San Joaquin Magazine KIDS 2011

A FA M I LY MAGA ZINE FOR PA R E N T S

San Joaquin

& PARENT MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2011

Taking the Reins THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS + MOM ON A MISSION: ELAINE BEGLEY

FUN POOL PARTY FINDS SWIM LESSONS VOLUNTEERING WITH YOUR FAMILY

JULY/AUG 2011 SANJOAQUINKIDS.com

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Kids Tidbits Stockton Macaroni Kid; Over in the Valley book

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In the Spotlight Marianne Prieto, Children's Museum of Stockton Day Camp

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Your Kids Swim Safety for Infants

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Haute Items: Pool Party

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Your Family Volunteering: Family time for a good cause

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Escapes: Healdsburg

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FEATURE: Taking the Reins Therapeutic horseback riding programs for kids with special needs. by Jenn Thornton

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Summer Kids Calendar

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Mom on a Mission Elaine Begley, Elaine Begley Photography

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SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MATTHEW JAMES PHOTO; ISTOCK; FOUR SEASONS THERAPEUTIC RIDING ACADEMY; PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

What’s Inside

Why would you want your child to attend

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International Baccalaureate philosophy Teachers are IB trained • Rigorous academic environment • Charter school • Small school environment Small class sizes • Field Trips • 2nd Language taught (Spanish) • Hands-on learning activities • Small group instruction Project and inquiry based learning • Guided research • Science & Social Studies based curriculum • Music • Taiko Japanese drum instruction • Art • Thematic units Green school – focus on recycling, reusing and conservation 1540 N. Lincoln St., Stockton, Ca. 95202 209.933.7355 • www.primaryyearsacademy.com

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Also accepting donations for New items, toothbrushes, teddy bears, slippers, clothes and books.

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Join us!

Starting July 6th for story time Wednesday mornings at 10am

San Joaquin

& PARENT MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

MANAGING EDITOR Jamie Menaker ASSISTANT EDITOR Katy Berry CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Martinez

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Heather Hilton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kelly Moore, Michelle Cox, Vikki Sandor-Girolami, Valerie Zoccoli EDITORIAL INQUIRIES jamie@sanjoaquinmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS NIssa Hallquist, Tammy Hansen, Don and Ann Jackson, Jenn Thornton

354 Lincoln Center • Stockton • www.shopsassypants.com

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CONTACT US

San Joaquin Kids Magazine is published 6x a year by San Joaquin Magazine 95 W. 11th Street, Suite 206 Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: (209) 833-9989 Email: tony@sanjoaquinkids.com www.sanjoaquinkids.com

ADVERTISING OFFICE: 209.833.9989

St. Luke School Offering: • Faith open to all • Exemplary education • Credentialed teachers • After school programs and care • Art, music, counseling

• A pathway to college preparatory schools • Safe and caring environment • Community • Values

Call 209-464-0801 or stop by for a visit 4005 North Sutter St., Stockton, www.stlukestockton.com 6

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS SUMMER l 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of Inside Magazines Publishing Company. © 2011 Inside Magazines

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. by American Web

Cover Image: Heather and Kim Mompean Moomp Photography www.moompphotography.com

Where Kids Come First!

San Joaquin County Office of Education 2901 Arch-Airport Road, Stockton, 95206 (209) 468.4800 www.sjcoe.org

209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com

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[ Local Book ]

Over in the Valley [ Local Website ]

Stockton

Macaroni Kid started when East Coast moms Joyce Shulman and Nicky Hemby were looking to provide local parents with a free resource to find the latest kid-friendly events in the community.

The two began creating a weekly newsletter which was sent to thousands of parents, and then posted to their own website, Macaroni Kid. Soon they decided that “every kid is a macaroni kid,” and moms all over the U.S. were encouraged to become “mom publishers” and start their own local version of the site. Macaroni Kid now has over 400 websites in communities across the nation, and thanks to Helene Gaither, Ann Becker, and Wendy Hunt, local parents can enjoy our own Stockton Macaroni Kid website.

Kept up to date with a wealth of events happening all over the San Joaquin area, Stockton Macaroni Kid also features recipes and craft ideas to keep you and your kids busy all year long.

“The families in Stockton have welcomed us, and when we get positive feedback from our readers it makes running this newsletter so worthwhile,” says Gaither. Co-founder Hunt says they currently have 600 subscribers, but are working hard to get more.

