January is always a great time to evaluate your health and we’ve got just the family challenge for you (page 20)! While you’re considering health, parents-to-be and new parents may appreciate advice for choosing a pediatrician (page 22).
Parents of preschoolers might be thinking about fall enrollment, and our stories on preparing for kindergarten (page 16) and considering private school (page 10) offer valuable insight. Check out the annual Private School Guides to see what area educational institutions might provide your family.
No matter your child’s age, it’s always the right time to help them learn about goal setting. We’ve got tips on aiding kids in tracking progress toward whatever they set their minds to (page 18)! Having things to look forward to helps motivate children and adults alike, and this edition’s humor column gives you month-by-month opportunities to celebrate — from collecting rubber duckies to talking like a pirate!
Last but not least, this month’s recipe shares the story of a teen cooking contest winner (page 7). While a lemon bar recipe may sound sour, her success story is oh-so-sweet. Enjoy kicking off the new year by baking these award-winning treats!
Nadia S., a 15-year-old student at Insight School of Washington, has been named the winner of the 2024 K12 National Cook-Off Competition. Judged by Chopped winner Chef David Ho, the competition saw professional chefs review 300 submissions from students across the country in grades 6-12. Only six finalists made their way to Arlington, Virginia, to compete in the national event.
Nadia, who was in 9th grade when she entered the competition, impressed the judges with her creative and healthy approach to cooking. She plans to use the $1,000 prize money toward her goal of studying marine biology in Hawaii.
“I love cooking and baking for fun and to stay healthy,” said Nadia. “I want to always be able to provide healthy meals for myself when I graduate and go to college.”
Outside of cooking, Nadia also loves horses and volunteers to care for eight horses on her own. Despite her enthusiasm toward many subjects, her educational journey has not always been easy. Struggling in a traditional school environment, Nadia made the switch to an online program where she has thrived. She now excels with straight A’s, particularly in math, a subject she once found challenging.
“Being in online school has allowed me to go at my own pace and revisit lessons if I don’t understand something,” she explained. ❖
Family Style Lemon Bars
Crust:
1 cup butter (melted)
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
With fork, press crust into a square pan (9”x13” pan works). Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. While crust cooks, work on the filling.
Filling:
4 eggs, well beaten
4 Tbsp. lemon Juice (be a little generous)
grated lemon rind (one lemon)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Beat eggs and mix with other ingredients. Spread filling on hot crust and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Once done cooking, allow to cool a little and place in fridge for about 2 hours. Then sift powdered sugar on top and enjoy!
Art Celebrates MLK
Students in grades 7-12 are invited to create art inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. on mini canvases. Art will be displayed for MLK Day, Monday, January 20, and during February for Black History Month. Prompts, all art materials, and snacks will be provided. The activity tales place Wednesday, January 8, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Central Library, 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event, as well. View the schedule & register at tinyurl.com/386htyx6
New Year Health Hike
Kick off the new year with hikes at area parks on Wednesday, January 1. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers a naturalist-guided 2-mile family hike. Meet at the White Barn for the Bald Mountain Hike at 9 a.m., or at the Visitor Center for the Family Hike at 10 a.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is located at 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd. in Kenwood. Participants must register at tinyurl.com/52bcevum. A docent-led, 1.5-mile hike begins every hour from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Armstrong Redwoods Visitor Center, 17000 Armstong Wood Rd., in Guernville. All ages are welcome. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2889yh3f. Jack London State Park offers a 3.5-mile guided hike ($15 per person) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Meet at the Ranch parking lot of Jack London State Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd. in Glen Ellen. Find additional details at tinyurl.com/jtt5apk9. Parking for all three hikes is $10.
Lunar New Year Events
Museum of Sonoma County presents a free Lunar New Year Celebration featuring performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Assocation, including lion and tiger dances, Chinese songs, tea ceremony, and a Xinjiang performance. Sunday, January 19 from Noon–2 p.m. at the museum, 425 Seventh Ave., Santa Rosa. Visit tinyurl.com/ycxwu756 for complete details. Saturday, January 25, the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County celebrates the Year of the Snake with performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Association, adventures in the Chinese Zodiac, and more. Admission is $20 or $12 for museum members. Discounts may apply. From 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Learn more at tinyurl.com/jrmrwt33
MLK Day
Lunar New Year Celebration
New Year’s hikes
Winter Reading Challenge
Stay entertained this winter with Sonoma County Library’s Winter Reading Challenge. Complete four lotería-style reading activities to earn a prize book. Complete 16 activities to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a Nintendo Switch. Sign up for the Winter Reading Challenge at sonomalibrary.beanstack.org or in the Beanstack app. Paper logs are available at your local library, or download and print from home at sonomalibrary.org/Winter. The Winter Reading Challenge runs through Friday, January 31. Additionally, picture book lovers are invited to visit sonomalibrary.org/mockcaldecott to vote for your favorite illustrated books published in the last year.
School Town Hall Time
Join Santa Rosa City Schools for a town hall discussion of school consolidation and closures. Addressing the $20 million deficit, Santa Rosa City Schools hope to take this as an opportunity to redesign, revitalize, and innovate to better serve students with available resources. Community voices are essential as the district works to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for students. 6–7:30 p.m. Monday, January 13, Montgomery High School; Tuesday, January 14, Piner High School; Wednesday, January 15, Elsie Allen High School; Thursday, January 16: Maria Carillo High School; Thursday, January 23: Santa Rosa High School. Learn more at tinyurl.com/37kwabp5.
