Sonoma Family Life August 2023

Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Take

Huckleberry

the Helpful Hound

For more information on immunization requirements, including medical exemptions, visit www.shotsforschool.org.

KINDERGARTENERS MUST BE IMMUNIZED

California law requires children entering kindergarten to have these five immunizations:

• Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT)

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Polio

• Hepatitis B

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Children cannot be enrolled in or attend kindergarten unless they have up-to-date immunizations and an immunization record on file at the school. Your healthcare provider will need to assist you with updating your child’s vaccines. If you do not have a doctor or have questions about immunizations in general, please contact the Sonoma County Immunization Coordinator, (707) 565-4573.

If your child is not immunized with one or more of the required immunizations due to a medical reason, you will need to have an electronic medical exemption on file with the State of California Department of Public Health (CDHP). The electronic exemption must be filed by a California licensed Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). If your child previously had an exemption but is now being admitted to a new school, he or she will need to meet the new requirements for medical exemptions.

ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED

Your child should have an oral health assessment no later than May 31 of his/her first year in school. The assessment should be provided by a dentist or licensed dental health professional.

LOOKING AHEAD HEALTH CHECKUP REQUIRED FOR FIRST GRADE

A certificate verifying that your child has received a health checkup within the last 18 months is required within 90 days of entering first grade.

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hhh. That’s the sound of parents across the country breathing a collective sigh of relief. The school year is almost here! And that means no more long summer days trying to figure out how to entertain the kids.

But the start of school can bring its own issues. Like how do you get your kids out the door without meltdowns and power struggles? First, feed little ones a healthy breakfast. Check out “No-Fuss Breakie” (page 8) for grab-and-go oatmeal that’s perfect for school days. Then read “Smooth Mornings” (page 12) for evidence-based advice on how to help your children stay calm.

AOnce your students are actually attending classes, new questions may emerge. For instance, how do you connect with your children’s teachers? Educator and parent Janeen Lewis has you covered, offering effective strategies in her “Building Bridges” (page 16). And if you’re wondering how to best support a child who has just joined a sport, “The Power of Sports” (page 24) has some ideas.

As your family transitions into the new school year, don’t forget to make room for fun! Check out our Calendar of Events (page 28) for local ways to spend quality family time.

Happy School Days!

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Patricia Ramos

707-205-1539

patty@family-life.us

Features Editor

Melissa Chianta

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Production Manager

Donna Bogener

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Contributing Writers

Debbie Ausburn

Beth Brown

Shannon Carpenter

Janeen Lewis

Pam Moore

Karen Nochimowski

Billing

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

P.O. Box 351

Philo, CA 95466

(707) 205 1539

Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us

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Featuring a focus on Arts and Music

Grades

No-Fuss Breakie

Grab-and-Go Meal for School Mornings

By Momma Chef

Want a great way to kick-start your family’s busy day? I have you covered! Wake up to a delicious and healthy oatmeal breakfast. This recipe was definitely a hit with my boys, and it didn’t hurt that they thought it was cool to eat breakfast out of a mason jar. The look is so beautiful that this grab-and-go oatmeal even can be served at a fancy brunch. I like to make several at a time—they keep for about two days in the refrigerator. Nothing beats using fresh fruit. I love to add blueberries, banana, and strawberries. Feel free to switch up the fruit according to what’s in season and your kids’ tastes. ❖

Karen Nochimowski is the author of 6-Minute Dinners (& More!), a newly released cookbook filled with more than 100 simple recipes with six or fewer ingredients, including nut-free and allergy-friendly options. Gloria Estefan, Alex Borstein, Katie Couric, Howie Mandel, Margaret Cho, Barbara Corcoran, and many others have written testimonials for it. Karen also started and runs Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef’s Little Free Pantries. Part of the proceeds from the cookbook will go towards feeding those facing food insecurity.

5-Minute Overnight Oats

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz. container of strawberries

• 2 small packages of blueberries

• 2 cups milk of your choice (I like using plain almond milk.)

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (Use gluten-free oats if making a gluten-free recipe.)

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons chia seeds, optional but highly recommended

Instructions

1. This recipe makes 4 mason jars, so remember to divide ingredients above into 4 jars.

2. Slice the strawberries into quarters.

3. Layer the oats, milk, chia seeds, blueberries, strawberries, and maple syrup into 4 mason jars with lids.

4. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.

5. When ready to eat, stir and enjoy. Serves: 4

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Get Your Polka-Zydeco On

Cory Pesaturo is passionate about playing the accordion. He’s the only person to win a world championship in three categories: digital, acoustic, and jazz accordion. And he’s even played for the Clintons at the White House, not just once but four times. Now the musician will be bringing his custom-made accordion and mad skills to the Cotati Accordion Festival. Joining him will be more than 30 accordion musicians, including Erica Mancini, Sam Harnett, Elena Stenkina, and Tracey Collins. This outdoor festival will be held August 19 and 20, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m., at LaPlaza Park in Cotati. Tickets are $17–$32; kids 15 and younger get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. For details, go to cotatifest.com. Listen to Pesaturo at corypesaturo.com

