Sonoma Family Life November 2014 by familylifemag

sonoma November 2014

Gratitude Games 5 ways to teach

Classroom Safari Help save

appreciation

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SonomaFamilyLife.com

November 2014

Take a ‘Selfie with Our Elfie’

Feature Stories

Sweepstakes

10 Have Zoo, Will Travel

Keep Classroom Safari going strong.

14 NAPPA Best Gifts of the Season Terrific ideas for the kids on your list.

16 The More the Merrier Create new blended-family traditions.

18 Gratitude Games Fun ways to cultivate appreciation.

20 Love in a Shoebox Bring holiday smiles to foster kids.

22 Manners Magic How to teach your kids social graces.

16 4 SonomaFamilyLife

24 Sweet Slumber Tips for helping everyone sleep better.

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

Bits and Pieces

These Sofas Aren’t Just for Sitting

Dance to African Beats

37 Crafting with Kids The Grateful Gobbler

Opera Even Kids Will Love

38 Marketplace

Carnegie Hall Comes to You

40 Family Fun

Santa’s Sailing to Town

26 Cooking with Kids Cranberry ’Licious

28 Calendar of Events Snoopy Has a Spread for You

Get Your Hands Off My Squid!

42 Humor Break

SonomaFamilyLife.com November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Do You have A Pinched Nerve?

Dear Friend, I wanted to let everyone know what happened while I was in college. It was a moment that changed my life forever. But before I tell you about my experience, I wanted to tell you my story from the start. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter, I’m the guy in the middle, Dr. Taatjes. You know when I meet people in town and they usually say, “Oh yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Taatjes. You’ve been in Petaluma for years…” Well, that’s me. Twenty-six years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever. Let me tell you my story. I was studying pre-Med in college, in hopes of becoming a medical doctor. Things were looking up, and life was good, until things took a turn for the worse. I began to have terrible back and stomach problems. For a young guy, I felt pretty rotten. My back hurt so badly that I had a hard time even concentrating in class. I was miserable. The medical doctors tried different drugs, but they only made me feel like I was in a “cloud.” I was just not getting better. A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor did an exam, took some films and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I soon was off all medication. It worked so well that I decided, then and there, to become a chiropractor myself. Now for my kids, Hayden and Henry. They have been under chiropractic care their entire lives. And, unlike most other kids in their class, they never get the “common” childhood illnesses like ear infections, asthma and allergies. In fact, they have never taken a drug in their lives. And they are now 19 and 21! It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their back problems and stomach problems. They come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few. If drugs make people well, then those who take the most should be the healthiest, but that simply isn’t the case. With chiropractic we don’t add anything to the body or take anything from it. We find interference in the nervous system

and remove it thus enhancing the healing capacities of the body. We get tremendous results…it really is as simple as that. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have had a problem with migraines as well as low back pain. Even after seeing doctors and other health professionals, the pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, they have helped tremendously. They even take away my migraines. They’re great!” (Judy E.) “I came in pending laser surgery for two herniated discs. Over a few months here the need for surgery subsided, and the pain has subsided to a mild discomfort with occasional morning stiffness. Over all, I feel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual process.” (Jaime O.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. Find out for yourself and benefit from an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct your health. You are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article by November 30, 2014, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s with x-rays, exam, report of findings…the whole ball of wax. This exam could cost you $350 elsewhere. Great care at a great fee… Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get

great care at a great fee. My qualifications… I’m a graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic who regularly goes to monthly educational chiropractic seminars. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to neighbors that you may know. I just have that low exam fee to help more people who need care. My associates, Dr. Lee, Dr. Thau and I are ready to see if we can help you. Our offices are both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called REDWOOD CHIROPRACTIC and we now have two locations. Our main office is located at 937 Lakeville Street Petaluma, phone number is 763-8910. Dr. Taatjes would love to help you at this location. Call Alex, Stephanie or Wendy. Our second location is at 225 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, with Dr. Thau (who is awesome), and the phone number is 775-2545. Call Cathy today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you. – Dr. Joel Taatjes P.S. When accompanied by the first I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.

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November 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader ’Tis the season for counting blessings and our readers are deﬁnitely one of ours! Thank you for making Sonoma Family Life the #1 lifestyle Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us

magazine for local parents!

Have you heard about our “Selfies with Elfies” sweepstakes for $1,000 in gifts from local businesses? Entering is easy. Just go to any of the dozens of participating locations around the county and take your Selfie (or a picture of your kids or pets) with our Elfie. (See page 3 for a list of locations near you that will display Elfies.) New “Selfies with Elfies” locations are sprouting up all the time. For the latest list, visit SonomaFamilyLife. com. Join our e-mail list for updates and news. Snap your Selfie at all the locations for more chances to win. Last day to enter is December 17—just in time to help with your holiday shopping list! BONUS: Want your family or kids to be on our cover? Submit a “Selfie with Our Elfie”

by November 12 to be considered for a future Sonoma Family Life magazine cover shoot! We can’t wait to see your family’s Selfies. If you’ve been around Sonoma County with kids, you’ve likely seen Bonnie Cromwell talking about wild animals. Cromwell owns Classroom Safari, which for decades has inspired students at local schools to love and better understand wildlife. Read “Have Zoo, Will Travel” (page 10) to find out what has happened to her business, and how you can help. This is such a great month to think about thankfulness. Researchers such as Dr. Robert Emmons at University of California, Davis, have shown how important gratitude is to both our health and happiness. Sometimes it’s hard for kids (and adults) to think about what they appreciate about their lives. “Gratitude Games” (page 18) offers fun ways to help everyone focus on what brings them joy. Do you have any ways of encouraging thankfulness in your home? We’d love to hear about them; post or e-mail your suggestions. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Marketing Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

Contributing Writers

Open Weekends 10am-6pm

Bob Padecky Denise Yearian Christina Katz Malia Jacobson Jessica Snowden John Corippo Patrick Hempfing

Calendar Anna Freeman

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403

e’ n

Office Manager

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November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Bits & Pieces

These Sofas Aren’t Just for Sitting

Photo by Tibidabo Photography

OFA is the name of the district between A Street and Sebastopol Avenue in Santa Rosa. And it’s also the kind of furniture that will be wildly decorated and displayed at Winterblast, SOFA’s annual street fair, parade, and festival. In addition to decked-out couches, you will see arty bicycles, illuminated sculptures, costumed performers, and even fire dancers. Live music will be offered on three stages, and street musicians will provide entertainment, too. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available. The event will be held November 15, 5–9 p.m. On November 7, 5–8 p.m., galleries in the SOFA district will hold open studios where you can meet artists and enjoy refreshments and music. A similar art event, Holiday Eve Art, will be held on December 4, 5–8 p.m. Participants will be encouraged to bring a bell to “serenade the walk.” See sofasantarosa.com for a complete listing of events. ¶

Dance to African Beats Let the rhythms of African drumming move your body at the Okili and the United Africa Club Dinner, Dance, and Music Festival in Sebastopol. An African-themed meal of chicken in peanut sauce will please your palate while afro-beat, Caribbean, and reggae grooves will move your soul. Bring your own drums to join in the fun, or if you don’t know how to play, bid on some drum lessons at the silent auction. You can also bid on various music and dance lessons, musical instruments, and art. The event is a fundraiser for Okili Nguebari, who has been sharing African music and dance through his nonprofit, the United Africa Club, for the better part of two decades. Due to legal and financial issues, Nguebari hasn’t been to his homeland, which is now known as the Republic of Congo, in 25 years. It’s hoped the money raised at this event will make that trip finally possible. The festival will be held on November 7 at 6 p.m. at the Sebastopol Community Center. Ticket prices, which include dinner, are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. See www. sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/okili-united-africa-clubdinner-dance-music-festival for more information. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

Opera Even Kids Will Love

ngelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel will come alive to young ears at Sing-A-Story with the San Francisco Opera, hosted by the Central Santa Rosa Library on November 8 at 11 a.m. In this free program for 5–8-year-olds, a professional opera singer will musically tell the tale of the classic 19th-century opera. Costumes and props will inspire the littlest actors to imagine themselves lost in an enchanted forest, conspiring to conquer a wicked witch who lives in a gingerbread house. The nonprofit San Francisco Opera Guild is celebrating its 75th year of music education by traveling to Bay–area communities and offering kids opportunities to experience an art form that they may not normally be exposed to. “We at the Sonoma County Library are very excited to be in partnership with the guild, and would like to partner with the Santa Rosa Symphony to create similar programs,” says Kathy DeWeese, Coordinator of Children’s Services at Sonoma County Library. See sonomalibrary.org for more information. ¶

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Santa’s Sailing to Town

Carnegie Hall Comes to You

t’s not everyday that a musician scheduled to play at Carnegie Hall gives a concert at a local library for free. Peter So Peter Fletcher’s Fletcher upcoming classical guitar performance at Rohnert Park–Cotati Library will undoubtedly be a treat. Fletcher is on tour promoting his new album, which features his own arrangements of work by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Besides pieces from the album, the program will include Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Michael Praetorius’s “Terpsichore,” a Fandango by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, and four Catalonian folk songs. The show will also feature a special arrangement of the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” The concert will be held on November 15 at 2 p.m. For more information, log on to peterfletcher.com and sonomalibrary.org. ¶

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ho needs reindeer when you have a boat? So says Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive by riverboat on November 29 in Petaluma. Santa’s Riverboat Arrival will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Petaluma School of Ballet students, decked out in costumes from The Nutcracker, entertaining holiday revelers. At noon, the beloved pair will make their way from the boat dock to the River Plaza Shopping Center, handing out candy-canes to children along the way. Readying themselves to hear whispered Christmas wishes, they will sit on a stage set up for photos. See visitpetaluma.com for details. ¶

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A Wildlife Educator’s Quest to Continue Her Mission

Classroom Safari’s Bonnie Cromwell and her ocelot in action.

