California Kids! - March 2017 by Valley Community Newspapers

March 2017

www.valcomnews.com | ß CRAFTS, 6 | ß BOOK REPORT, 8 | ß WHO WROTE THAT, 10 | ß TRAVEL, 15

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Gym is a boon for Arden Middle School and community At a recent pep rally at Arden Middle School, the entire campus of more 920 students came together to cheer each other on as both students and teachers danced, lip-synced to popular songs and competed in a variety of games. It’s one of several events throughout the year for students, parents, teachers and staff to come together and show off school pride. Since opening in 2015, the gymnasium has provided many new opportunities for Arden Middle School and the community, including an expanded theater and arts program and youth and recreational leagues. The multipurpose facility was funded by San Juan Unified’s bond program, which with the November passage of Measure P has a capacity of $1.1 billion to go toward the district’s $2.4 billion facilities need. The new facility replaced Arden Middle School’s aging gymnasium, which could only accommodate 450 people compared to the new facility’s capacity of more than 1,000

people simultaneously. The new facility also includes a lighting and sound system, indoor and outdoor stage and fully equipped kitchen. Members of the community are also able to utilize the facility for events. Some of the organizations currently using the gym include the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America, Arden Panther Wrestling and the California Basketball Association. “The new gym has had such an impact on our students,” said Jeff Banks, principal of Arden Middle School. “With all of the additional space, students no longer have to be divided during lunch period or for an assembly.” John Friedrich, a math teacher at Arden Middle School, said he has also noticed the effect the new facility has had on the student body. “It has changed the culture of the school,” Friedrich said. “We had a school that was very much divided into pieces … and the school gym has allowed us to come together as one.”

Bret Harte Elementary School beautification project planned

elp Bret Harte Elementary and neighborhood residents transform the stretch of grass along Franklin Boulevard into a beautiful and interesting streetscape that will benefit the many students and families that walk past this area every school day! This project also ties into a larger Franklin Boulevard improvement effort. Supporting this resident-led project, Oak Park Sol, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is helping raise money, which will pay for California native plants, drip irrigation system and other needed tools and supplies for this project. All work on this project will be done by students, families and neighborhood residents from Curtis Park and Oak Park. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/brethartebeautiful

LIONS, TIGERS AND… SPECTACLED BEARS? www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Susan Roberts, Bitsy Kemper, Carmel Mooney Art Director: John Ochoa Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl - 916-429-9901 Cover art by Annin Greenhalgh 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 2017 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 2709 Riverside Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 429-9906. E-mail:calkids@valcomnews.com. ©2017 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

By Lori Tierney

BS, Registered Veterinary Technician

The Sacramento Zoo is committed to wildlife conservation both in California and around the world. When the opportunity arose to join the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society (SBC) in Peru as a volunteer field assistant, I was ecstatic! Although there are no bear residents at the Sacramento Zoo, working in the field to protect Spectacled Bear habitat directly impacts other animals that do call the Sacramento Zoo home, including the tamandua, Giant Anteater, armadillo, sloth, jaguar and others. My role as a volunteer in Peru was two-fold. First, I assisted biologists by monitoring remote cameras that were placed near hidden waterholes in the mountains. These cameras allow biologists to document bear activity without human disturbance. SBC’s research area is located in dry forest, similar to deserts of the Southwestern U.S. In the dry season, waterholes all but disappear, leaving few areas for animals to quench their thirst. Recording activity through hidden cameras and video has allowed SBC to assemble invaluable data on bear behavior, health, individual identification and cub survival. My second task was to begin a new program – training SBC’s group of rescued horses, mules and donkeys for educational outreach programs,

as well as teaching horsemanship to their caretakers. It is highly unlikely many locals will have the opportunity to see Spectacled Bears in the wild, so it’s important to make a connection with animals in any capacity. This program is a vital step toward establishing a link between domestic animals and conservation efforts to protect local wildlife. If the excitement and smiling faces of the children I met are any indication, this program is already making a lasting impact! Spectacled Bear PeruIn addition to field work and education, SBC also works toward reducing environmentally damaging practices by creating alternative sustainable livelihoods for locals. Fuel-efficient stoves, the sale of local artisan crafts and even employment through SBC’s Conservation Center have a direct impact on natural resource protection. Working with property owners and local government, SBC has established protection of the endangered Sapote Tree, a main dietary staple for Spectacled Bears. SBC has been able to establish a direct correlation between the availability of Sapote and bear survival. With increased access to this important fruit, bears and their cubs have a greater chance of survival long-term. And that’s something we can all support! For more information on SBC and their efforts in Peru, please visit www.sbc-peru.org. Source: Saczoo.org CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • FEBRUARY 2017

March 2017 Programs at Fairytale Town Spring, Summer & fall hours Start Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2017 – Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Beginning March 1, Fairytale Town will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the spring, summer and fall seasons, weather permitting. Weekday admission is $4.75 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Weekend admission is $5.75 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Children ages 1 and under are free. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Books Before Bedtime celebrating dr. Seuss Thursday, Mar. 2, 6 - 8 p.m. “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” And there was no one quite like Dr. Seuss! Join Fairytale Town as we celebrate Theodore Seuss Geisel’s 113th birthday with Seuss-themed hands-on activities around the park. Come dressed in your pajamas and enjoy fun literacy based activities, readings from your favorite children’s books, bilingual story time, poetry, arts and crafts and more. And “If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.” Books Before Bedtime is free with paid park admission. Weekday admission is $4.75 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Children ages 1 and under are free.

