California Kids - June 2017 by Valley Community Newspapers

June 2017

www.valcomnews.com |  TRAVEL, 5 |  BOOK REPORT, 8 |  CRAFTS, 9 |  WHO WROTE THAT, 10

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 Tel: 916-429-9901 Cover courtesy Metro News 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!, 1109 Markham Way, 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 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818, faxed to (916) 429-9906, or e-mailed to editor@ valcomnews.com. Copyright 2017 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 1109 Markham Way, 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.

Gold Country American Red Cross recognized Akshaj Mehta as Youth Hero for 2017

very year the Gold Country Region of the American Red Cross recognizes community members who have performed extraordinary acts of courage and kindness resulted in making communities and families better and safe! These heroes are honored for selfless deeds as raising money for good causes, disaster victims, and much more. Saving lives, performing First Aid/CPR, They are people who embody the Red Cross mission. As part of their Centennial celebration, American Red Cross will celebrate these individuals. This year will have “100 Years of Heroes” events throughout 2017. Akshaj Mehta has been chosen as Youth Hero for 2017 Gold Country Region Heroes Awards. Akshaj said “I feel honored and I am not able to contain my excitement.” The announcement was shared with us by Ms. Kristen G. Kirkpatrick, (Regional Chief Development Officer American Red Cross, Gold Country Region) The event was held last month at Arden Hills Country Club, 1220 Arden Hill Lane, Sacramento.

FOLSOM MONTESSORI

Preschool & Kindergarten

Open House: Sunday, July 16, 10 am – Noon

Enrolling for Fall!

PEEK INSIDE OUR CLASSROOMS at

www.folsommontessori.com

Folsom's ﬁrst Montessori school serving families since 1980 502 Riley St. 351-0345 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

It’s swim time! (Editor’s Note: Sacramento area public pool hours are now available online at cityofsacramento.org/ ParksandRec/Recreation/Aquatics/ Pools. Here’s a selection of what’s available.) EAST SACRAMENTO AREA POOLS (includes Tahoe Park and River Park neighborhoods) CLUNIE POOL: Clunie Pool is located at 601 Alhambra Boulevard in McKinley Park. Contact this facility at 916-264-5301. Recreational swim hours are: May 30 to June 18 as follows: Mondays closed; Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. June 19 to Aug. 20 as follows: Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.; Mondays closed, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday from 1 to 6 p.m.; Aug. 21 to Sept. 4: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Mondays and Fridays closed.

Programs include: recreational swim, swim lessons, swim team, lap swim, water aerobics, junior lifeguard academy, private pool rental available. Amenities include: shallow depth play pool; low spring diving board into a diving well up to 12 feet deep; two enclosed flume slides that drop off into a twelve foot catch pool; large open swim areas for tons of recreational fun; pool house with changing rooms and restrooms; shaded deck area; picnic tables and benches, park with additional amenities outside. Limited street parking is available. GLENN HALL POOL: Glenn Hall Pool is located at 5415 Sandburg Drive in Glenn Hall Park (entrance to Paradise Beach). Contact this facility at 916-277-6071.

Hours of operation June 12 to June 18 as follows: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00pm - 7:00pm June 19 to Aug. 20 as follows: Friday through Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday closed; Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. Programs offered: recreational swim, swim lessons, private swim lessons, swim team, junior lifeguard academy, private pool rental available. Amenities: enclosed flume slide that drops off into a 12- foot catch pool; low-spring diving board into a diving well up to 12-feet-deep; large open swim areas for tons of recreational fun; shaded deck areas; picnic tables and benches; parking lot; park with additional amenities outside.

BERTHA HENSCHEL PLAY POOL: Bertha Henschel play pool will be open from June 19 through Aug. 20 for the summer 2017 season. Bertha Henschel Play Pool is located at 160 45th Street in Bertha Henschel park in East Sacramento. Recreational swim hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; Family night is Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Amenities: shallow depth wading pool, mushroom fountain feature, shaded area, benches located on pool deck, adjacent to park with additional amenities outside and limited street parking available. See Pools, page 11

& CRYSTAL CR R ICE CREAM FANTASY Cream All You Can Eat Crystal Ice epping Stone Live Music by Celtic Band St akespeare Lite Theater Performances by Sh ities Fanciful Arts & Crafts Activ lace Shop the Enchanted Marketp Food Trucks • Beer & Wine

(916) 808-7462 JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Saturday, June 24

5 – 9 PM

TICKETS

Advance Tickets: $15 Adults, $7 Children (2-12) �� Day-of Tickets: $20 Adults, $10 Children (2-12) Free for Children 1 and Under

fairytaletown.org 3

Faces and Places:

Día de los Niños celebrated with production of Aztec Pinocchio at McKinley Library Photos by Stephen Crowley

stephen@valcomnews.com

Día de los Niños was celebrated at McKinley Library on Friday, April 21 with Caterpillar Puppets’ production of

Aztec Pinocchio. This bilingual Spanish and English show tells the story of Maldo the Magician and marionette puppet boy he brings to life.

It’s more fun on the ferry...

Service from Vallejo SF Ferry Building

Pier 41

AT&T Park

Farmers’ Market Exploratorium

PIER 39 Shops & Dining Fisherman’s Wharf

Giants Game Service

Follow. Connect. Share.

