September 2024 by Central California Parent

Who Qualifies?

Families qualify for the Alternative Payment Program based on two criteria “eligibility” and “need”.

“Eligibilit y”

To be “ eligible”, a family’s income must meet eligibility requirements set by the State Department of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division.

“Need”

A family “needs” childcare based on one of the following: parents are employed, in school, or participating in a training program, parents are incapacitated or are unable to adequately care for their child(ren), children with special needs (medical, psychological, or if the child(ren) needs care as protection from abuse or neglect.

CalWORKs Families (current and former recipients)

Childcare is a critical part of your success as a former or current recipient of CalWORKs (or AFDC) benefits. For former or current CalWORKs recipients, Supportive Services, Inc. can provide funding if you meet eligibility requirements.

How May I See if I Qualif y?

Currently there are more families in need of assistance than there is funding to help. A waiting list of eligible families is kept to fill funding slots as they become available. To be placed on the waiting list, you may contact (559) 230 -2030 or visit our website at ssifresno.org.

About Us

Serving Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties, and surrounding areas in the Central Valley. Central California Parent is published monthly. Our Mission is to present the highest-quality, family-friendly publication for parents in the Central Valley; to provide locally relevant, insightful, and useful information in an attractive and engaging style and format; and to offer practical resources and hands-on solutions for raising children and empowering families.

Staff & Contributors

PUBLISHER & EDITOR DISTRIBUTION

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITERS

Erika Bullis

Diane Melton

Arnie Manchester

Erika Bullis

Mary H Photography

Kimberly Blaker

Mercedes Korngut

Scott Sollers

EDITORIAL DISTRIBUTION

SALES & MARKETING CALENDAR PROMOTIONS

ccparent@ccparent.com distribution@ccparent.com marketing@ccparent.com calendar@ccparent.com promotions@ccparent.com Contact Us

Advertising

Advertising and design are available. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the publication. Call (559) 435-1409 or email marketing@ccparent.com for more information.

Distribution & Subscriptions

Central California Parent Magazine is available free at hundreds of locations including libraries, schools, doctor’s offices, retail stores, and more. Delivery subscriptions are available for $20 per year. Send Name and Address, with payment to: Subscriptions, Central California Parent, 7638 N. Ingram, Suite #101, Fresno, CA 93711

Calendar Submissions

Calendar submissions are free, and photos are welcome. Descriptions, date, time, location, and cost should be submitted to calendar@ccparent.com by the 10th of the month preceding the event.

Central California Parent reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this magazine. All editorial information and display advertising are copyrighted. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Distribution of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of information, products, or services. Neither the advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc. herein contained.

Dear Reader,

As the crisp days of September usher us into a new season, we’re reminded of the delicate balance we, as parents, strive to maintain between guiding our children and letting them grow on their own. In this issue, we’re focusing on fostering strong, healthy connections within our families— whether it's on the field, during those complex teenage years, or across generations with our elders.

How we handle competition, for example, is more than just a lesson in winning and losing. It's about teaching resilience, respect, and responsibility. Modeling these behaviors on the sidelines sets the stage for our children to embrace the true meaning of sportsmanship, turning every game into an opportunity to build character. As our children grow into their teenage years, maintaining those close bonds becomes more challenging, yet more essential. Connecting with your teen may feel difficult at times, but even in those moments of distance, your love, patience, and guidance are irreplaceable. A little understanding and a lot of heart go a long way in keeping those bonds strong. And as we celebrate National Grandparents Day this month, let’s not forget the invaluable connections that span generations. Whether you’re reading a favorite book together or sharing stories from the past, these moments create lasting memories and a sense of belonging that strengthens the family ties we all cherish. Plus, don't miss our calendar of family events, Enrichment Directory, and two great giveaways!

Erika Bullis

ShortStuff

News You Can Use

Get Your Kids Flying with Oxford Owl

As parents, you want the very best for your children, but finding the right advice and resources can be challenging. What’s more, the things children are expected to learn and the way they are taught have probably changed a lot since you were at school—which can make navigating the education system tricky!

Oxford Owl for Home is written specially for parents and caretakers by leading experts in education, and can help you be as well-informed as you can be, making sure you have everything you need to support your child on their journey through school. From learning to read, to tackling tricky math problems, from the very first day at school, to the big move up to secondary, Oxford Owl provides all the important information you need, when you need it.

Support for Parents

• Reading: Advice, ideas, and resources to support your child’s reading and comprehension.

• Mathematics: Get to know key topics covered in primary school, with lots of practice activities.

• At school: Your year-by-year guide to curriculum, including the tests your child will take.

• Blog: Practical tips and everyday learning ideas for busy parents.

Activities for Kids

• eBook library: Over 100 free eBooks for children ages 3–11.

• Storyteller videos: Exciting stories to capture imaginations, told by professional storytellers.

