May 2013 by DMI Agency

013 2 May

Behavior

The Truth About Lying

Positive Parenting

Summer To-Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Arts & Crafts Marble Painting

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

here are only a few more weeks until summer break and it’s about this time many parents start to panic about how to keep kids busy until school resumes in the fall. Certainly, we look for projects and activities to offset the feelings of boredom, but we should also think about including some physical activities, especially if kids are not involved in organized sports. We have the perfect plan for doing both – an adventure hike in one of our nearby national parks. For tips about how to prepare for a day trip, see Fitness Trainer Andy Salazar’s “Hiking … A Wonderful Family Adventure” on page 15. Just remember to wear sunscreen. Did anyone else ever go to summer camp? I did and I was an adult before it occurred to me that my parents might have enjoyed my being at camp as much as I did. Whatever their reasons were for allowing me to go, the benefits to me cannot be denied. Summer camp is one of my first memories of a team building experience. Starting on page 26, we have several options for the best of summer camp experiences. Whether the goal is expanding a circle of friends, an action-packed week of wakeboarding, horse riding, or arts and crafts, one of these camps will be exactly what you’re looking for. Summer is also the perfect time to encourage your child to learn something they want to learn. With no homework or reports to turn in, your child can choose a subject and learn for the fun of learning. Help them choose something that may not be taught in school, like baking or learning a few words in another language. For suggestions on where to start and other helpful tips to keep your child’s mind active over the summer, turn to page 12. So, whatever your plans are this summer, remember to enjoy every minute of your child’s life. They grow up all too soon and it won’t be long until the “I’m bored” mantra is but a faint memory.

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

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

Nutrition High-Fiber Breakfast M AY

PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY

in this issue

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADAM VALENCIA

Behavior

15 Fitness

The Truth About Lying

19 Health

Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez

Humor

20 Arts & Crafts

The Other Kind of Pickup Line

23 Happy Trails 25 Dental

26 Camps

Tulare County Foster Care Licensing

12 Positive Parenting

Summer To-Do’s

28 Calendar 31 Resources

24 Social

Intoxication and Sexual Assault

30 Safety 4

Gang Prevention: A Community Approach

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA Operations Manager Maria Gaston ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

Strengthening Families Protective Factor #2: Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

Things to Know About Advanced Placement Courses

Mindy Mauro Susan Schieferle

Yeymi De Leon

Make A Special Gift for Mom

22 College Prep

Keith E. Williams

Tim Ward

18 Family Focus

JUSTIN & REBECCA REYNOLDS

Virginia Strawser

14 Gardening

Billie Shawl Crystal R. R. Edwards

10 Child Welfare

Andy Salazar

Account Executive Bryce McDonald

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 12 times a year and distributed at hightraffic locations in the South Valley area. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. © 2013 DMI Agency

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine

ON THE COVER: Tylor Marie Inglehart, 4, of Exeter, with Exeter K9 patrol dog, Bianca. (Photo by Eric Santeliz, Studio 23)

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

BEHAVIOR

The Truth About Text by Mindy Mauro, LCSW, The Helix Group

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

BEHAVIOR

Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye...

ell, if you’re prepared to do that you must be telling the truth. Don’t count on it! When children find themselves in sticky situations, they offer up promises and alibis and parents lap them up. While not really desirable, lying is considered within the bounds of normal childhood behavior, and as such has become the focus of considerable research.

Most parents believe they can tell when their child is lying, however, the evidence indicates the opposite: parents are remarkably bad at detecting their children’s lies. Dr. Victoria Talwar, one of the world’s leading experts on children’s lying behavior, demonstrated that 96 percent of children lie, and that parents are accurate in determining whether their children are lying just more than half the time (police officers score 45 percent, while teachers score slightly above at 60 percent). Lying proficiency can sometimes be a good thing, for example, in young children telling tall tales can be an indication of high intelligence, and the most clever lies are told by the most socially adept children. Children learn to lie much earlier than presumed and no, they won’t simply “grow out of it.” It’s actually more accurate to say they “grow into it.” Children don’t start out thinking lies are okay and gradually learn they are bad. They actually start out thinking all lies are bad and slowly learn some types are acceptable. Lying demands a higher level of skill than honesty, thus kids get better at concealing lies as they grow older. As with everything else, children with siblings learn to lie earlier. When children first begin lying, they do it to avoid punishment and will do it indiscriminately. By school age, children will go to great lengths to avoid disappointing their parents and might lie when they make a mistake. They also have learned the art of the “white” lie – one that benefits someone else or is told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Kids may also lie when they feel pressured beyond their capabilities. For example, a child who is struggling with math may lie about having homework. Older children or adolescents will lie to avoid doing something, to deny responsibility for their actions or to feel psychologically separate and independent from their parents. They lie to win approval from their peers, and in some situations to cover up a more serious issue like substance abuse or an inappropriate relationship. Children lie more often when they have excessively strict limits or fear a parent’s harsh response.

Early childhood lying is often not addressed by parents. Researchers found that parents typically deal with the original transgression but rarely (less than one percent of the time) use the tacked on lie to teach a lesson about lying. When older children are dishonest, parents often overreact in fear, disappointment and anger. While lying is normal, it is important that parents address it early, often and well. It is our job to help our kids understand the importance of honesty, since being trustworthy is the foundation for healthy relationships and positive self-esteem. Keep in mind the following when dealing with lying: Punishment should be the last option. Kids who are punished become aware of the personal cost but this distracts from learning how their lies impact others. Children need to understand that lying is hurtful rather than simply forbidden. Express appreciation and approval when your child tells you the truth. “I admire the way you took responsibility for your mistake.” Teach your child that mistakes are opportunities to learn. Help him or her identify what motivated the lie and what alternatives might work better. Ask in advance for honesty. “I’m going to ask you a question, but before I do, will you promise to tell me the truth?” Give the child an opportunity to retract the lie without consequences when reflexive or impulsively motivated. Empathize. “I bet it’s tough to figure out how to say no to your friends so they won’t be mad at you.” Share about a time when it was difficult for you to tell the truth. Be careful not to give lies too much power. If your teen is angry or feels powerless, they may use dishonesty to get one over on you. Don’t label the child a “liar.” Labels are hard to shake. Avoid asking questions that invite lying. Focus instead on finding a solution or emphasizing a rule. “Let’s discuss how you might replace that dish,” is better than, “Did you break that dish?” Respect your child’s privacy when they don’t want to share. Give them space to think for themselves and opportunities to test out their ideas. Remember: what parents do in moderation, children do in excess. Adults lie on the average about once per day (25 percent are white lies, and the others are attempts to appear in a more positive light). Make honesty a priority by both instruction and example. R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

HUMOR

The Other Kind of Pickup Line Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

very afternoon at 2:25 p.m., the alarm on my phone goes off to remind me to pick up Hedgehog from school. I’m prone to get nose-down in a book or project and not realize what time it is. A few phone calls from the school that first year to ask if I was too busy to rescue them from my irrepressible five-year-old was enough to convince me I have no business going through life without a nanny of my own to keep me on-task.