For Ferry Route, Schedule, Ticket and Terminal Information www.SanFranciscoBayFerry.com (707) 643-3779

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

A Family Friendly Cabin Resort Getaway By Carmel L. Mooney

ur family has long loved the Downieville and Sierra City areas of the Sierra Nevada for family weekend getaways. It’s only about two hours from Sacramento making it a convenient overnighter or weekend destination that doesn’t require half the day on the road. The beautiful scenery, friendly locals, quaint shops and eateries, and outdoor activities have drawn us that direction for decades whether it be to hike, snowmobile, fish, golf, swim, gold pan, tube the river, mountain bike, gather wildflowers, explore waterfalls, or simply to do nothing but soak in the sounds of the raging river, and to savor the magnificent beauty of the wildflowers in the spring. Recently we discovered a new little gem of a cabin resort in Sierra City that fits our criteria for the perfect little mountain retreat. It’s perfect both for families and yes, even for mom and dad to get away alone, and best of all it’s reasonably priced. In fact, under new ownership, this little outdoor mecca is far from new to many returning families who have enjoyed family reunions and making treasurede memories there for years. Situated directly above the North Fork of the Yuba River and a stone’s throw from the Pacific Crest Trail, this little oasis is all about peace, tranquility, and enjoying nature. There are only 6 cabins which make it even more charming and peaceful, each with a kitchen, and comfortable, cozy, quality bedding, décor, and toiletries. The gorgeous deck and sound of the rambling river below make for a tranquil setting for barbecues and get-togethers overlooking towering mountains and forests. Innkeeper Jim Westfall is an avid outdoorsman who has a heart for sharing his love with his guests. He’s friendly, helpful, warm, and will bend over backwards to make your clan feel right at home. Last winter a large group was stranded in the snow and he opened his little resort to the temporary refugees and the entire town pitched in to make the group feel welcome and cared for during their stranded adventure. It made the papers how the adorable little town banded together to make the outof-towners feel right at home during their less than ideal circumstances. Dining options are scarce right in Sierra City with only a couple of tiny eateries with limited and seasonal hours so you’ll do well to bring your food with you to enjoy on the deck of your cabin which comes with a full kitchen and barbecue. JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Cabins range from $90 to $155 for the Honeymoon Suite and several of the cabins can be connected to accommodate groups, multi generational travelers, or family reunions. If you choose to explore nearby Downieville and Truckee, both have many more dining options and aren’t far away. If you’re looking for low key, outdoorsy activities then this is the place for your clan. If you need to be entertained and require a busy nightlife then you may want to choose another option. A fantastic game room with pool and board games is available to

guests as well as a vast library of movies to watch. Local massage therapists are available if a relaxing and pampering massage on the deck above the river sounds like just what the doctor ordered. When city life or the strain of the daily grind is getting to be a bit much and you want to simply unwind and decompress and reconnect with nature, The Buttes Resort in Sierra City is just the right place and at just the right price. The perfect little all season treasure in the high Sierra is waiting to be discovered. www.buttesresort.com

River Cats cross the river for “Annual Baseball for All” event at Independence Field Photos by Stephen Crowley

stephen@valcomnews.com

Current River Cats players and coaches helped lead an allaccess baseball clinic for youth with disabilities, ages 3 and older on Saturday, May 6 at River Cats Independence Field, 2450 Meadowview Road. Activities include hitting drills, throwing exercises, a live game, and more – all on a special rubberized field.

Fin Fest

comic cat

fri, june 9 | 7:05

Sat, june 17 | 7:05

with reusable tote giveaway & fireworks

with vintage comic jersey & fireworks

Pink in the park

w w w. v a l c o m n e w s . c o m

Father’s day

Sat, june 10 | 7:05 sun, june 18 | 1:05 & fireworks

916 night

fri, june 30 | 7:05 & fireworks

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

Raising Malena A mother/daughter story of enduring love and resilience M eet Malena Angelini, a very sweet, intelligent girl who loves acting and hanging out with her friends. A student at Golden Empire Elementary, she enjoys interacting with her teachers and staff. Malena also happens to live with a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the number one genetic killer of children under age 2. It causes muscle wasting and weakness. She’s never had the ability to walk and gets around with a power chair. Today, at 11 years old, she’s beating the odds and recovering from a recent Spinal Fusion surgery. On May 10, she received her first injection of Spinraza, a newly-approved drug to treat SMA – a big success. Receiving the treatment was no easy task and not just because of Malena’s fear of the drug. Up until the actual injection, Malena’s mother Nina Daya didn’t know with certainty if the hospital was going to provide the drug, despite the doctor’s commitment. Initially, Malena’s family traveled three hours away from Sacramento to see a physician willing to treat Malena in Fresno. Dr. Hutchinson has treated four other children with SMA to date and has been very friendly towards the family. The April appointment went well with Malena having to perform all kinds of strength tests as a baseline so that they could show improvement for future doses via her insurance. According to an article in SMA News Today, the cost of Spinraza for the individual patient is listed at $125,000 per vial, meaning that the first year of treatment could cost between $625,000 to $750,000 (five or six injections). After many weeks of waiting, United Health Care approved Spinraza for up to the maximum amount worth of doses for Malena.

Her parents were overjoyed, but it’s been an emotional roller coaster. At one point, the administrators asked Dr. Hutchinson for more time and delayed Malena’s treatment date to May 10 and even a few days before the appointment, fears of not getting the injection plagued her mother. In an interview on Friday, May 5 Nina didn’t know if Malena would get treatment five days later. “I don’t know what’s going to happen May 10. I don’t know if the drug will be shipped in time for the treatment. We should know more when the hospital approves everything.” Dr. Hutchinson knows what’s happening. He always tells Nina, “‘I don’t feel good until I inject your daughter.’” Fluoroscopy was chosen as an initial method to treat Malena due to her spinal fusion. Malena had to lie on her stomach, face down, while under anesthesia, as the needle with Spinraza entered her body. With the success of the initial dose, Malena has three more doses scheduled in the next two months. The SMA News Today article says that Spinraza treatment involves much more than injecting the drug several times a year. “It is administered intrathecally, meaning it must be done in hospitals or centers whose staff are trained in performing lumbar punctures, and with equipment available for the necessary anesthesia and radiology procedures. Hospitals will specialize in the kind of patients with SMA that they treat.” Thankful United Healthcare is helping foot the bill for Spinraza, Nina notes there’s always the possibility for denial. “It’s a very vicious fight. It’s not right. The fact that Go Fund Me accounts exist as a trend to pay for expensive

JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

treatments is sad. It shouldn’t be that way.” While ecstatic the hospital came through with the treatment after the enormous amount of steps to get it shipped, Nina expects more chaos with pharma and hospitals to continue on a national level. “My story is not unique. It’s the norm. The process of accessing Spinraza is going to be an on-going battle for a lot of patients trying to receive timely care. The process is cumbersome because, I guess it has to be, it’s a lot of money and liability for the hospital.” Wearing her other hat, she said she understands the hospital point of view, but, she continued, “If a child’s parents have robust insurance and the insurance makes a point of approving Spinraza for that child, and approvals are there, then ideally, they go forward without having to stop and start, start and stop. For me, the story is important to show the other side of healthcare. It’s been difficult for patients like Malena, even though we had everything in place. There’s so much focus on insurers being the bad person, but in this case, it’s a more complicated issue.” Currently experiencing more weakening in her arms,

Photo by Mayumia Acosta Photography

Cover girl Malena Angelini loves acting and the outdoors. She lives with a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. A new miracle drug Spinraza may be the cure.