Along with all the great local information on the website, parents can also browse Macaroni Kid’s national newsletters with themes like Family Travel, Eats, and the Macaroni Military Family Newsletter.

—Katy Berry To learn more about Macaroni Kid visit www.stockton.macaronikid.com

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SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

For more information or to purchase Over in the Valley, visit: web.me.com/llknoll

COURTESY STOCKTON MACARONI KID; LINDA L. KNOLL

Macaroni Kid

Linda Knoll of Modesto has combined her talents as a graphic designer, teacher, and author to create an endearing and beautifully illustrated children’s book entitled Over in the Valley. Inspired by the classic children’s folk song, “Down in the Valley,” Knoll’s book uses sing-song rhymes and richly detailed watercolor paintings to explore the native wildlife found in San Joaquin. At the end of the book Knoll includes a guide to all the creatures featured in the story, as well as sheet music so kids can sing the rhymes. Knoll’s website offers several resources for teachers, including an art project, writing exercise, and science worksheet. For those simply wanting a pleasant story with lovely illustrations, Over in the Valley will charm parents and kids as they learn about all the rich wildlife that’s nestled right here in San Joaquin. —K.B.

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MATTHEW JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

In the Spotlight:

Marianne Prieto:

Camp Instructor Extraordinaire

by Katy Berry Marianne Prieto has been working at the Children’s Museum of Stockton for almost five years. When she started, she had just finished earning a degree in accounting and was preparing to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree in business. “I thought that what I wanted to do was be a career woman," she says. "But as I started working here I thought, this is what I want to do.”

Prieto has just been named a museum specialist by the newly elected Board of Directors, but also holds the title of head camp instructor along with her co-worker Dalila Golde. Each year, Prieto and Golde design the entire curriculum for the summer camp program, held at the museum since it first opened. The program begins in early June and runs through August every weekday. Kids choose their activities from themes like Under the Sea, Incredible Edibles, and Wacky Sports. Prieto says the activities help kids build confidence, and the most popular theme is Woodshop, by far.

“What they’re doing is building bird houses and race cars out of wood.

We use kits donated by Lowe’s that have pre-drilled holes and they’re very kid-friendly,” she says. “They’re building something with their own hands.

They get to make this cool, working piece of art, and take it home to show mom and dad.” Prieto says campers also benefit because she doesn’t separate kids by age. Five year-olds and twelve year-olds work together, and because of this, the older children often assume the role of the 10

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

“helper,” which has positive effects on their confidence and character. Not to mention, camp is a great way to make new friends.

Prieto says she too has benefited from camp, and looks forward to it each summer. “I love coming in every day. The kids are so excited to see you, and I learn with them and build confidence from it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

For parents who want fun projects to do with their kids at home, she recommends utilizing recyclables for art projects. Egg containers can be painted into caterpillars, and kids love saving recycled honey bottles (the ones shaped like bears) and filling them with colored sand. “They spend a good thirty minutes working on this because they like layering the colors, so that’s a really good one. It’s a little messy, so do it outside and you’re good to go,” she says. Those interested in enrolling their kids in day camp still have plenty of time, so don’t miss all the fun at the Children’s Museum of Stockton.

For more information: Children’s Museum of Stockton 402 W. Weber Ave., Stockton (209) 465-4386 www.childrensmuseumstockton.org

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—compiled by KATY BERRY

Toy Water Shooters At Target, 4707 Pacific Ave., Stockton (209) 476-8081, www.target.com

UV Polywog Learn-to-Swim Suit, Kids Printed Kickboard At Speedo, www.speedousa.com

Roxy Teenie Wahine Dress Geraniums Swim Suit by Le Top Skirted One Piece Bathing Suit by Le Top “Are We There Yet?” T-Shirt & Swim Trunks by Heartstrings At Zoop-a-Loop, 21 Downtown Mall, Lodi, (209) 367-1444, www.zoopaloop.comw

Boat Sand Wagon At Target, 4707 Pacific Ave., Stockton (209) 476-8081, www.target.com

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Family Time for a Good Cause: Do good, for good, together.

by Jenn Thornton

My 12 year-old niece—referred to here by her nickname, Q— has always been empathetically curious about the world; a quality her mom has nurtured with age-appropriate honesty. Not surprisingly, they watch a lot of Oprah. An episode of the show once featured a segment on child soldiers in Uganda. Little Q, then age 10, started “Potholders for Peace” to raise funds for a local non-profit that helps rescue and rehabilitate these children. Her grassroots initiative bowed with 32 potholders she loomed, then sold off for $2 a pop. Next came the $5 micro-loans she funneled to entrepreneurial Third Worlders to fund upstart businesses. Then, at a weekly family meeting, Q announced, “I think we should build houses for Habitat for Humanity.” Up went a new roof.

