January/February 2015 by DMI Agency

y o u r

c e n t r a l

v a l l e y

IN AZ

f a m i l y

r e s o u r c e

COMMUNITY A Story Just Like Any Other EAT Lunch For Your Little Valentine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

PARTY A Sporty Baby Sprinkle

A child’s most precious gift is their smile iles since 1997! sm r ei th d an n re ild ch g tin ea tr We've been

GET HELPFUL TIPS for keeping your kids healthy. Check out our blog on raisemag.com

Hapy Bear Surgery Center is a recipient of the Gold Seal of Approval™ for Quality

HAPY BEAR IS THE FIRST CHOICE OF TULARE COUNTY PARENTS FOR CHILDREN’S SEDATION DENTISTRY 1979 Hillman Street Tulare, CA 93274

(559) 732-4279 Located behind the Tulare Outlet Mall, just south of Cartmill Avenue

Hapy Bear’s state-of-the-art facility offers a comfortable, kid-friendly environment with a glassed-in Kids Play Zone, free Wi-Fi internet access and stroller parking in the waiting room. If your child has a significant fear of visiting the dentist, ADHD, Autism or other special needs that may require more specialized care than your family dentist can provide, Hapy Bear can help! Ask your dentist for a referral or learn more by visiting us online: www.hapybear.com.

STAFF LETTER

appy New Year! As every New Year rolls around, we always ask ourselves that looming question, “Where does the time go?” It seems like just yesterday when we were brainstorming ideas for the last January and February issues of Raise Magazine. Ever since we transitioned to a bi-monthly publication, we have featured a story in each issue relating to a community project, humanitarian organization, or an inspiring change in the Central Valley. We love publishing these “feel-good” stories as much as you love reading them.

This month, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Adoption Unit tells a story of a family whose lives have changed with the help of their services. With each New Year, we hope to discover resolutions that change our well-being and further the well-being of others. Read about this remarkable story of family and resolution beginning on page 6.

Another resolution to think about for the coming year is to show some LOVE to a person, friend, family member, or even a stranger in your life. In the January/ February issue of Raise, we have provided a few “lovable” articles to get you in the mood for all things Valentines. Be sure to look for these fun features throughout this issue.

From our office and staff to your family and home, we hope you have an amazing 2015 filled with a little less worry, and a little more fun.

m ag a z i n e

The Editorial Staﬀ

OR ION , T A M EA OR Y ID INF RE TOR . co m S O M A mag T R I e O s M i F SU B ies@ra 9 -1747 TO or 73 9 il st 59) 09 0 ema call (5 ) 738 or 559 ax ( or f

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

zin

e PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

IN THIS

ISSUE 6

COMMUNITY A Story Just Like Any Other

CREATE Cork Love Bugs

EAT Lunch for Your Little Valentine

LIVE The Gift of Heart Health

PARTY A Sporty Baby Sprinkle

LOVE Preventing Tantrums

TRENDING Let’s Date!

KUDOS Character Counts

DO-IT-YOURSELF Showing Love with DIY Valentines

12 16

GARDENING Let’s Grow Beets

FAMILIES Meet Your Local Neighbors

EVENTS Out-and-About in Tulare County

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KATIE PRESSER Editorial Staff KELLY LAPADULA ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS KELLEY PETTY MISSY YAVASILE SUSAN SCHIEFERLE WALDO HENRIQUEZ BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON Marketing Manager KIM BATTY ADVERTISING SALES Account Executive LEAH PEREZ leah@dmiagency.com SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! www.raisemag.com issuu.com/raisemagazine Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine Pinterest.com/RaiseMagazine

LEARN College Scholarships

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RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

RESOURCES

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare. If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747 Raise Magazine is published six times a year and distributed at high-traffic 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. © 2015 DMI Agency

QuickCare • Open 7 days a week • Results quickly provided to your physician • Onsite imaging and lab Non-VMC patients welcome!

Akers

Visalia Medical Clinic

N Hillsdale

5400 W. Hillsdale

VMChealth.com 738-7555

Hwy. 198

TULARE COUNTY HEALTH CARE CENTERS · Pediatrics · Laboratory · Teeth Health · Family Medicine · Obstetrics & Gynecology · Diabetes Management & Health Education · We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare and have programs for people without insurance.

Your Health and Well Being Is Our Commitment Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Visalia Health Care Center 2611 N. Dinuba, Visalia 559) 623-0700

Farmersville Health Care Center 660 E. Visalia Road, Farmersville (559) 713-2890

Tulare Pediatric Health Care Center 1008 N. Cherry Street, Tulare (559) 688-5437

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Association.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY

A STORY

JUST LIKE ANY OTHER 6

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY

dopting a child changes that child’s life in a positive way, but many adoptive parents will tell you that their lives change for the better too. Every year, all 50 states and more than 400 cities raise awareness for more than 400,000 children in foster care waiting for loving and permanent families. For the past 12 years, National Adoption Month has been recognized by courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies, and advocates to finalize adoptions and find homes for many foster children. Social workers with Tulare County Adoptions, a unit within Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency’s Child Welfare Services Division, work diligently to find permanent homes for Tulare County’s foster youth who cannot return home. These dedicated workers are passionately committed to finding loving families for these children. Within the past year alone, 184 adoptions have been finalized, and within the past ten years, the adoptions unit has overseen over 1,350 finalized adoptions. The McCoy family has experienced the joys of adopting, as they have adopted three children through Tulare County Adoptions. Fifteen years ago, when their children Brittney and Jared were 12 and 9 years old, Gregg and Laurie McCoy started a journey that expanded their family. The McCoys say they loved being parents to their two children, and they loved being involved in their children’s lives, but they saw that not all children were given the opportunities their children had. “Not everyone has the opportunity to raise their own children,” says Laurie. “So we wanted to fill in the gap for those parents.” They say that decision filled their life with more joy than they ever could have expected. The McCoy family looked into the many options available when contemplating adoption. At first, they discounted domestic adoption and wanted to pursue international adoption. When international adoption did not work out, they believed they were being called to adopt domestically through Tulare County. They spoke with others who had adopted children through the Tulare County Adoptions program, and all relayed positive experiences. They decided to step out in faith and proceed with adoption through the county. The McCoy family says the Tulare County staff was very compassionate, understanding, and provided guidance through the process of becoming licensed adoptive parents. Their son Cade, now 12 years old, was their first placement; his adoption was finalized just nine months after he was placed with them.

