May/June 2015 by DMI Agency

y o u r

c e n t r a l

v a l l e y

f a m i l y

r e s o u r c e

Real Families Introducing Your Neighbor

Gardening Grow Your Own Pumpkins

Eat Chicken Nugget MARCH/APRIL 2015 Upgrade

IN AZ

COMMUNITY RAISING FAMILIES AT THE RAWHIDE EAT WATERMELON FRUIT PIZZA PARTY KID-FRIENDLY TAILGATE PARTY

STAFF LETTER

unching on hot dogs, dodging foul balls, and the smell of cheesy nachos; it must be baseball season here in Tulare County. While these are familiar scenes in any town with a professional baseball team, there’s something about ours that makes this community especially unique. The cover story for this issue of Raise Magazine focuses on how Rawhide baseball is shaping our community and helping our children grow in body, mind, and character. When it comes to the Visalia Rawhide, baseball is more than just baseball. To make sure your family gets the most out of the season, the Raise team also came up with some fun and safe ideas for your next family-friendly tailgate party. And while we’re at it, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, don’t forget to use our natural DIY recipes for bug repellent and sunburn cream on page 26. They will come in especially handy when your kids are enjoying their summer days at the Visalia Parks and Recreation summer camps on page 23. This summer, whether you’re at the ballpark, camping in the Sequoias, or enjoying an outdoor BBQ, remember what’s most important: building meaningful relationships and bonds with your family, your friends, and your community. OR ON ATI M EA , OR Y ID INF R m E O R T g . co MO AS ema 7 s i FO R U B M I T a S @r 174 TO ri e s 39 l sto (559) 7 - 0909 i a 8 em a ll ) 73 or c 559 ( x a or f

m ag a z i n e

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zin

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

IN THIS

ISSUE 6

COMMUNITY Raising Families at the Rawhide

LIVE

Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY

LOVE PARTY EAT Watermelon Fruit Pizza

GARDENING Are You Taller Than A Hollyhock?

REAL FAMILIES The Jones Family

TRENDING Summer Camps For the Brain and Body

KUDOS Character Counts

DO-IT-YOURSELF Save Your Skin This Season

ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA

CREATE

Kid-Friendly Tailgate Party

Editorial Staff KELLY LAPADULA

Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN

Family Connections Program

Editorial Coordinator KATIE PRESSER

Keep Asthma and Allergies in Check

Hair Gel Sun Catcher

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief KAREN TELLALIAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CAROLINA QUEZADA KELLEY PETTY MISSY YAVASILE SUSAN SCHIEFERLE 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

CALENDAR Out and About in Tulare County

LEARN What If I Hate My College?

21 4

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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

NOW ENROLLING preschool - 12th grade

apply online at cvc.org or call 559-734-2684 to schedule a tour

COMMUNITY

RAISING FAMILIES AT THE

RAWHIDE I HOW VISALIA PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL IS SHAPING THIS COMMUNITY FOR OUR FAMILIES

f you sit back at any Rawhide baseball game and observe the kids around you, soon you’ll notice their wide-eyes are all on the same thing; that giant bull named Tipper. It’s no secret that while many kids might be at the park for the love of baseball, some are there simply to double-fist hot dogs and gorge on cotton candy. But once Tipper comes out to the stands, the cotton candy is neglected, the hot dogs are left for the birds, and baseball what? You say there’s a baseball game going on?

Baseball is obviously the main draw for most to Recreation Park, as it should be, but sometimes the extra perks get people in the gates. Whether it’s Bark in the Park Night, the famous (or infamous) helicopter candy drop, or the those delicious garlic breath-inducing Spuds Gourmet Potatoes, the Rawhide has made themselves a staple in the community for having something for everyone, and families are no exception. Some of the Rawhide’s youngest fans might be at the game because they completed their Tipper Reading Program, or because a Rawhide player visited their school for CHARACTER COUNTS!, or because they’re a member of the Kids Club. Slowly but surely, the Rawhide is creeping its way into their childhood (in a noncreepy way) and families are forming lasting memories on Goshen Avenue; memories they will carry with them for years. As anyone who walks through the gates soon experiences, the “Welcome to the Rawhide Family” slogan is more of a feeling than it is a phrase.

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COMMUNITY

TIPPER’S READING CLUB Reading isn’t always the first activity on a child’s recreational to-do list, but the Rawhide is attempting to help change that. Tipper has visited over 40 elementary schools throughout Tulare and King’s County to introduce his Tipper Reading Club. If students participate in this program, they receive a bookmark to track their reading progress, and for every goal the student reaches, he or she will receive a family 4-pack of tickets to one of five designated Rawhide Reading Days. The Rawhide has seen a lot of success come out of this program; kids are reading and bringing their families out to the games. “A lot of times kids don’t really want to read, but when you put the tickets out there and tell them they get to go watch a baseball game and see Tipper, parents have told me it’s been easier to get them to sit down to actually want to read,” said Jon Bueno, community relations coordinator for the Rawhide. Another benefit of the program is how it exposes people in this county to what the Rawhide has to offer. Sometimes, reading club kids may not have ever had an opportunity to go to a Rawhide game. The reading program opens up new doors for these families, and gives children an incentive to read. “The reading program is especially important because the literacy rate in this area is one of the worst, so if we can encourage parents and help teachers encourage students to read, that’s only going to help. These kids are going to grow up

with a high sense of, not just education, but awareness of the things around them,” said Charlie Saponara, assistant general manager for the Rawhide.