Release Your Inner Composer!
Learn to compose your own symphony as part of the Snoopy Family Concert Series hosted by the Santa Rosa Symphony. Composer Danny Clay will unlock participants’ imagination through interactive games and collaboration. Featuring music by Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorak, and Tchaikovsky, the event allows families to create memories while releasing their inner composer. Tickets are $10 per child and $20 per adult. Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m. Weill Hall, Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Visit srsymphony.org or call (707) 546-8742 for more details.
Winter Reading Challenge
Snoopy Family Concert Series
Educational Choices
Four Reasons to Consider Private School
By Pam Moore
From the moment our kids are born, we’re tasked with deciding what’s best for them. All that decision-making can be exhausting. So we caught up with experts in the field of education to help you make an informed decision when it comes to one of the most important choices of all — your child’s education. We asked why parents should consider private school. Here’s what they had to say.
Smaller Classes. One of the greatest strengths of any private school is smaller class sizes. At Nativity: Faith and Reason, a private Cahtolic school, smaller classes ensure each child is being met where they are at and encouraged to meet their potential. “Every child is known and loved in a safe environment that is more conducive to learning by way of smaller class sizes, more challenging
curriculum and more individualized attention and teaching,” principal Holly Peterson said.
Meanwhile, in the age of information, it’s becoming increasingly more important to give children the skills to think for themselves when consuming social and news media. According to Peterson, who has over three decades of experience in education, “Small class sizes and individualized
instruction give students the ability to become critical thinkers.”
Social-emotional Learning.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) gives children the skills to manage their own emotions so that they can ultimately make better decisions and be better citizens. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, it’s based on five core competencies: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
According to data, it’s effective. A 2011 meta-analysis published in Child Development notes, students who were exposed to school-based SEL curricula demonstrated notable improvements in social and emotional skills and behaviors as well as improved academic performance. Meanwhile, a 2017 Society for Research in Child Development study showed that children who participated in school-based SEL programs had higher graduation rates and safer sexual behavior thatn their peers, even 18 years post-intervention.
Many private schools emphasize SEL curricula. At neurodivergentfocused Temple Grandin School, for example, SEL is valued just as much as academics. “Of equal importance [to academics] is integrated social-emotional learning, so their children can develop meaningful friendships,” said Lea Anne Paskvalich, the school’s director of admissions and public relations.
Similarly, at Boulder Valley Waldorf School for pre- through middle school, there’s a focus on creating “a student-focused environment for the whole child,” said Ruth Godberfforde,
the director of advancement. She described an emphasis on “the academic, social-emotional and the physical,” or “head-heart-hands” that is foundational to every aspect of the Waldorf curriculum.
Extracurricular Opportunities.
Oftentimes, parents gravitate toward private education because of the extracurricular activities it offers. Because private schools tend to specialize in specific areas (e.g. math and science or the arts), students get to enjoy more specialized afterschool activities. That said, private school can also offer opportunities for a wide range of extracurriculars.
According to Susan Boyle, a school director of admission and marketing, the chance to expose kids to a wide array of experiences, starting at a young age, is a key advantage of
private school. She listed a diverse range of activities ranging from world language to visual and performing arts, and science/STEM.
Community. One of the top reasons many parents choose private
Many private schools emphasize social-emotional learning curricula.
school is the strong community it offers. According to Tom Mecsey, the principal at a private Catholic school, “The community and level of parental involvement in private schools is very special. Families who choose this option often have a lot in common, as they have made an intentional decision to send their
child to a particular school (often for similar reasons) rather than base it on a neighborhood, etc.”
Meanwhile, he says, that enhanced sense of community deepens children’s learning experiences. “We have found that there tends to be greater parental interest and involvement in the day-to-day activities of their children. This, in turn, fosters greater communication,” Mecsey explained. “The communication between school and home enables the school to be more responsive to students’ needs.” ❖
Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com. This article was originally published in The Boulder Daily Camera
Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the following information, but the information cannot be guaranteed. We recommend readers contact schools or visit their websites for the latest information.
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy 9–12 $12,740–$30,600* 3200 Rio Lindo Ave., Healdsburg 431-5100 • riolindo.org
Saint John the Baptist Catholic School TK–8 $8,717–$11,192* 217 Fitch St., Healdsburg 433-2758 • sjshbg.org Petaluma
Harvest Christian School TK–8 $5,060–$10,750* 3700 Lakeville Hwy., Ste 210, Petaluma 763-2954 • harvestpetaluma.org
Saint Vincent de Paul Elementary School TK–8 $10,950* 100 Howard & Union St., Petaluma 762-6426 • svelem.org
SCHOOL
Santa Rosa
2025 Sonoma County Private School Guide
Cardinal Newman High School 9–12 $23,400 4320 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa 546-6470 • cardinalnewman.org
Quest Forward Academy 8–12
$17,500 1500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa 387-1663 • qfhs.org/santarosa
Redwood Adventist Academy K–8 Call for tuition 385 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa 545-1697 • weloveredwood.com
Saint Eugene’s Cathedral School PK–8
$5,600–$6,600* 300 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa 545-7252 • steugenesch.org
Saint Rose Catholic School K–8 $8,450–$9,450 4300 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa 545-0379 • strosecatholicschool.org
Sonoma Academy 9–12 $56,580* 2500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa 545-1770 • sonomaacademy.org
Sonoma Country Day School TK–8 $33,500 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa 284-3200 • scds.org
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm PS–12 $30,000–$40,000 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa 575-7194 • summerfieldwaldorf.org
Sebastopol Charter
K-8 Waldorf Public School Since 1995
ANNUAL OPENHOUSE & ENROLLMENT EVENTS
Open House
Saturday, February 4
10am–Noon
Open House and Presentation on Waldorf education for parents only. Sign up for all events on our website.
