California Kids - May 2018

MAY 2018

www.valcomnews.com |  WHAT’S HAPPENING, 2 |  ZOO NEWS, 4 |  TRAVEL, 6 |  WHO WROTE THAT, 8

Summer School & Summer Fun! JUNE 18–JULY 27, 2018 • GRADES 2–8 • WWW.CBHS-SACRAMENTO.ORG/SUMMER-PROGRAM

What’s Happening, Kids! www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Bitsy Kemper, Carmel Mooney Art Director: John Ochoa Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl - 916-429-9901 Cover photo 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 2018 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. 1109 Markham Way, Sacramento, CA 95818.

Phone: (916) 429-9901. Fax: (916) 429-9906. E-mail:calkids@valcomnews.com. ©2018 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Midtown’s Massive Saber Battle To Light Up the Night on Friday, May 4

Back by popular demand and to the delight of local science fiction fans, a massive Saber Battle returns to Midtown on Friday night, May 4, 2018, from 8 to 10 p.m. In partnership with the Midtown Association and Visit Sacramento, the fan group Newmindspace plans to once again bring the fun and free community event – highlighted by thousands of glowing sabers – to Fremont Park (1515 Q Street) in Sacramento. In 2017, more than 1,000 spirited community members of all ages participated in the visually spectacular event.

Similar fan-run events have happened coast to coast and brought together generations of fans to participate in massive saber battles, watch swordplay masters show off expert moves, and dress up as their favorite sci-fi movie characters at a themed party in cities across North America.

“We always look forward to coming to Sacramento as it’s one of our most popular Saber Battle cities,” said Co-Founder Kevin Bracken. “Midtown is where the action is so pick a side (good or evil), and use your saber to fight in the ultimate nocturnal showdown.”

While the event is free to attend, those interested can purchase a saber to receive in advance or pick up on-site for up to $10. For the upcoming Sacramento event, Newmindspace expects to distribute more than 1,000 sabers to fans for their own skirmishes. For more information about the upcoming Saber Battle, visit www.facebook.com/ events/171052416850589/ or http://newmindspace.com.

Effie Yeaw events The following are free weekend programs for all ages.

Donations gratefully accepted. Space is limited – signups are taken the day of the event. Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time. There is a $5 per car entrance fee into Ancil Hoffman County Park (Free to members).

2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael.

Gifts from Mother Earth: On May 6 at 1:30 p.m., create a one-of-a-kind craft from Mother Earth as you learn the skill of polishing abalone to make a necklace.

Birding For Families: On May 12 at 10:30 a.m., bring the family out for a birding and nature walk led by a Naturalist and special guest guides from the Sacramento Audubon Society. Birdwatchers of all levels welcomed. Make sure to bring your binoculars, or you can loan a pair.

Monarchs and Mom: Are you fascinated by butterflies, their life-cycle metamorphosis, and annual migration patterns? Do you want to help this threatened species to survive? On May 13 at 1:30 p.m., treat mom to a butterfly adventure hosted

by EYNC Docent Krystin, as she explains the amazing monarch lifecycle and introduces you to the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project, an international research project across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Critter Corner: Have you ever wondered where our animals come from and why they are here? On May 20, at 1:30 p.m., come nose to nose with a few of resident animals, hear their stories and learn all

at Do you know wh over 2000 kids Located on Beautiful Lake Natoma n fu r fo did YOUTH CAMPS • BOATING SAFETY • WATER SKIING WAKE BOARDING • JET SKIING • SAILING • WINDSURFING last summer? ROWING • KAYAKING • CANOEING • STAND-UP PADDLING CHALLENGE COURSE Boat Rentals • Team Building • Youth Camps Birthday Parties • Adult Classes • Facility Reservations

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OPEN TO THE PUBLIC CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018

What’s Happening, Kids!

