Sonoma Family Life April 2024

Great for teens

Basketball

Cheer & Dance

Flag Football

Multi-Sport

Pickleball

Soccer Tennis Volleyball

12

Features

12 Summer Camp Jobs

How being a counselor can benefit teens.

18 Autism Myths and Truths

Clearing up misconceptions during awareness month.

20 Home Buying Tips

How to avoid common house hunting pitfalls.

24 Reduce, Reuse And Recycle Simple ways to celebrate Earth Day.

26 Screen Time to Green Time Time in nature can combat screen overuse.

April 2024

Every Issue

6 Dear Reader

8 Cooking with Kids

Perfect Pasta

10 Bits and Pieces

Leap Into Spring at Ribbit Exhibit

Explore Greener

Pastures at Parade

Go Full STEM Ahead

Find Your Sea Legs

Get Festive for Earth Day

Enjoy Festival of Fun

28 Calendar of Events

36 Humor Break

Take Your Child to Work Day 11

PAUL BUNTING

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Dear Reader

As the school year draws to a close, families set their sites on summertime activities. While

School may be wrapping up, but it’s important to keep learning. In recognition of World Autism Month, this edition offers some clarity toward common misconceptions about autism (page 18).

Marketing/ Sales/Events

Patricia Ramos

707-205-1539

patty@family-life.us

Features Editor

angel@family-life.us

Production Manager

Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers

Kimberly Blaker

Shannon Carpenter

Zoup! Good, Really Good®

Sandi Schwartz

Jan Wasson-Smith Publishing Office

Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539

Summer Explorations

June 10th - 14th, 2024

Dive into Learning and Digital Creativity! A Week of Academic Exploration and Skill Building for Rising 7th and 8th Graders

Five exciting Courses to choose from:

Morning Session - 9 am to 12 pm

Crime Scene Investigation

Unidentified Flying Objects: Fun with Projectile Motion

Afternoon Session - 12 :30 pm to 3:30pm

That’s Entertainment

Digital Design & Custom Apparel

All Day Session: 9 am to 3:30pm

Art and Soul: Digital Music Recording and Creative Arts

SSAT Prep Class

1 Week Summer Exploration: $100

2 Week SSAT Course: $200

Scholarships available for all courses.

Quest Forward High School - Santa Rosa 1500 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Ph: (707) 387-1663

http://qfhs.org/santarosa

For all inquiries

Email: Admissions@qfhs.org

Perfect Pasta

Spice Up Spring With This Twist

Courtesy of Zoup! Good, Really Good®

Whether served as an appetizer, side dish or even the main course, what better food for springtime than a chilled pasta salad? Simple prep steps of guided chopping, crumbling and dicing make pasta salad a great dish for teaching little ones in the kitchen. Add some extra flavor to your pasta salad by preparing noodles with Zoup! Culinary Concentrate™ . Paleo and Keto friendly, Zoup! products are also GMO- Free, Gluten Free, and do not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives. With layered savory notes, the vegan base brings umami goodness and added plant-based protein to pastas, grains and rice dishes. “Umami” translates to “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese, and means meaty or savory flavor. Serve this vocabulary lesson to little chefs! ❖

Founded by 20-plus year soup and spice industry veterans, Zoup! got its start opening soup-focused restaurants and was encouraged by customers to create a broth that was good enough to drink. Zoup! Good, Really Good® products are available in over 13,000 retail locations nationwide, plus online. Visit ZoupBroth.com for more details.

Spring Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves 8

4 quarts water

5 Tablespoons Zoup! Good Really Good® Culinary Concentrate

1 16-oz. box of Rotini pasta

1 bell pepper, diced

1 cup (approximately 2-3 stalks) celery, chopped

1 cup salami, diced

6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup Italian dressing

1. In large pot, bring water to boil. Stir in Zoup! Good, Really Good® Culinary Concentrate until dissolved. Add pasta and cook according to package.

Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.

2. While pasta cools, prep vegetables. Stir vegetables, salami and feta cheese into pasta. Toss with dressing.

3. Cool completely in fridge. Serve and enjoy!

Leap Into Spring at Ribbit Exhibit

Sonoma Botanical Garden presents Ribbit Exhibit, a whimsical, family-friendly presentation of more than 20 larger-than-life frog characters placed in vignettes throughout the Garden. Each with their own name and story, the enchanting human-sized sculptures by artist Andy Cobb include Zenny meditating on a leaf on the Garden’s Pond, Bentley and his tortoise friend Tortuga ambling along the California Oaks Trail, dapper Floyd and his elegant partner Grace cutting the rug amongst the flowers, and many others. A roster of public programs such as guided tours, live music, family scavenger hunts, and family fun days are planned while the exhibit is on view, April 5–31. Learn more at sonomabg.org/visit/ribbit-exhibit .

Explore Greener Pastures at Parade

Petaluma proudly presents its 41st annual parade “Greener Pastures—Sustaining Petaluma’s Future.” Join in painting the town green, celebrating the importance of sustainability, and preserving the beauty of the city and planet. From farm-inspired floats to innovative displays promoting responsible practices, enjoy the eco-conscious messages that highlight the connection between community, businesses, and the environment. Part of Butter & Egg Days, the parade is followed by a family festival offering foods, crafts, arts, two children’s areas, and more spread over four city blocks. The event is April 20 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Cutest Little Chick Contest is put on by Petaluma Egg Farms at 10:15 a.m. in front of Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St. After the contest, participants are invited to ride in their float in the parade, which begins at Noon. For other contests and details, visit petalumadowntown.com/ butter-eggs-parade.html

Go Full STEM Ahead

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) in Sonoma County is an all-day Saturday event for girls in 7th and 8th grades. (Boys are welcome to attend.) The day consists of hands-on workshops in a variety of subjects led by women working in the sciences. The objectives of EYH events are to: Foster awareness of the wide range of career options for women in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology; provide opportunities to meet and talk with women who work in these fields, and increase young women’s awareness of the importance of STEM education and the need for early career exploration. Held at Santa Rosa Junior College April 20 from 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. with lunch and snacks provided. Learn more and register at eyh-soco.org.