By Bob Padecky

onnie Cromwell’s career nurturing wildlife began when she was a Petaluma High School student. She was on vacation with her folks up at Blue Lake in Humboldt County. One morning, when she was walking to the edge of the lake, Cromwell came across a duck’s nest.

It had as many eggs as she did years—15. She remembers the number very clearly because in a few hours she saw 14 of them hatch. One didn’t. From a respectful distance, she saw Momma Duck gather up the ducklings, head to the water, and paddle off. The one unhatched egg still remained.

“Was she ever going to come back for it?” Cromwell wondered. Cromwell stayed all day near that duck’s nest. Momma never returned. This just won’t do, Cromwell said to herself. The egg is vulnerable to predators. Besides, some eggs take longer to hatch. Cromwell took 10 SonomaFamilyLife

the egg back to the campsite. She crawled into her sleeping bag, and put the egg in her right armpit to keep it warm. She went to sleep. When she awoke the next morning, she noticed duck feathers strewn about her. Raising her arm, she saw a cracked egg, and then something fluffy and yellow and a bit unsteady. The duckling had hatched. For the next five years, Cromwell and her duck, Jamal, went everywhere together except to high school.

When she walked around downtown Petaluma, Jamal dutifully followed— no leash or chain. Jamal had been imprinted, and so had Cromwell. Jamal had found a mom, and Cromwell her calling. She had saved a life, and now encouraged by Ron Head, who was teaching wildlife conservation at Petaluma High, she worked with Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, Marine World in Vallejo, and a veterinarian hospital to save others. Eventually, Cromwell began educating kids and adults about wildlife. In 1989, she made it her career, launching Classroom Safari with her business partner, Rick Pennington. With 50–55 animals under her care at any one point, Cromwell has presented wildlife to elementary and high school children from Shasta to the Mojave Desert.

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Photo by Dennis Urbiztondo

Have Zoo, Will Travel

How many kids have seen her show over the last 25 years? “Hundreds of thousands,” says Cromwell, 60.

value even the smallest of creatures because if they value [them], they will protect [them].”

Alligators, leopards, porcupines, hedgehogs, lemurs, fennec foxes, ocelots, and all manner of snakes are just a few of the animals Cromwell takes care of. Her traveling zoo operates under one single, abiding, inflexible principle.

Cromwell is the living, breathing, working embodiment of Mahatma

“We have no animals that can kill us,” she says, “or our audience.” Cromwell didn’t enter into the wildlife education business to get rich. She did it, again, for another abiding and inflexible principle. “I want kids to have an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of life,” she explains. “I want them to

Bonnie Cromwell and her duck, Jamal, went everywhere together except high school. When she walked around downtown Petaluma, Jamal dutifully followed. Gandhi’s edict: “To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. The more helpless the creature, the more

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it is entitled to protection by man from the cruelty of man.” That said, it is with great reluctance that Cromwell has had to take time away from her passion to deal with a tragic turn of events. An unfortunate loss has made life at Classroom Safari particularly difficult. “If I had not looked back, if I had kept on walking ...” Her voice trails off. “It all would have been gone.” On June 10, Cromwell was at her animal enclosure at a site east of downtown Petaluma. It was 7 p.m. She had made the rounds, left food out for her critters, and headed to her car. With a casual glance, she looked back at the barn, which housed about 20 animals.

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The north-side window was orange. “Is it the reflection from the sunset?” she wondered. Might as well check.

like the Colorado River, Cromwell didn’t feel the embedded stones in her face or the slash marks they caused.

Cromwell opened the barn’s door to find black smoke engulfing the room. The smoke was so thick that anything inside would have been unrecognizable—if it weren’t for the flames in the northwest corner of the room. The plastic snake enclosure had caught fire. Cromwell scrambled to open it so that she could free the snakes, but the doors wouldn’t budge. She found a crowbar. No luck. The flames were growing taller.

When she returned with the hose, the sight of the barn took her breath away. The fire had become an inferno, and the entire structure was in doubt. She doused some of the flames. Laid down the hose. Removed some snakes. Grabbed the hose. Sprayed again. Extracted the ferrets. She did this seven times in the next 45 minutes.

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Cromwell ran out of the barn to find the hose, which was 50 feet away. In her haste, she didn’t see a small concrete step. She did a face-plant. A real one—her hands did not break her fall. Adrenaline flowing through her

When the ambulance came, the paramedics saw what Cromwell couldn’t see: a blackened face with chunks of something lodged in the skin. She looked like some cast member in a horror movie. “Gotta go to the hospital,” she was told. “Now.” Cromwell refused.

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ant to help Classroom Safari’s animals? Attend a benefit pasta feed and silent auction on November 16 at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. The event will run from 4–8 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m., and the show at 6 p.m. Advanced tickets are $20; $25 at the door. Kids ages 3–12 are $10. Kids under 3 are free. For pre-sale tickets, call 303-6618.

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November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

The paramedics didn’t know that this was a woman who protected a duck egg as a teenager. If they had known, they probably wouldn’t have asked her to leave. Cromwell did agree to oxygen. That she wasn’t coughing up part of a lung was a mystery. How the fire started, that remains a mystery, too. The best guess: A

With 50–55 animals under her care at any one point, Cromwell has presented wildlife to elementary and high school children from Shasta to the Mojave Desert.

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heating coil attached to the drawers that contained the snakes may have somehow frayed and sparked. Maybe. No one knows.

Cromwell has a lifelong passion for wild animals.

What has become known, however, is the extent of the damage caused by the fire. The inside of the barn is black as coal. The internal pressure caused by the fire blew out the windows. Though the exterior walls were salvageable, www.sonomafamilylife.com

A fundraiser at Safari West eight days after the fire helped. Another one is needed. It’ll be held November 16 at Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma.

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The money will not go to line the pockets of some fat cat. It will line the cages of exotic cats. It will keep creatures, great and small, among us, healthy and thriving. When that clouded leopard stares, a muffed growl in her throat, she is telling us to pay attention to something besides ourselves. As Mahatma Gandhi, aka Bonnie Cromwell, would say, how can we not see the value in that? ¶ Bob Padecky, father of two, spent 26 years as a local sports columnist. He recently retired, but not really. November 2014

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Holiday finds for everyone’s wish list Each year, the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) enlists the help of expert judges and families to play with, test and evaluate hundreds of new children’s products. Here are the gems they honored with gold awards this year. All proved high in quality, entertainment and educational value, and – of course – in fun. See the entire list of gold, silver and honors winners at NAPPAawards.com or download the app from Cozi – the online family calendar and organizer – and view all the winners on your phone.

Toys

Air Storm Firetek Bow Zing, $29.97, www.firetekbow.com. Ages: 8+.

Gyrobot

Thames and Kosmos, $44.95, thamesandkosmos.com. Ages: 6+.

The World Of Eric Carle Learning Table and Chair Creative Baby Inc., $49.99, creativebabyinc.com. Ages: 3+.

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Bunzi

Geomag, $45, geomagworld.com. Ages: 5+.

Waboba, $24.99, waboba.com. Ages: 5+.

Make Your Own Washi Tape Stickers Scholastic Corporation/Klutz, $16.99, klutz.com. Ages: 8+.

Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Piggy Bank

Razor E100 Glow Razor USA, $169.99, razor.com. Ages: 8+.

at Facebook.com/NAP for your chance to win PAawards of award winning toysa collection , books and games.

Get Out Play Kit

Chillafish $49.99, Chillafish.com. Ages: 1 to 3.

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Omnicor, Inc./The Wikki Stix Company, $24.95, wikkistix.com. Ages: 5 to 8.

Gravity Maze

ThinkFun, Inc., $29.99, thinkfun.com. Ages: 8 to Adult.

Paint Your Own Porcelain Party Kit

MindWare, $39.95, mindware.com. Ages: 8+.

YOXObug Flye

Play from Scratch, $24.99, yoxo.com. Ages: 7+.

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Games Balance Boat-Endangered Animal Edition

BeginAgain, $35, beginagaintoys.com. Fun for the entire family.

Doodle Quest

Blue Orange Games, $24.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 6+.

