Sonoma Family Life March 2015 by familylifemag

sonoma March 2015

Local Fab Moms Raise money for kids

Easter Egg Hunts 9 Top spots

Curvy Girl Club Teach body-love

20 Camp Tips

Choose the best How to find a

Tutor

The region’s most advanced cardiovascular experts can help you lower your risks of heart disease – the leading cause of death in U.S. women. At St. Joseph Health and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, we’ve earned national distinction for heart attack treatment and prevention, ensuring rapid access to life-saving care, right here in Sonoma County.

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A Ministry founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange

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.

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Summer Camps Birthday Parties Afterschool Programs, Classes Kids ages 4 to 14

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March 2015

Feature Stories

10 The Giving Bug

This energetic group of moms raises funds for local families, kids, and nonprofits.

14 The Curvy Girl Club

How to help your daughter love her body.

16 The Guru of Good Grades

How to choose a good tutor for your child.

20 Benevolent Birthdays Use your child’s party to teach the value of serving others.

26 4 SonomaFamilyLife

22 Get Ready for Summer Camp! Tips on selecting a great experience for your child.

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

Bits and Pieces

Storybook Stars Shine

Happy Year of the Goat

Journey to Oz

Measles Outbreak Hits Home

Summer Camps

26 Family Fun A Basket of Easter Fun

28 Kids Craft Lucky Leprechaun Art 30 Calendar of Events Can’t Beat that Bluegrass Fiddlin’

38 Cooking with Kids A Better Corned Beef and Cabbage

39 Marketplace 42 Humor Break

SonomaFamilyLife.com March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

SFZ-RRA-FamLife.pdf

1/21/15

1:53 PM

La Tercera Elementary School Sonoma County’s First STEM Elementary School

Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten enrollment is now open!

Tour and enroll today! Tours: Tues. & Thurs. at 9:00 AM Call (707) 765-4303 Please join us as we share highlights of our school experience from TK to sixth grade, including our STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math focus, curriculum, extracurricular activities and community events.

1600 Albin Way Petaluma • (707) 765-4303 • lt.oldadobe.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader Days are warming, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing—it’s spring, a time of inspiration, renewal, and, of course, the Easter Bunny! Where will the celebrated rabbit Sharon Gowan be? At local Easter Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us egg hunts, of course. Read “A Basket of Easter Fun” (page 26) to find out about area hunts, and find even more hunts at sonomafamilylife.com. Or go to our website and subscribe to Sonoma Family Life ’s weekly e-mail that lists our editors’ picks for exciting area events like egg hunts. While your kids are dreaming about Easter chocolate and eggs, your mind is more likely turning to practical matters such as your children’s progress in school. If your kids have been struggling academically, it may be time to find a tutor. Turn to “The Guru of Good Grades” (page 16) for tips on finding one who will work well with your kids.

the time to sign up for spring camp. Besides keeping the kiddoes happy and busy, spring camps are also a terrific way to test the waters for longer summer camp experiences. Sonoma Family Life ’s mobile-friendly camp directory makes it easier than ever to check out super camps on your phone or computer. “Get Ready for Summer Camp!” (page 22) will help you choose a program that best suits your children’s needs. You can also come to our two Summer Camp Fairs on April 11 in Santa Rosa and May 16 in Petaluma to explore options for summer camps, fun and family time, and year-round learning. (See page 9 for details.)

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

A great thing to teach kids at any time of year is how to give back to others. “Benevolent Birthdays” (page 20) explains how to turn your child’s next birthday party into an act of community service. Meanwhile, “The Giving Bug” (page 10) chronicles the story of a group of local moms who put the ideal of helping others into practice, raising thousands every year for area kids, families, and nonprofits. Wishing you rainbows and pots of gold this March!

School’s demands make kids eager for spring break—and it’s just around the corner. Now is

Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

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Contributing Writers John Corippo Denise Yearian Christina Katz Bull Garlington

Calendar Anna Freeman

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel 707-586-9562 Fax 707-586-9571

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March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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March 2015

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SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Storybook Stars Shine

avorite children’s book characters dance off the page and onto the stage in the TheatreworksUSA music revue The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Story Books. Watch Hubie face his outlandishly funny fears and figure out that his teacher is not a monster. Also enjoy adaptations of Dogzilla; Grumpy Bird; I Want My Hat Back ; Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse; Love Splat, Splat the Cat ; and The Grasshopper and the Ant. The 60-minute show, recommended for kids in kindergarten through fourth grade, will be held on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children. Arrive early for arts and crafts that start at 5:30 p.m. Call 546-3600 or see wellsfargocenterarts.org for details. ¶

Happy Year of the Goat

ake the family on a mini-trip to China without ever boarding a plane. Go to the San Francisco Zoo’s Chinese Lunar New Year celebration on March 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Watch acrobats and traditional lion and folk dancers perform in honor of the Year of the Goat. Kids can learn Chinese yo-yo tricks, make a goat craft, or even go on a Zodiac Scavenger Hunt. During the hunt, kids will search around the zoo for clues, learning about the animals in the Chinese calendar along the way. Those who complete the hunt will receive a lucky red envelope containing a surprise. The celebration is free with paid admission to the zoo. However, guests born in the Year of the Goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955) get into the zoo free on March 1. For more information, see www.sfzoo.org. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

Journey to Oz

ake the family to Tik-Tok of Oz and step into a magical world where a rose princess and sky fairy play, and a girl and her mule go on exciting adventures. Kids from Marin Primary and Middle School will sing and dance their parts to music performed by a student orchestra. Two different casts will perform the show at the Showcase Theatre at the Marin Center in San Rafael. The blue cast will perform on March 20 at 7 p.m. and March 21 at 1 p.m. The gold cast will perform on March 21 at 7 p.m. and March 22 at 1 p.m. The main characters will be switching off, but all actors will be in all performances. Tickets are $18; $12 for kids in the eighth grade and under. See marincenter.org for details. ¶

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Measles Outbreak Hits Home

ed bumps, fever, and a cough are popping up in kids again. Measles is apparently making a national come back, and California has been the hardest hit. Since December 2014, there have been 113 confirmed cases in California, two of them in Marin County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the majority of cases in this recent multi-state outbreak can be linked to a Disneyland in Orange County, California. Those traveling in areas of the world where measles is still common, such as parts of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, can bring the disease to the United States. According to the CDC, this current outbreak was most likely begun by an infectious international traveler who visited Disneyland. Last year, the US experienced a record 644 measles cases in 27 states, the most reported cases since the disease was officially eliminated in the US in 2000. High immunization rates are needed to achieve herd immunity, or general immunity to a disease in a population. Once immunization rates fall below the herd immunity threshold, a disease can easily spread throughout a community. According to Dr. Gil Chavez, deputy director and state epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, because measles is such an infectious disease, the threshold is an immunization rate of 92–94 percent. Once rates fall below these levels, the disease may reappear. The percentage of local kindergarteners who have received required immunizations, including the measles, mump, and rubella vaccine, are as follows: Marin County 84.16 percent, Sonoma County 90.05 percent, Mendocino County 81.19 percent, Lake County 90.89 percent. To find out more about the measles outbreak, see cdc.gov/ measles/cases-outbreaks.html. For a list of measles symptoms, see mayoclinic.org. ¶

Summer Camps

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SonomaFamilyLife.com All your camp options in one easy place. Phone-friendly online camp guide.

