Sonoma Family Life March 2019

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FREE!

March 2019

Choose a Camp

Know the options

Snack Attack When is it OK to indulge?

Doulas Deliver How they work B-Day Bash Fancy fun

Santa Rosa Symphony’s

YMCA Summer Camps are in your neighborhood!

NEW LOCATION:

SONOMA ACADEMY!

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

Check out these specialty camps we have this summer:

SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY JULY 15-AUGUST 2 For beginning & experienced students Full-day (9am-3pm) & Half-day (9am-11:45 am) Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Guitar and more!

(707) 546-7097 x225 www.srsymphony.org

Adventure, Sports, Science Camp and more!

June 3rd—August 9th

Call or visit us for more details

544-1829 Sonoma County 707 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.

www.scfymca.org

Save the date

summer preview

SATURDAY, APRIL 6th | 9:30am-12:00pm Sonoma State university

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www.sonoma.edu/exed/excel www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 3

March 2019

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Junk to Joy

14 Features

Cat in the Hat Comedy Fly Away Magic Escape Happy to Be Blue Picture of a Tragedy Jazz Trailblazers

10 Doulas Deliver Women helping women through birth & postpartum.

12 Mommy’s Secret Weapons

24

24 Calendar of Events Get Free Tax Help

34 Humor My Life as a Celebrity Assistant

Play your parenting A-game with these apps.

14 Camp Is Calling Is your child into sports, arts, or academics?

16 Dance with Me Movement games to play with kids.

20

20 Froufrou B-Day How to hold a frilly, flowery party.

22 Snack Attack Is your tween’s eating behavior healthy?

8 4 SonomaFamilyLife

32 Luck of the Irish How to set a leprechaun trap.

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

For your next

PIZZA PARTY!

PIZZA IS FUN!

Birthday Parties Baseball Teams Soccer Teams Fundraisers

WE DELIVER TOO!

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MOUNTAINMIKES.COM Santa Rosa

2280 Santa Rosa Ave 707-544-2828

Rohnert Park

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Petaluma

919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989

Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

Windsor

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Santa Rosa

4501 Montgomery Dr. 707-890-5033

COMING SOON! Santa Rosa 3125 Cleveland Ave

June 17 thru July 19

Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect, Exploration Makes Explorers Summer Camps for ages 10 to 14. Featuring camps in robotics, music, art, ceramics, debate, storytelling, cooking, baking, outdoor skills, podcasting, broadcasting, sports, and more! Find out more, www.sonomaacademy.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

A

re you pregnant and ready to start planning your birth? Consider this: Research shows that doula care leads to better birth Sharon Gowan outcomes.

Read Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us “Doulas Deliver” (page 10) to find out what these labor and postpartum companions do, and how to hire one.

If you are like most new parents, once your baby is born you will probably feel overwhelmed. Technology can help you cope. See “Mommy’s Secret Weapons” (page 12) for apps to help you keep track of feedings, get medical information, and even sneak in a seven-minute workout.

Speaking of keeping in shape, if you want to make sure your kids stay healthy over the summer, encourage them to participate in a physical activity or sport.

Camps are a great way for kids to get moving—and to learn about a variety of

subjects. Read “Camp Is Calling” (page 14) to find out what kind of experience might appeal to your child. And then come to our Camp Fair on April 12, 4–7 p.m., at Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa to learn about myriad local programs offering sports, arts, science, foreign language, and other activities.

We hope your family stayed safe during the recent flooding. Our hearts go out to those whose homes and businesses were damaged. Though Sonoma Family Life ’s offices were unharmed by the deluge, we experienced another loss.

Gerry Harvey, a dedicated distributor of our magazine for more than 16 years, died suddenly in February. A devoted father, he will be remembered for his kind-hearted humbleness and generous spirit. We will miss him. This issue is for you, Gerry!

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

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

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Tanni Haas Mary Helen Berg Christina Katz Sarah Lyons Cheryl Maguire Diane Turner Maller Denise Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

6 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Junk to Joy

G

iant cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, bottle caps, and wood bits—Marie Kondo would most likely consider such a collection of stuff to be junk, but to the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, it’s fodder for invention. Kids can use these and other materials to design and build imaginative creations at the Museum-on-the-Go’s free Pop-Up PLAY event at Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library in Rohnert Park on March 18, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ¶

Bri Crabtree

Cat in the Hat Comedy

F

ueling a PBS Kids’ series and even a Hollywood film, Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat appears to be as much a star of children’s media today as he was in the ’50s and ’60s. Donning a floppy red-and-white top hat, entertainer Bri Crabtree draws on the character’s appeal with her one-person Silly Seuss Show. Aimed at ages 4 and up, the comical circus act features juggling, magic tricks, and, of course, reading aloud from a Dr. Seuss book. She will present the 60-minute show for free on March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Healdsburg Regional Library in Healdsburg and at 1 p.m. at the Northwest Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa. The show will be at other Sonoma County libraries throughout March. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for a schedule. ¶

8 SonomaFamilyLife

Fly Away

P

aper airplanes may have a reputation for disrupting class at school. But at the Petaluma Regional Library in Petaluma, they are a worthy focus of study. At the Paper Airplanes! class kids ages 9–12 can learn about different designs and try their hand at crafting some, too. There will even be a flying course to test out their creations. The class will be held on March 22, 2–3 p.m., and is free. ¶ March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Alex and the Magic Staff

Magic Escape

E

xperts say kids who are bullied often feel powerless against their oppressors. And that’s true of Alex, the main character in the play Alex and the Magic Staff. That is until he is swept off into another dimension where he saves a kingdom and gains the courage to face his problems back at school.

Children can watch this hour-long play at the Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa on March 8 at 7 p.m., March 9 at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and March 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at atheaterforchildren.com or at the door. ¶

Happy to Be Blue

T

Picture of a Tragedy

O

ne of the victims of the wildfires that ravaged Sonoma County in 2017 was cartoonist Brian Fies. In the midst of the devastation, he created a web comic depicting his experience that went viral. Afterward, he expanded the comic to a full graphic memoir, A Fire Story. The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa will host a free celebration of the book’s release on March 9, 6–8 p.m. Fies will be on hand to discuss the creation of the memoir, which tells his tale of losing almost everything he and his wife owned. Donations will be accepted for North Bay fire relief. Find out more at schulzmuseum.org. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

Jazz Trailblazers

W

hen Clora Bryant started out in the 1940s as a jazz trumpeter, she had two strikes against her: she was African-American and female.

Still she built a career, playing her instrument with the likes of Dizzie Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Billie Holiday. The award-winning documentary The Girls in the Band chronicles the stories of Bryant and other women like her who, despite racism and sexism, paved the way for today’s aspiring young female jazz instrumentalists. The Healdsburg Regional Library in Healdsburg will offer a free screening of the film on March 9 at 2 p.m. The film will also show on March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa and at 3 p.m. at the Cloverdale Regional Library in Cloverdale. See a trailer at thegirlsintheband.com. ¶ March 2019

Duo Quartet

Clora Bryant

SonomaFamilyLife 9

James J. Kriagsmamn

he fast fiddlin’ and folksy lyrics that are characteristic of bluegrass music have been part of the American musical landscape for centuries. Modern performers, such as Duo Quartet, Nu-Blu, Plaid Strangers, and Jerry Wicentowski and the Wiseman Institute, will offer their take on this traditional sound at Sonoma County Bluegrass and Folk Festival.