The routine is the same. My alarm goes off and I pop my head up from over a pile of work and I exclaim, “Oh! Wow!” as if I’ve never seen 2:25 in the afternoon before. I grab my purse and fling myself into the SUV I’ve lovingly nicknamed the Urban Assault Vehicle and accidentally hit the gas too hard, causing me to peel backwards out of the driveway. I usually manage to figure out which school I’m supposed to be at and pull in. I then sit in line behind 70 other cars for upwards of 20 minutes. You see, in our small town the school pickup line takes on the role of afternoon social hour as well. The cars turn off, windows roll down, and people get out to wander and chat. For a people-watcher like me, this is like being on a safari. I sit with my windows down to gawk and take notes. If anybody comes too close, I pop my headphones on and pretend to be on the phone. I don’t want to be engaged. I simply want to observe. I’ve noticed three distinct types of parents in the pickup lines. As they move from car to car, handing over forgotten toys from play dates or standing hands-on-hips to talk about the latest PTA action, I see past the Crocs, ponytails and ball hats and instead watch the whole of human drama played out. There are cat fights, philosophical discussions, hugs for the weary and applause for the accomplished. Juicy Moms. These are the ladies wearing tight sweatpants with “JUICY” written across the bum. At least 40 percent of their entire matching outfit is pink, including the nail polish. Their voices are pitched midway between screaming infant and hungry bat. “How are you?” they squeal. “Your outfit is so kyoooooot!” After this initial greeting, the conversation abruptly changes. They talk past one another about the new diamond, the boat, the summer house, the luxury SUV, the cheerleading camp, the peewee football league. They float up and down the line in their high-end flip flops, only socializing with other Juicy Moms. If you’re not one of their ilk, your windshield frosts as they pass by. The Juicy Moms make my hair hurt. 8

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Caregivers. These are the every-day parents, moms and dads alike, or grandparents. Their clothes are either rumpled or mismatched. Their mid-size cars and minivans are at least five years old and there are stickers and fingerprints covering the rear windows. They don’t wear makeup and they may have forgotten to brush their hair before leaving the house, and there’s usually at least one younger child in a car seat in the back. They don’t work the line quite as much, opting instead to stand outside their car and call cheerful greetings to people up or down the line. They seem happy to converse with anyone who is not demanding juice in a sippy, and their faces beam with delight as they wave and halloo. They seem amiable, full of goodwill. Kid pickup time is the windup of a busy day, and now they’re looking forward to laying out snacks and helping with homework and cuddling while watching childrens’ programming on PBS. The Caregivers restore my faith in humanity. Camp Counselors. These curious souls, these leaders of the short set ... these are my people. Men and women, grandparents and nannies, these are the ones who will talk to anybody about anything. Conversations range from the upcoming field trip to how to care for the tarantula the kids found last week. Things like homemade volcanoes and The Everything Kids’ Science Experiment Book are passed around through car windows and discussed with animated hand gestures. When the kids are released from school, the Camp Counselors shelve the boring grown-up stuff for the day and now the exciting part is about to begin. Homework involves real-life examples or corollary information pulled from their own bookshelves or a hands-on experiment that will be discussed fully in the pickup line the next day. Next time you see me in line, in my red SUV and my headphones on, wave. I’ll see it. I’ll wave back. I’ll also direct your attention to a particularly drippy Juicy Mom, or I’ll hand you an extra copy of Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners. Yeah! My alarm just went off!

HUMOR

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R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

CHILD WELFARE

FOSTER CARE LICENSING Text by Child Welfare Services

here are many reasons why people choose to become foster parents. Some find the rewards of taking children into their home is exactly what they thought it would be, and others discover the benefits of the experience go far beyond what they originally anticipated. About Being a Foster Mom Ganessa became a foster mom because she wanted to help children. But four years and 13 children later, she has learned helping the birth parents to be equally important. “The experience with the birth parents has been so rewarding,” Ganessa said. “There are a lot of myths associated with the foster care system. I have found that we can make a huge difference in the lives of families by just being there for them and by developing good, non-judgmental relationships with the birth parents.” Ganessa remains in contact with some of her foster birth moms and relates the story of one mom who lost custody of four of her children, but when faced with losing a fifth, became determined to change her life. “I have never seen two parents work so hard to regain their child,” Ganessa recalled. “I learned about her life, and the circumstances that led to her losing her children. She went to school, she’s working and her goal is to become a social worker. I’m still in contact with the parents and I occasionally babysit. She knows they are welcome here any time and that she can always call on us.” Ganessa, and her husband have teenagers at home, along with two adopted children who came to them as foster children. They also now have two foster children, which ensures there is “never a dull moment” in their household. They chose to take only children from birth to age four, and Ganessa quickly dispels the notion that saying goodbye to foster children when they are returned to their parents or moved to another home is difficult. “We celebrate when a child is reunited with the birth parent. It is a happy thing,” said Ganessa. “Of course, we miss the child but I don’t lose contact. It’s like we are always growing our extended family.”

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Ganessa praises the Tulare County Foster Care Licensing staff members for the training and support provided to them as foster parents. Every child is a new experience, she says, but the support from staff and other foster parents is amazing.

Be the Shelter in a Storm Over 900 children in Tulare County are in the foster care system. They have been removed from their home due to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect. The shelter may be emergency, short- or longer-term care. Tulare County Foster Care Licensing provides training and support and helps match children with foster parents. Thanks to new legislation, children who reach the age of 18 are no longer automatically removed from the foster care system. If they meet certain criteria (such as attending school, being employed, or having a disability), they may continue to receive services and remain in foster care until the age of 21.

To be a foster parent you must:  Be 18 years or older  Be financially self-supporting (able to meet your own family’s needs)  Receive a criminal record clearance and have no criminal record involving violent crimes or crimes against children  Obtain CPR and First Aid certification  Have a home that meets basic safety requirements  Complete Foster Care Licensing training Foster parents may select the age range and gender of the children they will accept, and may ask that their name be removed from the vacancy list as needed. For information, call Tulare County Foster Care Licensing: (559) 623-0581.

Foster Parent Orientations Meetings are held throughout the year to help interested foster parents learn more about the program. Meetings are held at 26500 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. Upcoming dates: May 16 (English and Spanish) June 6 (English only) June 20 (English and Spanish) July 18 (English and Spanish)

CHILD WELFARE

A License to Care

Honoring Our Hands-On Heroes We are pleased to honor those who make a difference in the lives of children ages zero through five. Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Children of all ages throughout Tulare County need a safe place as they go through a difficult time in their lives.

Are you ready to be their shelter in a storm? Tulare County Foster Care Licensing offers: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking

Attend one of our orientations 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month May 2 and May 16 Call 623-0581 to RSVP

We will hold your big hands as you connect with little ones.