April in Sonoma Family Life

Check out our annual listing of summer camps and activities.

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 9

The Fabulous Women board: Erin Ascher, Sandy Acevedo, Melissa Becker, Krista Gawronski, Valerie Montplasir, Sharon Medley, and Ellen Yant.

The Giving Bug

f the desire to give to others were a virus,

you’d definitely get it

from Sandy Acevedo, a high-energy

54-year-old family law attorney and mother of two teens who is

passionate about helping

her neighbors.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

Acevedo and her sister, 45-year-old business owner and mother of two Krista Gawronski, are founders of the grassroots Petaluma philanthropic organization the Fabulous Women, which raises money for local nonprofits and people in need.

The sisters started the group in 2005 when a British mother in Acevedo’s neighborhood unexpectedly lost her husband, leaving her and her two children without financial resources. Acevedo and Gawronski were moved by their neighbor’s circumstances and put their heads together to figure out a way to help.

How Local Moms with Big Hearts Make a Difference “We thought, hey, we all go out in the evenings and spend money with a bunch of girlfriends. Why don’t we all meet at Krista’s? Everyone can put money in the pot, and we can gather around and support [this woman] during a difficult time,” Acevedo recounts. It was such a simple idea—and it totally worked. They invited ten of their friends, who invited their friends, and in the end about 30 people attended. They had a great time, according to Acevedo, and they raised “a bunch of money” to help the family relocate back to the woman’s native United Kingdom.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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It was so easy and fun, the sisters decided to do it again. This time Acevedo hosted an event at her house for a man with melanoma who was going through chemotherapy. They educated people about how to protect themselves from the sun, and then took donations. It was such a success that they made their fundraising parties regular events. It was clear: The “giving bug” had bitten them—in a big way.

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“Women would come from all over Sonoma County. We would always have a really wonderful time. No one person could do it alone, but together we could raise a lot of money for these families,” Acevedo says.

“We want to teach our kids to be good community leaders and to realize that there are great rewards in giving.” —Sandy Acevedo It wasn’t long before they started drawing hundreds, instead of tens, of people to their events. Local businesses began to offer their products or venues to help out. “People are so generous. We didn’t have to ask, they’d just offer. They’d offer their business, or they’d offer a hall,” Acevedo says. In 2011, the group decided to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so that people could make tax-deductible donations. Just a couple of weeks after being officially dubbed a nonprofit, Acevedo and Gawronski were shocked to receive an invitation from Oprah Winfrey to appear on her show Favorite Things. www.sonomafamilylife.com

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—Sandy Acevedo children. So being honored by Winfrey for their own nonprofit was a thrill. As a result of the exposure, the Fabulous Women gained notoriety, its events got even bigger, and Acevedo and Gawronski met lots of helpful people, all of which meant more money handed out to local causes and nonprofits.

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The sisters watched the Oprah Winfrey Show religiously when they were young women, and were especially inspired by the Angel Network, a public charity Winfrey launched in 1998 with the specific objective of inspiring people to use their lives to help others— particularly underserved women and

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For instance, this past winter’s Night of Giving event raised more than $11,000 for Petaluma People Services Center and Lady Bug Connections. Like so many of the Fabulous Women’s events, it was a collaborative affair with the Petaluma Elks Lodge donating their space, and Galaxy Desserts, a company in Richmond the sisters hooked up with via Favorite Things, donating hundreds of chocolate mousse desserts. In 2012, the group raised $10,000 so that Little League could refurbish Middle Diamond at Petaluma’s Lucchesi Park and erect a large scoreboard in honor of Trevor

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Smith, a 13-year-old Little Leaguer who had been tragically killed that year. Also in 2012, with the help of the Petaluma Valley Health Club, the group assisted a little boy with leukemia by not only raising funds, but also amassing a pool of 800 bone marrow donors.

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Acevedo thinks that one of the reasons that the Fabulous Women events work is because there is no pressure to participate. There is no requirement to become a member of their group or to pay membership fees. You just come to events when you want to, and give what you can, whether $5 or $5,000. The Fabulous Women has even quietly inspired the formation of two teen groups, the Kindness Club at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, and Chasing Change at Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, both of which have the sole purpose of performing and facilitating acts of good will. “We want to teach our kids to be good community leaders, to have big hearts, and to realize that there are great rewards in giving,” asserts Acevedo. Whatever is behind the group’s success—whether the positive energy of the founders and board (all working moms), the no-pressure scene, or just the feel-good magic of helping others— it’s clear that the Fabulous Women is making the lives of Sonoma County residents better.

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Teach Your Daughter to See Herself in a Positive Light

The Curvy Girl Club

By Christina Katz

ake a look at the fashion magazine racks in any grocery store and you’ll be inundated with images and words that tell girls and women what they should look like and how they should act in order to be considered attractive and worthwhile human beings. Many of these messages make girls feel inadequate, which is

why it’s not surprising that a 2014 UCLA study found that girls need to hear words that accurately describe them in a favorable light on a regular basis. The study discovered that girls who had been called “too fat” by family members and peers were more likely to be obese a decade later. Researchers also found that labeling children as “fat” to motivate them to lose weight seemed to stigmatize them, rather than help them shed pounds. The results of this study made me think of a very important 14 SonomaFamilyLife

conversation I had with my daughter Samantha when she was in the fourth grade. We were sitting on the end of my bed when she made the teary announcement that she was “fat” compared to her gaggle of friends, who were all quite lean at the time. Naturally, I told her that she was not fat. I said she just happened to have thin friends, but not everyone in the world was skinny. I suggested that she try the word curvy to describe herself because calling herself fat seemed mean.

I emphasized that there was nothing wrong with being curvy, that many girls and women are curvy, and that

I did not want to encourage my daughter to diet, as I constantly had done in my youth, in an effort to be skinny like her friends. it is something to be proud of, not embarrassed about. She sniffled, wiped away a couple of tears, and seemed intrigued by

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

the idea. “Who else is curvy?” she wanted to know.

It seemed best to just level with her. “Honey, you will always be curvy. Curvy is who you are. You were born this way, and you will probably always be this way.”

I rattled off the top of my head the names of a few famous curvy women: Beyoncé. JLo. Jennifer Hudson. Kim Kardashian. Each time she recognized a name, she seemed to brighten up a bit.

I held my breath a bit, unsure a definitive statement like that was

“What about at my school? Who is curvy at my school?” she asked with a dubious tone. But I was able to come up with several girls who were curvy like her and some who were even curvier. “So I am curvy?” She said the word as though tasting a new food she wasn’t sure she was going to swallow. “Will I always be curvy? Will I ever get to be skinny?”

My daughter uses the word curvy with pride and self-acceptance rather than disappointment and self-pity. really appropriate. All I knew was that I did not want to encourage her to diet, as I constantly had done in my youth, in an effort to be skinny like her friends.

The UCLA researchers may be glad to know that curvy has since become a part of Samantha’s identity. Several years after our talk, it is a word she uses to describe herself with pride and self-acceptance rather than disappointment and self-pity. She is more physically fit today than she has ever been, and puberty has gifted her with more curves in more places than she ever could have imagined in fourth grade. Instead of feeling down on herself, she feels like she is part of a secret club, the curvy girl club, with millions of unofficial members around the globe. ¶ Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself.