Malena just wants to keep her strength, and she knows how important the injections are to her health. Keeping herself positive, she continues to fight SMA every day by keeping herself positive. Malena cares for others and loves being outdoors. Malena takes comfort by snuggling with Hannah Rose, her Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix) when she’s feeling ill. Malena has a very busy schedule. Besides going to school with

her peers, she must fit in time for respiratory care to keep herself well which includes regular visits to her medical team (UC Davis, Shriner’s, Stanford, Sutter). Recently she has had to endure more than four weeks in the hospital due to her Scoliosis surgery this past summer as a result of SMA, and recovery from a femur fracture to her left leg last fall. (Fractures are common for kids with SMA.) Malena never complains.

K O H L’ S B U C K L E U P T O G R O W U P

Safety is Best! Wear your vest, every time you swim. A properly ﬁtting life jacket will help your kids ﬂoat safety through the summer. For more information, call 916-734-9798.

b u c k l e u p . u c d a v i s . e d u • w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / b u c k l e u p 2 g r o w u p

THE BOOK REPORT

Stories for Dads By Susan L. Roberts

f you’re looking for just the right book for dad on Father’s Day, check out this collection of LOL humorous to heartfelt and inspiring stories. One or two may be the book that will be shared over and over again, and dad won’t tire of the story! Little Wolf’s First Howling, by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, illustrated by Kate Harvey McGee (Candlewick Press, ages 2-4) It’s Little Wolf’s first night to howl, he can’t wait! When Little Wolf, asks, “Can I howl now?” Big Wolf suggests he listen to a demonstration. So thrilled, Little Wolf takes a deep breath, lifts his muzzle and howls. Little Wolf tries again, adding his own flavor to the howl, but Father says. “It is not proper howling form.” Even though he knows it’s not proper form, Little Wolf lets loose with his own howl. Although it is not correct, Big Wolf’s tail wags and ears twitch and he joins in with a howl like Little Wolf’s. An endearing story of being patient when teaching a child new skill. Filled with onomatopoeia, children will love the sounds and love the warm illustrations set in Yellowstone Park. Dad School, by Rebecca Van Slyke, illustrated by Priscilla Burris (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, ages 3-6) With Van Slyke’s playful and innocent words and Burris’ funny and loving illustrations, this book is a winner! When Lucas goes to school, he imagines his dad goes to ‘Dad School’. He just knows it’s where Dad learns to fix boo-boos, make huge snacks and throw kids up in the air and catch them. Dad and young one will laugh together at the humorous illustrations of dad being playful like a kid at school. Lucas is sure his dad was the best student. But, dad says his favorite, best and most important job is… you guessed it. A delightful, loving book, perfect for dad and a young one.

Monster & Son, by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Joey Chou (Chronicle Books, ages 4-7) Written in rhyme, lavished in humor, and set in monster land where ghoulish friends abound, monster & son enjoy a boundless day of fun together. They transform into a new kind of monster on every page. They become sea monsters swimming in the ocean, skeletons playing bone in the cemetery, alien monsters with their dog, waiting for the spaceship. They have tickle fights, tackle fights, and battle castle knights; they enjoy doing guy things together. Illustrator Joey Chou uses muted, child-like haunting colors in the background, but the monster faces are always playful, laughing or loving. From a wild day of fun clear into quiet bedtime, where the two hang like vampire bats, this a fun book to share with dad. How to Cheer Up Dad, by Fred Koehler (Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 2-5) How to Cheer Up Dad is a laugh-out-loud book—for parents and kids alike! Little Jumbo is close to his dad and senses he is having a bad day. As Little Jumbo walks out of the kitchen dressed in cereal boxes, he leaves behind a pile of cereal splayed across the floor, innocent of his contribution to dad’s mood, When he dashes into the street wearing only his birthday suit, Little Jumbo claims that “Dad forgot that [he] did not like wearing his brown overalls.” Trying to cheer up his dad, Little Jumbo brings laugh after laugh to readers. Author/illustrator Fred Koehler absolutely captures the emotions—and irony—of the dance between father and son. A must read for father and toddler son. *Reviewer’s Choice Dad and the Dinosaur, by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Dan Santat (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, ages 4-8) A heartwarming father-son relationship tale showing love and respect. Nicholas was afraid of the dark, giant bugs and the undersides of manhole covers. His dad wasn’t afraid of anything. Nicholas tried to be brave like his dad and did so with the Big help of his dinosaur. He knew dinosaurs liked the dark, bugs were nothing to them and they ate manhole covers for lunch. But one day, after he did a terrific kick in soccer, he lost his dinosaur. He looked, but it got dark and he had to leave. Later, he told his dad. They got up to find the dinosaur. When Mom asked where they were going, Dad said, “It’s guy stuff.” Reassuring illustrations show Nicholas and how he imagines his big dinosaur helping him.

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 • JUNE 2017

Make it yourself!

Dad Socks

Craft Foam Photo Frame

ere is a quick and easy craft idea which can turn a photo into a special gift! We’ve made one for Father’s Day, but the kids can personalize these for all sorts of occasions and recipients.

very year, fathers around the world get given gifts of socks. Why not stand out from the crowd? With a little bit of imagination, kids can make this year’s Dad Socks extra special!