• Math games and activities: Fun ways to develop math skills.

• Creative writing: Unleash your child’s creativity with ideas, activities, and author tips.

• Coloring: Printable coloring sheets featuring character favorites!

Visit oxfordowl.co.uk for all these great resources and so much more!

Nominate a Librarian

Has a librarian made a difference in your life or gone above and beyond to serve your community? The I Love My Librarian Award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. Each year, up to 10 librarians are honored at a ceremony held in their honor and receive a $5,000 cash award.

Visit ilovelibraries.org/love-my-librarian and nominate your librarian by September 30th!

Height—Nature’s Early Warning Signal

Growth Awareness Week is September 15th–21st. Growth is influenced by many factors such as heredity, genetic or congenital factors, illness and medications, nutrition, hormones, and psychosocial environment. Hundreds of medical issues can affect your child's growth. In fact, an abnormal growth pattern is often the earliest indication of an underlying medical condition. It is important to track your child's growth at home at least twice annually.

During Growth Awareness Week, The MAGIC Foundation (Major Aspects of Growth in Children) is working to draw attention to the issue of children’s growth. Head to magicfoundation.org for growth charts, tips on measuring your child, resources, and more.

Some Shorter Stuff

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Each day, 47 families in the United States will hear the words, “your child has cancer.” Childhood cancer may seem too big or too overwhelming to solve. However, researchers are working hard every day to find better treatments and cures for kids fighting cancer—and they’re making progress. Visit childrenscancer.org to learn how you can support the cause and families near you.

Ready, Set, Go! It’s National Preparedness Month and kids can help their families get ready for an emergency at ready.gov/kids through fun, non-scary activities. For instance, plan a family scavenger hunt by dividing up the family emergency supply list! Games and tips make organizing and planning a snap.

High School Seniors Can Win a $1,000 College Scholarship through the AFSA Scholarship Program. Visit afsascholarship.org/high-school-contest to learn more. Deadline is January 1st!

National YoungArts Competition. YoungArts is one of the only organizations that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development. Artists ages 15–18, are encouraged to apply in the discipline(s) of their choice. Winners are offered a lifetime of artistic support and ongoing connection with an extraordinarily robust network of peers and mentors. Apply for a chance to receive: cash awards of up to $10,000, mentorship from guest artists, national recognition, or a lifetime of support. Deadline is October 17th. Visit youngarts.org/apply to learn more.

Meet our Cover Kid, Káree! Káree is a sweet, funny 5-year-old and is starting kindergarten this year! Káree loves to play football and has started his first year of tackle football. He enjoys hanging out with his cousins and his family. Káree’s favorite thing to do is to hang out with his papa on the weekends. When he gets older, he wants to be a professional football player for the Minnesota Vikings!

Weekly Giveaways! Be sure to stay connected with Central California Parent at ccparent.com and on all our social platforms for a chance to win prizes every week! Last month, we gave away tickets to the zoo, Monster Jam tickets, cool parenting products, and more!

FREE Entrance Day at National Parks! Explore Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks free of charge as the National Park Service celebrates National Public Lands Day. The entrance free day is September 28th. Call ahead to confirm that the area you plan to visit is open.

Take the Rail Safety Pledge with Your Kids. Operation Lifesaver, the national non-profit rail safety education organization, launched online rail safety pledges for kids and adults. Help your kids learn to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains by visiting oli.org and signing the pledge today.

and Welfare HealthWatch

An Update on your Family’s

Health

4 Things Parents and Youth Athletes Should Know About Concussions

Despite the attention drawn to the topic of concussions over the past decade, it can be difficult to find readily available answers about what parents and young athletes should do after sustaining a concussion.

The Katsuyama family started 2023 without a single concussion, even after quite a few hockey and lacrosse seasons. That changed when Rylan, 11, received two concussions within five months.

One week after Rylan’s second concussion, his brother, Brandon, 13, was illegally checked from behind in a hockey game and sustained his first concussion. After clearing protocol in four weeks, he suffered a second concussion six weeks later.

Both boys endured months of headaches, missed school, dizziness, nausea, and the added difficulty of navigating a significant injury others couldn’t see.

Their father, Brad Katsuyama, sought out expert opinions to guide his family’s decisions and shares some acquired knowledge to help parents and athletes.

Brain injuries should be diagnosed by a concussion specialist. There is no X-ray, MRI, or CT scan that can show the extent of most concussion-related injuries—which makes diagnosing them subjective. Symptoms can also appear days after a hit. For example, Brandon was cleared by the emergency room after his first concussion, but two days later failed every test administered by a doctor specializing in concussions.

Rushing back to play is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Experts consistently reinforced that coming back from a concussion too soon can significantly increase long-term brain injury risks. There is likely no tournament, game, or tryout worth the risk. A smart example is Patrice Bergeron of the NHL’s Boston Bruins, who sat out an entire year to properly heal from a concussion.

