July 2017 issue of Monterey Bay Parent Magazine

Monterey Bay

PARENT July 2017

Serving the families of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties

Birthday Fun!

Gift Ideas for Teens Ten Fun Party Games New Column

Military Moms Plus:

family friendly wineries SC Beach boardwalk Ticket giveaway!

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

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Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Presents the 2017-18

Cover Kids Contest We’re choosing 12 months of cover models

The staff of Monterey Bay Parent Magazine will choose our 12 favorites and then readers will vote for the GRAND PRIZE winner.

FINAL DAY TO ENTER IS JULY 10!

Each of the 12 finalists will appear on a cover between August 2017 & July, 2018 Check MontereyBayParent.com for entry fees, contest rules, prizes, and deadlines.

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Enter online at MontereyBayParent.com

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

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Contents JULY 2017 12

in each issue:

4 From the Publisher 18 Calendar of Events The best family-friendly events for July from throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

22 Military Mom Katie Begley discusses topics of importance to military families.

features:

6 Make A Difference This Summer Volunteering teaches compassion, understanding, and new skills while building self esteem. Summer is the perfect time to reach out to others!

by Bethany Dykman 8 Family Friendly Wineries Five local wineries where your 4

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entire family can have a great time. by Nicole Amaral 12 Six Life Lessons Learned at Birthday Parties Yes, parties are all about the fun, but they can also be the setting for little life lessons.

by Kerrie McCloughlin 14 Ten Easy (and Inexpensive) Party Games

Creative, fun games the guests at your next party will really enjoy. by Rosa Escobosa 16 Gift Suggestions for Teens Buying a gift for the teen in your life can be tough–make it easier with our creative gift suggestions.

by Jennifer Hickerson

on the cover…

Our cover models are the daughters of Ryan and Alecia Hull of Monterey. The family moved to the area three years ago. Since then they have been exploring the Monterey Bay Area and all of the activities it has to offer. From snorkeling on beach days to visiting the aquarium, they are discovering their love for the ocean.

The girls are excited to start kindergarten and first grade in the fall.

Cover photo by Sheryl Bjorn Photography • 831-229-1733

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Monterey Bay

PARENT

P.O. Box 806 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 MontereyBayParent.com 831-582-1373

Publisher Andrea Breznay abreznay@montereybayparent.com 831-582-1373 Monterey Peninsula Sales Executive Georg Foletta gfoletta@montereybayparent.com 831-998-2501 Salinas Valley Sales Executive katie begley gbegley@montereybayparent.com 757-287-6030 Copy and Calendar Editor Nicole Amaral Cover Photographer Sheryl Bjorn Contributing Writers nicole amaraL katie begley bethany dykman rosa escobosa jennifer hickerson kerrie mcloughlin Editorial Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Monterey Bay Parent do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors.

Acceptance of advertising by Monterey Bay Parent does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

from the publisher…

Birthday and Summer Fun It’s been a busy and fun month as we’ve traveled all over the Monterey Bay delivering magazines, meeting families, and getting invaluable feedback about what you want in a family publication. We have so appreciated the honest opinions and the input we hear from the community. We are committed to listening to you and delivering a true community publication. For those that emailed, called, or reached out on social media, thank you!

We’re happy that you like the magazine and we hope to keep earning your support and trust.

Most months we’ll have a topic that we will tailor our content around. In future issues we’ll cover back to school, the arts (dance, music, art, and theater), fall festivals and Halloween, private schools and preschools, and the winter holidays. This issue focuses on birthdays.

Each issue will also contain regular features like the calendar and other monthly columns. One newest column is “Military Mom.” This month you’ll find Katie Begley’s first article on page 10. Katie has a unique perspective on the topic–she served in the military before marrying into it. Katie juggles being a mom and military spouse with work as Monterey Bay Parent’s advertising sales executive for the Salinas Valley. I’m excited to welcome her in her second MBP role as a writer–I’m looking forward to her contributions in each issue.

On the subject of birthdays, we have several fun articles to help you plan your child’s next celebration. Kerrie McCloughlin offers life lessons learned at birthday parties on pages 12-13. Rosa Escobosa rounded up ten fun birthday games for her article on pages 14-15. And, on pages 16-17 you’ll find Jennifer Hickerson’s gift suggestions for teens.

One of my favorite articles is on pages 6-7. Bethany Dykman offers her perspective on how your family can give back over the summer. Yes, the summer is all about fun, but you can also find ways to reinforce invaluable lessons like compassion while learning new skills and helping our community.

Finally, the article that will likely prove to be the most popular of the issue, Nicole Amaral took one for the team and checked out area wineries to bring us “Five Family-Friendly Wineries.” Her suggestions for family fun are on pages 6-7.

Monterey Bay Parent is available free of charge at over 250 distribution points throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties as well as digitally at www.MontereyBayParent.com.

Have a wonderful July!

Monterey Bay Parent is ©2017 by Monterey Bay Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Andrea Breznay

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Publisher montereybayparent.com

5

cOMMUNITY

By

Bethany Dykman

Make A Difference This Summer

Volunteering teaches compassion, understanding, and new skills while building self esteem and summer is the perfect time to reach out to others.

L

ynne Harper remembers tagging along with her mother to deliver meals to the elderly. She may not have loved every minute of the experience, but what the South Kingstown, Rhode Island mother of two does remember is the joy she felt when she was able to put a smile on an aged face.

That’s one reason why she and her family now spend time together making a difference in their community.

And summer, according to Harper, is the perfect time to reach out to others. Your kids are out of school and need something constructive to do. The days are long and you seem to have a

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little more energy and time. Your whole family spends more time outdoors and so do your neighbors. Put all that together and you have the ideal mix for volunteering together as a family.

Too often we save much of our goodwill and community spirit for the holidays, a time when we’re extremely busy with a long To Do list. It’s also a time when organizations can be overwhelmed with offers of help, says Harper. Perhaps we should put some of that holiday cheer and goodwill toward others to work when we actually have the energy to put into it...during the lazy days of summer.

Why Volunteer?

There are three groups who directly benefit from families volunteering together, according to Heather Jack, founder of The Volunteer Family: kids, parents, and the organizations to whom they give their time.

Your kids can gain so much from serving others. “Volunteering,” says Ms. Jack, “teaches compassion, understanding and new skills while building self esteem.” Also, because summer is loaded with free time for kids, it’s the ideal season to explore each child’s interests and talents and target their volunteering time as a growth opportunity.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Parents can benefit from volunteering on many different levels. If you’re a working parent, you want the time you spend with your children to be maximized. Volunteering with your kids is a “great way to spend time together and do something for the community,” Ms. Jack explains. And if you’re a parent whose work is primarily at home, you’ll find that volunteering is a neat way to meet neighbors and community members and make new friends.

And of course, your neighborhood, your community, and any organizations for which you work will benefit greatly. By spending a little time volunteering, your family is not only improving your own lives and learning important lessons, you’re also making life better for other people all around you. And isn’t that a great way to spend a summer?

Getting Started Volunteering as a Family Volunteering is really just being a helper, a good neighbor, and a part of your community. And the way to get started, says Harper, is to just start talking as a family. She suggests that you take the time to sit down and discuss what needs each of you see in your neighborhood. You may each see a different need that is being unmet. What your kids see as they walk to school is going to be different than what you may see as you drive to the grocery store. So discuss how these needs could be met, and either start working on your own to meet those needs or join an already established movement that could successfully make a difference in that area. Afterward, make sure you discuss together as a family how things went from each person’s perspective.

Enjoy Summer by the Seashore

Create special memories with fun Aquarium programs that celebrate summer.

Sleepovers

Underwater Explorers

Ever wonder what fishes do at night?

Fall asleep under the (sea) stars next to your favorite exhibit. Enjoy snacks and special auditorium programs, plus breakfast and Aquarium admission the next day.

Kids ages 8 to 13 come face-to-face with marine life as they surface SCUBA dive around our Great Tide Pool, guided by experienced Aquarium dive staff. It’s an experience your kids will never forget!

No experience necessary, only a sense of adventure.

For more information:

montereybayaquarium.org/sleepovers montereybayaquarium.org/underwaterexplorers

MBayParentSummerSleep-6.17.Final 1

Need some help getting started? Here’s a list of some summertime projects that your family can easily jump into during your summer vacation: • Do a sunscreen or sunglasses drive for a shelter in your area.

• Simply carry your elderly neighbor’s garbage cans back on trash day.

• Clean up a local beach or park.

• Plant a garden at a nursing home.

• Bring flowers from your yard to grace a nursing home indoors.

• Join in an already existing walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon to support a non-profit organization.

• Pick up trash around your neighborhood.

• Play games with residents of a shelter or nursing home.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there, make a difference, and have your best summer ever!

These organizations can connect your family with the perfect volunteering opportunity: United Way: www.liveunited.org Doing Good Together: www.doinggoodtogether.org/ Volunteer Match: www.volunteermatch.org HandsOn Network: www.handsonnetwork.org/ Meals on Wheels: www.meals-on-wheels.com/family MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

6/19/17 9:55 AM

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FAMILY FUN

By

Nicole Amaral

I’ll admit that as I have grown older, many of my habits have changed. Nowadays I get ready for bed the same time that I used hit the town! Gone are the late nights, throwing down shots at the local nightclub. My tastes may have changed since entering motherhood, but I still love to enjoy a glass of good wine. I quickly discovered that some of the local wineries and tasting rooms are family friendly. Here are five of my favorite family friendly wineries. Cheers!

Family Friendly Wineries

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Odonata Winery and Tasting Room 645 River Road, Salinas Open Friday-Sunday Noon-5pm \www.odonatawines.com/visit-odonata.html Odonata South is nestled at the northern edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA and the beginning of the River Road Wine Trail. Situated on five acres off River Road, Odonata offers a diverse variety of wines. They include sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rose, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese-16 varieties in all.

They have a small tasting room and a patio area right in front. The tasting room holds a basket of toys and a Ms. Pac Man table top video game from the 80s for the older kids. The patio area includes two swinging benches, a fire pit and some tables and chairs. The owner, Denis Hoey, grew up going wine tasting with his parents. He and his wife have two sons, ages four and five and live in a home right next to the winery.

