Sacramento Parent September 2016

parent September 2016

Meet Our Cover Kid WInner!

Math Tips to Try at Home

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A JUNGLE OF AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

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www.TheGiftOfKids.net We Offer • Day Care (ages 6 wks.-5 yrs.)

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• 1/2 Day Morning Preschool Program • Private Kindergarten • Homework Tutor Club(K-5th) • Before & After School Programs (Transporting to & from many schools)

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SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

Join Sami of SAMI’S CIRCUIT at the ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival for the debut of his new children’s book: SAMI VS. THE NEGATIVE VOICE In Sami Vs. The Negative Voice, a young boy is struggling to make friends at school when an embarrassing incident on the playground creates The Negative Voice, a monster who follows Sami everywhere trying to convince him that he’ll never fit in. Based on the childhood experiences of youth motivational speaker Sami Kader, this story emphasizes the importance of learning to believe in yourself, no matter what that Negative Voice tells you.

After dealing with rejection and bullying as a child, Sami Kader of Roseville, California, turned his life around at age 16 with the help of a family friend. Sami then made it his life’s mission to tell his story and help others experiencing similar struggles. Now a youth motivational speaker, Sami has received local and national media coverage for his work in building self-esteem in our youth by teaching them to respect not only others, but themselves.

Fairytale Town

September 24th at 1:30pm and September 25th at 12:30pm 2901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento More info: www.samikader.com

sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016

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on our cover

parent September 2016

We may have met Rayan back in April at our Cover Kid Search sponsored by Sunrise Mall—but now, the time has come to share the cuteness overload with our readers. Head over to page 12 to see Rayan and some of our favorite finalists who came out to the event.

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 24 YEARS

photographer: Memories by Michelle Photography www.MByMPhotos.com

contents SEPTEMBER 2016

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departments 27 CRAFTY

Squirt Gun Painting

41 WIN IT

Inspire Hobbies with these Freebies

42 HUMOR ME

My Fridge...the Blabbermouth

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features around town 10 Take on Tahoe 31 CALENDAR Activities Galore 12 Meet the Cover Kid Search Winner & Finalists 38 SHOWS Showstoppers 21 Welcome to the Activity Jungle 23 Activities to Help Kids with Math 39 EXHIBITS Enriching Displays 40 Pumpkin Season is Coming!

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Making Decisions for your Eighteen Year-Old Special Needs Child

BABY STROLLERS

Bolivian artist, Our Lady of the Rosary of Pomata, late 17th or 18th century. Roberta and Richard Huber Collection.

HOLY ROLLERS

Activities abound for visitors of all ages at the Crocker Art Museum! From baby-friendly gallery walks to art classes for toddlers to teens, discover it all at crockerartmuseum.org.

From October 23 – January 22, visit the Crocker to enjoy the new exhibition, “Highest Heaven: Spanish and Portuguese Colonial Art from the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection.” sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016

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INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM Sensorial Activities • Language and Math • Practical Life • Arts and Crafts • Music and Movement • Outdoor Play-time • Half-day & Full-day Programs • Two/Three/Five Day Programs

PRESCHOOL / PRE-K PROGRAM Sensorial • Language • Mathematics • Practical Life • Science • Spanish • Art /Crafts/Music • Extracurricular Activities • Snacks & Hot Meals • Half-day & Full-day Programs

SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM Homework Assistance • Transportation provided to and from school • “Kidz Love Soccer” • Computer Lab • Arts and Crafts • Dress-up Corner • Piano Music Lessons • Gymnastics • Cooking Projects • Ballet / Tap Dancing • Spanish/Chinese

2075 Arena Blvd.

2317 Gold Meadow Way Sacramento (Natomas) Gold River

(916) 515-0550 8

SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

(916) 539-0309

It’s so fun to unveil the Cover Kid Winner and this year’s winner is our first boy since we started the event three years ago. I’ve said it before, but I love this event! I only wish we could share each child with you, because they are all so unique. Flip to page 12 to see the winner and a handful of our favorites from the event!

co-publisher | SUE LETO COLE co-publisher | SHELLY BOKMAN editor | SHANNON SMITH assistant editor | CHRISTINE QUARRY art directors | PATRICE VAN DAM, Studio PR

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com

contributing photographer: Memories by Michelle Photography www.MByMPhotos.com contributing writers: Margaret Heiser Fulton | Janeen Lewis Christine Quarry | Steph Rodriguez Shannon Smith | Michele Sprague

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Raychell Sarcomo | (530) 889.6175 raychell@sacramentoparent.com Lindsay Trenz | (530) 889.6178 lindsay@sacramentoparent.com

This month we’ve also rounded-up some awesome after school activity options and in the process we discovered a wonderful new resource for Sacramento area families, it’s called Activity Jungle. With Activity Jungle and the After School Activity Guide at SacramentoParent.com, you’ll love how easy it is to find the best activities for your child.

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

Welcome to the new school year, but it’s not too late to squeeze in another weekend trip! I was inspired after a short camping trip in Tahoe and so, check out page 10 for family-fun in the beautiful Sierras this month, too.

Shannon & the Sac Parent Team

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

BILLING QUESTIONS

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

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

Sacramento Parent magazine is published monthly by Family Publishing, Inc. It is available free of charge at over 1,000 locations throughout Greater Sacramento. Sacramento Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photos from our readers.

Sacramento Parent is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

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

Deanna Fox 916-220-9994 sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016

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Take on Tahoe

By Shannon Smith

Sacramento families know how lucky they are to be able to jump in the car, take a short road trip and within a few hours find themselves exploring the beautiful Tahoe region. Who doesn’t love the snowcapped mountains, whether it’s just to play in the snow, ski, tube or snowboard?

I just returned from an amazing weekend camping trip at Fallen Leaf Campground in South Lake Tahoe and wanted to share some Tahoe, fun in the sun ideas that you can squeeze in before the snow season begins.

HEAVENLY, SOUTH LAKE TAHOE If you haven’t heard, Heavenly has added a new adventure feature to their Adventure Park this past summer and like its name, it’s epic! Epic Discovery is a unique, connected, on-mountain summer experience, with activities that provide big-time thrills and lifelong memories. The Epic Discovery’s newest attraction is the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster. Riders will descend down the mountain on a raised track through the forest on a gravity propelled coaster that’s 3400’ long and has a 300’ vertical drop.

Photo courtesy of Heavenly Mountain Resort

Thrill seekers of all levels will be amazed as they experience this one of a kind adventure that includes a scenic gondola ride leading to the coaster, zip lines, mountain tours, rock climbing walls, summer tubing, ropes courses, and more! It’s not too late to experience Epic Discovery, which will remain open on the weekends from 10am to 4pm until September 25th (weather permitting). www.SkiHeavenly.com/info/epic-discovery

DONNER EQUESTRIAN CENTER, TRUCKEE Equestrian enthusiasts should be excited to hear that the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center has made some awesome upgrades. Now that this equestrian operation has never looked better, you can still get out in the month of September to experience trail rides and pony rides every Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 4pm (last ride at 3pm).

There are also some special events that would be perfect for a date night, or family outing: Cowgirls & Cocktails, which features an early evening trail ride followed by beer, wine and appetizers. September 2nd and 23rd.

Photo courtesy of Donner Equestrian Center

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Pancakes & Ponies, a family event that includes a pancake breakfast and a pony ride for children. September 3rd and 17th.

TahoeDonner.com/equestrian

WINTER ADVENTURES, NORTH LAKE TAHOE Of course winter will be here before we know it, and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association has kindly shared a round-up of winter activities that families will love—check them out!