For more information, visit fairytaletown. org or call (916) 808-7462. community day at the Sacramento adventure Playground Saturday, Mar. 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Maple Neighborhood Center, 3301 37th Avenue, Sacramento All ages are invited for a day of play at the Sacramento Adventure Playground! Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play! The Sacramento Adventure Playground is open rain or shine, and admission to the Playground is free. For more information, visit sacadventureplay.org or call (916) 222-3831. Sutter children’s center wellness festival Saturday, Mar. 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Celebrate active and healthy living at the Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival! enjoy free play, games, healthy fun and more. Sutter’s representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Plus, local health organizations will be offering activities, games and information on healthy lifestyles. Admission is free thanks to a generous grant from Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Adults must be accompanied by children, and children must be accompanied by adults.

Sa t u rd ay, M a rc h 25 1 1 A M – 3 PM F R E E A DM I S SION

Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival Celebrate active & healthy living!

Fun games, play time & gardening activities Free childhood immunizations (Limited) Learn about healthy childhood development Speak with Sutter Health personnel Puppet Shows by Puppet Art Theater Company

SPONSORED BY

Family Theater Shows March 4 & 5 The Gingerbread Baby April 1 & 2 Tale of the Dragon’s Tail May 6 & 7 Three Billy Goats Gruff June 3 & 4 Little Red Riding Hood July 1 & 2 Hansel & Gretel August 5 & 6 Animal Olympics

Sacramento County Public Health

Theater Show tickets are $1 Members and $2 Nonmembers, in addition to park admission.

Sacramento Parent

Come Over and Play! Open Daily 9 AM to 4 PM Weekdays $4.75/Weekends & Holidays $5.75 FREE ADMISSION for Children 1 and Under

ScholarShare College Savings Plan Solar City

$-4/ ' Ʉ *2)ɄƌɄŵŻŲųɄ ) Ʉ -&Ʉ -$1 ƇɄ - ( )/*ƇɄ ɄŻŷźŴŴɄƌɄƧŻųŸƨɄźŲźƝŹŶŸŴɄƌɄ! $-4/ ' /*2)Ɔ*-" FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

For the love of nature: First outdoor only preschool to open in the Pocket’s Camellia Waldorf School In September of 2017 Camellia Waldorf will be opening Wildflower Forest Preschool, one of the first of its kind in the Sacramento area, and will be in addition to the existing Desert rose Preschool.. Forest preschools originated in europe in the early 1900s. The difference between the traditional preschool and forest preschool is that a forest preschool class has an outside only classroom. All learning materials are provided by nature. The children learn to notice, appreciate and care for nature. They learn about the circle of life and how we all count on each other and should care for each other. Studies are showing that children that begin their educational journey in a forest school have significantly less emotional and deficit disorders, increased imagination and an easier time settling

in and focusing when they are inside. it improves their balance (both physically and emotionally), reduces stress, improves agility and lowers obesity. Children that attend forest preschool are also showing to have less educational “burnout”. Safety is first, of course, so if weather does not permit a safe adventure, the class will be held on school grounds. Additionally, if there is lightening, the class will be held inside. The Wildflower preschool program will be take place in outside areas of the Waldorf campus, the riparian woodlands behind the school, and Garcia Bend City Park (located a few blocks away from the school). The program will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to noon, for 3 year old children who are fully potty trained. only 12 people will be accepted. Applications are now being accepted for fall.

There aren’t a lot of topics that you can fi nd mass numbers of people to agree on, but the idea that people (especially children) learn and retain information better when they are interested in what they are doing and having fun learning it, might be one of the topics that may just fall into that category. in 1919 the first Waldorf School was created in Germany, and their entire curriculum as well as their format for learning, was designed with this idea in mind. In addition, the developmental stages, and

summer school &

Summer Fun! j un e 19 –j u ly 28, 2017 High School Courses High School Review Courses Arts Camps (Grades 3–8) Engineering Camp (Grades 5–6) Leadership Camp (Grades 6–8) Middle School Advantage (Grades 7–8)

Music Camps (Grades 6–9) Robotics Camps (Grades 4–8) Science Camps (Grades 2–8) Sports Camps (Grades 3–10) TV News & Production Camp (Grades 6–8)

Enriching Summer Activities for Students 2nd Grade Through High School More information available at:

www.cbhs-sacramento.org/summer-program

physiological changes and capacity for learning are key in the way the children are taught. infants and young children are constantly learning about their surroundings by the use of their senses such as feeling textures with their hands, feet and mouths. They also learn by imitation, and as they grow and begin to develop their imagination, playing games such as “dress up” allows them to become moms and dads or kings and queens, These may just sound like childhood games, but in a Waldorf School these childhood games are a learning time. it is during the time that the child is the king that he is taught fairness, and respect. When a little girl is being a mommy, she may be learning patience. These may not sound like school lessons, but Waldorf Schools believe that these are fundamental parts of a child’s growth and an important part of

developing a well rounded, caring, productive member of a community. All students spend a lot of time learning outside! rain or shine, there is something to learn about. The preschool class spends almost the entire day outside. The older kids still go outside, but the lessons grow with the children. Now, they may be in the “forest” they played in, but this time they are learning about Astrology. Camellia Waldorf School is not new to the area. established in Sacramento in 1989, the school was formerly housed in an old strip mall on Freeport Boulevard near executive Airport. Little by little the staff, students and families built up the old school. in addition to parents building furniture, or painting or other various tasks that were needed, items such as old tree stumps were See Preschool, page 5

