Sacramento Parent May 2016 by Sacramento Parent

CAMP ISSUE

Magic happens everyday at Courtyard School. We know it has something to do with our small class sizes, and a core curriculum that includes language arts, math, science, Spanish and PE. It could also be due to our arts programs and our variety of options for organized sports and student leadership. Truly, there are dozens of reasons why Courtyard School sparks leadership, artistry and scholarship in our students and helps inspire the most magical (and important) thing of all: happy kids.

Meet mayoral candidate, Angelique Ashby, “council member, mom and positively for Sacramento,” as she shares her perspective on the role of the working mom. photographer: Memories by Michelle Photography | www.MbyMPhotos.com

11 NEXT DOOR

Angelique Ashby, Redefining the Role of Working Mom

21 CAMP

Tips for Choosing the Right Summer Camp

29 42

CAMP ISSUE 6

Are you Ready for the Swim Team Experience? Dawn Dreamt She Could Sew & She Did! Women & Heart Attacks Babies, Bumps & A Big Thanks!

Sweet Picks for Families with Special Needs

32 CALENDAR Fun in May!

38 SHOWS See What’s Playing

39 EXHIBITS Dashing Displays

23 27

Day Camp Round-Up Nearby Sleep Away Camps

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com

contributing photographers Memories By Michelle | www.MByMPhotos.com Miranda Katelynn Photography www.MirandaKatelynn.com contributing writers Alyssa Chirco | Brittany Fuller | Michelle Kopkash Michelle McDaid | Christine Quarry Jennifer Rodgers | Shannon Smith

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Raychell Sarcomo | (530) 889.6175 raychell@sacramentoparent.com

Happy Mother’s Day! Although, I think moms should really be celebrated year-round, dads too! This month we talked to a few supermoms. You may recognize our cover mom, Angelique Ashby—who gives props to all the working moms out there! We also talked to Dawn Cornsilk, a local mom who followed her dream to sew costumes and now has a storefront, Costume Junction in Citrus Heights. Then, there’s Wendy, an Elk Grove woman dubbed “Mercy’s Miracle” after surviving SCAD, Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. We’ve also got plenty of activities for the kiddos in this issue, too! Be sure to check out our round-up of local summer camps—everything from day camps, to sleep away camps and tips to help you choose the right activity for your child. Summer break is right around the corner—let them play—happy kids = happy parents! May your month be beautiful!

Lindsay Trenz | (530) 889.6178 lindsay@sacramentoparent.com

Shelly Bokman | (530) 889.6187 shelly@sacramentoparent.com

Liberty HealthShare Liberty HealthShare is proud to NOT be insurance! As a group they share costs TOGETHER without the aid of insurance companies or the government.

100% of Eligible Medical Bills Up To $1,000,000 Per Incident

PAUL HARRISON Sierra Foothills

Jennifer Caldwell | (530) 889.6176 jennifer@sacramentoparent.com

BILLING QUESTIONS

AFFORDABLE Health Plan

Paul Harrison Proudly Representing

(916)257-4914

& the Sac Parent team

Find out more about this faith-based alternative now.

Annual Unshared Amounts are ONLY: Individual....................$500 Couple........................$1,000 Family........................$1,500 Our MOST comprehensive and popular sharing program Suggested Monthly Sharing Amount

Single ...........................$199 Couple ..........................$299 Family............................$449 (Under Age 30) Single............................$149 Couple...........................$249 Family...........................$399 Annual Membership Fee of $125

instagram.com/ facebook.com/ SacParent SacramentoParent

pinterest.com/ SacParent

twitter.com/ SacParentMag

Babies & Bumps What a Wonderful Event!

FAMILY PUBLISHING, INC. Sacramento Parent Magazine Subscription Rate: one year, $30 457 Grass Valley Highway, Suite 5 Auburn, CA 95603 p (530) 888.0573 f (530) 888.1536 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.

916.597.1077 | ssmith@farmersagent.com 9

When you visit the website for Sacramento city council member and Angelique Ashby’s mayoral campaign, the picture that greets you is not a cookie-cutter head shot of her in front of the capitol, but a casual photo of her with her husband and three children with a slogan written beneath that reads, “Council member, mom, positively for Sacramento.” It’s not a mistake that the word mom is in the center of that sentence, because being a mom is also at the center of her career and candidacy. Even her personal story—a single mom who put herself through college and law school, started her own business, became the youngest city council member, then the only

female city council member, and finally the only council member to give birth while serving—is one that is underwritten by how motherhood has driven, and yet also propelled, her success as a female leader. It’s a story we very rarely get to hear about working mothers, where the accepted narrative is usually about sacrificing either career or children and, for those women who do pursue high profile roles, accounts of moms feeling like they are never doing enough or well enough, in either arena. Initially, during her early campaigning days for the city council, the title of “mom” was leveled at her by opponents in an attempt to diminish her other

qualifying credentials, like law school graduate and business owner. But her opponent miscalculated. “They sent out three mailers that were all hits at me,” she recalls, “and my campaign team had just enough money to send out one response. So we decided to put my 6 year-old son on the cover of a mailer, holding up one finger and smiling. The caption was “One mom can change city hall.” That’s it. It was my favorite and it still hangs on my refrigerator today.” Whether that mailer was the difference between winning and losing, or whether people’s minds were already made up, the fact still remains that Angelique’s decision to embrace and even leverage the title of mom in her political career, is exactly the kind of role model women need to see as they attempt the delicate balancing act between personal and professional in their own lives. “Mom is my favorite title I’ve ever had,” she says, “so I sort of owned it and wore it like a badge. And I have continued to have that tattooed across my career.” Being a single mom is a defining factor in how she has consciously chosen to blur the lines between personal and professional in her career. She proudly talks about bringing her son or daughter to meetings when childcare wasn’t available, and once even gave an entire presentation with her daughter napping on her shoulder. “When you’re a single mom, a lot of times you don’t have a choice: you either don’t go or you take your kid with you,” she shares, referring back to the days when she solo parented her now 20 year-old son, Nate. “I made a conscious Continued on page 12 11

Angelique continued from page 11

decision to take him with me. And so, there were many instances I had in law school class or when I had to go to work and I took him with me. Through that, I learned how to be a parent in a work situation with a child that needs attention. I learned to handle it and my kids learned to handle it, so it has become a part of my life.” “I think that’s the only way that you break down these dominant paradigms and negative perceptions,” she explains. “You have to live through them. If you want to change the way people see things, the best way to do it is to show them something different. If kids only ever see women as nurses, then that’s what they will see as normal. If they only see men as elected officials, then that’s what they will see as normal. If they never see somebody holding a baby or holding their child in a meeting, then they’ll think that children are not welcome in 12

the workplace. If you can find that right balance, and of course it is a balance— my daughter’s almost three now, I don’t take her everywhere anymore—but, if it’s a scenario where she’s welcome and I can handle the situation, then I bring her with me. I just think as a society, we have to move past these stereotypes.” Angelique also credits her experience as a mom for many of her policy stances. Although she’s quick to mention that she wants to build a Sacramento that works for everyone, no matter what stage of life they’re in, she also points to decisions she has made that are rooted in her role as a parent. She was once the only ‘no’ vote on the city council against a new student housing facility for Sacramento State that sold itself by promoting alcohol and partying. “I said at the time, I’m a mom, I have a son at Sac State and there is no way that I would want him to live in the complex. And I don’t think that it’s responsible for us, a city, to set young people up for failure this way.” Ultimately

the project failed about 6 months after approved because the developer went out of business. Her vision as Mayor, at least in part, includes developing a downtown area that is more family-friendly, building more kids’ play areas, improving bike-ability, and making public transportation more family-friendly, too. “Sacramento needs to be a city where people feel like, no matter where they are in their life, they have an opportunity to be successful,” she says. “I started off my adult life as a young 20 year-old mom with very few resources and, in a short period of time (less than 10 years) I graduated from undergraduate school, then law school, got a house, got married, and started a business. The great thing about Sacramento is that you can do that here; the resources are here, the opportunities are here. So anyone at any point, wherever their starting point is, can get to the place they want to be in Sacramento. It’s one of the things I love about this city.”

