California Kids - October 2016 by Valley Community Newspapers

October 2016

www.valcomnews.com | ß CRAFTS, 7 | ß BOOK REPORT, 8 | ß WHO WROTE THAT, 11 | ß WHAT’S HAPPENING, 14

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All New Boo at the Zoo Annual event now includes trick-ortreating throughout the whole zoo The Sacramento Zoo is planning on having an all new twist on the beloved Boo at the Zoo. Get out those costumes, grab a trick-or-treat bag and head to the Sacramento Zoo for the all new “Daytime Boo at the Zoo.” The event will feature trick-or-treating stations throughout the whole zoo, face painting for kids, ghoulish games, themed stage shows, keeper chats and even animal enrichments. Top off a perfect day with a ride on the Spooky Zoo Train or the Creepy Carousel for an additional fee. All proceeds from Boo at the Zoo will benefit the general maintenance and animal care at the Sacramento Zoo. When: Saturday, Oct. 29 Sunday, Oct. 30 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. *10 am: Early entrance with valid Sacramento Zoo

membership card and Boo at the Zoo tickets.

*Sacramento Zoo members receive $3 off per ticket

Ticket prices are, as follows: Early bird ticket prices, through Oct. 23 All Ages: $10*

This is a ticketed event. Membership passes, discount passes or any other coupons are not valid for Boo at the Zoo admission. Call 808-5888 to purchase by phone or visit http://www. saczoo.org/BooattheZoo *Rain or shine. No refunds.

General ticket prices, after October 23 All Ages: $12*

Sapphire and Ruby, Burrowing Owl Sisters Ruby and Sapphire both hatched at the Sacramento Zoo in 2013. Their mother is a rescue owl that can be seen on exhibit in the Zoo’s backyard. As with many sisters they have opposite personalities; Ruby is high strung while Sapphire is more easy going. Ruby has also been known to be very chatty with a docent or two. The pair regularly dig burrows together under the logs and various houses in their enclosure. They can also often be found sitting together on a stump. One of their favorite things to do is chase crickets that zookeepers give them. Their zookeepers will also tell you that they have the worst mouse breath that has ever been encountered. Ruby and Sapphire and very important Animal Ambassadors that represent a species native to our Sacramento region. Also, if you happen to visit the San Francisco Zoo, you may see one of their clutch mates acting as an education ambassador in their outreach programs. Source: sacramentozoo.blogspot.com/

www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Susan Roberts, Bitsy Kemper Art Director: John Ochoa Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Steve Crowley 916-429-9901 Cover photo courtesy Metro Newspaper Service 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 (Rocklin and Roseville), El Dorado (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville) 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 editor@valcomnews.com. Copyright 2016 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 2709 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 429-9906. E-mail:calkids@valcomnews.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

11 am – 5 pm Early Bird Tickets $10 (through October 23) General Tickets $12 Sacramento Zoo members save $3 per ticket and get in an hour early! This is a ticketed event. Membership passes, discount passes or any other coupons are not valid for Boo at the Zoo admission.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

Fairytale Town opened Sacramento Adventure Playground at Maple Neighborhood Center

A Fairytale Town to celebrate Halloween with a superhero theme this year

our favorite superheroes will be at Fairytale Town’s 30th annual Safe & Super Halloween for three nights of trick-ortreating and family friendly fun on Friday, Oct. 21, Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. You’re welcome to enter the world of your favorite comics as you meet superheroes, take part in Wonder Woman’s Amazon training camp and visit a comic book city – but watch out for the Hulk! This three-night extravaganza also features 15 treat stations, a nightly costume parade at 8:30 p.m., hands-on activities and lots of fun. Sevilla Magic FX will perform Batman’s Cave of Wonders, a magic show featuring Batman and Harley Quinn, each night at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. in the children’s theater. Magic show tickets are an additional $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers. This is a special ticketed event.

Ticket information is, as follows: Advance Tickets (Now through Oct. 20): Adults: $10 Children (2-12yrs.): $10 Children 1 and under: Free Fairytale Town members receive $3 off per ticket Day-of Tickets (beginning October 21): Adults: $12 Children (2-12yrs.): $12 Children 1 and under: Free No member discount Please note: Fairytale Town will be closing at 2 p.m. each day in order to prepare for the evening festivities. Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive. For more information, call 808-7462, 808-5233, or email mail@fairytaletown.org.

fter two years of planning and development, Fairytale Town’s Sacramento Adventure Playground at Maple Neighborhood Center opened on Aug. 23. The Adventure Playground is a free after-school youth development program where youth can use raw materials to create their own play spaces. Essentially makers’ laboratories, Adventure Playgrounds put real tools, such as hammers, nails, saws, paint, gardening supplies and more, into the hands of youth to create and destroy their own things and spaces with facilitation rather than direction from adults. Adventure Playgrounds originated in Europe after World War II when landscape and playground architects noticed that children spent more time playing in the war rubble than in structured playgrounds. They observed that children were more engaged in play in spaces they created themselves and thought that these non-traditional environments inspired imaginative, collaborate and thoughtful play. “We’re thrilled to open the Sacramento Adventure Playground at Maple Neighborhood Center,” said Kathy Fleming, Fairytale Town’s executive director. “Play is essential to healthy development, yet research shows that play in general, and creative play in particular, is declining for youth. The Adventure Playground is a fun and safe environment where youth can play, and more importantly, direct their own play.” The Sacramento Adventure playground is geared for youth ages 7 to 15. Participation is free, but youth must be registered by a parent to participate. The registration form is available for download at sacadventureplay.org. The Playground is open for play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Playground will also hold regular community play days to allow children and youth of all ages to participate.