Raptors of the River: On May 26 at 10:30 a.m., take a walk on the wild side in hopes of spotting some of the raptors that call the river’s edge home. Learn about these amazing birds of prey and what species can be found in our area.

Wet and Wild Pond Animals: Splashing, skimming, swishing, and swimmingwhat are all those creatures in the water?

On May 27, at 1:30 p.m., discover these water loving animals as you use catch and release activities to explore the Nature Center pond!

Funderland events

Funderland is located at 1350 17th Ave., Sacramento. For more information, call 916- 456-0131 or email info@funderlandpark.com The After School Special: The After School Special is back the entire month of May through June 15, 2018. All wristbands are half off after 2 p.m., so bring a friend and play!

Mother’s Day: Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Funderland is showing appreciation to all moms by giving away free rides to all the moms out there. Just show up at Funderland Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, 2018 and ride for free!

The 61th annual Elk Grove Western Festival

The 61th annual Elk Grove Western Festival celebrating this year’s theme, How The West Is One.A weekend filled with fun and excitement will be had in celebration of the 5th annual Elk Grove Western Festival & BBQ Championship from May 4-6 at Elk Grove Regional Park. The carnival starts things off Friday night, and the festivities continue with the Western Festival Parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The parade starts on Elk Grove Blvd at the corner of Emerald Oak Drive and ends at the Elk Grove High School back parking lot.

The three-day event includes entertainment, great food, classic cars, art exhibition showing the talents of local high school students, the kid’s zone, crafters and a fabulous carnival of fun.

More information: http://www.elkgrovewesternfestival.org/

pening”) on the UC Davis Quad. The students used art to teach visitors about the realms of activism, wellness, and environmental sustainability in an interactive and creative way. Following the United Nations’ recognition of Earth Day in 1970, the event was renamed to “Whole Earth Festival” and has since evolved into an enormous, free, studentrun event, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually on Mother’s Day weekend.

The Whole Earth Festival is a familyfriendly event and the Regents of the University of California, owners of the UC Davis campus, do not allow drug use on any of its UC campuses. The event is drug-free. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, tobacco (in both smoke and vapor forms), stimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens, depressants, narcotics, and inhalants.

Location details: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road.

The Whole Earth Festival seeks to be a zero waste event. Volunteers actively sort recyclables and compost from the bins. Please do your part to help out and dispose of your “waste” in appropriate bins.

UC Davis Whole Earth Festival - May 11-13- UC Davis Quad

Hours are Friday from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 as a small art class project (“Art Hap-

Student Pop-Up Art Show & Sale at May First Friday in Downtown Woodland

High school students will be exhibiting their art work in downtown Woodland during the First Friday ArtWalk at Farmers Insurance, 705 Main St. The Friday, May 4, show will be open to the public 5:30 - 8 p.m.

The student pop-up art show and sale will feature paintings, ceramics, photography and digital media art works made by students at Cesar Chavez Community School (in Woodland and West Sacramento) and Dan Jacobs School in Yolo County Juvenile Hall through YoloArts’ Juvenile Justice Arts Education program.

Yolo County Office of Education and Yolo County Probation are partners on this project funded by a grant from the California Arts Council.

Teaching artists Susan Shelton and Tomás Montoya have worked with these students throughout the school year, as they developed skills in a variety of artistic disciplines with the instruction of these professional artists.

For more information about YoloArts arts education programs for schools, contact Jenna Hans, YoloArts education manager, 530-309-6464 / jhans@yoloarts.org.

Let’s go to the City!

SF Ferry Building Farmers’ Market Exploratorium

Pier 41

PIER 39 Shops & Dining Fisherman’s Wharf

AT&T Park

Daily ferry service from Vallejo

Giants Game Service Follow. Connect. Share.

For Ferry Route, Schedule, Ticket and Terminal Information www.SanFranciscoBayFerry.com (707) 643-3779 APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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Flamingo youngsters join the flock The flamingos youngsters that hatched in June and July of 2017 are finally big enough to join the adult flock of flamingos on the lake!