A Better World Starts at Camp 2017 Overnight Camp YMCA CAMP RAVENCLIFF YMCA Camp Ravencliff

925 455 7975 • campravencliﬀ.org

Youth Camp (Ages 7–13) Session 1 July 2-9 Session 2 July 9-16

Session 3 July 16-23 Session 4 July 23-30

Teen Camp (Ages 13-15) Session 1 July 30-August 6

For DETAILS or to register call us at 925 455 7975 or visit campravencliff.org Online registration is also available.

Fee

By Michele Townsend

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

$660 $580 $540

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • FEBRUARY 2017

Preschool Continued from page 4

donated to the school and became a part of the playground, or some other creative use. everything they had they received or built with love, and everything had a story. When the former landlord was no longer interested in housing the school, everyone affiliated with the school feared the school might have to close. Luckily, one of the parent’s is a realtor, and they found an empty building that used to be a small, private school. The problem was that this building had been vacant for a couple of years and had been severely vandalized. The owners of this potential new home are wonderful and loving people that loved the idea of having the children bring life back into the property. But what about the cost of the repairs!? The fire extinguishers were all empty, and used to bash giant holes in the walls. Windows were broken. The list went on and on. The cost would surely be more than what either party could handle. However, the families, students and staff of this school are a big family. This challenge was no exception. everyone got to work on the new place. With only a couple of months to complete the work AND move in, it would take everyone to pitch in. And they did! Parents patched walls,

fixed broken fixtures, painted the top half of the walls while the kids painted the bottom half. Small kids broke down boxes, or took things to the trash. everyone pitched in. Then one day, the owner and his wife came in. They were greeted with hand shakes, thank you’s and hugs, from all of the tired but excited families. They were so touched, that they decided to sell the property to the school, and made arrangements that would allowed the school to be able to do so! When you walk into Camellia Waldorf, it doesn’t matter what the age of the person, that person is very proud of their school. They took out the old playground and replaced it with a garden. When they brought over the furniture from the old to the new location, it included the logs, the bails of hay, and the big rocks. The class rooms have old wooded desks, rocking chairs, and black boards. It has the look and feel of walking into a Norman rockwell picture, or an old child’s folklore book. Near the back door are rain boots, rain coats and little shovels. The playground is fenced in, and unseen from the road. It has a big wooden swing set, that parents built. But the best part is that there are rocks, bails of hay, a wooden bridge, rabbits, chickens, flower beds and a bunch of kids rearranging those items in order to build the ship, or house, or cave that they need for the game they are playing.

School however is where our children need to learn! So, how about their work? Are they grade proficient? Will they be ready to enter into high school when they complete the 8th grade if they are not following the same guidelines that everyone else has to follow? They don’t even have text books! They do however make their own text books throughout the year that are laminated and bound for the students to keep. The quality of the work done in these books (by each student) is advanced enough that they are usually able to be used as a reference in future projects that the students do in High school. remember, as the children have matured they have studied many of the same topics several different times, but each time

they revisited the subject, it was at a new level of experience. There are more than 1,000 Waldorf schools in over 50 countries. in north America there are over 190 schools associated with Waldorf. no two schools are identical, because each one is administratively independent. If you would like further information, or would like to see what an amazing little place this is, I truly encourage you to stop in! Camellia Waldorf School is located at 7450 Pocket road, Sacramento CA 95831. Or check out their website, camelliawaldorf.org. you can also give Principal Ardyth Sokoler a call at 916-427-5022. Camellia Waldorf will be holding their annual fundraiser in West Sacramento, in March.

2017 Children’s Summer Art Classes FOR ALL LOCAL YOUNG ARTISTS! JUNE 19TH THROUGH AUG 4TH, 2017

Grades 1–3

Two groups: Grades 1–3 & 4–6 Tuition: $75.00 for each week

Week 1 June 19 - 23 Week 2 June 26 - 30 Closed week of the 4th Week 3 July 10 - July 14 Week 4 July 17 - 21 Week 5 July 24 - 28 Week 6 July 31 - Aug 4

A different class each week - no repeats!

Mid-morning juice & snack break

Learn basic techniques in Fine Arts & Sculpting: Drawing, painting, collage, pastels, printmaking and sculpting. Group “B” Group “A” Grades 1–6 Fine Arts Classes: Weekdays 9:30–11:30am Grades 4–6

Week 1 June 19 - 23 Week 2 June 26 - 30 Closed week of the 4th Week 3 July 10 - July 14 Week 4 July 17 - 21 Week 5 July 24 - 28 Week 6 July 31 - Aug 4

Limited space - Register early! By mail or at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center. Registration includes all art supplies and snacks.

Fair Oaks Blvd Manzanita

Madison

0 y8

Garfield

Watt

Walnut

Gibbons Dr.

Marconi Arden Way

To Hwy 50

ks Blv Fair Oa

F.O. Blvd

Come Visit our Center: We have ongoing gallery exhibits free to the public; art classes, workshops, art clubs to join that offer free day and evening demonstrations. We have many brochures and information you can pick up at the center!

