Sacramento Parent August 2018

parent August 2018

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 26 YEARS

SUMMER COUNTDOWN

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FROM TEACHERS sacramentoparent.com

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CALVINE / ELK GROVE / FOLSOM / GREENBACK / NATOMAS / RANCHO CORDOVA ROSEVILLE / SACRAMENTO / VACAVILLE AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

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parent

on our cover

August 2018

These five are ready to start High School and you couldn’t ask for a better group of friends. Friendships that started in elementary school have blossomed into so much more. These girls are not only athletic, but they lead their school in academics. Three of them were the top three students in their Jr. High Class, with the others not far behind them.

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

contents AUGUST 2018

15 departments

9 FUN FINDS

From the Sand to School

17 features

around town

13

Back to School Traditions to Start Now

30 ON REPEAT

Tips from Teachers for the New School Year

32 CALENDAR

21 25

Nurturing a Love of Nature

34 ON STAGE

29

Summer Fun for Families with Special Needs

10 SAFETY 101

15

B2S Safety Tips

17 LET’S GO

A Mendocino Coast Getaway

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Safety on the River

More Movies & Concerts Fun-Filled Days & Sunrays Iconic Productions

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AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

This month I wanted to capture the balance between enjoying the last weeks of summer break and ramping up to kick-off a new school year.

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

StudioPRDesign.com

JILL LENDAHL, JillLendahl.com contributing writers: Rob Baquera | Linda Chaiko-Lepley Christa Melnyk Hines | Pam Molnar Michelle Kopkash | Shannon Smith contributing photographer: Megan Escheman Photography http://MeganEschemanPhotography.com

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

BILLING QUESTIONS

Shelly Bokman | (530) 889.6175 shelly@sacramentoparent.com CALENDAR & WEBSITE calendar@sacramentoparent.com EVENTS events@sacramentoparent.com

The fun finds, take you from playing in the sand to making learning fun. While the Roseville Police Department is going to be sharing safety tips for families in a new column, Safety 101 and we are excited about that. I’ve also shared a great suggestion for a memorable summer getaway at one of my family’s favorite places to visit.

So whether you’re looking to squeeze in one more summer outing or planning to count down summer break at home—you’ll find some great ideas for making memories in this issue—including fresh ideas for capturing memories from the first day of school to the last.

However you plan to wrap up summer, don’t let the heat keep you from exploring nature, heading to a concert in the park, or appreciating the many lakes and rivers in the area (with caution, of course).

Wishing you all a great 2018/19 school year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LGBTQ Foster Youth Collabo-

sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018

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BYERS GYMNASTICS Centers Ages: Walking Through Teen Special Needs class offered on Friday nights at Byers Citrus Heights location.

Roseville

(916) 781-2939

Citrus Heights (916) 723-7700

ROCKLIN

Coming Soon!

www.byersGYM.com

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AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

fun finds

Summer Wind-down Giveaways!

By Shannon Smith

From hitting the beach to hitting the books...

From sand to school…

From leisure to learning...however you phrase it—we’ve got a round-up of giveaways to cover your last weeks of summer break and your first weeks of easing back into the school year! Whether your summer wind-down is spent indoors or out—these fun finds will be winners with the kiddos! Enter at www.SacramentoParent.com

WIN IT!

NextWave™ Jumbo Beach Basket A bright and colorful activity set, packed with play value with all the accessories kids need to spend hours at the beach or in the sand box with new sand forms and a collection of multifunctional sand tools. The 15-piece set comes complete with assorted sea creatures and nautical forms, bucket with handle, castle molds, rake, roller, sand spinner, sifter and shovels in a variety of sizes. Available in 3 styles: Flamingo (pink), Whale (purple) and Shark (teal). www.SamsClub.com

Aqua Creatures Swim Masks Take a dive on the wild side and discover the underwater world in a whole new way with the Aqua Creatures Swim Masks! Kids can explore their animal alter-egos with a quality mask that will keep their eyes protected and will surely bring loads of fun to pool and water activities. The one-size-fits-all mask features an adjustable strap to fit kids ages 5-and-up along with a durable, high-quality kid-safe lens. Available in 3 styles: Crocodile (green), Shark (pink) and Shark (blue). www.Walmart.com

Aqua Creatures Water Squirterz Talk about a wet and wild sneak attack! With Amloid’s Aqua Creatures Water Squirterz, kids will have a blast battling each other to see whose predator is the pack leader. Just place the handheld launcher under water and squeeze the compression pump to fill it up, then squeeze again to soak your target. Available in ferociously playful shark and crocodile editions, each squirterz can launch a steady stream of water up to 10 feet! www.Walmart.com

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Crayola Trolley Play Set Enrich little creators’ play time with a wholesome activity set that fuels imaginations with a variety of sturdy and stackable building blocks, stickers and crayons, which help children identify and learn colors as they develop fine motor skills. Gently remove packaging from around the tube to discover coloring fun on the backside of the wrap with several illustrations, along with instructions on how to build the Trolley in five simple steps! www.Walmart.com

Curiscope Virtuali-Tee An Augmented Reality T-Shirt that allows children to learn about the human body...on a human body. Simply point your phone at the shirt using the free Virtuali-Tee app and discover the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Kids will explore science through an immersive experience and effortlessly learn through play with friends or they can explore the way the human body works in selfie mode. www.Curiscope.com sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018

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safety 101

UNITED Why miss a moment of your child’s life?

Currently looking for parents that are willing to provide a safer home for their family, spend quality time with their children, and earn reliable income while working from home.

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BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS

By Rob Baquera, Public Information Officer Roseville Police Department

It’s August and for many families that means the start of another school year. Traffic can get a little hectic around schools during this month. Buses, kids on bikes, and parents are hurrying to school before the bell rings. It’s important for drivers to slow down and pay attention when driving near schools. If you are driving your child to or from school, make sure you know the drop-off procedures and allow extra time for the added traffic. It’s no surprise that more children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location. Did you know that high school students ages 15-19 are the new demographic most likely to be hit by a car? This is often due to teens using mobile devices while walking.

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If you are driving near a school when children are present, here are a few things to keep in mind: www.tutoringcenter.com

• When children are present, school zones require you to obey the posted 25 mph or slower speed limit, regardless of the day of week or time of day.

• When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and/or its stop sign is raised, you must stop from either direction until all kids are safely across the street and the bus lights stop flashing (unless the school bus is stopped on the other side of a multilane or divided highway).

• Near high school campuses, bear in mind that a higher amount of the motorists are newly licensed teen drivers who may not have as much driving know-how.

