August 2013 by DMI Agency

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Kid’s Cook-Off Hey Kids, Let’s Cook

Gardening

Let’s Make Fries From Your Garden

Back to School Checklist

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

EDITOR’S LETTER

s the end of summer approaches, parents might be looking for new experiences to keep kids from being bored these last weeks before school begins. Vacations have come and gone, school supplies are purchased and organized, but the last days and weeks of summer break can be very long when kids don’t have something to keep them occupied. If that sounds like your house, we have the perfect solution, while giving your child the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes. This year’s 6th Annual Kid’s Cook-Off is a great way to get your youth involved in a culinary experience, as well as guide them toward healthy eating. Entries are being accepted now, and all the information you need about the event can be found starting on page 14.

Every month, Master Gardener Susan Schieferle provides fun and informative details for kids about how to grow their own flowers and vegetables. If you’ve been following along, there’s a good chance your budding culinary chef will be able to use their healthy home-grown vegetables in their recipe submission to the Kid’s Cook-off, above. But this month it gets even better because we are hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t like French fries. According to Susan, kids can grow their own potatoes and with a little help from mom and dad, turn them into delicious homemade fries. Turn to page 12 and get started this weekend so you’ll be enjoying fries from your garden before Labor Day. While waiting for the potatoes to fully develop, kids can help the time pass by reading a good book, or two. Lee Littlewood’s recommendations for the Kids’ Home Library, page 26, helps make the transition from picture books to chapter books. Combining illustrations with chapter book layouts is the perfect mix to keep young readers interested. Stick Dog, by Tom Watson; Harper / HarperCollins is exceptionally entertaining with its stick drawings, something I can certainly relate to. Now’s the time to get out the camera and make sure the batteries are charged. Since this is our last issue before the start of the 2013-2014 school year, the Back-to-School Checklist on page 24 is a good reminder of things to do in preparing your child for their first day. And, it will go a long way in making your first morning as stress free as possible. So much so you’ll have time to snap a picture or two. We can’t promise the older kids won’t complain, at first, but as the mother of now adult children, I can promise there will be a day you’ll look back on those first day of school photos and wonder where the time went. The staff at Raise appreciates the time we spend with you each month, and we look forward to the upcoming months.

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea, email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

Nutrition

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The Juicy Truth

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PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Content Coordinator katIE presser ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

in this issue

ADAM VALENCIA Crystal R. R. Edwards DARA FISK-EKANGER HENRY CISNEROS

Behavior

16 Arts & Crafts

School’s In!

17 Achievements

Humor

18 Health

Keith E. Williams

Iambic Parentameter

23 Happy Trails

Susan Schieferle

28 Calendar

30 Safety 31 Resources

Establishing Good Habits for the New School Year

24 Back-to-School

Checklist

26 Reading List

Kids’ Home Library – Smart, Thoughtful Tales to Bridge the Gap from Picture Book to Chapter Tale

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare. If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747

VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

Raise Magazine is published 12 times a year and distributed at hightraffic locations in the South Valley area. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

Account Executive Bryce McDonald

Hey Kids, Let’s Cook!

22 College Prep

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

Let’s Make Fries From Your Garden

14 Kid’s Cook-Off

LEE LITTVLEWOOD Virginia Strawser

27 Dental

12 Gardening

Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez JUSTIN & REBECCA REYNOLDS KELLY PETTY

10 Positive Parenting Within Normal Limits: When Should a Parent Worry That More Is Going On With Their Child?

Jackie Harris-Groeber

ON THE COVER: Hannah, 11, of Porterville Photo by Angela Eller Photography

An Independent Practice Association providing

excellence in mental and behavioral health care delivery in Central California Kristin Sorensen Alldredge, LMFT

Melinda L. Mauro, LCSW

Ross M. Becker, PhD, LCSW

Mary K. McDonald, PhD

Frances E. Becker, LCSW Paul C. Bennett, LCSW

Mike Mayo, LCSW Lisa A. Miller, PhD

Sandra T. Bennett, LCSW

Lori Pasion-Gonzales, PhD

Linda Del Rio, LMFT

Diane B. Post, LCSW

Lynn W. Gonzales, LCSW

David G. Richards, LCSW

Sue Enterline, LCSW

Colleen Richards, LCSW

Jacquelyn Harris-Groeber, PhD Kent Henry, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Frony Ritter, LMFT

Michael H. Shaffer, LCSW, LMFT Barry Sommer, LEP, LMFT

1212 W. Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-738-0644

www.thehelixgroup.org

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• Periodontal Care • Restorative Work • Teeth Whitening • Laser Treatments • Orthodontics • Implants

THE OFFICE OF Dr. Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D. 2634 W. Walnut Ave., Visalia CA 93277 p 559.732.7224 Boston Graduate School of Dentistry, Certificate for Orthodontic Treatment Certificate for Oral Conscience Sedation, Fellowship Recognition for Implant Placement Member American Dental Implant Association, Certificate for San Francisco Implant Placement

THE GRIGORYAN FAMILY Simon, Hyke, Gary and Mariya

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

BEHAVIOR

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

BEHAVIOR

School’s In! text by Jackie Harris-Groeber PhD, Psychologist, The Helix Group

s your kids go back to school, you have the opportunity to help them have a great school year. As a parent, your attitude, enthusiasm and follow-through will help create the same in your child. Teaching your child to be optimistic is a big factor in their future success and happiness. Here’s how to get the school year going in a positive direction.

Ready to Go! Positive anticipation: Enthusiasm is contagious! Create excitement for your child by giving them positive anticipation for the school year. “I love the beginning of the school year!” or “This is going to be a great school year for you!” are good words for them to hear. Continue your positive anticipation for each week by starting each Monday on a positive note. “I wonder what you will learn about this week?” Your child will look for the good part in each day if he or she knows you are going to ask after school, “What was one of your favorite parts of school today?” Positive relationships: Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and notice something positive right at the beginning that you can share with your child: “Mrs. Jones has a great smile!” or “Mr. Gonzales’ class looks like it will be fun!” Begin as you mean to go on: Encourage your child to plan to do well by starting right at the beginning to “make it easier on themselves” by getting assignments done right away. Keeping up is always easier than catching up! Brainstorm good organization tricks to put in place, right at the beginning. Kids appreciate feeling like they are a part of the solution and have choices. So do a “group think” on good ways to make sure the homework gets done and turned in, and the backpack stays organized. “Where do you

think would be the best place to put the homework in your backpack?” “Where do you think would be a great ‘readyto-go spot’ for your backpack once your homework is done and inside?” Positively reinforcing your child’s good efforts right from the beginning encourages them to make more good efforts. Remember to reinforce those things that you want them to feel good about and do more often: “Joey, I loved the way you were all together and ready to go this morning!” or “Wow! You did a great job studying for that test and it really paid off!” Check it out: In the elementary schools, go to your school’s website and check on the teacher’s page for homework assignments and other news. If you have a child in middle school or high school, you can check on your child’s attendance, assignments due and test grades online with PowerSchool for most schools in our area. Checking in at least weekly gives you the opportunity to give positive feedback and to help your child stay on task before too much time has passed. Homework help: Many schools have homework helpers on their websites that help you to help your child with each lesson or concept. Making use of resources is a great example for your child and seeing their lesson online gives them a different way to look at it. Remember: Positive anticipation, relationships and reinforcement, good start and good follow through. You can do it! Choose to be a positive influence on your child’s school happiness!