MimiQ

Face To Face Card Game for Kids Edition

Harvest Time, $11.99, harvesttimepartners.com. Ages: 7+.

GameBrotherZ, $7.99, gamebrotherz.com. Fun for the entire family.

Seek-a-Boo

Moustache Smash Spin Master, $15.99, spinmaster.com. Ages: 7+.

Shark Mania

Spin Master, $19.99, spinmaster.com. Ages: 6+.

MindWare, $19.99, mindware.com. Ages: 1 to 3.

Staxis

MindWare, $29.95, mindware.com. Fun for the entire family.

Spot it! Fire & Ice

Blue Orange Games, $19.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 8+.

Sunny Day Pond

Peaceable Kingdom, $15.99, peaceablekingdom.com. Ages: 3+.

Books

A Home for Mr. Emerson

by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham Scholastic Corporation/Scholastic Press, 2014, $18.99, scholastic.com. Ages: 8 to 12.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

A Perfectly Messed-Up Story

by Patrick McDonnell Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014, $17, hachettebookgroup.com. Ages: 3 to 6.

Dash

Alice from Dallas

by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Ard Hoyt Abrams Books, 2014, $16.95, abramsbooks.com. Ages: 4 to 8.

November 2014

by Kirby Larson Scholastic Corporation/ Scholastic Press, 2014, $16.99, scholastic.com. Ages: 8 to 12.

SonomaFamilyLife 15

The More the Merrier Nine Steps for Creating Holiday Traditions in Blended Families By Denise Yearian

hen divorce or remarriage changes family structures, once-treasured holiday traditions

may now be too painful or ill-fitting to continue. To ease

the awkwardness and establish new holiday rituals, consider these nine tips. 16 SonomaFamilyLife

Anticipate anxiety. After a major family upheaval, one of the first things that may come into your children’s minds is, “How is this holiday going to be different?” There’s comfort in old traditions, so anticipate anxiety and keep the lines of communication open.

Enlist and engage. Before making any changes in traditions, consider which ones are appropriate to keep, and have a few new ideas in mind before discussing any changes with your children. Ask which ones they want to continue and which ones they would like to start anew. If you engage your child in options and give them choices, they are more likely to accept and adjust to changes.

Accommodate everyone. Some old traditions may not be accepted or applicable in the new

family configuration. Accommodate everyone’s needs when considering which existing traditions to maintain.

Do a trial run. Suggest trying something new this year and see how it goes. This alleviates having to make a long-term commitment and allows you to alter your decision in the future. Approach it from a positive stance and focus on the newness of what is to come. Consider pulling traditions from another country or culture.

Spell out schedules. If holiday schedules that involve traditions are going to be radically different, tell your child what to expect. If, for example, they used to go to Grandma’s house for Christmas and this is no longer an option, give advance notice and suggest an alternative so there are no surprises.

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Pace yourself. If your child is resistant to change, don’t push. Give them time and move at their pace. Older children, in particular, have more memories and may take longer to accept changing traditions. If your children are grieving the loss of their once-intact family, empathize and allow time for the wounds to heal.

Don’t step on someone’s shoes. Be cautious about letting another person take over a tradition your child strongly associates with a parent, who, for whatever reason, is absent. For example, if Mom always takes her daughter to get a manicure and buy a new dress before Christmas, and Mom can’t be around this year, no one else in the family should try to fill those shoes.

Blend and bond. With a newly blended family, consider establishing stepparent/stepchild traditions. This may help bond relationships, particularly with the younger set. If the step relationship hasn’t gelled, the biological parent may want to go along for the first year or two. If the child shows resistance, wait until another year and try again.

Don’t go too fast! Remember, new family traditions can elicit thoughts that something old is being left behind. If you try to move into new rituals too fast, your child may become anxious or upset. Be sure to place enough emphasis on both old and new traditions. Be patient with the process. ¶ Denise Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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November 2014

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SonomaFamilyLife 17

Gratitude Games

Creative Ways to Cultivate Kids’ Appreciation

By Christina Katz

et’s face it, kids do not always feel grateful for everything they have. But just because they do

not feel appreciative every

minute of every day does not make them ingrates.

If you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun, everybody wins. In fact, if you can make scavenging for gratitude an opportunity for fun, everybody wins. You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought. And they may decide that expressing what they are grateful for isn't as much of a pain as they imagined.

And, for better or for worse, if you constantly nag your kids with lines like “Do you realize how lucky/ fortunate/blessed you are?” eventually they will just tune you out.

So, go ahead. Make gratitude games an annual habit every Thanksgiving season. Here are five ways to motivate your kids to dig deep and rediscover an inner well of thankfulness without feeling put out.

An attitude of gratitude is something children need to be reminded to practice without excessive pressuring.

Word association. Ask kids, “What do you feel grateful for?” Create a list of words that

18 SonomaFamilyLife

represent moments, memories, or anything that pops into their minds when they answer the question. Family members can work alone or as a group. A parent can help a preschooler create a short, colorful list. School-age children may do better if given a number challenge, such as “What are the top ten things you feel most grateful for this year?” Keep the activity quick, fun, and light. Don’t treat it like an essay assignment unless your family has a writer who would enjoy answering the question in essay form. Photo safari. Over the course of a fall weekend, give each child an hour with your digital camera or your

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

camera phone. Tell them to snap photos of things around the house and yard that make them feel happy. These photos can include people, pets, nature, objects, places, and anything else they love. When you recover your camera, download a smattering of photos for each child into a collage format, which is offered through local photo-printing services. Have each child title the document in his or her

Discussing these kinds of learning experiences teaches kids about resiliency and the importance of not shirking challenges. About a week before Thanksgiving, start a conversation about tough lessons learned during the past year. Each night during dinner, let one person share a story on the topic. You might just find your family swept up in some of the most educational and inspiring conversations of the year.

You may be surprised to learn that your kids are a lot more appreciative than you thought.

Written on stone. Creating a thoughtful gift for someone else can bring out gratitude in even the grumpiest pilgrim. Purchase enough large river stones from your local garden shop or stone supplier so that each person in attendance for Thanksgiving will have one with his or her name on it. Be sure to pick up a couple extra, just in case. Scrub stones clean with soap and water, and let dry. Paint stones on the top, sides, and bottom lip in an array of autumnal colors. Across the top of each stone, write guest names in large letters with permanent markers or paint pens. Let dry completely, then take some old magazines and cut out words that describe each guest. Apply words to rims of stones with Mod Podge and sponge brushes. After the words dry, add one more coat to the stone. When stones are again dry, cut and glue a piece of felt onto the bottom. Use stones as placeholders at the Thanksgiving table and watch the proud grins. ¶

Includes: • 2 hours of climbing with Vertex staff belaying/supervising the group. • Access to our fun and challenging Obstacle Course (weather permitting). • Use of our Party room during and after event. • Harness rentals are included. • Shoe rentals are $5 per pair (not necessary if kids are wearing closed-toe shoes).

Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. She feels grateful every time someone reads her words. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

Discounted group rates for non-profits

own words, and hang photo collages near the Thanksgiving table. Plastic or magnetic frames make it easy to protect and store collages for next year. Appreciation postcards. Get a few packages of blank postcards and fine-point water-based markers from the art supply store. Write names and addresses of family members in permanent ink on one side of the postcard, so important information won't smear. Then, on the other side, ask your kids to write one word that describes something they appreciate about each family member, and decorate the postcard to match the sentiment. Make this an annual event and family members will look forward to their handmade postcards every year. Lessons learned. Life is school. We are all always learning new things. Sometimes we learn things we can't appreciate until later because the learning process is challenging, difficult, or painful. www.sonomafamilylife.com

November 2014

CLIMBING, TRAINING, COMMUNITY

WE LOVE TO PARTY!

KIDS LOVE TO CLIMB! PARENTS LOVE TO RECORD THE ACTION! Birthday Party & Group Events $150 For up to 6 participants. Additional climbers $24 each

Voted “Best Place for a Child’s Birthday Party” by The Press Democrat since 2013

707-573-1608

climbvertex.com 3358a Coffey Lane • Santa Rosa SonomaFamilyLife 19

Love in a Shoebox

child may miss out on getting a new toothbrush, let alone a new toy. The shoebox is something that children actually own. If they are moved to a new home, they won’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll get a comb or socks. They can take those things with them. This gives them a small sense of control over their lives, the circumstances of which are largely out of their hands.

Make the Holidays Special for a Foster Kid

good childhood seems like it should be a birthright. But it is one of life’s great injustices that some kids have it harder than others. During the holidays, foster kids especially need a little lift. Love in a Shoebox aims to give it to them. The good vibes come in the form of shoeboxes filled with practical and fun gifts, things they can truly call their own.