Parent Tours
Enrollment Tours
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL PARENT TOURS & OPEN HOUSE
January 10 and March 2 from 8:45am to 10am For Parents Only All Tours take place at our school
Annual Open House
Free Before & After School Care (6:45am - 6:00pm) with Culinary, Gardening, Yoga & More
Low student-to-teacher ratio
STEAM Lab with 3D printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and soldering stations
Students participate in PE, Music, Robotics, Fine Arts, Ceramics
Beautiful country setting on 10 acres
Small middle school
Free breakfast and lunch daily
Science Field Trips through Pathways
Kindergarten Ready?
By Vanessa Dodge
WChecklist to Prepare for Fall
hen our son, Reilly, was turning the big 5, and kindergarten loomed large on the horizon, his preschool teachers assured me he was ready. Just to put my own mind at ease, I read up on the signs of kindergarten readiness and made a checklist:
• Cuts with scissors: Yes.
• Traces basic shapes: Yes.
• Sorts similar objects by color, size, and shape: Yes.
• Recognizes groups of one, two, three, four, and five objects: Yep.
• Recognizes alphabet letters: Practically since he exited the womb.
• Counts to 10: Check.
• Bounces a ball: Check.
• Recognizes authority and follows rules: Check.
• Recognizes some common sight words like “stop”: Especially if it is written on a red octagon at an intersection.
• Recognizes rhyming sounds: Can you guess? It’s a yes!
• Identifies the beginning sound of some words: Did you know that “cute” starts with cue-cue-Q? And “white” starts with why-why-Y?
• Shows an understanding of general times of day: Particularly if they are associated with food or fun.
• Talks in complete sentences of five to six words: Often in one long, continuous, run-on sentence of 500 or so words, especially when I’m waiting for him to take a breath so that I can ask him to get dressed or set the table etc.
• Shares with others: So long as it isn’t a favorite brand-new toy.
• Separates from parents without being upset: We’re working on it!
• Looks at pictures and then makes up stories: Particularly if the picture is of construction equipment or a dead fish rotting on the sea floor.
• Listens to stories without interrupting: As long as the story isn’t about a crane. Or a shark. Or a dead fish rotting on the sea floor. Or a volcano, for that matter. Or, when I come to think of it, the formation of the solar system and the Earth. Or, since we’re on the subject, tornadoes. Or …
from Gigi’s bunny house. CAUSE: To discover what sister will do. EFFECT: That girl can scream!
• Manages own toileting needs: Very good at this, I’m happy to say. The only thing he
dressed is with socks. You don’t want to hear the sock drama.
• Can exercise self-control: As long as we are not putting on socks (see above). ❖
Remember, you have time to work through these things at your child’s pace. Joking aside, hopefully this list helps you feel confident in handing over some of your children’s learning to folks formally trained in how to facilitate it, and to pass the baton of preferred playmate to the little boys and girls who will hopefully seize it. ❖
Vanessa Dodge lives in Petaluma with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Mom Writers Literary
Woodland Star Charter School
to choose a rgarten!
Goal Getters Setting Kids Up for Success
By Rebecca Hastings
Setting goals is nothing new for many grown-ups (I’m looking at you, New Year’s Resolutions!) But goals are not just for the new year, and they’re not just for adults. Kids benefit from working toward something they want to achieve. Whether it’s a cleaner room or less screen time, kids benefit from setting age-appropriate goals.
Discuss Details — Set a start date and an end date. Kids often need quick wins, so shorter time frames are great. Have young kids go for a few days and build up to a week. Older kids and tweens can go longer stretches, but usually no more than a month. Offering quick wins gives them confidence and momentum to stick with it.
Another important detail is how your child will track progress. Try an app or the classic sticker chart. Even a simple star on the family calendar works.
Kids benefit from setting age-appropriate goals.
Decide What to Do — As parents, we can think of a few things our kids could work on! But what will improve their daily life and offer them a chance for success?
If they’re working on being more active, don’t start with walking a mile a day. Start with something fun like taking the dog for a family walk after school. If a clean room is the
goal, try making the bed daily. Once they have succeeded in that area, they can build on it.
Walking the dog twice a week becomes four times a week. Making the bed grows to put dirty clothes in the hamper too. Allow each goal to grow over time.
Your Focus Matters — A negative approach won’t get you far. It’s true for us and our kids. While we may want them to stop eating
To make your child’s goal-setting successful, consider how your child will track their progress.
junk food or to spend less time on screens, focusing on the positive yields better results.
Instead of eating less junk food, try eating an extra veggie each day. Cutting down on screen time becomes playing a new card game. Finding something good to do is more enticing than stopping something else.
Secret to Success — We all want our kids to be successful and doing things together helps.
Kids have a hard time saying no when mom or dad sits down to play cards with them or challenges them to race to the mailbox. Even a contest to make your bed the fastest motivates kids to do the work.