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The Guru of Good Grades How to Choose a Tutor for Your Child

By Denise Yearian

ver since Natalie Hagy was three years old, she has struggled with developmental delay issues. So her parents were not surprised to find that she needed academic help when she started first grade.

“It got to the point where Natalie didn’t want to go to school,” reports her father Doug. “We would see her falling asleep at the dinner table at 5:30 p.m. The school work was so hard, and we were getting nowhere.” There are a number of signs that a child needs a tutor. These include difficulty doing homework, poor test grades, multiple wrong answers, unfinished assignments, and, of course, frustration, tears, and decreased self-confidence. Before finding a tutor, sit down and discuss the need with your child, says Beverly Stewart, president and director of Back-to-Basics Learning Dynamics. “Make the conversation as 16 SonomaFamilyLife

positive as possible. You are trying to get the child to buy in—‘You know how reading is kind of hard sometimes? Well, we’re going to meet with someone who can help you.’ Most kids are okay with that because they don’t want to struggle with schoolwork.” This is what the Hagys did. “Natalie loved to pick up books and make up her own stories, but she couldn’t read,” recalls Doug. “We told her, ‘These are going to be people who can help you.’” The Hagys chose a tutoring center over a private teacher for their daughter. “When our oldest child, Mackenzie, was in first grade, we had a bad experience with a private tutor,” he says. “It definitely had

its positive points—it was more convenient because the tutor came to our house, and it didn’t cost as much as the center.” But there were downfalls, too. “The big reason private tutoring didn’t work was because of Mackenzie’s attitude. The tutor happened to be a friend of ours, and so Mackenzie saw it as playtime.” Hagy knew someone from a local tutoring center and switched his daughter to that program. “We were so pleased with the results that we used it for our son Patrick and now for Natalie. It has been the best option for all of our children.” “There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tutoring,” says Stewart. “It depends on the student and the goals. If there is a lot of remedial work to be done, the child really should have a professional to work with.”

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 17

“Natalie loved to pick up books and make up her own stories, but she couldn’t read.”—Doug Hagy Pages, or go online. Other parents are a good resource, too. Is there someone they have had success with? Next, check credentials to find the most qualified person who is the best fit for the job. Look not only at degrees, but the experience and teaching style, too.

When the search has been narrowed down to a few names, call or make an appointment to speak with the tutor. Consider her or his personality and attitude. Is she or he upbeat and positive? Does she or he take the child’s learning style into account when tutoring? Is she or he available at a time that works for your child? Jim Rogers, director of the Sylvan Learning Center of Santa Rosa, says that important things to look for in a tutor are patience and someone who can work with kids of various ages and skill levels. Another important attribute, he says, is the ability to resist the temptation to “over-help.” “It is easy to go in and say ‘Let me show you how to do it’ rather than ‘Let me help you figure out how to do it,’” Rogers explains. If a tutor is

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With kids’ extra curricular activities and parents’ work schedules dominating the clock, finding the right time for tutoring sessions is always a struggle. “There needs to be a lot of flexibility so the sessions are held at a good time for the child and the family,” says Liz Holter, director of a Sylvan Learning Center in Ohio. And that means a time when the child learns best. Some children, Holter says, do best right after school. Others need a break before tackling academics again. While interviewing the tutor, ask who sets the academic goals. “I

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doing too much, he or she becomes like a life preserver—take the tutor’s help away, and the kid will sink. It’s more important, he says, to teach kids to swim.

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March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

recommend every player—teacher, parents, child, and tutor [helps set goals],” advises Stewart. “I encourage our tutors to talk with the teacher so that they are on the same page.” Holter agrees. “We are in the business and know what the appropriate goals should be. But parents know their child best, so they should be involved in the goal-setting process, too.” “Natalie’s goals were plain and simple… she needed to be where her peers were,” says Doug. “The first part of the year it would take weeks to get through a section; now she can do a section

Questions to Ask a Potential Tutor • What ages do you tutor? • Do you do remedial work only? Or do you do enrichment and maintenance, too? • What subjects do you offer? • Do you have summer programs? • Do you offer diagnostic testing? Is it required? • Do you teach in small group sessions or one-on-one? • Where does tutoring take place? • What qualifications do you/your teachers have? • How often is the child required to go? • Can we plan sessions around my family’s schedule? • How often will I receive progress reports? Will they be written or verbal? • What is the duration of the contract? • How much do you charge? • Are there any hidden fees?

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or so a week.” He pauses, then adds, “She’s making progress.” And progress is what it is all about. “Our center does periodic progress reports,” says Holter. “We check off goals and redefine them, if

Signs a child needs a tutor include difficulty doing homework, poor test grades, multiple wrong answers, unfinished assignments, and, of course, frustration, tears, and decreased self-confidence. necessary. This lets parents know what is happening. They have a monetary investment in this and deserve to know what is being accomplished.”

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Stewart’s organization gives parents updates, too. “Ours are informal. When we see the parent, we discuss what progress has been made. It’s continual communication. We will give a written report if a parent asks for one. But most times, the proof is just there. I hear parents say, ‘My son is pulling books off the bookshelf, and he never liked reading before! What a change!’” Change is what the Hagys have seen in Natalie. “Before she started tutoring, she had such low self-esteem,” recalls Doug. “Now she is incredibly self-confident. We’re not expecting her to be Einstein. We just want to give her what she needs to succeed.” Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 19

Parties that Teach Kids to Give Back

Benevolent Birthdays By Denise Morrison Yearian

t a time when parents are pulling out all the stops for their children’s birthday parties, some families are hosting hooplas to give gifts away. A growing trend, children’s charitable birthday parties encourage youngsters to think and act altruistically. And some parents and children are embracing the idea with open arms. When Tracy Crowley and Ingrid Yerger’s two ten-year-old sons and fellow schoolmates Cayden and Bo wanted to share their shindig, their mothers suggested they have a Hawaiian-themed party with a community-oriented twist.

party theme—kids giving kids presents—and would involve sharing with those less fortunate. We threw the idea out to the boys but said, ‘It’s up to you.’ They thought it was a great idea.”

“We both knew what the boys really wanted was to have fun with their friends, and they didn’t need any more toys. So we suggested they have a party and donate their gifts to the children’s hospital,” says Cayden’s mother, Tracy. “It went with the whole

For the Morris family, benevolent birthdays are a burgeoning tradition. When their oldest son, Jake, celebrated his seventh last year, he had a baseball-themed blow out and asked attendees to donate children’s essentials to a local

20 SonomaFamilyLife

nonprofit organization. His younger brother Cole latched on to the idea. “During that time, Jake explained to Cole why he chose to do this, and Cole said he wanted to have a charitable party, too. So when his birthday rolled around, we rehashed the idea to make sure he was still

Parents agree the no-gift notion didn’t detract from the celebrations. It stirred up a sense of gratitude. up for it, then decided on a tie-dye t-shirt party,” says Elisa of her now eight- and four-year olds. “We wanted to stay with the t-shirt theme, so we contacted a charitable organization Cole was familiar with to okay the idea of donating shirts, and then sent out invitations asking that, instead of gifts, guests bring a shirt to give to a needy child.” Cole’s celebration was a full-blown festivity with 30 pint-sized partakers and a variety of art-and-craft stations dedicated to t-shirt tie-dying, clay sculpting, and wooden toy painting. Cayden and Bo’s bash was bountiful, too, with swimming, an inflatable moon bounce, and a water-ice truck. The 50 kids who went donated a deluge of dolls, art activities, building blocks, and books. “After the party the boys sorted the

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

presents by gender, and then they each chose one gift they wanted. The rest were bagged and taken to the hospital,” says Crowley. “That’s when it really hit home. A hospital representative met us at the front door, shook Cayden and Bo’s hands, and thanked them profusely. Although we couldn’t give the presents directly to the patients, she talked with the boys about how their giving would help and took them on a tour of the facility.” Cole experienced an outpouring of offerings, too. “We got tons of shirts—stacks! People brought outfits, too!” says Morris. “After the party we went to the agency and together handed over the shirts. The representative thanked him, took his picture to include in an upcoming

newsletter and said, ‘Maybe when other people see your photo they’ll want to have parties like yours.’ I looked at Cole, and his face was beaming. That’s when I knew he got it. He really got it!”