If interested: Call the SACRAMENTO FINE ARTS CENTER 916-971-3713 5330-B Gibbons Drive - Carmichael, CA 95608

www.sacfinearts.org FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Make it yourself!

Leprechaun Beard

Blossom Tree Collage

hese blossom tree collage pictures are so pretty to display for spring or perhaps a Japan theme. And they are quick and easy to make, too!

eam this quick leprechaun beard craft with the leprechaun hat and the kids will be ready for St. Patrick’s Day!

You will need:

Orange card Elastic or ribbon

Instructions: Cut a beard shape from orange card. Punch a hole either side and tie through some elastic (or tie a piece of ribbon to each hole which can be tied at the back of the head).

Handprint Rainbow

his handprint rainbow makes a fantastic classroom or large group project and looks dazzling on the wall! Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Noah’s Ark, or any rainbow theme - as well as for Rainbow’s Promise and Pot of Gold ceremonies.

Paper Brown wool Pink tissue paper Glue

Instructions: Rip up small pieces of tissue paper and scrunch into balls. Paint a tree shape in glue on the paper. Stick on pieces of wool to make the trunk and branches. Stick on the tissue paper balls as blossom.

Blossom Tree Painting

lossom trees are celebrated in Japan, and welcomed in spring in much of the world.

You will need:

Pink paint Black pen

A large sheet of white card Paper in all the colors of the rainbow Glue

Instructions: Cut out lots of handprints from the colored paper. Arrange the red handprints in an arch and glue down the palms, leaving the fingers loose. Arrange the orange hands in an arch underneath, overlapping the fingers with the palms of the red arch. Glue down by the palms. Carry on, color by color until the rainbow is complete.

Instructions: Mix the paint with an equal part of water. Paint your paper all over with water. Dot on the paint and watch the dots spread. When you are happy you have enough blossom leave the picture to dry. When the paint is dry use the black pen to draw on the branches of the tree.

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

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • FEBRUARY 2017

Faces and Places:

9th Annual Florin Mochi Madness The Florin Japanese American Citizens League Photos by George Young

fun, taste-tempting Japanese American New Year’s tradition greeted friends and families at Florin’s “Mochi Madness IX” Hand-Pounding Workshop, Treat Tasting, and New Year’s Potluck on Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Buddhist Church of Florin. Despite the pouring rain

FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

and insane wind that day, folks enjoyed the sweet rice cakes that are popular in Asian countires. Mochi symbolizes strength and a prosperous New Year, according to the press release. Volunteers made the dessert “old school” like families on the farm, pounding with huge wooden mallets (kine) in a stone mortar (usu) after cooking in wooden steamers (seiro).

THE BOOK REPORT

Accepting Differences in Others By Susan L. Roberts

ccepting differences in others is a trait needed more and more in today’s world. This book collection covers many differences children encounter in everyday life. Being open to differences and curious about what can be learned is a value parents can cultivate in their children. Each book can be used to open discussion and expand a child’s awareness and acceptance of others. A Family is a Family is a Family, by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng (Groundwood Books, ages 4-8) In a classroom setting, a teacher asks students what they thought made their family special. One girl turned red and worried that her family was not like the others. Then one by one, each child shares what their family is like and, of course, some are giant, some are gay, some are deep, some are multiracial, some have disabilities, etc. She was finally able to share that she has a foster mom. A gentle, safe exploration of how so many families are different. Charming, educational, sweet, without the slightest hint that the reader is ‘learning’. Lovely book. The loose illustrations emphasize the story’s open and accepting theme. Each family shows love, humor and sometimes conflicts. Freedom Over Me, Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life, by Ashley Bryan (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 6-10) Freedom Over Me jumps into the lives of eleven slaves, their thoughts, feelings, dreams. The slaves are waiting, helplessly, knowing they will be sold and likely

separated. Each slave is given a voice to be heard; a composite of true stories of real slaves. Written in open verse, readers learn of what they currently do, their past when they were ripped from their villages, and the dream of their future: freedom. Loose, color-filled illustrations bring life to the people, show the love they had and the pains they survived. An insightful, heart-felt book that gives a deep look into the lives of those enslaved. Reviewers Pick of the Month Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, by Lisa Papp (Peachtree, Ages 4-8) Madeline Finn does not like to read and is humiliated in school when the teacher encourages her, but she can never get a star for reading, only ‘keep trying’ hearts. She enters the Reading to Dog program and meets Bonnie, a big white dog. Madeline learns Bonnie is a great listener. Reading is still difficult, but Bonnie continues to look at Madeline with love no matter how many mistakes Madeline makes. Madeline learns how to be patient with herself, just like Bonnie is patient. Before she knows it, Madeline completes reading a whole page and earns a star! A beautiful story, rendered in pencil, watercolor and digital coloring, author/illustrator captures Madeline’s many emotions. Readers will find it easy to relate to Madeline as she struggles with reading. All My Stripes, A Story of Children with Autism, by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin (Magination Press, ages 3-8) An empowering story about Zach who learns to feel proud

of all his many different stripes, including the one about autism that makes him ‘different’ from everyone else. The story shows Zach in situations typical for many children with autism: he feels unable to talk to others, even when he has something to say; he has strong reactions to loud sounds; he has reactions to paint on his hooves (fingers). His mother points out all the good qualities (other stripes) and Zach understands his autism is just one part of him. The moving illustrations highlight Zach’s emotions and welcome and empower the reader. The book will help those without autism to understand and accept the differences in others. Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn it Out!, Games, Songs & Stories from an African American Childhood, collected by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (Schwartz & Wade Books, ages 2-11) “Our earliest toys are our hands, feet, and voices,” says Patricia C. McKissack who collected dozens of hand clap songs and jump rope rhymes, parables and even performance pieces inspired by African American writers. Her research shows that Aesop, of Aesop fables, is thought to be an AfroGreek storyteller who lived as a slave more than twenty-five hundred years ago. She shares how spirituals that originated on southern plantations came to be written down as well as songs created to help lead runaways to freedom. A rich collection of history, songs and African American culture brought together in one book.

