Sacramento Parent August 2016 by Sacramento Parent

parent August 2016

HEALTHY AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS

FIRST AID TIPS FOR PARENTS Checking in on Common Core sacramentoparent.com

AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016

AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Meet Your Future Curie, Einstein or da Vinci Guarantee your spot for Fall 2016 Before & After School Program Child Development Centers (CDC) surrounds children with enriched environments that challenge and inspire them to develop a love of learning and exploration. Our licensed school age programs include homework support, academic enrichment activities, and fun clubs that include STEM, creative arts and healthy habits. These are led by diverse, knowledgeable and committed staff enhanced by specialists and volunteers. LOCATIONS IN:

Elk Grove • Rocklin • Davis • Woodland Antelope • Dixon • Sacramento

cdicdc.org Enter raffle for a $100 Target gift card for choosing All Inclusive Plan when you register by Friday, September 2nd. Go to cdicdc.org or visit center for full rules/details.

Child Development Centers License #434400406/300607157

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Personalized Learning Approach for Your Child’s Interests, No Abilities & Aptitudes Enro w

for Fa lling ll 2016

Fully Accredited • Instructional support classes for independent study groups • Programs for accelerated and struggling learners • Personalized learning plan for every student • Flexible schedules • College prep, honors, AP classes (UC and NCAA approved) • Wide variety of electives/ supplementary classes • Virtual & Online Classes

Call now. Space is limited.

1.800.338.8003 x 5210 • www.horizoncharterschools.org • Admissions@hcs.k12.ca.us Available in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Sutter & Yuba counties

AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

on our cover

parent August 2016

Mahea is 6 years-old. She loves cartwheeling, swimming and playing board games…but, she really just enjoys anything competitive. A true big sister, Mahea is maternal, pragmatic, has loads of empathy and loves hanging with her little sister and BFF, Noelle.

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 24 YEARS

contents

Photographer: Miranda Katelynn Photography www.MirandaKatelynn.com

August 2016

departments 11 FUN FINDS

A+ Giveaways

16 NEXT DOOR

Meet Sarah, Kids Unplugged

42 STORY TIME Dennis’ Weird Day

features 13 Checking in on Common Core 18 Helping Kids Grieve Pets 20 First Aid Tips for Parents 22 Back to School Tips for Academic Success

23 25

Sac Parent Book Reviews by Kids

29 30

Keeping Kids’ Eyes Healthy

around town 31 CALENDAR

Yummy Fun & Crafty Events

40 SHOWS A Show for Everyone

41 EXHIBITS On Display in August

Yummy & Healthy After School Snacks

August Special Events Spotlight

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016

NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL!

Sylvan Middle School is gaining STEAM, pairing a cutting edge-curriculum and state-of-the-art facility to offer the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier middle school experience in Science, Technology, Engineering Arts & Math!

7085 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights

Sylvan students will begin the new school year in a completely reimagined campus featuring science and art labs, a music building, library and next-generation classrooms. Dedicated teachers will thread components of the STEAM curriculum through all subjects and enhance the learning experience with:

Robotics, music, coding, a Women www.sanjuan.edu/futuresylvan in Engineering Club and more!

AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Just like that, it’s August and for many of us that means it’s time to get the kiddos back into the groove of a school routine. I’m not sure how I feel about that this year because for the first time, I have a middle schooler! What!? I almost don’t know how it happened—I swear she was just eight and then boom—practically a teenager who wants to borrow my shoes!

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com

contributing photographers Miranda Katelynn Photography www.MirandaKatelynn.com contributing writers Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH | Julia Merrill Christine Quarry | Laura Reagan-Porras, MS Jennifer Rodgers | Steph Rodriguez Shannon Smith | Michelle M. Swaby Dr. Caitlin Walsh

But now [sigh]…it’s time to get ready to kick off the 2016/17 school year! Time to spiff up the school clothes, replenish the supplies and reset alarm clocks!

Preschool .After school

ENROLL TODAY!

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

& the Sac Parent Team

BILLING QUESTIONS

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

License 340300765 A Ministry of American River Comm. Church Carmichael, CA

tian

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

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Enjoy every minute Mom and Dad—before you know it you’ll be sending them off to college!

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

Lauraine Bacon | (530) 889.6176 lauraine@sacramentoparent.com

Deanna Fox 916-220-9994

Won

We hope you had some epic summer adventures! The team here at Sac Parent had lots of fun making memories with their families. Whether it was hanging out by the pool, grilling with friends, exploring the countryside in an RV, taking a tropical adventure, booking it to Vegas, camping in Tahoe or lounging on Shasta Lake in a houseboat…we made the most of our summer weekends and vacation days!

100% All Natural Products Same Day Service Peace of Mind Prevention

Preschool & Daycare

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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.

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It's not too late to find the right school for your child!

Only Love Children's Centers

Only Love Children's Centers is a licensed Child Development Center established in 1983 serving children 3 to 5 years old, offering the highest quality, personalized and responsive care to children and their families in a nurturing, developmental and safe environment with accredited teachers and staff members.

Now in Sacramento's Pocket neighborhood!

Marta Suarez, Executive Director

916-427-5022 • CamelliaWaldorf.org

marta@onlylovechildrenscenter.com

Whispering Oak Montessori Academy

Fostering Growth Nurturing Peace Inspiring Curiosity

Are you searching for something more than just an early learning center or for a better education for your children? Whispering Oak Montessori Academy offers a rich, nurturing and stimulating environment firmly grounded in the Montessori Method and designed to lay the foundation for a life long love of learning. Students are encouraged to grow to their full potential in a program designed to educate the whole child.

Call us for a tour and more information!

(916)722-8118/1181

• Full Academic

Montessori curriculum

• Infant/Toddler/Preschool/Kindergarten 6 weeks to 6 years

• Nutritious and Delicious meals prepared on-site

• Art & Music Appreciation • Spanish Language

8085 Oak Ave., Citrus Heights, CA 95610 www.whisperingoakmontessori.com 10 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

fun finds

Back to School & Super Cool By Christine Quarry

It’s back to school time and we’ve got A+ giveaways to get you right back into the swing of things. Head over to SacramentoParent.com and get organized with the cutest planners! You’ll also find the perfect socks for the private school uniform (uniform for the calf and a party on the bottom half)! Then wind down and sleep tight with a soothing Dream Lite.

WIN IT!

Blue Sky Planners Dabney Lee for Blue Sky offers modern patterns in bright colors, accented with Dabney Lee’s signature cursive script—it’s a fun and colorful way to organize your day! Dabney Lee is available at Office Depot, with select items available on BlueSky.com. www.BlueSky.com/designer-series/dabney-lee.html?year=161

Code Socks

Check out this brand new sock company featuring fun, colorful patterns on the sole, heel and toe, but solid white and navy on top so they comply with uniform dress codes. They follow the rules, but crack the dress code inside your shoes. www.CodeSocks.com | www.Facebook.com/Codesocks

IVAR® Backpack

IVAR® bags are the most organizational and comfortable urban travel backpacks ever! Built with a patented internal structure, they are the only backpacks truly designed for superior organization, load balance and carrying comfort. Only one reader will win a free backpack, but readers can use the code SACRAMENTOPARENT at check-out for a 20% discount, thanks IVAR®. www. IVARpack.com

Natural Toddler Bowl and Cup

These natural feeding bowls and cups are made from natural bamboo, completely plastic-free, strong, durable, safe and healthy! Machine washable, biodegradable/ compostable, complies with EU and US safety standards. www.PacificBabyWorld.com

PLAYMOBIL School Bus

Enter to win your very own toy School Bus! Transport children to and from school and look out for the flashing lights on the bus as it’s coming down the street. Be sure to wait until the bus driver opens the movable STOP sign before you board the bus. There are plenty of seats to choose from, so pick one next to your friends! www.Playmobil.us

Paw Patrol Chase Pillow Pets Dream Lites

Pillow Pets® has teamed with Nickelodeon® to create Chase from “Paw Patrol” as a Dream Lite! Pillow Pets Dream Lites illuminate playful icons and star patterns onto the ceiling. Alternating hues of amber, blue and green light set the scene for a peaceful night slumber. A 20-minute timer gives just enough time to fall asleep with your little ones favorite cartoon pal! www.MyPillowPets.com/shop/dreamlites

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 11

Over 65 years of Education Serving Students in Our Inaugural Transitional Kindergarten-8th Grade • Education That Promotes Christian Values & Service • Music, Art, Spanish, Interactive Classroom Technology • Rigorous Academic Curriculum • Academic Decathlon • Competitive Sports Program • Extended Daycare • Fully Accredited by WASC

Educational Supplies

for Parents, Teachers, & Homeschoolers 3920 W. Land Park Drive in Sacramento 916.448.5663 | www.hs-ps.com

Books and Educational Supplies

Toys • Books • Games • Software • Christian Materials Over 14,000 Educational Books & Toys to Choose From! 8137 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks 95628 • 722-2228 • www.ABrighterChild.com

CREATE EXPLORE ENGAGE EVERY DAY Math comes alive in our kindergarten “100th Day” parade.

