Winter Issue 2017

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A quarterly resource celebrating family life in Butte county since 2004

Winter Issue 2017/18 November - December - January

Amazing Local Talent

Chico Artists Hit the Big Time

Ways to Give to Others

15 Alternative Gift Ideas

Tons of Winter Fun!

Activities and Crafts

It’s Road Trip Time!

Ways to Make it Easier

...and as always our ENORMOUS calendar of events!

Winter is such a fun time of year. For this issue, we have gathered many articles from local writers who want to share things that are important to them during the winter months.

There are so many fun holiday events the area, crafts to make, and stories to tell. This issue has content that reminds me of the things I love about winter: The special events that happen in the community, family, and the reminder that giving is such a powerful thing. There is an article on national adoption month, another highlighting a local author and an article about a mom releasing a Christmas album.

Growing Up Chico provides a way to share the ideas of our wonderful community and we always hope readers can learn something new and hear different opinions from members of the community that make them think, wonder, and respond. I want to encourage people to share their stories, informational articles, advice, and knowledge with Growing Up Chico. If you have ideas, opinions, or articles about any aspect of growing up in Butte County, the community, social responsibility, or growing up greener, please send them in and they may get published!

During the week of November 20th-24th, we will have our annual Grateful Giveaways promotion. We will be giving away 2 tickets per day to A Very Chico Nutcracker or Paradise Ice Skating Rink on our Facebook page. All you have to do is like us on Facebook, and respond to our daily post, to be entered in to win!

I am so grateful to the magazine staff, our advertisers, and the community for the overwhelming support. We absolutely could not produce this magazine without this continued support. If you do business with any of our advertisers this winter, please be sure to mention you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico.

Thank you for making Growing Up Chico your family’s resource. Happy holidays and happy reading!!

DeAnna Holman DeAnna is a 5th grade teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School in Paradise and mother of three who is working as a freelance writer, editor, and graphic artist (She also owns a booth at Eight and Main Antiques). She does the layouts and assists in editing Growing Up Chico! She obtained her BS from USC and her teaching credential from CSU, Chico. DeAnna is also a breast cancer survivor! She lives on an almond orchard in Durham with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats.

MaryRose Lovgren MaryRose has degrees in Zoology and English Literature from the University of California at Davis and uses her background in science and storytelling in her art. She has a fondness for pen-and-ink drawing and the illustrations in children’s storybooks, and would not mind living with the French cats in Paris (although that might make her five cats at home jealous). You can find books and pendants, and more, at her website, www.birdyandbeedesign.com.

Emily Hajec Emily is a six year resident of Chico; mom to one adorable five year old and two cute fur babies; and owner of and lead photographer at Little Wishes Photography, located at 1372 East 1st Ave. Her boutique studio specializes in maternity, newborn, and baby photography. Little Wishes also schedules a limited number of outdoor family and high school senior portrait sessions during the fall and spring months. To schedule a photography appointment, please visit www.emilyhajec.com.

Karissa Tunis Karissa and her husband are from Lititz, Pennsylvania and have three children. She is the co-owner of the parenting website, AdoreThem. com, as well as the founder of the largest baby and young family expo in Central Pennsylvania, MilestoneFamilyExpos.com.

Shari Medini Shari is a content creator and consultant, living in Lititz, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two little boys. Shari has built, and runs, multiple online businesses, including the parenting website, AdoreThem.com. You can get to know her better through her social media accounts: @ShariMedini.

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Marne Larsen Publisher marne@growingupchico.com (530) 518-6154

Rachele Thompson Business & Marketing Manager rachele@growingupchico.com (530) 519-0320

Hannah Cruz Hannah is a freelance journalist based out of Chico, California. She covers arts, entertainment, travel, and human interest stories. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys art, running, and spending time with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. Read more of Hannah’s work at hannahmoorecruz.pressfolios.com.

Cover Photo:

Kelly Kirlin Photography www.kellykirlin.com 805-570-3588 Photographed on location at The Plant Barn.

On the Cover: Kelly and her family relocated to Chico from Santa Barbara 2 years ago to raise their 2 young boys (pictured on the cover). Kelly’s husband Toby, grew up right here in Durham, and wanted the same upbringing for his children. Kelly is a portrait photographer and while she loves working on dry land, she has an emphasis in Underwater Portraiture Photography, and can be found in her pool all summer long!

For Adverting Information, Contact: (530) 519-0320 rachele@growingupchico.com DeAnna Holman - Layout Design/Editor Darci Crossin - Graphic Design Terry Givens - Design/Special Projects Advertising Deadline: To advertise in our upcoming Spring Issue and Woman in Business Issue, please contact us by January 6th.

Article and Photo Submission Deadline: Please submit family-friendly and seasonally appropriate photos and informative articles for the Spring Issue by January 6th.

Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at around 300 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available online at www.growingupchico.com.

Copyright Š 2017 by Growing Up Chico Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproductions without permission are prohibited. Articles and advertisements found in Growing Up Chico Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.

894-6800

2477 Forest Ave Lic#045404701, 045404702

In Chico For ages 2-12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

see what’s inside...

School and Home 11 LOCAL AUTHOR

Books Kids Will Love!

13 THE SANTA SHUFFLE Run or Walk For Others

14 BASKET BRIGADE

Sharing Thanksgiving

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16 A CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Local Singer Releases Album

Family Time 21 15 WAYS TO GIVE Unique Gift Ideas

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23 ROAD TRIPS

Podcasts to Make Drives Easier

24 LILLIPUT FAMILIES

Creating Forever Homes

Parenting

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26 THE FRIENDSHIP CHALLENGE Teaching Kids About Friendship

27 CONTEST WINNERS Children’s Photography

29 BABY SUPPORT GROUP

Serving New Moms in the Area

Winter Fun

30 CLASSIC BALLET: CHICO STYLE

A Very Chico Nutcracker at Laxson

31 GET YOUR GROOVE ON

At the Spotlight Performance

32 WINTER CRAFTS

Gratitude Chain and Ornaments

33 CHEERS!

5 Cozy, Toasty, Kids’ Drinks

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In Every Issue...

04 04 34 38 39

Publisher’s Note Contributors Events Calendar Preschool Directory Advertiser Directory

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school and home

Local Author Local Chico author, MaryRose Lovgren (AKA Birdy and Bee), has a fondness for pen-andink drawing and the illustrations in children’s storybooks, and would not mind living with the French cats in Paris (although that might make her five cats at home jealous). She has degrees in Zoology and English Literature from the University of California at Davis, and uses her background in science and storytelling in her art. She also designs interpretive and educational materials, which you can view on her website at: www.birdyandbeedesign.com. You can find all of her books on Amazon and from her website. She welcomes ideas for new drawings or books; just send her an email!

