Sacramento Parent, June 2018

parent June 2018

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 26 YEARS

GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD

Outdoor Entertainment Awaits!

CAMP ISSUE

A RESOURCE TREASURE BOX sacramentoparent.com

2

JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018

3

parent

on our cover

June 2018

Meet Chad and Rylee (8), they both love Jiu-Jitsu, wakeboarding and funny jokes!

26

Photographer: Megan Escheman Photography http://MeganEschemanPhotography.com

contents JUNE 2018

15 departments

8 CRAFTY

Bookmarking Nature

11 CAMP

Why Day Camp?

21

22

features

around town

15

Benefits of Being a Sandwich Family

31 ON REPEAT

18 21 25

32 CALENDAR

Being Mikey’s Dad

Summer Concerts & More!

Summer Staycation

Gift Ideas for Every Dad Keeping Kids Safe at Pool Parties

34 SHOWS & EXHIBITS

22

An Interview with The MIND Institute

CAMP ISSUE

special advertising section

29

4

JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Party Guide

Sierra Child and Family Services

is looking for homes that can provide a safe, stable, nurturing and exible environment to children in need.

Healing today the hope for tomorrow

Do you have room in your heart and home for one more?

Become a foster/adoptive parent.

SCFS provides:

• Monthly stipend for all children placed

in your home

• Regular home visits by highly trained social workers to provide ongoing

support, answer questions and help

connect you with community resources. Â Â? Â?

• Fun social events to encourage

networking between families

• 24/7 on-call support for emergencies • Full service adoption program to facilitate and assist you in growing your family.

SCFS is a partner with the LGBTQ Collaborative. The collaborative is working to identify and support families that are able to provide loving, supportive, aďŹƒrming and permanent homes for LGBTQ foster youth.

Five oďŹƒces to answer any questions you may have regarding foster care/adoption:

Diamond Springs (Lic. 097005028) • 530-295-1491 Jackson (Lic. 037004238) • 209-257-1244 Sacramento (Lic. 347000190) • 916-487-2111 South Lake Tahoe (Lic. 097004206) • 530-544-2111 Stockton (Lic. 397005137) • 209-474-1549

CAMP BOW WOW DOGGY DAY CARE AND BOARDING

Dogs Paws-itively Love Camp!

BENEFITS OF CAMP: Provides regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight Relieves boredome, seperation anxiety and destructive behavior at home Improves socialization with dogs and people

Bring this coupon and get

$5.00 OFF any service.

Expires 6/30/18

Get Your First Day FREE! (interview day) Camp Bow Wow Elk Grove 9263 Bendel Place, Elk Grove, CA 95624 | campbowwow.com/elkgrove 916-685-4590 Valid only at Camp Bow Wow Elk Grove. New customers only. Camper must be spayed or neutered (if over 6 months) and be current on all vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella. Offer not valid on holidays and cannot be combined with any other discount or package. CODE: SACPARENT_AD Expires 6/30/18

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018

5

sa

6

JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Sacramento Parent proudly turns 26 this month! Once again, we’re celebrating with the party issue! We’ve included a guide of local party places on page 29. Plus, we’ve included tips for keeping kids safe at parties around pools and hot tubs.

co-publisher | SUE LETO COLE co-publisher | SHELLY BOKMAN editor | SHANNON SMITH art directors | PATRICE VAN DAM

StudioPRDesign.com

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com contributing writers: Maria Coleman | Felicia Harris Michelle Kopkash | Sue LaPlante Michael McDonald | Pam Molnar Jesse Neve | Shannon Smith | Diana Watkins

contributing photographer: Megan Escheman Photography http://MeganEschemanPhotography.com

advertising executives: LINDSAY TRENZ | (530) 889.6178 lindsay@sacramentoparent.com CHERYL WAPLES | (530) 889.6176 cheryl@sacramentoparent.com

BILLING QUESTIONS

Shelly Bokman | (530) 889.6175 shelly@sacramentoparent.com

We know you’re extra busy right now as the school year winds down and summer activities pick up, so we hope you will find plenty of ideas for family fun in this issue, too. Be sure to check out the summer events and activities (starting on page 31), there are so many great picks happening right here in town. You can literally plan a summer staycation!

We’re also giving a shout out to dads this month with everything from gift ideas to heartfelt stories written by and about dads. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads that follow Sacramento Parent!

BYERS GYMNASTICS Summer CampS Regular Price $170

Camps are held June 25 - August 3 Monday thru Friday • 9am -12pm Ages 4-6 & 6-13

Roseville (916) 781-2939 • Citrus Heights (916) 723-7700

www.byersroseville.com

Hello Summer!

CALENDAR & WEBSITE calendar@sacramentoparent.com EVENTS events@sacramentoparent.com

Shannon & the sac parent team instagram.com/ facebook.com/ SacParent SacramentoParent

pinterest.com/ SacParent

twitter.com/ SacParentMag

FAMILY PUBLISHING, INC. Sacramento Parent Magazine Subscription Rate: one year, $30 PO Box 598 Auburn, CA 95604 p (530) 888.0573 f (530) 653.2283 sacparenteditor@gmail.com | www.sacramentoparent.com

Sacramento Parent magazine is published monthly by Family Publishing, Inc. It is available free of charge at over 1,000 locations throughout Greater Sacramento.

Sacramento Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photos from our readers. Sacramento Parent is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018

7

Bookmarking the Great Outdoors

By Lady DIY

If your kids are anything like mine, a camping trip typically means that we’ll be bringing home a lot of natural souvenirs. Feathers, rocks, sand and flowers are common keepsakes. This month’s craft is a great way to preserve some of those memories.

Supplies Needed:

Pressed flowers Cardstock (this is a great project to use up scrap pieces!)

Contact paper or home laminator (contact paper can be found at discount/dollar stores) Scissors or paper cutter Hole punch Yarn or twine Glue stick

Directions:

Step 1: Press flowers between paper towels, using heavy books as weights. This step usually takes 3-4 days to allow the flowers to fully dry.

Step 2: Once the flowers are dry, arrange them on the pieces of cardstock. My cardstock was 2” by 8”.

Step 3: Apply a small amount of glue stick to help keep the flowers in place on the cardstock. (This is helpful for the next step.)

Step 4: Apply contact paper to both sides of the bookmark. You can also use a home laminator.

Step 5: Trim the excess contact paper.

Step 6: Punch a hole at one end of the bookmark. Knot a small piece of yarn or twine (about 6” long) through the hole.

Bonus! Visit http://wildflowersearch.org/ to identify wildflowers by location, color, shape and observation time.

Lady DIY lives in Rocklin and stays home with her three boys. When she’s not too busy with DIY projects around the house, she enjoys gardening, fitness and living the glamorous life of a baseball/soccer/football mom.

Ask about our birthday parties at PIRATE’S COVE, the new Aqua Park!

Summer Camp Dates: June 11th thru August 13th

Just off I-5 8 Minutes from Sacramento airport

8

JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Adventure Camp Time 8:30am-Noon Extended Camp 8:30am-2:30pm

CAMP

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018

9

Join us for our summer camps!

only $400 per week!

(530) 878-6053

Located at the beautiful Lake Francis Resort in Dobbins, CA

5-Day Camps: $165 | 3-Day Camps: $115 Member Discounts Available For more information:

www.PlacerNatureCenter.org Explore Today...Protect Tomorrow!

Preschool - 5th Grade

To register, visit www.camprockingu.com Camps run June 25 - August 17th.

Summer Camp 9am – 1pm (extended care available)

2018

For weekly themes & enrollment:

www.camelliawaldorf.org

7450 Pocket Road, Sacramento, CA

(916) 427-5022 summercamp@camelliawaldorf.org

For Children (ages 3-9) with Apraxia, Suspected Apraxia or Severe Speech Disorder Intensive Speech • Language Thera py

Enrollment Now Open Camp Dates:

Session 1: June 18th-29th Session 2: July 9th-20th

Call to Register TODAY! • 8 Classes Per Session • Parent Training Will Be Included • 1.5 Hours a Day/4 Days a Week

198 Cirby Way, Suite 140, Roseville

916.773.8282 www.BrightStartTherapies.com 10 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

WHY DAY CAMP?

By Marla Coleman

CAMP

Children learn life skills that become habits of the heart.