“Patrice had four more concussions over his career, and each one was less severe than the last,” renowned concussion specialist Dr. Robert Cantu said. “That wouldn’t have happened without recovery from the first one.”

Parents and kids need to be honest about symptoms. The culture in youth sports praises toughness. Continuing to play can be viewed as a badge of honor. However, this same mentality can cause athletes to lie to parents, trainers, and coaches to get back in the game, which can greatly increase long-term risks. Conversely, the same adults can unduly influence a potentially vulnerable player back on to the field of play. Proper diagnosis requires both adults and athletes to be level-headed and honest in their assessment of concussions.

Every person and every concussion is different. One person’s history and experience with concussions seldom carries any relevance to the concussions experienced by another. For example, Katsuyama played varsity football, hockey, and rugby in high school and football in college.

“For the longest time, my definition of a ‘real’ concussion was blacking out, vomiting, or pupils dilating,” Katsuyama said. “My sons had none of those symptoms after their hits, but the severity of their injuries were far greater than anything I had experienced.”

The Katsuyamas turned to the Concussion Legacy Foundation and the Cantu Concussion Center, in addition to their local concussion specialist, to advise their path forward, which has led them to racquet sports and golf, and long-term, playing no more than one contact sport in a school year.

–Concussion Legacy Foundation, concussionfoundation.org

Free Mental Health Toolkit for California Kids

The new school year can be a hard time for kids. Help your children mentally prepared for this time with the free toolkit from Crisis Text Line (CTL). In 2021, over 76,000 Californians contacted CTL while experiencing a mental health crisis. CTL, a nonprofit that provides 24/7 mental health support via text message, launched a free Mental Health School Supplies toolkit to help students, parents, and teachers navigate back-toschool.

Resources include grounding and breathing videos, step-bystep tools to create a mental health crisis plan, tips for discussing mental health, interactive coping tools, tips, and resources that students can use year-round.

Kids can text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States–24/7, free, and confidential. A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure, online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help your child move from a hot moment to a cool calm.

Visit crisistextline.org/back-to-school-essentials with your kids to learn more. Toolkits are catered to and available for elementary, middle, and high school students.

–Crisis Text Line

Things We Love!

We love that it's not only easy to use, but safe—featuring two layers of protection!

Perfectly Satined

Perfectly Satined hats combine style and hair protection, offering beanies, bucket hats, and baseball caps in inclusive sizes from medium to extra-large. Crafted with the natural hair community in mind, these hats ensure a comfortable fit and chic look for everyone. Perfect for parents who want fashion and function!$19.95+ • satinedlined.com

Chicco Fit360 ClearTex Rotating Convertible Car Seat

This seat offers unmatched ease and safety with its 360° onehand rotation, making buckling and unbuckling effortless. It grows with your child, from newborn to toddler, and features flame retardantfree materials. With a Quick-Secure Harness System and DuoGuard® protection, it's the ultimate car seat for peace of mind. $399.99 • chiccousa.com

We love the satin lining for ultimate hair protection and care!

These headphones are great at blocking out ambient noise—we especially love them for travel!

Puro Sound Labs: BT2200-Plus Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones

These headphones are perfect for back-toschool, combining safety and style. With an 85dB volume limit, they protect kids' hearing while delivering studio-quality sound. The durable, comfortable design features noise isolation, interchangeable ear cups, and both Bluetooth and wired options—ideal for young listeners. $99 • purosound.com

by Kimberly Blaker

Taking the Lead in Sportsmanship

How to Support Your Kids and Teach What It Means to Be a Good Sport

We've all seen it—the parent standing on the sidelines criticizing the decisions made by coaches and officials, yelling at their own child for making a mistake, hurling rude remarks at the opposing team, or always placing blame. In some cases, these parents have even gotten into brawls.

What’s in winning and losing?

There's no question that winning is rewarding and boosts self-esteem. However, wellmeaning parents are sometimes so caught up in the competition that they lose sight of the real value of sports. Winning is not just being the victor of a game. It's becoming the best all-around person one can be. Children who carry this with them will be the ones to prevail.

What’s in losing? Plenty. It teaches lessons in perseverance, humility, respect, and acceptance of defeat.

What does losing mean? It means to come out second best. Defeat is not a failure. A child or parent who walks away satisfied, whether victorious or not, is the real winner. What else do sports offer? Opportunities to build friendships, lessons on the

importance of rules, fairness and honesty, anger management and leadership skills, and how to work as a team. In short, sports teach valuable life principles that will be of immense value in the years to come.

“

Winning is not just being the victor of a game. It’s becoming the best all-around person one can be.”

Make the most of your child’s involvement by showing your support and what it means to be a good sport. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A Special Advertising Section

1Avoid pointing out your child's mistakes or criticizing them. This only serves to make kids feel worse. Your child is most likely already aware of the error.