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OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Feeding hungry children and families: 974 meals provided through Yolo County’s “Lunch at the Library Program” For nine weeks during the summer, 974 meals were served through the Lunch at the Library program to children at the Clarksburg Branch Library, located at 52915 Netherlands Avenue in Clarksburg, and the Arthur F. Turner Community Library, located at 1212 Merkley Avenue in West Sacramento. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 16.9 million children receive free and reduced-price meals during the school year through the National School Lunch Program. However, only 2.3 million, or around 12 percent, of these young people have access to free meals over the summer break. In partnership with the YMCA of Superior California and the Walmart Foundation, the Yolo County Library was able to help fill this summertime gap by supplying free meals and educational library activities through the Lunch at the Library program. These enrichment activities included grocery store math, magnetic matchbox cars, rocket ship building with Legos, reading time, games and more. The Elk Grove School District and the Davis Joint Unified School District also assisted the program by providing meal preparation. “This year we almost tripled the amount of free meals provided,” said Yolo County Librarian Patty Wong. “Children were able to eat a nutritious meal and participate in

library activities that supported their literacy or learning skills.” This is the second year that the Yolo County Library has been involved in a summer meal program; last year 332 meals were served at the Clarksburg Branch Library. This year the program was expanded with meals served twice a week at the Clarksburg Branch Library, with an average of 10 children per session between the ages of 6 to 17, and four days a week at the Arthur F. Turner Community Library, where an average of 22 children between the ages of 4 and 17 attended the program. Children who participated said they liked Lunch at the Library because: • “It’s the only time I can eat.” • “I learned that the food pyramid is important.” • “I meet good friends and…all the staff are nice.” • “It is fun.” • “I like the free lunch and the learning experience.” • One parent even commented that this program is a “real sanity saver.” For more information about the Yolo County Library, visit: www.yolocountylibrary.org or connect with the library on Facebook at: www.facebook. com/yolocountylibrary.org.

Leataata Floyd students taste-test ‘Veggie of the Year’ dishes Think of it as a local version of “Top Chef” with really, really tough judges. Leataata Floyd Elementary School students taste-tested vegetable dishes crafted by five high-profile Sacramento chefs on Tuesday as part of Food Literacy Center’s fourth annual Veggie of the Year competition. Chefs Kurt Spataro of Paragary Restaurant Group, Oliver Ridgeway of Grange, Suleka Lindley of Thai Basil, Jay Veregge of The Firehouse and Keith Breedlove of The Culinerdy Cruzer presented imaginative takes on beets, cauliflower, avocado, nopales and collards. Food Literacy staff also announced details about the program’s expansion courtesy of an AmeriCorps program award. In the next two months, Food Literacy Center will be recruiting and training 30 new AmeriCorps service members as Food Geniuses, the instructors who deliver their cookingbased curriculum. Currently, Food Literacy instructors work after school in six SCUSD schools. “This award marks a melon-sized milestone for Food Literacy Center,” said Amber Stott, the group’s founding executive director. “It brings us closer to our dream of edible education for all students. With help from AmeriCorps service members, we can meaningfully expand our programs.” Food Literacy’s mission is to encourage children – often the most discerning farm-to-fork fans – to eat more vegetables. The Veggie of the Year contest helps bring attention to the role fresh food plays in improving student nutrition, which helps kids stay healthy. The competition starts with the posting of 10 vegetable candidates online. The public was invited to vote for favorites and the list was winnowed to the top five. Each chef is then assigned a vegetable contender and asked to create a dish for student judges to evaluate. The winner of the September 13 taste testing wasn’t announced as of this writing. Source: SCUSD

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

Storytime for Tots: American Sign Language “Realize being deaf does not make you dumb and having hearing does not make you smart. We can do anything except hear. We have a lot to offer the world and our community.” - ASL Teacher Maggie Mackey by Leigh Stephens

Most of us take hearing for granted, but Sacramento Signing Families make their way through the communications maze by way of the American Sign Language (ASL). The group recently met at Belle Cooledge Library for ASL Storytime. The program is possible because of a First 5 grant from the City of Sacramento. Signing Families meets the second and fourth Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The First 5 Commission funds programs for children up to 5 years-of age because research shows that a child’s brain develops dramatically during the first five years of life. “The Commission grants support interactions that have a profound impact on the way children grow and develop, therefore establish a foundation for future school success.” The Commission also funds other programs including those involving health, nutrition, reading readiness, childcare, and effective parenting. The library Community Room began to fill with parents and children at Storytime. The floor was covered with a bright-colored rug where the kids leaped around and touched everything in sight including other children. Some younger ones clung to a parent. About ten kids attended the program along with parents. The Belle Cooledge program ASL teacher was Maggie Mackey, a vivacious young woman who dove right in and signed colorful stories to the children. Helping her was parent Celina Oppus who brought her two sons. Maggie teaches 4th-10th graders at the Serendipity Center for Leadership and

Learning in Elk Grove. She says she was born deaf from a viral infection. “My hearing loss was identified at 14 months, and I am a hearing aid and cochlear implant user. I was raised bi-lingual: English and American Sign Language. All my family sign, which is considered rare in the deaf world. My little brother and my adopted father are deaf. My new husband of two years is also deaf. I met him in Seattle, but we eventually met again at Utah Valley University.” Maggie says that we should always try to communicate with a deaf person because they appreciate our efforts. The deaf appreciate being included and being noticed just like any other person. Leading Storytime Maggie explained that each session has a theme, and for that evening it was “School.” In sign language, she read a

OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

number of children’s books including: A Big Day for Migs by Jo Hodgkinson where Migs the mouse overcomes his recklessness and makes friends his first day of school. On the First Day of School by Tish Rabe convinces the kids that there is no cooler place than kindergarten. Rufus Goes to School by Kim Griswell telling of a pig named Rufus who wants to go to school to learn to read his favorite book. The school principal says, “No Pigs in School!” Some of the children watch Maggie attentively, making signs with their hands while others crawled around on their knees or rode colorful pillows placed around the rug. Keeping little children’s attention is a challenge! Included in each Storytime is a craft project that ties to the theme of the evening.

On this night, the children worked on red construction paper apples for the teacher. Each colored his or her own version of the apple or nibbled on the crayons. Helping the teacher was parent Celina Oppus who has two hard of hearing sons, Logan and Conan, under 10 years, and her youngest, daughter Norah five years, who attends the California School for the Deaf in Fremont. She attends school in Fremont during the week and is home on weekends. The Oppus boys attend a local school that has hearing, general education classrooms as well as classes for the deaf and hard of hearing.

L Celina says, “I only recently confirmed I am hard of hearing. Our children were born hard of hearing, and in our case it is genetic.” Very active in Sacramento Signing Families, Celina says the group began when the children were small. “We became quick family friends, getting together for playdates, holiday events, and for support in raising our children.” Signing Families works with several agencies that fund programs including: Norcal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; California School for the Deaf, Fremont; and LEAD See ASL, page 12

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Noufer with SCUSD Superintendent José L. Banda

Courtesy of SCUSD

Site Coordinator Julia Glick of Reading Partners cuts the ribbon on a new Literacy Center at Harkness Elementary School.

