Wide variety of pumpkins Inflatable Jumpers Corn-Kernel Pit & Slide Haunted Village Western Village Kids Activities & More Field trips Birthday parties
Live music saturday & sunday 12-4pm
Monday-Thursday: 11am-6pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm
3795 Adobe Road • Petaluma 707-778-3871
www.pronzinifarms.com/pumpkin-patch
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Family Life magazine invites you to “fall into fall!” From family-friendly Halloween activities (page 26) to attending school tours and open houses (page 10), we touch on the joy of the season as well as the opportunity to learn about your child’s current (or future!) school.
If your trick-or-treater has allergies, we have just the story for you (page 22) with ways to ensure the holiday is fun didn’t forget that October is also ADHD Awareness Month, offering some management advice (page 20) for inside and outside the classroom.
While your student may be excited about participating in team sports this fall, other children are less interested in organized athletics. That’s why this edition shares a number of ways to keep kids healthy and active outside the traditional team scene (page 16). Last but certainly not least, an expert author takes a look at the trend toward cell phone bans in school (page 14), sharing how parents can support this movement in the name of better mental health for kids.
treats be plentiful as we all fall into
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Cost: $5 pre-sale & $10 day of Location: Main YMCA
The Great Pumpkin Float
Date: Oct19 from 2-4pm
Cost: $10/person
Location : YMCA Pool
Spanish Rice
Made Special
By Danielle Walker
Are you tired of scrambling to make dinner at the last minute (and resorting to unhealthy takeout or frozen dinners)? By dedicating just a couple of hours each week to meal prepping and menu planning, you can have a variety of nutritious, homemade meals readily available without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe has gotten the stamp of approval from my kids, gluten-free and paleo eaters, and as well as those who can eat whatever they like! While everyone’s palate and preferences are different, I am confident that everyone you cook this for will love it.
Danielle Walker is an entrepreneur, mom, and New York Times bestselling cookbook author. Danielle’s newest cookbook Make It Easy is available now. Diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease at age 22, Danielle found health through dietary and lifestyle changes. From nostalgic comfort foods to healthy holiday swaps and quick and easy meals for kids, Danielle has thousands of recipes and kitchen, food, and parenting hacks that make life easier and healthier.
In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt ghee. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 7 to 10 minutes, until onion is translucent and garlic is golden brown. Stir in shrimp and chorizo and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes, until shrimp are pink throughout. Add cauliflower rice, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Stir in tomatoes and peas, cover, and steam for 5 minutes, until cauliflower rice is tender.
To make aioli: While rice steams, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
Serve rice, hot, with dollops of aioli and garnished with parsley, if desired.
Refrigerate aioli up to 1 week and rice up to 3 days. Freeze rice up to 3 months.
Get Ready for FUNtazmagoria
Visit the Children’s Museum for its annual kid-friendly Halloween event, FUNtazmagoria. Spooky but not scary, the event features a pumpkin plop, ghostly glow garden, and mad scientist lab. Electrifying experiments, creepy critters, and potent potions are introduced by mad scientists in the lab. Spider webs, ghostly shapes, and slime transform under luminescent effects in the glow garden. Gourds dropped from 50 to 100 feet explode on impact in the pumpkin plop. Friday–Sunday, October 25-27. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. For admission costs or to learn more, visit tinyurl.com/yes2vvxn
Embrace Zero Waste
Trashlantis is a free immersive experiential discovery festival celebrating the creative, innovative ways one can embrace a zero waste future with workshops, activities, and events showcasing artists, climate action changemakers, and the emerging technologies and businesses who are repurposing, recycling, and developing zero waste packaging and durable goods. Event features a harvesting of plastic and trash from local creeks and neighborhoods, and an UP Cycle Rally in which one can cheer on trashletes pedaling through a cast-off obstacle course. Participate in a trash sculpture scavenger hunt or Trashlantean beauty pageant. Bring your busted items to the fix-it clinic for assistance repairing small appliances or have your bike tuned up for the ride. Saturday, October 26. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Learn more at trashlantis.com.
Haunted Gingerbread House Making
Everyone has heard of building gingerbread houses for Christmas, but why shouldn’t Halloween get in on the fun? Teenagers in grades seventh through 12th are invited to get in the spooky spirit and build their own haunted gingerbread house using festive candy, icing, and other tasty decorations provided at the library. Space is limited and registration is required, closing at 2 p.m. the day of the event (or when all spaces have been filled). Wednesday, October 9. 3–4 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. For reservations, visit tinyurl.com/2ar2ad62
FUNtazmagoria
Haunted Gingerbread House
Trashlantis
Festa for the Family
Festa Italiana celebrates the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation’s 40-year anniversary, D’Argenzio Winery’s 30th, and Cibo Rustico Pizzeria’s 10th! An afternoon of La Dolce Vita in an urban winery village features vendors with Italian food, gelato, biscotti, wine, espresso, Italian pottery, artworks, handcrafted cutting boards, Murano jewelry, and more. Guests can also enjoy music, dancing, a silent auction, bocce ball, and a family corner with Italian-themed activities. Free admission. Sunday, October 20. 2–7 p.m. D’Argenzio Winery, 1301 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. For additional details or to volunteer, visit nbicf.org
Music & Performing Arts Camp
Learn, experience, and get inspired by unique artists and educators in music, theater, poetry, visual art, and dance at the North Star Music & Performing Arts Camp, held in conjunction with Healdsburg Jazz. Healdsburg Jazz sparks interest in the art form by facilitating cross-cultural interaction, providing performance opportunities, and educating young people and adults. For ages 12 and older. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Saturday, October 12. Workshops: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Faculty/student performances: 5 p.m.–6 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. To learn more or register, visit healdsburgjazz.org
Walk & Roll to School Challenge
Join children from around the world for International Walk & Roll to School Month. Your school may celebrate on Wednesday, October 9, or they may choose an alternative date. You can walk and roll to school as many days as you choose. On that day, travel to school powered by your own feet – walk, bike, scooter, skateboard, skates, unicycles, wheelchair, etc. – either from home or from a drop-off spot at least a 10-minute walk from school. Make it official with the Walk & Roll Anywhere Challenge Sheet here. Schools can register here to receive posters, swag, and more.