For the Cat Lover: A Cat’s Guide to Paris

“A Cat’s Guide to Paris” provides the cat lover with the top things to see and do on a visit to the City of Light.

Written humorously for cats, each page spread contains one original illustration of an iconic spot in Paris, followed by cat-focused descriptions of what to do and where to go. (There are translations from French to “Cat” English as well.)

Don’t forget to look for the hidden kitty in each picture!

For the Lover the Sea:

Creatures of the Mysterious Deep Find your spirit animal...of the deep. Are you an axolotl, or an angler fish? An octopus or an eel?

Explore original illustrations of nine magnificent sea creatures with backdrops that give the illusion of swimming through clusters of stars. Included are characteristic traits about each organism so that you might draw connections between yourself and these strange, beautiful animals.

Plus, take the “Personality Quiz” to determine which “Creature of the Deep” you most resemble!

For the Writer: The Missing Pages

Explore nine original illustrations of animals and objects “in media res” (a Latin phrase meaning “in the middle of the action”), each paired with a brief piece of text and a faux book title.

You won’t get the whole story from these “Missing Pages,” just an excerpt. It is just enough for you to finish the narrative in your own mind. You might even use these as prompts to write your own stories.

How can you use “The Missing Pages”?

• Use the drawings as prompts for your own creative stories • Use the stories as prompts for your own original drawings • Read to a child and encourage them to write their own “Missing Pages”!

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school and home

The Salvation Army Chico Corps Community Center 2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5 K: A run for OTHERS in Need

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any of us have Christmas memories associated with putting money in a red kettle as someone in a Santa hat stands by, ringing a bell. The iconic image of the “bell ringer” harkens us back to the feelings we get when we watch a Frank Capra movie, snuggled up by the fire. The Holidays represent the season of giving and no Christmas charity experience is complete without the ringing of that bell. We may not know directly where the money we put in the kettle goes, but our parent or Grandparent told us that The Salvation Army is trustworthy because they help “others.”

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o what does helping others look like? How does this Christmas tradition translate into the community of Chico this year?

We may appreciate the sentiment that comes with tradition, and of course we want to trust our grandparents; however, we may find ourselves asking, “Why has the red kettle stood the test of time? Where does my kettle dollar go and who are these others?”

(These are definite questions we should all pay attention to when donating). The others in the Chico community look different from a Capra film. They could be your co-worker, neighbor, the child in your kid’s classroom, the person you saw at the grocery store, or maybe… even you.

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hen it comes to trusting an organization, traditions hold a lot of value. Since 1888, The Salvation Army has been serving the community of Chico in an effort to bring dignity and hope to those who feel unseen. Its mission and purpose in Chico has never wavered from serving others in need. In follow up to that, 10 years ago, it opened the doors of the George Walker Adult Rehabilitation Program (a 6-month 50+ bed addiction recovery program for men & women). If you have ever donated to The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, you have directly supported and impacted lives in its rehabilitation program. All donated items and proceeds from The Salvation Army Thrift Stores go to fund the Rehabilitation program. The program is also work therapy based and provides job readiness skills for beneficiaries. Their goal is to not let an individual’s socio-economic status dictate their access to recovery.

In addition to keeping their promise to serve others, 2014 marked the opening of their Transitional Living Program for graduates of their rehabilitation program who are reuniting with their children.

Believe it or not, this is actually only part of what The Salvation Army in Chico does and provides for the community.

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ow that you know the well known side of their services in Chico, the heart of where your red kettle donations go, is

actually poured into families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. Here lies an often forgotten struggling population, that does not feed into the stereotypes of those needing help.

These are “the others” for which The Salvation Army of Chico also advocates. On a daily basis, The Salvation Army Family Service Office serves low-income working individuals and families that struggle from paycheck to paycheck (50% are senior citizens struggling with medical bills, rent, and taking care of their grandchildren. 50% are families trying to keep food on the table and making sure their children do not go hungry).

The Family Service Office serves over 1,700 local families annually, with homeless prevention services, such as Emergency Rental Assistance, food boxes and weekly fresh produce, PG&E assistance, clothing vouchers, hygiene accessories, various children scholarships to summer camps, education and enrichment opportunities and holiday assistance… to name a few. Guests that come through their doors have the opportunity to meet one on one with a Family Service Assistant, talk through their needs, and apply for the proper assistance. The Salvation Army proudly partners and refers to other local agencies/non-profits in the community in order to best serve their guests.

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s you can see, the Christmas tradition of ringing bells by a red kettle means so much more than money and tradition itself. It is truly about transforming lives and helping others in need.

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o how can you be a part of this and make this holiday season even more meaningful? In an effort to continue tradition and meet the needs of others, The Salvation Army is gearing up for the 2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5 K: A Run for Others in Need. This event has become the newest iteration of the traditional Bell Ringer.

With pride in their history, The Salvation Army of Chico is exploring new and innovative ways of making their timeless message of helping “others” relevant in an ever-changing world. Join them on Saturday, December 9 at 8:30 a.m., at Lower Bidwell Park for the 2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk (It is $35 to register until midnight on November 31st). Each runner will receive: a long sleeve tee shirt, a Santa hat, a participation medal, and a timed run for those who register for the 5K. The first 100 runners to sign up will get a FREE 11’ inch pizza form MOD Pizza, and the first 500 runners will receive a FREE Dutch Bros drink card (That means the first 100 get both!!!!). Awards will be given to the top three in age brackets, as well as an overall male and female runner. By registering and participating in this run, you get to start your own Christmas tradition and help “OTHERS” this season.

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“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

– Albert Einstein

f you live in the Chico, area you might have heard of a great community service project called, Azad’s Thanksgiving Basket Brigade. This program was created by Grandmaster Farshad Azad, the owner of Azad’s Martial Arts Center in Chico, California.

This year, Azad’s is celebrating the 26th anniversary of this community-wide event in Chico. Each fall, Azad leads his students and the community in providing a complete Thanksgiving dinner basket for over 250 deserving families. This project began with one meal for one family and soon grew to help 200-250 families, annually. The program has reached over 35,000 people over the last quarter of a century!

challenges with a gift from the community.

Azad and his team of community supporters will provide the families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving day. Each meal is designed for a family of up to eight people, and includes; a turkey, bread, baked goods, vegetables, gravy, pie, olives, pumpkin pie, rolls, a roasting pan, and all other items needed to make a fantastic and memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

Many of the recipients have lost their employment, or have been faced with enormous health issues and hospital bills.