See a Sacred Dance

Hula, a sacred Hawai’ian dance that expresses important cultural myths and stories, is usually practiced in Hawai’i. But for one day, it will be performed in Rohnert Park, at the Annual Pacific Islander Festival. Along with hula, there will be traditional Pacific Islander music, food, and arts and crafts. The event will be held on August 26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Rohnert Park City Plaza and is free. Find out more at tinyurl.com/5n7r2p4w

Listen to Live Music at the Apple Festival

Sam Chase has been playing guitar since he was teen. He grew up a punk rocker and now makes music that combines rock and folk with a bit of his old punk sensibility. The award-winning songwriter will be bringing his gruff voice (think a melodic Tom Waits) and world-wise tunes to the Gravenstein Apple Festival, when his band the Sam Chase and the Untraditional performs. Joining him will be 14 other acts, including Poor Man’s Whiskey, the Rainbow Girls, Royal Jelly Jive, La Agencia, and Eki’Shola and E. Doc Smith. Along with live music, the festival will also feature apple-based treats, ciders, and kids’ activities. Children can play games, enter contests, and make crafts, such as flower crowns, seed balls, felted soap, and sunprints. There will also be a Life on the Farm exhibit featuring live horses, piglets, llamas, cows, sheep, turkeys, Pygmy goats, and baby chicks. The festival, which won the Bohemian’s 2023 Best Festival award, will happen August 12–13, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol. General admission is $10–$30; ages 5 and younger get in free; a family pass (2 adults and 2 kids) is $55. To purchase tickets and see a complete performance schedule, go to gravensteinapplefair.com

C ory Pesaturo

Pacific Islander Festival

Sam Chase

This Car Is Going Places

In a fictional world where vehicles are living beings, a hotshot racecar named Lightning McQueen is off to a big competition when he gets stuck in a rundown desert town. His forced confinement has a silver lining, however: He eventually makes friends and learns that winning isn’t everything. Such is the plot of the 2006 Pixar Animation flick Cars. It and its sequel, Cars 2, will be shown outdoors on the lawn of the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park on August 12. Cars will be screened at 5 p.m. and Cars 2 at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $5; ages 12 and younger get in free, though tickets are still required. For more information, including film trailers, go to gmc.sonoma.edu/cars

Snoopy Inspires an Astronaut

Former astronaut Mike Massimino was six years old when he got an Astronaut Snoopy—the mascot, along with Charlie Brown, for the 1969 Apollo 10 mission. He never let his stuffie go and eventually took it into space with him in 2009. Now retired and a New York Times bestselling author, the 60-year-old Massimino will discuss his experiences as an astronaut and his love for Snoopy at 3-2-1! Snoopy and the Schulz Museum in Orbit. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, will join him for the talk, which will be held on August 5 at 2 p.m. at the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. Admission is $5–$15 for adults and free for ages 3 and younger. For more information, go to tinyurl.com/yn4p6acm.

A Tale of Four Twins

Two twins, both named Antiphola, are unaware of each other’s existence. To make things more confusing, both have servants named Dromia, who are also twins. It’s a set-up that leads to a multitude of humorous mishaps in Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. The Raven Players will offer their take on the play, which they’ve set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, in an outdoor production August 3–5 and 10–12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Healdsburg Plaza in Healdsburg. Admission is free. For details, visit tinyurl.com/4mzyrwut .

Mike Massimino

Pixar’s Cars

Comedy of Errors

RAY MABRY

Smooth Mornings Science Reveals the Secret

By Pam Moore

My five-year-old daughter and I tend to get into major power struggles in the morning. I make her the “wrong” breakfast. She wails like I’m torturing her as I attempt to brush her tangled curls. We are running late (again) but I take a minute to lock the bathroom door, turn the vent on, and cry. Why is this so hard? What am I doing wrong?

According to experts, my error is obvious. I’ve forgotten to start the day with connection. Instead of “making a deposit” in my child’s bank—in the form of cuddles, reading to her, or even asking how she slept, I’ve attempted to make a number of “withdrawals.” I’ve forgotten that my daughter’s brain is just not wired to accommodate that. As Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson explain in their groundbreaking book The Whole-Brain Child (Random House,

2012), not only are the structures of a child’s brain still forming, so are the pathways connecting them. The connections between the various parts of the brain are what allow adults to function like adults. You can credit those connections every time you use logic to push through fear, or hold your tongue in a meeting with your boss.

On the other hand, when you’re wondering why your kid loses his mind when you cut his carrots into

slices instead of matchsticks, much of it has to do with the fact that his brain is still immature. Though it takes at least 20 years for the brain to fully develop, there are steps parents can take to make life more bearable in the meantime.

Laura Markham, PhD, recommends snuggling with your kiddo for five minutes as they wake up.

According to Siegel’s concept of interpersonal neurobiology, secure attachments in childhood facilitate the brain’s ability to function as an integrated system. In other words, focusing on the relationship with your child, rather than all of the tasks she must complete, will not only make your mornings easier, but it will also promote your child’s optimal brain development in the long run. One of the key takeaways from The Whole Brain Child is that it’s crucial to connect with your child on an emotional level before trying to reason with him. The best way to help a kid through a tantrum is to first hug him or offer some other non-verbal sign of affection, like a loving, concerned look, a gentle pat on the arm, or a squeeze of his hand, and talk to him after.