RAWHIDE KIDS CLUB/PARENT PLAN What can $5 get you these days? A foot-long sandwich (tax not included, by the way), a cup of burnt coffee, OR, at Recreation Park, $5 can provide your child with a summer filled with memories, a free T-shirt, and 10 tickets to Rawhide games. As part of the Kids Club, children 12 years and under can attend any game from Sunday through Tuesday throughout the season. And new this year, if a Kids Club Member wants to come on a different day, they can get a discounted ticket for $5, instead of $7. If that’s not enough, being a Kids Club Member has even more exclusive perks, like running the bases after a game, or participating in the helicopter candy drop, where 500 lbs. of candy falls from a helicopter in the sky. Jon describes it as “slightly organized chaos,” but a time that kids will never forget. But the Rawhide hasn’t forgotten about the important people who are tasked with taking these kids to the ballpark 10 times each season. The Rawhide has parents covered with the Parent Plan, which provides parents with 10 tickets for $50, a 50 percent savings when compared to the game-day price. “It’s just another incentive and perk to help the families get their kids out here as much as possible,” said Charlie.

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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH

WELCOME TO THE RAWHIDE FAMILY

The Rawhide is also known for its community partnerships and relationships with nonprofit organizations. New this year, “Make a Difference Monday’s” gives people an opportunity to donate items to a local nonprofit in exchange for a ticket to the game. The staff and the players are also constantly going out into the community, whether it’s a front office staff member sitting on the board of a local organization, a player speaking about sportsmanship at a school, or the Rawhide team hosting a baseball camp for little league teams.

“Family” is a powerful word, and for an organization to use that as part of their marketing message, they better live up to it. The Rawhide surpasses the implications and expectations the word “family” carries with it. The front office staff doesn’t wait around for their fans to come to them; they go to their fans, just as family members reach out to their loved ones.

While the Rawhide players are here in Visalia, they do a lot more than play baseball. They learn how to be role models and spokespeople for their community, like when they visit local schools and speak to kids about sportsmanship as part of the CHARACTER COUNTS! program. Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak said, “We greatly value the ongoing character education partnership we have with the Visalia Rawhide to reinforce good sportsmanship. Each year, Rawhide players visit Tulare County schools to share the message with thousands of students that CHARACTER COUNTS! on and off the field.” The Rawhide boys also have an opportunity to be “guardian angels” for the Visalia Miracle League, a local baseball league for people and children with mental and physical disabilities. At least once per season, a number of the Rawhide players come out to the Miracle League fields to assist and play alongside the Miracle League players. “They’re great,” said Gary Geiger, founder and league director of the Miracle League. “What the Rawhide has brought is priceless…I cannot say enough good things about what they do in the community. These are professional baseball players coming out here, and for them to take an hour of their day and come here to spend time with them is great. And the whole coaching staff was here too.” Much like the Miracle League outreach event, the Rawhide team also hosts a Cal Ripken Baseball Camp for Visalia youth baseball players each season to teach the fundamentals of baseball. For many of these kids, there’s nothing like spending a morning playing their favorite game alongside some of their biggest role models. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the Rawhide Baseball Foundation for Kids, which provides funding for dozens of local little league baseball and softball teams throughout the Valley.

The Rawhide’s recently launched logo, “Welcome to the Rawhide Family,” has years of community outreach and engagement behind it. It wasn’t simply a pleasant phrase they tacked on to their marketing plan one day without any more thought of what that really means. It took the right staff and years of preparation to get to where they are today. “It’s all about the relationships of the family,” said Charlie. “Everything from our sponsors, to our season ticket holders, to our Kids Club members. Even our Kids Club shirts say ‘Family Member’ on them this year as a new touch. But it’s just about embracing the community.”

PROMOTIONAL DAYS Anyone who walks into the Rawhide conference room might notice a large poster hanging up that says, “Who are You?” This poster lists every type of person out there – children, parents, churchgoers, people with mustaches, people with pets, bikers, etc. Its purpose is to make sure that Recreation Park is a place where anyone can come, even if they’re not necessarily baseball fans. Throughout the season, these are just some of the attractions that bring people of all backgrounds to Recreation Park: Bark in the Park Day Helicopter Candy Drop (May 31) Fireworks (select Fridays) Kid’s Day/Family Fun-day Sundays Reading Days Day of the Week Promotions Country Music Night Dairy Day Mustache Appreciation Day And More For more information and dates, visit the Rawhide promotions page on their website www.tinyurl.com/visaliarawhide.

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COMMUNITY

Ensuring that

Your Family has a lifetime of

Healthy Smiles. This Family Plan includes children who are enrolled full-time in

• No Deductibles

college until age 23, or children who are not enrolled full-time in

• No Pre-existing Condition Limitations

college until age 18. This plan is only honored at Williams Family Dental. This dental plan is not an insurance plan that can be used at any other dental office. Visit VisaliaSmiles.com for savings on comprehensive coverage.

Keith E. Williams DDS Inc. 559.667.4304 2744 West Main, Visalia, CA 93291 Visaliasmiles.com

• Immediate Eligibility • and many more features... The Williams Family Dental Comprehensive Dental Plan is designed to proved affordability and greater access to quality dental care.

LIVE

KEEPING ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES

IN CHECK

Text by Carolina Quezada, MD, Family HealthCare Network, Medical Director

The symptoms your child is experiencing are by no means rare among children across the United States. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. It affects more than one out of every 10 children in the U.S., and, for unknown reasons, it is steadily increasing. It can begin at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by age 5. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It’s a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and the perfect time to learn more about these diseases.

