Sacramento Parent November 2015 by Sacramento Parent

parent November 2015

Growing Up Adopted

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parent November 2015

We had a blast running around with Beth and her 3 year-old daughter, Quincy at Perry’s Garden Highway Gardens’ very cool corn maze in the Natomas area of Sacramento. Read the interview on page 14—we talked with Beth and her adoptive mom, Cheryl about everything from adoption to mommy life!

CONNECTING FAMILIES FOR 23 YEARS

on our cover

Cover photographer: Colehearted Photography www.ColeheartedPhotography.com

contents NOVEMBER 2015

departments

features

around town

11 FUN FINDS

29 CALENDAR

Just Keep Swimming… All Through the Year

Books to Gobble Up

Gratitude Inspired Ideas

Feel Good Giveaways

12 CRAFTY

Autumn Tree Keepsake

14 NEXT DOOR

37 EXHIBITS New & Continuing

38 SHOWS Seasonal Showcase

A Mom Reflects on Growing Up Adopted

NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Fall Fun & Frolics

Winter 2015 Special Edition

Find Special Needs Resources

Alone in the Dark

The future looks bright to me! You wouldn’t know it to see him today, but Teddy Reynolds was born blind – his lenses covered by hereditary cataracts. If not corrected early, Teddy’s brain

See Teddy’s story at healthierworld.ucdavis.edu

ophthalmologists at UC Davis surgically removed both cataracts and equipped him with special high-powered lenses – which get swapped out regularly as he grows and his vision changes. Today, Teddy studies Taekwondo, plays soccer and is learning to surf. This is one little boy with a bright future.

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015

The gift that gives back.

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NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

9/25/15

4:16 PM

dear readers To me, November is a time for reflection. A time to give thanks, a time to enjoy family, but mostly, it’s the (somewhat) calm month before the winter storm of holiday season craziness! This issue is full of ideas to inspire quality family time. Create an autumn tree keepsake (page 12), go to a show together (there are lots to choose from on page 38), and find gratitude inspired ideas on page 42.

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November is also National Adoption Month and I feel that family is family, no matter how it has been formed. Our cover mom (who was adopted as a baby) shares what it was like growing up adopted and how that has influenced her as a parent (page 14). There’s also a special section for families with special needs, starting on page 23. Don’t miss the heartfelt article on page 25 and find out how a local mom stays positive after finding out her son has a rare chromosome disorder. And though it may sound crazy to talk swim lessons in the winter months—we did! (Find out why on page 20.) Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Shannon and the Sac Parent Team

d...

hea A g in k Loo

DECEMBER

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Santa Sightings & Holly Jolly Events Isaac’s Fight with Cancer pinterest.com/ SacParent

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Summer Dreaming! Gift Ideas Staying Well, Feeling Healthy and the Best Ugly Sweater Party Ideas!

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Pick up your free copy at one of over 1,100 locations throughout Greater Sacramento, or read it online at

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fun finds

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Autumn Tree Keepsake By Michelle Kopkash

November is a beautiful time of year to make memories. Crisp, clear days offer an opportunity to head outside with your child, whilst colder, rainy days provide a chance to stay indoors having fun with crafts. The beauty of this month’s craft is that it encourages spending quality time with your child outdoors as you gather colorful fall leaves, and time together indoors as you create your own versions of autumn trees with a few simple supplies. In addition to creating a memorable keepsake, this sensory-rich activity works on a number of motor skills – ripping and crumpling leaves, painting with a brush and squeezing a glue bottle. Enjoy the process of spending time together as much as the end result. These little moments in life together are a true blessing. Materials Needed: • White canvas or cardstock, whichever you prefer • Brown paint • Paintbrush • Colorful leaves • Glue • Basket or bag for leaf collection The Process: 1. Head outside with a basket or bag to gather the most colorful fall leaves you can find with your child. Enrich the experience for your youngster by talking about the colors, textures and smells of the leaves. 2. Head back inside for the next steps. 3. Using the canvas or cardstock, the brown paint and a paint brush, paint a tree trunk with a lot of branches. Set it aside for 10 minutes so that the paint can dry. 4. Meanwhile, crumple the leaves you’ve collected in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Have your child practice tearing them into small pieces or crumbling them in the palms of his/her hands. The smaller the pieces the better. 5. Once the paint is dry, line the branches with glue in random spots throughout the tree.

6. Generously sprinkle the crumpled leaves onto the glue. Continue to glue and sprinkle leaves until it satisfies your artistic taste. Michelle Kopkash is publisher of Macaroni Kid Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln, a local site dedicated to helping parents find family-friendly events to entertain & educate their kids each week: www.rosevilleca.macaronikid.com.

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next door

Meet Beth

Lives in Lincoln with her husband, Rick and their 3 year-old daughter, Quincy Edited by Shannon Smith Photographer: Colehearted Photography | www.coleheartedphotography.com

Beth starts off, “Adoption is a very special life event. It affects three groups of people, the biological parent, the adoptive parents, and the adoptee.”

As many know, November is National Adoption Month. We had the opportunity to talk with Beth, who was adopted at four months-old. Now, with a 3 year-old daughter of her own, we thought it would be interesting to ask her to share what it’s like to grow up being adopted and how that may have shaped her as a mom. Then, we asked her adoptive mom, Cheryl to share her experience, too.

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The biological parents: Who may want the security of knowing that their child is going to be raised by people that REALLY want to love and care for their child. The adoptive parents: Wanting the chance to actually raise, love and care for a child, an experience that may have previously not been an option. The adoptee: A child who needs a second chance.

We invite you to read on, to get to know Beth and Cheryl who candidly look back and share their first-hand perspective on adoption and motherhood.

MOMMY TALK WITH BETH. If I could pick any superpower, I’d choose… the superpower of Zen. I mean, let’s face it, being Zen is a superpower! As I get older (and especially with a 3 year-old), I find that when I surrender to it and let go, my stress and anxiety levels drop tremendously! Now, if I could find some consistency…

next door

A day with “me” time would involve… tackling some of the art projects that have been floating around in my brain. After an 8-hour work day, and all of the regular calls of domestic duty, I am pretty wiped out. Immersing myself in uninterrupted art projects would be so satisfying emotionally and spiritually.

love and goodness. We are so thankful for her presence.

Nothing makes me laugh like… Okay, it sounds cliché, but nothing makes me laugh like hearing the things my daughter says. For instance, we have been using the 1…2…3… counting method for some time now, but she is just now really understanding it. One day, she was trying to talk to me while I was working, but I was in the middle of typing an email to a client and wasn’t paying attention to her. All of a sudden I hear her say (with authority), “Mom, I’m gonna count to 1!”

“Adopted or not, unconditional love, compassion and understanding are truly the foundation of building a child’s security and will help to shape a successful person.”

When it comes to quality time with my family, I love… just being together. We love to cook together, walk on the nearby open space paths, listen to records and dance... Being a Mom has taught me… that your children teach you a huge amount about yourself. Sometimes as parents, we think that we are the ones that are doing the teaching in this parent/child relationship— but I just recently had a revelation—it’s really a 50/50 teaching position. I’ve learned quite a lot about myself, many things I’m not sure I would have without Quincy. Also, that there is no mathematical equation that could measure the love I have for Quincy. She is simply a gift of

Favorite place to take Quincy… Anywhere that is stimulating for her, but lately, the grocery store is at the very bottom of the list!