Music & Performing Arts Camp
Festa Italiana
Open Houses and Tours Learn What Schools Have to Offer
By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
To learn what a school has to offer or know what’s going to happen in your child’s school during the year, attend any tours or open house nights on the calendar. Whether your children are in preschool or high school, this will help you make decisions about the best school for your child and give background for when you are talking to them about their school day.
While school tours give a broad overview of what a campus has to offer, open houses usually begin with a meeting for everyone in attendance, then break into smaller groups by grade or classroom. At both events, you will learn general
information about the school and its goals. Typically, you will also hear a little about the school’s parent-teacher organization and volunteer opportunities at the school.
Next, you will likely be sent to visit classrooms to meet teachers.
Before
a tour or open house, ask your children if there are any special things they want you to consider.
Educators will offer an overview of what material will be covered in a class, homework and grading policies, and the role technology will play in learning. You may be introduced to teachers’ websites, where homework assignments, grades, and a calendar of events may be available.
Other topics you may learn about during tours or open houses include behavior standards and school policies. If the tour guide or teacher does not cover a topic that you are curious about, be sure to bring it up if there is a designated time for questions. Knowing school policies helps parents see if an educational institution aligns with their family perspective and also helps avoid any issues during the school year.
Before a tour or open house, ask your children if there are any special things they want you to consider. Do not skip visiting any class your children may have. It’s important for you to discover what they are doing in art, music, and gym classes as well as meeting these extracurricular teachers. Furthermore, be observant as you walk around the school. You need to see what the restrooms, cafeteria, and library are like, and the general condition of the school. The more you know about the school, the more you can understand what your children’s everyday experiences would be there.
Do not bring your children to tours or open houses unless they are specifically invited to attend. Unless it is a one-on-one campus tour, you
should not corner the teacher to talk about your children. Specific questions and concerns can be addressed by setting up conferences between yourself and teachers or administrators.
Whether your children are in preschool or high school, this will help you make decisions about the best school for your child
To make tours or open houses an even richer experience, talk to other parents. Hearing what other parents are looking for in a school,
California law requires children entering TK or kindergarten to have these immunizations:
Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT)
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis B
Polio
or what current parents think of the school, can aid in decisions about if a school is right for your child. Finally, make your visit to the school even more worthwhile by talking to your children about what you saw and what teachers said about the coming school year. Be sure to tell them all the appealing things you learned about the school so you can all feel good about the campus your child attends. ❖
Open House and Presentation on Waldorf education for parents only. Sign up for all events on our website.
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Parent Tours
Wednesday, November 6 Thursday, December 5 from 8:45 to 10:00 am visit: www.sebastopolcharter.org |
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Enrollment Tours January 10 and March 2 from 8:45am to 10am For Parents Only All Tours take place at our school
These tours are for parents only. Sign up for all events on our website.
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Before
School Cell Phone Bans Supporting the Mental Health Movement
By Dr. Jenny Woo
In a time dominated by technology, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact devices can have on mental health — especially among today’s youth. While cell phones have revolutionized communication and entertainment, they’ve also introduced a range of challenges, particularly concerning students’ mental health and well-being. This growing concern has led to a significant shift in school policies, with many states implementing cell phone bans in classrooms and campuses from coast to coast.
Pew Research Center states that 72 percent of high school teachers say cell phone distractions are a major problem. This movement reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the adverse effects of excessive phone use on students’ mental health (i.e., cyberbullying) and quality of learning (i.e., classroom disruptions).
The Rise of Cell Phone Addiction and Its Impact
Since their inception, cell phones have been celebrated for their technological advancements and entertainment value. However, these benefits come with hidden costs — namely, the mental health of our youth. As cell phone usage has skyrocketed, so too have concerns about its impact on cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Issues such as phone addiction, decreased attention
spans, and a lack of social skills are increasingly prevalent among young people.
In response to these challenges, many states and districts now enforce school cell phone restrictions. While this policy shift might be met with resistance from students (and even some parents), it underscores the urgent need to mitigate the negative effects of constant phone use. Students may initially react with frustration or disappointment at the prospect of a phone-free school environment. Still, educators and administrators believe these restrictions are essential for promoting better focus, reducing distractions, and fostering healthier social interactions, leading to a more positive school environment.
Understanding and Addressing the Concerns
The concept of “phubbing,” a term coined from the combination of “phone” and “snubbing,” encapsulates a growing behavioral issue where individuals prioritize using their phones over having real-life interactions. This behavior undermines meaningful conversations and sets a detrimental example for children.
As a Harvard-trained educator, emotional intelligence researcher, and mother of three school-aged children, I have witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of excessive phone use on mental health and social engagement across age groups. The need to “pocket it or pause it” has never been more apparent.
The constant phone presence and reliance can contribute to several
mental health issues among students, including:
1. Increased Anxiety and Stress: The pressure to stay connected and respond promptly to messages and social media notifications can be overwhelming. This perpetual state of connectivity can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.
2.
Decreased Developmental Opportunities for Human Skills: With much of their communication happening through screens, students may struggle with or avoid face-to-face interactions, leading to poor social skills and emotional intelligence.
3. Sleep Disruption: Late-night phone use can interfere with sleep patterns, contributing to fatigue and affecting overall well-being and academic performance.
Supporting the Transition: What Parents Can Do
While transitioning to a no-cell phone policy at school may be challenging for students, parents play a crucial and empowering role in easing this shift. Here are some strategies to help support children through this policy change:
1. Set Clear Digital Boundaries: Establishing no-phone zones at home — such as in the bedroom and at the dinner table — can reinforce the importance of offline interactions. Consistent rules about phone use can help children adapt to similar restrictions at school.
2. Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, sports,
or creative hobbies. This can help students find balance, explore new interests, and engage in fulfilling experiences beyond their phones.