Only after the child has calmed down enough to engage in conversation or to quietly listen, can he actually absorb anything you’re saying. According to Siegel and Payne Bryson, pausing to establish a connection serves a dual purpose. First, it strengthens the bond between you and your child, connecting you to each other. Second, this connection facilitates the building

of connections between the distinct areas of the child’s brain. Parents find taking a moment to connect can circumvent much morning stress.

Clinical psychologist and parenting expert Laura Markham, PhD, recommends snuggling with your kiddo for five minutes as they wake up. If five minutes of snuggling feels unreasonable, try two minutes, or even one. If snuggling in bed as your child rouses doesn’t fit with your routine, try something that does. It could be reading together, scratching her back, or simply holding her hand and making eye contact as you say good morning.

One friend said that even if she’s already dressed, she gets back into bed

with her son as soon as he’s up and spends a minute or two doing a simple gratitude ritual with him, where they say a couple things they’re thankful for. Whatever way you choose to connect with your child, make sure it’s part of

forms of connection throughout the morning, such as creating a silly morning song together, giving high fives, or sharing the joke of the day.

your morning routine. According to parent educator Kelly Pfeiffer, routines and connection work best when they’re used together. She suggests parents begin the day with some form of connection (i.e. two minutes of snuggle time) and intersperse other

THE SONOMA COUNTY LIBRA R Y

eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and comics

In my own quest to make mornings more bearable, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find how far even the briefest moments of connection take us. Some mornings, there’s time for my daughter to climb into bed with me for a few minutes. But when we’re running 20 minutes late, I still take the time to enter her room slowly, greet her with a smile, rest my hand on her shoulder, and look her in the eye while I say, “Good morning. How did you sleep?” It turns out, I don’t have time not to. ❖

Find Pam Moore at pam-moore.com.

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Sensory

Need a Break?

Sensory kits are available for in-library use and contain stress-relieving tools to help promote a sense of calm.

Sensory kits include: headphones, stress balls, bubble timers, pin art, glitter sticks, wobble cushions, and weighted lap pads.

Just ask sta for a kit!

It’s crucial to connect with your child on an emotional level before trying to reason with him.

Libby. Libby.

to come in or videoconference and answer questions.

Keep communications open and positive. Teachers welcome questions and concerns and are proactive. As a teacher, I would much rather know about a problem early so that I can deal with it in the best way. Your children’s teachers should be open to your questions and suggestions, so don’t be too intimidated to ask.

Building Bridges Connect with Your Kids’ Teachers

By Janeen Lewis

Do you feel intimidated when you think of talking with your children’s teachers? What if your children complain about problems with their teachers? What do you do then?

I’m a parent and a teacher, so I’ve been on both sides of the teacher’s desk. Here are some tips to help you communicate and connect.

Meet and greet the teacher. Teachers like to meet parents at the beginning of the school year so that if a problem does occur, a teacher’s first encounter with a parent isn’t a call about misbehavior or academic struggles. If your school hosts a Back-to-School Night, make it a priority to attend. Introduce yourself and show your support. Making this initial contact helps break the ice.

Be involved. One of the best ways to get to know your child’s teacher is to be involved with the school and

classroom. Because the beginning of school is a busy time for teachers, wait the first couple of weeks until the class has settled in, and then contact the teacher and ask, “How can I help?”

If you can’t volunteer during the day, offer to organize donations or supplies for projects by setting up a parent sign-up list online. Ask if you can cut out items the teacher has laminated, or track down supplies for a lesson. Come to after-school events, school productions, and parent-teacher conferences so that you are visible and can touch base with your child’s teacher.

If your career is related to something your child’s class is studying, offer

Keep up with written teacher notes, permission slips, report cards, and any other written communications the teacher sends home. Sending a quick response to a teacher’s requests makes the teacher’s job easier.

Remember to keep communications positive. If you have concerns or think the teacher has dealt unfairly with your child, don’t dash off a negative note. For sensitive conversations, call and set up a time to meet after school.

Of course, encouraging notes brighten a teacher’s day!

Get to know the teacher’s digital platform. Familiarize yourself with teachers’ digital platforms. Make sure teachers have your email and other contact information so you do not miss any electronic notifications. Tap into free trainings or tutorial videos about the digital tools the teacher uses. Investing time at the beginning will pay off throughout the school year.

Try to help your child see the teacher’s point of view.

Try to understand both sides. Teachers have a lot to manage in their classrooms, and with several students to supervise, sometimes they make mistakes or don’t see every problem. Your child may think something happened in class that wasn’t fair, and it’s easy as parents to react emotionally and blame the teacher. But support the teacher as much as possible while you gather information about what happened. Try to help your child see the teacher’s point of view, and talk about how people can have differences and still work together to succeed. Advocate for your child. Don’t be afraid to speak up if a problem in your children’s class becomes pervasive. If your children’s grades start to slip, they are continually

unhappy, or you suspect they are being bullied, work with their teachers to devise a plan to help.

a conference with the teacher and an administrator, and discuss your options.