Handling Setbacks — None of us want to believe there will be setbacks in goal setting, but perfection isn’t realistic. There will be days when
things don’t go perfectly. The key is how you handle it.
Keep in mind: One missed opportunity isn’t a failure. Give grace and keep going. Losing steam feels frustrating. Look back at the progress that has been made. Things sometimes go haywire. Give a fresh start with a shorter time frame. No matter which method you use, your kids will learn that goals are not a pass/fail system. It’s all about progress.
Reward System — Before kids even start working on a new goal, decide how they will celebrate at the end of the time frame. Will it be going out for ice cream or watching a favorite movie? Maybe a campout in the living room or a trip to the
bookstore? What about an extra story at bedtime?
Whatever reward you give, make sure it doesn’t undo the hard work your child has done. The reward
should be clear at the beginning and it should be finite. Having ice cream every night now that your child is eating more veggies doesn’t support the goal. The reward is a singular experience to celebrate the progress they made.
To make your child’s goal-setting successful, consider how your child
will track their progress and work toward an appropriate reward that is motivating and works for you. For most kids, rewards need to be immediate to associate it with their hard work.
After a week of making their bed, the extra bedtime story is on night seven. When they have walked the dog twice a week for a month, a walk to the ice cream shop is on day 30.
Define goals, track progress, and present rewards to give kids success in setting their own goals now and in the future. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate. Connect with her at rebeccahastings.net and on Instagram.
2025 Challenge
Ways to Prioritize Your Health
By Pam Molnar
Author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.” Make 2025 the year you will challenge yourself to finally make your health a priority.
Improve Your Sleep According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should have at least seven hours of sleep each night. A good night’s rest boosts your immune system, improves your cognitive and mental health and lowers your risk for serious health problems like heart disease.
Challenge yourself to add time slowly —15 minutes more a night until you reach your goal. If you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, disconnect electronic devices, and adjust the temperature to make the room cooler. Try these apps for
better sleep: Calm, Headspace, or Stella Sleep.
Dry January As much as we probably hate to admit it, we overdid it this holiday season. Moderate alcohol drinking is defined as two or fewer daily drinks for men and one or fewer daily drinks for women per the CDC. Dry January is a public health initiative launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, challenging you to remove alcohol from your diet for 31 days. People completing the challenge report better sleep, weight loss, and money savings. To get you through this cold turkey challenge, try
mocktails or alcohol-free beer and wine. Dry January apps to keep track of your progress include Try Dry or Drinker’s Helper.
10,000 Steps Walking 10,000 steps is the equivalent of approximately five miles. That sounds like a huge undertaking, but the Mayo Clinic reported that most adults walk 3,000-4,000 steps just doing things around the house and at work.
According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should have at least seven hours of sleep each night.
While everyone’s pace is different, a 30-minute walk is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 steps. Start your journey with a 30-minute walk with the dog or a friend and expand on it until you get to 10,000. Try these apps to track progress: Charity Miles, Map My Walk, or Footpath.
Drinking Water We all know what is good for us, but how much is enough? According to the Mayo Clinic, eight cups of water a day is easy to remember and a reasonable goal. However, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests that an adequate daily fluid intake for healthy adults is 15.5 (124 oz.) cups of fluids a day for men and 11.5 (92 oz.) cups a day for women. If just drinking water is too overwhelming, try adding vegetables with high water content to your diet such as celery, cucumber, and zucchini. You can also drink fruit and vegetable juices as well as milk and herbal teas. To keep you on track,
use these apps: Waterllama or Daily Water Tracker Reminder.
Digital Detox According to Reviews.org, Americans average four hours and 25 minutes of screen time each day on their mobile devices. To check your screen time on iPhone, Open Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity. On Android: Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
Time for a detox? While I don’t think many of us can go cold turkey, it is probably reasonable to challenge ourselves to cut our usage in half. You can also remove social media apps from your phone or try apps for setting time limits: Offscreen, OneSec, or Opal.
Get Outside Among the many outdoor challenges, 1,000 Hours
Outside, suggests a goal of that many hours outdoors every year. It was created based on a study that suggests that children spend 1,200
Start your journey with a 30-minute walk with the dog or a friend and expand on it until you get to 10,000 steps.
hours a year in front of screens and 1,000 hours outdoors is a way of counteracting that.
The median screen time is 1,100 — about three hours a day. Why not challenge your family to an equal amount of hours they outside? Try the apps 1000 Hours Outside or NatureDose.
Eat 30 Plants Thirty different plants is a challenge but when you break it down, it’s less than five a day. Eating a variety of plants creates a more diverse gut biome, which helps you to fight disease and infection, and properly digest food. The good news is that plants also include beans, grains, and nuts.
However, to create diversity in the plants you eat, you can only count each different plant in your challenge. That means if you eat carrots three times a week, that only counts as one. These apps offer recipes and tracking: Foodmonster, Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen, or Zoe. ❖
Pam Molnar is a writer and mother of three who strives to make her health a priority.
Grades TK-12
Sonoma, Solano, Napa & Marin Counties Free public flex-based independent study program
College & career preparatory Fully WASC accredited Community vendors & field trips
Our program is founded on the model of the educational team, which is the partnership between the student, parent or guardian, and the Pathways independent study teacher.