Besides their performances, there will also be a workshop on cowboy songs and another on old-time fiddle playing. The festival will be held on March 9, 1–9 p.m., at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center in Sebastopol. Tickets are $40 at the door or $35 in advance at cbaweb.org. For more information, see socofoso.com. ¶

“Early on in my pregnancy my mom suggested we get a postpartum doula, but I wasn’t interested,” she says. “I didn’t want a stranger infringing on what I considered personal and private

“When I go into the labor room, I bring things like oils for massaging, a birth ball, and a rice sock that can be heated.”

— Hope Irvine-Sank

Doulas Deliver How Birth Assistants Help Parents

By Denise Yearian

Y

ears ago new and expectant couples called on their parents and siblings to lend support and assistance during labor, delivery, and postpartum. But today many extended families are separated by geographical distances or bound by work responsibilities, so some new parents are turning to doulas for the help they need.

“A doula is an experienced, non-medical assistant trained to support families before, during, or after the birth of a child,” says Tracy Wilson Peters, executive director of CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). “An antepartum doula assists women on bed rest, overseeing household maintenance and administration and providing emotional support. A labor doula provides non-medical 10 SonomaFamilyLife

support during the latter part of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and a few hours following. And a postpartum doula assists the family in the home after childbirth with information and support on breastfeeding, emotional and physical recovery, newborn care, and domestic responsibilities.”

But are doulas a good fit for everyone?

Susannah Vitsoric wasn’t so sure—at least not at first.

time; my husband and I thought we could handle things ourselves.”

Then the unexpected happened.

“I had an emergency c-section,” she continues. “I learned quickly that recovering from surgery, being sleep deprived, breastfeeding, and dealing with a newborn and domestic chores was going to be more than I could manage. So suddenly my mom’s suggestion sounded good.”

At that point, Vitsoric’s mother retrieved a list of certified doulas from the hospital’s lactation consultant and started making contacts.

When looking for a doula, check with childbirth educators, birthing facilities, local parenting organizations, and other childbirth resources.

Also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.

“Conduct telephone interviews to narrow your search,” says Hope Irvine-Sank, certified postpartum doula. “Then do face-to-face interviews to observe their mannerisms, style, and personality to see who’s the best fit for you. Ask yourself, ‘Is this someone I could envision at my birth experience or assisting us at home?’

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Talk with her about what she sees is her role, and make sure it’s in keeping with what you’re looking for.”

When to start your doula search will depend on the services you need.

“If you’re looking for one to assist during labor, start searching by the

When looking for a doula, check with childbirth educators, birthing facilities, local parenting organizations, and other childbirth resources. fourth month,” says Peters. “For postpartum you can wait until a couple of months before you’re due.”

Cara Lewis did this.

“I was in my fourth month of pregnancy when I decided I wanted a doula to assist with labor and delivery,” she says.

Once a doula had been chosen, they communicated via telephone and email throughout the pregnancy.

Several weeks before her due date they met to decide on a birth plan.

“We talked about what I wanted in the birth experience and how I wanted to handle issues that could come up during labor,” says Lewis.

Once labor began, the doula suggested non-medical techniques to speed labor and make Lewis comfortable and then stayed several hours after delivery.

“When I go into the labor room, I bring things like oils for massaging, a birth ball, and a rice sock that can be heated. I also make suggestions about positioning, breathing, and visualization—anything to make www.sonomafamilylife.com

labor go quicker and smoother,” says Irvine-Sank. “But I’m there for dads, too. Sometimes they’re so emotionally wrapped up in the experience that they appreciate the knowledge, experience, and objectivity I bring.”

Lewis’s birth went as planned and she delivered a daughter. After Vitsoric’s birth, the contracted work was just beginning.

“My doula came for a couple of weeks to take care of me, help with the baby, and do some domestic chores,” she says. “But what I really appreciated was the newborn care instruction we received. Even though we did prenatal classes, it’s not the same as when the baby is home. Just having a professional there to guide us through was invaluable.”

Although initially Vitsoric had reservations about using a doula, now she’s sold on the idea.

“Even if I hadn’t had a c-section, we would have benefited from using her.

It made my recovery and our initial adjustment with the baby go much quicker and smoother,” she says.

“And we didn’t feel infringed upon.

Looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” ¶ Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

What to Ask Your Birth Assistant When interviewing doulas, ask these questions: • Are you certified? (Certification is a benchmark indicating the doula has met certain standards, but it does not guarantee excellence.

Experience, background, and references are equally, if not more, important.)

• What kind of experience do you have with being a doula during labor/childbirth and/or postpartum?

• If labor, how do you see your role at the birth?

• What special strengths will you bring to the childbirth experience?

• What tools and comfort measures do you bring with you to the birth?

• How do you feel about the use of pain-relief medications in labor?

• If postpartum, what services will you perform in our home? What services will you not perform?

• If you are selected, when will we meet again prior to my child’s birth to finish ironing out details?

• What do you charge? (Labor doulas typically charge a flat rate; postpartum doulas by the hour.

Most insurance companies do not cover doula care, but follow up with your provider to be certain.)

• How many clients do you take per month?

• What are your back-up arrangements?

RESOURCES BirthWorks International: birthworks.org

• Do you have limitations on where you’ll go or which doctors or midwives you’ll work with?

Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association: cappa.net

• Can you provide references?

DONA International: dona.org International Childbirth Education Association: icea.org March 2019

Also review your plans, preferences, and concerns, as well as any cultural or religious issues that could have an impact on your care.

SonomaFamilyLife 11

and Smiling Mind offers just that.

This app has hundreds of guided meditations that help you tune out everything and focus on your breathing while visualizing calming images. The cool thing about this app

Mommy’s Secret Weapons 6 Apps for New Parents

By Tanni Haas

B

ecoming a parent is one of the most rewarding and demanding experiences you’ll ever have. Thankfully, there are many apps to make life a bit easier. Here’s a list of the top apps for new parents, and they’re all free, so download an app—or three!

Ink Cards Available at Apple Appstore & Google Play If there’s one thing you can always use more of as a new parent it’s time. How about downloading an app that lets you transform what you’re doing anyway (like taking lots of pictures of your baby) into something you know you really should be doing (like sending greeting cards to family and friends)? Ink Cards lets you do that. The app makes it easy to turn the best pictures of your baby into high-quality print greeting cards, whether you need to send out 12 SonomaFamilyLife

thank-you notes, holiday greetings, or cards for any other occasion.

You can look up medical conditions, get information on vaccines, and track feedings, sleep, and diaper changes.

