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September 2013

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

For more information, contact: Barbara Rinehart, Licensed ZumbiniTM Instructor and Zumba Education Specialist Barbara.Rinehart@ZumbaMail.com 916.626.9262

Table of Contents Wordsearch: Back to School!.......page 7 Make it Yourself!.................................page 8 Travel: Holman Ranch by Carmel L. Mooney....................... page 10 Who Wrote That? Sherri Duskey Rinker by Patricia Newman........................ page 11 The Book Report: It’s Back to School Time! by Connie Goldsmith....................... page 14

Introducing

zumbini , TM

a program designed to introduce young children, ages 0 to 3, to music, movement and rhythmic musical instruments. Zumbinitm provides a fun, safe, musical environment that allows children the freedom and confidence to grow as they develop their social, motor and cognitive skills. Class are being offered for the FIRST TIME EVER, this FALL 2013 at: Step I Dance & Fitness, Midtown Planet Gymnastics, Land Park Go to: www.zumba.com for SESSION DATES & TO REGISTER

Calendar of Events....................... page 24 Parties! Parties!............................... page 26

ww w. v alcomnews.com

Call Jen for ad rates 429-9901

www.valcomnews.com Publisher: George Macko General Manager: Kathleen Egan Contributing Writers: . Connie Goldsmith, Carmel L. Mooney, Patricia Newman Art Director: John Ochoa • Graphic Artist: Ryan Wunn Sales Manager: Patty Colmer Advertising: Jen Henry • 916-429-9901 Distribution/Subscriptions: George Macko Cover Photo: Suzanne C. Walker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzanne_c_walker/7782076236/) http://www.flickr.com/people/suzanne_c_walker/ • www. suzannecwalker.com

California Kids! is published monthly and distributed to more than 1,000 locations in the Sacramento Valley, including all of Sacramento County, and portions of Yolo (Davis and Woodland), Placer (Auburn, Newcastle, Rocklin and Roseville), El Dorado (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville), and Nevada (Grass Valley, Nevada City) counties. Subscriptions are available for $30/year. Mail prepaid check or money order to California Kids!, 2709 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818. Make sure to specify the person and address to which you wish issues to be mailed. Deadlines for advertising and calendar listings are the 25th of the month prior to publication. Calendar listings should be mailed to 2709 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818, faxed to (916) 429-9906, or e-mailed to kathleen@valcomnews.com. Copyright 2013 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc., 2709 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 4299906. E-mail:kathleen@valcomnews.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Fairytale Town events • Sacramento Play Summit, Saturday, September 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento Play is the most important work of childhood, yet there are growing threats and limitations placed on the time, resources and spaces devoted to play. The Sacramento Play Summit, presented by Fairytale Town, the Sacramento Public Library and ScholarShare Speaks, aims to highlight the importance of play, the many types of play, ways to incorporate play into daily and school life, and more. Keynote speakers include: pediatrician and writer Dr. Melissa Arca; children’s book author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg; and Myla Marks from Playworks. $35 per person; $25 students, seniors and members of Fairytale Town or Friends of the Sacramento Library. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown. org or call (916) 808-7462. • Grandparents Day, Sunday, September 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Fairytale Town and celebr at e National Grandparents

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Day. Families are encouraged to bring grandma and grandpa for an enjoyable day of play in the park. Grandparents receive free admission when accompanied with a child ages 0-12. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. • Teacher Workshop: Giving Voice to Children’s Literature , Wednesday, September 11, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn easy and effective readaloud techniques from Francie Dillon, a professor of children’s literature at Sacramento State University. Her simple techniques make reading and learning fun for everyone. This workshop is free, but advance registration is required. To register, email education@fairytaletown.org. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. • Parent Workshop: Giving Voice to Children’s Literature, Wednesday, September 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn easy and effective readaloud techniques from Francie

Dillon, a professor of children’s literature at Sacramento State University. Her simple techniques make reading and learning fun for everyone. This workshop is free, but advance registration is required. To register, please email education@ fairytaletown.org. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown. org or call (916) 808-7462. • ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival, Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All aboard the reading train! The ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival features readings and

presentations by children’s book authors and illustrators, storytelling performances, and hands-on literacy activities. Sherri Duskey Rinker, the New York Times bestselling author of “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” and “Steam Train, Dream Train,” will headline the two-day Festival. This year’s lineup of 12 featured authors also includes Ahmet Zappa, son of late musician/composer Frank Zappa, and Jennifer Fosberry. Admission to the Festival and Fairytale Town is free to the public. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462.

Fairytale Town Debuts New Play Structure A

new train inspired by the classic children’s book, “The Little Engine That Could,” was unveiled at Fairytale Town on Thursday, August 15. Comprised of an engine car, train car and caboose, the new play set replicates the little train that saved the day with its plucky attitude and positive thinking. It was designed and fabricated by local artist Shane Grammer. The train sits alongside the little red engine that currently represents the classic story. Playground surfacing surrounds the base of the play structure to make for soft landings during play time on the structure. “‘The Little Engine That Could’ reminds us that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished with a positive attitude and hard work,” said Kathy Fleming, executive director of Fairytale Town. “And that message deserves to live on in the minds and imaginations of children in our region.” For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462.

School Jokes

Have fun coloring!

www.activityvillage.co Keeping Kids busy!

Knock Knock! Who’s there?  Dewey. Dewey who?  Dewey have to go to school today? Have you heard about the teacher who was cross-eyed? She couldn’t control her pupils! Teacher: Name two days of the week that start with “t”. Pupil: Today and Tomorrow. What school supply is always tired? A knapsack! Teacher: I see you missed the first day of school. Kid: Yes, but I didn’t miss it much. Teacher: Could you please pay a little attention? Student: I’m paying as little attention as I can. Teacher: James, where is your homework? James: I ate it. Teacher: Why? James: You said it was a piece of cake! Teacher: Why is your homework in your father’s handwriting? Pupil: I used his pen! Teacher: You’ve got your shoes on the wrong feet. Pupil: But these are the only feet I’ve got! What’s the difference between a teacher and a steam train? The first goes “Spit out that chewing gum immediately!” and the second goes “chew chew”! Today my teacher yelled at me for something I didn’t do. What was that? My homework! What is white when its dirty and black when its clean? A blackboard! Teacher: What is the most important thing you have ever learned in chemistry? Sam: Don’t lick the spoon! How is an English teacher like a judge? They both hand out sentences! Why didn’t the two 4s want any lunch? Because they already 8! What’s big and yellow and comes in the morning to brighten mom’s day? The school bus.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Effie Yeaw Nature Sonshine Celebration! Center Activities B September 1, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - Hawk Talk Come learn about these amazing raptors that have color vision eight times better than humans. Get a rare close look at one of the resident hawks and learn more about the hawk family.

ring the family to Greenhaven Lutheran Church for their Children’s Sonshine Celebration. This free event will be held Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 475 Florin Road, Sacramento. Enjoy a bounce house, carnival games, pony rides and more. Puppet shows, featuring puppeteer and ventriloquist Tony Borders, will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information, call (916) 428-8449.