Northstar: Ice skating rink for all ages and a family snow playground open for interactive snow games. | www.NorthstarCalifornia.com Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling: Choose from exciting lake views or summit adventure tours that last 1.5 to 4 hours through over 100 miles of trails that run across the National Forest around Lake Tahoe. | www.LakeTahoeSnowmobiling.com

www.Facebook.com/Northstar

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows: A ski resort with off-hill activities including ice skating, a craft studio, mini snowmobiles, and snow tubing for the family. They also offer Teaching Tykes, a ski school program that trains children and their parents to ski together. | SquawAlpine.com/kids-families Sugar Pine State Park: Features 11 miles of cross country ski and snowshoe trails for families to explore together. Guided tours such as the “Snowshoe through History” and “Full Moon Snowshoe Tours” offer families a majestic journey through history. | www.Parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510 Head over to SacramentoParent.com for even more ideas to take on Tahoe!

www.Facebook.com/Lake-Tahoe-SnowmobileTours-118145691585688

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Meet the 2016 Cover Kid Winner & a few favorites from the 2016 Cover Kid Search Edited by Shannon Smith Photography by Memories by Michelle | www.MbyMPhotos.com

RAYAN

2 years and 9 months old City of Residence: Sacramento

This year’s Cover Kid Search was sponsored by Sunrise Mall, www.SunriseMallOnline.com.

Rayan’s “Total Legend” outfit was courtesy of The Children’s Place, www.ChildrensPlace.com.

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This year, we met up at the Sunrise Mall for the Cover Kid photo shoot, where our winner Rayan was dressed in his “Total Legend” outfit provided by The Children’s Place. Rayan was such a happy little guy, reaching out to shake hands with the grownups and giving hugs, we had a blast playing at the mall.

With his mom and auntie, he grabbed the attention of early morning walkers as we explored the mall from the play area to the food court! Rayan rocked his outfit and his face lit up as he played a spontaneous game of peek-a-boo with Michelle, the photographer. Rayan is definitely a special little guy, read on to learn more about him.

Of course, with so many adorable kiddos we had to share a few of the favorite runner-ups, too!

….The WINNER! WHAT ARE SOME OF RAYAN'S FAVORITE THINGS TO DO? Rayan likes to color, sing and dance, read books, visit his auntie’s house every weekend and travel by train to see his grandparents in Bakersfield every couple of months.

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE COLOR? He doesn’t have just one favorite color, he loves them all.

WHAT'S HIS FAVORITE FOOD? Apples, cucumbers, falafel and french fries.

ANY SIBLINGS? No, but we are sure that he will make a good big brother one day.

DOES RAYAN HAVE ANY HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES HE DOES? He likes to play ball with his father all the time. Also, he likes to swim in the summer with his friends and he goes to gymnastics class every Saturday.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY STORIES OR MEMORIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Rayan is obsessed with letters and numbers. His uncle got him a set of fridge magnets.

He gets so excited every time he lines them up on the fridge and will start singing, “…now I know my ABC’s, next time won’t you sing with me.”

We also think it’s funny when Rayan gets excited, he shakes his hands repeatedly like a little bird. His father says, “Wait for him. One day he will fly.”

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COVER KID SEARCH? I work as a pre-K teacher at El Rancho School and pick up the magazine every time it’s delivered. I always read the magazine to learn about parents in our community and to plan activities for my family.

TELL US ABOUT HIS SUSPENDERS AND OUTFIT HE WAS STYLED IN AT THE COVER KID SEARCH IN APRIL? I got the outfit for his second birthday. I was looking for something classic, because no matter how modern the world gets we still long for the past. The moment I put the outfit on I knew it was meant for him. Then he smiled, and that smile completed the handsome boy he is.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT HIS PERSONALITY? Rayan has changed our family from the day he was born. He is grandson number 30 and the first boy to carry the family's name. He has brought joy and happiness to us. He is nothing but an adorable, happy child. He is bilingual and likes to express his love to us by saying “habiby” which means I love you in Arabic. He always uses his manners, such as waving to greet people by saying, “Hello, how are you doing?” and “Thank you.” He likes to help people around him, and always waits for his turn at gymnastics and school. sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 13

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…More of our Cover Kid Search favorites!

ZIAIRE, AGE 3 If Ziaire could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

Ziaire’s superpower would be to make friends with everyone, because he’s very friendly. He also would enjoy having his own real dinosaurs because he collects dinosaurs and loves them.

Favorite Color? Red! Favorite Activity? Ziaire is a very active kid. He enjoys playing outside with friends, basketball, soccer, and swimming are some of his favorites.

Favorite Food? I would say his favorite food is chicken, because he’s a meat eater— but, he also loves his fruits and veggies.

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

We heard about the Cover Kid Search because Ziaire was a finalist and featured last year as well. We always read and love Sacramento Parent, it has so many great events for kids and families. It’s also very informational.

JULIA, AGE 3 AND A HALF If Julia could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

Flying! She loves putting on a cape and running fast while making a whoosh sound.

She’s a daredevil, too and I think she’d love to be soaring through the air!

Favorite Color? Pink!

Favorite Activity? Coloring!

Favorite Food? Fruit, especially raspberries and strawberries.

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search? At the Babies & Bumps event in Citrus Heights and on their Facebook page.

HAIDEN, AGE 9 MONTHS If Haiden could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

Probably, world’s best charmer! His nicknames are “handsome hammy” or his sisters call him “hammy cheese.” He is a very loving, happy little guy.

Favorite Color? Lime green and blue. He just seems to stare at those colors as if he is hypnotized.

Favorite Activity? Haiden loves to play in his exersaucer! He can jump around for quite some time.

Favorite Food? He loves all fruits and veggies.

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

We heard about the Cover Kid Search for Sacramento Parent through the Babies & Bumps event hosted in Citrus Heights.

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Call 916-797-0222

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Sign up Now Fall Session: August 22 - December 17 Audition: Sept. 10th to perform in "Nutcracker" & "Christmas Angels"

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JAYNA, AGE 18 MONTHS If Jayna could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

If Jayna had a superpower, it would be the ability to bring joy and uplift people.

Favorite Color? Pink!

Favorite Activity? Dancing!

Favorite Food? Strawberries!

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

We were attending Babies & Bumps and learned about it. It was such a delightful experience.

PAISLEY, AGE 1 If Paisley could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

Paisley would love to have the superpower of talking to animals! She loves every kind of animal; she is always trying to give them all kisses and hugs.

Favorite Color? Pink!

Favorite Activity? Paisley loves to go swimming and to go to the park.

Favorite Food? Spaghetti!

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

We went to the Babies & Bumps event.

JACK, AGE 2 If Jack could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

His superpower would be to go invisible, so he could eat all the marshmallows he wants.

Favorite Color? He answered “purple,” but we think it’s blue.

Favorite Activity? Playing in his dog’s water bowl!

Favorite Food? French Fries!

How did you hear about Cover Kid Search?

From attending the Cover Kid Search last year.

TRISTAN, AGE 5 If Tristan could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

His superpower would be speed, because he loves to run around laughing happily (and so he could escape his mom, too)!

Favorite color? All of the bright colors you can think of!

Favorite activity? Singing and dancing to kid songs and imitating everyone around him.

Favorite food? Spaghetti, noodles and guacamole.

How did you hear about Cover Kid Search?

We always get Sacramento Parent magazine, so we saw the ad inside of it. As well as seeing it with information about the Babies & Bumps event. sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 17

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JAZLYN, AGE 9 MONTHS If Jazlyn could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

Jazlyn’s superpower would be her Super Cuteness. Her big, expressive eyes, dimples and wide grin make her irresistible to everyone she encounters.

Favorite Color? Yellow!

Favorite Activity? Jazlyn loves playing Roller Coaster with her mother, Jacqueline; this activity is performed by the mother placing Jazlyn tummy down on top of a yoga ball and Jazlyn being rolled back and forth and side to side.

Favorite Food? Jazlyn squeals with delight when she is fed carrots! Shockingly, she appears to love vegetables!

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

While attending the Babies & Bumps Event in April with friends, our sweet friend Joy McNeil of the Specialists: All Natural Carpet Care informed us of the search and encouraged us to participate—we are so glad we did!

MAKAI, AGE 9 MONTHS If Makai could have any superpower, what do you think it would be and why?

We think his superpower would be super strength because he has always been very strong since he was born.

Favorite Color? Blue!

Favorite Activity? Eating!

Favorite Food? Sweet potatoes!

