kids
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF SAN JOAQUIN MAGA ZINE
SAN
Joaquin
magazine
Premier Edition
Wine Country Bed and Breakfasts » Local Experts Answer Your Questions » Kids Calendar » Teacher in the Spotlight » Haute Items for Kids
lathrop
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lodi
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Making a
Splash
at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
manteca
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ripon
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stockton
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tracy
contents 16
features
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Kids Tidbits Local band The Afternaps; Books for Babes at St. Joseph’s Medical Center
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Haute Items for Kids From bikes to Barbies, check out these local toys for both girls and boys
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Kids Calendar of Events Fun for the whole family this summer
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Getaway: Monterey Bay Aquarium Jellyfish, touch pools, sea lions, and kids learning without even knowing it— does it get any better than this?
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inside Health: Protecting baby teeth Health: How to survive with twins
San Joaquin Kids Kaptures See your kids’ faces in our magazine
kids
FROm THe PUBLiSHeRS OF SAN JOAQUIN MAGA ZINE
SAN
JoAquiN
magazine
Premier Edition
managing editor Jamie Menaker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lauren LaBelle Creative department Sherry Roberts
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Heather Hilton, Jessica Krablin, Sadye Reish, Valerie Zoccoli EDItorial inquiries jamie@sanjoaquinkids.com ContributING WRITERS Tammy Hansen, Melissa Brown Photography Brenda Hartshorn accounting Raman Singh Editorial Intern Arshia Randhawa WEB DESIGNER Belinda Chron
Wine Country Bed and Breakfasts Kids Calendar Teacher in the Spotlight Haute Items for Kids
lAthrOp
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lOdI
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Making a
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rIpON
ADVERTISING OFFICE:
209.833.9989
A Special thank you to Heather Hilton for her inspiration for this new publication.
Splash
at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
MANtEcA
contact us
San Joaquin Kids Magazine 95 W. 11th Street, Suite 206 Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: (209) 833-9989 Email: tony@sanjoaquinkids.com www.sanjoaquinkids.com
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. © 2009 Inside Magazines
Local Experts Answer Your Questions
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StOcktON
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PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. by American Web
trAcy
Sarah Mompean of Stockton, age 3, hams it up for the camera for our premier edition of San Joaquin Kids. Cover photo by Moomp Photography. www.moompphotography.com
san joaquin KIDS magazine
Publisher | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli
Escapes: The B&Bs of wine country
ON THE COVER
4
magazine
Printed on 10% recycled paper. All inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards. Our printer is a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
JUNE 2009
Top to Bottom: SHerry Roberts; Michael Brooking; Brenda Hartshorn
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Spotlight: Teacher Mark McKay A Stockton science teacher taking kids out of the classroom and way beyond
Kids
SANJoaquin
34 Family-Friendly Fitness Resorts & Growing, Including these locations near you...
www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
STOCKTON (West Lane) 472-2100
TRACY: (Tracy Blvd.) 836-2504
STOCKTON (Quail Lakes) 472-2230
TRACY: (11th St.) 833-3370
STOCKTON (Downtown) 472-2190
LATHROP: (Harlan Rd.) 373-2441
STOCKTON (Hammer) 472-2105
MANTECA: (Yosemite) 823-0174
STOCKTON (Marina) 472-2111san joaquin KIDS magazine
5
local bits
fun for the naptime set
Books for Babes
There’s no such thing as too early to start reading to kids Reading out-loud to children, the earlier the better, is the foundation for not only literacy, but an actual love for books and reading. St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton has put this philosophy into practice, and their newest program, Books for Babes, provides “baby’s first book” to the family of each newborn birthed at the hospital. Supported by donations from local charities like the United Way and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary, titles like touch-and-feel book “Don’t Touch, It’s Hot” by David Algrim (Golden Books, 2007), and “Rock-A-Bye Baby Reader: A First Book for Babies and Parents” by Carole Olson and Cheryl Schneider (Third Week Books, 2000), offered in both English and Spanish, will become beloved tomes for local families. Why not take a cue from St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and try to make time each day to read to your children? —Jamie Menaker For more information: www.stjosephscares.org
The Afternaps, Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m., Blackwater Café, Stockton, $2 donation requested. www.blackwatercafestockton.com or www.myspace.com/theafternaps
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san joaquin KIDS magazine
JUNE 2009
Left: Michael Brooking; RIght: courtesy St. Joseph’s Medical center
Local
band the Afternaps is a delectable musical banquet for children and adults who want to add some zest to their favorite classic children songs. Geared towards educating young children through music, the Afternaps’ five band members use a banjo, harmonica, ukulele, kazoo, guitar, mandolin, washtub base, and vocals to produce a sound they consider to be Bluegrass Americana Folk, all while singing classic children’s songs like “Baby Beluga,” and kids creations of their own. The Afternaps evolved from a story group with friends of band member Erin Odessa and their children at Stockton’s Blackwater Café, where they would sing nursery rhymes and read stories once a week. After collaboration with band mate Snap Jackson at the café, Odessa and the rest of the band (she’s the only female) came together, and the rest is history. The Afternaps play every Wednesday at the Blackwater Café, where children are encouraged to sing and play instruments with the band during their weekly jam sessions. They also play at schools and other kids events, and are halfway done recording their first full-length album. A sample of their music can be found at www.myspace.com/theafternaps—make sure to check out the song “1 to 10” which teaches counting in English, Cantonese, and Spanish. —Arshia Randhawa
reading
a ou ges S rn 3 e ew m ek "L ont in im h g ite s t c d o1 h Ed 3 i iti ye ld on a r Po rs , en rtr to , ait m Se ark rie et s .�
Model Search Babies to Tweens
Free portrait session. No obligation to purchase anything.