Call us today. Change a child’s tomorrow.

tchhsa.org

623-0581

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Exceptional Volunteers

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Health and Wellness Patricia Delima, MD Family HealthCare Network

Early Care and Education Rebecca Luhdorff, preschool teacher, Oak Grove Elementary, Visalia Unified School District

Parent Education/Strong Families Adela Hernandez, social worker, Woodlake Family Resource Center

622-8650

first5tc.org R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

POSITIVE PARENTING

Summer to-do’s Text by Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency

he increasingly hot temperatures and students counting down until the last day of school mean one thing: summer has finally returned. 1. Make sure you’ve planned for reliable child care for young children during the times you’re not able to watch them. 2. If your child needs to have certain requirements met before the next school year (immunizations, health records, etc.) find out the deadlines and ensure everything is completed in time. 3. Be aware of important dates (the first day of school, registration dates, etc.), and plan accordingly. Learn new things. Ask your child to name three things they would like to learn by the end of the summer, and figure out ways to help them learn these things. Encourage your child to think out-ofthe-box when choosing their topics – something they might not have the chance to learn about in school. It could be something as simple as learning how to make cookies, or something a little more complicated, such as answering the question,“How do planes fly?” This type of project could be a fun adventure to experience together. Utilizing the internet or going to the library are great ways to find the necessary information about the topic your child is interested in. As an incentive for you and your family to accomplish these tasks, plan a family event to celebrate the completion of each project. The promise of a trip to the park or a family game night might be just the motivation you all need to make sure the project gets accomplished. Prepare for the next school year. It may seem a little crazy to start preparing for another school year when one is just finishing,

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

but it might make a difference in how your child performs in the upcoming school year. The material your child learns each year in school lays the foundation for courses they will take following year. If there were certain courses your child struggled to do well in, attempt to find ways to help them in these subjects during summer break. If your child struggled with reading, have them choose a book you can both read, and every few chapters go over what the book is about. Having your child write in a daily journal is a fun way for them to practice writing skills; help them improve by editing their writing for them. Math can be made fun by applying it to day-to-day life. For example: “If there are 12 slices of pizza, and you eat two, how many are left for me to eat?” If you are unable to help them with a particular subject, ask a friend or neighbor if they would be willing to help over the summer. The key is to keep your child’s mind active over the next few months, and this will make going back to school a little bit easier. Time to reflect. Use the end of the school year as an opportunity to have your child reflect on how he/ she feels the last year went. Ask him/her to share the best part of the year, the worst part, and what he/she is looking forward to in the upcoming year. You might be surprised at the answers you receive, and it’s the perfect way to get their perspective on the highs and lows of their past year, and what they’re hoping the future might hold. Lastly, there are several opportunities within your community for your child during summer. Summer school, sports teams, YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Club all offer programs for your child to stay busy over the summer. Ask your child’s school to provide information about the various opportunities available to make their summer fly by.

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R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

GARDENING

Make a Special Gift for

mom

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

resh herbs are grown to season food, and are a tasty addition to any meal. Did you know that fresh basil make pizza taste even yummier? Chives are a flavorsome extra to salads and soups. Peppermint adds a nice aroma and taste to water and iced tea. Choose mom’s favorite herb or surprise her with your favorite, and make her a special gift this Mother’s Day. Let’s get started!

May gardening tip: Plant or sow summer annuals such as geraniums, marigolds, lobelia, impatiens, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, alyssum, and phlox. Continue weeding, either by hand, hoeing, or by using a pre-emergent. April review: My dinnerplate dahlias peeked out of the ground after a couple weeks. Green foliage continues to climb. The anticipation of those dinner plate-size dahlia flowers is exciting! Remember to keep the plants moist but do not overwater. 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 14

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

You will need: • Empty coffee can or 32 oz. can with lid • Contact paper used to line shelves • Small rocks or pebbles • Potting soil • Craft stick • 4-inch potted herb [Good container-growing herbs include chives, basil, sweet marjoram, peppermint, summer savory and thyme] Assembly: 1. Have an adult poke several holes in the bottom of your tin can with a small screwdriver. 2. Cover can with contact paper. You can use plain or decorative, and stickers can be added for more decoration. 3. Place rocks or pebbles in the bottom to form a single layer which will help the soil drain better. 4. Fill only halfway with potting soil. 5. Carefully remove potted herb from its pot. Gently massage the roots until they separate and become loose. This will help the roots adapt to their new home and take in enough water, air and nutrients to grow. 6. Place plant into the can, holding upright while adding more soil to within one inch of the top of the can. 7. Pat down the soil, and water slowly and deeply. Be sure to have a plastic lid under the can for run-off water. 8. Print the name of the herb on a craft stick. Tie a cute ribbon around the can if you like. Instructions for care: Place the herb in a sunny window. Remember to water slowly and deeply when the soil feels dry. The great thing about herbs is that you don’t have to harvest the entire plant to pick foliage or greenery. The foliage is what is used to add to recipes. Pick just enough leaves to add to your recipe (don’t worry, new leaves will soon grow back). If your herb starts growing too big for the pot, either trim the leaves back or plant outside in a bigger space.

FITNESS

A Wonderful Family Adventure Text by Andy Salazar, Empower Fitness

pring is in the air! Take advantage of the great weather and get the family outdoors for fresh air, exercise, and fun. A great way to spend a spring day is on an educational hike in our Sequoia Kings Canyon. Hiking as a family is a great way to get exercise, but also to experience nature, learn and teach, and bond as a family. A family hike in the mountains removes the distractions – phone calls, texting, emails, and television – of everyday life, and quality interactive time with each other will be enjoyed. While hiking with your children make sure to be prepared, plan and map out your hike in advance. Preparing for Your Hike  Proper footwear and attire is a must. Everyone should wear sneakers or hiking boot; no sandals or soft shoes. Check the weather in advance and dress appropriately.  Pack plenty of water, trail mix, apples, and snacks, etc.  Pack and wear sunscreen, bug repellent, a hat, and sunglasses (optional) for sun protection.  Pack a first aid kit.  Bring a camera, binoculars, and a note pad if you want to enhance your experience. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks A great place to start hiking as a family is Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from beginner to more advanced. Each of the hikes in either park offers a variety of wonderful scenery and giant Sequoia trees. Make your first family hike relatively short in distance with the focus on being educational and fun. These early hikes offer up a great

opportunity to teach your children about the awe and wonder of nature, how to respect wilderness, and build an appreciation for the outdoors. Make Your Hike an Adventure During your hike, take time to stop, listen, and learn. Ask your children on what they see, hear, and smell. Encourage your children to explore, take pictures, and use binoculars to spot birds and other wildlife. Take every opportunity to interact, point out, and educate your children along the hike. Take a pen and notepad along to start a nature journal – it’s a fun way to remember your hikes, and to research questions you may not know the answers to. Hiking is a wonderful, inexpensive, and fun family activity that offers up a wealth of benefits. It’s a great way to spend quality time together. We are so fortunate to have the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks right in our backyard. Hiking is a great way to exercise outdoors, and with some careful early planning, it can become an activity the whole family will enjoy, and the experiences will last a lifetime.