Make a change as a last resort. Sometimes children have personality conflicts with their teachers. This actually offers a growth opportunity if teachers and students can work together in a respectful and productive manner. After all, this is what children will need to be able to do when they grow up. But if problems persist, it may be time to request

Understand that teachers are human. Most of the teachers I know are caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of the children they teach. Often, they are parents too, and although it is hard to imagine, at one time they were students who lived through awkward growth spurts, problems with peers, lost homework, and braces. They understand what parents and kids are going through, and they strive to build a positive connection between school and home. ❖

Janeen Lewis is a teacher, writer, and mom. She has been published in several parenting publications, and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales

children’s teachers should be open to your questions and suggestions.

The Power of Sports

Nurturing the Champions of Tomorrow

By Beth Brown

In a world dominated by digital distractions and sedentary routines, the significance of sports in children’s lives has never been greater. Let’s dive into the boundless advantages of sports. And let’s also explore creative ways parents can actively engage in their children’s sports journeys.

The Benefits of Sports

Physical Health Sports help children to develop strong bones and muscles, maintain optimal weight, and improve cardiovascular fitness. Engaging in physical activities at an early age sets a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle, mitigating the risks of obesity and other health issues.

Motor Skills and Coordination

Activities such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching enhance

children’s hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and overall physical dexterity, shaping youth into agile athletes.

Social Interaction and Teamwork

Team sports cultivate essential social skills. Collaborating, communicating, and cooperating with teammates foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. As they learn the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and respect for others, both on and off the field, children

develop into compassionate and empathetic individuals.

Self-Confidence

and Self-Esteem Sports provide a breeding ground for children to set goals, surmount challenges, and achieve personal triumphs. Each milestone they conquer fuels their self-confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to face the world with resilience and a positive mindset.

Discipline and Time

Management Sports demand discipline and commitment. Engaging in regular practice sessions and effective time management imbues children with crucial life skills. These attributes and skills can permeate other aspects of their lives, such as academics and personal responsibilities.

Mental Well-Being

Physical exertion results in a flood of endorphins—chemicals that enhance mood—and this helps diminish stress, anxiety, and depression. Sports can become a sanctuary where children can find solace, joy, and a healthy outlet for their emotions.

Creative Parental Involvement Be the Ultimate Cheerleader

As parents, we are provided with the extraordinary opportunity to inspire and motivate our children. So bring your brimming enthusiasm to their games and practices. Applaud their endeavors, irrespective of the outcome.

Encourage your children to explore a diverse range of sports and activities.

Spark the Flame of Inspiration

Parents are role models for their children. By immersing ourselves in physical activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we ignite a spark of inspiration within our children. Let them witness the joy and fulfillment that emanate from participating in sports. Engaging in shared activities, such as family hikes or friendly games of catch, will instill a lifelong passion for sports.

Tune into the Journey Engage in regular conversations with your children about their sporting experiences. Ask open-ended questions that unlock their thoughts, feelings, challenges, and goals. Actively listen, providing guidance and support when needed. By nurturing an environment of open communication,

we forge unbreakable parent-child bonds, amplifying the significance of children’s pursuits.

Cultivate Resources Ensure your children have access to necessary sports resources. Equip them with appropriate gear, comfortable attire, and a safe playing environment. Encourage them to explore a variety of sports, helping them discover their true passions. Find suitable coaching or training programs that will amplify their skills and unleash their potential.

Embrace Balance While sports hold immense value, striking a harmonious balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and leisure time is important. Encourage your children to explore a diverse range of sports and activities.

This holistic approach nurtures a well-rounded personality and shields against burnout.

Volunteer! Coach, manage teams, or organize events. Engage in fundraising efforts or help orchestrate sports-related activities. By actively participating, you not only become an unwavering pillar of support for your child, but also contribute to the creation of a flourishing sporting ecosystem for all children. ❖

Beth Brown, PhD, is the author of the children’s book series Adventures with Divot & Swish, which aims to inspire kids to engage in sports. Her youth sport participation paved the way for her success as a member of the University of Oklahoma basketball and conference champion women’s golf teams. She currently serves as Senior Player Development Advisor for the recently launched United States Golf Association’s (USGA) National Team.

Other People’s Kids

A Foster Mom’s Advice on Step-Parenting

By Debbie Ausburn

Afew years after our marriage, my husband’s ex-wife asked for custody of their youngest son. When we asked my stepson for his thoughts, he naturally did not want to say anything that sounded like choosing sides. So my husband asked him, “If you had a magic wand, what would your life look like?”

Instantly, he replied, “If I had a magic wand, you and Mom would still be together.” After a short pause, he anxiously turned to me and said, “No offense, Debbie. You and the dogs would be right next door.”

Now, understand that this child and I already had a tight bond. We did and still do adore each other. His wish had nothing to do with me. He was simply expressing a need that all children have: an intact biological family. No matter how outstanding a parent I am

to my foster and stepchildren, I am not and never will be the person who is supposed to be there.