842 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi (209) 369-4686
www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
Your child could star in one of the many portrait sets we are currently developing. Limited sessions available. Further information can be found on our website, www.PhibbsPhoto.net.
To register, call (209) 369-4686.
san joaquin KIDS magazine
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spotlight
teacher
in the spotlight
Local Teacher: Mark McKay Venture Academy, Stockton
For more information: www.ventureacademyca.org
This Teacher Page Sponsored by W oul d y ou l i k e to n o m i n at e a n outsta n d i n g t e a ch e r for a n upco m i n g e d i t i o n of S a n J o a q u i n K i d s ? L o g O n to O ur W e bs i t e : V isi t w w w. S A N J O A Q U I N K I D S . c om 8
san joaquin KIDS magazine
JUNE 2009
BRENDA HARtShorn
Working alongside Monterey Bay marine researchers, competing in the Science Olympiad and the Sea Lion Bowl, creating remote-operated vehicles to collect organisms underwater— these are just a sampling of the activities that science teacher Mark McKay has his students getting their hands into. In his teaching role at Delta Vista High School, a science and technology offshoot of Stockton’s charter Venture Academy, McKay is a firm believer in his teaching philosophy: “The best way to get science in the classroom is to get students out of the classroom.” It’s a philosophy that has kids excited about learning, and McKay just as excited about teaching. Interested in science since childhood, McKay started his career working in the lab and research industry, and only switched over to teaching upon convincing from friends. In his first job as a substitute teacher, McKay was supposed to be teaching math, but kept bringing his reptiles into the classroom. He bonded with the kids, the school bonded with him, and there began his teaching career. Today, McKay, with the help of the San Joaquin County Office of Education, was one of the founding teachers of the Delta Vista school, and could not be more excited to talk about his students. “My kids look at me like I’m crazy,” says McKay. “They always say, ‘You actually like school?!’ But it’s just as much about keeping it from getting boring for them as it is for me. I get bored easily.” McKay teaches Environmental Science, Marine Science, Biology, Forensic Science, and Geographic (GIS) Mapping, and can’t wait to see what his students will be doing in the future. “I tell the kids, ‘Keep looking for opportunity.’ Half the kids today are going to work for jobs that haven’t even been thought of yet. That’s pretty neat.” McKay is taking his own advice and will be heading to the Alaskan coast this summer with researchers to study the retreating ice caps on the Bering Sea. —Jamie Menaker
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MANTECA . . . . . . . . . . 209-239-4278 STOCKTON . . . . . . . . . 209-952-5095 TRACY . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-833-9400 www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
san joaquin KIDS magazine
9
Boys Mountain Cap. Available at REI, Stockton, (209) 957-9479, www.rei.com
it ’s a
Felt Kids Beach Cruiser. Available at Sierra Adventure Outfitters, Lodi, (209) 368-3461, www.sierraadventureoutfitters.com
boything Tracksters online racing cars. Available at Nutcracker Sweete, Stockton, (209) 474-1804 Quicksilver Cutty and Scratchy Boardshorts. Available at Zoop A Loop, Lodi, (209) 367-1444, www.zoopaloop.com “Crazy Hair” by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean (HarperCollins, 2009). Available at www.amazon.com and local bookstores
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san joaquin KIDS magazine
JUNE 2009
Blooming Beauty-Sleeveless Circle Skirt Dress by Le Top. Available at Zoop A Loop, Lodi, (209) 367-1444, www.zoopaloop.com Teenie Wahine Check it Out Two Piece Swim Suit by Roxy. Available at REI, Stockton, (209) 957-9479, www.rei.com Generation of Dreams Barbie by Mattel. Available at Toys R Us, various locations.