Summer tours for limited spaces are available. Contact Lonna at lbloedau@saccds.org

Academics. The Arts. Athletics. Every Day.

saccds.org

2636 Latham Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864 • 916.481.8811 12 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

N Registow e Fall ring Classe s!

CHECKING IN ON COMMON CORE By Steph Rodriguez With technology’s vast expansion over the last decade children swipe, type and independently research information on the web at younger and younger ages. This is also true within the classroom as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) initiative relies heavily on computer knowledge to effectively navigate and complete a new era of educational curriculum throughout California. Through its core standards, the curriculum aims to prepare students from kindergarten through 12th grade with the knowledge needed to be “global thinkers and equipped for today’s entry-level careers, freshman college courses and workforce training programs,” according to the Common Core Standards Initiative website. With 42 states, the District of Columbia and more adopting the Common Core curriculum, many teachers in Sacramento say adopting the program unites educational practices nationwide, and also introduces students to situations where he or she is exploring how and why they developed the answer to simple math problems. For Wendy Aiello, a third grade teacher at Diamond Creek Elementary School in Roseville for the last 15 years, Common Core is kid-oriented, hands-on and also gives kids multiple strategies for problem-solving. “With these programs, they have kids draw things and part of my job is to walk around and say, ‘Oh my gosh! Look how so-and-so solved this problem.’ Then I bring them up in front of the classroom to show others what they did,” Aiello says. “It’s one of my favorite subjects to teach now. We’re teaching kids the ‘why?’ of it. Not just formulas or memorization. It’s not so bad.”

Still, with a new system to implement throughout entire school districts statewide and across myriad age groups, according to Aiello it seems the Common Core standard isn’t quite as popular with teenagers who are used to their familiar way of learning. “It’s great, but it’s also been really hard on high school kids because they abruptly brought it on,” explains Aiello. “They’re getting ready for graduation and suddenly this whole new system is coming into place.” When the curriculum was first introduced as the new standard in August 2010, more than 6,000 MacBook Air laptops were introduced to 75 campuses within the Sacramento City Unified School District and both teachers and students alike were expected to adapt to the new technology to make way for Common Core testing in lieu of the former Standardized Test and Reporting (S.T.A.R.). The state allocated $1.25 billion in 2010 and since then, the Sacramento City Unified School District aims to bridge the gap between the digital divide. What’s more, teachers within the district report students are better behaved with a digital assessment versus the old-fashioned bubble-in answer sheets. On the Common Core report card, Aiello says there are areas for college and readiness skills, and that’s on a third grade report card. It’s real-world skills and assessment at a very young age. First grade teacher, Sarah Rambo agrees that the younger the students are exposed to the Common Core style, the better they will transition into the program. “I was lucky because I started my career a couple of years ago and this was the only curriculum I was taught. But, other teachers are having difficulty with slowly building a new curriculum Continued on page 15 sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 13

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Common Core continued from page 13

for the whole year and getting training; it takes a lot of time,” Rambo says. Greer Elementary School in Sacramento, where Rambo teaches, received its math curriculum in 2015 and the Common Core-based English Language Arts program will be implemented in 2017. At Greer and other schools within the Sacramento Unified School District, classes are held for parents, in order to help mom and dad smoothly transition into the new curriculum along with their children.

There's still time to enroll for the 2016-17 school year. Space is limited, so call to schedule a campus visit today!

“We’ve done some training for parents to help them figure out what Common Core is all about and we’ve gotten a lot of positive response from that,” Rambo says. “We try to help parents before they feel overwhelmed by guiding them through a sample of the homework and the [Common Core] standard and what it means.” Still, the reality of the new curriculum transition for many schools throughout California is not at every school and districts have chosen their go-to Common Core curriculum, so teachers are being encouraged to research online for examples to create their specific lesson plans for the year.

Jr. K through 8th Grade

“As a new teacher, I’m excited for [Common Core] and there’s a lot of freedom right now on how to implement these standards into your curriculum,” Rambo says. Steph Rodriguez is an award-winning journalist who keeps a close eye on the food and music scene in Sacramento. With more than 10 years experience as a writer and editor, she crafts stories that mirror the vast and diverse culture of our region. From entertainment and lifestyle features to profiles with a farm-to-fork interest, she aims to capture the very best of Sacramento and beyond.

7869 Kingswood Drive, Citrus Heights

School.StMarksLutheran.com

Carden School of Sacramento

A Distinctive Alternative in Classical Education

SACRAMENTO PARENT For Winter Boredom Busters, Valentine's Day Ideas, Cute & Easy Gifts, Seasonal Recipes, Crafts & Family Fun!

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 15

next door

Meet Sarah

Lives in Midtown Sacramento and is the Chief Operating Officer of Kids Unplugged. Edited by Shannon Smith

Sarah has always had a love of fitness and kids. So when she paired those two loves together in a program called Kids Unplugged, she knew she had found her happy place. We asked Sarah what she enjoys about working with kids and she immediately said, “Their energy, and their ability to give me energy when I struggle to find it on my own.” She continues, “Kids live in the moment, which is what we, as adults strive to hold onto, but struggle with. When I am working out with kids, I am ‘unplugged’ and living in the moment with them.” She recalls, “I worked with adults for seven months of my life in an office environment—just to try it out—and found myself becoming negative and feeding off of the low energy. I became a different person and even lost a bit of my sense of humor and lightness. Once I got back into working with kids daily, I gained it all back and appreciated the work more than ever.” “With the right attitude, kids help keep us light-hearted and silly. Being able to talk in a funny accent, make kid-friendly jokes and jump around without judgment makes every day better,” says Sarah. Read on to find out how Sarah took a concept she dreamt of and made it her reality—Kids Unplugged!

Let's Talk Kids Unplugged! WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR STARTING KU? When I was teaching fourth grade, I was given the opportunity to run an elective of my choice every Friday. Each quarter we got to switch electives and the kids got to choose what sounded fun to them. I always chose fitness based electives (yoga, run club, aerobic dance) and the classes always filled up. I enjoyed it so much, that I decided to write a business plan and dream big. After two years of mapping it out in my mind, I started small and Kids Unplugged came to life.

WHAT CAN CHILDREN DO AT KIDS UNPLUGGED? They can take kickboxing, yoga, aerobic dance, and circuit training classes. All classes are based around fun games and high energy, creative activities.

WHAT CLASSES ARE MOST POPULAR WITH THE KIDS CURRENTLY? It’s hard to say. Some will only take one or two of the classes and never come to other ones. Each child has different levels of energy and will tend to gravitate toward the classes they feel confident in. My favorite to teach is Power Hour (circuit training), because it’s super high energy and challenges the kids in so many different ways. My favorite class to take with the kids is our aerobic dance class because it’s like a party and a workout in one!

16 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

next door

Quick-fire Q&A IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PARENTS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITY FOR THEIR CHILD? I always ask parents about the energy level and focus of their kids. Power Hour works for almost all kids because to be successful in it you don’t have to have great focus, just high energy, which many kids have naturally. I tell them to have their kids try each class once or twice and let the kids pick what feels best for them.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE A CHILD WHO DOESN'T WANT TO EXERCISE? I always do the workouts as I teach, which makes them more inclined to join in. The kids often motivate each other as well. So many come to class energized, pumped, and ready to start. A hesitant child sees that and wants to keep up. I also always have them lead exercises once they’ve come once or twice. The kids always lead the stretching at the end and I throw in one or two new stretches for them to learn each week. During certain classes I will put a FitBit on one or two of the kids and we count their steps. That always makes them work harder. Even during water breaks I will see them running back and forth, just to increase the numbers on the FitBit.

DO PARENTS PARTICIPATE? Some parents join in! We invite moms to come dance during our Friday class. One of our recent monthly challenges was to ‘bring a parent to class’ and we had multiple moms and dads workout with us, which was extremely fun.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY CHALLENGE IDEAS THAT KIDS CAN DO AT HOME THIS SUMMER? I have a whole list of challenges for each month that kids can do. Some include: • Help mom/dad grocery shop • Go on a family hike • Go on a family bike ride • Help make a healthy dinner • Create a lesson plan for one of our classes • 100 jumping jacks every day • Unplug for 24-hours straight

I would want to be able to teleport. I have good friends and family all over the world that I miss and want to be able to see on the regular, but travel time keeps us apart!

FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A DAY OFF? A few favorites are working out with friends, watching movies, and snuggling with my roommate’s puppy.

ANY FAVORITE PLACES AROUND TOWN? I love so many of the midtown and East Sac restaurants. One Speed and Zocalo are two of my favorites, but my number one go-to is Crepeville when it comes to restaurants. Recreationally, I love working out at Fitness Rangers (where I run the majority of my program) and I love doing yoga at Purely Hot Yoga in East Sac. I used to run on the American River bike trail multiple times a week, which is the best running spot I’ve ever been to.