Practice with your child, but don’t push. Offer pointers and demonstrate proper techniques, but allow mistakes to go without frequent correction.

Praise your child’s efforts.

Allow coaches and officials to do their jobs. If you feel an error was made, remember it's a tough job, and we all make mistakes. Realize it'll probably come out in the wash.

Attend games and practices so you can cheer on your child and their team.

Don’t put down the other team’s players, and be courteous and respectful of the other team’s coaches and fans.

When talking with your child about a game, point out specific displays of sportsmanship that took place to show the difference between being a good sport and a poor one.

If your child isn’t enjoying the sport, let them try another sport next time. Some children will thrive with team sports. Other children might find individual sports more fun.

Set up a sportsmanship recognition program for your child’s team offering Certificates of Outstanding Sportsmanship to players who set examples of being a good sport. If a child is struggling with sportsmanship, look for opportunities to help them brush up on their skills, and reward accordingly as reinforcement.

Acknowledge and show interest in team members whose abilities don’t stand out.

Don’t place blame when the team loses.

Read books about sportsmanship. Ask your local librarian for recommendations. 12 2 3 Tips for supporting your child:

Children spend from six to eight hours a day in school. While school has a significant influence upon them, a child’s after-school hours are as valuable as their inschool time. They continue to learn after the bell rings.

Cullinan Education Center

Fresno (559) 43-LEARN

Thirty-four years of helping students close achievement gaps in reading, writing, and spelling using explicit multisensory Orton Gillingham instruction with an emphasis on decoding, fluency and comprehension. Tutoring is also available in basic math through trigonometry and advanced writing and grammar. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation. Visit our website at www.cullinaneducation.com.

Fresno Fencing Club

Fresno (559) 224-1910

Year round fencing classes for children ages 7 to adult. Kids learn self-discipline, coordination, fitness and social skills. Classes fill quickly! Call today for free registration! www.fresno-fencing.com

Gymnastics Beat

Fresno (559) 271-9400

Established in 2003, Gymnastics Beat is a leading gymnastics, cheer, and NinjaZone training facility in the Central Valley, now accepting fall sign-ups for classes! We offer a wide variety of programs for children of all ages and ability levels. Gymnastics Beat has something for everyone, from preschool/parent & me classes to team gymnastics, recreation & competitive Pyramid All-Star Cheerleading, and the nationally recognized 'Ninja Zone.' We also offer adult classes and Fundamental Cheer for kids, which are filling up fast! Additionally, we offer tumbling and cheer clinics, with more exciting programs on the way. Thank you, Central Valley, for supporting us for over 21 years! Call us or stop by for a tour at 559-271-9400. Visit www.gymnasticsbeat.com

TutorPi-Elena Diestelkamp

Fresno/Clovis (559) 706-6305

I am a credential teacher who offers personalized tutoring in Mathematics from basic to High School. I will help your child to succeed with the goal of improving understanding and grades. www.tutorpi.com

Parenting Teens & Building Bonds

Teenagers. A word that might bring forth feelings and thoughts of stress, growing pains, and mood swings. As a teen myself, I know firsthand that as much as we need to find ourselves, you as parents are so important in guiding us, as well as showing us your love and support. It is true that as teens it may be difficult to connect with us, but below I share my top tips on how you, as a parent, can build your bond with your teenager.

Show Interest In Their Interests

Teen years are pivotal as we are discovering our interests, values, goals, and opinions. Be an active part of that discovery! In creating a connection, ask your teen how you can participate in their interests. Together, listen to a podcast on the subject and discuss it, take a pottery class, watch a sporting event, or play a video game.

Through engaging in activities that your teen wants to try, you can build your bond by sharing this part of their self-discovery with them.

As you take some time out of your day to pursue what your teen enjoys, you encourage and validate their journey of selfexploration and interest!

Create Time To Do Things Together

Most families have busy schedules. Even if you are unable to actively participate in the interests of your teen, you can still find time to create a connection.

Here is a list of some of my favorite timefriendly activities to do as a teenager with my mom or dad:

• Go for a walk or a bike ride

• Go to a golf range

• Play basketball outside

• Attend a yoga class

• Make dinner together or bake a dessert

• Follow an online craft tutorial and make a craft together

• Read a book (my choice!) and discuss the events—like a mini book club

• Play video games

• Volunteer at an organization that I am passionate about

Shared Meals

This is a simple, yet impactful way to build a bond. Mealtimes are an opportunity to reconnect and relax over a delicious plate of food. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, make time—at least a few times a week—to eat with your teen. In fact, a Harvard study has established that meals free of distraction, meaning with no phones, sports games, or TVs on in the background, lead to higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of stress. According to this study, these benefits are especially associated with conversation around the table.

by Mercedes Korngut

Below are some of my favorite conversation starters for family meals. These are wonderful for the entire family because, as parents, you will learn more about your teen—any maybe your teen will learn more about you through your responses.