September 7, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - Meet the Menagerie

Come meet the critters that live at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and learn why these animals are not able to return to the wild.

September 8, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - Turkey Vultures

What bird eats meat but can’t kill its own food? These relatives of the condor and stork are intelligent, family-oriented and play games together! Learn more about the amazing turkey vulture and their importance to our ecosystem.

September 14, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - Habitat Hunt

Hike with a naturalist along the Nature Center’s trails to see what makes a habitat a home and learn why animals can’t live without it.

September 15, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - Cold Blooded Creatures

What’s the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? Come learn about these captivating critters and meet some of these cold-blooded creatures up close.

September 21, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - Solstice Stroll

Fall is here! Beat the heat and take time this morning for a hike in the Nature Study Area to see what changes are taking place as Autumn makes its entrance.

September, 22, Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - Abalone Necklace Making

Join a naturalist in the replica Nisenan Maidu village to polish an abalone shell piece for your own unique necklace. All ages welcomed; children will need assistance from an adult.

September 28, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.- Along the River’s Edge Who lives at the river’s edge? Hike with a naturalist and explore the habitat where beaver, otter, heron and other wildlife live. Bring binoculars of borrow a pair from the staff. September 29, Sunday, 1:30 p.m - Sensational Senses How do humans and animals explore and get information from their environment? Discover the functions of your senses and compare your sensory abilities to local wildlife. Use your senses to investigate animal artifacts and even a live animal! Donations gratefully accepted. There is a $5 per car county parks entrance fee into Ancil Hoffman Park (Free to members) at California Avenue and Tarshes Drive. Effie Yeaw Nature Center is locatd at 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. For more information, call (916) 489-4918 or visit www.sacnaturecenter.net. SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Back to School!

ey Kids! Where did the summer go? Be sure to get to bed early and eat a hearty breakfast because it’s time to go back to school? I bet you’re looking forward to making new friends and meeting new teachers BUT YIKES! HOMEWORK! Have fun searching for the hidden words related to back to school. Look carefully, words can appear vertically, horizontally, diagonally, backwards and upside down. Good luck hunting.

P C R A B K C A N S K O A B

R M N X S S E B E R B L O U

I E D U C A T I O N R C D S

N T Q S H T X S R O K B S N

Backpack Binder Books Bus Cafeteria Carpool Chalk Education

C A R P O O L N L G K T L L

I F R I E N D S K A N S I O

P C G R K C A P K C A B C C

A A R E A C E K A E S U N K

L F A C T S E T P P N C E E

K E D E T L T A I X T O P R

Eraser Field Trips Friends Grades Homework Lockers

R T E S I E S R C E T F Q S

O E S S V N T G A P C F B R

W R X F I D Z C B A H I I X

E I T B L L H P H P A C N T

M A F E I E N D S E L E D O

O L I C R R A S E R K S E O

H F R E R A S E R X S S R B

Office Paper Pencils Principal Recess Snack Bar Teacher Test

Make it yourself!

Family Bulletin Board T his is a simple craft and it is a super “Back to School” craft, providing a special place for children to show off their best work.

You will need: Cork notice board, paints (suggest: poster paint for the base colors and acrylics for the decoration)

You will need to: Split the board into sections, one for each child. Paint each section in a different color of poster paint and leave to dry. Let each child then decorate their own section with acrylic paints.

Fairytale Castle Craft

ho could resist trying this gorgeous fairytale castle craft! Easy to make from cardboard tubes and others scraps, it makes a fantastic desk tidy which will make any child happy to sit down and do their homework.

You will need:

4 cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel tubes), small box, pink/ purple card or construction paper, pink/purple paint, black pen, glue, sequins/glitter/pens to decorate

Pencil Door Hanger T his pencil door hanger is an easy craft using craft cupboard supplies, but it looks great! Great for back to school or anytime.

You will need:

You will need to: Cut any flaps off the box. Trim the tubes to size so that they are a couple of inches taller than the box. Glue one tube into each corner and leave to dry. Paint the castle in either pink or purple paint, then leave to dry. From the card/paper cut out two side-plate sized circles. Cut the circles in half to make 4 semi circles. Roll the semicircles into cones and tape to secure. These should be placed (not glued) onto the towers as roofs, so that they become “lids” to the containers within the towers. For the door way / front tower, draw a rectangle as tall as the box and about 2 inches wide, with an arch at the top and cut out. Glue the front tower to the middle of one of the wide sides. With the black pen draw windows and doors on to the castle. Use sequins, glitter, pens and any other embellishments to decorate. Now you can store your pens and pencils in the towers and your pencil sharpeners and erasers (rubbers) in the base of the castle.

4 craft sticks (ideally colored, optional paint, craft foam in light brown or pink, black, and any other color, double-sided tape sticky letters, ribbon

You will need to: Lay the four craft sticks side by side. Using the width of the sticks as your guide cut a triangle from light brown or pink foam and a rectangle from another color. Use double-sided tape to attach the triangle to one end of the sticks and rectangle to the other. Turn over and you will see a pencil shape. Cut a tiny triangle of black and stick to the top of the triangle as the nib. Tape a loop of ribbon to the back. Add a message with sticky letters. **Variation – use only 3 sticks and leave off the loop to make a bookmark.

Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Maidu Museum and Historic Site events Campfire: Friday, September 20, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sit under the stars at the outdoor amphitheater to enjoy native stories around the campfire. The staff will provide roasting sticks and marshmallows for a sweet program’s end. Museum doors open at 7 p.m. Fees are; $5 per person, $16 family of four, under 2 are admitted free.