3. Facilitate Open
Conversations: Discuss the reasons behind the cell phone ban with your children. Emphasize the benefits of reduced distractions and the importance of face-to-face communication.
4. Provide Alternatives: Ensure that students have access to other means of communication when necessary. For instance, they can visit the school office if they need to contact a parent or caregiver, and vice versa.
The implementation of cell phone bans in schools is not merely a policy
change but a crucial step in addressing the mental health challenges faced by today’s students. By establishing clear digital boundaries and fostering healthy technology habits at home, we can support our children in navigating a world where technology is ever-present but does not overshadow their well-being. Together with school leaders and fellow parents, we can help our children develop a healthier relationship with technology and prioritize their mental health in an increasingly digital age.
Dr. Jenny Woo is the founder/CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, incubated out of The Harvard Innovation Labs and UCI Beall Applied Innovation. She created a series of award-winning card games to help K-12 and college students and adults build skills in critical thinking, coping and resilience, emotion regulation, and social competence — used in 50-plus countries.
Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor
This Halloween, the chills will be symphonic! Embark on a spellbinding musical adventure filled with peril, love and captivating stories.
Music, learning and fun all at an afternoon at the Symphony! Unleash your inner royal! Dress as your favorite princess, prince, king or queen.
Beyond Sports
Keeping Active Outside of Athletics
By Sarah Lyons
Team sports are a great way to keep children active but not all kids enjoy playing them. When kids avoid team sports, parents look for other ways their children can continue to be healthy and active. How can you get your kids moving around when they aren’t part of a sports team?
Encourage Lifelong Activities Choose activities that have the potential for lifelong enjoyment such as biking, swimming, walking, and hiking. These activities are great because while they can be done individually for a lifetime, they also can be
enjoyed as a family. Encourage everyone to go on a walk or bike ride together, hike in a local park, or spend the day at the pool. Get a step counter for each family member and create a friendly competition to see who can get the most steps.
If the child is doing something they enjoy they won’t even notice they are also exercising.
Go Outside Simply getting your children outside can be a great way to sneak in exercise. Visit a local park, encourage them to climb trees, swing, or play tag. Have your child go on a “treasure hunt” in the backyard and collect items that interest them like sticks, rocks, flowers, or leaves. Catching fireflies in the summer, building a snowman in the winter, or raking leaves in the fall (and jumping in them afterward) all help kids to be active while not playing a sport.
Individual Sports Just because your child does not enjoy team
sports does not mean they may not enjoy an individual sport. Gymnastics, swimming, track and field, wrestling, diving, archery, golf, or weight lifting are all good examples of individual sports where children compete against themselves.
Limit Screen Time When screen time is allowed, try to encourage them to move while they are watching TV. If a song comes on, get up and dance or march along. If they are playing video games, encourage games that involve movement. If the child is sedentary while enjoying screen time, ask them to complete some sort of activity like chores or outdoor play before they turn the TV or tablet on. Have a policy that
at least the same amount of time spent on a screen must also be spent on an activity involving movement or exercise.
Set an Example Children learn by example. If the parent has a low activity level the child will most likely see exercise as a low priority. Lead by example and get moving. Begin an exercise routine or a hobby that includes movement, like gardening, and invite your child to join you. Make the most of the time together.
NOW EXCEPTING NEW ENROLLMENT
Dance and Theater Turn on the music and have a family dance party. There is nothing like a great song to get a body moving. Dancing is fun and it’s great exercise too. Some children may also enjoy trying dance classes, baton twirling, or cheerleading. All of these are a great source of exercise. If your child is drawn to music and theater, get them involved in a theater production in school or your community.
Find a New Hobby Help your child find a hobby that encourages movement and activity such as skateboarding, fishing, bowling, and woodworking. If the child is doing something they enjoy they won’t even notice they are also exercising.
Play! Leisure sports can be more fun for kids that don’t care for team sports because they are less competitive and therefore have less pressure to perform at a certain level. Encouraging kids to play gets them active. Frisbee or frisbee golf,
tag, catch, shooting hoops, and duck duck goose all require kids to run around. Again, they will be having so much fun, they won’t realize they are exercising.
Chores Chores are a great way to get children moving and teach them the value of hard work at the same time. Ask your child to clean their room, vacuum, mow the lawn, or sweep. Consider paying them an allowance for more motivation.
While team sports have many benefits, they are not for everyone. Children who do not enjoy team sports don’t have to be less active. With these tips, kids will enjoy an active lifestyle that can be maintained for a lifetime. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 9-year-old triplets. While she is an extrovert, she is a wife and mother to several introverts. She strives to encourage her kids to step out of their comfort zones while also celebrating their unique personalities.
ADHD Awareness Managing Inside and Outside the Classroom
By Cheryl Maguire
When I became a mom of boy/girl twins, I had twice as much laundry, diapers, and crying as my mom friends of singletons. What I didn’t know at the time was that I also had twice as much Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There were plenty of clues along the way but my son didn’t get diagnosed until age 8 and his twin sister until age 15. Unfortunately, their gender differences might be one of the main reasons why there is a seven-year variance between the time that they were diagnosed. My twins recently graduated from high school and here’s what we found helpful to be successful during the past four years:
Routines are essential — The biggest issue my children have in relation to ADHD is forgetting things. On more than one occasion they would spend hours completing a project only to forget it at home.
Routines and schedules help behaviors become habits rather than things to remember. For example, they would
pack their bags the night before going to school and then place them by the front door. This way they can see them before they leave the house and remember to take them. Next to their bag would be any large projects or sports equipment.
External reminders — Another helpful tip is to use technology. There
are plenty of phone apps to help them with their ADHD but the easiest technique is to use reminder alerts. Anytime they say, “I forgot,” I respond with, “Then next time set a reminder alert on your phone.”
Regular communication with teachers — At the beginning of the school year, I always made a point to speak with all of their teachers and offered them my cell phone and email to open the lines of communication. We discussed what helped my kids to learn in previous years like a seat in
Even if a student doesn’t have an official plan, educators can work with the student to make sure the learning environment is accommodating.
the front row or visual pictures. I also let teachers know my kids truly care about school even though it might seem like they are not paying attention at times.