Reading Partners opens new Literacy Center at Harkness Reading Partners, a nonprofit SCUSD partner organization, cut the ribbon on a new Literacy Center at H.W. Harkness Elementary School last month. Reading Partners will be working with 50 Harkness students who need support meeting proficiency standards in literacy. Attending the ribbon cutting were Hark-

ness Principal Isabel Govea, Area Assistant Superintendent Chad Sweitzer and Amy Eubank from Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy and Walk 4 Literacy helped supply funds for the new site. Source: SCUSD

Courtesy of SCUSD

William Land Elementary parent wins Intel’s Top Volunteer award

William Land Elementary parent Martin Noufer, an Intel employee, was presented with the company’s Top Volunteer 2015 award last week. The award recognizes Noufer for the many hours he spends working with students at the Southside Park school. Noufer was given the award at Intel’s annual Intel Involved Matching Grant Celebration held at the company’s Folsom campus. The hours Intel employees spend volunteering in local schools generate grants for school and nonprofits. In 2015, SCUSD schools received $70,305 in matching Intel grants. Schools that received grants are: Ethel Phillips, John Bidwell, William Land, Leonardo da Vinci, Golden Empire, Alice Birney and Phoebe Hearst. Source: SCUSD

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Make it yourself! Bat Costume T he wings on this costume mean that younger kids particularly enjoy wearing it! It is just a question of two measurements, some cutting and a handful of safety pins or a few quick stitches.

You will need: Black long sleeved T-shirt or sweatshirt Black sweat pants, leggings or tights Length of black polyester or other lightweight material (approximately 2-3 yards, depending on the size of your child) Black plastic headband (or use hood if applicable) Black cardboard or felt Glue Elastic or ribbon for mask

To make the bat wings: Measure from the middle back of your child’s neck to the wrist. Then measure from the middle back of the neck to the back of the knee. Referring to the bat wing pattern sheet, fold your fabric in half so that you can accommodate both the measurements as shown (if you fabric is very narrow, you may have to join two widths together first). Use a piece of chalk or pins to mark the wrist and knee points, then draw a jagged line between them (as shown on the pattern) and cut out. You can use pinking sheers to make the bat wings fray less and last longer if you wish.

Halloween Moon Mobile

lder kids will enjoy cutting out some spooky witches and bats to hang from this Halloween moon mobile. For a family or group project, perhaps younger children can paint the moon? You will need: Black card, Black yarn or thread, Silver paint, Black paint, Small paper plate, Large paper plate, Our Halloween templates, Scrap paper, Laminating sheet Instructions: Paint the large plate black and the small plate silver and leave to dry. Use our Halloween templates printed on to scrap paper to help you cut out three bats and a flying witch from black card. Make a hole in the centre of the black plate. Punch a hole in the edge of the small silver plate and tie a length of yarn through. Push the other end through the hole in the black plate and tie or use sticky tape to secure. Make six holes around the edge of the black plate. Punch a hole in each of the black card shapes and, with a piece of yarn, tie each to a hole in the black plate.

Halloween Bat Fuse Bead Pattern

e used a large hexagonal peg board for our Halloween bat, and black and yellow beads. You could substitute orange or white beads for the eyes, or even use “glow in the dark” beads for a really spooky effect! The Halloween bat looks really good hanging from a mobile, but just as good as a pin or badge or fridge magnet. Make sure he sits at a slight angle for a realistic effect!

Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

THE BOOK REPORT

Lovable, Loyal Dogs By Susan L. Roberts

ogs easily enter the hearts of most children. If a child is fortunate to have one, they learn about friendship, love and loyalty. Even if they do not have a dog as a pet, kids can enjoy those same qualities in a story. Explore and enjoy these fresh dog stories. Love is My Favorite Thing, by Emma Chichester Clark (Nancy Paulsen Books, ages 3-6) This deliciously, lovable story describes love from a dog’s point of view. For, after all, isn’t love all the same? Children will read with delight about all the love Plummie feels, “When they say, ‘You are a very good girl, Plummie!’ Then, I feel loved all over.” What child doesn’t feel ‘loved all over’ when he receives love from his parents. Plummie receives love and feels loved, even when he collides with trouble and punishment scene after scene. Brightly colored illustrations show plenty of action highlighting the story’s words, which ring true of the unconditional love all parents aspire to give. A meaningful story for both child and parent. Wolf Camp, by Andrea Zuill (Schwartz & Wade Books, ages 5-7) Wolf Camp is a hilarious story about a family dog that talks his family

into a once-in-a-lifetime experience of going to Wolf Camp. Fang and Grrr, Homer’s camp counselors, teach him how to howl, track wild animals and hunt. But, Homer soon finds out eating what you hunt is gross! And being a wolf isn’t always what he thought it was. After numerous humor-filled encounters with reality, Homer returns from camp a changed dog. Readers will love Homer and his loveable, laughable friends from Wolf Camp. Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm, by Jon Katz (Henry Holt and Company, ages 4-8) With truly an eye for the picture and a heart for dogs, best-selling adult author Jon Katz brings the two together in his first picture book for children. He gently tells the story of how his four dogs came to join him at Bedlam Farm and what jobs they do. Through brilliant photo journalism and masterful storytelling, we see Border Collie Rose in the snow herding sheep, Border Collie Izzy comfort sick people, Rottweiler/Shepherd Frieda protect the farm from foxes and coyotes, but what does Labrador retriever Lenore do? After several attempts at guessing, we learn, “Her job is loving and accepting and having patience.” “Thanks to Lenore, the dogs are a family.” Katz’ book is an ideal book for dog lovers, the perfect book for any young child. Reviewer’s Pick of the Month

Job Wanted, by Teresa Bateman, illustrated by Chris Sheban (Holiday House, 4-8) An old farm dog seeking food and shelter, asks a farmer if he needs a dog. When told no, the dog asks if he had an opening for a cow. “Sure,” said the farmer, “but you’re not a cow.” The dog shows up the next day and herds the cows into place for milking. When they dog shows up the next day, the farmer again says no to the dog, but agrees he could use a horse. So the dog helps with the horse and returns the next day to help with the chickens. But then…a fox appears! Well, you can guess how it ends. With warm drawings, repetition, and a dog pretending to be what he is not, it’s a delightful story, allowing readers the opportunity to call out the humor in each scene. From Wolf to Woof!, The Story of Dogs, by Hudson Talbott (Nancy Paulsen Books, ages 4-8) From Wolf to Woof! Is a wonderful myth for children of how wolves evolved into dogs. The tale begins with a single, orphaned wolf pup ostracized from the pack. He encounters another orphan, a boy. In figuring out how to survive with no adults to guide them, they become ‘friends’. They soon learn that with the wolf’s nose and the boy’s spear, they can help each other find food. In time other orphaned pups and

boys and girls join them. They learn to perfect their teamwork to capture their food. Illustrations bring life to the story, and include a

few surprises including full page spreads of running wolves and of the first time the boy touched the wolf pup.