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NUTRITION

HIGH-FIBER

Bre

Tip: Encourage your kids to eat slowly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; talk to them during mealtimes. The more they chew, the more they are giving their little Tip: Encourage kidsthat to eat talkenough to themtoduring mealtimes. The more they moreand theyovereat are less, but will recognize brains theyour signal theyslowly haveâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;had eat. They will not only get full onchew, fewer the calories giving theirwhen littletobrains the signal thattheir they mind have had enough to eat. They willenough, not onlytoo. get full on fewer calories and stop eating because is telling them it has gotten overeat less, but will recognize when to stop eating because their mind is telling them it has gotten enough, too. 16

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

NUTRITION

akfasts Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds, Nutritionists

ncreasing fiber in our children’s diets will help with energy, weight management, preventing certain diseases, and relieving constipation.

Fiber can help our children feel fuller longer, help the release of energy span out over time and put a stop to overeating. The onset of hunger will also be delayed, helping children feel sustained until the next meal, instead of feeling the need to constantly snack in between meals. Getting enough (or extra) fiber in our children’s diets gives them a boost in lowering their chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, diverticular disease, gallstone or kidney stones, and cancer. Fiber can absorb large amounts of water in the bowels, making stool easier to pass. For our little ones struggling with constipation, adding more fiber might mean the difference between a positive, less straining experience over an uncomfortable, painful one. Getting to Know Your Fiber Fiber is either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fibers bind with fatty acids and slow digestion so blood sugars are released more slowly into the body which help lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibers help hydrate and move waste through the intestines and control the pH levels in the intestines which relieve constipation and help keep you regular. “Dietary” fiber refers to the fiber found naturally in the foods we eat. “Functional” fibers are added to packaged foods to boost their fiber content (these fibers are extracted from a plant or animal source and added to drinks and food products to boost their fiber conten). Both dietary and functional fibers offer the same health benefits. Most nutritionists encourage getting fiber from whole foods we eat because they contain many other healthful plant compounds. But if your children aren’t eating enough dietary fiber in their diet, functional fiber can help fill the gap. Some foods rich in fiber include: nuts, whole wheat, whole grains, bran, seeds, edible brown rice, skins of produce (apples, pears, cucumbers, etc.), flax, rye, oats, beans, peas, barley, berries, bananas, oranges, apples, and carrots. Breakfast is a quality meal that all children need to start their day off right. Implementing fiber in your children’s first meal of the day will give them the physical tools they need to be focused, energized and comfortable throughout the entire day.

Here Are 5 Easy High-Fiber Breakfasts: 1. Chunky Monkey English Muffins. Top a whole wheat English muffin with a tablespoon of chunky peanut butter. Add sliced banana and top with raisins. For the child who is uncertain about the concoction, separate the ingredients. (I do this for my four-year-old son. He enjoys a toasted whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter on it, sliced banana and raisins in a little cup on the side. He loves his chunky monkey platter.) 2. Whole wheat blueberry pancakes or waffles. Substitute whole wheat flour in your favorite pancake or waffle batter, then toss in a handful (or two) of fresh or frozen blueberries. Top it with more blueberries with other favorite toppings your children enjoy. 3. High-fiber cereal with fruit. Children love having cereal for breakfast. Berries top the list of fruits with the most fiber, and either fresh or frozen are fine! Choose the cereals for your children with the highest fiber content you can locate (try five grams of fiber per serving, like shredded wheat), drop a handful of their favorite berries in the bowl and add some low-fat milk … breakfast is served! 4. Strawberry yogurt breakfast parfait. Make a big deal about the special treat it is to have a parfait for breakfast. Use pretty glass cups (or clear plastic) so the kids can see the layers of berries and yogurt. I use strawberry, vanilla, raspberry or blueberry yogurt, and any berries I have on hand. Add a layer of slivered almonds – it adds just the right crunch. Granola also works great for a crunch. 5. Breakfast egg and bean burrito. Scramble one egg, toss in ¼ cup black beans, and place in the center of a warmed five-inch whole grain tortilla. Let the kids dip it in salsa or a little sour cream. Breakfast isn’t the only meal that will benefit from an addition of fiber. Try these small changes to your children’s meal and snack plans to boost their fiber intake:  Eat whole fruits instead of fruit juice  Snack on veggies  Try making vegetables a main course for one meal a day (or one meal a week)  Eat more beans  Add a handful of nuts or seeds to snack time. R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

FAMILY FOCUS

Strengthening Families Protective Factor #2:

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Text by Billie Shawl, Tulare County CAPC

re you an expert when it comes to raising children? How much do you know about the different stages of a child’s development?

Knowledge of parenting and child development is one of the five protective factors identified by the U.S. Center for the Study of Social Policy as important for building strong families. According to studies, these “buffers” are important for strengthening families and when they are present, they tend to reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, children do not come with manuals, unlike computers, tools and other things. Most parents have to learn as they go when they are faced with raising a child. Most parents assume their role without much preparation or instruction. Parents tend to parent as they were parented. That works if the model was a good one, but not everyone had good role models. Many parents hope or intend to do a better job than their own parents did. Parenting methods have changed over the years and we hope they have improved. Having an array of tools and techniques can reduce the feeling of confusion and uncertainty parents often face, making their jobs easier. New approaches can reduce the parent-child power struggle that often occurs. New approaches can also reduce the resistance that children exhibit through tantrums and emotional outbursts, which make being a parent a difficult job. Most parents want to raise emotionally healthy children that respond to direction and are obedient to authority. Everyone knows how it feels to be around a child that is demanding, stubborn and headstrong. Such behaviors are not always easy to handle creatively. Also, children respond to different methods of parenting. Some children like to follow rules, while others like to have more freedom and more choices. What works for one child does not always work well for another. Parenting classes tend to be seen as only for those who are doing a bad job of parenting. Many classes in Tulare County are filled with such people, who attend because it is required by court. Sometimes it is a requirement before children are returned to the parents after foster home placement. The idea is that those parents who gain more knowledge are less likely to come back into the system.

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But that same knowledge can keep families out of the system, which is why these classes can be so important for the well being of children. The stigma of going to a parenting class needs to be removed, and instead, parents should be applauded for their intention to be the best parent possible. That’s the kind of parent every child wants and every child deserves. Parents also need to know what to expect as their children grow. What is the right age to potty train a child? When is it possible to expect children to follow directions, sit still and pay attention? When does a child understand cause and effect? There are a lot of milestones in a child’s development and often a range of ages that these milestones are achieved. Knowing what behaviors are normal for what age gives parents a guideline for reasonable expectations. Frustration sets in when a parent expects behaviors and responses not realistic for the age of the child. So, what can a parent do to be better informed and prepared? 1. Read what is in the media about parenting and children. A great deal of information is available in newspapers, magazines and on TV. 2. Talk to parents of children whose behavior you admire. There may be parent models in your neighborhood, school and church, or mentors and role models in your family. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bring other parents together to talk about what they do in different situations. 3. Use the Internet and/or the local library. Read a book on child rearing, such as How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children by Gerald Newmark, Ph.D. 4. Attend workshops and parenting classes. Classes are available through many organizations and churches. Family Resource Centers also offer parenting classes. Listings and links to the Family Resource Center near you are available on the Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Council’s website at www.tularecountycapc.org under services. Be a great parent. It is your most important job!