WHEN TO SUSPECT AN ALLERGY OR ASTHMA Most often, allergies and asthma start in childhood and continue throughout adulthood. Here are some common clues from the American Academy of Pediatrics that could lead you to suspect your child may have allergies or asthma: Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms that last more than a week or two. These could include an itchy, runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, throat clearing, and itchy, watery eyes. Recurrent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms may be a sign of asthma. Do your child’s symptoms increase at night or with exercise? Both are suspicious for asthma. Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometimes scaly rashes in the creases of the elbows and/or knees, or on the back of the neck, buttocks, wrists, or ankles may be a sign of eczema or atopy, which can often be seen concurrently with allergies and asthma. Symptoms that occur repeatedly after eating a particular food may include hives, swelling of face or extremities, gagging, coughing or wheezing, vomiting, or significant abdominal pain.

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ach year, when the seasons begin to change, your little one might develop a runny nose, itchy, puﬀy eyes, and sneezing attacks. Sound familiar? Typically, you may dismiss these symptoms as a simple case of “seasonal allergies” and assume your child’s spunky-self will bounce back in no time at all. If you have noticed your son or daughter suﬀering prolonged symptoms, or attacks of wheezing, coughing, and/or shortness of breath, your child may have a more serious allergic condition or even asthma.

Does your child complain of itching or tingling sensations in the mouth, throat, and/or ears during certain times of year or after eating certain foods? This can be a sign of food allergy, particularly in fresh or raw fruits. Typically, however, cooked forms of the food are tolerated. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, speak with your family pediatrician who can help you establish the best treatment plan. Your pediatrician may also recommend your child undergo testing to determine specific allergies. Although neither allergies nor asthma can be completely cured, with proper management they can usually be kept under control. Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to substances called “allergens,” which trigger the immune system to react to harmless substances as though they were attacking the body. By keeping common allergens under control, you may lessen the likelihood of your child’s allergy or asthma attack.

REDUCING COMMON ALLERGENS AT THE HOME FRONT Be sure to vacuum and clean linens regularly to reduce dust mites (microscopic organisms found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpet as well as other places). Remove stuffed animal toys from your child’s bedroom and play area. Keep a distance between your child and furred animals like dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, and rabbits. Keep pests like cockroaches, mice, and rats, under control. Reduce your child’s exposure to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Combat the growth of molds and fungi. Keep a close eye on the foods your child is eating, particularly cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, which are all common triggers for allergic reactions. This is especially important if your child has a known allergic reaction to these triggers.

CREATE

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CREATE

SUN CATCHER

Text by ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum

ith so many arts and crafts ﬂoating around these days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices. Here we have provided a simple, easy craft you can make with common things found around the house. Hair gel sun catchers are a fun, sensory craft for spring, and a simple but engaging activity for children. Plus, they are pretty to look at through any window. WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

HAIR GEL

Zip-lock sandwich bag Clear Hair gel Silk ﬂowers and greenery Glitter Yarn or ribbon (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Put a generous squirt of hair gel into a ziplock bag. Close the bag and mash the gel inside and distribute evenly. Open the bag and add the ﬂowers, greenery, and glitter. Close the bag and move the ﬂowers around to form a pattern of your choosing. Tape it to a window or carefully put a hole in the closed top of the bag and put yarn thru the hole to hang it in a window.

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!!!

You can also add other fun things to your sun catcher to make them appropriate for any season. Add some food coloring, googly eyes, beans, twigs, or buttons. Let your imagination run wild.

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

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

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LOVE

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

PROGRAM Text by Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency- Child Welfare Services

s the weather heats up and summer draws near, families begin to spend more time with each other. Summer time is the prime time for creating family memories and connections; families get together for vacations, BBQ’s, picnics, reunions, and so much more. Creating family memories is an important part of a child’s life. Children do better in life when they have established safe and stable relationships with family members and friends. Unfortunately, not all children have the opportunity to make these connections with their family; some are not even aware that they have any extended family.

Family Connections, created in collaboration with First 5 Tulare County, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS), works diligently to connect extended family to children in the foster care system. The close relationship between First 5 Tulare County, CASA, and CWS social workers to sustain this program is truly remarkable. The partnership is a huge factor in the continued success of the project. It allows the program to be administered in a way that is most beneficial to the child. These agencies are all invested in the child’s well-being, and they work together to help the child create life-long relationships. The Family Connections program helps families work together in the best interests of the child. Multiple families may be involved in the child’s life. Social workers determine who would be an appropriate contact for the child and who is interested in engaging in the child’s life to create connections that will last a lifetime. Past circumstances may have kept families from interacting, but this program helps families come together and create a plan to provide stability for the child. The process can become lengthy; some cases can take between a year to eighteen months. The connections created have time to grow and build gradually so they can become meaningful for both the child and the extended family. The Family Connections program is not social work in the traditional sense; it requires a different frame of mind. It is about creating healthy and safe relationships between children and their families. One of the program’s mottos is “never rule anyone out.” In the course of discovering extended family members, it is important to keep an open mind and speak with all potential family connections. “You don’t want to miss

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people or have people fall through the cracks,” said Family Connections Liaison, Tanifa Marshall. Just because a relative may not be available to care for a child permanently, does not mean that they cannot create a meaningful relationship with the child and offer their support. For example, a grandmother living in a skilled nursing home cannot care for the child, but she can be a part of that child’s life and create a supportive, stable, and healthy relationship with the child. “These people have a connection, but they’ve just been broken,” states Sally Saunders, family connections coordinator for CASA. Every case is different; in some cases, families just lose track of one another or become separated. In one case, Family Connections connected a child to family members the child thought were deceased. In another case, Family Connections introduced a child to a half-sibling that the child wasn’t even aware existed. Every case is different, but Family Connections always works to build a solid, supportive structure, which consists of stable relationships for the child. Foster children can sometimes come from difficult backgrounds. Some children feel alone and believe they have no family left. Family Connections understands the need to know your family and understands the benefits of having stable relationships that a child can lean on anytime throughout their life. “If at the end, the child has one person they didn’t have before, it’s a success,” says Courtney Collishaw, advocate supervisor for CASA. Through this program, children may come to realize they have more family than they ever dreamed. For more information on Family Connections, visit www.casatulareco.org.