BETH’S STORY:

How old were you when you were adopted? I was four months-old, however, I stayed in a foster home from the day I was born, until I went home with my parents. I found out (just recently) that my foster parents named me Dolly. Do you remember when and how you found out? I have ALWAYS known that I was adopted. It was NEVER strange, or weird. Kids are very smart and when you speak with them truthfully with (and from) your heart, it will be felt and understood. My parents did an awesome job of raising my brother and I with the knowledge that being adopted was very special. But at the same time—they treated us like regular people—we were never put on a pedestal. I remember every now and then, my mom would let me know that when I became an adult (and if I was ready) she would help me locate my biological parents. However, I never felt the need or desire to do so. I love my parents very much and I think our story is special just as it is. Is your brother adopted as well? Yes. He is seven years older than me. My parents had to wait years before a baby was available for adoption, which is why we are so many years apart. I remember hearing the story of my parents telling

my brother that he was going to have a baby sister. He was pretty upset that he wasn’t getting a baby brother! A similarity that my brother and I wholeheartedly share, is that we have NEVER felt like there was an empty space in our hearts. The idea that we may not feel like whole people, because we were adopted, was just a ridiculous idea to us. Neither of us desired to meet our biological parents, because we had our parents. We had our mom and dad and our parents continually gave us a crazy amount of true unconditional love and support. Continued on page 17

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 15

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next door best parts of the previous and leaving the parts that didn’t work. We are ever-evolving. Someday, there may actually be perfect parents…maybe in the year 3,000. Then again, that might be cutting it close…

Beth continued from page 15

Do you think you’ll ever decide to track down your birth parents? To me, adoption means that a child is given an instant second chance at a good life. A life that a birth parent is not prepared to provide. Intuitively, I believe that when the decision is made and the process is completed, it needs to be respected for the sake of everyone involved. This goes both ways, for the child and for the birth parent(s).

Do you feel that it matters whether or not a child’s parents are adoptive or birth parents? I feel like it doesn’t matter AT ALL. I have the same relationships with my parents as most of my friends. My parents can definitely attest that the teenage years were no different! This, I fear, may come back to bite me when Quincy is older!

Emotionally, meeting could be very disruptive with adverse effects. I feel birth parents should be allowed the respect and privacy to carry on with their lives once the huge decision to give their child up for adoption has been made. Another layer to consider is the adoptive parents. In some cases, I can imagine that adoptive parents—while wanting to aide in their child’s desire to track down their birth parents—may also experience some natural fear and anxiety. Will my child want to be with their birth parents instead of me? Will they like them better than me? Will they forget about me? Did you give much thought to your birth/adoptive mom as you went through your pregnancy with Quincy? Being adopted has added a sense of mystery to my life. I know in the back of my mind that there are people that look like me walking around this earth. I may have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews... Do you know much about the circumstances of your biological parents? About ten years ago, my mom broke out the anonymous letter that my birth mother had written. The letter gave a brief history of her family and how I came to be. My birth mother was young when she became pregnant out of wedlock. I suppose in an effort to save face, she didn’t tell anyone about the pregnancy, ap-

I can’t speak for all families with adoptive children, but my family seems to share the same ups and downs that any other ‘normal’ family does. parently hiding it very well. She was still living at home with her parents when she went into labor with me—and because of the quickness of the birth—my biological grandfather delivered me! So, his hands were the first to touch me. That has always been very magical to me in a spiritual way. I look forward to sharing my story with Quincy. Have you noticed certain things about yourself that might stem from your biological parents and other traits from your adoptive parents? Now that I have a biological child of my own, and can see the facial and hand expressions that are representative of me. I wonder if those belong to my biological parents. I would say most of who I am, comes from my adoptive parents. My husband often says, “You are your mother’s daughter,” or, “You definitely are your father’s daughter.”

Is there anything you want your adoptive parents to know? That I am thankful for their thoughtful decision. I ALWAYS had everything I needed. I was loved, I was safe. That the people who raised me are kind, fair and loving. They are always there for me and my brother no matter what the circumstances, and I mean NO MATTER WHAT. I was always surrounded by amazing people growing up who embraced our family and our special circumstances. All of the above still exists today. They gave two wonderful people an opportunity to raise a family, they might not otherwise have had, thus effecting the lives of countless others. Most importantly, that they have a granddaughter that is the brightest spot on the sun. Continued on page 18

Do you think Quincy’s upbringing will differ from yours? Naturally so, but not because I am adopted and she is not. I believe parenting evolves with each generation, taking the

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 17

next door

Beth continued from page 17

CHERYL’S PERSPECTIVE: “It was just a different way of becoming a family.” After several years of trying to become pregnant, adoption just seemed to be the natural next step for us to take. We applied to Children’s Home Society in 1969 and almost exactly 9 months later, in July of 1970, we picked up our one monthold son, David. When David turned two, we decided it was time to add a second baby to our family. By that time, it had become much harder to adopt a healthy baby and we waited five years for the call from CHS. We had about given up, when we received the call saying that they had a baby girl for us. A favorite early memory of mine was our 7 year-old son’s reaction to meeting his new sister for the first time. When he saw her, he informed us in no uncertain terms, that he had wanted “a blonde brother!” It wasn’t long before he decided that she was “okay” after all. Both of our children grew up knowing that they were adopted. It was never a secret in our house. It was just a different way of becoming a family. We have been blessed with two beautiful children who happen to be adopted, and now we also have a beautiful granddaughter who has made our lives even more complete. We are very proud of Beth and the woman and mother that she has become. Beth has always been very outgoing, with a smile for everyone. She is warm, loving, very giving and always seeing the best in others. She is also very sensitive and shy, although she hides it well. She seemed fearless as a toddler, learning to ride a boogie board behind our boat at

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3 years-old and to snow ski the next winter. So far Quincy seems to be a “chip off the old block.” Do you have any advice for parents considering adoption? BETH: Always be honest about how your little family came to be and how very special it is. Kids are smart, don’t take that for granted. They need to know as soon as they can understand. They deserve to know their story. Dropping a bomb on their 18th birthday could invite disaster. CHERYL: Don’t be afraid to assume the responsibility of making sure a child knows that there is no difference between a birth parent’s love and an adoptive parent’s love. It is easy to forget over the years that, in fact, a child is adopted.

next door

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By Alyssa Chirco

The American Red Cross estimates that over 90% of families spend some time in the water during the summer months, so it makes sense that summer is the prime season for children’s swim lessons. Well, don’t be so quick to pull your kids out of the water just because the temperature has fallen outside. Being in the water and swimming safely should be second nature for every child, but kids are rarely able to develop the skills they need when they only spend a few months of the year in the water. Surprised that now might be the right time to sign your child up for swim lessons? Consider the following ways kids can benefit when they ‘just keep swimming’ throughout the winter season.

WINTER SWIM LESSONS BUILD SKILLS NEEDED TO STAY SAFE IN THE WATER. According to a study from the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, formal swim lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly in children between the ages of 1 and 4. And while summer class will certainly help to build the strong swimming and water safety skills kids need, year-round lessons allow them to better retain those skills—and move on to mastering more advanced skills quicker. Kaleb, co-owner of Steve Wallen Swim School highly recommends year-round swimming lessons. He shares, “Swimming is not only a fun activity, but a life skill that everyone should practice routinely. Through our 35 years of experience, we have found that students with more consistent attendance and skill repetition retain more skills, as well as gain higher confidence in the water.” Kaleb adds, “One of the hardest things for us to see is when a student puts in months of hard work over the summer, makes amazing progress, and then takes six months off during the fall and winter and expects to pick-up exactly where they left off the following summer.” Photo courtesy of Steve Wallen Swim School

WINTER SWIM LESSONS KEEP KIDS ACTIVE. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. But parents often struggle to keep kids active, particularly during the winter months, when colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight limit outdoor playtime and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Weekly swim lessons provide built-in insurance that children are going to get moving (and splashing) on a regular basis. Swimming works most of the body’s major muscle groups and carries a low risk of injury, making it an excellent form of exercise for growing children. And since swimming is an activity that almost all kids enjoy, they are likely to jump into the pool without protest.

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Where Your Family Can Swim This Winter

WINTER SWIM LESSONS CAN CURE CABIN FEVER.