You will need:

Sheet of craft foam Foam stickers Photo (or drawing) Sheet of card Ribbon to hang PVA (white) glue

Socks (not ribbed) 3D fabric paint (the kind that you squeeze out) in a variety of colors

Instructions:

Instructions: Let your imagination go wild! Here are some examples of decorated socks: Bear in mind that your painted socks might not be the most comfortable socks that will Dad will own. He will probably prefer to wear them around the house in the evenings to keep his feet warm!

Dad Photo Frame

his DAD Photo Frame is a perfect gift for kids to make for their Dads on Father’s Day.

Cut out a rectangle of craft foam a bit bigger than your picture. Fold the foam in half and cut out a rectangle in the middle, leaving you with a frame about 3cm wide. Decorate the frame with foam stickers. Try and make the frame match the picture. We decorated white circles to look like soccer balls, but you could do baseball, basketball or rugby, or, if Dad’s a motoring enthusiast, cars or wheels. Glue the picture to the back of the frame. Glue a loop of ribbon to the top. Cut the card to the size of your frame and glue it to the back.

Father’s Day Tie Painting

his Father’s Day Tie Painting is an old idea but a good one! What Dad wouldn’t appreciate receiving this tie on Father’s Day?

You will need:

A5 card (we used A4 and cut in half) Stickers and any other embellishments that you have Glue 3 Photographs

Large sheet of construction paper for the backing Large sheet of white paper for the tie Paints and paintbrush

Instructions:

Draw two D’s and an A shape onto the card, and cut out. Use a small pair of scissors to cut out the inside of the letters, too (younger children will need adult help or supervision). Decorate your letters. We simply used stickers but you can use gems, ribbons, sequins, pompoms or anything else from your craft box. Glue a photo to the back of each letter so that it fills the aperture. Trim any overhanging bits of photo away. Layer the letters so they overlap slightly, spelling out the word “Dad”, and glue together. You could laminate the photo frame to make it last, or enclose the whole thing within a larger Perspex frame.

Cut out a tie shape using our photo above as a guide. You could do this for younger children, or suggest older kids practice drawing a shape in pencil and then cutting out themselves. Paint the tie in Dad’s favorite colors! Try stripes, spots, zigzags, or something more intricate. Use glue or sticky dots to mount to the backing paper. Alternatively, write a message on the back and forget the backing!

Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Who wrote that? KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with Illustrator Josh Nash

By Bitsy Kemper

Who Wrote That? is a monthly column that proﬁles the talented authors and illustrators who bring children’s books to life. Bitsy: You illustrated a book written by THE Kenny Loggins! Spill it. Josh: Working with Kenny Loggins was an experience to say the least. It was a real thrill to be asked to illustrate his book since I had grown up hearing his very famous songs on the radio and in the movies.

Josh Nash

BK: Did you get to meet him? JN: We spoke on the phone a couple of times during the process of making the book. It never ceased to be surreal seeing the guy who sang “Footloose” and “Dangerzone” in my email inbox!

frightening to consider how little I knew about illustrating when I was hired, but the people at Scholastic were so nice and great to work with. It was my first taste for how wonderful it is to work in children’s publishing.

BK: What is like to work with him? JN: Kenny had a specific vision for the book and was involved in the art direction much more than your typical author would be since of course, Kenny Loggins is not your typical author! BK: How else was working with Kenny Loggins’ book different than your other books? JN: Illustrating the book was a fun challenge because the text is actually a song rather than a narrative. I think the images ended up being more evocative and full of feeling as a result. BK: How did you get your start illustrating books? JN: My first big illustration break was in 2004 with Scholastic on a chapter book series called The Kids of Einstein Elementary. I had been putting a serious portfolio together and had mailed out around 100 postcards to book publishers, magazines, greeting card companies and even the people who make wrapping paper. I received exactly one phone call as a result of the mailing and it turned out to be Scholastic offering me my first big job! Looking back, it is kind of

BK: Did you always think you’d be an artist or illustrator? JN: I knew I wanted to make children’s books when I started college and took an illustration class. One of the assignments was to recreate a scene from a children’s book and I chose the Wild Rumpus scene from Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. not sure how good my interpretation was at the time, but making it sure felt natural to me. I felt at home, artistically. BK: Why do you keep creating? JN: I create because it makes me happy. I have literally been drawing since I could hold a pencil. It developed into a form of play all through my childhood and teenage years. And I still love to play and delight myself by making fun stuff to look at. BK: Where do you get your ideas? JN: My ideas come from a mix of childhood memories, relationships with friends and family, and TV sit-coms. I have been focusing much more on writing my own stories these days and the themes that have been inspiring me are those that deal with the

ins and outs of friendship and all the feelings that come with it, good and bad. So, I find it useful to turn to special childhood friendships, current friendships like the one I share with my best friend and wife, or even famous TV friendships, be it Mary Richards and Lou Grant or Joey and Chandler. BK: Do you have a regular source of inspiration? JN: I don’t have any sort of regular resources I turn to for inspiration. I think I get most of my inspiration simply by living a creative life and constantly being on the clock. I try to spend at least some part of every day doing creative work and so ideas build upon ideas, churning over in my head like those cement mixer trucks. BK: What are some of your favorite books? JN: My favorite children’s books are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. I can still remember the feeling of wonder when Max’s room grew into a forest that night, the heartbreak when Peter discovered his snowball has melted in his pocket, and the complete empathy I felt for Alexander and his plans to escape his disastrous day by moving to Australia. Each of these books in their own way completely captivated me and showed me how immersive an experience a great story can be.