HARDLY ANYONE KNOWS I... play guitar, because I really don’t like playing for groups of people! Get more information about Kids Unplugged at: Facebook.com/kidsunpluggedinc Instagram: @kidsunpluggedinc Visit www.kidsucorp.com.

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 17

Helping Kids Grieve…Even When it’s the Death of a Goldfish by Jennifer Rodgers Grief is not an easy process for anyone— adults, children, older people, young adults—it is a difficult thing and we all experience it differently. For children, it can be an even harder experience because they don't always understand why someone or something died. How is that possible, they might wonder, when my pet was fine yesterday? My eight-year-old daughter recently experienced the loss of her goldfish. Yes, goldfish—the temporary pet that can expire at any possible moment. Some kids see goldfish as entertainment that can end quickly, and for no reason. Those kids might just yell to their mom or dad, "Hey, the fish is dead, you need to flush it!" For my daughter, however, the fish had meaning. She did not spend that much time with it, but she fed it consistently and was used to its swimming presence every day in the tank. "Olivia" was with us for over two years and was growing steadily and healthily with her companion, "Nemo" (my son's fish). Recently, however, Olivia was not looking too well. She just kind of floated in the tank instead of actively swimming. She wouldn't race to get food with Nemo; she despondently ate what came her way. Over the next few days, she had less energy and ended up swimming on her side—still alive, but opening and closing her mouth continually, as though gasping for air. The prognosis was not positive for Olivia. My daughter noticed and was concerned. I told her that Olivia did not look like she felt very well and that it might be close to the end for her. My daughter was upset. She wanted to take her to the vet; she wanted Olivia well again. I tried to explain that fish can get sick for no apparent reason and that the vet would most likely not be able to help her. I explained that Olivia might be very old for all we know and that fish don't live as long as humans. My daughter was still distressed. My six-year-old son came along and immediately started crying, which got my daughter going, and the two of them wailed while watching Olivia in her final hours. In the end, I put a towel over the tank so that no one could see the fish and we went for a bike ride to get their minds off of the dying pet. Watching it die was not helping anyone.

18 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

That night, Olivia passed. My daughter said it was okay to remove her from the tank if she died, so my husband did the honorary flushing. I felt a little bad doing it myself. I had grown a little attached too. The next couple of days my daughter cried often. She just couldn't stop thinking about the fish, she told me. I said that it was okay to be sad about the fish, but try not to dwell on it all the time. "Be sad," I said, "but remember that she is out of pain now, and that you will be okay." I pondered her somewhat extreme reaction to "just a fish," but realized that for her it was more than that. Olivia was something familiar that she saw each day. She fed her and the fish grew. Every morning she could count on seeing that familiar thing in its familiar place. Now it was permanently absent. I'm guessing that led my daughter to the next thought: the reality of mortality and death. Everything and everyone will die eventually—you, me, Uncle Joe, the next door neighbor, the guy in Iceland that you never met, we are all temporary. The fish dying might have reminded my daughter of that fact, and that is a hard thing to accept for any of us, eight-year-olds included. Lastly, having her fish now gone from the tank represents change, and that can be hard to take sometimes, especially for my daughter. Like her mother, she likes things to stay the same, be dependable, and fixed. It just makes us feel better. Change can be hard. It mixes everything up and we have to get used to a "new normal." We don't want a "new normal," we were fine with the old one.

For those reasons, I didn't tell my daughter to "get over it, it's just a fish," I let her get through those tough feelings and get used to the fish being gone. She asked if I would feed the other fish for awhile (so that she didn't have to see the tank void of her fish) and I said, yes. It has been less than a week and I am sure these feelings have not completely passed. She often brings things up from months before as though she still needs a little more time to work through the issues completely. I am okay with that. I cannot bring the fish back, and I did not try to solve the problem by replacing the fish, I am letting it all slowly settle so that she can grieve the loss and let it heal in time.

Morning & Afternoon Sessions Available Call us for details.

This article is dedicated to Olivia. I hope you are swimming freely over the rainbow bridge. 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.

Come for a tour in Sacramento! • For ages 2 – 12

Near Sleep Train Arena 4401 Gateway Park Blvd. • 916.575.9004 Lic. #343613141, 343613142

Deane Dance Center 3385 Lanatt Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 19

First Aid Tips for Parents By Julia Merrill

Every parent wants to protect their children from negative experiences and injuries, yet these things are all a part of life. Children are simply prone to accidents, and you won’t be able to protect them from every possible scenario. What you can do, though, is be prepared with the know-how to address injuries when they occur. Below are six easy first aid tips every parent should know:

CARING FOR A CUT OR SCRAPE Use a clean cloth to cover the site and press firmly to stop any bleeding. This could take only a few minutes or, in some cases, up to 15 minutes. Clean the site gently with soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry. Use over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if the skin is broken, but be sure to apply only a thin layer. Cover the site with gauze and adhesive tape or a bandage. Be sure to change the bandage (and clean the site) daily to minimize the risk of infection. If the wound appears to be infected—which may be indicated by tenderness on the site, pus, swelling, or redness—see a doctor immediately. Once the site is healed, use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 as the new skin will sunburn more easily.

WHAT TO DO FOR A NOSEBLEED Have your child sit up straight; do not tilt her head back. To stop the bleeding, pinch the lower end of her nose and have her lean forward. Apply continuous pressure for five to ten minutes until the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding is not ceasing or your child is experiencing other symptoms, seek medical care at a nearby urgent care center or, if there are no urgent care clinics nearby, the emergency room.

HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE A SPLINTER Splinters are a common childhood injury, and they can be quite painful. What’s more challenging, though, is that children may be fearful of having the splinter removed because they fear that it, too, will hurt. Wash around the splinter with soap 20 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

and water. Clean your tweezers with rubbing alcohol and pull the splinter out. Wash the area again. If you are unable to remove the splinter, leave it in for a day or two; it may come out on its own. If it doesn’t come out after several days, is causing pain, has pus, or is turning red, it’s time to see your pediatrician.

to the nearest emergency room. If your child has a diagnosed severe allergy to food, bee stings, or other allergens, your healthcare provider will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector so that you or another adult can administer life-saving treatment should a severe reaction occur at home or at school.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS AN ALLERGIC REACTION

RECOGNIZING AND TREATING HEAT STROKE

There are several signs that could indicate a possible food allergy. Severe allergies can cause dangerous reactions, so taking immediate action is key. A mild reaction may include symptoms such as a runny nose, diarrhea, hives, and/or a rash. If your child is experiencing swelling in or near her mouth (such as her lips, tongue, or throat), stomach pain or vomiting, or difficulty breathing, she may be having a severe allergic reaction. If your child is having a moderate reaction, call her pediatrician. They may advise you to administer Benadryl and watch her closely for several hours or even days. If she’s having a severe reaction, emergency medical treatment is needed. Call 911 or take her

Some signs of heat stroke include fainting, nausea or vomiting, absence of sweating (the body’s way of cooling itself), a bad headache, very red or flushed skin, clamminess, dizziness, weakness, or fatigue that is severe enough your child needs to sit down. Immediately move your child to a shady area and give her plenty of liquids to drink—ideally water. If she doesn’t improve, or her symptoms worsen within about 30 minutes, seek medical attention.

HOW TO HANDLE POISONING If you believe your child ingested anything that may be poisonous or has been poisoned through skin or eye contact, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take steps to remove the poison from the area and minimize exposure—if your child swallowed something poisonous, for instance, but still has some in her mouth, have her spit it out immediately. If she’s been exposed to poison through her skin, remove her clothing and rinse her body with room temperature water. If a child has gotten a poisonous substance in her eyes, flush the eyes (also, with room-temperature water). Your child may resist, but this step is critical for minimizing damage and preserving skin integrity or eyesight. Do not decide to induce vomiting; the experts will tell you exactly what to do based on what you think your child may have ingested and whether your child has ingested poison or been exposed through her skin or eyes. One of the very best things you can do for your child and for yourself is to take a first aid and CPR course. Learning what to do in a first aid emergency, what to do if someone is choking, and how to perform CPR on a child are valuable life-saving skills that could one day save the life of your child or someone else’s. Julia Merrill is a retired board-certified nurse practitioner. Over the course of her 30-year career, she strived to bridge the communication gap between those seeking the best medical care and those working to provide it. She created BefriendYourDoc.org with the goal of sharing tips and insights into finding the right medical care, dealing with insurance companies, and ways for everyone to better maintain their own health and wellness.

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD IS

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Back to School Tips for Academic Success at Home By Laura Reagan-Porras, MS

Back to school preparations go beyond new school clothes and backpacks filled with No. 2 pencils and spiral notebooks. Creating and supporting the habits of life-long learning is the best investment you can make in your child’s academic success. The Parent Institute, the U.S. Department of Education and the non-profit, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) have ideas for creating a learning rich, home environment. Their ideas have been combined together for this simple, home learning list to advance your child’s literacy and mathematic acuity this school year.