JIM

Get Festive for Earth Day

Happening at Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa, this free, family-friendly, zero-waste Earth Day Festival brings the community together through fun activities, live performing arts, food, and 50-plus local, earth-friendly exhibits that raise environmental awareness. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the vibrant city and get involved by learning about solutions to address drought, climate change, and environmental concerns in the community. With free bike parking courtesy of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, families can expect giveaways as well as a kids’ craft and activity station hosted by Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks. The event is April 20, from Noon–4 p.m. Learn more at srcity.org/2139/Earth-Day-2024.

Find Your Sea Legs

ATheater For Children presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR! at Kid Street Learning Center in Santa Rosa for ages 3 and up, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations. The play brings to life the tale of Ariel, a courageous young mermaid, whose curiosity propels her into adventures and proves the importance of a growth mindset! Audience members may collaborate on an Eco-Art Installation, helping spread awareness about actions Sonoma County citizens can take to protect local waterways. Shows run April 26-May 5. Tickets are priced at $7 and can be purchased online at atheaterforchildren.com or at the door. For more information, call (707) 438-5800.

Enjoy Festival of Fun

Family Day with 123 Andrés is a festival-like event with food trucks, workshops by local artists, and a variety of activities led by Sonoma State education students for children of all ages. A highlight of the event, funded in part by the California Arts Council, is a high-energy, interactive show from Christina and Andrés of 123 Andrés, the 2024 Grammy® Award-winning duo focused on families. They bring original songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America that get the whole family dancing and learning. The event takes place at Green Music Center’s Weill Hall, Sonoma State University. While the event is free, tickets are required and become available April 2. A limited number of tickets will be available the day of the event, which is April 6 from 12:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Learn more at gmc.sonoma.edu/free-family-day

PAUL BUNTING

123 Andrés

Earth Day Festival

Little Mermaid JR!

Summer Camp Jobs

10 Reasons Teens Might Love Being a Counselor

By Janeen Lewis

Did your teenager love summer camp as a child? Does he or she need a job but can’t work during the school year? Maybe you’re ready for your teen to get employment experience but still have some carefree time outdoors away from electronics. Day or sleepaway camp is a place for teens to transition to the world of the employed. The paycheck is nice, but being a camp counselor has other rewards, too.

Learning Responsibility

As

much as teens sometimes protest about it, learning responsibility is the gateway to more independence as they grow into adults. Camp is an ideal place to build accountability because teens are in charge of other kids or activities, but they are still being supervised. If they work at a

sleepaway camp, they must keep their cabin quarters neat and guide younger children to do the same. If they work at a day camp, they must show up on time, care for children and lead activities. Working at camp gives teens a glimpse into the adult world with the guidance they still need.

Being a Role Model

Do you remember a teen you looked up to when you were a kid at summer camp? Maybe he or she helped you perfect your back stroke, taught you how to throw a curve ball or gave good advice for dealing with disagreements between friends. Teens can connect to kids in ways adults sometimes can’t, and when teens work at camp, they experience the fulfillment of helping younger kids meet their goals and develop new skills.

Refined Relationship

Skills From fun-centered sports competitions between rival teams to getting chores done for inspection, counselors and campers have to work together. Being able to do this teaches teens to hone their communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Some camps even offer staff training and morale building activities before camp starts to increase awareness and create discussion about how to get along with others.

Improved Time Management

Teen counselors have to be on time to meals, the morning meeting at the flag pole, and activities they lead. They’re also responsible for gently prodding their campers to be punctual. If they are in charge of a lesson, craft or game, they must plan ahead and make sure they have all the supplies ready and set up on time. These lessons will benefit them as they enter college and the work place.

Tech-free Time

Most day camps and sleepaway camps either have a no device policy or have only short scheduled tech times. Camp provides a digital detox through nature, sports, and face-to-face socialization.

Preparation for Being Away at College

If your teen works at a

sleepaway camp, he or she may get a taste of what college life is like. He or she will be responsible for meals, getting up on time or using a coin

Working at camp is great experience to put on a resume when your teen is ready to enter the professional arena.

laundry. These are all valuable lessons that will prepare him or her for college. Also being away from home for an extended period of time can take some adjusting to and it can create some homesickness. Teen camp counselors have experienced these feelings and dealt with them before going to college.

Sharing Talents and Skills

Is your teen an athlete? An artist? A nature enthusiast? Can he or she dance, write, or program computers? Camp is an ideal place for teens to share strengths. I served as a camp counselor when I was in college, and it was the first time I realized I had a knack for teaching. It was the gateway to becoming a teacher, even though I was a journalism student at the time. Camp introduces teens to opportunities that maybe they hadn’t considered.