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

Makai attends KinderCare where they had flyers for the parents.

YASMINA, AGE 3 Tell us a few things about Yasmina...

Yasmina is bilingual, she speaks English and Russian. Yasmina is curious, happy, playful and at times she can be headstrong.

Favorite Color? Green!

Favorite Activity? Dancing!

Favorite Food? Chocolate!

How did you hear about the Cover Kid Search?

We heard about the Cover Kid Search through the Babies & Bumps community event in Citrus Heights.

We can’t wait to meet your child in 2017! www.SacramentoParent.com/Babies--Bumps

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Welcome to the Activity Jungle

By Steph Rodriguez

With hundreds of unique and challenging children’s activities to choose from like guitar and violin lessons, painting and writing classes, zumba and yoga groups, we were excited to hear about ActivityJungle.org, a website where you can explore endless possibilities for all things fun in and around Sacramento.

Local youth tennis instructor, Clarisse Baca, noticed the parents of her students were struggling to find more stimulating activities for their children. Sure, a quick Google search would suggest an afternoon at Fairytale Town or list various camps, clinics and sports tournaments.

But, what about the kids who aren’t so sporty, the teens who become inspired in the kitchen, or the young entertainers who find they truly excel on stage?

With all of those personalities in mind, Baca and husband, John Meidinger, decided to combine their creative efforts and use their business education from Sacramento State, to begin piecing together an online marketplace that would showcase a multitude of opportunities for Sacramento’s youth.

In May, Baca and Meidinger launched ActivityJungle.org. The couple’s website, which was a mere idea last year, is now a fully operating community that allows its users to search numerous categories from visual and performing arts, sports and fitness, language, after school care, tutoring and more.

All the classes listed on Activity Jungle were thoroughly researched by Baca and Meidinger to ensure the instructors teaching the classes were genuine. They also try to showcase respected, mom and pop-style businesses in the community.

groups, like “sporty” versus “nerdy,” she and Meidinger wanted to create an online safe haven where parents are able to find a specific class or group activity that embraces each child’s unique talents.

“We wanted to simplify Activity Jungle for parents and for every kid in Sacramento to be able to really find their passion,” Baca says. Baca recalls a talent that moved her from Chihuahua, Mexico to California when she was only 17 yearsold—and that was tennis.

For example, under the “music” category, a child could learn how to play a woodwind or brass instrument from Tim’s Music shop on Marconi Avenue. The small music store was founded more than 30 years ago.

Activity Jungle also allows its guests to narrow searches further by age group, price-point, and even distance in mileage.

Here, parents are also given the option to contact coaches, tutors and instructors, write or read reviews of classes, and most of all, Activity Jungle lists hundreds of unique and local children’s activities in one cohesive package.

“My inspiration comes mainly from kids that feel they don’t fit in,” Baca says about her motivation to create Activity Jungle. “I want to give kids a place to find options where they can try new things, because it will help them with their self-esteem and personality and to really identify who they are.”

Baca says that with the increase of bullying incidents in schools and kids either not fitting in with certain cliques, or being categorized by different social

As a skilled tennis athlete, Baca impressed recruiters from Sacramento State who watched her play and awarded her scholarships to join the tennis league and also attend classes at the University.

During her time spent studying for her master’s degree in business, she met Meidinger, and the two were married this summer.

Baca says that Activity Jungle is also meant to give kids and teens alike an endless amount of possibility. If basketball didn’t work out one summer, that’s fine. Next weekend there might be a tumbling class that sparks inspiration, or a cultural dance class that reconnects children with their ethnicity.

Whether it’s a paint brush, a tennis racket or woodwind instrument, Baca aims to help children find what they’re enthusiastic about, to embrace it and finally feel as though they do belong.

“The goal of Activity Jungle is to give parents different options for their kids to be involved in,” Baca says. “We’re just trying to help kids in the Sacramento region find their passion. That’s our goal.”

Steph Rodriguez is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years experience as a writer and editor. From entertainment and lifestyle features to profiles with a farm-to-fork interest, she aims to capture the very best of Sacramento and beyond.

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Activities to Help Your Child Do Better in Math

By Janeen Lewis

Is math homework giving you a headache? Do you dread hearing “I hate math!” every night? While math may seem boring or challenging to some children, it is helpful to everyday living, and good math skills can open doors to exciting jobs post-graduation. Try these tips to show children math can be interesting and fun.

1. Use measuring and fraction skills when you bake or cook with your child. This is a great way to show your child the relevance of math in their everyday life.

2. At the grocery store, have your child figure out how many pounds of produce to get without going over a certain dollar amount. For example, say “Please weigh and bring me $3.00 worth of granny smith apples.”

3. Study and graph weather. Make bar graphs, circle graphs or pictographs for sunny, rainy, cloudy, or snowy days. Find the mean, median, range and mode for the high and low temperatures each month.

4. Research cool careers that use math. Some interesting ones include architect, astronaut, fashion designer, forensic analyst and computer programmer.

5. Learn about the lives of famous mathematicians and what they accomplished (for instance, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and John Nash, from “A Beautiful Mind”).

6. Let your child plan a special dinner. Then give him/her a budget and let them shop for the ingredients without going over the budget.

7. Volunteer in your child’s math class. You will experience what your child is learning, the teacher’s expectations and how to better help your child at home.

8. If your child is struggling in math, ask your child’s teacher to recommend a tutor or call the math department at your local university. There are probably math majors willing to tutor.

9. Plan a trip together, calculate the miles you will travel at a designated speed.

Decide how long it will take to get there.

10. Give your child an allowance that they have to manage. Together decide how much they will save, spend and donate.

11. If your child is a teen with a job, help them write a budget and open a savings account.

12. When shopping for a new toy, backpack or school supply, look at sale flyers from several stores. Have your child find which store has the best bargain for the item they want.

13. Play store with young children. Let them pick out toys and household items and put price tags on them. Then give them money to practice counting out to you to pay for the items.

14. Read math picture books like” The Greedy Triangle”, “The Grapes of Math”, “The Doorbell Rang”, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “How Big is a Foot?”

15. Have your tween or teen pick out the make, model and year of a car they would like to buy when they are 18. Look up the value of the car and figure out how much they will have to earn every week until they are 18 to buy the car.

Continued on page 25 sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 23

Where MATH makes sense • Personalized curriculum • One-on-one instruction • Kids love it!

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Math continued from page 23

16. Walk around your house and find examples of parallel and perpendicular lines in doorways, walls, furniture and more.

20. Play card games that involve math (for example, Uno and Crazy Eights).

17. Find various geometric shapes around your house and yard.

Draw or take photographs and label the shapes and what they comprise (for instance, the roof, the mailbox, the deck railing) and make your own version of a book like Tana Hoban’s, “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes.”

21. Make up a word problem of the day every day and have your child solve it. Keep it fun and funny.

18. Have daily countdowns to special events, or do a___shopping days until Christmas countdown.

19. Challenge both genders in math. Don’t promote stereotypes that suggest boys are better at math and girls are better at reading. Research shows that while girls do well in math in middle school and high school, women are underrepresented in post graduate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) jobs.

22. Cut food into fractional parts and talk about it. Use the food fractions to introduce equivalent fractions.

23. Take a tour of your local bank. Talk to your child about words like loan, interest and principal.

24. Celebrate Pi day and talk about what it means and why it is important. Make your child’s favorite pie. (March 14, 2017) 25. Keep math resources on hand. Math tools like rulers, seamstress tapes, tangrams, pattern blocks, play money, fraction bars, counters, and geometric shapes are great for kids to make discoveries with while playing. Also, keep a good math dictionary on your bookshelf to help with terms you may have forgotten.

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and primary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education.

3250 VICTORY DRIVE ROCKLIN, CA 96765

(916) 632.3195

HT TP://RIC A.ROCKLINUSD.ORG sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 25

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Squirt Gun Painting

By Shannon Smith This has been on my craft “bucket list” mainly, because of the final results I have seen splashed around Pinterest that look amazing! Naturally, I wanted the end result to put on display!