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

HUMOR

Iambic

Parentameter Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

oming as an absolute surprise to no one but me, I’ve just discovered I’m neurotic. I mean, I knew I had quirks. I knew I had little hang-ups. I just didn’t know how bad things were with me. I lacked objectivity, I suppose, and my few attempts at self-analysis spooked me. I found it easier to go sort the spice rack alphabetically (again –WHY can’t Donald put the basil back where it belongs?) or straighten all the pens on my otherwise horrifically disorganized desk. These activities were comforting, familiar. Looking into the spaghetti bowl that is my thought process is neither.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

HUMOR

I’d say I have OCD but the letters are in the wrong order, so it can’t be that. The realization of my quirky, hang-up-y neurosis was bad enough. But even worse is that I can’t remember if I’ve always been this way. I remember a few things from my distant past, like how I always put my keys and purse in very specific places and positions, and how I have always needed to wear my socks just-so. I can’t wear asymmetrical hairstyles, a bit of a problem during my Goth punk days. My solution was to grow my hair very long and wear it in buns with lacquered Chinese hair sticks ... perfectly symmetrical. The ’80s nearly killed me, with off-one-shoulder shirt styles and the zigzag of hemlines. I can’t even look at my high school yearbooks. You’d think with all of this going on, I’d be a great housekeeper. Nope. Instead, I see a mess and shut down. Overwhelmed at the thought of folding laundry because I know one sock is going to be missing. Shuddering with anxiety because I’m not going to be able to find one of the Crayolas and there’s going to be a blank spot in the box. Quaking with fear as I open the dishwasher because ... spoons. I always end up with an uneven number of them. I don’t know how. It freaks me out. Did you know when I’m writing and get interrupted, I continue until the sentence I’m working on has an even number of words so I can break off? Before each bite, I shake crumbs

For example, I can’t just say, “Okay, it’s bath time!” and have the three trundle off to their large upstairs bathroom to take turns sluicing off the kid-ick in a biggest-to-smallest parade of non-argumentative compliance. First, I must wade into some battle or another about who went first last time and then give permission for one of them to use my downstairs bathroom instead, causing a two-up and one-down imbalance in the house. (Don’t even get me started on the towel cupboard. I’m starting to hyperventilate just thinking about it.) Whoever is upstairs must have another kid up there too in case there’s a cry for help, and depending on how the day has gone it sometimes can’t be the younger two up there together or an oldest-youngest combo. No combination of their current ages add up to a number divisible by three, making it even more complicated. I play out an unending cabbage-goat-wolf riddle, only sometimes the wolf is a vegetarian and the goat is chewing on the towels. It’s all so imbalanced, and just when I think I’ve gotten everything back in line, someone grows or has a birthday or changes or is having a bad day and things get out of whack again. My nerves are shot. I’ve considered therapy but, honestly, it’s easier to go knock on the neighbors’ doors and ask if they have something I can organize until I feel steady enough to go home again. Last time I was allowed to help someone pack at what appeared to be the last minute and I didn’t want to leave. (I never did figure out why they were in such a hurry to move, by the way.

“My nerves are shot. I’ve considered therapy but, honestly, it’s easier to go knock on the neighbors’ doors and ask if they have something I can organize until I feel steady enough to go home again.” off my food even when it doesn’t have any, using three shakes ... and my empty fork if I’m not eating with my hands. (Forks get four shakes because I do like my little puns.) I speak in iambic pentameter. If I can’t manage it, I re-think the same thought with different word choices until I can get it to fit the meter before finally blurting it out. People think I’m shy and quiet in group situations. Mostly it’s that I’m suffering from writer’s block. I used to think some of these were my superpowers. Like, mention a book you saw on my shelves 11 years ago. With my eyes closed, I can go pick it out even though we’ve moved four times since then and the shelves have been rearranged three times since we moved into this house. I know where it is because it’s sorted by topic, size and color. In that order. And I’ll know the books on either side of it, directly above it, and directly below it. It’s a neat party trick. However, it’s not such a neat parenting trick. In fact, it’s not good for parenting at all. Parenting isn’t symmetrical, especially if you have three children of different personality types, sizes, and priorities.

It was all very curious.) But here’s another thing. Even with the anxiety the kids cause, they’re teaching me to let go. It’s taken over 12 years now, but I feel an intense sense of accomplishment when one of them sets the table and I’m not toddling around it behind them, lining up the flatware. Sure, I might adjust the plates or napkins or cups, but the flatware is off-limits because I’m giving the child space and not hovering or over-correcting. A pile of five shoes lying on the living room floor makes me shrug. (Outwardly. Inwardly, I’m screaming, “Where is the missing shoe, dear child of mine?” Baby steps.) I look at the three haphazardly stacked backpacks in the front hallway and, except for maybe flipping one so they’re all facing the same direction, I’m okay. Not perfect, but okay. Parenting is lopsided and messy. Parenting doesn’t give me the time to order my precise little world in a way that is comfortable to me. And, I’m discovering, parenting is pushing me outside my comfort zone and making me take risks I wouldn’t otherwise have taken. If you’d like, I could list those risks in alphabetical order.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

POSITIVE PARENTING

Within Normal Limits:

When Should a Parent Worry That More Is Going On With Their Child? Text by Tulare County Youth Service Bureau

ost children learn to walk around 12 months, and begin to speak simple phrases once they are about two years old. By about six or seven years old, a child can read and comprehend about 100 different words. Most every parent anxiously hopes that his or her child will reach every milestone with ease, and compares their child’s progress to other children they know. It is believed that achievement of certain abilities means that your child is developing as expected, and that there is nothing different about them when compared to their peers. However, it is inevitable that a child will occasionally behave differently than other kids their age. It is easy to panic if this occurs with your child, but keep in mind that when their behaviors and tendencies are beyond what you feel is within normal limits, there can be various explanations for this. The causes of behavioral differences could be due to environmental factors (a change in their home or school life), situational factors (such as experiencing a loss of a pet or relative), or even the result of an organic mental health disorder. Because there has been an increase in public awareness about mental health disorders such as Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), many are quick to assume that their child’s uncommon conduct is the result of a mental health issue. When thinking about your child’s unusual behaviors, it can be hard to know if your child’s behavior is typical of children everywhere, or if your child may indeed have a mental health disorder. “Mental health disorder” is the general term for any illness that impacts a person’s psychological well-being or behavior. These disorders range in severity, and often have noticeable symptoms. Various mental health disorders that may impact children in particular include: depression and anxiety; neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism spectrum, and specific learning disorders; disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder; and feeding and eating disorders. Mental health disorders can significantly affect the ability of a person to function in their day to day life. Below are a few indicators of mental health disorders in children to help you determine whether or not your child’s behavior is within normal limits. Lack of Self Care: If your child doesn’t seem to have an interest in taking care of themselves regarding their hygiene, eating habits, or caring for the injuries and illnesses they experience, this could be a sign of a mental health disorder. It is