The five youngsters stand out from the adults with their gray feathers mixed in with the pink.

It will take another year or more until they are the full stunning pink of an adult.

The young birds, who were hand-raised to improve their chances of survival, started spending time in the “howdy pen” at the lake over the last two months to get used to area, meet their neighbors and learn from the adult flamingos.

Another way they prepared for the big move was swimming lessons! To help them navigate the deeper waters of the lake, animal care staff introduced them to a small pool where they practiced swimming and floating to help with the transition to open waters.

They are now integrated into the flock but can usually be found near one another. If you are looking for your favorite youngster, look for their yellow band numbers listed below!

Tiki: right leg, 69 Blue Hawaiian: right leg, 74 Margarita: left leg, 75 Daquari: right leg, 72 Mai Tai: left leg, 71 The Sacramento Zoo is home to 36 adult Caribbean (or American) flamingos.

The last time a flamingo egg was laid and then successfully hatched at the zoo was in 1999. Prior to the last year’s hatchings, the zoo has hatched 28 flamingos in its 90-year history and has housed Carribean flamingos since 1966. One of the original eight flamingos that arrived in 1966 still resides on the zoo’s lake.

Caribbean flamingos are the brightestcolored and one of the largest of six species of flamingos and is native to South America and the Caribbean with a small population in the Galapagos. The birds’ pink coloration comes from pigments in the aquatic organisms that they eat.

Snow leopard pregnancy announced The Sacramento Zoo is excited to announce that Misha, the Sacramento Zoo’s resident 4-year-old female snow leopard, is pregnant. This is Misha’s first pregnancy, and the first snow leopard pregnancy at the Sacramento Zoo since 2006.

Misha came to the Sacramento Zoo from the Denver Zoo in 2014 in a move recommended and planned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The breeding recommendation was to introduce Misha to Blizzard, the zoo’s resident six-year-old male snow leopard. The two snow leopards had an extensive “meet and greet” process which took several years. After showing all the signs of being comfortable with each other, the animals were physically introduced for a brief time during Misha’s reproductive cycling time.

After showing typical signs of pregnancy, an exam including ultrasound and radiographs, was performed in the Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital on April 5. Based on the gestation period of around 100 days, staff anticipate Misha will give birth sometime in early May. First-time moms can face many challenges giving birth and raising their young; the same is true for Misha, and snow leopards as a species. Snow leopards generally give birth to one to four cubs, but the cubs are susceptible to high mortality rates. These rates increase in first-time mothers like Misha. Any snow leopard birth is significant due to the species’ declining population in the wild.

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018

employee profile:

nicole Wong

e

ach month a zoo staff member is selected as employee of the month. The individual selected has gone above and beyond their job description and embodies the core values of the Sacramento Zoo. He or she leads with animal welfare, obsesses over service, works smart with heart, and ultimately leaves the world a better place.

Nicole Wong is a breath of fresh air. As a valuable and passionate member of the development department, she continues to take on new challenges and roles. Along with her can-do attitude, her warm smile and cheerful disposition always brighten the room.

Last year she was tasked with revamping the Zoo Parent program. She took on the challenge of reinventing the program by simplifying, streamlining, and honing in on key elements of the program that make it popular among guests. As a result of

her strategic thinking, for the first time in nearly 10 years, the Zoo Parent program not only met but exceeded its yearly goals!

Nicole’s dedication was also exemplified in her handling of the “Santa Paws” Amazon Wish List. With the help and input of animal care staff, Nicole managed the Santa Paws wish list and inspired the public to provide many new toys and creative enrichment items for the animals. Her commitment to a program that needed some love translated directly into a real result for the zoo’s animals.

Nicole started out as a teen volunteer at the zoo in 2007 and has worked at the zoo full time for threeand-a-half years. With a degree in zoology and a lifelong passion for animals, she likes to inspire and entertain co-workers, visitors, and donors with fun animal facts (especially ones about invertebrates).

