California Kids - July 2018

July 2018

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

Preparation • Respect • Responsibility • Community • Excellence Kindergarten Now Enrolling!

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For the 2018-2019 School Year. Space is limited.

FULL DAY PROGRAM 6620 Gloria Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95831 | (916) 421-0600 | www.sacprep.org

New model could illuminate autism subtype Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute have created a mouse model for maternal antibody-related (MAR) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that closely mimics the physiology and behaviors seen in people with this form of ASD. People with MAR ASD have been exposed to maternal autoantibodies, which can react with fetal brain tissue.

This model could help researchers investigate the neural damage associated with the condition. The study was published today in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

“We’ve really needed an animal model that mimics what we see clinically,” said Judy Van de Water, professor in the UC Davis MIND Institute and Center for Children’s Environmental Health and senior author on the paper.

“We can then understand the mechanisms, the pathology, and what the brains of these animals look like. In time,

we might be able to use it to develop therapeutics.”

Van de Water goes into great detail about previous research on MAR ASD in a review that was published June 22 in Molecular Psychiatry.

While the adult bloodbrain barrier is quite good at blocking antibodies, the fetal structure can be more porous and allow reactive maternal autoantibodies into the brain.

This happens in about 25 percent of mothers whose children have ASD. This research was inspired by the challenges faced by MAR ASD patients. The researchers wanted to create a model that incorporated these autoantibodies so they could investigate the molecular pathways involved. They also wanted to understand the roles maternal autoantibodies play in ASD. Are they actually causing damage or are they simply acting as proxy biomarkers for other mechanisms?

www.valcomnews.com Publisher: David Herburger Editor: Monica Stark Contributing Writers: Susan Roberts, Bitsy Kemper, Carmel Mooney Art Director: John Ochoa Graphic Designer: Annin Greenhalgh Advertising: Melissa Andrews, Linda Pohl - 916-429-9901 Cover art by Annin Greenhalgh California Kids! is published monthly and distributed to more than 1,000 locations in the Sacramento Valley, including all of Sacramento County, and portions of Yolo (Davis and Woodland), Placer (Rocklin and Roseville), El Dorado (Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Placerville) counties.

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To create the model, the team identified the specific regions of the seven human proteins where antibodies bind.

They then used these pieces of the total protein to generate similar autoreactivity in mice.

Once the model was created, they spent several months conducting behavioral and other tests to validate it. Specifically, the mice showed problems with social interaction and repetitive self-grooming. They also exhibited enlarged heads, similar to human MAR ASD behaviors and physical characteristics.

“We were able to replicate those behaviors across different tests and match these clinically to the kids who have this subtype of autism,” said postdoctoral researcher and first author Karen L. Jones.

“Autism is a purely human disorder, you’re never going to have an autistic mouse. We were pleasantly surprised at how well the model maps to the human condition.”

Perhaps most importantly, the model showed that the maternal autoantibodies were actually causing the symptoms.

“These antibodies absolutely have an effect on behavior,” said Van de Water.

This MAR ASD model may eventually help researchers investigate new treatments, but that won’t happen for some time. More immediately, the team wants to use it to study how these autoantibodies disrupt brain development.

“We want to understand how these antibodies are affecting the developing brain at the cellular level,” said Van de Water. “It’s a much more representative model than we’ve had in the past, which will help us conduct more detailed studies.”

Other authors include Michael C. Pride, Elizabeth Edmiston, Mu Yang, Jill L. Silverman and Jacqueline N. Crawley. This research was supported by the NIEHS Center for Children’s Environmental Health (2P01ES011269-11), the Environmental Protection Agency (83543201), the NIEHS-funded CHARGE study (R01ES015359), and the NICHD-funded IDDRC 054 (U54HD079125), the Hearst Foundation, and The Hartwell Foundation.

A Grade: Working in groups has better outcome than working alone Akshaj Mehta

Sci-Tech Kids Editor

“Ok everyone! Now you have your groups get into them and brainstorm ideas for your robots!” My teacher announced.