It’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s tough to be a parent. In a society where the nature of the family, the work place, and the community have changed dramatically, we can no longer assume that the natural process of growing up will provide children the experiences and the resources they need to become successful, contributing adults. In sharp contrast to the traditions of growing up in the 50s and 60s, today we live in the first moment when humans receive more of their information second-hand than first! We are in a climate where it is harder to know what we need to survive, so drawing on experiences that give children healthy alternatives and opportunities to instill capabilities, the hallmarks of thriving, is the greatest gift you can give a young child.

Does it really matter if my child doesn’t go to day camp, especially since she will go to overnight camp in a few years? She is only four years old—why does she need day camp?

Camp provides one of the very few links with a world larger than the consumer culture we inhabit—and day camp is one important choice in a quiver of options. The camp experience helps children and youth develop an appreciation of their place and their responsibility in a much larger universe. A preschooler—or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight camp—can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up. Why wait until age ten when the benefits of feeling connected and being able to contribute and navigate at an earlier age can be reaped? Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of their lives; they can experience belonging and contribution; they can have a sense of consistency and predictability in times of turbulence and change.

Day camp can begin as early as age three, and is geared to children who get to experience camp and still return home each evening! They have the best of both worlds—the camp community which is built exclusively for kids and their own home which provides the security they need at a tender age.

One day a camp parent said, “While my children and I are constantly bombarded by the news which is focused on what is wrong with the world, camp is a living example of what is right.” Day camp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less complicated days, when people connected with nature, thrived on intergenerational relationships, and made new discoveries, everything is designed and scaled to ensure that children feel included, cared about, and capable. Beginning camp at an early age provides important advantages.

Camp is the best demonstration of moral and spiritual order—democracy is the core purpose. Children learn life skills and behaviors that become habits of the heart. While many then move on to overnight camp, others will be content to continue the day camp experience: after all, there is a camp for everyone—and that might well be day camp!

To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association family-dedicated Web site: www.ACAcamps.org or call the toll-free number 1-800-428-CAMP (2267).

Marla Coleman is the parent liaison at Camp Echo. A past president of the American Camp Association, she is a co-owner of Coleman Family Camps, which includes Camp Echo and Coleman Country Day Camp.

Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2018 American Camping Association, Inc.

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 11

12 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

CAMP

Re g i s te Onlin r Today!e

For more info (916)405-5600 • yourcsd.com @cosumnesparkrec

Rocknasium the climbing gym

Weekly Camps June 11 - August 10 Full Day $ 235 / Half Day $ 125 $ 15 off repeat weeks ages 6 - 14

rocknasium.com

Climbing Ziplining Slacklining Rappelling and more!

JUNGLE CAMP 2018 530.757.2902 sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 13

LITTLE MIND READERS AGES 4-6

DON’T MISS OUR SUMMER CAMPS! Ages 6-13 | 9am-3pm

Hitting,Throwing,Fielding & Games SUPERFLEX TRAINING ACADEMY

SUMMER

SOCIAL

AGES 7-9

GROUPS IT’S SHOWTIME!

15% OFF

AGES 10-12

When registered

by June 11th

Our two week groups begin the week of June 18.

cookspeechandlanguage.com 1972 Del Paso Rd. Suite 156 Sacramento, CA 95834

CALL TODAY TO REGISTER 916.575.8800

•Autism Spectrum Disorder

•Individualized Therapy

•Articulation and Phonology

•Developmental Delays

•Early Intervention Specialists

•Parent Training and Coaching

•Language Disorders

•Stuttering Therapy

CAMP THEMES • June 4-8 Lil Chefs • June 11-15 Ninjas • June 18-22 Pirates • July 2-6 Olympics July 9-13 Knights • July 16-20 Battle Universe • July 30-3 Spy Kids • Aug 6-10 Lil Chefs

AGES 5 - 11

14 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

CAMP ISSUE Discover even more at www.SacramentoParent.com!

BENEFITS OF A SANDWICH FAMILY: 10 Lessons My Kids Learned By Having Papa Live With Us

By Jesse Neve

Age 52 is too young to find out you have Alzheimer’s. But, my dad did. When he moved in with us, he was 55 and our kids were 1, 3, 5 and 7. The journey over the next twelve years was harsh. But, now I am able to identify the benefits of raising our kids in a Sandwich Family—a family where three generations live and thrive together. The kids were growing up as Papa was “growing down.”

Patience: When Papa first moved in, his signature “symptom” was asking the same questions over and over again.

He could ask the same question thirty times a day. It was frustrating to have to repeatedly explain things. The older kids understood, and would politely answer his repeated questions. Ben, the baby, had just recently learned to talk himself. He would say, “PAPA! I TOLD you that ALREADY!” So, I each time, I would take him aside and explain that Papa couldn’t remember things the way that he could. It only took Ben a little while before he started to say things like, “Oh, you must have forgotten. I’ll tell you again. . .”

We help our family: By being immersed in the reality of Papa’s disability and need, the kids were able to see firsthand that helping one another is a top priority for us. One Saturday morning, we were all bustling around getting ready for a busy day. Papa called me downstairs to help him “fix” his T.V. There was nothing wrong with it. He had just forgotten which button to press in order to get it to turn on. The same thing happened fifteen minutes later as we were trying to get ourselves out to the car. Nine-year-old Jon piped up, “Yeah, I helped him three times with that already this morning.” I was awestruck. Here, this little guy was helping Papa without my even being aware of it. He just naturally did it without complaining and without taking issue.

Honor your (Grand)father: It was always my determination that we were going to help Papa, but that we were also going to do every “normal” thing that families with young children do. We were going to go to soccer games and have birthday parties and go on vacations. We were just going to have to be creative. Fourteen-year-old Sarah had a sleepover birthday party, where a bunch of girls were watching a movie late at night. I knew that Papa wasn’t “settled” yet, so I was lurking around the house keeping tabs on things. That night, Papa interrupted the girls multiple times asking who they were and why they were at his house. Sarah very kindly responded each time, “Papa, you’re my Grandpa, and I’m just having a birthday party. We’re watching a movie.” And

Photo courtesy of Jesse Neve

he was satisfied with that answer and went back to his room for a few minutes. At one point I heard Sarah explaining the situation to her friends, very matter-of-factly. “He has memory loss and we just have to keep reminding him. But, he’s okay.”

Perseverance: As time went on, we needed to have our cupboards and refrigerator locked. There wasn’t any real danger, it was just that Papa would forget that he had just eaten, and then proceed to devour an entire loaf of bread or pan of brownies or gallon of milk. We knew we wouldn’t have to live “locked up” forever, but for about a year, we were all struggling a bit with our own kitchen. At one point, 13-year-old Daniel went into the kitchen, and I heard him sigh and then leave the kitchen. I asked him what the problem was. He said, “oh, I was going to get a snack, but it’s just so much work, I’ll just wait until I’m hungrier.“ But, they all understood why. When Papa would question why everything was locked up, they would tell him, “It’s so we don’t eat too many snacks.”

Speak clearly and explain things carefully: Ben learned that Papa would understand him better if he spoke slowly and clearly with each word enunciated distinctly. Papa and Ben would have long conversations about cars and monkeys and vastly interesting boy-stuff. But, Ben learned early on that he needed to speak very clearly in order for Papa to understand.

Live in the present: Papa loved a good story. He would pay attention and laugh and even if he didn’t fully understand it, he would get the tone of the story and laugh along with us. But, the story was now. There was no recalling a story from earlier Sandwich Family continued on page 17 sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 15

16 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Sandwich Family continued from page 15 started “talking” to the boys in a garbled language, Ben’s friend today. But, there was also no feeling bad about something that was wide-eyed and didn’t know what to do. Ben jumped right happened yesterday. It was all about living in the now. Now is all in and “conversed” with the man, saying, “Really? Oh, tell me that matters. more.” Ben and the older gentleman weren’t speaking the same language, but they were communicating in a language of Don’t hold grudges: There were times when Papa would get friendship and love. frustrated or angry. Once he was mad at a family friend who was visiting, and he locked her out of the back door of the Above all, show kindness: Papa demonstrated this to us WELL house. She walked around front and rang the doorbell. He wel- into his battle with Alzheimer’s. We were outside working on comed her in graciously on the other side of the house. There organizing the garage. Papa was “helping,” but he didn’t really isn’t a lot of positive to find in this horrible disease, but if we understand what we were trying to accomplish. He wandered could all learn to forget negative emotions as fast as Papa could, into the house for a while, and I took the opportunity of his we would all be better off. absence to race around the garage and “fix” some of the things that he had organized. He was gone a long time. When he came It’s not his fault: Papa ended up not being able to do a lot of back out, he was walking very carefully holding a glass of water. things. We cut his food up for him, and helped him with perHe said, “You’ve been working a long time out here. You need a sonal grooming. The kids would help him zip his coat and put cool drink. I would have come back sooner, but I had to figure his hat on. They all understood that it’s not his fault. He would much rather live on his own and take care of things himself, but out the ice machine on the fridge.” Indeed. Here he was, struggling day to day just to live normally, and still showing such he couldn’t help it. A real Golden Rule lesson: Do unto others.