Susan L. Roberts (www.Books4theCuriousChild.com) lives in Sacramento, CA where she reads dozens of picture books each month and reviews the best to help parents and teachers find books that will inspire and develop a child’s curiosity and love of life. An aspiring picture book author, she hopes to be published soon. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

Wildlife Video Safari Challenge for Kids Winners!

ids were challenged to use technology to capture real life in nature! This summer kids went on vacation, to parks and yards to record the wildlife that makes up our natural world. While some wandered in search of unreal digital creatures, other kids found real life fantastic! Their videos captured images of birds, reptiles and small animals living around us every day. They observed, recorded but didn’t disturb wildlife in capturing a 30-second video. The Wildlife Care Association’s Summer Video Safari Challenge has chosen two videos from a brother and sister co-winners! Nine-year-old Aranya Karighattam submitted “The Beauty of Birds”: https://www. facebook.com/100010609635683/videos/288892074807778/ Twelve-year-old brother Arav Karighattam submitted a beautiful view of area wildlife, “Everywhere Around You, Things Amaze! https:// www.facebook.com/100010609635683/videos/288923164804669/ Birds in order of appearance: Lesser Goldfinch – Davis White-faced Ibis – Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Dowticher species – Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Black-necked Stilt – Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Forster’s Tern chicks – San Mateo Swallow species – Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Western Meadowlark – Yolo County Red-shouldered Hawk – UC Berkeley

Cooper’s Hawk – Davis Mourning Dove – Davis Wildlife in order of appearance: Gray Hairstreak butterfly –Davis Snail – Davis American Bullfrog – North Davis Ponds, Davis CA Western Fence Lizard – UC Davis Arboretum Vermillion Flycatcher – Maxwell Red-breasted Nuthatch – UC Berkeley Dark-eyed Junco – Milpitas Mallard Duck and ducklings – UC Davis Arboretum Juvenile Gull species – Alviso Marina Blackbirds – Yolo Bypass American White Pelicans – Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Mexican free-tailed Bats - Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Juvenile Barn Owls – Davis Videos were posted on the WCA Facebook page and featured at the Open House Celebration at Coloma Community Center on Sept. 11 for Sacramento Access Cable. Robinson’s Taekwondo prizes were donated by the Karighattams for two students to be chosen to receive them as a gift thru the Town & Country RTKD location, 2744 Marconi Ave. The video challenge began May 15 and concluded Aug. 15. No other prize or cash alternative offered. Call 965WILD or visit www.wildlifecareassociation.com

7E $O &ARM 4OURS OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Ottomon Elementary celebrates backto-school with Legacy presentation

eachers on stage Teachers at Ottomon Elementary in Orangevale shared a special presentation, titled Legacy, with parents on Back-to-School Night this year. As the school begins its third year of Artful Learning, the presentation focused on what the teachers will endow to their students during the 2016-17 school year. Donning black shirts with the words “I am an artist,” Ottomon Elementary teachers took the stage for the six-minute presentation to kick off the Back-to-School Night. “Legacy is leaving a mark; having an impact on people’s lives,” shared the teachers. One teacher noted that “[she] is a gardener, planting seeds of potential and watching [her] flowers grow.” The elementary school brought the Leonard Bernstein Center’s Artful Learning model to the school three years ago. The model emphasizes using the visual and performing arts to explore all academic subjects, provoke critical thinking and foster a love of learning. As part of the Artful Learning framework, each trimester’s unit of study includes three key components: a concept, which serves as an overarching theme for learning; a significant question that guides student inquiry; and a masterwork, or well-known piece of art that offers lessons across multiple subjects. “The presentation is a powerful way to include the parents and let them know what we’re doing,” said Hilda Fernandez, principal at Ottomon. “It’s been an exciting two years and we are excited to move forward into this new school year.” The presentation was immediately followed by classroom presentations, where parents had a chance to hear from their child’s teacher about the year’s plans. Source: San Juan Unified School District

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

Who wrote that? KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with with Lin Oliver

By Bitsy Kemper

Who Wrote That? is a monthly column that profiles the talented authors and illustrators who bring children’s books to life.

o know Lin Oliver is to love Lin Oliver. She’s got a twinkle in her eye and a playful joy that simply emanates around her. Reading her books? Well, that’s icing on the cake. Prolific author Lin Oliver started out as a television comedy writer and producer. She worked at Universal Studios for 12 years and produced many shows, including Corduroy, Harry and the Hendersons, and Wayside. What may have made her stand out back then wasn’t just her talent and sparkle, but the fact that she was a woman in a position of power. She recalls being pregnant three different times during her stint at Universal. “This was at a time when there were very few women television executives, let alone very pregnant ones!” Lin exclaimed. “They had no idea what to make of me. Some of the men would pass me in the hall and say ‘Hi Lin. I see you’re investing in pork bellies?’ Incredible,” she says with a disapproving shake of her head. But she perks up with an added, “We’ve come a long way, baby!” and that sparkle is back. Being a storyteller started way before her Hollywood career. Her earliest memories are going from house to house on her block, asking neighbors, “Do you want to know what happened in our house last night?” and then spilling all the family secrets--that her father slept in nothing but his underwear, that her mom colored her hair blond, that her grandmother kept her teeth in a jar by the side of the bed. “No matter what my parents did, they couldn’t stop the stories from pouring out of me. I think that was the true beginning of my writing career. People, their stories and especially their secrets, fascinate me to this day.”