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

not typical for a child to consistently overeat or under eat, or pay no attention to their physical cleanliness and disregard anything unusual associated with their body or clothing. Inability or Unwillingness to Communicate: It’s normal for children to occasionally not want to socialize when they are upset or are bothered by something. But when your child consistently has difficulty communicating their basic needs, or isolates themselves to avoid social interaction, this could indicate some sort of mental health disorder. A child who has few friends, is anxious in all social situations, or loses interest in the activities and friends they used to enjoy may be experiencing something beyond a typical self-imposed “timeout.” Unexplained and Severe Moodiness: Teenagers are known for their mood swings, and young children are known to have temper tantrums. However, the severity and duration of an individual’s mood swing can be a telling sign of whether or not what they’re experiencing is more serious than the average period of feeling sad or upset. If your child has periods of intense anger or depression that last for at least two weeks, and are causing them problems in school or their relationships, it may be wise to talk to a school counselor or their pediatrician. This is particularly important if their moods appear to be out of their control. Please note, if your son or daughter expresses that they are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themselves or someone else, seek help right away. If you are concerned that your child may have a mental health disorder, do not be ashamed or embarrassed. Life is full of obstacles that are beyond our control, and dealing with the unexpected often leads to growth and a new perspective. Do not hesitate to seek guidance from your physician, a school teacher, therapist, or any other health care professional. The most important thing you can do for your child is provide them with the opportunity to receive the interventions (such as therapy, medication, etc.) that may help them live their life as fully as possible.

POSITIVE PARENTING

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RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

GARDENING

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make

FRIES From Your Garden

Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

Wood Industries will provide a FREE gallon bag of garden soil to any child who stops in to start a garden project! 7715 Ave. 296, Visalia 559.625.9426

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

GARDENING

ou can grow your own potatoes in your home garden and then mom or dad can turn them into fries!

Potatoes are grown differently than vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. Tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini are fruits that form from flowers after they are pollinated. Potatoes are tubers that form on underground stems. Remember the dinner plate dahlia tubers we planted in April? Not all tubers are edible, but potatoes are. Be sure to use certified seed potatoes to prevent diseases from harming your potato plant. Most grocery store potatoes will not sprout as well as seed potatoes. If local nurseries do not have seed potatoes, your parents can find them online. Seed potatoes are easy to plant but DO require some attention during the growing period. Use a calendar to mark reminder dates. Seed potato: a potato tuber grown for its buds (eyes) which are used to start new plants.

Time to get started! 1. When you have your seed potatoes, take these steps to prepare them for planting and help prevent rotting. 2. Cut seed potatoes into pieces weighing about 2 ounces (about the size of a golf ball) with EACH having at least one “eye.” 3. Store these pieces at room temperature for one to two days to allow the cut surface to cure and form a callus (a rough skin). 4. Find a sunny spot in your garden. Potatoes need light, welldrained soil; they do not grow well in heavy clay soil. Grow in raised beds or make a mound of “lightweight soil” by mixing garden soil with generous amounts of compost, humus or vegetable planting mix. 5. Plant seed potato pieces eyes face up about 3 inches deep into the mound of soil and about a foot apart. One strong potato vine will grow 2 to 4 pounds of potatoes. 6. Watering: Potatoes have shallow roots and need light watering about two times a week. Generally, they need no more than 1 inch of water a week. Mark your calendar on the planting day and again a few days later for light watering. 7. Soon you will see shoots emerging from the ground. When these shoots are 6 inches tall, cover the stems with 3 inches more of “lightweight soil.” Mark your calendar for two to three weeks from today. 8. Cover the stems with 3 inches more of “lightweight soil.” Mark your calendar again for two to three more weeks. Repeat this process until harvest. 9. Always cover exposed potatoes with “lightweight soil” to avoid greening and sunburn. 10. Potatoes could be ready in about two months, or 60 days. When the vines turn yellow and die, cut off the water and leave the potatoes in the ground for a few weeks to “cure.” Dig up the potatoes and allow them to air dry. ENJOY!

July Review: Your butterfly garden should be in full bloom! Be sure to deadhead old flowers and continue to water slowly and deeply. August Gardening Tip: Since August is typically a very hot month, keep an eye on all plants in your garden to make sure they are getting enough water. If you have a veggie garden, pick veggies early in the day while they are crisp. If you garden looks “tired” from the heat, plant some heat-loving flowers like marigolds, alyssum, lobelia or salvia.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

KID’S COOK-OFF

Kid’s Cook-Off Hey Kid’s, Let’s Cook

f you are looking for a great activity for your children this summer, then consider asking your budding chefs to submit their recipes to this year’s Central Valley Kid’s Cook-Off before September 6. It is sure to spur your children along the path to healthy eating, help them develop their own culinary expertise, and give them a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Similar to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, the activity inspires kids to think creatively about food choices and opens their eyes to the amazing abundance of local agricultural products available. Sponsored by the Family HealthCare Network, this year’s 6th Annual Kid’s Cook-Off has been expanded to include children from 6 to 18 years – and now children who live in any of the five Central Valley counties including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Tulare and Madera are eligible to enter. Kathy Powers, host of the award-winning national PBS series Hey Kids, Let’s Cook! will emcee the event. From now until September 6, children are invited to submit online recipes that promote healthy eating habits. After all of the recipes are reviewed by the Institute of Technology Culinary Academy, 10 finalists will be selected, divided into two age categories (6-12 and 13-18) and invited to compete in an exciting cook-off held in front of a live audience during the fall Home EXPO at the Visalia Convention Center. Thanks to the ongoing generous sponsorship of Disneyland, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Comcast, Macy’s and JC Penney Visalia Mall stores, regardless of the outcome, all finalists will be awarded prizes. Chef Don Waddell, executive director of the Institute of Technology Culinary Academy in Clovis, has been the lead Culinary Support officer of the Kid’s Cook-Off for many years. “All of the years have been very rewarding for the young cooks, and likewise for me. In mentoring the young competitors I have learned a few tricks as well, especially in regard to some tasty ethnic creations,” said Waddell. Waddell stated that recipe submissions are initially reviewed by him and a class of upper division students with an “eye toward age appropriateness in regard to the executability of the submitted recipes.” He went on to say, “Our students also try to select recipes that feature more fresh ingredients and fewer pre-packaged components.” Those chosen will be finalists and compete in the actual Kid’s Cook-Off event, preparing their recipe in front of friends, family and other EXPO attendees. Waddell and several of his advanced students will serve as safety assistants to the young cooks, doing their best to ensure a safe kitchen environment, assist with cooking techniques if needed, and help the chefs keep an eye on the clock.