HEALTH

Could It Be

Lice?

Text by Yeymi De Leon, MD, Family HealthCare Network

o, your child has returned from camp and the dreaded scratching begins … could it be lice?

What are Lice? Lice are tiny (one to three millimeters long) wingless insects that live on humans and animals – usually in the hairy parts of the body – and they bite through the skin to suck blood. There are several types of lice, including some called “crab lice” because they look like tiny crabs. Lice are highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like camp. Lice are also a very common problem, especially for kids ages three years to 12 years (girls more often than boys). Kids are most prone to catching lice because they tend to have close physical contact with each other and often share personal items. Lice aren’t dangerous and don’t spread disease, but they can just be downright annoying. Their bites may cause a child’s scalp to become itchy and inflamed, leading to scratching that can cause skin irritation and even infection. If your child shows signs of lice, it is wise to treat it quickly once a diagnosis is made. You should contact others your child has had contact with, and also be sure to check with the camp director or staff to see if other kids have recently been treated for lice.

What are the signs? Lice can be seen by the naked eye, even though they are very small. Here is what you might see: Lice eggs (called nits). These look like tiny yellow, tan or brown dots before they hatch. Lice lay nits on hair shafts close to the scalp where the temperature is perfect for keeping warm until they hatch. Nits often look like dandruff but you can’t remove them by brushing or shaking them off. Scratching. Lice bites cause itching and scratching. Itching is not always immediate and can take weeks for kids with lice to start scratching. Kids may complain of feeling things moving around on or tickling their heads. Small, red bumps or sores from scratching. Kids will have various reactions to lice or nits. For some, the irritation is mild; for others it can be more irritating and cause a rash. Excessive scratching can even lead to a bacterial infection. If your health care provider thinks this is the case, he or she may treat the infection with an oral antibiotic. Call your child’s physician if your child is constantly complaining of scratching his or her head or complaining of an itchy scalp. Your child’s physician should be able to tell you if your child is infested with lice and needs treatment. Be aware that not all kids demonstrate the classic symptoms and some may be totally symptom free. Treatment Your physician can recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicated shampoo, cream rinse, or lotion to kill the lice. Medication will usually kill the lice and nits, but it could take a few days for the itching to stop. After treatment, your child’s physician may suggest combing out the nits with a fine tooth comb and repeating the treatment in seven to 10 days to kill any newly hatched nits. It is always important to follow the directions exactly because these products are insecticides. If you have concerns, always check with your child’s physician. It is also very important to clean any items your child has been in contact with or touched, such as linens or items that can be cleaned by putting them in a washer or dryer. Lice do not survive more than 48 hours off your child’s scalp, so these items should be washed in hot water and placed in a dryer with high heat cycle. All items that can’t be washed or dry-cleaned should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. You can also vacuum furniture to help remove anything lingering on furniture. Avoid lice altogether Having head lice is not a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene. These bugs can be a problem for all kids of all ages and socioeconomic levels, no matter how often they bathe or wash their hair. However, here are some helpful tips to prevent your kids from getting lice or becoming re-infested:  Tell your kids to try to avoid head to head contact, and not to share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, bandanas, ribbons, barrettes, hair ties or bands, towels, helmets, or other personal care items with anyone else.  Tell your kids not to lie on bedding, pillows, and carpets that have been used by someone with lice.  Every 3 to 4 days, examine members of your family that may have had close contact with a person with lice. Contact your physician immediately for treatment for those who are found to have it.

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Marble ARTS & CRAFTS

Text by Virginia Strawser, ImagineU Interactive Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum

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Art

hildren love to put their favorite colors together when working on an art activity. With this month’s marble art project, they can also learn about what colors are created when two or more colors mix. Be ready to create a masterpiece of your own – this one is fun, and you can have some special family-bonding time creating together. This one is a family favorite at ImagineU! What you will need: 1. Paper 2. Marbles (five or six depending on the size of your paper) 3. Shallow tray or box 4. Tempura (water-based) paint

Instructions: 1. Prepare enough work space to accommodate a few flying paint covered marbles. A paint drop cloth works well. 2. Put your paper in the shallow tray. If you use a water-based paint, a small cookie sheet will work nicely. I like to use a shallow aluminum “disposable” pan with a 1.5 inch side. Even a shoebox or other cardboard box will work. 3. Squirt small amounts or pea-sized dots of different colored paint onto the paper. Use several colors that go well together. 4. Drop the marbles onto the paper. 5. Roll the marbles around so that they catch all the different colors and blend them together into an artistic explosion of hues. 6. Let your artwork dry. 7. Once dry, put a magnet on the back or enhance the marble art with a frame. We all know where we can get great frames for under a dollar. Be sure to have your little artist sign their artwork.

ART & CRAFTS

Tips:  Too much paint or too many different colors will result in a “brown” mess. If this happens, start over with a fresh piece of paper, or let it dry and turn it over – that’s what the other side of paper is for! Try to roll the marbles through the paint enough to eliminate any globs that will take forever to dry, but not so much that it mixes the colors too much.  If you place a signature size piece of painter’s tape, or tape that will remove easily from the paper, onto a corner of the paper before painting, you will have a nice place for your child’s signature. Sometimes the signature doesn’t stand out well on top of the paint. If you are going to frame the art piece, be sure to have the signature space far enough above the bottom of the page to allow for the frame. Remove the tape after painting and you now have a white space that will enhance their special signature.  Marble clean-up is a breeze using a colander from the kitchen.  This is also a great project for kids to make do-it-yourself greeting cards. Just fold the paper in half after drying. Using lighter colored paints works well for this as they can write a message over their colorful card front. Painter’s tape also works for the front of a card. Just place it where they want to write their message, then remove it after painting. Father’s Day is next month – dad or grandpa would love to receive this colorful expression of love. Using dad’s or grandpa’s “favorite colors” will make it even more special.

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COLLEGE PREP

T hings To Know About

Advanced Placement Courses Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

t is reasonable to say most college applicants these days will have at least some Advanced Placement (AP) classes on their transcripts to be competitive in the applicant pools for the top schools. While some applicants might be well advised to take on the rigors of AP courses, others might be better off utilizing their efforts and time into extracurricular activities. This will completely depend on the applicant in question and his or her situation and profile.

