 3–12). Music starts at 2 p.m. Green Music Center.

1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park.

866-955-6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

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30 SonomaFamilyLife

Open Cockpit: Korean War Weekend. Look inside these vintage

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them. July 20 & 21: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Pacific Coast Air Museum. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

Saturday 27 Live Storytelling with Joe Wos. Join cartoonist & master maze-maker for a live storytelling performance. Included in price of admission ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger). 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Fort Ross Festival. Kashia Pomo

ceremonial dancing, Alaskan crafts & Russian performances. Food & craft vendors. $20 per car. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Fort Ross. 19005 Hwy. 1, Jenner.

847-3437. fortross.org.

The Great Train Days. Model

trains created by the Redwood Empire Garden Railway Society. Build train tracks, listen to train music & stories. $12. Babies younger than 12 months: free. July 27: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

July 28: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org/train-days.

Sunday 28 Family Kayaking Adventura. Learn

paddling techniques & water safety tips. Bilingual (Spanish/English) program. $20 per person. Parking: $7. Advance registration required.

9–10:30 a.m. Spring Lake Regional Park. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa.

sonoma

Register: Melanie.Gutierrez-Nelson@ sonoma-county.org.

FREE Learn How to Draw Comic Books. Introduction to designing

characters & showing action & emotion. 2–3:30 p.m. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. Registration required: sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/5309041.

FREE The Four Seasons of Sonoma County. Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Presented by the Santa Rosa Symphony. Free concert, but ticket is required. (Tickets available July 9 at 10 a.m.) 7 p.m. Green Music Center.

Weill Hall & Lawn. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

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July 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Cooking with Kids

Bowl of Crunch

Make a Fresh Summer Salad

By Momma Chef

T

his is a great recipe if you need a new, fun salad or want something yummy to bring over to a friend’s home. I dress this with a simple olive oil/ balsamic vinegar mix and add silvered almonds on top for some crunch. Put the salad in a pretty bowl, and you have a beautiful and tasty dish. ¶ Karen Nochimowski, the mom behind mommachef.com, has loved cooking for as long as she can remember. After her friends and family begged to be let in on her culinary secrets, she decided to create a blog featuring the quick, easy recipes everyone loved. Every recipe has only six or fewer ingredients and takes only six or fewer minutes to prepare.

32 SonomaFamilyLife

Simple and Delicious Summer Broccoli Salad Ingredients • 1/3 cup olive oil • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar • 1 tsp. salt • 1 bag Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Salad (a mixture of chopped kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green and red cabbage) • 1 container mini heirloom tomatoes cut in half • ¼ cup slivered almonds Instructions 1. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt in a small bowl.

Set aside.

2. Pour salad mix, tomatoes, and almonds in a large bowl.

3. When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad and mix well.

4. Yep, that’s it!

Serves: 6

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 33

Humor Break daylight to stop moving, let alone sleep.

And, of course, your kids won’t sleep in. Even if they did sleep past 6 a.m., there’s the whole issue of your tent turning into a steam room by 8.

You Will Not Rest 4 Truths about Camping with Kids

By Pam Moore

G

od, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. —The Serenity Prayer

usually within a 36- to 72-hour window.

Loudly sighing and muttering, “The kids’ sun hats and toothbrushes aren’t going to pack themselves” through gritted teeth, and zipping duffel bags with the intensity of a thousand blazing suns, will not change this fact.

Believe me, I’ve tried.

Alcoholics Anonymous may be responsible for the popularity of the Serenity Prayer, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect for other situations, like taking your kids camping. As soon as you accept the things you can’t change, you will quickly and easily stop fantasizing about faking your own death or “discovering” your minivan’s tires have been slashed just before your next family camping trip. Here are four truths I’ve learned on our family camping trips.

You can forget about quality sleep. You’re exhausted by the time you arrive. Anyone would be after driving to the edge of nowhere with a soundtrack of “Are we there yet?” on repeat. A nap would be perfect, but only if you find it rejuvenating to sleep in a pool of your own sweat. Tents become saunas by about 8 a.m. in the summer.

You will touch all the things.

None will spark joy. Camping is packing all the things, only to unpack, pack, unpack, and wash them,

Going to sleep early sounds amazing, except for the whole part about your kids being there. Just accept that they are too amped up on s’mores and

34 SonomaFamilyLife

Your kids will be dirty and sticky the whole time. If you can’t stand the look or feel of little hands and faces caked in a mixture of high-fructose corn syrup and dirt, it will be better to just not look at or touch your kids the entire time you’re camping. Accept that no amount of baby wipes or hand sanitizer will be sufficient to get your kids looking like they didn’t just crawl out of a coal mine. Don’t waste energy chasing them with a washcloth. You’re better off conserving your resources for when you have to load up the car and unload it again.

You will not get lucky. Just forget it. Before you had kids, a tent (or anywhere) was a fantastic place to get busy. Now…just no. It’s one thing to have some grown-up time at home with your kids hovering around your locked bedroom door while you yell, “Not right now, we’re busy. Take the iPad! Yes, you heard me right!” It’s quite another to get your freak on in the same tent as your kids.

It was my fate to marry a man whose parents took him on his first camping trip before his first birthday. The active pursuit of discomfort is in his DNA. While I’ll never choose camping over staying in an air-conditioned hotel, I’m proud to report I’ve never stabbed my better half with a marshmallow roasting stick, either. It’s all about acceptance. ¶ This article was originally published on Motherly.

Find Pam Moore’s guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome at pam-moore.com.

July 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

+

W E I L L H A L L L A W N H I G H L I G H T S 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

MICHAEL MCDONALD & CHAKA KHAN

Santa Rosa Symphony Michael Berkowitz, conductor & Transcendence Theatre Company

SUN, AUG 4 AT 7 P.M.

THU, JULY 4 AT 7:30 P.M. Gates & kids zone open at 4:30 P.M.

Outlaws & Renegades Tour Travis Tritt & The Charlie Daniels Band

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

with special guest Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen

with special guest Love and Theft

THU, JULY 11 AT 7:30 P.M.

THU, AUG 22 AT 7 P.M.

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

FREE MOVIES AT THE GREEN HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD

Santa Rosa Symphony Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor

SUN, JULY 14 AT 5 P.M.

SAT, AUG 24 AT 7:30 P.M.

LIVE FROM HERE WITH CHRIS THILE

ANDY GRAMMER

FRI, SEPT 6 AT 7:30 P.M.

SAT, JULY 20 AT 7:30 P.M.

Presented in part by Associated Students Productions

Bluegrass Day Steep Canyon Rangers More artists TBA SUN, JULY 21 AT 2 P.M. Craft Beer Festival

Diana Krall

THU, SEPT 26 AT 7:30 P.M.

12-3:30 P.M.

CATCH THE FULL LINEUP AT gmc.sonoma.edu 7 0 7 . 6 6 4 . 4 2 4 6

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