Watch out and drive defensively.

• Be careful at crosswalks. Double check those intersections. Just when you think the coast is clear, a child may appear from nowhere and dart across the street.

Make sure to make a full stop at stop signs. This will give you ample time to make sure the crosswalk is clear before proceeding.

We all know that kids can be unpredictable. Be especially careful in the school zone.

Make sure that driving has your full attention. Put down that cell phone. There’s nothing more important than the safety of children.

916-779-0390 • Sacramento.MadScience.org 10 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Granite Bay Montessori

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

Affordable Tuition-Based Private Montessori School

• K-8 Public Charter School • Small Class Sizes • Full-Day Kindergarten • Core Knowledge Curriculum • Project Based Learning

(916) 259-1688

2213 Sunset Blvd Rocklin, CA 95765 www.placeracademy.org

Open 7:00 am - 6:30 pm Low Student Teacher Ratio (12:1)

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

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

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Free Public Charter School West Sacramento Set to open August 20, 2018 GROWING EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS & SCHOLARS

At Casa Kidz, we offer

a Home-Based Preschool, Spanish & Italian, and a Multicultural Experience.

Ages 2 - 5

TK-6TH GRADE

916. 744.1212

Tiverton Court, Rocklin • (916) 626-4878

Project-Based Learning | Art and Music Parent Engagement | Great After School Program

www.casakidz.com

LighthouseCharterSchool.org

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.

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

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 12 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Back to School Traditions to Start this Year

By Pam Molnar The years seem to pick up speed as your child gets older. One minute they are getting on the bus for Kindergarten and in the blink of an eye, they are walking across the stage at their high school graduation. Don’t let those years go by in a blur. Capture the first day of school with a tradition the kids will look forward to every year.

Freeze a Memory 1. Drive to your local high school a few days before school starts. Capture a picture of your child standing by the marquee or in front of the building near the front door.

You can also catch picture of your child gazing up at the school while wearing his backpack. Taken every year, this makes a great collage of photos to display at their high school graduation party.

2. Every year before school starts, purchase a Time magazine and a People magazine.

Have him pose with the covers to show what was in the news that year.

3. Buy a t-shirt from the high school spirit store in an adult size. Take a picture of the child wearing the shirt with her backpack on the ground next to her. It is a great way to show how she and her choice of backpacks change over the years.

4. Pose your student standing next to mom or dad in front of the house. Bring enough books for your child to stand on until he is as tall as his parent. As the years go by and your child grows, the child will need less and less books to stand on. In his high school pictures, mom might be the one standing on the books.

5. Don’t forget to get a picture of mom and dad on the first day of school. Capture mom’s tears as the bus drives away and don’t miss mom and dad high fiving as the last child leaves the house.

Watch them grow 1. On the first day of school, measure your child from head to toe with a piece of string cut to his height. Put the string in an envelope and mark it with the date. At the end of the year, measure him again and see how much he grew this year.

2. Plant a tree in celebration of your child starting kindergarten. Every year, take a picture of your child in front of the tree and watch them both grow.

3. Make a back to school flag out of white cloth to hang in front of the house. Every year, add your children’s hand prints using different color paints. Include the date and their age to create a treasure that you look forward to showing off every year.

Make a Time Capsule It’s never too late to make a time capsule. Decorate a box with a lid and store it away with the other special items in the basement or attic. Here are a few things you can add to the capsule each year.

1. A picture of your child 2. A sample of their handwriting with the date 3. A family letter written by mom or the child 4. A questionnaire about their favorites – food, friends, activities, etc.

5. A trending item like a squishy squad or PopSocket 6. A weekly news or entertainment magazine 7. A letter from their new teacher welcoming them to school

4. Make concrete stepping stones with your child’s footprint and the date. Let your child decorate and add the stones to your yard to create a wonderful memory garden.

8. A favorite book that you read over the summer

Celebrate

9. A penny from the current year

1. Have a back to school bash. This is a great way to reconnect with all the kids you did not get to see over the summer. Rent a large slip and slide or a bounce castle, cook up some hot dogs and pass out the popsicles. Enjoy one last hoorah before school starts.

10. A small favorite item

2. Your teens and tweens will be happy with an evening bonfire to mourn the end of summer. Bring out the speakers and let them plug in their own music. Provide a fire, plenty of snacks and enough seating for everyone.

3. Don’t forget a party for the moms. A first day of school potluck breakfast is a great opportunity for the moms to celebrate the return to routine.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. This is her 15th new school year as a parent. sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 13

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SMART START: 8 Tips from Teachers to Kick Off the School Year Right

By Christa Melnyk Hines

School bells will soon ring once again. Whether that comes as music to your ears or a bittersweet reminder that the free-spirited summer days are over, check out these tips from the pros to help you and your child enjoy a smart, happy start to school.

Push the reset button. A week or two before school starts ease back to regular bedtime and morning routines. Nudge kids back into the habit of daily reading if they’ve slacked off and play math games to review.

“Think about resetting structure at home and what changes need to happen so it’s not a total shock to everyone’s system,” says Christine Vohs, a second grade teacher. “Anything that you can create that allows for structure and your child’s ownership for success is going to send them to me in a better frame of mind to learn for the day.”

Plan ahead for hectic mornings by gathering healthy, simple-to-prepare breakfast ideas packed with nutrients and protein. Wall calendars with activities color-coded for each family member and daily checklists for each child can help establish expectations and keep your family organized.

Build anticipation. Got a youngster who’s bummed to head back to school? Stay upbeat. Remind him of the subjects that spark his curiosity that he’ll learn about in the coming year, whether that’s cursive writing, multiplication or a special grade-level project.

“Talk to your children about friends they haven’t seen all summer and about new kids joining their class,” says first grade teacher Megan Jasperson. “This is sure to get them excited for the school year to begin.”

Show support. Offer encouragement and support. Remind him that it’s normal to feel disappointed about summer break coming to a close, but that you’re excited to see how much he’ll learn and grow during the coming months.

Reduce uncertainty. Often kids feel nervous about unknowns like transitioning to a teacher they don’t know, a new school or a different set of classroom rules. Take advantage of any backto-school or orientation events that your school offers to help your apprehensive scholar familiarize herself with the classroom, meet classmates and connect with the teacher before school starts. Knowing what to expect and where to go on the first day will ease some of a child’s anxieties.

Build partnerships. Maintaining open communication and partnering with your student’s teacher is key to a successful school year.

“You know your child best and your insights into your child are helpful to us,” Vohs says.