Furthermore, I ask to be contacted if grades are slipping or they aren’t handing in assignments. If kids are having trouble paying attention it tends to “snowball” without them realizing it. If we can prevent the avalanche, it makes for a much better school year.
Accommodations can be helpful — Children with ADHD may qualify for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan. To qualify for an IEP, usually your child would need to have a learning disability diagnosis along with ADHD but
sometimes an ADHD only diagnosis is enough. IEP students receive special education services whereas students on 504 plans only have regular education services. On both plans, one can receive accommodations for ADHD, such as preferential seating, testing in a distraction-free setting, and additional time on tests or homework.
Most teachers want their students to be successful. Even if a student doesn’t have an official plan, educators can work with the student to make sure the learning environment is accommodating.
Sleep, diet, and exercise are more important than you realize — If my twins were having a hard time paying attention I might
ask, “What time did you go to sleep last night?” Or if they were struggling to focus on their homework I might ask, “What did you eat for dinner?”
Routines and schedules help behaviors become habits rather than things to remember.
They both enjoy exercising with sports teams or strength training on their own … a physical release to balance the mental energy required to focus all day!
Teach them to advocate for themselves — My son really struggled with this when he was younger but slowly learned how to
advocate for accommodations that helped him be successful. During his senior year, one of his teachers told me that he asked her, “Can I please finish this project after school since I’m having trouble focusing right now?” I had tears in my eyes hearing this, knowing that he would have never done this even a year ago.
While it is sometimes OK to bring them that forgotten project, allowing them to advocate for themselves is the best lesson — and that’s true of students with or without ADHD. ❖
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree and is a married 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.
Avoiding Allergies
By Pam Moore
MKeeping the Treats in Halloween
y daughter has multiple food allergies — the kind that require having an Epi-Pen wherever we go knowing our bright, curious daughter could die were she to accidentally eat a rogue cashew. At 2, she was old enough to enjoy trick or treating but too young to understand that much of her Halloween candy would have to mysteriously disappear.
Now she’s 3 and understands that she must ask before she eats anything at a party. But we’re still learning how to handle Halloween. If you’re also wondering how to enjoy trick or treating without being spooked by potential allergens, here are some tips.
Create Traditions You don’t have to replicate the Halloween of your youth for your child to love the holiday. As a parent, you have the freedom to invent your own traditions. Jennifer Roblin takes her non-allergic son trick or treating while her husband stays home with
You don’t have to replicate the Halloween of your youth for your child to love the holiday.
their daughter, who has multiple food allergies. Her daughter loves dressing up and handing out plain potato chips (which are safe for her).
Leigh Goodwin Furline, who has one child with food allergies and one without, gives her kids the option to trick or treat or not. Last year, they decided to skip trick or treating in favor of staying home to watch a movie. They also received some safe candy and a toy of their choosing.
Meet the Switch Witch Trading candy for a toy means not only can parents bypass label reading, candy sorting, and the risk of cross-contamination, but also the hassle of candy rationing. Sarah
Jean Shambo lets her son select a toy in advance, but she waits until Halloween to purchase it. Some parents call on the official Switch Witch doll, who needs candy to keep warm through the winter, to leave behind a toy in exchange for candy collected on Halloween. This limits children’s sugar consumption and helps keep food-allergic kids safe. Make a Trade If you don’t want to forego sweets altogether, consider trading your child’s candy for safe treats. If you’re concerned about the possibility of cross-contamination, you could do what mom Sarah Hodges does. Instead of sifting through all of her son’s candy and reading all of the labels, she replaces everything with Enjoy Life brand candies.
Megan McDavitt encourages her children to take non-candy or safe items if any are available while trick or treating. She lets them keep any safe candy and replaces others with No Whey brand candies. Kim
Some parents call on the official Switch Witch doll … to leave behind a toy in exchange for candy collected on Halloween.
Schmid, who has one child with allergies and one without, combines the contents of her two kids’ candy bags then sorts it. Her allergic daughter gets to keep whatever is
safe for her. The rest goes into her non-allergic son’s bucket.
Encourage Their Voice
Halloween is an excellent opportunity to give a child the chance to practice having conversations about their allergies. This Halloween, Adrianna Shook plans to help her almost 4-year-old daughter say, “Trick or treat! We have allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Do you have something else?”
Many parents I spoke to said that they were happy to politely ask neighbors if their treats were peanut-free when their children were little but now that they’re older, the kids do it themselves. Not only that, but it turns out a little education goes a long way. Parent Charlotte Eugenio said that after a
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couple of years of polite no thank you’s in a row, she noticed some houses started offering a separate selection of nut-free options.
BYOC For parents of younger kids who want their kids to experience as much of the traditional (read: allergy-free) Halloween experience as possible, a little benign trickery goes a long way. Jennifer Devine Pirozzoli usually takes her kids to the homes of other family members, which gives her the opportunity to run up to the door with an entire bag of safe candy from which her child can choose, without ever knowing that mom hand-picked it in advance. Other parents, like Victoria King, who plans to take her 2-year-old son trick or treating for the first time this fall, will carry safe treats
for their food allergic kids to munch on as they walk.
Cash for Candy
There’s no reason a kid shouldn’t have the chance to cash in on his or her treats. Parents
Life with allergies can certainly be scary, but Halloween doesn’t have to make it even spookier.
like Toni Gaudisio are happy to buy back their kids’ candy. “My kids [who are 8 and 11] are allowed to swap out five pieces of candy for safe candy and the rest I buy back for 25 cents. We usually take them [shopping] a few days later to purchase toys with
their Halloween money,” Gaudisio explained.
Other parents enjoy the benefits of getting rid of candy without having to pony up — when the family dentist pays for Halloween candy each year!
Life with allergies can certainly be scary, but Halloween doesn’t have to make it even spookier. A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making Halloween fun for everyone, no matter what they can or can’t eat. ❖
Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. This article was originally published on Motherly. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com
Join us over school break for specialty camps in sports, musical theater, fencing, archery & sword, STEM using Lego, arts & crafts, hand sewing, and more.