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Doc Talk How to Select a Pediatrician
By Cheryl Maguire
Being pregnant with a new baby is exciting and scary. You may feel overwhelmed with information and decisions that you need to make regarding your child’s care. Who will be your child’s doctor is one of the most important decisions you need to make as a parent.
“Your child’s pediatrician helps nurture and guide your child into adulthood,” said Dr. Ruby Dey, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente practicing in Columbia Gateway. “Once you find a practice that seems right for your family, you should schedule a ‘getting to know you’ face-to-face visit.”
As mom of three kids, I remember this process well. Before my twins were born, I met with a pediatrician and had a list of questions. A lot of people in my community used this doctor, but I didn’t really like his personality.
I overlooked this red flag, ignoring my instincts, and I decided to use him anyway. About six months later my
kids had two different issues that he didn’t address, so I switched doctors.
“If you don’t click with your pediatrician then you should feel free to change. Don’t feel bad since it happens all the time. Most commonly for insurance reasons, but sometimes for personality reasons,” Virginia Keane, MD, director of the Complex Primary Care Program at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, said.
Here are tips to help you find a doctor that is a good fit for your family.
Ask for Recommendations
“Ask around at your prenatal group,
any nurses you know, people at your house of worship or clubs,” Dr. Keane suggested.
If you are a new mom in a new community like I was, it may be difficult to find recommendations.
Dr. Keane suggested asking your insurance company or checking the web site for the American Academy of Pediatrics to find pediatricians by locale.
Even though your baby isn’t born yet you can join mom groups either online or in person. Asking these moms who they use for a doctor would be a great place to start your search. I asked people at the gym I went to and friends that I worked with. You can ask your own primary care and OB-GYN for suggestions. Make sure to interview at least three different doctors to get a broad perspective.
Location When your child is sick or hurt you don’t want to have to travel a long distance. One time my son was having trouble breathing due to pneumonia. My doctor’s office was only five minutes away and they told me to bring him in immediately and they gave him a cortisone shot. He was breathing better within minutes, and I was grateful the practice was close to home.
Experience I’ve dealt with experienced doctors that were so rigid that they misdiagnosed an issue. I’ve also seen new doctors that made mistakes due to inexperience. But being new to the field might not matter. “Keep in mind that if a pediatrician doesn’t have much experience, they can consult with their more experienced peers if needed,” Dr. Dey said. “Our pediatricians are part
of a large multispecialty practice with access to hundreds of experienced pediatricians and specialists.”
You might not be concerned about the length of time they have been practicing but you can make sure they are board-certified as a pediatrician by The American Board of Pediatrics.
“Experience is helpful, but not essential. Young pediatricians enter the practice with enthusiasm and new scientific knowledge that can overcome a lack of experience, especially if there is a more senior doctor in the practice to whom they can turn to with questions,” according to Dr. Keane.
Personality “If you don’t click then it’s probably not going to work. This is a person a parent needs to trust with
their most precious, beloved child,” Dr. Keane said.
As a new parent, you will have lots of questions and concerns. You want to feel as if you can trust your doctor to
Make sure to interview at least three different doctors to get a broad perspective.
listen and communicate effectively. If you get a sense, like I did, that your personality doesn’t mesh with your doctor’s then pay attention to that.
Other Red Flags Short hours, multiple offices, hard to get through to on the phone, or lost their license,
even if they got it back. “If people say they have trouble getting referrals or they aren’t sure their doctor listens to them or takes them seriously then consider how you would feel if that were you,” Dr. Keane said.
Be wary of pediatricians that are not willing to answer your questions or cut you off when you speak. Dr. Dey added, “A pediatrician is a good fit if you can engage in open, honest conversations about your child’s health.”
Interview Questions Before you select a doctor, set up an interview to get a sense of their personality and values. Pay attention to the waiting room, office, and patients. Is it clean? Are there a lot of people waiting? Here are some questions you could ask:
Am I able to see you the same day
What if I need to see a specialist,
What hospitals are you affiliated
If I disagree with your diagnosis,
What is your philosophy about vaccines, breastfeeding, antibiotics,
What is the availability of sick visit appointments? How are the after-hours calls handled (answering service, nurse call line)?
What are the cancellation and no-show policies?
Making the Decision Now that you have gathered information, you can better choose your child’s doctor.
“A good pediatric practice will function as a medical home, providing care that is comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated, easy to access and committed to quality and safety,”
Dr. Keane said.
Dr. Dey agreed, “At the end of the day, you need to love your pediatrician. If you don’t, keep looking. ❖
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Parents Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her on X @CherylMaguire05.
Synergy Family Services offers post-adoption wraparound care to transform family dynamics through a family systems approach. We empower families with tools for emotional regulation, success in school, managing household tasks, and engaging in meaningful activities. Our services foster stronger connections and holistic well-being for adopted children and their families. As part of our support, we may cover certain costs if they align with the family’s plan and promote positive growth. Together, we create lasting, positive change.
January Calendar of Events
Crabby for a Cause
Here is a chance to support the Montgomery community through the annual Montgomery Education Foundation Crab Feed. Dinner includes crab, clam chowder, salad, and bread, plus a no-host bar, wine, beer, and soda. Dessert will also be available for purchase from the Project Graduation organization. Entertainment will be provided by Montgomery High School students and silent and live auctions will take place. Dinner is $70 per person, or $45 for to-go meals. Saturday, January 18 from 5:30–9 p.m. at its new location, Friedman Event Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. Learn more and purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/4c9uywfy
Wednesday 1
FREE First Day Hike: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Naturalist-guided 2-mile family hike. Parking: $10. Bald Mountain Hike: 9 a.m. (Meet at the
Who Wants to Compose a Symphony?