1. Want your children to be good readers? Let them see you read. Share their love of books and reading. Parents may say to children, "This was my favorite book when I was your age" or "I can't wait to start my new book." 2. Try relaxing your family's bedtime rules once a week on the weekends. Let your children know that they can stay up as late as they want, as long as they are reading in bed. 3. Cook with your children. Have them use measuring spoons, cups and tools for a hands-on lesson in volume and science vocabulary, like liquids and solids. 4. Try holding D-E-A-R times at your house. "DEAR" stands for "Drop Everything and Read." During DEAR time, everyone in the family sits down for some uninterrupted reading time. 5. With young children, try reading to them during bath time (be careful with the splashing). 6. Have children make a "book" about themselves, with their own illustrations and wording. "A Book About Me" is a 22 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

great way to help your child see themselves as "somebody." 7. Help your child discover their roots by talking with family members over the summer. Then ask your child to write that family member a thank you letter and share all they learned that they didn’t know in the letter. 8. Let kids overhear you praising them to others, particularly about how impressed you are with how they are learning. Always praise their reading efforts. 9. Encourage children to read biographies about successful people. As children learn about the traits that made others successful, they are often motivated to adopt those same success patterns in their own lives. 10. Motivate your children in math by challenging them to figure out how much change you should get back from a purchase. If they get the amount right, they get to keep the change. 11. Encourage kids to collect things. Whether they collect rocks, shells, leaves, or bugs is not important. By collecting,

children are learning new ways to make sense of their world. 12. Estimating is an important math skill. We estimate how much our groceries will cost. We estimate how much time we'll need to complete a project at work. You can help your child learn to estimate at home. Here's one idea: As you're driving, estimate the distance to your destination. Then estimate how much time it will take to get there. Use the odometer or a map to check your work. 13. Talk about geography in terms children can understand: Go through your house and talk about where things came from. A calculator may have come from Taiwan. A box of cereal may have a Battle Creek, Mich., address, or maybe it came from White Plains, N.Y. Talk about where the wheat for your bread came from. Where was the cotton for your blue jeans grown? Tell your children where your ancestors came from. Find the places on a map, together. 14. Show your child that writing is useful. Have them help you write a letter ordering something or asking a question, etc. Then show them the results of your letter. 15. Start a family journal with the sequence of events throughout the day. Any family member can write in it and share a special experience, gratitude or random act of kindness they want to remember. Laura Reagan-Porras, MS is a parenting journalist, sociologist and mother of two active, brilliant daughters

Reading Is Fundamental Suggestions:

Book Reviews for Kids by Kids Edited by Christine Quarry

These kiddos deserve a round of applause for beating the heat this summer and reviewing a few books from Sacramento Parent’s Summer Book Club! • Establish a regular time and place for daily readaloud sessions, such as before bed or during bath time. • Keep on hand a variety of reading materials: picture books, chapter books, atlases, dictionaries, magazines, and newspapers. • Get library cards for everyone and use them often. Encourage your child to swap books with friends. • Give books as gifts. • Have plenty of paper and writing tools. • Store books and writing materials in places children can reach. • Have frequent conversations with each child, as well as with the family as a whole. Parents should encourage everyone to express their ideas, opinions, and feelings. • Reinforce language and literacy skills by doing puzzles and playing games that reinforce literacy, such as Lotto, Candy Land, Old Maid, Concentration, Scrabble, and Trivial Pursuit.

“THE WHODUNIT DETECTIVE AGENCY: THE MOVIE THEATER MYSTERY” by Martin Widmark and Helena Willis

Reviewed by Nolan, Age 6

This book is about everyone. Maya and Jerry are friends and they are detectives and they look alike. They like to solve cases! Maya and Jerry were reading the newspaper, then they saw a story about the third dog stolen this week. So Maya and Jerry went out to the movie theater and saw “A Whistling Cowboy.” Jerry heard a noise during the movie, it was the stolen dogs and he told Maya, “I’ll be right back.” Then he listened until the sounds got closer. He put his ear to the women’s bathroom door to listen but heard...nothing. He then put his ear to the men’s bathroom and heard...nothing. And then he was by the storage room and he heard the dogs. The ticket lady thought he was looking for the bathroom, but he wasn’t. He came back to the movie and told Maya that he heard the dogs in the storage room, a man in the seats behind him said, “shhhh!” So Maya and Jerry went to the café to talk about the dogs. Then they decided to sit and spy and wait for the dog thief to come out of the theater. It was a good book but it would be sad for little kids if their favorite animal is a dog because the dogs get stolen. But I love the end, it ends happy.

“AGATHA, GIRL OF MYSTERY: THE HOLLYWOOD INTRIGUE” by Maya Gold and Steve Stevenson

Reviewed by Neha, Age 8 The Hollywood Intrigue is a really good book! I would recommend for other people to read it too because it is funny, adventurous and sneaky! The main idea of this book is about a theater making a film called “Fatal Error,” but someone is trying to stop the movie! Agatha’s cousin, Dash, and their Uncle Bud are determined to find the culprit before the film making is finished! Robert Royce, the producer of “Fatal Error,” thinks the main suspect is Saul Lowenthal, a famous producer, because they hate each other. Well, Agatha and her crew are going to find out if it was really Saul, or someone else. It might seem impossible for two kids and their uncle to crack such an enormous case, but they did it at the end! They went through a lot of challenges, but they never gave up! Who could be the culprit? Mm? I think the book is amazing, so why don’t you get the book right now and find out?

HENSEL AND GRETEL: NINJA CHICKS by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez

Reviewed by Megan, Age 8 This book was very interesting. I like that it showed the chicken’s responsibilities. Everyone should own a copy or two of this book. My favorite part is when they have to save their Poppa from the Big Bad Wolf. I like that the ninja chicks were girls, and that their dad warned them that they would be chicken pot pie.

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 23

Expressions Academy of Dance

begins on August 15th SIGN UP before August 1st to receive 50% OFF your Membership Fee!

Call to reserve your space! 916-543-0299

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24 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH

It’s that time again! School is back in session and that means early mornings, new friends and hangry little monsters come 3pm. There is something about a full day of school that makes children absolutely ravenous. You wouldn’t know it from their half-eaten lunches, but those tummies are rumbling. Preparing healthy afterschool snacks often feels like just one more item on the to-do list. It is hard enough to pack lunches and make it to extracurricular activities, so who really has time to whip up delicious and nutritious treats during the day? Turns out, you do! We are bringing you 3 of our favorite quick, easy and tasty snacks sure to please every little mouth. They can all be made ahead of time and will last all week long. Get the whole family involved on Sunday afternoon. The kids will be thrilled to share their homemade snacks with their friends after school, and you will have a little more time in your week. And don’t forget that these snacks are not just for the kids. We all feel that 4pm crash, and these treats will keep you doing all day long. Are vegetables a battle in your house? They were in mine until pizza dip came along. This high-protein snack is perfect for kids who love a savory snack after school. It is dairy-free and gluten-free, so you can feel good about serving it to all their friends. With a rich pizza flavor and creamy base, this will be a crowd pleaser! And because the garbanzo beans are full of fiber and protein, your kids won’t be raiding the pantry right before dinner.

Pizza Dip with Chopped Vegetables Ingredients: • 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (drained) • 4 tbsp nutritional yeast (gives a cheesy flavor, could try parmesan cheese instead) • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • ¼ tsp garlic salt • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper • 2/3 cup pizza sauce • 2 tbsp olive oil Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend very well. Serve with bell peppers, carrots, whole wheat pita and pretzels.

This sunshine fruit dip is made from sunflower seed butter and low-fat cream cheese. Sweet enough for dessert, this snack is always a hit, especially for the younger kids who love to have their own bowl for double-dipping. Sunshine fruit dip is best served cold and can be paired with apple slices, strawberries or grapes. Whole grain pretzels and animal crackers are also delicious! Save the leftovers for dessert or to pack in tomorrow lunches.

Sunshine Fruit Dip Ingredients: • 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened • 1 cup sunflower seed butter (or nut butter of choice) • 1 cup powdered sugar • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and beat until light and fluffy.

Continued on page 26

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 25

Snacks continued from page 25

This trail mix is easy to whip up and tastes like a cookie straight from the oven. Make a big batch and keep it on hand for those busy days when you’re running from one activity to the next. Feel free to substitute with any ingredients you have on hand. For example, you could replace the cashews with peanuts or almonds, replace the golden raisins with any dried fruit or replace the dark chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips. You just can’t go wrong with a sweet and savory trail mix!

Cashew Cookie Trail Mix Ask about our one-on-one lessons, kids parties, and our classes to teach parents to cook for their children.

Ingredients: • 1 cup granola • 1 cup whole cashews • ½ cup golden raisins • ½ cup dark chocolate chips • ½ cup miniature pretzels • ¼ cup dried cranberries Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Feel free to omit the cashews in case of allergy.

Carrie Madormo is a health writer, nurse and mom of two. She shares healthy family recipes on her food blog, DietDeepDish.com. Her work has been featured in MetroParent Magazine, Livestrong.com and Work-at-Home Mom Magazine.