Saving on Summer Expenses

One of the advantages of working at an overnight camp is that in addition to a pay check, meals and lodging are usually provided. Staffers’ work and life all happen at camp, so gas use is

minimal. Teen counselors chaperone camp trips to amusement parks and museums which are usually covered by the camp. Granted, these covered expenses do require responsibility and work, and are not solely carefree outings, but they are positive perks for a summer job.

Resume Building Working at camp is great experience to put on a resume when your teen is ready to enter the professional arena. Camp experience is beneficial if your teen wants to teach or coach, but working at camp also builds communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all worthy resume additions that may catch a future employer’s interest.

New Appreciation for You Being a teen counselor is indeed hard work. It involves stamina, patience, and responsibility. Oh, and teen counselors must also teach, guide, and care for children younger than themselves. It sounds a bit like parenting, right? Teens who are camp counselors may begin to recognize how hard parenting is. With that recognition, they may have a new appreciation for all their parents do.

Being a camp counselor is a great start for teens who want to join the world of work. If your teen is interested in beginning the adventure that comes with being a camp counselor, you can find more information at the American Camp Association website at acacamps. org/jobs ❖

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher, and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Her summer as a camp counselor gave her invaluable skills for adulthood.

Autism Myths and Truths

April is Autism Awareness Month

By Sarah Lyons

Autism is a developmental disability that is caused by differences in how the brain functions. People with Autism may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in different ways.”1 About 1 in 59 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the CDC.2 While autism may be common, there are myths and misinformation circulating that are simply untrue. This article will correct some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth No. 1: Autism is caused by vaccinations. One of the common misconceptions about ASD is that childhood vaccinations, such as MMR, cause kids to develop autism. According to the CDC and the Institute of Medicine, there is no link between vaccines and autism.

Myth No. 2: People with autism are geniuses. There is a common misconception that all people with autism are geniuses, can do difficult math problems in their heads, or have a special gift. It is true, some people with autism do have unique talents and gifts.

However extreme cases, like the one seen in the movie Rainman, are rare. As our understanding of autism progresses, it is acknowledged that many people with autism have high intelligence, great attention to detail, and view the world in a

What is encouraging are the positive changes that can come from behavioral therapy that helps kids develop communication and social skills …

different way that is valued in work environments. This opens a new set of opportunities in the workforce for people with autism.

Myth No. 3: People with autism don’t want friends. It is true that many people with autism struggle to understand social norms which may cause them to feel isolated or to value alone time more than group settings. The myth here is that people with autism do not want friends or value close relationships, they do. Everyone needs friends, attention, love, and acceptance and all people deserve it as well. People with autism may need friends that are understanding and supportive of their social struggles and may benefit from support groups that help them build social skills.

Myth No. 4: People with autism don’t experience emotions. Those who have autism may find it hard to understand other people’s feelings and read body language, but that does not

mean they do not have emotions themselves. They have feelings of joy, sadness, anger, and frustration just like everyone else. They may have trouble expressing their emotions or show them differently than others but they still experience normal highs and lows.

Myth No. 5: Autism can be cured. Over the years, as ASD diagnosis have become more common, there have been many ideas about how it can be cured. Some examples include removing gluten from the diet, taking vitamins, eliminating mercury from the diet, and other fads. Parents typically turn to these ideas because the are concerned for their children and desperate for a cure. Studies

have shown that none of these fads have worked and autism cannot be cured. What is encouraging are the positive changes that can come from

People with autism may need friends that are understanding and supportive of their social struggles and may benefit from support groups that help them build social skills.

behavioral therapy that helps kids develop communication and social skills and give people the tools to succeed in school and the workforce.

Many fathers resist assisting their children on the autism spectrum.

Some are too stubborn or macho to accept the autism diagnosis. And once upon a time, Harry Psaros was that guy.

Harry wants to be a voice for dads in the autism fight.

People with autism do respond differently to many situations but as we learn more about ASD, we find that not all of the characteristics are negative and people can be happy, successful, and maintain healthy relationships with support and understanding from people around them.

Sources:

1 cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

2 cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/ autism.html

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 9-year-old triplets. While she is an extrovert, she is a wife and mother to several introverts. She strives to encourage her kids to step out of their comfort zones while also celebrating their unique personalities.

Home Buying Tips

Avoiding

Costly Mistakes When House Hunting

By Kimberly Blaker

Buying a home begins with the exciting prospect of finding your perfect space and the exhilarating idea of new beginnings. As the hunt progresses, you may experience anxiety over whether you’ll find a home within your budget—or because you’ve fallen in love with a home outside your budget.

When you do make an offer, you may be worried you offered too little, too much, or find that another buyer beat you to the punch. You’ll also experience disappointment if your offer is rejected.

However, once you’ve closed on your home and are confident you made the right decision, you’ll rejoice. These recommendations can help you stay on course in finding your perfect (or near-perfect) home.

Before You Shop

Make a list of your objectives. Are you trying to

reduce your work commute? Is there a particular school district you’d like your kids to attend? What about proximity to shopping or recreation?

Consider features you want. Would you like a larger garage, updated kitchen, ample closet space, or a home that’s turn-key ready? Be as detailed as possible, noting if each item is a must-have, prefer-to-have, or nice but not necessary.

When you find a home that wows you, consider your must-have criteria. Maybe you’ll decide your

wishes have changed, or you’ll be reminded to continue searching for a home that better suits your needs.

How Much Can You Afford?

Prepare a budget and figure out how much you can comfortably spend each month on mortgage and interest payments, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. Also, consider whether there’ll be a substantial difference in your monthly utilities. Include an allowance for home repairs and maintenance.