Plus, the 49th annual Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair is Dec. 7 & 8!
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
sandyloam.org/enrichmentprograms
of www.gsnorcal.org/join
Getting Tricky
Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
By Mary Ann Blair
Are you throwing a kid-friendly Halloween party? Or maybe just searching for different ways for your own kids to celebrate Halloween? Here are several family-friendly Halloween activities.
Glow-in-the-dark Candy Hunt
Who says Easter eggs can only be used once a year? Add glow sticks along with pieces of candy to plastic Easter eggs and hide them around your house. Turn off the lights and kiddos will have a blast hunting for glowing eggs!
Papier-mâché Pumpkin
Pinata Kids love pinatas, and making a pumpkin pinata is pretty simple to do, even for those adults who don’t consider themselves to be very crafty. The needed supplies are probably things you already have around the house — a balloon, newspaper, white glue, orange and black craft paint, and string.
Directions: Mix 1 part glue with 2 parts water. With your hands or a foam paintbrush, apply a small amount of glue mixture to the blown-up balloon. Add a small piece of newspaper (around 2” x 1”). Coat the newspaper with a little more glue mixture. Repeat this step until the balloon is covered, slightly overlapping the newspaper as you go.
Once you have the first few layers down, let the balloon dry overnight.
Add a couple more layers the next day. Once the balloon is completely dry, paint it to look like a pumpkin. Cut a small hole at the top and fill it with candy. Poke or punch two holes near the top edge, and add a strong string to hang it up.
Halloween Memory Game Cut up a few sheets of card stock into 3” x 3” pieces, and write or draw Halloween-themed words or images on the pieces of card stock. Make
End the evening with a movie night featuring your favorite Halloween movie and some treats.
duplicates so each word/image has an identical card to match. Mix up the cards and spread them out on the table. Take turns trying to find matches. Whomever ends up with the most matches gets to choose a candy treat.
Trick-or-treat at Home Close all the doors to the rooms in your house and have kids wait in one
room while you hide. Have the kids go around the house, searching for you as they knock on each door. When they find you, they get to trick-or-treat. If you have Halloween costumes from years past, dress in a different costume for each “trick-or-treat” encounter to make it even more fun for the kiddos.
Pin the Nose on the Jack-O-Lantern This is a twist on the classic pin the tail on the donkey game. Use some freezer paper or tape together four pieces of construction paper to make the game board. Draw a pumpkin on
Have the kids go around the house, searching for you as they knock on each door.
the paper along with the eyes and mouth, and the outline of the nose. Cut out triangular noses out of black construction paper and attach small pieces of tape to the back of each. Blindfold each participant, spin them around, point them toward the pumpkin and let the laughter ensue.
Halloween Movie Night End the party/evening with a movie night featuring your favorite Halloween movie and some treats. Check out your local library’s selection of movies, or see what is offered on your favorite streaming service. Happy Halloween! ❖
Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com , she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.
sonoma
LOCAL for 30
October Calendar of Events
Raising Domestic Violence Awareness
The 4th Annual “Y I Run” Fun Run & Walk raises domestic violence awareness with every step. YWCA and its supporters know that domestic violence has impacted so many, either first-hand or through experiences of a close friend or family member. Event supporters receive a Participant Sticker which has a space to write their own response to “Why I Run.” For example participants may write “… for my sister, brother, mom, or dad,” or “for my friend, my roommate, my co-worker” or “for the community.” All proceeds will be used in Sonoma County. Saturday, October 26. Registration: 9 a.m. Costume contest: 9:30 a.m. Run/Walk: 10 a.m. Approximately 2.3 miles route. Spring Lake Regional Park Swimming Lagoon Area. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. To register, visit tinyurl.com/49uusbs4
Tuesday 1
Pronzini Pumpkin Patch. Halloween fun for the whole family. Wide variety of pumpkins, haunted village, western village, corn kernel pit, slide inflatable jumpers, & kids’ activities. Live music on weekends. Pumpkins: $2–$25.50. Entry: Weekdays: $5. Ages 12 & under: Free. Weekends: $5–$12. Ages 2 & under: Free. Other attractions (fee). Mondays–Thursdays. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Fridays–Saturdays. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sundays. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Pronzini Farms. 3795 Adobe Rd., Petaluma. pronzinifarms.com
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake. The production of one of the most beloved & iconic ballets featuring richly detailed, hand-painted sets & over 150 radiant costumes, offering a fresh representation of this timeless classic. For ages 5 & older. $36.58–$116.32. Oct. 1–2: 7 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/33xjwx38.
Wednesday 2
FREE Paying for College with Scholarships. Join advisor Becca Lippman for 3 workshops that teach students & parents how to find, apply for, & manage scholarships. For grades 7-12. Sponsored by Sonoma County Library. Other Sonoma Library Branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5du63pa3.
FREE High Holidays at Chabad. Open to all, regardless of affiliation, level of observance, or background. Membership not required. Rosh Hashanah: Oct. 2–4. Yom Kippur: Oct. 11–12. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St., Ste. 101, Petaluma. Holiday schedule: tinyurl. com/3evj7m8x
Skunk Train Pumpkin Express. Ride the train to a pumpkin patch & pick a pumpkin. Kids under 13 ride free with purchase of one adult ticket: $68.35. Ages 2 & under on laps: Free. Dogs $12.49. Departing from Fort Bragg & Willits. Wednesdays, Fridays,
& Sundays. 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg: 100 W. Laurel St., Willits: 299 E. Commerical St. skunktrain. com/pumpkin-express.
Early Release Enrichment at Veronda-Falletti Ranch. Provides farm, nature, & art-based experiences. Snacks provided. Grades: K–5th. Flexible scale admission: $20–$45. Wednesdays. 1–4:30 p.m. Early extended care available 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Drop-ins welcome. Registration: tinyurl.com/y6hnz6dp.