We were focusing on a robotic subject in class. There was a competition with the robots and it was a race. We were getting graded on team collaboration and effort. I was partnered with 3 other people, one of them being my friend. I was not very social during that year and I always thought it was “My way or the highway.” We discussed a few ideas and that was the end of class. The next day we got our robot and started to build. We ran into a few bumps and we stopped halfway through the instruction. I was arguing about which way to put the robot legs to the body. Everyone else thought it was wrong. I was continuing to tell them that it won’t work, one of them did back down. The other two in my group stood their ground. It got heated very fast and I quickly glanced at the teacher and she was busy trying to sort out a problem in another group. I finally convinced them of my idea and the teacher then came over.

“What’s going on here?” The teacher asked.

“Uh nothing, nothing. We were arguing but now it’s all ok.” I quickly responded nervously. She walked to her desk and started doing paperwork. The group split apart and I was working by myself momentarily. I attached the robot legs how I thought it would work. I called the rest of my group over and they sat down next to me.

“Ugh did you really do it this way?” One of the group members asked annoyingly and disapprovingly.

“Yes!” I snapped back. I was already upset and this person was pushing me to the boiling point. We ran the app and went to the main carpet to test it. It did not even start. We called over the teacher and she was trying to fumble with the app but it was clear she didn’t know. Next she looked at the instructions. We sat around her quietly waiting for what she was going to say. She finally said that, “Oh the legs were put on wrong!” My stomach flipped. “See it’s an easy fix.” She added as she walked away. I was very embarrassed. They didn’t talk to me for the rest of the day as they continued building. All I could do was watch. The next day was the competition. We were sent into our groups and I said, “Hey guys, I’m really sorry about yesterday. It was my fault.” They were surprisingly forgiving and they told me, “Hey it’s alright. The important thing is to win the race!” I agreed quickly. We put together the rest of the robot and we actually were the first to finish. After finishing we made signs for our robot and handed them out to other groups to cheer us on. Our robot name was Zebee. After everyone finished it was time to race. We did a time race to see which robot and group could maneuver it around the carpet the fastest 3 times.

“Dibs on being the controller!” I told my group but they all disagreed. They thought each of them should have a turn.

“But there’s only 3 laps and 4 people.” I said softly. Everyone looked at each other. “Ok fine. I’ll be the one not to race. Just make sure to be slow and steady!” I said. The time race had begun.

Our robot was slowly making it’s way around for the first lap.

“GO faster!” I exclaimed. The person quickly sped up the robot and it zoomed the final two left turns. Next the robot went to fast and crashed into the wall. It recovered and it was the next person turn. They did a mixture of both, apparently my shouting was getting through with them. It crossed the finish line in about 1minute 30 seconds. We held our breath as everyone else did there’s. Throughout we remained victorious. We got first place and most importantly we got 100% for teamwork and effort.

In conclusion, working with others, even if you may not like doing it, leads to a greater outcome than what you would be able to accomplish alone.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018

The dad navigates troubled waters: Honesty with a 10% discount

By Steve DeBenedetti-Emanuel If you read my first article in my column, you know that I am a guy who is a Marriage and Family Therapist and father of a wonderful 10-year-old KD. In my first article “Monopoly vs. the iPhone” I looked at the importance of spending quality time with my boy. When I do, life goes great, and when I don’t life goes off the rails. And with this in mind, as tedious as it is for me, Monopoly makes it back…

I’m a pretty honest dude, and like all parents, I talk to KD about being honest. For you Monopoly experts you know that one of the Chance Cards is “Bank error in your favor. Collect $200.”

Each and every time we’d draw that card, we talked about the importance of giving the $200 back. Eventually, KD rolled his eyes. He got the point.

And he and I have had other opportunities to talk about being honest. The Captain and I once found $60 as we drove down the street on the UC Berkeley campus. (A brief side bar. KD and I call Stephanie “The Captain.” So from here on out, this is what I’ll call her.) We sat in our car for at least 15 minutes, in case one of the desperate students ran outside looking for the cash.

Nobody did. We had sushi money. The Captain and I have talked about it with him.

Another time, I found $13 on the ground outside Temple Coffee (one of my favorites,) and I went inside and asked if anyone lost any money. My thought: “Hey, that’s three or four cups of coffee. I’d be majorly bummed to lose my monthly coffee budget.” Of course, everyone raised their hands in jest, but nobody had actually lost any money. I got my coffees. And KD and I have talked about it.