A knowledgeable, skilled inspector will look at every aspect of the home … big and small.

Get pre-qualified through your bank or a mortgage company. Despite what you think you can afford, a lender will ultimately determine your maximum budget. Don’t risk getting your hopes up on a particular home until you know how much a lender will loan you. Most Realtors won’t show homes to prospective buyers until they’ve been pre-qualified.

Starting Your Search Now

you’re ready for a Realtor. Working with a real estate agent has multiple advantages. Realtors have access to the MLS system, the database in which all homes listed by real estate agencies appear. They’re only able to access MLS for listings within their own region, however. If you’re moving to a new area, choose a Realtor in the area where you’ll be relocating.

Another important reason to work with an agent is so you’ll have someone to advance your interests. If you find a home and want to put in an offer, in many states, you can ask the listing agent to write up and submit your offer. In states that allow this arrangement, the agent becomes a dual agent. A dual agent is required to treat both parties with fairness and honesty. In this capacity, the agent cannot solely advance your interests because the agent is also working for the seller. A couple of factors to consider are customer reviews and whether the real estate agent is willing to sign an Exclusive Buyer’s Agency Contract. Under an Exclusive Buyer’s Agency Contract, the Realtor represents you,

the buyer, rather than both buyer and seller.

The agent should ask you plenty of questions to gain a solid understanding of what you’re looking for in a home, and needs

Most Realtors won’t show homes to prospective buyers until they’ve been pre-qualified.

to be available to show homes during your hours of availability. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics to get you to sign an exclusive contract. If you’re not comfortable with the

agent, be prepared to say you need time to think about it.

The Home Inspection

Once you’ve made an offer, getting a home inspection is crucial. This will help ensure you’re making a sound buying decision. Unfortunately, too many homebuyers learn the hard way that inspectors are not required to be licensed or have any special skills or training in many states. Do your homework before hiring an inspector. Ask about their qualifications and how long they’ve been in business. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews.

A knowledgeable, skilled inspector will look at every aspect of the home, including windows,

Your Special Moments

www.RedwoodAdventure.org

foundation, attic, roof, plumbing, electrical components, and much more. Your inspector should alert you to all defects, big and small, and note any aging features that could require repair or replacement in the not-so-distant future.

Final Advice Regardless of what the bank says you can afford or if an agent pushes you to go higher, you’re the best judge of what’s really within your budget. Remember, your financial well-being and lifestyle are on the line.

If you see flaws that’ll require costly repair, weigh it out carefully before making your offer.

Don’t get impatient but don’t drag your feet. Make sure a home meets enough of your criteria that you can live happily for some time to come. If it is a desirable home or a buyer’s market, it might get snatched up before you act.

If you see flaws that’ll require costly repair, weigh it out carefully before making your offer.

Finally, once you make an offer, try not to get your heart too set on the home until it’s been inspected. That way, if the report comes back reflecting costly repairs, you’ll be able to make a wise decision on whether to proceed or back out. ❖

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera, and more at sagerarebooks.com .

Reduce, Reuse And Recycle

30 Easy Ways to Mark Earth Day

By Katy M. Clark

On April 22 my family celebrates Earth Day along with millions of families around the world. Started in 1970, Earth Day encourages us to appreciate the environment and become more aware of issues threatening it.

Here are 30 ideas that everyone from preschoolers to teenagers can use to reduce, reuse, and recycle this Earth Day.

Little Ones

Teach kids to turn off the water when brushing their teeth. Recycle! Have young ones place items such as paper and tin cans into dedicated recycling bins rather than the trash.

Transform trash into treasure. Preschoolers can create works of

art reusing and repurposing bottles, yogurt cups, leftover fabric scraps and the like.

Demonstrate to little ones how to cool your house on hot days by pulling drapes closed instead of dialing down the air conditioning. Likewise, bundle up in layers on cooler days rather than turning up the heat.

Model turning the lights off when leaving a room.

Have kids play with eco-friendly toys and games, like wooden

puzzles dyed with non-toxic stains or balls that are BPA- and phthalate-free.

Make bird feeders out of natural ingredients like pine cones and birdseed.

Engage them in planting a garden and growing vegetables your family can eat.

Get a houseplant or two and talk about how plants improve the air we breathe.

Started in 1970, Earth Day encourages us to appreciate the environment and become more aware of the issues that threaten it.

School-age Kids

Elementary school kids can help with shopping for recyclable products. Have them look for labels that say recycled content, pre-consumer and post-consumer. Kids can place small recycling bins in each bathroom in the house. Bonus points if you can get them to empty them each week into the curbside recycling bin!

Show them how to use reusable rags instead of paper towels to clean up messes.

Create a compost pile, on the kitchen counter or in your backyard. Kids can throw in egg shells, coffee grounds, and most food scraps and wait for them to turn into rich soil for use with plants outside and in.

Encourage them to sign up to pick up trash from community spaces like playgrounds, parks, or beaches. Let kids make signs in every room of the house that remind family members to turn off the lights. Use reusable water bottles rather than single-use plastic bottles.

Plant a tree at school or home. Plant milkweed native to your area to help the monarch butterfly population.

Tweens and Teens

Bigger kids will enjoy visiting thrift shops to nab pre-owned pieces that otherwise may have ended up in landfills.

Encourage them to use reusable bags when shopping.

Have them unplug electronics and chargers when not in use.

They can also turn off their desktop or gaming monitors when they aren’t using them.