Seek out friendly faces. If you’ve recently moved to the community or switched schools, look for other families with children your child’s age to arrange a playdate or to meet for frozen yogurt.

Have an adolescent heading into middle school? Encourage him to join after-school clubs and activities. His involvement will help him form connections with peers who share his interests, says Traci Keeler, a sixth grade math teacher and eighth grade volleyball and track coach.

Create a homework spot. Designate an area in your home that’s conducive to focus and concentration and where you can easily jump in to provide assistance when necessary. While purchasing school supplies, also stock a homework caddy or station with scratch paper, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, highlighters and anything else that Junior will need to complete his homework.

Get involved. Help your children start seeing school as an extension of their home life by volunteering periodically. Most kids get a kick out of seeing their parents during the school day, whether they volunteer in the cafeteria, library or the classroom. Unable to volunteer at school? Ask the teacher what you can do to help from home.

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines always loved the back-to-school season as a child and still does. Her two boys don’t share her enthusiasm. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital Word. sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 15

ROCKLIN INDEPENDENT CHARTER ACADEMY K -12th Grade

Promoting a progressive, developmentally-based, student-centered community of learners.

How you learn is as important as What you learn.

(916) 632.3195

3250 Victory Drive Rocklin, CA 96765

www.RICA.RocklinUSD.org 16 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

NOW ENROLLING! Space is limited.

let’s go

MAKING MEMORIES IN MENDOCINO COUNTY: Places to See & Stay Along the Way

By Shannon Smith

It’s no secret that month after month we have no trouble finding a gold mine of activities for families to do throughout Greater Sacramento. Although, when the temperatures hover and hold around triple digits, a quick escape to cooler temps may be the perfect antidote!

With San Francisco, Tahoe and the breathtaking California coast all within driving distance, we’re fortunate to have many options. This month, I want to let you in on a coastal trip that every family should experience. Read on to discover an amazing mini-vacay with everything from places to stay and things to do along the way! Hang on to this article and start packing, I’m seeing a dreamy destination in your future (and it’s just a four-hour drive away)!

WHERE TO STAY: MAR VISTA COTTAGES

QUICK STOP:

There is so much to explore here that it’s difficult to sum up in a paragraph or two, but I’ll give it a shot! I’ll start with the cottages, they have an old-fashioned farmhouse feel, but are stocked with just about everything you need. The gas fireplace and lovely linens (that are hand-selected by Renata for each guest and hung out to dry over lavender) add to the charm.

Build in a little extra time if travelling with little ones (or if someone is easily car sick). The drive, while beautiful, can get a bit windy once you reach Highway 1.

In the late afternoon, guests can join Tom in gathering fresh eggs while Tom cracks jokes and shares stories and fun facts all along.

There’s also a labeled garden with cutting shears, so you can help yourself to vegetables to complete a farm fresh meal. In each cottage there is a basket that you can hang outside your door and Tom will deliver the fresh eggs for guests to enjoy!

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

Plan for a two-night stay here. This is a magical, old-fashioned destination located in the quaint coastal town of Gualala. It’s inviting, relaxing and the hosts, Tom and Renata make everyone feel like old friends and welcome guests.

Once you arrive at the cottage, you aren’t going to want to leave.

I recommend a quick stop to pick up some groceries for your stay.

We stopped at Surf Market, but we also like the Gualala Supermarket.

TIPS:

Dress in layers, when we left Sacramento it was 102 degrees and by the time we arrived at Mar Vista Cottages, the temperature had dropped by nearly 40 degrees!

B. Bryan Preserve

You can’t help but feel relaxed looking out the cottage window, catching a glimpse of the ocean beyond the grassy area and old-fashioned rope swing! Later we gathered around the community firepit with a family from Oakland and another family from Danville. I suspect Tom and Renata love to see the guests come together enjoying the grounds.

A little under a 20-minute drive from Mar Vista Cottages, but once you get there you’ll feel like you’re on a safari. After a brief introduction covering what we would encounter during the tour, we climbed into the back of a vintage Land Rover to explore the 110-acre preserve where we observed African Antelope, Zebras and Giraffes. The keepers are very knowledgeable, you’ll be sure to learn some things you never knew about the exotic (and some endangered) African hoofstock.

MORE TO EXPLORE AT MAR VISTA COTTAGES:

TIPS:

• Dine in the greenhouse with picnic tables, string lights and a lush garden atmosphere.

During the giraffe encounter you just might get more than you bargained for. My family is still teasing me about the giraffe kiss that extended from my chin to my forehead. They may find it hilarious, but I actually think it’s kind of cool that I now know what a giraffe’s tongue feels like!

• Relax in the rustic hot tub.

• Pet the triplet goats, Wally, Willy and Wiley.

• Take the trail that leads down to Anchor Bay Beach. There’s a waterfall on the beach that spills down the rocks from the creek adjacent to Mar Vista Cottages.

• Speaking of the creek, it’s lovely. There’s a trail you can take from the Cottages that leads you to a path along the creek un- der a canopy of trees with serene green ferns and mossy rocks.

Reservations are required in advance.

Point Arena Lighthouse Here, you can climb up the 145 spiraling stairs leading to an expansive coastal view at the top of the 115-foot lighthouse! Fun Mendocino continued on page 18 sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 17

let’s go Mendocino continued from page 17

fact: Did you know that scenes from the movie “Forever Young” starring Mel Gibson and Jamie Lee Curtis were filmed here. For history buffs, there’s plenty to learn inside the Museum including how the original lighthouse had to be rebuilt in 1907 after being destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Stornetta Public Lands A wonderful place to hike and explore the coast and it’s just a mile south of the Point Arena Lighthouse. If you’re planning to visit the lighthouse be sure to give yourself time to meander along the trails on this beautiful, protected stretch of the coast where you can see sea lions, whales, rock formations and vibrant blue ocean water with white-capped waves crashing into the rocks.

QUICK STOP:

As we were heading toward Fort Bragg we stopped at The Elk Store to pick up sandwiches. Just across the street at Greenwood State Beach there are a few picnic tables with a beautiful view of the ocean, a great spot for a scenic picnic lunch.

Skunk Train Continuing up the coast to Fort Bragg, you can take a 1-hour train ride along Pudding Creek.

Riders are free to move around the cars, purchase snacks, enjoy local beer or wine and admire the views, redwoods and wildlife while learning all about it’s history including—how it came to be called the Skunk Train. Be sure to spend some time riding in the open air car!