As she continues her campaigning to lead that vision as Kevin Johnson’s replacement, expect to see more of her three children, Nate, Tyus, and Alia by her side at community events and rallies. Not only does bringing them along enable her to blend both roles as often as possible, she credits them with keeping her grounded during the stress and chaos of the campaign. “Sometimes there can be a day that’s particularly a pressure cooker. When that happens, I’ve been known to text my husband in the middle of a tough meeting to ask him to send me a picture of the kids, just so I can see their faces,” she laughs. Angelique’s advice for working moms worrying about juggling career and family, or working moms considering having a family is; don’t feel like you have to choose and don’t let anyone tell you that you need to. “Yes, you’ll be busy but you can involve them on both sides,” she encourages. “You can have your kids in your employment world and there should never be a place where that can’t happen, obviously, on balance. You have to be able to do your job.” Secondly, she cautions against comparison and thinking any mom has it all together. “Nobody has it all together!” she exclaims. “I may look like I have it all together some days, but I feel like I have oatmeal in my hair and cheerios in my pockets. I wake in the morning and there’s a little girl sprawled across me and while I’m getting ready, I’m helping her to get changed and brush her teeth. Then I may very well walk out the front door with blueberry kisses on my cheek and not realize it until somebody tells me at the office. We’re all just doing the best that we can.” Michelle McDaid is a writer and photographer based in the Sacramento area who tells the stories of families and non-profits in the region and beyond. She loves vampires (before they were cool), peanut butter and her 6 year-old daughter (not in that order). See more of her work at www.MByMPhotos.com. 13

Last summer my two children participated in the local rec swim team here in the foothills. My daughter, age seven at the time, had asked and asked if she could "do swim team this year." I was hesitant to agree. I had heard that swim team involved many hours at the pool and your Saturdays were virtually gone with meets in various places. My ideas for the summer involved a much more relaxed approach with trips to the local pool and weekends away, but she seemed very interested, and so far, not many sports had captured her attention, so I agreed. I wasn't sure what to do about my son, then five-years-old. I didn't know if he would be ready for a swim team, especially since he could barely swim, but he was generally excited about any sport that he could play, so I signed them both up. Most rec teams are run by the parents so everything involved with the team and the swim meets is dependent upon adults helping out. Starting out I had to agree to eight volunteer "shifts" for the season (or pay a hefty opt-out fee). The shifts covered any number of jobs at the meet from timers and back-up timers, who wait at the end of a lane with a stopwatch in hand, to running the snack bar, to determining who got what place in an event and how the ribbons were then distributed. My husband and I did most of these jobs during the course of the summer, even recruiting my dad when he came to visit. Parts of it were fun: seeing the kids swim and cheer for each other, meeting other parents, and being part of the organization, but honestly, it was mostly exhausting. The kids needed to check-in at the meet at 7:00am, which meant getting up early, but the first event usually started at 9:30 or later, and that meant a lot of waiting around time. Generally, the meets ended by early afternoon and we would be back home by 2:00 or 3:00, but my husband and I were so worn out from working in the sun since 9:00 while keeping track of the kids when they weren't in the pool, that we were spent. We would sit on the couch with cold water and decompress. The kids, on the other hand, loved it. They had their friends to play with when not competing and could run around with other swimmers or eat at the snack bar (an Otter pop is very motivational). When it was their turn to get in the pool they jumped in, cooled off, did their race, then went back to their friends. For them it was a summer of fun. For the parents it was mostly hot and tiring. Those were the tough parts. Watching my kids progress from the start of the summer when they knew little about strokes and could barely do a lap in the pool to actually swimming without any help and even placing a few times (beyond the "participation" ribbon) was meaningful to see. My five-year-old could be in the deep end without me constantly worrying about him and my daughter declared at the end of the season that she loved the back stroke and couldn't wait to do it again! "Ha!" I thought in August, completely worn out from the summer and looking forward to school starting. Continued on page 17 15

Group activities, arts and crafts, swimming and a variety of fun-ﬁlled activities! Recreational Swim Team  Dedicated Coaches  Great Team Building  Great Individualized Sport 

Memberships Available ~

Many of our members consider Glen Oaks

an extension of their own backyard.

4301 Paradise Drive Carmichael, CA 95608 916.967.7022

Swim Team continued from page 19

And yet, here we are, at swim team sign-up time again. My daughter has talked on and off about it for most of the year; she hasn't done that with gymnastics or Girl Scouts or any other activity. She is excited to swim again this summer. As the parent, I'm not too sure. I know what my husband and I are in for this time. And yet, if she loves it, and my son is again along for the ride, if it keeps them occupied this summer instead of sitting sedentary with their tablets, or worse, fighting with each other because they're bored, then I'm willing to make the commitment to swim team again. Some day they will be working a summer job or doing something completely different, swimming won't be part of their lives and we won't get to see the joy that it brings them. Swimming is also one of those life skills that you only get better at, so lather on the sunscreen and roll out the easy-up canopies, we're diving in again! Jennifer Rodgers is a full-time mom and part-time writer who lives in the Sierra foothills with her husband, two children, and too many animals to count. In her spare time she can be found reading, knitting, or hiking with the dogs.

There are swim teams (recreational and competitive) throughout Sacramento and Northern California. Here are some resources if your child is interested in swimming this summer: Northern California Swim League www.norcalswim.com Sacramento Swim League www.sacramentoswimleague.org Northern Sierra Swimming www.northernsierraaquatics.org Sierra Foothills Swim League: sfsl.webs.com