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, their dreams, and passion for reading. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • FEBRUARY 2017

SCUSD seeks community input on name change for Kit Carson Middle School

ecades-old Kit Carson Middle School is looking for a name to match its students as the campus evolves into a high school. kit Carson Vice Principal rich Haley who serves on the committee charged with bringing recommendations to the Sacramento City Unified School District said the group has begun gathering input from the community. “We want to know what the community wants – whether we should adopt a totally new name or only tweak the name by dropping the middle school designation,” Haley said. Haley added that Kit Carson, an International Baccalaureate World School, which now accepts students in grades 7-11, will graduate its first senior class next year. The IB program is an internationally respected educational program with a presence around the globe. As a middle school, Kit Carson enrolled students in grades 7 and 8 but in 2014, it began adding a grade a year. It also has evolved from a “neighborhood” school with boundaries to a campus that accepts youth from communities outside its immediate east Sacramento community. “Kit Carson is evolving and changing, but it retains a strong respect for the traditions of a school that was constructed in 1933,” Haley said. “We still honor the school’s ‘Pioneer’ traditions, even as we begin new traditions and carve out a new path for our students.” Serving with Haley on the committee are parents from Caleb Greenwood (a feeder school for Kit Carson), David Lubin and Kit Carson, students, teachers, a classified staff member, Principal Santiago Chapa, and district Area Assistant Superintendent Mary Hardin young. Haley urged the community to submit their suggestions as soon as possible. He said the committee expects to review community suggestions by mid-February and submit recommendations to the Board of education in March. Suggestions for the committee may be submitted online at scusd.edu. Source: scusd.edu

FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Who wrote that? KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with with Linda Whalen

By Bitsy Kemper

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

uthor Linda Whalen was born with the attitude of “what if” and “why not.” Are all creative people born with it? “I think it simmers slowly, until sometimes with a bang, you start to live it. Of course, this attitude can cause you to do some of the silliest things,” Whalen admits. “As a child, I once sat for hours trying to catch a gopher coming out of its hole. i used a box raised on one end with a stick and string attached and the other end of the string firmly in my hand while i hid behind a bush.” She laughs, with a twinkle in her kind eyes. “Well it worked for birds! I suppose my mother was happy it entertained me all afternoon.” Whalen says that as long as she can remember she’s written, but it was mostly in her head as a child and teenager. She wove long, lavish stories together in her mind that continued on for weeks. The idea of fleshing them out on paper came much later. After getting married, she handwrote snippets of stories and tucked them everywhere. “I was and to some degree still am, not very organized,” she admits. “i jot ideas down on anything I can find. I’ve even used a lip liner pencil on occasion. i pity the person next to me if there is nothing to write on because I will tell them, ‘Say such and such to me later, when i can get my hands on

Linda Whalen

a piece of paper. And don’t forget!’ My friends and family are used to it.” Her own background is ripe with memories and experiences to cull from. She says she grew up on the not-so-good-side of town as one of the few white families. “i learned to Cha Cha from my Hispanic friends and how to French-braid hair from my African American friends,” Whalen says fondly. She recalls loving Campbell’s vegetable soup for breakfast. (“Quirky, right?”) It bothered her mom so much that on one of her annual check-ups, her mother voiced the concern to the doctor. Whalen remembers the doctor standing tall in his white jacket, rubbing his chin, and finally declaring there was nothing wrong with it. Glee ensued (on Linda’s part, not her mom’s). As an adult, when her business Whalen’s Country Childcare was in full swing, she started writing for children. A couple of clients who were teachers read some stories and thought she could help

more children by becoming an author of children’s books. So, once again her “what if” and “why not” took over. She starting putting pen to paper and hasn’t looked back. She thinks story ideas are everywhere. And the true artist that she is, Linda notices. “i believe ideas are around us; we just need to notice them. It’s like noticing a lone flower near a field of flowers. The field is condensed and while beautiful, you don’t notice the individual petals. But the lone flower makes you see it and wonder how or why it’s all by itself.” Her debut picture book Little Red Rolls Away is based on ideas she had while looking around at farmland. “in the Midwest, some farms were split in two by the freeway coming through. Buildings were lost and fields divided. one day i decided that maybe i could save one of the barns even if it was only on paper. Then I thought, if the barn were real how it would it feel about this move? i correlated it

with how a child might feel. A story took root.” The book officially comes out in April, but can be purchased online and in some local stores now. “i absolutely love my debut Little Red Rolls Away,” Whalen gushes. “not just because it’s my first picture book, but because I know it will entertain and help children with their emotions.” She doesn’t plan to stop at one published book. “I keep my ‘Spidey sense’ open to catch ideas and stay in touch with children. it helps me hold onto my inner child where stories are born,” she says. She credits the group SCBWi (Society of Children’s Books Writers and illustrators) with not only getting her start, but with helping her writing blossom. She’s come a long way from when she first started.