Smiling Mind Available at Apple Appstore & Google Play As a new parent, one of the things you’ll crave the most is a few quiet moments to just relax,

Known as the Yelp! for parents, Winnie lets you interact with a large network of other parents to ask questions. is that it also has meditations for kids ages 7 and up, as well as meditations that parents can do together with their kids. As your kid grows up, you can do the meditations together.

Universal Baby Monitor Available at Apple App Store Peace of mind depends not only on your baby getting a good night’s sleep, but also on whether everything is okay when you’re not there, in the bedroom, with the baby. Universal Baby Monitor is an app that lets you check on your baby while she or he sleeping, and it detects if your baby moves or wakes up and immediately alerts you.

Wahoo 7 Minute Workout Available at Apple App Store & Google Play Let’s be honest: no matter how incredibly enjoyable it is, being a new parent is physically exhausting.

Finding the time to exercise can be difficult, but we all have seven minutes a day to spare. Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is one of the most popular short-interval fitness apps available.

The routine is divided into 12 high-intensity exercises that last for 30

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

seconds, with 10-second rest intervals.

The exercises train your chest, abs, arms, and legs through body weight

As a new parent, one of the things you’ll crave the most is a few quiet moments to just relax, and Smiling Mind offers just that.

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WebMD Baby Available at Apple App Store & Google Play No app in the world can substitute for a real-life visit to your baby’s pediatrician. But in between visits, you may want to consult WebMD Baby. The app has lots of physician-reviewed information for new parents. You can look up medical conditions, get information on vaccines, and track feedings, sleep, and diaper changes.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a college communications professor.

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training, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats.

You don’t need any equipment so you can do the exercises wherever and whenever.

Winnie Available at Apple App Store & Google Play Sometimes, what you crave more than anything else is just to connect with other new parents and get their advice on what to do in certain situations. When you get that urge, download Winnie. Known as the Yelp! for parents, this app lets you interact with a network of other parents to ask questions. The app also has a directory of baby-friendly restaurants, parks, and shopping centers. ¶

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March 2019

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SonomaFamilyLife 13

a nice fit for children that like to try different things.

Sports Specialty sports camps usually focus on one activity in which children participate for either three or six hours. Options include baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, and even surfing or sailing. Private organizations usually run these types of camps, but there may be some town-operated sports camps, too.

Camp Is Calling

Is this a good fit for your child?

If your child loves a certain sport and would like to improve specific skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport such as surfing to which he or she might not otherwise be exposed.

By Cheryl Maguire

Art/Musical Theater At musical theater camps, children usually put on a production like Beauty and the

What Program Is Best for Your Child?

W

hen I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp, a traditional all-day, six-hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete, so it was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day whining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer, I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me.

Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would work for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your camper with the correct camp.

It’s better to hear, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother had to hear daily.

Traditional Day Camp A traditional day camp is six hours (half-day options may be available) 14 SonomaFamilyLife

and offers a variety of activities, such as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings.

Is this a good fit for your child?

Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors, playing sports, and/or participating in team-building activities, then this would be a good choice. A diverse array of activities make day camps

Come to Sonoma Family Life ’s Family Expo & Camp Fair on April 12, 4–7 p.m., in Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa.

Beast, whereas at art camps children learn to paint or draw or develop other skills related to different media.

Private organizations or public schools usually run these types of camps. In the case of the latter, program may not be formerly advertised, so call your local public schools to find out about summer theater offerings.

Is this a good fit for your child?

If your child is creative and prefers to be indoors, then an arts camp could be a great option. Since most of these camps usually last only about a week, they allow kids the chance to check

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

out an art form without committing to a longer program.

Educational These camps focus on learning a new skill or subject matter. They tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on creating a fun, as opposed to a labor-intensive, experience. Educational camps are located in public schools, museums, and colleges.

Is this a good fit for your child?

If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/why things work, these kinds of camps may be up his or her alley. These programs are particularly appealing to children who are interested in learning new skills, such as computer programming or speaking Spanish or another foreign language.

Overnight Camps Kids usually stay at sleep-away camps for a week or longer. Think: Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps offering

A diverse array of activities make day camps a nice fit for children that like to try different things. options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding, and other activities that may not be available close to your home.

Is this a good fit for your child?

Overnight camps foster a child’s sense of independence. So if your child is ready for some time away from

Mom and Dad, consider this kind of experience. Besides the chance to find out who they are apart from the family unit, sleep-away camps also offer kids the opportunity to meet other children from different states and countries as well as focus attention for a long period of time on particular activities.

Where do I begin the search?

A good place to start is to come to Sonoma Family Life’s Family Expo and Camp Fair on April 12, 4–7 p.m., at Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa.

Also ask friends and family where they sent their children to camp. Then call your local public school and ask about local camp programs. ¶ Cheryl Maguire is a freelance writer. Find her on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

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March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 15

own home? Whether you have a background in dance or not, guiding your young child’s motion is easier than you think. You don’t even have to call it “dance.” Here are some activities to try:

Dance with Me

Start with rhyming games.

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake baker’s man, Bake me a cake as fast as you can…

As you share the timeless nursery rhymes that have been passed down from generation to generation,

Dancing can even help lay the neurological foundation for children’s future learning.

Playful Ways to Explore Movement with Kids

notice how each one has a rhythm, often with prescribed movements, that engage your young child’s attention and imagination. Little did you know that rhyming songs help form a foundation for future literacy.

Most importantly, rhyming is fun.

By Diane Turner Maller

C

hildren are born to move. The process of achieving mobility drives them at first. Movement is further used to express thoughts and feelings, especially before words become plentiful. The feeling of pure joy might be the only motivation needed for moving.

This impulse to move makes early childhood an opportune time to teach dance. Dancing can even help lay the neurological foundation for children’s future learning. In his article “How the Arts Develop the Young Brain,” consultant in educational neuroscience David A. Sousa explains, “During the brain’s early years, neural connections are being made at a rapid rate. Much 16 SonomaFamilyLife

of what young children do as play— singing, drawing, dancing—are natural forms of art. These activities engage all the senses and wire the brain for successful learning.”

Despite its benefits, creative dance has yet to find a consistent foothold in early childhood education programs. To fill the gap, why not create a dance venue in your

Follow the leader. Lead your child through the kitchen, around the sofa, and through the hallway.

Walk, tip toe, slither, and slide your way through the house. Sing a little song or click and clack two spoons together to create sound effects that you make up to go with the traveling steps.

Play copycat. Copy facial expressions first and expand from there. The possibilities are endless, especially since young children learn primarily by imitation.

Feel the rhythm. Provide rhythms for your child to copy.

Soon you will be the one who is trying to keep up with your child’s

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

convoluted manifesto. Then, bring it back down to simpler, countable rhythms. Rhythm sticks are inexpensive and may be available at your local toy store. Music books can refresh and inform your own sense of rhythm.

Follow the image in the mirror. Is your child at a developmental stage where he or she can follow your movement as if following a mirror image? This takes concentration.