and which are not.” The McCoy children agree that most days they forget, because there is no difference between biological children and adopted children in the McCoy family – they are all simply their children. “They’re your kids,” says Laurie. “You love them and discipline them like anyone else.” Gregg worried that the love wouldn’t be the same, or if they could love children that weren’t genetically related to them. “I knew the love we had for our biological children,” says Gregg. “I didn’t know if I was capable of having that love for children who came from outside our home, but it is amazing that you do. It is a gift that the good Lord gave us and it is amazing.” “Originally we got into [adoption] to make a difference, but in the end, they are the ones who made a difference to us,” Laurie says. Still, some families hesitate to adopt. “We never meet someone that we share our story with, that we don’t hear ‘I’ve always thought about that, but…’ and often it is something that people say, ‘Our house isn’t big enough…’ – it is okay! Kids are not looking for a huge house; they are looking for a home. From the oldest to the youngest, kids are looking for a home.” One piece of advice Gregg and Laurie would offer anyone considering adoption is to take a chance, and have faith. If you have the means and the ability, then you should proceed – do not base your decision on fear. They acknowledge that there are a lot of unknowns that come with adopting a child, and it can be scary, but they would encourage others not to let that fear affect the decision. Adoptive children are simply children; they do things children do, and at the end of the day, they are just like anybody else’s children, but now they are your children. Gregg and Laurie say they have been able to give their children, adopted and biological alike, the same opportunities. “We can’t imagine giving birth and not having the means to raise the child – they’re (the biological parent) giving up a piece of themselves.”

The McCoys say that each adoption is a unique journey, and that through adoption, they have become a part of the larger family of adoptive families. “Each child has an unbelievable story of how they came to us,” says Laurie, and many other adoptive families have reached out to share their heartfelt stories.

The McCoy family says that adoption has allowed them to increase the size of their family and create a legacy for their children. Part of that legacy is creating a new definition of what a ‘normal’ family is, and each of their children understand that it doesn’t matter if they’re biological or not – they are loved and an integral part of the family.

The amazing stories that can be attributed to each adoption contributes to the family history, but doesn’t fully describe the family. “In the day-to-day it does not come up,” says Laurie; “in the day-to-day, I forget – I forget which ones are adopted

Laurie shared, “My first pregnancy was unplanned and we made the choice to raise her, but we looked at options. People say, ‘You’re so young…’ but now, look at Brittany. So we honor those parents that choose to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

COMMUNITY

“Part of that legacy is creating a new definition of what a ‘normal’ family is, and each of their children understand that it doesn’t matter if they’re biological or not – they are loved and an integral part of the family.“

and give the child a life, and we never speak ill of a parent who gave a child up because we believe that it was a tough and honorable choice.” She went on to say, “We have been in those shoes and have looked at options and were able to raise our child, and we respect those parents who chose to give life.” Choosing adoption isn’t an easy decision. Nobody ‘gives up’ a child – people that choose adoption are doing one of the most selﬂess things a person can do – they’re giving the child an opportunity for a better life, filled with things that they couldn’t provide. If you ask Brittney and Jared about their adopted siblings, both of them will express how they could not imagine their family without them. When their parents spoke with them about potentially adopting, they were both excited to gain a new sibling. Reality hit a little different than they may have imagined at the ages of 10 and 13, especially when the baby starts eating your Legos, but they say they could not envision their family any other way. Each addition to the McCoy family was an adventure into the unknown. No one knew how the family dynamic would change, but with each step in faith, they have created this big, beautiful family that would not be complete without each child. Every child deserves to have a permanent place to belong. The McCoy family says they are their own support unit; they are all there for each other. Each child knows that their family is there for them and will be there for support. Laurie says that 7-year-old Isabella (the family’s second adopted child) hardly has a chance to dance in her dance recitals because she is so busy looking for her family in the crowd. Gregg laughed as he recounted that 3-year-old Zoe was intent on helping him get out of his chair that day because he wasn’t feeling well. Brittney says she loves being there for her younger siblings and fostering their passions. She loves teaching Isabella how to roller-skate and makes new creations in the kitchen with Cade, who enjoys to cook. Each child, regardless of the activities they pursue, knows

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

that their family will always be there for them. When an outsider looks at this family, they see togetherness. There is a sense of belonging and rightness that exists within this family that has nothing to do with blood and everything to do with love. Whether all five children are sprawled out on the carpet coloring, or they are traveling in their motorhome, exploring the places the children learned about in last week’s lesson plan, they are together. There is no difference between this family and the next. If you ask Cade and Isabella what their favorite thing about their family is, they will each tell you that they love their family because of all the fun they have together; as for Zoe, she thinks their two dogs Boomer and Diesel are pretty awesome. The McCoys are a happy family. When they started this journey, they say they were not looking for a perfect situation – they didn’t need everything to be perfect or to find the perfect fit for their family. Gregg and Laurie may not be able to answer the questions that their children may have about why they were given up for adoption, but they do tell them that they were brought into this world for a reason, and that they have a family with parents and siblings that love them. The McCoys say they have no regrets. They say they were given advice trying to discourage them from adopting, ranging from their ages, “You’re too old!” to the size of their home, “it’s too small!” Regardless of their ages, their children’s ages, and the size of their home, they say they have no regrets. Gregg and Laurie have created an amazing family that would have been very different if they had said ‘no’ to adopting. The McCoys say that if they did not step out and have faith in their decisions, they would have missed all of the little blessings that each child brings to their life every day. Their son-in-law Adrian notes that ‘family’ is a word that gets thrown around, but it is so much more than the people who get together on holidays. The McCoys have provided a forever family for their children.