LOVE

A License to Care

St. Paul’s School

Summer Enrichment Program open to everyone preschool - grade 8

SUMMER 2015 SCHEDULE Now Enrolling for Fall 2015!

8:15 AM - 12:15 PM daycare is available before and after summer school • Week #1 • Week #2 • Week #3 • Week #4 • Week #5

Kindergarten 8th Grade Call us for more information.

559.739.1619

June 8-12 June 15-19 June 22-26 July 6-10 July 13-17

Course catalog and registration forms are available on our website www.spsvisalia.com For more information call

559.739.1619

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.

“A place of love and learning.” 6101 W. Goshen Ave. • Visalia, CA 93291 • www.spsvisalia.com

your central valley family resource

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?

The Central Valley’s only magazine designed for parents of children ages pre-K through high school

tchhsa.org

623-0581

To advertise your business in RAISE call 559.739.1747

REACHING VISALIA, EXETER, TULARE AND WOODLAKE!

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PARTY

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

KID Frie TAILGAT W

ith the arrival of baseball season comes the tailgate parties, the smell of hot dogs, and the need to get out of the house and spend time in the sun. While tailgates are the perfect way to start baseball season, they’re not always very “kidfriendly.” Rowdy guests and busy parking lots can turn a fun afternoon into a bad environment for children to be around. We’re oﬀering some tips and ideas for you to have a tailgate party that both kids and adults will enjoy.

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endly TE PARTY

PARTY

KEEPIN’ IT SAFE!

FOR FUN

There’s No Place Like “Home” – Before you head to the ballpark, consider doing your tailgate party in your front or backyard, and invite the neighbors. Set up a canopy in the driveway or cul-de-sac, get out your grill, and have your tailgate in the comfort of your own home (just steps away from your kitchen or bathroom...parents, you know why this is important).

Giant Tic-Tac-Toe – With four pool noodles and a bucket full of water balloons, your kids can play a life-size game of tic-tac-toe. Whoever wins each round gets to pop all of the balloons.

Caution Signs – If you do decide to have your tailgate in the parking lot of the ballpark, set up a few bright colored caution signs or cones just so other cars know to proceed slowly. There’s no need to be obnoxious by setting out signs that will block traffic. Simply putting them out where cars can see will slow them down. Park it at a Park – With plenty of room to play and spread out, a park might be a great place to have your BBQ before the big game begins. With plenty of green space and play equipment for kids to run around on, there’s no need to worry about cars or bored children. Booze-Free Party – While you may be able to trust yourself with a beer or two, you never know what uncle Joe is going to do, or say, once he’s finished with his six-pack. To keep your tailgate under control, gently let your guests know it’s a “booze-free zone.”

Music – Making a kid-friendly playlist will liven up the mood and might even get your little ones wiggling around. Mix in a few ballpark songs like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” to get the kids pumped up for the game. Goody Bags – Fill goody bags with Cracker Jacks, bubbles, “chew packet” bubble gum, a squishy baseball, and the kids will be all set for game time. Batting Practice Balloons – If you’re at a park or in your neighborhood, bring along a bucket of water balloons, a construction cone, and a plastic bat. Place a water balloon on top of the construction cone and let the kids take turns swinging. They’ll get cooled off, and they’ll be ready for the big game.

SNACKS TO PACK Walking Tacos – At a tailgate, the best options for food items are things you can eat while walking around. For walking tacos, all you need is individual bags of chips (ﬂavored tortilla chips are always good), your choice of meat, cheese, beans, salsa, and guacamole. Layer the ingredients in the bag, and you’ve got yourself a taco to go.

them make their own dip. Provide each kid with a small cup, and let them build their own layered dip from the ingredients you provide – guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, tomatoes, olives, beans, etc.

Build-Your-Own 7-layer Dip – Chips n’ dip is a staple for every tailgate party, but children don’t always like every ingredient in a 7-layer dip. So rather than watching as your kids pick out what they don’t like, let

Fruit Cups – Rather than letting a bowl of fruit sit out for ﬂies to feast on, mix a variety of fruit beforehand in individual 8 oz. plastic cups with lids and top with Greek yogurt. If you want a sweeter option, choose ice cream cups with lids instead.

Corn Dogs – While everybody loves a good hot dog, kids seem to get messy by just looking at them. Serving hot dogs on a stick will help minimize the mess, and kids love them.

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EAT

Play With Your Food!

WATERMEL FRUIT 18

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EAT

hen you were growing up, we’re sure you heard your parents say, “don’t play with your food” a time or two. While this may have been said for a good reason back in the good old days, don’t let it keep you and your kids from enjoying your meals; it’s ok to let loose a little and have fun with the snacks you make for your kids (within reason, of course…we would hate for you to end up with spaghetti and meatballs all over your ﬂoors!). Believe it or not, it doesn’t take much effort to turn a summer afternoon snack into an exciting work of art that every child will enjoy making and, of course, eating. The recipe we’re sharing with you combines the best of both worlds: healthy and fun. A watermelon pizza is a creative way to serve fresh fruit instead of a plain fruit salad. Load your watermelon with your favorite fruits, or set aside the chopped fruit and let your little ones create their own.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

(feel free to substitute your favorite fruits)

Slice the watermelon into rounds – these will be your “pizza crusts.” Cut each round into triangles, 4-6 slices depending on the size of your watermelon.