So, we set this up as a craft at a family barbeque and it didn’t disappoint. Actually, I think my mom and 9 year-old had the most fun with it. It’s simple in concept, use paint-filled squirt guns to shoot paint onto a blank canvas and presto…a masterpiece is created!

Materials Needed:

• Squirt guns (I purchased 6 from a local dollar store)

• Tempera paint (my kiddos insisted on a metallic paint, came with 6 different colors)

• Water (to dilute the paint)

• Plastic drop, or an old sheet (mainly to protect the area around the canvas from getting splattered with paint)

• Canvas, or paper for painting (I used a 12x12 pack of 7 canvases that I picked up at Michael’s using a coupon)

Directions: 1. This activity will get messy, so do it outdoors and drape a plastic drop, or an old sheet in the area you will be squirting paint, then set your canvases on top of the covered area. We set up against the fence, but you can easily do this on a table or even on the ground.

2. Pre-mix the tempera paint with a little water (a 50/50 mixture seemed to work good).

(Tip: use a measuring cup, or something with a pour spout to slowly fill the squirt gun with the paint/water mixture.)

3. The rest is easy! Squirt paint, have fun and let your colorful, splatter-painted works of art dry!

Other ideas: Use painters tape to create a design before you paint.

Let the paint drip and tap the sides of the painting to create variations.

One last tip: It takes a little time to get ready, so if you have little ones you may want to set up in advance to avoid him/her asking over and over if it’s time yet!

sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 27

10th Annual Boots N Scoots BBQ & Barn Dance Saturday ~ October 1, 2016

The Down Syndrome Information Alliance provides support and resources to empower individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and our community.

SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 6, 2016

William Land Park, Village Green (at the corner of Sutterville and Freeport) Benefitting Ride To Walk’s Equine Therapy Program Equine Therapy Rider Demonstrations Live Music and Dancing Mexican Style Dancing Horses Traditional Mexican Folk Dancing Tickets $40.00 Purchase at www.ridetowalk.org or 916-791-2747 Gates Open at 4:30 Rider Demonstration @ 6:00 BBQ Dinner Following 1630 Hwy 193 in Lincoln (across from Turkey Creek Golf Course)

28 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

www.downsyndromeinfo.org

Decision-Making for Your Eighteen Year-old Special Needs Child

By Margaret Heiser Fulton When your child reaches age eighteen, your son or daughter is legally an adult. Adulthood, for all persons, brings legal rights and responsibilities. An adult can legally enter into a contract and make medical decisions. Moms and dads, including the author of this article, are surprised to learn that, after they have made decisions for their child for eighteen years, now medical providers ask them to leave the room during doctor’s appointments and are no longer able to share information with them. This situation can be even more challenging for the parents of a child with special needs.

Before your disabled child turns eighteen, it is important to determine whether a parent should continue to be involved in her financial and medical decisions. Will a court conservatorship be necessary, or will there be a less expensive and less restrictive option which will allow parents and others to continue to participate in decision-making?

There are several alternatives to consider.

If the disabled person has sufficient capacity to understand and execute documents, she

can sign powers of attorney to allow an agent, such as a parent, to handle health and financial affairs without court supervision. In California there are two types of powers of attorney: one which deals with finances, and another which deals with health. By signing a financial power of attorney, the adult child can give a parent or other trusted person the authority to make financial decisions for her. The power of attorney can be effective while the person with disabilities has capacity, or it can become effective at a future time when the individual loses capacity. A health care power of attorney, also called an advance directive, gives a parent or other individual the ability to make heath care decisions for the adult child.

In addition, the adult child with sufficient capacity can sign a HIPAA authorization which will permit parents or other individuals to access the child’s health records and other medical information. Of course, with the young adult’s consent, parents or others can always informally assist her in making her own independent medical and financial decisions.

If the person with a disability does not have the capacity to understand and sign documents, it may be necessary to establish a court conservatorship. Before authorizing the establishment of a conservatorship, the court must determine that a conservatorship is the “least restrictive alternative” for making decisions for the disabled person. There are two kinds of conservatorships. A regular conservatorship gives the court-appointed conservator full decision- making powers.

Limited conservatorships are similar to regular conservatorships, except they are

only established for developmentally disabled adults. A limited conservator’s duty is to help the limited conservatee develop self-reliance and independence. The judge will only give the limited conservator powers to do things the disabled person cannot do without help.

If a conservatorship is necessary, it’s a good idea to start the process well before the disabled person’s eighteenth birthday. An estate planning and special needs attorney can help you evaluate your child’s individual situation and arrive at the appropriate arrangement for your child.

Margaret Heiser Fulton is an attorney certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of CA Board of Legal Specialization. She received her B.A. from UC Berkeley, and earned her law degree from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. She has been an instructor of business law and federal income taxation at Sierra College, and she is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners. Visit www.fulton-law.com or call 530-823-2010 for more information. sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 29

Developing Character...

One Stage at a Time!

Theater arts classes for kids 4-18

Drama • Dance • Voice Specialty Classes

Group/field trip opportunities available!

Christian Youth Theater is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment.

30 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

calendar

r e b m e t p e S

Wonder Powers Activate! Find everything super fun that’s happening in and around Sacramento! Pow! From festivals and throwbacks to the Gold Rush era to indoor and outdoor activities and celebrating with grandparents...Here it is, your September family-friendly calendar!

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 THURSDAY

Back to Hogwarts 6pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento Got your robes, books and owl? Join the library for an evening at the famous wizarding school!

Try your hand at potions, History of Magic, wand-making, Great Hall snacks and more!

Registration is required.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Family Movie Night 5:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove A free movie and popcorn for all ages! This program is hosted by Franklin Community Library.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Homework Zone 3:30pm at South Natomas Library, Sacramento Volunteer homework coaches will be available to assist students in grades K through 8 with homework assignments. No appointment necessary; just drop in and get help!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org 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 lots of time for parents to network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

2 FRIDAY

Artful Tot 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Toddlers can explore art-making with different materials from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Please dress for mess. This program is for children from 19 to 36 months old and their caregivers.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Changing Emotions 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento A walk-in arts & crafts activity setup for kids of all ages! Join the fun every Friday anytime from

12 to 5pm for an activity that is always different for only $5! This week’s activity allows your child to create a face that can change its expression and emotions. All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session.

737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/ ChangingEmotions

Fountains First Friday Street Fair 6pm at Fountains, Roseville Grab the family and head out to The Fountains for an evening of family fun! Enjoy artisans, crafters, kids zone, Euro Sunday Car Show and more!

786-2679 | www.FountainsAtRoseville.com

3 SATURDAY

44th Annual Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival (9/3-9/4) 10am in Arnold, California This festival is in the beautiful mountain resort town of Arnold on Highway 4. Arnold’s popular end-of-summer celebration features 55 booths of original art & crafts, live music, gourmet samples and face painting for kids (and adult ‘kids’)!

925-372-8961 | www.GoCalaveras.com Along the River’s Edge 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Who lives at the river’s edge? Hike with a naturalist and explore the habitat where beaver, otter, heron and other wildlife live. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the Nature Center.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Artful Tot 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Toddlers can explore art-making with different

materials from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Arrive anytime during this drop-in program. This program is for children from 19 to 36 months old and their caregivers. Dress for mess!

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Fishing Day 8:30am at Howe Park Pond, Sacramento The Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District and Fishing in the City are excited about the catfish season. At the Howe Park Pond, Fishing in the City is providing loans of rods, bait, and tackle for up to 50 people and instructional clinics. No registration required but first come, first serve! www.FecRecPark.com/wp/special-events/ fishing-in-the-city Gold Rush Days 2016 (9/3-9/5) 11am in Old Sacramento Get ready to turn back time to the 1850s…wildly fun and always free, Gold Rush Days returns to Old Sacramento over Labor Day Weekend!

From musicians to melodramas, soldiers to saloons, you’ll experience it all at Gold Rush Days 2016.