Elementary school kids can help with shopping for recyclable products. Have them look for labels that say recycled content, pre-consumer and post-consumer.

Ask them to devise ways your house can collect rainwater for use on houseplants or flowers.

Turn off the lights when leaving the room. (You’ll probably still be

working on this one with teens even though you’ve been preaching it since they were little!)

Recycle old cell phones. Make sure to take out SIM cards and erase the phones first, usually with a factory reset. Teens may also need to remove the battery and research how and where the battery can be recycled.

Use a timer to conserve water during showers.

Remove makeup with cleanser and reusable wipes instead of disposable wipes.

Host or volunteer at an e-waste collection event. ❖

Katy M. Clark is a writer who embraces her maternal imperfections at experiencedbadmom.com

Screen Time to Green Time

Balancing indoor, outdoor activity

By Sandi Schwartz

Children are spending an exorbitant amount of time glued to their electronics these days. The latest survey by Common Sense Media found that American teenagers spend an average of six and a half hours of screen time per day on social media and other activities like video games.

Screen time continues to increase as kids are online more during the school day and for socializing with their friends. With this boost in screen use, we have also seen a rise in mental health concerns with tweens and teens. The increase in young girls’ digital technology use, for example, is often linked to the rise in depression and suicide since 2012 in the U.S.

One way to balance screen time is to get outside and engage with nature, which has been shown through scientific research to have

an abundance of health benefits. All of us need healthy breaks away from screens throughout the day to recharge and get back to a balanced state, both mentally and physically. Spending some time outside will help kids relax and then come back energized and inspired as they continue with their day. If they do not get these necessary nature breaks in between school, homework, and their other commitments, they could burn out before they even have the chance to receive their high school diploma.

Every year, the organization Fairplay organizes Screen-Free Week to shine the light on the importance of taking breaks from screens. Screen-Free Week is an annual invitation to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond ad-supported screens. During the first week of May, thousands of families, schools, and communities around the world will put down their entertainment screens for seven days of fun, connection, and discovery.

Even though this week is about turning off screens, Screen-Free Week is not just about going without technology. As we all know, much of our lives these days depend on screens: Paying bills, ordering food, filling out forms before visiting the doctor, keeping up with family and friends, communicating with our children’s school, our own work, our kids’ schoolwork, and more.

Instead, let’s spend time during Screen-Free Week recognizing how we can start building a nature habit to turn some screen time into more green time. An hour once dedicated to YouTube becomes an hour spent outside on a family bike ride; 10 minutes scrolling on social media turned into 10 minutes taking care of a pet or plant; a movie on a rainy afternoon is replaced by time spent reading and learning about nature.

You can celebrate Screen-Free Week at home, in your school, in your community, or anywhere—just put down those entertainment screens and choose an activity that helps you connect to nature because it will help you and your loved ones feel happier and calmer.

Here are some other ideas for replacing screen time with green time all year long:

• Instead of eating dinner in front of the TV, take your meal out back or on your balcony.

• Instead of planning birthday parties where kids watch a movie or play video games, suggest getting a group together for a barbecue, swimming, outdoor sports game, or an exciting adventure like camping, boating, kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, or doing a ropes course.

• Instead of your children being locked away in their rooms with their computer doing homework, suggest they head outside to get some of their work done while enjoying the fresh

air. Maybe they even want to draft an essay the old-fashioned way with a pencil and paper to get a much-needed screen break.

… let’s spend time during Screen-Free Week recognizing how we can start building a nature habit to turn some screen time into more green time.

• Instead of your kids making TikTok videos, get their creative juices flowing while engaging with nature outside by doing activities like nature photography, drawing or painting nature scenes, nature

and stories, and even listening to music while relaxing in the backyard.

• Instead of hosting family holiday dinners at your dining room table, set up your gathering outdoors.

As you can see, there are so many ways to swap screen time for green time. Get started by taking the Screen-Free Week Pledge. You will also find other amazing resources over at fairplayforkids.org, including a Screen-Free Bingo Game and a list of 101 Screen-Free Activities ❖

As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, Sandi Schwartz’s mission is to inspire families to feel happier and calmer. Her parenting book and children’s book are available at ecohappinessproject.com

April Calendar of Events

Monday 1

Nature Explorers. Families explore the art & science of the natural world. Members: Free. Non-members: $16. Infants 11 months & younger: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Mondays. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

FREE Virtual Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test. NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test is launching the first flight of the CST-100 Starline. Registration will provide communications about launch schedule changes, activities, & access to curated launch resources. Register: tinyurl.com/4n5vve63

Tuesday 2

FREE After School Hang Out. Grades 6–12 drop by to study, play games, or just chill with your peers. Laptops & board games available. Mondays–Thursdays. 3–4 p.m. Windsor Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy. Days alter. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/3th67mtx.

Early Release Enrichment at Veronda-Falletti Ranch. For elementary school-aged children who have 1/2 days on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Provides farm, nature & art-based experiences, snacks provided. $10 a day & up. 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Registration required: sandyloam.org.