916-779-0390 • Sacramento.MadScience.org

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Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Pre-K Half Day • Full Day • 3 & 2-Day Programs • Hot Meals AMI, AMS, MIA Qualified Teachers • Year-Round NORTH NATOMAS 2075 Arena Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 515-0550 Gold River Center will offer Before & After Extended Day Care for children up to age 12.

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Make sure your child is ready for success in school It’s important to make vision check-ups part of your child’s routine medical care. It is estimated that as much as 80% of what children learn in school is learned visually. Now is the perfect time to make sure your child isn’t hindered by poor vision in the classroom.

“We enjoy working with children of all ages and we strive to make your child’s eye exam a fun and easy experience.”

See staff for additional details,Offer expires 9.6.16

28 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

By Dr. Caitlin Walsh, Society for the Blind in Sacramento

August is Children’s Eye Health Awareness Month, so here are a few tips for keeping kids’ beautiful peepers healthy for years to come.

CREATE COLORFUL PLATES AND GET MOVING Pack plates full of fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach and berries to promote retinal health. Add cold-water fish and nuts to the menu to support good quality tear production. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and diabetes can result in vision loss, but kids who are active and maintain a healthy weight will have a lower risk of developing these.

WATCH FOR SQUINTING Children may not know the difference between clear and blurry vision. If you notice them squinting, sitting close to the television or closing one eye when reading, they may need glasses.

PROTECT EYES DURING THE GAME Many eye injuries sustained by kids occur while playing sports and can be prevented with the appropriate protective eyewear. Keep your kids’ eyes safe during their extracurricular activities by asking your eye doctor about protective eyewear.

TAKE SCREEN BREAKS Kids should take a screen break to relax their eyes while working on the computer, watching television, and playing on tablets or smartphones. Try the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes have them look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

WASH HANDS Hands come into contact with germs during the day, especially at school. Encourage kids not to touch their eyes and to keep their hands clean in order to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading an eye infection.

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Estate Planning and Special Needs Attorneys

WEAR SHADES UV light damages the eyes, so choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Children’s eyes do not filter UV light as well as adults’ eyes. Remember: Darker tints do not necessarily mean more protection, and UV exposure is still a risk on cloudy days.

DISCOURAGE SMOKING Smoking is just as bad for eyes as it is for the rest of the body. It can increase risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Encourage your kids to say no to smoking.

KNOW THE FAMILY TREE Having a family history of eye disease like macular degeneration or glaucoma increases our own risk of vision loss. Talk about your personal and family history with your kids so that they can be better informed about their own eye health. Dr. Caitlin Walsh, O.D., F.A.A.O., is an optometrist with Society for the Blind’s Low Vision Clinic in Sacramento. She graduated from the School of Optometry at UC Berkeley in 2012, where she also completed her residency and is a member of the clinical faculty.

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August Special Events Spot light ROCKLIN SWIM TEAM & “LOVE, OLIVIA” OFFERING FREE ADAPTIVE AQUATICS PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Mondays: 8/1 & 8/8, Wednesdays: 8/3 & 8/10 at Whitney High School Swimming Pool, Rocklin Each participant will receive four, 30-minute sessions (times offered between 10am and 1pm)

Lauren Votava, a competitive swimmer and second-year student at the University of Idaho specializing in elementary education, will direct the program. Bridgette Pilling, pediatric doctor of physical therapy with experience in warm-water therapy, will provide professional support. For registration inquiries, contact “Love,Olivia” at 916-752-8192 or email Bridgette Pilling at: bridgettejacquelyn@gmail.com.

DISABILITY AWARENESS FAIR Saturday August 13, 10am-2pm at The Ranch House, 851 Old Ranch House Rd., Rocklin Collin Pitts, a Whitney High School student, Boy Scout in Rocklin Troop 29 and member of Lincoln Venture Crew 3010 is spreading the word that having a disability is “not a bad thing” and that you can get the help you need. Special guest speaker, author and advocate, Diane Mintz will discuss sickness and mental health. Plus, talk with representatives from: Special Olympics, Alta California Regional Center, A Touch of Understanding and many more! This is an Eagle Project for Collin who wants to give back to his community and have a fair for all. For more information please contact-Mentor and Parent, Teresa Pitts at 916-705-1314.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE FOR FOSTER KIDS! Now through August 21st at any local Sleep Train store While you’re out shopping for school supplies keep in mind that Sleep Train’s School Supply Drive for Foster Kids is underway! Now, through August 21st you can help local foster children by donating new school supplies—backpacks, notebooks, 3-ring binders, pens and pencils—to any Sleep Train store. You can find a Sleep Train near you through the store locator at www.SleepTrain.com. For more information on the donation drive and Sleep Train’s Foster Kids program, visit www.SleepTrainFosterKids.com.

30 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

calendar

! t s u Aug

School might be back in session this month, but there’s still plenty of summer fun on the books. Paint up the town with crafts galore, plus so much more! This month there’s something for everyone so mark your calendars and end summer with the whole gang! 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 MONDAY

Movement Monday! 12pm at Ana Apple store, Sacramento Dance to fun music, throw in some creative movement and end with some basic yoga and breathing. Movement encourages and develops fine and gross motor skills in young children. Movement Mondays are free for children of all ages! Parents are encouraged to join in the fun. 737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/workshops Storytime & Craft 10:30am at Maidu Museum & Historic Site, Roseville Enjoy native stories, music, and crafts as part of the Summer Reading Program. 774-5221 | www.Roseville.ca.us

2 TUESDAY

Hula Hoop Challenge 2016 4pm at North Highlands-Antelope Library School aged kids from 6 to 12, learn how to hula hoop or demonstrate your advanced skills. If it is a sunny day they will take the hula hoop fun outdoors near the community room. Free! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Seedlings Series: Wood Friendship Bracelets 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Join the fun every Tuesday for Seedlings Series: Hands-on workshops just for kids 2 to 4 years old! August’s theme is Family and Friendship Month! All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session. Dress for mess! 737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/ friendshipbracelets

3 WEDNESDAY

Basic Baby Sign Language 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Hands-on workshop for Parents or Guardians with babies 6 to 18 months old! Using songs and play, you’ll work together with your little one to learn basic signs such as milk, more and please that will help you communicate with each other! Stick around for toddler signing at 12:30. 737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/babysigns Face painting 1pm at Courtland Library Create a fun design or paint a friends face for Summer Reading at the Courtland Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Mother Goose on the Loose! 10am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a fun storytime especially designed for kids ages 1 to 3. They’ll have rhymes, books, music, finger plays and more! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Wee One Wednesdays 10am at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Little ones are invited to enjoy a morning in the park. Each week, new games and activities are ready for tots to enjoy. From bubbles and art to active games, tots are sure to have a blast! Parent participation required. 772-PLAY | www.Roseville.ca.us

4 THURSDAY

Owen Baker-Flynn’s Inspired Silliness 4pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento Owen offers 45 minutes of juggling, goofy stuff, silly stuff, and a magic trip or two. He references great books and the importance of reading plus the importance of libraries, jelly bean tossing and catching and possible accordion playing. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Kid Studio: Circle & Dot Mural 3pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Stretch your creativity and discover the fun of process art at Kid Studio. Contribute to a collaborative mural that will be displayed at the library. All supplies provided. Artists younger than 8 years-old require adult supervision. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sensory Storytime 10:30am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for this special storytime for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts and more! The presenter is the parent of a young man with autism and there will be time for parents to

network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Wild Things 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Wild Things, Inc. is bringing wild animals into the library! Meet these animals and hear their amazing stories. If you’ve finished Summer Reading don’t forget to pick up your free book before or after the show! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

5 FRIDAY

Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30 pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Family Overnight Safaris 5:30pm at Sacramento Zoo During the summer months of June, July and August, we offer Family Overnight Safaris. This fun-filled educational evening will guide you through all that our nighttime Zoo has to offer. These camp-outs are designed for small groups and families of two or more people. This is a perfect opportunity to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided! 808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Mad Science 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Experience science like never before! Join the library as Mad Science demonstrates the awesome side of physics, aerodynamics and air pressure in their “Up!Up! and Away Show.” Watch as they blow up a giant airbag with one breath, show a real hovercraft in action and shoot toilet paper 50 feet in the air! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

6 SATURDAY

“A King & His Princess” Father Daughter Dance 2016 5pm at AT&T Auditorium, Sacramento sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 31

Come ov e & play! r August 6 & 7 Theater Show: Mother Goose Land August 12 Family Campout

Spend the night in our park!