it ’s a
girlthing compiled by Lauren LaBelle
Jasmine Kids Beach Cruiser by Felt. Available at Sierra Adventure Outfitters, Lodi, (209) 368-3461, www.sierraadventureoutfitters.com
ann ria K local Vic to ailable at y b ” v A ious 09 ) . dilic .com s , 20 “Gol azon o llin m C r .a e w p w w r ( H ar so store b o ok
www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
san joaquin KIDS magazine
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calendar
to do list just for kids
compiled by Arshia Randhawa
Lorikeet Exhibit May-September, Lodi Experience the wonder of exotic birds at this summer’s interactive lorikeet exhibit at the Micke Grove Zoo. Visitors will have the opportunity to feed the lorikeets, who are part of the parrot family, in a closed-off area where the birds are free to fly, eat nectar from your hands, and sit on your shoulder. Lorikeet nectar $1, adult zoo admission $3, youth zoo admission $2. Micke Grove Zoo, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 953-8840, www.mgzoo.com
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san joaquin KIDS magazine
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Green Thumb June 9-10, Stockton Popular television show Sesame Street comes to life to entertain your young ones. Elmo has raised his sunflower, Sunny, from a seed and it has grown too big for the flower pot. Elmo and his friends decide that Big Bird’s garden is the best place for Sunny to grow. Abby Cadabby casts a spell on Sunny to help him get bigger, but things go wrong and Elmo and his friends shrink. Watch the friends learn lessons about overcoming fears and appreciating the ecosystem. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. $12-$25. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, www.sesamestreetlive.com
Summer Art Workshop June 16-26 and July 7-17, Stockton This summer at the Haggin Museum, take your kids to art workshops based on the museum’s exhibits, Art of Africa and The Art Books of Henri Matisse, respectively. Young artists will spend time in the galleries to gather inspiration before they are given the opportunity for hands-on art creation in the studio. Classes will be instructed by Lisa Cooperman, an experienced artist and art educator. Morning sessions are at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 5-7. Afternoon sessions are at 2 p.m. for children ages 8-12. $40-$50. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org Kids Pre-Game Baseball Clinic with the Stockton Ports June 28, Stockton The summer Pre-Game Clinic with the Stockton Ports players is open to all kids ages 12 and under, and is free of charge with the purchase of a ticket to the day’s game. Kids can get great playing tips from Ports players and coaches at the clinic, and have plenty of stories to tell their friends. 3 p.m. Free. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 644-1900, www.stocktonports.com Alice in Wonderland July 8-10 and 16-18, Lodi The kids of Changing Faces Theater Company will showcase Alice in Wonderland this summer, accompanied by wine tasting, dinner, dessert, a pre-show marketplace, and a pre-show performance of Dr. Seuss’ The Sneeches. Young performers, ages 6 to 13+ will bring to life the classic story of Alice in Wonderland JUNE 2009
Left: Micke Grove Zoo; center: oak grove park
Touch... Feed... Enjoy the Zoo
Fishing Derby for Kids June 6, Stockton It’s derby time at Oak Grove Park’s 10-acre lake. The twenty-fifth annual fishing derby is for kids 15 years and under. Kids can catch over 2,000 pounds of one- to twopound catfish planted just for the occasion (with some trophy-sized fish thrown in for good measure). Kids will compete for prizes for the biggest catch, plus enjoy casting contests, a fishing simulator video game, and more. 6 a.m. Free. Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton, (209) 331-2050, www.mgzoo.com/parks/ oak-grove-park.htm
NOW OPEN!
Lorikeets! A visit to
Micke Grove HANDS- ON
Zoo
discovery
will have them
F O R A L L AG E S !
eating out of
a great location for field trips & birthday parties!
For the Young and Young at Heart
your hand!