Thursday 3
Just Between Friends Kids’ & Maternity Consignment Sales Event. The largest of its kind in Northern CA. Admission: $4–$25. Platinum passes $75–$125. Oct. 3: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct. 4: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct. 5: 8–9 a.m. (Sensory). Oct. 5: 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. Oct. 6: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (1/2 price day). Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd.,
Y I Run Fun Run & Walk
Santa Rosa. Full details: northbay. jbfsale.com
Cuentos con Ritmo (Stories with Rhythm). Interactive Spanish language stories with music & movement for both Spanish & English-speaking families. Ages 1-5 & siblings. Cost included with Museum admission. $16. Ages 11 mos. & younger: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Thursdays. 10:30–11 a.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/2hw2f9ev
Air Museum Hot Dog Thursday. Family event on the field among the airplanes & helicopters. $8–$10. First Thursday of the month. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum, One Air Museum Way,
Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum. org/events
Friday 4
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Celebrate the legendary music & life of Carole King in this electrifying Broadway hit. $20–$40. Oct. 4–5, 11–12: 7:30 p.m. Oct 6 & 12: 2 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. Tickets: tinyurl.com/4nzy67wc.
Saturday 5
FREE Annual Chilly Billy Fun Run & Hot Rod, Motorcyle Show. Fun Run & BBQ. $25. Proceeds support Polly Klass Foundation. Sign in: 8–10:30 a.m. at Sonoma County Harley-Davidson. 7601 Redwood Dr., Cotati. Event: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. New
location: Penngrove Park, 11800 Main St., Penngrove. tinyurl.com/3b6ttfm6
FREE Sonoma Tennis H.I.T.S. Sonoma Community Tennis Nonprofit & the USTA offer tennis lessons for ages 6–8 yrs. Saturdays throughout the month. Four session (1/2 hr. each): 9, 9:30, 10, & 10:30 a.m. Sign-up early; limited space. Hanna Center Tennis Facility. 17000 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. Register: sonomatennis@icloud.com or visit sonomacommunitytennis.com
FREE Rialto Cinemas Matinees. Family matinees the first Saturday & Sunday of the month. Screening of Monster House. Food/drinks available for purchase. Oct. 5–6: 11 a.m. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. rialtocinemas.com/sebastopol.
Sunday 6
Harry Potter & the Magic of Music. Performance by Santa Rosa Symphony, featuring Santa Rosa ArtQuest Concert Choir with Conductor Francesco. $50.74–$122.74. Pre-show discussion: 2 p.m. Concert: 3 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/mr44cmmu.
Tuesday 8
FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon. Exclusive to families of children ages 0–12, with special needs. Hands-on exhibits, art studio. Safe, accessible environment. Second Tuesday of each month. 1–5 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration recommended: tinyurl. com/4zm4dd4r.
Wednesday 9
FREE International Walk & Roll to School Day Challenge. Get to school on foot, bike, scooter, skateboard, skates, unicycle, wheelchair, from home or a drop-off spot at least a 10-minute walk away. Your school may celebrate on Wednesday, Oct. 9, or pick another date. sonomasaferoutes.org.
FREE Walk the Grades Tour. A guided journey through the campus, featuring an in-depth look into preschool through grade 12 classrooms. Adults only. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org.
FREE Teens: Haunted Gingerbread House event. Build your own
Sonoma Conservatory Of Dance
Masquerade Ball
November 14, 2024, 5:30pm-10:00pm Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
You are cordially invited to an evening of elegance benefiting Sonoma Conservatory of Dance
Elegant Dinner & Dessert by Elaine Bell Catering Live Band, Dancing with Funk Fatale!
Get your tickets today! Starting at $250 or Become a Donor
For more info: SCDGala.org to purchase tickets, or call 707.938.1424, or email: Gala@SonomaConservatoryofDance.org.
haunted gingerbread house, using festive candy, icing, & other tasty decorations. Grades 7-12. Space is limited, sign-up early: tinyurl. com/33pdt677. 3–4 p.m. Sonoma Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. Other Sonoma Library Branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/ms9j8pcj.
FREE Make a Tiny Picture Book! Guided instruction led by local children’s author Cindy K. For grades K–6. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ f7eavu6a
Thursday 10
FREE Family Movie Night. Screening of Nightmare Before Christmas. Popcorn, beverages,
The Redwood Empire Doll & Study Club present our annual
Santa Rosa Holiday
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • 10AM-3:30PM
Santa Rosa Veterans Building
1351 Maple Ave. Santa Rosa (Across from the Fairgrounds) FREE PARKING
Admission $6 ($1 off with this ad) Children under 12 free with adult Lunch available on-site from Lone Pine General Store
We belong to the United Federation of Doll Clubs santarosadollshow.blogspot.com
& Halloween treats will be sold. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Polly Klass Community Theater. 417 Western Ave., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ymfn6y3x
Friday 11
Blind Scream Haunted House. High fear factor. Ages 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. $25–$35. Oct. 11–12, 18-19, 25–26 & 30–31: 7–11
p.m. Oct. 13, 17, 20, 24, & 27: 7–10 p.m. Blind Scream Haunted House. 98 Santa Rosa Plaza. Corner of A Street & First Street, Santa Rosa. Tickets: tinyurl.com/2p8hwb6y
Saturday 12
FREE Walk Along the Farm Trails. Meet farmers, pick pumpkins, apples, & flowers, pet farm animals, tours, tastings, & educational activities. Oct.
FREE Music & Performing Arts Camp for Teens. Learn, experience, & get inspired by unique teaching artists in music, theater, dance, poetry, & visual arts. Attend workshops throughout the day.
Ages 12 & up. Sponsored by North Star Healdsburg Jazz. Workshops: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Faculty/student performance: 5–6 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies
Ln., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration required: healdsburgjazz.org. For more information, contact: stella@ healdsburgjazz.org.
FREE Sugar Skulls Workshop for Teens. Artist Elsa Tapia demonstrates how to hand-paint & decorate a
Mexican sugar skull. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Healdsburg Library. 1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. Space is limited; sign-up early: tinyurl. com/4jm5v9xe. Other Sonoma Library Branches will host this event. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/3u48bapk.