No one loves costumes or living history programs more than Dawn Cornsilk. Every day at 4am, she begins her morning with a cup of coffee before sitting down at the sewing machine located in her dining room. Here, she’ll enthusiastically work on another elaborate time period costume—perhaps recreating the look of the 1800s or mimicking the style of the California Gold Rush era—which will eventually find its way onto a local student or teacher attending a living history program. After about an hour, she gets dressed for her full-time day job as an accountant and heads out the door on her daily commute from Roseville to Sacramento. But when other working moms go home at the day’s end, this single mom-of-two heads to her second job in Citrus Heights, where she and her mother work on her dream: to be the goto costume lady for the local community via her store, Costume Junction. “I inherited my mother’s love for costumes, but I especially enjoy creating time period pieces for school outings,” Dawn says exuberantly. “The kids and parents that rent costumes or buy from me get so excited when they come into the shop with their school assignments. I love being able to positively impact their learning experience.” From living history programs held at the Bernhard Museum and Sutter’s Fort

to other events such as theme dances and theater costumes, Dawn truly is the expert when it comes to dressing locals. Living history programs, Dawn explains, have become an integral part of the elementary school curriculum for children across California, where kids learn about important time periods by being required to dress and act as if they live in a particular era, such as the Gold Rush days. When schools attend these types of programs, students are assigned specific outfits to wear in order to get into character. And be it colonial, pioneer, Gold Rush days get-up or Native American attire, Dawn’s store has become a local resource for finding a variety of costumes. During the living history program at the Bernhard Museum in Auburn, elementary-aged students learn about the way of life in the 1800s and girls, for instance, might don a long cotton skirt and bonnet to fit the occasion. Throughout the field trip, pupils are taught how laborious life was before modern conveniences existed by learning about the backbreaking task of doing the laundry and the lengthy process of baking biscuits. At Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento, kids absorb the excitement of the California Gold Rush days, which began with the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848.

They participate in interactive role-play activities that mimic the California pioneer days of the 1840s and Dawn helps prep kids in advance by renting costumes that resemble the character of these epic years. Yet surprisingly, Dawn hadn’t always planned on being in the costume business. With her degree in accounting from Sacramento State University, she always imagined that she’d live out the remainder of her career in the financial world. It was by chance that she fell into the costume-making profession. “If you asked me 10 years ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be here,” Dawn says as she reflects on her journey. “But things fell into place. I was in the right place in my life and doors opened.” In 2011, Dawn was placed on furlough for her accounting job just before her daughter; April attended a living history program with her elementary class at the Bernhard Museum. Though April already had a hand-me-down dress to wear to the event, Dawn discovered that her daughter’s friend was in need of a costume. “I made one for her birthday and my costume days began with that gesture,” she recalls. The next year, when April was in the fourth grade, Dawn volunteered to create costumes for her daughter’s school play. “The teacher asked how many costumes I wanted to do and I said, ‘All of them!’ I put 75 costumes together for that play.”

After discovering that she had a knack for the costume business, she continued to seek ways to make additional money while continuing her professional life as an accountant: she reached out to area schools and the Bernhard Museum in hopes of becoming a genuine resource for costumes. Soon, Dawn was regularly creating garb for other students and her closets, including her son’s, were filled to the brim. In October 2015, with the help of her amazing and dedicated mother, Linda Dickinson, Dawn opened Costume Junction in Citrus Heights, about a mile from her mother’s house. The day the store opened, Linda gave Dawn a sign to hang in the store that said, “She thought she could, sew she did!” “This is Dawn’s dream but I enjoy it too,” says Linda when asked how she likes helping to manage the store. “Dawn has such enthusiastic creativity. She is such a hard worker.” Since then, Dawn has earned a dazzling reputation in the local community and has been adding to her costume collection at an impressive rate with the addition of cosplay, retro, Disney and other unique pieces. “Parents and

people without kids should know that you can rent a much better quality costume at Costume Junction for a reasonable price,” Dawn says. “I think there is a misconception that renting costumes is not affordable. I have costumes for all occasions and for kids and adults—school events, themed parties, holidays, festivals, etc. You name it…I can help, given enough time.” “It is challenging and I don’t get much free time,” she adds. “But when you have a passion for something, you find the time.” Those who know her, including her best friend, Sue, say that when she speaks about costumes her eyes come to life. But, while being a store owner is one of her biggest ambitions, it is her profound love for her children (April, 14 and Jordan, 24) that has pushed her to succeed. “I have been a single mom for many, many years. With my education, I was able to provide my kids with a good home and a good life. I am proud of that

and I know they will look back as adults and appreciate that.” Commenting that she hopes to inspire her children by owning her own business, Dawn proclaims, “I hope that they can see that you can accomplish anything you set your mind too. That is what I learned from my mom. I actually already see this in my kids; they’re hard workers. My son, who has a smile that lights up a room, is up at 4:30am getting ready for work. He is hoping to go back to school for computer networking and security. My daughter is a great athlete with a beautiful spirit and has been taking initiative in the store by dressing mannequins and volunteering to talk with customers. I’m proud of them.” At the end of each long week Dawn heads home, looking forward to her only day off work when the store is closed: Sunday. She cherishes this day and takes advantage of the time off by grabbing breakfast with her kids or getting oneon-one time during a pedicure with her daughter. Come Sunday night, Dawn feels rejuvenated and excited to get started on the next costume bright and early Monday morning. “My advice to anyone who has a dream is simple,” Dawn remarks thoughtfully at the end of the interview. “If you have a passion for something and you have a dream, go for it.”

If you’re child needs a period costume for an upcoming school field trip you can visit www.costumejct.com or visit the shop at 8215 Auburn Blvd., Suite B in Citrus Heights. Michelle Kopkash is publisher of Macaroni Kid Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln-Granite Bay, a free local e-newsletter and website for parents featuring local activities, events and places to find your family fun each week, www.rosevilleca.macaronikid.com.

CAMP When the summer camp guide from a local arts center arrived in our mailbox, my daughter paged through it eagerly. She then proudly pointed to about thirteen different camps she planned to sign up for this summer. From circus camp to acting camp to a camp where you make your own ice cream, she had visions of attending them all. For kids, the world of summer camp is filled with excitement and possibility. For parents, it can be a bit trickier to navigate. The options seem endless, the costs add up and those darned kids insist on having their own opinions and making choices that differ from your own. The good news? With so many quality summer camp options, it’s easier than ever to find a camp that will meet the needs of your entire family. You just need to follow a few simple guidelines.

1. DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES. Every family approaches summer camp with their own unique goals. Many working parents, for example, rely on camps to provide much-needed childcare over school vacation, so scheduling options become top priority. If a tight budget is your biggest concern, you’ll need to focus on limiting your search to camps within your price range. It’s also important to consider what sort of an impact you expect summer camp to have on your child. Do you want it to be strictly educational? Provide an enrichment opportunity that is lacking during the school year? Build character and self-esteem? Offer lots of physical activity? Or maybe—be just plain fun?

2. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Summer camps have exploded in popularity in recent years, with an estimated eleven million kids and adults attending camp each summer. This means that half-day, full-day and overnight camps are all readily available. Not sure where to begin your search? Well, you’re in the right place—take a look at the camp listing in this issue or visit SacramentoParent.com and browse the online camp guide to find a variety of local day and overnight camp options.

3. KNOW YOUR CHILD.

At our house, we’ve settled on a popular church camp for fun and games and are looking into a day camp at a local animal shelter as a way for my daughter to explore her love of animals—without me having to bring yet another one home.

4. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Once you’ve selected your ideal camp, there are a few key things to do before you register. Ask about the ratio of staffers to campers, and find out if background checks are performed on potential staff members. If the camp is away from home, it’s a good idea to determine if it has received accreditation through the American Camp Association. And no matter what type of camp you are considering, don’t forget to ask around for recommendations before making a final commitment. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to uncover the information you really want to know. Summer camps can provide kids with valuable opportunities to make new friends, expand their horizons, and most importantly, enjoy summer vacation. Once you’ve done your homework, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a camp that your child will love—and one you will feel good about, too. Alyssa Chirco is a mother of two who writes about parenting and family life for publications across the country.