GET TO KNOW JOSH NASH

Married to Kelly Lives with a dog and a cat in Roseville Does graphic art for a small advertising firm during the day, and he draws and writes at Starbucks on lunch breaks and in the evenings in his home office Website: www.joshuanashillustrates.com Facebook: facebook.com/JoshuaNash.Illustration Twitter: joshuanashillus

BOOKS ILLUSTRATED BY JOSH NASH MOOSE N’ ME By Kenny Loggins - Good Ol’ Dog Publishing

ELI THE BIPOLAR BEAR By Sharon Bracken - Child Heroes Publishing

MORTY THE MEERKAT HAS AUTISM By J.I. Avis - Child Heroes Publishing

THE KIDS OF EINSTEIN ELEMENTARY: THE LAST DINOSAUR By Leonard Mlodinow and Matt Costello - Scholastic

ON THE GO By Leslie Jonath - Accord Publishing ELLE THE LITTLE LOST WOMBAT By Sharon Bracken - Child Heroes Publishing

THE KIDS OF EINSTEIN ELEMENTARY: TITANIC CAT By Leonard Mlodinow and Matt Costello - Scholastic

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

Pools: Continued from page 3 TAHOE POOL: Tahoe Pool is located at 3501 59th St. For information, call 916-452-9622 or email pool manager at info@ymcasuperiorcal.org. Recreational swim hours are: June 16 – Sept. 3, Tuesday - Friday 2 to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Lap swim hours are June 19 – Sept. 2 Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. The facility provides complimentary kick boards and buoys. Water exercise: Change your fitness routine this summer and join the Y for water exercise! Water exercise incorporates fun into a full body workout.

Classes are taught in the shallow water by an instructor that will help you improve your agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Dates are June 19 – Sept. 2. Monday - Thursday: Noon to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday: Noon to 1 p.m.. Swim team: An introduction to competitive swimming for youth ages 7 and up. Swimmer must be able to swim safely in deep water and swim one lap continuously. Dates are June 19 – Aug. 4. Monday through Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. Meets: Saturdays - time vary. Ages: 7 – 17; Price: $99. LAND PARK AREA POOLS WILLIAM LAND PARK PLAY POOL: William Land Park play pool will be open from June 19 through Aug. 20 for the summer 2017 season!

William Land Park Play Pool is located near the Land Park Playground (adjacent to the Tiny Tot building) at 13th Street and 13th Avenue. Recreational swim hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Family Night: Tuesdays 3-7 p.m.; closed Thursdays. Amenities: Shallow depth wading pool, Mushroom fountain feature, Shaded deck and grass area, Adjacent to park with additional amenities outside. Limited street parking available MANGAN POOL: Mangan Pool is located at 2140 34th Ave. in Mangan Park. Contact this facility at (916) 433-6272.

Recreational swim hours June 12 to June 16 as follows: Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. June 18 to Aug. 20 as follows: Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. -5 p.m.; Monday Closed; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Programs Offered: Recreational Swim, Swim Lessons, Swim Team, Junior Lifeguard Academy, Private Pool Rental Available Amenities include: Low spring diving board into a diving well up to 12 feet deep, Large open swim areas for tons of recreational fun, Pool house with changing area and restrooms, Shaded deck areas, Picnic tables and benches, Parking lot, Park with additional amenities outside.

Consider opening your heart to change a life…

�

Kids need a safe place to call home and an adult to support them.

JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Fairytale Town announces day camps

airytale Town offers 16 weeklong summer camps for children with morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 4 – 6 and ages 7 – 9. Each camp is designed for a specific age group and features a unique theme, including visual art, animals, gardening, puppetry, literature, theater arts and more. There are no exceptions regarding age groups. An Afternoon Adventures session from noon to 4 p.m. can be added to a morning session to create a full-day camp experience. Afternoon Adventures are offered for ages 4 – 9 and feature a supervised lunch and recess time followed by more curriculumbased, open-ended activities, dramatic play, story time and more. An Early Drop-Off option has been added this year for parents or guardians needing to drop off their child before the 9 a.m. camp start time. A new one-day camp for children with special needs has also been added this year. Please note: Children must be preregistered for FunCamps in order to attend; registrations are not available the first day of camp. All Fairytale Town FunCamp registrations are taken online only. Register for FunCamps FunCamp Fees Morning Session Only: $145 per child per week-long session Morning Session & Afternoon Adventures: $340 per child per week-long session Early Drop-Off: $45 per child per week-long session Member discounts are available. See a chart of member prices for 2017 FunCamps.

2017 FunCamp Schedule Morning Sessions for Ages 4 – 6 Little Ranchers: June 19-23 9 a.m. to noon Get a taste of ranch life and help with the daily regimens that keep our friendly flock of farm animals fit and healthy. Campers will have plenty of hands-on contact with our fuzzy, furry barnyard buddies, learn historical information and participate in related hands-on activities. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to the natural oils found in animal fur/ hair and feed. Instructed by: Lydia Outland Storybook Stage: June 26-30 9 a.m. to noon Every story needs someone to tell it! Campers will help bring beloved

nursery rhymes and fairytales to life and create new stories of their own, complete with props and sets. Our storytellers will experience the magic of theater, develop performance skills, and practice stage basics through hands-on games, activities, and crafts. Instructed by: Kaitlin Lee Camp Kaleidoscope: July 10-14 9 a.m. to noon This camp introduces art and basic color concepts to beginning artists. Campers participate in a wonderful week of art projects featuring drawing, cutting, pasting and painting in a relaxed and colorful environment. Topics explored include primary and secondary colors, drawing, color mixing and patterns. Instructed by: Topaz Bess Gardens Galore: July 17-21 9 a.m. to noon Fairytale Town offers plenty of green thumb fun in this gardening camp. This FunCamp covers the essentials of home gardening with an accent on environmentally “green” practices. Campers will also receive an up-close perspective on Fairytale Town’s own unique gardens and plants. Instructed by: Evanne Harrison Music Makers: July 24-28 9 a.m. to noon Kazoos, maracas and cereal box guitars! Campers will explore music and get to meet some professional musicians for a summer sing-along to remember. Basic music principles and a bit of music history will be covered along with music related arts & crafts. At the end of the week parents and loved ones are invited to a concert put on by the campers. No previous musical experience required. Instructed by: Katlin Lee Storybook Science: July 31- August 4 9 a.m. to noon Discover the science behind our favorite stories! Gravity had a lot to do with Humpty Dumpty’s great fall. Was Merlin the Magician really magical? Or maybe he was a scientist? One of the 3 Little Pigs knew that a brick house would withstand all that huffing and puffing. Campers will dive into stories and conduct their own handson experiments to test the science behind their favorite stories. Instructed by: Katlin Lee Art in Nature: August 7-11 9 a.m. to noon Kids will engage in art projects inspired by Mother Nature! Campers