The Rohnert Park–based program was launched as Santa’s Shoeboxes in 2000 by Gail Knecht, who filled between 200 and 500 shoeboxes each year. In 2005, Angie Watkins took over the project, but health issues slowed her down. So in 2008, Sue Piland renamed the organization and placed it under the umbrella of her already established nonprofit, SueCares, of which she is executive director. Love in a Shoebox now fills between 1,400 and 1,600 boxes a year. The organization takes orders from various social service agencies, which provide the names, ages, and sex of children in need. Volunteers fill the boxes with essentials such as shampoo, toothbrushes, and combs, and fun 20 SonomaFamilyLife

With the holidays fast approaching, donations of products, money, and time are all needed. stuff such as Hot Wheels, nail polish, and picture books. When asked why a foster child who is being taken care of by a family would need necessities such as a toothbrush

The shoebox is something that children actually own. If they are moved to a new home, they won’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll get a comb or socks. and comb, Piland offered the story of her son, whom she foster-parented and eventually adopted. “When he came to us, 90 percent of his clothes were too tight. And his shoes were two times too small,” she recounts. While foster parents are, as Piland says, “amazing,” they are nonetheless usually financially stressed, especially if they take care of several kids. In addition, foster kids move around a lot. If a situation isn’t working out, they are often placed somewhere else. In the mix, a

Because of Piland’s health issues, Love in a Shoebox was not able to hold its annual fundraiser, North Bay Barbecue Challenge. So it is in particular need of cash as well as several items for children of all ages, including dental care and school supplies, socks, small blankets, board books, and, for older kids, deodorant, nice-smelling lotions, makeup samples, and hand-held games. (See loveinashoebox.com for a full list.) Apart from cash and product donations, Piland’s most urgent request is for volunteers to fill the boxes. She promises them a very uplifting experience. “I encourage everyone to go in even for an hour and fill a couple of shoeboxes. It’s so rewarding,” she enthuses. If you want to help, you can drop off supplies at Expressway Self Storage in Rohnert Park. To volunteer, call Director of Shoeboxes Traci Sell at 588-8878. Financial contributions may be mailed to Love in a Shoebox, PO Box 302, Cotati, CA 94931. A child who could use some TLC will thank you. ¶

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

GREAT WINTER CAMPS MENTION THIS AD

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Activities include baking, arts & crafts, games, skits, registration. Must a field trip and special guest! On Friday, campers call 707-583-3737 or register in prepare their own delicious meal and then perform an person at Finley awesome theater program for friends and relatives!

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Age: 6-12 Price: $135-$145 Length: 4 Days

Gymnastics Winter Camp Expect lots of flipping, jumping, swinging and climbing in this exciting camp! Activities include tumbling, movie day, crafts, game day and rock climbing. Mon, Tues, Fri, 12/22, 12/23, 12/26 (no camp 12/24, 12/25) Mon, Tues, Fri, 12/29, 12/30, 1/2/15 (no camp 12/31, 1/1)

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Age: 5-14 Price: $50-$85 Length: 3 Days

Holiday Etiquette for Tots, Teens, and In-Betweens

Manners Magic By Malia Jacobson

f you’re already dreading the thought of taking your rambunctious brood to Grandma’s for a holiday meal, you know that manners don’t come naturally to children. Though most parents strive to teach children niceties like “please” and “thank you,” good manners don’t begin and end with the magic words. What about the tot who squirms at the dinner table and jumps up after two minutes? What about the grade-schooler who runs wild at friends’ homes? Or how about the high-schooler who shrinks during introductions?

If you’re raising a manners-challenged child, you’re not alone. Childhood manners mishaps are as common as children themselves, says Chris J. Rock, etiquette coach and founder of Etiquette and Protocol Consulting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The good news: Youth is a time to learn and practice appropriate behavior, and mistakes are expected. Even better, swift etiquette intervention can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of civility.

That means establishing family behavior norms early on. If you don’t want your children to run indoors, traipse through airplane rows, or jump on furniture, correct these behaviors in toddlerhood with a firm, gentle reminder: “That is not how we act in this family. It doesn’t matter what other children do.” Toddlers have notoriously short memories, so catchy songs can help etiquette lessons stick, says Rock. “We sing ‘Yes is better than Yeah’ with our grandchildren,” she says.

TODDLER & PRESCHOOL: Table Training

Table manners–training can also start early. Rock recommends introducing flatware as soon as children can hold it, discouraging eating with the hands, and gently stretching the time tots can sit still during meals. Start with just four or five minutes, and build to 15 or 20. Children as young as two can be taught to

The golden rule—treat others as you’d like to be treated—is the basis of all etiquette, says Rock. So how soon should parents start teaching children manners? “You can’t start too young,” she notes. “There is no certain age when the magic begins.” 22 SonomaFamilyLife

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

ask their host—in most cases, Mom or Dad—to be excused from the table when finished. ELEMENTARY YEARS: Social Graces The grade-school years bring more friend visits and sleepovers—potential manners minefields, since kids will be away from parents’ watchful eyes. Teaching children to be a respectful guest in friends’ homes will ramp up confidence (and increase the odds of receiving a repeat invitation) at a time when children are developing a social identity. Pre-playdate, remind children that being a guest means respecting the household rules of their host. To show respect, ask children to address their friend’s parents as “Ms. and Mr. Smith” unless directed by the parents to do otherwise. And for an especially nice touch, follow up a sleepover or a special playdate with a personal thank-you note from the child. TWEENS & TEENS: Introduction Anxiety Want your tween or teen to make a good impression? Teach them to make a proper introduction, a habit that pays lifelong dividends. “Today’s teens are typically more

Get Moms Attention! YOUR AD HERE Call 586-9562

comfortable interacting with technology than they are face-to-face. And yet, those who master the ability to meet and greet others with ease will always be viewed more favorably,” notes Deborah King, president of Final Touch Finishing School in Seattle. The basics of a positive introduction include standing up straight, making eye contact, smiling, saying hello, speaking your name in a clear voice, and extending a firm handshake. “It’s important for parents to know introduction protocol themselves so they can model correctly,” says Rock. For example, when introducing two parties, the senior or more important person’s name is said first. Likewise, when introducing two friends, use equal terms for both; never use first and last name for one and just first name for the other. Polish introduction prowess by encouraging tweens and teens to introduce you and others at social gatherings and in group settings. Soon, they’ll be able to take on the world—civilly, of course. ¶ Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep journalist and mom.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR

SCHOOL TOURS Don’t Miss!

Kinder Information Night Technology Middle School January 14, 2015 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Visit!

any of our schools. Tours are hosted every week from 9-11 a.m. Go to www.crpusd.org to locate the phone number for the school(s) of your choice.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Starts January 7 2015

Cotati-Rohnert Park Uniﬁed School District learning for a lifetime . . .

WWW.CRPUSD.ORG www.sonomafamilylife.com

November 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 23

Ten Tips to Help the Entire Family Sleep Better

Sweet

Slumber

By Malia Jacobson

hen it comes to sleep, modern moms face a daunting task. We know our loved ones need their slumber—nearly every day, we’re bombarded with a new study trumpeting the importance of healthy rest. Research shows that sleep deprivation contributes to a collection of health evils, from depression to hypertension to obesity.

But juggling the widely different sleep needs of each member of our brood is easier said than done. From the teen who texts into the wee hours, to the tot who demands 20 bedtime stories, to the spouse who tosses and turns, everyone in the family has a different excuse for joining in the familiar chorus of “I’m tired!” and “Just five more minutes!” Complicating the issue is our own lack of shut-eye. According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to three-quarters of moms struggle with bouts of insomnia. What’s a sleep-starved mother to do? If an extreme sleep makeover (7 p.m. bedtime for everyone!) is out of reach, consider these baby steps toward better sleep for all the members of your family. 24 SonomaFamilyLife

Turn Spare Minutes into Sleep. Stop worrying about your looming “sleep debt”—countless hours of lost sleep that you know you’ll never recover. Instead, aim for just a few more minutes of sleep per day. Tucking everyone (including yourself) into bed 30 minutes earlier than normal is realistic. Kids probably won’t balk too much, and this small step adds 3.5 extra hours of slumber per week. That’s enough to make a big difference in how you feel, notes Mark Splaingard, MD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Getting more sleep improves alertness, driving, creative thinking, and motor tasks. You’re going to feel better and perform

better,” he says. Not a bad tradeoff for a few minutes per day. Sunny Side Up. Preparing for an easy bedtime begins first thing in the morning, when bright a.m. rays help set the body’s internal clock to make it easier to fall asleep at night. When everyone’s awake, throw open the curtains to let the daylight in, and serve breakfast in the sunniest spot in the house. Ditch the Nightlights. For better quality sleep, turn your alarm clock toward the wall. The National Sleep Foundation reports that light plays a major role in regulating biological patterns. Even tiny beams of nighttime light can disrupt circadian rhythms and hinder deep, restorative sleep. Experts recommend blacking out the bedroom—aim for can’t-see-a-handin-front-of-your-face darkness. That means bright alarm clocks, televisions, and computers should be turned off, covered, or kept out of the bedroom altogether. Nightlights should be used