LON PIZZA

Watermelon Strawberries Blackberries Grapes Bananas Coconut (shredded) Honey

Spread a thin layer of honey evenly over all the watermelon slices. Chop your fruit into small pieces. We used sliced green grapes for “peppers,” blackberries for “olives,” strawberries for “tomatoes,” and bananas for “mushrooms.” Place the fruit evenly over the watermelon. Sprinkle with shredded coconut for “cheese.”

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GARDENING

ARE YOU TALLER

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

ould you believe that not many people are as tall as a Hollyhock flower stalk? Why? Because flower stalks on hollyhocks can reach up to 9 ft. tall. Hollyhocks are an old garden favorite with a long blooming season. Hollyhock flower stalks have many flowers on each stalk with blooms 3” to 5” wide. Hollyhock flowers come in just about every favorite color you could imagine. When you go to buy Hollyhock seeds, you will have a difficult time deciding which color to choose.

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

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GARDENING

THAN A

HERE ARE SOME NEW TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

OCK?

BIENNIAL: A plant that completes its life cycle in two years. The first year the foliage or leaves grow, and the second year the flower stalks grow. PATIENCE: Patience (waiting, waiting, and more waiting) is what you will need to wait an entire year for the flower stalks to appear. But the flowers are worth the wait. STAKED: Hollyhocks need a tall structure to tie the stalks to; or a tall pole hammered in the ground next to the plant for fastening the stalks. RESEED: Hollyhock flowers produce seeds that dry and fall to the ground and can start growing another plant.

PLANTING YOUR HOLLYHOCK Step 1: Choose a sunny place toward the back of the garden or near a tall shed, fence, or wall. The ﬂower stalks will have to be staked to prevent them from falling to the ground. Hollyhocks need moist and well-drained soil. Step2: Seeds can be planted from late March to June. Plant two or three seeds per hole to make sure you will have at least one seed germinate. If you want more than one Hollyhock plant, space them 18 inches apart so they have room to spread. Step 3: Germination occurs in one to two weeks, but remember, this is a slow-growing plant. If you planted more than one seed in a hole, thin out all but the strongest seedling.

4 MONTHS

Step 4: Make a “bowl” around the seedling so that water will fill up the bowl and keep the soil moist for a longer time, especially in the summer months. The leaves are pretty and almost heart-shaped. Step 5: While you are waiting until next spring for ﬂowers, make a chart to measure the growth of the plant each month. Step 6: After summer, fall, and winter, put compost or manure over the top of the soil to help the ﬂowers bloom.

11 1/2 MONTHS

11 MONTHS

Step 7: Next spring, spikes of stalks will slowly come out of the plant. When there are clusters of many ﬂowers, you will know that the Hollyhock has reached its peak of growing. Stalks can be cut, put in water, and enjoyed inside your house as well as out in the garden. When the ﬂowers fade, the seeds can drop and reseed for years to come.

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FAMILIES

REAL FAMILIES of Tulare County

THE JONES FAMILY THE FAMILY UNIT: Autry, Christina, Tori, and Jaden. Autry is a road driver for FedEx Freight and Christina is an analyst for Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency. Tori is a graduating senior heading to CSU Monterey Bay majoring in Marine Biology and Jaden will be graduating 8th grade and heading to Tulare Union High School.

BEGINNINGS: Autry and Christina’s story began in 1989 at Tulare Western High School in 6th period P.E. class. They were partners for several of the P.E. activities and discovered that they made a great team. They’ve pretty much been inseparable ever since. In 1995, Autry and Christina decided to make their team official by purchasing a home and getting married. After a couple of years, they decided that their team needed more members, and added Tori and Jaden. In June, they will celebrate 20 years as Team Jones.

PARENTING PHILOSOPHY: The one thing that is important to us is that our kids feel like nothing is impossible and that they have the confidence to try things. We work hard to make sure that they feel supported in everything, and that they are brave enough to attempt. We also like to give our kids the opportunity to learn through freedom of choice within a structured, supportive environment.

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With our guidance, our kids are given a reasonable amount of freedom to navigate life and learn how life is driven by the decisions we make. This philosophy has been successful for us, and we attribute that success to communication and trust.

FAVORITE FAMILY MEMORY: There are so many, it’s hard to choose. One of many favorites was a trip to Oceanside, CA, where we ended up in a spontaneous surrey race along the beach with another family. Of course, Team Jones was the winner. WHERE WE WILL BE IN 10 YEARS: In 10 years, we will have two college graduates. Tori will be a Marine Biologist and Jaden will be an Engineer. Once the kids have left the nest, we plan to take our dream trip to Fiji.

TRENDING

ith summer just around the corner, parents (and kids) might be looking for ways to keep minds and bodies busy once school is out. What better way to make the summer fun, exciting, and interactive than attending a local summer camp? Visalia Parks & Recreation oﬀers a variety of options that are aﬀordable and convenient for working families. With so many options to choose from, there is something to please everyone’s interests.