You are creating an opportunity for

Make shapes. Move to recorded music or beat a rhythm until it is time to “freeze” and make a shape. Notice something about the shapes after the fact. Strong, soft, tall, wide, curved, sharp angles are all qualities that help define shapes. Your child may have a definite idea of “Who am I” when he or she stops to make a shape.

Why not create a dance venue in your own home?

Move like an animal. How does a cat move? What about a cougar? Your kids are playing like this already. Now is your chance to join in the fun.

LOVE TO DANCE? CALL TO COME IN FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CLASS (707) 542-1367

your child to develop observational skills and expand peripheral vision at the same time.

Tell a story. Dances can tell stories. Without words, how would you dance the tale of Little Red Riding Hood? Your child can dance while you tell or read the story.

As your children grow, your dances together will evolve. Movement and dance opportunities could even become part of your child’s extracurricular education. A search in your community will likely reveal a variety of dance disciplines and performance opportunities to choose from. Some children may actively pursue dance as an art form.

Even with serious study, your kids may find that the most enjoyable dancing happens while doing chores in the kitchen. Pick up a dishtowel, turn up the music, and join them with your best moves.

Diane Turner Maller holds a master’s of science in dance and has pursued her love of the art form through performance and teaching. She finds joy in social dancing with family and friends.

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Music making to engage every child, divided into developmentally appropriate levels.

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RECREATION & PARKS

Shotokan Karate Leadership School Sonoma County Dept. of Child Support Sonoma County Family YMCA Sonoma County Library Sonoma County Radio Amateurs Sonoma County Sheriff Academy Sonoma County Waste Management Sports City Camp Epic Storybook Children’s Theatre Summit Academy Synexus Taimalietane Dance Studio Town of Windsor Parks & Recreation Westminster Woods Camp Wikiup Tennis & Swim Club WOW Smiles Bernstein Orthodontics

Borrow from the grown-ups. If you are fond of throwing parties for adults, be sure to check your stash of supplies before you shop. Those froufrou toothpicks or colorful drink stirrers might be a blast for the kids to try. Then simply buy napkins, balloons, plates, and silverware in colors that round out what you already have.

Froufrou B-Day How to Hold a “Fancy Friends” Party

By Christina Katz

W

ant to plan a birthday party that is flexible enough for any budget and suitable for any type of weather? Then why not try a “Fancy Friends” party? Whether you hold your festivities indoors or out, a” Fancy Friends” party works well for groups of many sizes and is a good choice when you have a combination of girls and boys ages 5–9.

A lavish table. What’s handy about a swanky theme like “Fancy Friends” is that you can make use of what you already have on hand. For younger children, hold back on the breakables. Older kids, however, enjoy the opportunity to show they can handle the sophisticated treatment.

For my daughter’s eighth birthday, I dug up a shimmery tablecloth, my husband’s grandmother’s teacups and tea plates, some pastel streamers, and a few crystal bowls and platters we rarely use.

20 SonomaFamilyLife

Extravagant (yet inexpensive) favors. You’ll set the right tone for your festive occasion when you set out these party favors for guests to put on when they arrive: sparkly sun glasses (look for star-shaped), tiaras or top hats, costume jewelry (sparkly necklaces, rings, bracelets, and hair clips—these often come in a combination bag). If you want to go extra elegant, you can find marabou feather boas in a wide variety of colors at your local art supply store and black canes at your local party supply shop.

Shop around. A focus on “fancy” rather than on a specific character theme offers you a lot of creative leeway when it comes to planning.

Everyone will be more settled for cake and gift opening after they’ve stuffed goodie bags with treats to take home.

Check the clearance aisles first and then cruise the entire store for the most economical combinations of supplies.

Focus on fun food. Your fancy friends will benefit from a solid meal in their tummies before the fun begins. Here’s what’s on the menu: sandwiches on whole grain white bread cut into shapes with cookie cutters (cream cheese and cucumber, and almond butter and jelly), a colorful veggie plate/fruit plate (carrots, snap peas, and red pepper slices with strawberries, melon chunks, and green grapes), and a bowl of fancy chips of your choice (chips with ridges or cheese puff balls work well).

Pinkies extended. If you are using special teacups, cold tea makes an easy substitute for hot tea. Just pour it straight into their cups at room

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

temperature. You can also provide pink lemonade or milk, since most kids will prefer a variety of drinks. For the cake, either opt for a matching flowery design, or if you have a tiered holder, opt for a cupcake tree instead.

Flowery paper cups also work fine.

Flamboyant movement. After lunch, the kids are going to be ready to get down and party. Here are some simple activities to keep them moving until it’s time for cake and presents: Freeze tag is a simple game that works for kids of all ages. An impromptu dance party or fashion show can be set to music. A room full of blown balloons or a game of Twister is a happy way to pass some fancy time. Bubble blowing is an activity that pleases kids of all ages and can

happen outside or on a patio. Clip-on paper butterflies (from your local art supply store) hidden around the house

A focus on “fancy” rather than on a specific character theme offers you a lot of creative leeway when it comes to planning. or yard make for a fun scavenger hunt.

Musical chairs, a marching parade, or pin the accessories on the ______ (you decide) are other fun ideas whether you are inside or out.

Something anti-fancy. With so many elaborate activities, your guests will appreciate an anti-fancy

climax like whacking a piñata (in a fancy shape, of course). Your local store’s selection will likely include cupcakes, stars, crowns, purses, nail polish bottles, rainbows, flowers, poodles, or castles. Stuff your piñata with lollipops, mini granola bars, and chocolate kisses or a selection of healthy snacks such as dried fruit rolls and protein bars. Everyone will be more settled for cake and gift opening after they’ve stuffed goodie bags with treats to take home.

Add one final favor, like a silly straw or a ball, at each place setting just before candle lighting, and you’ve got a party your child will fondly remember.

Happy fancy fun! ¶ Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach.

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Becoming Bilingual (Adams Media, 2010).

Should you stop the sneaking?

Tweens who sneak food may actually snag snacks as a way to test household rules—and parental resolve—by eating them whenever and wherever they want, Powell-Lunder says. So, she advises, if your house rules mandate that food must be kept in the kitchen to avoid an ant invasion, explain this to your tweens and make sure to enforce the rule.

Snack Attack

When Is Eating In Between Meals OK?

By Mary Helen Berg

O

nce upon a time, perhaps you managed your children’s snack choices, rationed treats, and doled out healthy nibbles after school. Now, it may seem that the only way to track your tweens’ snack habits is by following the trail of crumbs, empty bags, and wrappers. You may not see them snack, but you’ll find evidence everywhere—even under their pillows.

Most tweens and teens need one or two snacks daily to meet nutritional needs, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, but when your tweens appear to sneak snacks behind your back, it can feel deceitful or unhealthy. Your instinct may be to try to curb the behavior, but experts say surreptitious snacking is actually your tween’s effort to assert independence and attempts to restrict and control snacks will only make forbidden fruit more appealing.