Most outdoor pools are closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day, but there are It’s common for children (and adults) to become bored and restless during the long still many indoor facilities that offer group or winter months. Indoor activities like reading and playing video games can only proprivate swim lessons throughout the winter vide so many hours of entertainment before kids feel the urge to run and jump and season. Even if you choose not to sign your play, and parents begin to feel like they are going to lose their minds. When it’s too cold to head to the playground, a trip to an indoor pool makes for the perfect escape. kids up for classes this winter, an indoor pool is still the perfect place to take the entire famDuring swim lessons, kids get to expend all of the excess energy that builds up after ily when it’s too cold to play outside. too much time spent indoors. They have an opportunity to see their friends, interact Look for winter swim opportunities at the with their instructors and move their muscles as much as they need. Once class is over, they should be ready to rest—or at least play quietly—when they return home. following locations in your area: • A private swim school with an indoor pool Bottom line: routine winter swim lessons keep kids moving and allows them to de• A local high school or community college velop the strong swimming skills needed to stay safe in the water. Maybe even more (especially one with a swim team) importantly, they give the entire family a reason to get out of the house! • A private fitness club • A nearby community center • Your local branch of the YMCA Alyssa Chirco is a freelance journalist and mother of two. In an effort to avoid cabin fever, she and her children spend much of the winter at their local indoor pool.

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22 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Credentialed Teachers • Distraction-Free Learning Ability Groupings to Individualize Instruction Character Training Supports Your Family Values “One of the best things about El Rancho is that they teach to the student's ability and are open to grade acceleration. Our gifted kids are our future leaders and we cannot deny them.” – Current Parent “Thank you to El Rancho for being open and an advocate for gifted students. This has helped our son tremendously.” – Current Parent

A Tradition in Excellence Since 1961

www.ElRanchoSchool.com (916) 482.8656 | 5636 El Camino Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608

Embracing Unique Children Thank you to the local families who have so openly shared their stories and experiences with our readers and thank you to our advertisers who are dedicated to serving families with special needs.

WHAT'S INSIDE: DANDELION RESOURCES Connecting parents of special needs children with local resources and support. ALONE IN THE DARK My son has a rare chromosome disorder.

Autism Center for Excellence Teaching ABA socialization skills to children 8 – 12 with autism while helping them build a foundation for friendships.

4350 Auburn Boulevard Sacramento CA 95841

For more info, call 916-548-2562 or visit UCPSacto.org

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 23

R E S OEmbracing U R CtheEspirit S of perseverance.

A guide designed to connect parents of children with special needs with local resources and support.

Autism Center for Excellence, Sacramento

www.UCPSacto.org | 916-565-7700

Dr. Richard Borghi, Granite Bay

www.RichardABorghiOD.com | 916-791-3388

www.CHorseRanchAuburn.com | 530-888-7766

C Horse Ranch, Auburn

Camp Krem Camping Unlimited Boulder Creek www.CampingUnlimited.org | 510-222-6662 Carly Litvik Music Therapy Services Sacramento

www.MusicWithCarly.com | 916-905-0217

Cater Galante Orthodontic Specialists Rocklin | Grass Valley

www.luvmysmile.com | 916-435-8000 | 530-274-4411

Change Your Lead, Winters

www.ChangeYourLead.com | 650-248-4072

Children’s Choice for Hearing and Talking (CCHAT), Rancho Cordova

www.CChatSacramento.org | 916-361-7290

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) Sacramento | Bay Area

www.FEAT.org | 916-303-7405

Guiding Hands, El Dorado Hills

www.GHandsSchool.com | 916-939-0553

Horses for Healing, Inc., Auburn

www.HorsesForHealing.org | 530-887-9573

ISIS Healthcare Services, Sacramento www.ISISHealthcare.net | 800-385-1877

Koinonia, Sacramento

www.KFH.org | 877-244-5374

Placer Learning Center, Granite Bay www.PlacerLC.com | 916-774-1260

Reach for Speech, Folsom

www.ReachForSpeech.net | 916-216-8816

Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova

www.SacKids.org | 916-638-7225

Solano Learning Solutions, Sacramento www.SolanoLearning.com | 707-334-7662

Steps Therapy, Sacramento

www.BabyStepsTherapy.com | 916-415-0119

UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento/Davis

ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medicalcenter/advantages 916-703-0280

United Cerebral Palsy, Sacramento 916-565-7700 | UCPSacto.org

Weideman Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Citrus Heights www.SacChildrensDentist.com | 916-962-0577

24 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

When a parent realizes that their child is not developing typically, it’s common to have a million thoughts rush through their mind. My son was 4 months-old when we realized he was not hitting his milestones and that something wasn’t quite right. Our pediatrician confirmed our concerns and my mind quickly went into overdrive. Being the ‘type A’ person that I am, instead of just a million, it felt as if I had two million and two thoughts rushing through my frightened mind. Then, I ran to the internet. I spent many, many nights alone in the dark, searching for articles and information relating to my son’s different issues. I would often need to stop and look-up words that were foreign to me, the room lit up only by my iPhone. I had become—like many other parents like me—a permanent, full-time researcher (in all my spare time, of course). I know how alone I felt in those early moments reading in the dark. Wondering what I could do for our child to make it all better, to make it all just go away. Then came the diagnosis of a rare chromosome disorder. Just like parents that are given a diagnosis of more well-known disorders, we asked, “Okay, what’s next? What do we do? What should we expect?”

Alone in the Dark By Sherie Bedrossian Evans Photograph by rust.photography | www.rustphotos.com

Unfortunately, families that are given a rare diagnosis aren’t provided with much of anything. There is very little research to go over, very little information on prognosis. Very little period. In fact, we often don’t even get a name, we get a number. Try saying 19p13.12 microdeletion syndrome five times fast. No, really, give it a go. After we got the call from the neurologist and were given the name of his disorder, I impatiently waited many months for my genetics appointment.

The appointment, I thought, was going to help me understand. It was going to give me some direction, a plan. Instead, what it gave me was… one of the lowest days of my life.

I was told nothing more than I had already found in case studies available online. In fact, I corrected the doctors and added information unknown to the team more than once during the appointment. They told me, “You are the expert, you will be able to teach us.” That rings in my head frequently on nights when I’m up researching yet another health issue that has cropped up for my son. They told us it was a fluke, nothing to do with our genes. We weren’t any more likely to pass it on to future children than the next guy. But, I was still starving for information about my son. I wasn’t provided anything more than the same laundry list of likely issues he would develop, that I had already been provided months prior over the phone. Still, they were kind and they did give me something that has turned out to be invaluable. They told me about the Unique Organization. Unique, the Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, is an organization based in England that was started by a woman much like myself. A unique mom. We unique moms have a way of storming onward and getting things done and fortunately for so many unique families, Edna Knight, MBE did just that. Being a mom to more than one unique child herself, Ms. Knight felt a need. She turned her efforts toward creating a place where families who are faced with a rare disorder diagnosis could go for information, support and most importantly connections to other unique families faced with the same or similar disorders. There are many instances where a child may be the only person in the world diagnosed with a particular chromosome abnormality. Then, there are times when someone may be one of ten or in our case, one of about a dozen cases worldwide. Continued on page 27 sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 25

26 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Alone Continued from page 25

The Unique Organization keeps a database of members that includes their exact chromosome abnormality and then links families together that match. Currently there are approximately 14,000 individuals registered in their database. Seemed like a long shot, but sure enough, we were linked with multiple families sharing similar gene mutations. We have become like a family, a global family linked by Unique. I speak to other Unique families almost on a daily basis on our Facebook “cafe” as we call it. We have laughed, cried and hoped together for years now and I couldn’t imagine things without them. Unique is a very important part of many of our lives and I have so much to thank them for. Where there is a lack of information from medical professionals, we fill in blanks for each other all the time. Even though many of our disorders aren’t exactly the same, our children share many of the same issues, like hypotonia, feeding difficulties, epilepsy, mobility issues and the list goes on. It’s nice to have one place to go for support instead of breaking down our child’s issues into separate pieces. It exhausts me just to imagine how many different support group logins and passwords I would need.