CAMP KABOOM The Visalia Parks & Recreation department welcomes kids ages 5-12 to enjoy traditional camp activities with plenty of fun, friends, and adventure. Take exciting and educational field trips like lunch at the Sequoias, a mission trip to San Luis Obispo, and many more adventures to make the most of summer vacation. Each week, Camp Kaboom will focus on something different. All families will be in luck, especially if they have a science fanatic and an animal lover both under the same roof. Cost: $100 for a full week, $50 for half-day/week, $25 for full day drop-in, and $15 for half-day drop in. When: M-F, Jun. 8-Aug. 3, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Where: Whitendale Community Center

FITNESS & NUTRITION ACADEMY

GOLF CAMP

Do you have any fitness gurus growing up in your home? This is the perfect place for children with an interest in healthy habits to learn about the alternative and traditional methods of fitness and nutrition. With a combination of cardio, ﬂexibility, games, and nutrition, give your child the resources he or she needs to learn more about a healthy lifestyle. Ages 9-12 years old. Cost: $65. When: Jun. 15-19, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Anthony Community Center

Grab your gear and hit the links. Valley Oaks Golf Course provides instruction to get young golfers ready to hit the course. Introducing chipping, putting, irons, and woods, pitching and playing out of the bunkers, this camp has it all. Rotate from station to station to get practice in all aspects of the game, then have fun at the scramble on the second day of camp. Ages 7-17 years old. Cost: $25. When: Jul. 13-14, or Jul. 20-21, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Valley Oaks Golf Course

CULINARY ACADEMY Calling all little chefs. Is your child interested in learning more about working in the kitchen? This academy will teach them basic food prep and safety skills, they will participate in high-energy challenges, and then eat their creations afterwards. Also, they will create their own cookbook, receive an apron, a chef’s hat and take at trip to a local restaurant. Ages 9-12 years old. Cost: $65. When: Jun. 29–Jul. 3, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Anthony Community Center – Main Room

DIY (DO IT YOURSELF) CAMP Kids ages 9-13 years old will participate in their very own DIY projects. The perfect place to hang out with friends, kids will create basic gifts for all occasions including candles, paintings, mug art, and more. The fee includes the materials and supplies, a daily snack, and a commemorative photo. Cost: $65. When: Jul. 13-17, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Rawhide Room

WHAT’S

AQUATICS ADVENTURE CAMP Do you have a little swimmer in the house? This is the perfect camp for children who enjoy all things water. From snorkeling to kayaking to paddle boarding, your child will have a blast with this outdoor water adventure. Ages 8-14 years old. Cost: $60. When: Jul. 27-30, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Golden West High School Pool

PUZZLES, CHALLENGES, TOYS, & MAGIC CAMP Join in for constructions of magical contraptions, playful doohickeys, and challenging science brain teasers. Trick all family and friends at the next gathering with magical musings such as an upsidedown cup of water, balancing six nails on top of one nail, and much more. Test the brain at this camp that explores the modern sciences. Ages 6-12 years old. Cost: $150. When: Aug. 8-14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: Anthony Community Center, Room A FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE SUMMER CAMPS, PLEASE CONTACT THE VISALIA PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT AT 713-4395.

Summer Camps For the Brain and Body

TRENDING R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5

KUDOS

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

CHARACTER Community Service

JACOB PITTS Senior Jacob Pitts has been a student athlete at Tulare Union High School for three years. This year, Jacob has chosen to set aside sports to focus on serving his community and campus as president of the Project Z Club. Project Z is a school-wide club with a mission to create a campus culture of tolerance, respect, and acceptance for everyone. Teacher Mark Hatton states, “Jake has a great sense duty for his community, both young and old. He spends many hours beyond Project Z mentoring and reaching out to others. He is amazing!” Promoting the club’s goal of inclusiveness, Jacob ensures that every student on campus, even those who don’t officially belong to Project Z, are invited by club members to participate in activities. Jacob fosters community service by volunteering at Twin Oaks Assisted Living and leading a campaign to collect new shoes for students at Wilson Elementary School. He also serves as a Big Brother to a Wilson School student. His mentoring activities continue through a Youth Ministry internship at Tulare First Baptist Church.

Leadership

LUISA ROSALES One of the highlights from senior Luisa Rosales’ high school career is an awardwinning project she completed in less than two hours. Luisa has been part of Tulare Western High School’s Mock Trial Team for four years as the courtroom sketch artist. This year, Luisa’s artwork earned her third place at the California Mock Trial competition. This unique artistic talent requires patience, dedication, and maturity. As a veteran in the Mock Trial club, Luisa uses this maturity to encourage other students to remain dedicated to their passion for portrait art. Luisa’s interest in art began as a middle school student. Luisa shares, “I started doodling people’s faces in class and wondered how long I could draw a person’s face without them knowing. When I became faster at it, I started mini sequences of people during class. That is when I knew I was getting better.” During Mock Trial competitions, Luisa replicates the emotions of the proceedings onto her canvas. As a freshman on the Mock Trial team, Luisa used pencils for sketching, as they were more forgiving. This year’s award winning piece was produced with permanent colored markers.

Jacob honestly shares, “We have been bullied and we have been bullies. We can’t take that back, but we can start over and live by the golden rule and care for one another.”

Mock Trial Coach Tonya Marquez says, “Luisa not only has served as our courtroom sketch artist for four years, she has dedicated herself to learning from her mistakes and growing as an artist.”

Jacob plans to attend College of Sequoias in the fall and continue with his community service and mentoring activities in Tulare. When asked who heads his list of role models, Jacob answers, “My dad. He is nice to everyone and has those Project Z qualities. I would love to be just like him!”

Luisa plans to pursue a college degree in art and fashion. She recently submitted a portrait of a professional songwriter to the 27th Annual Student Art Show at the Tulare Historical Museum. Luisa also posted her artwork on social media, and much to her surprise, the songwriter replied with approval.