• What is one exciting thing that happened today?

• What are you looking forward to this week?

• What brought you a small bit of happiness today—it doesn’t have to be major!

• What has been your biggest obstacle today and how can we help you solve it?

By encouraging a positive conversation with your teen, you encourage them to shift their mindset towards a positive trajectory. Rather than constantly worrying about the hardships of being a teenager, you motivate and help your teen focus on the good moments of the day. Furthermore, you also open lines of communication, making it easier for your teen to share stressors with you down the road.

Active Listening

On a personal note, as a 16-year-old who has struggled with my happiness, I’ve become extremely close with my mom. She’s my best friend and my number one supporter. We’ve built the habit of connecting daily and finding more happiness together. Visit smallbitsofhappiness.com for activities, hacks, and advice.

Active listening is the act of listening just to listen and understand what is being shared, rather than listening to respond immediately. Active listening promotes trust, helps you better understand where your teen is coming from, and allows you to formulate a better, more holistic response after they have finished sharing their thoughts and feelings. A quick tip for active listening is to make eye contact and not be distracted by a phone or other device.

This brings me to my fourth tip for building parent-teen connection, active listening. When your teen brings up a concern, something that went well, or something new that they’ve tried, simply listen. Let them feel safe and confident for confiding in you, and avoid jumping in with your own story of how things were when you were young.

SeptemberCalendar

Events are compiled six weeks in advance, we suggest that you call the telephone numbers provided to verify dates, times, costs, and locations of events. To publicize your event: Central California Parent invites you to publicize your event by emailing a description including location, date, time, admission prices, age suitability, phone number for information, and photos. Central California Parent reserves the right to limit entries in this free service and to prioritize free, family events. Deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the event. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at calendar@ccparent.com or call (559) 435-1409.

1 Sunday

VISALIA RAWHIDE Watch your Visalia Rawhides up at bat against the Fresno Grizzlies at 12:05 p.m. Tickets: $10–$15. Valley Strong Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings Street, Visalia. 732-4433

2 Monday

FRESNO GRIZZLIES Take the whole family out to the ball game and watch your Fresno Grizzlies up at bat against the San Jose Giants at 6:50 p.m. Tickets: $10–$60. Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno. 320-TIXS

4 Wednesday

5

Thursday

$2 Summer Movies

GALAXY SUMMER FEST

Summer Fest at Galaxy Theatres is back! Enjoy $2 showings all week! Visit website for showtimes and to purchase tickets in advance. Galaxy Theatres Tulare, 1575 Retherford Street, Tulare. Galaxy Theatres Porterville, 631 N. Indiana Street, Porterville. 888-407-9874

• August 30th–September 5th: Sing

• September 6th–12th: Hotel Transylvania

• September 13th–19th: Scoob!

6 Friday

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair for this free concert series featuring bluegrass and old-timey music. 6 p.m. to dusk. Veterans Memorial Park, 901 Fifth Street, Clovis. 696-4065

FRESNO GRIZZLIES Take the whole family out to the ball game and watch your Fresno Grizzlies up at bat against the San Jose Giants at 7:05 p.m. Tickets: $10–$60. Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno. 320-TIXS

THE PRODUCERS This outrageous farce follows a fading producer and accountant who set out to produce the worst musical ever. Rated PG-13. 7 p.m. Tickets: $13–$18. The Golden Chain Theatre, 42130 Highway 41, Oakhurst. 683-7112

7 Saturday

DIY KIDS WORKSHOPS Join for a free workshop where kids can make a Field Goal Game from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. While supplies last. Visit homedepot.com/workshops to register in advance and find your local Home Depot. Home Depot. 294-9600 or 431-9860

FIRST SATURDAYS Nurture scientific imaginations, build confidence, and encourage testing, tinkering, creating, and wonder today for only $1! 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Fresno Discovery Center, 1944 N. Winery Avenue, Fresno. 251-5533

KIDS CLUB Enjoy this free opportunity for kids to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Focusing on sustainability and living eco-friendly, this program is designed to teach kids about the importance of living with a "green" mindset. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Fashion Fair Mall, 645 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno. 224-1591

MAYA CARES Families are invited to join for a sensory-friendly movie today at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free for guests with special needs and companion tickets are $6. Maya Cinemas, 3090 E. Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno. 549-0005

NORTH FORK CARNIVAL & CAR SHOW Families will enjoy this event featuring a carnival, car show, vendors, entertainment, and more! 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free! North Fork Elementary, 33087 Road 228, North Fork. 676-9654

Win tickets to the Big Fresno Fair!

It’s almost time for food, family, and fun at the 2024 Big Fresno Fair on October 2nd–14th! Come out and enjoy new attractions plus all your old favorites—exhibit buildings, carnival rides, community performers on four free stages, live horse racing, free family attractions in the Table Mountain Rancheria Park including gold panning, plus so much more like the amazing concert line-up in the Paul Paul Theater!