Her first taste of potential success came when a senior editor loved her first page and asked for the full manuscript as an exclusive. At that time, it was frowned upon to check up with editors, so she waited a full year. She never heard back. “Never do that!” Whalen cautions. A similar book ended up coming out by another publisher. “i learned one thing: ideas are out there and whoever moves on them first gets the gold ring.” But she kept at it, and success did arrive. reading played a big role in getting published. “My knowledge of writing comes from reading, reading, workshops, and critiques. Did I mention reading?” she asks sweetly, with that ever-twinkling sparkle. Whalen’s motto can be summarized in the Aesop’s fable: Take every hope as it happens, with the will of a wish at your sleeve, and when time comes to call, you can reach for it all… if only you just believe. Bitsy Kemper is author of 16 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 LINDA WHALEN www.lindacwhalenauthor.com www.lindaslines.com Fcebook: Linda Whalen Twitter: @LindaCWhalen

“I believe a book that doesn’t show a little wear is a book this hasn’t been cuddled.”

NEWEST BOOK BY LINDA WHALEN Little Red Rolls Away By Linda Whalen Illustrator: Jennifer E. Morris Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press Release date: April 2017 Linda also wrote an adult inspirational book, The Valley of Childhood, published by Bright Books, 2003

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • FEBRUARY 2017

Urijah Faber visits David Lubin School The retired mixed martial artist champ to open gym in East Sac By LANCE ARMSTRONG

Lance@valcomnews.com

urrounded by a large crowd of young students at David Lubin Elementary School in East Sacramento, recently retired mixed martial artist Urijah Faber spoke about the importance of fitness and his plan to open a new gym on Folsom Boulevard. Faber, who spent 14 years competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is a pioneer in the sport, won the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight championship in 2006. But Faber, an East Sacramento resident who understands the importance for athletes to be fit, emphasized a need for everyone to keep active and exercise. “It’s not just about being an athlete as far as a career, but being active is good for you in a lot of different ways,” he said. “How many people feel good after they have recess? Well, there’s a reason for that. When you work out and you eat healthy and you choose healthy lifestyle choices, your brain is making things that make you feel good. It makes you feel happy, your bones are getting stronger, your muscles are getting stronger. So, I’m always encouraging you guys to eat healthy, be out there and be active.” As part of Faber’s Jan. 27 presentation at the school, he held a push up contest for students. Following the contest, Faber said, “Everybody has the ability to be the winner, if they put their mind to it. I just wanted to let them know that the mentality is the biggest part of anything.” And in furthering his ongoing efforts to encourage people to maintain active, healthy lifestyles and to build both their bodies and minds, Faber will relocate his 11-year-old business, Uriah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness, to 6700 Folsom Blvd. this March. Faber said that the move represents a major expansion from his current location at 1705 I St. “We’re revamping and having a bigger facility,” he said. “It’s going to be two and a half times the size of the current gym. So, we’re going to do all sorts of mixed martial arts based classes for conditioning and just technique. We’re also going to have general fitness classes like TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) and yoga, and high intensity training.” The new, 20,000-square-foot facility will also include dry saunas, an outdoor area and unlimited parking. Faber mentioned that the new gym will also serve as home to Faber’s team, Team Alpha Male. “We have some of the best fighters on the planet, the current UFC world champion Cody Garbrandt, UFC superstar Paige VanZant and a whole host of up-and-comers who are professionals in the sport that are representing for Sacramento,” he said. “We’re creating an environment that is uplifting and it’s motivating. You’re training alongside some of the best pros in the world.” Faber said that his gym is a place for people of all ages, including kids. “It would be exciting to get these kids in here, too,” he said. “That’s something we really want to focus on in this new gym is providing a place for FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Urijah Faber speaks to students at David Lubin Elementary School on Jan. 27.

Photo by Lance Armstrong

Urijah Faber congratulates the winner of the push up contest.

the community to bring their kids and be a part of the energy that’s there.” David Lubin Principal Richard Dixon said that he appreciated Faber’s encouragement for kids to be interested in fitness. “Our focus is science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and we think rigorous mental activity goes hand in hand with physical activity,” he said. “So, to hear him share with our kids the importance of that, the importance of nutrition, a balanced life, to realize your potential, that’s what we want to push at our school. “(Faber’s visit) is the kind of thing that can make a difference in a child’s life, so it was a privilege to have him out (at the school).”

Photo by Lance Armstrong

David Lubin Elementary School Principal Richard Dixon spends a moment with retired mixed martial artist Urijah Faber.