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COUNTS Community Service MAKENA MAE RICKS Makena Mae Ricks, a sophomore at Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center (ERCLC), is demonstrating community service to her younger peers. Makena volunteers two afternoons a week teaching soccer and drama classes at the charter school. ERCLC Director Daniel Huecker says, “The kids love Makena as their coach. Her leadership models a strong sense of volunteerism for all our students. It is wonderful to hear younger students already planning for the day when they will lead their own class like Makena.” Makena has learned patience and mediation skills, but most of all enjoys teaching respect for others. Makena says, “Teamwork is tough to teach and translate into actions.” When Makena is not directing stage scenes or leading soccer drills, she is teaching younger students

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

how to respect others by offering compliments and choosing words and actions carefully. As a result of Makena’s leadership, younger children are moving out of their comfort zones and trying new things. Makena’s future plans include playing collegiate soccer. Since the age of four, Makena has dribbled a soccer ball and strapped on shin guards. She is currently captain for the Visalia United Football Club, playing the striker position. Her athletic ability and leadership have taken her and her team to many showcase tournaments, in and out of state. What comes as no surprise is the field of study Makena plans to pursue — mental health and counseling.

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.

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DO-IT-YOURSELF

DIY on a Dime

SAVE YOUR

SKIN THIS SEASON

e may be welcoming spring and summer with open arms, but it’s important to protect those same arms from the pests and eﬀects that accompany these seasons. During spring, bugs ﬂy about looking for skin to feast on, and once summer starts, the sun’s rays find their way past the layers of sunscreen. Try these natural remedies made with essential oils and other items found in your home to protect and treat your children when the elements are out to get you.

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DO-IT-YOURSELF

DIY BURN CREAM No matter how hard you try to prevent sunburns, your children are bound to end up with red skin during the long summer months. We’re sharing two natural solutions to treat and soothe those burns with ingredients you have in your home. INGREDIENTS:

1 T of witch hazel 1 tsp. of aloe vera gel 2-4 tsp. of baking soda or cornstarch 1-2 C of fresh mint leaves, or 1 tsp. of peppermint oil 2 T fresh, clean, water

DIRECTIONS:

Mix together 2 tablespoons of fresh water, 1 tablespoon of witch hazel, and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel in a small bowl. Cover the mixture, allowing it to blend and infuse for 2 hours. After 2 hours, add 2-4 teaspoons of baking soda or cornstarch, and 1-2 cups of roughly chopped fresh mint leaves. Add more baking soda or cornstarch slowly if it appears to be runny. If it’s too thick, add small amounts of water slowly until desired consistency is reached. Transfer to a jar or similar container with a tight fitting lid, and store in a cool dark place for 24 hours to let the cream fully infuse. You can then apply as needed. Store the cream in your fridge for cool, lasting effects.

“DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE” SPRAY Creepy crawlers and freaky flyers are on the lookout, so make sure you’re prepared before they bite. Bring a mixture of this essential oil bug repellent spray with you the next time you go camping or hiking, and your kids won’t be itching and scratching the whole ride home. INGREDIENTS:

Witch hazel Distilled water Mixture of essential oils: Citrusy and minty scents typically work best. Try a mixture of rosemary, thyme, mint, cedar, lavender, catnip, citronella, tea tree, or lemongrass. 1/2 tsp. vegetable glycerin (helps bug spray stay on skin) DIRECTIONS:

Fill an 8-oz glass spray bottle halfway with distilled water, then fill almost to the top with witch hazel. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin, but if you don’t have glycerin, it will still work without it. Add in the mixture of essential oils — about 25-50 drops. The more drops you add, the more effective the spray will be. Screw on the top. Shake. You’ve got your bug spray.

MINT & GREEN TEA RELIEF Both mint and tea not only benefit the inside of our bodies, but can be used to naturally soothe and cool our sunburns. In green tea specifically, the tannic acid and Theobromine helps relieve pain and heal damaged skin when applied topically. INGREDIENTS:

1 qt. of boiling water 5 green tea bags (remove strings and tags) 3 C of fresh mint leaves Cotton pads or a soft cloth DIRECTIONS

Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add the 5 tea bags and 3 cups of fresh mint leaves to a pan. Pour the boiling water over the mint leaves and tea bags and cover with a lid, letting it sit for approximately an hour. Strain and chill. When the mixture has chilled thoroughly, soak cotton pads or a clean soft cloth in the liquid and apply directly to the burn. You can also pour it over the burn if you wish. If you don’t have green tea readily available, you can substitute black tea.

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5

EVENTS

85TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

WOODLAKE LIONS RODEO

49TH ANNUAL KINGSBURG SWEDISH FESTIVAL

The Visalia Fox will be celebrating 85 years with a special showing of Zane Grey’s “Lone Star Ranger,” the first “talkie” film shown at the theatre back in 1930. The celebration will also feature a performance by Pete Sweeney on the mighty Wurlitzer organ, an animated short film for the kids, a silent auction, and more. Tickets are at their throwback prices of $.50 for adults, $.10 for children under 12.

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with some fun at the rodeo. Grab your boots and cowboy hats and watch the parade, deep-pit lunch, rodeo, and “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Mother’s Day tribute. Tickets are $12 for ages 13 & up, $8 for youth ages 7-12.

This annual, four-day cultural appreciation event will start off with a pancake supper on Thursday, a movie at the park on Friday, a Swedish festival and street fair on Saturday, Viking battle reenactment and Renaissance fair on Sunday, and much more. Come out and see what being Swedish is all about.