September 11 Grandparents Day Weekdays $4.75/Weekends & Holidays $5.75 FREE ADMISSION for Children 1 and Under 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento (916) 808-7462

For more programs and events, visit fairytaletown.org

32 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

calendar The day she will never forget! Take your precious girl out for a night of dancing, dinner, entertainment, games, prizes, hula hoop contest and a Princess Fashion Show! Fathers and Father figures, please register for this special event in advance. Brought to you by the Center for Fathers & Families. 208-7638 | www.KingAndPrincess2016. eventbrite.com Artful Tot 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Every month, toddlers explore art-making with different materials in new ways, from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Families are welcome to arrive anytime during this drop-in program. Please dress for mess. This program is for children from 19 to 36 months old and their caregivers. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Kite Making 2pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Make your own kite and learn the multicultural history of kites from presenter Ann Khan of Old City Kites in Sacramento. This program is free but registration is required. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Music Fest 3pm at Del Paso Heights Library, Sacramento You’re invited to be your own headliner at a celebration of all things rock and roll. Enjoy free form rock with a wide variety of musical instruments for all ages or rock out to the video Rockband for more structured play. Whatever your choice, be prepared to jam! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Saturday Safari 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Grab your binoculars to catch a closer glimpse of the animals and plants that make up the unique habitat along the American River. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sensory Storytime 10:30am Southgate Community Library This inclusive storytime was developed for youth with autism and/or sensory disorders and their families/caregivers. It features songs, stories, sensory activities and interactive materials. The program is targeted for a developmental age of 2 to 6 years old. Behaviors and/or noise are no problem. Siblings are welcome! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org The Heritage Trail Tour Various days & times in Placer County Join in for the 9th annual Heritage Trail, a tour of museums in Placer County. This year instead of a weekend event in August, the Heritage Trail is now a summer-long adventure. Clusters of two to three museums will offer free admission on special days throughout the summer. Check the website for details! 530-889-6500 | www.TheHeritageTrail. blogspot.com Wacky Dash 8am at Rodeo Park, Folsom

End your summer on a wild and crazy note with the Wacky Dash, a family-friendly 2-mile obstacle course featuring a giant hay tunnel, mud pits, human car-wash, tire run, giant inflatables, water slides, foam tunnel, climbing walls, balance beams, pyramid climb, and some other fun surprises! www.Folsom.ca.us

7 SUNDAY

Eureka! 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Get your hands on a pan and catch gold fever! Learn about some of the local Gold Rush history and get your hands dirty as you learn how to pan for gold in hopes of striking it rich. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Luxury Wedding Show 12pm at Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Sacramento The Luxury Wedding Show is California’s Only Bridal Show transformed into a wedding. Featuring Couture Fashion Shows, wine tasting, cake tasting, luxurious giveaways, the area’s finest wedding professionals and and hundreds of Wedding Inspiration Ideas. 866-931-8508 | LuxuryWeddingShows.com

9 TUESDAY

Magical Ventriloquist Tony Borders 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join the library for a highly entertaining mixture of comedy, magic, puppet storytelling and ventriloquism! This is a performance with something for each member of the family! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Seedlings Series: Owl Always Love You 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento In this fun workshop, your child (2 to 4 years old) will be using their little feet to make owls. These are not just any owls, they are love owls. Your little one will be making them on canvas, which is a great addition to any family home! All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session. www.AnaApple.com/owlfootprint

10 WEDNESDAY

Captain Underpants Party 2pm at Carmichael Library Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Captain Underpants! Join the library and party as you save the world from naughty cafeteria ladies! Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Drop-Off Day! 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Need a couple hours to yourself? The Greenhouse at Ana Apple is here to help! They will be offering their studio as a place for your children to create and make custom art of their own. How It Works: Bring in your children (ages 3 and up.) Art supplies and organic snacks are supplied! Call or check the website for more information! 737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/dropoffday Puppets and Bubbles with Pixie 11am at Southgate Community Library,

Sacramento Storytime this week will be taken over by the pixies - Pixie Tribe, that is. Enjoy playing with bubbles and interacting with puppets, in this program specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers. 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

11 THURSDAY

12 FRIDAY

Beach Party Princess Various times at Fairytale Town, Sacramento The Fairytale Town Troupers present their final show of the year! Enjoy a family-friendly comedy review that’s just for you! Help select the winner of the beach party princess contest, then dance with your favorite fairytale princesses live onstage. Beach Party Princess is packed with pretty princesses, silly surprises, music, magic and interactive fun in the sweet summer sun! 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30 pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Family Campout (8/12-8/13) 5:30pm at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Spend the night under the stars at Fairytale Town! This exciting overnight adventure includes exclusive play time inside Fairytale Town, a theater performance, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, bedtime stories and a sing-along! Wake up the next morning under Fairytale Town’s canopy of trees to a light continental sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 33

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Baby Steps Therapy, Inc. 6960 Destiny Drive, Suite 112, Rocklin, CA 95677 (916) 415-0119 BabyStepsTherapy.com info@babystepstherapy.com Alta California Regional Providor 34 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Most Major Insurances Accepted

calendar breakfast. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Gem Faire (8/12-8/14) 12pm at Scottish Rite Center, Sacramento Over 60 exhibitors from all over the world will be on site. Fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices plus, jewelry repair while you shop. Displays & demos by Sacramento Mineral Society. Free hourly door prizes and free parking! 503-252-8300 | www.GemFaire.com Movies in the Park: Zootopia 8pm at North Natomas Regional Park, Sacramento Families are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to set up in front of the big screen. There will be free water and popcorn (while supplies last). 808-7001 | www.AngeliqueAshby.com/ natomas-at-nite-2016

13 SATURDAY

Deer Toes and Coyote Paws 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Learn to read the tracks of rabbit, deer, coyote, turkey and the clues that animals leave behind! 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Iron Hills Youth Triathlon 7am at El Dorado Hills Community Services Athletes will cross between the sports of swimming, biking and running. All racers will receive a ribbon, t-shirt and race bag. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers for the 7-15 year-old age divisions, and all 6 & under racers will receive a medal. Racers must bring their own equipment. Check in at 7am, race starts promptly at 8:30am (6 & under starts at 9:30am). 933-6624 | www.ElDoradoHillsCSD.org Peach Festival 9am at Sunrise Mall Farmers Market, Citrus Heights Enjoy a day of family fun, games, entertainment, and food to celebrate all things peaches. Vendors will be showing off their peach inspired specialty foods. You can enjoy peach inspired chef and canning demos. Kids can play games for free and win prizes at the peach eating contest, peach walk, and more. Sign up to compete in the “Best Peach Dessert” contest! 484-7000 | www.BeMoneySmartUSA.org Relay For Life of Davis 10am at Harper Jr. High School, Davis The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. 446-7933 | http://main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?pg=entry&fr_id=73854 Second Saturday Sensory Storytime 10am at North Natomas Library, Sacramento 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 Walk For Wishes 9am at California State Capitol - West Steps Join Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada for the 17th Annual Walk For Wishes and help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Spend your Saturday morning walking with friends, family, and co-workers to make a difference in the lives of very courageous children from the community. 779-3140 | http://sacwalkforwishes.kintera. org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1154138 Ultimate Frisbee 2pm at Central Library, Sacramento You’ve played Frisbee but have you ever played Ultimate Frisbee? Learn how the game is played, practice some throws and catches, and maybe even learn a bit of defense! This program is for patrons of any age (younger than 10 requires adult accompaniment). 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

14 SUNDAY

Reptile Rapture 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Can a turtle climb out of its shell? Do snakes blink? Can you really tell the age of a rattlesnake by the number of buttons on its rattle? Discover all this and more in this program. All ages welcome. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sunday Playday 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento A new monthly program designed for children ages 4 to 6 and their caregivers, Sunday Playday is a gallery-based artmaking experience designed to support school readiness. Led by a Museum educator, children will participate in a fun make-and-take project using a variety of art materials, inspired by a different artwork each month. This program takes place every second Sunday of the month. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

916.446.7501 ext.116

www.SacTheatre.org

16 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 Ice Cream Social with Magician Timothy James 6pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Celebrate the end of summer reading with the library at their annual ice cream social. Start the evening face painting with free ice cream for everyone! Then stay for a spectacular magic

Head over to SacramentoParent.com for more family fun!

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 35

calendar show with award winning illusionist Timothy James as he makes bowling balls appear from nowhere, makes drawings come to life and has the audience predict the future. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

17 WEDNESDAY

Food Truck Safari 5pm at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Enjoy some of the best Food Trucks in the region the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Vendors include: Smokin’ Hot Pizza; Chando’s Tacos; Honest Pie; Gameday Grill; Wandering Boba; Drewski’s Hot Rod; Sweet Spot; and Smoothie Patrol. 351-3527 | www.FolsomZooFriends.org Ice Cream Social with Magician Andy Amix 5pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Celebrate the end of summer reading with the annual ice cream social. Start the evening off with a magic show by magician Andy Amyx. Andy will astound and entertain you with amazing illusions, humor and birds! Stay afterwards to socialize and enjoy free ice cream for everyone! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Members-Only Night 5:30pm at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Fairytale Town members are invited to enjoy exclusive access to the park along with live entertainment on the Mother Goose Stage and complimentary treats. Bring blankets or chairs to relax on the lawn. Pick up dinner and snacks at the Dish & Spoon Cafe, or bring your own. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Puppylocks and the Three Bears 10:30am at Rancho Cordova Library Magical Moonshine Theatre presents their twist on the classic Goldilocks tale with “Puppylocks and the Three Bears.” 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