Lin Oliver

She now has more ideas in her head than she could ever possibly write. Most ideas come from some version of her real life experiences. The ones she decides to turn into books are the ideas that won’t go away, that roll around and around in her brain until the only way to quiet them down is to write them. Her newest book is the third installment of The Fantastic Frame series, BEWARE! SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT. It’s about two kids who get swept into a magical picture frame that transports them into one of the world’s great art masterpieces. The kids only have an hour to escape, or they will be stuck inside the painting forever. In the newest book, they are carried off into Edward Hopper’s famous painting, NIGHTHAWK (the painting that shows a lonely all-night café in New York in the 1940s). Not only do the readers get to join an exciting adventure, they also learn about art in a new, organic, visceral way. “I think any child who reads this book will never look at an Edward Hopper painting the same way,” Lin says. She first had the idea for The Fantastic Frame series 10 years ago, on a family trip to Florence, Italy. Lin explains, “We took our three sons to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s great art museums. It was at least 190 degrees inside, and after 10 minutes, my boys were begging to leave. Begging loudly, I might add. I felt like such a failure as a mother, raising kids who

OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

hated art. When a friend told me that her kids loved visiting the same museum, I felt like an even bigger flop. She explained that she gave them something to search for in every painting, like an art scavenger hunt. A light bulb went off in my head. If kids can have a path into a painting, something fun to do or to look for, they’ll learn all about art without having it be an obligation. That’s the basic idea behind The Fantastic Frame--a fun-filled journey into an actual painting. That idea simmered in my head for 10 years before it popped out as these books.” Other book ideas surface immediately. While having lunch with Henry Winkler (yes, that Henry Winkler) one day, he described how he had grown up with undiagnosed dyslexia, and how his struggle in school had caused him to think less of himself in every way. Lin was so touched by his story that they decided right then and there to write a novel about a kid with dyslexia. “And so, Hank Zipzer was born over lunch. The food was bad, but the book turned out great,” Lin laughs. There are now 23 books featuring that main character, a dyslexic boy that’s smart, resourceful and creative, even though he does poorly in school. There are two Hank Zipzer series, written for different reading levels; both series are co-written by Lin and Henry. The two received The Christopher Award for the “Here’s Hank” books, an award given to books and media that “affirm the highest values of the human spirit.” Wonder if Lin could be nominated as well? Bitsy Kemper is author of 15 children’s books. You may have seen Bitsy on CNN, heard her

on national radio, noticed her quoted in a range of places from Parenting magazine to Writing Children’s Books for Dummies, or seen her work in countless newspapers, radio and TV stations across the U.S of A. Busy with three kids (four if you count her husband), she happily finds time to present at schools and writer conferences from CA to NY. Find out more at www.BitsyKemper.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIN OLIVER Visit: www.linoliver.com

Find her on Facebook as Lin Oliver, and Twitter as @linoliver Co-creator of the international Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the world’s largest professional organization of its kind, Lin is also a major force in the children’s books industry. She presents at conferences around the word. “I’m dedicated to getting children to love reading as much as I do.”

A SAMPLING OF BOOKS BY LIN OLIVER (She’s written 40!) LITTLE POEMS FOR TINY EARS, illustrated by Tomie de Paola, Nancy Paulsen Books, 2015 HERE’S HANK, an 8-book series written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, illustrated by Scott Garrett, Grosset & Dunlap, 20142016 THE FANTASTIC FRAME series, illustrated by Samantha Kallis, Grosset & Dunlap, 2016: Book #1 DANGER! TIGER CROSSING Book #2: SPLAT! ANOTHER MESSY SUNDAY Book #3: BEWARE! SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT And over 300 television episodes!

ASL

Continued from page 5

K, Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids. Another parent attending the library program was Linda McCrea who brought her daughter Kennedy aged three years. Linda says, “At birth Kennedy did not pass her newborn hearing screening. We got her fitted for hearing aids, and she got her first pair by 3 ½ months. We have faced several challenges on this journey. We started learning sign language when she was four months old. “Our high-priced insurance does not cover hearing aids. Her first set was $2,500. The molds that go in the ear are $75-$85. The first two years Kennedy went through ten pairs because of growth, but as she gets older the ear growth has slowed down.” Kennedy and family began learning ASL through the Sacramento Office of Education. Early childhood teacher Heather Palendoken was assigned to the family and spent many hours using videos, books and other learning tools while she shared a wealth of knowledge into the world of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. Linda says that when you connect with someone who is

hard of hearing make eye contact. It lets the person know you are ready to communicate. Speak slowly or sign if you can. Most important is that you treat them as you would anyone with hearing. “We have no hearing loss in our family except that related to aging. Our 18-year-old has no hearing problems. One interesting statistic I have learned is that one in one thousand children are born with hearing loss, and 90 percent of them are to hearing parents. “I see my little girl thriving in a world that is mostly hearing. She sings, talks, laughs, smiles and makes friends, and plays just like her peers. I am so proud of her.” American Sign Language is the predominant sign language of deaf communities in the United States and English-speaking Canada. It is the third most widely used language in our country, and originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in Hartford, Connecticut. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc are credited with the founding of ASL. Gallaudet, a Yale graduate, was inspired by his success in demonstrating the learning abilities of a young deaf girl, Alice Cogswell. Clerc became the first teacher at ASD.

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law that authorized the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind to confer college degrees and made Thomas Gallaudet the president of the institution. Throughout several name changes over the years, the school was re-named Gallaudet University in 1894, to honor its founder. Despite its wide use, no accurate count of ASL users has been taken, although reliable ASL people estimate the number to be between 250,000 – 500,000. ASL signs have a number of phonemic components, including movement of the face and body as well as the hands (non-verbal communications). Many linguists believe ASL is a subject-verbobject language. If you would like to contact Sacramento Signing Families, write Celina Oppus at celinaoppus@gmail.com. CSUS, American River College, and Sacramento City College each offer classes in American Sign Language. Professor Leigh Stephens is retired from CSUS and the University of Hawaii, and says she has her own struggles with hearing loss.

Pledge to change the way you think about math Success in math often begins with a shift in thinking, say education researchers. Instead of “fixed mindset” thinking — believing some people are good at math and some people are not — successful students adopt a “growth mindset,” meaning they believe anyone can do math with practice. “Mistakes grow your brain,” says Stanford University math professor Jo Boaler, whose book “Mathematical Mindsets” is helping change the way math is taught nationwide. “When we give kids the message that mistakes are good, that successful people make mistakes, it can change their entire trajectory.” Parents can help students achieve a growth mindset with resources on Amazon’s “With Math I Can” website. SCUSD is partnering with Amazon to make these resources available to students and families. The site is loaded with fun videos and at-home lessons that explain growth mindset and help encourage a new way of thinking about math. SCUSD is also asking teachers, students, parents and others to take the With Math I Can Pledge at Amazon’s website. Once the pledge form is submitted, you will be sent occasional updates about math research.