Our Children Have Suffered

Loss Whether we are foster parents or stepparents, our children have suffered loss. Foster children obviously have suffered serious trauma that disrupted their families. Stepchildren also have been through some degree of trauma. Each of them has a need for an intact biological

family that is deep in their hearts, in a place not reachable by logic.

If we do not recognize that need, our reassurances will sound to them like we are simply ignoring their loss. Recognizing their trauma will help us acknowledge that their sadness and resentment are perfectly normal responses to abnormal situations. Only then can we be a part of helping them move forward.

I once [fostered] a six-year-old girl who woke up sobbing every morning, “I want to go back to my blue house.” My attempts to reassure her that she would enjoy school that day or that we would do interesting things at my house just made her cry harder. I finally learned that all I could do was hold her and let her cry herself out on my shoulder. Of course, I could marshal long-term resources, such as therapy. In that moment, though, there was no solution that could reach her loss. Sometimes we hesitate to label divorce as a trauma because we do not want to judge biological parents. I have learned to never judge another person’s decisions about their marriage. Nevertheless, we must be honest with our children. The situation that they are in carries a price for them. We can acknowledge that reality without placing blame on any particular person.

I had to recognize that this situation was not about me.

Do Not Expect Miracles Giving up

our expectations of a happily ever after may be the hardest part of parenting other people’s children. We all have heard inspiring stories of deep bonds developing between children and foster parents or stepparents. It is easy to start expecting that we, too, will have a picture-perfect family, proudly watching our children graduate from school and walk down the aisle into a healthy and loving marriage.

While that scenario can come true and be wonderful, the reality all too often is very different. We’ll have to brace ourselves for the Mother’s or Father’s Days when we do not get a text message, the birthdays that are overlooked, and the holidays when the children are not with us. We need

to remain committed to the family despite these disappointments.

I still have a strong and clear memory of standing at an extended family gathering for one of my children, looking at the backs of cheerful people clustered around a picnic table. All of

extended family, I was the new reality that they had not quite adjusted to. In short, I was not supposed to be there.

When life does not meet your expectations, there are not many options. If we struggle to make people act like our dream family, we will just make everyone miserable. We also usually fail. It is much better to give up our expectations and find beauty in the reality that we have. ❖

them were eating, chatting cheerfully with each other, and completely ignoring me. None of them meant to be rude. I was simply the odd person out, and no one knew quite what to do with me.

I had to recognize that this situation was not about me. To my child’s

Adapted, with permission, from Raising Other People’s Children by Debbie Ausburn. Published by Hatherleigh Press. Distributed by Penguin Random House. All Rights Reserved.

For more than 40 years, Debbie Ausburn has been working with at-risk children. She is a foster parent, stepparent, and author of Raising Other People’s Children (Hatherleigh Press, 2021). Find her at otherpeopleschildren.org.

must be honest with our children.

August Calendar of Events

Tuesday 1

FREE Santa Rosa Taco Tuesday Rides. All cyclists welcome to roll through downtown Santa Rosa. Taco trucks will be on hand to sell tacos & drinks. Tuesdays. Meet up: 5:45 p.m. Pedals up: 6:15 p.m. Humboldt Park. 1172 Humboldt St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/22v4kt7w.

FREE Luther Locals Live Summer Concerts. Aug. 1: Ellie James. Aug. 8: Tru Lyric. Aug. 15: Sebastian Saint James & the Muscle Souls. Wine/ beer, food trucks & artisan vendors. Tuesdays. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. Nelson Family Grand Plaza. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter. org/events.

FREE Tuesdays in the Plaza. Aug.

1: Eddie 9V (modern blues). Aug. 8: Danny Glick & the Hell Yeahs (rock/ Americana). Aug. 15: Los Pinguos (Latin fusion). Aug. 22: Free Peoples (folk rock). Aug. 29: Guest artist. Tuesdays. Concerts: 6–8 p.m. Food vendors: 5–8 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza.

Healdsburg Ave. & Matheson St., Healdsburg. tinyurl.com/j9b8wsbr.

FREE Lightyear. Outdoor film screening of Disney film. Bring blanket or low-back chair. No blankets on lawn before 4:30 p.m. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. Arrive 15 minutes before sunset. Windsor Town Green. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. tinyurl.com/4592f4vn.

FREE Beauty & the Beast Jr. Auditions. A Theater for Children is seeking actors ages 8–18. Eight performances Sept. 22–Oct. 1. Aug. 1: 6–9 p.m. Aug. 2: 6:30–9 p.m. Aug. 3: 7–8:30 p.m. Kid Street Charter School. 709 Davis St., Santa Rosa. Reserve an audition slot: atheaterforchildren.com.

Wednesday 2

Garden Party. Weed, plant, harvest & learn gardening practices at the edible garden. Members: free. Non-members: $16. Infants 11 months & younger: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Children’s Museum of Sonoma

County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Thursday 3

FREE Shakespeare in the Park: The Comedy of Errors. The Raven Players set this Shakespeare play in modern-day New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Bring blankets & chairs. Aug. 3–5 & 10–12. 7:30 p.m. West Plaza Park. 10 North St., Healdsburg. tinyurl.com/6yw64fub.