My son is almost four years-old now and we have come a long way with many nights in the hospital, many procedures and surgeries and many therapy appointments. He is the strongest little guy I know. He is my strength. He is a lot of work, I won’t lie. But it’s all so worth it. To see him develop, on his own little terms, even if they are sometimes stubborn terms. To see him be so strong, when faced with so many obstacles is a privilege to me. He continues to be faced with many challenges such as speech, movement and behavior. He uses a feeding tube and requires oxygen while sleeping. He struggles with epilepsy and has been diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy. All of this falls under the umbrella of his rare chromosome disorder. We will always be unique, but like I always say to my boys, normal is boring. I embrace my role as a unique mom and I will forever light up the night with the glow of my iPhone. If you are reading this somewhere in the dark, by the light of your phone and feeling alone, please know that you aren’t.

For more information on rare chromosome disorders or to donate to Unique: Unique the Rare Chromosome Disorder: www.rarechromo.org For more information on 19p13.12 microdeletions: http://www.rarechromo.org/html/DisorderGuideConfirm.asp?ch=Chromosome%20 19&fn=19p13.12%20microdeletions%20FTNW.pdf&folder=information Sherie Bedrossian Evans is a freelance writer living in Auburn, along with her supportive husband and two wonderful young boys. She writes on a variety of topics including special needs parenting, using her sense of humor to both educate and inspire. She enjoys spending her rarely experienced free time seeing a favorite band play and trying to relive her youth.

The earlier the treatment The better the outcome

Find more stories and resources at www.goDandelion.com sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 27

PARENTS: At YOUR Wits’ End with your child’s reading, learning or behavior problems? Ask yourself these questions about your child • Is your smart child struggling? • Is your Dyslexic child not getting the help he/she needs? • Is the new “COMMON CORE” making things worse for your child? • Are homework battles causing chaos and crisis? • Have you tried other tutoring services without solving the problem? • Is the GAP IN SKILLS getting larger? • Have you been told by others “not to worry, he will grow out of it and catch up,” but you know better? • Do you know there is a “glitch” in the way your child learns but don’t know what it is and what to do about it?

For the Academic & Cognitive Assessment With Coupon Only expires 12/1/2015

Keeping Pace Learning Center and Reading Clinic (916) 686-1619 | www.keepingpacelearningcenter.com

Serving students in the Greater Elk Grove area since 1999.

28 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

calendar

! r e b m e v o N

Turkey talk, mandarins, autumn, the holidays, bargain shopping and anything else that reminds you of November... find it right here in our monthly 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.

SUNDAY 1 Punkin Chunkin! 10am at World of Wonders Science Museum, Lodi Don’t let the pumpkin rot on your porch. Join the WOW Museum and launch your pumpkin to space (or as close as you can). 209-368-0WOW www.WowScienceMuseum.org Turkey Vultures 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael What bird is truly bald-headed? These relatives of the condor and stork are intelligent, family-oriented and play games together. Learn how these birds are important to our ecosystem and try on some condor wings for size. All ages. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

MONDAY 2 All Aboard for Story Time 11am at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Hop on board while a museum staff member reads a railroad-related children's story. Afterward, enjoy the Museum. Whether it is toy trains or big locomotives, there is something to discover! 445-8270 | www.CSRMF.org Tiny Tykes Gardening 10am at Placer Nature Center, Auburn Do you like winter veggies? It's time to plant! Help plant the nature center's winter garden and bring some winter veggies home to grow! The tiny tykes will enjoy digging the holes and planting seeds! Program is geared towards children ages 0 to 5. Free, thanks to First 5 Placer! 530-878-6053 | www.PlacerNatureCenter.org

TUESDAY 3 Kids Crafternoon: Finger Knitting 3:30pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Try out new crafts with the library and create something unique. This week, learn to knit without the needles by finger knitting! Knit something simple for fall using nothing but yarn and your hands. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Mother Goose on the Loose 9:30am and 10:30am at Maidu Library, Roseville Join the library 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.Roseville.Ca.Us Preschool Storytime 11:30am at Fair Oaks Library Enjoy weekly story-time fun with the library! There will be stories, movement, and songs! Show up 30 minutes before-hand for a preschool/toddler craft. Ages 3 to 5 years. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Read to a Dog 3:30pm at Carmichael Library Specially trained therapy dogs are waiting for children to read to them. The library will supply the books or you may take your own book to read to the dogs. The books should have a read time of 5 to 10 minutes. After 10 sessions, the reader will receive an award of a free book. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Tuesday Movie Madness! 6pm at Sylvan Oak Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for the classic showing of “Cinderella.” Enjoy refreshments and have lots of fun! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 4 Baby Storytime 11am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Bond with your baby and make new friends! Babies ages birth to 24 months (and their caregivers) are invited to join Ms. Julia for this fun storytime full of songs, rhymes, finger plays and stories, designed just for babies’ early literacy development! This is a free program hosted by the Franklin Community Library. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Homework Zone 2pm at Galt-Marian O. Lawrence Library Need help figuring out homework or special assignments? A Homework Coach at the library will be available every Wednesday at the large table in the children's area from 2-4pm. Free assistance is available to students in grades 1-8, anytime during posted hours. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Toddler Storytime 10am at Elk Grove Library Toddlers are invited to the library to enjoy stories, music and more! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

THURSDAY 5 Family Movie Night 5:30pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Join the library for a free movie with popcorn for all ages. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Mother Goose on the Loose 9:30am at Martha Riley Community Library, Roseville Join the library for a 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.Roseville.Ca.Us Puppet Art Theater's "Tale of the Dragon’s Tail" 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Princess Penny is happy to be home from her world travels, until she discovers there are problems in the kingdom. A dragon has been spotted in the hills above the castle and her father, the King, has been giving all of the kingdom’s gold to a wizard who claims he can keep the sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 29

calendar dragon away. Penny suspects something fishy. Will Penny get to the bottom of the mystery? Is there really a dragon? 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 plenty of time for parents to network with others. Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

FRIDAY 6 2nd Alarm Chili Cook-Off 6:30pm at California Automobile Museum, Sacramento Just one of many ways to thank firefighters for all they do! Spend a fun-filled evening with some of the fiercest chili contestants around! Enjoy chili, beer, wine tasting, live music, a photo booth, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Firefighters Burn Institute. 739-8525 | www.FFBurn.org Art Lab with Art Beast 3:30pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Art Lab is a drop-in art experience for all ages and skill levels. ArtBeast instructors provide guided instruction, but primarily focus on Art Beasts' philosophy of process over product. Each skill level is accommodated through a variety of activities intended to encourage advanced artists (teens/adults) and younger, “art scientists” to create and explore the art making process! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Felt Puppet Making 3:30pm at McKinley Library, Sacramento Do you love puppets? Join the library and make your own self-designed hand puppet! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Just Between Friends Children's & Maternity Consignment Sale (11/6-8) See website for times at CWH Event Hall, Sacramento Over 300 local families selling their gently used children's clothing, toys, books, shoes, baby equipment, outdoor toys, room décor and more! www.ElkGrove.JBFsale.com