COMMUNITY

CREATE

COR

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

CREATE

ORK

Love Bugs Text by ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Corks Colored paper Chenille sticks Googly eyes Tacky glue or hot glue gun (with adult supervision) Scissors

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut out two heart templates from heavy paper or cardboard. Trace two of each size onto your colored papers. Cut them out. 2. Glue the smaller heart onto the larger one. These will be the bug’s wings.

hese adorable bugs are easy to make and are a great way to make use of any corks you have lying around.

3. Glue the wings to the back of the bug. 4. Glue the googly eyes onto the cork. 5. Using the point of your scissors, poke a hole into the top of the cork. 6. Cut a piece of chenille stick approximately 2 inches long. Fold it in half and then curl the ends. (You can curl them around a pencil). These will be the bug’s antennae.

FAM IL LEAR Y FU N & NING TOO !

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

Admission $5 per person / Annual Family Memberships $100

Available for Private Parties!!!

7. Put some glue into the hole at the top of the cork, then insert the antennae into the hole and hold until it sticks.

Now you have a love bug to give to that someone special for Valentine’s Day!

700 E. Main St., Visalia • 559-733-5975

visit: imagineUmuseum.org for details imagineUmuseum@scbglobal.net

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

EAT

LUNCH FOR YOUR LITTLE

VALENTINE

ake a break from all of the sweets and treats of Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day by surprising your little valentine with a cheery lunch that will surely bring a smile to their face. Enjoy!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

EAT

HEART TEA SANDWICHES

RASPBERRY CREAM SODA

INGREDIENTS:

Makes One Sandwich

2 pieces of sliced bread Green onion & chive cream cheese Cucumber

OTHER SUPPLIES:

Makes One Soda

1 C chilled club soda 6 T raspberry syrup 2 T half-&-half

Heart-shaped cookie cutter

FOR GARNISH:

DIRECTIONS:

Whipped cream Maraschino cherries

Use the cookie cutter to cut sliced bread into heart shapes; set aside. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer, create thin strips of cucumber. Spread a light layer of cream cheese onto one slice of bread. Top with cucumber slices and the remaining slice of bread.

VARIATIONS: Peanut butter & jelly, ham & cheese, chicken salad, or your valentine’s favorite type of sandwich.

DIRECTIONS: Pour raspberry syrup into bottom of glass. Top with chilled club soda and stir gently to combine.

Brighten up your valentine’s plate with these edible ﬂowers! Just peel a tangerine, and gently separate one end, leaving other side attached. Stick a maraschino cherry in the middle and serve with apple slices for ‘leaves’.

Top with half-&-half, and garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.

CHERRIES & CREAM GELATIN HEARTS Makes Six Servings INGREDIENTS: 1 6oz. box cherry gelatin (sugar-free also works) 1/2 C fat-free evaporated milk 3/4 C + 2 T boiling water 3/8 C ice cold water

OTHER SUPPLIES: Heart-shaped silicone mold

DIRECTIONS: In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Empty gelatin into a mixing bowl; pour boiling water over gelatin and stir for approximately 2 minutes, until gelatin is fully dissolved. Add ice cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir until combined. Allow to cool slightly, at room temperature, and add fat-free evaporated milk. Mix until combined. Pour into a silicone heart mold lightly sprayed with cooking spray and chill until fully set. If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can pour the gelatin into a baking dish and cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Yum! For an extra-special treat, top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

LIVE

SHARE THE LOVE:

THE GIFT OF HEART HEALTH Text by Waldo Henriquez, MD, Pediatrician of Family HealthCare Network

uring the month of February, we typically associate the human heart as a symbol of love. While exchanging heart-shaped valentines and chocolates is a fun way to celebrate with the ones we love, it is important to remember that the human heart has a very mighty job to do. As we recognize American Heart Month this February, share more than just a sweet treat with your loved ones by teaching your family the importance of heart health – a gift with a life-long impact. If our children start doing small things every day to keep their heart’s healthy, they will have a better chance of reducing their risk for heart disease, and might live longer, healthier lives.

A 2014 report from the American Heart Association found that Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) — including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure — is the number one killer of women and men in the United States. Heart disease is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from enjoying precious time with family and loved ones.

BY STARTING WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS, YOU CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR HEART-HEALTHY LIVING: VISIT YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY Don’t be a stranger when it comes to visiting your family doctor. Even if you feel healthy, be sure you and your children are making your regular check ups. Early detection is one the best ways to prevent and manage heart disease. By monitoring your family’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, your doctor can identify conditions that may put you at risk.

KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Sometimes our family members pass along more than just their good looks and great personalities. Do conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol run in your family? Be sure you know your family’s health history and share any of these conditions with your family doctor. By knowing your risk factors, you and your family will be more aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET Healthy and balanced diets are often your best weapons in the fight against heart disease. Create healthy eating habits with your children while they’re young by avoiding fast food restaurants and processed foods, which are often loaded with harmful trans fats and cholesterol. Instead, visit the local supermarket or take a family trip to the farmer’s market, select nutrient-rich ingredients, and get cooking with your children. Typically, it’s not only healthier, but also cheaper to cook at home. You may even try keeping a family food diary to track your eating patterns to ensure you are incorporating each of the five food groups into your diet.

STAY ACTIVE Get off the computer or iPad, step away from the TV and video games, and get moving! According the American Heart Association, today about one in three American kids and teens are overweight or obese - nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Exercise is something the whole family can enjoy together - try taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner or going on a weekend bike ride. When it comes to heart disease, early childhood prevention is the best medicine. By following these simple guidelines for your children now, you will help your family create healthier habits and healthier living spaces for many years to come. So this February, spread the love by protecting your family’s heart health and build the foundation for healthier hearts.