Each year, hundreds of people in the community gather around Thanksgiving Basket Brigade and extend a helping hand to those in need. Many of those who contribute their time, money, and energy are the When he was a student at Chico State, Azad previous recipients of the baskets. “We want overheard a conversation between a parent to send a clear message to our local families and her kids about why they could not have in need that this community cares for them, a traditional Thanksgiving meal that year.

The children were a little upset and confused and will not forget them during difficult why they were not going to have a traditional times. We extend Thanksgiving meals to families as our way of saying we sympathize meal. The mother had lost her job and with their predicament. Our message is, let’s explained to the kids that they were down to be hopeful and take positive action so that their last pennies. This touched Azad’s heart, and that is when he decided to provide a meal next year, not only will you not need this for a deserving family the first chance he had. basket, but you may join us in helping others A few years later, when he had opened up his in need!” says Azad. successful martial arts business, he provided What qualifies a family for a gift basket from a single family with a great Thanksgiving Azad’s Thanksgiving Basket Brigade? dinner. This further impacted him and 1. They must live in the Chico area. reinforced his thoughts to reach out to more 2. They must be financially deserving. families in the coming years.

3. They must be a first-time recipient. A The mission of the Basket Brigade is to unite family may not receive a basket more the community in helping average families than once. who are experiencing very difficult financial 4. They must have school age children.

This year, on November 21st, Azad’s Martial Arts Center will morph into a massive operational headquarters for the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade volunteers to organize, assemble dinner baskets, wrap them as a gift, and drive and deliver them to the recipients.

After the deliveries are finished, Azad’s Martial Arts Center throws a massive party for the volunteers and all those who take part in the event. Volunteers will get together, eat a home-made Thanksgiving meal and celebrate the results of their hard work in making the community a better place. There will be a ton of fun, including live music from the Blue Hippies, a favorite local band in Chico.

There are many ways for you and your family to get involved with the Basket Brigade this year. Here is how you can get involved: • Make cash donations so that dinners can be purchased for more families. It takes only $40 to provide a complete basket of Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 8. Much of the success of this project depends on your cash donations toward the purchase of these basket dinners.

You may even sponsor a family in need, with whom you are familiar.

• You may identify a deserving family and put Azad’s Martial Arts Center in touch with them to get on this year’s list. Make sure they meet the qualifications stated earlier.

• You may volunteer your time during the event, helping to organize the food products, or putting the gift baskets together on Tuesday, November 21st,

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2017, starting at 5pm at Azad’s Martial Arts Center, located at 313 Walnut Street, Suite 150 in Chico.

You may sign up ahead of time to be a driver to deliver a few dinners to local families on November 21st. You may even deliver a basket of dinner to a family you have already put us in touch with or that you have sponsored.

You may sign up ahead of time to assist during the volunteer dinner festivities, and much more.

“I think Thanksgiving can be about a lot more than just eating Turkey and stuffing. This is a great opportunity to teach children the value of peaceful coexistence, caring for others regardless of our differences, empathy and compassion, mindfulness, acknowledging that we all have an impact in our society, and that each one of us can make this a better world. This is a great time to be grateful for all that we have been blessed with: our health, our strengths, and all that is good about this world. This is a time to not forget those less fortunate than us and pay homage to all those who have been source of positive change in our lives. To me, this is the deeper message of Thanksgiving, as we gather around our loved ones or new friends to have a delicious meal!

It makes my heart smile when I see a five-year-old child bring her pennies to my school because she wants to reach out and help a family.

Together, we can make a positive difference!” Says Grandmaster Azad.

2017 Thanksgiving Basket Brigade is also sponsored by hundreds of local community minded individuals, Chico Noon Exchange Club, and the Blue Hippies.

Please join Grandmaster Azad in helping to make this year’s Thanksgiving Basket Brigade another incredibly successful event, and making our community a better place for everyone. For more information, please contact Grandmaster at Grandmaster@azadsmartialarts.com . You may call Azad’s Martial Arts Center at 892-AZAD (2923) and/or 896-0777.

Sponsorship levels: Platinum Sponsor: $1000-$2000

Platinum Sponsors will be included in all media announcements, promotions, social media, posters, fliers, night of the event posters, thank you at the volunteer dinner, and the sponsor’s name will be mentioned in a letter accompanied with each gift basket delivered to recipients.

Gold Sponsor: $750-$999

Gold Sponsors will be included in social media, posters, fliers, night of the event posters, thank you at the volunteer dinner, and the sponsor’s name will be mentioned in a letter accompanied with each gift basket delivered to recipients.

Silver Sponsor: $500-$749

Silver Sponsors will be included in social media, fliers, night of the event posters, thank you at the volunteer dinner, and the sponsor’s name will be mentioned in a letter accompanied with each gift basket delivered to recipients.

Bronze Sponsor: $250-499

Bronze Sponsors will be included in night of the event posters, thank you at the volunteer dinner, and the sponsor’s name will be mentioned in a letter accompanied with each gift basket delivered to recipients.

school and home

Chico Resident Releases A

Christmas Album

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By Hannah Cruz

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hen Stephanie Madsen married and started a family, she thought she was saying goodbye to her love of music forever.

Now, the Chico resident is pleasantly surprised to find herself balancing her every day life as a stay-at-home mother with a budding career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.

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“When I was given the open door to pursue my music again, I knew it would be a tricky road to balance motherhood with my music, but there was nothing more I’d rather do,” she said. “I remember telling my husband, through tears, that I knew it would be hard, but I have to move forward trying my best to balance both. I am not whole without my music and I’m not whole without my kids.”

When Madsen left her childhood home in Peachtree City, Georgia, she went to Brigham Young University – Idaho, with the intention to study vocal performance. Once there, she said she felt inspired to switch her major to communications. As fate would have it, she met her husband, Stephen, in her first class in her new major. The two soon were married and started a family.

Busy, with being a wife and a mother to two young boys, Madsen said she had little time for herself. “It was sad,” she said. “I couldn’t fulfill my music the way I wanted. And then I was two kids in and I had this melt down -depression -and I called my mom,

and she was like, ‘You need to get some help. Let’s just start by getting you back into music because that’s your passion you never kept with.’”

“I kind of just fought it because taking guitar lessons and voice lessons as a 25-year-old is just dumb. That’s for little kids that do a recital, but not me.”

Reluctantly, Madsen said she began taking guitar lessons. At first, the lessons were intended as a simple way to destress. But soon, she was writing her own songs and her guitar teacher, who was also a producer, suggested she pursue creating her own CD. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Madsen released her debut album, “Fly,” in May 2016.

Rachel Smartt, Madsen’s mother, said her daughter has always had an instinctual talent for music. When she was 3 years old, Smartt said her late husband would play the piano for Madsen and have her sing along, matching the notes in what Smartt describes as “perfect pitch.”