“Helping others is our responsibility, and with a little creativity it can be a fun and rewarding experience.” —Tracy Crowley

Both parents agree the no-gift notion didn’t detract from the celebrations. It broadened their children’s community awareness and stirred up a sense of gratitude.

the people he loves, doing what he loves, which is arts and crafts. And that’s what’s really important,” says Morris. “He also learned an important lesson about giving and developed a greater appreciation for others’ needs. And he had a great time in the process.” The event left an indelible impression on Cayden, too. “He learned that he’s fortunate to have family and friends who love him, good health, and a comfortable lifestyle,” says Crowley. “And that helping others is our responsibility, and with a little creativity it can be a fun and rewarding experience.” Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and three grandchildren.

“I think the whole event benefitted Cole in that he enjoyed being with

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

Get Ready for Summer Camp!

How to Choose the Best Program for Your Kid

By Christina Katz

hat child doesn’t anticipate the long days of summer, when school classrooms seem like a world away, and all that’s on the schedule is play, play, play? Still, kids need activities that make use of their abundant energy and engage their innate curiosity. A summer camp is the perfect way to keep them entertained—and learning something new every day. There are camps to meet every interest, price range, and schedule. Knowing your options, as well as your child’s personality, will help you identify which programs will most benefit your child. 22 SonomaFamilyLife

Resident camps: Most of these camps offer a variety of programs for children ages seven and up. Resident camp options include coed, single sex, and those that specialize in a particular program. Resident camps offer varying overnight accommodations such as cabins, tents, and tepees. Day camps: These camps are similar to resident camps except campers are somewhat younger (some take kids as young as four years old), and everyone returns home at the end of the day.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Specialty camps and programs: Campers can embark on adventures as varied as learning how to ride a horse, water ski, or dance. If your child has a favorite interest, there likely is a camp that specializes in it. Camps that cater to special needs: A physical, medical, or mental disability is not a roadblock to a camp experience. Each year more than a million children with special needs benefit from summer camp. Some camps specialize in serving certain groups while others integrate children with special needs into the general camp population. Children may stay at camp for a few days, a few weeks, or the entire summer. In addition, a large range in pricing is available, depending upon the choice of camp, the facilities offered, and the camper’s needs. Many camps and other organizations offer financial assistance based on need. How to Choose the Right Camp When beginning the camp selection process, consider your child’s interests and personality. With a variety of programs and activities available, there’s a camp to match your child’s passions and maturity level. Together with your child, explore camp options and examine the materials the camp provides. Many camps have websites that include photos, maps or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily schedules and menus, and information about the directors and key staff. Involving your children as much as possible in the decision-making process will help ease their anxiety about going away to

Camp runs 3/23–3/27 8am-3pm • ages 6-12 canoeing • crafts & nature games & skits • field trip special guests

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Wa-Tam Spring Break Camp No cash value. To register, present coupon in person at Finley Community Center or call 543-3737 and mention coupon when registering. Expires 3/15/15

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March 2015

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SonomaFamilyLife 23

camp. Think about what you want in a camp before you enroll your child: Questions to Consider in Selecting a Resident Camp

What locale is best? (Consider geography such as mountains or oceanfront, as well as distance from home.)

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How rustic do I want the camp to be?

How structured do I want the program to be? Does my child like to have lots of activity choices?

Is my child ready to sleep away from home for an extended stay? The answer to this question will help you to select either a resident or day-camp setting.

7 8 9 10

What session length will work for my child and our family’s summer plans? (One week? Eight weeks?) How can I stay in touch with my child? Does the camp allow mail, phone calls, or e-mail? Visitation days? How will the camp meet my child’s special dietary or physical needs?

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What is my budget for camp tuition? (Remember, many camps offer financial aid.)

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What size enrollment will feel comfortable to my child?

Day camps offer experiences that are different from resident camps. Because of this, there are specific points to consider when choosing a day camp.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Questions to Consider in Selecting a Day Camp

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What training does the staff receive on safety, supervision, counseling, problem solving, and other issues unique to working with young children?

2 3 4 5

CLIMBING, TRAINING, COMMUNITY

Is the price all-inclusive or are there extra activity charges?

Resident Camp

If transportation is offered, where is the closest pick-up location?

Does the camp have an “express bus” that transports children quickly?

If before- and after-camp extended care is offered, who is with the children and what activities take place?

6 7 8

Is lunch served or do campers bring their own sack lunch? Are snacks and drinks provided?

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If the camp offers swimming, are lessons or just recreational swimming offered?

Are campers in a group with a counselor all day? Or, are campers free to go from one activity to another with appropriate supervision? In this case, whom would you talk to if you had a question or concern about your child?

Before camp starts, will you be able to meet your child’s counselor and van/bus driver at an open house or some other event?

Are parents allowed to drop by for visits or is there a special parent visitation day? ¶

Spring Classes Art, animation, cartooning, and even ice skating at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

For up to 6 participants. Additional climbers $24 each 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).

SPRING CAMPS! Spring Camp Vertical March 23-27, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm

Cost is $150/participant.

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climbvertex.com 3358a Coffey Lane • Santa Rosa SonomaFamilyLife 25

Family Fun

A Basket of Easter Fun Egg Hunts for the Whole Family What has the Easter Bunny left your family? Go to one of these local egg hunts to find out. (For a list of late-breaking hunts in your area, go to sonomafamilylife.com.)

Bodega Bay The Blue Water Bistro and Bar is holding its egg hunt at 10 a.m. on April 5. The Easter Bunny (aka the owner’s daughter) will be glad to pose for pictures with your child. Make sure to bring an empty stomach—a buffet-style champagne Easter brunch will be offered 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for $30, $12 for kids under 12. Call 875-3513 for more information.

Glen Ellen Do your kids like to dye eggs just as much as they like to hunt for them? Bring your kids to the Glen Ellen fire station on April 3, 2–5 p.m., and they’ll get the chance to dye eggs The Easter Bunny spreads joy at the Spring Hills Church in Santa Rosa.