FREE Homework Help at the Library. Grades K–12. Volunteer tutors available to work with students

on homework assignments or skills practice. No registration necessary. Tuesdays. 3:15–5:45 p.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. tinyurl.com/48bf6ztx

FREE Paying for College with Scholarships. Grades 9–12. Facilitated by Advisor Becca Lippman, three workshops for students & parents. Learn how scholarships exist for everyone, regardless of academic merit or personal background & steps to apply. This event is in English with a Spanish interpreter. Registration required. 6–7 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. Meeting Room. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Other libraries branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/mrxe2cuu

Sonoma Alternative Symphony for Youth. Ages 12–18. Learn to adapt pieces for their own instrument, how to compose, & share original music both as individuals & as a symphonic group. Sliding scale rates: sccc@ seb.org or 707- 823-1511. Tuedays. Apr. 2, 9 & 16: 5–7 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Main Hall. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/4heax26f

Wednesday 3

Learn to Ride a Bike. Windsor Petaluma & Santa Rosa. Ages 5-11. Step-by-step guided instruction, how to balance & get rolling. Bring bicycle with training wheels removed, & helmet. Hosted by Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. $5–$10. 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Apr. 3: Windsor, Apr. 10:

Petaluma, Apr. 17: Santa Rosa. For full schedule: tinyurl.com/y7bpzsaf.

Thursday 4

Cuentos con Ritmo (Stories with Rhythm). Ages 1–5, siblings & family. Spanish story time with music & movement programs. Presented by Colors of Spanish. Members: Free. Non-members: $16. Infants 11 months & younger: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests.

Thursdays. Apr. 4 & 18, 10:30–11 a.m. Saturday: Apr. 20, 10–10:30 a.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org

Pacific Air Museum Hot Dog Thursday. Family event that takes place on the field among the airplanes & helicopters. $8–$10. Held first Thursday of the month. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum, One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum. org/events.

Friday 5

Fun Food Bingo. Evening of fun, food, games & family time. Play 10 games of Bingo for $10 and enjoy food/drinks for purchase. Primary fundraiser for Windsor High Project Grad. 5:30–9 p.m. Windsor Middle School. Multi-Purpose Rm., 9500 Brook Rd. S., Windsor. tinyurl.com/ yvb98mw2.

Ribbit Exhibit. Nationally-touring exhibition. Whimsical presentation of 20+ human-sized frog characters placed in vignettes throughout the Garden. $8–$15. Ages 4 & under: Free. Discounts available for teachers &

active military. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Runs thru Aug. 31. Sonoma Botentical Garden. 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen. sonomabg.org

Sensory Swim at the YMCA. For kids with sensory, motor, or other developmental needs. Registration not required, $10 for a family swim pass (2 adults & any minors in the same household). Fridays: 2:20–4 p.m. & Sundays: 9–10:30 a.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/37z2kwws.

Saturday 6

FREE Ancestral Sounds of Mesoamerica. Ages 0–8 yrs. Led by a certified facilitator, an exploration of hand-carved instruments that were used throughout Mesoamerica prior to colonization. 11 a.m.–Noon. Sebastopol Library Meeting Room. 7140 Bodgea Ave., Sebastopol. Other library branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/25ur7v34

Annual Trashion Fashion Runway Show. $35–$85. Supports Sonoma Community Center. Tacos Food Stand available 1 hour prior to the 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. showings. Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall. 126 1st St. W., Sonoma. tinyurl.com/dakm29cb.

FREE Club 509 Open Mic Night. Chop’s Rainbow Club. $5–$7. Held first Saturday of the month. 6–9 p.m. Chop’s Teen Club. 509 Adams St., Santa Rosa. facebook.com/ chopsteenclub. Info on membership: 707-284-2467.

FREE Family Bike Workshop. Tips, tricks, & tools for bicycling safely. Parents must participate with children & bring their own bikes & helmets. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Sebastopol

Independent Charter School. 1111 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol. Register: tinyurl.com/y7bpzsaf.

FREE Family Day with 123 Andrés. A bilingual family fun festival feel with refreshments, face painters, workshops led by local teaching artists, & a variety of activities led

by Sonoma State education students. 12:30–5 p.m. Family activities. 2 p.m. Performance by 2024 Grammy winners, 123 Andrés. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets required: gmc. sonoma.edu/free-family-day.

• LIVE PERFORMANCES •

of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks

•

of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition •

Public Star Party. Astronomical topics & telescopes are open for viewing. $5–$15. Ages 5 & under: Free, but still requires a ticket. Parking $10. Apr. 6 & 27: 8–11 p.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. tinyurl.com/mhrd98mj.

FREE Rialto Cinemas Family Matinees. October Sky. Family Matinees held the first Saturday & Sunday of the month Apr. 6 & 7: 11 a.m. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. rialtocinemas.com/sebastopol.

FREE Self-Guided Adventure. Rancho Mark West located on the ancestral home of the Southern Pomo people & the Mishewal people. Held the 1st Saturday & Sunday of the month. Bilingual. Directions emailed 3 days before the day of the outing.

Apr. 6 & 7: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Arrive by 2 p.m.) Registration required: tinyurl. com/4c59uwnv.

Sewing Creations. Geared for ages 4 & older. Sewing machines, embellishments, & materials provided. Specialist will be on hand to support families. Free with museum admission of $16. Infants 11 months & younger: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 1–3 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

FREE Spring Farm Tours. Cuddle with baby goats, learn sustainable farming, & shop for produce. $25–$40. Picnic area to enjoy at Noon. Saturdays & Sundays. 1–2:30 p.m. Kid feeding demonstration starts promptly 1 p.m. Runs thru April 28. Redwood

Hill Farm. 5480 Thomas Rd., Sebastopol. Reservations required: redwoodhillfarm.org.