Colleges and universities won’t penalize students who haven’t had the opportunity to take AP courses, as some high schools may not offer them. Admissions officers realize a class can be challenging without carrying the AP designation. In fact, many people seem to confuse the AP label with what admissions committees are really looking for: a student who has stretched him or herself intellectually and taken the most challenging course they could find. AP credit is just one part of their college application. An applicant with 12 AP courses on a transcript but not a single thing to say about what he or she does outside of school is going to have a hard time competing against students whose academic strengths are balanced by other interests. That being said, for all practical purposes, AP work has become the norm for a large number of applicants to the more selective schools. A study by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics in 2004, found nearly one-third of all graduating high school seniors (including those who were not applying to college) had taken at least one AP course. That number has only grown since then. AP Program Overview Since 1955, the AP program has enabled millions of students to take challenging courses and exams, and to earn college credit or placement while still in high school.  The AP Program offers 34 courses and exams.  The fee for each exam is $89 (eligible students may qualify for a reduction).

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 More than 18,000 schools worldwide participate in the AP Program.  32.4 percent of U.S. public high school students in the class of 2012 took an AP Exam at some point in high school.  The composite score for each AP Exam is converted to a score of 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1. An AP Exam score of 5 is equivalent to grades of A+ and A in the corresponding college course; a score of 4 is equivalent to grades of A-, B+ and B; and a score of 3 is equivalent to grades of B-, C+ and C.  Several colleges and universities offer credit, advanced placement, and/or consideration in the admission process for qualifying AP Exam scores (some may cap limits within disciplines). Typically CSU/UCs will grant credit for college level courses with a score of 3, 4 or 5, while some private colleges or those outside of California may only grant credit for scores of 4 or 5. At Harvard, only a score of 5 will count towards Advanced Standing eligibility. It is advisable to consult with individual colleges for specific criteria. College admissions decisions are always a complex process. In the vast majority of cases, there’s no single factor – be it AP credit, SAT scores, or activities records that make or break an admissions outcome. This is why it’s impossible to give a sensible blanket answer to the question, “How many AP courses should my child take?” It all depends on the individual applicant and the schools being applied to.

HAPPY TRAILS

Text by Happy Trails Riding Academy

randon McDarment began riding with Happy Trails when he was just four years old. He suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that resulted in Brandon having a spectrum of challenges.

He started the Equine Assisted Activities/Life Skills class, and after a couple years of the class, Brandon started Interactive Vaulting. Now, at age 10, Brandon says it’s his favorite activity at Happy Trails. Brandon also says that his favorite vaulting position is the one that “makes me look like a starfish.” His mom, Cristina Gonzales, says the hardest part about Brandon’s TBI is that as he grows and gets older, his symptoms are constantly

changing. Brandon didn’t start talking until he was nearly five years old, but now he loves talking to everyone. He especially loves sharing his larger-thanlife imagination and playing the parrot game, where he repeats everything his mother says. One of the effects of Brandon’s TBI is that the two sides of his brain don’t always communicate well with each other well. This means Brandon can experience sensory, coordination, and balance issues, learning difficulties, comprehension struggles, and even short-term memory loss – some of the many things targeted with Interactive Vaulting. Not only has Happy Trails helped Brandon to improve his overall brain balance, coordination, and comprehension, it has also helped to develop his social skills. Brandon is an only child and his mom says she is his main playmate at home. Coming to Happy Trails every week for the past five years has helped Brandon to develop friends and have the chance to interact with more of his peers. The program has also fostered Brandon’s love of animals, and horses in particular. In fact, Brandon can often be found at one of the local rodeos and loves participating in the “Exceptional Kids Day” that many, like the Coarsegold Rodeo, offer just for children with special needs. Brandon is also an enrolled member of the Tule River Indian Tribe, who generously supports Brandon’s sessions at Happy Trails. Cristina says that the Tribe is extremely supportive of therapeutic horsemanship and Brandon’s educational goals, and she is very thankful for their support. PICTURED: Brandon vaulting on Emma with the assistance of Caitlyn Wainwright.

Be the solution Join online!

tularecountycapc.org Join CAPC for just $10 and become a part of the solution to child abuse and neglect in Tulare County. As a member, you will receive updates and the information you need to make a difference.

735-0456

Be counted. Be the solution.

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SOCIAL

Intoxication and Sexual Assault Text by District Attorney Tim Ward

n March 17, 2013, two high school football players in Steubenville, Ohio, were found guilty of raping an unconscious 16-year old. This incident gained nationwide attention due to the social media component. The teenage assailants traded text messages, video, and photographs of the victim with their friends and peers, which were disseminated further over social media. Not only was she a victim of a violent crime, the crime had been broadcast throughout her community and across the country. This activity over social media demonstrated an indifference to the effect of the rape on the victim that was stunningly callous. Equally disturbing was the assailantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparent lack of concern about the legal ramifications of raping an intoxicated female. According to a National Press Study, at least 80 percent of sexual assaults occur among persons who knew each other. One half of all sexual assault victims report they were drinking alcohol at the time of the assault. Intoxication can place anyone in a vulnerable position. The message that it is illegal to have sex with a female who cannot consent to sex because she is impaired by drugs or alcohol is a message that must be shared with all of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth. Rape by intoxication is a serious felony and is classified as a strike under Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three strikes law, carrying a maximum punishment of eight years in prison. This is the same punishment as forcible rape.

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The offender is also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life. Young people must realize that it is not only morally reprehensible to take advantage of a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is against the law. As we all know, the legal drinking age is 21. However, teenagers may find themselves at parties or events where alcohol and/or drugs are present. Talk with the children in your life. Discuss an action plan of what to do if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Young men should be made aware that it is illegal to take advantage of someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important for parents to teach their kids to tell a friend to stop if they see him taking advantage of a female with signs of intoxication including slurred speech, a staggered walk, lack of motor skills, loud speech, or who is passed out or unconscious. Additionally, young women need to take precautionary measures if they plan on attending a party where alcohol or drugs are being consumed. Young women under the age of 21 must be taught that it is illegal to drink alcohol. If they do decide to drink, young girls should know that binge drinking is not only dangerous for their health, but could also make them targets of sexual assault. Daughters should be told to stay with their trusted friends at all times and to never leave an intoxicated friend behind at a party. It is also important for them to always have a plan for each member of their group to get home safely. If you, or someone you know has been the victim of rape by intoxication, there is a dedicated team of professionals who are ready to help. If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please call the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare, at (559) 636-5494.