They’re just regular people: Often a child (or even an adult) will kindness and love to me and to us.

feel awkward around a person who is disabled either physically or mentally. They just don’t know what to say or how to act.

Our kids know that these people are just regular people. Ben and his middle school class went to the local nursing home to visit with the residents. Ben and his friend were assigned to be friends with a man who had memory loss. When the man

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but our family going through it together has made us stronger as a family, and the children have become better people because of it. When I asked 15-year-old Daniel what he learned from having Papa live with us, he said, “Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.”

Jesse Neve is a freelance writer, wife and mother of four. Her life goal is to bring a little smile to everyone she passes.

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 17

next door

Being Mikey’s Dad

By Michael McDonald / Photos By Daley Creative Studios I remember the day Mikey was born incredibly clearly. As soon as I saw him, my world was immediately and forever different. From the corners of my eyes, immense love and incredible relief flowed in streams. Here he was—in the world, moving, and healthy. Mikey had arrived. It was overwhelming. All the worries for my wife, labor, every panic inducing article my wife slid across the table into my lap, their words of possible health problems and precautions we should take, all the fears melted away.

Mikey was here and he was perfect.

I had been picturing him for nine months, but he didn’t look like I expected. He was purple, screaming, and slippery. I immediately fiercely loved him.

As he made those first high-pitched baby wails, his body took air into his lungs for the first time and his skin warmed. The doctor held his umbilical cord like some plastic alien straw and handed me a pair of scissors. In a daze, I cut it. The blue tones in his skin faded, and, as he was wiped clean, a smooth, clean and pink baby was in my wife’s arms.

A nurse quickly scooped him up to put him on the scales, but she seemed rough and it felt like she was stealing him away.

I had to fight back the urge to protect my new baby son. Once she was at the table, I could see Mikey was big! Nine pounds fifteen ounces and twenty-six inches long. The nurse smiled and handed him back and I felt silly for being worried about her. (Clearly this paternal instinct thing is going to take some getting used to.)

They covered up my wife with a blanket and put Mikey in her arms again. My dad stepped out from behind a curtain and shot me this deep knowing look. I’ll never forget it. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes did. They said, “Now you know 18 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

how much we love you.” He was right. I never knew anyone could love so fiercely until right then. My perspective vastly and instantly broadened, I immediately thought of all the wrong I’d done to my parents, and I hugged my dad. I think he forgave me.

through my mind. The world began to spin as my heart pounded. He can’t be sick. No no NO! Not my baby, my mind screamed, over and over. Mikey just gazed at us and smiled. In his fevered state and blissful youth, he didn’t know what was going on.

Four happy years of never-quite-enoughsleep went by. My job was stressful, I was forty pounds heavier, and I had even less hair. I had officially been cast in “dad mode”.

“Pack a bag for us,” my wife whispered.

“The doctor said it looks like Leukemia.”

Mikey’s fourth birthday was coming and he’d had a fever for about a week. Several trips to the doctor had been a waste of time. The fever wouldn’t break and they said they couldn’t find any reason for it.

“Children get fevers you know,” they said.

The weekend came and my wife decided to take Mikey to urgent care. They drew Mikey’s blood this time and sent him home. An hour later our house phone rang. My wife picked up the receiver, ready to say “hi” to her mom or to tell a telemarketer to please take us off their list, but it wasn’t her mom and it wasn’t a telemarketer.

“Pack a bag and go to pediatrics emergency right now,” the doctor on the phone said. “Plan to stay overnight. We can’t be certain, but judging by the red and white cell count, it could be Leukemia.” I was in the kitchen and couldn’t hear what the doctor was saying, but I didn’t need to. My wife trembled in quiet sobs and tears poured down her face— she’s not one to cry about anything. I knew it was bad. When she hung up the phone, she walked to Mikey and hugged him while she discreetly shook.

I ran across the room. “What happened?”

I asked. “What did they say?”

Every horrible possibility, every damning thing the doctor could have said, ran

I ran up the stairs in shock. I waited for the steps to fall away, to fall spinning into darkness, hoping I would wake up and it would all be a dream. The house, the job, the whole world, nothing meant anything. Nothing mattered—except my son. In that moment, I would have sold my soul, a hundred thousand souls to know my son would be okay. No one appeared, no sinister specter with a contract to sign—in blood. There was no deal to be made, just a bag to pack. So, that’s what I did.

When the suitcase was stuffed with our clothes, I went to the bathroom to try and pull myself together. I looked in the mirror and my face was ghost pale, streaked, and flushed. Crying, I chanted, “This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening.” Things began to fade to grey. As much as I wanted to pass out, as much as I wanted to escape from the world right then, I had to get my boy to the hospital. I forced my breath to go slower. When I could see again, the same painful world, the same reality was there to face. I couldn’t escape it.

I sat in the passenger’s seat during the ride, stretched across the middle console to hold Mikey’s hand. My wife navigated the weekend traffic to Sacramento. We found a parking garage and the first open spot was on the fourth floor. It was a trek across several wide one-way streets before we could wander into an emergency room full of people.

next door Holding Mikey’s little hand, walking through the hospital, it was suddenly like he was new again. He wasn’t my tough little guy anymore. He seemed as fragile as an infant again, a vulnerable thing and I was an animal, ready to pounce on any danger that threatened him. But I feared, with my whole being, that I might not be able to protect him—realizing there were some things I couldn’t fix.

I found the front desk and tried to speak without showing the storm that raged inside me. “They sent us here and said it was an emergency. They said it looks like Leukemia,” I said. My voice quavered and the nurse saw right through me.

“Oh, no,” she said calmly. She had real concern in her tired, kind eyes. “One moment.” She said.

They took us to a room with jungle wallpaper. Mikey sat happily on the bed with a sucker. It was just another trip to the doctor for him. My wife sat with him, her warm smile, a mask over the hurricane that wailed inside her. My mask was much thinner, less convincing, mostly nonexistent.

Another very kind nurse pulled me out of the room when she saw the look I wore. I have no idea what she said now, but she gave me the strength I needed right then.

It took three nurses to hold my four-yearold son down to draw his blood again.

As he screamed to my wife and I for help, looking desperate and wild, my heart, the little that was left of it that day, broke. Finally, they were able to draw more blood from his little arm. His iron was so low, they said he needed a blood transfusion, but they couldn’t get an IV in his arm.

They dosed him with iron and moved on.

His blood test results prompted several discussions with multiple doctors, each with possibilities for what could be wrong—Leukemia, being one. We were prescribed an iron supplement that read, overdoses of this medicine can be fatal, and we left without any certain answers.

Months went by and we were left to wonder. Every night my wife and I fell asleep with Mikey between us. Our hands grasped his little ones. Mikey snoozed and my wife and I quietly cried and prayed. I couldn’t help but notice the circles under Mikey’s eyes and how his skin seemed to look paler than I remembered. He looked sick.

We administered the iron supplement, and, monthly, we took him to traumatizing appointments for his blood to be drawn.

Mikey developed night terrors and he would scream, half-awake in the night about needles. But, after months of soul-crushing worry and wrestling with the unknown, a bit of light began to shine through the thick and dark clouds that seemed to rest over our home.

Mikey’s test results showed improvement.

We were sent to a pediatric blood cancer specialist—the best in the area—they said. A small, kind-looking man opened the door and smiled at us when we arrived.