WHERE TO STAY: MENDOCINO GROVE

We backtracked a little from Fort Bragg to stay the night at Mendocino Grove. We’ve camped in a yurt before, but this is a next-level, glamping experience like no other! It’s like a hotel room set up in a spacious safari-style tent. With heating pads, down comforters and wool blankets—we slept so good!

There’s plenty to do here, too. The tents surround a grassy meadow where families can play bocce ball, volleyball, horseshoes, gather around the large campfire area, simply kick-back in one of the hammocks or enjoy each other’s company at one of the many sitting areas nestled in the meadow.

If you want a more private experience, you can have that, too. Each tent has a private deck with butterfly chairs and personal fire pit and picnic table.

You’ll wonder if you’re really camping as the bathrooms and showers feel more like what you would find in a hotel. I personally loved the vases with fresh flowers set out throughout the grounds, it was a lovely touch. There are also towels and organic bath products stocked for guests, so it truly is camping made easy! The morning coffee is delicious and there is a light continental breakfast set out for guests to enjoy, too.

In addition to all there is to do at Mendocino Grove, the general location really can’t be beat! It’s a short drive to picturesque Mendocino and so it’s easy to take a jaunt into town for dinner, shopping and exploring.

QUICK STOP:

The quaint and historic seaside town of Mendocino is incredible. Walk around town and take in the beautiful beaches and views. The shops, the buildings (most were built in the 1800s), the food, the easily accessible beaches and hiking trails at Mendocino Headlands State Park don’t really get any better!

At minimum, Mendocino should be a quick stop, but you can easily spend a whole day here!

TIPS:

While in town we ate at Frankie’s Ice Cream & Pizza. I tried their Candy Cap Mushroom ice cream, it was surprisingly yummy! We also grabbed a delicious bite to eat at Good Life Cafe and Bakery.

When leaving Mendocino, take Highway 128 home. The drive through the Redwood Forest is unbelievably beautiful. Butterflies were everywhere and the trees form a long-stretching tunnel-like canopy that is just breathtaking!

18 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

let’s go

Mar Vista Cottages

www.MarVistaMendocino.com 35101 South Highway One Gualala

B. Bryan Preserve

www.BBryanPreserve.com 130 Riverside Drive Point Arena

Point Arena Lighthouse & Stornetta Public Lands

www.PointArenaLighthouse.com 45500 Lighthouse Road Point Arena

Skunk Train

www.SkunkTrain.com Foot of Laurel Street Fort Bragg

Mendocino Grove

www.MendocinoGrove.com 9601 Highway 1 Mendocino

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NURTURING NATURE IN KIDS

By Linda Chaiko-Lepley

If you’re spending time outdoors with your children and instilling in them a love of nature, give yourself a pat on the back!

But, if you’re reading this article and feel a tinge of guilt that your child might be spending more time in front of a screen, and less time out exploring nature, read on.

We get it, many of us our busier than ever and sometimes the easiest way to keep everyone happy is by allowing screen time. Not to mention that the Sacramento region really heats up in the summer months! Even so, this article reminds us how much our kids can learn by spending time appreciating nature, even in the simplest forms.

Photos courtesy of Placer Nature Center

A young mother entered a classroom with her three-year-old son. She asked if her son could stay in the room during class and promised he would be very quiet. The teacher agreed, and the young mother seated her son in the back of the classroom and carefully placed a small laptop computer in his lap. The little boy was very proficient at using the computer, and for the entire class (2.5 hours), he quietly and attentively played on his computer.

This little boy is not the only child connected to his computer. Since the advent of the Internet—including social media, cell phones and video games—society has lost touch with nature and is becoming increasingly connected to technology.

Research studies indicate that about 80% of children average about six to eight hours daily on electronic media including computers, cell phones and video games. These children are an example of children who are experiencing “nature deficit,” a term coined by Robert Louv

in his book “Last Child in the Woods”. In this book Louv argues that children are losing touch with nature and are playing less and less outside. As a result, a fear and dislike of nature has developed, and children do not understand it.

Additional factors that are contributing to our weakening connection with nature is disappearing open space as more and more homes are built, increased traffic, and children playing increasingly less outdoors, not only due to technology, but also parents’ concern about their children’s safety in a world of increasing dangers. The importance of teaching children about nature in our schools has also diminished.

When Josena a board member of the Placer Nature Center (PNC), former naturalist at PNC and now a preschool teacher, was studying to become a teacher, she noticed that not one of her early childhood education classes included any classes about nature and children.

Josena often sees this disconnect with nature among her students. “When the children see a bug,” explains Josena, “they immediately stomp on it, and squish it.”

According to Josena, instead of stomping on that bug, we should protect it because it is someone’s food source. “We should teach these children that this bug is a live creature and an important part of our ecosystem,” she explains. “The children should look closer at it, and learn about it, instead of destroying it.”

Josena has also seen this disconnect with nature among the other teachers at her school. In the playground where Josena teaches, there is a bird’s nest which she has been using to teach the children about birds. However, no other teacher is including the nest in their curriculum. “I can barely get them to look at the nest,” says Josena.

Another factor contributing to our disconnect with nature is our unawareness of where our food comes from.

Nature continued on page 23 sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 21

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Ready to get back to nature?

Nature continued from page 21

Everything comes from the grocery store either laid out neat and clean in the produce section, in a can, or package wrapped. “Children don’t appreciate where their food comes from,” explains Roger, a docent at Placer Nature Center.

One day when Roger was talking to a group of children about gardening at PNC, and he pulled a carrot out of the ground the children were horrified. “They were horrified and screamed because the carrots were dirty,” he explains.

Linda Dasai, co-founder of the Placer Nature Center, board member, and former education director of the center, describes an incident when a docent at the nature center had a group of young children, and they were at a bridge where blackberry bushes flourished. The docent began talking about the amount of black berries in the area, but the children seemed confused. Several of them attempted to correct the docent by saying that a blackberry was a phone and not a berry bush.

Children who either fear or try to dominate nature, will not see our environment and the wonders of nature as something that needs to be cherished, enjoyed, respected, and protected. Protecting today’s environment in a world of dwindling resources and growing populations is becoming increasingly important. One of the major ways to protect our natural environment is by educating future generations about the wonders and vulnerabilities of today’s environment, so that these generations come to appreciate it and want to protect it.