A different time I was at the gas pump and looked down and found a play ring with fake diamonds. After a little spit, it looked more and more real. Yep, it was a platinum and diamond wedding band. I suppose I could have sold it on the black market (like I knew where to find one.)

Instead, I turned it into the police and left an ad in the paper, which is what you need to do to keep it. And I got to keep it. And KD and I have talked about it.

So, I’m an honest dude. And KD knows this.

Still it isn’t always easy to be honest. I recently made a purchase at a place where once you spend $100, you get a 10 percent discount. For whatever reason, the checker wasn’t able to get the cash register to work, so she simply gave us a 10 percent discount on our purchases, without adding it to our balance sheet.

I’m a closet math geek, and did the quick figuring and said to the cashier, “So I could come back and buy something else and get the

discount.” I was prepared to double-dip. And I was pumped…

Fortunately, the cashier looked at me and said she knows I’m an honest guy and wouldn’t do it. Whether or not her intent was to help me look good, I then realized that KD was at the register with me, and I could have looked really bad. So I quickly recovered and let her know that I would never double-dip like that.

But what if I’d ended-up taking the 10 percent now and 10 percent later. KD is also a math geek and would have figured it out. I know he would have noticed. And I would have worried that he’d feel let down.

I’m far from a perfect parent. And sometimes I’m just decent enough. But I’m an honest dude, and if I can pass alone the importance of this to KD, I think that’s a good thing.

What are some of the good things about you that you want your kids to see and carry with them through life?

Until next time…

Steve DeBenedetti-Emanuel is a licensed marriage and family therapist at River City Counseling, located at 1501 28th St., Suite 230, Sacramento. He can be reached at 916-9190218. To learn about River City Counseling, visit www.rivercitycounseling.com

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 JULY 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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Who wrote that?

KIDLIT CREATORS WHO MAKE KIDS WANT TO READ An interview with Mary M. Preble

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.

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ow many people remember the old Dick and Jane books? How many people remember the name of the author of the Dick and Jane books? This month’s featured author and illustrator Mary M. Preble does. Not just because she read the books. But because the author, Helen Robinson, was Mary’s first grade teacher.

“I can remember this tiny woman writing on the board and standing next to my desk as we recited rhyming words,” Mary recalls. What a cherish-able memory! Mary met with columnist Bitsy Kemper and shared more about her writing and illustrating journey.

Bitsy: Did having Helen Robinson as a teacher affect your career?

Mary: I did graduate from UMASS Amherst with a degree in Art Education, and I teach art today. But my parents were both teachers, so teaching is in my blood.

BK: Do you consider yourself and artist or a writer?

MMP: Well, I’ve always done both.

BK: Always?

MMP: I have always written…funny poems, little ditties…and I loved helping my daughters study for tests by coming up with mnemonics for them. I have also been creating art since I was very little. I can remember my fourth-grade teacher asking me to illustrate stories on the chalkboard.

laps. I spend the time spelling words for fun, or doing shopping lists in my head, or rhyming.

BK: Hmm, I still don’t get the connection.

MMP: OK., right. Two years ago, my daughter told me she was having a baby. That day, as I swam, a poem about animals popped into my head. As I finished my swim, I got out of the water and thought “I need to write that down.” Over the next month, I wrote and rewrote that poem—an ABC adventure to the zoo—and it turned into a book. I still have that first page.

BK: You illustrated the book too, right?

MMP: Yes. After working on the story for about a month, one day when I was swimming—no surprise—I could see the artwork in my head. I realized I could use colorful, textured-filled papers for the artwork that I use with my art students.

It was a perfect match.

BK: So, you combined the two and started creating your own books?

MMP: Not exactly. My books are a direct result of swimming.

BK: You went for a few swims and ended up with a new career!

MMP: Hah, yes, I guess so.

I finished that first story as a gift to my future grandchild; when the book was complete I realized it was my new calling. Now I’ve published two of my own books, have two more in the works, and have been asked to illustrate someone else’s book!

BK: Swimming?

MMP: Hah, let me explain.

When I swim, I don’t count

BK: Describe your unique artwork in the books. It’s stunning.

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MMP: Thank you! All the art work is made from h ​ andpainted papers that are then collaged. It’s colorful, whimsical, and looks 3D. I’ve heard people say it reminds them of Eric Carle. I say I am like Eric Carle on a lot of caffeine!

BK: Is it a complicated art process?