“Hi Mikey. How are you doing today?” he asked. My son’s skin was warmer and pinker than it had looked a few months before. Looking to my wife and I, the doctor said, “I’m happy to say that the concerning counts in his white and red cells, was due to anemia, or low iron.

His red cells are no longer mutated and white counts are looking good. You won’t need to come see me again. Finish out your iron supplements and make sure he eats plenty of meat. Continue to get his Mikey’s Dad continued on page 20 sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 19

Mikey’s Dad continued from page 19

blood work every six months, just in case. But, he doesn’t have Leukemia. I wish you a good day.” He gave me a nod, closed the door, and walked out of the office.

Just like that, all our prayers were answered. The sun didn’t just peek through, it burned the clouds away entirely. The streets of Sacramento had a pure and brilliant shine that day.

Since then, Mikey has turned five. He is strong and smart and most importantly, healthy. In the movies and in stories, they don’t show you the daily grind, the moments that aren’t life-anddeath or filled with well-scripted conversations. In real life, with an excitable five-year-old boy, there’s play, arguments, frustration, and happiness.

Sometimes, on the tough days when work is long and Mikey is going a thousand miles-an-hour, I think about what happened—I think about the pain of not knowing how much time I might have with him. I remind myself just how lucky I am and since he is healthy, there is no problem that we can’t fix as a family.

Mikey can drive my wife and I to the brink of madness, but he makes us feel incredible pride, and more often than not, overwhelming love. In being his dad, I will earn the deep knowing look, just as my father did with me, the look my dad still wears on special occasions.

Years from now, when I walk into the delivery room and Mikey’s wife is holding their child, my son will look at me. In that moment, when his child is born, he will see the knowing look in my eyes. Then, he will understand how fiercely someone can love and understand how much I meant it, every time I told him I loved him.

Michael lives in Auburn with his wife and three wonderful children and was inspired to share his family’s story.

Granite Bay Montessori

Providing a personalized academic journey for ages 2 years to 8th grade.

Affordable Tuition-Based Private Montessori School Open 7:00 am - 6:30 pm Low Student Teacher Ratio (12:1)

CALL NOW FOR A TOUR! 9330 Sierra College Blvd., Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 791-7849

Individualized Hands-On Learning Comprehensive core subject matter Project based life and social sciences’ curricula Practical life skills at all ages Art, Music, P.E., & Enrichment Classes

WWW.GBMONTESSORI.COM 20 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

An Interview with the UC Davis MIND Institute: A Treasure Box of Resources for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

By Michelle Kopkash

Though Greater Sacramento is known for its Gold Rush days, it’s today’s landscape, rich with contemporary gems providing services to families, that makes this spot a viable, booming location.

One such gem is the UC Davis MIND Institute (short for “Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders”), with locations in Sacramento and Davis. Here, individuals receive accurate diagnoses, treatment options and resources for neurodevelopmental conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and comorbid conditions such as anxiety.

In order to uncover the institute’s most valuable services available to families navigating the complex terrain of neurodevelopmental challenges, I interviewed a leading figure at the MIND Institute— Executive Director Leonard Abbeduto, Ph.D. I found that the UC Davis MIND Institute is an overflowing treasure box of helpful resources. The institute, which is primarily a research center, leads the world in groundbreaking, investigative work that seeks to discover the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and find ways to improve the lives of those who live with these conditions through better and more accessible treatment options.

In addition to the revolutionary research studies conducted by its faculty, the UC Davis MIND Institute also offers a clinic, which, as mentioned above, works with families and individuals to diagnose and treat an array of disorders. A number of other community resources, events and opportunities are available to locals as well.

Photos courtesy of UC Davis MIND Institute

What makes the UC Davis MIND Institute a leading clinic in the region?

There are a lot of other wonderful clinics out there; we aren’t the only providers. With that said, these are the best group of clinicians I’ve ever worked with. Our faculty come from all over UC Davis and therefore, we have a very diverse group of professionals who bring expertise and ideas to the table that can help families. Many of our clinical providers [who help diagnose individuals and provide individualized treatment plans] are also our lead researchers, which means that they’re on the cutting edge of any informational breakthroughs in the field.

What are some of the resources that the MIND offers to local families?

For one, I’m really proud of the information we give online, including many resources in the Spanish language, because we want to extend our reach to families in the community.

We also have an in-person resource center [that is a collaboration between the UC Davis Mind Institute and the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities] that helps folks to get connected to educational resources.

Periodically, we have “Minds Behind the MINDS,” a lecture series that is open to the public and gives great information on our latest research findings. And, all of our lectures are available on video on our website for those who can’t attend in person.

I’d also point readers to our Facebook page, as we sometimes organize community events [such as yoga/game nights] or conduct live interviews with some of our professors who study autism and the like, where attendees are able to ask questions and get answers from our experts.

Are there any support groups or training programs that parents should know about?

Yes, there are several. We have an ADHD Behavioral Parent Education Group that offers the opportunity to learn about the condition and also connect with other parents. There’s also a Social Skills Training Group Program for children who are 8 to 17 years old and have been diagnosed with autism. And, there’s a free online trainMIND Institute continued on page 22 sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 21

MIND Institute continued from page 21

ing course called ADEPT Interactive Learning [Autism Distance Education Parent Training] that teaches parents applied behavior analysis techniques—also known as ABA—that will help them more effectively teach functional skills to their children with autism.

CCHAT coordinates & refers as appropriate with physicians, other health professionals, school personnel and those involved in hearing aid fittings to ensure your infant’s total hearing healthcare needs are met.

We inform referring physicians and professionals of audiologic evaluation results and recommendations a s well as coordinate professional services as required.

Make outpatient appointments by calling 916-361-7290 www.cchatsacramento.org

sacramentoparent.com /special-needs

for resources and articles

Robinson & Fulton Law

Estate Planning and Special Needs Attorneys

We guide families through:

• Estate Planning • Probate • Special Needs Planning • Conservatorships • Trust Administration & Review

www.fulton-law.com

Tel (530) 823-2010 Fax (530) 823-0570

333 University Avenue, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95825 One California Street, Auburn, CA 95603 22 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Is there an age range that your center focuses on more than others?

No, we focus on the entire lifespan of the person. We see children in the clinic who are as young as 18 months old, as well as teenagers and adults. We generally are very broad around these disorders in regard to treatment and strive to help people through every life stage. For example, we have a social skills program that helps young adults learn how to be independent. We also have a group for parents of children with ADHD, as I mentioned before.

The MIND is a leading research center. Would you say there are any benefits of participating in a research project?

Yes, for parents who are trying to find answers for their children, becoming participants in research studies can oftentimes lead to a greater understanding of their child’s diagnosis. We will oftentimes provide evaluations and information to the families who are enrolled, so they end up learning a lot through the course of the study.

Many times, participants get connected to other resources that are helpful for their diagnosis all well.

What research program currently captures your heart?

I’m interested in language and communication challenges. I research the use of technology to assist parents in a parent-implemented treatment program where we help kids learn ways to reduce challenging behaviors and improve language via Skype.

This means that clinicians work in real-time with the parents via Skype to coach them through the challenging behaviors that their child exhibits. This reduces the burden of travel and gives larger access to treatment for families that don’t have the ability to come to us. It’s my hope that our research will enable other providers and clinicians to expand their reach throughout the nation so that more families have access to get the help they need. In essence, we are interested in learning how we can be a clinic without walls in a virtual space to help more families. And, we hope to train others to use this technology to treat patients as well.

Do you only see people who have UC Davis medical insurance?

A large majority of our patients in the clinic have UC Davis Medical Group health insurance, but we also see people who have the ability to pay out-of-pocket. In addition, we try hard to help families connect with providers in their networks if it isn’t a viable option to pay out-of-pocket to see our providers.

Outside of our clinic, we invite people to visit our resource center and to participate in the free community events, research studies and online training classes.

To learn more about UC Davis MIND Institute visit http://ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/.

Michelle Kopkash is a local freelance writer. She’s got two spunky kids and loves being in nature with her family. Visit her website at www.michellekopkash.com to view her writing portfolio, services and blog.

BEYOND THE SHIRT AND TIE: FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE ALL THE DADS IN YOUR LIFE

By Pam Molnar

Shopping for Father’s Day is tough. They rarely give us hints and if they want really something, they usually go out and buy it for themselves. Here are dozens of gift ideas for the dads in your life.