FREE Summer Nights on the Green Concert. Aug. 3: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (Zydeco/blues). Aug. 10: Hey Jude (Beatles tribute). Aug. 17: Sol Horizon (reggae/rock/funk). Aug. 24: Mama Said (rock). Aug. 31: Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones tribute). Thursdays. Farmers’ Market: 5–8 p.m. Live Music: 6–8 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. tinyurl. com/4hsw475n

Flynn Creek Circus: Desert Myth. Rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Aug. 3 (family night: table reservations $15 off): 7 p.m. Aug.

4: 7 p.m. Aug. 4 & 5: 5 & 8* p.m. (*adults 21+ only). Aug. 6: noon & 4 p.m. $18–$185. Sebastopol Grange. 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. flynncreekcircus.com

Sonoma County Fair. Admission: $12–$20; ages 5 & younger, free. (Free Admission Days for kids 12 & younger: Aug. 4 & Aug. 10). Aug. 3–13: noon–9 p.m. Carnival wristband tickets: $35–$40. Sonoma County

Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com

Pacific Air Museum Hot Dog

Thursday. Family-friendly. Walk on the field among the airplanes & helicopters. $8–$10. Held first Thursday of the month. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoast airmuseum.org

Mean Girls, Jr. Based on Tina Fey’s 2004 film & Broadway musical about a girl raised on the African savanna who must face the competitive social scene of her new Illinois high school. $15–$20. Ages 2 & younger: free. Aug. 3–6: 7 p.m. Aug. 5–6: 1:30 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yjnrx47v.

Friday 4

FREE Young Astronomers/ Striking Sparks. Robert Ferguson

Observatory virtual meeting for kids in grades 4–9 who are interested in all things space & want to meet like-minded friends. First Friday of each month. 7–8 p.m. RSVP for Zoom link: ncummings@rfo.org

FREE Shakespeare at the Lake. Lake County Theatre Company performs Measure for Measure. Bring low-back chair or blanket. Donations suggested. Aug. 4–6. 7 p.m. Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. laketheatre.org/shakespeare-at-the-lake

FREE Friday Night Live at the Plaza. Aug. 4: Curely Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (Zydeco & blues).

Aug. 11: Young Dubliners (Celtic rock).

Aug. 18: The Dune Dogs (Carolina Country-fried Swamp ’n Roll). Aug. 25: The Coffis Brothers (rootsy rock). Street fair: 6 p.m. Live music:

7–9:30 p.m. Downtown Cloverdale at the Plaza. 122 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. cloverdaleartsalliance.org/ fnlmusic

FREE Party on the Plaza. Food & live music. Aug. 4: Pontlyss Sisters. Aug. 11: Hip Pockets. Aug. 18: Rock & Roll Rhythm Revue. Aug. 25: Pride

& Joy. Fridays. 5–8 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. North Parking Lot. 500 City Center, Rohnert Park. tinyurl. com/2tjjkbmk

Saturday 5

S.T.E.A.M. Room. Toys & materials for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art & math. Free with

August 12 & 13 • 10am- 6pm

museum admission ($8–$16; infants 11 months & younger, free). Discounts available for qualifying guests. Saturdays. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/5yx94fkw.

Arts in the Gardens. Arts exhibit in the garden, along with music, beer, wine & food. Admission: $10–$30; free for ages 5 & younger. Wine tasting: $35. Aug. 5–6. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/2kcwerpp

3-2-1! Snoopy & the Schulz Museum in Orbit . Find out how Snoopy inspired former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, will join Massimino for this talk. Cost included with museum admission ($5–$12; free for members & ages 3 & younger). 2 p.m. (seating limited). Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Registration required: tinyurl. com/yyna8jj2

FREE Cornerstone Sonoma

Summer Music Series. Aug. 5 & 26: The Henry Coopers. Aug. 6: Chance McCauley. Aug. 12: Jacob Philip Benning. Aug. 13 & 19: Rock & Roll Rhythm Revue. Aug. 20: Traveling Wilburys Revue. Aug. 27: Busta Groove. Noon–3 p.m. (except Aug. 12, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.).

Cornerstone Sonoma. 23570 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. cornerstonesonoma. com/upcoming-events.

FREE The Karate Kid. Screening of 1984 classic movie. Part of the monthly free Family Matinees series. Aug. 5 & 6. 11 a.m. Rialto Cinema. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. tinyurl. com/4xtt6ub8.

FREE Family Bike Workshop. Learn tips, tricks & tools for bicycling safely. Children & parents must participate together & bring their own bikes & helmets. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Windsor Community Center. 901 Adele Dr., Windsor. Pre-registration required: tinyurl.com/mwh28j65.

A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shakespeare Meets the Beatles. Set in Ohio, 1969. $10–$20; ages 6–14, free. Aug. 5–6: 4–6:30 p.m.

Occidental Center for the Arts. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. tinyurl. com/44at43vx.