Pessagno 1645 River Road Salinas 831-675-9463 Open Daily 11:00am-5:00pm http://pessagnowines.com Located off of beautiful scenic River Road in Salinas, near the outskirts of Gonzales. Pessagno boasts gorgeous views of acres of vineyards and lush, green fields. They have a large patio area, complete with picnic tables and a pond that kids love! Pack a picnic lunch, sit outside and enjoy a nice glass of Pinot or one of the other flavorful wines in their extensive gallery. There are also

meat, cheese, crackers and apple platters available for purchase.

Syrah. Guests are also welcomed to bring a picnic to enjoy in the yard.

Roadhouse Wine Bar 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy 831-372-1909 Open Daily 12:00pm-7:00pm Don’t have time to drive down River Road? Check out Pessagno & Puma Road Wines at the Roadhouse Wine Bar located next to Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey. They have a lovely outdoor patio. A platter of meat, cheese, nuts, crackers, and fruit is available for purchase.

Folktale Winery 8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel 831-293-7500×3 https://folktalewinery.com Folktale is our favorite, and my fouryear-old son agrees. A gorgeous castle greets you, surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and vineyards. Folktale is committed to sustainable farming practices for all of their wines. The fiveacre vineyard at the winery is 100% organically farmed. No outside food is allowed, but food and grape juice are available to purchase. Try a glass of the NV Folktale Brut, sparkling wine with fresh floral and tropical notes, creamsicle, and Meyer Lemon.

Out on the lawn, you can find cornhole, a huge Connect Four, and Jenga games. They have fire pits, picnic tables, chairs and plenty of outdoor space. Paul Rice, their assistant manager, informed me that this summer their dining room will become more popular as they will be serving a full menu and staying open until 9 pm. Entertainment by the fireplace and cozy, rustic couches adorn the inside of the winery.

When it is time to call it a day, we pick up my son and drag him out to the car, he has so much fun he doesn’t want to leave!

Cowgirl Winery 25 Pilot Road Carmel Valley 831-298-7030 www.cowgirlwinery.com Open Daily 11:30am-6:00pm. The last call is 15 minutes before closing.

Cowgirl Winery has tons of open space.

It offers a beautiful rustic farm-like atmosphere, where you can try your luck feeding free-range chickens! Visitors can practice roping their “barnyard” Bull, compete with friends in corn hole, or show off their bocce ball skills. They offer a seasonal variety gourmet pizzas delivered hot out of a wood burning pizza oven from The Corkscrew Cafe.

This pairs perfectly with a glass of their

Nicole Amaral is a Monterey native and graduate of California State University of Monterey Bay. Nicole is the Calendar and Copy Editor for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. She is the mother of a 4-year old son.

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Mom

The thousands of military families living in Monterey County face unique challenges.

Katie Begley will be offering her perspective on some of those issues in Monterey Bay Parent’s new monthly column specifically for our military families!

I

t had been a long flight and even longer drive. After four days on the road, I was ready to finally settle into my new home. I pulled my dusty car into a parking space, wrangled two cats into their carriers and out of the car, and slowly marched myself up the stairs. My husband, who had arrived two weeks earlier, greeted me with a big smile and opened the door to our new home. At least, it would be our home for the next two weeks—we were in the Navy Lodge hotel in the La Mesa housing community.

Many military families experience a similar introduction to Monterey. The drive down Highway 1, driver and passengers excitedly absorbing the sights of the sand dunes and sparkling water of the bay, ends in a stay at one of the area’s military hotels. This stay can last for days to weeks while the family finalizes permanent lodging, whether in military housing or elsewhere on the Peninsula.

Military members are largely stationed at one of two bases in the Mon-

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terey area. Students at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey study languages that they will go on to use in their careers. Students at the Naval Postgraduate School earn advanced degrees in fields that will support their professional development. Staff and faculty at both locations support those students through administrative, facility, and personnel management.

My own arrival to Monterey was further highlighted by the expected arrival of my first child just four months later. I was in the comfortable, highenergy point of pregnancy and ready to become not just a military mom, but a military mom in Monterey. Unlike at other points in his military career, my husband’s class schedule allowed him to be home every night. He was able to make it to all doctor’s appointments, research baby gear, and attend a childbirth education class with me. It was the perfect time for us to become a family of three and we couldn’t be more excited.

Now that I have an eight-month old and am expecting another addition to our family later this year, I have learned so much about what the Monterey community and the military have to offer young families like ours.

There is a saying in the military: mission first, people always. Never has this been truer or more apparent than during our tour in Monterey. This is in large part due to the wonderful people and organizations that we have found here.

In The Military Mom monthly column, I will highlight the services available to military families on the Peninsula and my experience as a new mom in Monterey. Base services, military discounts, family vacations—the Peninsula has it all for you military mamas and papas. I can’t wait to share it with you!

Katie Begley is a Navy veteran and military spouse. Katie is the advertising sales executive for the Salinas region for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. She is the mother of an 8-month old son.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

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BIRTHDAYS

By

KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN

A birthday party may look like just a birthday party to you now, but what I see is a breeding ground for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind. And aren’t those things that we really want for our kids anyway? Read on to check out a few teaching opportunities for your child’s next birthday party!

Inclusiveness. It might not be possible to only invite your child’s closest friends. Maybe their school has a policy about birthday party invitations that’s all about including everyone so hurt feelings are kept to a minimum. Maybe your child has cousins who are younger or older or neighbors of all ages who are also their friends. If you’re okay with “the more, the merrier,” then include young and old at this shin-dig and pop in your earplugs.

Gratefulness. Nobody wants to hear, “I already have this” or “I didn’t want this”

when they give someone a gift. Likewise, kids should not be opening gifts at breakneck speed and tossing them over their shoulders like they are rocks. Your child should always be saying “thank you” sincerely and looking the gift giver in the eye. To make the gift giving a special moment for recipient and giver alike, you could arrange a space next to the child opening gifts. As they open each gift, have the gift giver move to the seat next to the bithday child. The children can have a moment together to have some appreciation shown and a picture taken to mark the occasion.

Graciousness and disappointment.

I’m lumping these two together because they can go hand in hand. The birthday child gets disappointed by not getting something they wanted or sometimes not getting anything they wanted at all during the entire party.

That’s when it’s time to step in and talk about how disappointment is okay, but that we should be gracious about it. It’s kind of like being a sore loser versus being a happy loser even though there is a disappointment going on; you want your child to learn how to say thank you and show appreciation for the gift

Six Life Lessons Learned at Birthday Parties

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

giver’s time and money or skills that went into the gift.

Consideration. Yes, it’s your kid’s party, but consider where everyone would have a fun time when planning your party venue. If it’s at your house, think up some fun games everyone might enjoy and build in plenty of time for just playing around. Have a friend with food allergies, such as gluten or dairy? Make sure to pick up something special for that friend– cookies or a piece of cake–it’s easier than ever these days.

They may be used to bringing a treat of their own when they go to parties and will be surprised that you thought of them on your child’s special day.

Sharing. Your child may get some pretty good stash at his birthday BIRTHDAY party, and other children are cerPARTY tainly going to want to play with LESSONS the new treasures. I’ve seen parents • Inclusiveness not let their child open the gifts until • Gratefulness after all the guests have left so they • Graciousness and don’t have to deal with this conundisappointment drum. I think that’s a mistake, and • Consideration here’s why: it doesn’t teach the • Sharing birthday child anything, and I am all • Giving back and about teaching opportunities, even donating when they are inconvenient for me!

Instead, explain to your kidlet preparty that she is going to be getting some cool new stuff and that she can put some of her favorite things up right away but that she should share some of the things and play with them WITH her friends. As an adult, I do not expect you to share your sweet new ride with your friends, but I know you will share a room in your home, your food, your coffee and maybe even a meal or some clothing.

Again, the kids see what you do so practice what you preach!

Giving back and donating. Not every kid is showered with gifts from parents, extended family, and friends every year.

Not every kid gets to even have a birthday party. And it’s also true that some kids barely get enough food to eat each day or don’t have any school supplies when it’s time to start school each year. So why not have your altruistic kid ask for gifts for someone else one year? In my town, our local food bank supplies a birthday cake and all the fixings as long as the guests bring canned goods, take the tour and help out for a bit. Also, if your child has a particular love for, say, animals, how about hosting a birthday party for or at a local animal shelter and — instead of presents — asking for donations of food and other supplies?

Instead of lecturing get your party on with some cool hidden lessons that will take your kid beyond their childhood and into a fun and full life!

Kerrie McLoughlin puts on five chaotic birthday parties per year for her kids and lives to tell about it at TheKerrieShow. com.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

We’re giving away six all-day ride passes for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Use the tickets for a fun birthday party or a family outing–you decide!

Enter at

MontereyBayParent.com Contest ends 11:00 PM on July 20.

(Some date exclusions apply to tickets.

Passes must be used in 2017.)

Monterey Bay

PARENT

Montereybayparent.com

831-582-1373

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BIRTHDAYS

A

re you planning a birthday party and have no idea how to entertain a large group? Perhaps you have ideas, but have reached your party budget? Here are ten easy and inexpensive party games the whole family will enjoy.

1. String Donut Eating Contest Materials: One dozen donuts (or more.), string, scissors.

Directions: Tie each donut to a string and hang them from a tree branch or clothesline. With their hands behind their back, the participants will race each other to finish eating their donut when you say “go.”

Variation: Blindfold older children and adults to make the game more challenging.

2. Cookie Face Race Materials: Cookies with flat sides, chairs.

By

Directions: Have participants sit on a chair. The leader of the game will place a cookie on each forehead. Without using their hands, players must race to move the cookie from their forehead to their mouth and catch it in their mouth.

This game will provide endless giggles for both players and their audience as they try and master their facial muscles to move the cookie. With a large group of players, do a couple of rounds then a final round where the winners challenge each other for the Cookie Face Master title. Be ready to record or photograph this game; it´s an instant favorite.

Variation: Tie hands behind their back, or challenge older players to compete standing up.