30 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Opening Day of Downtown Sacramento Holiday Ice Rink 2015 10am at St. Rose of Lima Park, Sacramento Situated in the heart of Downtown, at the corner of 7th and K streets, the Downtown Sacramento Holiday Ice Rink has been the premier #URBANholiday destination for over 20 years. The outdoor rink is open annually from November to January and provides a playful escape into a winter wonderland! 442-8575 | www.DowntownSac.com Reading Kids Children's Book Club 3:30pm Galt - Marian O. Lawrence Library Are you between the ages of 8 to 12 years of age and do you love to read? If so, then you are invited to the library on the first Friday of the month to read a book chosen by the Reading Kids or by the librarian. Treats will be served. It fills up fast so please check with the staff to see if there is room to attend. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SATURDAY 7 Creature Feature 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Meet some of the animal residents at the Nature Center up close. Learn about each of their unique journeys and how they became an educational ambassador for the Nature Center. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Family Storytime 10:30am at Folsom Public Library Spend Saturday mornings enjoying stories together at Family Storytime! Flannel stories, songs and finger plays, too. 355-7372 | www.Folsom.Ca.Us Fireside Story Telling-Science Saturday 5pm at Placer Nature Center, Auburn Do you like to listen to stories by the warmth of a fire? Enjoy entertaining nature-themed stories for the whole family. Dress warm! $3 per person (non-members), free for PNC Members. 530-878-6053 | www.PlacerNatureCenter.org Harry Potter Film Festival 1pm at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Seven books, eight movies, seven Saturdays. Can you handle the magic? Join the library for a seven-week film festival of all eight Harry Potter movies, beginning on Halloween and ending with a 2-film marathon on December 12. Popcorn will be provided! This free program is designed for school-age children, teens and families. Films 1-3 are rated PG, and films 4-8 are rated PG-13. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Kids Expo California 11am at McClellan Conference Center, Sacramento Can you imagine an event created by kids for kids? The Kids Expo California is encouraging kids to “Reach for the Stars.” This is a one of a kind event for babies, toddlers, kids, and their families. Kids Expo California features affordable fun with live entertainment, special appearances, food, and more. 866-931-8508 | www.KidsExpoCa.com

Mommy Market (& Daddy Too) 9am at Cameron Park Community Center Shop for new and gently used children’s clothes, toys and furniture. Children’s activities will be available while you shop. Become a “mommy/ daddy” vendor and sell your new or gently used items. 530-677-2231 | www.CameronPark.org Secrets of the Oak Woodland with Kate Marianchild 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Take an exuberant journey through California’s oak woodlands, our state’s most diverse and widespread terrestrial ecosystem, as she shares her favorite stories and species from her book Secrets of the Oak Woodlands: Plants and Animals among California’s Oaks. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Teddy Bear Tea 10am at Fair Oaks Library The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District and the Fair Oaks Library are proud to bring you another installment of the "Teddy Bear Tea Party." Bring your favorite teddy bear and join them at the Fair Oaks Library for "tea" and cookies, storytime and a "beary" special craft project. Space is limited and registration is required. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SUNDAY 8 Fall Colors 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Create colorful fall art by making leaf rubbings of the leaves found in the Nature Center’s village area. Have fun while learning how leaf shape and size help in identifying trees. All ages welcome. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net The California Entertainment Festival-Con 11am at RC Sports Event Center, Rancho Cordova The California Entertainment Festival-Con will create once in a lifetime memories for you and your family. There will be $100,000+ in prizes in a live game show, a live world record show, and Sacramento Film Works Live. There will be celebrities, a beer and wine garden, vendor booths, and a kids' play area. 267-4049

TUESDAY 10 Baby Lapsit Storytime 9:30am at Fair Oaks Library Join the library for a special storytime for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers, filled with songs, action rhymes, finger-play and books. Stick around for baby stay and play at the end of storytime. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Homework Zone 3:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Need help with homework? Elementary, middle and high school students are welcome to meet with the library’s volunteer homework coach, who is available to assist students. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

calendar Teens Make: Braided Bracelets 4pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Drop by the library for teen space and craft braided bracelets! They'll be updating the classic friendship bracelet to make cute, wearable accessories. Make one for yourself or for a friend! All supplies will be provided. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 11 Military Family Day 10am at the Sacramento Zoo In appreciation for our troops, all military personnel, veterans and their families receive a 50% discount on Zoo admission with a valid military identification card. 808-5888 | www.SacZoo.org Teddy Bear Tea Party 10am at Fair Oaks Library The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District and the Fair Oaks Library are proud to bring you another installment of the “Teddy Bear Tea Party”. Bring your favorite teddy bear and join us at the Fair Oaks Library for “tea” and cookies, story time, and a “beary” special craft project. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

URGENT NEED

for foster parents!

Call today to learn about being a foster parent and make a difference in the life of a child! Family Extension Foster Care, Inc., (FEFC) a non-profit organization, was founded in 2006, with a mission and passion to work with the at-risk children and provide a safe, healthy and stable environment conducive to positive, lasting change. Family Extension Foster Care, Inc. Stockton, CA 209.956.9595

THURSDAY 12 Kids' Snacks Program by the Food Literacy Center 3:30pm at Rancho Cordova Library The Food Literacy Center will teach kids to prepare a healthy snack and then they will get to eat that snack. This is last of this program and it’s free so join in the fun! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Middle School Movie Matinee 3pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento The library is proud to present the new Movie Matinee for Middle Schoolers! This month they’ll be watching “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (Rated PG.) 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Tween Book Club 4pm at Fair Oaks Library Like to read? Are you about 9 to 12 years-old? Join the Tween Book Club at Fair Oaks Library. They meet every second Thursday of the month, and talk about books, eat snacks and have a trivia contest with prizes. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Up, Up and Away! 4pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento This family science program from Mad Science introduces children to the principles of gases and pressure. Inflate a giant airbag with one breath, see a real hovercraft in action and shoot toilet paper 50 feet into the air while learning about principles of gases in our everyday lives! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

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FRIDAY 13 Family Game Time! 4pm at Southgate Library, Sacramento Join your friends and neighbors to play some fun board games! Games will be available for both children and adults. Snacks will be sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 31

calendar provided. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Origami 3:30pm at Del Paso Heights Library, Sacramento Join the library and learn how to make folded paper art! Use your skills to make paper cranes, frogs, flowers, tables and more! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Zumba Classes! 8am at Rancho Cordova Library Free Zumba classes for the whole family! Join Keri at the library every Friday, no registration required. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SATURDAY 14 “Adoption is Awesome” Skate Party 6-8pm at Roller King, Roseville In honor of National Adoption Month, Capital Adoptive Families Alliance (“CAFA”) is gearing up to host a private skate party for adoptive families, friends, and supporters. Due to the private nature of the event, CAFA is able to request special accommodations like softer music or lighting so that children with sensory issues can participate.The children will experience a sense of belonging when hanging out with other children of similar backgrounds, get a confidence boost and have a blast! www.CapAdoptFam.org Community Craft Fair 1pm at Reason Center, Sacramento If you’re looking for unique gifts, then check out the Reason Center's craft fair. Members of the Reason Center community will be showcasing their handmade arts and crafts. There will be a variety of items for sale, including fabric arts, mixed media, steampunk crafts, woodworking, and more! 710-2967 | www.ReasonCenter.org

Global Winter Wonderland-Opening Day Through January 3 at Cal Expo, Sacramento Global Winter Wonderland is a spectacular holiday festival and multi-cultural celebration featuring: awe-inspiring illuminated landscapes celebrating the Magic of the Seasons! Two stages of entertainment, delicious international cuisine, full carnival with family and thrill rides. Get your picture taken with Santa and do some holiday shopping. www.GlobalWonderland.com Harry Potter Night for Teens 5pm at Fair Oaks Library 32 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Join the library and watch “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, eat Harry Potter themed snacks and craft your way through this magical night in preparation for next month's Yule Ball. Cosplay highly encouraged! Registration is required. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Harvest Festival 2pm at Rancho Cordova Library Join the library for a fun time with the whole family! Enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, treats, and more! This free event is sponsored by the Junior League of Sacramento, the library’s adult Garden Club and their Friends group. There will be cards available to express gratitude to our Military Service Members. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Hawks, Honkers, and Hoots 11am at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Have you ever wanted to see an eagle, falcon or a screech owl up close? Wildlife rescue group Hawks, Honkers, and Hoots will show you all kinds of water birds and birds of prey. They will even let the audience pet some of these spectacular birds. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org MakerFest-Tinkering at the WOW 10am at World of Wonders Science Museum, Lodi Get down and dirty in toy dissection, marshmallow shooters, crafting corner, artwork alley, squishy circuits and the kids construction zone. There is fun to be had for all! 209-368-0WOW www.WowScienceMuseum.org Nature Detectives 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Have you ever wondered what critters have used the trail before you? Many animals are out and about when we are not. Join us in exploring the trails and sharpen your nature detective skills by learning the tracks and other signs of local wildlife. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Rocky Road-Our Day Outside 10am at Placer Nature Center, Auburn What are those rocks under my feet and scattered about? Let's investigate and take a close look. Be ready to explore all kinds of shapes, colors, and sizes! Program is geared toward children ages 0-5. Free, thanks to First 5 Placer. 530-878-6053 | www.PlacerNatureCenter.org Second Saturday Sensory Storytime 10am at North Natomas Library This inclusive storytime was developed for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. It features songs, stories, sensory activities and interactive materials. It is targeted for a developmental of 2 to 6 years. Behavior and noise are not a problem and siblings are invited. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Thanksgiving Crafts 1pm at Carmichael Library Celebrate Thanksgiving by making some fun holiday crafts at the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