JANUARY 26 AT 3 PM
WEILL HALL, GREEN MUSIC CENTER
Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor
Danny Clay, composer
White Barn). Family Hike: 10 a.m. (Meet at the Visitor Center). Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Registration required: tinyurl.com/52bcevum
Release your inner composer! Through interactive games and collaboration, Danny Clay will ignite your imagination and unlock untapped creativity. Learn how to compose a Symphony!
PLUS! Music by Beethoven, Mozart, Dvořák & Tchaikovsky
FREE First Day Hike. Docent-led. 1.5 miles. Parking: $10. All Ages welcome. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Hikes every hour until 1 p.m. Armstrong Redwoods. Visitor Center. 17000 Armstong Wood Rd., Guernville. tinyurl.com/2889yh3f.
Gentle First Day Hike: Jack London State Park. 3.5-mile guided hike. $15 per person. Parking: $10. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Meet-up at the Ranch parking lot). Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. tinyurl.com/jtt5apk9
Luma Ice, Petaluma’s Outdoor Ice Rink. 5,600 sq. ft. of covered real ice. $10/person for 90 minutes. Six sessions. One adult required per 5 kids under 18. Jan. 1: Noon–10 p.m. Jan. 2–7: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sonoma–Marin Fairgrounds. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. lumaice.com
FREE Chanukah on Ice. Chanukah music, Menorah lighting, latkes, & donuts. $15–$20. Ages 3 & under & non-skaters: No charge. 4–6 p.m. Sonoma–Marin Fairgrounds. 100 Fairgrounds Dr. Petaluma. tinyurl. com/3xzc73mz. Create precious family memories
Snoopy Family Concert Series underwritten by Victor and Karen Trione and Irene Sohm
FREE LBC Sculpture Garden. Self-guided tour with sculptures by local artists & new lighting designs that lead through tunnels of twinkle lights & whimsical stops along the paths. Open to the public. Dusk–9:30 p.m. daily. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/y3n5eeym.
Thursday 2
FREE Sound Studio Basics. Ages 13 & up. Record a song, podcast, or story with GarageBand. Learn the basics of the sound studio hardware and software. Maximum of 3 participants. Thursdays. 10–10:30 a.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule & register: tinyurl. com/3e2u47ae.
FREE Storytime for Families. Ages babies–toddlers. Interactive stories with music & movement. 11–11:30 a.m. Sonoma Valley Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl.com/bdfmvbwn.
Friday 3
FREE Magician Mike’s Winter Magic Show. Grades K–6. 11 a.m.–Noon. Rohnert Park Library. 500 City Center, Rohnert Park. tinyurl. com/4kaf29da.
Saturday 4
FREE Compost Weekend. Collect compost for your gardening needs. Rain or shine. Jan. 4–5: 10 a.m.–Noon. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. cotati.recdesk.com/ Community/Calendar
FREE Imitate an Illustrator. Ages 4 & older. Discover award-winning children’s books and illustration techniques. Choose an illustrator & create your own masterpiece in their style. Supplies included. 2–3 p.m. Guernville Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guernville. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl.com/3nht5rpf
Sunday 5
FREE Immigration Legal Clinic & Resource Fair. No appointment necessary. For more info: 707-856-4988. 1–5 p.m. tinyurl. com/5n85b3w6
FREE New Year’s Vision Boards. Ages 12 & older. Make a vision board with inspiring words, goals, or an PLAYFUL, FAMILY-FUN THEATRE FOR THE KID INSIDE US ALL!
THE PEKING ACROBATS®
The Peking Acrobats® perform daring maneuvers with technical prowess that pushes the limits of human ability and defies gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. See trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics - all before your very eyes! The performance features live musicians on traditional instruments playing timehonored Chinese music and high-tech special effects – all of which creates an exuberant program with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival.
Nature Explorers. Hands-on program. Ages 4 & up explore nature around the Museum with a California Naturalist. Members: Free. Non-members: $16. Infants 11 months & younger: Free. Discounts may apply. Mondays & Wednesdays. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/mpm9ux7e
Wednesday 8
FREE West African Rhythm & Body Movement. Grades K–6. Interactive program led by local educator Tyehimba Kokay. Roseland Library.
3–4 p.m. 470 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl.com/2t8mmzwa
FREE Petaluma Library Chess Club. No experience necessary. Some instruction available. All ages welcome. Wednesdays. 3–4:30 p.m. Petaluma Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. tinyurl. com/2p9j5ant.
FREE Tiny Arts for Teens. Grades 7-12. Design mini canvases that honor MLK’s legacy. Artwork will be displayed for MLK Day (January 20) and throughout Black History Month. Prompts, art materials, & snacks provided. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Central Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. Other Sonoma Library branches will host
this event. View schedule & register: tinyurl.com/386htyx6
Thursday 9
FREE 4Cs–Information Day. Learn how to start your own childcare business & meet licensing requirements through Zoom sessions. Call or email for link: 707-522-1413, ext 156. or swhipple@sonoma4cs.org. 9 a.m.–Noon. Visit sonoma4cs.org/ events/month/2025-01 for a schedule of similar sessions.