This is just one example of a local family who gave back, and in return was rewarded with the opportunity to foster deeper connections to one another, the community, and the greater good, but there are many more. Here, a few things to keep in mind: Give back to get back.

Volunteering creates a sense of empathy, builds character, instills lifelong civic interest, and bolsters self-esteem in kids. It also pro16

vides parents with an opportunity to teach their kids about success on a basic level, while gaining insight into their unique but previously undiscovered skill sets. As a family, group giving opens a safe line of communication to discuss issues.

Serve the world, don’t expect it.

Volunteering is not in the rear view of most children, who typically are not enthusiastic about performing charity work until after they’ve done it. “Be thankful for what you have” reminders are most effective when children can actually see what others do not.

Temper the truth (but tell it).

Understandably, parents are wary to discuss circumstances surrounding certain volunteer efforts, but unspoken concerns left to ruminate in a child’s head may provoke silent anxiety. Skirt the details, lead with the roundabout reality, and end with a positive.

For example, “Yes, these things exist, but this is a way that we can help.”

Determine what your family values. Families are made up of

different personalities, ages, and interests. Kids with a say are more willing to get on board with “taking turns”—still the most effective form of familial fairness.

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

Keep it simple. “Selecting

a volunteer opportunity can overwhelm,” says Heather Jack, executive director of The Volunteer Family. “Break down the options first by interest, followed by age and then geographic region.”

Act outside the box. Age

requirements often times exclude young helpers. Encourage this set to tap into their natural resourcefulness by starting a school-sanctioned food drive for the local food bank, a classroom book collection for their favorite library, or a neighborhood clothes drive for a homeless shelter.

Writing letters and sending care packages is also easy and offers the same effect.

To search for local family volunteering opportunities, visit: www.TheVolunteerFamily.org or www.VolunteerMatch.org.

Family Volunteer Opportunities Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin Project: Start a neighborhood food drive to collect non-perishables for the Food Bank to distribute to the area’s hungry.

Call Food Development Manager Yvonne Derby for flyers, shopping lists, and barrels. Contact: (209) 464-7369, www.stocktonfoodbank.org Relay for Life of Lodi Project: A 24-hour race held to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society, relayers camp out and take turns walking for the duration of the race. Contact: www.relayforlife.org/lodica Support the Troops Project: Boost morale of a deployed soldier by writing letters and sending care packages from your family. Contact: www.anysoldier.com Empower Change with $25 Project: Microfinance a business by pooling $25 from your family to lend to an entrepreneur in a remote part of the globe. Contact: www.kiva.org

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17

HEALDSBURG

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

A LITTLE TOWN WITH A BIG FOLLOWING

by Don and Ann Jackson

What to see and do: Walking around the historic downtown plaza with all its boutique shops, our favorite store is One World, with international wares at very reasonable prices (www.oneworldfairtrade.net). For the kids, check out toy store Toy B Ville (www.toybville. com) or Powell’s Sweet Shoppe for treats (www. powellssweetshoppe.com). The opposite of a stuffy art gallery, Rockin Roses houses paintings by rocker icons like Jerry Garcia and Grace Slick (www.rockinrosesart.com). The free admission Healdsburg Museum located in the former history-filled Carnegie Library is definitely worth a brief visit, with their “Russian River Good Old Days” exhibit through mid-August—the kids will love seeing the bathing suits and canoes of yesteryear (www.healdsburgmuseum.org).

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Try these family-friendly restaurants: Healdsburg Bar and Grill is a fun place with al fresco dining, a lively sports bar atmosphere, and satisfying comfort food (www. healdsburgbarandgrill.com). Oakville Grocery, near the Plaza, serves as a welcome reminder that their deli sandwiches are the best in town (www.oakvillegrocery.com). For crème-de-lacrème baked goods and homemade ice creams, be sure to drop into Downtown Bakery and Creamery (www.downtownbakery.net).