will explore nature in an artsy week of fun to create masterpieces with flora and fauna. Artists will be drawing, cutting, pasting and painting while using the outdoors as tools and inspiration. Parents and guardians are invited to the “Outdoor Art” reception on Friday where campers will showcase their nature art pieces. Instructed by: Sammi Hawes Dino Detectives: August 14-18 9 a.m. to noon If you love everything about dinosaurs, then this is the camp for you! Discover how paleontologists learn about these ancient reptiles by investigating real fossils and replicas. Campers will excavate fossils, make their own fossil cast and dig in to what it takes to recover ancient dinosaur fossils. Meet real living Fairytale Town animals and explore the unique characteristics that help them survive and link them to the dinosaurs of the past. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to the natural oils found in animal fur/hair and feed. Instructed by: Evanne Harrison Morning Sessions for Ages 7 – 9 Drama-Rama: June 19-23 9 a.m. to noon Fairytale Town presents a Theatre Arts FunCamp that emphasizes creative playmaking onstage and off. Drama-Rama! Includes all aspects of theatre, from acting and scriptwriting to costume design and set/ prop construction. Campers will write, design, produce and perform short plays and skits in this fast-paced, fun-filled week. Instructed by: Kaitlin Lee Farm-to-Fork Fun: June 26-30 9 a.m. to noon Sacramento is America’s Farm-toFork Capital! From poultry to produce, campers will discover where their food comes from in this fun week following food from farm to fork. Campers will plant, tend, harvest and cook food straight from the Fairytale Town garden and learn about eating healthy and local food through a variety of cooking

techniques. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Campers will also be working with a variety of foods. Please ensure to list any food allergies during registration. Instructed by: Evanne Harrison Culture Craft Club: July 10-14 9 a.m. to noon Take a world tour of multicultural crafts! Campers will discover the Indonesian art of batik, the Arabic knot tying craft macramé, Peruvian friendship bracelets and more. Campers will dive into some of the world’s oldest arts and crafts forms and learn the stories behind them. This camp is hands-on, messy, artistic, educational and fun! Instructed by: Kaitlin Lee Map Quest: July 17-21 9 a.m. to noon At the heart of every child is an adventurer! Campers will discover the adventure that awaits them as they blaze trails through Fairytale Town and William Land Park on the hunt for treasure and fun. Campers will not only learn to orient a map, use a compass and follow a trail, but they will become cartographers and make their own maps, hide treasure and challenge others to find it. Please Note: This FunCamp will take supervised adventures outside the Fairytale Town gates in William Land Park. Instructed by: Sarah Thomas Buggin’ Out: July 24-28 9 a.m. to noon In Buggin’ Out, campers will be introduced to the lesser known arthropods that call Fairytale Town home. Children will get up close and personal with plenty of creepy crawlers including tarantulas, bees, cockroaches, termites, lady bugs, earthworms and more! Campers will take daily surveys of the park to find and observe bugs in their natural environment and learn basic concepts including life cycles, entomology, pollination and decomposition. Please Note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale See Camps, page 13 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

Camps: Continued from page 12

Town’s arthropods; some children may be allergic to tarantula hair, bees and/or other bugs. Instructed by: Evanne Harrison Food, Fun & Fairytales: July 31-August 4 9 a.m. to noon Fairytales have common themes of magical creatures, heroes, villains…and food! Campers will become Magical Chefs as they taste their way through different stories. Learn about “Curds and Whey,” discover why Goldilocks ate so much porridge, recreate the gingerbread house from Hansel & Gretel and more in this tasty week of Food, Fun and Fairytales. Please Note: Campers will be working with a variety of foods. Please ensure to list any food allergies during registration. Instructed by: Sammi Hawes Imagination Engineers: August 7-11 9 a.m. to noon Creative thinking skills abound in this FunCamp designed to let kid’s imaginations run wild. Campers will take part in a collaborative week of building with different recycled materials. An igloo made of milk jugs? A tower made of cardboard tubes? Pool-noodle playhouse? Who knows what the campers will come up with, but it will certainly be fun! Discover the magic that happens when you mix imagination, cardboard, recycled materials and duct tape. Instructed by: Kaitlin Lee Comic Connections: August 14 – 18 9 a.m. to noon The perfect FunCamp for budding artists who want to draw, draw and draw some more! Campers will learn how to create characters, write dialogue and develop a basic storyline. Exciting handon activities and fun drawing games will build upon the children’s prior knowledge and skills to show them how fun art can be! Campers will have the option to create their own comic book or a freestanding art piece to display in a “Comic Book Convention” at the end of the week. Instructed by: John Lee

Afternoon Adventures for Ages 4 – 9 June 19 – August 18 (no camp the week of July 4) Noon to 4 p.m. Ages 4-9 Keep the fun going all day long by enrolling in Afternoon Adventures! After the morning session, students will enjoy a supervised lunch and recess time followed by more hands-on activities, dramatic play, story time and more! The open-ended activities ignite imagination and creative thinking. Curriculum-based activities and themes vary each week, so campers can enroll in multiple weeks. Please note: Campers need to bring their own lunches or pre-purchase meal-deals from the Dish & Spoon Café. Also note that Afternoon Adventures will have children ages 4-9 years old together. Camper must be enrolled in a Morning Session to enroll in Afternoon Adventures. Instructed by: Kaitlin Lee

New: Animal Adventure for Children with Special Needs Animal Adventure: Sunday, June 4 10 a.m. to noon In this one-day camp, Fairytale Town brings together children with special needs, their parent or caregiver, and our friendly flock of farm animals! For children with special needs, engaging with animals can reduce anxiety,

build social skills and elevate mood. Participants will learn about life on a farm, why the animals at Fairytale Town are considered rare, what they like to eat and what products come from these animals. This camp is designed for varying levels of engagement. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to the natural

oils found in animal fur/hair and feed. Instructed by: Lydia Outland, Evanne Harrison and Jim Hernandez Cost: $45 for one child and one parent or caregiver (member discounts available). Registration is limited to 10 children and 10 parents or caregivers. For more information about FunCamps, email education@fairytaletown.org or call 808-8884.