The Wizard of Oz. An American classic, done with a touch of contemporary spice. $40. Students with ID: $10. Apr. 5–7: 7:30 p.m. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 N. St., Healdsburg. Tickets: tinyurl. com/3asuvd3f

Sunday 7

FREE It Starts With Hello Workshop. 6-month workshop for teens & adults with disabilities. Participants learn how to share their story & feel more confident effectively communicating. Held the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month. 1–2:30 p.m. Common Ground Society. 85

Fridays:

Saturdays:

Brookwood Ave., Ste. 12, Santa Rosa. commongroundsociety.org/calendar

Wednesday 10

Virtual Queer Book Club. Grades 7–12 & adults. Held the second Wednesday of the month. April’s reading: Less by Andrew Sean Greer. 5 p.m. Enroll & get Zoom link: tinyurl. com/bdz62fza.

Friday 12

FREE K-pop Club. Ages 12–17. New releases, Korean snacks, crafts, & chill-out with other K-pop fans. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Sonoma Valley Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/2zf2k4fm

Shipwrecked! Inspired by the true story of the unlikely hero, bombastic adventurer Louis de Rougemont. Apr.

12–13, 19–20, 26–27: 7:30 p.m. Apr. 14, 21, & 28: 2 p.m. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org

Saturday 13

A Spring Redwood Experience. Mix of hiking, scientific learning, sensory activities, & mindful meditation. $10 pp. Parking: $10. 9:30 a.m.–Noon. Jack London State Historic Park (meet in ranch parking lot). 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. jacklondonpark.com.

FREE Family Day at the Museum of Sonoma County. Noon–2 p.m.: Beginning sculpture making for all skill levels. Led by a local artist. 2–3 p.m.: Gallery talk. Free Family Days held the second Saturday of the month. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Museum of Sonoma

County. 425 Seventh Ave., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org/events/?eid=11082

FREE Levi’s Family GranFondo. Live music. Food/beer available for purchase. 8 a.m.: All riders. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.: Festival. Staging & start line: McClelland Ave. & Duvander Ln., Windsor. Festival: 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. Sign-Up: levisgranfondo. com/register

Second Saturday Cartoonist. Meet, watch & talk to Brenna Nuñez, whose comics appear in The New Yorker, Tales From La Vida: A Latinx Comics Anthology, Drawing Power, & Be Gay, Do Comics! Cost included with Museum admission. $5–$12. Age 3 & under: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 1–3 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln.,

Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/ breena-nunez

Sunday 14

FREE Blue Zones Project Petaluma Community Kick-Off. Come and get inspired to improve your health & well-being where you work, live, learn, & play. Fun activities, music, art, movement, & connection. Noon–3 p.m. Santa Rosa JC Petaluma Campus. 680 Sonoma Mountain Pwy., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/4as4t7y2

Friday 19

The Big Bounce America. An action-packed family-friendly day featuring the world’s biggest bounce house. $22–$45. Parking $10. Apr. 19–22. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa

Rosa. Full schedule, age levels/times: thebigbounceamerica.com

Saturday 20

Pond Farm Docent-led Tours. Begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Parking $10. 9:30–11:30 a.m. Armstrong Redwoods. Visitor Center. 17000 Armstrong Wood Rd., Guernville. tinyurl.com/bdd9h2x2.

FREE Animal Music Concert. Ages 0–8 yrs. Sing-along with live music. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. Other library branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/5ezpvcy7

FREE Annual Petaluma Bounty Plant Sale. Discounts to CalFresh/ EBT customers. Proceeds support

the Petaluma Bounty’s programs that provide healthy food to low-income families. Apr. 20: 2–4:30 p.m. Apr. 21: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Bounty Community Farm. 55 Shasta Ave., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/kxnw5htd

FREE Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival. Parade starts at Noon, and will march thru downtown. Food & antique vendors. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. 4th & Kentucky. petalumadowntown.com

FREE Closing Reception for Robin Dintiman Art Exhibit. Featuring large-scale analog photographs of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Donations accepted. 1–3 p.m. Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, Heron Hall. 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/4yv7w8rx

California law requires children entering TK or kindergarten to have these immunizations:

Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Hepatitis B

Polio

FREE Down the Rabbit Hole Celebration of Earth Day. Ages 0–12 yrs. Stories, games, & refreshments. Arts & crafts materials provided. Supplies limited. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Guernville Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guernville. Registration required: tinyurl.com/5hd86uwe

FREE Earth Day Festival. 50+ exhibitors, live performing arts, kids’ activities & crafts, beer & wine garden. Noon–4 p.m. Old Courthouse Square. 600 4th St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ mrydvk8p

YMCA Family Fun Night. Members: Free. Non-members: $10 per household (2 adults & children living in the same house). 4–6 p.m. Sonoma County YMCA Activity Center. 1111

College Ave., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/4xsve2c4

Kids Night At The Museum. Cowabunga, Snoopy! Drop your kids off for after-hours fun, including a pizza dinner, games, crafts, & more. Recommended for ages 5–10. $40/ per child. 10% discount off total order, if registering more than one family member. Members receive 20% off the per-child fee only. 5:30–9 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Advance registration required: tinyurl.com/42jynxcy

FREE Morning on the Farm. Children under 7 & their parents are invited to Summerfield’s Biodynamic farm. Visit the animals, hear a story, & meet early childhood teachers. 9:30–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School &

Saturday, May 11, 2024

11:00am - 6:00pm

Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org

Sunday 21

Annual Gem & Bead Show. $7 tickets at the door, CASH ONLY. Ages 11 & under: Free. Apr. 19: Noon-6 p.m., Apr. 20: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Apr. 21: 10 a.m–5 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ ychtwsvt.