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Take a FUN FOR ‘Selfie Our Elfie’ THE WHOLE Location FAMILY! with

only to calm children’s nighttime fears. Always choose the dimmest nightlight possible, and make sure it doesn’t shine directly on your child’s face. Make Some Noise. Turn bedrooms into relaxation zones with white noise. According to Harvey Karp, MD, creator of the best-selling Happiest Baby on the Block books and DVDs, white noise creates an auditory relaxation cue that works on everyone, from newborns through adults. High-quality white noise can also help drown out household sounds to help light sleepers rest easier. Unplug. Viewing stimulating television and online content at night keeps the family awake and alert when they should be winding down for sleep. Set and enforce media hours, and aim

The National Sleep Foundation reports that 65 percent of women rely on caffeine to make it through the day. to keep the last hour before bedtime free from the glare of a television, laptop, or gaming device. Cut the Caffeine. Moms love their java: The National Sleep Foundation reports that 65 percent of women rely on caffeine to make it through the day. But overly caffeinated days can make for sleepless nights. “Caffeine intake is one of the first things I hone in on when someone is struggling with insomnia,” says Splaingard. For better sleep, he recommends that adults limit caffeine to 200 milligrams per www.sonomafamilylife.com

day (around 12 ounces of regular drip coffee) before 3 p.m., and that children under 12 drink no caffeine. Get a Move On. Exercise helps us fall asleep faster and promotes deep sleep. Get your family’s blood pumping by taking a walk together, tackling yard work, or breaking out the Wii. Fill Your Plate. You’re feeding your family anyway—why not serve foods that support healthy rest? Foods rich in tryptophan can help your family feel sleepy; yogurt, cheese, soy protein, poultry, and eggs will do the job. Magnesium-rich products, such as black beans, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and oat bran, help relax the muscles. And the calcium found in foods such as milk, yogurt, salmon, oatmeal, tofu, and fortified orange juice aids in the production of melatonin. Nap Attack. Kids aren’t the only ones who need daytime sleep. Adults can benefit from a well-timed siesta, but snoozing too late or too long can wreck nighttime slumber. Nap if you feel sleepy in the afternoon, and encourage kids and teens to do the same, but avoid napping later than 3 p.m. to protect nighttime sleep. Open Your Medicine Cabinet. Are pills keeping you up at night? Common drugs, such as antidepressants, thyroid hormones, beta-blockers, diuretics, and some decongestants, can affect sleep quality. Talk to your doctor if you suspect yours might be harming sleep. ¶ Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep journalist and mom.

November 2014

Birthday Parties Public Skating Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

585-0500 • FOR RESERVATIONS: 585-0494 6100 COMMERCE BLVD. • WWW.CALSKATE.COM

Anthony Lieu, DMD • Rohnert Park, California

6420 Commerce Blvd Rohnert Park

Take a ‘Selfie with Our Elfie’ Location

photo by Sharon Neves Photography

707.795.4523 BlueAppleDentalGroup.com

Open House

Sat. November 8

Visit our website for details

• Bilingual Toddler thru Elementary • STEM Curriculum • Math Through Architecture

707-763-9222

SpringHillMontessori.org

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Take ‘Selfie Our E Locat

Cooking with Kids

Cranberry ’Licious Satisfy Pre-feast Hunger with This Treat

By John Corippo

hanksgiving—that incredible day of culinary divineness when family traditions are focused around the dinner table. You may be salivating even now anticipating a special holiday dish that you know will be prepared, whether it be green bean casserole, super-deluxe mashed potatoes, or one of a tableful of delectable desserts. In preparation for the annual edible ceremony, one doesn’t want to fill up with appetizers or a pre-game

This pound cake stars a superfood.

meal. But you can’t make it the entire day without having something, right? I have the solution: Cranberry Pound Cake. Delicious and satisfying, it features what is now known as a superfood—cranberries. That’s right. These berries aren’t just for juice cocktail anymore. They give the body an extra defense against everything from urinary and digestive problems to cardiovascular issues. And if they can do all that, they can surely nip your pre-feast hunger in the bud.

Cranberry Pound Cake Ingredients • 2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries (Blueberries or other berries may be substituted.) • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 cup whole milk • confectioners sugar for garnish

Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Put cranberries and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in food processor and pulse until cranberries are finely chopped. Transfer to sieve and let drain while making batter. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and remaining 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar in large bowl with electric mixer at medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes with a standing mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and alternately add flour mixture and milk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just incorporated. Spread one-third batter evenly in well-buttered 9x5x3 loaf pan, then spoon of half drained cranberries evenly over batter, leaving 1/2-inch border along sides. Top with another third of batter and remaining cranberries, leaving 1/2-inch border along sides. Cover with remaining batter. Bake in middle of oven until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out without crumbs (1–1 1/4 hours). Set cake in pan on rack. Cool 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

John Corippo lives in Ukiah, where he is a husband and father to two sons as well as a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative. 26 SonomaFamilyLife

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Explore the Future You Deserve!

Open House

Sunday, November 2 11:00am-1:30pm Parents and students of all ages are invited. Now Accepting Applications

CARDINAL NEWMAN

RSVP to cardinalnewman.org or Pat Piehl at 546-6470, ext. 120

IT’S A SLUMBER PARTY YOUTH OVERNIGHTS

Grab your sleeping bags and get ready for a slumber party at the Y. Every 3rd Friday of the month, kids are invited to sleep over at the Y and participate in a fun filled night of swimming, games, movies, crafts & more! Snacks are served Friday night, and breakfast Saturday morning.

For information call: 707-544-1829

DATES & THEMES:

Nov. 21st– Fall Harvest Dec. 19th– Holiday Hullabaloo Jan. 16th– Winter Wonderland Feb. 20th– Love is in the Air Mar. 20th– Over the Rainbow Apr. 17th– Spring Fling May 15th– Summer Fiesta

TIMES:

Drop off– 7PM Friday Pickup - 9 AM Saturday

FEES:

Facility Members $ 20 Program Members $ 25 Non-Members $35

The Y is a non-profit Community Based Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

November 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 27

November

Calendar of Events

1 Saturday FREE Music in Poetry: Where Words & Music Meet. Chamber jazz

duo concert includes poems that have been set to music. 2–3 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. Coddingtown Center. Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org. Sonoma State Seawolves Sports.

Various times. $2–$10. Sonoma State University (SSU) students free. SSU. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. sonomaseawolves.com. FREE El Dia de Los Muertos. Exhibit

of art & altars honoring deceased

Snoopy Has a Spread for You

ay before carbs became a no-no, Snoopy conjured up his famous Thanksgiving meal of popcorn, toast, and jellybeans. His impromptu fantasy feast, featured in the popular holiday special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973), will morph from cartoon to reality at Santa Rosa’s Charles Schulz Museum on November 15, 1–4 p.m. To participate in the iconic dog’s memorable meal, a child need only bring two cans of food, which will be donated to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. There will also be hands-on crafts and other family activities available. See schulzmuseum.org for further information. ¶

loved ones. Sat. & Sun. Petaluma Arts Center. 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma. petalumaartscenter.org. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Picnic, hike & commune with

ancient trees. 8 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset. Visitor Center 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Parking $8. Senior parking $7. Armstrong Woods State Park. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. 869-2015. The Rocky Horror Show. That sweet

transvestite Frankenfurter & his motley crew return in the original stage musical. Thru Nov. 9. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Thurs.–Sun. $10–$25. Studio Theatre. 6th Street

Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 6thstreetplayhouse.com. FREE Friedman’s KidsWorx Creative Workshop. Children’s Museum of

Sonoma County hosts fun science activities. 9 a.m.–noon. Friedman’s Home Improvement. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org. FREE Sculpture Trail. Downtown

Cloverdale & Geyserville. Thru May 2015. 101sculpturetrail.com. FREE North Bay Science Discovery Day. Watch pages come to life in

Family Life Magazine, dissect a huge squid, explore outer space & discover

It’s not just

Tired of Cleaning? Residential & Commercial Cleaning

Bill’s Cleaning Service Serving Santa Rosa (707) 321-7400

28 SonomaFamilyLife

Gymnastics...

It’s confidence for a lifetime! • Tumblebug Program for preschool aged children • Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 • Tumbling & Tramp Classes

707-763-5010

www.regymnastics.com

reg

redwood empire gymnastics

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

so much more! 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free parking. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. northbayscience.org. Alonzo King LINES Ballet. 8 p.m.

$25–$45. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Winter Workshops At the Charles M. Schulz Museum

December 13-January 2, 2015

call (707) 284-1272v for reservations or visit: www.schulzmuseum.org/learn/classes-camps

FREE Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.–noon. Saturdays 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com. My Favorite Barbra. Actress & vocalist

Kelly Brandeburg pays tribute to Barbra Streisand through stories & songs. 7:30 p.m. $15–$40. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org.

TheOpenSolar Living Center Every Day 10am-6pm

2 Sunday Mummenschanz. Revolutionary theatre using mime, acting, dance & magic to tell incredible stories that transcend the need for words. 3 p.m. $20–$45. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org.

707-546-4069

Open Tues-Sun www.sonomafamilylife.com

• Renewable Energy Education • Guided Tours • Picnics, Ponds & Playgrounds • Educational Displays • Healthy Snacks • Largest Straw bale Store • Huge Selection of Eco-Books • Toys, Clothing, Other Gifts • Solar Parts, Panels & Systems.