PARTY

A SPORTY

BABY SPRINKLE

here are an average of two children born per household in the United States and you have a 50/50 chance of them being the same gender. Tradition says that if you have two children, especially of the same gender, you only have a baby shower for the first. But, where’s the fun in that? We like any excuse to throw a party around here, so we decided to host a “Baby Sprinkle” instead of a shower.

A sprinkle can be as low-key as a barbecue with a handful of friends and family, or as extravagant as fullblown, catered, formal event. (We definitely lean toward the first!) Typically speaking, the invite list for your sprinkle should be kept to just the closest friends and family members of the mommyto-be. It can also be fun to incorporate the new baby’s siblings and make it a kid-friendly affair. The goal is to have a small, intimate celebration.

DÉCOR For this particular sprinkle, we decided on a sports theme, but make it your own and ask the mommy-to-be what her nursery theme is going to be. If you’re having trouble coming up with a theme, a great go-to is to play up the idea of it sprinkling. Some fun ideas include incorporating raindrops, umbrellas and puddles, or bright, colorful, candy sprinkles into your décor.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

FOOD Again, the goal is to keep everything small and intimate, as this isn’t a traditional baby shower. If you’re having it at someone’s house, a great idea is to incorporate a potluck and ask the guests to bring their favorite dishes. If you’re having it at a restaurant or location that provides food, ask for them to put out light hors d’oeuvres or a dessert bar. This is also a good place to incorporate your theme – who doesn’t love a great umbrella cupcake? For this sprinkle, we had it at a restaurant that prepared the menu, but we were able to bring in sports-themed cake pops for the guests to take home as favors.

PARTY

ADVICE FOR THE BIG BROTHER There are lots of ways to play this “game” from handing out note cards to signing picture frames. We wanted to do something that big brother would enjoy now and in the future, so we had all of the guests write a small piece of advice for big brother on a stuffed animal. When baby brother arrives, we’ll give it to him as a gift.

GIFTS AND PRIZES Although the idea is to keep things small because mommy already has the big stuff from her last baby, there are still going to be things she both needs and wants. We recommend having her register for the sprinkle and putting that info on the invitation, just like you would for a shower. For prizes, you can give gifts that play off of the number of kids the mommy-to-be already has. For example, our mommy-to-be already has one baby boy and her second on the way, so all of our game prizes were pairs: lotion and bubble bath, candle and picture frame, etc. For three kids, you could do a set of three books or a cookbook, measuring cup and mixing bowl; you get the idea.

Have fun!

The key to planning a successful sprinkle – or shower, for that matter – is to make it personal for the mommy-to-be and make sure that the guests have fun.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

LOVE

PREVENTING

TANTRUMS Text by Tulare County Children’s Services Network

hen your child throws a tantrum, it can make you feel a variety of emotions: anger, embarrassment, frustration, or helplessness. Unfortunately, tantrums are a natural part of childhood and adolescence. Even the most well behaved children have moments when they act out of character, but knowing what causes tantrums may help you reduce how often your child experiences them. HERE ARE A FEW STRATEGIES TO HELP PREVENT TANTRUMS FROM OCCURRING: Give your child some sense of control. Letting your child make small decisions enables them to feel like they have a choice in what happens in their life, and lets them feel like they have some degree of independence. By giving them the opportunity to make choices regarding smaller matters, you will reduce their feelings of powerlessness. For example, asking, “Would you like to get dressed before or after you brush your teeth?” may help prevent a tantrum because your child had a voice in deciding how to do what they need to do. Give your child an appropriate amount of attention. Some tantrums are caused by your child simply wanting your attention, and in their mind, any sort of attention will do. Make an effort to praise your children when they do something good, and devote a few minutes each day to spending time with them. Ideally, this positive attention will reduce the probability that they will act out by having a

tantrum that will result in you having to give them negative attention. Establish a routine, and stick to it as often as possible. When children know what to expect, they are better able to respond to your requests. Also, by sticking to a routine (such as having a consistent bedtime and scheduled naps), you ensure that your child has the right amount of rest, and is comfortable in their environment and with the behaviors expected of them. Many tantrums happen when children are tired, or are in unpredictable circumstances. Prepare or remove your child from situations that may lead to tantrums. If you see signs that indicate your child is about to have a tantrum, make an effort to intervene before it’s too late. For example, take them out of the room and prepare them ahead of time if they are going to have to do something they may not enjoy, or prevent your child from engaging in activities that may cause them to have a meltdown (such as watching a specific TV show that leads to an outburst when it’s time to turn it off).

When your child throws a tantrum, it may be difficult to be “cool, calm, and collected,” but that is exactly what you need to be — both in the moment, and afterwards. By remaining calm, you are setting an example for your child regarding how to control emotions, and you won’t add fuel to your child’s tantrum, which may happen if you raise your voice or get emotional. After the tantrum, discuss with your child what emotions they were experiencing, and why they were feeling that way. By helping your child identify their emotions and what caused them, it may help them be aware of their feelings, and help them learn how to express themselves with words instead of tantrums. It is important to keep in mind that eventually, every child will grow out of their tantrum phase and as a parent, you can help guide them to make it a quicker, less extreme process.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

LOVE

A License to Care

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency

We heard you!

We are now offering one-on-one orientations for people interested in becoming a foster parent. Please call Foster Care Licensing, 623-0581, to schedule an orientation AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. Foster care homes are needed throughout Tulare County. We especially need foster parents ready to take in siblings or teenagers, and to respond to emergency placements. Foster Care Licensing will provide: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking with other foster parents

Children in foster care are going through a scary time in their lives. Are you ready to be their shelter in the storm?

tchhsa.org

623-0581 RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

TRENDING

WHAT’S

Let’s Date!