Teaching children about nature will not only lead to better stewardship of our world, but will also help children

August 4th SATURDAY SAFARI 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center Grab binoculars to catch a closer glimpse of the animals and plants that make up the unique habitat along the American River. www.sacnaturecenter.net

August 5th REPTILE RAPTURE 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center 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?

in several other ways. Science tells us that the brain learns when its senses are used. Being outdoors in nature is a multi-sensory experience. Therefore, by just smelling the flowers, listening to the wind or a babbling brook, or feeling the cold rushing water, our senses are being stimulated, and our brain is learning. This is especially important for young children whose brains are still developing.

Teaching our children about nature will not only make them better stewards of this world, and increase their learning ability by stimulating their senses, but according to Louv, children who are not afraid of nature, who get out and enjoy it, have better concentration in school and experience fewer emotional problems.

To get the benefits of experiencing nature, does one have to go on a long hike in the woods, or swim in a rushing river? The answer is ‘No’. The answer is as simple as taking a walk in the woods, spending time in your backyard garden or just sitting in your backyard and observing nature using all of your senses.

You can enjoy nature to whatever extent you wish. The important thing is that you include nature as a part of your life and your children’s lives. You will both reap the benefits that nature has to offer.

Linda Chaiko-Lepley, Staff Naturalist, Placer Nature Center. Learn more about local nature programs at http://placernaturecenter.org/.

www.sacnaturecenter.net

August 7-9 DINOSAUR DISCOVERY SUMMER CAMP 9am to 1pm at Placer Nature Center Come learn about dinosaurs, their different sizes, names, behaviors, adaptations and habitats on ancient Earth. http://placernaturecenter.org/

August 11th VOLUNTEER WORK DAY 10am to noon at Placer Nature Center Help the staff complete projects around the nature center. http://placernaturecenter.org/

August 11, 18, 25 STORY BOOK TRAIL 11am to 1:30pm at Placer Nature Center A unique reading experience for preschool children and their caregivers and a walk on a ‘trail’ of pages from the story. http://placernaturecenter.org/

August 12th EUREKA! 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center Get your hands on a pan and catch gold fever! Learn about some of the local Gold Rush history and get dirty as you learn how to pan for gold in hopes of striking it rich. www.sacnaturecenter.net

August 19th BUGS AND BEYOND! 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center Learn how to find, handle, sketch and identify various hoppers, crawlers, fliers, swimmers and slimers of the Preserve. www.sacnaturecenter.net

August 26th OWL BE SEEING YOU 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center 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. www.sacnaturecenter.net

Find even more ways to explore nature in our calendar at www.SacramentoParent.com.

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24 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Safety on the River With dozens of breathBy Michelle Kopkash taking rivers and streams located throughout Northern California, it’s no wonder that families head to these cool spots once the harsh winter weather makes way for warmer seasons. From paddle boarding, river rafting and tubing, to fishing, swimming and wading, people flock to the water to escape the triple digit heat. But despite the fun that the rivers offer, there are risks you take each time you enter the waters.

According to recreation.gov, drowning accidents are one of the most common causes of death in our country’s most heavily visited parks, forests and waterways. Many of the victims weren’t even swimming, but were just wading in the water or walking along the shoreline when they slipped on unsteady ground and were carried away. Last summer, while on a family camping trip to Coloma, I witnessed the American River claim the life of a grown woman who had been out for a day of fun rafting with her friends. Our unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate her on the shoreline, coupled with the devastation written on her friends’ faces will be forever imprinted into my memory, and it is with this horrific reality in mind, as well as the stories of close friends who have lost loved ones in our local rivers, that I write about the harsh realities of the river to keep others safe. No one ventures into the water thinking they’re going to be that victim.

Below are safety tips to keep in mind before you head to the rivers in the future. The way I see it, knowledge is power. And, when in doubt, don’t go out.

WEAR COAST GUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKETS The simple act of wearing a properly fitted, Coast Guardapproved life jacket can dramatically reduce your chances of drowning.

For kids 13 and under, it’s the law in California to wear a life vest on any type of moving vessel, including paddle boards, rafts, etc.

In fact, many parents don’t know this, but in Sacramento County, there is an ordinance that says that it is illegal for parents or caregivers to let children under the age of 13 access public waters within Sacramento County—including the American and

Sacramento Rivers— without a properly fitted life preserver.

Because the river conditions can change quickly, it is best for adults to wear life vests on the river as well. Even the most experienced swimmer can misjudged the power of the unpredictable waters.

DO YOUR RESEARCH No one knows the environment better than the people who work there. Before you go, call the California State Parks ranger station to ask about any particulars of the river or lake you’re planning to visit. Ask about the water levels, currents, safety concerns and for any other information that you might need to know before heading out with your family. They may even give you a few fun tips while loading you up with safety information. Visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s website to find information on the park you’re visiting.

USE EXTREME CAUTION DOWNSTREAM OF RESERVOIRS If the river is connected to a reservoir that releases water frequently, it is critical that you know the time of day they plan to release water on that specific date. For example, in Coloma after a water release, the river is swift and full, with rapids in some highly trafficked sections that might normally be inviting for younger families. A few people have drowned in Northern California’s rivers because of the swift change in the water’s volume and currents due to the release of water at the reservoir upstream. In June of this year, five swimmers were rescued in Auburn after the Placer County Water Agency released water from an upstream reservoir—the Placer Water Middle Fork Project—and the unaware swimmers got trapped at the confluence when the river’s flow quadrupled suddenly that afternoon. They were lucky.

Local, dam-controlled rivers include the South Fork—with six reservoirs upstream of the whitewater area—and the Middle Fork of the American River, Tuolumne and Cherry Creek. More information about scheduled releases and our region’s reservoirs can be found on the Department of Water Resources California Data Exchange Center’s website.

Safety continued on page 27 sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 25

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26 AUGUST 2018 sacramentoparent.com

Safety continued from page 25

DON’T DISCOUNT SEEMINGLY CALM WATER Waters that look calm on the surface can be extremely deceiving, with swift undercurrents flowing just inches below the surface. These seemingly calm waters claim more lives than one should have to write about, because people don’t understand the dangers. Even the strongest swimmer can be swept away downstream after underestimating the power of the water.

Again, wearing a life vest in the rivers can save lives in these situations.

UNSEEN PERILS Unpredictable footing, slippery surfaces and unseen obstacles in the water such as boulders, driftwood and tree logs make swimming in rivers a more unpredictable adventure.

Just this year, the Yuba River claimed the life of a 23-year-old man who was swimming in the light rapids with friends. He became trapped— by the force of the water—under a boulder and his friends were unable to pull him out due to the powerful current pushing him against the rocks.

Unseen boulders and materials beneath the surface of the water can pose threats to swimmers, boaters and rafts.