Recipes will be judged on overall appeal, appearance and presentation, execution of recipe, taste, and judge’s bonus (additional point for difficulty, nutritional value, use of local ingredients, etc.). Recipes don’t have to be invented by the child, but should be something the child is comfortable making inside the EXPO kitchen (with the existing equipment) in the hour of the competition. Parents and finalists are able to do a walk-through of the kitchen the day before the competition so they can see what equipment is available, how it is set up, where the audience sits, etc. Disneyland Resort Operations Manager Alison Moore has been a judge for the Kid’s Cook-Off for the past three years. “It’s something I look forward to every September,” she said. “Each year I’ve been impressed with the creations the kids come up with, and it’s so hard to choose a winner.” Steve Tarter, show manager for the Visalia Home EXPO, said the event has experienced wonderful support from the community, particularly the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, Girl Scouts, Parks & Rec Departments, and of course, the local schools. All 10 finalists will receive prizes. The younger age group first-place winner will receive a Build-A-Bear party for 10 at the Visalia Mall. For the older age group, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will provide four Park Hopper tickets plus a kitchen tour (which must be pre-arranged) at the park. Moore said, “The [older first-place] winner and family get to see some of what we do to feed our thousands of guests every day at Disneyland. We have a production kitchen that they love. The kettles and vats hold almost 80 gallons of product. The usual reaction is ‘WOW!’ Mostly they see how different it is to cook in their own kitchen at home compared to what we’re doing in our kitchens here. Many of the children are very serious about cooking and their interest in what we’re doing is absolutely delightful.” Area children are encouraged to submit their recipes online before September 6. Entries must include a recipe for a nutritious lunch made up of two distinct menu items that can be prepared in an hour or less. Five finalists will be selected for each of the two age divisions to compete in the Cook-Off on September 21. Finalists may be videotaped and the footage aired in a fall episode of “Hey Kids, Let’s Cook!”

To submit your child’s recipe, visit www.Facebook.com/CentralValleyKidsCookOff or www.VisaliaHomeShows.com/Kidscookoff.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

KIDS COOK-OFF

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

ARTS & CRAFTS

Fun Felt

Finger Puppets Text by Virginia Strawser, Executive Director, ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum

ere’s something fun to do when it’s too hot to go outside. Children love to put on puppet shows. Having them create their own little puppets makes it even more exciting and special. Any time they use their imaginations, they will be learning.

What you will need 1. Small pieces of different colored felt 2. Feathers or other decorative materials 3. Non-toxic, kid-safe white glue 4. Kid-safe scissors 5. Googly eyes.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

Instructions 1. Cut two pieces of felt so they match, rounded at the top. 2. Run a line of glue near the edge of the felt, leaving the bottom open for your finger. 3. Tuck any “ears”, feathers or other added features in between the two pieces of felt. 4. Press the two pieces of felt together and hold for a few minutes until dry. 5. Add the googly eyes, nose and any other features. 6. Now you’re ready to put on a fun finger puppet show!

Tips Use your imagination. You can make any animal you desire. Or even make up a new one! Use clothespins or paperclips to hold the felt together until it dries. If you don’t have googly eyes, a felt tip marker will work just fine. Be creative with what you use for the features. Buttons would also make great eyes or a nose. Yarn would make a fuzzy mane or add a nice smile. Children love spending time with their parents. They enjoy the interest their parents show when they do things with them. Doing fun family activities together builds strong family ties. Those ties ensure that children grow up to be happy and healthy.

ACHIEVEMENT

Student Achievements

Character Counts Text by Kelley Petty, Character Counts Coordinator, Tulare County Office of Education

Agricultural

Gabrielle Ribeiro A sophomore at Mission Oak High School in Tulare, Gabrielle Ribeiro was born and raised on her family’s farm south of Tulare. Agriculture has been a major part of her life since childhood. Through work on the farm and the Tulare FFA program, she is building a foundation of skills that will benefit her and the community well into the future. Kevin Koelewyn, Gabrielle’s FFA advisor and Tulare agriculture teacher says that she exemplifies the FFA Creed, which includes the statement “I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly…” Mr. Koelewyn says, “She leads by example and is a person of great character.” Gabrielle has won numerous awards through FFA, the Tulare County Fair and the National Barrel Horse Association California District. She is quick to acknowledge that her successes can be traced back to the lessons learned through FFA. “The Creed teaches us to believe in life, and become servant individuals in the community – giving back, not just skating by.”

Community service

Noah Johnson Knowing that he has had an impact on younger kids and their decisions to make healthy choices drives Woodlake High School senior Noah Johnson to great levels of community service. Noah’s community service began in the third grade when he first became involved in the Kids Day benefit for Children’s Hospital Central California. Now, 10 years later, he says, “I’m still humbled by this opportunity to help kids less fortunate than me.” Tulare County Office of Education’s Gene Mendes says, “I have had the pleasure of watching Noah grow up in our Friday Night Live programs. He has been at the center of community safety and wellness campaigns, such as bullying prevention, alcohol reduction and bike and auto safety programs.” A natural leader, Noah served as a football captain and helped motivate the Woodlake team from a 1-9 record in 2011 to league playoffs in 2012. Noah’s future plans involve working with high school students, where he’s sure to make a great impact.

Academic

Alex Deatherage This month, Alex Deatherage will begin his senior year at Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Tulare County Office of Education would like to recognize him for his extraordinary academic achievements coupled with his record as a student athlete, person of extraordinary character and volunteer for his school and community. Mission Oak principal Isidro Carrasco says, “With a 4.33 grade point average and involvement in the Associated Student Body, wrestling, baseball and FFA, Alex truly represents all that is right about students at Mission Oak. He has a sharp mind, big heart, and a high level of fitness, making him a role model for other students on our campus.” In addition to his school service, Alex has dedicated many summer hours packaging and delivering items for FoodLink for Tulare County. Alex says, “It’s a rewarding feeling when I volunteer. I want to continue my service to my country through a college ROTC program.”

If you know of an outstanding student, contact Kelley Petty, Tulare County Office of Education CHARACTER COUNTS! Coordinator at (559) 740-4303 RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

HEALTH

A Mother’s Oral Health is Important to a

Newborn Baby’s Health By Henry Cisneros, DDS, Chief Clinical Officer, Family HealthCare Network

any pregnant women and medical and dental providers feel apprehensive about dental treatment when women are pregnant. Focused studies have been conducted and the outcomes indicate that it is important for expectant mothers to receive preventive education and appropriate oral health services during pregnancy. It is also important for the expectant mother to know that her oral health impacts her own general health and that of her unborn baby. Chronic infections such as gum disease or untreated decay can cause continuous inflammation in the body and it does not remain only in the expectant mother’s mouth. It also can impact the major organs of both the mother’s and baby’s bodies. Although dental disease is transmissible, it can be managed with routine common activities such as consistent daily tooth brushing, oral rinsing and regular visits to the dentist, along with proper nutritional choices. In the first trimester of pregnancy, preventive services should be received. If there are urgent dental problems these should also be treated as well. Many women experience frequent nausea and vomiting which will impact the integrity of teeth, especially if there are already decayed surfaces. The dentist and the oral health team should work with their patient to develop strategies that can minimize the impact of acid erosion on the teeth. There are always benefits and risks to be considered in any treatment plan developed, however, the risk of not receiving needed care should

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

also be considered. The benefits of appropriate dental x-rays and local anesthetic should be considered as indicated by research. The proper use of apron barriers will minimize the impact of dental x-rays and allow the dentist to make more accurate decisions regarding a dental care plan. If you have concerns with your treatment plan and care, it is always best to discuss various options with your dental and OB team to coordinate your care. Pain is also not necessary. An expectant mother should not suffer in pain because of lack of knowledge or unproven understandings that dictate waiting until after the baby is born. The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the California Dental Association Foundation and others have worked together to establish clinical guidelines to help obstetric and dental providers make appropriate decisions regarding the provision of oral health services during pregnancy. The associations have also come together in consensus, stating, “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including needed dental radiographs and use of local anesthesia, are highly beneficial and can be undertaken during pregnancy with no additional fetal or maternal risk when compared to the risk of not providing care. Good oral health and control of oral disease protects a woman’s health and quality of life and has the potential to reduce the transmission of pathogenic bacteria from mothers to their children.” Everyone is focused on a safe childbirth and healthy baby. However, there is no clinical evidence that dental care directly impacts complications of a pregnancy and therefore it should not be avoided. Coordinating prenatal care and dental care is ideal. This is a key component and ensures the best outcome for mother and baby.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

IN SEASON

NUTRITION

what’s FRESH?