Here’s the pledge:

“To achieve a growth mindset, we commit to the following: We will celebrate our mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. We will be confident and share our thinking. We will persevere through difficult practice.

Source: SCUSD

Dilly Dally the Clown

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

A Golden Day-Cation to Coloma By Carmel L. Mooney

ne defining moment marked the fate of the Golden State and much of our nation and it all began in Coloma, California, on a cold January day in 1848 where the world rushed in and our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path was forever carved and forged. The rippled effects of this monumental discovery were felt around the globe and continue today. Colomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and the many gems surrounding it have been 24-karat family favorites for generations since. When I was a kid in the 60s, my family would take me to Coloma to catch a the glimpse of the spot where John Marshall first found â&#x20AC;&#x153;colorâ&#x20AC;? as my grandpa would often coin the commonly used phrase. I would wear my Little House on the Prairie-style bonnet, petticoat, and calico dress, and we would picnic along the American River, stop in the Blacksmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shop for another engraved souvenir horseshoe, and peruse the streets of historic buildings, plaques, and monuments. Special memories in Coloma were always peppered with family reunions in nearby Shingle Springs at the Wagon Wheel, Historic Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town in Cam-

eron Park, or the Blue Bell Cafe in Placerville where kids came, from as far as the coast, just like I did, to procure treasures from the beloved treasure chest and watch the famous train that ran the perimeter of the historical landmark. Decades later in college, my interest in Coloma morphed as I enjoyed watching Melodramas at the Olde Coloma Theater, where foiling the villain or cheering the hero broke up the monotony of mid terms and finals and provided good, clean fun for my college friends and I, and at a bargain price. Years later, in Coloma, as my own kids were growing up, we would raft the South Fork of the American River, camp in nearby Lotus, pan for some gold flakes, or watch docents recreate memories of the Gold Rush era on our way to or from our yearly pilgrimages to Apple Hill in the 90s. After the millennium, I began leading historical day tours of Coloma and the surrounding areas, taking hundreds of participants on Mining, Dining, and Wining tours, as I called them, where I showcased my love of the wine trails, dining, and gold mining history of the area, as my appreciation for the area matured and refined into more grownup themed gems of the region.

Here we are two decades later, and Coloma is still a part of my familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and memory making. We still camp in Lotus, picnic along the river, wine taste in the area, and now my family and I even act in plays at the same Olde Coloma Theater that was such a big part of my life, even over three decades ago. This wonderful little historic Melodrama theater offers a wonderful family-friendly venue, and at an affordable price, including Friday and Saturday night performances. Matinees are offered on Sunday afternoons providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy Coloma as a family day outing and then partake in some comical live theater that often provides a further glimpse into the Gold

Rush era. Admission for children is $5, a Mother Lode in and of itself. While the Colomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park has changed and grown considerably over the years, the magic of the area has stayed a constant and grown to serve the changing times. There are now varied dining choices from delis to eclectic farm-to-table dining, coffee shops, to river side pizza joints and yogurt shops. What used to be limited lodging has now grown into an array of options for all budgets and amenity levels, including lavish and award winning bed and breakfasts, to RV resorts, campgrounds, and vacation cabins. See Coloma, page 15

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What’s Happening, Kids! SATURDAY, OCT. 1 THE GALT LIBRARY PRESENTS THE 500WORD WRITING CHALLENGE: Do you like to write? Are you ready for a challenge to create? Come join like-minded literature and writing enthusiasts! See what you can create in 500 words on a topic you choose. You may be amazed...1000 Caroline Ave., Galt.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5 THE SYLVAN LIBRARY PRESENTS SCIENCE CLUB: GEO BOARDS: Youth ages 8-12 and their families are invited to explore science concepts from 4 to 5 p.m. A new project will be featured every month. Learn about science and technology while creating cool things. STEM program. This month: Geo(metric) Boards! Make a board in Halloween shapes and fill it with shapes using nails & rubber bands. Fun with geometry & discussion of pattern recognition. 6700 Auburn Boulevard, Citrus Heights.

THURSDAY, OCT. 6 SINGING WITH MISTER COOPER AT COLONIAL HEIGHTS: Children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers are welcome to join local favorite Mister Cooper for singing and freeze dancing. After the music, families are invited to stay and play with the library’s developmental, age-appropriate toys or visit in the library garden. Colonial Heights Library, 4799 Stockton Blvd. FRANKLIN LIBRARY PRESENTS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: The Corpse Bride: Free movie from 5:30 to 8 p.m. 10055 Franklin High Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95757

FRIDAY, OCT. 7 MAGIC AND BALLOONS WITH THE PIXIE TRIBE!: From 3 to 5 p.m. at the McKinley Library, 601 Alhambra Blvd., come meet the magical fairies and daring pirates of Pixie Tribe as they astound us with a fun 30-minute magic show, and where puppets will help us find clues along the way. Then stay for another hour as the Pixies will astound with amazing balloon creations for everyone! Magic show recommended for ages 4-8.

SATURDAY, OCT. 8 WELCOME BACK, SALMON: On Saturday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m., Friends of the Riverbanks once again welcome back the salmon to Sutter’s Landing with activities and games for young people. Salmon hold a sacred place in the river ecosystem and we have been very lucky in our salmon sightings during this event. A couple of years ago a sea lion came down the river and proceeded to play with its catch, tossing a large salmon in the air for many minutes before eating it. What will we see this year? Come by on Saturday, October 8 and find out.