22 SonomaFamilyLife

“The tween years are the years when kids want more control of the world around them,” says Jennifer Powell-Lunder, a clinical psychologist who writes the Let’s Talk Tween blog for Psychology Today.

“At that age, there’s not a lot you can control. You do control what you eat,” says Powell-Lunder, who also co-authored the book Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent’s Guide to

But if you limit between-meal snacks because you fear your tweens will spoil

When parents restrict goodies, it increases a child’s desire for the taboo foods. their dinner appetite, you may need to rethink your expectations.

After all, tweens and teens are growing more than they have since toddlerhood and they actually are hungrier during these years, explains Powell-Lunder. Consuming extra calories with between-meal snacking becomes a nutritional necessity.

“They eat like there’s no tomorrow,” she says. “They’re like bottomless pits.”

The key is to keep lots of healthy snack options on hand. Since tweens long for empowerment and will be more likely to eat something if they pick it out themselves, consult your tweens about which snacks to buy.

Should you worry? While you want to give your tweens some autonomy with their snack choices, be aware that hoarding or hiding

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

food can indicate an eating disorder or other emotional issues, cautions Powell-Lunder. “There’s a big difference between a kid who sneaks a couple of cookies and a kid who eats three boxes,�

Powell-Lunder explains. “When a kid who’s having social issues at school

Tweens long for empowerment and will be more likely to eat something if they pick it out themselves. comes home and eats a lot of food, it becomes obvious that this is a kid who is eating their feelings.�

If you’re familiar with your tween’s eating habits, it will be easier to assess whether extra snacking signals a growth spurt, an effort to test boundaries, or something more serious, such as emotional or social problems.

If it’s necessary to change your tween’s snacking behavior, be moderate, thoughtful, and strategic, suggests Brandi Rollins, who conducts biobehavioral health research.

When parents restrict goodies, it increases a child’s desire for the taboo foods, according to Rollins’ research. If parents provide guidance on nutritious eating, and allow some snacks, rather than prohibit them completely, tweens are more likely to learn how to regulate their snacking and embrace healthy eating habits, Rollins says. “Restriction simply doesn’t work and it really doesn’t work when your child has ready access to these foods outside of the home,â€? she says. “Even though you may be strict in the house, your tween can go out and eat really whatever they want.â€? Âś Mary Helen Berg is a freelance writer who writes about parenting and a range of other topics for publications across the country.

7 Ways to Promote Healthy Munching

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Experts offer this advice to keep your tween on a healthy snack track: • Plan snack purchases with your tweens; take them grocery shopping and read the ingredients on packages before you buy. • Cook together when possible. • Let your tweens pack their own lunches, with your guidance. • Model good snacking habits. When your tween sees you eat a treat, they’ll want it, too. • Don’t have food in the house that you don’t want your tweens to eat.

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March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 23

March

Calendar of Events

Get Free Tax Help

F

iling taxes is not everyone’s cup of tea. All those numbers and forms—it can be challenging and hiring a professional can be expensive. Enter free AARP tax-preparation assistance, which IRS-certified volunteers will be offering at the Healdsburg Library in Healdsburg on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., through April 10. There is no age requirement for taking part in the free service.

However, participants must bring a variety of paperwork as well as photo IDs for themselves and their dependents. See sonomacounty.libcal.com/event/4834645 for a list of documents to bring or call the library at 433-3772. Other Sonoma County libraries also will offer free tax-prep assistance. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches and dates. ¶

Tuesday 5 FREE Sensory-Friendly Family Day. The museum will be closed to the general public & open to sensory-sensitive kids. Sensory kits & noise-cancelling headphones available.

3–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa.

579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Wednesday 6 FREE Tax Help. AARP

tax-preparation assistance with IRS-certified volunteers. No age requirement. Bring photo ID for yourself & your dependents.

Visit sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4834645 for a list of necessary documents. Wednesdays. Thru April 10. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg.

Other libraries will host this event.

See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Thursday 7 Just Between Friends Kids’ & Maternity Consignment Sales Event. The largest of its kind in

Northern CA. Free parking. Mar. 7 & 8: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (admission: $2–$4).

24 SonomaFamilyLife

Mar. 9: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (free admission).

Mar. 10: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (1/2 price day & free admission). Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. northbay.jbfsale.com/ homeview.jsp.

13: A Coming of Age Musical. Hit Broadway musical comedy presented

by Teens ‘N Training ensemble. A young man who is turning 13 & moving from NYC to small town Indiana grapples with his parents’ divorce as he tries to fit in & plan his bar mitzvah. $15–$22. Mar. 7–9 & 14–16: 7:30 p.m. Mar. 10 & 17: 2 p.m.

Sonoma Community Center. 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomaartslive.org.

Million Dollar Quartet. It’s 1956 &

Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & Elvis Presley are together for one night. Starring cast members from the show’s national tour. $35–$48.

Mar. 7–9, 14–16 & 21–23: 7:30 p.m. Mar. 9–10, 16–17 & 23–24: 2 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa.

523-4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Friday 8 Alex & the Magic Staff. Science-

fueled adventure to a magical realm.

$5. Mar. 8: 7 p.m. Mar 9: 1 & 3:30 p.m. Mar. 10: 3 p.m. Steele Lane Community Center. 415 Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. atheaterforchildren.com.

Much Ado About Nothing. One of the most popular of Shakespeare’s comedies. $10–$20. Mar. 8 & 9: 7:30 p.m. Mar. 9 & 10: 2 p.m. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org.

Saturday 9 FREE Special Needs Activity Program–SNAP. Fun & developmental activities for kids with special needs & their families.

Alternating sessions of music, dance, arts, crafts, physical exercise & yoga.

Saturdays. 10 a.m.–noon. Runs thru March 23. Healdsburg Community Center. 1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 431-3301.

Walk Into Early Spring. 3-hour

moderate walk. Wear sturdy shoes.

Bring water, snacks & binoculars. For ages 11 & up. $10 per person. 9 a.m.– noon. Jack London State Historic Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. (Meet in the ranch parking lot.) jacklondonpark.com.

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Family Bicycling Workshop & Ride. Arrive at least 20 minutes

early to allow time to check bicycles & helmets for any needed repairs. For ages 7 & up. Children must be able to ride a bike with no training wheels & be ready to take to the road with their parents. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. First half is instructional; second half is bike ride. Sebastopol Independent Charter.

1111 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. bikesonoma.org.

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

Special

Cut & Color $75 Special for 1st time clients.

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

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Bill

& Dave Hikes. Moderately stressful 6.5-mile hike. Elevation gain of 1,400 feet. Break for lunch. Rain or shine.

Hike: free. Entrance fee: $7–$8. Meet at white barn at 9:45 a.m. for a prompt 10 a.m. departure. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. billanddavehikes.com.

FREE A Fire Story. Cartoonist Brian

Fies celebrates the release of his graphic novel, which documents the loss of his home in the 2017 Santa Rosa wildfires. Donations will support North Bay fire relief. 6–8 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Hands-On History. Demonstrations

at the Mission. March 9: Food of the Mission Era. March 23: Embroidery.