Night Out at the Museum: Saturday, September 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a free “Night Out at the Museum”, part of the 3rd Saturday Art Walk. Enjoy an Opening Art Reception for artist L. Frank Manriquez who will speak about her newest exhibit on display through October 26. Museum doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.

Rock Art Mysteries: Saturday, September 21, 8 to 9 p.m. Take a walk through the historic site to observe petroglyphs by lantern light. Journey back in time and explore ideas about the purpose of these mysterious symbols carved in stone thousands of years ago. Museum doors open at 6:30 p.m. Lantern tour starts at 8 p.m., following the free “Night Out at the Museum” event. Fees are $6 per person.

9th Annual Smithsonian Museum Day Live: Saturday, September 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is one of 75 participating California museums in the Smithsonian Museum Day Live event. The Maidu Museum and Historic Site is offering free admission, free guided tours at 10 a.m. and 1p.m, and free children’s activities all day. The Maidu Museum and Historic Site is located at 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville. For more information, call (916) 774-5934 or visit www.roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum.

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Holman Ranch Blends Old and New For Families by Carmel L. Mooney

istoric Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley is a wonderful familyfriendly venue for family events and get togethers. If your family is considering a family reunion, wedding, birthday party, baby shower, baptism, Western barbecue, retirement party, graduation party, garden party, going away party or any other special celebration encompassing multi generations, then Holman Ranch provides the perfect venue. Nestled in the Carmel Valley about 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, family-owned and operated Holman Ranch is immersed in history and tranquil beauty. Gorgeous gardens of native plants, serene mountain views, abundant wildlife, and cool coastal breezes make Holman Ranch a mecca for families celebrating special memories and occasions. With its rich and colorful history, Holman Ranch has hosted generations of local outdoorsmen, vacationing families, and even Hollywood notables like Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara. Modern conveniences marry with nostalgic and rustic charm. Visiting families will lavish in the charming and delightfully decorated classic guest accommodations in gorgeous and well appointed ranch quarters and guest rooms and cottages, each with flat screen TVs, cable, wi-fi and iPod docking stations. Luxurious western themed linens and bedding along with quality toiletries will ensure a peaceful and luxurious slumber amongst the hawks, deer, and wild boar. Guests enjoy full access to the game room and great room within the historic hacienda building. Patios, gardens, and courtyards bring tranquility and beauty at every turn. Family-friendly barbecues and bonfires are family favorites. Most families also partake in many of the on-site recreational amenities. Holman Ranch has lots to do for all ages and generations including billiards and darts, bocce, horseshoes, lawn dominoes, a swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center, hiking trails, winery tours, movie nights, vineyards, seasonal pond, and more. Holman Ranch is utterly peaceful and removed from the hustle and bustle of every day life yet never lacks a list of things to do

to keep youngsters busy, although some family members may choose to just lounge on a deck overlooking magnificent vistas of wildlife and flora. Holman Ranch is the perfect place to explore and experience or to just relax and do nothing. Guests can enjoy a full American breakfast buffet with locally grown and organic fruits, pastries, coffee and tea. And no matter what size of your event or function, chefs, caterers and staff are on the ready to ensure your family event is memorable and perfect down to the most minute detail. Holman Ranch can build a special family retreat on a minimum of 10 people. A variety of themed retreats and parties are created by the expert staff at Holman Ranch. Some favorites include a Ranch escape including dummy cattle roping, hayrides, barn dance, wagon rides, roping clinic, and even square dancing. Another option is a Murder Mystery dinner theme. Sports enthusiasts may choose a combination of archery, paintball, sporting clays, bocce, croquet, golf, hiking, scavenger hunts, skeet shooting and martial arts. Outdoor lovers might enjoy Astronomy 101, star gazing, beekeeping, al fresco movie night, nature photography, hikes and bird watching. Many other themed get togethers centered around wine, cooking, and wellness are also available. Holman Ranch also grows and produces fine wines and olive oils.

Photos courtesy Holman Ranch

Vineyards and olive groves only add to the mystique and beauty of the stately and expansive historic property. An off site tasting room is just a few easy minutes from the ranch as well and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Gorgeous stables and an extensive equestrian center are part of the varied offerings at Holman Ranch. Equestrian clinics, special events, and boarding are available as well to both guests and visitors. With miles of scenic trails and state-of-the-art arena Holman

Ranch is a horse-friendly familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise also. www.holmanranch.com/ Tel (831) 659-2640 Carmel L. Mooney is a fourth generation Californian whose family settled in Carmel four generations ago. She is a travel columnist and the Executive Director of Pawsitive Service Dog Solutions, a non-profit that trains service dogs for children with Autism and other disabilities. www.pawsitivesolutions.org. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2013

Who wrote that? The Creators of Your Child’s Favorite Books Featuring Sherri Duskey Rinker

By Patricia Newman

herri Duskey Rinker’s parents divorced when she was in first grade, and she recalls spending time with her grandmother. “It was my favorite place,” she says. “Peaceful, quiet, tidy.” Rinker’s grandmother heaped attention on her and Rinker adored her for it. “She colored with me, read to me, made my favorite breakfast. Those memories fill my heart,” she says. Rinker loved books as a child. “I still remember the smell and the sound of the pages and the stories that take you out of your everyday world,” she says. In fourth grade, Rinker thought she wanted to be a poet, but in middle school the balance tipped toward the arts. Finally in college, graphic design and visual advertising won out, and Rinker spent over 25 years in the industry ultimately opening her own firm. When her two boys were born, she was reintroduced to what she describes as “that luxurious, beautiful combination of words and pictures that picture books provide.” About this time the relentless pace of advertising began to wear on her. Although Rinker did not consciously decide to become a picture book author, she says the idea for Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site jolted her

“like the answer to a prayer.” The concept and many of the rhymes for the text came to her so completely she felt it was a gift and wrote the story within a week. Unlike most authors who struggle with rejection, Rinker’s manuscript was accepted by the first publisher to whom she submitted it. With years of visual advertising experience, she also enclosed sketches for possible illustrations. “The publisher completely ignored the sketches,” she says with a laugh. Although her concept was an instant hit, her text underwent extensive revisions to improve her rhyme and rhythm. “I had to count the syllables [in each line] and make them match,” Rinker says. “It was painful!”