The Foodie/Grill Master Dollar Store Finds: Oven mitts, grill cleaners, butane lighters, meat thermometers and a wide variety of utensils.

Tickets: Sign dad up for a cooking class at Sur La Table or get him tickets to a local foodie fest.

Handmade: Make dad an apron with everyone’s handprint to read “Dad’s Sous Chefs”.

The Sports Fan/Active Dad Dollar Store Finds: Water bottles, dry gear bags, cinch backpacks, cooling towels and hand warmers.

Tickets: Sporting events are the top pick, but don’t overlook meet and greet events with your local sports greats at local stores or community events.

Handmade: If Dad saves programs and ticket stubs, why not make him a scrapbook? Complete it with first-hand memories and pictures.

The Reader Dollar Store Finds: LED book light, reading glasses (cheaters) and glasses cases.

Tickets: Get Dad tickets to see his favorite author speak. Check out bookstores, libraries and author websites for events near you.

Handmade: Make Dad handmade bookmarks, hand painted coffee mugs and coasters.

The Outdoorsy Dad Dollar Store Finds: Hand sanitizer, rain ponchos, garden gloves or all-purpose knife.

Tickets: Check out the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association website for a list of RV and camping shows.

Handmade: Have the kids create campfire starters out of coffee filters stuffed with rosemary sprigs, lavender and dried orange peels. Seal with embroidery thread.

The Dad Who Travels Dollar Store Finds: Travel mugs, puzzles books, car chargers and travel sized items.

Tickets: Get Dad tickets to a tour or museum in the town he is traveling to for business.

Handmade: Make Dad a luggage handle wrap with fabric and Velcro so he can find his bag quickly.

The Music Lover Dollar Store Finds: Mini speakers, armband phone holder and earbuds.

Tickets: How about music lessons for the Dad who always wanted to try the guitar?

Handmade: Create a set of music scale wine glasses with stickers or etching.

The Handyman Dollar Store Finds: Duct tape, small tools, rope and bungee cords, plastic organizers for small parts.

Tickets: Sign Dad up for DIY classes at your local hardware store. Look for DIY home improvement workshops.

Handmade: Check out Pinterest for DIY tool kit that wraps around the side of a 5-gallon bucket.

Father’s Day continued on page 25 sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 23

with purchase of any bounce party

Coupon must be used at time of booking. Expires 6/30/18 .

916.371.2386

2939 Promenade Street West Sacramento

Now able to BOOK ONLINE (Please mention this ad when booking online)

www.TheBounceSpot.com 24 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Father’s Day continued from page 23

The Car Geek Dollar Store Finds: Air fresheners, car charger adapters, buckets and sponges.

Tickets: All car lovers would love tickets to the Barrett-Jackson car auction or a Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Handmade: Make dad a keychain with his favorite sport team or car emblem.

The Techie Dad Dollar Store Finds: Stylus, microfiber cloth, headphones and a selfie stick.

Tickets: Buy tickets to the technology trade shows in your area so he can see the latest and greatest tech tools.

Handmade: Make a cool charging station for the kitchen or bedside table that hides the cords.

The TV Junkie/Movie Lover Dollar Store Finds: Popcorn Tubs, microwave popcorn and theatre candy.

Tickets: Look for behind the scene tours at movie studios, news rooms and local TV stations.

Handmade: Create your own armchair caddy where Dad can store the remote, glasses, magazines and snacks.

If you’re looking to personalize a gift for dad, try Etsy, Amazon or Personalization Mall.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She is in constant awe of the father that raised her and the father who is helping her to raise their children.

Happy Father’s Day

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 25

We bring the animals to YOU! Specializing in Amazing Birthday Parties, School Presentations & Special Events! www.AmazingAnimalWorld.com

(916) 751-8923 Mention this ad for $5 OFF your first party!

26 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

P

A

R

T

Keep Children Safe at Summer Pool Parties

Y

By Sue LaPlante

DROP THE HOT TUB HEAT

As summer approaches, you might find yourself and your family invited to pool and hot tub parties by friends and family. While your first priority is to have a great time at these parties, you also need to teach your children how to be safe around pools and hot tubs.

We have a few tips that will help you keep your children safe while they have a blast splashing around this summer.

When it comes to keeping your kids safe near the water, you need to understand the risks that hot tubs and pools pose. Children playing around water are at risk of: Drowning: Bodies of water pose a risk of drowning. No matter how shallow the water is, there is a possibility that drowning could occur.

Overheating: Being out in the sun, especially in combination with the use of a hot tub, can lead to overheating in children.

Exposure to extreme heat for an extended period of time or lack of water can lead to both overheating and dehydration. At the most extreme, overheating can lead to heat stroke.

Falls: Running and climbing on pool and hot tub equipment can lead to falls. If a child is knocked unconscious during a fall and ends up in the water, they could drown in the water.

Injuries from jets and drains: When kids play in pools and hot tubs, they may get too close to the drains or jets. Hair and small fingers are easily caught in the drains and jets, which can cause injury. In

addition, if children get caught and can’t surface from the water, they could drown in the pool or hot tub.

To prevent all of the above problems, here are a few tips for keeping your children safe at pool and hot tub parties.

SUPERVISING CHILDREN NEAR WATER At public pools, lifeguards watch out for children while they play in the water. When at private parties, you should either ensure that your children will be properly supervised, or you should attend the event with them. In some cases, you will already be invited to the party so that you can monitor your own children.

If you happen to be throwing the party, you should make sure that you have enough adults around to supervise all the children in your care properly. You should always have an adult near the pool to make sure that the children are following the rules. In addition, the adult can help rescue children in the event of a drowning.

When possible, keep your pool and hot tub covered. If

you aren’t going to be using them, they should be covered to prevent anyone from falling into the water. It is especially important to cover your pool or hot tub when you can’t supervise your children when they are outside playing. Pools and hot tubs can also tempt neighbor children to sneak onto your property, so covering and locking pools and hot tubs can also keep unwelcome guests out.

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT WATER SAFETY While you should make sure that your children are always supervised when playing in or near water, it is also beneficial to sit down with your children to discuss water safety.

Before any pool parties, you should discuss what appropriate behavior around hot tubs and pools is; for example, teach your children about the dangers of running near a pool or hot tub.

This conversation isn’t meant to scare your children, so it is important that you are careful in how you approach the topic. The conversation should focus on preventing accidents, injuries, and drownings.

Hot tubs are supposed to contain hot water, but small children are much more susceptible to high heat, and the high temperatures in the hot tub can be dangerous for them. The maximum hot tub temperature is 104°F, but if children are using it, you should drop the temperature to 98°F. At 98°F, you should not allow children to be in the hot tub for more than 15 minutes at a time. If the tub is any hotter than that, you should limit the time to just five minutes.

Children who can’t stand in the hot tub with their head above the water shouldn’t be allowed in the hot tub. It is also a good idea to keep young children from being fully submerged in the hot tub. Instead, use jump seats that allow for only waist-high immersion.

When it comes to pool and hot tub parties, you want to make sure that your children are safe. These simple tips will help you ensure that your children are safe whether you are with them or not. Teaching your children about safety precautions to be used around pools and hot tubs is the best way to keep them safe at all times.

Sue LaPlante is the owner of SpaMate, a high quality hot tub cover and spa accessories supplier.

She has been an expert in pool, spa, and hot tub care since 1979.

For more information visit, www.spamate.com.

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 27

NOW OPEN!! Our newest location in Rancho Cordova!