808-7777 www.SacramentoGoldRushDays.com Sensory Storytime 10:30am at Southgate Community Library, Sacramento 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 two to six years-old. Behaviors and/or noise are no problem. Siblings are welcome!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

4 SUNDAY

Kids & Company Gallery Adventure 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento This tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older in a fun and playful manner. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. This program takes place every first and third Sunsacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 31

calendar day of the month.

808-1182 | www.SacLibrary.org Sensational Senses 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael How do humans and animals explore and get information from their environment? Discover the functions of your senses and compare your sensory abilities to local wildlife. Use your senses to investigate animal artifacts and even a live animal!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

6 TUESDAY

Comix Club 6pm at Valley Hi-North Laguna Library, Sacramento Want to write, pencil, ink and publish a comic book? That’s the goal at the Comix Club.

Whether you aspire to be the next Fiona Staples, a world class mangaka or a punk underground artist, they have got the tools and the teacher just for you.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org DIY Calm Down Bottles 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento A hands-on workshop just for kids 2 to 4 yearsold! September’s theme is Emotion & Expression! Sometimes being little can be frustrating, especially when you can’t explain what you want or feel. Kids will be creating their own calm down bottles to help them relax during those rough days. All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session.

737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com Tuesday Movie Madness 6pm at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a fantastic family movie on the first Tuesday of each month. They’ll have refreshments and a lot of fun! This month’s movie is “Norm of the North” (PG, 86 min., 2016, Lionsgate).

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

7 WEDNESDAY

Buttons and Beads 1pm at Courtland Library Head over and design a headband, bracelet, choker or necklace with hundreds of buttons and beads to choose from at the Courtland Library!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Science Club: Doodle Bots 4pm at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Youth ages 8 to 12 and their families are invited to explore science concepts at this STEM program. Learn about science and technology while creating cool things. This month make “Doodle Bots,” a little machine that makes random doodles on paper. Registration is required.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Wee Wednesday 10:30am & 11:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land. Free for Museum members and free with general

32 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

admission for nonmembers.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

8 THURSDAY

GATHER 5pm at Oak Park, Sacramento Inspired by the warm California nights and the emerging trend of the food culture, GATHER is a take on the city as a dining table. A social experience based around the idea that a neighborhood that eats together, stays together and strengthens the community. Free! www.unseen-heroes.com/gather Marshmallow STEM 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with MARSHMALLOWS! Materials will be provided.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Uncle Jer’s Traveling Bee Show 4pm at N.Highlands-Antelope library, Antelope Celebrate National Honey Month and learn all about how bees live, work, and benefit us in this amazing educational and interactive program.

See real live bees in observation hives and perhaps even find the queen bee. Free admission.

264-2920|www.SacLibrary.org

9 FRIDAY

After School Book Club 4pm at Carmichael Library School age kids 6 to 12, join the library on the second Friday of every month to discuss books, play trivia games and have fun!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Life-Sized Candy Land 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Do you love board games? Would you like to be a part of the game itself? Then join the library for an afternoon of Life-Sized Candy Land. They will have a giant Candy Land board where each player gets to be their own game piece and you can win actual candy!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Tween Book Club 4pm at Fair Oaks Library Do you like to read? Are you about 9 to 12 years old? Join the Tween Book Club at Fair Oaks Library. They meet once a month to talk about books, eat snacks and sometimes make a craft or have a trivia contest.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

10 SATURDAY

Cruise Fest 4pm on Fulton Avenue, Sacramento Join the California Automobile Museum as they assemble 500 cars from all years, makes, and models for one of Northern California’s best cruise and car shows. This family-friendly event is free and there will be live music, breweries, vendors, and blocks of classic cars!

442-6802 | www.CalAutoMuseum.org/ cruisefest2016 Koobs Nature Hike 10am at Koobs Nature Area, Carmichael The Koobs Nature Area is a community treasure, a 4.7 acre parcel of native trees and

other plants that form diverse ecosystems for interaction. On hiking trails throughout the parcel, there is a riparian environment along a creek and three ponds, a bird sanctuary, butterfly gardens, and thirty markers forming a self-guided tour. Free!

812-8867 | www.Facebook.com/ CarmichaelKiwanis

Red Panda Day 10am at Sacramento Zoo An interactive and educational event developed to raise awareness about Red Panda conservation. Kids (and adults, too) can become “Red Panda Rangers” after stopping at the various Red Panda Stations and completing the Panda activities. Purchase raffle tickets for Red Panda themed artwork, décor, and other keepsakes.

808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Sacramento Play Summit 9am at Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Sacramento The fourth annual Sacramento Play Summit, presented by Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Public Library, aims to highlight the importance of play, the many types of play, ways to incorporate play into daily and school life, and more.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org 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 on the Wild Side 10:30m at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Tiptoe like coyote through the trails in hopes of sneaking a peek at deer, turkey, woodpeckers and other wild neighbors on this outdoor adventure.

489-4918 | wwwSacNatureCenter.net

11 SUNDAY

Grandparents Day 9am at Fairytale town, Sacramento Celebrate National Grandparents Day at Fairytale Town! Bring grandma and grandpa for an enjoyable day of play in the park. Grandparents receive free admission when accompanied with

calendar a child ages 0-12. Plus, enjoy a family concert with award-winning musician Jim Valley at 12pm.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Grandparents Day: Cupcake Decorating!

12pm & 2pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Sometimes the best way to show love for Grandma or Grandpa is with a bit of sugar! Join Ana Apple on National Grandparents Day to create custom cupcakes using frosting, candy, fresh fruit and more! All materials provided and students will leave with a plate of 4 chocolate and vanilla cupcakes at the end of the session to share with family or friends... or devour themselves!

737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com Meet the Menagerie 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Meet the critters that live at the Nature Center and learn why these animals are not able to return to the wild.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Mooncake Festival 12pm at Central Library, Sacramento Gather the family for an afternoon of celebration! Traditional Chinese music and dance performances will be held throughout the afternoon along with martial arts and Tai Chi demonstrations!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Sunday Playday 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento A drop-in 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.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Patriot Day/Kids Fest Johnson-Springview Park, Rocklin Patriot Day/KidsFest is a combined event that both, honors those who serve and provides a fun-filled day of engaging activities for families with young children. Come out and honor those who serve our community and country.

This event is organized by the Rocklin Public Safety Volunteers and members of the community who have given their time to provide

Sacramento’s Super Party Center!

FREE Upgraded Party Package

COME JOIN THE PARTY! ALL AGES & THEMES

OPEN PLAY

Tuesday-Friday 9-11am, & Friday 6-9pm Visit website for weekend hours

In September

Coupon must be used at time of booking. Expires 09/30/16

Visit our website for more information about our: • Party Packages • After-School Program

916.371.2386

2939 Promenade St., W. Sacramento

www.TheBounceSpot.com sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 33

calendar a venue that all may enjoy for the purposes of honoring those who serve.

251-9791 | RocklinPatriotDay.com

12 MONDAY

Storytime 10:30am at Downtown Library, Roseville Help your child develop early literacy skills while having a great time! Join in the fun with stories, songs, and puppets to encourage early literacy skills in young children. Space may be limited.

Parent participation required.

774-5221 | www.RosevilleParks.com

13 TUESDAY

Mother Goose on the Loose 9:30am at Martha Riley Community Library, Roseville Join us for fun-filled, interactive storytime. Developed by Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, this award winning program uses songs, puppets, and musical instruments to encourage early literacy skills. Space may be limited. Parent participation required.

774-5221 | www.RosevilleParks.com Thumbprint Feeling Canvas 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Emotions and Feelings can be a little confusing when you’re still learning what they are. In this workshop, your little will be using their thumbs to create emotions and expressions. They will be using canvas and paint to create these thumb emotions that can be used as art, or even as a learning tool! All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session.

737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com

14 WEDNESDAY

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.