MMP: A few years ago I learned a new medium: monoprinting with a gel plate. Unlike a commercial stamp, no matter how hard you try, you can never get a second print to match it exactly. It makes for one-ofa-kind work. I then started using something called a GelPress plate where I take recycled items—sometimes literally discarded items I find on walks like twigs or crushed cans—to create textures to use for a collage effect or as background.

BK: Do you share these techniques on author visits?

MMP: Yes. For lower/ younger grades, I share the story of how I began, and then I show them how I make these unique painted papers. In the upper grades, I do the same but in more depth. We discuss the importance of editing and not falling in love with what is first put down on paper. Depending on time,

students have a chance to create a piece of artwork collaging their/my painted papers. I’ve got samples of some great student art on my website.

BK: Sounds very interesting, and educational.

MMP: I also give two-tothree-hour workshops on my art process to teachers, showing how it can enhance a student’s written work.

BK: Students of all ages must be in good hands when Mary M. Preble is in the house!

Bitsy Kemper is author of 16 children’s books and 5 e-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 MARY M. PREBLE

Mary comes from a large family of three sisters and four brothers. She now lives in New Hampshire where she teaches art and spends summers swimming in Maine. She has been married for 35 years, has two beautiful daughters and one spunky grandson.

Website: www.marympreble.com Instagram: marymprebleauthorartist

Favorite saying: “I am not lucky – I just show up”

BOOKS Let’s Go To the Zoo – an ABC Adventure, 2017 Let’s Go On a Hike, 2018 Coming soon: “Let’s Go Swimming” “Let’s Go to the Farm”

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018

First 5 California:

Six Tips For New Fathers

by Camille Maben,

Executive Director, First 5 California.

B

ecoming a new father can feel a little overwhelming. There’s the lack of sleep, the added responsibilities, the loss of free time, and trying to balance it all. Fatherhood is one of the most wonderful experiences in life, and one of the most important for your child’s early development.

First 5 California has some suggestions on things you can do to make sure your child gets the best possible start in life.

1) Daddy time is critical time.

Giving your wife a break and taking over feeding and comforting your newborn will not only give your partner time to catch some z’s or even shower, but also will help you bond and become closer to your baby.

2) Baby talk may be the most important conversation you have all day.

Talking with your baby is one of the most valuable activities you can do. Studies show that children who are talked to on a regular basis throughout their earliest years will have heard 30 million more words than those who aren’t.

You can talk about your day at work, the trade your favorite team should have made, or what you’re making for dinner. And it doesn’t have to be one-sided. Listen to your baby and encourage their responses.

3) Learning another language can never start too early.

Studies show that children are born with the ability to identify sounds from every language, and speaking another language can help them in a myriad of ways. Dual language learners develop greater working memory, reasoning, flexibility, and problem solving. Knowing more than one language can also increase their career opportunities and keep them mentally sharp later in life.

4) Count on it.

It’s never too early to start working on math skills. Early exposure to simple math helps children develop familiarity and comfort with math, increases their confidence, sets the foundation for more advanced concepts, and helps with learning other subjects.

You can count fingers and toes, building blocks and shapes, or sing counting songs.

5) Make time for stories every day.

Reading to your children on a regular basis throughout the first years of their lives will build their vocabularies and language skills even before they can talk.

It also can give them more information about the world and create a lifelong love of books and learning.

6) Sing a little song.

Singing to your baby will not only help their brain develop, but it also will strengthen the connection between you and your baby. Singing and playing music improves their rhythmic development and brings a sense of calm.

You can make homemade instruments from cardboard boxes or an empty plastic container, or just sing with only your voices.

Your interactions with your baby can help them the rest of their life and create memories you will cherish for all of your days.

More tips and information are available at http://www. first5california.com ABOUT FIRST 5 CALIFORNIA: First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers in the critical role they play during a child’s first five years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit http:// www.first5california.com

JULY 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

Sierra Child and Family Services is looking for homes that can provide a safe, stable, nurturing and flexible environment to children in need.

Do you have room in your heart and home for one more?

Become a foster/adoptive parent.