Grapes Peaches Tomatoes Sweet Corn Summer Squash

Source: Tulare County Farm Bureau

Juicy Truth Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds

y children are constantly asking me for juice – sweet, delicious and full of sugar – why wouldn’t they crave it?! With the summer months we are blessed with an abundance of vegetables and fruits that are ripe, full of goodness and ready to juice! So why not take advantage and make juice for the little ones? We can fit their daily intake of vegetables and fruit right in their glasses! I feel like I’m doing my children a great service by serving them Mother Nature’s natural sugar over the sugar that is added to store bought juice (yes, even the low-calorie juices). In addition to being easy to process, this juice will help give their bodies energy along with the vitamins, minerals and fiber that is hidden in our fruits and vegetables. Finding it hard to get your children to eat their broccoli? Throw it in a juicer and add it to some apple-grape juice! It will give it a darker color, add to the richness in taste, and your children will drink down their broccoli

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

with a smile! Making homemade juice to go with a couple meals a day is an easy way to get your children their five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Being home-juiced, with no sugar added, our children will be teaching their taste buds to love the natural taste of fruits and vegetables with no preservatives or additives! For some delicious ideas of what to add to your children’s fruit juice, try out these two yummy recipes from The Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies (adults will love them too!)

Green Lemonade 2 apples (green apples are lower in sugar) ½ lemon, peeled 1 handful of your favorite greens Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice all ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible. Serves 1 (or is enough for 3 small cups for children). Spicy Orange This is a simple get-started juice recipe. Always peel oranges before juicing: The skin contains toxic oils, which are good in cleaning products but not in the digestive tract. 1 orange, peeled 1 cucumber, peeled 1-inch chunk of ginger root Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible. Serves 1 (or is enough for 3 small cups for children. For this recipe, I leave out the ginger root as my kids didn’t like it “spicy,” but I experiment and add other veggies and fruits to the juice – they love that!) Here is one more recipe, and one of my children’s personal favorites, from Jack LaLanne’s Secrets of Power Juicing Fresh Melon Combo ½ cantaloupe (remove rind and seeds) ½ honeydew (remove rind and seeds) ½ watermelon (remove rind) Cut into manageable pieces that will fit into chute. Juice and enjoy! With this recipe, I like to add a couple pieces of vegetables – anything I have raw in the fridge in order to add more fiber and veggies into the juice. The richness of the melon disguises whatever I add! So let your kids drink their vegetables – they will be healthier, more regular and happier for it!

NUTRITION

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RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

COLLEGE PREP

Establishing Good Habits for the New School Year Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

tarting a new school year is exciting and anxiety provoking at the same time. For some students it means a different environment with unfamiliar faces. For others, it means choosing the collegiate course-taking path, or the transition into a rigorous year of study in preparation for what lies beyond high school. Whatever the case may be, it is a unique chance to grow and learn that will challenge students to greater heights.

With each beginning school year comes the opportunity to break old habits and begin new ones. This is a great time for students to take a serious look at how to manage time and balance academic responsibilities along with social and extracurricular activities. During these important years, if students can learn to use their time wisely, it will help maintain focus that will lead to success! This will require students to make a strong commitment now to personal and educational goals by making good choices (this occasionally means studying rather than hanging out with friends). Knowing that the weeks are limited to just so many hours, it is helpful to remind your student to consider the best possible way to balance a study schedule. Equally important is reminding them of resources they have available to them, such as afterschool tutoring help if they are having trouble in a class. Encourage them to speak to their teachers or counselors if they find themselves in need of extra help. If students gain the confidence to speak up now, this skill will help them articulate their needs to college staff and faculty with ease after leaving high school! By now, most students should have had practice using a daily planner to list assignment due dates. Encourage your student to continue spending their time efficiently in planning all of their

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

activities, including time for study. Here are a few tips to help students get the most out of their study time. Minimize distractions. Eliminate everything that might be a distraction in the area where your student studies. If your son/daughter loves surfing the net, have them turn it off during their study time so that it is not tempting to logon. If they like video games, help them build the discipline to only play after completing all work as a study reward. Environment. Make sure others know not to interrupt your son/daughter while they are studying. Setting up a comfortable area with appropriate lighting and temperature helps keep the concentration at maximum levels in order to allow new knowledge to sink in. Focused Study Time. Besides choosing the best time of day, one of the most important things students can do to study effectively is to focus on studying for about 50 minutes at a time. Studying for 10 minutes here and there is not helpful and breaks the concentration. On the other hand, studying too long (longer than 90 minutes) actually gets the brain fatigued. These simple habits will no doubt continue to be helpful in the collegiate years. Wishing you a great beginning to the new school year!

HAPPY TRAILS

Happy Trails Riding Academy Offers Variety of Program Courses Text by Happy Trails Riding Academy

appy Trails Riding Academy is a nonprofit program that enriches the lives of children with physical, cognitive and psychological disabilities through equine-associated activities and therapy. Therapeutic horsemanship provides a unique opportunity for selfimprovement and independence in a positive learning environment, while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy. Benefits of therapeutic riding include increased balance, strength and flexibility, reduction of abnormal movement patterns, and improved respiration and circulation. Increased ability to process information, improved language skills, independence, self-confidence and positive social interactions are also a direct result of therapeutic horsemanship. Currently, Happy Trails provides six different Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies that include: Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Therapy / Life Skills (accompanied by an Occupational Therapist), Interactive Vaulting, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Driving, and Equine Services for Heroes (in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project).

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more information on three of the programs available at Happy Trails: Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) / Life Skills is a solo-participant class utilizing the horse as a therapeutic modality facilitating normal human posture and movement under the direction of a physical, occupational or speech therapist. EAT uses activities on the horse that are meaningful to each rider. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding classes), but rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can then be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. This type of program is usually offered to children ages 3-8 and is taught by a Certified Occupational Therapist at Happy Trails. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy / Learning (EFP/L) is a transformative therapy that involves the relationship between a therapist, a client, a team of volunteers and an equine partner. It is a metaphorical, hands-on mental health treatment that is based on the dynamic relationship with an animal. Happy Trails Riding Academy is proud to partner with Tulare County Health and Human Services and the Tulare Youth Service Bureau for our EFP/L program. Therapeutic Cart Driving gives participants a riding alternative, opening up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride for a variety of reasons. It also provides the student with a unique movement experience. Therapeutic Driving is about imparting knowledge of safety, horses, harnessing and driving skills through teamwork and some fun, too.