for hours and information visit:
www.WOWScienceMuseum.org OR CALL: 209-368-0969 Street, Lodi
For the Young and at Heart 2 Young North Sacramento
Entrance to Pixie Woods Enchanted Forest
For the Young and
Entrance to ~~~ Pixie Woods April thru Enchanted October 2009 YoungForest at Heart
~~~
April thru * Birthday Parties October 2009 * Special Events Entrance to * Birthday Parties RIDES INCLUDE: Pixie Woods Entrance to * Special Events EnchantedPixie Express Train Pixie Woods Pixie Woods Forest VintageEnchanted Carousel RIDES INCLUDE:
~~~
Enchanted Forest
For the Young and Young at Heart Pixie Express Train Boat Pixie Queen Forest Open April thru
* *
~~~ Carousel April thru 2009 October Vintage April thru October 2009 Pixie Queen Boat October 2009 Birthday Parties Special
Events * Birthday Parties Entrance to * Special Events Pixie Woods RIDES INCLUDE: Enchanted Pixie Express Train RIDES INCLUDE: Forest Vintage Carousel Pixie Express Train ~~~ thru Boat Pixie Queen April Vintage Carousel October 2009 Pixie Queen Boat * Birthday Parties
Special Events Monte Diablo west off I-5 (209) 937-8206 - *www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
Lorikeets! An interactive experience Now through September Zoo admission: $3 adults, $2 children 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi (209) 331-7270
www.mgzoo.com
Stockton School of
Performing ArtS Inspiring the Artist Within Offering classes in: TAP • BALLET • JAZZ HIP HOP • ACTING COmPETITIvE DANCE TEAmS vOICE • mUSIC THEORY • ENSEmBLE 6130 Pacific Avenue, Stockton • (209) 478-2548 • www.sspaonline.net
Monte Diablo west off I-5 (209) 937-8206 - www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
RIDES INCLUDE: Pixie Express Train Vintage Carousel Pixie Queen Boat
tongov.com/pixiewoods Monte Diablo west off I-5 (209) 937-8206 - www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
Monte Diablo west off I-5 (209) 937-8206 - www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods
www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
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calendar
Week-long, half-day classes From June 8 to Aug 10
www.stocktonsc.org 209.951.5600 Applications Available Online No boating experience is required. Lifejackets provided. Sailing lesson open to children ages 9-18
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san joaquin KIDS magazine
VISIT US online at
Stockton Sailing Club
Christmas in July July 26, Stockton If you and your children have a craving for Santa during the summer, Pixie Woods Fairyland Park has you covered. The park will host a day of Christmas festivities that includes prizes and a visit with Santa. Children can also enjoy the rides and different themed play areas, like the Teepee Village, Peter Rabbit’s home, and more. 12 p.m. $3.50-$4. Pixie Woods Children’s Playland, Louis Park, Occidental and Shimizu Sts., Stockton, (209) 937-7366, www.stocktongov.com/pixiewoods Kids Be-An Kids at the Tracy Bean Festival September 12-13, Tracy The Bean Festival will have their third annual kids’ area at the festival. Children of all ages will be able to participate in hands-on craft activities such as decorating masks, visors, maracas, and frames. Other diversions include story time, where kids can enjoy bean stories such as Jack and the Bean Stalk, a bubble station, bean toss, and face painting. A bean stalk will also be planted by the 4H. Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Downtown Tracy, W. Tenth St., Tracy, (209) 835-2131, www.tracybeanfestival.com Know about some great kids events? Our next San Joaquin Kids issue will come out in September, and we’d love to hear from you. Please send any kids events from September through December to jamie@sanjoaquinmagazine.com, including a brief description and photos, if you have any. We look forward to hearing from you.
JUNE 2009
Courtesy Pixie woods
Learn to Sail!
sanjoaquinkids.com
(written by Lewis Carroll and adapted by Anne Coulter) about a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar creatures, all whom Alice gets a chance to meet along the way. 6 p.m. $35. Jessie’s Grove Winery, 1973 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 3272754, www. changing facestheater. org
Offering SUMMER CAMPS during the weeks of:
Where kids
JUNE 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 JULY 13, 20, 27 AUGUST 3, 10
reach for the
stars!
TRiAL
Classes Available
CALL fOR dETAiLS! 1740 W. Hammer Lane • Stockton, CA 95209 (209) 957-1919 • www.gymstars.com
Gymnastics, Cheer, dance, Karate, Tumbling & Trampoline, P.E. Classes, fitness Classes, Private Birthday Parties, day Camps, Kids Play Night, & much more!
L.O.G.I.C.