Monday 22

Pasach Seder. Journey through the Haggadah with traditional songs, stories, and spiritual insights. Gourmet Passover dinner. English friendly. Adults: $60. Children: $40. 7:30 p.m. Hotel Petaluma. 205 Kentucky St., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ ys2pv256

Wednesday 24

FREE Walk Through the Grades Tour. Take a peek into Waldorf classrooms. Check out the campus & working biodynamic farm. Adults only. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org

Friday 26

Cotati Rohnert Park Co-op Nursery School 70th Anniversary Gala. Silent auction, gourmet delights, open-craft cocktail bar. 21+ only. $75 pp. 7–10 p.m. (Doors close 8 p.m.) Griffo Distillery. 1320 Scott St., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/5hdrzcux

FREE Schulz Museum Pop-up at Montgomery Village. Lessons for

Littles. Cut, paste, & collage a comic strip, color & learn about Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters with hands-on activities. 11 a.m.–Noon. Montgomery Village Courtyard. 911 Village Ct., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/4sxjv5tc.

The Little Mermaid Jr. A Theater for Children’s production for young audiences. $7. Preshow activities begin 30 minutes before show. Apr. 26: 7 p.m., Apr. 27: 1 & 3:30 p.m., Apr. 28: 3 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. atheaterforchildren.com.

Saturday 27

FREE 5 & Under Meet-up. For parents of a child under 5 yrs. with a disability, medical complexity

or any sort of unique need. Enjoy snacks & companionship with other Common Ground Society families. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m.–Noon. Common Ground Society.

85 Brookwood Ave., Ste. 12, Santa Rosa. commongroundsociety.org/ calendar

Cotati Community Yard Sale. Find some hidden treasures. 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cotati Room. 216 E. School St., Cotati. tinyurl.com/4e679658.

78th Apple Blossom Parade & Festival. Live entertainment, crafts, food, & vendors. Children’s activities. Presale: $10–$12. At the Gate: $12–$15. Ages 10 & under: Free. Apr. 27: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Parade 10 a.m.: Starts at Analy High School,

runs down Main Street, & ends at Calder Avenue at Noon. Apr. 28: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Ives Park. 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/ ycx636v8.

Sonoma County Home & Garden Show. Resources for remodels, home offices, energy upgrade, landscaping, accent pieces, & more. On-line purchase only: Family 4-pack, $25 (includes parking Gate 4). At-the-gate admission: $7 pp. Ages 12 & under: Free. Parking: $15. Apr. 27: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Apr. 28: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds Hall of Flowers Bldg. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomanorthbayhomeexpo.com

Sunday 28

FREE 38th Annual Petaluma Fall Antique Faire. Attracts more than 8,000 collectors, as well as first-time buyers wishing to collect & invest in real antiques. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Kentucky & Fourth Streets, Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com/antique-show.

Exploring Beethoven’s 5th with FLC! Learn about Beethoven with Conductor Francesco Lecc-Chong. $10–$20. Instrument Petting Zoo at 2 p.m. Event 3–4 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets: tinyurl.com/ m4258cu4.

Take Your Child to Work Day

Stay-at-Home Parent Edition

By Shannon Carpenter

April 24 is Take Your Child to Work Day. As a stay-at-home-dad, I have to show my children the wonderful world of unpaid labor. I’m a cook, maid, chauffeur, therapist, child psychologist, activist, nurse, and occasionally a bullfighter when a toddler doesn’t get a nap. Economists say that’s worth $126,000 a year, but I don’t even get a tax break!

My day begins at 6 a.m. because standard operating procedure for a stay-at-home parent does not include sleeping in. So, before the rooster yells, I’m already making pop tarts and sucking down coffee as if it’s jet fuel. Next, I sit for my first anxiety session of the day. For two minutes,

I contemplate life’s bigger questions. Will climate change wreck the world so that my kids have to live in a sea shanty one day? Are we close to a war that will cause the draft to be reinstated? Have I taught my kids enough to thrive in the apocalypse? Anxiety is one of the many benefits of my job. That and not having any PTO. Ever.

After I’ve totally freaked myself out, it’s time to get to the business of being an at-home parent. Primarily, that means touching really gross stuff. Kids (and life) are messy, and someone needs to clean it up. Fun fact, hydrogen peroxide can get biological stains out of a carpet. Do what you will with that information.

At lunch, I make something, the kids refuse to eat it, and then I eat it myself. Another benefit of an at-home parent is the excellent over-eating nutrition plan. I’ve gained 20 pounds.

After lunch, it’s time for another anxiety session. How’s the economy doing? It’s probably best not to look as a one-income family.

Afternoons are for adventures with the kids. Did you know that the World’s Largest Ball of Twine is a real thing? We’ve seen it! And so is the World’s Largest Pair of Underwear. (I’ll need them if I keep eating everyone’s meals.)

Ready for quitting time? No, that’s not 5 p.m. I’m still working well past dinner. For bedtime I will spend a good two hours doing baths, reading, and trying to get the kids to sleep while wondering if I have transferred my anxieties onto them.

But then I shut the door, and the house is quiet. I spend the next hour doom-scrolling, but then it hits me: I get to take the kids to work with me every day. I get to be the one that teaches them about the world. I am their rock.

For the last hour of my day, I realize all the memories we have made and realize that there is no other job I would want to do. I am where I belong. Then, one of the kids gets sick in the middle of the night, and I’m back on the clock.

Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father

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