13771 S Hwy 101 • Hopland • 707-472-2403 November 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 29

DO YOU HAVE

QUESTIONS

The Price Is Right Live! Register 4–6:45 p.m. to be a contestant. 7 p.m. $45 & $30. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

A B O U T

HEALTH INSURANCE?

5 Wednesday Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center Tours. Docent-led tours of historic

OR NEED HELP SIGNING UP? Petaluma Health Center Certified Enrollment Counselors can help. Call our enrollment hotline

at (707) 559-7580

and speak to an enrollment counselor.

Open Enrollment is November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015

landmark. Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.–noon. $5. Second floor café, room 233. Marin Civic Center. 3501 Civic Center Dr., San Rafael. marincounty.org. FREE ReStyle Marketplace Prospective Volunteer Tours. Go

behind the scenes & discover the world of the volunteer. 11 a.m. ReStyle Marketplace. G&G Shopping Center. 1001 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. restylemarketplace.com.

1179 North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954

6 Thursday

(707) 559-7500 | phealthcenter.org

The Battle of Bodega Head & the History of Environmentalism. Longtime B Mî `ƒ

Natural toys, books, clothing, accessories, and classes for parents and children. Circle of Hands proudly carries: Kindergarten & Back to School Supplies Creative Games, Puzzles & Books Waldorf Art & Craft Supplies Handmade Dolls & Wooden Toys Artisan Soaps Made On-Site Parenting & Craft Workshops

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm 6780 McKinley St. #120, Sebastopol, CA at the BARLOW ph: 707-634-6140 www.circleofhandswaldorfshop.com

30 SonomaFamilyLife

Mention this ad for:

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Select sizes while supplies last 20% off packing and moving Supplies. Call for details 6001 Commerce Blvd.

Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-588-8878

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Thriving Academics, Creativity, & Well-being • • • •

Traditional Montessori Curriculum Ages 2 - 6 years old Kindergarten Program Summer Program

Developing the Foundations for a Lifetime of Creative Learning 537-8889

2810 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa bvmontessori.com

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

columnist & historian Gaye LeBaron talks with retired UC Berkeley Geology Professor Doris Sloan & environmentalist Kenneth Brower. 6 p.m. Members $8. Nonmembers $13. 425 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. sonomacountymuseum.org.

Do you change

your own oil?

(in your cars, trucks,

boats, or motorcycles)

7 Friday FREE Wee Read Bilingüe. Spanish & English books, songs & rhymes for babies & toddlers. 10:30–11 a.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org. FREE First Friday Night Sky. Stars, constellations, planets of that night at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) planetarium. 7 p.m. Arrive early for free parking pass. SRJC, Lark Hall. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

Whatever the vehicle you haven’t finished the job… Until you’ve properly recycled the oil AND filter! Fortunately there’s an easy, legal disposal method for

Used Oil AND Filters that’s 100% free, responsible, safe & convenient! Get the oil & filter recycling info

RecycleNow.org

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore the dynamic biodiversity

you need to know at:

of the northern California coast. Fridays 2–4 p.m. 2099 Westside Rd., Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

OR CALL THE SONOMA COUNT Y ECODESK AT: 707 565 3375

Peter Gros of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Live exotic animals

& the stories behind them! Post-show autograph session. 6:30 p.m. Adult $21. Child $16. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Rincon Valley Christian School In our school we share Christian values which promote:

FREE Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Fridays 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Arnold Field. 241 W. First St., Sonoma. svcfm.org.

• A safe, positive Christian school community. • An atmosphere that promotes spiritual development and learning. • Dynamic academic, art, music and athletic programs. • Proven academic success, preschool though 12th grade.

Okili & the United Africa Club Dinner, Dance & Music Festival.

Fundraiser for the United Africa Club. Silent auction, dinner & dancing. Bring your drums! 6 p.m. Advance $15. Door $20. Sebastopol Community Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 544-3524.

8 Saturday FREE Master Gardener Series: Wonderful World of Worms.

707-539-1486

www.rvchristian.org

Presented by Jennifer Roberts. 10:30 www.sonomafamilylife.com

November 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 31

a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Sing-A-Story with the San Francisco Opera. Young imaginations

take flight in this award-winning, interactive program. Ages 5–8. 11 a.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org. FREE As You Like It. Classic comedy

presented by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival travelling tour. Audience questions following show. 2 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Petaluma Holiday Craft Fair. Santa will drop in for holiday

photos. Thru Nov. 9. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Petaluma Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 778-4380. sonomacounty.com.

11 Tuesday FREE Veterans Day Memorial. Honor those who have served our country with music, military exercises & a brief address. 9:30 a.m. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org. FREE Petaluma Veterans Day Parade. Largest parade in the North

Bay. Music in gazebo noon–1 p.m. Parade at Fourth St. 1 p.m. Program in gazebo 2:45 p.m. Fourth St., Petaluma. petalumaveteransparade.com. FREE National Parks Entrance Day!

Celebrate Veterans Day with free entrance to any national park. nps.gov.

14 Friday FREE Friends of Petaluma Library Children’s Book Sale. 10 a.m.–5

p.m. Petaluma Regional Library.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Hooray for Picture Books!

Stories, activities & crafts for children based on four fun picture books. Ages 4 & up. 4–5 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

15 Saturday FREE Peter Fletcher. Classical guitar. Fletcher will present the concert he will perform at Carnegie Hall next spring. 2 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. peterfletcher.com. FREE International Games Day.

Meet new people playing classic & contemporary board & tabletop games. Bring your own game! 1–4 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

Never Underestimate the Power of the Purse Moms typically control 80% or more of their household budgets They’re looking right here, to find you. Call now, don’t miss another month.

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS Contact us today! 586-9562 • SonomaFamilyLife.com 32 SonomaFamilyLife

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Spring Lake Family Nature Walk. Families can return to the

Environmental Discovery Center after each hike for nature-themed crafts & to explore the touchable tide pool. Every third Saturday. 1–4 p.m. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Celebration. Family fun activities.

Bring two cans of food to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank in exchange for one free child’s admission. 1–4 p.m. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org. Climb Aboard an Aircraft! The A-6E

Intruder is on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum. Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adult $10. Senior $7. Child 6–17 $5. Five & under free. Military with ID free. Pacific Coast Air Museum. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

The Holiday Gift. Premiere ballet inspired

by the best of The Nutcracker & the movie Frozen. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. General $27. Seniors or 12 & under $22. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org. FREE Winterblast. SOFA’s annual arts festival, parade & street fair. Decorated sofas, artistic bicycles, costumed performers, marching band, live music, illuminated sculptures, and much more. 5–9 p.m. South A St., Santa Rosa. sofasantarosa.com. Whose Live Anyway? 90-minute show

of hilarious improvised comedy & song all based on audience suggestions. 8 p.m. $39 & $59. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Santa Rosa. whoseliveanyway.com.

16 Sunday Sunday Safari Pasta Feed & Silent Auction. Fundraiser to benefit animals

November 2014

of Classroom Safari. Advanced $20. $25 at door. Ages 3–12 $10. Under 3 free. Hermann Sons Hall. 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. 303-6618. FREE Family Meditation Day. 9 a.m.–10:15 a.m. Donations are always welcome. Shambhala Center. 255 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonoma.shambhala.org. Sonoma State University (SSU) Brass Ensemble. This 16-member brass &

percussion choir gives musical expression to beloved places of well-known composers. 7:30 p.m. $8. SSU students free. Schroeder Hall. Green Music Center. SSU. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

21 Friday Annual Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Craft Fair. Highlights more than 85 regional

artists. Fine crafts, artwork & gourmet food samples. Thru Nov. 23. Chardonnay

SonomaFamilyLife 33

Affordable Christian Education

Christian Education

Hall, Napa Valley Expo. 575 Third St., Napa. napavalleyexpo.com.

• Small classroom sizes • Dedicated, caring teachers • Safe & secure environment for learning • Daily morning prayer, chapel & bible class

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soaring musical of an 1881 haunted grand Paris opera house. Thru Dec. 7. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $12–$22. Bargain show Nov. 29 $5-$10. Burbank Auditorium. Santa Rosa Junior College. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

& Values for Life PCA

Pacific Christian Academy

A Lifetime of Memories!

FREE The Phantom of the Opera.

Visit us online and register today! pacificchristianacademy.org (707)823-2880

Back to School We’ll meet you at your stop. 48

30 44

10 20

St. John School Seeing is believing...

Scheduling individual tours now with the Principal Call 707-433-2758 • Serving Pre-K - 8th Grade • Standards-Based Curriculum • Spanish, Technology, Music, Art, PE, & Sports Programs • Hot Lunch Served Daily • Welcoming Catholic & Non-Catholic Students

34 SonomaFamilyLife

Andean Music with Chaskinakuy. 1

p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org. Seventh Annual San Francisco Bike Expo. Industry vendors from all over the

country. Doors open at 11 a.m. $5. Cow Palace. San Francisco. sfbikeexpo.com. FREE Great Dickens Christmas Fair.