Leadership On Green Initiatives Committee l School Gardens SChOOL GardenS are In bLOOm thrOuGhOut manteCa unIfIed SChOOL dIStrICt. Students are learning handson approaches to sustainability and living green in today’s world. Schools become a place to nurture your body, mind, and spirit in the atmosphere of a school garden. the current environmental movement and the emphasis on interdisciplinary lessons have encouraged many of our schools to plant the seeds of knowledge in their own backyards. Shasta garden has been “going green” for several years. teachers and school garden coordinators, Susan farley and Janet Owsley, from Shasta elementary school have truly embraced the joy of learning. they have planted many
www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
vegetables and flowers including: a salsa garden of tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and peppers. they have planted lavender that will be used for potpourri for mother’s day. the garden has produced thornless blackberries, radishes, Swiss chard, poppies, bachelor buttons, and geraniums in bloom. Students learned how to plant bulbs and utilized daffodils and tulips to enhance color in the garden. “We have a worm bin that has hundreds of hungry worms eating our weeds, and will be consuming lunch waste next fall,” stated Owsley. Potatoes were planted and later made for a great potato soup! farley and Owsley will be incorporating a sensory garden for younger students, which will include such plants as fragrant herbs, grasses that rustle, textured plants that feel “fuzzy” and smooth, and tasty plants such as mint. Susan farley commented, “We look forward to our annual farm day when the staff, children, and parents are able to enjoy the efforts of all our students.” brock elliott, Lathrop, neil hafley, and Shasta elementary schools, Sierra, Weston ranch, manteca, and east union high schools
all received funding from the California Instructional School Garden Program to establish or enhance their gardens in our district. Garden programs are found in french Camp, Joshua Cowell, Komure, Lincoln, mcParland, and august Knodt. Lathrop elementary plans a butterfly garden for the 2009-2010 academic school year. Woodward elementary school is proud to partner with our local Wal-mart to establish a new garden to encourage student engagement and cooperative learning. In addition to science, the garden provides opportunities to teach, history-social science, mathematics, english-language arts, and visual and performing arts that align to California state standards. most importantly a school garden promotes a healthy lifestyle for our students and our communities. Plant the seeds today for a brighter tomorrow for all of our students. Leadership On Green Initiatives Committee, L.O.G.I.C., will continue to update the community on ways manteca unified School district continues to respond to environmentally relevant curriculum. - Victoria brunn vbrunn@musd.net
san joaquin KIDS magazine
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p x E Below the sea: The 28-Feet-tall “living kelp forest� at the Monterey bay aquarium, one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world
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san joaquin magazine
MAY 2009
e c e ri e n e r und erwat by Lauren LaBelle | photos Sherry Roberts and Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you’ve never treated yourself to a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you’re long overdue. Much more than a local family attraction, the aquarium is recognized globally for its studies of marine life. At your fingertips are expert answers to the mysterious world just off-shore and under the surface. Planning a day-trip to the aquarium can seem daunting, as there are enough attractions within to keep visitors occupied for a week, not to mention the worth-roaming Cannery Row district, which surrounds the aquarium. Don’t be scared off by the enormity of all there is to see and do—the eleven main exhibits of the aquarium feed into one another seamlessly, ensuring that each family member will get to visit their preferred must-see exhibit. (It will help visitors to look at the Monterey Bay Aquarium website at www. montereybayaquarium.org to begin mapping out an itinerary. Here, guests will find tips, policies, directions, and parking information as well as aquarium news, live streaming video of the animals, and special online-only exhibits.) »
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The Monterey Bay Aquarium sits appropriately oceanside, just inside the entrance of Cannery Row. Its exterior blends with the salty feel of the old canning district, made famous by the John Steinbeck novel it was mentioned in and named for. Once inside, the ticket line at the entrance can be lengthy, but unquestionably worth the wait. (Spend less time in line, and more time swimming with the fishes by buying tickets beforehand on the website.) The eleven main exhibits of the Monterey Bay Aquarium span the geography of the ocean, from the sandy shores to the darkest depths. The first sea life that visitors encounter as they enter the main body of the aquarium is the playful sea otters, appealing to all ages with their antics. The view from the first floor is of these friendly oceandwelling mammals playing underwater, while they can be seen spending time on the water’s surface from the second story of the exhibit. Also near the entryway, the aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Mission to the Deep,” allows visitors to explore the largest habitat on earth and all its life forms, by photographing the unique creatures with a remote-controlled submarine, mapping the ocean floor, and looking in on a sunken whale carcass. The main entry area is also equipped with two gift stores (two other gift and book stores are located in other parts of the aquarium), an auditorium, and the Portola Café and Restaurant, which gives guests an option of dining in an upscale restaurant or ordering from the more casual café menu. The tables in the dining area are all equipped with complimentary binoculars for spying sea otters, seals, and perhaps even a whale in the expanse of ocean that can be seen from the restaurant windows.