For more information on the programs offered at Happy Trails Riding Academy, visit our website at www.WeAreHappyTrails.com.

Happy Trails Riding Academy Therapeutic Horsemanship

AT TEN TION Tulare Count y Photographers Raise Magazine is looking for cover photo submissions

For more information, contact:

(559) 688-8685

info@wearehappytrails.com

www.WeAreHappyTrails.com

Location: 2773 E. Oakdale Avenue Tulare, CA 93274

Mailing: P.O. Box 572 Visalia, CA 93279

What kind of photos?

Please submit

Vertical format high-quaility Children (ages 5-15), or electronic files only children with pet No group, sibling or family photos Photos are free to submit, but submission does not guarantee placement. EMAIL PHOTOS TO RAISE@DMIAGENCY.COM

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Your Checklist for Back-to-School

Text by Dara Fisk-Ekanger

or students, fall is budding with possibilities. Mistakes of the previous school year are forgotten, anticipation of seeing old friends is high. But upcoming changes – both academic and social can be a little nerve-wracking. It’s up to parents to ensure their children are well prepared for the new school year.

Exercise those Brains! Of course, it’s well known that if “you don’t use it, you lose it.” And this definitely applies to students and academics. A report out from the National Summer Learning Association* states: “Research shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer. Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills and spelling over the summer months.” While parents may encourage their children to read over the summer, math and spelling are two subjects likely to be overlooked. Take a few evenings the week or two before and after school starts to review math skills over the dinner table or via math game websites like www.sheppardsoftware.com or download a grade-appropriate math or spelling ap for students to get their brains back in gear. Get Some Sleep Getting back on a schedule after the carefree days of summer will help make the transition smoother. Several days before school starts, start enforcing the earlier bedtime and wake time that will 24

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be necessary. Five to 6-year-olds need on average 10–12 hours of sleep per day. Seven to 12-year-olds need on average 10–11 hours per day. And while 12–18-year-olds need at least 8–9 hours per day, social activities (not to mention cell phones and other electronic devices) conspire to shorten that time. It may be necessary to limit screen time as you transition back to the greater demands of a school schedule. Sufficient sleep is essential both for physical and mental health. Encourage your children, no matter their ages, to see sleep as an investment in their bodies and their academics. Buy Supplies One of the most fun aspects of back to school is all the cool new backpacks, notebooks and accessories. Many children, especially older ones, enjoy the excitement of shopping and opportunity to pick out their own new items. However, if you’re worried about begging and pleading for unneeded or overpriced items, you still have options. Give older kids a set amount of money and a list of items they have to purchase. Anything over that comes out of their own pockets. For younger children, allow them to pick out one special item (like a lunch box or backpack). Then you buy the basic

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

essentials yourself, wrap them up in decorative paper or gift bag, and present with great fanfare the night before the first day of class. Balloons and streamers are definitely in order. Get Your Protein We’ve all heard: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but why? In the rush to get out the door, it’s tempting to grab whatever is available. But a child’s ability to concentrate, learn and make it to lunch is entirely dependent on the amount of protein he or she gets at breakfast. Protein regulates blood sugar, helps keep a person feeling full longer, and helps maintain a healthy weight. An egg breakfast burrito (kept in the freezer for quick reheat), nut butters on whole grain bread or mixed with oatmeal, yogurt with granola, and protein fruit smoothies are all excellent choices to start the day off. If you need ideas, check out the breakfast and packable lunch plans from eMeals.com. First Day All “firsts” are a bit stressful. The first day of kindergarten, middle or high school might be even more memorable for students and parents alike. To help alleviate nervousness, many schools offer open houses before classes begin so students can meet their teacher,

see their classroom and get a feel for what lies ahead. If an open house isn’t offered, at least stop by the school and see if you can do a walk-through the week before. On the big morning, take lots of pictures and videos, tuck a special love note into their lunch bags to let them know you’re thinking of them, and plan a nice surprise at the end of the day. Homemade cookies or a stop at a favorite frozen yogurt shop would work nicely. Some children may need time to unwind while others may talk a mile-a-minute sharing all the details of the day. Pay attention to them and follow their lead. Sometimes bed time is the best time to find out the really important aspects of their day. Listen to any problems or concerns your children may have before or after the big first day and take them seriously. And remember, your positive attitude can do a lot to alleviate worries and build excitement in your student for the coming year. *Cooper, H., Nye B., Charlton, K., et al. “The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores: A Narrative and Metaanalytic Review.” Review of Educational Research, 66, 227-268.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

READING LIST

Kids’ Home Library Smart, Thoughtful Tales to Bridge the Gap from Picture Book to Chapter Tale Text by Lee Littlewood

tepping up from picture books to chapter books this summer? These fantastic new reads combine illustrations with chapter book layout, perfect for second to fifth graders.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond; Illustrated by Dave McKean; Candlewick Press; 80 pages; $17.99. Child psychologists say it’s good to expose grade-school-aged kids to limited themes of grown-up issues, adversity and strength. This dramatic, advanced picture book stars three children who must fill in the gaps in a world created by the gods. The gods created mountains, forests, seas, beautiful flowers, people and beasts, but now they just have tea, boast among themselves and nap. Harry, Sue and Little Ben notice some empty gaps in nature, and set about to create “a mouse-like thing” out of wool, petals and nuts, and then a bird, a snake and finally a scary wolf. The children realize they’ve overstepped their humanly boundaries when the wolf temporarily eats the older two children. All the while, the gods rejoice in the new creatures and realize they don’t need the “wolf-like creature.” Incredibly imaginative and thoughtprovoking with somewhat bizarre yet beautiful illustrations and a thoughtfully odd story, Mouse Bird Snake Wolf is sure to be an award winner and is smart for kids with a penchant for quirky, mature tales. Stick Dog by Tom Watson; Harper/ HarperCollins; 190 pages; $12.99. Subtitled “a really good story with kind of Bad drawings,” this comical tale begins as the boy writer explains his lack of artistic skill and tendency to create stick drawings. He then weaves an action-jammed tale about the adventures of Stick Dog and his friends Poo-Poo, Karen and Mutt, which involve chasing squirrels and tails in circles and lots of creative ideas about how to confiscate humans’ hamburgers off a grill. A fun, lighthearted, zippy read, peppered with comic stick drawings, Watson’s tale fits perfectly in the same genre as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate and Captain Underpants series. A Narrow Escape: The Lobster Chronicles 2 by Jessica Scott Kerrin; Illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong; Kids Can Press; 132 pages; $15.99. Kerrin’s The Lobster Chronicles trilogy for 8-to-12-year-olds captures the vintage appeal of small town life as three boys react when a giant lobster is caught in a trap. In this second in the series (which can be enjoyed even without book No. 1), not-most-popular Norris Fowler finds himself in charge of his teacher’s prized plant collection while she’s away.