When: May 8, 7 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

TWO SMALL PIECES OF GLASS: THE AMAZING TELESCOPE See how telescopes work and how the largest observatories in the world use these instruments to explore the mysteries of the universe. Ages 8 & up. When: May 8, 7 p.m. Where: Peña Planetarium, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 730-2747

When: May 9-10, 10 a.m. mWhere: Woodlake Lions Rodeo, 19400 Ave. 398, Woodlake Contact: 564-8555

When: May 14-17, times vary Where: Kingsburg Swedish Village, Kingsburg Contact: 897-1111 or www.kingsburgswedishfestival.com

ZOO ACADEMY The Fresno Chaffee Zoo invites all children between the ages of 5-8 with adult guardians for an afternoon of exploring animals and nature in a fun, interactive, and safe environment. This class will focus on the wild side of education and the fascinating details of the life of animals. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers. When: May 12, 1 - 2:15 p.m. Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno Contact: 498-5910

SLICK ROCK STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL Come out and support Central California’s premier film competition for middle and high school students. This competition challenges students to meet industry standards in the technical aspects of film production. This event is free. When: May 15, 6:30 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

OUT-AND-ABO IN TULARE COUNTY 28

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EVENTS

DOWNTOWN EXPO Grab the family and join the rest of Visalia as we celebrate Downtown Visalia. This is an event great for all ages, and will feature fashion, food, and live music. Tickets are $10 each. A portion of each ticket will benefit breast cancer research. When: May 15, 5 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737

LAKE KAWEAH TROUT DERBY Prizes are up for grabs for whoever snags the heaviest bass and catfish, and the largest trout. Win up to $65,000 in prizes, while spending a day on the lake with the family. Registration is $55 per family. When: May 16-17 Where: Lake Kaweah Contact: inﬂuentialfish@gmail.com

6TH ANNUAL MOTHER & SON CAMPOUT Do you love the idea of camping, but dread the packing, unpacking, and long drive? Then come out and enjoy an evening under the stars as we play games, learn about the outdoors, roast marshmallows, and share stories. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Bring your own tent, sleeping gear, ﬂashlight, and sense of adventure. Tickets are $25 per couple, $5 each additional child. When: May 16, 4 p.m. – May 17, 9 a.m. Where: Kiwanis Park, McAuliff St. and Tulare Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4365

11TH ANNUAL ADVENTURE PARK FUNDRAISER Join the Visalia Sunset Rotary for their 11th Annual Adventure Park FUNdraiser. Includes all-you-can-eat buffet, mini golf, bumper boats, family cars, laser tag, and game tokens. Large and small prize rafﬂe tickets are also available that night. This is a must-attend family night. Tickets are $20.

FIRST SATURDAY Food, fun and fabulous art. Every first Saturday of the month, the artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers open their doors and invite you to join in a townwide celebration. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium or the Historical Museum – art to see, locations, and times for special events. When: Jun. 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: Nadi Spencer, 561-4373 or www.1stSaturdayTR. com

When: May 18, 5-9 p.m. Where: Adventure Park, 5600 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia

N OR ATIO M R L O EM AI E INF ENT, MOR V R E O N F IT A co m UBM mag . TO S ra i s e @ 747 s t 73 9 1 even (559) l 9 09 l a 0 c or 73 8 ) 9 5 5 ( o r fa x

Contact: www.visaliasunsetrotary.org

OUT R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5

LEARN

y this time of the year, most seniors have made their final decision about which college they will attend in the fall and are filled with excitement and anticipation of this new adventure. Hopefully, they have done adequate research and have visited each campus (if possible), and are sure they have made the right choice. But regardless of whether or not they have made the “right” choice, the first year of college can be a very rough transition for many students.

HERE’S SOME SURVIVAL ADVICE:

Most students are looking forward to the freedom that comes along with moving away from home. There are no parentinﬂicted curfews, and there’s no one to tell them when to study or who to hang out with. Sounds liberating, right? It is, but they may discover some feelings they did not anticipate. When students arrive at the new home that will serve them for the next four years (or longer), they might find themselves feeling alone. They are leaving their comfort zone and their family and friends. Some of their friends have been there for them since elementary school. They are no longer the prom queen or the football star, and will be searching for their new identity. Then add doing their own laundry or grocery shopping to the list. How about the rigor of this new academic setting? Most of the time, there is no extra credit to bring up their grade, and they may have a classroom full of students who are just as smart or smarter, making them feel inadequate. They may even get their first B or C in a class. These changes sometimes cause students to come home after the first semester.

Academics can also be shocking. Maybe school was easy for them in high school, but that might not be the case in college. They should make a study schedule and stick to it. Their new freedom may inhibit their studies, but they should find classes they enjoy. This is a great time to discover new interests.

First of all, new college students must give it at least a year. This is a huge adjustment period for most students, so give them time to grow into their new life. Take things one day at a time and don’t quit. Next, they must take control of their feelings. If they need some emotional time, that is ok, but they must also take action if they want to get out of the pity party. They may need to get it together to go meet some new people and make some new friends. Do not allow them to sit in their room alone, but rather go out and join clubs or activities. Even if they decide they don’t like the club or activity, they will meet new people and begin to carve out their “new selves.”

Finally, they must learn to embrace their school. Even if it is not what they expected, it’s important to find something they love about it and make the most of it. If they linger on what they do not like, it can become toxic. Remember that quitting and coming home or transferring can cost a lot of money. Discover the positives and don’t linger on the negatives.

If they want to read a really good book that will address all their first year issues, read The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen. It could save their first year of college.

“WHAT IF I HATE MY COLLEGE?” Some Advice for Seniors Text by Missy Yavasile, Independent College Consultant, SOAR College Planning and Consulting

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RESOURCES 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

important numbers 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

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5

WE ARE BRINGING RECESS BACK

The CFA Playground will be offering a high energy and active Summer Camp throughout the entire summer. PLEASE CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

C L I M B

J U M P

R U N

V A U L T

M O V E

F U N

“Movement is the cure. Exploring and learning about your body from the inside out is critical to reaching your ultimate self. Come PLAY and MOVE at the brand new CFA Playground.” Owner, Justin Levine California Fitness Academy

We Change Lives

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