Kids are center stage at B.R. Cohn Winery’s egg hunt in Glen Ellen.

for the annual Glen Ellen Firefighters Association Egg Hunt, which will be held at Dunbar Elementary School on April 4 at 9 a.m. The lucky kid who finds the golden egg at the hunt will be eligible for a chocolate fire truck from Wine Country Chocolates. Both events are free; just bring your own basket to the hunt. For more information, call 996-9266. At Kendall Cohn’s Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt, your family can enjoy eats from Ultra Crepes Food Truck and Starting from Scratch Bakery, face-painting for kids and

26 SonomaFamilyLife

wine-glass painting for adults, a bouncy house, visits with the Easter Bunny, and, of course, egg hunts. This free event will be held at B.R. Cohn Winery on April 4 at 10 a.m. Hunts will be held at 10–10:15 a.m., ages zero–three; 10:30–10:45 a.m., ages four–six; and 11–11:15 a.m., ages seven and up. Make reservations by e-mailing events@brcohn.com. See brcohn.com for more information.

Kenwood Take in natural beauty while your kids search for goodies at the Sugarloaf

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Ridge State Park hunt on April 5. Times, ages, and prices for the hunts are as follows: 10 a.m.–noon, ages three–five, free; noon–2 p.m., ages six–nine, $5; 2–4 p.m., ages ten and up, $8. Meet in the Lower Meadow of the campground for the hunts. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny, and a $10-a-plate barbecue, including veggie burgers, chicken, hamburgers, and tri-tip.

Hunting for Egg Hunts? Find your local list of latebreaking egg hunts online.

SonomaFamilyLife.com

Bob Rider

Petaluma Little ones will love the free Easter Children’s Fair at the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets on April 4, 12–3 p.m. Crafts and games, visits with the Easter Bunny, face-painting, balloon animals, and prizes will be part of the afternoon’s entertainment.

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Bring your own basket to the Adobe Christian Church Easter egg hunt on April 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The hunt is $5 per family; a barbecue will be available for an extra fee.

BobRiderPhotography.com • (707)245-5321

Santa Rosa Local favorite family hangout Howarth Park will be the site for the Easter Egg Hunt for Tots on April 4. Your kids can visit or take a picture with the Easter Bunny, pet baby farm animals, and make a springtime craft. Make sure to bring your own basket to the hunts, which will be held in three time periods for different ages: 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., ages three and under (maximum of two adults allowed per child); 11:30 a.m., ages four and five (no adults allowed on the field). Tickets are $6 per child and must be bought in advance at ci.santa-rosa.ca.us or by calling 543-3737 or visiting the Finley Community Center in Santa Rosa. Egg hunts, crafts, games, and eats will all be on the menu at the Spring Hills Church Eggstravaganza on April 4, 3–5 p.m. If you miss the fun on Saturday, there will also be hunts on April 5 at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Egg hunts are free, but fees will be charged for other activities. See springhills.org for details. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

7th Annual

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All levels of skill welcome!

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SonomaFamilyLife 27

Kids Craft

Lucky Leprechaun Art Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with Fun Crafts By Denise Morrison Yearian

or one day in March, the ends of rainbows promise pots of gold, and four-leaf clovers grant us a bit of good luck. You don’t have to be Irish

to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. All

you need is a little green garb and a festive spirit. Here are a few activities to get your celebration started.

SHIMMERY SHAMROCK CARD Heart-shaped stencil, pencil, green and white construction paper, scissors, glue, paintbrush, green glitter, markers. 1. Use stencil, pencil, and green paper to create three hearts. Cut out. 2. Fold white construction paper in half to make a card. 3. On the front side of the card, glue hearts in a cluster with the bottom ends of the hearts overlapping to create a shamrock. Cut out a stem from the remaining green paper and glue in place.

28 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

4. Use a paintbrush to spread glue over the shamrock leaves and stem. Sprinkle with green glitter and shake off excess. Let dry.

1. Place five drops of food coloring into the glass of water.

3. Use toothpick pieces to affix facial features. Set potato aside.

2. Cut flower stem ends at an angle and place in colored water.

5. Write “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” on the front cover with a marker. Open the card and include this festive greeting, or create one of your own: “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

3. Wait 24 hours. Water will travel through the stalk and turn the white flowers green.

4. Place Styrofoam cup, bottom facing up, on old cookie sheet. Bake for two minutes or until it shrinks to resemble a small hat. Cool.

TASTY RAINBOW FINGERPAINT Six zip sandwich bags, Cool Whip whipped topping or vanilla pudding, food coloring, scissors, cookie sheet, camera. 1. Place one-half cup of whipped topping into each of the six bags. 2. To create the colors of the rainbow, place the following drops of food coloring into each respective bag: Red bag: 3 drops red; orange bag: 2 drops red, 3 yellow; yellow bag: 3 drops yellow; green bag: 3 drops yellow, 1 blue; blue bag: 3 drops blue; violet bag: 5 drops red, 1 blue. 3. Remove excess air from each bag before zipping closed. 4. Mix food coloring with the whipped cream in each bag by pressing it with your fingers until the colors blend. 5. Use scissors to snip off the bottom corner of each bag. 6. Squirt whipped cream onto a cookie sheet, and use your fingers to draw a picture. Take a snapshot to remember your masterpiece, then gobble up your creation. ST. PATTY’S POSIES Carnations, daisies, or other white flowers, glass with water, green food coloring, green ribbon. www.sonomafamilylife.com

4. Gather into a bouquet, tie a green ribbon around the stems, and give as a gift. TATER TOM LEPRECHAUN Large potato, washed and dried, olive slices (for eyes), carrot rounds (for ears), celery slice (for nose), bell pepper strip (for mouth), toothpick pieces or straight pins, old cookie sheet, styrofoam cup, green acrylic paint, paintbrush, black and yellow construction paper, pencil, ruler, scissors, glue. 1. Preheat oven to 300ºF. 2. Slice off the bottom end of the potato so it stands independently on a flat surface.

5. Cover exterior of hat with green paint. Let dry. 6. Measure and cut a strip of black paper that is ¾-inch thick and long enough to wrap around the lower end of the cup to create a hatband. 7. Measure and cut a square from yellow paper, then hollow out the center so it resembles a buckle. 8. Glue the band and buckle in place. Place on top of Tater Tom Leprechaun. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

PRIESTLY PURSUIT

very March 17 St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. But just who was this patron saint? Legend has it he was a British boy, captured by a band of pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. For six years, Patrick worked as a shepherd and, grieving his plight, sought comfort in religion. When he finally escaped slavery, the young man fled to France, where he joined a monastery and became a priest. One night he had a dream the Irish needed his message of hope. Leaving his life as a recluse, St. Patrick traveled back to Ireland and spent the next 30 years starting hundreds of monasteries and churches before he died on March 17, the day we honor his life.

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 29

March

Calendar of Events Can’t Beat that Bluegrass Fiddlin’

et your fill of fiddlin’ at the Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival at the Sebastopol Community Center on March 14, 1–8 p.m. This annual shindig features international and national touring bluegrass, old time, and folk music acts, such as Si Kahn; Crary, Spurgin and Evans; the Kathy Kallick Band; Steep Ravine; Anne and Pete Sibley; and Bean Creek. Besides the scheduled shows, there are often impromptu jam sessions that spring up outside all day. Pickers trade off licks, and passersby sing along. Food and beverages will be available onsite or within walking distance in downtown Sebastopol. Advance tickets are $30 and are available at People’s Music in Sebastopol and Last Record Store in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $35 at the door. For more information, see the website of the Sonoma County Folk Society, socofoso.com. ¶

Sunday 1 FREE Whale Watch at Bodega Head.