3. Musical Chairs Materials: Placemats, music.

Directions: Mix up this classic game by ditching the chairs and using placemats

Rosa Escobosa

outside. When the music plays, players must move in a circle around the placemats. When the music stops, players must race to stand on a placemat. The person without a placemat is out of the game. Take a placemat out each time until only one player is left.

Variation: Each time the music stops, have players change direction. You can also have players skip, dance, spin, or walk backward to make it more fun and challenging.

4. Over, Under Materials: Two or more wrapped boxes with treats inside.

Directions: You will need two equal groups of at least five players or more.

Each group stands in a line facing forward, with the person in the front of the line holding the box. When you say go, the players must pass the box backward, starting over their head, then under between their legs, over, under,

Ten Easy (& inexpensive!)

Party Games 14

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

alternating until the box makes it to the player at the back of the line. When it reaches the last person, they must run to the front of their line and do it again.

When the original line leader makes it to the front of their line first, that team wins. The winning team gets to unwrap their box and keep the treats.

Variation: Use several empty boxes with only one box that is filled with treats. Teams will have to play a few rounds to find the winning treat box. Fill the trick boxes with confetti, paper or small objects to add weight.

5. Birthday Wrap Materials: 1 dozen rolls of toilet paper or streamers.

Directions: Two teams of three players will race to wrap one player in paper or streamer from head to toe. The person being wrapped must stand in place and cannot move or assist their team.

Variation: Add a time limit or more groups for a harder challenge.

6. Balloon Pop Materials: Two dozen balloons, two hula hoops.

Directions: Fill up balloons with air, tie them and set them aside for the game.

Have two equal teams line up at one end, and place two hula hoops across at another end. When you say go, the person at the front of the line must run to the hoop, pop the balloon, race back and high five the next person in line to go. The first team to make it back wins the round.

Variation: Add obstacles such as boxes to jump over, or a chair to crawl under before players can reach the hoop.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

7. Banana Tag Materials: None.

Directions: Go over the rules before the game starts. You will need to designate boundaries for the game. When the game starts, everyone is ¨it¨. When a player gets tagged, that player must sit down where they were tagged. They can stand up again when the player who tagged them gets tagged. If two players tag each other at the same time, they have to play ¨rock, paper, scissors¨ to determine who will sit down. Players who want to take a break must stand outside of the boundaries, so players inside don´t get confused about who is active in the zone.

Variation: For a final round, people who get tagged are out of the game.

Offer a prize to the last person standing.

8. Birthday Leap Materials: Two ropes of equal length.

Directions: Start by placing the ropes a few inches from each other. Everyone participating must take a turn and leap over the ropes without touching them.

When everyone has had a turn, place one of the ropes a little farther. Have everyone leap over again. Continue doing this for several rounds. Players who touch the rope are out. Keep separating the rope a bit farther, and soon you will have players running and leaping over the ropes. Offer a prize to the grandest leap.

9. Tall Towers Materials: Stacks of paper, tape, paper clips, feathers.

Directions: Set the same amount of materials on flat surfaces for three or

more equal teams. Explain that teams will have three minutes to talk about how they can build the tallest tower possible with the materials they have.

During these three minutes, no one is allowed to touch the materials. When the time runs out, teams will then have five minutes to build the tallest tower without talking.

Variation: Have the teams race to build the tallest tower in five minutes using ONLY paper.

10. Balloon Blast Materials: 3 dozen balloons, string, scissors.

Directions: Fill up balloons and tie three to a string. Leave plenty of room on the string to tie later. Prep at least a dozen of these, depending on how many players you anticipate. To play the game, designate a space where players can run around. Each player will tie the string of balloons around their foot. When you say go, players must run around trying to pop other players´ balloons without getting their own popped. When players have no more balloons, they must sit out of the game. The last person standing wins the round.

Variation: Create teams by using only two balloon colors and have teams try and pop the other groups´ balloons.

Rosa Escobosa lives in Salinas with her partner and two-year-old son. She works in after school, attends college, participates in local 10K´s and charity drives, hosts hikes for families, and is currently working on starting her own Etsy store selling crafts online.

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15

BIRTHDAYS

By

Jennifer Hickerson

Gift Suggestions for

Teens

B

uying the right gift for the teen in your life is a tough task. As the Mom of three teens, I have celebrated many teen birthdays. Below I have provided some gift ideas separated by age and category (but interchangeable) and for every budget.

Ages 13-15 Interests during these years vary widely, and young teens are growing out of kid gifts into something more mature.

Sporty: Outdoor Adventures by Land or by Sea – Adventures by the Sea Gift Certificate (Bike, Kayak, Paddle Boarding & More) Adventures by the Sea, 299 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-1807 - Cannery Row has the largest selection of bikes and kayaks. Kayaks are launched from the beach across the street while bikers have the Recreational Trail right out the door. They also offer Pedego Electric Bike rentals.

Adventures by the Sea, Steinbeck Plaza 685 Cannery Row Suite 210 Monterey (831) 372-1807 -The newest rental shop offers Road, Hybrid and Electric bikes. It is located on the Recreation Trail just blocks away from the Aquarium.

Adventures by the Sea, Breakwater Cove, 32 Cannery Row Monterey – (831) 372-1807 - The Breakwater Cove Shop offers Kayaks, Standup Paddle Boards, and Beach Cruisers. Kayaks are launched from a boat launch instead of the beach.

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Delicious: Create family memories by taking them out to a fun restaurant.

My teens love Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, 3 Wharf II, Monterey (831) 3331616. There are two sections to this restaurant; one is traditional restaurant service and the other side where the chef cooks right in front of you. Their chefs are very entertaining as they juggle their tools and catch shrimp in their hats. For the birthday boy or girl, they offer a special song with dessert.

Sweet Sixteen Sixteen is a milestone. Many teens are learning to drive. There are high expectations for this birthday, many teens hope for a car with a big red ribbon. If you can afford a car, you have a lucky teen. If you can’t, don’t feel bad, here are some gift ideas they will appreciate.

Cool: Room makeover. Many teens have the same décor from when they were tweens or younger. It is time to make the room more grown up and fit their personality.

Budget: Movie tickets. Every teen loves to go to the movies. Cinemark has Century theaters located in Monterey, Salinas, and Marina – www.cinemark. com. There is also Maya Cinema in Salinas – www.mayacinemas.com and the Lighthouse 4 in Pacific Grove - http:// www.sregmovies.com.

Fun: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk tickets. Whether you give tickets for a day or a Season Pass, this gift of fun will

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

please any teen. For more information visit: www.beachboardwalk.com. (Enter to win 6 tickets to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, contest details at MontereyBayParent.com.)

Age Seventeen Adventure: Beach Horseback Riding Certificate - Monterey Bay Equestrian Center - 119 Monterey Dunes Way, Castroville (831) 663-5712 www.montereybayequestian.com. One hour rides are $80, One and a half hour Rides are $95.

Cool: Be the coolest parent in town by surprising your 17-year-old with tickets to a concert or sporting event. Minor league baseball games are really enjoyable and Monterey has a new team. The Monterey Amberjacks play at Sollecito Park, 851 Pearl Street, Monterey. For tickets visit their website: http://www. montereyamberjacks.com Luxury: Phone or Laptop. Whether it’s an upgrade or something new, you can find all of the latest technology at the Apple Store, 240 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 647-4480 www.apple. com/delmonte Age Eighteen Your teen may be saving up for college or starting a career. Either way, cash or a gift card is always appreciated. Here are some gift card ideas: • Discount Department Store like Walmart or Target – perfect for college students shopping for groceries, dorm furniture or decora-

tions • Restaurants – some teen favorites include Chipotle, Starbucks, Pizza My Heart, MYO, Panda Express and Taco Bell • Gas Gift Cards – Most of our local gas stations sell gift cards.

• Favorite Clothing Store – Tilly’s, Forever 21 and Zumiez to name a few Budget: College wear is a great gift.

Teens love to show their college pride by sporting a new hoodie or hat.

For the Adventurist: Skydiving Gift Certificate. Skydive Monterey Bay, 721 Neeson Rd, Marina, CA 93933. Free fall begins over Monterey Bay. While in flight you can see as far north as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and capture sights of the Bay Bridge in Oakland. Though you may decide to follow the Pacific Coast Highway from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz. For more information call (831) 384-3483 or www.skydivemontereybay.com.

Jennifer hickerson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1994 when her family was transferred here. She has worked in the Marketing and Public Relations field for about 18 years. As a mother of 4 children ranging in age from 18 – 7, she has enjoyed most of the activities that Monterey County has to offer and loves to share her knowledge with others. In her off time she loves to cook and is an award-winning baker.

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Calendar JUly 2017

happy 4th of July!

Celebrate Independence Day at one of these events 18

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8:30 a.m. 47th Annual Spreckels 4th of July Celebration. 4th of July Parade starts at Memorial Building parking lot begins at 4:00 p.m.

Spreckels Memorial Park, 90 5th Street, Spreckels, 93962 https://spreckelsmd.specialdistrict.org 10:00 a.m. City of Monterey 4th of July Parade. Enjoy a star-spangled mix of creative floats, specialty units, musical units and guest celebrities.

Alvarado Street, Monterey, 93940 831-655-8070 11:00 a.m. 30th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Monterey with the annual admission free Big Little Backyard Bar-BQue and Entertainment Extravaganza. Children’s entertainment includes free carnival

booths and games, face painting and strolling balloon artists.

Monterey City Hall, 570 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3996 11:00 a.m. City of pacific grove 4th of July BBQ. Celebrate the 4th with an old-fashioned, down-home BBQ in Caledonia Park. Live entertainment.

161 Caledonia Avenue, Pacific Grove, 93955 https://www.pacificgrove.org/events/community-events/city-4th-of-july-bbq/206 12:00 P.m. Carmel’s 15th Annual 4th of July Celebration. There will be entertainment, food, and games at Devendorf Park.

Junipero Street & Ocean Avenue, City of Carmel-by-the-Sea 831-620-2020

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Our online calendar is updated daily at MontereyBayParent.com Submit a Listing

This calendar is dedicated to bringing our readers the most comprehensive list of family-friendly events in the Monterey and Santa Cruz areas.