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site quickly rose to the number one spot on the New York Times Best Sellers List for children’s picture books, and she believes part of the book’s success is its relevance to boys. In spite of trying to fill a specific niche, Rinker received some nasty mail accusing her of gender bias (all of her trucks are male) and keeping women out of the construction industry. In response, she describes her book as “unapologetically boy. My boys were the inspiration for this book and their trucks are boys.” Additionally, she wonders whether the authors of the many girl books with hearts, flowers, butterflies, and sparkles receive similar kinds of mail. Emboldened by success, Rinker again drew from her boys’ interests in Steam Train, Dream Train. “My boys are fascinated by the organization of trains,” she says. And they are quick to point out when train books do not have the proper cars. Rinker challenged herself to write a rhyming picture book that not only incorporated train cars found on real trains, but that celebrated a sense of magic. This time, however, Rinker counted out her syllables and made sure the meter in each line matched before submitting to her editor. “I’m learning!” she quips. Rinker admits to having a preconceived notion about how her books will look once they are published. “I did not imagine [illustrator Tom Lichtenheld’s playful] animals in Steam Train, Dream Train,” she says. “In my mind, the hero was the train. But when I saw the sketches come together, I fell in love.” The combination worked because Steam Train, Dream Train also topped the New York Times Best Sellers List for children’s picture books. Since There Was You, Rinker’s third picture book, does not yet have a release date because the publisher needs to sign up an illustrator. Rinker hopes this new book has a comical streak. Written from a parent’s perspective it provides a slapstick look at how life changes when kids are added to the mix. The smells, the noise, the avalanche of

toys. Rinker hopes the book will be laugh-out-loud funny for her readers. Rinker writes from her home in the Chicago suburbs. Although she does not adhere to a specific writing schedule, she dictates snippets of verse into her iPhone when they pop into her head. “I [sit down and] write when I feel I have something to say,” she says. “When I’m in the mood I’m very obsessed. I let the laundry go. I let the house go.” Motherhood is a rich source of inspiration for Rinker. “Kids think outside the box,” she says. In each book that she writes she tries to recreate the warm anticipation of Christmas Eve, a birthday, the last day

of school, or standing in line for an ice cream cone. “We all have those feelings,” she says, “but children make us remember.” Next month: Jeff Mack Patricia Newman’s newest books Navy SEALs: Elite Operations and Army Special Forces: Elite Operations go on sale this fall. Other titles include: Jingle the Brass, recommended by the Smithsonian National American History Museum; Nugget on the Flight Deck, recipient of the California Reading Association’s Eureka! Silver Honor Award for excellence in children’s nonfiction; Energy Lab: Biofuels and Energy Lab: Water Power. Visit her website at www.patriciamnewman.com for more information.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Sherri Duskey Rinker

Visit: http://sherriduskeyrinker.com/WordPress/

SELECTIONS FROM sherri duskey rinker’s LIBRARY Visit: http://sherriduskeyrinker.com/WordPress/ Meet Sherri at Fairytale Town during the ScholarShare Children’s Book Festival | Saturday, September 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

SELECTIONS FROM sherri duskey rinker’s LIBRARY Steam Train, Dream Train, Chronicle, 2013. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Chronicle, 2011.

Upcoming Since There Was You, Balzer and Bray, TBA.

Nature Fest 2013

Sunday, October 6



10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A Special Event at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

ay! d l l a g n rki FREE pa

California Ave. & Tarshes Dr. Carmichael, CA

Live Animal Shows Kids Activities Guided Nature Hikes Birds of Prey

Admission $3 per adult Kids 12 & under FREE

More info at www.SacNatureCenter.net or 489-4918 Sponsored by:

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

THE BOOK REPORT

It’s Back to School Time! By Connie Goldsmith

hether your child is a kindergarten novice or an ‘experienced’ second grader, reading a book about school can help pave the way back after summer break. You could say that school is the work of children, and it helps if they’re well-prepared. The very youngest child may ask, “What will I do?” Older children may worry about making friends or wonder about their new teacher. Back-to-school books can smooth away those worries. School may seem a little scary at first, but it won’t be long until most kids feel right at home. “Gus, the Dinosaur Bus,” by Julia Liu, illustrated by Bei Lynn. (Houghton Mifflin). Some kids walk to school; others ride in a car or take the yellow bus. But some lucky children get to ride Gus, the dinosaur bus! Nobody wants to miss their trip to school on Gus’ broad green back.

He’s a traffic hazard on busy streets, so the city makes a new road just for Gus. Even so, he knocks down the occasional telephone line and traffic light. The school principal is not happy about the complaints and sends Gus to the gym. Gus begins to cry, and because he’s a giant supersaurus, his tears make a swimming pool! “Now Gus is no longer a dinosaur bus,” he’s a slide, swing, and playground rolled into one. The watercolor and pencil illustrations are a perfect match for this appealing simple story. “This School Year Will Be the Best!” by Kay Winters, illustrated by Renee Andriani. (Puffin). The teacher gathers all the children on the first day of school to ask, “What do you hope will happen this year?” The children share their wishes for the coming

year; the wishes are touching, and reflect a young child’s thoughts. One boy hopes he’ll remember his homework. A girl wants to look good in her school picture. Other wishes include kicking soccer goals, a chocolate fountain at lunch, taking the class pet home, a snow day, a birthday party, and winning the science fair. Everyone, including the teacher, hopes for the best wish of all to come true: making new friends. The final spread shows the children holdingdrawings of their wishes. Consider asking your children to draw their wishes for school! “Bugs in My Hair!” by David Shannon. (Blue Sky Press). Many parents have received that dreaded note from school: your child has head lice! Parents and kids alike will enjoy this hysterical romp through

lice-ridden hair where the critters are having a “lice-apalooza!” The humiliation! We’ve all been there. The double-page spread of kids scratching their heads in the classroom is priceless. Prize winning author/illustrator David Shannon both informs (dogs don’t get head lice) and amuses (“…they might conquer the world!”) as we follow one kid’s journey through lice eradication. The book is dedicated to “moms everywhere and their battle-tested anti-lice weapons.” The bug-eyed, puppy-sized lice are guaranteed to bring a giggle (and an itch) to everyone. ** Reviewer’s pick of the month**

“Princess Posey and the New First Grader,” by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson. (Putnam). This sweet, easy to read chapter book focuses on the changing nature of friendship. Posey and her best friends Nikki and Ava do everything together. But when new girl Grace shows up in their first grade class, it seems to Posey that everything is changing. Her friends can’t stop talking about Grace, and they like to play with her – maybe better than Posey. Grace and Posey have a little spat mediated by their teacher, Miss Lee. Posey realizes how hard it is to be new, and offers to be Grace’s reading partner.