Where to stay: Looking for historic? The 1883 Honor Mansion, the only four-star property in town, has the charm of a Bed and Breakfast, but includes full breakfasts and resort features like bocce ball, tennis, a

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

swimming pool, and even a small basketball court, about a mile from downtown (www. honormansion.com). Prefer something in town-center? You might like the new H2 Hotel (www.h2hotel.com), which is completely ecofriendly and supplies bikes for its visitors. For value, try the Dry Creek Inn, a Best Western Plus property, where Tuscan rooms include a spa tub, fireplace, and continental-plus breakfasts (www.drycreekinn.com).

Just for parents: In-town tasting rooms are convenient, and Kendall-Jackson, just off the Plaza, has been open the longest (www.kj.com). Favorite nearby Healdsburg wineries include Rodney Strong, known for Pinots and Chardonnays and big-name summer jazz concerts (www.rodneystrong. com); J Vineyards and Winery right next door and home to award-winning sparkling wines (www.jwine.com); and Ferrari-Carano, known for five acres of gardens and limited-release Chardonnays (www.ferrari-carano.com).

For all info on Healdsburg visit: www.healdsburg.com

COURTESY FERRARI-CARANO VINEYARDS AND WINERY

Charming Healdsburg, a small town in Sonoma Wine Country, has long been known for its welcoming atmosphere: the California good life. There’s plenty of wine tasting, but also plenty to do with the kids.

Seeking some adventure? Canoeing or kayaking down the picturesque Russian River (www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com), or biking the surrounding vineyard areas are popular pastimes (www.spokefolk.com).

During the summer you might want to visit Veterans Memorial Park for a picnic on the beach or a fun swim in the Russian River. Not too far away from Healdsburg is Lake Sonoma with all kinds of boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping (www.parks.sonoma.net/laktrls.html).

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san joaquin kids and parent

BY JENN THO

RTON

Children with special needs saddle up for therapeutic riding lessons— and a whole lot of hope—at two San Joaquin County ranches.

Author Helen Thomson once wrote, “In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.”

This is true for all of us, but particularly resonant for those with physical, emotional, social, and/ or mental challenges. For these kids, equine assistance therapy offers a life-changing experience in a non-judgmental environment.

Locally, two San Joaquin County ranches offer horsemanship and therapeutic riding programs to individuals and children with special needs: Lodi’s Oxford Ranch, home to the D.O.V.E.S. Guidance Program, and newcomer Four Seasons Therapeutic Riding Academy (FSTRA) at Double D Stables in Tracy. Together these ranches are giving challenged young riders something far more significant than a simple step up in the saddle—a bolstering, enriching exercise in self-confidence.

Both ranches offer unique equine assistance programs. Founded by Shannon and Gayle Oxford, D.O.V.E.S.—“A Place Where Hoofs and Hearts Take Flight”—operates their horsemanship program 20

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS SUMMER l 2011

from a smaller-scale ranch home, including lessons in grooming and basic care found a small-scale ranch. FSTRA—a larger facility set on 40 acres— offers several arenas for therapeutic riding, with plans to integrate a program for disabled veterans, while also serving as a venue for micro-businesses run by those with special needs. Even better, hardship does not exclude participation at FSTRA. “No family will be turned away due to financial reasons,” affirms executive director Joann Hieb.

Although brawny and strappingly muscular creatures with an imposing presence, horses are gentle messengers of hope that provide an especially safe container for riders from differing backgrounds and circumstances to find their stride. Horses have an inherent desire to be with and around humans, notes Gayle Oxford. “This is a huge animal that allows a human maybe one-tenth of its size to control it,” she explains. “And most of the time, willingly. As long as a horse is treated with kindness and respect, it will trust and allow itself to be dominated.”

>>

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An equine’s ability and willingness to submit to a rider make it the ideal partner for a child with physical limitations and/or emotional vulnerabilities, especially the patience and tenderness that horses of soft temperament— like those hitched at Double D and FSTRA—supply naturally and unconditionally.

Physically, though horses have a distinct body language, the walking motion of the animal when ridden feels similar to the human gait, which equipment has yet to replicate. As we put our right foot forward, so goes our hip; when we place the left leg forward, the left hip swings forward and so on. This is the basis of hippotherapy—the cornerstone of therapeutic riding.