Outside of work, she is a doting cat, dog and lizard mom who loves laughing with friends and going on adventures.

Nicole is a notable example of working smart with heart, all to benefit the staff and animals at the Sacramento Zoo.

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Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for families, a perfect destination for great eats and museums

By Carmel L. Mooney

For families, the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area of Tennessee is a traveling paradise that isn’t just for kids and isn't just a about the shows.

While fabulous shows, spectacular views, and thrilling rides are only part of the excitement in the region, you shouldn’t over look the area’s excellent museums and outstanding dining.

Our family tries to visit almost annually which says a lot because we live on the other side of the continent. In recent years, we have invited other families to join us on our yearly pilgrimage and now they are hooked too.

We were fortunate to recently return to the dazzling, little lit-up town of Pigeon Forge, where we visited their Wax Museum, which was quite an adventure and a family favorite.

The walkways meander past dozens of Hollywood celebrities made into wax mannequins, looking almost identical to the real celebrities. All the way from Natalie Portman and Tom Hanks to Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton, the likenesses are amazing.

After this very realistic self-tour, we went up to the roof of the wax museum to get a picture with a replica of a life-sized King Kong, climbing the Wax Museum building.

The Titanic Museum is a complete historical and educational blast into the past. We learned very interesting history behind the Titanic, its plans and construction, captain, crew, fascinating passengers, route, and its fateful sinking. This museum included many real artifacts from the actual passengers on Titanic. We each received a

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small profile card of the passenger we were ‘portraying’. It showed our class (1st, 2nd, or 3rd), our age, and what our lives were like before Titanic and aboard Titanic.

One especially fascinating and gripping display simulates the steep incline of the decks during different phases of the sinking so visitors can stand on the decks and experience a tiny glimpse into the terror and difficulty passengers faced as they scrambled up nearly vertical decks in an attempt to hang on to the end.

Unlike other Titanic Mueums, this museum also included real props and costumes from James Cameron’s movie “Titanic,” such as clothes worn by the actors and actresses from the movie, as well as the script, director’s jacket, and even a film slate. The real ‘Heart of the Ocean’ necklace prop that was used in the movie was also on display. The museum also covered lesser known facts about the dogs and the pastors and ministers sailing on Titanic. There was also an exhibit where we could actually put our hands in freezing cold water that was the same frigid temperature as the water of the Atlantic ocean at the time of the ship’s sinking.

Whenever we visit Pigeon Forge, while we love Dollywood more than any other theme park in the country we also love Wonderworks, which truly is a wonder in the works. We’ve visited many times before and they often add new exhibits we thoroughly enjoy. You will love so many bizarre, yet interesting and fun facts, hands-on exhibits and activities and education mixed with See Travel, page 7

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018

Travel

Continued from page 6

wonder. It is a perfect place to reflect about space, art, logic, and many other fun facts. They even have a rope climbing wall that we have enjoyed during each visit since the kids were tiny.

While it is a fact that the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville areas do have all the usual high speed thrilling attractions, dinner theaters, and shopping, allow some time to enjoy a few of these excellent museum attractions as well.

Sevierville and Pigeon Forge have no shortage of excellent dining options for hungry families but our favorite restaurant in Sevierville, Tennessee is one that any music-loving family looking for a restaurant with quality food and hospitality must experience.

Tony Gore's Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill is an unbeatable restaurant that will treat your clan as if you’re longtime friends of theirs, and the food is simply delicious.

Every delectable recipe is from Gospel singer Tony Gore, himself. Pick anything off the menu and it will melt in your mouth to perfection.

We first visited Tony Gore’s restaurant years back and we were served Tony’s delicious potato chips with shredded meat.

Southern comfort food like this had never tasted so good before. His home baked desserts are gigantic and incredible.