When it comes to choosing a camp, children usually benefit from some parental guidance. Respect their interests and ideas, of course, but help them figure out how to translate those interests into a camp that will meet both your criteria and theirs.

CAMP CAMP ISSUE • Auburn Racquet Club 530-885-1602 | www.Ar-Fc.com • • • Bayside Church www.breakaway.baysideonline.com • • • • Bounce Spot 916-371-2386 | www.TheBounceSpot.com • • • • • Byers Gymnastics | 916-781-2939 | 916-723-7700 • • www.ByersRoseville.com Actors Theatre of Sacramento Sacramento 916-501-6104 | www.ActInSac.com Auburn

Multiple Locations

West Sacramento

Roseville

Citrus Heights

California Time Traveler Camp Sacramento 916-654-1729 www.CaliforniaMuseum.org/Time-Traveler

• • •

• • • • • • • • • Cavallo Stables 916-804-5254 • | Courtyard School 916-442-5395 | www.Courtyard.org • • • • • • • Citrus Town Center Summer Safari 916-878-9163 | www.CitrusTownCenter.com • • • • Crocker Art Museum 916-808-7000 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org • • Destiny Kids Camps 916-780-2273 | www.DestinyCamps.com • • • • • • Digital Arts Camp 916-363-7058 | www.DigitalArtsCamp.com • • Discovery Museum 916-485-8836 | TheDiscovery.org • • • Effie Yeaw Nature Center 916-489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net • • • • Elementary Summer Sports Camp 916-405-5600 | www.yourcsd.com • • Expressions Academy of Dance 916-543-0299 • • • • www.ExpressionsAcademyDance.com Camp Carden Sacramento 916-488-1313 | www.CardenSac.com

Camp EDMO Elk Grove | Folsom | Rocklin 877-993-6673 | www.CampEDMO.org Newcastle

Midtown

Sacramento

Citrus Heights

Sacramento

Rocklin

Sacramento

Carmichael

Elk Grove

Lincoln

• • • • Glen Oaks Swim & Tennis Club 916-967-7022 | GoSwimandTennis.com • • • • Granite Arch Climbing Center 916-852-7625 | www.GraniteArch.com • Haggin Oaks 916-808-2283 | Thefirstteesacramento.org • • Hawkins School of Performing Arts 916-355-1900 | www.hawkinsschool.com • Fliptastic Day Camp Carmichael 916-487-3547 | www.Fliptastic.biz Carmichael

Rancho Cordova

Sacramento

Folsom

Kid’s Camp Folsom | El Dorado Hills | Roseville | Elk Grove |

Citrus Heights

916-608-9900 | www.KidsCampFamilies.com Little Folks University Folsom 916-985-7055 | www.LittleFolksU.com

• • • • • • • • • • • •

continued on page 25

• • • • • • • • • •

Rocknasium The Climbing Gym presents Olympic Training Summer Camp Davis 530-757-2902 | www.Rocknasium.com

•

• • • • Sac State Aquatic & Boating Safety Center 916-278-2842 | www.SacStateAquaticCenter.com • • • Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op 916-868-6399 | www.SacFoodCoop.com • Sacramento Theatre Company 916-446-7501 x113 | www.SacTheatre.org • • Summer Camp at CDC 916-286-7865 | www.CdiCdc.org/summer • • • • • The Gift of Kids 916-941-8751 | thegiftofkids.net • • • • Total Education Solutions (877) TES-IDEA| tesidea.com • Tricks Gymnastics 916-4496 | 916-351-0024 | 916-481-4496 • • • • • www.TricksGym.com Rollingwood Athletic Club Fair Oaks 916-988-1728 | www.RollingWoodClub.com Gold River

Sacramento

Multiple Locations

El Dorado Hills

Sacramento

Granite Bay | Folsom | Sacramento

Wonder-Land Summer Camp Carmichael 916-481-1798 | www.Wonder-LandSchool.com Xtreme Craze Rocklin 916-259-2729 | www.xtremecraze.com YMCA of Superior California Sacramento 916-452-9622 | www.YMCASuperiorCal.org

• • • • • • • • • •

MP1c TRA1N1NG Y L 0 SUMMER cAMP

WEEKLY cAMPS JUNE 13 - AUGUST 12 $125 F1RST WEEK $110 REPEAT WEEKS

cL1MB1NG Z1PL1N1NG SLAcKL1N1NG RAPPELL1NG AND M0RE!

R0cKNAS1UM

R0cKNAS1UM.c0M

THE CL1MB1NG GYM

530-757-2902

CAMP

We make MATH make sense

 Highly effective, personalized curriculum  One-on-one instruction  Kids love it! LOCATIONS Folsom, Wales Center | Folsom, Lexington Center | Fair Oaks Granite Bay | El Dorado Hills | Rocklin | Cameron Park Call or visit to learn how convenient and affordable your child’s soaring self-confidence can be!

The number one killer of women is heart disease. Heart disease kills one in three women each year, or one woman every minute. Heart disease has many forms, and its signs and symptoms should never be ignored. Wendy Harris of Elk Grove was given a 50/50 chance of survival in October of 2014 when she was diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD. This happens when an artery splits in two and is shooting blood into a person’s heart. Thanks to the quick action of Diginty Health’s Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, she survived and has been dubbed “Mercy’s Miracle.” Harris wrote off her symptoms as stress or anxiety when they first occurred. She had never had heart problems before, and it wasn’t until her symptoms persisted long enough that she decided it was time to go to the Emergency Room. Once in the E.R. doctors took Harris’s blood pressure, which came back high; and performed an EKG, that came back normal. After doctors ordered tests for blood work they realized something was wrong with her heart, and took her in for X-rays. “It went so fast,” says Harris. “When they took me for X-rays they wanted to insert a stent. As I was lying on the table the doctor asked me if I had any family members outside. At that time he gave me my diagnosis. I immediately began to cry, and told my husband to tell my kids that I love them!” Patients normally do not survive SCAD simply because the dissection is spontaneous. This condition can occur during exercise, or when the body is at rest; although it is not normal for SCAD to occur in people who are in good shape, or who have no prior history of heart related issues in their family. Both Harris’s parents were diagnosed with high blood pressure in their lives but nothing further, and this was the first time Harris had experienced any sort of heart issue in her life. SCAD is diagnosed by putting a stent into the patient’s blood vessel, which may increase dissection; thus Dr. Arvin and Wendy on Good causing an increase risk in mortality. The doctors in the E.R. told Harris’s family her survival rate was a 50/50 Day Sacramento. chance before they took her in for surgery, although Harris did not find out this information until later. Having been a boot camp enthusiast of seven years, the doctors mentioned one thing Harris had working in her advantage was her health and her age. “The surgeon told my family, ‘I can’t tell you if she will be able to survive, but what I will tell you is that I will treat her like my sister. I will do the best I can’,” remembers Harris. Harris fortunately survived, and had a quick recovery due to her age and healthy lifestyle she led before she suffered her SCAD. She was out of the hospital in two weeks, back to work in January, and back working out in March. During her recovery her doctors made sure to emphasize that if she had any breathing issues to return to the hospital immediately. “It was an intense recovery, but it seems like it was quick,” says Harris. “I went from running and working out every day, to not being Continued on page 31 29