If your organization or business has an event you’d like to share with our readers, go to MontereyBayParent.com, click on “events,” and click on “submit your event.” It’s easy and it’s free.

We get all of the events for our print issue from the online calendar. Deadline to be included in the August issue is the 15th of July.

saturday, July 1 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

9:00 a.m. Laguna Grande Birding Walk. This birding refuge offers something new to see with each visit. Join amateur birders to view waterfowl, raptors and seasonal migrants. From lakeside to wetlands to riparian surroundings, Laguna Grande Park has rich habitats and a wide array of birds to see. This program is good for the first-time and the experienced birder.

Laguna Grande Park, Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955 9:00 a.m. home depot kids workshop. Join a hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a bug house you can use to get a closer look at some manylegged friends in your own backyard. Once the project is complete, your child can personalize their bug house with paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

1890 North Davis Road, Salinas, 93907 831-583-0778 9:00 a.m. Downtown Salinas Farmers’ Market. Certified farmers’ market. Held weekly on Saturday.

Located at Gabilan Street between Main & Salinas Streets Gabilan Street, Salinas, 93901 9:00 a.m. Greenfield Farmers Market. Certified farmers’ market. Held weekly on Saturday.

Located at El Camino Real & Palm Avenue Greenfield, 93927 10:00 a.m. Kid’s Summer Movie Series. $1.25 per show or $2.25 at the door. A special $4,00 Kid’s combo package is offered for these shows onlyand includes a child size popcorn, candy and beverage. Held weekly on Saturday.

Lighthouse Cinema, 525 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, 93950 831-643-1333 10:00 a.m. Kids Club Craft at michaels. Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop. Just $2 per child ages 3 and up. All supplies included. Held weekly on Saturday.

1690 North Main Street, Salinas, 93906 831-384-0562 10:00 a.m. Kids Club Craft at michaels. Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop. Just $2 per child ages 3 and up. All supplies included. Held weekly on Saturday.

121 General Stillwell Drive, Marina, 93933 831-384-0562 10:00 a.m. Bookshop Sidewalk Sales. Find book bargains for the entire family at the monthly book sale at the John Steinbeck Library.

June Events 350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-758-7311 10:45 a.m. Reading to Dogs at Cesar Chavez Library. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills. Held weekly on Saturday.

615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 11:00 a.m. Bilingual Storytime at Seaside Branch Library. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills.

Held weekly on Saturday.

Seaside Branch Library 550 Harcourt, Seaside, 93955 831-899-2055 11:00 a.m. Family Storytime at john steinbeck Library. Storytime for all ages. Held weekly on Saturday.

350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-758-7311 11:00 a.m. Read to a Dog at castroville branch library. Children will enjoy practicing their reading skills by reading to dogs. Held weekly on Saturday.

11160 Speegle, Monterey, 95012 831-769-8724 11:00 a.m. Living History Days. Step back to the early days of San Juan. Meet mountain men, Civil War soldiers, Victorian ladies, and more. Enjoy craft and cooking demonstrations. See historic horse-drawn vehicles inside the Plaza Stables and Victorian furnishings in the Plaza Hotel and Zanetta family home. Admission is adults $3.00; sixteen and under are free.

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park 19 Franklin Street, San Juan Bautista, 95045 831-623-4526

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12:00 P.m. PoC Mental Health Month Family Ride. Meet in the cul de sac off the rec trail across from First Awakenings in the American Tin Cannery Outlets and head along the rec trail towards Lovers Point where we’ll share the books our families have brought and watch our kids play. Don’t have a bike? No worries. We’ll do our best to keep the pace slow, so those on walking, rolling, and/or with strollers can keep up. www.facebook.com/groups/FamilyBikingMC/ 12:00 P.m. MPYRE Strikes Back.

Monterey’s Regional Burning Man. Bring your creativity and energy to engage and enjoy another beautiful day at this annual community gathering and celebration.

Del Monte Beach, 285 Figueroa St., Monterey, 93940 www.facebook.com events/609903125871611/ 2:00 P.m. Saturday Matinee at Seaside Branch Library. Sponsored

by The Friends of the Seaside Library. Free movie screening and popcorn. Feel free to bring a cushion for your chair. Held weekly on Saturday.

550 Harcourt, Seaside, 93955 831-899-2055 IN santa cruz COUNTY 9:00 a.m. home depot kids workshop. Join this hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a bug house you can use to get a closer look at some many-legged friends in your own backyard.

Once the project is complete, your child can personalize their bug house with paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

355 S. Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, 95076 831-583-0778 9:00 A.M. Westside Famers Market. The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon. Held weekly on Saturday.

Western Drive & Highway 1, Santa Cruz, www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets/ westside/ 10:00 a.m. tales to tails. Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read. Held at Downtown Branch Library. Held weekly on Saturday.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7717 • tales2tails@santacruzpl.org

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11:00 a.m. Musical Me. Musical Me offers Music Together classes to children newborn through age 6, and the adults who love them. To learn more and to register for this class, visit www.musicalme.com. Held weekly on Saturday.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 1:00 P.M. Open Art & Tinker TIme. Free with Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery admission/membership. Held weekly on Saturday.

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 1:30 P.M. Family Crafts. Stop by the Branciforte Branch Library to make something fun with your family. Held weekly on Saturday.

230 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7704 IN Santa Clara COUNTY 10 A.M. Salute to Military Heroes at gilroy gardens Active duty and retired military personnel get free admission to the park, when presenting a military ID. Runs through July.

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, 95020 408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.org

SUNDAY, July 2 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

8:00 a.m. Del Monte Certified Farmers Market. With over 20 farmers and vendors, this market offers a bountiful array of locally grown produce and specialty items including farm fresh organic eggs, honey, fresh seafood, cut flowers, potted plants, seedlings, and fresh baked goods.

Held weekly in Sunday.

1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 93940 9:00 a.m. July’s Balance Bike Clinic. Intentionally established to reach youth in low-income and Black/Brown neighborhoods, Families of Color Monterey County hosts year-round Balance Bike Clinics. Come learn how to ride a bike without using training wheels. Also held on July 9 and 16.

Ord Terrace Elementary School 1755 La Salle Avenue, Seaside, 93955 www.facebook.com/groups/FamilyBikingMC/ 10:00 a.m. Marina Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers Market.

Offers a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables from family farmers, along with prepared food and artisan crafts from local vendors. Held weekly on Sunday.

215 Reservation Road, Marina, 93933 11:00 a.m. Salinas Taco & Music Festival. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Central Coast presents “The Largest Taco, Beer & Music Festival in the Central Coast”.

Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, 93906 www.facebook.com/ events/134432973724788/ 10:00 a.m. Marina Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers Market.

Offers a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables from family farmers, along with prepared food and artisan crafts from local vendors. Held weekly on Sunday.

215 Reservation Road, Marina, 93933 IN santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 A.m. Live Oak Farmers Market. You will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, baked goods, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like smoked, pastured-raised local pork and egg street tacos and cook-to order custom traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes using fresh organic ingredients. Held weekly on Sunday.

15th & Eastcliff Drive, Live Oak, 95953 www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets/ live-oakeastside/ 1:00 p.m. OPEN ART & TINKER TIME. Open Art & Tinker Time. Free with admission/membership. Held weekly on Sunday.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 • www.sccmod.org/

monday, July 3 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

9:30 a.m. Tots in Motion at Parents’ Place. Tots in Motion is designed to promote motor skills through movement.

Young toddlers have the opportunity to move in different ways using age-appropriate equipment. Held weekly on Monday.

1025 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, 93955 831-646-6623 10:00 a.m. La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group. Regular monthly meeting –all women are welcome.

Call to confirm the meeting date before attending, as occasionally meetings must be rescheduled. Monthly topics are a series of subjects discussed on a rotating basis throughout the year. Each meeting, however, always covers the individual questions and needs of women attending, regardless of the specific topic. Available at each meeting is an excellent library containing books on breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, nutrition, and parenting. Check in at the front office before you come to classroom #10.

Marina Del Mar School, 3066 Lake Drive, Marina, 93933 831-373-0555 or lll.monterey@gmail.com 2:00 P.m. Coding Club at monterey library. An exciting hands-on, 8-week program to learn computer coding. Coding is, “a skill that teaches students how to use

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Our online calendar is updated daily at MontereyBayParent.com computers to create, not just consume.” Sign up is required and space is limited to 10 kids.

Visit the Library Help Desk or call 646-3934 to sign up. The program will run from Monday, June 5th-Monday, July 24th. For ages 10-12.

625 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-5669 3:00 P.m. Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market. Find organic produce, prepared foods, and more. Held weekly on Monday.

Central & Grand, Pacific Grove, 93955 http://everyonesharvest.org/pacific-grovecertified-farmers-market/ IN santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler Time is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Join us for early literacy practices involving music, movement, stories, rhymes and more for your child and you. Space is limited, please arrive on time.

Held at Live Oak Branch Library. Held weekly on Monday.

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 • www.santacruzpl.org www.santacruzpl.org/branches 10:30 a.m. storyTIME. Join us for Story Time and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members. Held weekly on Monday.

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 12:00 p.m. D.I.Y. Craft. Do It Yourself craft for families and independent kids. Held at Downtown Branch Library. Held weekly on Monday.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7707 • www.santacruzpl.org 5:30 p.m. Spanish Storytime. Join us at the Live Oak Library for a Spanish Storytime. This program is for children ages 0-8 and their families.

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 • www.santacruzpl.org Held weekly on Monday.

tuesday, July 4 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

7:00 a.m. 4th of July Pancake Breakfast benefiting MY Museum. Breakfast Includes: pancakes, eggs, sausage and all the fixings. $10 per person.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Monterey Firestation, 600 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-649-6444 8:30 a.m. 47th Annual Spreckels 4th of July Celebration. The

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Spreckels Memorial District is proud to present the 47th annual Spreckels 4th of July Celebration 2017. 10K & 5K Race registration & bib pick-up is at 7:30 a.m. (located near 3rd street & Spreckels Memorial Park). 4th of July Parade starts at Memorial Building parking lot begins at 4:00 p.m.