Rain or shine. Ages 8 & up. Free with paid admission ($2–$3 or free for ages 5 & younger). 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Sonoma State Historic Park. Sonoma Mission Courtyard. 5729, 20 E. Spain St., Sonoma. parks.ca.gov/sonomashp.

FREE Kindergarten Assessment Day. Enrollment & information. 9–11

a.m. The Healdsburg School. 33-H Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 433-4847. thehealdsburgschool.org.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Concert. With

Fly local & enjoy nonstop flights!

guests Napa Valley Youth Orchestra. $5–$20. 3 p.m. Green Music Center.

Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. music.sonoma.edu.

 Seattle (SEA)  Portland (PDX)  Los Angeles (LAX)  Orange County (SNA)  San Diego (SAN)  Phoenix (PHX)  Dallas (DFW)  San Francisco (SFO)  Denver (DEN)  Minneapolis (MSP)  Las Vegas (LAS)

“Where children learn to play and play to learn” Ages 2 years, 9 months–5 years We are passionate about providing a supportive atmosphere of discovery, joy, and creativity. Where children learn about the world around them through social interaction and hands-on learning.

©P N

TS

707-546-7330 2095 Franklin Ave • Santa Rosa www.franklinparkpreschool.org

Bennett Valley Union School District Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2019-20 School Year begins February 5 & 6

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2019-20 will be accepted

California Distinguished Schools

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

Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools

Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • Excellent Teachers • Reduced Class Size (K–3) • Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten • Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30-1:25) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs YMCA provides on-site child care

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

for Montgomery High School. $30.

5–9 p.m. Becker Center. St. Eugene’s Cathedral. 2323 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. eventbrite.com/e/ polenta-feed-2019-tickets-51532998586.

Bluegrass & Folk Festival. $30–$40.

Ages 11 & under: free with adult admission. 1–9 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. socofoso.com.

FREE The Girls in the Band.

Documentary tells the untold stories of female jazz & big band instrumentalists from the late ’30s to the present day. Mar. 9, 2 p.m.: Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. Mar. 16, 2 p.m.: Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. Mar. 16, 3 p.m. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale.

FREE Silly Seuss Show. Bri

Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 3/5, 3/27, 4/17 Strawberry by reservation only: 526-4433 Registration Packets available Jan. 7. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2019 to be eligible for kindergarten.

Two-year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2019.

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org 26 SonomaFamilyLife

Party. Family-friendly event to recognize Arbor Day & Luther Burbank’s Birthday. Plant trees & enjoy a birthday cake. 9 a.m.–noon.

Mesquite Park. 2250 Mesquite Dr., Santa Rosa or Northwest Community Park. 2880 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.

Polenta Feed & Auctions. Fundraiser

www.flySTS.com

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

FREE Arbor Day Tree Planting

Crabtree’s one-person circus act includes juggling, magic tricks & reading aloud from a Dr. Seuss book.

10:30 a.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. Other libraries

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

will host this event. See sonomacounty. libcal.com for branches/times.

FREE Guided Farm Tours. Saturdays & Sundays. 11 a.m.–noon. Arrive at 10:45 a.m. If no one shows at 10:45 a.m., the tour will not be held. Tara Firma Farms. 3796 I St., Petaluma. 765-1202. tarafirmafarms.com.

Sunday 10 ANIME Comic Con. Convention of

all things pop culture, toys, movies, anime & comics. $7. Kids 12 & under: free. Parking: $9. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com.

Prenatal Clinic. 750 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Wednesdays. 10–11:30 a.m. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. (Meet at the picnic tables in the upper parking lot near Lake Ralphine.) betterbeginnings forbabies.org.

Thursday 14 FREE Writing Club for Kids. Ages 9–17. 4 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Other libraries will host this event in March. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Friday 15

Monday 11 FREE Breastfeeding Café. Free

breastfeeding support, tea & cookies.

Mondays. 9:30–11 a.m. Bridges

Classical Elegance Concert. North

Bay Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra under the auspices of the Santa Rosa

Junior College. $10. 7:30 p.m. Church of the Incarnation. 550 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 528-8884. cindylou@ sonic.net.

FREE Breastfeeding Café.

Breastfeeding support, tea & cookies.

Fridays. 9:30–11 a.m. Early Learning Institute. 311 Professional Dr., Rohnert Park. betterbeginningsforbabies.org.

Saturday 16 Santa Rosa Symphony Concert: American Dreams. Program of American composers. Mar. 16: 2 & 7:30 p.m. Mar. 17: 3 p.m. Mar. 18: 7:30 p.m. Green Music Center.

1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org.

Stand up for Youth Comedy Show.

$25–$30. Features 3 Bay Area

The perfect balance of learning and play

®

• • • •

Safe, nurturing environment Enthusiastic and caring teachers Links to Learning curriculum Ongoing parent communication

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, March 23 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Merryhill School

®

6 Weeks – Pre-K • 4044 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA

Mayette.MerryhillSchool.com MH_SonomaFamilyLife_Mar19_7.625x4.75.indd www.sonomafamilylife.com

1

March 2019

877-959-4187 2/1/19 10:24 AM SonomaFamilyLife 27

CAMP

BOW N I A R A N N I W 14 rforming arts circus and pe A residential 7 to for kids age

camp

comedians. Sponsored by Sonoma County YMCA. Proceeds benefit local youth. 7–9 p.m. Odd Fellows Hall. 545 Pacific Ave., Santa Rosa. 545-9622, ext.

3133. scfymca.org.

TO UN WA F RD THE

✓ Stilts ✓ Trapeze ✓ Silks ✓ Drama ✓ Clowning

✓ Juggling ✓ Unicycle ✓ Swimming ✓ Song Writing ✓ Dance

Open Cockpit: Vertical Lift

Check us out and register today at:

www.campwinnarainbow.org

BOWL FOR OUR

KIDS!

510.525.4304

Benefits Love in a Shoebox

Help raise money for a good cause Bowl with your friends!

SUNDAY MARCH 31 CHECK-IN 10 AM • BOWL 11 AM

TO REGISTER CALL Double Decker Lanes 300 Golf Course Dr. • Rohnert Park

Traci Sell at 228-0264 or Sue Piland at 696-1210

Spring activities are here!

Choose from hundreds of activities for the whole family, registration now open!

Register for classes at SantaRosaRec.com 707-543-3737 Plus, join the St. Patrick’s Day 5K presented by Fleet Feet to benefit Rec & Parks. Visit FleetFeetSantaRosa.com.

Weekend. Choctaw & Huey Helicopters. Look inside vintage aircraft & learn about their history. $5–$10. Ages 5 & under: free. Mar. 16 & 17: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. One Air Museum Way. Santa Rosa. 575-7900. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.

Traditional music of Ireland. $35–$50.

7 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. spreckelsonline.com.