In addition to making Tony Gore’s acquaintance and experiencing his awesome restaurant, we have also had the opportunity over the years, to learn a bit about the man behind the restaurant. Tony didn’t establish his restaurant on his own, he had God’s help in every way and is wonderfully entertaining at sharing his story.

Tony’s been singing since he was 14 with his astoundingly gifted voice, and is a very devoted man of God which shows it in the most heart-warming way. Tony has been blessed with an amazing musical talent. But this isn’t just any kind of Gospel music. He has Gospel music that will make you want to move, and he has songs that will touch your heart and maybe even make your faith stronger. Touching or fun Gospel music, it’s all a very uplifting experience, and you have got to see it in person.

Tony offers numerous concerts throughout the year where you can experience the music and the food of this talented and kind man. Check out his website whenever you visit the area as his shows do book up early and you won’t want to miss one. They are truly unforgettable.

As if the wonderful food and music aren't enough, Tony’s staff are just as warm and accommodating as Tony.

There are countless great eateries in the Pigeon Forge area but no visit would be complete with experiencing Tony Gore's BBQ and Tony is one of those people who you never forget and who touches your heart with his warmth and talent in a way that changes you forever. One woman we met at his restaurant has never missed but one concert in decades. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a real taste of the most fabulous melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and homemade desserts and music in the Smokies.

While Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are certainly most famous as a premier family vacation destination, and their famous shows and musical venues are major draws, you must plan at least one or two days around some of the fabulous museums and a stop off at Tony's is an absoute must. We have now made it a yearly tradition with our family, and are pretty sure you will too.

APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Construction Is Underway The City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities and its construction contractors are working on water meters, water mains, and water service lines in the area.

Visit www.MetersMatter.org to learn more about the project and to find out what may be happening in and around your neighborhood.

This work may result in: • Traffic delays • Sidewalk closures • Construction-related dust and noise This work addresses the State’s mandate for water meters to be installed on all water services.

Thank you for your cooperation on this very important project.

Contact us for more information: www.MetersMatter.org Meter Information Line: 916-808-5870

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Who wrote that?

KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with with Cheryl Keely

By Bitsy Kemper

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

A

uthor Cheryl Keely lives in Kentucky with her husband, David, one dog, one cat and four fish. When not writing, she volunteers with her dog Dagaz as a pet ambassador team with WAGS (Wonderful Animals Giving Support).

One of her favorite activities with the organization is to a local elementary school where children take turns reading to the dogs, to gain confidence in their reading skills. Cheryl says her dog Dagaz is now learning to read too. Really! So far her dog can recognize or “read” about six words, “although she is what could be called a reluctant reader,” Cheryl admits with a laugh.

Cheryl talked with columnist Bitsy Kemper about her newest picture book, and her overall writing journey.

Bitsy: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Cheryl: I wanted to be a veterinarian from the time I remember my first memories until I left for college. Then I wanted to write more, so I became a journalist. Only later did I realize I could have become the modern, female version of James Herriot [a veterinarian that is also a writer, most famously known as the author of All Creatures Great and Small].

BK: What did you end up majoring in?

CK: I got a bachelor’s degree in communication from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a master of science degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I went the journalism route because I always want to continue learning and getting paid to learn and share what I learned sounded good to me. However, I also wanted to continue playing. I love digging in the dirt, running

8

agility with my dog, blowing bubbles and making messes in the kitchen. Writing picture books combines the best of both worlds.

BK: You must love writing!

CK: I create because it’s part of me. My head is always spinning stories regardless of what I’m doing. I’m not an oral storyteller, that’s a whole other skill set. But I’ve always loved writing and reading. So, writing was going to fit into my life in some fashion.

BK: Do you think you’ve really always been a writer?

CK: Not writing has never been an option for me. Even if there’s no pen and paper to be found, my brain is always churning stories. I have found it’s more fun to share them.