DENTAL HEALTH

Sports Mouthguards What Type is Best?

here are three types of mouthguards available, listed in order of increasing protection:

1. Stock mouthguards are the least expensive and offers the lowest protection as they often don’t fit well and many times are not worn by the participant because of discomfort. An unworn mouthguard offers no protection. 2. “Boil and Bite” mouthguards are also relatively inexpensive. Hot water is used to soften the plastic so it can be better fitted to the teeth. The difference between a stock and “boil and bite” mouthguard is substantial and offers a greater level of protection. This type works best if you can have your dentist help fit it. Some do-it-yourself fittings don’t look or fit very well. 3. Custom-fit mouthguards obtained from you dental office in about 1-2 weeks. This involves taking an impression of the teeth and sending it to a dental laboratory which will fabricate a unique

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

custom to the individual mouthguard. The triple laminate mouthguard offer the best protection, yet is thin enough to allow maximum air intake. For best protection, the guard should cover the upper teeth from molar to molar to prevent back teeth fracturing when clenching under contact. The quality of protection provided by any mouthguard is totally related to the quality of the product you place in your child’s mouth. Additionally, this protection is only available if your child is wearing the mouthguard. Everyone who participates in sports, particularly contact sports (many of the sports which traditionally are called non-contact, like basketball, actually involve potential for very heavy contact), should wear tooth protection. This includes even the very young participants. If they start wearing tooth protection early, it simply becomes another piece of gear, and consistent wear will continue as the child ages and moves up the ranks to more aggressive levels of their sport. It will become second-nature and will prevent many needless accidents involving their mouth and teeth.

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CAMPS

Summer CAMPS

Hume Lake Christian Camp Hume, CA 93628 | 559.305.7770 humelake.org facebook.com/humeministries Age: Meadow Ranch, Junior High; Ponderosa, High School When: Meadow Ranch, June 9 – August 11 (one week sessions, Sunday-Saturday); Ponderosa, August June 9 – August 11 (one week sessions, Sunday-Saturday). Price: $515/camper Meadow Ranch is a phenomenal place for junior high students to get away from the everyday distractions and into the quietness the Meadow has to offer and learn more about who God is. From outdoor activities, energetic recreation, silly skits and suspenseful night games, to exceptional speakers, inspiring dramas and impactful worship, your time at Hume will make you want to come back for more! Ponderosa is the flagship camp at Hume Lake for high school students. When you come to Pondy, you will hear the gospel preached, be challenged through scripture, engage in sweet worship through music and get some time alone and with your church to process what God did in your life up here at camp. Hume Lake takes pride in its high energy recreation allowing kids to be kids. That includes things like playing in the mud, running the gauntlet, doing the bike jump, and dominating in Kajabe Kan Kan. If you allow it, a week at Ponderosa can and will change your life forever.

Camp Tawonga

RIVER WAY RANCH CAMP Sanger, CA 93657 | (559) 787-2551 riverwayranchcamp.com facebook.com/RiverWayRanchCamp Age: 7-16 When: 2-week sessions, starting June 16; 1-week sessions, starting July 28 Price: $3,095-$3,395/2-week; $1,695/1-week Memories and friendships await at River Way Ranch Camp, one of California’s premier residential summer camps for ages 7-16. A family tradition since 1967, generations of families have been coming to the scenic foothills of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks to experience the summer of a lifetime. Campers are well supervised by a highly-trained staff as they participate in their choice of more than 65 activities offered. The caring and devoted counselors guide campers through new adventures as they learn new skills, meet new friends, and achieve each goal, one step at a time.

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Yosemite National Park, near Tuolumne River | 415.543.2267 tawonga.org facebook.com/camptawonga Age: Grades 2-12 (broken up into like-age groups) When: June 6 – July 28 (6 day, 2-week, and 3-week camps; length varies per week and age group) Price: $975-$2,610 (price varies per week and age group) Camp Tawonga is a co-ed residential camp located just outside Yosemite National Park on the beautiful Tuolumne River. Since 1925, Camp Tawonga’s mission of self-esteem, community, appreciation for nature, and fostering positive Jewish identity has been woven through all the programs from summer camp for children to weekend programs, to teen leadership, travel, and service learning. Camp Tawonga is committed to its philosophy of group-centered camping, giving counselors freedom to focus on the minute-to-minute and day-to-day experiences of each camper and of their bunk as a whole, while program specialists use their skills to lead the wide array of activities that Tawonga offers. In addition, each bunk backpacks in Yosemite National Park or the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest and spends a day on the Challenge Course, core programs which underscore this group-centered philosophy.

CAMPS

SCICON Summer Academy

SKYLAKE YOSEMITE CAMP

Springville, CA 93265 | 559.539.2642 tcoe.org/SCICON/summeracademy

Wishon, CA 93669 | 559.642.3720 skylake.com

Age: Grades 6-8 When: June 16-21; June 23-28 Price: $345/student The SCICON Summer Academy is a combination of summer camp and academic experience. Each week-long session will allow students to particiate in outdoor recreational activities in the morning, and work on fun and engaging academic projects in the afternoon. Limit 75 students per session – first come, first serve.

Age: Grades 2-10 When: 2-and 4-week sessions begin starting June 16 Price: $2950/2-week; $5,300/4-week At Skylake, campers pick their own activities and set their own schedules each week which gives children the flexibility to do as they choose while also providing them with great diversity to learn new skills. Each night campers gather at Campfire Circle for nightly campfire … a storied Skylake tradition … with skits, camp songs and games.

Activities:

Academics:

Camping Archery Survival Skills Ropes Course Mountain Biking Rock Climbing Nature Studies Arts & Crafts

Website Design Multimedia Presentations Video Game Programming Engineering (Robotics) Museum Wildlife Studies

Activities: Waterskiing Wakeboarding Tubing Canoeing Kayaking Paddleboarding Swim Lessons

Soccer Baseball Horse Riding Arts & Crafts Guitar Lessons Archery Ropes Course

Basketball Tennis Mountain Biking Backpacking

Jameson Ranch Camp Glenville, CA 93226 | 661.536.8888 jamesonranchcamp.com facebook.com/jamesonranchcamp When: June 16-29; June 30-July 14; July 15-27; July 28-August 10 Price: $2,380 Jameson Ranch Camp’s (JRC) purpose is to guide children to have better lives through the pleasure of working and playing together. JRC provides a fun, healthy, wholesome, safe environment that is supporting the development of the total child. Campers will develop physically and mentally by gaining new skills in an outdoor environment that preserves natural resources. Emotional development happens through interactions with friends, and spiritual growth happens by being close to nature and our Creator. Campers can learn responsibility by caring for animals, the garden, the living quarters of the ranch and by being involved with ranch construction projects. Activities:

Horses Drama Mountain Boards Rock climbing Waterfront Mountain Biking Vaulting

Small Animal Barn Ranch and Construction Archery Riflery Crafts Swimming Backpacking

YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake Miramonte, CA | 1.877.55.YCAMP campsequoialake.org Age: Youth, grades 3-8; Teens, grades 9-12 When: Youth, June 23 – July 14 (one week sessions); Teens, July 21-27 Price: $602/Youth; $633/Teen Give your child the experience of a real camp that has been serving campers for 98 years. YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake Youth Camp is a truly one of a kind experience. Your child will make new friends while discovering their talents in every exciting activity Camp Sequoia Lake Youth Camp has to offer. Providing quality camping programs since 1914, YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake creates an environment that encourages heartfelt laughter, interactive learning and personal growth. Activities:

Sailing High Ropes Course Mountain Biking Rock Climbing Archery Swimming Outpost Camping

Fishing Visit National Park Painting Crafts Soccer Basketball Campfires

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CALENDAR

may 2013

calendar of events dates to remember

Dinuba Cinco de Mayo

MAY 3

Adventure Park FUNdraiser

MAY 20

MAY

JUNE

Fam i lear ly Fu n & ning Too !