Flexible Drop-In Childcare Open 7 days a Week - Days, Evenings, Weekends Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Years Old Hourly and Day Rates offered for ages 2yrs-12yrs Citrus Heights, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, East Roseville, West Roseville, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova Highest Quality of Care & Cleanliness, Safe & Secure Free Morning Preschool Program during paid Child Care Services A Perfect Blend of Structured Play & Free Play Fun Summer & Holiday Camps License #: Roseville East 313616522/313616523 • Roseville West 313616520/313616521 Folsom 343616344/343616345 • EDH 093616361/093616362 EG 343616527/343616528 • CH 343619740/343619741 • RC 093622177/093622178

$5 OFF

VISIT (Min. 2 hrs)

Kid’s Camp Drop In Care Excludes Day Rate - One per Family Expires 6/30/2018-Single Use Only

FREE

FAMILY REGISTRATION

Kid’s Camp Drop In Care Expires 6/30/2018

Featuring a Multi-Level black lit Laser Tag Arena Bounce House & Super Slide Auditorium WI-FI enabled Guest Lounge Arcade Area with Redemption Center Multiple Private Party Rooms Group Rates available for Pre-Arranged Reservations Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm 5037 Robert J Matthews Prkwy • El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

$25 OFF

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Kid’s Camp Party & Fun Center Expires 6/30/2018-Single Use Only Valid if presented at time of booking

$2 OFF

SINGLE PERSON ADMISSION LASER OR BOUNCE ACTIVITY

Kid’s Camp Party & Fun Center Expires 6/30/2018-Single Use Only, One per Family

( 916) 608-9900 • www.kidscampfamilies.com • (916) 358-5437 28 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

P AMAZING ANIMAL WORLD

www.AmazingAnimalWorld.com

ART BISTRO

ROCKLIN | 916-472-0252 Where art, food & drink mix it up! Guided painting parties or Make & Take Open Studio projects for kids, adults or both! Great for Birthdays, Teams, Clubs or Fundraisers!

Mom’s Nights too! www.TheArtBistro.com

AUBURN RACQUET CLUB BIRTHDAY PARTIES AUBURN | 530-885-1602 Birthday Parties at the Club! Pool Parties!

Tennis Parties! Dodgeball Parties! Traditional party games! Themes available and much more! www.ar-fc.com

THE BOUNCE SPOT

WEST SACRAMENTO | 916-371-2386 The Bounce Spot, Sacramento’s super party center, offers: the best Birthday parties, a Smart, Fit & Healthy Kids afterschool program, and Fun & Fitness camps. www.TheBounceSpot.com

BYERS GYMNASTICS

ROCKLIN 916-772-2828 | ELK GROVE 916-714-4943 | FOLSOM 916-351-9008 Let’s Party at Color Me Mine! Paint your own pottery and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your party online with your local studio. https://rocklin.colormemine.com https://elkgrove.colormemine.com https://folsom.colormemine.com

DILLY DALLY THE CLOWN

GREATER SACRAMENTO | 530-662-5882 Customize your party any way you’d like, with balloons and games. Call Dilly Dally and she’ll help you plan the perfect entertainment for your party or event!

R

T

Y

KID’S CAMP PARTY AND FAMILY FUN CENTER

GREATER SACRAMENTO | 916-608-9900 Featuring Multi-Level laser tag arena, bounce house, super slide auditorium, arcade, and private party rooms. Book your party today. www.KidsCampFamilies.com

MAD SCIENCE OF SACRAMENTO

GREATER SACRAMENTO | 916-779-0390 Serving Sacramento Valley and beyond, Mad Science has fun and interactive parties down to a science! Held at your location, or ours. Themes: Air Blast, Buried Treasure, Wizards & Potions, Galactic….

www.DillyDallytheClown.com

www.Sacramento.Madscience.org/birthdayparties.aspx

FAIRYTALE TOWN

MONSTER MINI GOLF

SACRAMENTO | 916-808-7062 Host a magical birthday party your child will remember for a lifetime. Choose from 4 themed packages: Royal Party, Pirate Party, Barnyard Bash, and Green Thumb Party. There is also a rental space in Sherwood Forest. www.FairytaleTown.org

FAST TRACK HOBBIES

ROCKLIN | 916-784-1722 Slot car race party: An extreme racing rush for all speed enthusiasts! An exciting pasttime that comes from the time before video games and bounce houses. Action–packed excitement for all ages.

ROSEVILLE | CITRUS HEIGHTS | 916-781-2939 www.FTHobbies.com Byers offers Birthday parties every weekend!

FLIPTASTIC, GYMNASTICS, DANCE AND CHEER One hour of gym time and a ½ hour in our party room! See our website for more details. CARMICHAEL | 916-487-3547 Fliptastic has awesome Party Packages, Kids www.ByersRoseville.com Night Out and teaches children Gymnastics, CSD AQUATICS WACKFORD AQUATIC CENTER Dance and Cheer in a safe, great positive atmosphere.

ELK GROVE | 916-405-5600 www.Fliptastic.biz Discover Pool Parties this summer! Pool Parties are great for any event you are celeFUNDERLAND brating, from your child’s birthday party, a SACRAMENTO | 916-456-0131 graduation or even a family reunion!

3 Hours to party! 1 hour party area time folwww.YourCSD.com/233/Pool-Parties lowed by 2 hours of unlimited riding, tickets, CELEBRATIONS! PARTY RENTALS AND TENTS birthday gifts, & more! www.FunderlandPark.com ROSEVILLE | 916-773-2133 Celebrations! has been Sacramento’s leading full service event rental and production com- GRANITE ARCH RANCHO CORDOVA | 916-852-ROCK (7625) pany since 1991. We offer a vast inventory GO VERTICAL this birthday at Granite Arch! of specialty linen, flatware, glassware, china, Parties include: 2 hours of staff managed chairs, tent, flooring, etc. climbing and up to 1 hour in the party area. www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com Call for rates; minimum of 6; reservations required. www.GraniteArch.com

Party Guide 2018

SERVING ROSEVILLE, ROCKLIN, LOOMIS, AUBURN & GREATER SACRAMENTO | 916-751-8923 We bring live, exotic animals directly to YOU! We blend entertainment, education and humor to spice up any birthday party, after school program, or special event.

COLOR ME MINE

A

RANCHO CORDOVA | 916-294-0000 Monster Mini Golf is glow in the dark miniature golf. We have our own DJ, an arcade, private event rooms and an unusual gift shop! www.MonsterMiniGolf.com

ROCKNASIUM

DAVIS | 530-757-2902 Add adventure to your child’s next birthday at Rocknasium—Davis’ local climbing gym.

We offer 2 hours of fully staffed climbingequipment, instruction, and more! www.Rocknasium.com

TRICKS GYMNASTICS, DANCE & SWIM

GRANITE BAY | FOLSOM | SACRAMENTO 916-791-4496 | 916-351-0024 | 916-481-4496 Enjoy a Gymnastics or Dance birthday party at TRICKS. We’ll handle everything, while you sit back and enjoy the smiles! www.TricksGym.com

VELOCITY ISLAND PARK

WOODLAND | 530-723-6885 Birthday Parties at “Pirates Cove” the New Aqua Park at Velocity Island in Woodland.

Call for more information. www.VelocityIslandPark.com

WHIMSY & WISHES EVENT ENTERTAINMENT

GREATER SACRAMENTO | 916-470-9189 We specialize in Characters, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, “Princess & Me” Dance Classes and more in Sacramento and the surrounding area. www.WhimsyandWishes.com sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 29

Educational Supplies for Parents, Teachers & Homeschoolers

www.dillydallytheclown.com O 7 D pen ay s!

or ! n f ne Fu ryo e Ev

WIN IT!

Ask About Our Onsite Classes For K-12

Psssst...

Did you know Sacramento Parent readers win free stuff each month? We love giveaways and so we’ve made it quick and easy to enter. The goodies we round up are sure to brighten your day and your odds are great...so, what are you waiting for? Enter and win!

www.SacramentoParent.com/win-it Your SUMMER Birthday Party

May not be combined with any other offer.

Expires 6/30/18

A Family Fun Center!

6831 Lonetree Blvd / E102 / Rocklin / CA / 95765

FTHobbies.com

Two Convenient Locations!

ONE-to-ONE INSTRUCTION Grades K-12 Guaranteed Results Free Diagnostic Assessment No Contracts Individualized Programs

Programs Reading & Writing Math Algebra I & II Geometry

No Contracts! No Small Groups!

www.tutoringcenter.com

30 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

calendar/on repeat

JUNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Hello, Summer Nights!

TUESDAYS

FRIDAYS

TOWN SQUARE CONCERT SERIES 2018 6:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville www.Facebook.com/ VernonStreetTownSquare Head out to the Square for free music, yummy food trucks and good summer fun!

June 5 June 12 June 19

June 26

PALLADIO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 7pm at Palladio, Folsom www.GoPalladio.com Bring the whole family on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9!