Thrift Shop Fashion Swap 10:30am at Crofoot Center, Sacramento Clean out your closet and get ready to leave with a whole new look! Gather at least five clean, gently used clothing items to swap for a selection of trendy thrift clothes, shoes, jewelry, or purses. www.ClosetKeepSakes.com

SUNDAY 15 Salmon Stroll 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Learn about the life cycle of this amazing long distance swimmer and take a stroll to the river to see them spawning. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

MONDAY 16 All Aboard for Story Time 11am at California State Railroad Museum Hop on board while a museum staff member reads a railroad-related children's story. Afterward, enjoy the Museum. Whether it is toy trains or big locomotives, there is something to discover! 445-8270 | www.CSRMF.org Holiday Stocking Drive (Through December 8th) 8:30am at Women’s Empowerment, Sacramento Bring smiles to formerly homeless women and children this holiday season by contributing to Women’s Empowerment’s annual Holiday Stocking Drive. The group is seeking 250 stockings and specific fillers for local infants and toddlers, children, teens, and adult women. 669-2307 | www.Womens-Empowerment.org

TUESDAY 17 Homework Zone 3:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Need help with homework? Elementary, middle and high school students are welcome to meet with the library’s volunteer homework coach, who is available to assist students with their homework. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Kids Crafternoon: Leaf Art 3:30pm at Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento Kids of all ages are welcome for crafternoon! Choose from several different fall-inspired crafts focused on the changing of the leaves. This drop-in program is designed for school age children age 6 and up, but younger crafters are always welcome with adult supervision. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Peter Pan's Puppet Pirate Adventure 6:30pm at Galt-Marian O. Lawrence Library Peter Pan and Wendy are on a soaring adventure, with music, pirates, a singing crocodile and a magical treasure chest. It's a charming musical and visual adventure presented by master puppeteer, ventriloquist and magician Tony Borders. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Read to a Dog 3:30pm at Carmichael Library Specially trained therapy dogs are waiting for children to read to them. The library will supply

calendar the books or you may take your own book to read to the dogs. The read time for the books should be 5 to 10 minutes. After 10 sessions, the reader will receive an award of a free book from the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 18 Holiday Big Band Show 7pm at Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, Sacramento Come hear some of the Benvenuti's favorite holiday songs in the style of Big Band Swing. This show will feature musicians and singers from the Natomas Charter School PFAA Music Department. This concert is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 491-1028 | www.BenArts.org LEGO Fun! 3:30pm at Fair Oaks Library Spend the afternoon playing with Legos! Plenty of LEGOs await you. The library will display your creations after the program. For ages 5 and up; no registration required. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join neighborhood favorite Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

THURSDAY 19

come to the Vernon Street Town Square to watch a movie under the stars! Light refreshments available for purchase (cash only). Movies begin at 7:30pm (or sunset) on a 30ft screen, weather-permitting. Free! 774-5200 | www.Roseville.Ca.Us Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Faire (11/20-22) 10am at Napa Valley Expo Be a part of a Napa Valley holiday tradition! The Faire highlights over 85 local and regional artists of original crafts, artwork, holiday pieces, and gourmet foods to sample–exhibited by the people who make it! Holiday music and spirit abounds as you stroll the hall and visit with the artists, with the smell of hot-cinnamon roasted almonds in the air. This is a great way to get your Christmas shopping done early, with a personal touch! 925-372-8961 Mountain Mandarin Festival (11/20-22) See website for times at Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn Celebrate 22 Magical Years in 2015 with the new crop of delicious, foothills-grown Mandarin oranges. Placer County growers will sell thousands of pounds of fresh Mandarin oranges and gift baskets, accompanied by all the free samples you like. Join in the fun with a Mandarin Recipe cooking contest, professional chef demonstrations, food, artisan crafts, and activities featuring the Mandarin orange, a Peel & Eat contest, live music and entertainment. www.MandarinFestival.com

Winter Workshop Series Registration Now Open!

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Make Your Own Thanksgiving Turkey 4pm at North Highlands-Antelope Library Create your own turkey decoration of Thanksgiving center piece in this children’s craft program. Teen and parent volunteers are welcome. Free admission! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Movie Matinee 3pm at Carmichael Library Take your friends and family and enjoy a free movie! Visit Carmichael Library for a list of up-coming movie titles. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

FRIDAY 20 Book Talk 4pm at Arden-Dimick Library, Sacramento Do you have a 5th-8th grader who loves books? Take them to the library where they can talk about the books they’ve read and find inspiration for the next page turner! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Fall Fest 4pm at Fair Oaks Library This event is for school-aged children and their families! There will be four craft stations that incorporate elements of nature into the craft such as apples, leaves and pinecones alongside other fun fall activities. Apple Cider and snacks will be served. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Friday Flicks, “Tomorrowland” 7:30pm at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville Grab a blanket, lawn chair and the family and

Sacramento Harvest Festival 2015 (11/20-22) 10am at Cal Expo, Sacramento The Sacramento Harvest Festival, one of the nation's top rated craft shows, is returning to Cal Expo. The Harvest Festival offers attendees a full day of unique shopping, holiday inspiration, and fantastic live entertainment. Children can take part in eco-friendly craft activities at the handson KidZone, hosted by Nature of Art for Kids. 800-346-1212 | www.HarvestFestival.com Quilt Show: Worlds of Wonder and Whimsy 10am at Scottish Rite Center, Sacramento At the Worlds of Wonder and Whimsy quilt show there will be hundreds of beautiful quilts, wearable art, a country store with handmade gifts, demos, vendor prizes, and more. The featured artist will be Linda Bergmann. www.RiverCityQuilters.org

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 33

calendar

SATURDAY 21

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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 Craft for Kids: Tile Art! 12pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Do you like learning new forms of art? Then head to the library to learn to make your very own tile art! Everyone will be given white tiles. Use your art skills to decorate and make your very own paperweight, coaster or wall art. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Get Creative! Crafting for Adults and Teens 11am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Each month the library team will have a fun, colorful, new or old craft for you to explore. November's craft is adult coloring! We just can’t get enough of this fun craft from our childhood, but with a decidedly grown-up flair. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org LEGO Builder's Ball 1pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join the library’s monthly block party and make a mess creatively with an amazing selection of LEGOs, DUPLOs and Megablocks. Engineer something new or build something classic! 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! Noise and/or behaviors are never a problem at the library. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids 2pm at Arcade Library, Sacramento Get ready for Thanksgiving! Join the Arcade library to make colorful crafts that you can use to decorate the table Thanksgiving day. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SUNDAY 22

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Village Tour 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center Step back in time on a guided tour of the Nisenan Maidu replica village. Discover the traditional uses for structures such as the granary, tule house and grinding rock, and why it takes many steps to make acorns into food. All ages welcome. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net

MONDAY 23 Autumn Studio Art Camp: Art Inspired by Fall 10am at Verge Center for the Arts, Sacramento This camp will be doing projects that are inspired by nature, specifically fall and the amazing colors that arise during fall and winter.