Every little girl should have friends like Posey, Nikki, Ava and Grace! “Curious George Learns to Count from 1 to 100,” illustrated in the style of H. A. Rey, by Anna Grossnickle Hines. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Meet Curious George once again in this really big book. The monkey and his friend, the man in the yellow hat, are off to celebrate the town’s 100th anniversary. George can count to five on one hand, and to ten on his two feet, but the man challenges George to find one hundred objects to count as they travel to the celebration. They visit the farmer’s market and then reach the big centennial parade. There is so much to count: bugs and balloons, potato chips and pickles. Counting was never so much fun! This book helps kids understand grouping of numbers and like objects, making it useful for preschool through early elementary grades. Connie Goldsmith (www.conniegoldsmith.com) lives in Carmichael where she writes for adults and children. See her nonfiction juvenile books, “Battling Malaria: on the Front Lines Against a Global Killer,” and “Influenza,” one of the USA Today Health Reports series, in school and public libraries, and at online booksellers.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is coming to town!

inglingBros.andBarnum&Bailey® presents an all-new design of circus excitement with the new show Built To Amaze, at Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena on Friday, September 13 to Monday, September 16. Ringmaster Andre McClain takes the Ringling Bros.® reins accompanied by his horse Comanche, to lead his funny and mischievous circus supervisors to construct a fantastic design of heart-pounding and wondrous performances including: Ninetime international award-winning comedic animal presenting duo Alex and Irina Emelin of Russia, The Trampoline Tower Tumblers from the Ukraine who launch themselves from trampolines to scale, repel and pass through a three-story high translucent tower, and the popular King Charles Troupe hailing from New York with a spirited and comedic basketball competition featuring ten whirling unicyclists. In addition, the show features the electrifying high-wire acrobats, daredevil stunts on

The Steel Vortex, the youngest female Human Cannonball, remarkable hand-balancing duos, the always hilarious Clown Alley…and of course no Ringling Bros. circus experience would be complete without its four-legged star performers including the majestic Bengal tigers presented by the charismatic “Taba” and a fun-filled Asian elephant dance party. Be sure to arrive early to join performers for several exciting interactive elements before the show starts. Opening 90 minutes prior to each performance, all ticket holders are invited to tour the Animal Open House to get up-close with the amazing animals. Then one hour before show time, families can step onto the arena floor to meet circus performers and animals at the interactive All Access Pre-Show, with FREE admission to all ticket holders. Ticket prices range from $20 to $95. Contact Ticketmaster, arena box office,or charge by phone: (800)745-3000, or www. Ringling.com

The Ringling Bros.® Asian elephants show off fresh and classic dance moves reflecting each elephant's unique talent and personality.

Photos courtesy Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®

Ringmaster Andre McClain is an accomplished animal trainer, cowboy, rodeo star, country singer and songwriter.

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Wilder Ranch State Park Located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505

Black & White Ruffed Lemur Babies Now on Exhibit

he four Black and White Ruffed Lemur babies, born May 17, can now be seen daily on exhibit with mom, dad and their big brother at the Sacramento Zoo. At about 1.8 pounds and 12 weeks old, the four Black and White Ruffed Lemur babies have made their public debut. Ruffed lemurs are the only primates that keep their young in nests instead of carrying them around. In the wild they would use tree cavities and crooks for nesting. Infants are born with their adult coloration and every individual is slightly different in coat pattern with a lot of variety in amounts of white, black and even some shades of brown. The four youngsters can now be seen exploring the exhibit, playing with mom, dad and their older brother and sun bathing. For videos, photos and more information check the Sacramento Zoo’s blog at saczooblog.com.

Life on the Ranch: Family Living History Day - Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wilder Ranch State Park invites you to experience old-time activities from its ranch, dairy farm, and cowboy rodeo days. Handson activities and living history presentations vary each month and may include: butter churning, ice cream making, branding, cooking, roping skills, wagon rides and demonstrations in the ranch buildings. Come for a picnic on the lawn and follow it up with a game of tug of war, sack races, hoops, stilts, and Wilder Ranch’s famous old-fashioned bubbles. The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve. The park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on the coast side of Highway 1 at 1401 Coast Road Santa Cruz. Day-use parking fee is $10. This event is appropriate for all ages. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tours - Weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour of the ranch houses at 1 p.m. Visit an early day dairy ranch in Santa Cruz County and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. Weekends at 1 p.m., join the 1-hour tour

of the 1897 Victorian home, 1896 waterpowered machine shop, and other historic buildings. You can also play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend. You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or learn about the Meder Family voyage to California. September 8 and 22 learn about hand quilting with master quilter Carolyn Miller 10 - 2 p.m. Call (831)426-0505 for more weekend scheduled activities. History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area Saturday, September 14 at 9 a.m. This challenging guided three-hour hike will explore the natural and cultural history of the upper hills of Wilder Ranch State Park. Meet the hike leader in the Wilder Ranch parking lot. Bring good walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks Saturdays, September 7, 21 and 28 at 11 a.m. On these two-hour natural history excursions you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Binoculars are available to borrow. Rain cancels.