Getting back to music was like medicine for Madsen, Smartt said, and helped make her daughter a happier person.

“I’m just so proud she was brave enough to trust her heart,” Smartt said. “She has used what is born within her, and she knows where her true gifts come from. She knows it comes from God and she can move forward being intentional.”

Just in time for the holiday season, Madsen recently released her second album, “Stephanie Madsen Christmas.”

The nine-track album includes Madsen’s original song, “Christmas Eve,” as well as the eight soulful, peaceful classics: “Away in a Manger,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and “The First Noel.”

Madsen performed all the instrumentation and vocals for the album, and self-produced the album out of her home studio in Chico. This is her first self-produced album, and she said she has enjoyed the flexibility of producing her own work around her home life as a wife and mom.

“I’ve spent a ton of time recording and producing this album, but I’ve been able to manage it around my mom-life because I can tuck it in throughout my day instead of driving to a producer’s studio and working under their time schedule and being completely gone for hours at a time,” she said.

Madsen even included the singing of her two sons, Carson, 6, and Patrick, 4, on the track, “Silent Night.” Madsen’s husband, Stephen Madsen, said he thinks it is great Stephanie incorporates her sons into her work. “Stephanie pursuing her dream makes her happy. That happiness is seen in the way she interacts with the kids when she makes time for them in her busy schedule,” Stephen said. “It is definitely a balancing act and requires more effort, but is well worth it to have that feeling of success or fulfillment from chasing your dreams.”

Stephanie Madsen Christmas released Nov. 1, with digital downloads and physical CDs available for purchase: $10-12, on Amazon, iTunes and stephaniemadsenmusic.com.

Follow Madsen on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, for updates on her music and life. Visit Patreon.com/stephaniemadsen to become a “Stephanatic,” get exclusive sneak peeks into Stephanie’s creative process, and be the first to receive her newest work.

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family time

15 Unique Ways to Give This Holiday Season

Want to give a non toy gift this holiday season? Here are some unique gift ideas that take the idea of giving to a whole new level.

A Gift of Love

Have a Cow

Sponsor an Animal

Acknowledge someone by purchasing a gift in his/ her name. Gifts of hope and empowerment for those in developing nations can be purchased at: www.treesforlife.org.

Help hungry families in developing nations feed themselves. Visit: www.heifer.org, and give the gift of livestock and training to a family in need in villages around the world.

Choose an animal, and make a donation to support that animal, at the Chico Creek Nature Center. There is an owl, a snake, a tortoise, and more. $5-$20. ccnaturecenter.org.

Be So Kind

Write a Recipe Book

Record a Story

SoKind is a registry and wishlist service that encourages the giving of homemade gifts, charitable donations, secondhand goods, experiences, time, and more. Find ways to give at www.sokindregistry.org.

Help Fire Victims

Create a custom recipe book of your favorite recipes by printing them on cute stationary. Put the recipes in a binder with dividers. This treasured gift could become a real keepsake!

Bake Up a Gift

Create a “Book on Tape” for a loved one. Choose a book several people would like to hear, get a tape recorder, or recording app, and start reading!

How fun to hear a great book read by someone who cares!

Give to ARC

GreaterGood.org is just one site offering support to partners who are providing response, shelter, and relief to those affected by the California wildfires. Give in someone’s name to help the recovery effort.

Old jars from a variety of sauces make great baking containers! Make mini loaves of quick bread in clean, recycled jars. Wrap with a cute ribbon and add a tag.

Make a donation to ARC of Butte County, or similar organization, in the name of someone you love. Donate cash, or your car, to benefit developmentally disabled locals.

Give Your Time

Event Tickets

Membership

Give your time to someone: offer to do yard work for someone who cannot do it themselves, cook a meal for an elderly neighbor, or visit a local nursing home.

Support Animals

Support your local humane society and help out animals by giving in another person’s name. Many locations offer e-cards to go along with your donation that you can print and give as the gift.

A great gift for anyone would be tickets to a local event, play, or show. Most venues offer a way to purchase tickets online that can be printed and wrapped for gifts.

Plant a Tree

Help fight deforestation and give at the same time! Have a tree planted in someone’s name. It is a unique gift that will last a lifetime and help our planet! www.americanforests.org.

Give the gift of membership to a local museum, zoo, or activity center. Memberships will keep giving all year long and can provide entertainment for an entire family.

Craft a Card

Make your own cards from recycled paper and things you have around the house. Have your kids pitch in to create original artwork to include, creating a keepsake card.

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By Shari Medini

hroughout the winter months, we often spend a lot of time in the car traveling to various holiday festivities. This, of course, is on top of our usual time spent driving to and from activities in the minivan.

Sometimes I use our portable DVD players as a crutch for longer car rides, but it is obviously not the best thing for my boys.

Plus, listening to endless episodes of Team Umizoomi and Mega Man gets a little old after a while. The other option is listening to kid music, which can be fine in small doses, but is not the most enjoyable thing either.

Luckily, kid-friendly podcasts have been gaining popularity! Some of these focus on story-telling, while others tackle science topics. I can tell you that I enjoy listening to these podcasts just as much as my children do!

1. Wow in the World - “On May 15, NPR launched its first podcast for kids and families, Wow in the World, hosted

by Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas. This weekly show invites curious kids, and their grown-ups, on a journey away from their screens, inside their brains and into the most amazing stories in science, technology, and new discoveries.”

2. Brains On! - “Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Cohosted each week by kid scientists and reporters from public radio, they answer questions ranging from the science behind sneezing, to how to translate the purr of cats, and go wherever the answers take us.”

3. Storynory - Stories for Kids “Storynory brings you an audio story every week. Each one is beautifully read by Natasha and friends. Let Natasha’s voice beguile you with classic fairy tales, new children’s stories, poems, myths, adventures, and romance.”

4. But Why - “But Why is a show led by kids. The kids ask the questions and But Why finds the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, they tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.”

5. Story Time - “Do your children like

listening to bedtime stories? Story Time has lots of great stories for everyone to listen to. Each story is usually less than 20 minutes long, hopefully just long enough to keep your toddler, preschoolers, and little ones engaged. Story Time is a free fortnightly audiobook podcast for children ages 2-12.”

6. Dream Big Podcast - “The Dream Big Podcast is a family-friendly podcast, inspiring kids (and adults) to pursue their passions in life and take action to make their dreams a reality. Your hosts, Eva Karpman (currently 7-years-old in 2nd grade) and mom Olga Karpman, interview world-class performers who do what they love and live their dreams each and every day.”