June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27

WONDERBREAD 5 POP ROCKS WHEN DOVES CRY NOTORIOUS

THURSDAYS

www.FountainsAtRoseville.com Stop by June 1st to for a great night out for the whole family with various artisans, crafters, car show, kid zone, costumed characters, make-n-take activities and much more!

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO CONCERTS IN THE PARK 5pm at Cesar Chavez Plaza, Sacramento www.GoDowntownSac.com With close to 6,000 fans gathering in the heart of the city to see local and nationally touring artists and downtown Sac’s hottest DJs spinning between sets, Concerts in the Park (CIP) is the ultimate destination for Friday night happy hour!

June 1

June 8

June 15

June 22

FAIR OAKS CONCERTS IN THE PARK 6:30pm at Village Park, Fair Oaks

June 14

June 21 June 28

MATT RAINEY & THE DIPPING SAUCE (opening night) JAX HAMMER TWO TONE STEINY & THE CADILLACS

DEAD WINTER CARPENTERS, MANZANITA, JESSICA MALONE PETER PETTY, DROP DEAD RED, NATIONAL LINES, DJ ELEMENTS ELEMENT OF SOUL, OUR PEOPLE, JAYSON ANGOVE, MOM SACRA- MENTO DANCE GAVIN DANCE, NERV, VERNO, EMO NIGHT SACRAMENTO

FRIDAY MOONLIGHT MOVIES 8:30pm at Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova

www.FairOaksPark.org Concerts in the Park are a free series of concerts for the Fair Oaks Community. It’s an opportunity for families to come together to enjoy a relaxing summer evening in the park.

GATHER: MOVIE IN THE PARK 5pm (movie at dusk), Peter Hill Heritage Park, Rocklin

FIRST FRIDAY STREET FAIR 6pm at The Fountains, Roseville

ARIEL JEAN BAND, JOHN KING PABLO CRUISE UPTOWN FUNK BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE LONG TIME BOSTON TRIBUTE

WEDNESDAYS

Whether it’s date night or family night, summer is knocking at the door and it’s time to enjoy some of these cool summer evening events happening around town!

As always, be sure to double check the event websites before you go.

www.Rocklin.ca.us Experience great food, music and a movie in a wonderful community atmosphere under the warm California sun! With plenty of outdoor dining, interactive art, an artisan alley, local food trucks, an activity station for the kids, AND a movie to finish off the night, what more could you ask for?

SATURDAYS FOUNTAINS SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 8pm at The Fountains, Roseville www.FountainsAtRoseville.com Sing, Dance & Rock Out! Every Saturday night from June through September, enjoy in headlining concerts to perform on the main stage. From Country to Rock, we have a full roster of bands lined up this summer.

June 2 June 9

June 16 June 23 June 30

June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29

COCO MAMA MIA MULAN FANTASTIC BEASTS LION KING

FROBECK (funk) TODD MORGAN & THE EMBLEMS (rockabilly) RANDELL CARPENTER (blues) CRIPPLE CREEK BAND (country) KENNY FRYE (country)

POPS IN THE PARK 6pm at various locations in East Sacramento

www.CordovaCouncil.org See you Friday Night for a series of “FREE Friday nights out” that will keep you happily entertained throughout the summer. ​Join them this summer as they take a trip around the world with the following movies:

June 22 EMOJI MOVIE

www.EastSacPopsInThePark.com Enjoy the live music and the free bicycle valet parking.

June 2 June 9 June 17 June 23

IDEATEAM AKA LIVE BAND JESSICA MALONE THE COUNT

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 31

friday

Sometimes plans change, don’t forget to check the event’s website before you go!

School is out for the summer!

If you’re scrambling to find fun ways to enrich your days with entertaining events for the family, look no further.

2

3

Open Bounce

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

Town Center Farmers Market

12:30pm at BounceU of Roseville

9am at Home Depot

8am at El Dorado Hills Town Center

Bounce the afternoon away on huge inflatable structures and slides. (Ages 7 and under) www.BounceU.com

Build a vintage wooden car with your child at the Carmichael, Roseville and Rancho Cordova locations. Kids (ages 5 to 12) also receive a free workshop apron, while supplies last. www.HomeDepot.com

Enjoy fresh produce, local art and more with your family. http://ElDoradoFarmersMarket.com

8 Summer Movies in the Park: “Moana” 6pm at McBean Park

The outdoor movie begins just before sunset, but come at 6pm for pre-movie activities. www.LincolnRec.net Float-in Movie Night 7:30pm at Sutter Swim Center

15 Campfire 7pm at Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Enjoy Native American storytelling and roast marshmallows around an open campfire. www.Roseville.Ca.Us Movies in the Park: “Coco” 7pm at Fair Oaks Village Park

Come early to experience the Wonderful Outdoor World (W.O.W.) bus before the movie begins. Concessions available. Bring a chair or blanket. www.FORPD.org

22 Friday Concerts in the Park 7pm at Folsom City Lions Park

Salamander Story Time, June 24

Enjoy the open-air and great music.

Bring a picnic and chairs/blankets.

Food trucks will be on site. www.Folsom.ca.us Fourth Fridays 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum

Listen to live music and discover a variety of art-making projects and sensory play opportunities throughout the museum. www.CrockerArt.org

29 Rockin’ Fridays 8pm at Rockin’ Jump in Roseville

Your teens will have a blast jumping with friends while listening to tunes from a live guest DJ. http://Roseville.RockinJump.com

32 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

sunday

1

Stay cool in the pool while watching “Moana” on the big screen with family and friends. www.facebook.com/ events/237928310109388/

Self Guided Museum Tour, June 19

saturday

Fire Station Open House 9am at Roseville Fire Station 2

Tour the fire station, ask the firefighters questions and see fire fighting equipment. www.Roseville.Ca.Us

9 Hangtown Days 1pm at Placerville’s Historic Main Street

Pan for gold, watch a wagon train parade, listen to live music, participate in games and see time travelers strolling the streets in period pieces. http://Visit-ElDorado.com Family Day 11am at Safetyville USA

Over 50 vendor booths, giveaways, refreshments, food and safety demonstrations in Safetyville’s mini city. http://SafetyvilleUSA.org

16 Color Run 8am at Raley Field

This 5K run is an explosion of colorful fun for participants, who start off the race wearing white and end up covered in colors. http://TheColorRun.com

23 A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy 5pm at Fairytale Town

An evening of ice cream, music and theater. www.FairytaleTown.org

30 Celebrate America 4pm at Twin Oaks Park, Rocklin

Complete with a fireworks show, this patriotic musical event features a tribute to the military, kid’s zone, food vendors and entertainment. Gates open at 4pm; main show at 8pm. http://DestinyCommunity.org/ CelebrateAmerica Historic Folsom’s Hometown Parade 9:30am at Sutter Street

An old-fashioned parade that includes neighborhood floats, vintage cars, horses and more. www.HistoricFolsom.org

10 Pizza With Poppy!

5:30pm at Sacramento Pizza Co.

Eat pizza, sing along with Poppy from Trolls, listen to stories and take picture. www.facebook.com/ events/223564891734043/ Critter Up Close 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Come face-to-face with one of the center’s animal residents. www.SacNatureCenter.net Sunday Play Day 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum

Create a new piece of art inspired by a different artist each month. (Ages 4 to 6, with caregivers) www.CrockerArt.org

17 Excursion Train Ride 11am at California State Railroad Museum

Hop aboard for a train ride along the Sacramento River. Check the website for the departure location. www.CaliforniaRailroad.Museum WOW Bus 12pm at Miller Park

The WOW Bus (Wonderful Outdoor World) encourages families to get outside with fun activities like parachute games, dodgeball, sidewalk chalk, coloring, painting and crafts. www.FORPD.org

24 Salamander Story Time 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Hear stories about the salamander and meet one up close, then take an easy nature walk and play by the river. www.SacNatureCenter.net

monday

4 Story Time

5 Finals Meltdown! Teens De-Stress

10am at Face in a Book

4:30pm at Colonial Heights Library

Visit this cute bookstore for a weekly story time with songs and fun. www.GetYourFaceInABook.com Fish Hatchery Exploration 8am at Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Learn about the Chinook salmon and steelhead, then walk to the American River to complete the experience. www.Wildlife.Ca.Gov/Fishing/ Hatcheries/Nimbus