BK: What I like about your debut book A Book of Bridges is that it tells facts about the different kinds of bridges around the world, but also bring home the point that bridges are made to bring people closer together. What a nice message.

CK: It’s a good book for the budding architect, as well as readers who can relate to having loved ones who live far away. And I have to give a shout out to illustrator Celia Krampien. I love her illustrations. And she worked a dog into the book!

BK: Has the book gotten much attention?

CK: I am very happy that A Book of Bridges received an Honor Award from the California Reading Association’s 2017 Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Awards.

BK: What are your favorite kinds of books, as a reader?

CK: I never list favorites – of anything. My husband says I don’t have favorites because I’m so afraid I’ll hurt all the other candies’, books’, flowers’, etc. feelings. He’s probably not entirely wrong but I prefer to say there’s just so much happy in the world, why chose? There’s enough love for it all.

BK: Surely some have got to rise to the top?

CK: A few books I really like are Duncan The Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll, Found Dogs

by Erica Sirotich, Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro and anything Beatrix Potter. OK, Beatrix Potter may be a favorite.

BK: Hmm, I’m sensing a theme…

CK: Yes, there’s a theme. I love any books with animals in them. I always wanted to talk to animals and have them talk to me. I talk to my pets all the time, as well as all the birds and squirrels in the yard.

(So far, though, I only get funny looks in return.)

BK: How would you summarize your life as a writer?

CK: I love being a writer/ author because it is a way for me to keep learning and sharing what I learn, hopefully in a fun way. I will read (or hear) something inter-

esting and read more about it until I find a nugget that I think will be a good story.

It’s curiosity. I hope I never lose that. I write for kids because kids are so naturally curious and I hope they, too, never lose that sense of curi-

osity and wonder. We need more wonder in the world.

Plus, I get to write in my PJs and drink tea while I’m doing it.

BK: Hah, well no arguments there. Best to you, Cheryl!

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

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AUTHOR CHERYL KEELY Website: www.cherylkeely.com Twitter: @clkeely Instagram: @clkeely Favorite saying: Never stop learning. Never stop playing.

Pizza or Burger?

Vegan burger with mustard and pickles Who Would Play Her in a Movie: Jennifer Garner

BOOKS BY CHERYL KEELY A Book of Bridges: Here to There and Me to You, illustrated by Celia Krampien, Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2017

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018

Games

A Great Wind Blows This is a noisy, running around game which works well as an ice-breaker. You’ll need chairs for all of the kids, and space to play.

How to play:

Arrange the chairs in a circle, facing the middle. All the children sit down.

An adult stands outside the circle and calls out “A great wind blows for everyone who....�, fills in the blank with a statement that will affect some of the group (see ideas below). Anyone who is affected must stand up and find another chair which is at least 2 chairs away from their own.

If a large group of children stand up, the adult should quickly remove one of the chairs from the circle as soon as the kids stand up and begin moving. Any child who cannot find a chair moves outside the circle and helps the adult come up with ideas for the next “great wind blows�.

Here are some ideas:

A great wind blows for everyone who has a little brother A great wind blows for everyone who has a big sister A great wind blows for everyone who has been to France A great wind blows for everyone who has a dog A great wind blows for everyone who ate cornflakes for breakfast this morning A great wind blows for everyone who likes (celebrity)

Beanbag Contest This game takes a little effort to set up, but the kids will have a lot of fun with it. It is obviously better on a dark evening! It could be a good game to play at a Halloween party, especially if the children are wearing spooky costumes. Age: 4+

Preparation:

Divide the children into teams and line them up in rows. Give the child at the front of each row a beanbag.

How to play:

The children must now pass the beanbag from one to the next and back again, in a particular style, which you can decide as appropriate for the age of the children.

For example, - pass it down the row with the right hand only - pass it up the row with left hand only - pass it down the row with both hands

Blind Man’s Bluff This is a very old favorite, thought to date back to Tudor times at least! It was originally known as Blind Man’s Buff.