A Victorian Christmas card comes to life! Thru Dec. 21. Weekends. 10 a.m.–7.p.m. Adults $12–$30. Under 5 free. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. 2600 Geneva Ave., San Francisco. dickensfair.com.

23 Sunday 800.345.7433 or sctransit.com

www.sjshbg.org

22 Saturday

707.433.2758

FREE Day at Charles M. Schulz Museum. Meet popular cartoonist

Attaboy, who wrote The Book of Hugs & is the coeditor of the popular contemporary art magazine Hi-Fructose. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org. Symphonic Chorus & Chamber Singers. 80 voices harmonizing under

the baton of Dr. Jenny Bent. 2 p.m. $8. Sonoma State University (SSU) students free. Green Music Center. SSU. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

28 Friday The Wizard of Oz. The classic musical

live on stage presented by Cinnabar’s Young Rep. Weekends. Thru Dec. 14. 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Cinnabar Theater.

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Sebastopol Ratzlaff Ranch

Apple-A-Day Fresh Natural Apple Juice

Voted BEST Cider by SF-Gate’s, Taster’s Choice Hall of Fame Available at: Andy’s Produce in Sebastopol, Pacific Markets in Sebastopol & Santa Rosa, Speers Market in Forestville, Bill’s Farm Basket in Sebastopol, Bohemian Market in Occidental, Glen Ellen Village Market in Glen Ellen, Olivers Market in Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park, Petaluma Market in Petaluma, Sonoma Market in Sonoma, Santa Rosa Community Market in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Community Market in Sebastopol, Sheltons Natural in Healdsburg, Whole Foods Markets in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Sonoma & Petaluma.

Also at Ratzlaff Ranch, 13128 Occidental Rd. Sebastopol • Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8am–5pm • Closed Sat. • Sun. 9am–5pm

FRESH, LOCAL,

& FUN!

3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. srcity.org.

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY WEDNESDAY: 8:30 am to Noon SATURDAY: 8:30 am to 1 pm Wells Fargo Center for the Arts 50 Mark West Springs Road

29 Saturday FREE Santa’s Riverboat Arrival.

Costumed greeters will welcome kids at 11:30 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will arrive by tugboat at noon, making their way to River Plaza Shopping Center for photos. 2-80 E. Washington St., Petaluma. visitpetaluma.com.

wind-up dancing toy soldiers, Michael Brandeburg Jazz Quartet, Steel Pan Band, Wine Country Opera Christmas Quartet. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Montgomery Village. Hwy. 12 at Farmer’s Ln., Santa Rosa. mvshops.com. Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus 30th Anniversary Concert. $15. $10/kids &

seniors. 4 p.m. The Glaser Center. 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 527.8813. srchildrenschorus.com.

30 Sunday FREE Montgomery Village Holiday Stroll. Santa Claus, Queen of the

Winter Fairies, Dickens carolers, mariachi band, holiday string trio,

Cross & Crown Lutheran School

SONOMA COUNTY’S

favorite pediatricians

2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 5th Grade

REGISTRATION FOR 2014-15 NOW OPEN 795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org Preschool license #490100475

•

Same day and after hours appointments

•

Manage your child’s healthcare online; lab results, prescriptions, appointments, and e-mail your doctor with questions 24/7

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Convenient locations

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Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

To find the Pediatrician that’s right for you, call 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org

Put your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

FREE Consultation

Nominate Guardians for Minors Revocable Living Trusts Wills Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net 36 SonomaFamilyLife

Happy Thanksgiving!

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL EST. 1951

A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow. • Accepting 2–5 Years Old

• Before & After School Care Option • Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect ~ Natural and logical consequences Pre K Classes Available for Academic & Social Kindergarten Readiness

579-3718

srecschool.org

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

A Turkey that Counts Your Blessings

The Grateful Gobbler By Jessica Snowden

What you need:

Continue to measure 2 inches from top of each line until you reach end of paper.

Scratch paper; pencil; 9x12-inch construction paper in brown, orange, yellow, red, green; scissors; glue; black pen; small brown paper lunch bag; ruler; newspaper or scrap paper to fill bag; and stapler.

Cut on lines. Make at least 6 strips of paper in different colors. Now, measure about 3-4 inches from bottom of strip of paper (about half way) and make small line with pencil. (This mark will be a guide for looping strips.) Use black pen to write a word from gratitude list on strip of paper. Repeat this on each strip of paper.

What you do: Have your child use scratch paper and pencil to write a list of at least ten things she or he is thankful for. This is the gratitude list. Place child’s hand on red paper, keeping fingers together and thumb out (like a mitten). Cut out hand outline from paper. Turn it upside down. Hand is the turkey’s head; thumb is the wattle.

One by one, loop strips of paper in half using pencil mark as reference. Don’t fold them; only make loop. Make sure words from gratitude list are on outside bottom so you can read them. Line up ends of paper and staple them. Repeat this for all feathers. Crumple newspaper. Open up lunch bag and stuff it with newspaper until it is about 3/4 way full. Make sure to leave a little room at top. Fold top of bag down about 2 inches, or two 1-inch folds, and staple closed.

Cut small triangle (quarter-size) out of orange paper. This is the turkey’s beak. Glue it just above where the thumb comes out from the red hand cutout. Measure about 1 inch from beak to inside of hand cutout. Using black pen, draw small circle for the eye. Glue turkey’s head to front of lunch bag, about 2–3 inches from top, just under fold. For feet, cut out two orange triangles about the same size as beak. Glue them to bottom front of bag. Lay flat to dry (about 15 minutes).

Staple each feather to back of lunch bag (turkey body) at top fold. Evenly space loops so gratitude words can be read. Repeat this so that feather loops fan out for turkey’s tail. Sign and date bottom of bag. Your Grateful Gobbler is ready to display at Thanksgiving dinner. When friends and family look at it, ask them what they are thankful for. ¶

While glue is drying, use ruler to measure up vertically 2 inches from horizontal edge of colored paper. Make a line with pencil.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

November 2014

Jessica Snowden lives in northern California. She is a mom of two and an artist, writer, teacher, and volunteer.

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Classified Marketplace Children’s Clothing

Counseling

Parties

Lessons Build Courage

Reverie baby

Foster Self-Esteem

Children’s Apparel & Gifts

Teaching the art of the sword

py Thanksgiving Hap

Let Us Host Your Next Birthday Party! Santa Rosa

433-8102

egfencing.com

Newborn to Size 5 Boy & Girl Quality, Unique Apparel & Gifts • Christening Crib Bedding • Baby Registry Organic Items • Made in the USA items

HAVING A PARTY OR EVENT? Liven it up!

Visit us at our New, Expanded location in Montgomery Village @ 2417 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa

(707) 544-4630 • reveriebaby.com

Supportive Counseling. Helping children and families with anger, stress, depression and healing from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Counseling for parents. Kathleen Dunham, MFT. 829-7051. Se Habla Espanol.

with balloon artists Katie & Luke

Katie's Balloons

Gain Strength

Make Friends

Back to School

RIDING LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Wingsmarkweststables.com After School Martial Arts (707)&538-2000 Program

Wings (707) 544-2302 www.wingsmap.org

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

SUPPORTS ACADEMICS WITH FUN

707-539-1818 ktsballoons@gmail.com

Real Estate

A n n e B a ke r R E A L T O R

Helping my neighbors because I care.

Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive? It doesn’t have to be that way.

We know how difficult and frustrating it can be when everything you have tried has not worked. Through a highly effective program for children 3-6 years old, we can help you to successfully manage these behaviors. Start to see results in as little as 6 sessions. Call today for a free consultation 707-545-4600 www.srcbt.org

“I NEVER KNEW WE COULD HAVE SUCH FUN WITH OUR CHILD AGAIN!”

(707) 245-6090 . 01165299 annebaker.net

38 SonomaFamilyLife

PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR AT Pizza, Games, & Great Rock Star Souvenirs

586-1949

(707) 544-2302

www.wingsmap.org

601 Rohnert Park Expy W, Rohnert Park www.chuckecheese.com

NobodyLikesLice.com In-Home Lice Treatment

Gentle, Natural Removal Serving Sonoma and N. Marin

707 536-1966

613 College Avenue, Santa Rosa

M-F from after school until 6pm • We Pick Up! Free Shuttle from School to our Studio • Daily Karate Classes & Homework time • Light Meal Provided • Child Centered Curriculum

Like Us On Facebook

call or text

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Lessons

Schools Register Now for Fall Classes

Call Today for more information: 707-575-7701 www.artandsoulmusic.com 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa *Bring in this ad and we’ll waive your registration fee

Childcare/Preschools

Your Child can Thrive! Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours

Program of First United Methodist Church Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

Riding Lessons for Children

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER RD.