TRENDING W

hether you need to spend more time together as a family, or on dates with just

your spouse, we have some great, local ideas for you to try.

Dating Your Spouse As parents, you may ﬁnd that weeks, even months go by without proper alone time with your spouse. But no matter how busy you get with kids and activities, dating your spouse is important for keeping the spark alive. If you need some help, we have tips and ideas for you to make dating your spouse a monthly, if not weekly, tradition. First, plan ahead. A month may seem like a long time a way, but between baseball games and dance recitals, it’s easy to let that time slip away. Schedule a baby sitter a month in advance so that it’s already on the calendar. Try something new. Going to dinner and a movie can be fun, but there are plenty of other great things to do that are inexpensive and promote more interaction between you and your spouse. Here are some date ideas:

An afternoon at the Farmer’s Market – Visalia has several farmer’s markets, including a downtown Farmers Market every Thursday evening. Do your shopping and then grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many downtown restaurants. Go to an Amusement Park – You’re never too old to go mini-golﬁng or to race go-carts at Adventure Park. Perhaps plan to go on a weeknight so you beat the crowds. Or head to Six Flags in Santa Clarita for the day! Hiking/Nature Walk – There are plenty of places to go on a stroll around the South Valley. Drive up to the Sequoias, or go somewhere closer, like the Sycamore Trail at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. Explore the Arts – If you and your spouse enjoy the arts, Arts Visalia is always displaying the work of local artists. You can even take a short drive to Exeter to view all of the beautiful murals. Picnic in the Park – You don’t even have to prepare a big lunch. Pick up

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

a meal or bring some wine and cheese, and enjoy one of the many local parks. Take a class together – From ceramics to dance lessons to hardware classes, there’s plenty to learn about with your partner. Build a simple DIY project – There are many inexpensive project ideas online. Build a wine rack for your kitchen or construct a planter box for your backyard and learn how to garden together. Breakfast or Brunch – How often do you wake up a little early to enjoy breakfast with your spouse? Maybe surprise your spouse with breakfast in bed or drop your kids off for a play date and go out to brunch. Themed Movie Night – When the kids are in bed, spend some time together watching a Netﬂix movie that you can’t watch with the kids around, and make a snack to go along with the movie theme.

TRENDING

Dating Your Family Believe it or not, this is a thing. Going on fun outings, or just doing something extra special at home on a Friday night is a great way to spend quality time with your whole family, and maybe even some friends. Backyard Movie Night – Transform your backyard into a movie theater by hanging up a white sheet and projecting a movie onto it. Sit on blankets and make popcorn. The kids will love it and it will turn into a memory they won’t forget. Progressive Dinner – Recruit three to five family friends with kids and start a progressive dinner tradition. Spend an hour or so at each household; one family will serve appetizers, one a main dish, one dessert, and maybe finish off with drinks. It’s fun for the adults and the kids. “Make your own pizza” night – Set up a pizza station, hand each kid an apron, and allow him or her to make their own mini pizzas with whatever ingredients they want. End the night with some ice cream floats, and it’s sure to be an evening to remember Campout in the Backyard – Put your old camping gear to use and set up a tent and fire pit in the backyard. Make s’mores, tell stories under the stars, and stay warm close to the fire. Double Date Night – Invite another couple over for dinner, but set up the “kid’s table” in another room like a restaurant and serve the kids dinner. They’ll feel like adults and will stay preoccupied while you enjoy dinner with your friends. After dinner, put on a movie for the kids, while you and the other couple spend time in the living room. Board Game Night – No matter how many video games are in your house, kids still like to play board games together with the family. Unplug for the night and enjoy a game of Apples to Apples or Pictionary. Seasonal Events – Tulare County has a lot to offer when it comes to holiday outings. In the fall, pick out pumpkins at the Vossler Farms pumpkin patch or brave the corn maze. During Christmas, go to the Reedley Christmas tree farm to chop down your own tree, attend the Candy Cane Lane Parade in Visalia, or visit the Visalia Grinch at his decorated house. There’s plenty to do during the holidays!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

KUDOS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

CHARACTER COUNTS Text by Kelley Petty, CHARACTER COUNTS! Coordinator, Tulare County Office of Education

Leadership

HALEY HAAGENSEN

Achievement

REBECCA GARCIA Moving during the high school years can sometimes cause teens difficulty in adjusting and maintaining grades. But that is not the case for junior Rebecca Garcia from Tulare Tech Prep. Since moving from New Mexico, where Rebecca did not attend school regularly or feel motivated to succeed, she has re-focused her efforts to become a responsible student. She takes additional classes toward her graduation credits, has excellent attendance, and displays a pleasant and respectful attitude toward both staff and students. Principal Steve Ramirez says, “Rebecca goes above and beyond our school motto – ABCs: Attend school, Behave, and work to earn high school Credits. She is a pleasure to have on our campus as a leader in school projects and we all eagerly support her!” Rebecca plans to graduate and continue her education to become a family counselor. She values the support she has received from school counselor Liz Rocha stating, “Mrs. Rocha helps me stay on track. She is nice and doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind for my own good.” Through leadership opportunities as a SCICON counselor and as a member of the Step-Up Youth Challenge Project, Rebecca visits middle schools to advocate for dropout prevention and is learning how to be a role model for young people who may not have that support at home.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Golden West High School senior Haley Haagensen excels academically with a 4.0 grade point average and provides leadership in many school activities, including choir, soccer, Link Crew, California Scholastic Federation, and Associated Student Body. On the weekends, Haley continues her positive inﬂuence through a part-time job, portraying princesses for children’s parties. Haley has been trained to be Elsa, Ana, Ariel, and Jasmin. Her preparation in posture, presence, and etiquette provides a platform as a role model for children. Haley says, “It’s not about the pretty dress, or the makeup, or the hair, but about the kids’ love for princesses and the joy in their eyes when they see me. It is contagious and makes me want to be a better person and live up to their expectations of the characters I play.” As a four-year varsity soccer player and two-year team co-captain, Haley builds team trust, open communication, and commitment, on and off the field. Assistant Principal Dave Whitmore sees Haley in action daily and sums it up best. “Haley is a leader on our campus. She goes out of her way to make sure our students are involved in our school and that their voices and concerns are heard.”