The class will bring natural elements into the projects like leaves and natural dyes, while looking at the patterns and repetition in nature to create beautiful works of art. 448-2985 | www.VergeArt.com Pigskin Peanuts Holiday Camp (11/23-25) 9am at California Museum, Sacramento Ideal for kids ages 6 to 12, this new holiday day camp offers participants engaging learning experiences as they explore the world’s most popular comic strip, Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts.” A combination of hands-on activities related to the traveling exhibit “Pigskin Peanuts” and visits to local sites, daily itineraries include drawing cartoons, ice skating, and more. 654-1729 | www.CaliforniaMuseum.org

TUESDAY 24 LEGO Mania 3:30pm at McClatchy Library, Sacramento Like building with LEGOs? Join the library for their monthly free play afternoon. LEGOs and LEGO building books will be provided. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Preschool Storytime 10am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Talk, sing, read, write and play with the library! Pre-schoolers ages 3 to 5 years (and their caregivers) are invited to join Ms. Julia for 30 minutes of fun songs, rhymes, stories and finger-plays, all designed to build early literacy skills. A playtime with age-appropriate, educational toys will follow this program. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Toddler Storytime 10:30am at Fair Oaks Library Join the library for a special storytime for toddlers (ages 18 to 36 months) and their caregivers, filled with songs, action rhymes, books, and movement. Stick around for a toddler/preschool craft afterward. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 25 Baby Storytime 11am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Bond with your baby and make new friends! Babies ages birth to 24 months (and their caregivers) are invited to join Ms. Julia for this fun storytime full of songs, rhymes, finger plays and stories, designed just for babies’ early literacy development! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Sing Along with Mister Cooper 4pm at Belle Cooledge Library, Sacramento Join Mr. Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for ages 3 to 7 years. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

THURSDAY 26 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

calendar

FRIDAY 27 Crocker Holiday Artisan Market 12pm at Scottish Rite Center, Sacramento The Sacramento Creative Arts League is delighted to partner again with the Crocker Art Museum in bringing attendees an opportunity to shop for distinctive, one-of-a kind, high-end modern gifts at the annual three day Crocker Holiday Artisan Market. 616-7969 | www.CreativeArtsLeague.com Free Admission Day: Canned Food Drive 10am at Fairytale Town, Sacramento Fairytale Town offers FREE admission to visitors who bring in a canned good to donate the day after Thanksgiving! All goods collected will be donated to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. Enjoy free play inside of Fairytale Town, plus free arts and crafts activities. 808-7462 | www.FairytaleTown.org Small Train Holiday (11/27-28) 10am at California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento To help you get into the spirit of the season California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum are proud to present a two-day Small Train Holiday. Visitors of all ages will be dazzled by a magical assortment of trains, hundreds of feet of track and an array of buildings and accessories. They can marvel at the variety of locomotives that pull pretend passengers and scaled-down shipments through all kinds of scenery. 323-9280 | www.CSRMF.org

SATURDAY 28 Autism-Friendly Family Movie 10:30am at Sylvan Oaks Library, Citrus Heights Join the library for a special “Cinderella” movie night for kids with autism and/or sensory disorders. “Typical” toddlers or preschoolers are welcome too! There will be healthy snacks, the lights will be up slightly while the sound is slightly down, and kids don’t need to remain seated during the movie. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Chess 2pm at Martin Luther King, Jr Library, Sacramento Open to all skill levels! Learn or practice Chess at the library! 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org Great Gobblers! 10:30am at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael Had enough turkey yet? Come learn about the wild turkeys in the Nature Area and take a walk in search of turkeys, of course. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Lego Block Party 10am at Franklin Community Library, Elk Grove Join the library’s Lego Block Party! You bring your imagination and creativity and they’ll supply lots and lots of Duplo and Lego blocks to build with. 264-2920 | www.SacLibrary.org

SUNDAY 29 Black Tailed Deer 1:30pm at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael The bucks are in their glory, with beautiful antler crowns. Grab your binoculars or borrow some from the Nature Center and catch a closer look at the black-tailed deer in their oak woodland home while learning more about their world. 489-4918 | www.SacNatureCenter.net Rancho Cordova's Christmas Tree Lighting 4:30pm at Village Green Park, Ranch Cordova Mother Nature may be in charge of decorating the Sierras for the holidays, but Santa’s elves are working overtime to be sure snow is on the way to Rancho Cordova. This is the perfect way to shake off the turkey hangover, the traditional tree lighting event will be complete with hay rides, steam train rides, children’s activities, music, treats and more. 273-5701 www.enutshells.net/profiles/Clusters Cordova_Community_Council/ sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 35

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calendar/exhibits

CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT

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

Kids Clay Open Studio Through November 14 at Verge Center for the Arts With the help of a ceramic artist, receive basic instruction to begin the clay projects of your dreams. Drop-in to just one session, but two sessions are recommended so you can both, glaze and fire your work. 448-2985 | www.VergeArt.com Morphed Art Show Through November 14 at Kennedy Gallery Morphing is a special affect that changes (or morphs) one image or shape into another through a seamless transition. Morphed will feature works from local artists in a variety of mediums. 716-7050 | www.KennedyGallerySac.com Urban ‘scapes Through November 14 at Allied Ceramics Art Institute Studios & Gallery A whimsical look at the Sacramento urban scene. It features David Peterson’s marvelous watercolors of local buildings and landmarks combined with Mathew Glaisyer’s playful ceramic domiciles that will give you a fun 2D and 3D look at Sacramento’s urban existence. 966-8453 | www.AcaiStudios.com The Age of Albrecht Dürer: German Drawings from the École des Beaux Arts, Paris November 1-February 2016 at Crocker Art Museum This exhibition of German drawings is centered on Albrecht Dürer and his world, seen in a selection from the best drawings collection in France outside the Louvre. A central figure of Renaissance humanism, Dürer revolutionized the arts of drawing, painting, and printmaking in Germany and throughout Europe. 808-1182 | www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

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Courtesy of Forestbird Photography/ Kathleen Waldvogel Palma, www.CaliforniaMuseum.org California Chrome: A Race For the Dream November 10-September 2016 at California Museum Featuring artifacts from the personal collections of owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, this all new exhibit explores the career of California Chrome, the California-bred horse who capped a six-race winning streak by sweeping the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Highlights of the state’s long association with the sport are chronicled, including the nation’s oldest racetrack in Pleasanton built in 1858. 653-7524 | www.CaliforniaMuseum.org Holiday Market November 13-December 24 at Pence Gallery Pence’s annual arts & crafts sale is full of jewelry, scarves, ceramics, holiday items and more, all created by some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople around. Enjoy a 10% discount on all items as a member! 530-758-3370 | www.PenceGallery.org

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 37

calendar/shows

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

Steel Magnolias

Through November 8 at Woodland Opera House Revolving around Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in a small parish in Louisiana, Steel Magnolias is the story of a close-knit circle of friends. Young Shelby, who is diabetic, gets married and is soon pregnant, much to the disapproval of her mother M’Lynn, as pregnancy could be fatal for Shelby. “Steel Magnolias” tells the story of Shelby, M’Lynn, Truvy and their friends, making us laugh and cry as the realities of their lives unfold. 530-666-9617 www.WoodlandOperaHouse.org

White Christmas

Through November 15 at 24th Street Theatre Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show at a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their soul mates while they’re there. Full of dancing, romance, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written like “White Christmas.” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family! 207-1226 | www.RunawayStage.com

November 6-15 at Community Center Theatre, Sacramento Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. 557-1999 | www.CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com