FREE Cotati Oktoberfest. Family friendly event. Dancing, live music, singing. Costume, stein hold, & yodeling contests. Authentic German Style food & beer available for purchase. Noon–6 p.m. La Plaza Park. 86 La Plaza, Cotati. tinyurl. com/prp5ee74.
Pumpkins on Pikes. Live music, straw maze, games, pumpkin carving, & food. $40. Ages 3 & under (no pumpkin): Free. No pets. Oct. 12, 19, & 20: 2–9 p.m. Tara Firma Farms.
3796 I St., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/ y9mzzpwd
Thursday 17
Flynn Creek Circus presents The Heavy Lift. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Tickets sold by chair, table, or bench, regardless of ages of attendees. $18–$185. Beer, wine, & light concession available for purchase. Oct. 17: 7 p.m. Oct. 18–19: 7 p.m. (+21 only). Oct. 19–20: 1 & 4 p.m. Under the big tent. Thyme Square. Corner of S. Cloverdale Blvd. & Healdsburg Ave., Cloverdale. flynncreekcircus.com
Friday 18
FREE Forestville Movies in the Park. Screening of Haunted Mansion.
Bring low-back chairs & blankets. No pets. Gates & concession stand open: 7:15 p.m. Movie: 7:45 p.m. Forestville Youth Club Baseball Field. 7045 Mirabel Rd., Forestville. forestvilleyouthpark.org
Saturday 19
Floating Pumpkin Patch. Find pumpkin in the pool & then decorate it. Games & prizes. $12. Ages 2 & younger: Free. Tickets go quickly. Register for 1 of 2 time slots: 1:30–3:30 p.m. & 3:45–5:45 p.m. Ridgway Swim Center. 455 Ridgway Ave., Santa Rosa. Presales only: tinyurl.com/4h32sckk.
The Great Pumpkin Float. Find pumpkin in the pool & then decorate it. Games & prizes. $10 per person. 2-4 p.m. YMCA Pool. 111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. scfymca.org
FREE Morning on the Farm. Children under 7 & their parents are invited to Summerfield’s Biodynamic farm. Visit animals, hear a story, & meet early childhood teachers. 9:30–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org
Annual Cemetery Walk. Walk to grave sites while hearing stories of Petaluma’s historical families. $15–$20. Two tours: 10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Tours begins at Cypress Hill Cemetery Office (parking lot). 430 Magnolia Ave., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/56j9sudc.
FREE Falling Leaves Festival Fundraiser. Open to the public. Live music. Food, crafts, games, & handmade marketplace items available for purchase. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. SunRidge
www.rpcity.org/halloween with FREE SAT, OCT 26 NOON-5PM
Charter School. 7285 Hayden Ave., Sebastopol. tinyurl.com/yewmzy5r
FREE Dia de los Muertos Family Festival. Features local artists’ artwork & altars, family-friendly activities, & live performances. Noon–4 p.m. Santa Rosa Museum. 425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/2xccus98.
Witchie Poo Show. Halloween songs, dances, & special performances. Oct. 19–20, 26–27. 1 p.m. Sebastiani Theatre. 476 1st St. E., Sonoma. tinyurl.com/y9w48p9e
Fall Family Festival at the Ranch. Pick a pumpkin to decorate and enjoy games, crafts, visits with animals, & yummy treats. $5 entry. Ages 2 & under: Free. Oct. 19 & 26: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Oct. 26: Sensory
hour: 10–11 a.m.) Oct. 25: 4–6 p.m. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati.
Sunday 20
FREE Cereal in the Sukkah. Cereal bar, pancake buffet, hot chocolate, Lulav shake, edible sukkah, & lawn games. 10 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St., Ste. 101, Petaluma. RSVP: jewishpetaluma. com/cereal.
FREE Santa Rosa’s Mothers Club & Keller Williams Realty Trunk or Treat. Babies to teens in costumes trick-or-treat with their families. 10:30 a.m.–Noon. Keller Williams Realty. 3333 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration required: tinyurl. com/33872u8u.
Wednesday 23
FREE Shadow & Walk-Through High School Tour. Prospective students shadow (8 a.m.–3 p.m.) while parents tour the school (8–9:30 a.m.) Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org.
Friday 25
FUNtazmagoria. Spooky, but not scary, activities. Glow-in-the-Dark Lab, Mad Scientist Lab, monster mash, pumpkin guts exploration, magic potions, & Pumpkin Plop (the staff drop pumpkins off the roof all 3 days: Noon). General admission: $20. Ages 11 mos. & younger: Free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. Oct. 25–27: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Children’s
Scientist Lab Magic Potion Making PG&E 50ft Pumpkin Plop Drop
Museum. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/384j634j
FREE Petaluma Movies in the Park. Screening of Coco. Bring low-back chairs & blankets. Food & beverages available for purchase. Movie begins at dusk. Lucchesi Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/23b883vw.
FREE Fall Fun Fests. Family fun with lots of activities & trick-or-treating. Oct. 25: Old Courthouse Square. 600 4th St., Santa Rosa. Oct. 26: Bayside Church. 3175 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. 5–8 p.m. downtownsantarosa.org
Saturday 26
Annual YWCA Run/Walk. Raising domestic violence awareness. About
2.3 miles. $20-$25 per person. Parking $7 or free with a Regional Parks membership pass. Free parking on Montgomery Drive, short walk from the event. Registration: 9 a.m. Costume contest: 9:30 a.m. Run/Walk: 10 a.m. Spring Hill Regional Park. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. (Meet-up: Swimming Lagoon Area.) tinyurl. com/49uusbs4
FREE Trashlantis. Hands-on festival celebrating creative & innovative ways to embrace a zero-waste future, with workshops, activities, contests, & events featuring artists. 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. trashlantis.com
FREE Farmer’s Market Pumpkin Festival & Costume Competition.