Capturing perfectly the excited speak of second and third graders, Kerrin touches on the importance of grade school spelling bees, dodge ball tournaments, classroom pet deaths, and the importance of taking care of a teacher’s belongings. Throw in the town’s cannery, a much-coveted captured lobster, and Norris’ grandfather’s cronies at the Sunset Manor retirement home, and the result is a kid-friendly, brief but absorbing romp full of summery zest. Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; Illustrated by Tony Fucile; Candlewick Press; 80 pages; $15.99. The fun comic bookish Bink & Gollie series is probably more picture book than chapter book, but it is an award-winning triumph starring two girls – one very short, one very tall – with a quirky cool relationship. In this third in the series, Gollie believes she’s related to royalty, Bink tries to assemble a “Stretch-o-Matic” machine so she can get tall enough to reach the peanut butter and both decide to collect gold stars. Witty, mischievous, entertaining dialogue between the so-different pals, plus lively artwork, make Bink and Gollie a fun series full of zany character plots. Oh, what an ode to the quirky power of friendships! Following Grandfather by Rosemary Wells; Illustrated by Christopher Denise; Candlewick Press; 58 pages; $14.99. Wells’ latest magical story touches on the subject of loss and the pain of absence, as mouse Jenny thinks she spots her beloved grandfather turning a corner and sitting on a park bench. Jenny runs after the familiar silver whiskers and follows them into the sea, only to almost drown. Magically, the little mouse feels strong, unseen arms deposit her back on the edge of the beach and into a melting sand castle. After this, Jenny never sees Grandfather’s whiskers again, but when she misses him, heads to the beach to remember. Beautifully written with lots of vignettes from Grandfather’s life in mid-20th-century Boston, Wells’ ode to family love is gentle and satisfying. Denise’s mostly black and white illustrations add an old-fashioned, homey feel to the tale’s aura.

DENTAL HEALTH

Dental Tips

Text by Keith E. Williams, DDS, Williams Family Dental

our child just had a checkup at the dentist and you’ve been told they have cavities that need to be repaired. NOW WHAT?

One of the choices you and your dentist will need to make is what material to use when repairing your child’s teeth. In this month’s column, I will list some of the materials and concerns your dentist will consider before recommending a plan to you. This knowledge will enable you to address any concerns you may have and make the best decision possible for your child’s care. When restoring primary (baby) teeth the dentist will consider the following: 1. Patient’s age 2. The risk of additional decay in the future 3. Your child’s ability to cooperate with treatment 4. Characteristics of different materials available. The child’s age will influence the choice in two ways: 1) Which clinical techniques can the child handle while placing the filling? and 2) How long must the filling last? The risk of future decay includes the number of teeth with existing cavities and their size. Do we need a fluoride-releasing material to help prevent recurrent decay? How motivated and compliant is the patient and caregiver? How is their oral hygiene and diet?

The child’s ability to cooperate may make certain technique-sensitive materials inappropriate if their behavior is not conducive. This might make the dentist suggest Interim Therapeutic Restorations or fluoride varnishes to help control decay until the patient’s behavior matures. Depending on the dentist’s analysis of the above factors the list of materials they may choose from include: 1. Amalgam 2. Stainless Steel Crowns 3. Composite Resins 4. Class Ionomer Cements 5. Resin-Modified Class Ionomer Cements 6. Nano-Iomomers. All of these materials work well when used appropriately. There are pros and cons to all of them as well as cost differences. In some cases only one is appropriate for a situation and in many cases several may work well. These choices should be made in consultation with your dentist to meet your child’s dental needs in the best way possible.

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

CALENDAR

august 2013

calendar of events dates to remember

KJUG Concerts in the Park

AUGUST 9

Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens

AUGUST 23

AUGUST

Jesus Gonzalez M.A. Education Educational Consultant jesusilead@gmail.com 559.308.5991 Adriana Gonzalez M.A. Education Educational Consultant adrianailead@gmail.com 559.308.4841

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

SEPTEMBER

Institute for Leadership, Education & Achieving Dreams

A resource for Families in Visalia, Exeter, Tulare and Woodlake!

To advertise your business in Raise call 559.739.1747

CALENDAR Summer Unplugged - Kids Bowl FREE all Summer!

9 KJUG Concerts in the Park

23 Saturn: Jewel of the Heavens

This free summer concert will feature The From its bizarre moons with mysterious features Henningsen’s, the family trio who sings the to the millions of icy particles that compose the At AMF, kids 15 and under can bowl for free hit single, “American Beautiful.” This will be a enigmatic rings, this program features a threeall summer. Simply register and you’ll get a great night listening to a big name country artist dimensional tour of the Saturnian system that weekly voucher for two free games per child per and enjoying the smell of “Small Town Charm.” includes information about our solar system. day through September 3. Shoe rental is not So come early, set up chairs and pick a great When: Aug. 23, 7p included. Free bowling available until 8p, 7 days spot at Exeter City Park. Where: Peña Planetarium a week. When: Aug. 9, 7p 2500 W. Burrel Ave. Visalia When: May 12 – Sept. 2 Where: Exeter City Park, Contact: 737-6334 Where: AMF Bowling, E. Chestnut St. and S. “E” St., Exeter 1740 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia Contact: 592-5262 Contact: www.freebowling.amf.com 30 Back to School Night lwachter@exetercityhall.com Open to Friday Night Live students and their advisors, the Back-to-School Night is designed Adventure Park Kamp Second Saturday Party to bring students together from throughout For ages 8-15 and for only $25 a day, enjoy 10 On the second Saturday of each month, the Tulare County to have fun and socialize in a all-you-can-eat buffet, lazer tag, all the outside library hosts a party relative to that month’s safe environment. The event also helps kick off attractions, free play, unlimited fountain drinks, holiday or popular themes. They have shown the new school year by celebrating young people water games, tournaments and snacks! movies, hosted Nintendo Wii gaming parties, making good, healthy choices to stay alcohol, When: Jun. 12 – Aug. 9, 10a-6p Mon.-Fri. recycling events, holiday parties and more! tobacco, drug and gang free. Grades 4-8. This is Where: Visalia Adventure Park, Hwy 198 & When: Aug. 10, 1-3p part of TCOE’s Friday Night Live program. Akers, Visalia Where: Tulare Public Library, When: Aug. 30, 7p Contact: 635-7275 475 N. “M” St., Tulare Where: Visalia Rawhide Stadium, Contact: Children’s Services, 685-4519 300 N. Giddings Visalia Young At Art 2013 Contact: Adam Valencia avalencia@tcoe.org or Arts Visalia features artworks created by each call 651-0155 ext. 3611 Family Game Night and every student who participated in its 23 A night filled with fun as you play board games, summer program. The Young At Art exhibit Pages with Piper put together a few puzzles and take a whack at is one of the year’s most enjoyable exhibitions. Independent readers in grades kindergarten playing the Wii all with your family. Students, along with their families and friends, through fourth can come and read to Piper, a When: Aug. 23, 5:30p-7p have the opportunity to see their artistic trained service dog. This will be an opportunity Where: Tulare Public Library, creations presented in a professional gallery for children to practice reading in a fun, non475 N. “M” St., Tulare setting. threatening environment. The sessions will be Contact: Call Youth Services at 685-4500 When: Aug. 7 – 30; Reception: Aug. 9, 6-8p from 10-15 minutes, depending on the amount Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia of children signed up for that day. Parents Movies For Teens Contact: 739-0905 24 or guardians are required to sign a release Kids 13 and older are invited to head over to form before their child may participate in the the library for their “Movies For Teens” days. Wildest Weather in the Solar System 9 program. PG-13 movies will be shown each Thursday Join us on a spectacular journey to witness When: Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30p afternoon. the most beautiful, powerful, and mysterious Where: Tulare Public Library, When: Aug. 24, 2-5p; Pitch Perfect weather phenomena in the solar system. From 475 N. “M” St., Tulare Where: Tulare County Library, a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen Contact: Children’s Services, 685-4519 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia bomb to a 400-year-old hurricane to a dust Contact: 713-2706 tempest that could engulf entire planets, you’ll be glad you live on Earth! When: Aug. 9, 7p Where: Peña Planetarium 2500 W. Burrel Ave. Visalia, CA Contact: 737-6334