FREE Redwood Gospel Mission City Kids Festival. Students in grades K–8 will receive backpack with school supplies. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration, which is required, is limited to 800 people. Proof of grade level required. Register until Aug. 3 at Gospel Mission Thrift store (1821 Piner Rd., #A, Santa Rosa). Event site: Bayside Church. 3175 Sebastopol Rd., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/5r9dhdmh

FREE Creekside Nature Hike. Take 1.4-mile nature hike along Sonoma Creek. Learn about plants, animals & aquatic life. Parking: $10. Saturdays. 10–11:30 a.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (meet at Visitors Center). 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. tinyurl. com/3ttuwedn.

Sunday 6

FREE Live at Juilliard Concert Series. Aug. 6: Burrows & Dilbeck (R&B/pop/funk). Aug. 13: Erica

Ambrin & the Eclectic Soul Project (soul/R&B/hip-hop). Aug. 20:

Dylan Black Project (original blues/ funk/R&B). Bring blanket or chairs. Food & drinks available for purchase or bring picnic. 5–7 p.m. Julliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org/2169/Live-at-Juilliard.

FREE Common Ground Under 5 Family Meet-Up. For families with a child younger than 5 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. New location: 85 Brookwood Ave., Ste. 12, Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/9w33mjkh.

Monday 7

Zero to Hero: A Backyard Astronomer’s Adventure. New 6-session course for beginning astronomers. No equipment necessary. Class: $20–$25. Series: $96–$120. Aug. 7 & 21. 7:30 p.m. (switches to 6:30 p.m. in Sept.) Runs thru Oct. 2. Robert

Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Register: tinyurl.com/2496wk7y.

Saturday 12

Razzle Dazzle. Gentle ukulele music & song. Free with admission ($16; infants 11 months & younger, free).

Discounts available for qualifying

guests. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/5wjpt9rv

Second Saturday Cartoonist. Meet, watch & talk to Fred Noland, whose illustrations have appeared in Nickelodeon Jr., Xbox Magazine & Revolver. Cost included with museum admission ($5–$12; free for ages 3 & younger). 1–3 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/fred-noland.

Movies at the Green: Cars & Cars

2. Outdoor film screenings. Cars: 5 p.m. Cars 2: 6:45 p.m. Bring blankets & chairs. Lawn tickets: $5; 12 & younger, free. Green Music Center.

1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu/cars

50th Annual Gravenstein Apple Fair. Live music, arts & crafts vendors & children’s activities. Local food, wine & cider & heirloom apples. $10–$30. Family pass (2 adults, 2 children): $55. VIP tickets: $75–$150. Ages 5 & younger: free. Aug. 12–13: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Ragle Ranch Regional Park. 500 Ragle Rd., Sebastopol. gravensteinapplefair.com

Science Saturday: Marble Mazes. STEM adventure. Kids-only, interactive science hour. $10–$12. Parking: $7. Two sessions: 11 a.m.–noon or 1–2 p.m. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. Register for 11 a.m.: tinyurl.com/mrpdd4p6. Register for 1 p.m.: tinyurl.com/46x6puu3.

Tuesday 15

FREE Bilingual Dog Training/ Entrenamiento De Perros. Certified dog trainer offers instruction on loose-leash walking, attention-getting techniques & socialization strategies. 5–6:30 p.m. Andy’s Unity Park. 3399 Moorland Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/34c7h9vz

Wednesday 16

FREE Summer Campus Tour. Tour 38-acre campus, including biodynamic farm. Learn how Summerfield integrates their campus into every grade’s curriculum. Parents only. 2–3 p.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/4s9xb9my.

Friday 18

FREE Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade. 1989 adventure/action film starring Harrison Ford. Bring chairs & blankets. 7:15 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza. Healdsburg Ave. & Matheson St., Healdsburg. tinyurl.com/5329d8jr

FREE Movie in the Park: Super Mario Bros. Bring chairs & blankets. Food & drinks available for purchase. 8 p.m. Lucchesi Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/bdhrty9x

Saturday 19

FREE Summer in South Park. Live music, prizes & raffles, craft projects, face painting, ice cream & lawn games for kids. Bring a picnic. Food trucks available. Noon–3 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. 1671 Hendley St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/mr22vssj

Outdoor Survival School: Wilderness First Aid Basics. Learn the basics of wilderness first aid while exploring Tolay Lake Regional Park. $10–$12. Parking: $7. Two sessions: 10:30 a.m.–noon or 7–8:30 p.m. Tolay Lake Regional Park. 5869 Cannon Ln., Petaluma. Register for 10:30 a.m.: tinyurl.com/2uyxr9bc. Register for 7 p.m.: tinyurl.com/5n6r5c6c

Cotati Accordion Festival. Live music. $17–$32. Kids 14 & younger free when accompanied by paying adult. Aug. 19–20. 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Free parking & shuttle service to & from Cal Trans parking lot at corner of Old Redwood Hwy. & St. Joseph’s Way. Event: La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. cotatifest.com.

FREE Russian River Car Show. Vintage cars & trucks. 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Northwood Commons. 19420 Hwy. 116, Monte Rio. Parking is first come, first serve. tinyurl.com/2p9v3mar.

Sunday 20

FREE Downtown Jazz Series. Family-friendly concert featuring Chuck Sher Trio/Quartet. Sundays. 1–3:30 p.m. Helen Putnam Plaza (in front of Speakeasy Restaurant). 139-B Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. tinyurl. com/ydpx8bdv.