SUNDAY, OCT. 9 NATUREFEST 2016: Mark your calendar now for NatureFest, Effie Yeaw’s largest family event of the year! NatureFest promotes science & nature education and outdoor recreation, and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local organizations that support our community. Event goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes live animal shows, kids activities, demonstrations, guided nature hikes, and family-friendly food on the beautiful Nature Center grounds. Enjoy animal shows from Wild Things on the main stage and close up visits with the Nature Center’s own ambassador animals at Critter Corner, plus many more creatures of all shapes

and sizes! And back by popular demand - the Kids Logo Contest!! Kids - enter your design and it could be chosen as the new NatureFest logo! We need a new logo for NatureFest, and we want to see what YOU come up with. Have your parent download the Entry Form and submit it, with your design, to the Nature Center before 3 p.m. on October 9, 2016. Contest rules and winner prizes are on listed the entry form. NatureFest Admission (at the door): Adults - $5; kids 12 and under – free; event parking FREE Questions? Contact us at (916) 489-4918 or info@sacnaturecenter.net. The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located inside the Ancil Hoffman County Park: 2850 San Lorenzo Way (off Tarshes Drive), Carmichael.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14 DAY OF THE DEAD PARTY 2016 AT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM: Members of the public are invited to attend the California Museum’s Day of the Dead Party. Highlights include the opening of “Day of the Dead: Art of Día de los Muertos 2016,” appearances by exhibit artists; performance & ceremonial blessing by Danza Azteca Maquilli Tonatiuh; food and beverages by Mayahuel Restaurant & Tequila Museum; sugar skull decorating workshop with Sacramento’s I Love Sugar Skulls; costume contest with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners; free face painting for all attendees and more. For more or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/dotd-party-2016 ;1020 O St. Sacramento. “DAY OF THE DEAD: ART OF DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2016” AT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM – A journey through life, love and death, “Day of the Dead: Art of Día de los Muertos 2016” exhibit features contemporary installations by California artists Francisco Franco, John Huerta, Melissa Jazulin, David Lozeau and Rob-O. Opening at the Museum’s “Day of the Dead Party,” the exhibit explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on November 1 and 2 by creating calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which has evolved from the Aztecs to modern day California. Members of the public are also invited to celebrate friends and family with a remembrance in the exhibit’s accompanying Community Altar located in the lobby through December 31, 2016. For more, visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/diade-los-muertos-2016; 1020 O St. Sacramento.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22 MONSTER BASH AT THE SACRAMENTO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Visit the Sacramento Children’s Museum for a night of superhero fun at the annual Monster Bash! Guests are encouraged to gear up for Halloween by wearing their best costume and come play the night away at the Museum. They’ll have a DJ, dancing, refreshments, photo opportunities with Spiderman and Captain America, and Museum play, too! Also, guests who wear a costume to the Museum on October 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will get free admission. For more, visit www.sackids.org; 2701 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, SATURDAY, OCT. 22, SUNDAY, OCT. 23 FAIRYTALE TOWN TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH A SUPERHERO THEME THIS

“Esperanza” courtesy of John S. Huerta Arte YEAR: Your favorite superheroes will be at Fairytale Town’s 30th annual Safe & Super Halloween for three nights of trick-or-treating and family friendly fun on Friday, Oct. 21, Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. You’re welcome to enter the world of your favorite comics as you meet superheroes, take part in Wonder Woman’s Amazon training camp and visit a comic book city – but watch out for the Hulk! This three-night extravaganza also features 15 treat stations, a nightly costume parade at 8:30 p.m., hands-on activities and lots of fun. Sevilla Magic FX will perform Batman’s Cave of Wonders, a magic show featuring Batman and Harley Quinn, each night at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. in the children’s theater. Magic show tickets are an additional $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers. This is a special ticketed event. Ticket information is, as follows: Advance Tickets (Now through Oct. 20): Adults: $10 Children (2-12yrs.): $10 Children 1 and under: Free Fairytale Town members receive $3 off per ticket Day-of Tickets (beginning October 21): Adults: $12 Children (2-12yrs.): $12 Children 1 and under: Free No member discount Please note: Fairytale Town will be closing at 2 p.m. each day in order to prepare for the evening festivities. Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive. For

more information, call 808-7462, 808-5233, or email mail@fairytaletown.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26 MOVIE MADNESS: THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE: It’s family movie night at the Arden Dimick Library, 891 Watt Ave. Free film, free popcorn from 6 to 8 p.m. WEE HALLOWEEN AT THE CROCKER ART MUSEUM: Don’t miss one of Sacramento’s major Halloween happenings for children age five and under! Now an annual tradition, charmingly costumed tots and their grownups take a delightful stroll through the Museum and encounter gentle music and dance surprises from some of the city’s favorite entertainers. At each stop, children receive a small gift for their specially decorated treat bag. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. For more, visit www.crockerartmuseum.org; 216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814

FRIDAY, OCT. 28 A SPOOKY AFTERNOON WITH THE DEL PASO HEIGHTS PUPPETEERS: The renowned Del Paso Heights Puppeteers will take their show on the road this October, and bring their scary brand of storytime to the North Sacramento-Hagginwood library from 4 to 5 p.m. 2109 Del Paso Blvd. They will perform the ghostly tale of “The Tailypo” and “The Monster and the Tailor.” You won’t want to miss this frightfully good time, so be sure to show up early to get a good spot.

See Events, page 15

Do you have an upcoming or monthly event?

Let us know. e-mail Monica:

editor@valcomnews.com

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • OCTOBER 2016

Events:

Continued from page 14 FRIDAY, OCT. 28-SATURDAY, OCT. 29 THE HAUNTED FORT AT SUTTER’S FORT STATE HISTORIC PARK: For those interested in a ghoulishly unique experience, check out the 7th annual “The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP). Once again, the historic site will offer a special Halloween program based in fact but with a decidedly creepy twist. Daring visitors will go on guided lantern-lit tours through the darkened rooms and hear unusual and intriguing tales of how some of California’s early pioneers perished throughout history. 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816. For more, visit www. suttersfort.org; COUNT WATTS’ SPOOKTACULAR AT THE ROSEVILLE UTILITY EXPLORATION CENTER: Want to help fight voltage vampires this fall? Join the Roseville Utility Exploration Center for an electrifying good time while learning more about saving energy at home. Take a thrilling walk through the Phantom Energy House (warning: your energy waste may be shocking!) and meet Count Watts to discover ways you can save energy. Plus, guests can take home a free painted or carved pumpkin and also knock out the energy waste in carnival games where prizes flow like electrons. http://www. roseville.ca.us/explore/workshops_and_ events/family_events.asp; 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747