Save on your trip to the Fair with these discounts: $3 Off Adult Admission, $2 Off Kids/Senior/ Military Admission, Up to $7 Off Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands, and discounted $40 Season Passes! Visit fresnofair.com/deals to find out how to get these savings.

Central California Parent is giving away four “Family Four-Packs” to the 2024 Big Fresno Fair! Packs includes 2 Adult Admissions, 2 Kids Admissions, and 1 Parking Pass! To be entered in our free random drawing, please send a postcard along with your name, address, phone, and email to: Central California Parent: Fresno Fair, 7638 N. Ingram, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711 by September 22nd.

Even if you are not one of our lucky winners, you can still enjoy the 2024 Big Fresno Fair. Mark your calendars and get to the Fair to create treasured memories for you and your family!

STORYTIME AT PETUNIA'S Kids ages 3–8 are invited for stories along with puppets, music, and crafts at 11 a.m. Free! Petunia's Place, 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno. 438-1561

8 Sunday

FRESNO GRIZZLIES Take the whole family out to the ball game and watch your Fresno Grizzlies up at bat against the San Jose Giants at 5:05 p.m. Tickets: $10–$60. Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno. 320-TIXS

THE PRODUCERS This outrageous farce follows a fading producer and accountant who set out to produce the worst musical ever. Rated PG-13. 2 p.m. Tickets: $13–$18. The Golden Chain Theatre, 42130 Highway 41, Oakhurst. 683-7112

11 Wednesday

TULARE COUNTY FAIR Families can enjoy carnival rides, live music, fair food, livestock, the Destruction Derby, and more! 12–10 p.m. Tickets: $3–$12. Tulare County Fair, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

12 Thursday

RESPITE BY THE RIVER Bring your picnic dinner, blanket, and lawn chair, and relax on the Ranch House front lawn while you and your family enjoy free live music and more. 6–8 p.m. San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno. 248-8480

TULARE COUNTY FAIR Families can enjoy carnival rides, live music, fair food, livestock, the Destruction Derby, and more! 4–10 p.m. Tickets: $3–$12. Tulare County Fair, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

13 Friday

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair for this free concert series featuring bluegrass and old-timey music. 6 p.m. to dusk. Veterans Memorial Park, 901 Fifth Street, Clovis. 696-4065

FAMILY FRIDAYS AT MORAVIA Enjoy an evening of music, the playground, and family picnics. 6–9 p.m. Tickets: $5, kids are free! Moravia Wines, 3620 N. Bishop Avenue, Fresno. 843-2140

MOVIES IN THE PARK Enjoy a free showing of A Million Miles Away at sunset. Merced Center Rooftop Garage, 605 W. 18th Street, Merced. 209-385-6235

SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY Observe planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae while learning about the night sky from the Central Valley Astronomers at dusk. Free! River Park, 71 E. Via La Plata, Fresno. 288-2094

TULARE COUNTY FAIR Families can enjoy carnival rides, live music, fair food, livestock, the Destruction Derby, and more! 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Tickets: $3–$12. Tulare County Fair, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

14 Saturday

KIDS ZONE School-aged kids can grab a sloth door hanger kit to work on a craft from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for free! JCPenney, Fashion Fair, 555 E. Shaw, Fresno. JCPenney, 851 W. Olive Avenue, Merced. 559-224-8330 and 209-723-3981

TOY TRAIN SHOW Families are invited to this 7th annual train showcase. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets: $5–$8, cash only, kids 12 and under free with paid adult. American Legion Post 509, 3509 N. First Street, Fresno. 720-6828

TULARE COUNTY FAIR Families can enjoy carnival rides, live music, fair food, livestock, the Destruction Derby, and more! 2 p.m.–12 a.m. Tickets: $3–$12. Tulare County Fair, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

15 Sunday

TOY TRAIN SHOW Families are invited to this 7th annual train showcase. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets: $5–$8, cash only, kids 12 and under free with paid adult. American Legion Post 509, 3509

TULARE COUNTY FAIR Families can enjoy carnival rides, live music, fair food, livestock, the Destruction Derby, and more! 2–10 p.m. Tickets: $3–$12. Tulare County Fair, 620 S. K Street, Tulare. 686-4707

19 Thursday

LAINEY WILSON: COUNTRY'S COOL AGAIN Lainey Wilson brings her "Country's Cool Again" tour to Fresno at 7 p.m. Tickets: $66+ Save Mart Center, 2650 E. Shaw Ave, Fresno. 278-3400

THE SECRET GARDEN This enchanting tale is about forgiveness and renewal, all set to a magical score. Rated PG. 5 p.m. Tickets: $45+. Roger Rocka's Dinner Theatre, 1226 N. Wishon Avenue, Fresno. 266-9494