SCFS provides: • Monthly stipend for all children placed in your home • Regular home visits by highly trained social workers to provide ongoing support, answer questions and help connect you with community resources • Fun social events to encourage networking between families • 24/7 on-call support for emergencies • Full service adoption program to facilitate and assist you in growing your family SCFS is a partner with the LGBTQ Foster Youth Collaborative. The collaborative is working to identify and support families that are able to provide loving, supportive, afforming and permanent homes for LGBTQ foster youth.

Five offices to answer any questions you may have regarding foster care/adoption: Diamond Springs (Lic. 097005028) • 530-295-1491 Jackson (Lic. 037004238) • 209-257-1244 Sacramento (Lic. 347000190) • 916-487-2111 South Lake Tahoe (Lic. 097004206) • 530-544-2111 Stockton (Lic. 397005137) • 209-474-1549

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Canadian Family Road & Rail Trip to Edmonton and Jasper National Park

By Carmel L. Mooney

We found Edmonton, Alberta to be the perfect starting point for our family vacation to the beautiful Alberta province. Canada’s festival city welcomes families the entire year through with thriving arts and festivals attracting visiting families from around the world. A natural beauty with eclectic shops and neighborhoods, museums, parks and the North Saskatchewan River, its iconic landmarks like the West Edmonton Mall and the biggest indoor water park in North America, this diverse and cultural hub was named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2007.

Fort Edmonton Park is another one of our favorite historic and fun adventure spots where various time periods are depicted by costumed docents. We enjoyed the wonderful train ride through various parts of the park and an amusement area with rides and carnival attractions added to our fun. The kids won lots of prizes at the carnival; what a novelty!

After immersing our clan in the culture and arts of Edmonton, we hopped on the Via Rail System for a weekender to Jasper National Park, one of the crown jewels of Canada.

The spectacular rail adventure takes only a few hours and is some of the most breathtaking and gorgeous scenery a family can experience anywhere. Every second of the journey was savored as we took in the majestic snow covered Canadian Rocky mountains. The train offers a great vantage point to enjoy the majesty from a glass domed car. It might sounds silly but the kids still talk about the wonderful Canadian teas and tea biscuits we enjoyed on the train.

Jasper is a serene small town in a big park, a historic settlement that seemingly without effort, strikes a complex balance between conservation and development, ecology and economics. This gateway to adventure and unsurpassed beauty is part of a World Heritage Site where you’ll likely commune with elk, deer, bear, and eagles like we did.

Jasper offers world class luxury married with rugged wilderness and great food paired with the simple beauty of blanketed skies dotted with millions of stars. As a mom, I liked the outdoorsy-ness mixed with comfort.

We enjoyed dinner at Evil Dave’s downtown where a locally owned,

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funky and laid back restaurant offers globally inspired dishes that share elegance and comfort food. Familyfriendly and classy at the same time, this restaurant was unique and fun for everyone.

We stayed at the Tonquin Inn surrounded by snow peaked mountains and located right in the heart of Jasper, convenient to the train station and with easy access to hiking trails, rafting, shopping, and dining. Cozy, comfortable, rustic, and with pool and spas, this should be any traveling family’s top pick. It’s popular though, so plan a little extra time to stand in line for check-in and check-out.

One of the best highlights of our Jasper visit was our float rip down the Athabasca River. We were glad we tried Jasper Raft Tours. This operation was highly organized, safe, and our guide was informed and competent. The scenery was lovely and a great time was had by all the young and old in our group who came from nearly a half dozen different countries.

After rafting all morning, we worked up an appetite for a great dinner at Tekarra Restaurant, a favorite by celebrities and locals alike. A warm, rustic ambiance with delicious hearty entrees and a spectacular view of the rivers and wilderness made this a great all around experience.

The highlight of our entire Jasper trip was taking a Harley Davidson motorcycle and sidecar tour of Jasper National Park. We got outfitted with complete riding gear and the experience was truly the thrill of the trip. My tween has never stopped talking about it. Although I rode motorcycles, B.K. (before kids), I shy away from it now and I actually felt safe letting the kids try this out in a relatively controlled environment. In a National Park the speeds were low, traffic light, and scenery was astounding.

We also took the Jasper Tramway and we thoroughly enjoyed the views from the top as well as spying the local wildlife. Hiking trails abound so plan a few hours to enjoy the various vistas. Looking back, we should have allowed more time for hiking.