SATURDAY, OCT. 29-SUNDAY, OCT. 30 ALL NEW BOO AT THE ZOO: ANNUAL EVENT NOW INCLUDES TRICK-OR-TREATING THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE ZOO: The Sacramento Zoo is planning on having an all new twist on the beloved Boo at the Zoo. Get out those costumes, grab a trickor-treat bag and head to the Sacramento Zoo for the all new “Daytime Boo at the Zoo.” The event will feature trick-ortreating stations throughout the whole zoo, face painting for kids, ghoulish games, themed stage shows, keeper chats and even animal enrichments. Top off a perfect day with a ride on the Spooky Zoo Train or the Creepy Carousel for an additional fee. All proceeds from Boo at the Zoo will benefit the general maintenance and animal care at the Sacramento Zoo. Ticket prices are, as follows: Early bird ticket prices, through Oct. 23; all Ages: $10*; general ticket prices, after October 23; all ages: $12* *Sacramento Zoo members receive $3 off per ticket This is a ticketed event. Membership passes, discount passes or any other coupons are not valid for Boo at the Zoo admission. Call 808-5888 to purchase by phone or visit http://www.saczoo.org/ BooattheZoo *Rain or shine. No refunds.; : 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822

SUNDAY, OCT. 30 HALLOWEEN COSTUMES @ BABY STORYTIME: Bring your costume-clad baby to storytime from 12:10 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.! Enjoy spooky good stories and activities to celebrate the eve of Halloween! SUPERHEROES & SUPERVILLAINS AT THE CALIFORNIA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM: California Automobile Museum invites young guests to explore the world of SUPERHEROES and SUPERVILLAINS! The Museum will transform into a haunted dwelling with cars sporting their super revved up parts. Find the BATMOBILE and BAT-CYCLE to help fight off any villains that may be present. Once the cars are discovered, kids will be given supercharged treats, although they might have to fight off the villains first! 1020 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814. For more, visit www.calautomuseum.org TRICK-OR-TREATING IN OLD SACRAMENTO: Trick-or-treating will be held through the streets of Old Sacramento once again this season from noon to 4 p.m.! Each year, nearly 50 Old Sacramento merchants and museums participate in the fun! The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a great place to start as maps and bags are available for interested participants. For more, go to www.oldsacramento.com

RECURRING EVENTS GHOST TOURS AT THE SACRAMENTO HISTORY MUSEUM – OCT. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, AND 29 Departing from the Sacramento History Museum, visitors to Old Sacramento journey back in time to hear ghostly tales and spooky stories as they walk through the history-rich streets and re-live 19th century lore. Entertaining yet knowledgeable tour guides will take daring and inquisitive guests through Old Sacramento’s infamous locales to experience a bit of the dark side of California’s history. 101 I St., Sacramento. For more, go to www.sachistorymuseum.org LANTERN TOURS AT THE SACRAMENTO CITY CEMETERY – OCT. 21, 22, 28, AND 29 Interested guests can embark on a lanternled walking tour through Sacramento’s past at the Sacramento City Cemetery! Guests experience stories of murder, death by spirits, death by duel or morphine, and even men impersonating women -- all this while

encountering other unexpected visitors from beyond. Stories will be told by our eternal residents. Hurry, tickets sell out fast. 1000 Broadway, Sacramento. For more, visit www. oldcitycemetery.com “SPOOKOMOTIVE” TRAIN RIDES AT THE RAILROAD MUSEUM – OCT. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, AND 30 All aboard for some Halloween fun Old Sacramento style! California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation are proud to offer diesel-powered “Spookomotive” train rides aboard a whimsically decorated train crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks while staffed with an entertaining “skeleton crew.” Guests are encouraged to come dressed according to weekly themes or in favorite Halloween attire: Superheroes & Villains – October 15 & 16, Princesses & Pirates – October 22 & 23, Witches & Wizards – October 29 & 30. 125 I St. For more, visit https://www. californiarailroad.museum

Upcoming INVITING ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS TO PERFORM AT THE SACRAMENTO YOUTH SYMPHONY PRESENTS SYMPHONY OF 2000: The Sacramento Youth Symphony is inviting all instrumentalists and vocalists of the Sacramento Valley region to come and participate in the Symphony of 2000, a unique orchestral and choral experience. People of all ages and abilities are invited to choose and perform as many as they would like from the selection of classical and wellknown compositions that include Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” (from the Messiah), Amazing Grace, and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes. This is a grand event for instrumentalists, vocalists, or spectators alike, as the Symphony of 2000 makes Sacramento history again.Tickets: $25 participation fee for instrumentalists and vocalists. Participants register online at www.sacramentoyouthsymphony. org/symphony-of-2000. General Admission $20, Tickets available at Community Center Theater Box Office or at http://www.sacramentocommunitycentertheater.com/Events. More details are as follows: Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J St. Contact: Sacramento Youth Symphony, Vicki Schaevitz, vicki@sacramentoyouthsymphony.org or at 731-5777.

Coloma: Continued from page 13

A renovated museum at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park offers more exhibits and education than ever before. Art, music, and historical festivals and events are scheduled throughout most of the year and draw visitors from around the world. Outdoor enthusiasts continue to enjoy Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park and the Dave Moore Nature Area where over a dozen miles of trails for bird watching, cycling, hiking, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding abound. The South Fork of the American River still captivates kayakers, rafters and tubers from all continents and is now considered the Golden State’s most popular white water rafting destination from April through Labor Day.

The Coloma Valley is home to many small local farms and produce stands offering delights from tree-ripened fruits, berries, home-grown and produced olive oils, and fresh baked goods, all perfect for picnics or a roadside snack. Countless historic churches, homes, and graveyards offer opportunities to walk, explore, and gain appreciation for the colorful past of so many local historical figures from the Coloma area. Coloma is located an easy one hour drive from Sacramento and just a half hour from the town of Auburn and much of the Sierra Nevada foothills region. Carmel L. Mooney is a travel columnist/author, radio talk show host and fourth generation Californian. www.coloma.com www.oldecolomatheatre.org

SUGAR SKULL WORKSHOPS WITH I LOVE SUGAR SKULL ART AT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM: Guests will learn how to decorate “calaveras de azúcar” (sugar skulls) for “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) in one of five hands-on learning workshop sessions led by Sacramento’s I Love Sugar Skulls, whose work is featured in the temporary exhibit “Day of the Dead: Art of Día de los Muertos 2016.” For more information or to register in advance, visit http://www.californiamuseum.org/ skull-workshop-2016 OCTOBER 2016 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Located in Fair Oaks

Harvest Faire Saturday, October 15, 2016 10:00am to 4:00pm Free Admission • Food • Crafts • Games • Entertainment 3750 Bannister Road, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 • (916) 860-2504 • www.sacwaldorf.org