18 THURSDAY

Carmichael Movie Matinée 3pm at Carmichael Library Take your friends to the library and enjoy a movie - Free! Today’s movie is “Norm of the North PG©,” Lions Gate Films, Inc. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30 pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Kid Studio: Scrape Painting 3pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Stretch your creativity and discover the fun of process art at Kid Studio. This week you’ll use primary colors and a scraping technique to help kids discover the art of color mixing. All supplies provided. Artists younger than 8 years old require adult supervision. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

36 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

19 FRIDAY

California State Home and Garden Show 12pm at Sacramento Convention Center New Ideas, Expert Solutions! The latest products and the very top home improvement experts, all together under one roof! Amazing products, the finest craftsmen, informative workshops, fantastic landscaping ideas and more! 559-322-2211 | www.CalStateShows.com Campfires Under the Stars 7:30pm at Maidu Museum & Historic Site, Roseville Sit under the stars at this outdoor amphitheater to enjoy native stories around the campfire every 3rd Friday of the month. They will provide roasting sticks and marshmallows for a sweet program’s end to this fun family event. 774-5934 | www.Roseville.ca.us Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30 pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Movies in the Park: Inside Out 7pm at Village Park, Fair Oaks Head out early to get a good seat and let your kids experience the Wonderful Outdoor World (W.O.W.) bus before the movie “Inside Out” begins. 966-1036 | www.FairOaksPark.org/events/ summer/movies-in-the-park

20 SATURDAY

7th Annual Banana Festival (8/20-8/21) 10am at Shasta Park, Elk Grove An exciting two-day festival that kicks off with a 5k run/walk on Saturday and continues throughout the weekend with fun for all ages, food, live entertainment, multi-cultural exhibits, marketplace and more. Banana Festival benefits the National Academic Youth Corps, which provides art & educational programs for over 15,000 youth & adults every year right here in Sacramento, plus a dozen other local charities. 320-9573 | www.SacBananaFestival.com Family Storytime 11am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Talk, sing, read, write, and play with the library! Children ages 0-5 years and their families are invited to join Ms. Julia for 30 minutes of fun songs, rhymes and stories all designed to build early literacy skills. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Ice Cream Safari 4pm at Sacramento Zoo Take the entire family to the zoo and enjoy all-you-can-eat Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream at the 32nd Annual Ice Cream Safari. It’s a brain-freezing good time from 4 to 8 pm. 808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Pop-Up Adventure Play Day 11am at Maple Neighborhood Center, Sacramento

Join Fairytale Town for a day celebrating play at the future home of the Sacramento Adventure Playground! Children and adults will work together to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, tubes, pipes, wood and magazines, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items such as colorful fabric and old computer keyboards. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org RedRover Readers Volunteer! 9am at 3800 J St Suite 100, Sacramento Read with kids and help animals! Learn the RedRover Readers curriculum to promote empathy, critical thinking and positive relationship skills in this fun and interactive workshop. Pre-registration is required. Email Readers@ RedRover.org for teacher discount code. 429-2457 | www.RedRover.org/Readers Sensory Storytime 10:30am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a special storytime for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts and more! The presenter is the parent of a young man with autism and there will be time for parents to network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Those Wacky Woodpeckers 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Woodpeckers are instantly recognizable by their unique behavior of pecking vertically on trees and poles, but how much do you really know about these outstanding birds? We will clue you in. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

21 SUNDAY

Bugs and Beyond! 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Explore the amazing world of invertebrates! Learn how to find, handle, sketch and identify various hoppers, crawlers, fliers, swimmers and slimers of the Preserve. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Food Truck Fiesta 5pm at Recreation Park, Auburn This event is a fund raiser for the Auburn Bike Park. Enjoy food trucks, live music, a beer garden, wine bar, demonstrations, and exhibitions. 885-8461 | www.AuburnRec.com

23 TUESDAY

ASL Storytime with Sacramento Signing Families 6:30pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Parents with children between the ages of 0 - 5 are invited to read well-loved children’s books in American Sign Language! This storytime is facilitated by Sacramento Signing Families through the support of a First 5 Sacramento grant. All children and their grownups are invited to join! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Toddler Time 11am at North Highlands-Antelope Toddlers (ages 18 months to 3 years) accompa-

calendar nied by their parents or caregivers are invited to this free storytime. This series features stories, songs and other fun age-appropriate activities. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

24 WEDNESDAY

Magician Jonathan Lopez 3:30pm at Elk Grove Library Head to the library and enjoy the magic of Jonathan Lopez! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Become a member today! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

25 THURSDAY

Family Bike Nights 5:30pm at Safetyville USA, Sacramento A great way to enjoy a night out with the family! Grab your helmet and ride for free in an enclosed 3 ½ acre space. Enjoy a safety clinic at 6:30 pm and bring all your questions for the many bike vendors on hand. Food is available for purchase in the food court. 366-7233 | www.SafetyCenter.org Mama Talks 10:30am at Colonial Heights Library Community Room, Sacramento A free public event hosted by Capital City Doulas and Colonial Heights Library for mothers to connect with one another and access local resources related to pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. This program is geared towards pregnant and new mothers and babies and children under 5, however, all parents/caregivers of small children are welcome to attend. http://www.capitalcitydoulas.com/ calendar Night at the Museum 6pm at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento The Crocker Art Museum is joined by the Sacramento Zoo, California Automobile Museum and the Powerhouse Science Center to present a fantastical night inspired by the movie “Night at the Museum.” Filled with entertaining performances, live animals, the Chabot Space & Science Center’s Cosmic Ray Planetarium, fun talks on the films, and more your evening will be filled with laughter and lots of surprises. 808-1182 | www.SacLibrary.org

26 FRIDAY

38 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

27 SATURDAY

18th Annual Race for the Arts 7am at William Land Park, Sacramento Run or walk through shady William Land Park and then stick around for a festival. The Race for the Arts raises funds and awareness of arts & culture in local communities. Enjoy live entertainment (both on stage and along the racecourse) and approximately 45 hands-on booths allowing attendees to experience the arts first hand. 966-8893 | www.RaceForTheArts.com Annual Multi Cultural Festival 10am at Elk Grove Regional Park Join the City of Elk Grove and the Multicultural Committee as you learn about other cultures through music, art, food, entertainment and much more. FREE admission and parking. Celebrate diversity and travel the world without leaving Elk Grove! www.ElkGroveCity.org 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 welcome too! This month: They’ll have 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 Let the River Run Clean 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Take a hike to the river and learn some ways we can help take care of it and the salmon, egrets, beavers and other wildlife that depend on its

PARTY

clean water. As we learn, we’ll put on some gloves and help clean the river by collecting trash along the banks. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Nature Explorers 10am at Sacramento Zoo Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm. They will be reading stories, playing, and exploring the wonders of the natural world with a new topic each month. Activities are included with Zoo admission. 808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Tales & Ales Fundraiser 5pm at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Join Fairytale Town as they celebrate their 57th anniversary! Local craft breweries will be on-site pouring unlimited tastes of beer. Enjoy live music by AKAlive on the Mother Goose Stage. Local food trucks will be onsite with food and beverages available for sale. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

28 SUNDAY

Curtis Fest 10am at William Curtis Park, Sacramento Celebrate art & artists, photographers and crafters as the exhibit and sell their work! This free event also has musicians, food trucks, a petting zoo, and the Happily Ever After Fairy for the kids. 452-3005 | www.Sierra2.org Owl Be Seeing You 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael When are owls most active? Can they turn their heads all the way around? Discover how you can find out exactly what they have eaten. Meet a

MUSIC

resident owl of the Nature Center and learn the answers to these questions and more. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net 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. This program takes place every fourth Sunday of the month. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

30 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. They 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

31 WEDNESDAY

Mother Goose on the Loose! 10am and 11am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a fun storytime especially designed for kids ages 1-3. They’ll have rhymes, books, music, fingerplays and more! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Movie Madness 6pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento It’s family movie night at the library! Free film, free popcorn! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

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calendar/shows

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

A Grand Night for Singing

August 12-September 18 at Fair Oaks Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre The two key ingredients for a first rate revue are taste and imagination. These qualities abound in this innovative musical celebrating the last three decades of the magical collaboration of Rogers and Hammerstein. Treat yourself to the glorious songs from “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” and many others. 966-3683 | www.FairOaksTheatreFestival.com/events-calendar

All Shook Up

Through August 21 at Sutter Street Theatre, Folsom Centered around a small town in the USA in the 1950’s that is forever changed by a guitar playing, motorcycle riding roustabout, who rides into town one day and really does shake things up! When this cool dude hits town, cupid draws his bow and aims at…EVERYONE! “Jailhouse Rock,” “I Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Teddy Bear,” and many more pave the way for this magical musical. 353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

Behind the Barre: Made in Sacramento

August 26-27 at Crest Theatre, Sacramento Launching forward from last year’s inaugural performance, Capital Dance Project will present a mind-blowing, multi-media performance featuring Sacramento’s most talented visual artists, musicians, and performers. 467-3356 | www.CapitalDanceProject.org/performances.html