After a few wonderful days in glorious Jasper, we opted to return to Edmonton to take in some more festivals and to explore more of the fun there. Staying at the beautiful Fantasyland Hotel right inside the

West Edmonton Mall, is by far, the best family-friendly choice anywhere. All the rooms are themed with anything from cowboy western, to igloo, to Africa Safari, to race car, Roman, and Hollywood Star styles. Kids and parents alike will delight in this experience which includes huge in-room jacuzzi tubs, fresh chocolates and liqueurs, fresh fruit, and a sumptuous gourmet buffet breakfast in the mall.

If your kids love a pool like ours, you won’t have to look far for the biggest and most spectacular indoor water park in North America, which happens to be in the mall right by the hotel. The mall has dozens of the best restaurants in the city along with shopping, Olympic size ice rink, life-sized models of famous pirate and sailing ships, miniature golf, and an ocean animal performance and aquatic museum. And don’t forget GalaxyLand where kids and parents can enjoy an indoor theme park complete with train and huge indoor thrill rides, roller coasters and attractions. We went several times.

You’ll want to eat at Earl’s , one of the best Canadian family-friendly dining experiences we have ever encountered. Earl’s food is superb, and the staff offers impeccable service.

They offer educational, hands on cooking/dining experiences. When we were there, they taught our family about sushi making and the kids loved trying their hand with Earl’s best chefs. This was a great memory!

The beauty of this hotel and mall is that a family can be as involved in

the noisy merry-making and excitement as they want while the relaxing and peaceful hotel waits at the edge of the mall, to pamper the weary or those in need of a nap or some down time. You really get the best of both worlds.

We enjoyed the Tellus World of Science Museum and IMAX theater where we learned a lot and had tons of fun with interactive displays and attractions.

When planning your family trip to Edmonton, plan your trip, like we did, around some of the world famous festivals offered throughout the year so you can enjoy a real taste of Edmonton. Whether you plan to stay during the Folk Music, Street Performers, Heritage, Jazz, or Literary Festival, you’ll find Edmonton’s festivals fascinating. www.travelalberta.com CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018

JULY 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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Growing healthy young artists: Art land in Fair Oaks now accepting students for summer sessions Budding young artists have a new home away from home.

Art Land, owned and operated by Fair Oaks artist Amy Green, offers small group art classes for children, ages 6 to 12.

Bucking the trend of art classes taught in commercial storefronts or galleries with a paint-by-number style of instruction, Amy offers her program in the comfort of her own home, giving kids a peaceful setting where they can relax while exploring a variety of art materials.

Art Land offers five summer sessions which begin in July and end in August. Each session is four consecutive mornings (three hours each) of art exploration with a unique theme, a brief age-appropriate look at art history, four different art projects with instruction, soothing music, and even a healthy snack. From watercolor painting to sculpture, and bookmaking to print making, there is something new for every child to explore. Students are encouraged to relax, support one another, learn how to talk about art, and make beautiful personal artwork. Session themes include intriguing titles such as “Amazing Nature,” “Story Telling,” “Prism of People,” “Light and Inspiration,” and “Magical Fantasy.”

Amy holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree from California College of the Arts in Oakland and a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from CSU, Chico.

Her own artwork has included watercolor and ink paintings, intaglio etchings, ceramics, stained glass, sculpture, book making, film/video, and performance art. She has been showing her artwork in galleries in the Bay Area and Sacramento since 1999. www.amygreenart.com Amy has also trained in mindfulness meditation for the last 25 years and integrates aspects of mindfulness into her artwork and teaching processes.

Handed down from her mother, who also taught children, Amy’s teaching mantra -- “There are no mistakes in art” -- represents the ethereal nature of making art which often includes unforeseen results by the artist, and it represents her philosophy of working with children.

Amy explains her teaching philosophy further, as follows: “Kids are already under so much pressure to succeed. With school, sports, and even their fragile young social skills, kids tend to believe that they’re failures unless they do things ‘right’ the first time they try. I see it with my own two sons who are in elementary school. They face these pressures daily.

“Art is a true escape from the pressure to do things right. That freedom is both liberating

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and terrifying, and that’s the ‘special sauce’ that’s so important for people to experience.