Saturday 26

Music from All 9 Star Wars Movies. Performance by Santa Rosa Symphony. Jedi costumes encouraged but not required. $30–$105. 7:30 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu/ star-wars.

Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival. Fine craft marketplace, tastings from 40+ wineries & breweries, 3 stages of entertainment & kids’ activities. Admission: $10–$25; ages 11 & younger, free. Wine & Beer Tasting: $30. Aug. 26: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Aug. 27: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Watts Ranch. 16855 Bodega Hwy., Bodega. tinyurl. com/567v6jv4.

FREE Cultivating Queer & Trans Community. North Sonoma Mountain. LGBTQ2IA+ support & explore nature together. Parking: $7. 1–3 p.m. North Sonoma Mountain. 5297 Sonoma Mountain Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ycyc7czs

Santa Rosa Marathon. Aug. 26: 10K, 7 a.m.; 5K, 9 a.m. Aug. 27: Full marathon, 6:30 a.m.; Half, 7:30

a.m. $59–$159. Register online: santarosamarathon.com

FREE Art Walk. Current exhibit is “?ay:a:khe čahnu (Our Language)” by Native artist Nicole Jones, whose work is based on her Southern Pomo culture & language. Walk around 2-acre garden. Bring lunch. Costa’s Tacos available for purchase. Donations accepted. Noon–3 p.m. Garden tours: 1 & 2 p.m. Laguna Environmental Center. 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yjtrxwvd.

FREE 11th Annual Pacific Islander Festival. Traditional Pacific Island music, dance, arts & crafts & food. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 475 City Center Dr., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/bdh99xse

Sunday 27

FREE Fête de la Musique. Featuring live music, sidewalk sales & children’s activities from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Benefits Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma & Marin. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Montgomery Village. Village Ct., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ yebf9zda

Monday 28

Museum Mondays for Little Ones: Pretend Picnic. Paper plate kite, watermelon sensory bag & paintings made with vegetables. Ages 1–5. 10 a.m.–noon. Before 11 a.m.: $10 per child & free for up to 2 adults per child. After 11 a.m.: regular admission applies ($5–$12; free for members & ages 3 & younger). Charles M.

Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/ museum-mondays.

Tuesday 29

FREE Virtual Meet-Up for Caregivers of Teens & Adults. Common Ground Society gathering for families or caretakers with a teen or adult with a disability, medical complexity, or any sort of unique need. Registration is required. 6–7 p.m. Info: commongroundsociety.org. Register: tinyurl.com/mr294nf3.

Wednesday 30

Breen Family Movie Night: Super Mario Bros. $5–$10. 6–9 p.m. Polly Klass Community Theater. 417 Western Ave., Petaluma. tinyurl. com/25zuu9vc.

Watch Out for the Curb!

An Open Letter to My Teen Driver

By Shannon Carpenter

Dear Beloved Teenager:

Aaaaa! Sorry, I feel like I had to get that out of my system right here at the start. You should in no way take that as an indication of your driving ability.

But also, CURB! Watch out for the CURB!

You and I have been through a lot together, and I wanted to take a minute to tell you how proud I am. When you were a toddler, you and I had so much fun on our little adventures. We went to the World War I museum, toured a coffee factory, and always stayed in our lane.

Yup, always stayed in our lane. Which in case you are wondering, is on the right side of the road. The right side, honey. THE RIGHT SIDE! Ignore my flop sweat. That

out of them.

happens when you get old and your life flashes in front of your eyes.

In kindergarten, I could see the woman you would become. A woman who was strong-willed and never let her ambition drift. A woman that always knew that it was not okay to let her responsibilities slide. I guess what I’m saying here is: Stop drifting out of your lane and aiming for other cars.

I loved watching you thrive in middle school. I was so proud of how well you got along with everyone. For example, you never hit anyone. You didn’t hit kids that were getting off the bus. You didn’t

hit adults that were crossing the street. I appreciate that kindness and so do my insurance deductibles. Now that you are in high school and learning how to drive, I find myself with mixed emotions. Some days I’m terrified that you are growing up and running stop signs. Other days I’m just scared of other people on the road. But mostly I find myself missing the time we spent together. And also, I miss undented rims. I know, driving in snow is hard.

Now as you go out into the world, please remember just a few things that your dear old dad learned over the years:

1. Confidence is key to becoming the person you want to be. For example, be confident that taking a speed bump at 50 miles per hour will wreck your suspension.

2. The road to life is full of ditches. Do your best to stay out of them.

3. Stop! Stop! Stop! For the love of all that is good, please stop! And smell the roses from time to time.

I know that it’s hard to listen to your old man as you grow. We have had our ups and downs. You don’t like me telling you what to do, and I don’t like hit-and-run lawsuits.

Now go out and live the life that you’ve worked so hard to build. I’ll always be here to help you along the way—and bail you out of jail. Get Luck Everyone, Dad ❖

Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist, co-host of The Dadhouse Pod , and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad Manual (Penguin, 2021).

The road to life is full of ditches. Do your best to stay