Sunday 17 Peace, Love & Woodstock. Exhibit focuses on the Peanuts character Woodstock. $5–$12. Ages 3 & under: free. Runs thru Sept. 8. Weekdays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Weekends: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

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

St. Patrick’s Day 5K. Annual themed run/walk race open to all ages & abilities. After the race a celebration featuring a costume contest, music & entertainment. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Registration: 9–10:45 a.m. Race: 11 a.m.

Costume contest: noon. Race starts & ends at Old Courthouse Square. 600 4th St., Santa Rosa. fleetfeetsr.com.

FREE Adoption Outreach at Petco.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Petco. 165 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. rpanimalshelter.org.

Monday 18 RECREATION & PARKS

28 SonomaFamilyLife

FREE Pop-Up Play. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Sonoma

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

County. For children of all ages. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Mar. 19: 3:30–5 p.m.

Northwest Regional Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Thursday 21 Purim at the Circus. Circus act,

dinner buffet, carnival games, Purim craft, hamantashen & more. Come dressed as circus performer or any costume to win a prize. Hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. $8–$18. Family max: $60. 5–7 p.m.

Hotel Petaluma. 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma. jewishpetaluma.com.

Santa Rosa Symphony Young People’s Chamber Orchestra.

Features composers ranging from

Villa-Lobos to Bach. $10. 7:30 p.m.

Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.

209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. cloverdaleperformingarts.com.

Friday 22 FREE Paper Airplanes! Learn about

making different designs & test out planes on a course. Ages 9–12. 2 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma.

763-9801. sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4944143.

Saturday 23

Rosa Symphony youth ensembles at various locations around town.

Audiences will receive a map of venues that are all within walking distance. All concerts are free & open to the public. 2–5 p.m. Museum of Sonoma County. 505 B St., Santa Rosa.

579-1500. museumsc.org.

Spring Family Bird Walk. Binoculars & field guides available. Refreshments.

Event: free. Parking: $7. 10 a.m.– noon. Spring Lake Regional Park.

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

FREE Merryhill School Open House.

13th Annual California Artisan

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Merryhill School. 4044 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 877-959-4187. merryhillschool.com.

Cheese Festival. Chef demos &

FREE Music Around Town 2019. An afternoon of music played by Santa

pairings, educational sessions, authors, cheese-makers & more. $25–$150. Mar. 23: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Cheese, Bites &

Educating the Whole Child

PARK SIDE (K-4) Rigorous Academics Social Skills and Collaboration Global Stewardship

BROOK HAVEN (5-8)

Academic Excellence Art, Engineering, Wood Working, Makerspace Music and more!

Comprehensive Athletics Program

CASTLE programs (K-8) Convenient Safe Nurturing

TAKE A TOUR OR ENROLL NOW! sebastopolschools.org (707) 829-4570 www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Booze: 6–9 p.m.) Various locations in Santa Rosa. artisancheesefestival.com.

Monday 25

Across the Great Divide: A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary

The Magic Tree House: A Hip-Hop Musical. Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series. $16–$21. Lap passes available on show day for ages 2 & under: $5.

6:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Museum Mondays. Stories, arts &

craft activities & movement games.

For kids ages 1–5 & their caregivers. $5 per child & up to 2 adults free before 11 a.m. After 11 a.m., regular admission applies ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger). Mondays. 10 a.m.– noon. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

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

The

Wednesday 27 of The Band. Featuring Dustbowl Revival & Hot Club of Cowtown. $29–$49. 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Thursday 28 FREE SAT Intensive Preparation.

Class is limited to juniors. Students must attend both parts. Part I: Mar. 28.

Part 2: Mar. 30. 1– 3:30 p.m. both days.

Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Registration required. sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4003613.

Saturday 30 FREE Morning on the Farm. Find out about Summerfield’s preschool & kindergarten programs. 9:30–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. RSVP: 575-7194, ext. 102. summerfieldwaldorf.org.

FREE Kids’ Swap Meet. Ages 5–12.

Gather up your toys, books, bikes, etc.

Register by Mar. 16 to reserve a $12 space. Limited spaces available. No entry fee for shoppers. 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Community Farmers Market. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Register by emailing your name, child’s name, phone & email address to kids.swap. meet.sr@gmail.com.

Messy Art Day. 10 a.m.–noon.

Petaluma Parent Preschool open

The EACH School

EACH

Charter School

Charter School

Serving Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade

• Project Based Academic Program • Social Emotional Learning Focus • Small Class Sizes • Expressive Arts Integration • Focus on collaborative and activity driven learning For more information, please attend one of our Parent Information Events at 487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472.

A schedule of our events is on our website:

www.reach-program.com

707-823-8618

487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, 95472 30 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

house. Activities for kids ages 2–5.

McKinley School. Enter at 810 Madison St., Petaluma.

Future Firefighters Day. Fire trucks

& Firefighter Playhouse. Learn about preparing for emergency situations.

Children are encouraged to dress in firefighter costumes. $12. Under 1 yr.: free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Messy Art Fest. Spray Bottle

Painting, Sand Mandalas, Mural Dance Party, Screen Printing & Ceramics. No rules & no cleanup. $13.95–$15.95. Mar. 30 & 31: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Bay Area Discovery Museum.

557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito. bayareadiscoverymuseum.org.

BIRTHDAY

SAFARI

Sonoma County Orchid Society Educational Orchid Expo & Sale.

$8. Ages 12 & under: free. Mar. 30: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mar. 31: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Santa Rosa Veterans Bldg. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. sonomaorchids.com.

FREE Women’s Self Defense for Mothers & Daughters. 10 a.m.– noon. Learn powerful & effective physical, verbal & psychological techniques. Topics are addressed in age-appropriate manner for younger students. Lesbian, bisexual & transgender women are welcome.

Sebastopol Regional Library.

7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE 3rd Annual Sonoma County

games for kids. Raffles. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Rohnert Park Community Center.

5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. sonomacountybunfest.com.

Night at the Museum Fundraiser.

Live & silent auctions, raffle, music, wine/beer, small bites. $60. 7–11 p.m. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. 20 4th St., Petaluma. petalumamuseum.com.

Sunday 31 Bowl for Our Kids! A fundraiser for Love in a Shoebox, which provides supplies to foster kids. Check-in: 10 a.m. Bowling: 11 a.m. Double Decker Lanes. 300 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park. Register: 228-0264.

Bunfest. Speakers, adoptable bunnies & fresh hay, toys & treats. Crafts &

Take Action ✔Yardwork Done!

IN MEMORIAM

Check yardwork off your to-do list today We have all your lawn and garden equipment needs covered.

Take a walk on the wild side!

An Educational Adventure

Meet all of our animal ambassadors SCHOOLS • PARTIES • EVENTS

Aerators, Tillers & Dethatchers The region’s largest rental equipment provider with 4 Sonoma County locations.

Open 7 days a week

Choose from VIP, Standard, or Reptile HAVE A REALLY WILD BIRTHDAY!