Sportsmanship

JACOB JOHNSON When Jacob Johnson’s city league football season came to an end, he had one more thing to do. This 13-year-old middle school student from Woodlake paid for a pizza dinner with his own money to show appreciation to his teammates who had formed a strong “brotherhood” throughout the year. Jacob says, “My team is my family, and they’ve been there for me while my own brother left for the U.S. Marine Corps. I’ve wanted to do something for them for a long time.” Adam Valencia, coach for the Visalia Youth Football Pioneers, states, “Jacob exemplifies a person of great character, and has the heart of a champion. He epitomizes ‘Do it with passion or not all!’” Striving to do their best on and off the field, Jacob and his teammates have developed relationships that will last beyond the season. Jacob has learned that the potential of sport is more than a win/loss record; it develops character and concern for one another. Jacob plans to be a farmer and put these life lessons into action. “Farming and raising animals is something I enjoy,” says Jacob. “I want to be a farmer because it would be tough to be a vet and have to hurt animals at times. We couldn’t be here without our farmers who work every day. They sustain all of us.”

DO-IT-YOURSELF

alentine’s Day is always a special time to share love and show appreciation to your spouse, children, friends, and loved ones. But while you and your family enjoy this holiday, there are many people in the community who are overlooked or don’t have someone special to share Valentine’s Day with.

This is where you can teach your children a valuable lesson about spreading love to others who are in need. While you help your kids put together their DIY Valentine’s Day cards for their classmates and friends, take a few more minutes to make some extra cards for people who might be lonely during this holiday. Perhaps you can show love by bringing cards to the elderly in an assisted living facility. As some of the most overlooked members of society, the elderly are often in need of love more than anyone. Seeing a child and getting a simple Valentine’s Day card will brighten their day, and can even cause them to physically feel better. A few other places you could bring Valentine’s Day cards to are hospitals, homeless shelters, or other nonproﬁts. If you prefer to not bring your children to these locations, you can always arrange to send cards to the organization for them to distribute. Maybe you can recruit additional families to help make cards so you can reach even more people.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about showing romantic love, and you can use this occasion to teach your kids about caring for others. Continue this tradition every year, and maybe your children will go into adulthood remembering that their love can Visit to download these touchRaiseMag.com many lives in the community. templates! Have Fun!

EASY DIY CANDY BOXES Visit RaiseMag.com for box templates

SUPPLIES: Assorted cardstock Glue stick Scissors Ruler Baker’s twine, washi tape, or ribbon Box templates Download and print box templates from RaiseMag.com. You can print it directly on the back of your cardstock, or print it on regular paper and trace it with a pencil. Cut along the edges with scissors, and use the ruler to help you make the folds. Assemble the box, and use the glue stick to help secure it. Fill the box with your favorite candies and trinkets, and a special hand-written note for your valentine. Close the top folds of the box and secure with a dab of glue. Personalize and embellish your boxes using cutouts from the remaining cardstock or stickers. Finish by securing with baker’s twine, washi tape, or ribbon. Using different colors and patterns of cardstock can make this DIY adaptable for any holiday or occasion!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

GARDENING

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 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

BEETS GARDENING

Let’s Grow

THE “SWEET” VEGETABLE Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

inding vegetables that your children will eat can be a challenge, but beets just might be that one vegetable. Beets are not only an easy vegetable to grow,

but also have a sweet taste and are loaded with

There are many varieties of beets to choose from. They can vary in color, from red and yellow, to rings of red and white inside (which look like a bulls-eye). Jewel Toned Beet seeds from Renee’s Garden are a fun example of bulls-eye beets. Beet seeds are also available in a golden color and traditional red (Ruby Queen). HERE’S SOME GARDENING VOCABULARY TO REVIEW WITH CHILDREN BEFORE YOU GET STARTED PLANTING:

vitamins and minerals. Because beets are a

ORGANIC MATTER: compost, purchased manures, composted lawn clippings, and leaves

root vegetable, the seeds can be planted in the

SOW: to plant (seeds) in the soil

ground in February, and the leafy greens on top of the soil can even be used in salads.

MULCH: a layer placed on the top of the soil to keep in moisture and help keep out weeds. Mulch can be compost, shredded newspaper, leaves, or a purchased bag from the nursery

BEETS ARE BEST PLANTED FROM SEED DIRECTLY IN YOUR GARDEN. LET’S GET STARTED! 1. Choose a place in your garden that gets sun six or more hours daily. 2. If your soil does not drain well, work in organic matter to improve the soil structure. 3. Sow the seeds 1-2 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep. You can use a pencil to poke the hole. 4. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked until seeds germinate. Remember to be patient. This process could take up to 14 days. 5. When the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, gently remove the smaller, weaker seedlings. This is called thinning.

6. When the seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them again. 7. Watering: Beets require consistent soil moisture, so water slowly and deeply. Do not let the topsoil become dry. Mulching will help keep moisture in the soil.

Now for the tasty part – Beets should be steamed, baked, or boiled without peeling off the skin, after you wash them. Once the beets are washed, dice them up and mix with butter, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper for a nutritious, sweet vegetable. Even try adding cooked beets to a green salad; your children will be delightfully surprised.

8. Keep the garden weeded. 9. In about 45 - 65 days, your beets will be ready to harvest! Beets should be harvested when the (beet) root is 1-3 inches wide. With a spading fork, gently pull away the soil from the leafy green foliage to see if the root is large enough.

FEBRUARY GARDENING TIP: February weather can be mild, but the ground is still too cold for planting warm season veggies. Be sure to weed your garden and even begin adding soil amendment or compost for planting in March.