As a treatment strategy for physical disabilities, hippotherapy “has been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development,” according to the American Hippotherapy Association.

It helps increase balance, strength, and flexibility, and is beneficial to riders as young as 5 years old up to those of more senior age with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction (cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis among the most common); spinal cord and brain injuries; Down syndrome; autism; and various other disabilities.

“The three-dimensional rhythmical movement of the horse mimics walking, teaches leg and trunk muscles crucial rhythmical patterns, and reduces spasticity by reaching deep into muscles that are not accessible in conventional physical therapy,” says Hieb.

In addition, the repetition 22

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS SUMMER l 2011

of patterned movements required to control a horse quickens reflexes and aids in motor planning, while continually throwing the horse’s mount off-balance, requiring the rider to then contract and relax the muscles in order to rebalance the body.

Beyond the physical benefits, riding helps foster independence and improves language and communication skills that promote emotional well-being. Lodi resident Molly Bjork witnessed this first-hand when her then 6 year-old son, Alex, who has autism, went to D.O.V.E.S. There, after three sessions, Alex, who was literally terrified by his surroundings, was able to sit for 30 seconds atop a ranch pony—a triumph that left a lasting impression on his mother. “Alex went a lot farther than I actually thought he would,” recalls Bjork, adding that in short spurts Alex even fed and combed the pony. “Building a relationship for someone on the spectrum is hard, so to watch him do that with an animal was great to see.” The interaction, she explains, “pushed Alex beyond what he thought he could do.”

Particularly emotionally vulnerable children—those who have trust issues due to abuse or other traumas— also benefit from therapeutic riding. Oxford credits the “spirit of the horse,” and says, “A horse can be brutally abused by a human and yet, with the right handling, will still trust another human. [Working with a horse can teach] even the most lost children that there is hope that they can learn to trust again, and to forgive.”

Riding also awakens tactile senses, thereby helping reinvigorate demoralized children and their loved ones.

“Even though riding is exercise, it is perceived as enjoyment, and therefore motivates a rider to increase the duration and frequency of the exercise,” Hieb explains. “Exercising in the fresh air, away from hospitals, doctor’s offices, therapy rooms, or home helps to promote a sense of well-being, and controlling an animal much larger and stronger than oneself is a great confidence builder.”

For more information about the D.O.V.E.S Guidance Program or Four Seasons Therapeutic Riding Academy, visit: www.thedovesprogram.com or www.fstra.com.

Former police officer Dave Townsend Sr., now treasurer and co-founder of FSTRA, which was established in July 2010 in partnership with lifelong rancher and president Dave Colli, saw the self-esteem of his now 19-year-old autistic son David Jr. blossom from a similar equine assistance program in Tracy called Horse Sense. There, he learned to interact with the horses by feeding, grooming, and riding. These tasks served as a release for David Jr., opening up his cloistered inner world.

Behind the bit: When a horse bows down his head to avoid the bit.

FSTRA offers a similar experience to riders, including a day camp setting for mounted and ground lessons led by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association-certified instructor Andrea McElwrath, and CPR-trained and -certified volunteers. Lessons are structured around the individual needs of students.

Meanwhile, back at the ranches, children with special needs are finding friends in trusting horses, and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

Horsing Around; Some common riding terms to help you get back in the saddle.

Canter: A slow gallop in Western horseback riding.

Gallop: A three-beat gait—the horse at full speed.

Hand: A measurement of equestrian height.

Jog: In Western riding, a slow trot.

Mare: A female horse.

Paddock: A large horse enclosure.

Stallion: A male horse 4 years or older that has not been castrated.

Tack: In short, horse gear—bridle, saddle, bit, stirrup irons, etc.

Trot: A slower, two-beat gait.

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enjoy a patriotic parade, and at 10 a.m. Lincoln Park opens to the public, where there will be vendors, food, live entertainment, carnival rides, and games for all ages. Grab a few seats at the Tracy High Football Stadium for the fireworks show at 9:30. $4 adults, $2 children. Lincoln Park at Easton and East Sts., Tracy, (209) 835-2131, www.tracychamber.org

Miracle Mile 4th of July Parade July 4, Stockton The Miracle Mile Fourth of July parade will be a true red, white, and blue extravaganza. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to show off your American spirit while enjoying food and entertainment. 10-11 a.m. Free. Beginning at the corner of Harding Way and Pacific Avenue and ending south of the University of the Pacific campus, Stockton, (209) 463-7982, www.stocktonmiraclemile.com