BE CAUTIOUS IN COLD WATER According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, any water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution, and being immersed in water that is 60 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be life threatening. Some of California’s rivers even run between 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which can literally cause involuntary bodily reactions, like an involuntary gulp for air while underwater, if one is suddenly plunged into cold water. That one gulp of water is enough to initiate the drowning process. Other reactions caused by cold water immersion can include reduced coordination, hypothermia and in some cases,

cardiac arrest. Younger children are even more at risk because their body size doesn’t keep them as warm and they are usually less experienced swimmers.

It’s also a good idea to wear a wetsuit if you decide to go whitewater rafting, not only to increase comfort—it’s incredibly cold on the rapids—but also to decrease the risk of hypothermia.

BUDDY UP Never swim alone in an open body of water. Period. Rivers and lakes are not the same as pools.

CINCH YOUR WADERS If you go bank fishing in wader boots, it’s critical that you cinch the boots as tightly as possible at the top with a belt or other solution so that if you do slip in the water, the boots don’t immediately fill with water. This gives you time to stand back up. In May of 2018, a local father and avid fisherman tragically drowned near Sailor Bar on the American River, one of his favorite and most familiar fishing spots, after he slipped and his waders filled with water. If this story can save one dad’s life, it’s worth it.

SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN Be close by and ready to grab children and always keep your eyes on them, no matter how experienced they are swimming.

USE ONLY PROFESSIONAL RAFTING OUTFITTERS Only use professional rafting companies to travel down whitewater rapids. They’re experienced on the local rivers and are trained in water rescue.

Long story short, while the rivers, swimming spots and the great outdoors offer endless opportunities for family fun and exploration, one must respect the power and unpredictability of nature. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and any person who has experienced a drowning will attest to this truth.

Michelle Kopkash is a local freelance writer. She’s got two spunky kids and loves being in nature with her family. Visit her website at www.michellekopkash.com to view her writing portfolio, services and blog. sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 27

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Around Town & On the Big Screen in August A special round-up of summer events, screenings and storytimes for families with special needs.

AUGUST 4

Sensory Storytime for Families/All Ages 10:30 to 11:15am at Southgate Library, 6132 66th Ave., 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 2 to 6 years old. Behaviors and/or noise are no problem. Siblings are welcome! www.SacLibrary.org

AUGUST 4 & 11

Special Needs Screenings 8/4: TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES 8/11: CHRISTOPHER ROBIN 11am at Studio Movie Grill, 5140 Commons Dr., Rocklin Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie. The sensory friendly screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price, no advance ticket sales. www.StudioMovieGrill.com/Movie/ Film-Series/Special-Needs-Screenings

AUGUST 5 & 19

ExplorABILITY 9 to 11am at Sacramento Children’s Museum, 2701 Prospect Park, Rancho Cordova A play-based program for children on the autism spectrum, ages two to ten. Players are encouraged to explore, engage, and have fun in a safe, judgement-free setting. Attendance is capped at a maximum of 25 kids to keep it sensory friendly, and there are Social Skills Specialists with backgrounds in both ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

and IPG (Integrated Play Groups) who are on hand to answer your questions, to help your child with skills they're working on, and to help facilitate social skills (specifically, friendship skills) where the opportunity presents itself. There is NO expectation on the part of the program organizers for your child to immediately engage or to participate in a specific way! This program is all about PLAY! Registration is required for participant(s) and chaperone(s). https://SacKids.org/programs-events/ ongoing-programs/explorability-1

AUGUST 9

Sensory Storytime 10 to 11am at Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento A special storytime for kids on the autism spectrum and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts, and more! Children 5 and under and their families are welcome. www.SacLibrary.org

AUGUST 18

Autism-Friendly Family Movie: EARLY MAN 10 to 11:30am at Arden-Dimick Library, 891 Watt Ave., Sacramento A special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. "Typical" toddlers and preschoolers are welcome too! The library will 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! www.SacLibrary.org Autism Friendly Family Movie: PETER RABBIT 10:30am to 12:30pm at Southgate Library, 6132 66th Ave., Sacramento A special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. The whole family is

welcome! The library will 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. www.SacLibrary.org

AUGUST 23

Sensory Storytime 10 to 11am at Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento A special storytime for kids on the autism spectrum and/or sensory disorders featuring books, music, fidget toys, crafts, and more! Children 5 and under and their families are welcome. www.SacLibrary.org

AUGUST 25

Autism-Friendly Family Movie: EARLY MAN 10 to 11:45am at Sylvan Oaks Library, 6700 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights A special family movie event for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. "Typical" toddlers and preschoolers are welcome too. The library will 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. www.SacLibrary.org Anytime Fun at These Accessible Playgrounds Mahany Park 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville McKinley Park 601 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento Kloss Park 6501 Laguna Park Dr., Elk Grove Southside Park 2115 6th St., Sacramento

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calendar/on repeat

AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Celebrate Summer Nights!

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

August 18 - JOURNEY REVISITED

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

August 1 - ISLAND OF BLACK & WHITE (Reggae Dance Band) August 8 - MANIA (Beatles Tribute) August 15 - TAKE 2 (Big Band Dance) August 22 - THE SPAZMATICS (Nerds that Rock!)

August 29 - POP FICTION (Party Dance Band)

Whether you’re coming back from summer vacation or winding down a fun-filled staycation, take time to enjoy some of these cool summer evening events happening around town before they wrap up until next summer!

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

THURSDAYS FAIR OAKS CONCERTS IN THE PARK 6:30 at Village Park, Fair Oaks www.FairOaksPark.org Concerts in the Park are a free series of concerts for the Fair Oaks Community. It’s an opportunity for families to come together to enjoy a relaxing summer evening in the park.

August 2 - MOONLIGHT SWING August 9 - LINCOLN HIGHWAY August 16 - ON AIR

FRIDAYS FIRST FRIDAY STREET FAIR 6pm at The Fountains, Roseville www.FountainsAtRoseville.com

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS 7pm at Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova www.CordovaCouncil.org/ friday-night-concerts A fresh take on summer fun! Our Summer Series has become as much a part of a Rancho Cordova summer as 100 degree weather. This is a series of “FREE Friday nights out” that will keep you happily entertained throughout the summer.