7. The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl - “A weekly music show for the whole family.”

8. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian - “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a serialized sciencefiction story for kids (start with Episode 1), told in 15-20 minute

episodes for parents to put on when driving around town, to marathon on road trips, or to bond over before bed.

The story centers on Finn Caspian, an 8-year-old boy aboard The Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station.”

9. The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast - “Each episode includes (but is not limited to) engaging storytelling, educational elements (fictional stories with factual information), interviews with fictional characters (pirates, robots, dinosaurs, and the rest of the Sugarcrash Kids), kid interviews (listen to real kids tell their own stories and elaborate on various topics), and a brand new Sugarcrash Kids song each time! The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast is geared for children, but grownups will love it too!”

10. Tumble Science Podcast for Kids - “Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family.”

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Lilliput Families:

CREATING FOREVER HOMES

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BY SUSAN MICHENER SPRACHER

hat comes to mind when you think about children who need foster care? The common misconceptions are that all children in foster care have behavior problems or serious medical or mental diagnoses. Beverly Johnson, Chief Program Officer at Lilliput Families says, “It’s time to dispel stereotypes and look at each child’s individual situation.”

Though it is extreme difficulties that have been highlighted, the reality for many foster children is that the commitment of a resource family can make all the difference. Offering a stable environment can greatly affect a positive transition, where children can learn new ways of coping and heal the grief and loss they have experienced. Lilliput Families is matching children with those kinds of homes. Resource parent, Jodi Johnson, said, “I’d raised my daughter, who is now in her 20’s, and felt like I would enjoy raising a teenager. I met ‘L’ who was 12 years old and had been in foster homes the majority of her life. While we were getting to know each other, I was introduced to her older brother, Anthony. We hit it off and decided it would be great if I adopted him. I feel so blessed to have met these children. My advice to you if you’re thinking of adoption is this, it’s not easy, but it is worth it.”

There are approximately 64,000 children waiting for a forever home in California, making resource families critical to eliminate what State and private agencies agree is non-viable long term foster care.

“From the minute children enter the child welfare system, the goal is to find them a stable and permanent home as quickly as possible,” says Carol Ramirez, Chief Operating Officer at Lilliput Families, “Gone are the days where children bounced around foster homes, sometimes being placed as many as 15 times.” That means the priority is reunification with parents, guardianship with a relative, or adoption.

Resource families are the special people who meet children where they are on the spectrum of reclaiming a permanent home and walk the journey alongside children until they are able to go back home or be adopted.

It is a commitment than may sound overwhelming, but working with Lilliput Families means working with a leader in innovative and successful approaches in foster care and adoptions backed by over 37 years of experience. Lilliput has finalized over 9,000 adoptions.

Their effective programs help prospective families every step of the way with training, support networks, and resources to insure a stable and comfortable environment is achieved. “We took all of the parent training classes we could since we had never been parents before. Since we’ve adopted, we have continued to attend classes because we have found them to be so valuable,” said Thomas and Dan Erickson.

Cognizant of the need for educating extended family, Lilliput offers support groups that help members embrace and support the decision to become a resource family. Kinship Support Services help keep siblings together and family connections maintained until reunification can be achieved, or if it cannot, support is given to work towards guardianship or adoption. Relatives can count on tools such as counseling, support groups, family activities, legal referrals, and mentoring. “I wasn’t expecting to be the parent to my two grandchildren, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Linda Brown, a single grandmother, “The classes and social workers helped me understand the best ways to relate to and communicate with my grandkids and by going to the classes and the events they hold, I’ve gotten to know many other grandparents who are raising their grandkids, so now I have a strong support group.”

The mission of Lilliput Families is “to ensure every child has the opportunity to be part of a safe, nurturing, lifelong family.” The importance of this can be seen in the grim statistics for children without

forever families: • • • •

65% leave care without a place to live, meaning 1 in 5 foster youth will be homeless within one year of ageing out of the system.

45% will not earn a high school diploma.

50% will leave care without job prospects.

70% of inmates in California are former foster children.

Well known to intact families is the fact that children are hardly done being parented by the time they turn 18. There are 25,000 foster children between the ages of ages of 18 and 21 that have to leave foster care to make it on their own. The odds are stacked against them to suddenly live independently, find housing, employment, feed and clothe themselves - often without a high school diploma or job experience. It is not realistic to think these children exist in a silo with no effect on society. In reality, they are members of the community, “What’s magnificent and beautiful about the foster care process is that they’re all our kids. They are all our community. If we put the effort into them, it benefits us all,” said Johnson.

National Adoption Month is in November and focuses on the goal to increase awareness and draw attention and support for the thousands of children and youth in the U.S. foster care system that are waiting for permanent, loving families. Perceptions about being too young, too old, single, or LGBTQ are often incorrect. In fact, you may have exactly what it takes to be a resource family. Lilliput Families is highly experienced in preparing those with a heart for helping children in need. The first step is simply willingness. Attending an information orientation will help you to know if fostering is right for you. These are the children that will someday become the adults in our community; investing in them creates a better future for us all.

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Parenting

were open to this behavior, apparently she recognized it again at school. So, completely on her own, she decided that she will still play with these girls at recess from time to time, but is now focusing on friendships and playdates with some other girls.

I never told her that she had to drop a friendship. I believe in being nice to everyone, but I advised her to look for good friends. And now she chooses to spend her playtime with a couple other girls that share her same principals.

Let’s get back to my point about being friendly with everyone. Mady is lucky that she has so many friends. So for her to alter who she may spend a little extra time with was not a big deal, or even probably obvious to others. By remaining friendly with everyone, it also saves some hurt feelings and recess time can continue on in a fun way for all her classmates. So again, I put a lot of emphasis on being nice to everybody!

By Karissa Tunis

The Friendship Challenge

age, they can save themselves some trouble when they hit the teenage years (hopefully…finger crossed).

Growing up, there was a lot that my parents did that I hope to improve upon, or even do differently, but the one thing that I appreciate was them putting a lot of emphases on people skills. They taught my sisters and me how to get along with anyone, even if they were very different from us. As I have gotten older, their tips and advice have come in handy on numerous occasions. Now, I want to do my best to teach my kids about what it means to be a good friend, look for good friends, and how to overall get along with anyone and everyone.

Recently, my daughter was with a big group of friends. Overall, they were all lovely little girls, and each one had a lot of fun. I did, however, see some attitudes and character displays that were not appealing. To say it directly – had my daughter been the one to say those mean things to someone else, or to act in a disrespectful way, or permanently leave a mark on someone else’s wall, she would be in big, big trouble! Thankfully, none of this came from her, or was directed at her, but we both witnessed this behavior and it offered the perfect opportunity to discuss picking friends.