Heart Attacks continued from page 29

able to do anything.” After a full recovery Harris’s life has returned to normal. She is back working out, and cheering for her kids on the sidelines of sporting events. The only difference is she is left with a scar as a memory of what she went through. Dr. Arvin Arthur, Harris’s Cardiologist, says it is still unclear as to why women are more at risk than men when it comes to developing heart disease. He suggests that the issue may be hormone related, as it tends to occur in women around pregnancy or in early menopause. Although there is no prevention for SCAD, Dr. Arthur insists there are still risk factors that all women should consider and pay attention to. “Once women develop heart disease, or experience a heart attack, they are at an increased risk for dying. Women need to be proactive in managing any risk factors for developing heart disease,” says the doctor. “If you recognize any symptoms; heaviness of breath, or chest tightness, irregular heart beat… get to the doctor and get evaluated. This will give you the best chance of not having a heart attack or a stroke. Cigarette smoking is a big cause of heart disease. Women should also control all risk factors which include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.” Harris’s condition is not rare, but more uncommon. Dr. Arthur suggests that there are probably five to ten cases a year. The hardest part about SCAD is that it is not easy to treat, or manage. Harris received a triple bypass surgery when her artery burst, although not all patients that experience SCAD will have to have open heart surgery. Every woman can experience different signs and symptoms of heart disease compared to the woman next to them. Women also experience different symptoms than men. Managing certain risk factors and knowing your family history can help with prevention. Among the list of precautions a woman can take are; not smoking, managing your blood sugar, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, staying active, losing weight, and eating healthy. Harris says that if her experience could tell the women in the world anything—it would be to pay attention to your body. Her experience with SCAD has made her want to be an advocate for women everywhere. “As women we know our bodies. I knew at one point, even though I tried to write it off, I knew that it wasn’t me and I needed to seek help. We (as women) put things off so much because we put everything else in front of us—kids, work, and husbands. We need to pay attention to our bodies. I am fortunate, Dignity Health’s Mercy General Hospital saved my life!” Brittany is a journalist from Lincoln, who writes on a variety of topics and just finished work on her first novel. She loves writing, gardening, working out, and any time she can escape to the beach. See more of her work and her updates at www.brittanyfuller.org.

We recommend confirming events before you go. All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted. See our full calendar listings at www.sacramentoparent.com.

1 SUNDAY

Cinco Denio’s 10am at Denio’s Farmers Market & Swap Meet, Roseville Enjoy the ultimate fiesta at Denio’s Farmers Market to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy a lowrider car show, authentic Mexican food, a live DJ, Mexican wrestling, and even a futsal tournament. 782-2704 | www.Deniosmarket.com I Love the 80s Fun Run 9am at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Pity the fool who misses out on this gnarly race. Head back to the ‘80s to run, walk, and Flashdance your way across the finish line. There are 5K, 10K, and young racer options. Proceeds provide scholarships and low-cost recreation programs to families in need. 774-7529 | www.Roseville.ca.us May Day! 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael May Day marks the revival of life and the celebration of spring. Join a Naturalist for a hike to see what kinds of natural wonders await you! 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

3 TUESDAY

Big Day of Giving All Day in Sacramento Starting at midnight on May 3rd, the Sacramento region will come together for one BIG Day of Giving - a 24 hour giving challenge that lifts up lives and makes this the place we call home. In its third year, the BIG Day of Giving has raised nearly $9 million for nonprofits serving our region. Join our community on May 3rd for a celebration of philanthropy and put your money where your heart is! www.BigDayofGiving.org Chocolate Day at the Museums 10am at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Plan a visit to Old Sacramento’s most popular tourist destinations as they get into the chocolate-y spirit. Both the California State Railroad Museum and Sacramento History Museum will provide visitors with a free chocolate treat when they stop by to find out more about the Big Day of Giving happening that same day.

442-8575 | www.csrmf.org Tuesday Train Rides 11am and 1pm at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento As an expansion of the weekday train ride program for local school groups, the California State Railroad Museum is now offering excursion train rides to the general public on select Tuesdays this year. All excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. 323-9280 | www.CSRMF.org

4 WEDNESDAY

May the Fourth Concert 7:30pm at American River College Theatre, Sacramento The American River College Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” and the Star Wars Suite by John Williams to celebrate May the Fourth A.K.A. Star Wars Day. 484-8368 | www.OrchestraMedia.wix.com/arco Mother’s Day Crafts 3:30pm at Elk Grove Library Join the library and make wonderful crafts for Mother’s Day! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library , Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

5 THURSDAY

Mack Road Spring Fair (5/5-5/8) Various times at Mack Road Spring Fair, Sacramento The Mack Road Spring Fair celebrates the community for four fun-filled days! Attendees can enjoy rides, games, and food this extended holiday. 706-3833 | www.MackRoadPartnership.com Squirmin’ on the Square 5:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Your tots will be delighted as they end their day with different performers each week. Join musicians, magicians, scientists, and other special guests in this four-week series. 774-7529 | www.RosevilleParks.com

6 FRIDAY

Parent and Child Cupcake Decorating 12pm at Ana Apple, Sacramento A little sugar is a perfect way to sweeten quality time with parents and kids. Plan a stop at Ana Apple to create custom cupcakes using frosting, candy, fresh fruit, and more. All materials are provided and kids will leave with a plate of four cupcakes at the end of the session to devour or share. 737-5272 Sci Fri 3:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Are you a kid who loves science experiments? Each month you’ll make a few hypotheses, conduct hands on experiments and more. Check out their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) program every month! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Teens Roseville Live TRL 7:30pm at Roseville Sports Center Don’t miss out on great music, dancing, sports, and a climbing wall. This event takes place the first Friday of every month during the school year. 774-7529 | www.Roseville.ca.us

7 SATURDAY

Annual Mother and Daughter Brunch 9am at Holiday Inn Express, Elk Grove This buffet brunch fundraiser features raffles, inspirational speeches, a photo booth, dancing, and performances. This delightful event that allows mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers to celebrate each other all while raising awareness to Captivating Ladies Acquiring Successful Standards Yearly (C.L.A.S.S.Y)’s mission of improving the self-esteem of young ladies. 647-1875 | www.ClassyMbrsOnly.org/home. aspx BerryFest Strawberry Festival (5/7-5/8) 10am at Placer County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Roseville What makes a happy mom on Mother’s Day? Happy kids! Enjoy loads of strawberry treats, shopping, cooking demonstrations, and live bands. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, a princess pageant, a strawberry shortcake eating contest, nonstop shows on the Kids Caboose Stage, and a full kid’s carnival, and fun zone.