Medi - The Medical Wonder Robot By Akshaj Mehta We, humans are conditioned to fear the puncture of sharp objects on our bodies, such as needles. So, it makes it easier for us to understand why kids are frightened to get a shots either they are afraid of the pain or with the size of the needle. As an 11 year old, I still have fear of shots or hospitals. But Fort Lauderdale Hospital in Florida came up with an amazing idea by getting in a nifty Robot named Medi, who is a helpful companion to children patients. Medi is programmed to help children through treatments and pains by distracting them so they do not fear needles :) MEDI stands for Medicine and Engineering Design Intelligence. Purchased with $15,000 in July of 2016 he has been used to calm the children patient’s. For example, if a nurse has to draw blood or give a vaccine, Medi distracts them from the pain. According to Child life specialist, Kasey Castro, the children have responded well with Medi. “The hospital visits can be threatening environment and the treatments can be traumatizing experience, but when thee children see Medi come in, their eyes light up and they

are very excited to know about MEDI and what he can do.” Medi dances, gives fist bumps and encouragement. “How ya doing? Give me a fist bump,” Medi said. “You’re totally awesome.” This has helped calm the patient and let the nurse do her/his job. He also acts as Health teacher as he tells the patient what to expect when a vaccine is coming up or when they remove a cast. Nurses say that “Medi can make it more fun and less traumatizing.” for them. Medi also has a facial recognition so he greets patients with their name. Patient’s faces light up when they realize Medi can recognize them. He can also sing, dance, tell a story, or play a game. Even though he is small the children adore him. Dr. Hector Rodriguez-Cortes, says, “This thing that looks like a toy puts the patient in a more calm state so the nurses can move ahead with the procedure.” All the Doctors and Surgeons out there in Sacramento, can we have MEDI for the kids here in Sacramento?? Sources: Newsela By: Akshaj Mehta 6th grade, NP3 Middle school

www.valcomnews.com

All dogs don’t go to Kennedy By Aaron Soliz

Clarion Staff

he Dog Lovers Club was scheduled to bring dogs to Kennedy on Friday, January 20th after school in front of the auditorium. The club had the intention of relieving students of their stress, right before finals and the end of the first semester. Dogs are known to positively impact humans by raising the levels of oxytocin, one of the hormones responsible for decreasing stress, in the bloodstream. Other benefits that can come from being around dogs include a decrease in blood pressure as well as a contagious feeling of relief and joy. By interacting with dogs, students can calm their nerves just in time for stress inducing finals. Unfortunately, the dogs were nowhere to be found, likely due to unfavorable weather conditions. The absence of the dogs did not go unnoticed by the other students. The students were, for the most part, understanding of the situation. Junior student Makenzie Cross commented, “I was ready to be stress free but I understand why they couldn’t come so I was okay. Plus I have a dog at home.” Another student, Wing Cheng, remarked, “I was disappointed the dogs didn’t show up because I went last year and it really helped me distress but I understand that it would have been inconvenient to have the owners bring the dogs in the rain.” Some, however, were not so saddened. “I’m allergic to dogs, so it doesn’t affect me,” Lauren Cortez told The Clarion. This article was reprinted with permission from The Clarion, John F. Kennedy High School’s student newspaper.

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A Sacramento Children’s Home Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Business Luncheon at Golden 1 Center The Sacramento Chil dren’s Home kicked off its 150th anniversary year with a Business Luncheon at the Golden 1 Center on Wednesday, February 1. Nearly 500 elected officials, business executives, and community leaders came together to celebrate the Sacramento Children Home’s longstanding commitment to strengthening children and families. As the oldest non-profit organization in Sacramento, the Children’s Home has provided valuable social service and mental health programs that respond to ever-changing community needs for 150 years. The keynote speakers were Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Miles Cooley, a partner at Kelley, Drye & Warren, LLP in Los Angeles and former Sacramento Children’s Home resident. Miles lived at the Sacramento Children’s Home as a teenager and spoke about how the Home is and has been a sanctuary and refuge

for kids over its 150 year history. He shared how his time in the residential program at the Children’s Home was the beginning of an upward trajectory in his life and encouraged attendees to ensure that the Children’s Home has the support it needs to continue its important work for generations to come. Scott Moak, Vice President of Community Impact of the Sacramento Kings Foundation, was the Master of Ceremonies and the event included recognition of the philanthropic commitment of the Golden 1 Credit Union and Chris and Jennifer Granger and the Sacramento Kings Foundation. The Children’s Home also honored the legacy of Sacramento companies that have been in business for more than 100 Years (The McClatchy Company; Wells Fargo; Pacific Coast Building Products and Gladding McBean).

The Sacramento Children’s Home was founded in 1867 and today it is the most comprehensive child and family service organization in Sacramento County serving more than 6,900 children and 4,600 families each year through a broad spectrum of residential, community-based, men-

tal health and educational programs. Throughout its 150 year history, the Sacramento Children’s Home has been at the forefront of trauma-informed care and developing new ways to improve the outcomes of children and families. Through eight programs at six sites in

the county, the Sacramento Children’s Home offers prevention, early intervention and treatment programs that are critical to strengthening families and stopping the generational cycle of child abuse and neglect. For more information visit www.kidshome.org

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Dr Seuss Recipes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Theodore Geisel

Pink Ink for the Yink

rying a Dr Seuss recipe or two can be a fun accompanying activity to reading one of the Dr Seuss books or watching a film. Here are a few suggestions below.

Green Eggs and Ham â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you like green eggs and ham?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do not like them, Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham.â&#x20AC;? Green eggs and ham for lunch! not very appealing for adults? Probably the most famous Dr Seuss inspired dish! if you can face the thought, simply scramble

a few eggs, add a couple of drops of blue or green food coloring to the mixture and cook as usual. Serve with a slice of ham.