20 Friday

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair for this free concert series featuring bluegrass and old-timey music. 6 p.m. to dusk. Veterans Memorial Park, 901 Fifth Street, Clovis. 696-4065

FRESNO GREEK FEST Opa! Come celebrate this annual event! This family-friendly event is a cultural celebration of all things Greek, you’ll be able to dance, eat Greek delicacies, shop, tour the church, and more! 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Tickets: $5–$7. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 North Orchard, Fresno. 233-0397

LIVE ON THE LAWN Enjoy free, live music at the amphitheater from 6–9 p.m. Tesoro Viejo, 756 Treasure Hills Drive, Madera. 822-3375

THE SECRET GARDEN This enchanting tale is about forgiveness and renewal, all set to a magical score. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $45+. Roger Rocka's Dinner Theatre, 1226 N. Wishon Avenue, Fresno. 266-9494

21 Saturday

BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL This special free event boasts live blues entertainers with great dancing and food from 5–10 p.m. Bring a blanket or a chair and sit under the stars! Civic Park, 401 N. Irwin Street, Hanford. 582-9457

CLOVIS NIGHT OUT Families are invited to this free event featuring community safety resources, a drone light show, food trucks, vendors, live music, vehicle displays, and more from 4 p.m. to dark. David McDonald Park, Temperance & Sierra Avenues, Clovis. 324-2800

CRAYFISH FESTIVAL Friends and family gather to eat crayfish and celebrate the arrival of fall. Vendors are set up on Draper Street and a kid zone is provided to keep the young ones entertained. 5–10 p.m. Downtown, Kingsburg. 897-1111

DIY-U AT LOWE'S Bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s to build a harvest hayride toy at one of the select time slots for a workshop hosted by a Red Vest experts from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Reserve your space online in advance. Free! Your local Lowe's. 322-3000

FRESNO GREEK FEST Opa! Come celebrate this annual event! This family-friendly event is a cultural celebration of all things Greek, you’ll be able to dance, eat Greek delicacies, shop, tour the church, and more! 11–12 a.m. Tickets: $5–$7. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 North Orchard, Fresno. 233-0397

FRESNO SCOTTISH GATHERING & GAMES Step into a Scottish village of old with singers, dancers, storytellers, food, live battles, games, and more! 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost: $10–$20. Children 12 and under are free. Parking: $5, cash only. Kearney Park, 6725 W. Kearney Boulevard, Fresno. 278-7030

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE DAY Join the Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park as they celebrate local history. It's a free day of family fun, experiencing a taste of life in the 1800s. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park, 49777 Road 427, Oakhurst. 683-6570

STORYTIME AT PETUNIA'S Kids ages 3–8 are invited for stories along with puppets, music, and crafts at 11 a.m. Free! Petunia's Place, 6027 N. Palm Avenue, Fresno. 438-1561

22 Sunday

FRESNO GREEK FEST Opa! Come celebrate this annual event! This family-friendly event is a cultural celebration of all things Greek, you’ll be able to dance, eat Greek delicacies, shop, tour the church, and more! 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tickets: $5–$7. St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 North Orchard, Fresno. 233-0397

THE SECRET GARDEN This enchanting tale is about forgiveness and renewal, all set to a magical score. Rated PG. 11 a.m. Tickets: $45+. Roger Rocka's Dinner Theatre, 1226 N. Wishon Avenue, Fresno. 266-9494

26 Thursday

27 Friday

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair for this free concert series featuring bluegrass and old-timey music. 6 p.m. to dusk. Veterans Memorial Park, 901 Fifth Street, Clovis. 696-4065

FAMILY FRIDAYS AT MORAVIA Enjoy an evening of music, the playground, and family picnics. 6–9 p.m. Tickets: $5, kids are free! Moravia Wines, 3620 N. Bishop Avenue, Fresno. 843-2140

MOVIES IN THE PARK Enjoy a free showing of Coco at sunset. Bob Carpenter Park, Parsons & Silverado Avenues, Merced. 209-385-6235

28 Saturday

CLOVIS FEST Discover hundreds of vendors spanning Old Town, enjoy family-fun, a kids zone, live performances, the Children's Business Fair, food, and more at this free event! 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Arrive before sunrise for the hot air balloon lift off! Old Town, Clovis. 299-7363

COYOTE FEST This annual event spans two days and is a “small town, old-timey, family-friendly, Americana festival” right in the heart of Gold Country! Enjoy a Coyote Howling Contest, vendors, live music, and more from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Coulterville Park, 10313 Park Lane, Coulterville. 209-878-0111

FRESNO KOI SHOW This free event features koi exhibits, vendors, food, raffles, and more from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Group Activity Area next to the Shinzen Friendship Garden. Woodward Park, 114 W. Audubon Drive, Fresno. 970-8508