Spreckels Memorial Park, 90 5th Street, Spreckels, 93962 https://spreckelsmd.specialdistrict.org 10:00 a.m. City of Monterey 4th of July Parade. The Old Monterey Business Association (OMBA), Union Bank and the City of Monterey are proud to sponsor the Monterey 4th of July Parade. Enjoy a star-spangled mix of creative floats, specialty units, musical units and guest celebrities. This patriotic Independence Day parade is expected to take approximately one hour to pass along a route through downtown Monterey.

Alvarado Street, Monterey, 93940 831-655-8070 11:00 a.m. City of pacific grove 4th of July BBQ. Join the Chamber of Commerce and celebrate the 4th with an old-fashioned, down-home BBQ in Caledonia Park (behind the Post Office). Great food, live entertainment, and a chance to enjoy a patriotic celebration. The hours are from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

161 Caledonia Avenue, Pacific Grove, 93955 https://www.pacificgrove.org/events/community-events/city-4th-of-july-bbq/206 11:00 a.m. 30th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Monterey with the annual admission free Big Little Backyard Bar-BQue and Entertainment Extravaganza. This event features non-stop live music until 4:30 p.m. Children’s entertainment includes

July Events free carnival booths and games, face painting and strolling balloon artists. Lots of great food provided by non-profit food vendors will be on sale all day or you can bring a picnic lunch. Please leave all pets at home and note that this is an alcohol free family event.

Monterey City Hall, 570 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3996 12:00 P.m. Carmel’s 15th Annual 4th of July Celebration. There will be entertainment, food, and games at Devendorf Park.

Junipero Street & Ocean Avenue, City of Carmel-by-the-Sea 831-620-2020 12:00 P.m. Soledad 4th of July Parade & Celebration. Please pass the word there will be no fireworks show or laser light show this year. Come out and support the fun activities with DJ, live band, non-profit food organizations, and children’s parade.

Main Street Middle School, 441 Main Street, Soledad, 93960 831-905-1721 6:00 P.m. Monterey County Pops 4th of July Free Concert. The Monterey County Pops will perform an evening of patriotic and Americana music at the Golden State Theatre. Doors open for this free concert at 6:00pm.

417 Alvarado Street, Monterey, 93940 831-648-1632 IN santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 A.m. Aptos “World’s Shortest Parade” & 4th of July Celebration. Start your morning with the parade at 10 am followed by a Party in the Park

don’t miss event!

Ever wonder what fishes do at night? Find out for yourself on an overnight stay at the Aquarium!

You’ll enjoy fun activities throughout the evening, including a bedtime snack before snuggling up to fall asleep in front of the exhibits. In the morning, greet the day with the ocean animals and then enjoy a continental breakfast in the Cafe.

Open to ages 5 to adult. $115 per person, Aquarium members are $85 per person. July 8 & July 22 from 6 p.m.–8:30 a.m.

For more information or to make a reservation by phone call (831) 647-6886 montereybayparent.com

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($5 suggested donation) in the Aptos Village Park from noon to 4 pm with food, vendors, music, and activities.

100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos 10:00 A.m. 4th of July Family Fun Events at Roaring Camp. Bring out the entire family and friends for a fun-filled day of games, live music and an all-American barbecue..

5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, 95018 831-335-4484 www.roaringcamp.com/events 3:00 p.m. Scotts Valley 4th of July Fireworks & Celebration.

The parade and flyover will begin at 3 pm on Scotts Valley Drive and the pre-fireworks festivities at Skypark Park, including food, live music, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and games, starts at 4 pm. Then settle in on a blanket for the fireworks show at 9:15 pm.

361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, 95066 831-438-3251 5:00 P.m. Fire in the Sky-Watsonville Airport Open House. Municipal Airport welcomes the community to its first annual 4th of July Open House. Come join us as we showcase the value and viability of the county’s only airport. Aerial assets include an array of first responder aircraft, terminal tours, aircraft introductory flight lessons, food trucks, outdoor movie and concluding with a Fire in the Sky pyrotechnic display. Fun for the entire family.

100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 95076 831-768-3575

wednesday, July 5 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 a.m. Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse. Ten fun films for kids, just $5 for all 10 movies or $1 per show. July movies: Goosebumps; The Iron Giant; Hotel Transylvania 2; and Megamind. All movies are rated PG. Held weekly on Wednesday.

1700 Del Monte Center, Monterey 831-373-8051 10:00 a.m. Summer Kids Film Festival at maya cinemas. $1 Summer Kids Film Festival. July movies are: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2; Trolls; Hotel Transylvania; Mr. Poppers Penguins. Held weekly on Wednesday.

153 Main Street, Salinas, 93901 831-757-MAYA 10:30 a.m. Storytime at the farm.

Bring your little ones out to The Farm for a time of stories, songs, and a snack. Held weekly on Wednesday.

5 Foster Road, Salinas, 93902 831-455-2575 11:00 a.m. Natividad Medical Center Certified Farmers Market.

Certified farmers market with fresh produce, prepared foods, and more. The Natividad Medical Center (NMC) Certified Farm-

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ers’ Market is supported and funded by the Natividad Medical Center. Held weekly on Wednesday.

1441 Constitution Blvd. Salinas, 93906 http://everyonesharvest.org/natividad-medical-center-certified-farmers-market/ 1:30 P.m. Musical Robot at harrison library. This dynamic duo combines songs, storytelling, and out of this world dance moves, to provide an opportunity for kids to engage in fun and frolic. For all ages.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel, 93923 831-624-4629 2:00 P.m. All Ages Storytime at castroville branch library. Children of all ages will enjoy this fun storytime.

Held weekly on Wednesday.

11160 Speegle, Castroville, 95012 831-769-8724 3:00 P.m. Kids Art & Craft Activities at Cesar Chavez Library.

Various arts & crafts activities. Held weekly on Wednesday.

615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 4:00 P.m. El Mercado Outdoor Market. Outdoor market at the Salinas Sports Complex. Come enjoy some live music, good food and shop around for a bit. .

Held weekly on Wednesday.

1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, 93906 https://www.facebook.com/ events/199603410539129/ 6:30 p.m. Starry Night of Family art. Bring the whole family to paint, color, cut and paste to create pieces of art to take home. Supplies and materials are provided.

Smocks are desirable. Register at each class.

For all ages. Held weekly on Wednesday.

871 Jessie Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3866 IN santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 a.m. Preschool Storytime.

Bookshop Santa Cruz invites any toddler or pre-school age children (with parental supervision) to listen to stories. Held weekly on Wednesday.

1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-423-0900 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler Time is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, stories, finger plays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers.

Held at Boulder Creek Branch Library. Held weekly on Wednesday.

13390 West Park Avenue Boulder Creek, 95006 831-427-7703 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/5/ 10:30 a.m. STORYTIME. Join us for Story

Time and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members. Held weekly on Wednesday.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 • www.sccmod.org/ 11:00 a.m. Preschool Storytime at Live oaks Branch library.

Story time open to all ages. Held weekly on Wednesday.

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 1:00 P.M. Tales to Tails. Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read. Held weekly on Wednesday.

230 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7717, tales2tails@santacruzpl.org 1:30 P.m. Downtown Farmers Market. The area’s largest and oldest market is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Ave. In addition to a large variety of farm products, this market offers a great selection of local artisan foodstuffs, delicious baked goods, and lots of options for lunch and dinner. The market provides a large shaded cafe seating area, operates a supervised veggie valet program and live music is always present. Held weekly on Wednesday.

Cedar Street & Lincoln Street Santa Cruz, 95060 www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org/markets/ downtown-santa-cruz/ 3:00 P.m. STEAM in Nature. Children, at all levels, will benefit from exploring and experimenting with a variety of natural, recycled, and art materials. This program might use nature’s mathematical patterns of geometry, symmetry, fractals, and Fibonacci spirals. Thematic science, art, technology, and engineering from MOD’s exhibits might inspire this program’s open-ended projects.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 3:30 P.m. Tales to Tails. Storytime for all ages. Held weekly on Wednesday.

Capitola Branch Library 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, 95010 831-427-7717 9:00 P.m. Free Movies on the Beach at the santa cruz beach boardwalk. July schedule: July 5 Grease; July 12 Gremlins; July 19 Clueles; July 26 Shrek.

Held weekly on Wednesday.

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 (831) 423-5590

thursday, July 6 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 a.m. Summer Kids Film Festi-

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Photo by Richard Wilson.

COWBOYS HAVE MORE FUN

July 20-23 . 2017

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

CARODEO.COM 23 montereybayparent.com

val at maya cinemas. $1 Summer Kids Film Festival. July movies are: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2; Trolls; Hotel Transylvania; Mr. Poppers Penguins. Held weekly on Thursday.

153 Main Street, Salinas, 93901 831-757-MAYA 10:30 a.m. Storytime at the farm.

Bring your little ones out to The Farm for a time of stories, songs, and a snack. Held weekly on Thursday.

5 Foster Road, Salinas, 93902 831-455-2575 10:00 a.m. BILINGUAL TODDLER STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Join us for short stories, songs, action rhymes, finger plays, and fun. Toddlers will be introduced to sounds, letter recognition, and new words that will help to develop literacy skills. Held weekly on Thursday.

Cesar Chavez Library 615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 • http://salinaspubliclibrary.org 10:15 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. For children aged 2-5. This program will be held in the Michelle Lang Children’s Room.

Stories, songs and a craft. Held weekly on Thursday.

Marina Branch Library 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, 93933 831- 883-7507 www.co.monterey.ca.us/library/# 10:30 a.m. MY music series. Join pop-

ular children’s musician, MaryLee Sunseri every Thursday morning for singing, dancing and more. Held weekly on Thursday.

My Museum, 425 Washington Street, Monterey 93940 www.mymuseum.org 10:30 a.m. preschool storytime.

For children aged 2-5 at Buena Vista Branch Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

18250 Tara Drive, Salinas 93908 831-455-96099 10:30 a.m. Bilingual toddler STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Join us for short stories, songs, action rhymes, finger plays, and fun. Toddlers will be introduced to sounds, letter recognition, and new words that will help to develop literacy skills. Held weekly on Thursday.