774-5221 | www.RosevilleParks.com Wee Wednesday 10:30am & 11:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

15 THURSDAY

Family Storytime 10:30am at Orangevale Library Toddlers, Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join the library for songs, rhymes, and stories designed to build early literacy skills.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Food Truck Mania-North Natomas 5pm at North Natomas Library, Sacramento Join the library for a fun family event with scrumptious food from Sacto MoFo food trucks

34 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

DJ face painting balloon artist and more. Stop by the Friends of the North Natomas Library bookstore in the library lobby for a great selection of reasonably priced books.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

16 FRIDAY

Sci Fri 3:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Are you a kid who loves science experiments?

Each month you’ll make some hypotheses, conduct hands-on experiments and more. Check out the library’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) program every month!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Voyage to Mars 6pm at Powerhouse Science Center, Sacramento The Challenger Learning Center Simulated Space Mission launches you on an exciting voyage of discovery. See what it is like to work for NASA while you perform hands-on science experiments, operate robotic arms, build a probe, and support the astronauts from Mission Control.

808-3942 | PowerHouseSc.org

17 SATURDAY

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. Strollers are allowed and front carriers are recommended for the best art view. Please no backpacks or rear carriers. Meet at the admission desk; no advance registration required.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Birding for Families 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Bring the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and special guest guides from the Sacramento Audubon Society.

Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the Nature Center.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Deaf Awareness Day 9am at Sacramento Zoo Join the zoo for a special day for the deaf and hard of hearing community sponsored by NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Zoo will have ASL interpreters on site for the event. There are limited facilities for service animals. Please call in advance.

808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Growl, Howl & Wine 6pm at Folsom Zoo Sanctuary This event includes complimentary food, wine and beer tasting, unique silent and live auctions, live music, as well as close encounters with zoo outreach animals in the comfortable and festive atmosphere of the Folsom Community Center.

351-3527 | www.FolsomZooFriends.org

Nature Rovers 9:30am at Placer Nature Center, Auburn Nature is everywhere! From the dirt in the garden to the water in the pond and the trees on the trails, you will rove around the Nature Center to discover life everywhere! Registration required.

530 878-3746 | www.PlacerNatureCenter.org Pirate Party 2pm at South Natomas Library Avast me hearties! In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day the library will be having a pirate party! Get your pirate name, learn some pirate lingo, play games, make crafts, and maybe even walk away with some treasure! Feel free to play the part and wear a costume.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Rio Linda & Elverta Country Faire 8am at Depot Park, Rio Linda The Rio Linda and Elverta County Faire returns for its 4th year. The Faire brings a full day of family entertainment and fun. There will be a kids’ zone, bike giveaway, a bounce house, farm animals, a climbing wall, live music, food, vendors, a parade, Highland games, demonstrations, ladies roller derby, elder craftsmen quilts, and a raffle.

275-3275 www.RioLindAelvertaCountryFaire.com STEM Craft: Miniature Boat Making 2pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Have you ever wanted to design and build your own boat? Join the library with all its supplies and use your creativity/engineering skills to make your own uniquely designed boats. Then if you would like to test your boat’s buoyancy, try to float them in a small pool of water!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

18 SUNDAY

Coyote Tales 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join the Nature Center for a Native American story about Coyote and then get a close-up look at a coyote pelt, skull and mounted specimen.

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Kids & Company Gallery Adventure 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento This tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older in a fun and playful manner. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. This program takes place every first and third Sunday of the month.

808-1182 | www.SacLibrary.org

calendar

20 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. Strollers are allowed and front carriers are recommended for the best art view. Please no backpacks or rear carriers. Meet at the admission desk; no advance registration required.

808-1182 | www.Croc kerArtMuseum.org

Self-Expression Finger Painting 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Join Ana Apple every Tuesday for a hands-on workshops just for kids 2 to 4 years-old! September’s theme is Emotion & Expression! What

better way to express yourself than with art?

Your little one will be able to express themselves with paints and canvas. This workshop will be fun, messy, and each piece one of a kind! Just like your little one! All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session.

737-5272 | www.AnaApple.com/ fingerpainting

21 WEDNESDAY

Plan Your Special Needs Child’s Future 6pm at Sierra College Roseville Gateway Center Sierra College Community Education presents a seminar for parents of special needs children.

Discussion topics include making a future plan for decision-making and advocating for your child, special needs trusts, understanding public benefits, and the ABLE Act, a new planning tool.

Registration required!

916-781-6280 | www.sccommed.org Wee Wednesday 10:30am & 11:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

22 THURSDAY

Homework Zone 3:30pm at South Natomas Library, Sacramento Volunteer homework coaches will be available

to assist students in grades K-8 with homework assignments. No appointment necessary; just drop in and get some help!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Mama Talks 10:30am at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento The Library is proud to partner with the Capital City Doula Collective to present Mama Talks. A free public event 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 with babies and children under 5, however, all caregivers of small children are welcome to attend.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

23 FRIDAY

Fridays Unplugged! Board Game Fun 4pm at N.Highlands-Antelope Library, Antelope Raid the library’s game cupboard on the fourth Friday of each month! From the classics to games you may never have heard of - you’re sure to find something fun. All you need to bring is yourself and some family or friends and it’s a game party!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Minecraft for Kids 6pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Stay after the library closes to play Minecraft with other kids! Registration is required. (Parents may stay in the library during the program.

Children under 10 must be accompanied by an

Carden School of Sacramento

A Distinctive Alternative in Classical Education Sacramento Theatre Company School of the Arts is holding AUDITIONS for

for students ages 7-13 years old

www.sactheatre.org sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 35

calendar

Head over to SacramentoParent.com for more family fun!

September 24, 2016 9am-Noon State Capitol, West Steps

Free, fun event for the whole family Vendors • Activities • Raffle Doggy Costume Contest Register today: Resolve.org/NorCalWalk

Proceeds Benefit: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association 36 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

adult.)

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

24 SATURDAY

19th Annual Sacramento Reptile Show (9/24-9/25) 10am at Sacramento Convention Center Featuring more than 45 venomous species from around the world including King Cobras and Black Mambas. Izod the Alligator and Wild Things will be there to give you an opportunity to meet a 10ft 100lb alligator. The show also provides the opportunity to purchase a new reptile pet and all the latest reptile products needed to care for your new friend.

808-5181 | www.SacreptileShow.com 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! They’ll have healthy snacks and the lights will be slightly up and 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 Carmichael Founder’s Day 10am at Carmichael Park Carmichael celebrates 107 years with a car show, live music, food trucks, hand-on activities, and more. A family day of fun for everyone!

485-5322 | www.CarmichaelPark.com Family Fest 11am at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Head out for a day of family fun at the 4th annual Family Fest. Enjoy a truck exploration zone, food trucks, kids zone, and over 50 family-friendly vendors including sports organizations, places to go, and family services. There will be stage performances presented by youth groups too.

774-5200 | www.Roseville.ca.us Franklin Library Friends’ Craft Faire 10am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Join the Franklin Library Friends’ Craft Faire with 30+ vendors handmade crafts, local authors, bake sale and live music. Proceeds support ongoing library programs. No door fee!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Galls for Fall!

10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Join a naturalist for a walk in the nature preserve to explore those inventive insects who build their homes in plants.

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.

There will be 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

Northern California Walk of Hope 9am at California State Capitol, West Steps The Annual Northern California Walk of Hope benefits RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. This special event helps raise awareness & the funds that ensure that no one with infertility walks the journey alone. This event features lots of great vendors, kid and pet-friendly activity booths, a doggy costume contest, and an amazing raffle.

316-1976 | www.Resolve.org/NorCalWalk Romanian Festival 2016 12pm at Royer Park, Roseville The annual Romanian Festival will feature live music, entertainment, traditional folk dances, children’s activities, authentic Romanian food, art, and more.

295-9794 | www.RomanianCenterSacramento.org ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival (9/24-9/25) 10am at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Enjoy readings and presentations by children’s book authors and illustrators, storytelling performances, hands-on literacy activities and family play time at the largest early childhood literacy festival in the region! Barbara Jean Hicks, author of “Frozen: A Sister Like Me,” will headline the two-day Festival. Free thanks to the event’s sponsor, ScholarShare College Savings Plan.