623-5653 | https://sites.google.com/site/ j5berryfest/ Book-making for Kids with Art Beast 3pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento In honor of National Children’s Book Week, Art Beast will lead a craft program for children and families centered on Book Making. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org History of Chocolate Lessons and Word Games 10am at Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum Learn more about the history of chocolate and how the tasty treat played a role in Sacramento’s early history. Did you know chocolate was one of the supply items John Sutter sent along to rescue the Donner Party? Kids of all ages will enjoy testing their chocolate knowledge with a fun word search or crossword puzzle, all free and happening at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum. 442-8575 | www.OldSacramento.com Kids Ninja Warrior and Healthy Family Fest 9am at Elk Grove Regional Park Have you seen a TV broadcast of American Ninja Warrior? Now your child will have a chance to test their mental/physical abilities through eight challenging obstacles on an inflatable course, inspired by the show. When you’re not cheering on your Ninja Warrior, enjoy a free festival promoting health, fitness, and family. Free entertainment, vendors, speakers, interactive booths, and bounce houses. 405-5600 | www.Facebook.com/ events/1660926630843458/ Love My Mom 5K 8am at Palladio Whole Foods Market, Folsom Join FPREvents to honor and celebrate moms at the 2nd annual Love My Mom 5k run and walk. All participants will receive a commemorative tech-fit shirt as well as a custom medal. A postrace festival with vendor booths, refreshments, music, and activities will take place near the finish line. 355-7285 | www.Facebook.com/ events/1683093571966474/ Mother’s Day Jewelry Boxes 2pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Get ready for Mother’s Day by making your mother a hand-crafted jewelry box! The library will be making jewelry boxes out of cardboard boxes and egg cartons and decorating them with markers, sequins, jewels and other decorative materials. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Mother Nature Stroll 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join a Naturalist for an afternoon walk in the Nature Area. Discover what many of nature’s moms are up to this time of year. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Mother’s Pampering Event 12pm at Ana Apple, Sacramento Both mothers and moms-to-be are invited to enjoy an afternoon of pampering at Ana Apple. Each participant will receive a batch of gourmet sweets and also indulge in a relaxing chair massage, a beauty bar, or mini-photo session.

Moms will also enjoy refreshments, raffle prizes, and shopping specials all day, including a few surprises. 442-8575 | www.OldSacramento.com Oak Park Farmers Market 9am at McClatchy Park, Sacramento Do you ever wonder where your food actually comes from? At the Oak Park Farmers Market you don’t have to. You can pick up organic produce and enjoy weekly activities from free yoga and live music to chef demonstrations and kid’s crafts. 704-2843 | www. nwsac.org

8 SUNDAY

Gifts from Mother Earth 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join the Nature Center this Mother’s Day to create a one-of-a-kind craft from Mother Earth as you learn the skill of polishing abalone to make a necklace. Bring mom along or take your craft home for a beautiful handmade gift. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Mother’s Day Springtime Event 11am at Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley Enjoy a magical day at Empire Mine State Historic Park. The costumes are lavish - and the atmosphere combines gold-mine history with family fun. Enjoy light snacks for sale by local vendors (or pack a lunch) - and a complimentary cup of tea in the special tea garden. Lots of live music adds to the fun. Children can create gifts at the popular potting bench. 530-432-8023 | www.EmpireMine.org Mother’s Day Tea & Talk 2pm at California Automobile Museum Join in for a special Mother’s Day tea with fashion historian Bonnie Hansen as she shares how the automobile contributed to one of the greatest generation gaps of the century – Victorian era mothers and their free-thinking flapper daughters. Mothers and daughters together will celebrate with an elegant selection of teas and desserts. 442-6802 | www.CalAutoMuseum.org

10 TUESDAY

Baby Lapsit 10:30am at Arcade Library, Sacramento Enjoy this program designed for you and your baby (0-18 months). The library will encourage early literacy development and parent/child interaction through stories, songs, rhymes, finger plays and more. Stay afterwards (until 11:20 a.m.) for play time with age-appropriate toys and a chance for caregivers to socialize. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

11 WEDNESDAY

Art Studio: Drawing Anime, Manga and Famous Animation Characters 4pm at Galt - Marian O. Lawrence Library Like to draw? Join this weekly art studio where art supplies and snacks are provided. This event is led by someone who loves to draw and who will share drawing tips she’s picked up. A gallery of finished work will be displayed in the library. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org 33

Yisrael Farm Presents Garden Fun for Kids! 11am at Rancho Cordova Library Get your hands dirty and have lots of fun in the garden! Learn what to grow and help plant; cultivate vegetables and join in the harvest. Save your seeds to keep organic farming flourishing in our community! Learn all about urban organic farming. Ages 0-5. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

12 THURSDAY

Parent-Child Cupcake Decorating! 2pm at Ana Apple, Sacramento Sometimes the best way to show love for Mom or Dad is with a bit of sugar! Join in time for Chocolate Week and Mother’s Day to create custom cupcakes using frosting, candy, fresh fruit and more! All materials provided and students will leave with a plate of 4 cupcakes at the end of the session to share with family or friends... or devour themselves! 737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com Squirmin’ on the Square 5:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Your tots will be delighted as they end their day with different performers each week. Join musicians, magicians, scientists, and other special guests in this four-week series. 774-7529 | www.RosevilleParks.com

13 FRIDAY

Mini Maker Night 5:30pm at Isleton Library This event will be held in the Library courtyard and will have extended hours until 7:30pm. Explore, have fun, and create at the Isleton Maker Night! Learn cartooning; play with circuits; make a marshmallow catapult; practice your coding skills and more! Free registration required for cartooning, which will start at 4:30. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Python Ron’s Animal Kingdom 4pm at Rancho Cordova Library Python Ron presents a learning experience about the world of reptiles and insects. Kids will observe, touch and have the opportunity to hold reptiles and insects of various colors and sizes. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

14 SATURDAY

9th Annual iFest (International Festival) 5pm at Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova The Rancho Cordova iFest is a festival celebrating the ethnic diversity of the community and reaching out to newcomer groups by offering an opportunity for them to showcase their cultural heritage. The event is a free, family-friendly evening in an outdoor setting. 273-5701 | www.CordovaCouncil.org/ifest Critter Corner 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Have you ever wondered where animals come from and why they are here? Come eye to eye with a few resident animals, hear their story and learn all about what makes them unique! 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Food Truck Mania & Movie in the Park

6:30pm at Morse Park, Sacramento Take the whole family and a blanket out to “Movie in the Park.” Minions will be featured in conjunction with Food Truck Mania. Pre-movie activities begin at 6:30pm and include inflatables, games and popcorn. 405-5300 | http://ca-cosumnescsd.civicplus.com/503/Movie-in-the-Park Heroes: Walk for Life 8:30am at Maidu Park, Roseville Enjoy the beautiful trails of Maidu Park in this 2K and 5K Run/Walk. All funds raised on this site will help support the life-affirming work of the Sacramento Life Center. There will be food vendors, bounce houses, face paintings, activities for the kids, and a DJ will be on site for entertainment. 451-4357 | www.SacLife.org Pacific Rim Street Fest 10am at Southside Park, Sacramento The festival celebrates and showcases all facets of the Asian Pacific Islander cultures and will feature entertainment on multiple stages, food, arts, crafts, and community outreach booths. 662-6288 | http://PacificRimStreetFest.com/ River City Marketplace 11am Fremont Park, Sacramento Enjoy this makers’ market designed to showcase the area’s finest. The River City Marketplace will be bringing you over 100 local artists, designers, crafters, and small businesses. Enjoy food from some of the areas’ favorite food trucks, live music, and so much more! 505-0663 | http://RiverCityMarketplace. squarespace.com/ Run With Nature 8am at Alder Creek Preserve, Folsom The City of Folsom Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the 33rd Annual Run with Nature event at the Alder Creek Preserve in Folsom’s newest master planned community, Folsom Ranch. Over 400 acres of contiguous oak woodland and natural resources provides a spectacular landscape for this year’s 5K, 10K, and youth half-mile events. 355-7285 | www.Facebook.com/ events/489315691255414/ Walk on the Wildside 10am at Cliff’s Marina Picnic Area, Sacramento Bring the family and join Regional San’s Bufferlands staff for the annual Walk on the Wildside event, a celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. 875-9453 | www.RegionalSan.com