Cesar Chavez Library 615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 www.salinaspubliclibrary.org

831- 678-2430 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org 2:00 p.m. FUN & GAMES AT THE LIBRARY. Weekly fun and games at the library: board games, video games, movies, and/or crafts for kids, teens, and families.

Activities will vary week to week but the fun will always remain. All ages welcome. Held weekly on Thursday.

Gonzales Branch Library 851 Fifth Street, Gonzales, 93926 831- 675-2209 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org 2:00 p.m. FAMILY STORYTIME. A storytime for children and their families. Held weekly on Thursday.

Greenfield Branch Library 315 El Camino Real, Greenfield, 93927 831- 674-2614 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org

11:00 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Held weekly on Thursday.

King City Branch Library 402 Broadway, King City, 93930 831- 385-3677 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org

4:00 p.m. TEEN LOUNGE FIRST THURSDAYS. If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, join us open mic, story slams, and theater games. Held at Harrison Memorial Library.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93923 831- 624-4629 www.hm-lib.org/

12:30 p.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Held weekly on Thursday.

Soledad Branch Library 401 Gabilan Drive, Soledad, 93960

5:00 p.m. Family Storytime. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills.

CARMEL VALLEY

ATHLETIC CLUB

OTTER CAMP June 5- August 11, 2017 Ages: 4 - 12 Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Before & After Care Available Activities: arts & crafts, tennis, swimming, and outdoor play.

Call for details about our Mini Camp for 2 & 3 Year Olds.

JUNIOR TENNIS ACADEMY June 5- August 4, 2017 Ages: 6 - 18 Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

SUMMER SPLASH June 5- August 4, 2017 Ages: 6 - 10 Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

REGISTER TODAY! Call (831) 624-2737

REGISTER TODAY! Call (831) 624-2737

Before & After Care Available Activities: Tennis instruction, strategy, drills, and games

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Before & After Care Available Activities: Swim & tennis instruction and games

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Our online calendar is updated daily at MontereyBayParent.com Seating is first come, first serve. Held at Cesar Chavez Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 6:30 p.m. pajama Storytime. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills.

Come early. Seating is first come first served.

350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-758-7311 Held weekly on Thursday. in santa cruz COUNTY

Held weekly on Friday.

65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 93924, 831- 659-2377 10:30 a.m. weird science at my museum. Hands-on learning is a necessary experience in early childhood education.

Young visitors will have the opportunity to explore the scientific world on their own terms at their own pace. MYM staff facilitate learning through demonstrations and guided activities. Prepare to get messy and have fun. Held weekly on Friday.

425 Washington Street, Monterey, 93940 831-649-6444 • mymuseum.org

10:00 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft. Open to ages 3-6. Held at Downtown Branch Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7707 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/7/

1:15 P.M. Ice Cream & More at Casanova Oak Knoll Center. Who doesn’t like ice cream? Here’s a chance to create your very own homemade sundae in true ice cream parlor style. For ages 3-6 years (must be “potty” trained). $10 for non resident and $8 for Monterey resident.

735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3866

10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. A 60 minute program for children, 0-3 years and their parents or caregivers. Join us for music, stories & play. Space is limited. Held at Scotts Valley Branch Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, 95066 831-427-7712 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/12/

1:30 P.M. SVMH Farmers Market.

At the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Certified Farmers Market, you will find fresh quality fruits and vegetables from smallscale family farmers. When you shop at a CA Certified Farmers Market, you are supporting California growers and your local community. Held weekly on Friday.

450 East Romie Lane, Salinas, 93901

10:30 a.m. STORYTIME. Join us for Story Time at Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members. Held weekly on Thursday.

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 www.sccmod.org/

2:00 P.M. Carmel Valley Certified Farmers Market. Fresh produce, prepared foods, and much more. Held weekly on Friday.

25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley, 93924

3:00 p.m. FAMILY CRAFTS. The projects are often messy so please dress accordingly.

Held at Boulder Creek Branch Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

13390 West Park Avenue Boulder Creek, 95006, 831-427-7703 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/5/ 4:00 p.m. Minecraft.edu. Learn how to survive in the world of Minecraft. Open to ages 8 to 18. Space is limited to 14 on a firstcome basis. No advance registration necessary. Held at LaSelva Beach Library. Held weekly on Thursday.

316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, 95076 831-427-7710 • www.santacruzpl.org

friday, July 7 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:30 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler stories & songs at Carmel Valley Branch Library.

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

5:00 p.m. First friday Oldtown Salinas. Around 50 galleries, shops, restaurants and other organizations in a threeblock area throw open their doors to visitors.

Each locale hosts a different experience; this Salinas event is full of things to do. Behind shop and gallery doors, you may find an exhibition of photos or paintings, a book reading, a live band, a dance performance, activities for children, music lessons, or something else entirely.

Oldtown Salinas, 93901 831-594-1799 • www.artistasunidos.org 6:00 p.m. First friday Pacific grove. Sponsored by several participating businesses in downtown Pacific Grove.

Downtown Pacific Grove, 93950 831-655-9775 • firstfridaypacificgrove.org 7:00 p.m. Nature Night Hike. Meet at dusk and venture into the park for a 2-3 hour night hike. Switch off the flashlight, let your eyes adjust, and use heightened senses while exploring your nocturnal side.

Palo Corona Regional Park, Highway 1

July Events Carmel, 93923 www.mprpd.org in santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 a.m. Toddlertime. Open to all ages. Held weekly on Friday.

Downtown Branch Library 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7707 10:30 a.m. Storytime. Join us for Story Time and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members. Held weekly on Friday.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 3:00 P.m. Family Craft Program.

Drop in for a different craft each week . Held weekly on Friday.

Capitola Branch Library 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, 95010 831-427-7705 5:00 P.m. First Friday Downtown Santa Cruz. Each month, approximately 80 venues including local businesses and art galleries team up with over 100 local artists for First Friday. The businesses throw their doors open in a low key, casual manner, which is pretty much the opposite of your typical stuffy gallery crawl. Each venue chooses and sponsors one or more artist, who then can showcase his or her work.

Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060 http://firstfridaysantacruz.com 5:00 P.m. Free First Friday at santa cruz museum of art. Explore three floors of exhibitions for free, dance to live music and get hands-on with an all-ages art activity.

705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-429-1964 6:30 P.m. FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach. July schedule: July 7 Quiet Riot; July 14 Blue Öyster Cult; July 21 Eric Burdon And The Animals; July 28 Los Lobos.

Held weekly on Friday.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 (831) 423-5590

saturday, July 8 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

9:00 a.m. 2017 Salinas Vallley Open. This two day PDGA B tier disc golf tournament will be held at the Stadium Course at Natividad Creek Park and will include 7 new holes added for the event. Also held on July 9.

1395 Nogal Drive, Salinas, 93905 www.discgolfscene.com/tournamontereybayparent.com

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ments/2017_Salinas_Valley_Open 10:30 a.m. Design and Build with an Architect. Learn from local architect Sam Pitnick, then design and build structures with help from a pro. Open to ages 7-12.

Monterey Public Library 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3933 12:30 P.m. Monterey Beer Festival.

The Monterey Beer Festival attracted 5,000 attendees last year who enjoyed tasting an array of incredible beer. In addition to many new beers, the Monterey Beer Festival will feature music from several live bands and special VIP ticket holder benefits.

Monterey County Fairgrounds 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, 93940

831-372-5863 5:00 P.m. Summer Night Sleepover at the monterey bay aquarium.

Enjoy the Aquarium after hours and sleep next to your favorite exhibit. Reservations required.

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org 831-647-6886 7:00 P.m. Owl Walk at Dusk. Just before twilight, begin your seach to discover the secretive and mysterious owls at Garland Ranch Regional Park. Scout their natural habitats listening for hisses and screeches, and watch for these secretive hunters. Learn to identify the calls and characteristics of some of the local species. Open to ages 12 and above.

Garland Ranch Park Visitor Center 700 West Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, 93924 www.mprpd.org in santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 a.m. Shared Adventure’s 25th Anniversary Day on the Beach. More than 300 people with special needs, 400+ family members and friends, and over 250 enthusiastic volunteers team up to share a full day of adaptive sports— kayaking, outrigger canoeing, SCUBA diving, beach wheelchair rides—and life-changing memories. Every year, we offer free live music and entertainment, free food, sandcastle building, and so much more.

Cowell’s Beach, Pacific Avenue & Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 www.sharedadventures.org/our-adventures/day-on-the-beach/ 11:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday on the Farm. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus.

2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, 95019 831-724-5898 http://aghistoryproject.org/2nd-saturdayon-the-farm/ 2:00 P.M. Chess Instruction. Chil-

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dren’s chess instruction with full time teacher and master, Gjon Feinstein, for students up to 18 years old. Parents and/or other relatives are welcome to participate. Held weekly on Saturday except the first Saturday of the month.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-770 4:00 P.m. Meet the Doulas. Meet the Doulas is a great opportunity to learn about birth and postpartum doulas. Join us at this free event for an informative afternoon. This event is open to everyone- no matter where they plan to birth - home or hospital or birth center.

Pacific Cultural Center 1307 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-426-8893

sunday, July 9 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

12:00 P.m. 71st Annual Monterey Peninsula Obon Festival. The 71st Annual Monterey Peninsula Obon Festival features delicious Japanese foods, Taiko drum performance, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai and ikebana exhibits, Japanese tea ceremony, and children’s games. Over 100 raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day. Everyone is invited to participate in the bon odori, or Japanese folk dancing, at 4:00pm.

Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple 1155 Noche Buena Street, Seaside, 93955 831-394-0119 1:00 P.m. Blues in the Park. Enjoy Sunday afternoon in Seaside with the familyfriendly tradition of Blues in the Park. Bring your chairs and your sunscreen for a fun time for everyone.

Laguna Grande Park Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Seaside, 93955 www.montereychamber.com/events/details/sunday-blues-in-the-park-546 in santa cruz COUNTY 9:00 a.m. Downtown Antique Fair.

Come and find your collectibles and treasures at this monthly outdoor antique fair, held the second Sunday of each month, weather permitting. For information on sellers or selling, call 476-6940.

Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-476-6940

monday, July 10 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 A.m. La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group. Monthly meetings are ongoing. All women are welcome. We do suggest that you call to confirm the meeting date before attending, as occasionally meetings must be rescheduled.

Monthly topics are a series of subjects discussed on a rotating basis throughout the year. Each meeting, however, always covers the individual questions and needs of wom-

en attending, regardless of the specific topic.

Available at each meeting is an excellent library containing books on breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, nutrition, and parenting.

The YMCA is at 117 Clay Street, but the building where the meeting will be held is on the corner of Clay and Lincoln in Salinas. Please park on the street (Clay, Lincoln, etc.)

500 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-373-0555 12:00 P.m. Princess Tea Party. Enjoy menu items that consist of fresh-baked scones, tea sandwiches, fresh fruits and assorted desserts. Adults – $30.00 per person, Children under 12 – $15.00 per person (includes tax and tip). Seating times are 12:00 and 2:00pm.

Steinbeck House 132 Central Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-424-2735 in santa cruz COUNTY 5:30 P.m. Spanish Storytime. Join us at the Live Oak Library for a Spanish Storytime. This program is for children ages 0-8 and their families.

Live Oak Branch Library 2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711

Tuesday, July 11 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 A.m. Postpartum Wellness Group. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the #1 complication of pregnancy.

You are not alone. You can feel better. Offering a free confidential group for mothers to find comfort, validation, and resources from one another and local counselors. Please check in at front office beforehand. The Postpartum Warmline has bilingual counselors who will return your call anytime you need to talk.

Marina Del Mar School 3066 Lake Drive, Marina, 93933 831-783-5933 hello@parentingconnectionmc.org 1:30 P.m. Kenn Adams’ Adventure Theater. Be a part of this zany and interactive theatrical adventure. Open to all ages.

Monterey City Hall 570 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3933 1:30 P.m. stars at Hartnell College Planetarium. Summer Kids Matinee, $4 admission.

411 Central Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-755-6913 IN santa cruz COUNTY 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. This is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, finger plays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children. Held at Branciforte

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Our online calendar is updated daily at MontereyBayParent.com Branch Library. Held weekly on Tuesday.

230 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7704 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/3/ 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler Time is a weekly early literacy program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, finger plays, rhymes, songs and fun as well as social time with other children. Held at Aptos Branch Library. Held weekly on Tuesday.

7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 95003 831-427-7702 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/4/ 10:30 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A 45 minute program for 3-6 year olds. We will read books and make a simple craft. Held at La Selva Beach Branch Library. Held weekly on Tuesday.

316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, 95076 831-427-7710 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/10/ 11:00 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A 45 minute program for 3-6 year olds. We will read books, sing songs and make a simple craft. Held at Scotts Valley Branch Library.

Held weekly on Tuesday.

251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, 95066 831-427-7712 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/12/ 1:00 p.m. D.I.Y CRAFTS. Join the fun on Tuesday afternoons between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Held at Felton Branch Library. Held weekly on Tuesday.

6299 Gushee, Felton, 95018, 831-427-7708 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/8/ 3:30 p.m. Youth Chess club. Learn from a master and practice with your peers.

Open to ages 6-18 yrs. Held at Aptos Branch Library. Held weekly on Tuesday.

7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 95003 831-427-7702 • www.santacruzpl.org

wednesday, July 12 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 A.m. Native Plant Garden: Volunteer Day. Garland Ranch Regional Park’s Visitor Center boasts a beautiful native plant garden and arboretum. This family-friendly environment is designed to showcase the importance and value of local native plants. Come help maintain this beautiful garden. No experience needed-just a desire to work harf and to learn about native plants.

Garland Ranch Park Visitor Center 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 93924 www.mprpd.org 1:30 P.m. Drawing with Dante Rondo at harrison library. Come and explore just how much you can get into your black and white drawings using graphite pencils or colored pastels. All materials are provided by the library. This program is for ages 9 through 14. Please pre-register by calling 831-624-4664.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel, 93923 831-624-4629 1:30 P.m. Drawing with Dante Rondo at harrison library. Come and explore just how much you can get into your black and white drawings using graphite pencils or colored pastels. All materials are provided by the library. This program is for ages 9 through 14. Please pre-register by calling 831-624-4664.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel, 93923 831-624-4629

thursday, July 13 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:30 A.m. MaryLee Sunseri Performance. Free with admission.

425 Washington Street, Monterey, 93940 831-649-6444

July Events 6:00 P.m. Families of Color July Meetup. Join a grassroots collective of self-identified families of color for whom race, culture, and ethnicity are central to child-rearing and identity. Including, but not limited to, biracial/multiethnic families, transracial adoptive families, grandparents, and caregivers. Get together with other families and hang out, talk, play dominoes, and watch kids play together. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP. Families, if they are able, are encouraged to bring something to share potluck-style.

Doe Super Park California Rd and 11th Cavalry, Seaside, 93955 riciglianolauryn@gmail.com

Friday, July 14 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

1:15 P.m. Ice Cream & More. Who doesn’t like ice cream? Here’s a chance to create your very own homemade sundae in true ice cream parlor style. Celebrate National Ice Cream month and “chill-out.” For ages 3-6 years (must be “potty” trained). $10 non resident, $8 Monterey resident.

Casanova Oak Knoll Center 735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3866 3:00 P.m. Rodeo Carnival. The Carnival will be back in town for the 2017 California Rodeo. It is open from 3pm to 11pm daily starting Friday July 14th through Sunday July 23rd. The fee to enter is $3.00 and an unlimited ride wristband is $30. Parking is $5.00. Purchase tickets at the gate.

295 Sun Way, Salinas, 93901 www.carodeo.com/events/2017/carnival-2017

Saturday, July 15 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

9:00 A.m. Introduction to Birding.

The annual Kiddie Kapers Parade will take place on July 15 at 6:30 PM as the lead in to the Colmo del Rodeo Parade. Kids will line up at the Salinas Rec Center and the parade will start at 6:30pm. Thousands of people line the streets of Old Town Salinas to watch over 1,200 children ride on floats, bikes, in wagons and more as a kick off to Big Week and the California Rodeo Salinas.

Each entrant gets a ribbon and coupons from local merchants.

www.carodeo.com/events/2017/kiddiekapers-parade MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

montereybayparent.com

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Learn the basics of bird identification with amateur birders. Locke-Paddon Wetland Community Park is a wildlife habitat gem for birds and other animals. The ancient sand dunes, vernal ponds, coastal prairie and wetlands create a sense of place with food, shelter and more for a wide variety of birds.

Open to ages 12-adult.

Locke-Paddon Park, Del Monte Avenue & Reservation Road, Marina, 93933 www.mprpd.org 6:30 P.m. Kiddie Kapers Parade.

The annual Kiddie Kapers Parade will take place as the lead in to the Colmo del Rodeo Parade. Kids will line up at the Salinas Rec Center and the parade will start at 6:30pm.

Thousands of people line the streets of Old Town Salinas to watch over 1,200 children ride on floats, bikes, in wagons and more as a kick off to Big Week and the California Rodeo Salinas. Each entrant gets a ribbon and coupons from local merchants.

Oldtown Salinas, Salinas, 93901 www.carodeo.com 6:30 P.m. Discover Marina Dunes Preserve. Walk the sandy dunes at sunset and watch the sky fill colors as we learn about this dynamic ever changing landscape. From fore dune to hind dunes, the sands host abundant plant and animal life.

Discover how this relatively harsh envrionment creates a unique and thriving community. Open to ages 10-Adult.

Highway 1 & Reservation Road, Marina, 93933 www.mprpd.org 6:30 P.m. Discover Marina Dunes Preserve. Walk the sandy dunes at sunset and watch the sky fill colors as we learn about this dynamic ever changing landscape. From fore dune to hind dunes, the sands host abundant plant and animal life.

Discover how this relatively harsh envrionment creates a unique and thriving community. Open to ages 10-Adult.

Highway 1 & Reservation Road, Marina, 93933 www.mprpd.org

Sunday, July 16 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

2:00 P.m. La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group. Monthly meetings are ongoing. All women are welcome. We do suggest that you call to confirm the meeting date before attending, as occasionally meetings must be rescheduled.

Monthly topics are a series of subjects discussed on a rotating basis throughout the year. Available at each meeting is an excellent library containing books on breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, nutrition, and parenting. Park on the blacktop in the back of the school.

Marina Del Mar School 3066 Lake Drive, Marina, 93933 831-373-0555, lll.monterey@gmail.com

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2:00 P.m. Meet the Doula. A free community event for expecting parents. Meet local birth & postpartum doulas and learn about the tremendous benefits of having a doula by your side before, during, and after birth. Bring questions or just come to listen.

You’ll have the opportunity to talk with several doulas and find the right one for you.

Event begins promptly at 2pm and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Babies R Us 1930 N. Davis Rd., Salinas, 93906 831-444-9846 www.birthnetworkofmonterey.com

tuesday, July 18 in santa cruz COUNTY

12:00 P.m. Free New Mommy Musical Meet-Up. Would you like to meet and mingle with new mothers just like you, share parenting ideas and make music together alongside your babies while learning lifelong parenting tips? Join the new FREE New Mommy Musical Meet-Up where we support you in your new life adventure.

239 High Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-438-3514

wednesday, July 19 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

1:30 P.m. Tom Noddy Bubble Magic at harrison library. Tom’s bubbles are truly exquisite and his lively humor and engaging sense of fun leave his audiences of all ages both delighted and intrigued.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel, 93923 831-624-4629 2:00 P.m. Bridge Building Challenge. Who can build the longest, strongest LEGO bridge? Open to ages 6-12.

Monterey Public Library 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3933

thursday, July 20 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

5:00 P.m. TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK NIGHT at California Rodeo.

Wear something pink for “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night.” The California Rodeo Salinas raises money for breast cancer research, donating $1 to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Memorial Health Care Center with every paid admission.

Salinas Sports Complex 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas, 93906 831-775-3100, www.carodeo.com 6:00 P.m. Frog Pond Walk-andTalk. Take a family-friendly walk around Frog Pond Wetland Preserve. While we’re walking, we’ll share stories about the history of this land and about the vast array of wildlife that make their permanent and seasonal homes here. Enjoy the sights and sounds of twilight and early evening.