Creative self-expression is a skill many people lose if they don’t practice it. And without it, we see adults with internal struggles, and no healthy outlet for self-expression. So, when my students explore art, they explore themselves and become more resilient. They do a lot of problem-solving. They sometimes face disappointment, but they find ways to stay open minded. My style of instruction helps them stay flexible and accepting of themselves as they grow and change.”

Registration for summer sessions at Art Land are now open. For details, visit Art Land on Facebook and click on the “Events” tab. Or you can email Art Land directly at ArtLand4Kids@ gmail.com.

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018

Birth of an endangered red panda cub

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n Monday, June 25 one of the Sacramento Zoo’s red pandas gave birth to a female cub. The cub was born to 7-year-old mother, Pili, and 9-year-old father, Takeo. The pregnancy was confirmed last month during Pili’s annual exam. The expectant mother has been closely monitored over a closed-circuit video system in an off-exhibit maternity den where she gave birth.

This birth makes the cub one of approximately 200 red pandas in zoological institutions across North America.

The cub and mother were closely monitored by veterinary and zookeeper staff around the clock. Staff noticed signs that Pili was exhibiting neglectful maternal behaviors, including leaving the cub unattended in the outside area of her den.

After roughly 24 hours of observation, the decision was made to intervene and hand raise the cub, giving her cub the best opportunity to thrive. Allowing a red panda mother to attentively care for her cub is optimal in most cases, but when factors including maternal neglect are observed, it is important for animal care staff to intervene. The cub is currently being closely monitored and cared for on-grounds in the ICU area of the zoo’s Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital.

Veterinary staff performed a brief neonatal exam on June 26. At that time, the cub weighed just under four ounces (113 grams) and was hypothermic. Her temperature has since returned to normal and she is vocalizing during her frequent feedings. The cub is and will continue to be cared for in the ICU in a neonatal incubator over the next several months.

The cub is being fed every three hours, around the clock. Veterinary staff are hand-feeding formula with a lactase supplement as red pandas are lactose intolerant.

These feedings will continue every three hours and sometimes can be publicly viewed at the window of the Dr.

7-year-old mother, Pili

Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital.

Red pandas are generally shy and solitary, except during breeding season. Females give birth in the spring and summer, typically to one to four cubs. Highly sensitive red panda cubs remain in their nest for at least 90 days with their mothers. Male red pandas take little to no interest in their young, as the pair separate shortly after breeding.

Red panda cubs have a high mortality rate with roughly 50 percent surviving to the one-month mark.

JULY 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

The zoo’s other pair of red pandas, Amaya and Benjamin, who are being housed off exhibit for a breeding recommendation, recently gave birth to a cub who unfortunately didn’t survive past 48 hours. Amaya and Benjamin will continue to live behind-the-scenes while Pili and Takeo will be on exhibit daily. Red pandas are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are native to Eastern Asia, including Nepal, Myanmar Tibet and south-central China.

The cub weighs approximately 4 ounces (113 grams)

REGISTRATION FEES:

Birth Year

Registration Cost

Recreation U6-U8

2011-2014

75.00

Recreation U10-U19

2000-2010

95.00

(Registration fee includes: SYSL Registration Fee, Referee fees, Field Fees, Player Pictures and Saturday games.)

Sacramento Youth Soccer Club is open for registration to boys and girls born in 2000-2014. Online registration and all the registration info is available on our website! Opening Day is Sept 8, teams filling now.

www.sacyouthsoccer.com

Uniform fee is $30.00 and Immediate family discount is available: $25.00 for 3rd family player, on up.

In-Person Registration will be held on July 10 and July 12th from 7pm-8:30pm at Round Table Pizza, 1307 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95831. Additional in-person dates will be held on June 26 and June 28 from 7pm-8:30pm and July 14 from 11am-1pm at Round Table Pizza, 3005 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA *New players must bring: a copy of their government issued birth document—hospital or baptism certificates are not acceptable—and the Registration Fee. Pictures for the player pass will be taken at registration, so please bring your player.

| soccerinsacramento@gmail.com 9

Make it yourself!

Handprint Strawberry Flower Face Mask

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

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ummer is strawberry season. If you can’t celebrate by getting out to pick some strawberries, why not try making a handprint strawberry!

You will need: Red, green and black paint Paper

Instructions: Print two red handprints with the fingers overlapping.