Kids Calendar July/August

compiled by Katy Berry

Lorikeets! Exhibit at Micke Grove Zoo Through October 2, Lodi Come see these beautiful birds closer than you ever have before in the Micke Grove Zoo’s open-aviary exhibit. The colorful lorikeets are friendly, and kids will have a ball as birds land on their head or enjoy a treat right from their hand. Make sure you bring a camera because you won’t want to miss these priceless photo opportunities. Hours vary. $4 adults, $2 children, plus $5 per vehicle. Micke Grove Zoo, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 331-7270, www.mgzoo.com

42nd Street Through July 24, Stockton A celebration of Broadway and the people involved in its legendary shows, 42nd Street focuses on aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer and takes us along on her journey to stardom. Musical hits include “You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me,” “Dames, I Know Now,” "We’re in the Money,” "Lullaby of Broadway,” "Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and "Forty Second Street.” Showtimes vary. $25 adults, $15 students. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, (209) 4732424, www.sctlivetheatre.com

4th of July Day in the Park July 4, Tracy This Independence Day celebration starts early in the morning and lasts well into the evening for a day packed with great activities. Early birds can gather at 6 a.m. to watch a hot air balloon lift-off and enjoy a pancake breakfast. At 9 a.m., 24

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

Kids Day Camp at the Children’s Museum of Stockton July 5-August 12, Stockton Each week throughout the summer, kids can choose from two different themes to learn about at the Children’s Museum of Stockton's Day Camp. In July, kids can learn about Mad Science, Treasure Seekers, Woodshop, and much more. In August, kids can choose from Around the World, Awesome Art, or Celebrations. There’s so much to see and do at the Children’s Museum this summer. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $125 per week. Children’s Museum of Stockton, 402 W. Weber Ave., Stockton, (209) 4654386, www.childrensmuseumstockton.org

American Idol Live!

July 11, Sacramento Come see all your favorite performers from this season’s American Idol as the top 11 contestants perform live. You know them from TV, but seeing this talented roster in person will impress you like never before. The show will also feature local contestant Thia Megia from Mountain House, so come show your San Joaquin pride and support our very own American Idol.

7 p.m. $42-$78. Power Balance Pavilion, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, www.powerbalancepavilion.com

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Romeo and Juliet July 14-16 & July 21-23, Lodi The Changing Faces Theater Company will be presenting the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet for two weekends at Jessie’s Grove Winery. The evening will include a Renaissance marketplace, dinner, dessert, a pre-show featuring the younger company members, and the main stage production, directed by Mike Bartram and Sabrina Willis. Dinner 6-7:30 p.m., pre-show 7:30 p.m., main show 8 p.m. $35. Jessie’s Grove Winery, 1973 West Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 327-2754, www.changingfacestheater.org

LIVE! at Lincoln Center July 15, Stockton Celebrate Lincoln Center’s “diamond” anniversary and sixty years of being Stockton’s premiere shopping center at their annual summer event, LIVE! at Lincoln Center. This fifties themed celebration will be complete with live music, hula hoop contests, balloons and face painting, a jump house, and more. For adults, it’s a shopping extravaganza with special sales in every store. Wear your ‘50s themed clothing, and come out for a fun-filled evening. 6-9 p.m. Free. Lincoln Center, Stockton, (209) 477-4868, www.lincolncentershops.com

Free Admission Day at the Haggin Museum August 6, Stockton Come visit the Haggin Museum, located on the beautiful grounds of Victory Park, for a day filled with art and culture. You’ll be able to check out exhibits like "Dali Illustrates Dante’s Divine Comedy," featuring numerous works by famed surrealist Salvador Dali, or "Seaweed, Salmon and Manzanita Cider: A California Indian Feast," an exploration of California Indian cultures. 12-5 p.m. Free. The Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org

Towerfest Luau August 20, Lodi Make your reservations at the KOA Tower Park Resort, and get ready for a night of adventure at their annual Hawaiian Luau. The park will be a Polynesian paradise with Hawaiian food, local vendors, Hawaiian fire dancers, and plenty more fun activities for kids. The activities are free and open to the public, but those who decide to camp out will also have access to the resort’s brand-new pool and waterslide. 11-9 p.m. Free.