Frog Pond Preserve Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks, 93955

www.mprpd.org

Friday, July 21 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

6:00 P.m. Movie in the Park. The Monterey Fire Department and Monterey Recreation invite you to our Movie in the Park. Enjoy a summer evening with friends and family while watching a free film outdoors at the beautiful Casanova Oak Knoll Park. Delicious food, goodies and face painting will also be available. Open to all ages.

735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, 93940 831-646-5665

Saturday, July 22 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 A.m. TheatreFest. Free Monterey Bay Arts & Crafts Faire.

Custom House Plaza 1 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, 93940 831-622-0700 2:00 P.m. Shadow Puppets. Stories and folktales come to life with the ancient art of shadow puppetry. Open to all ages.

Monterey Public Library 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940 831-646-3933 5:00 P.m. Summer Night Sleepover.

Enjoy the Aquarium after hours and sleep next to your favorite exhibit. Reservations required.

Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, 93940 831-647-6886 www.montereybayaquarium.org

Sunday, July 22 IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

8:00 A.m. Wharf to Wharf 10K. Starting at the Santa Cruz Wharf, at 8:30 AM the race opens with a dash down Beach Street.

Runners then cross San Lorenzo Bridge and loop around the Yacht Harbor to Twin Lakes Beach. The course winds through Schwann Lake Wildlife Sanctuary then breaks back onto the ocean bluffs at Pleasure Point. From there the way wanders through quaint seaside neighborhoods before dipping down to a finish at the Capitola Wharf.

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-475-2196

tuesday, July 25 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

6:30 P.m. Bereaved Parents Support Group. Support group for parents who have lost a child.

Marina Del Mar School 3066 Lake Drive, Marina, 93933 hello@parentingconnectionmc.org

wednesday, July 26 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

1:30 P.m. Coventry and Kaluza at

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

Our online calendar is updated daily at MontereyBayParent.com harrison library. Coventry and Kaluza are back with their juggling, hula hoops and comedy. Fun for all ages.

Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel, 93923 831-624-4629

thursday, July 27 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

11:00 A.m. feast of lanterns Opening Ceremony. There will be live entertainment and celebration cakes. Held at Chautauqua Hall, Pacific Grove.

831-800-1905 , www.feast-of-lanterns.org 6:00 P.m. End of Summer Reading Beach Party. All children who complete the summer reading program at Monterey Public Library are invited to the Monterey Beach House with their families in celebration of their reading success. Join us for crafts, snacks, and a special musical performance by Asheba.

285 Figueroa Street, Monterey 831-646-3933

Friday, July 28 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

2:30 P.m. feast of lanterns Pet parade. Feast of Lanterns Pet Parade. Pets will march the streets of Lighthouse Avenue beginning at 2:30pm. Also on Friday, dance

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

with the Royal Court at Chautauqua Hall during the Feast of Dancing at 6pm.

831-800-1905 , www.feast-of-lanterns.org 4:00 P.m. Hot Cars, Cool Nights Car Show. Promoting various street rod activities for the whole family, creating good fellowship among members and bringing about a cleaner understanding of organized street rod activities to the public, press and law enforcement.

Echo Avenue, Seaside, 93955 www.facebook.com/ events/1808077999432554/ IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY 10:00 A.m. Day Out with Thomas.

Join Thomas the Tank Engine™ for the 2017 Tour through the Big Trees. Your ticket includes a fun-filled day of activities: a train ride with Thomas™, picture taking with Sir Topham Hatt,™ temporary tattoos, face painting, bounce houses, storytelling, bubble making, live entertainment, train play tables, and more.

5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, 95018 831-335-4484

Saturday, July 29 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

July Events eant day. Pageant Day at Lover’s Point Beach beginning at 11am. The day will include children’s activities, food booths, live entertainment and more. The pageant and main event begins at 8pm.

831-800-1905 , www.feast-of-lanterns.org

sunday, July 30 IN MONTEREY COUNTY

10:00 A.m. Moss Landing Street Fair. Presented by the Moss Landing Chamber of Commerce, the Moss Landing Street Fair has been an annual summer event since 1970. Visitors flood the quaint harbor town the last sunday in July to shop and experience Moss Landing and all it has to offer. The main street, Moss Landing Road, fills end to end with unique, quality vendors: antique, vintage, handmade, music, art, jewelry. Local food and live music create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss this much-anticipated event at the heart of the Monterey Bay. Cheers!

Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, 95039 831-633-4501 11:00 A.m. closing ceremony of lanterns pageant day. The ceremony will take place at Chautauqua Hall.

831-800-1905 , www.feast-of-lanterns.org

11:00 A.m. feast of lanterns pag-

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Weekly Story Times IN MONTEREY COUNTY wednesday 10:30 a.m. Storytime at the farm. Bring your little ones out to The Farm for a time of stories, songs, and a snack.

5 Foster Road, Salinas, 93902 831-455-2575 2:00 P.m. All Ages Storytime at castroville branch library. Children of all ages will enjoy this fun storytime.

11160 Speegle, Castroville, 95012 831-769-8724 thursday 10:00 a.m. BILINGUAL TODDLER STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Join us for short stories, songs, action rhymes, finger plays, and fun.

Toddlers will be introduced to sounds, letter recognition, and new words that will help to develop literacy skills.

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Cesar Chavez Library 615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 http://salinaspubliclibrary.org 10:15 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. For children aged 2-5. This program will be held in the Michelle Lang Children’s Room. Stories, songs and a craft.

Marina Branch Library 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, 93933 831- 883-7507 www.co.monterey.ca.us/library/# 10:30 a.m. preschool storytime. For children aged 2-5 at Buena Vista Branch Library.

18250 Tara Drive, Salinas 93908 831-455-96099 10:30 a.m. Bilingual toddler STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3. Join us for short stories, songs, action rhymes, finger plays, and fun.

Toddlers will be introduced to sounds, letter recognition, and new words that will help to develop literacy skills.

Cesar Chavez Library 615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 www.salinaspubliclibrary.org 11:00 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3.

Held weekly on Thursday.

King City Branch Library 402 Broadway, King City, 93930 831- 385-3677 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org 12:30 p.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. A storytime for children under 3.

Soledad Branch Library 401 Gabilan Drive, Soledad, 93960 831- 678-2430 www.montereycountyfreelibraries.org 5:00 p.m. Family Storytime. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills. Seating is first come, first serve. Held at Cesar Chavez Library.

615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 6:30 p.m. pajama Storytime. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills. Come early.

Seating is first come first served.

350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-758-7311 friday 10:30 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler stories & songs at Carmel Valley Branch Library.

65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 93924, 831- 659-2377 saturday 10:45 a.m. Reading to Dogs at Cesar Chavez Library. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills.

615 Williams Road, Salinas, 93905 831-758-7345 11:00 a.m. Bilingual Storytime at Seaside Branch Library. Librarians adapt stories, songs, and crafts to match the ages and attention spans of the children attending. Parents are encouraged to come and learn how to foster early literacy skills.

Seaside Branch Library 550 Harcourt, Seaside, 93955 831-899-2055 11:00 a.m. Family Storytime at john steinbeck Library. Storytime for all ages.

350 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, 93901 831-758-7311 11:00 a.m. Read to a Dog at castroville branch library.

Children will enjoy practicing their reading skills by reading to dogs.

11160 Speegle, Monterey, 95012 831-769-8724

MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017

IN santa cruz COUNTY monday 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler Time is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. Join us for early literacy practices involving music, movement, stories, rhymes and more for your child and you. Space is limited, please arrive on time. Held at Live Oak Branch Library..

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 • www.santacruzpl.org www.santacruzpl.org/branches 10:30 a.m. storyTIME. Join us for Story Time and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members.

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 5:30 p.m. Spanish Storytime.

Join us at the Live Oak Library for a Spanish Storytime. This program is for children ages 0-8 and their families.

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 • www.santacruzpl.org WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Preschool Storytime. Bookshop Santa Cruz invites any toddler or pre-school age children (with parental supervision) to listen to stories.

1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-423-0900 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. Toddler Time is a weekly program for families with children ages 0-3 years old.

It includes music, stories, finger plays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers. Held at Boulder Creek Branch Library.

13390 West Park Avenue Boulder Creek, 95006 831-427-7703 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/5/ 10:30 a.m. STORYTIME. Join us for Story Time and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights. Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 • www.sccmod.org/

11:00 a.m. Preschool Storytime at Live oaks Branch library. Story time open to all ages.

2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7711 1:00 P.M. Tales to Tails. Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read.

230 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, 95062 831-427-7717 tales2tails@santacruzpl.org 3:30 P.m. Tales to Tails. Storytime for all ages.

Capitola Branch Library 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, 95010 831-427-7717 thursday 10:00 a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft. Open to ages 3-6.

Held at Downtown Branch Library.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7707 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/7/ 10:00 a.m. TODDLERTIME. A 60 minute program for children, 0-3 years and their parents or caregivers. Join us for music, stories & play. Space is limited. Held at Scotts Valley Branch Library.

251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, 95066 831-427-7712 www.santacruzpl.org/branches/12/ 10:30 a.m. STORYTIME. Join us for Story Time at Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery and watch your child’s imagination soar to new heights.

Free with Museum admission and for MOD Members.

1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010 (888) 424-8035 www.sccmod.org/ saturday 10:00 a.m. tales to tails.

Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute time slots to sit with a dog and read. Held at Downtown Branch Library.

224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 831-427-7717 tales2tails@santacruzpl.org montereybayparent.com

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Offering programs for all ages!

Convenient Online Registration Available!

Stay-N-Play Afterschool Program • Preschool Program Gymnastics • Ballet • Ballroom Dance play! Monterey Travel Program • Fall Holiday Program and much, much more!

Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center 735 Ramona Avenue 646-5665 32

Monterey Youth Center 777 Pearl Street 646-3873

Scholze Park Center Hilltop Park Center Monterey Recreation 280 Dickman Avenue 871 Jessie Street Administration Office 646-3878 646-3975 546 Dutra Street 646-3866

www. monterey.org/rec

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MONTEREY BAY PARENT • July 2017