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JUNE 2009
To the left of the main entryway, visitors will find the handson touch pools one of the aquarium’s highlights. The exhibit is kid-friendly, and the staff is on-hand to answer questions and talk about the sea life living here. Also in this area, a tunnel allows guests to sit in a dry protected area as the glass
“The largest community of open-ocean animals to be found in any aquarium.” surrounding them gets battered with pounding waves that run off into surrounding tide pools, simulating the experience of ocean waves. The aviary, where sea birds come and go, and the Kelp Forest exhibit, which is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world, are not to be missed. The aquarium’s Giant Octopus, who belongs to a species that can grow up to thirty feet long, also calls this side of the aquarium home. Other impressive fish live in the Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit, which is over ninety feet long and displays over five different habitats naturally found in the area. To the right of the main entryway, the Outer Bay wing of the aquarium features the largest permanent collection of jellyfish anywhere in the world. In the dimly lit area dedicated to these boneless creatures, guests can take artistic photos of their own silhouettes against a backdrop of mysterious jellies. The different species found here range from familiar to bizarre and beautiful, and are all specially lit to accentuate their color and graceful movement. The other, and perhaps most-loved, exhibit here is the one milliongallon Outer Bay exhibit, which features the “largest community of open-
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ocean animals to be found in any aquarium.” Giant blue fin tuna, hammerhead sharks, and sea turtles are just a few examples of the deep sea marine life on display here. (The Monterey Bay Aquarium periodically has Great White sharks in the exhibit, and is the only aquarium in the world to hold one for over sixteen days.) In any given week, the impressive animals of the Outer Bay exhibit consume around one thousand pounds of squid, smelt, and vitaminsupplemented gelatin. This exhibit, like the Kelp Forest, spans two floors. A skywalk brings visitors from the top floor of the Outer Bay wing to the Penguin and Splash Zone exhibits, the latter designed to teach families about the animals in the aquarium with activities appropriate even for infants. Both
“The animals on display will amaze, the aquarium facilities will impress, and the experience will captivate the entire family.” Spanish and English activities are available here, as well as a kelp touch pool and kelp walkthrough tunnel. Another entirely family-friendly endeavor in this section of the aquarium is the live penguin area, where kids and adults will both be delighted to watch the birds interact with one another by moving their heads and flapping their wings. Depending on the weather and season, the aquarium also offers other hands-on activities such as scuba diving, sailing, and outdoor amphitheater presentations. At the end of your aquarium visit, if you still have the ambition for shopping and dining, a stroll through historic Cannery Row is a relaxing way to end the day. Lined with unique souvenir shops and over thirty restaurants, the streets of the historic sardine canning district were once home to workers of Chinese, Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese descent who were all brought to life in John Steinbeck’s classic read, Cannery Row. For fans of the author, this leg of the journey should get top billing on the day’s itinerary. The Monterey Bay Aquarium lets every visitor feel like a tireless scientist intent on discovering all the ocean’s bounties. The animals on display will amaze, the aquarium facilities will impress, and the experience will captivate the entire family—expect many future car ride and bedtime discussions from the kids, curious for more. SJKIDS For more information: Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 648-4800, www.montereybayaquarium.org Cannery Row, Monterey www.canneryrow.com 20
san joaquin KIDS magazine
JUNE 2009
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health Ask The Local Experts Question: At what age should parents bring their child in for an orthodontic screening?
protecting baby teeth The rate of cavities in baby teeth is on the
rise, according to the most recent report on the topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, a whopping 28 percent of children 2 to 5 years old have cavities. Dentists point to several factors contributing to the rise, including increased consumption of juices and soda. While baby teeth will eventually wind up with the Tooth Fairy, it’s still important to care for them as though they are permanent teeth, with one major difference. “Parents of young children should steer clear of fluoride toothpastes for their kids until their child has the ability to spit out the toothpaste,” says Dr. Theodorou of Glen Ridge Family Dental. Fluoride is an effective tool in the prevention of cavities, but in young children who do not have the ability to spit out the toothpaste, the consumption of too much fluoride can have a negative side effect known as fluorosis. This can result in unsightly spotting of the permanent teeth. “It is estimated that kids under age 4 swallow between one-third and two-thirds of the toothpaste they use when brushing their teeth,” says Dr. Theodorou.