I spend a lot of time teaching my kids how to be nice to others: to be respectful, selfless, and look for those that need a friend or a helping hand.

I want them to be kind to everyone; however, who they pick for their closest friends, needs to be done carefully.

I truly believe that you are guilty by association, and that you become like those with whom you surround yourself.

So, if I believe this, then that means I want to surround myself with people that represent what I want to be, or how I want to live my life. Hopefully, by teaching my children this at a young

My daughter and I talked about how even though these two other girls were fun to play with, they did not always make the best choices. She understood that even though the hurtful words did not come from her own lips, those words left another friend hurt in her presence.

Overall, I tried to keep our talk and the lesson to the point. I made it quickly, and changed over to more lighthearted topics.

A few weeks later, an interesting thing happened. Now that Mady’s eyes

Recently, I came across a fun activity on Pinterest. It was a way to challenge your little ones to be nice and friendly to others. My hope from doing this experiment was that it will help my kids to make someone else smile, strengthen the relationships they already have, and maybe even encourage them to make a new friend. I called this, “The Friendship Challenge.”

1. First, my kids got an old baby wipes container and decorated it.

2. Next, we talked about ways to be a good friend, or ways to make other people smile.

These were a few things they came up with: • Hold the door for someone • Let someone else pick first • Give a friend a hug • Make a card for someone that is sick or hurt • Give someone that is not a close friend a compliment • Share • Sit with someone new at lunch or circle time • Play with someone lonely at recess • Smile at everyone • Help a friend in need

Children's Photography Contest Winners Growing Up Chico Magazine had a children’s photo contest and we asked for photos that kids had taken of animals or in nature. We received many beautiful photos. Congratulations to our winners whose photos are featured on this page, and thank you to all who sent in photos! Keep looking in future issues, or on our Facebook page for more fun contests.

Kristy Age 12

3. We wrote down all of the ideas on slips of paper (or you could do Popsicle sticks).

For the next week, each morning, my kids pulled a paper and got their “Friendship Challenge” for the day. It has been fun to have the kids report back or even come up with new ideas to add to our container. We would love to hear from you and hear how you teach your kids to be a good friend!

Gianna Age 13

Zachary Age 6

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Parenting

New!

Baby Support Group

By Shae Lerner

My

family and I moved to Chico in January of 2017, from the Bay Area. When my son was born, I went to a support group where moms were encouraged to share their struggles and triumphs. I was so grateful for this group, as it was often the one planned activity I looked forward to each week. Since I have many years of experience working with parents, and more specifically, mothers in the newborn to two year old stage of parenting, I hope to provide a space for moms to come and to share freely, knowing that other moms are experiencing the same feelings, milestones, leaps, and sleep deprivation that they are.

I have a Bachelors degree in Sociology: Of the Family, and an Associates degree in Child Development. I have worked as a nanny, specializing in the care of infants and multiples for over 14 years. I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula trained in Rebozo techniques and a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. Facilitating a New Baby Support Group is a passion of mine. To serve new

moms and parents in Chico, in so many capacities,has enriched my life and made our move to Chico a dream come true.

The New Baby Support Group takes place every Wednesday from 3:00-5:00, at Sunny Garden Montessori, located at 2801 Godman Ave. in Chico.

This is a drop-in group designed to address early child and parent development issues and successes through discussions, speakers and special events. Parents are able to access information and meet other new parents in this relaxed environment. It is a forum for new parents to share their experiences.

The cost is $10 a class or buy 5 for $40! Childcare will be provided for older siblings. Please let us know if you need childcare. The sitter is $5/class. For more information, please call Shae, at (831)277-0880, or visit BabyMomentsOfBliss.com.

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Classic Ballet “Chico” Style Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, Dr. Oscar Stansbury settled in the North Valley and raised his family. His daughter, Angeline, was raised in the Stansbury house at the corner of Fifth and Salem streets in Chico. This year, as it did last year, Angeline and her history become the central focus of A Very Chico Nutcracker.

After debuting A Very Chico Nutcracker last December, Chico Community Ballet and The Stansbury Home Preservation Association, knew they had a hit on their hands. The reimagining of the classic Nutcracker tale of a little girl’s dream, with her Nutcracker Prince coming to life, fighting a fierce Mouse King, and whisking her away to the Land of Snow was an instant “have you seen it yet?” hit.

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Chico Community Ballet dancers come together with local community members to bring this “Chico” version to life.

Sets are “Chico” recognizable, and lend to the “I know where that is” feeling as the ballet progresses throughout its prologue and two acts.

Because of the popularity of the new Nutcracker, Chico Performances is bringing it back to Laxson this Christmas season, so patrons who saw the production last year can come again, and new patrons can enjoy a classic ballet that has familiar touches.

As in last year’s production, this year’s A Very Chico Nutcracker has all the standard Nutcracker fairy-tale elements; the party scene, which is now set at the Stansbury Home, highlighting iconic Chico scenes, as well as historical, local Chico guests. Clara is now Angeline, who is presented the gift of a Nutcracker

by her godfather Drosselmeyer – accompanied by magic touches and special effects. The party winds down, and Angeline drifts off to sleep, only to be awakened by a very alive Nutcracker as he prepares to do battle with the Mouse King.

After a fierce battle, the Nutcracker invites Angeline to the “Land of Almond Blossoms” – the Chico version of the “Land of Snow.” From there, Angeline and her Nutcracker Prince ravel to the Kingdom of the Wildflowers, where they interact with Mother Goose, Little Bo-Peep and several more fairytale characters, and are entertained by dancers from faraway lands.

As Angeline awakens, the remnants of her “dream” linger, and Angeline has to ask “was it just a dream or was it real?” In this version of The Nutcracker, one will never know, but you can rest assured, you will walk away with a new appreciation for the classic tale of The Nutcracker - “Chico” style.

A Very Chico Nutcracker performs at Laxson Auditorium November 30 through December 3.

Matinees will be held on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. For those attending the Saturday matinee, there will be a “Meet and Greet” with the dancers immediately following the performance. Tickets and more details are available at chicoperformances.com .

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hat do you get when you ask local dance schools, choreographers, and dancers to come together on the stage of Laxson? A potpourri of dance styles, all showcased in the Spotlight Performance. As in past years, the 4th Annual Spotlight Production will focus on the immense amount of talent in the area with regards to dance.

Organizers of the Spotlight Performance call for local dancers, schools, and choreographers to send in a piece of their best work. After reviewing the submissions, up to 14 pieces are chosen to showcase on the stage at Laxson. The focus is on presenting a wide variety of styles of dance, as well as a range of ages. Last year’s Spotlight Performance featured 14 dance pieces, performed by 11 dance companies, with dancers ranging in age from 4 to 68.