Competitions: Pumpkin decorating (with wheels), pumpkin carving, & homemade costume (no commercial kits). Competitions divided into 3 age groups. Prizes. Registration: 8:30–10:30 a.m. Judging: 9:30–10:45 a.m. Healdsburg Farmer’s Market. 34 North St. & Vine, Healdsburg. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/4cpx6a3s.
FREE Halloween at Howarth.
Children in costumes trick-or-treat throughout the park. Must register for 1 of 5 (1/2-hour slots): 11:30 a.m., Noon, 12:30, 1, 1:30 & 2 p.m. The basis pass: $5. Delux pass: $10 includes 2 adult-riders & child, $2 each additional person, access to the carousel & train ride. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yc7tt6yy.
FREE Trick or Treat Trail Keiser Park. The City of Windsor & local businesses hand out candy to kids 12 & younger. Come in costume & wear a mask. Noon–4 p.m. Keiser Park. 700 Windsor River Rd., Windsor. Pre-registration required: tinyurl.com/ yeypzsr2
FREE Halloween Carnival with Dia de los Muertos Celebration. DJ, haunted maze, exotic animals, community altars. Carnival game fees support Cotati-Rohnert Park 5th graders’ field trips. Noon–5 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. tinyurl.com/h42n9jzh.
FREE Tricks & Treats at the Barlow. Merchants give out treats to little ones in costumes. Look for
31st Annual SCFYMCA Halloween Carnival. Mad Scientist carnival games, bouncy house, food, music, raffles & more. $5 presale and $10 per child at the gate. 3–6 p.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. scfymca.org.
Kids Night at the Museum. Pizza, games, crafts, and cartooning, plus a classic Peanuts movie. Ages 5–10. $40 per child. 10% off second child. 5:30–9 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/3dth7xfb
Sunday 27
FLC’s Spooktacular Extravaganza. Performance by Santa Rosa Symphony with Conductor Maestro Francesco. Musicians will dress up in “sound costumes” inspired by beloved masterpieces. $20. Ages 12 & under: $10. 3–4 p.m. Green Music Center Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert. Tickets: tinyurl. com/2ymhe5v8
Spooky Autumn Hike. Led by naturalist John Lynch. 3.5-hr. hike. $15–$20. Ages 12–17: $7.50. Ages 12 & under: Free. Ages 17 & younger must be accompanied by an adult. Parking: $10. 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. tinyurl. com/ycx8uyps.
Monday 28
Trick-or-Treat at Schulz Museum. Ages 1–5 come in costume & trick-or-treat all over the Museum. Make a spooky spider headband and paper ghosts, & watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Before 11 a.m: $10 per child & free for up to 2 adults per child. After 11 a.m. regular admission applies. Free to Family Level membership & higher. 10 a.m.–Noon. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Registration: tinyurl.com/h8pee5vc.
Wednesday 30
FREE Not-Too-Spooky Spanish
Family Storytime. Interactive Spanish language stories with music & movement for both Spanish &
Candyland. The City of Cotati & local businesses hand out candy. 2–5 p.m. For map of merchants, meet at LaPlaza Park. 8110 La Plaza, Cotati. tinyurl.com/w6h2j6rd.
FREE Petaluma Halloween
Trick-or-Treat. Ages 10 & under.
Downtown merchants give out treats. Download trick-or-treat map from website or just look for signs in shop windows. 3–5:30 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. petalumadowntown.com/ trick-or-treat-trail
Trick-or-Treating at Coddingtown Mall. Costume contest, free candy throughout the center, DJ, haunted house, arts & crafts, face painting, & more. 5–7 p.m. Coddingtown Mall. 1300 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. coddingtown.shop/events.
Calm Before the Storm
Beware of ‘Everything is Fine’
By Shannon Carpenter
’Twas a clear night on the home seas. My crewmates, three kids who believed in their captain, completed their duties. Swab the deck, maty! Stow the shoes! Tie off the yardarm! Seas were tranquil. Until the skies darkened.
A nor’easter blew in without warning. The gods of the seas are vengeful.
“Is everything alright?” I asked the storm.
“Yes. Everything is fine,” the storm said, but I sensed an albatross, that omen of a sea bird. The storm was our punishment, yet we had no idea why.
“Batten down the hatches!” I screamed to my crew. And aye, the crew did as they were told, but a little bit too well. They went to their rooms and closed the doors. I could hear my teenage daughter moving her dresser to block the threshold. Coward. I would face the storm alone.
“Um, are you sure?” I asked the storm.
“Yes! Everything is fine!”
Every experienced captain of a family knows that the storm lies. It deceives you with tranquil waters that churn chaos underneath.
“Are you hungry?”
The storm crackled and threw out her thunder!
“No!” The storm said.
“Are you sure?”
“I said no!” the storm retorted. “Did you not hear me?”
“OK, got it.” A captain must learn to abandon hopeless courses, so I changed my heading.
“Hey, how about we go out tonight?” I shall make an offering to the storm to spare my crew, cowards that they are.
“Maybe,” the storm said, somewhat mollified.
“And then we can talk about what has made you so angry?”
“I said everything is fine!” the storm bellowed, a rogue wave hitting me broadside.
“I don’t believe you,” I said. “Please, dear storm of the seas, please. Spare me this watery fate that only leads to Davy Jones’s locker!”
“I had a dream that you bought an old pirate ship and didn’t even talk to me about it.”
“A dream?” I cautiously inquired.
“Yes, a dream. I know it doesn’t make sense.”
“No kidding,” I said, and again, regret became my companion.
“Don’t you think I know that! Look, everything is fine!”
’Twas a rough voyage. The crew made it away on a lifeboat to a movie but I could not leave; I would not. A captain goes down with the ship. I tied myself to the mast, otherwise known as the couch, and delved into the depths of the storm’s dream and how wrong I was to buy a pirate ship. Eventually, the storm blew itself out and I brought her nachos. Turns out the storm was very hungry.
Take heed, fellow mariners, be listening for “Everything is fine,” because when the phrase blows in like a Kraken, everything is not fine; not fine at all. And then I can only wish you Godspeed. Godspeed! ❖
Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father