Chicago the Musical

August 18-21 at Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom This sensational tale of sin, corruption, and all-that-jazz has everything that makes Broadway great: knockout dancing, a ripped-from-the-headlines story about fame and scandal and one show-stopping song after another. No wonder “Chicago” has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations. 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Cinderella

Through August 6 at Theater One, Sacramento “Cinderella” is a charming story for the whole family. This production features Andrea Kersten as Cinderella and Matt George as her Prince Charming. 916-483-9283x208 | www.TheatreOne.org

Footloose

August 12-September 4 at Woodland Opera House Everybody Cut Loose as the explosive Rock ‘n’ Roll musical “Footloose” bursts on to the stage. Based on the 1980’s screen sensation, which took the world by storm with its youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score, “Footloose” celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. 530-666-9617 | www.WoodlandOperaHouse.org

HO’IKE 2016

August 6 at Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom Presented by Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie Halau Kahulaliwai! A stage full of smiling performers, moving in a gentle synchronicity, celebrating Hawaiian culture in general and hula as an art form in particular. Featuring music by Kekaniwai, this spectacular annual event brings the islands closer to home, if only for one evening. 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net 40 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Menopause the Musical

August 25-27 at Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom The much-loved parody returns! Described as “the hilarious celebration of women and The Change,” “…it’s impossible not to laugh!” (NY Times). Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra...and memory loss and more. Set to familiar tunes from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, “it’s a gentle-spirited celebration of real women and the rough seas they navigate as they enter middle age.” (Journal Sentinel). 608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Mother Goose Land

Various times at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Enter the world of Mother Goose Land, where all your beloved characters are brought to life by the Fratello Marionettes. Follow Mother Goose as she introduces you to her favorite stories. There is no better way to introduce young readers to classic Mother Goose rhymes than this warm and heartfelt production using exquisitely hand crafted marionettes. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

Shrek the Musical

August 26-September 18 at 24th Street Theatre, Sacramento Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, “Shrek: The Musical” is this year’s must-see show for all the family. Join the unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. 207-1226 | www.RunAwayStage.com/broadway-next.html

Sweeney Todd

August 26-September 3 at Musical Mayhem Productions, Elk Grove “Sweeney Todd” has become a worldwide success since being awarded 8 Tony’s (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere and has now been adapted for high school performers in “Sweeney Todd School Edition.” Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler (“A Little Night Music,” “Pacific Overtures”) crafted a tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat that has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences across the world. 525-2995 | www.MmpKids.com

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

August 23-28 at Wells Fargo Pavilion, Sacramento This brand new musical is the only stage collaboration from two masters of American musical theatre, Alan Menken (“Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin”). With a lush, emotionally rich score and beautiful choral arrangements, it’s a dramatic retelling of the epic but tragic Victor Hugo novel. Darker than the Disney film, closer in plot to the novel, the musical showcases the film’s Oscar-nominated score and introduces stunning new songs. 557-1999 | www.CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com

calendar/exhibits

In Fair Oaks

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted Bangles Exhibit Through August 21 at Verge Center for the Arts, Sacramento Lisa Rybovich Crallé fills the vertical space of Verge’s main gallery with an immersive installation comprised of large, suspended sculptures. The sculptures’ elongated looping forms incorporate denim, pleather, and coiffed synthetic hair, alluding to an archetypal 1960s “girl gang” aesthetic. 448-2985 | www.VergeArt.com/exhibitions/bangles-and-rehearsals Little Dreams in Glass and Metal Enameling in America Through September 11 at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Organized by the Los Angeles-based Enamel Arts Foundation, Little Dreams in Glass and Metal includes 122 works by 90 artists from the foundation’s collection of modern and contemporary enamels. Objects range from jewelry to large enamel-on-steel wall panels. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Part of the Landscape Exhibition Through September 1 at Gallery at 48 Natoma, Folsom Blustery clouds above grassy fields and rolling copper-colored hills, sunrises captured in bands of orange light, and sunsets mirrored in reflective blue water will be featured in the next exhibit, appropriately named, Part of the Landscape, at the Gallery at 48 Natoma. This exhibit features gorgeous large scale landscapes by Mya Louw and unique glass pieces by Susan Longini. 355-7285 | www.Folsom.ca.us Picnic Through August 21 at Pence Gallery, Davis Tempt your taste buds and join the Gallery for an exhibit that’s all about food! 530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org

Now Enrolling Parent Child Programs

Kindergarten through 12th grade Call for tours admissions@sacwaldorf.org or 916 860-2518 3750 Bannister Road Fair Oaks, CA 95628 www.sacwaldorf.org

Real Life Exhibition Through October 1 at Red Dot Gallery, Sacramento Real Life brings together works by Judy Knott, Susan Ballenger, Marilyn Baskerville, and Susanne Ventura. Like the diversity you find in real life, the works of these artists represent the diversity you find in art. 267-8100 | www.RedDotGalleryOnJ.com Slice: A Juried Cross-section of Regional Art Through August 21 at Pence Gallery, Davis The Pence’s “Slice” exhibit, now in its 5th year, is open to all California artists, and showcases work in all media that is conceptually thoughtful, technically skilled, and representative of contemporary trends in art. 530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org Without Words Exhibit August 1- October 12 at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento This interactive new exhibit will focus on the various non-verbal communication tools used by the railroad—and the science behind them—that allowed for railroad technicians to communicate at night, across distances, and during challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain, dense fog, and snow. 323-9280 | www.CSRMF.org

• Support by credentialed teachers • On-site enrichment and art classes • Individual education plans • Field trips • Social activities • Hybrid homeschool options also available

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2016 41

story time

DENNIS’ WEIRD DAY By Michelle M. Swaby

It was summertime, school was out and Dennis slept in that morning…the morning of the weirdest day of his life. It all started after he woke up. On a regular morning, Dennis would receive eggs and toast for breakfast, but instead, his mom served him chicken with mashed potatoes. Dennis’ eyes opened wide as he looked at his plate, “Dinner for breakfast?” asked Dennis, his mom smiled and answered, “Yes, dinner for breakfast.” After breakfast, while Dennis was looking for a book to read, he heard a very soft sound, “Ring…, ring…, ring.” It was the clock, as soon as he had noticed; the phone began to make a sound, “Tick tick tick, tick tick tick...” His mom picked up the phone and started chatting. Dennis was puzzled, “The clock rings and the phone ticks, what’s going on?” Then he thought to himself, if his mom wasn’t worried about it, why should he. Dennis finished his book and decided to go on a bike ride with his friend, Paul. They rode their bikes to the park. It was very busy, there were people jogging, children playing and dogs fetching. The boys stopped under a large tree, sat in the grass, and tossed a small ball between each other. “Woof…woof,” they heard, but Dennis didn’t notice a dog close by, “Woof…woof.” The sound was coming from above, when Dennis looked up he saw a bird, “Woof… woof.” “Paul, do you hear 42 AUGUST 2016 sacramentoparent.com

that bird?” asked Dennis. “Yes, I hear him, so what?” answered Paul. At the same time a dog ran over chasing a Frisbee, “Chirp chirp, chirp chirp.” Dennis turned to Paul, but Paul didn’t seem to notice anything strange, he was just throwing the ball up in the air. “Birds barking and dogs chirping…hmmm,” thought Dennis. “I have to go!” exclaimed Dennis and he jumped on his bike and pedaled home as fast as he could. When Dennis got home, he dropped his bike at the front door and ran straight upstairs to his room. He started walking back and forth, trying to think why all of this was happening and wondering if something might be wrong with him. He wondered if he should tell his mom about it, but worried everyone would think he was crazy. He plopped down on his bed, put his arm on his forehead, and

closed his eyes. Then he remembered what he had asked his father last night. He asked his father why exciting things happen to everyone except him. His father told him that exciting things happen to everyone, but we are often too busy to see it. His father went on to tell him that exciting things aren’t always big things, they can be little things too— and sometimes we have to create our own excitement—we can’t wait for it to happen. “Just keep your eyes open son,” his dad said. Dennis thought, “Did I make this happen to myself? This isn’t what I meant, I wish it would stop.” Dennis heard the clock chime, that meant it was 12 o’clock. “Dennis, Dennis,” called Mom, “It’s time for…” Dennis opened his eyes and glanced at his clock, it showed 9am. He ran down stairs to tell his mom, but he saw eggs and toast on the table. It was then he realized it was all a dream and he gave his mom a big hug. From that day on, Dennis looked for joy and excitement in the little things and started doing things that made him feel good inside.

THE END Michelle Swaby is a stay at home mom of two children, ages 3 and 7. Prior to staying home, she worked as a CPA for almost 14 years. Because Michelle believes that reading is one of the most important things that should be encouraged in a child, it led her to write children’s stories and create a YouTube book channel to make her contribution to literacy.

A FREE family festival MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

11 AM – 3 PM • FREE FOR EVERYONE Families with young children will have a yee-haw time at this 6th annual celebration of Gold Rush Days. Giddy up and head over to the Crocker Art Museum for live performances, craft-making demos, and art activities for the whole family.