KOA Tower Park Resort, 14900 West Highway 12, Lodi, (800) 562-0913, www.towerfestluau.com

Miracle Mile Night August 20, Stockton Reminisce about decades past with music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and the cars to match. This event features three stages with live music and entertainment, a classic car show (pre ’79), shopping, arts and crafts, antiques, a fun kids zone, and even a pin-up model contest.

Come grab a bite to eat and dance the night away at this fun, familyfriendly event. 5-10 p.m. Free. Miracle Mile, 1825 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 565-2247, www.miraclemilenight.com

Delta Fusion July 23, Stockton After five weeks of hard work and preparation, the final celebration of Delta Fusion will commence in Stockton. The parade starts at the Miracle Mile and ends at the Haggin Museum, followed by a grand performance at Victory Park. Prepare to see the history of the Delta Region as you’ve never seen it before. This beautiful spectacle should not be missed. Parade at 9 a.m., performance at 11 a.m. Free. Beginning at Pacific Avenue/Miracle Mile and ending at Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 946-3097, www.deltafusion.wordpress.com

Birth, Baby, and Bonding Fair August 6, Stockton Presented by St. Joseph’s Medical Center and hosted by the Breastfeeding Coalition of San Joaquin, young families will have plenty to see and do at this second annual event. Activities include a fashion show featuring maternity and nursing wear, music, a raffle, a display of the 2011 Breastfeeding Photo Contest finalists, and an abundance of community resources for new moms, dads, and families. There will also be handson activities featuring topics like methods of infant massage, musical interaction with young children, and how to return to work while breastfeeding. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. DeRosa Center at the University of the Pacific, 901 Presidents Drive, Stockton, (209) 468-3267, www.bfcsj.org 26

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

Taylor Swift “Speak Now” World Tour September 3, Sacramento Fans across the world are crazy about Taylor Swift, and for good reason.

At only 16, Swift released her first album which went multi-platinum.

Her second album, Fearless, garnered several Grammies including Best Album, and an Artist of the Year award by Billboard magazine. Swift’s sweet, pop-country songs like “You Belong With Me,” “Fifteen,” and “Today was a Fairytale” charm audiences young and old, ensuring that this young singer/songwriter has a long career ahead of her. 7 p.m. $27$82. Power Balance Pavilion, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, www.powerbalancepavilion.com

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mom on a mission

Elaine Begley

You know when you’re in school and they ask you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We all come up with these silly answers like a princess, doctor, or in my case maybe Tinkerbell. In a million years, I’d never be able to guess that I would be where I am today. If you told me that in 30 years, I would be married to my high school sweetheart with 4 children, my niece, and my sister in my home, supporting me through my career in photography, I never would have believed you. But now, I can’t imagine my life any other way.

I know I’m supposed to come up with something incredibly clever, a little key to making it all work, but truth be told, I don’t have one—I have 7. Each of my children, my husband, and my niece and sister provide me with the inspiration, motivation, and determination to move forward.

Married to: Jerry Begley Kids: Adopted children – Richard, 25, and Dana, 24 (out of the house), and Angel, 19 Biological child – Autumn, 9 Niece – Brittany, 16 Sister with special needs – Michelle, 38

I manage my daily schedule by setting aside time for my kids first. I see what holidays they have off, field trips I’d like to go on, and family vacations. Then I only work one or two weekends if my calendar has availability. I still use a small paper calendar for my scheduling, and my husband is also very helpful and makes great meals when I have to work late. Because I work by appointment only, I know when I have clients ahead of time, and can arrange for child care or my husband to pick up the kids from school.

Many of the charities I participate in are largely due to the passion inspired in me through life with my family. I think, really, that’s why I opted to specialize in maternity photography.

Cataloging and documenting those precious moments when others are about to obtain a piece of the success, passion, and desire that I have obtained just by having my family support me is priceless.

Because of the ultimate effect my business has on our family, I am dedicated to running my business and connecting with other businesses that choose to function with ethics as a priority. I recently partnered with Dinner My Way and other businesses to offer free goodie bags to expectant moms. We're all very excited about doing this, and are all deeply interested in partnering with more local businesses with a similar mindset of family and creative minds. I credit our creative thinking and willingness to promote each other’s businesses to all of our success in an effort to work smarter together.

30

SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT SUMMER l 2011

COURTESY ELAINE BEGLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Elaine Begley Photography, Stockton

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