Cat in The Hat Snack obviously for a cat in the hat snack you need, somehow, to create a tall red and white hat! Here are two ideas:

The Savory Version Start with a large rice cake as the base. Spread a little cream cheese in a circle in the center, then stack up regularly-cut slices of tomato, small snack-size rice cakes and more cream cheese to hold it

Green eggs & ham.

all together. This hat is actually quite tasty!

The Sweet Version The ideal base for a sweet catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat is a white chocolate covered biscuit. you could also use a circle cut out of thickly-cut ready-

to-roll fondant icing, but that would probably be too sweet! Melt some additional white chocolate and add red food coloring, or use ready-to-squeeze red icing to pipe a small circle in the center of your base. Pop on a white marshmallow, and another layer of red icing

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or chocolate. Top with a second marshmallow. if you have used squeezy icing, you might want to pipe a couple of additional red lines around the marshmallows for authenticity.

Wiggly Fish This snack idea was inspired by â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Fish, Two Fish, red Fish, Blue Fishâ&#x20AC;?. Prepare several different colors of jelly (jello) according to the packet instructions and pour each different flavor into itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own shallow pan. Add fruit pieces to the jelly, if you like, before it sets. When set, use a fish shaped cookie cutter to cut the jelly into fish shapes. These look great on a white plate and are a big hit with the kids!

Pink Ink for the Yink The Yink in â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Fish, Two Fishâ&#x20AC;? love to drink pink ink. Make your own version by combining a few strawberries (either fresh, or frozen and thawed) and some milk in a blender. Add a few drops of red food coloring if the â&#x20AC;&#x153;inkâ&#x20AC;? isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pink enough! Add a scoop of vanilla ice-cream for a treat. or just serve strawberry milk. CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 2017

Mom-teen luxury and indulgence at the spa Atlantis By Carmel L. Mooney

y teen daughter and I have visited many spas around the world over the decades so we are a little discerning as to what we like in a mom and daughter spa experience. Add to that, that I was a Certified Massage Therapist for many years, and I’m even pickier. Our favorite spa within two hours of Sacramento is where we go to relax and recharge a few times a year. in the heart of bustling Reno, Nevada. As a rule, we don’t typically love casinos for numerous reasons like smoke, crowds, noise, and other non-kid-friendly aspects, but we love the Spa Altlantis which is completely tranquil and smoke free and a faraway oasis from the busyness of the casino and gaming areas. As a family looking for some respite, we are always pleasantly surprised and genuinely impressed by the Spa Atlantis because this spa truly stands out for many reasons. After experiencing it first hand, we certainly aren’t surprised that it has garnered so many prestigious spa awards, the country over. My daughter and I love the gift shop with so many comfy and pretty robes, lotions, spa sandals, pool shoes, lavender toiletries, and gifts. It’s like a mom-daughter shopping outing just enjoying the boutique. Throughout the spa, the quality of the amenities, the luxuriousness of the environment, the service of the staff, and caliber of the products and treatments, make this a truly memorable and pleasing spa experience in every regard, every time we visit. The various treatment choices, lounges and diversity in the snacks stood out as favorites in our visit. My daughter and I particularly enjoy aromatherapy so we both relish in the various aromatherapy options such as the Brine Inhalation Light Therapy Lounge, the cedar steam room, and the Laconium Relaxation Lounge. We both like to snack as we “spa.” I enjoy that throughout the spa in at least a dozen places, various and differing, infused waters such as Kiwi Cinnamon or Melon Mint, are constantly replenished during our all day stays. Nuts and fruits and light snacks are also available and we both enjoy them as we nibble them between hours of relaxation in numerous waterfall pools of various temperatures throughout the Aqua Spa Lounge. The locker room lounges were some of the best we’ve seen with the latest in luxury. Delightfully scented complimentary sea salt scrubs are offered throughout the women’s lounge, along with opulent toiletries, luxurious showers, and lush linens and robes. The common and shared areas were constantly kept impeccably clean by an attentive

FEBRUARY 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

staff. Locker rooms for both sexes offer thoroughly relaxing tea lounges and saunas. While the spa treatments are actually quite reasonably priced, as is day use of the spa when you consider all the amenities offered, there are also some fabulous spa packages available where meals and lodging are included for extremely modest prices. Couples treatments and treatment rooms are available making this a terrific location for a romantic getaway or equally a great option for girlfriend getaways. Multi-generational reprieves would also be wonderfully accommodated. Just steps outside the spa are several wonderful kidfriendly pools, spas, and cabanas so many vacationing families with little ones can enjoy water fun with dads and siblings while moms indulge nearby in the spa. My teen and I agree that the design and lay-out of this very large spa, literally flows, making it easy to wander from one wonderful and relaxing spa experience option to another even when one is blissfully enjoying a post-massage daze. After many family visits, we have come to appreciate our favorite massage therapist Gabby, and always ask for her. She is truly exceptional, and that’s coming from a spa writer and former massage therapist. I recommend allowing at least half a day at this wonderful oasis in the high desert. We always leave refreshed and recharged, feeling like we had been on a week-long vacation. This spa is one of the best. It’s the only spa we can remember every visiting where we really feel like we have been there on an extended vacation rather than just a day trip.

Reno is a great family destination and the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa is very kid-friendly, so next time you take a jaunt over the mountains to the Silver State, stop by and see for yourself. Carmel L. Mooney is a travel, cruise, and spa writer in Northern California.

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