808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org

25 SUNDAY

Hawk Talk 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Did you know that hawks have color vision eight times better than humans? Learn about these amazing raptors and get a rare close up look at the Nature Center’s resident hawks!

489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Sketch It 11am at Crocker Art Museum Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instructions. 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 The Great Auburn Obstacle Race 9am at Regional Park, Auburn This race is a 5k fun-run and features a myriad

calendar of obstacles, including (but not limited to) a maze, tire run, pond crossing in a raft, wall climbs, weighted-sled pull, a creek crossing, over and under, and of course a mud pit.

530-885-8461 | www.AuburnRec.com

to assist students in grades K-12 with homework assignments.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

28 WEDNESDAY

Homework Zone 3:30pm at North Natomas Library, Sacramento Volunteer homework coaches will be available

29 THURSDAY

Family Storytime 10am at Arcade Library, Sacramento Children ages 0-5, along with their favorite adults head to the library and enjoy stories, fingerplays, songs and crafts. No registration necessary.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Food Truck Mania 5pm at North Natomas Library, Sacramento Join the library for a fun family event with scrumptious food from Sacto MoFo food trucks, DJ, face-painting, balloon artists and more.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

27 TUESDAY

Cheerios Self-Portrait 12pm at Ana Apple Store, Sacramento Join Ana Apple every Tuesday for a hands-on workshop just for kids 2-4 years old! September’s theme is Emotion & Expression Month!

Your little one will be able to express who they are in this fun and creative workshop using Cheerios! All materials provided and students will leave with their own creation at the end of the session. Please let staff know if your child has any food allergies before the workshop.

737-5272 www.AnaApple.com/cheeriosportrait Family Game Night 6:30pm at Colonial Heights Library 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. All ages are welcome!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

PG. Free film and free popcorn!

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Wee Wednesday 10:30am & 11:30am at Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org Movie Madness: “The Jungle Book” 6pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento It’s movie night at the library! This month they are showing the 2016 “The Jungle Book,” rated

30 FRIDAY

LEGO Mania 3:30pm at Valley Hi-North Laguna Library, Sacramento Go CRAZY building to your heart’s content. You bring your imagination and creativity and they’ll supply lots and lots of Duplo and LEGO blocks to build with. This is a free program hosted by the Valley Hi North Laguna Library on the last Friday of each month.

264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 37

calendar/shows

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

Beauty and the Beast

September 9-October 2 at Davis Musical Theatre Company The enchanting story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Recommended for the whole family.

530-756-3682 | www.dmtc.org

Charlotte’s Web

September 3-25 at Sutter Street Theatre The Children’s Literature Association named this “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation. This classic is a beautiful play about friendship for the whole family.

353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

iLUMINOUS

September 22-25 at Sunrise Mall See the world premiere of iLUMINOUS, an all-new, high-energy extravaganza that illuminates the wonder and imagination of every child at heart. Be wowed by death-defying stunts, high-flying aerialists, awe-inspiring acrobats, and hilarious clowns under a music-filled, blue and yellow Big Top. 877-468-3861 | www.CircusVargas.com

Junie B. Jones the Musical

September 23-October 2 at Woodland Opera House A delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books brought to life in a genuinely comical, and not strictly-for-kids musical. Awaken a young person’s desire to read with the sassy little diva Junie B. Jones and her adventures in first grade.

530-666-9617 | www.WoodlandOperaHouse.org

Mamaboy

September 3 at Harris Center for the Arts High school just got weirder: Kelly Hankins, heartthrob of Butterhill High, must attempt to hide the fact that he is pregnant! MAMABOY is a heartfelt high school comedy featuring Oscar nominated actor Gary Busey, various Disney alumni like Allie Deberry, Dylan Riley Snyder and the star of the film, up-and-comer Sean O’Donnell. Arguably the largest film production to originate in El Dorado/Sacramento County in the last decade.

608-8888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

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On Golden Pond

Through September 25 at Chataqua Playhouse Retired couple Ethel and Norman Thayer spend every summer at their home on Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter visits, bringing along her 13-year-old stepson. The turbulent relationship between father and daughter, the generation gap between young and old, and the difficulties facing a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage, all combine in a play that gives us unique insight into the modern American family.

489-7529 | CPlayHouse.org

Out Of This World

September 15-18 at Golden1 Center Presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun! Your entire family will be amazed by this cosmic voyage as you discover the wonders of gravity-defying acrobats, orbital aerialists, majestic animals, fearless dare-devils and humorous clowns.

928-0000 | www.Golden1Center.com

Shanghai Nights

September 16-18 at Harris Center for the Arts Founded in 1959, the Shanghai Acrobats and its family-friendly performance epitomizes the thrilling combination of strength, agility, and balance that forces an audience to hold its breath, sit up straight, then break into spontaneous applause. Renowned as an award-winning troupe in both acrobatic and circus competitions—at home and abroad—they have become one of the most influential and competitive acrobatic companies in China.

608-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

September 9-10 at Village Green Amphitheatre An adventure for the whole family! Join Free Fall Stage and all your favorite characters from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

207-4420 | www.FreeFallStage.com

The Little Mermaid Jr.

September 16-17 at Cosumnes Oaks High School Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.

525-2995 | www.mmpKids.com

The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare

September 14-18 at Sacramento Theatre Company King Leontes is blessed with a beautiful queen, a son, and a baby daughter-tobe, but he loses them all when his heart is poisoned by jealousy. During the spiritual winter that follows, faithful friends and a divine oracle lead him back to sanity and a miraculous reunion with those he lost.

446.7501 | www.SacTheatre.org

calendar/exhibits

All phone numbers are area code (916) unless otherwise noted Carl Nelson Gorman Starting September 28 at C.N. Gorman Museum, Davis Featuring artworks, media and photographs by and about museum founder, Carl Nelson Gorman. This exhibition is part of the FLASH! exhibit series, located in the lobby of Hart Hall and organized by museum students and interns.

530-752-6567 | www.GormanMuseum.UCDavis.edu Expression of Ink and Water Through September 4 at Crocker Art Museum This exhibition will showcase Chinese brush painting from the students at the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center. Since 1978, the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center has served immigrants, refugees, and other underserved individuals in the greater Sacramento area by providing educational, vocational, and health programs.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org 6th Annual Ruth Rippon Alumni Legacy Show Through October 22 at Alpha Fired Arts, Sacramento Former Sacramento State University Professor, Ruth Rippon, has made a positive impact on the careers of many ceramic artists in Sacramento and across the nation. This exhibit is a beautiful visual tribute to Ms. Rippon’s creative and professional influence on the Sacramento ceramic community.

484-4424 | www.AlphaFiredArts.com Science in Motion September 9–December 31 at Powerhouse Science Center The newest STEM–based exhibition in Sacramento! Through hands-on interactions, explore physical sciences from Newton’s Law of Motion to Nano Technology. Experiment with sailboats and wind angles, customize mini air cars, connect circuits to power a light, discover how jets fly and explore the world of Nanotechnology. A STEM experience for the entire family.

808-3942 | PowerHouseSc.org Still We Rise: Women’s Wisdom Art’s 25th Anniversary September 9–December 4 at Crocker Art Museum Women’s Wisdom Art has provided a support system and nurturing environment to empower women through artistic exploration. Women, in all stages of life, work closely with talented volunteers and professional artists to create healing works of art in diverse media, including paintings, ceramics, and jewelry. This exhibition is a selection of group and individually created works of art.

808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org “The Luster of Ages: Ancient Glass from the Marcy Friedman Collection” Through October 16 at Crocker Art Museum Created from fire and sand, glass is one of the earliest man-made substances on earth. This exhibit explores the beauty of ageless glass from the 6th century BCE to the 8th century CE. The collection includes brightly colored miniature amphorae and lustrous perfume bottles reflecting the forms and influences of Greek, Roman and Phoenician cultures in the Holy Land.