15 SUNDAY

National Fitness Month 9am at Roseville Sports Center Join the COR fitness team for a morning of fitness fun. Sample a variety of fitness formats for a great workout. 774-5999 | www.Roseville.ca.us Plants with Purpose1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join the Nature Center for a guided plant walk! Learn how to identify many common plants while discovering their traditional uses. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

17 TUESDAY

Baby Loves Art 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Baby Loves Art engages babies (up to 18 months old) in a visually stimulating gallery walk and gives parents and caregivers a fun opportunity to connect with their babies and each other. All baby noises are expected and welcome. For the best art view, front carriers are recommended. Strollers are allowed, but please no backpacks. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

18 WEDNESDAY

BIG Truck Day 11am at Calvine Point Shopping Center Celebrate National Public Works Week with the City at Big Truck Day where kids get to be kids! Honk the horn on the bus, get behind the wheel of a semi-truck, build a castle in the sand, play with GIANT bubbles, and learn about all of the vehicles involved in maintaining a city at this FREE event geared to kids 2-6. 478-2206 | www.ElkGroveCity.org Magic Dan !!!! 3:30pm at Elk Grove Library Be amazed by the awesome magic of Magic Dan! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Elk Grove Library. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

19 THURSDAY

Kids Craft: Fingerpainting 4pm at Franklin Community Library Get creative and messy with the library in this fun art program! Paint a masterpiece or two with fingers, brushes, or marbles, or create your own new painting method! Paint, paper and art materials will be provided; participants are recommended to wear paint-friendly clothes or bring a smock. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Orangevale Pow Wow Days (5/19-5/22) Various times at Orangevale Community Park Enjoy a friendly atmosphere with a wonderful parade, traditional country fair displays (over 60 this year), hands-on activities, a carnival, yummy specialty foods, festival-style entertainment, special attractions, unique crafters, and a variety of vendors. Pow Wow Days is fun and safe for the whole family! 934-2207 | www.OrangevalePowWowDays.com Squirmin’ on the Square 5:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Your tots will be delighted as they end their day with different performers each week. Join musicians, magicians, scientists, and other special guests in this four-week series. 774-7529 | www.RosevilleParks.com

20 FRIDAY

Campfires Under the Stars 7pm at Maidu Museum & Historic Site, Roseville Sit under the stars at the Maidu Museum’s outdoor amphitheater to enjoy native stories around the campfire plus marshmallow roasting. 774-5934 | www.Roseville.ca.us Friday Flicks: Pan 7:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville

Head out to the square to enjoy Pan. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and snacks. 774-7529 | www.Roseville.ca.us

21 SATURDAY

Night Out at the Museum 6:30pm at Maidu Museum & Historic Site, Roseville Enjoy museum exhibits, art receptions and cultural presentations in the Zents Gallery. See contemporary Indigenous art in the gallery on the second floor. Light refreshments will be available. 774-5934 | www.Roseville.ca.us R Street Block Party 3pm at WAL Public Market, Sacramento The R Street Block Party returns this May 21 with a fun filled day including live music, food, a kids zone, cold beverages and a makers mart showcasing 40 of the best handmade vendors in Northern California! www.Facebook.com events/590639914420828/

22 SUNDAY

Intergalactic Expo 10am at West Sacramento Community Center This out-of-this-world event, run by local science fiction fans, is a community fundraiser and special celebration of local fandoms and fan communities! In 2016, this expo will be celebrating Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, Farscape, and Doctor Who! 530-417-3365 | www.IntergalacticExpo.com/ Sketch It 11am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery each month. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Sun Seekers 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Some have scaly skin, some have slimy skin, some have legs, some don’t. Can you guess what they are? Join and meet one of these cold blooded critters up close! 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

25 WEDNESDAY

Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library , Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org The Poodlums 11:30am at North Natomas Library Ideal for ages 0-6, this interactive musical program focuses on numbers/counting, following directions, the importance of reading, movement, imagination and creativity. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

26 THURSDAY

Grandparents Picnic in the Park 5:30pm at Storybook Woods Park, Elk Grove Enjoy an evening in a beautiful park, while creating lasting memories with your grandchildren.

Pack a picnic dinner for your family and join in. All around the park the Cosumnes Community Services District will have family friendly activities such as games, face painting stations, bubbles, and a bounce house. 405-5300 | www.Yourcsd.com The Sacramento County Fair (5/26-5/30) 10am at CalExpo Eat, have fun, and celebrate the red, white, and blue. The 2016 Sacramento County Fair features live entertainment, rides, great food, shopping, and much more. 263-2975 | www.SacFair.com Where is Love (5/26-5/27) 7pm at Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, Sacramento Head to the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center for an evening of wonderful music sung by over 100 middle school and high school students. With a variety of vocal styles, there is something to satisfy every listener. 491-1028 | www.BenArts.org

27 FRIDAY

Chalk Party 2pm at Franklin Community Library Help the library welcome summer by decorating the sidewalks with chalk masterpieces and games! Materials will be provided; in case of rain, they’ll move the art and games into the community room. This is a free program hosted by the Franklin Community Library. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Pizza and a Movie 4pm at Fair Oaks Library Chillax after class with a teen picked flick and stuff your gob with some delicious cheesy pizza. Today’s movie will either be: The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, or The Goonies. It’s teens’ choice once everyone arrives. Ages 13-18 welcome! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sacramento Music Festival (5/27-5/30) 5pm in Old Sacramento Join music lovers from across the region for a one-of-a-kind musical experience in the festive streets of Old Sacramento on Memorial Day weekend. Featuring live music, 100 unique performances, street dancing, animated parades, instruments booming, and great food and drink in an energetic atmosphere. 444-2004 | SacMusicFest.com

28 SATURDAY

Birding for Families 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Take the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and a special guest guide from the Sacramento Audubon Society. Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars, or they can loan you a pair. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Harry Potter Party 2pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Accio Harry Potter fans! Put on your wizard robes and join the library for this Harry Potter themed party! You will be sorted into houses,

make our own wands and test your Harry Potter knowledge. Earn badges and house points, then stay to enjoy Harry Potter themed snacks. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Summer Reading Family Fiesta 2pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Celebrate the start of Summer Reading with an afternoon of family fun at the library. Join in for summer snacks, outdoor games and crafts in the library garden. Plus, be sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge to read and win prizes all summer! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