The focus of Spotlight Performance is to give local dancers a chance to dance on the “big stage” as Chico performances director Stephen Cummins says. “We’ve structured this performance to give local dancers a chance to perform in front of a large audience, in a professional performance space.” Indeed, Cummins seems to think that the majority of the audience is families and friends of the dancers, as well as dance enthusiasts from the community. “We have a wealth of talent in regards to the local dance community, “he says. “We decided to give that talent a place to perform.”

Previous Spotlight Performances have included pieces by: Chico Community Ballet, Full Force, Hype Dance Studio, Inspire School of the Arts & Sciences, belly dancers, hula dancers, and Irish dancers, just to name a few. “The performance is designed to include dancers of all ages and dance levels,” said Cummins. “We feel it’s a great family event that parents can feel good bringing their children to.”

This year’s Spotlight Performance put out the calls to choreographers, dance schools, and dancers in September. “Our schedule called for review of the submitted applications by early to mid-October, with notification to the companies by November,” says Karen Avis, Chico Performance’s Education and Outreach Coordinator. “Hopefully by mid-November, we will have the line-up in place and published so the chosen groups can practice for a few months.”

This year, Spotlight Performance will be held on January 26, at Laxson Auditorium on the Chico State campus. Tickets and information can be found at www.chicoperformances.com.

Get Your Groove On

at the Spotlight Performance

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winter fun

events eventscalendar calendar

Kidz night out, scouting, open play and drop off for ages 5 and up. Call 332-9172 or go to www.bricks4kidz. com.

Buddin’ Sprouts:

For children with autism and other socially related disabilities. This program is a progression of Lil’ Sprouts and serves children one-on-one to develop more advanced sensory, behavioral, social, and communication skills. Children are encouraged to make social requests and decisions, such as what game to play and what snack they want. Ages: 8 - 12 yrs, Tuesdays: 2-5 pm, Little Red Hen’s Lifespan program, Located at 2418 Cohasset Rd Suite 150.

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Ongoing Events Allegory

Belly Dance: Ongoing classes for children ages 7-14 and held at the Chico Art Center. For more information and to register please go to www. allegorybellydance.com.

After School Enrichment S.T.E.M Classes:

At Bricks 4 Kidz Creativity Center, Thursdays from 3 – 4pm, Grades 1 – 6, www.bricks4kidz.com/california-chico.

Baby Support Group:

Every Wednesday from 3-5pm, at Sunny Garden Montessori, located at 2801 Godman Ave. in Chico. BabyMomentsOfBliss.com.

Barnes & Noble Storytime:

Held weekly on Wednesdays at 11am and Saturdays at 2pm in the children’s book section. Call 894-1494 for more info.

Barry Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary and Education Center: The mission of the Barry Kirshner Wildlife

Foundation is to provide rehabilitation and long-term care for exotic and native species, as well as to provide educational programs on all levels, emphasizing wildlife and habitat conservation. Field trips, tours, camps and more.

Call 533-1000 or go to www.kirshner.org for more info.

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Blue Oak School Tours:

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 9AM-11AM. Take a guided tour of our classrooms and explore all the creative and academic facets that Waldorf education offers. On the tour, you’ll get to know our community and philosophies so you can decide if Blue Oak Charter School is the right fit for your child. Space is limited, call us to reserve your spot: (530) 879-7483.

Book Family Farm: Fun, Educational, Year Round Field Trips & Tours, and Grass-Fed Meats. Fun, educational farm tours Saturdays: $5 per child, adults free if accompanied by child. RSVP bookfamilyfarm@gmail.com or 342-4375.

For up to date info, “like us” on Facebook.

Bricks 4 Kids: Our programs provide an extraordinary atmosphere for students to build unique creations, play games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® bricks.

The activities are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self-confidence. After school programs, birthday parties, camps, playgroups,

Chico Dojo:

Kids Karate classes for kids 3 and up.

30 years of teaching experience. Classes include: All Belts Kids Karate, Adults All Belt Karate, Kabudo (Weapons Training), and Advanced Karate. Please call 898-9753 or go to www.chicodojo.com.

County Library, Chico: Storytimes TUESDAYS: Preschool Storytime; Stories, songs & crafts for ages 3-5. Two sessions: 10am & 11am. Homework Help from 3-5pm for grades 1-8.

WEDNESDAYS: Babies Love Books; Babies ages 18 months & younger will enjoy this special story time.

11am. Homework Help from 3-5pm for grades 1-8.

THURSDAYS: Toddler Storytime; Stories, songs & action rhymes for ages 3 & under. Two sessions: 10am & 11am.

AfterSchool Storytime: Stories & crafts for ages 12 & under at 3pm. Chess Club: 3:30-5:30 under 18 only.

FRIDAYS: Bilingual Story Garden; Enjoy stories & songs in English & Spanish geared for ages 0-5 at 10am.

SATURDAYS: 1st Saturday of month: Japanese Storytime At Chico Library; Monthly program features classic tales of Japan, Kamishibai (“paper-theater”), & Japanese songs & crafts. 1pm. 2nd Saturday of the month: Spanish storytime at 10am. 3rd Saturday of the month: Chinese Storytime; Monthly storytime features stories & songs in Chinese at 2pm. 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month: StoryTail Tutors; Monthly program for beginning, struggling or reluctant readers at 2pm. Chess Club weekly 2-4pm under 18 only.

SUNDAYS: Free Family Movie: Weekly movies. Contact branch for titles and ratings. All Ages. Showtime 2pm.

1108 Sherman Ave. (530)891-2726.

Chico Doula Circle:

Butte Parent Cafe’:

Chico Yo Yo Club:

Butte

Check out all of the great things we have to look forward to this Fall! Please note that dates and times are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm events.

place to interact with animals and nature, discover Bidwell Park’s diverse ecosystem and learn about preserving this natural resource. After school, homeschool, preschool and family programs as well as an animal museum and nature play room. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm. 1968 E. 8 th Street, 891-4671, www.

BidwellPark.org.

Free public events where parents have meaningful, guided conversations that help solve problems which could affect their children. Dinner and childcare will be provided free of charge. Parents, Foster Parents, Grandparents, Providers, and other people working with or raising children or anyone in the community who is interested in strengthening families in our community are encouraged to attend. Café is offered once a month in Oroville and in Chico. www. butteparentcafe.com.

Chapman Food And Fitness Festival: Held every

Friday from 2–5:30pm at 1010 Cleveland Ave. For more information, call 624-8844 or visit www.cChaos.org.