Butano State Park events Sutter Creek Chili Cook-Off and Car Show

istoric Main Street in Sutter Creek will be transformed into one of the HOTTEST events of the year. The 7th Annual Great Sutter Creek Chili Cook-Off and Car Show will be held Sunday, September 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a fun annual event for adults and children. You can sample homemade chili and salsa from the many participating teams for $5 for adults and $3 for children, and then cast your vote for your favorite. After sampling all the awesome chili and salsa, stroll down Main Street listening to music, browsing through vendors booths and view the display of over 100 of the most beautiful classic cars, hot rods, and motorcycles, gathered together in the picturesque backdrop of historic Sutter Creek. For more information, visit www.suttercreek.org or call (209) 267-2237. 20

• Junior Rangers/Nature Club - Sundays, September 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. - “Butano Scavenger Hunt” Kids 7-12 are welcome to join the staff for a hiking exploration based on the plants, animals and history of Butano State Park. Wear closed-toe walking shoes. There is a maximum of 15 kids allowed; sign up 15 minutes in advance. No pets. Meet at Campfire Center. • Monday, September 2, from 10 to 11 a.m. - “Creek Detectives” Join the staff for a hands-on scientific discovery of the creatures living within the waters of Little Butano Creek. Ages 7-12. There is a maximum of 15 kids allowed; sign up 15 minutes in advance. No pets. Meet at the Olmo Fire Road along the main road of the park. • Nature Walks: Sunday, September 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. - “Candelabra Tree and the Old Growth Forest” Join State Park Interpreter Rosanna for a walk in the newest part of the park to discover one of the oldest trees in Butano: the Candelabra Tree. Meet at the Visitor Center and be ready for a short drive to the Candelabra Trail head. • Saturday, September 14, from 11am to 3pm - “Wildflower Walk”

Join Docent Naturalist Scott Peden to learn about the plants of Butano State Park. Bring plenty of water, good walking shoes, and questions. No pets. Meet at the Visitor Center. • Sunday, September 15, from 9am - 4pm - “Butano All Around!” Join State Park Interpreter Rosanna and her dog Jazmine for a long hike along the Olmo Fire Road and Butano Fire Road for a complete loop around the Little Butano Canyon. Come with or without a dog. Remember that your dog companions must be on a max 6’ leash. Meet at the Visitor Center. • Sunday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. - “Candelabra Tree and Año Nuevo Trail” Join State Park Interpreter Rosanna for a walk in the newest part of the park to discover one of the oldest trees in Butano: the Candelabra Tree. Hike will continue to the Ano Nuevo Trail for great views and bird-watching. Meet at the Visitor Center and be ready for a short drive to the Candelabra Trail head. Butano State Park is located at 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, For more information, call (650) 879-2040.. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Located 9 miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 (831) 338-8883 • Redwood Loop Walk Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. AND Monday, September 2 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join the staff for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Junior Rangers Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. (except for Special Event September 28) Discover the fascinating secrets of the forest. Explore, practice outdoor skills and play games as you learn about plants, animals, habitats, and more. This one-hour program is for kids ages 7-12. Sorry parents, this program is for kids only. Please register your child at the Nature Lodge 15 minutes before the program begins. Please be sure your child is dressed for active play in the outdoors. • Big Basin Nature Club Saturdays at 4:30 p.m .and Sundays at 10 a.m. (except for Special Event September 28) This fun program is for children ages 3-6 and their families. Pretend, play, sing and explore! This half-hour program will introduce youngsters to the wonders of the redwood forest. Meet at the Nature Lodge. • Evening Campfire Program Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. (see Special Event Campfire for Saturday, September 28) Join the historic campfire center for an evening of song and story. Serenade the glittering stars and learn about redwood ecology, creatures of the forest or stories of the park while relaxing in the shadows of the towering trees. Fire lighting and marshmallows (the sticks and marshmallows are provided) at 6:30 p.m.; program begins at 7 p.m. Wheelchair, stroller accessible. Good dogs welcome. • Hike to Ocean View Summit Saturday, September 1, 9:30 a.m. Escape the crowds on this six-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Docent Steve Stolper leads this 4.5-hour hike. Bring *at SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

least* one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Coffee Talk and Crafts- Monday, September 2, 9 a.m. to noon Come to the Sempervirens Room next to Park Headquarters for free coffee or hot chocolate. This is a great way to start your day in Big Basin. Docent Norm Beeson will be happy to answer your questions about the park and help get you going on the right trail. And there’s a fun craft activity for the kids. • Family Discovery Walk - Monday, September 2, 1 p.m. Join docent Norm Beeson for a funfilled family walk and investigate the mysteries and wonders of Big Basin’s redwood forest. Discover what surprises the day offers on this easy, onemile roundtrip walk that lasts about 1.5 hours. Bring water, a snack and an adventurous spirit. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Berry Creek Falls Hike - Sunday, September 8, 9:30 a.m. Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11-mile-loop hike. Wind through shady redwood canyons and climb dry ridges as you hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65-foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots of water, lunch and wear layers. Docent Bill Rhoades guides you on this seven-hour hike. Meet at Park Headquarters. Volunteer with the Trail Crew - Saturday, September 14, 9 a.m. (must be 18 years of age or older) Since 1969 the Big Basin Volunteer Trail Crew has helped make it possible for others to safely enjoy the beauty of our park. The Trail Crew meets the second Saturday of each month, rain or shine. A typical workday lasts until mid-afternoon. Please bring your own work gloves, lunch and water. Join us for a unique perspective of Big Basin, a lively and productive experience with others who share a love of these redwood forests, and the satisfaction of participating in a vital part of the park’s ability to educate and inspire the public! Meet at Park Headquarters. Check www.bigbasintrailcrew. org to confirm dates and time. • Wildflower Walk! - Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m., Sunday, September 15, 10 a.m. Join docent Scott Peden and learn to identify many of Big Basin’s flowering plants. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park. Saturday’s walk is a leisurely four-mile, four-hour walk that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a relaxed five-mile, five-hour walk that

includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Discover Big Basin! -Saturday, September 14, noon On this 4-hour, 4-mile leisurely hike with docent Barry Grimm. Traverse old-growth redwood and Douglasfir forest in some of the park’s most scenic backcountry. Compact digital cameras are encouraged to help share what we see. This hike is suitable for adults and young adults who are diligent hikers. Dress in layers for changeable weather and temperatures. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water and trail snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters. • A Walk in the Past - Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. No Safeway? No Home Depot? No Pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Eva Fewel and learn about some of the plants the Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 2.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Felling the Giants -Saturday, September 21, noon Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Horse Tails -Sunday, September 22, 11:30 a.m. Come meet Bellarose the horse and learn about the important role horses played in early Big Basin history. Join docents Peggy O’Shea and Maura McNamara as they share stories of how horses were used by the Spanish explorers, early settlers and the lumber and tanning industries. Meet at Park Headquarters. • Twilight Hike - Friday, September 27, 6:30 p.m. Join Docent Norm Beeson for an easy, level walk for the whole family. Experience the turning of the day into night in the forest, and learn about the critters that are just becoming active as the sun goes down. This is a 1.5hour, half-mile walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Bring a flashlight. Sorry, no dogs on the trail. • Founder’s Day Special Event - Saturday, September 28 Honor the Visionaries, Valued Workers and Visitors that shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 111 years. Revel in the beauty of the majestic old growth redwoods that inspired the movement to Save the