Fam i lear ly Fu n & ning Too !

Wed-Fri 10am-4pm / Sat 12pm-4pm

Admission $5 per person / Annual Family Memberships $72

Available for Private Parties!!! 700 E Main St, Visalia • 559 733 5975 visit imagineUmuseum.org for details Virginia Strawser, Executive Director • imagineUmuseum@sbcglobal.net

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

SAFETY

BULLYING WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Text by Adam Valencia, Tulare County Office of Education

What is Bullying? Bullying is an inappropriate behavior that one or several people use to inflict mental or physical pain or embarrassment on someone else. Bullying can be used as a way of exercising power. For example, a bully might order another person to do tasks for them which they should not normally be doing. Some bullies may use threats, insults or try to exclude a person out of the group of friends. Bullying happens with boys as well as girls. Sometimes bullying may be very subtle, but it is still just as damaging as more overt forms. What are some signs of Bullying? Students: There are many ways to tell when someone is trying to bully you. The most obvious forms are physical and verbal assaults. Someone intentionally hurting you in a physical way or saying mean things, even in a voicemail message, are both forms of bullying. Other types of bullying are more subtle, such as spreading rumors or leaving a person out of a group to make them feel bad. If you ever notice a sibling or a friend with strange bruises, injuries or damage to their belongings, it may be a hint of bullying. They may also show changes in their behavior, such as having nightmares, avoiding school or becoming angry or depressed without any obvious reason. On the other hand, it is also important to recognize if you are, or someone you know is, starting to act like a bully. Bullies tend to be aggressive with other people, especially those who are smaller or younger than them. Some bullies like to stick together in a group, and they may often be in detention. Very often, especially among girls, bullies will pretend to be a friend, but then engage in peer pressure or indirect forms of bullying behind their victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backs. Advice for Kids One way to deal with bullying is to ignore it. Walk away and report the incident to a parent or teacher. Stick with your friends, since bullies find it harder to intimidate an entire group of people. If you feel confident about the issue, perhaps have a calm talk with the bully. In trying to help them, you might be able to make them a better, happier person, too. Very often, bullies are mean because they are actually being bullied by other people. This makes them sad, angry or frustrated, and they in turn take out their emotions on kids who are not as strong as they are. Always remember a good way to help stop bullying is to treat people with respect. For more information about suicide prevention, contact Tulare County Office of Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choices Prevention Programs Supervisor Adam Valencia at (559) 651-0155, or Joe Aguilar at (559) 471-9544. The Choices Prevention Programs provide bullying and gang recognition presentations to schools throughout Tulare County. 30

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013

RESOURCES

important numbers at a glance:

City Information • Tulare County website www.co.tulare.ca.us • City of Visalia website www.ci.visalia.ca.us • City of Tulare website www.ci.tulare.ca.us • City of Exeter website www.cityofexeter.com • City of Woodlake website www.cityofwoodlake.com • Visalia Parks & Recreation, (559) 713-4365

Other Important Numbers

Fire & Police

County & City

• Tulare County Fire Department, (559) 747-8233 • Visalia Fire Department, (559) 713-4266 • Tulare Fire Department, (559) 684-4300 • Exeter Fire Department, (559) 592-3714 • Woodlake Fire Department, (559) 564-2181 • Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, (559) 636-4625; (559) 733-6218 • Visalia Police Department (Non-Emergency), (559) 734-8116 • Visalia Police Department, Gang Suppression and Narcotics Unit, (anonymous tip hotline) (559) 713-4737 • Tulare County - End Gang Hotline, (888) 363-4264 • Tulare Police Department, (559) 684-4238; (559) 686-3454 • Exeter Police Department, (559) 592-3103 • Woodlake Police Department, (559) 564-3325 • Kings & Tulare County California Highway Patrol, (559) 441-5400

• Tulare County Services - United Way, Dial 2-1-1; www.211ca.org • Delta Vector Control District, (559) 732-8606; www.deltavcd.com • Tulare & Kings Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force (Non-crisis), (559) 624-7471; www.sptf.org • Child Abuse Prevention Council, (559) 735-0456; www.tularecountycapc.org • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • Domestic Violence/Shelters, (559) 732-5941, (559) 685-9515; www.fstc.net • Sexual Assault 24-hr Confidential Hotline, (559) 732-7273; www.fstc.net • Alcohol/Drug Programs, (559) 733-6123 • Parenting Network, (559) 625-0384; www.parentingnetwork.org • Tulare-Kings Right To Life, (559) 732-5000; www.tkrl.org • The IRMA Network, (559) 732-5000; www.theirmanetwork.org • Latinos4Life, (559) 732-5000; www.latinos4life.org • 5ive5ive9ine (Teen Health), 559teensmatter.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 636-4050 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 713-4957

Medical • Family HealthCare Network, www.fhcn.org • Kaweah Delta Medical Center, (559) 624-2000 Emergency Room, (559) 624-2213 • Visalia Walk-In Medical Clinic, (559) 627-5555 • Tulare Regional Medical Center, (559) 688-0821 • Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, (559) 624-8000 • Children’s Hospital Central California, (559) 353-3000 • Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, Lauren Small Children's Medical Center (661) 327-4647 • Sierra View District Hospital, (559) 784-1110

Education • Tulare County Library, (559) 713-2700; www.tularecountylibrary.org • Tulare County Office of Education, (559) 733-6300; www.tcoe.org • Visalia Unified School District, (559) 730-7300; www.vusd.org • Tulare City School District, (559) 685-7200; www.tcsdk8.org • Exeter Union School District, (559) 592-9421; www.exeter.k12.ca.us • Woodlake Public Schools, (559) 564-8081; www.woodlakepublicschools.org

Add your numbers below

Nationwide • American Association of Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222; www.aapcc.org • Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 232-4636; www.cdc.gov • California Poison Control, (800) 222-1222; www.calpoison.org • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255; www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ), (866) 488-7386; www.thetrevorproject.com • Missing Child Hotline, (800) 843-5678 • Road Conditions, (800) 427-7623

REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT, DIAL

9-1-1

Add your numbers below

RAISE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2013