The amazing sight of the yearly migration of Pacific gray whales. In March, watch whales blow & jump close to shore! Weekends. Thru May. Bodega Head. stewardscr.org. Howarth Park Rides & Attractions.

Carousel, animal barn, jump house,

pony rides, dig zone, boathouse, more. Open weekends. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets $2. Pony rides $4. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. howarthpark.com. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Picnic,

hike & commune with nature. 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. Armstrong Woods State Park. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. 869-2015. Carousel. First

time this musical has been performed in Sonoma County in 25 years! 2 p.m. $16–$26. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org.

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30 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Sleep Train’s Annual Pajama Drive for Foster Kids. Make

nighttime cozier for local foster children. Give them their own pair of comfortable pajamas. Sleep Train Mattress Center. 2795 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. sleeptrain.com.

Monday 2 Rock-n-Glow Bowling. Family

fun with LED lane lighting & automated scoring. Special bumper-rails for kids. Mondays. 5–10 p.m. $9 for 2 hours. Shoes included. Windsor Bowl. 8801 Conde Ln., Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

Tuesday 3 FREE Petaluma Farmers Market.

Open year-round. Tuesdays. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lucchesi Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. communityfarmersmarkets.com. FREE Simply Science: Magnets.

Ages 3–5. Space limited to 25 students. Sign up in advance. 10:30 a.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

Wednesday 4 FREE Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round. Wednesdays. 8:30 a.m.–noon. 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. Fresh

& local produce as well as artisanal foods.

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 First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum. Creative

play for all children. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bay Area Discovery Museum. 557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org. Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center Tours. Docent-led

tours of historic landmark. Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. $5. Second floor café. Rm. 233. Marin Civic Center. 3501 Civic Center Dr., San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Friday 6 FREE Fitness Fun with MyGym.

Ages 0–3. Fitness & movement activities for little ones. 10:30 a.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. Open

year-round. Fridays. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Arnold Field. 241 First St. W., Sonoma. svcfm.org. FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory

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Tours. Explore

the dynamic biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Fridays. 2–4 p.m. Closed Mar. 27. 2099 West Side Rd., Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu. FREE First Friday at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) Planetarium.

Emphasis on stars, constellations, planets & other interesting facts about the sky that night. Come early

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS

586-9562 SonomaFamilyLife.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 31

for free parking pass. 7 & 8:30 p.m. SRJC. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu. FREE First Friday Art Walk Guerneville. 3–8

p.m. Sonoma Nesting Company. 16151 Main St., Sonoma. sonomanesting.com.

Saturday 7 Masque Unit: Charlotte’s Web. Thru

Mar. 8. Classic tale of friendship & community. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. $8. Showcase Theater. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org.

FREE East Indian Sitar Music with Peter van Gelder. A well-known Bay Area musician, Gelder’s lucid sitar style has won praise from audiences around the world. 2 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org. Early Spring Wildflower Walk. A slow-paced, four-mile nature walk exploring wildflowers, birds & other animals. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $10. Parking $10. Jack London State Historic Park. Meet in Ranch Rd. parking lot. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. jacklondonpark.com. FREE Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center.

Tangible experiments & projects let children explore the natural world. Every first Sat. 1, 2 & 3 p.m. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov. FREE Santa Rosa Symphony String Quintet. A family performance.

Art of Gastronomy Feeds the Soul

fine meal is a high art that many people will pay exorbitant sums to experience. Why do we have such a passion for food? What makes foodies and chefs tick? And how and where are our beloved culinary creations made? Such are the questions that the national juried exhibition Art of Gastronomy addresses through a variety of media, including fiber arts, printmaking, kinetic sculpture, photography, painting, and drawing. The exhibit opens on March 21, 5–7 p.m., at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts in Healdsburg. It’s part of a month-long exploration of gastronomy that includes other free events at the center, such as the Poetry of Gastronomy, March 28, 7–9 p.m., and the Once & Future Pantry, a celebration of the pre-release of the Good Cook’s Books by Michele Anna Jordan, April 11, 6–8 p.m. Apart from the events at the center, chef Anne Cornell will be teaching a Beautiful and Delicious Hors d’Oeuvres class on April 4, 6–9 p.m., at Relish Culinary Adventures. Tickets for the class are $120 and can be reserved by calling 431-9999. For more information, see healdsburgcenterforthearts.com. ¶

32 SonomaFamilyLife

Learn about instruments while experiencing the Pink Panther, a Looney Tunes Fugue, and more. 1 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Make a Colorful Spring Mobile.

Ages 5 & up. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Story Ninjas: Improvised Fairytale Hour. Teen

improvisers perform comical & adventurous fairytales inspired by children’s suggestions from the audience. Ages 5–12. 1 p.m. Rincon Valley Library.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

year-round. Sundays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

FREE Day at Charles M. Schulz

43rd Annual Ilsanjo Classic

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Panel discussion of Lewis Carroll. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Panel 1 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

10-miler & Neo-classic 4-miler.

Museum!

Sunday 8 FREE Sunday Boating at the Barn. Volunteers help you try a nonmotorized vessel—canoe, kayak, rowboat, or sailboat—on the Petaluma River. Open

Run paths & trails of Spring Lake & Annadel parks. Free 1K Newt Scoot for kids 10 & under starts at 8:45 a.m. (race day entry only). Other races start at 9 a.m. Members free. Nonmembers $10. Race-day fees $20. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. empirerunners.org.

Tuesday 10 FREE Create St. Patrick’s Day Tie-dye T-shirts!

Ages 10 & up. All

materials provided. Limited seating. Reserve a spot today. 4–5:30 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

Thursday 12 FREE Book Discussion: The Fault in Our Stars. Best-seller

by John Green will be subject of discussion. All are welcome. 2–3 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

Friday 13 Romeo & Juliet. Shakespeare’s

legendary story of young love comes

Take Action ✔Yardwork Done! Check yardwork off your to-do list today We have all your lawn and garden equipment needs covered.

Aerators, Tillers & Dethatchers The regions largest rental equipment provider with 4 Sonoma County locations. Open 7 days a week

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 Santa Rosa 539-0707 • Windsor 838-4373 Healdsburg 431-3544 • Fulton 544-0501

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2810 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa bvmontessori.com

March 2015

CLEANING YOUR HOUSE! We Do It All! Bonded and Insured

Bill’s Cleaning Service Serving Santa Rosa (707) 321-7400

SonomaFamilyLife 33

to life when Cinnabar’s Young Rep presents an exciting modern adaptation. Thru Mar. 15. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Adult $15. Youth 21 & under $10. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org.

Saturday 14 Come My Children: Baltimore Consort Family Show. Hear

Renaissance music played on period instruments & learn an English country dance. 10 a.m. $22. Seniors $20. Students $14. Call Sonoma

Bach for tickets: 877-914-2224. Sonoma State University. Schroeder Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. FREE Arbor Day Tree-planting Party. Share your favorite tree in our

Instagram photo contest. Arbor Day is the birthday of the late, famed botanist Luther Burbank, so expect cake! 9 a.m.–noon. Rincon Valley Community Park. 5108 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. srcity.org. Boys & Girls Club Crab & Shrimp Feed Fundraiser. Auction, raffle, dancing, no-host beer & wine bar. Doors 5:30 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $50. Club Gymnasium. 1011 Hahman Dr., Santa Rosa. bgcsr.org. Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival. Bring your instruments to jam! Bean Creek, Steep Ravine, Si Kahn, more. 1–9 p.m. Advanced $30. Door $35. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. seb.org.