808-1182 | www.CrockerartMuseum.org Vittu Saatana Exhibit Through September 22 at Beatnik Studios, Sacramento This exhibit will feature new work by abstract artists Kerry Cottle and Jose Di Gregorio. Cottle uses subtle shifts, pattern, and line as methods of understanding the rifts, fissures, and gaps that naturally occur in all relationships. Di Gregorio is a painter and muralist, whose work involves complex geometric patterns, depicted in celestial nightscapes and rich gradient colors.

400-4281 | www.Beatnik-studios.com We Were Then, We Are Now Exhibit Through September 30 at Maidu Museum & Historic Site This exhibit features art by Tiffany Adams, Shonna Alexander, Joseph Arthur, Karma Henry, Frank LaPena, Julian Lang, Melissa Melero, Shanti Parks, Lyn Risling, Dixie Rogers, and Alan Wallace. Reflections On Language and Art in Native California curated by Vincent Medina. www.Roseville.ca.us sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 39

The Pumpkin Farm Harvest & Halloween Fun for the Whole Family

Open October 1st - 31st 9am-6pm

(Closed Mondays except on Halloween Day)

• Bounce House • Go-Kart Train Rides • Hayrides & Train Rides • Farm Zoo • Tower & Slide • Haunted Barn • Corn Maze • Hay Pyramid • Weekend Snack Bar • Large Pumpkins, Indian Corn & Gourds

Schedule Your School Tours Today!

FREE Parking First 2 Weekends, Last Weekend & All Week Days

There are so many fun, fall themed events coming up, but there’s one in particular that has become an annual tradition for Sacramento Parent. The Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival is a spooktacular way to kick off this season of ghoulish fun! Always the first weekend in October, this festival attracts families from around the region with something for everyone!

This year, the circus is coming to town! In addition to GIGANTIC pumpkins, you’ll see bewitchingly talented magicians, clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers and more! Plus, Major League Eating’s Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship, a pumpkin derby, a scarecrow making contest, music and entertainment, carnival rides and games, a craft fair and more!

We hope to see you and your little punkin’s there!

$5 Parking

Only on the 3rd & 4th Weekend

Serving the Sacramento Area for 42 Years!

(916) 726-1137 www.PumpkinFarm.net

7736 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights

40 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

October 1st & 2nd

10am to 5pm Elk Grove Regional Park Free Admission | $10 Parking 916-405-5600 | YourCSD.com/GPF

fun finds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

What would extra income mean for your family?

Gizmos to Spark Creativity

By Christine Quarry

WIN IT!

Keep your kiddos inspired to learn about their favorite subjects after school with these super cool gadgets! You can find all of these on our WinIt! page at SacramentoParent.com, so don’t delay and enter today!

PARTY

Art in 3D

RedwoodVentures introduces IDO3D Vertical.

Children can draw and sculpt in mid-air using cool 3D ink that turns from liquid to solid instantly!

Kids can use the familiar form factor of a pen to draw numerous designs, either from their own imagination or from the 3D Guidebooks that are included with each set. IDO3D Vertical incudes a variety of colors, themes and activity packs. www.IDo3DArt.com

Science Series

Give your little scientist a head start on a new year of learning with this book series from Downtown Bookworks. Packed with amazing photos and information about subjects with tremendous kid appeal, “Insect-o-mania,” “Fossil-icious,” and “Space-tacular” by Allyson Kulavis and “Bird-acious” by Melissa Stewart will engage kids and encourage them to spend time in nature. Plus, each book comes with a cool treasure—a bug in resin, a fossil, space rocks, or an owl pellet! www.DTBWPub.com/science-with-stuff.html

Smart Numbers

Smart Numbers is the ultimate learning experience for kids aged 3 to 6. Ten wooden numbers interact with tablets and 3 free educational apps to help children learn to count and calculate. The app, “10 fingers” helps children learn to count up to 10, “Up to 100” helps children discover tens and units, and learn quantities and, “More or Less” helps children explore the concepts of addition and subtraction. www.Marbotic.fr

Birthday Parties, Grand Openings & Other Events!

• Balloon Twisting • Parties For All Ages

(530) 662-5882 dillydallytheclown@yahoo.com LANGUAGE Like us:

OPEN ENROLLMENT for Preschool Age Classes Children learn Spanish while developing preschool skills.

Folsom • Sacramento Arden Arcade Area

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

MUSIC

Piano and Drums for Kids

Get kids excited about making music with the latest offerings in the popular Hal Leonard “For Kids” Series. Enter to win “Piano for Kids” or “Drums for Kids” and watch your kiddos master a few favorites like “Let it Go” from Frozen, “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and even pop favorites like “Lean on Me,” and rock classics like “Purple Haze,” “Old Time Rock & Roll,” “Wild Thing,” or “Surfin’ U.S.A.” for your little drummers! www.HalLeonard.com sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 41

humor me

My Fridge…the Blabbermouth!

By Michele Sprague Illustration by Lawrence Sulkowski Clutter, clutter and more clutter. For those of you that have a magnetic fridge, you might relate to this one. In our home, the refrigerator is a prime example of chaos personified. Its top is burdened with a concoction of papers, art supplies, flash cards...and too many times, this growing, lopsided pile of papers and supplies spills onto the floor.

On the other hand, the refrigerator door is a sight to behold—at least partly. You see, the fridge door seems to be the hub communication center for our family. Original art of a juggling dog and unicorn (all priceless pieces by our seven-year-old resident artist) adds culture to our bland kitchen. My oldest daughter posted her latest Science test, in which she earned an “A.” And I posted our family photo taken with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. So far, so good…but, there’s more.

The freezer door serves as the family’s bulletin board. On one side a heavy-duty magnet struggles to hold papers about events and lists. I found a reminder to get tickets for the Bare Naked Ladies concert that already passed, a notification about a Brownie field trip, and expired tickets to the planetarium.

Shifting through the papers, I also discovered that information about the “Sleeping Beauty” ballet is missing. I’d better make a note to call and…Eh gads! I’m doing it again! I’m on the verge of creating another note to be posted. Well, that covers the refrigerator doors.

The side of the refrigerator displays mass communications—a well-worn list of school and emergency telephone numbers, the school lunch menu, and a calendar made by my daughter.

Dates for the local 5K races and my daughter’s soccer games are posted, as well as telephone numbers of the soccer team.

is read after events transpired.

Then there are the mysterious missing papers—like the information about the upcoming ballet. (I suspect this last one might involve foul play.)

Yesterday, my friend, Mary, congratulated me on obtaining an appointment with one of the top hair stylists in the area. Mary said she saw

my appointment card on my refrigerator.

So, now we know. My refrigerator is a big blabbermouth.

And its postings are only as good as the people who read them. To top it off, anyone who looks at the refrigerator gets a peek into my family’s lives and may learn more than we care for them to know. Maybe, just maybe, we should stop posting things on the fridge.

For the last month an unusual note has been reappearing—a note I chose to ignore. Held in place by a soccer ball magnet, a fluorescent green note reminds me that my 11-year-old daughter needs blue hair color.

Well, our refrigerator kiosk is out of control, and I question its usefulness.

Too much information is displayed; an overload of papers fight to be freed from the magnets’ grip; and some information

Michele Sprague is the author of the book, Single Again 101; wrote hundreds of stories for corporate magazines and newsletters; and was published in The Huffington Post and WomensRunning.com.

42 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com

sacramentoparent.com SEPTEMBER 2016 43

ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival September 24 & 25 • 10AM - 4PM FREE ADMISSION Author & Illustrator Presentations Storytelling Performances Hands-on Literacy Activities Featuring Barbara Jean Hicks, author of Frozen: A Sister More Like Me and more!

PLUS: ALLISON BRAN

SCOMBE LYNDA BULLA MADELEINE DU NPHY KELSIE LYNN ESTEP RONALD JAVO R HANNAH HO WERTON SAMI KADER JENNIFER KU HNS KRIS ARO MCL EOD AKSHAJ MEH TA LORI MORTEN SEN KAREN SANDE RS

Thank you to our sponsors

Adults must be accompanied by children, and children must be accompanied by adults.

3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento · fairytaletown.org · (916) 808-7462

44 SEPTEMBER 2016 sacramentoparent.com