WEEKLY THEMES: June 19-23: Happy Campers June 26-30: Hey USA! No Camp the Week of July 4th July 10-14: Medieval Madness: A Week in King Arthur’s Court July 17-21: Around the World in 5 Days July 24-28 6: Undersea Safari July 31-Aug. 4: Winter Wonderland August 7-11: Space Station Vacation August 14-18: Superhero Celebration New: Early Drop-Off June 19 – August 18 8 to 9 a.m. Ages 4-9 Need to drop-off your child before 9 a.m. to get to work on time? An early drop off time is available this year! Add the Early DropOff option to your FunCamp order, and you can drop off your children anytime between 8 and 9 a.m. During the Early Drop-Off hour, children will enjoy free playtime and open-ended activities until the morning session begins.

JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

What’s Happening, Kids! FRIDAY, JUNE 2-SATURDAY, JUNE 3 4TH ANNUAL SACRAMENTO BLACK BOOK FAIR: Blue Nile Press and The Black Group [tbg] at Women’s Civic Improvement Center presents the Black Book Fair. The 2017 Book Fair will include book signings, talks by each featured writer, cultural vendors, food trucks, a writer’s workshop session, a Kids Zone, a community parade, poetry readings, writer’s circles, and art displays. SBBF will feature more than fifty authors of African descent, showcasing and highlighting a diverse spectrum of authors and literature, from contemporary and historical fiction to anthologies, poetry, academic books; children’s stories and books, nonfiction to biographies, self-help, and inspirational, and religious. This year’s Sacramento Black Book Fair is dedicated to Carol Borden, a founder of the Book Fair, originator of “Books On Parade,” and an indispensable Sacramento leader. Women’s Civic Improvement Center 3555 3rd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817. Hours are June 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 to 10 p.m.; and June 3: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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THE BUBBLE LADY AT BELLE COOLEDGE LIBRARY: From 2 to 3 p.m., prepare to experience bubbles like you’ve never seen. Everything from dancing bubbles, trick bubbles, spaceship bubbles, love bubbles, bubble haircuts, bubble brains, dragon and whale bubbles, universe bubbles and people in bubbles, to name a few. This is a Summer Reading Challenge: Read by Design event. 5600 South Land Park Drive FREE FAMILY-FOCUSED COOKING CLASS: From 10 a..m. to 1 pm.., Oak Park Sol will host an hour of hands-on cooking in the outdoor garden kitchen. Food Literacy Center will lead this casual and educational 1-hour class. These classes are designed for families, so be sure to bring the kiddos (adults without kids are welcome to participate). All students get to slide, dice, chop, rip, tear, mix, smell and taste! Please RSVP by registering via Eventbrite (http://tinyurl.com/kc6gusf ). If you have any questions, please contact Randy Stannard, rstannard@oakparksol.org or 530-204-8082. Oak Park Sol is located at 3733 Broadway, Sacramento, California 95817.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 4 FAIRYTALE TOWN THEATER SHOW: “LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD”: Puppet Art Theater Company presents the tale of “Little Red Riding Hood” in the Children’s Theater. In this nutty version, Little Red and her dog Fifi are taking pepperoni pizza to Grandma’s when they run into the wolf. Wolf loves pizza and plots to get Red’s. Join Little Red, Fifi, and Grandma as they try to keep the wolf from eating them and their pep-

peroni pizza. Tickets are $2 for nonmembers in addition to park admission and $1 for members. Tickets can be purchased at the Fairytale Town main gate or at the entrance to the Children’s Theater 15 minutes prior to show time. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Show times at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822

SUNDAY, JUNE 4 FILLIPINO FIESTA: The Filipino Fiesta is one of the District’s largest events. This festival features community service groups, vendors, folk dancers, entertainment, clinics, youth activities, cultural exhibits, and a variety of food options, bring together thousands of people to enjoy Filipino culture and delicious food. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jose Rizal Community Center, 7320 Florin Mall Drive, Sacramento, CA 95816.

THURSDAY, JUNE 8 FARMERS MARKET AT THE BARN: The West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce presents the 2017 market season at The Barn! The 2017 market season will be on the second Thursday in the month in June, July, August. It will be a fun-filled community event which will feature our local farmers, makers, music, food, beer, kids zone, and activities for adults, too! Stop by to grab fresh produce, see your neighbors, enjoy dinner, relax on the river, and celebrate the beautiful bounty of West Sacramento. Free event! Family friendly! Food! Music! Beer! Please note: There is no ATM on site. Some site areas of the BARN site activation are gravel surfaces. Direct accommodation is available for visitors upon request at the info booth. If you would like to participate in the market as a farmer, marker, sponsor, or food truck, please call the Chamber at (916) 371-7042 x 102.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 COMMUNITY DAY AT THE SACRAMENTO ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 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 repurposing 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. Maple Neighborhood Center, 3301 37th Avenue, Sacramento

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JUNE 2017

What’s Happening, Kids! FRIDAY, JUNE 16-SATURDAY, JUNE 17 FAMILY CAMPOUT AT FAIRYTALE TOWN: From 5:30 p.m. on Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday, spend the night in Fairytale Town’s storybook park. This exciting overnight adventure includes a theater show, arts and crafts activities, a scavenger hunt, fun games, and bedtime stories. Wake up the next morning under Fairytale Town’s canopy of trees to a light continental breakfast. Prices range from $25 to $30 per person and include all activities. Member discounts are available. For more information, visit fairytaletown. org or call (916) 808-7462. 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822