Sunday 15 Keenan Irish Dance School St.

Take Time to Smell the Flowers

he refined beauty of orchids has inspired everyone from gardeners and poets to screenwriters and songwriters. Come see what all the fuss is about at A Symphony of Orchids, Sonoma County Orchid Society’s annual flower show and sale. Learn about orchid care and cultivation, and even about some species of orchid that, contrary to popular belief, don’t require a great deal of special attention. The event will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa March 28–29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets are $8. Find out more at sonomaorchids.com. ¶

34 SonomaFamilyLife

Patrick’s Day Show. Dinner & dance show fundraiser. 4–7 p.m. Adults $20. Under 12 $10. Luchessi Park Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. keenanirishdanceschool.com.

Live music, free beverages, giveaways. Proceeds benefit Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks scholarship fund. 3 p.m. Registration $30–$45. Juilliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org. St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Changing Harm to Harmony.

Tuesday 17

Bullies & Bystanders Project Poetry Reading. North Bay poets & writers join local nonprofits to fight bullying. Discussion to follow reading. Donations accepted. 6–8 p.m. Petaluma Arts Center. 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma. petalumaartscenter.org.

a musical “hero” by Rolling Stone, the young ukulele wizard has earned comparisons to Jimi Hendrix & Miles Davis. 8 p.m. $35–$65. Uptown Theatre. 1350 Third St., Napa. jakeshimabukuro.com.

Monday 16

Wednesday 18

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.

All-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage dinner & no-host bar. Hosted by Windsor Lions Club. Proceeds benefit local community projects. 6–8 p.m. $15. Windsor Community Center. 901 Adele Dr., Windsor. 838-4531.

Jake Shimabukuro. Declared

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon & Other Story Books. Musical

revue based on your favorite children’s books. Arrive one hour early for free arts & crafts. 6:30 p.m. Adults $17. Children $12. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark

West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Thursday 19 FREE Knit Wits. Learn

tips & tricks & how to make projects to share with our community. Ages 12–17. 4–5 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Girl Scout Shout Out. Earn

fun patches, sing songs & make new friends. $2 per month for the patch. 6–7 p.m. Hidden Valley Elementary School. 3435 Bonita Vista Ln., Santa Rosa. girlscoutsnorcal.org.

Sonoma County Airport

HEY MOM GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

KIDS CLUB AVAILABLE! Radiant Heat in Studio • Non Heated Classes Lockers & Private Showers • All Levels Welcome

NOW OPEN!

Next to the Whole Foods shopping center

3895 PRINCETON DRIVE | SANTA ROSA 707.791.7549 | vibeyogastudios.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

©P N

• 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

March 2015

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

SonomaFamilyLife 35

Harvest In Action Open House Tours

9:30 am on March 11th and April 8th

Kindergarten-8th Grade The only Classical, Christian school in the North Bay!

(707)763-2954

3700 Lakeville Hwy., Ste 210 • Petaluma www.harvestpetaluma.org

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Friday 20 Tik-Tok of Oz. Presented by Marin Primary and Middle School. Colorful characters promise to delight with their wit & charisma. Thru Mar. 22. 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. $18. 8th grade & under $12. Showcase Theater. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org. Marvel Universe Live! More than 25 Marvel characters together on one epic quest. Thru Mar. 22. Various times. $28.75–$135.30. SAP Center. 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. marveluniverselive.com.

Saturday 21 FREE How to Make Illustrated Travel Journals. Master

travel journaler GW Miltenberger shares examples, tips & the love of travel. 10 a.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

707.544.2766

FREE Sebastopol Wranglers.

Barrel racing & team roping. Open

312 D Street, Santa Rosa

Put Your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

Celebrating

127

years of Excellence

Hitchcock Film Festival. Rebecca,

Rope & Vertigo. Concessions, souvenirs, photo booth. Benefitting Bodega arts programs. $10 per movie. 3 for $25. Kids under 12 half price. Bodega Bay Grange Hall. 1370 Bodega Ave., Bodega Bay. visitbodegabayca.com.

Tuesday 24 FREE Paper Airplanes. Explore

the

basic designs of paper airplanes & why they work, make your own

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL • Accepting 2–5 Years Old

• Pre K class for academic & social Kindergarten readiness

Please join us for our Monthly Tours Call to R.S.V.P at 762-6426

707-431-7250

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

36 SonomaFamilyLife

Walk. Families can return to the Environmental Discovery Center after each hike for nature-themed crafts & explore the touchable tide pool. Every third Saturday. 1 & 3 p.m. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

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

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

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

FREE Spring Lake Family Nature

EST. 1951

FREE Consultation

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

junior, novice & senior divisions. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Lyttle Cow Palace. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sebastopolwranglers.com.

• Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect To support our families, we provide parenting tools & classes so we work together as a team for your children

579-3718

srecschool.org

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

creations, then watch them soar! All ages. 11 a.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org.

Friday 27 FREE Friday Night Mash-up Young Talent Showcase. Monthly

music & poetry showcase featuring talented kids ages 14–21. Younger ages considered. 6–9 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. seb.org.

FREE Puppet Art: Little Red Riding Hood. Hilarious new twist on the popular story. Ages 5 & up. 2 p.m. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 100, Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

Band, the Oak Tones & the return of the Wednesday Night Band. 7:30 p.m. $8. Seniors & students $4. SRJC. Burbank Auditorium. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

Saturday 28 Pan: Adventures in Neverland.

Experience the magic & adventure of Peter Pan. Features performers ages 6–9. 2 p.m. $12. Showcase Theater. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. paamarin.com. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Roller Skating & Blading Center

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

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

FREE Golden Gate Arabian Horse

Jazz Night. Featuring the SRJC Jazz

CAL SKATE

B Mî `ƒ

& memorable adventure in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical! Thru Mar. 29. $20. Seniors & children $16. Showcase Theater. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. paamarin.com.

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC)

Birthday Parties Public Skating Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

Symphony of Orchids. Flower show. Thru Mar. 29. Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $8. Veterans Building. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. sonomaorchids.com.

Mary Poppins. Magical

Show. Arabian & Half Arabian. Thru Mar. 29. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Lyttle Cow Palace. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. goldengatearabians.com.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

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SonomaFamilyLife 37

Cooking with Kids To up the yum factor, sauté your cabbage.

A Better Corned Beef & Cabbage A Traditional Meal Gets a Facelift

By John Corippo

f you listen closely on St. Patrick’s Day, you can hear a collective groan as soggy cabbage and mushy potatoes are slopped onto plates with corned beef. What a culinary catastrophe! But it doesn’t have to be. It’s easy to transform this traditional meal from a nose turner into a plate cleaner. Just apply a little patience. Most people boil corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes in one pot. But if you take some time to prepare the

potatoes and cabbage separately, it will be well worth the effort. Potatoes roasted in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic are a savory treat, while cabbage sautéed in a bit of butter, salt, and pepper will turn your kids into crucifer lovers. Add a slowly cooked brisket to these two delicious veggie sides, and you’ll have a meal that would leave any Irishman proud—and will have your kids asking for more.