STAR PARTY Observe planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae while learning about the night sky from the Central Valley Astronomers at dusk. Free! Eastman Lake, 32175 Road 29, Raymond. 288-2096

29 Sunday

COYOTE FEST This annual event is a “small town, oldtimey, family-friendly, Americana festival” right in the heart of Gold Country! Enjoy a Coyote Howling Contest, vendors, live music, and more from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Coulterville Park, 10313 Park Lane, Coulterville. 209-878-0111

FRESNO KOI SHOW This free event features koi exhibits, vendors, food, raffles, and more from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Group Activity Area next to the Shinzen Friendship Garden. Woodward Park, 114 W. Audubon Drive, Fresno. 970-8508

Early Childhood Preschool Directory

Academy Preschool 2016 Shaw Ave., Clovis (559) 299-8100

Brighten Academy Preschool 1825 Austin Ave., Clovis (559) 294-1310

Brighten Academy Preschool 290 N. Villa Ave., Clovis (559) 298-7880

Brighten Academy Preschool

5646 N. Figarden Dr., Fresno (559) 492-1238

CrossCity Christian Early Education Center 2777 E. Nees Ave., Clovis (559) 299-8484

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of academic, social, emotional, gross/fine motor, and problem solving skills.

Assessment-driven specialized enrichment focusing on the development of

Half-day and extended programs, loving Christian teachers. Curriculum art, music, literature, science, math, reading readiness, Christian nurture. Reasonable tuition.

8 Ways to Create Lasting Bonds with Grandparents through Books

Advice from a grandfather and award-winning author

Finding time to bond with your grandchildren can be challenging, especially if you live far away. That’s why I’ve made it a point to make the most of our special time together in the simplest, purest form—through reading. The shared experience of reading with my grandchildren has filled me with joy and created memories that will remain with us forever.

Grandparents' Day, on September 8th, is the perfect time to start a new tradition of reading together. Here are a few creative ways to get started on your special reading journey!

by Scott Sollers

Visit Little Free Libraries

Take a walk with your grandchild to visit local Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood. Choose a book together. When you are done reading it, together, put it in another Little Free Library for others.

Participate in reading reward challenges

Several libraries and businesses provide incentives to children who read. Make this a fun activity with your grandchild by working with them to complete the required reading minutes, and enjoy the perks and prizes together.

Go on a storybook walk

Storybook walks let young readers enjoy a story and the great outdoors, as pages from a children’s book are printed and placed in displays along a walkable path at a park, school, or neighborhood. Check with your local library for their recommendation of where to find the most current storybook walks.

Get a library card

September also happens to be National Library Card Sign-Up Month, so there’s no better time to introduce your grandchild to the nostalgia of libraries. Make a plan to visit the local library together every so often to check out more books.

Make book-themed crafts

Extend the fun of books beyond the pages, and make puppets of your favorite characters, bookmarks inspired by your favorite story, or dioramas that showcase a scene from a book.

Attend author readings and book signings

Many bookstores love to host local authors for a read-aloud and book signing. These events offer a special and unique opportunity for kids to get their books signed and burning questions answered.

Listen to audiobooks

Audiobooks provide a wonderful shared experience to foster the love of learning while on the go! Plus, they give children the opportunity to listen to books at a higher level than they’d normally read.

Start a grandparent-grandchild book club

Book clubs are the perfect way to socialize with friends while encouraging a love of reading. Round up some of your friends and their grandchildren and start planning regular meetings to discuss age-appropriate books.

Create a FamilyFriendly Grazing Board

A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.

No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards, and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kidfriendly board can be equally pleasing. What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips, and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.

To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind:

Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat, or will lose its shape or flavor if it rests for an extended amount of time.

Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. Gather up your ingredients before you begin prepping, and hold different platters over the top to gauge the best size.

Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kidfriendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients.

Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favorites are all you need. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks, and chocolate chips are fair game for a familyfriendly board.

Visit healthyfamilyproject.com for more ideas for creating family-friendly treats.

Taco Tuesday Board

• Guacamole

• Salsa

• Queso

• Hard and soft taco shells

• Ground turkey, seasoned and browned

• Lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Shredded cheese

• Chopped onions

• Chopped peppers

• Sour cream

• Cilantro

• Lime wedges

Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Cooked sausage links

• Mini frozen waffles, toasted

• Mini frozen pancakes, toasted

• Mini muffins

• Yogurt

• Fresh fruit

• Syrup

• Jelly

Recipes courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook

Create a Board & Win!

We want to see your family-favorite creations! Snap a picture of your grazing board and email it to promotions@ccparent.com with the subject line, "Grazing Board" by September 30th for a chance to win tickets to Fresno Chaffee Zoo. In the body of the email, please include your full name, phone number, and city of residence. Good luck!

FREE FAMILY E-NEWSLETTER

and more! ccparent.com/newsletter