707-529-9489

www.classroomsafari.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

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

March 2019

Gerald Alan Harvey 1949–2019 A devoted father, Gerry delivered Family Life to our distributors for more than 16 years. We join his family and friends in mourning his sudden loss. His humble kind-heartedness and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed.

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Camps

Camps ADVENTURES

Super Kids Camp

Luck of the Irish

At Sonoma State University

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

4 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

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

By Sarah Lyons

tickets.sonoma.edu (search ‘super kids camp’)

Register Here

E

ach holiday brings the opportunity to participate in unique celebrations with your kids, and St. Patrick’s Day has no shortage of fun festivities. Whether you are Irish or just love celebrating the holiday, try these fun and educational ways to bring some leprechaun luck to your home.

707-664-4FUN

superkidscamp@sonoma.edu www.tickets.sonoma.edu

Events

Eat green. Celebrate the day by feasting on all things green.

For breakfast, read Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham and cook up the Seussian meal for your brood, or dye your pancakes green just for fun. For lunch, serve a buffet of broccoli, celery, salad greens, guacamole, and grapes. Wash it all down with some green juice. Who knows? Maybe it will be your lucky day, and your child will try some new foods.

Proceeds benefit Petaluma Parent Nursery School a cooperative preschool for children 2 to 5 yrs old

Kid ’s CKiod’swCopwopokkee Proceeds benefit Petaluma Parent Nursery School a cooperative preschool for children 2 to 5 yrs old

SATURDAY APRIL 13, 11AM-2PM McKinley School Auditorium Enter at 810 Madison St., Petaluma

SCIENCE! ART! GAMES!

Bellevue Elementary, Santa Rosa June–July; M–F; 9am–3pm SIGN UP: Santa Rosa Rec. Parks & Cmnty Srvcs: (707) 543-3737 (707) 793-2251 kidscienceadventures.com

La Cantera Racquet & Swim Club

Summer & Afterschool Junior Tennis Programs

Cowpokes : $5 (ages 2-8) Handlers : FREE

Bait a leprechaun. The night of March 16, have your kids use a box or laundry basket to set a leprechaun trap.

Put gold “coins” inside the box or basket to attract your leprechaun. But remember, leprechauns are very sneaky and do not like to be seen. In the morning, your children may awaken to see that the leprechaun has taken their gold McKinley School Auditorium Enter at 810 Madison St., Petaluma coins and left them a small gift or treat.

Paint a rainbow. Kids can use watercolors or finger paint to create their own bow. Vanilla pudding mixed with food coloring makes for fun and edible finger paint. Put food coloring in cups of water; let kids mix the colors to see what new hues they can create.

McKinley School Auditorium Enter at 810 Madison St., Petaluma

Cowpokes : $5 (ages 2-8) Handlers : FREE petalumaparentnurseryschool.org 707.778.4669 petalumaparentnurseryschool.org • 707.778.4669

3RD ANNUAL SONOMA COUNTY BUNFEST FREE!

petalumaparentnurseryschool.org

707.778.4669 Explore Irish culture. Go to the library and check out books or movies about Ireland and the history of St. Patrick’s Day. Watch a video of an Irish dance performance on YouTube and have the family try some of the dance moves. For the crafty, paint or draw an Irish flag or a four-leaf clover. If you are lucky enough to be Irish, make a family tree and discuss your heritage.

For local St. Patrick’s Day activities, see the Calendar of Events (page 24). ¶ Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six, including two-year-old triplets.

32 SonomaFamilyLife

A day celebrating everything rabbit

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

544-9494

3737 Montgomery Dr. Santa Rosa www.lacanteraracquetandswimclub.com

Saturday, March 30, 11am-3pm RP Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane Speakers on health issues and proper care Meet adoptable bunnies Shop for fresh hay, toys, treats, and beds Kids activity center–crafts and games Great raffle prizes

Check out our online directories at SonomaFamilyLife.com

Details at: sonomacountybunfest.com Sponsored by the Animal Shelter League

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Camps

Services

Childcare/Preschools

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

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PRICING & Invest REGISTRATION:

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child’s The Y is afuture! non-profit community based organization.

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

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LOCAL

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#1 local resource for local families magazine • web • email • events March 2019

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Like Us On Facebook 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 33

Humor Break

My Life as a Celebrity Assistant Some Folks Get All of the Attention

By Cheryl Maguire

I

always wondered what it would be like to be a celebrity. I imagined it would be wonderful and glamorous.

I never really thought about the downside. Now that I reside with two real-life celebrities, I’ve found that even going to a restaurant can be a major undertaking.

On our most recent trip to a restaurant, a large crowd was gathered outside.

The best route into the place was discussed. We opted for the side door since there seemed to be fewer people near that entrance. Quickly, we made our way to the hostess, trying to protect our celebrities. All of a sudden, the hostess noticed them, and the questions began. “Oh, are they twins?

Are they identical? How old are they?”

Amazing! I thought to myself.

She managed to hit the trifecta of questions all in one breath. I quickly answered all of her questions, only to have her respond with the most popular comment, “Oh, a boy and girl. Now you don’t need to have any more babies!” I never realized how many people feel that a boy and a girl constitute the “perfect” American family.

I looked at my watch as the hostess babbled on to the other assistant, my spouse. Celebrities can be very 34 SonomaFamilyLife

demanding. If they don’t get their way, right away, the whole world is going to hear about it, so I tried to move things along. We were finally seated at our table.

I started to feel the stares all around me. I tried to avoid making eye contact. The little boy at the next table was not going to be avoided. Suddenly he was at our table trying to touch the celebrities. His parents didn’t even try to stop him. In fact, they saw it

I noticed that the couple next to us was talking about us as if we couldn’t hear them. as an invitation to ask questions and make comments. I quickly answered them, “Yes, they are twins. They are six months old. They are a boy and a girl. No, they are not identical.”

That last question always boggles my mind. Even though I say they are boy/ girl twins, people still ask if they are identical. After explaining some basic biology facts, I usually get one of two reactions: Some people realize their question might have been a little silly and others just look confused. For the confused ones, I just try to smile politely and move on.

After answering the questions, I turned my attention to my celebrities and the other celebrity assistant, and I tried to enjoy a peaceful meal. I noticed that the couple next to us was talking about us as if we couldn’t hear them. Soon, their little boy had found his way back to our table.

A waitress arrived, but I quickly realized that it was not our server. “I was in the kitchen and heard about the twins. I just had to see them for myself,” she said. The questions began, followed by the standard comments.

I turned to the other assistant, who nodded at me. We realized that this situation was just not working out. We got the meal to go and quickly made our exit.

Even though it can be challenging at times to be a celebrity assistant, I will admit it can be lots of fun as well.

Celebrities can be quite entertaining.

In fact, there isn’t a day that goes by when they don’t make me laugh about something. They are always testing out their vocal cords and trying out all kinds of crazy moves.

Oh, who am I kidding—I love every minute of it! ¶ Cheryl Maguire has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a freelance writer.

March 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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