Use the sides of your little fingers to add two green leaves where the palms join. Finish off by adding black fingerprints for the seeds.

his flower face mask can be adapted with different colors, different sized petals, different materials; you could even change it into a “sun” mask.

Start with two large circles of cardboard and another of felt. Glue one circle of card and the felt together and cut out eye holes with a small pair of sharp scissors. Mark the eye holes on the second piece of card and cut out, then set aside for now.

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or stick onto c a r d before cutting y o u r petals out) or card. Turn your face over and glue the petals around the edge.

Add a face to the felt side, using more felt, pipe cleaners, pompoms or whatever other bits and pieces you have in your craft cupboard.

Apply glue to the second piece of card and stick it to the back of the mask, sandwiching the petals in the process.

Now cut your petals. You could use pretty paper, fabric (iron onto stiff interfacing

Turn back to the front and neaten the mask by applying a cord or braid around the edge of the circle.

Design your own flip flops craft

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his flip flops craft is a perfect group activity - perhaps for a summer party and uses up all your scraps of paper, wrapping paper, card and ribbon! Younger children will enjoy the same craft using craft foam, card and pipe cleaners.

You could use these flip flops to decorate your house, your fridge, or the front of an invitation or birthday card. A particularly nice pair can even be framed (leave out the glass) to make a cute picture for your child’s bedroom wall.

You will need: - An assortment of card, paper, wrapping paper (gift wrap), craft foam, etc - Ribbons and braids (or pipe cleaners for younger kids) - Scissors and glue - Decorations such as beads, plastic or silk flowers, stickers etc can be used if you like.

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- Template Instructions: Print out the Flip Flops Template and cut out the individual pieces. Younger kids will just need the bigger pair of flip flops; older kids will want to use both.

For younger kids Using the larger two templates, draw round them onto the craft foam and carefully cut out. An adult should pierce three holes in the flip flops where shown on the template (we used a pencil, but you could also use nail scissors or a metal skewer or bradawl). Use two pipe cleaners per flip flop, as shown in the photo above, bending the pipe cleaner back-

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wards on the underneath of the flip flop to hold it in place.

We further decorated our flip flops by cutting a small circle of craft foam and threading the pipe cleaners through that as well, and also by threading beads onto the pipe cleaner before pushing it through the second hold.

For older kids Use two different materials for your flip flops, cutting the larger templates from one and the smaller templates from the other. Pierce three holes in the smaller template, then thread pieces of ribbon or cord through the holes (we found it easier if we pushed our ribbon through the holes with a sharp pencil). Use sticky tape to fasten the ribbon on the underneath of the flip flop, then glue the top of the flip flop to the bottom, sandwiching the ends of the ribbon in between.

If you like, you can cut the flower shapes out and use them to finish off your flip flops. Alternatively use beads, plastic flowers, hearts or butterflies or even pompoms to decorate them!

CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018

Hold A Boat Race

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ake advantage of a glorious summer day to combine a craft and outdoor activity in one! And if the sun isn’t shining, you could always use the bath tub!

You will need: Large paper flag for each boat (design your own or use some of our scrapbook paper) Popsicle stick Sticky tape Plastic tray Stick your flag to the popsicle stick with tape. Use lots of tape to make the stick stand upright in the center of your boat. To sail pop into a paddling pool and blow into the sail!

Flotilla Collage

A

sailing flotilla is a glorious sight for any occasion. A group or classroom of kids could make a fabulous display with a collection of these...

You will need: Paper in two different shades of blue Glitter Brown paper Patterned paper

Instructions: • Cut a wavy edge along one of the pieces of blue paper. Glue to the other piece of blue paper and trim any excess.

• Add some waves and sparkle with glitter.

• Cut the boat bottoms from from brown paper and glue to your picture.

• Cut a number of large and small triangles from patterned paper and mix and match to make sails. For the Jubilee, why not keep the colors the red, white and blue?

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Sup'r Oliver Childrens Entertainment JULY 2018 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide

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What can parents of struggling students do to make the next school year dramatically better?

Our 1-on-1 summer intervention programs are individually designed for students who struggle and are not yet ready for the demands and expectation for the next school year.

Investing in our summer programs will provide: • Noticeable changes in a child’s reading, learning and attention challenges • Real and permanent changes that dramatically improve school success • Help so the student regains their confidence and joy of learning

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CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • JULY 2018