6 Paint & Sip Family Class: Unicorn

5pm at Carmichael Park

A family friendly, non-alcoholic event teaching families how to paint unicorns. (Ages 7 and up) www.PaintedCork.com

A family event featuring food trucks, vendors and entertainment. http://CarmichaelPark.com

Open Play Art Exploration

Free First Wednesdays

9am at The Art Box

9am at Sacramento Zoo

11

12

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Mommy & Me

13

5:30pm at Roseville’s Downtown Library

9am at Raley Field

Bring a stuffed animal for story time and leave them behind for a sleepover in the library. The next day, pick it up and decorate photos of their adventurous night. www.Roseville.Ca.Us

A day of fun on the outfield: bounce houses, arts and crafts, games of catch and more. Pre-registration recommended. (Ages 6 and under) www.MILB.com

Wee Wednesday: Summer Edition

$1 Movie: Children’s Summer Series

Special Needs Tuesdays 3pm at Sky High Sports

10am at Crocker Art Museum

Children with special needs and their caregivers/therapists enjoy special pricing and accommodations on Tuesdays at this indoor trampoline park. http://Sac.SkyHighSports.com

Get creative with your kids (ages 3 to 12) and work on unique projects at this drop-in program. www.CrockerArt.org

18 Open Play 9am at Wacky Tacky

Climb, slide and run around inside the giant indoor playground. www.WackyTacky.net All Aboard for Story Time 11am at California State Railroad Museum

Join this world-class museum each Monday for story time. Free with paid museum admission. (Ages 2 to 5) www.CaliforniaRailroad.museum

25 Munchkin Monday 11am at Sky High Sports

Jump around with your little one for two hours at this indoor trampoline park on Mondays. (6 and under) http://Sac.SkyHighSports.com Open Play 9:30am at BusyKidz

Take your little ones to play in this hands-on learning space designed to look like a mini town with interactive exhibits. www.BusyKidzFolsom.com

Park, Rec and Eat It

Teens will participate in calming activities, such as making bath bombs and hanging out with therapy dogs. www.SacLibrary.org

Thanks to Wells Fargo, children 2 to 11 are free with a paid adult on the first Wednesday of each month. www.SacZoo.org

Watch “How to Train your Dragon 2” (PG) for $1 per ticket and beat the summer heat. www.StudioMovieGrill.com

7

4pm at the Painted Cork, Folsom

Explore the art studio during open play hours for $8. Dress for a mess. (18 months to 8 years old) http://ArtBoxFairOaks.com

10am at Studio Movie Grill

thursday

wednesday

tuesday

19 Self-guided Museum Tour 10am at Aerospace Museum of California

With over 50 historic airplanes on display, many of which your kids can climb aboard, this self-guided tour is worth the drive. http://AerospaceCA.org $2 Off Tuesdays at Sacramento Children’s Museum 9am at Sacramento Children’s Museum

Explore, create and learn with handson activities, art, experiments and imaginative centers. www.SacKids.org $5 Tuesdays 10 am at Studio Movie Grill

Going to the movies mid-week is an excellent idea, especially with $5 specials all day long! www.StudioMovieGrill.com

26 Turn It Up Tuesdays: Open Art Studio 11am at The Art Bistro

Choose from a variety of art mediums and freely create art with your child. $10 fee for supplies. (Ages 5+) http://TheArtBistro.com

Kids Yoga 8:30am at BusyKidz Play Town and Coffee Shop

Children and families will enjoy the benefits and fun that yoga offers to participants. Mats provided. www.BusyKidzFolsom.com

20 Wild Things 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library

Meet wild animals with amazing background stories during this exciting, educational show. www.SacLibrary.org Summer Reading: Jordan the Science Wizard 4pm at Sylvan Oaks Library

Attend this crowd-pleasing, cool chemistry show, which features a foam explosion experiment. www.SacLibrary.org

27 Lincoln Potters 6:35pm at McBean Stadium

Take your family to a local ball game for a mid-week break. http://LincolnPotters.com Magician Trevor Wyatt 2pm at Carmichael Library

Kids will love this high energy, funny magic show by Magician Trevor Wyatt. www.SacLibrary.org

14 El Dorado County Fair (June 14-17) 12pm at El Dorado County Fair & Event Center

Carnival rides, live entertainment, a kid’s zone, interactive activities and more! http://ElDoradoCountyFair.org Food Truck Mania 5pm at Vernon Street Town Square

Dine outdoors on the second Thursday of each month while listening to live music. www.SactoMofo.com Gather Oak Park 5pm at Oak Park

Enjoy an evening outdoors with food trucks, entertainment for kids and live music. www.GatherNights.com

21 Puppet Art Theater Co. 9am at Vernon Street Town Square

Enjoy a puppet show of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. www.Roseville.Ca.Us Papaya Pythons 3pm at Arcade Library

Meet live snakes while you learn about these crazy creatures. www.SacLibrary.org

28 Tween Book Club 4pm at Central Library

Kids (ages 9 to 12) get together monthly to discuss a book, do a craft, play games and have a snack. This month’s book is “The Witch Boy.” www.SacLibrary.org Open Play 9am at Tiny Tumblers

Your tot will love exploring the gym and playroom so much that she may never want to leave. (Ages 4 and under) http://TinyTumblersOnline.com

For more events, visit our online calendar at www.SacramentoParent.com.

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 33

calendar/shows

calendar/exhibits

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

www.WhatMattersMostToMoms.com

MUSIC

Alice in Wonderland

June 2, presented by Chautauqua Children’s Theatre Based on the book by Lewis Carroll, six actors recreate the story of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. www.CPlayHouse.org

UC Davis Symphony Orchestra

Music therapy can help promote the development of: • speech and communication • motor skills • social skills • cognition and learning skills • self-expression and creativity

Accepting new clients for individual and group services. Contact us today for a free over-the-phone consultation.

916.905.0217 www.MelodyTreeMT.com

June 2 at Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center Experience the breathtaking music of Rimsky-Korsakov and Mozart, performed by the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christian Baldini. www.MondaviArts.org

Twilight Series Concert Series

June 7-28 at Sutter Street Parking Garage Watch a free concert every Thursday evening in June while snacking on picnic food and enjoying family time. Bring a low chair. www.HistoricFolsom.org

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee June 9 - July 15 at Sutter Street Theatre A touching play that tells the story of six tweens who enter a spelling bee contest, but end up sharing both funny and heart-rending stories of their home lives while trying to spell hilarious words without being eliminated from the bee. http://SutterStreetTheatre.com

It’s always a good idea to check the website before you head out!

BAY AREA CLAY: A Legacy of Social Consciousness Through June 10 at Pence Art Gallery

Featuring ceramic sculptures made by internationally recognized artists who were schooled in the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area, this exhibit explores the boundaries of social consciousness. http://PenceGallery.org Architecture and Abstraction June 5 - July 7 at Viewpoint Photographic Art Center

A collection of Gary E. Karcz’s photographs that feature black and white architectural images that play with symmetry, lines and textures. www.ViewpointGallery.org The Newest Americans Through July 8 at California Museum

The exhibit highlights the stories of 28 new Americans who have immigrated from countries around the globe. Portraits by Sam Comen and interviews

by Michael Estrin provide insight into the immigration process and what the American Dream means to these new residents. www.CaliforniaMuseum.org

B.A. Degree in Music & 30 years experience Immediate Openings

JulieChafin@comcast.net

SERVICES

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

June 15 - July 8, presented by Davis Musical Theatre Company Based on the classic Disney film The Little Mermaid, this beautiful tale portrays the story of Ariel, a princess mermaid, who pursues a human prince named Eric. Audience members of all ages will sway to the movie’s well-known songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. www.DMTC.org

34 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Eduardo Carrillo, American, 1937 – 1997. Cabin in the Sky, 1966. Oil on board, 72 x 58 3/4 inches.

Private Collection

Testament of the Spirit: Paintings by Eduardo Carrillo June 24 - October 7 at Crocker Art Museum

Eduardo Carrillo’s artwork includes watercolors, colorful murals, large-scale and still life paintings, and self-portraits that dig deep into his religious, environmental and cultural backgrounds as a native Californian with a Mexican heritage and religious upbringing. His art is described as visionary, spiritual, bold and magical. www.CrockerArt.org

sacramentoparent.com JUNE 2018 35

36 JUNE 2018 sacramentoparent.com