29 SUNDAY

Familypalooza 11am at Crocker Art Museum It’s time for Familypalooza, the Crocker Art Museum’s FREE annual family festival designed for all ages. Inspired this year by Dr. Seuss’ Whoville, the Museum will become an enchanting, colorful land designed to excite and delight. Enjoy games of skill and games for thrill! Vegetable Circus will get you to dance and sing while Mad Science will show you the how and why of things. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Wet and Wild Pond Animals 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Splashing, skimming, swishing, and swimming- what are all those creatures in the water? Discover these water loving animals as you use catch and release activities to explore the Nature Center pond! 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

30 MONDAY

50th Annual Memorial Day Parade 10am-Starts at I St and Watt Ave Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4647 is proud to present the 50th Annual North Highlands Memorial Day Parade, honoring all who gave their lives in defense of the United States. The parade will include decorated floats, equestrians, marching bands, classic vehicles, drill teams, color guard, and more. 847-5057 | www.MemorialDayParade. vfwpost4647.org/

31 TUESDAY

Family Game Night 6:30pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Join the Friends of the Colonial Heights Library for Family Game Night! Each month features a different game for family and friends to play, from Pictionary to Family Feud. The library will provide the games and snacks, all you need to bring is yourself and some friends or family. All ages are welcome! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Read to a Dog 3:30pm at Carmichael Library Specially trained therapy dogs are waiting for children to read to them. For school age children that can read. They library will supply the books or you may bring your own book to read to the dogs. The books should be able to be read in 5 - 10 minutes. After 10 sessions, the reader is awarded a free book. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted

13: The Musical

Through June 19 at Sutter Street Theatre One of the most frequently produced new musicals of the last decade, 13 is a rollicking musical comedy featuring a cast exclusively made up of teenagers – thirteen 13-year-olds, as a matter of fact! 353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

Alice in Wonderland

Through May 22 at B Street Theatre Dust doesn’t have time to settle on the age-old story; and more than just dust flies with this original B Street adaptation. 443-5300 | www.BStreetTheatre.org

Carden School of Sacramento

A Distinctive Alternative in Classical Education

Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe

May 11-22 and Sacramento Theatre Company This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic story, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of the great lion Aslan, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. 443-6722 | www.SacTheatre.org

Motown the Musical

May 18-29 at Community Center Theater It began as one man’s story, became everyone’s music, and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown the Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and many more. 808-5181 | www.CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com

The Pink Panther Strikes Again

Hansel and Gretel

May 7-8 at Fairytale Town Enjoy a playful puppet show in Fairytale Town’s Children’s Theater! Puppet Art Theater Company will perform the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

Hello, Dolly!

Through May 15 at El Dorado Music Theatre An ebullient and irresistible story of the joy of living. It glitters with happy songs, shines with loving scenes, and showcases the personality of one of the most fabulous characters on the musical stage, Dolly Gallagher Levi! Classic musical numbers include “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “So Long, Dearie,” and of course, “Hello, Dolly!” 941-7464 | www.EDMT.Info

Through May 14 at Sutter Street Theatre The world’s most unusual criminologist, Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a role originally created by Peter Sellers, fights for his life and for the future of all mankind in the most bizarre and dangerous caper of his brilliantly successful and utterly clumsy career. Clouseau incredibly stumbles and slips and is sure to hit your funny bone! 353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

Winnie the Pooh

Through May 28 at West Sacramento Black Box Theater Head out to experience the classic tale of Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends. 207-1226 | www.RunawayStage.com

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted 3rd Annual Teapot Show at Alpha Fired Arts Through May 31 at Blue Line Arts, Sacramento Alpha Fired Arts Gallery’s Teapot show will once again take place in conjunction with Art League of Lincoln’s America’s ClayFest IV at Blue Line Arts. Admire teapots in all shapes and sizes, from classic to wildly exotic, created by master potters and ceramic sculptors. Be amazed and inspired by the interpretation of the humble teapot by ceramic artists from Northern California and around the country! 484-4422 | www.AlphaFiredArts.com John E. Gruber Creative Photography Awards Exhibit Through May 31 at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento In this new exhibit, California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum are proud to showcase the impressive award-winning photographs from the prestigious Center for Railroad Photography and Art’s 2015 John E. Gruber Creative Photography Awards Program. 323-9280 | www.CSRMF.org Teatime: Ceramics Through June 10 at Pence Gallery, Davis The practice of making tea, shared by many cultures across the globe, is an ancient tradition. Central to the preparation of tea leaves is the cup, bowl, or teapot, in which the tea leaves are held. The exhibit displays fine teaware crafted by contemporary ceramic artists from California, Japan, Germany, and China, among other places near and far. 530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org

Windows to the Soul Exhibit Through May 19 at Sacramento State University Windows to the Soul will feature the evolution of acrylic paintings by Jennifer Laurel Keller. 278-6997 | www.TheUniversityUnion.com

SATURDAY, MAY 14 TUESDAY, MAY 3

Sensory Bounce 6pm at Bounce U, Roseville Sensory Bounce is a special open bounce for children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Autism, and other disabilities with a sensory component. 783-4386 | www.BounceU.com/Roseville

SATURDAY, MAY 7

Meet the Machines 10am at Mather Sports Center Children of all ages have the opportunity to touch, climb on and explore an expanse of exciting machines and unique vehicles. Enjoy activities such as bounce houses, games, face painting, music and food. The first hour of the event is horn-free to accommodate children with special needs and sensitive ears. Free. 362-1841 | www.CRPD.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Beary Special Playdate 5pm at Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova A monthly event for special needs children and their families. Enjoy all the Museum activities and light refreshments. Admission to the Museum is free but RSVP is required as space is limited. Please call for more information or to reserve your spot! Sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California. 638-7225 | www.SacKids.org

2nd Annual Special Kids Day 10am at Ride to Walk Ranch, Lincoln All kids with special needs are welcome! This is a free event for kids with emotional, developmental, and physical disabilities and their parents, siblings and caretakers only. All kids with special needs are welcome! Enjoy games, crafts, entertainment/music, motorcycle rides, canine companions, demonstrations, and more! www.LionsSpecialKidsDay.com Second Saturday Sensory Storytime 10am at North Natomas Library This inclusive storytime was developed for kids with Autism and/or sensory disorders. It features songs, stories, sensory activities and interactive materials. It is targeted for a developmental age of 2 years to 6 years old. Behaviors and/or noise are no problem. Siblings are welcome! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SATURDAY, MAY 28

Autism Family Friendly Movie 10:30am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. “Typical” toddlers and preschoolers are also welcome. This month: THE GOOD DINOSAUR (2015 PG, 100 min, Disney). There will be healthy snacks, the lights will be slightly up, the sound will be slightly down and kids don’t need to remain seated while enjoying the movie. There will also be lots of fidget toys! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

PARTY

MUSIC CLASSES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

LANGUAGE Like us:

SEWING CLASSES

Summer Camps!

M-F 9am-12pm & 12:30pm-3:30pm Call now! $150.00 WEEK/PICK ONE OR PICK ALL! JUNE AND JULY SUMMER CAMPS! A TRUE IMMERSION CAMP (AGES 4-10) Folsom • Sacramento Arden Arcade Area

SPACE IS LIMITED CALL NOW! (916) 486-8276 www.thespanishimmersion.com