Have fun!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

FAMILIES

REAL FAMILIES OF TULARE COUNTY THE VILLAFANA FAMILY

fana , THE FAMILY UNIT: Julian Villa a elin Ang iana Adr , ales Nadine Mor , Villafana , Erica Desiray Villafana . and Abraham Nikolas Villafana and THE BEGINNINGS: Julian t Nadine met in 2011 doing wha live to ning liste – love both they met, music. That same night they g goin was he ine Nad Julian told ed to marry her, but she respond . by laughing and rolling her eyes d ban a in ly ious prev was Julian ine and they soon discovered Nad s, show his of ral had been to seve met. er nev had they gh thou even Because they lived in different ly, cities, they began to date slow . which eventually turned serious rs ghte dau two Nadine loved his . and welcomed them as her own d out Nadine and Julian soon foun and they were expecting a child, 2014 In . 2013 in born was m aha Abr ng they found out they are expecti

any thing. FAVORITE FAMILY HOLIDAY ily TRADITION: Our favorite fam trip, rst fi our was far memory so m, including 3-month-old Abraha e, gam s etic to an Oakland athl which we deeply support. BE IN WHERE WILL YOUR FAMILY will ine Nad s, year 10 In RS? 10 YEA

THE FAMILY UNIT: Ryan, Tammy, and Lauren Dunehew. Ryan is a Kings County fireman while Tammy is a registered nurse. In addition to the three of them, they have Minnie, a 4-year-old miniature pinscher, and Maggie and Melanie, two 6-yearold cats.

PARENTING PHILOSOPHY: As parents , we are given the privilege to help guide a soul entrusted in our care for a limited time. We are here to raise them up in the way they should go. With hopes that as an adult, they can make right decisions independently. The best way to teach is to live by example, which is what we do with Lauren day in and day out.

THE BEGINNINGS: Both Ryan and Tammy were born in different parts of California. Tammy was born in Los Angeles and Ryan was born in Santa Barbara . But as luck would have it, both were raised in the San Joaquin Valley. Lauren was born here, and will be raised here.

FAVORITE FAMILY MEMORY: Our favorite memor y would have to be the epic road trip we took from California to Texas in our Ford pick-up with Minnie. My grandma was only given a short time to say her final good-byes, so we packed-up and took off on Route 66.

THE DUNEHEW FAMILY

their second child together, ch Sophia Rose Villafana , due Mar 2015 . PARENTING PHILOSOPHY: As parents, we try to guide our children, but don’t believe in forcing things upon them . We r believe they need to make thei own mistakes , but know we are always here to support and help them if they need us. We don’t parent with fear and try to instill in our children that they can approach us with

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

be a doctor of psychology, Julian will be a barber owning his own in shop, Adriana and Erica will be will college, and Niko and Sophia will be in elementary school. We tral Cen the in g livin be y likel t mos time ily fam Valley, enjoying our s. together and building memorie

WHERE WILL YOUR FAMILY BE IN 10 YEARS? Prayerfully a family of four (yippee!), spending quality time together while camping in our airstream. We hope to still be working at the jobs we love and continue serving our community!

FAMILIES

THE CAVALE FAMILY

BE WHERE WILL YOUR FAMILY g to as we think we are just tryin ine That’s a GRE AT Ha! RS? YEA 10 IN THE FAMILY UNIT: Forrest Carm e figure it all out as things com look question. We have no clue. We Cavale, Jessica Joy Cavale, and feel such an we all, in All . way our ut abo a k is thin est we Forr re, ale. futu Cav the ael ard tow Finn Mich ing sense of gratitude elm rwh ove n ope er, both raph our future, but we are photographer/cinematog and to have the honor to raise Finn , lives of our in ctor ing dire lead the ’s is to the Lord while Jessica teach him about this life; to love ney that cue Res jour t lia wha Visa idea the at no t have men and elop dev to be him . We desire to teach him ths will take us on. So, 10 years from Mission. Little Finn is five mon creative, and to be to en, tlem gen a just ng, eati ng, rolli y entl now, it is hard to say. We are old and curr Lord encourage the gifts that the h moment, eac , day h eac ying enjo drooling. ire has placed within him . We des n to and memory, all the while ope s and THE BEGINNINGS: Forrest grew to be a family that loves Jesu t wha of ity sibil pos ul ghtf deli grew the ose up in Visalia, while Jessica others as well. We want to exp . the future may hold and up in Iowa and later moved to our children to various cultures the for king wor our le with Whi re Visalia. new places, adventu of Mission, Jessica realized they little family, and share the love really needed photos and videos to the Lord wherever we travel. tell the stor y of the VRM to our FAVORITE FAMILY MEMORY: est community. Jessica hired Forr re Having Finn! What an adventu ects to do some photo/video proj for n bee has this and exciting time and for the Visalia Rescue Mission, t grea a had We me. and Forrest after subsequent meetings they was trip to San Francisco when he to likes ica Jess . date to star ted had just we , Also 4 weeks old. but think she played hard to get, our first Christmas with him and r Afte . true not ’s she knows that s we adore watching as he grow e two years of dating, they wer his of re awa e mor s ome and bec married in June of 2012 . oh surroundings. And his laugh, is nd sou the at t PARENTING PHILOSOPHY: It my, we could mel n, hard to put a philosophy dow ever y single time.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

EVENTS

OUT-AND-ABOUT IN TULARE COUNTY

GUYS & DOLLS

MARY POPPINS

Join El Diamante High School Drama Department in their annual winter performance. This year, enjoy the story of “Guys & Dolls” with friends and family.

Be entertained with the Redwood High School Drama Department in their annual performance. This year, enjoy the story of “Mary Poppins” with friends and family. Tickets are $12.