August 3 - AUTO REVERSE August 10 - CHERRY BOMB August 17 - WHEN DOVES CRY August 24 - APPLE Z August 31 - DEPARTMENT OF ROCK

GATHER: MOVIE IN THE PARK 5pm (movie at dusk), Twin Oaks Park, Rocklin

www.Rocklin.ca.us/event/gather-movie-park Stop by August 3rd for a great Summer Fun themed night out for the whole family with various artisans, Experience great food, music and a movie in a crafters, car show, kid zone, costumed characters, wonderful community atmosphere under the warm make-n-take activities and much more!

California sun! With plenty of outdoor dining, interactive art, an artisan alley, local food trucks, an activity station for the kids, AND a movie to finish off the night, what more could you ask for?

August 3 - COCO

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

Photo: http://GoPalladio.com

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August 4 - NATIONAL LINES (Alternative) August 11 - TWO ON TUESDAY (Rock Country) August 18 - BEATLES FLASHBACK (Beatles Tribute) August 25 - KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ (Woodstock

Generation Tribute)

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wednesday

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

From live animal shows and hot air balloon festivals to floating obstacle courses and princess meet-and-greets, August offers a variety of ways to make a few more memories before school begins.

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Izzi Tooinsky Juggling and Storytelling

The Auburn Co-op

First Fridays in Natomas

5pm at Old Town Auburn

6pm at North Natomas Regional Park

A community gathering with kid-friendly activities like climbing walls, skate parks and live music.

Vendors include local artists, farmers and some of the region’s favorite wine and craft beer makers. http://OldTownAuburnCA.com

Stop by for live music, local food trucks and vendor booths. www.AngeliqueAshby.com

4pm at Arden-Dimick Library

Join Izzy on an interactive juggling journey to find the elusive bluebird of happiness. (All ages) www.SacLibrary.org Hawks, Honkers & Hoots 4pm at Sylvan Oaks Library

Learn about local birds of prey and meet a few up close during this interactive natural history program.

(All ages) www.SacLibrary.org

Magical Nathaniel

Wee Wednesday: Summer Edition

Park, Rec and Eat It

10am at Crocker Art Museum

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

3pm at Maidu Community Center

A high energy, interactive magic show for kids. www.Roseville.Ca.Us 5pm at Carmichael Park

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

9 Wild Things 3pm at Arcade Library

Swim, climb and play on the nation’s largest outdoor floating playground. http://wakeislandwaterpark.com

Meet live animals from around the world during this amazing show. (All ages) www.SacLibrary.org

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12pm at Wake Island Waterpark

Wee One Wednesdays 10am at Vernon Street Town Square

Play new games and activities each week, including crafts, games and bubbles. (Ages 0-5) www.Roseville.Ca.Us

22 Food Literacy

Music Time with NewSongs of Elk Grove 11am at Elk Grove Library

Bop around to the music and stories of Michael Hemsworth and Friends from NewSongs of Elk Grove. www.SacLibrary.org

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11am at Elk Grove Library

Toy Time

Learn how to cook healthy snacks and new foods. (All ages) www.SacLibrary.org

10am at Folsom Public Library

29 Crafternoon with ArtBeast

Bring your tot to the library to play with puzzles, blocks and a wide variety of early learning toys. www.Folsom.Ca.US

3:30pm at Elk Grove Library

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Make crafts with ArtBeast. (All ages) www.SacLibrary.org

10:30am at Central Library

Rockin’ Tots 9am at Rockin’ Jump Roseville Kids Night Out: Spirit, August 17th

friday

1

8

Story Time, August 13th and 30th

thursday

Head to this indoor trampoline park with your tot. They’ll love you. (Ages 6 and under) http://Roseville.RockinJump.com

Toddler Story Time Join Miss Caitlin for stories and songs while building early literacy skills. www.SacLibrary.org Story Time 10am at Face in a Book

Visit this cute bookstore for a weekly story time with songs and fun. www.GetYourFaceInABook.com

Movies in the Park: Cars 3 Sunset at Carmichael Park

Attend an outdoor movie with free popcorn and family-friendly activities leading up to show time. The feature movie begins at sunset. http://CarmichaelPark.com

10 Family Campout 5:30pm at Fairytale Town

Before sleeping under the stars, enjoy play time inside the park, a private theater performance, crafts, a scavenger hunt, games and more. www.FairytaleTown.org

17 Kids Night Out: Spirit 6pm at Color Me Mine, Rocklin

Treat kids to an enjoyable night out at the studio while parents get a couple of hours to hit the town. http://Rocklin.ColorMeMine.com Friday Flicks 7:30pm (or sunset) at Vernon Street Town Square

Watch a movie under the stars with your family as you gather together on lawn chairs with picnic food. This month’s feature movie is “Jumanji” (PG-13). www.Roseville.Ca.us Movies in the Park: “Coco” 7pm at Fair Oaks Village Park

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

24 Fourth Friday: Wild Walls 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum

Explore the gallery’s art and participate in art-making activities throughout the museum. www.CrockerArt.org

31 Creative Art Class 3:30pm at Sacramento Children’s Museum

Attend a themed art class every Friday. (Ages 4-8) www.SacKids.org

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saturday

4 Tinker Time 11am at The California Automobile Museum

Tinker around with different kinds of automotive activities, then take a tour around to see cool cars. www.CalAutoMuseum.org Heritage Trail Museums Day 10am at Participating Museums

Free admission, guided tours and fun activities at participating museums, including Maidu Museum, Roseville Telephone Museum and Roseville Historical Society Carnegie Museum. http://TheHeritageTrail.blogspot.com

Theater Show: “Hansel and Gretel” (8/4-5) Showtimes at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. at Fairytale Town

Puppet Art Theater Company presents the classic tale of “Hansel and Gretel” in the Children’s Theater. www.FairytaleTown.org

11 2018 Galt Balloon Festival (8/11-12) 5am gates open at McFarland Living History Ranch

Experience tethered rides, daily hot air balloon launches, arts and crafts vendors and more. Gates open at 5am; balloons launch at 6am. www.GaltBalloonFestival.com Koobs Nature Area Mapping and Treasure Hunting 10am at Earl J Koobs Nature Area

Learn about maps, participate in a treasure hunt and explore the Koobs Nature Area. www.FaceBook.com/ Events/1861783087166760/

18 Sound Explorers 10am at Sacramento Children’s Museum

Explore instruments and make music at the children’s museum. www.SacKids.org

25 Multicultural Festival 10am at Elk Grove Regional Park

Learn about other cultures through music, art, food, entertainment and more at this annual festival. www.ElkGroveCity.org Sactown Nachos Fest 4pm at Cesar Chavez Park

Sacramento’s biggest nachos festival, 20 different nachos vendors, live music, a game area and more. http://SacTownNachos.com