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699

Preschool & Child Care Center

Lessons

YMCA PRESCHOOL

Diane: 546-7012

FUMC

Enroll now K12.com/AAS or 877-506-8631

Childcare/Preschools

Part Time /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving 2-5 year olds

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Academic Skills. PRICING & REGISTRAION:

Tutors

YMCA Program Office 707.544.1829 The Y is a non-profit community based organization. Financial Assistance is available.

Family Music Classes

Santa Rosa, Windsor & Healdsburg

707-544-5747

www.santarosamusictogether.com

AFTER SCHOOL WITH PONIES! •Self-Esteem •Responsibility •FUN!

707-484-1188

Start the School Year Off Right!

www.jessesaldana.com 5425 Stony Point Road • Santa Rosa

Our high quality tutors can help with:

Academic Subjects • Test Prep Foreign Languages Study Skills • ESL

European Pony School

Don’t wait until your child falls behind

europeanponyschool.com

sonomacountytutors.com

546-7669

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Joy of Learning Order & Detail Concentration Grace & Courtesy

2427 Professional Dr. • Santa Rosa Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101

707-528-0889•www.rhioscasa.com

(707) 585-2584

BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHESS CLASSES

CHESS FOR KIDS at your school!

EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED

TUTOR

Will provide home tutoring in phonic for reading improvement & comprehension Grades 1-8

527-6427

Santa Rosa Call Kati

www.chessclubforkids.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Montessori School

Preschool•Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6-years

FIRST LESSON

FREE!

Casa dei Bam io’s Since 1981 b

ini

...for birth to age 7, designed to educate & delight your child!

528-7789 November 2014

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment. Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners. Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified. M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

SonomaFamilyLife 39

Family Fun

Get Your Hands Off My Squid! North Bay Science Discovery Day Makes Learning Fun

t may seem that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM, for short) are heady topics that only urbanites with several letters after their names can grasp. But the North Bay Science Discovery Day aims to make local kids understand that STEM is for everyone.

To this end, the event, which is an offshoot of the Bay Area Science Festival, will feature mostly local exhibitors, cost nothing to attend, and be staffed by volunteers tuned in to young minds.

“We feel very strongly that the event should be accessible to all families, regardless of their financial circumstances,” says Lyman Black, exhibitor coordinator. Not only is admission free, so is parking. And financial transactions aren’t even allowed on the premises. Black explains that one student may be able to buy a new science book, but another might not be able to afford it.

Families will explore around 80 exhibits from area schools, nonprofits, and businesses, including Family Life Magazine. Family Life will be demonstrating the wonders of augmented

media, showing kids how, with the help of a smart-phone app, images on print pages can turn into moving video footage.

There will be national heavy-hitters, too, such as the US Geological Survey, which will give kids the chance to create an “earthquake” through a special model. Stanford University will also be there, cosponsoring a booth where kids can 40 SonomaFamilyLife

dissect a huge squid. (Find a complete list of exhibitors at northbayscience.org.) Kids can see all of this for free.

The event was founded in 2011 and originally drew 4,000 people. This year’s event is expected to draw 12,000.

Other exhibits include Piner High School’s presentation on geospatial science; Santa Rosa Junior College’s popular demonstration of the chemical reaction between soda and Mentos; and Sonoma County Library’s investigation of the computer code that makes the video game Minecraft tick. Meanwhile, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, which facilitated the first North Bay Science Discovery Day, will give kids the opportunity to talk to young post-docs about what it’s like to be a scientist.

Kids of all ages can explore everything from the stars to computer codes at the North Bay Science Discovery Day.

“We don’t want anyone to feel left out,” he emphasizes. Another important part of the accessibility equation is making exhibitors’ information appealing to the festival’s target audience, 4th–8th graders. The strategy? Staff booths with interns not much older than the kid attendees. “Imagine a 12-year-old who is into life sciences talking to a 19-year-old who is studying and practicing molecular biology. That 12-year-old may come away thinking, gee, if she can do it, maybe I can, too,” says Black. The event is part of a national movement spearheaded by the Science Festival Alliance to educate kids about science via festivals. Be part of the action. Go to the North Bay Science Discovery Day on November 1 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Be sure to come over and say Hi to our staff at the Family Life booth. We’ll be happy to see you. ¶

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Health

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Need help with health insurance?

n u FBlast! Weekend

SonomaFamilyLife.com

Health

KANDU BDY WRK STUDIOS P R E S E N T S…

Call Norm at 707-544-NORM (6676) Toll Free 866-544-NORM

NORMAN SHEEHAN INSURANCE AGENCY

Your small business-individual and Medicare health insurance expert.

www.sonomainsonline.com California Dep of Insurance Lic# 0C42042

Endermologie Massage Proven Effective for

Give thanks and Give Peace

And Fibromyalgia Scar Tissue and More Free Evaluation & Sample Massage

Holiday Gift Certificates!

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Come pick up some great deals from top designers!

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5212 Old Redwood Hwy, Santa Rosa www.bodytec-massage.com

Events

Abundance Massage “Make peace with your body”

Jena Vincent, CMT AP For info or appt: 849-2217 Check out our online directories

NO INSURANCE, NO PROBLEM! Trusted, Comfortable & Caring Dentistry

30th Anniversary

Concert November 30th at 4pm The Glaser Center

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Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus 527-8813 srchildrenschorus.com

November 2014

EZ SMILE DENTAL

575-9595 • ezsmilefamily.com 4757 Hoen Avenue · Santa Rosa

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

Flying Leap

A Dad Wakes Up to Thankfulness By Patrick Hempfing

’m a light sleeper. If my nine-year-old daughter, Jessie, calls me from her bedroom on the other side of the house, I’ll wake up about 90 percent of the time. But, recently, Jessie had a bad dream, and I was too comatose to hear her cry out for me. So, grabbing her monkey and donkey, she ran frantically into the master bedroom and made a flying leap directly onto Daddy. (It would have been a good night to wear a protective cup.)

After a while, she calmed down, put an arm around Eeyore (the donkey) and Sam (the monkey), snuggled in between my wife, Mattie, and me, and went to sleep. I, however, was still recovering from 83 pounds of blunt force trauma and a swift knee to the groin. I turned over on my side, hoping to catch a few winks— only to be goosed by Cuddles the cow. Apparently Eeyore and Sam weren’t the only furry friends Jessie brought to her 1 a.m. visit. I was lucky Cuddles wasn’t a unicorn.

I knew I wouldn’t be falling back to sleep anytime soon, so I left Jessie in bed with Mattie and went to the living room to read. Eventually, I snoozed on the recliner, and then the couch, but when it came time to take the dog on her morning walk, I wasn’t exactly what you would call rested. Nor was I in a charitable mood. But when I went to wake Jessie for school, and saw my sleeping

on my favorite pillow. Cuddles and Sam looked up at me with their stitched grins. I smiled back.

Sure, Mattie and I had been deprived of a little sleep. However, we had received an opportunity to show Jessie that we are always there to protect, comfort, and love her. Jessie’s flying leap reminded me to be thankful for the opportunities I have to make a difference I am thankful for the opportunities I have to make a difference as a dad— as a dad—even if it even if it means losing my pillow to a means being kneed by a nine-year-old or goosed band of stuffed mammals. by a cow, or losing my favorite pillow to a family, the word thankful was what band of stuffed mammals. ¶ came to mind. (OK tired would have Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional worked, too). Jessie had maintained career in banking, accounting, and auditing her position in the middle of the bed, before he became a father at age 44. He with Mattie by her side and Eeyore, is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer Sam, and Cuddles resting comfortably (Twitter @PatrickHempfing).

42 SonomaFamilyLife

November 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

Sunday

November 30

9 am - 6 pm

A PREMIER HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

EXTENDED HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS BEGIN NOV. 28 MON-SAT 9 AM-9 PM SUN 9 AM-6 PM COMPLIMENTARY PARKING HIGHWAY 12 AT FARMERS LANE IN SANTA ROSA WWW.MVSHOPS.COM

Time to Give Thanks!!!

We’re grateful for trees that grace our lives & clean our air

At Fine Tree Care, we have a lot of reasons to feel grateful. Our clients need the services we provide because we all live in Sonoma County where trees are in abundance. Those trees provide shelter, fuel, and even freshen the air we breathe as they feed themselves. We’re fortunate that we make a living nurturing trees for health, beauty and safety. We serve clients with small yards in tight neighborhoods who need to know their trees won’t fall on roofs, cars, or people when high winds blow. And we are called by homeowners on heavily forested steep hills out in the country who are concerned about fires, trees falling during storms & more.

Each person has unique needs, and each situation requires knowledge, skills, and experience.

Sonoma County’s Best-Loved Tree Service since 1999

(707) 874-2018

Visit our web site for more information and testimonials from satisfied clients.

www.SonomaTree.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Thank you everyone who meets our crew, and appreciates who they are, and the skills with which they take care of your property. Thank you everyone who tells us they appreciate our work, and recommends us to others. We appreciate your recommendations. Thank you everyone who responds to our ads and picks up the phone to call us. We’re in business because you make those calls for our service. Please accept our THANKS and enjoy this lovely time of year.

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