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

Admission $5 per person / Annual Family Memberships $72

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

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

CALENDAR Selma Raisin Festival

This annual five-day carnival will include food and craft booths, art, baking, photography, poetry, floriculture and family fun run competitions. Don’t miss out on this free event that will be fun for all! When: May 1-5 Where: Lincoln Park, Selma Contact: www.cityofselma.com

3 Dinuba Cinco de Mayo

11 Exeter Garden Walk

Bring the whole family outside as you enjoy the 10th annual Full Bloom Garden Walk where you will get to enjoy the sights and scents of flowers in bloom. Enjoy refreshments and get all your gardening questions answered as you discover downtown Exeter and all it has to offer. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at By the Water Tower Antiques, 141 South B, or the Exeter Chamber of Commerce at 101 West Pine Street in Exeter. When: May 11; 9a-2p Where: Downtown Exeter Contact: 592-2919 or www.exeterchamber.com

20 Adventure Park FUNdraiser

Join the Visalia Sunset Rotary at this annual fundraising event that will help support youth-oriented and non-profit groups. Tickets are $20 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet, miniature golf, bumper boats, laser tag and game tokens! There will also be large and small raffle prizes at this family, fun-filled event. Elegant jewelry from Ashoori & Co. and a weekend stay at Ragged Point Inn on the Central Coast are just some of the prizes up for grabs! When: May 20; 5-9 p.m. Where: Adventure Park; 5600 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: www.visaliasunsetrotary.org

This free, all ages celebration will include a carnival full of food and craft booths and entertainment for the whole family. When: May 3; 10a Where: Rose Ann Vuich Park, 855 E. El Monte Way, Dinuba 17 Back to Broadway Bring the entire family for a musical Contact: www.dinuba.org 31 Night at the Races This fundraising event will include dinner evening of Broadway show tunes as the 5 Reedley Street Faire by Sue Sa, horse racing, prizes and much Redwood High School Choral Department Come and check out what Reedley has to more! Tickets are $50 per person. presents its annual Spring Show. Featuring offer! This fun all ages event will include When: May 31; 6p five choral groups, ensembles and soloists, craft, retail, information and food booths. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. you will be taken back to Broadway with There will also be a car show, health faire Acequia Ave., Visalia some of the most popular songs. Festivities and children’s rides. Contact: 688-8685 or include drawings, refreshments and allWhen: May 5; 10a www.happytrailsridingacademy.org around family fun! Tickets are $10 and can Where: G St., Reedley be purchased in the RHS Finance center or Tulare County Library Contact: www.reedleydowntown.com at the door. Mystery Readers (May 15, 6:30p) When: May 17; 7p 8 Scooby-Doo Live Musicals Mysteries First Tuesday Book Club (May 7, 6:30p) Where: LJ Williams Theater, This live theater show brings everyone’s Where: Tulare County Library, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia favorite show to life! Filled with crazy 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 730-7701 new characters and all the old ones you Contact: 713-2700 or tularecountylibrary.org love, this all ages event will even include Kingsburg Swedish Festival AgVentures at Heritage Complex classic musical numbers such as “Scooby- 18 This annual, cultural appreciation event Agricultural Learning Center and Doo, Where Are You?” and “Round Every will start off with a traditional pancake Farm Equipment Museum with nearly Corner.” Tickets start at $15. breakfast. The rest of the day will be filled 15 professionally designed interactive When: May 8, 7p with entertainment, food and fun for displays. Children learn about science Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, everyone. Come out and see what being and technology, food and nutrition, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Swedish is all about! environmental issues, social studies and Contact: 625-1369 or www.foxvisalia.org When: May 18; 10a more! Where: Kingsburg Swedish Village, When: Mon. – Fri., 9a-4p Kingsburg Where: International Agri-Center, Contact: 897-1111 or 4450 S. Laspina St., Tulare www.kingsburgswedishfestival.com

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R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

SAFETY

Gang Prevention:

A Community Approach

Text by Adam Valencia, Tulare County Office of Education, Choices Prevention Programs

ast month’s article described the signs parents might observe if their child is becoming involved in a gang. These can include changes in their child’s behavior, patterns of truancy, a decline in grades, changes in friends and style of dress, and graffiti in their bedrooms or on their personal belongings. Just as parents can hold their child accountable for his or her behavior, communities can establish standards of conduct in neighborhoods and take steps to enforce them. Below are some approaches parents, educators and neighbors can take to keep children safe from gangs.

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3

Parents Parents are the first line of defense against gangs. Watchful parents keep an eye on their children and their friends for signs of gang membership, such as the wearing of gang colors and clothing styles. Some parents believe wearing oversized pants or colors, numbers or brands associated with the gang lifestyle is only a phase the child is going through. Such a view is dangerous, since the clothing indicates either gang involvement or copycat behavior. Parents can work with school officials and law enforcement agencies to bring gang awareness programs to their school’s parent groups. The Tulare County Office of Education Choices Prevention Program, the Sherriff’s Department, or your local police department can often provide trainings to parent groups free of charge. School Officials The way school officials respond to gang issues is critical. A comprehensive prevention and intervention response has a higher degree of success than does a suppression approach alone. During interviews, local young people have commonly indicated they might have been deterred from gangs if elementary school intervention programs were available to them. They said by the time students get into middle school and high school, it is much more difficult to get out of gangs because of the fear gang members will retaliate against them. Neighborhood Involvement A neighborhood that is united and dedicated to stop crime and violence will greatly reduce a gang’s ability to intimidate and victimize its residents. Usually the first indicator an area is being affected by gang activity is graffiti. Graffiti targets a neighborhood for violence and it should be immediately removed. Never run out of paint! Every law enforcement agency in the county has now taken steps to respond to gang issues by establishing specialized staff to identify gang activity and provide information to the public. Community members are encouraged to stay in touch with the law enforcement agencies in their area to report any information they may have about crime and gang activity in their area. Citizens armed with knowledge about gang issues are better able to avoid becoming victims. Working together we can make a difference and stop the progress of this social disease that is harming so many of our children and the quality of life for us all. For more information about street gangs, contact Tulare County Office of Education’s Choices Prevention Programs Supervisor Adam Valencia at (559) 651-0155, or Joe Aguilar at (559) 471-9544. The Choices Prevention Programs provide bullying and gang recognition presentations to schools throughout Tulare County.

RESOURCES

important numbers at a glance:

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

Other Important Numbers

Fire & Police

County & City

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

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

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

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

Add your numbers below

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

REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT, DIAL

9-1-1

Add your numbers below

R A I S E M A G A Z I N E | M AY 2 0 1 3