Friday 10
Bring Your Own Telescope. Learn how to use your telescope. One-on-one guidance from docents. $55.66-$85.08. Tickets will not be sold at the door. 5–8 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe
Our program for students in K-5th grades provides farm, nature, and art-based experiences during local schools’ early-release hours, as well as for home schooled children. Engaging activities and projects are introduced continuously, following themes that are inspired by the children’s and teacher’s interests. Homework support and a snack are provided. Wed. 1pm-4:30pm, extended care available 11:30am-1pm
FREE Common Ground Society Meet-up. For parent of a child under 5 years with a disability, medical complexity, or any sort of unique need. Enjoy snacks & companionship with other CGS families. Siblings welcome. 10 a.m.–Noon. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Registration required: tinyurl. com/4vnzth5t.
FREE Santa Rosa Mother’s Club Preschool Fair. 10:30 a.m.–Noon. La Casita Day School. 4044 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/2czdtndy.
FREE Take Time to Read with Corazón. Family event with book
giveaways, catered lunch, & storytime. Program offered in English & Spanish. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper S., Healdsburg. tinyurl. com/49a327hv.
Second Saturday Cartoonist. Meet, watch, & talk to Eliza Reisfled, whose work includes her most recent book, My Zoo: A Book of Feelings. Cost included with Museum admission.
$5–$12. Ages 3 & under: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 1–3 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/eliza-reisfeld.
Teen Night At the Museum. Ages 10–15 explore the Museum with scavenger hunts, relay games, pizza, games, & crafts. $40. (10% sibling discount.) Members receive 20%
off the per-child fee only. 5:30–9 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration: tinyurl.com/bdd88yyv
Tuesday 14
FREE Spanish Music & Movement at Huerta Gym. Ages 0–5 yrs. Even if you are not fluent in Spanish, experience the language through stories & activities. Jan. 14 & 28: 11–11:30 a.m. Windsor Regional Library (Offsite Huerta Gym) 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. Other Sonoma Library branches will host this event. View schedule: tinyurl. com/2hcdbuh5
FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon. Exclusively for children with sensory processing differences & their families or caregivers. Enjoy hands-on exhibits
in a safe, accessible environment. Second Tuesdays. 2–5 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration recommended: tinyurl.com/mpm9ux7e.
Wednesday 15
FREE Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents On-line Support Group. All expectant parents (2nd & 3rd trimester) welcome: Moms, birthing people, non-gestational parents, partners, couples, & single parents. Third Saturdays. 10 a.m. Register: tinyurl.com/yzka8ncs
Saturday 18
FREE Volunteer Day. Giveaways & fun farm experiences. No experience
needed — all ages welcome (kids under 12 require parental supervision). Seasonal garden chores for spring planting. Bring hard shoes & gloves. 10 a.m.–Noon. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. tinyurl. com/4v84zft3.
FREE Learn to Save a Life. Basic first aid & life support, CPR skills, and hands-on demonstrations. Jan. 18 & 25: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. Registration required: tinyurl.com/2snu27dt.
Annual Crab Feed. No-host bar. Music by Montgomery High School students. $70 pp. To-go available: $45. Proceeds support Montgomery’s Education Foundation. 5:30–9 p.m.
The Beauty of Bonsai
Experience the beauty of bonsai with 20 works by artisans from the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society and a display of suiseki viewing stones at The Bonsai Show: Wood & Stone. Suiseki, naturally shaped ‘water stones’ displayed on wooden stands, evoke mountains and natural scenes, perfectly complementing the bonsai. This Japanese art form, meaning ‘planted in a container,’ creates miniature replicas of full-grown trees through careful pruning and shaping. Enjoy tea, rake a Zen rock garden, join bonsai demonstrations, or try haiku in the redwood forest. Friday, January 10–Sunday, March 30. Find the full schedule at sonomabg.org/visit/bonsai-wood-and-stone
NEW Location: Friedman Event Center. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/4c9uywfy.
Public Star Party. Astronomical topics & telescopes open for viewing. Adults & students: $7.34-$18.90. Ages 5 & under: Free, but still require a ticket. Parking $10. 7–10 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. Tickets: tinyurl.com/ywxr5uda.
Sunday 19
FREE Lunar New Year Celebration. Featuring performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Assocation, including lion & tiger dances, Chinese songs, tea ceremony, & a Xinjiang performance. Noon–2 p.m. Museum of Sonoma County. 425 Seventh Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ycxwu756
FREE Nuerodivergent Games
Night for 16+. Board games, card games, & social games. Connect with others in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Hosted by Considerate Coach & Speechaluma, in partnership with Common Ground Society. 4–6 p.m. Twin Oaks Roadhouse, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove. Register: commongroundsociety.org/calendar.
Monday 20
FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Help clean up parks. Tools, gloves, materials, & lunch provided. 9 a.m.–Noon. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. 1208 Hendley St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/r49m2cta.
FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Workday. Volunteers will work to spead mulch, improve park paths, & pull weeds. All the necessary tools will be provided, along with snacks & drinks. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Andy’s
Unity Park. 3399 Moorland Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/4ect4k3s
Thursday 23
FREE Victory Christian Academy Open House. All prospective new families interested in TK–12th grades. 4–5 p.m. VCA. 4585 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yesw57e9
Saturday 25
FREE Solar Suitcase Family Workshop. Ages 12+ with a guardian. Learn to build a solar suitcase for electricity during power outages.