Sautéed Cabbage Ingredients

Directions Cut the cabbage in half. Cut out and discard the core. Thinly slice the remaining cabbage.

• 1 head cabbage • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (Kosher preferred) • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan or heavy-bottomed pot. Add the cabbage, salt, and pepper and sauté for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and begins to brown. Season to taste, and serve warm.

Rosemary-garlic Roasted Potatoes Ingredients • 5–6 red potatoes • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher preferred) • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced

Directions Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary; toss until the potatoes are well coated. Pour the potatoes on a baking sheet, spreading to make an even layer; roast in the oven for at least 1 hour, or until browned and crisp. Flip potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove the potatoes from the oven, season to taste, and serve.

John Corippo lives in Ukiah, where he is a husband and father to two sons as well as a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative.

38 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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INSURANCE AGENCY

707-484-2459

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Need Stuff Fixed?

Endermologie Massage Proven Effective for

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Call Today for Appt.

Check out our new online directories

NO INSURANCE, NO PROBLEM! Trusted, Comfortable & Caring Dentistry

All Natural Non-Toxic Lice Removal Solutions!

Taking care of your families needs as if they were her own

Julie Kitchens, Sales Associate

415.686.0535

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Before and After School Appointments!

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Camps

Santa Rosa Symphony’s

Camp

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SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY

Affordable Summer Camp in Sebastopol

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Weekly field trips & swimming, visiting artists, enrichment, and more

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Full-day (9am-3pm) & A La Carte Classes Available! For beginning Strings, Woodwinds, and experienced Brass, Percussion, Guitar and more! students

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santarosasymphony.com Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive? It doesn’t have to be that way.

We know how difficult and frustrating it can be when everything you have tried has not worked. Through a highly effective program for children 3-6 years old, we can help you to successfully manage these behaviors. Start to see results in as little as 6 sessions. Call today for a free consultation 707-545-4600

Parties

613 College Avenue, Santa Rosa

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castle@sebusd.org

MARK WEST STABLES

La Cantera

(707) 538-2000

Racquet & Swim Club

Summer & Afterschool Junior Tennis Programs

HAVING A PARTY OR EVENT?

829-4578

Pony Camp! Weekly June 8 thru August 14

European Pony School

546-7669

europeanponyschool.com

Liven it up! with balloon artists Katie & Luke

Katie's Balloons

707-539-1818 ktsballoons@gmail.com

www.srcbt.org

“I NEVER KNEW WE COULD HAVE SUCH FUN WITH OUR CHILD AGAIN!”

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& More!

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Lessons

Afterschool Mon. & Wed. 4 Classes - $50 Summer Tennis Camps and Summer Swim Lessons Call or go online for our brochure!

Teaching the art of the sword

544-9494

3737 Montgomery Dr. Santa Rosa lacanteraracquetclub.com

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

Party Chicks Décor

707-888-7075 Lic. 69681

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Parties

Super Kids Camp At Sonoma State University

An exciting, recreational, & educational experience for campers, ages 5-11. Fun weekly themes, field trips, swimming, rock wall climbing, & so much more!

PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR AT Pizza, Games, & Great Rock Star Souvenirs

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A full week of camp as low as $145 per week. Call, email, or check out our website for details.

707-664-4FUN

superkidscamp@sonoma.edu www.sonoma.edu/campusrec/programs/skc Blog—superkidscamp.wordpress.com

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Lessons

Schools

Childcare/Preschools

Program of First United Methodist Church

Homeschool Program Grades K-5 Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2844

Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

YMCA YMCA YMCA PRESCHOOL PRESCHOOL PRESCHOOL

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

Part Part Part Time Time Time /Full /Full /Full Time Time Time Care Care Care Flexible Plans Available Flexible Flexible Plans Plans Available Available Serving 2-5 year olds Serving Serving 2-5 2-5 year year olds olds

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Preschool & Child Care Center

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www.jessesaldana.com 5425 Stony Point Road • Santa Rosa

DO YOU LOVE TO

Sing? Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus Providing quality music education and choral training since 1984! Boys & Girls ages 7-12 may join

527-8813 srchildrenschorus.com

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EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED TUTOR Will provide home tutoring in phonics for reading improvement & comprehension Grades 1-8

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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 41

Humor Break

The Vacation Traveling Blues with Kids 101 By Bull Garlington

did it. I invoked karma as a threat, as an epithet, as a balm for my dignity. We were at an airport, and strangers were staring and glaring at me, crossing their arms, occasionally whispering unsolicited advice as my children unleashed their pre-flight fury.

We had made a critical error. As newbie parents, we thought our family vacation flight would be easier if the kids were asleep. So we kept them up late and woke them up early, bringing them to the plane in their PJs. In retrospect, from the battered perch of a wizened old dad, I can say that our strategy was dead wrong. There was no way our kids were going to sleep on a plane bound for our vacation. First of all, my daughter was jacked up on theme-park anticipation. She loudly and diligently planned our trip, assuming I was noting her every command on a spreadsheet and alerting the authorities. Simultaneously, her parental-induced sleep deprivation was apparently causing her to hallucinate because she thought she was somehow related to Mickey Mouse, and that when we got to our destination, he was going to send us a carriage so that we could all do lunch. I wanted to avert 42 SonomaFamilyLife

disappointment so I told her, gently, carefully, that Mickey Mouse was busy and that we’d probably not be lunching with him, to which she replied “AAAAA!” and threw herself on the floor. Meanwhile, my son was using his incredible toddler superpowers to give himself an ear infection that

As we boarded, each row of passengers greeted us with laser-focused preflight hatred. would cause his head to explode somewhere over Alabama. Not exactly a sleep-inducing scenario. As we boarded—last—our progeny howled and gnashed their teeth as each row of passengers greeted us with laser-focused preflight hatred. I got in my seat, leaned over to my wife, and spoke the karma-invoking words: “I’ll NEVER judge screaming kids on a plane or diapers or anything!” Flash forward 13 years later. My wife and I are sitting comfortably in the

second to last row of a plane, on our way back home from a kidless vacation, when we hear a tornado of wailing and sneezing. We look up to see a set of lugubrious triplets being pushed, dragged, and carried to the seats directly behind us by a couple who looked like earthquake survivors. The second the wheels left the ground, all three kids pooped in unison, engulfing our section of the plane in a sulfuric death plume that made my eyes water and broke my iPad. Yet I smiled. I smiled and inhaled deeply the fecund perfume of new life. Never did I grimace. Never did I glare over my seatback. I didn’t even cross my arms. These poor people were experiencing enough hell all on their own. Who was I to add to their worries? Who was I to judge? I ordered a scotch. When the stewardess asked me how I was enjoying the flight, looking at the guilt-ridden suffragettes in the last row with a glance that threatened to poorly adjudicate triple poops, I spoke up loud and clear: “Why it’s delightful. Could not be happier. I’m having a marvelous time.” ¶ Bull Garlington is the author of Death by Children, the ForeWord Review’s Humor 2013 Book of the Year.

March 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Have You Had Your Apple Today?

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, Olivers 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-GATE

Summer Camp & Fun Fairs Santa Rosa Saturday April 11 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Coddingtown Mall

Petaluma Saturday May 16 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Petaluma Dental Group