A Year With Frog and Toad

Through November 14 at 24th Street Theatre, Sacramento When Arnold Lobel’s classic children’s books were adapted for the Broadway stage, the resulting musical was a surprise crossover hit, snagging three Tony nods in 2003. Find out why when “A Year With Frog and Toad” comes to Sacramento’s 24th Street Theatre in this Runaway Stage Production. 207-1226 | www.RunawayStage.com

A Christmas Carol, The Musical

Through November 15 at Harris Center, Folsom Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present, & Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. 808-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

Snow White and Rose Red

Through November 15 at the Performing Arts Center, Sacramento City College Sisters Snow White and Rose Red save the ranch with the help an enchanted bear named Boo in Storytime Theatre’s “Snow White and Rose Red!” 558-2174 | www.CityTheatre.net

38 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Elf: The Musical

The Wizard of Oz Spot

November 1 at Mondavi Center, UC Davis Eric Hill’s first book, “Where’s Spot?” was an instant success. The mischievous puppy has captured the attention of generations of children and parents, with over 60 million Spot books in print to date. Theater Terra of the Netherlands brings lovable Spot to life using incredible puppetry and sing-along tunes. 866-754-2787 | www.MondaviArts.org

Of Kites and Kings

Nov 4-December 13 at Sacramento Theatre Company This intimate new play explores the life of the American icon Benjamin Franklin and his relationship with his son, William. In this story of family rifts, love of country, and being true to one’s beliefs, both men rebel against tyrants: Benjamin against Britain’s King George and William against his father, making the two foes. 443-6722 | www.SacTheatre.org

November 6-14 at Hiram Johnson High School, Sacramento Presented by River City Theatre Company; like so many girls her age, little Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. 457-7282 | www.RiverCityTheatre.org

Henny Penny

November 7 at Chataqua Children’s Theatre, Carmichael “The Sky is Falling.” Join the Children’s Theatre and Chicken Little for a show that’s sure to entertain the entire family, even the chickens. 489-7529 | www.CPlayHouse.org

calendar/shows

WINTER BREAK (Dec. 18-30, excludes Christmas eve and day),

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Into the Woods

November 13-December 6 at Davis Musical Theatre An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They’re all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fractured fairy tale. Thus, what begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Recommended for theater goers aged 11 and up. 530-756-3682 | www.DMTC.org

THANKSGIVING CAMP NOV 25-27th WINTER CAMPS! DEC 18-30th (Excluding Christmas Eve/Day)

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

November 14-December 7 at Sutter Street Theatre, Folsom This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its’ triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. 353-1001 | www.SutterStreetTheatre.com

The Biggest Show on Snow

November 20-January 3 at Raley Field, Sacramento A six-week holiday extravaganza! Experience the biggest show on snow, with ice skating, an iceslide, Santa photo opportunities, get your holiday tree and do some holiday shopping! 376-4700 | www.BiggestShowonSnow.com

An Irish Christmas

November 27-29 at Harris Center, Folsom An Irish Christmas brings joy, hope, laughter, friendship, celebration, music, song, and dance in a night that sparkles with life and a bit of ‘magic!’ Dancers dance through the generations over brooms, on half doors, around butter churns, into the world of mythology and out again. Songs spinning out of the mists and into the familiar Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and Carol of the Bells. 808-6888 | www.HarrisCenter.net

sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 39

! WIN IT

Thankful for Books! Edited by Christine Quarry

Enter to win one of these seasonal books that your little butterball’s will gobble up on Thanksgiving Day—pre or post Turkey Day naps!

“Turkey Time!”

The perfect treat for little gobblers! Illustrated by Melanie Matthews, this book walks your little one through Thanksgiving Day and the lead up to the big, delicious meal.

“Thanksgiving Parade”

March along with the Thanksgiving parade! Illustrated by Melanie Matthews, this book captures some of the best features of a parade as seen through the eyes of a child.

“The Giant Pumpkin” a Peter Rabbit Animation

As seen on Nickelodeon, this Peter Rabbit animation book is based on the works of Beatrix Potter. It’s Pumpkin Day at the Burrow! Peter, Lily, Benjamin, and Cotton-tail set out to get a pumpkin from Mr. McGregor’s garden. But once they get it rolling, they can’t get it to stop! Will the rabbits be able to stop the pumpkin in time for Thanksgiving dinner?

“Thanksgiving Activity Book”

Written by Karl Jones and illustrated by Joey Chou, this book is packed with Thanksgiving-themed games, puzzles, and fun facts! Celebrate this special holiday with friends and family with awesome activities including: Step-by-step guides to help you create beautiful crafts and decorations, including a press-out centerpiece! Look inside for recipes, stickers and much, much more!

Books are courtesy of: www.Penquin.com/YoungReaders. Enter to win your copy at www.SacramentoParent.com! Winners will be drawn November 17th.

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Shop unbelievable deals on the boutique and brand names you know and love! Sell your items as a consignor and earn up to 70%! Details and sign up online! Save as much as 50-90% OFF RETAIL! Save time as it’s all here under one roof! Smart! Make and save money with the Leading Children’s Consignment Sales Event! Whatever you do, don't miss this shopping extravaganza! shop. sell. save. smart!™

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sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 41

Thankful Giving:

Gratitude Inspired Ideas By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

Don’t let this month’s focus on food (and football) overshadow the spirit of Thanksgiving. Express thanks with these inspired ideas—because actions really do speak louder than words.

Apples for the teacher. Take the kids on an apple-picking expedition at a nearby orchard or hit the farmer’s market for fresh fruit. Then, get in the kitchen and bake cinnamon-apple muffins together. Give the muffins to your child’s teacher with a hand-written note that says, “I couldn’t have picked a better teacher! You are the apple of my eye.”

Word up. Boost your brainpower by learning how people say thanks in a load of other languages. You’ll find written words for thank you with pronunciation tips at Factmonster.com and a video presentation of 29 thankful expressions on Youtube.com. Set a goal to say “thank you” three times each day in a foreign language and soon these expressions will feel familiar.

Launch an attack. Picture it. Take a photo of your child with something (or someone) he’s grateful for–like a loving grandparent or an awesome bus driver. Post it on Facebook or Instagram for others to see and challenge your friends to catch your attitude of gratitude and share their own images of appreciation. Let’s make gratitude go viral.

Express your good fortune. Bake your own fortune cookies with personalized messages inside to remind your kids just how lucky you are to have them in your life. Find simple recipes at AllRecipes.com or order fancy custom cookies at KCFortuneCookieFactory.com.

Of appreciation, that is. Pen a heartfelt thank you note to hide in your husband’s wallet or brief case. Leave a lipstick kiss on his side of the bathroom mirror in the morning. Text thank you messages to his cell phone throughout the day. Your goal: To remind him (and yourself) how grateful you are to have a sweet and supportive partner.

Fill everybody’s bucket. Teach young kids the value of good deeds with the book, “Fill a Bucket” by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin. To reinforce its message, ask kids to write down good deeds on slips of paper and put them in small tin buckets labeled with family members’ names. Pretty soon, they will be clambering to see who can fill up their bucket first—and everyone will be happier for it.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom who is grateful for knock-knock jokes and bedtime stories. She is the author of “Detachment Parenting.”

42 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com

Now with SIX convenient locations to serve you in the Sacramento area and open 7 days!

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

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Kid’s Camp Drop In Care Expires 12/31/2015

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

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Kid’s Camp Party & Fun Center Expires 12/31/2015-Single Use Only Valid if presented at time of booking

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(916) 358-5276 • www.kidscampfamilies.com • (916) 358-5437 sacramentoparent.com NOVEMBER 2015 43

It’s All About Choices

Naturwood is your headquarters for Kids Room Furniture, with a huge selection for both boys and girls. You’ll find lots of different pieces to provide you with the best combination of sleep, study, and storage.

12125 Folsom Blvd. Rancho Cordova 916 -351- 0227

Mon – Fri 10am – 8pm Sat 10am – 6pm Sun 11am – 6pm

www.naturwood.com

44 NOVEMBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com