5 Sensory Sensitive Sundays 9am at Chuck E. Cheese’s

On the first Sunday of each month, the Roseville location makes their venue a sensory-friendly environment with dimmed lighting, lowered music, limited appearances by Chuck E. and fewer crowds. www.ChuckECheese.com ExplorABILITY 9am at Sacramento Children’s Museum

7

6 Open Play 9am at Luv 2 Play

Kids will have a blast at this new indoor playground in Folsom. http://Luv2Play.com $1 Movie: Children’s Summer Series 10am at Studio Movie Grill

Watch “Megamind” (PG) for $1 per ticket and beat the summer heat. www.StudioMovieGrill.com

Twice a month, this play-based, sensory-friendly program offers children on the spectrum the opportunity to play, explore and work on social skills together. Specialists with ABA training and IPG are on site. Pre-registration required. (Ages 2-10) www.SacKids.org

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10am at Aerospace Museum of California

Royal Dreams Princess Ball 2pm at Blacktop Comedy

An evening with the Ice Queen and her sister, Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and more with performances, dancing, face painting and crafting. (Ages 12 and under) www.Eventbrite.com/e/royal-dreams-princess-ball-tickets-46478150399 BusyKidz 3rd Annual Celebration 12pm at BusyKidz Play Town and Coffee Shop

Festivities include princess and superhero visits, train rides, bounce houses, ninja training classes, face painting and dance parties. Food, treats and adult refreshments also available. https://www.facebook.com/ events/236853543586557/ Town Center Farmers Market 8am at El Dorado Hills Town Center

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

19 Kids & Company Gallery Adventure 10:30am at Crocker Art Museum

This educational tour is a great way to introduce art to children. (Ages 5+) www.CrockerArt.org

26 Woofstock 2018 8am at Johnson-Springview Park

Head to the park with your furry friend and enjoy wiener dog races, a dog obstacle course and costume parade, vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more. www.Rocklin.Ca.Us

tuesday

monday

sunday

Story Time 10am at Face in a Book

Visit this cute bookstore for a weekly story time with songs and fun. www.GetYourFaceInABook.com Self-Guided Museum Tour With over 50 historic airplanes on display, many of which your kids can climb aboard, this is worth the drive. http://AerospaceCA.org

20 Princess Night 6pm at Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Rocklin

On the 3rd Monday of each month princesses visit with dinner guests, create balloon animals and face paint.

Children can come dressed in princess attire. http://PetesRandB.com Munchkin Monday 11am at Sky High Sports

ScienceTellers Presents: A Wild West Mystery 9am at Vernon Street Town Square

Head back to the Wild West to learn about the science behind air pressure, inertia, chemical reactions and more through an interactive storytelling journey filled with experiments. http://Roseville.Ca.Us Family Fun Night 6:30pm at West Wind Drive-In

Load your kids in the car and head to the drive-in movies for a midweek experience your family will never forget. Movie tickets are discounted on Tuesdays. www.WestWindDI.com Read to a Rabbit 3:30pm at Arcade Library

Read to Bentley, a therapy rabbit, on the first Tuesday of every month.

(School-age) www.SacLibrary.org

14 Ice Cream Social with Magician Perry Yan 6pm at McKinley Library

This annual ice cream social marks the end of the library’s summer reading program and features face painting, ice cream and a magic show. (All ages) www.SacLibrary.org

21 Open Play Art Exploration 9am at The Art Box

Jump around with your little one at this indoor trampoline park. (6 and under) http://Sac.SkyHighSports.com

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

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Open Art Studio

All Aboard for Story Time

Choose from a variety of art mediums and freely create art with your child. $10 fee for supplies. (Ages 4+) http://TheArtBistro.com

11am at California State Railroad Museum

Join this world-class museum each Monday for story time. www.CaliforniaRailroad.museum

11am at The Art Bistro

28 $2 Off Tuesdays at Sacramento Children’s Museum 9am at Sacramento Children’s Museum

Explore, create and learn with handson activities, art, experiments and imaginative centers designed to peak the curiosity of little ones. www.SacKids.org

For more events, visit our online calendar at sacramentoparent.com. sacramentoparent.com AUGUST 2018 33

calendar/shows BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

PARTY

Hannah Sue - Nobody’s Perfeck

August 2-3 at Roseville Theatre Arts Academy This goofy play tells the tale of Hannah and Jones, who are preparing to marry, and the wacky happenings in the town of Savannah. The characters include cow people, pirates, heroes and villains. www.RosevilleTheatreArtsAcademy.com

Shrek The Musical

August 3-26 at The Woodland Opera House Kids of all ages will love the tale of Shrek, a hilarious ogre, his donkey friend and the lively princess who makes Shrek’s rescue mission harder than it should be. http://WoodlandOperaHouse.org

The Music Man

Through August 5 at Stage Right Productions This high energy musical tells the tale of con man Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who convinces the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a band he promises to lead, though he has no knowledge of music whatsoever. He plans to leave town with the money, but falls in love with the town librarian, who changes his heart. www.StageRightProductions.net

Mama Mia!

August 7-12, presented by Broadway At Music Circus at Wells Fargo Pavilion, Sacramento CA A woman’s quest to discover the identity of her dad brings three men from her mother’s past into the picture...right before her wedding. Featuring over 20 ABBA songs, including the hit “Dancing Queen,” this feel-good musical will have everyone singing from their seats. www.BroadwaySacramento.com

Award Winning Balloon Artist!

MUSIC

The Boy Who Stole the Stars

Mary Poppins

Through August 5 at Fair Oaks Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre Enjoy this classic musical about a nanny who shows up to help the troubled Banks family and charms everyone with her magical ways and life lessons. Raffle tickets will also be sold for $10 to win 5, One-Day Park Hopper tickets to Disneyland (drawing on August 5; need not be present to win). www.FairOaksTheatreFestival.com

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August 11 - September 9 at Sutter Street Theatre This heartwarming play depicts the story of a boy who renews his relationship with his dying grandfather While working on a school project together—counting the stars—his grandpa tells a legend about a dragon in the sky who guards the stars. He tells the boy that if the stars are returned to earth, there’d be a new paradise on earth with no death. The boy goes on a mission to get the stars in order to save his grandpa. http://SutterStreetTheatre.com

Little Shop of Horrors

August 21-26, presented by Broadway at Music Circus A musical comedy that takes place in a floral shop that becomes popular after everyone learns that it has a talking venus flytrap. www.BroadwaySacramento.com

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

JulieChafin@comcast.net

SERVICES

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