SATURDAY, JUNE 17-SUNDAY, JUNE 18 WEST SAC FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: Come and check out the book sale put together by the West Sacramento Friends of the Library. Saturday, June 17, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with paperbacks priced at 50 cents and hardbacks at $1, also movies, school yearbooks and special-priced books. Sunday, June 18, hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a bag of books is a bargain at $4. All proceeds benefit programs and collections at the library. For more information call 375-6465 Ext. 4 or send email to wsfol99@yahoo.com. Yolo County’s Arthur F. Turner Community Library, 1212 Merkley Ave., West Sacramento.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18 FATHER’S DAY BBQ AT THE SACRAMENTO ZOO: Dad and granddad is welcome to the Zoo for a classic American BBQ on Father’s Day!There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, salad, baked beans and more under the giant oak trees on the Reptile House Lawn. There will be some fun lawn games, activities and other family fun! You can spend the rest of the day exploring the Zoo with the family and be sure to visit some of the Zoo’s best animal dads. 11 am to 2 pm Early bird ticket prices, through June 12 for adults are $28; children ages 2-11: $23. Sacramento Zoo members receive $2 off per ticket. General prices, June 13th until the event for adults are $30; children ages 2-11: $25. No member discount. Alcohol available for purchase. Proceeds from Father’s Day BBQ at the Zoo will benefit animal care and the general maintenance of the Zoo. Tickets are non-refundable. Rain or shine. The Sacramento Zoo is located at 3930 West Land Park Drive. For more information, call 808-5888 or visit info@saczoo.org.

$10 for children ages 2-12. No member discount on day-of tickets. For more information, visit fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Sponsored by Crystal Creamery. 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822.

JUNE 24-25 GLAMPOUT AT CAMP POLLOCK: Jun 24 at 4 PM to Jun 25 at 10 AM 1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento, California 95815 Tickets are available at www.sacramentovalleyconservancy.org Take the long drive and packing stress out of camping. No need to pack the stove or even pull out the cooler. Your ticket includes delectable catered ‘glamp’ food from Hannibal’s, complete with build your own Baked Potato bar, Quinoa Salad, cold fruit and drinks, as well as adult beverages, including brews and wines all to support Youth, Education and Stewardship! This year’s event will feature a fun activity with Sierra Nevada Journeys, lawn games, and a scavenger hunt. As the sun sets, enjoy a community campfire with S’mores, campfire songs and star gazing. Pre-registration is required to participate. Please bring your favorite camp chair or picnic blanket and flashlight or headlamp. Wake up to a sunrise meditation and yoga session with Summer Ward on the deck, enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast and then splash in the river with FLOW Stand Up Paddleboarding. The event raises funds for SVC’s YES! Youth Education and Stewardship program. Adults are $50 each, children 16 and under are free. Parent or Leader participant required. Please choose one of the followings when you register: - Glamper - All the fun of an overnight camp-out but head back home to sleep in your own bed. - Overnight Camper - Grab your sleeping bag and tent! This is the complete overnight adventure with pancake breakfast in the morning! You must pre-register for the overnight camping activity. View detailed agenda here: http://bit. ly/2rcHwSD

ONGOING LAND PARK VOLUNTEER CORPS WORK DAYS: After the wettest Sac-

ramento winter ever, we are on the very cusp of warmer weather. Help the corps with various work projects in William Land Park. First Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Base Camp located in the picnic grounds directly behind Fairytale Town. POP-UP BOOK SALE AT BELLE COOLEDGE LIBRARY: Every first Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the book sale features books for all ages. Support your local library and pick up some great reads! All proceeds from the sale benefit library programs. The Friends Bookstore will be open regular hours. The sale is held at the entrance to the library. 5600 South Land Park Drive

Admission to the Sacramento Adventure Playground is free. Featured activities include: Box forts, mud play and slide, sand play, bike riding (bring your bike and helmet!), craft projects, bubbles, painting. While the Sacramento Adventure Playground’s regular operating hours are designed for ages 7-15, the Playground opens up for children of all ages to come and play on Community Days. Advance registration is not required. Community Days are held on the second Saturday of the month (except December and January) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3301 37th Ave. NATURE EXPLORERS AT THE SACRAMENTO ZOO: The Sacramen-

to Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm. Near the playground, there will be storytime, playing, and exploring the wonders of the natural world with a new topic each month. For more information, call 808-5888; 3930 West Land Park Drive. WELLS FARGO WEDNESDAY AT THE SACRAMENTO ZOO: Thanks to Wells Fargo, the first Wednesday of each month in 2017 is Wells Fargo Wednesday. Up to four children ages 2-11 receive free admission to the Sacramento Zoo with a paid adult.

BELLE COOLEDGE LIBRARY PRESENTS SING ALONG WITH MISTER COOPER – Join neighborhood favorite Mister Cooper for 30 minutes of music time and freeze dancing for families. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Belle Cooledge Library, 5600 South Land Park Drive. BABY/TODDLER STORYTIME -Babies and toddlers (ages 0 to 3 years) and their caretakers are invited to join us for songs and rhymes. Arrive early or stay late for extra social time with other children and parents. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. at Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento. COMMUNITY DAY AT THE SACRAMENTO ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND: 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! Community Days also feature special activities and craft projects. Families are requested to wear closedtoe shoes and clothes that can get messy. The event will take place rain or shine.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 24 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM & CRYSTAL ICE CREAM FANTASY: From 5 to 9 p.m., celebrate William Shakespeare’s popular fairy-themed play while enjoying all-you-can-eat Crystal ice cream! This magical midsummer’s evening features multiple ice cream tasting stations, live entertainment, hands-on activities and more. Celtic band Stepping Stone will perform throughout the evening. Costumes for the whole family are encouraged. No host food and bar. Tickets go on sale May 1 at fairytaletown.org. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 2-12. Members receive $2 off per ticket on advance tickets. Day-of tickets are $20 for adults and JUNE 2017 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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