Trees. Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, hikes and games for kids. **Founder’s Day Schedule: • Timeline Tree: Changing Times among the Ageless Giants, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all day, walk by anytime) Come walk along a downed 100-foot redwood tree and read about the stories of change in the forest where time appears to stop. The timeline describes events in words and pictures of Big Basin over the last century and more. Some were grand occasions, others mundane details…together, the stops along this path tell a fascinating story of the oldest state park in California. The timeline is along the Redwood Loop Trail, across from Park Headquarters. • Old-Time Redwood Walk 10 a.m. Get in a time machine with docent Scott Peden as he leads us on a 1924 Redwood Loop Walk. Over the years, this walk meandered over a much longer distance and passed by many old buildings and even older trees. Scott has maps and photos of that era—we’ll try find the exact spots those old photos were taken! This is a one-mile, l.5-hour walk. • Felling the Giants -11 a.m. Logging was the major industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 50 years. How did lumbermen cut down these tall, tall trees? What was life like in a logging camp? What tools did they use? Join docent Paul Fewel as he tells stories of the logging days and demonstrates how loggers were able to fell these giants—without chainsaws! Meet at Park Headquarters. • Big Basin Melodrama! 1 p.m. Celebrate Big Basin’s history. Take a walk into the past on the easy, family friendly redwood loop trail and meet colorful characters from Big Basin’s past—listen to the stories of a pioneering homesteader, an early conservationist, the first female ranger at Big Basin and more! This walk is a half-mile, 1.5-hour and is wheelchair and stroller friendly. • Old-Fashioned Children’s Games, 3 to 5 p.m. -Step back in time and play some old-fashioned children’s games. Stop by anytime during this two-hour program. The games are for kids of all ages. Meet at the Old Lodge. • Campfire: Charles Kellogg, Bird Singer Extraordinaire and Owner of the First RV. 6:30 p.m. -Charles Kellogg was said to have the voice of a bird—he could cover more than 12 octaves and his amazing ability to imitate the feathered creatures gained him national attention.in the 1900s. He was built an RV from a single, huge redwood and took his “Travel Log” on the road, bringing word of the redwoods to people who had never heard, let alone imagined, there could be such trees. Hear Mike Monroe tell the story of this incredible man, and his connection to the history of Big Basin.

Text4baby Provides Important Service for Pregnant Women and New Mothers A Message from First 5 Sacramento

In a world where cell phones are an essential tool for information gathering, an innovative program based on text messaging is helping pregnant women and new mothers to take better care of themselves and their babies. Text4baby (text4baby.org) is a nationwide program that sends three free text messages per week to pregnant women and mothers of babies up to age 1. The text messages contain valuable information and tips aimed at helping mothers to deliver healthy babies, as well as keep children in good health once they are born. Some of the information pertains to smoking cessation; child development; nutrition; breast-

feeding; physical activity; and diabetes. The messages also alert moms of urgent health news such as product recalls; disease outbreaks; product warnings; medicine safety; and food safety. About one third of the messages include information on hotlines and services of importance to pregnant women and mothers. With more than 500,000 subscribers, the public-private partnership is made possible through the support of about 900 nationwide partners, including First 5 Sacramento. Pregnant women and mothers who wish to sign up for the program until their child is one-year-old can do so by texting “Baby” to 511411 to receive the free text messages. For those who wish to receive in-

formation in Spanish, text the word “Bebe” to 511411. The program is free, no spamming will occur, and service can be cancelled anytime. According to text4baby: • 73 percent of the total respondents who participated in a survey reported text4baby messages informed them of medical warning signs they did not know. • 67 percent of total respondents reported text4baby helped them remember an appointment or immunization that they or their child needed. • 64 percent of total respondents who participated in the survey reported they talked to their doctor about a topic they read on a text4baby message.

About First 5 Sacramento Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages zero to five. In the last year, First 5 Sacramento distributed approximately $14 million a year in Prop 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs. Each county has a First 5 Children and Families Commission providing unique local services for that county. Surrounding First 5’s include: First 5 Yolo: 530-669-2475; First 5 Placer: 530-745-1304; and First 5 El Dorado: 530-672-8298.

H av e f u n c o l o r i n g !

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

Butano State Park 1500 Cloverdale Rd., Pescadero, CA 94060, (650) 879-2040

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Calendar of Events Arts & Crafts September 22, Abalone Necklace Making, 1:30 p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Join a naturalist in the replica Nisenan Maidu Village to polish an abalone shell piece for your own unique necklace. All age welcome at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center for this fun program. Children will need assistance from an adult. For more information, call (916) 489-4918.

Critter Events September 1, Hawk Talk, 1:30 p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Come to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center to learn about these amazing raptors that have color vision eight times better than humans. Get a rare close look at one of the resident hawks and learn more about the hawk family. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. September 7, Meet the Menagerie, 10:30 a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Bring the family to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and meet the critters that live at the Nature Center and learn why these animals are not able to return to the wild. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. September 8, Turkey Vultures, 1:30 p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. What bird eats meat but can’t kill its own food? These relatives of the condor and stork are intelligent, family-oriented and play games together. Come to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and learn more about the amazing turkey vulture and their importance to our ecosystem. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. September 15, cold Blooded Creatures, 1:30 p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. What’s the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? Come to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center to learn about these captivating critters and meet some of these cold-blooded creatures up close. For more information, call (916) 489-4918.

September 29, Sensational Senses, 1:30 p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. How do humans and animals explore and get information from their environment? Discover the functions of your senses and compare your sensory abilities to local wildlife. Use your senses to investigate animal artifacts and even a live animal. For more information call (916) 489-4918.