When: Jan. 21-24, 7p Where: LJ Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 735-8154

5TH ANNUAL TULE FOG 5K/10K Join in the famous run along the St. John’s River. With an annual attendance of over 500, this event provides runners with a great race, chip timing, and healthy snacks. Kick-off your New Year the right way. Participants that sign up by January 14 are guaranteed a commemorative event shirt. When: Jan. 24, 7a Where: Cutler Park, 15520 Ivanhoe Dr., Visalia Contact: 713-4185

SUPER BOWL SPRINT

When: Feb. 5-6, 7p; Feb. 7, 2p & 7p Where: LJ Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 786-2909

22ND ANNUAL SPRINGFEST HOME & PATIO Head over to the Visalia Convention Center that will be filled with more than 350 displays providing great ideas for your home, inside and out. Let the kids build a craft with the Home Depot team, sign up for martial arts training, or enter to win a Valentine Bear giveaway from Build-A-Bear.

Come and see what the Central Valley has to offer in the world of agriculture. Check out all the exhibits in the World Ag Expo Arena, as well as many seminars from local and global speakers, regarding the future of the agriculture industry. Don’t miss out on local farm and dairy tours. For more information and scheduling, visit www.worldagexpo.com. Tickets are $15. When: Feb. 10-12, (9a-5p, 9a-5p, 9a-4p) Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: 688-1030

GREASE Mt. Whitney High School will be performing “Grease” for their annual play this year. Watch as the talented group performs the classic movie songs. When: Feb. 18-21, 7p

When: Feb. 6-8, (12-7p, 10a-7p, 10a-5p)

Where: LJ Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

Contact: 730-7602

Contact: 713-4000 or www.visaliahomeshows.com

Come join The Creative Center in their annual event, the Super Bowl Sprint. This 5k run and 2-mile walk is a fun event where the community can get together before the Super Bowl and run off all those anticipated calories of the upcoming day. When: Feb. 1, 8a Where: Mooney’s Grove Park, 4241 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: 733-4400

48TH ANNUAL WORLD AG EXPO

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

N OR ATIO ORM F AI L N I E T, EM MOR E V EN N FO R A m IT . co UBM emag TO S @ ra i s s 1747 t n 9 e 3 ev 59) 7 5 ( l 9 09 l 38 - 0 or ca 59) 7 5 ( x o r fa

9TH ANNUAL FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE Invite the little lady (or ladies) in your life and boogie to the sounds of “The Rockin’ 50s” with music, dancing, and more! Featuring a complimentary photo, there are now two nights to choose from. Tickets per night are limited to ensure a great time and cherished memories for all. $50 per couple. When: Mar. 6 & 7, 5p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia, Visalia Contact: www.ci.visalia.ca.us or 713-4365

LEARN

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

HOW HARD SHOULD YOU SEARCH? Text by Missy Yavasile, Independent College Consultant, SOAR College Planning and Consulting

ow do I find scholarship money for college?” is a question I am frequently asked by applicants. There are several websites that assist students in their search for scholarships, but before you get too excited, let’s talk about the pros and cons of these scholarship searches.

The University of Somewhere. Joe receives a private scholarship

First, you must understand where most college funding comes from and who gets it.

awarded for good grades and/or high-standardized test scores,

There are four major sources of scholarships and grants:

news is that colleges do not typically take away merit aid when a

• Federal Government (44%) • Colleges (36%) • State Government (9%) • Private Scholarships (6%) Many families spend way too much time trying to get scholarships from the smallest source of college money-private scholarships. The vast majority of funding is awarded by the Federal Government to families who have shown that they have “financial need.” This is determined when a family fills out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Through an analysis of income, assets, and other family information, a “need analysis” is conducted to determine the minimum amount a family will be expected to pay for college (EFC). Once the EFC is determined, then the amount of need-based aid can be determined. Of course, the amount the college expects a family to pay is almost always more than most families can afford. So what’s the answer? Scholarships. But wait just one minute. For families who qualify for needbased aid, those private scholarships will not lower the Expected Family Contribution. What does that mean? Here is an example. Joe College qualifies for $15,000 in need-based financial aid at

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

in the amount of $2,000 at scholarship night. He is required to report this scholarship to the university, and they say to Joe, “Hey Joe, since you got a $2,000 scholarship, we are only going to give you $13,000 since you got the other $2,000 somewhere else. Good job, Joe! Thanks.” What about the family who is not eligible for need-based financial aid? Merit aid is the second type of aid a student might receive. It is not based on financial need, but rather, is typically or personal talents such as music, art, or athletics. The good student receives private scholarship money. So what is a family to do? If you qualify for need-based aid, call the college and ask how they treat private scholarships. Ask if they take the amount off of loans or grants, then decide if it is worth your time to search for private scholarships. If you want to qualify for more merit money that comes directly from the college, then you need to make the college “want” you. That means your child needs to get good grades and high test scores. Do not take time away from your studies to search for private scholarships that usually come in small packages of $250-$1000. IF YOU ARE STILL ADAMANT ABOUT SEEKING PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS: • Do not pay a scholarship search company • Go for local scholarships first • Look for talent scholarships at MeritAid.com • As a last resort, use these websites to search: Fastweb, College Board, Scholarships.com, and CollegeXpress. Always remember that your best chance to receive scholarship money is with good grades, high test scores, and choosing a school that “wants” you.

RESOURCES

important numbers

Fire & Police • 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

Medical • Family HealthCare Network, (877) 960-3426; 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 • 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

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 Add your numbers below

at a glance: Other Important Numbers County & City

• 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) www.559teensmatter.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 636-4050 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 713-4957

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

Add your numbers below

RAISE MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

W E

A R E

B R I N G I N G

R E C E S S

B A C K

Kids’

NEW YEAR SCHEDULE Tues-Thurs: 4p, All Ages Saturday: 12 noon, All Ages ask about our Adult classes during the week

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We Change Lives

559.471.5704 | www.livecfalife.com 219 N. Court St. (next door to the downtown Pita Kabob)