Supported by PG&E. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sonoma Community Center Room 110. 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. tinyurl. com/3dhc8kuw.
Lunar New Year Festival. Celebrate the Year of the Snake featuring performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Association, including lion & tiger dances, adventures in the Chinese Zodiac, & more. Admission: $20. Members: $12. Discounts may apply. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/jrmrwt33.
FREE Rainbow Storytime. Ages 3-8 years. For queer families celebrating family, diversity, and community with songs, crafts, & more. 11 a.m.–Noon. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/3yy4fmhk.
Holly Day and The Rainbow Road. New original family musical about a young woman navigating the joy & challenges of giving back to her community. Written by 6th Street Playhouse’s Jonathen Blue, education director. Schulz Museum admission & crafts included. Jan. 25–26: 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum.
2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Tickets required: tinyurl.com/m2f6m62m
Ursuline Alumnae Crab Feed. To-go orders: $75. Pick-up times: 3:30–4:30 p.m. Dine-in: $75. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cardinal Newman High School Gymnasium. 4320 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa. Tickets: ursulinealumnaesr.org/ annual-crab-feed.html.
All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Pasta Feed. Come as your favorite We Are The World celebrity. Silent & live auctions with auctioneer Senator Mike McGuire. $115 pp. Supports local community programs in Russian River. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Friedman Event Center. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets: tinyurl.com/2vy9ksyd.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2 Concert. Rock orchestra brings to life the sounds that define the Guardians of the Galaxy films. $30–$44. This event sells out. 7 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Tickets: app.arts-people.com/ index.php?show=252254.
Sunday 26
Who Wants to Compose a Symphony? Performance by Santa Rosa Symphony, with Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong. Featuring composer Danny Clay for a journey thru music, inspired by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, & Dvořák. $10–$20. 3–4 p.m. Instrument Petting
Zoo: One hour prior to concert in lobby. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets: tinyurl.com/25uadkbd
Monday 27
Museum Mondays – Here Come the Beagle Scouts! Ages 1–5. 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. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 10 a.m.-Noon. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/ museum-mondays
Wednesday 29
Talk for Parents with Neurodiverse Students. Improve communication with your child through insights, Q&A, and high school success stories. Presented by Beth Gonzalez-Karcs, speech-language pathologist. $10. 6–7 p.m. Sonoma Community Center Room 200. 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. tinyurl.com/5x3yuvjj
Friday 31
Petaluma Women’s Club Annual Crab Feed. Take-out for two: $120 (orders must be in even numbers). Pick-up times: 3–5:30 p.m. (in the Club House). Dine-in: $85. 6:30 p.m. Live auction: 7:45 p.m. PWC. 518 B. St., Petaluma. Tickets: petalumawomansclub.com/events.
Blues Busters
Celebrate
All Year Long
By Katy M. Clark
Avoid the January blues by celebrating something new each month of the new year …
We celebrate the rubber ducky on January 13 after the date appeared circled on a calendar in a 1973 episode of Sesame Street. Spend the day counting, collecting, or just taking a bath (of course!) with your rubber ducky.
National Love Your Pet Day
February 20 is all about giving extra love to the fur babies in your family. Or the ones with scales and feathers! Pamper pets with special treats, cuddles, or new toys, while reflecting on the special bond you share.
March 7 National Day of Unplugging begins at sundown on the first Friday of March. This 24-hour period aims to help families disconnect from technology and
reconnect as people. Enjoy a device-free dinner party and put your phone away while the kids create a play or perform a concert. Unplug, unwind, and relax.
April 9 National Unicorn Day honors the most popular mythical animal representing magic, fantasy, and happiness. Study its appearances in ancient cultures, then draw pictures, read books, and wear your favorite clothing featuring the beloved creature.
May 31 National Smile Day promotes flashing a beautiful grin at home, at school, and in your neighborhood. Little ones can count how many smiles they see throughout the day on a clipboard while bigger kids can be encouraged to simply smile to brighten someone’s day.
June 17 National Eat Your Vegetables Day is about making vegetables a part of your healthy diet.
If kids balk at the idea of celebrating peas and carrots, honor June 17 in a sweeter way. It’s also National Apple Strudel Day.
July 20 National Ice Cream Day helps beat the summer heat with scoops from your favorite spot or homemade. Your family can discuss favorite flavors or think up new ones to try.
August 8 Global Sleep Under the Stars Night encourages everyone to pitch a tent or bundle up under blankets in the backyard. Read books about constellations, shine a flashlight in the sky to make your own, and enjoy the outdoors as you turn your gaze upward.
September 19 Talk Like A Pirate Day. Whether they don an eye patch, dig for buried treasure, or nosh chocolate gold coins, kids will enjoy exclaiming: “Ahoy, Mateys!” “Arrrgggghhh!” “Shiver me timbers!” “Walk the plank!”
October 5 National Do Something Nice Day. Try giving compliments, holding the door open for someone, writing a letter to a relative, or paying for the items of the person behind you in line.
November 14 National Family PJ Day. Snuggle up or sleep in wearing your favorite pajamas. If you’re really planning ahead, now is the perfect time to snap that holiday card photo.
December 13 National Cocoa Day. Learn about the origin of drinking cocoa or have a taste test to decide which is the perfect topping: Marshmallows or whipped cream. ❖ Katy M. Clark is a writer and mother of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog, Experienced Bad Mom