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It is therefore recommended that youngsters brush their teeth using a non-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride-free products such as Baby Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleanser (recommended for babies 4 months and older) and Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste (recommended for toddlers and children up to age 4) are safe if swallowed when used as directed, and can be found locally. “Using a non-fluoride toothpaste still allows a caregiver to remove the plaque that builds up on teeth, as well as helping to establish a pattern for life of good oral care habits,” explains Dr. Theodorou. Other tips for encouraging good oral care health at a young age: Select a toothbrush with soft bristles. Encourage your toddler to engage in brushing his teeth twice a day. Bring along a “friend” to the bathroom sink— such as a favorite stuffed animal or doll—so the “friend” can also have her teeth brushed. Encourage toddlers to drink plenty of water after meals. This is especially important with toddlers who won’t allow parents to brush their teeth as often as recommended. —courtesy Family Features
Wheeler Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children have an orthodontic checkup by age 7. Most children at this age have a mix of baby (primary) and adult (permanent) teeth, enabling orthodontists to detect early signs of dental crowding, too much space between teeth, protruding teeth, extra or missing teeth, and sometimes jaw growth problems. Although only a few orthodontic problems need to be corrected while a child is this young, if caught early on, they are often easier to correct than when found after all the permanent teeth have arrived. For this reason, an early exam not only allows for proper guidance and care, but may also alleviate the extent of a child’s future orthodontic needs. For more information, contact Cameron R. Wheeler, DDS, MS Board Certified Orthodontist 4568 Feather River Dr., Ste. D, Stockton (209) 951-0151 www.wheelerortho.com
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Cameron R. Wheeler, DDS, MS Board Certified Orthodontist
4568 Feather River Drive, Suite D, Stockton Phone: 209.951.0151 l Fax: 209.951.1235 www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
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health
Twinformation: How to survive and thrive with
multiples New moms know—taking care of one baby
is hard work. But what about twins—or triplets? How can you manage two (or more) babies with only two hands? Is it possible to not just survive the daily frenzy of feedings, diaperings, and tears, but to thrive? There are more multiples than ever these days. The multiples birth rate has risen steadily over the last two decades, and the trend isn’t slowing. By 2010, it’s estimated that there will be 1.3 million sets of twins in America. When Christina Boyle and Cathleen Stahl discovered they were both having twins, they found out that there were surprisingly few resources geared toward parenting multiples. “No one understands what a mom of multiples goes through better than other moms of twins,” says Boyle. “But even with the twin birth rate soaring, it can be hard to find experts who get it.”
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So they put their heads together, consulted pediatricians and surveyed hundreds of moms of multiples and put their tips together in a new book, “Twin Set” (Three Rivers Press, 2008). “Both of us have older ‘singleton’ children so we’ve seen first-hand how raising our own twin sets is markedly different, but at the same time, most of the tips in our book are actually good for all moms, not just moms of multiples. Twins provide a great road test for products and techniques— if it works well with two, then it will be even better for one!” With that in mind, the authors created a resource that offers ideas, “real world” advice, support, and laughs, covering everything from feeding to diapering to bonding. In addition to the book, they are also partnering with Pampers to offer parenting tips and products at Pampers.com. Some basic advice for moms of multiples? Establishing a routine is essential. Having a routine in place gives you some semblance of control and it’s a huge sanity saver. You may need to do things at unusual times, such as giving baby twins their baths in the middle of the day, rather than at nighttime. As long as it works for your family dynamic, go for it. Do things that make life easier. There is no shame in ordering groceries online and having them delivered, or in pulling clean laundry off the top of the laundry basket and wearing it without folding it and putting it away. Get rid of the guilt. All moms of twins feel overwhelmed at some point. No matter how much help you have, how supportive your partner is or how much you prepare for the challenge, there will be days when you feel you cannot give enough to each child. It’s normal to feel guilty, but you’re probably doing a better job than you realize. —courtesy Family Features
Ask The Local Experts Question: We are thinking about a pregnancy about six months from now, what should we be doing before we conceive? I would recommend a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, eat plenty of calcium-rich foods and choose leaner foods. Exercise is also important for you to be in shape for the pregnancy. Start a prenatal vitamin or just take 400 mcg. of folic acid each day. Check with your doctor about any prescription or over the counter drugs that you take. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Once you start trying to conceive you should stop all alcohol use. This is also a good time to update your immunizations. Question: When will I be able to know the sex of my baby? Ultrasounds are usually done around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. These are done to observe your baby’s heart, stomach, and other organs. It also allows us to tell if your baby is growing properly. This is the time when the sex of your baby can be seen if the baby co-operates. Question: What will happen at the first visit with my doctor? You should learn the schedule of visits, tests that will be done during the pregnancy, and those things that you should and should not do during your pregnancy. Write down any questions you have, as this is a good time to discuss them. You might also have a physical examination. Some practices will do a sonogram to verify the dating of your pregnancy at this visit. For more information, contact Param Gill, MD, FACOG P. Gill Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group, Inc. 1617 N. California St., Ste. 2A, Stockton (209) 466-8546, www.gillobgyn.com
JUNE 2009
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escapes
the B&Bs of wine country by Tammy Hansen
History, hospitality, and a heavenly
1900s. Rooms offer an array of themes, from the Branding Iron Suite to the Wild Things room. Modern conveniences include a pool and spa, and popular current breakfasts include mushroom crust quiche and lemon poppy seed muffins, made with fruit grown in the inn’s extensive gardens.