Nature Events September 14, Habitat Hunt, 10:30 a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Hike with a naturalist along the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s trails to see what makes a habitat a home and learn why animals can’t live without it. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. September 21, Solstice Stroll, 10:30 a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Fall is here! Beat the heat and take time this morning for a hike in the Effie Yeaw Nature Study Area to see what changes are taking place as Autumn makes its entrance. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. September 28, Along the River’s Edge, 10:30 a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. Who lives at the river’s edge? Hike with a naturalist and explore the habitat where beaver, otter, heron and other wildlife live. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the staff. For more information, call (916) 489-4918.

Special Events September 8, Sutter Creek Chili CookOff and Car Show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Main Street, Sutter Creek. This is a fun annual event for adults and children. You can sample homemade chili and salsa from the many participating teams for $5 for adults and $3 for children, and then cast your vote for your favorite. After sampling all the delicious chili and salsa, stroll down Main Street and enjoy the music, vendor booths, classic cars and more. For more information, call (209) 267-2237. September 14, Home Gardener Workshop, 1 to 2:30 p.m., 4660

Storytelling Program On Sunday, September 15, Vanar Sena Pathshala will tell “Stories of India” from 2 to 3 p.m. at International House Davis at 10 College Park, Davis. The Children’s Storytelling Program is free to members, others are asked to pay $2 per child or $5 for a family, Parking is free on the weekends. For more information, call (530) 753-5007 or visit www.internationalhousedavis. org. Via Ingoglia, Sacramento. Sacramento County UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are offering a “Composting Basics for the Home Gardener” workshop. All programs are free and open to the public. Bring the entire family to the North Natomas Library. For more information, call 916) 875-6913. September 18, Food Preservation Demonstration, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 4145 Branch Center Road, Sacramento. The Sacramento County UC Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers will hold a Food Preservation demonstration: “Apples and Preserving the Late Summer Garden.” The workshop will be held at the Sacramento Cooperative Extension Office. There is a $3 material fee, payable at the door. No advanced registration is required. For more information, call (916) 875-6913. September 21, Night Out at the Museum, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville. Enjoy an Opening Art Reception for artist L. Frank Manriquez who will speak about her newest exhibit on display through October 26 at the Maidu Museum and Historic Site. Museum doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available. This is a free program. For more information, call (916) 774-5934. September 21, Horticulture Workshop, 8:30 to 11: 30 a.m., 11549 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks. Come to the Horticulture Center and learn about incorporating edible trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals into our landscape. Understand how to create worm compost bins and compost piles. Hear about water-efficient lawn alternatives. This is a free workshop.

For more information, call (916) 875-6913. September 21, Rock Art Mysteries, 8 to 9 p.m., 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville. Come to the Maidu Museum and Historic Site and take a walk to observe petroglyphs by lantern light. Journey back in time and explore ideas abut the purpose of thee mysterious symbols carved in stone thousands of years ago. Museum doors open at 6:30 p.m. Lantern tour starts at 8 p.m., following the free “Night Out at the Museum” event. Fees are $6 per person. For more information, call (916) 774-5934. September 28, 9th Annual Smithsonian Museum Day Live, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville. The Maidu Museum and Historic Site is one of 75 participating California museums in the Smithsonian Museum Day Live event. Admission is free, free guided tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and free children’s activities all day. For more information, call (916) 774-5934.

Storytime & Puppet Show Events September 15, Storytelling, 2 to 3 p.m., 10 College Park, Davis. Vanar Sena Pathshala will tell “Stories of India” at International House Davis. The Children’s Storytelling Program is free to members, others are asked to pay $2 per child or $5 for a family. For more information, call (530) 753-5007 or visit www.internationalhousedavis.org. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Parties!

Camouflage Birthday www.birthdaypartyideas4kids. com

his is a really neat boys party theme by itself and works well with a hunting theme also.

Camo Invitations • Camouflage cards - Buy or color your own. Tear small

pieces of khaki, light green, dark green and black construction paper into small pieces. Glue onto plain white cards for a Camo collage. • Buy camo parachute men - the small toys - and write the birthday party information onto the parachutes in black or dark green permanent marker. Ask party guests

to wear their camo for the party.

Camo Decorations • Camouflage curtains (they look like netting) and hunting blinds. • Dark green, brown and black balloons and streamers. • Camouflage tablecloths, napkins, cups with green or black flatware. • Place food and snacks in camouflage colored bowls and dishes.

Parties!

Fun Ideas • Scavenger hunts are always fun and are perfect for a camouflage party. Let the final clue lead to a hidden camo piñata. • Buy camouflage t-shirts for each guest to wear at the party.

Camouflage Party Games Hide & Seek - Hide and Seek can be a great game to play at a Camo party. Paint the kids faces with camo paint and see who can hide the best from the other players. At night flashlights are fun to

Parties!

use for a game of flashlight Camo Hide and Seek.  In Plain Site - For this party game you will need an item that is camouflage colored such as a piece of cloth, army man or plastic toy jeep. The first player takes the item and “hides” it in the backyard - but the item cannot be completely hidden from view. They must try to camouflage the item so that it blends in with the background. After the item is hidden the rest of the players come out to a designated spot and try and find the item. They must stay within the spotting area and try to find it using only their eyes (or you can provide binoculars). On “go” start a stop watch and see how long it takes the kids to spot the item. The child who spots the item gets a point and the one who “hid” the item gets a point for every 15 seconds that their item is not found. Treasure Hunt - A few hours before the birthday party begins hide small toys like army men or objects like plastic gold coins. Send the kids out on a quest to recover the hidden items. They can take home the items they find as party favors or turn them in for bigger prizes. Camo Obstacle Course - Set up a big obstacle course that kids will run through or have relay style races in teams. Teams compete to see who can finish the obstacle course first and individual players can compete with a stop watch. Make a mud pit that they have to crawl through or step through tires or hula hoops while all the other players throw water balloons at them. Stake several rows of string about 2 feet off the ground that they have to crawl underneath. Trampolines, swing sets and climbing gyms can all be used to make the course. Water Relay Games - Teams complete to see which one can fill their water jug first. You’ll need a very large container filled with water for both teams to use and two plastic milk jugs - one for each team. Teams are given a spoon, sponge or cup with holes in the bottom and on “go” race to see who can fill the milk jugs first. The large container and the teams jugs should be a good distance apart ... the farther apart the more water they will spill while running to fill their jugs.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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