There is also a traditional Chinese version known as “Blind Man� or “Chicken�.

Age: 6+ You will need: All you will need is a blindfold and enough space for some excitable children!

- pass it up the row with right hand over left shoulder - pass it down the row with left hand over right shoulder - pass it up the row under the right leg - pass it down the row under the left leg, and so on It might be a good idea to have a practise game first! If a beanbag is dropped, you can either make the children start again from the beginning or from the front of the row.

When all the beanbags have been passed correctly, a winner is declared.

How to play: Choose one child to be “it�, and blindfold him or her. Turn her round a few times to disorientate her a little, while the other children group themselves around her. Then let her try to tag one of the other children, who will then become “it�.

Variation: Play as above, but when a child is caught the blindfolded child must try to guess who it is by carefully feeling their face and hair.

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Make it yourself!

Bath Salts

T

hese bath salts are a fun crafty gift which kids can make to give to mother on Mother’s Day, a grandmother on Grandparents Day or other favorite adult any time of year!

Craft Foam Vase T

he craft foam vase is just what you need for displaying your I Love My Mum/ Mom Flower or bunch of daffodils for Mother’s Day.

You will need: Plain bath salts (like Epsom salts) Essential oil Powder or paste food coloring (not liquid) Glass jar Pretty fabric Ribbon

Instructions: Put some of the plain bath salts into an old bowl.

Put in a tiny amount of essential oil (about 2 drops for every cup of salts) and a tiny amount of food coloring.

Stir well with an old wooden spoon until all of the salts absorb the color. Repeat with as many different colors as you like.

Carefully pour the salts into a clean jar (we layered different colors).

Cut a square of fabric to fit over the lid of the jar, tie in place with some pretty ribbon.

You will need: Green craft foam Craft foam flowers or other embellishments Double sided sticky tape Glue

Instructions: • Draw around a cup to make a circle on the foam and cut out.

• Cut out a rectangle of green foam about 10cm by 15cm. Roll into a tube and use the double sided tape to join together.

• Cover one edge of the tube in glue and stand in the centre of the circle.

• Glue the foam flowers on to the vase and then leave to dry.

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Snowline Thrift Store (916) 246-7498

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3133 Arden Way, Sacramento www.snowlinehospice.org CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2018

Fabric Yoyo Brooch

T

his pretty brooch is fun for kids to sew and - if you can bear to part with it - it makes a lovely gift for mothers, grannies or friends! And of course you can make all sorts of variations depending on what fabrics you have available... why not make one to match every outfit!

C

hildren can have some messy fun making these fingerprint flower cards - perfect for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

You will need: Three pieces of different patterned fabric.

Thread and needle.

Button Safety pin/brooch back

You will need:

Instructions: Cut 3 paper circles about 4, 5 and 6 inches diameter. Pin each to one of the pieces of fabric and cut out. Alternatively draw around cups and saucers onto the fabric.

Cut a piece of thread long enough to go all of the way around the edge of your biggest circle with some spare. Knot one end and thread the other.

Sew a loose running stitch around the outside of the largest circle, finishing with the thread to the right side of the fabric.

Sew a loose but neat running stitch around the circumference of the circle Pull the thread so the fabric gathers. Secure the gap with a few stitches. Knot the fabric and tie off.

Repeat with the smaller two circles.

APRIL 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Fingerprint Flower Cards

Pink and purple paint White paper Pink card

Instructions:

When you have your three yo-yos, layer them up with a button over the top hole.

Stitch the button in place going through all three yoyos.

Finish off by stitching a safety pin or brooch pin to the back.

On the white paper, print 3 flowers in a line. Use a purple finger print for the center of the flower, and add pink fingerprints around the outside as petals.

For the roses, dip a finger in pink paint and another in purple.

Swirl the two fingers together in a spiral so the colors mix.

Fold the card in half. Cut out the flowers and glue the painted strip down the front of the card.

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