Amorosa Inn and Gardens
Grand Oaks Inn, 21941 Buena Vista Rd., Clements, (209) 759-3453, www.grandoaksinn.com
homemade first meal of the day—these are the marks of a good bed and breakfast. The Central Valley is home to a few inns with different takes on the B&B experience, ideal for parents looking to escape the dayto-day grind without escaping the comfort of staying close to home. From wine country charm to Victorian antiques to a full-service spa, there’s hospitality to spare around San Joaquin.
Amorosa Inn, 7889 E. Harney Ln., Lodi, (209) 368-5658, www.amorosainn.com
Grand Oaks Inn
Rates: $95-$175 per night This 1920s ranch home that’s now a B&B features four upstairs bedrooms, each with its own with private bath and entrance, and one additional private suite. On-site entertainment includes a 1,400 square-foot museum housing antiques that date back to the earliest days of the 26
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The Inn at Locke House
Rates: $150-$245 per night Environmental commitments, such as utilizing solar power, are just the undercurrent at this expansive inn outside Lodi that’s been lovingly restored to reflect the life and times of the town’s namesake family. The inn has recreated the neoGeorgian home of town founder Dr. Dean Jewett Locke, right down to its original colors and patterns. Breakfast in the Carriage House features local and organic foods. Frittatas featuring fresh produce from the inn’s garden, and strawberry bread are popular breakfast offerings. The inn also hosts full-scale high teas on Sundays for $25 per person. The Inn at Locke House, 19960 N. Elliot Rd., Lockeford, (209) 727-5715, www.theinnat lockehouse.com
Wine and Roses
Wine and Roses
Rates: $159-$450 per night More posh hotel spa than traditional bed and breakfast, Wine and Roses does still offer five rooms and a dining room that were part of the 1902 Victorian home where it all began. Modern accommodations include a fullservice spa and modern, spa-themed guest rooms, featuring a cross between natural and modern amenities. Think blue glass tiles, pebble bath floors, spa tubs, and wifi internet connections. Garden rooms and Vintner Suites offer views of the gardens from open verandas; look for Tuscan golds and browns with warm wood accents in these rooms. Wine and Roses, 2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 334-6988, www.winerose.com
JUNE 2009
Courtesy wine and roses
Rates: $169-$210 per night It’s all about wine at this angular 1970s California farmhouse, with three rooms and a private suite, each with its own patio. Nestled at the edge of Vino Con Brio’s vineyards and adjacent to the wine tasting room, Amorosa Inn offers a getaway that’s a peek into the winemaker’s lifestyle. Arrival includes complimentary Vino Con Brio estate wines. Breakfast features local ingredients in offerings from croissant French toast to strawberry lemon crepes. There is also complimentary wine served in the evening.
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kids kaptures
look mom I’m Famous Check out this issue’s “Kids Kaptures.” To include your child in our next issue’s edition, visit our website at www.sanjoaquinkids.com.
olivia 12.25.2008
alyssa 01.11.2003
gabriel 8.21.2008
simon 07.17.2006
nick 11.18.2001
brendan 07.13.2006
lukas 03.19.2009
charlotte 01.25.2003
addyson 09.21.2007 stephanos 03.21.03, elliana 01.07.00, andreas 08.31.01
daniel 09.12.2003 and robert 05.16.2001 28
san joaquin KIDS magazine
charlie 09.03.2003
max 09.30.1998 JUNE 2009
kids kaptures
anthony 4.10.2009 anthony 01.02.2004
devin 06.24.2001
caleb 10.31.2008
cadence 08.14.2008
dezmen 04.18.03, raymond 11.07.02 bryce 12.10.2003
brighton 10.05.05, kayden 05.16.07
logan 01.03.06, dylan 03.01.04 www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com
jayden 07.17.2007
michael 02.06.2009
lucas 05.19.2000
sabrina 07.16.93 san joaquin KIDS magazine
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kids kaptures
shaye 07.18.03, irelynd 05.31.08, canyon, 01.19.01
shayla 06.12.2004
hazel 10.07.2008
kaila 04.14.2002 gary 08.31.2005
savannah 09.10.2007
julius 10.26.2005 30
san joaquin KIDS magazine
gavin 02.16.2007
max 9.25.98 jack 10.30.05
meredith 08.29.2008
kaitryn 07.19.2002 JUNE 2009
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
~ Walt Disney
Connecting Parents to the best of what San Joaquin has to offer. Don’t Miss our Next Issue call 209.833.9989 www.SanJoaquinKids.com