Free Prenatal Workshops first Thursday of each month from 7-8pm and third Sunday of each month from 2-4pm. Clients and potential clients can come to as many workshops as they choose. During our meetings, we welcome new families, attend to established clients, and present experiential learning opportunities on a variety of topics related to pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding. For more information visit www. chicodoulacircle.com.

Chico Mall Family Movie Nights:

Join Chico Mall every 3rd Friday of the month for Family Movie Nights.

Movies begin at 7 p.m. near Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Bring your low back chairs and blankets for the movie.

No outside food or drink. Go to Facebook/ChicoMall for movie info or call 343-0706. Chico Mall, 1950 E 20th St, Chico.

Chico Mothers Club:

Ongoing weekly playgroups and a variety of other fun activities for young children.

Gather weekly for friendship and support. For detailed information, please visit www.chicomothersclub.org.

Chico Museum:

Open Wednesday - Sunday, noon to 4pm; donations gladly appreciated. Located at Second and Salem Streets, Downtown Chico. Phone 891-4336, or visit www.chicomuseum.org.

Come learn new tricks, show off your skill, & win great prizes. Bird in Hand in Downtown Chico. Every Saturday at noon. 893-0545.

Circle Time: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15am, doors open at 9. Join us for books and stories, songs and rhymes, dancing, shaking, music making, and of course parachute play! This class is great for all ages, but designed for toddlers and preschool age children.

Taught by a Child Development major with over 10 years of experience. Held at Apple Blossom Baby, call 3451617 for more details.

Enloe’s Mother and Baby Education Center:

at the Chico Municipal Airport. This museum features air exhibits that are fun for the whole family! Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-4pm. FREE! 147 Convair Court, 345-6468.

Ongoing childbirth preparation, infant parenting, mother wellness and infant-child CPR classes. Please call 3323970 to register or go to www.enloe.org and click on the Mother Baby page for more information and to view a full list of classes. Also offers lactation support, please call the number above for an appointment.

Chico Art School:

Family Skate Night:

Chico Air Museum: The Chico Air Museum is located

Classes in painting and drawing for ages 7+. All levels. Monday-Saturday. Email for homeschool, after school and adult class availability. $25 per class-1 1/2 hr. Email Janet@chicoartschool. com or find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ChicoArtSchoolandGallery.

Chico Certified Farmers’ Market-Saturdays:

Take advantage of all the wonderful produce grown locally at Chico’s year round Farmers’ Market. Held every Saturday from 7:30am1pm, rain or shine. Located at 2nd and Wall St. parking lot.

Chico Cheer Dollar Night:

A great intro to Chico Cheer. Just sign a release form and bring $1 CASH ONLY and come to the gym to play, tumble, or perfect your cheer skills! Chico Cheer equipment and gym is available to practice any level of tumbling and/or stunts. Come in on your own or join us with your group or team! $1 = 2 hours of fun! Friday 6 - 8 PM. www.ChicoCheerAllStar. com, 894-2227.

Chico Creek Nature Center: Offers kids of all ages a

North Valley Hockey, go to www.nvhsc.org for more info.

Family Swim:

The 90 degree indoor pool is always comfortable any time of year. Family Swim is open to anyone (no membership required) on Fridays from 5-8 pm. Cost is just $2 per person. For more information, contact Chico Water Sprites at 342-2999 or visit www. chicowatersprites.com.

Fantastic Fridays: Athletic Horizons has the ultimate

playgroup! Takes place on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month for all children, walking to 5 years old. Contact for more information: 893-4967 or www.athletichorizons. com.

Free Tennis Clinic: Held every Saturday at the Chico Racquet Club at 10am, open to all ages. 1629 Manzanita Ave, 895-1881.

Friday Night Bot Wars:

2nd Friday of every

month from 6-9pm. Construct arenas for our dueling contraptions! Learn about gears and torque, and how exactly these crazy contraptions work. Battling bots, spinning tops, dueling robots, battering rams and more!

Create your motorized models and let your imagination take over. Then, step in to the arena to see how your creation fares! Ages 6 and up. www.bricks4kidz.com/ california-chico/ or call 332-9172.

Gateway Science Museum:

Come explore the Gateway. Visit the many hands on exhibits for kids and families of all ages. Open Wed. through Sun. noon to 5pm.

For more information, call 898-4121 or visit www.csuchico. edu/gateway.

Growing Together Teens:

GTT is a socialization program for teens with autism and other developmental disabilities. Designed to build friendships between participants and provide activities conducive to social behavior, cognitive, and emotional growth. Promotes individuals’ self-esteem and teaches them to become selfadvocates. Employment experience is supported. Ages: 12 - 17 yrs, Fridays: 2:30 - 5:30 pm. Little Red Hen’s Lifespan program, Located at 2418 Cohasset Rd Suite 150.

Home Depot Kids Workshops:

Chico & Oroville.

Hands-on building workshop for ages 5-12. 1st Saturday of each month, 9am-12pm. Free. Chico: 342-0477; Oroville: 538-0521.

Infertility Support Group:

If you are in need of comfort, understanding, and support regarding infertility, we welcome you to come discover you are not alone in the journey. Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 6-7pm at the Enloe Conference Center, 1528 Esplanade, and often includes a guest speaker. For more information, call Andrea, 517-1447 or Sarah, 519-2268.

Jazzercise: FREE

Childcare! Contact for more details and class times. 896-9743, www.jazzercise.com.

Kids in Safe Seats:

Low cost car seat program for Butte County residents. For more info on this program, please call Butte County Public Health 800-339-2941.

Kids Night Out:

Fridays at In Motion Fitness from 5:30-9:30. Each night includes dinner and an exciting activity. Must pre-register. Call 895-kids or visit www.inmotionfitness.net to find out more.

Kidz Night Out:

3rd Friday of every month! Do You Need a Date Night? Drop off your LEGO fan with our trained staff for a night of Fun! Dinner, Games, Challenges and LEGO® silliness. Cheese Pizza, juice & cookie, R.C Zipline, Battle TrackRace track, take-home Crafts, Lego Brick Creative Fun! Ages 6 - 12 at Bricks 4 Kidz, www.bricks4kidz.com/california-chico/ or call 3329172.

La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group:

La Leche League offers free mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. Babies and young children are always welcome at meetings. Meetings are held throughout the month.

Please refer to the LLL of Chico Facebook page, call 4874109 or email lllofchico@gmail.com for details and times.

Lil’ Sprouts:

Little Red Hen’s Lifespan program, An early intervention program for children with autism. LiL’ Sprouts provides one-on-one support to help develop play skills, sensory needs, socialization, behavioral, and communication skills. Ages: 4 - 8 yrs, Mondays: 2 - 5pm, Located at 2418 Cohasset Rd Suite 150, behind Cathy’s Sew and Vac.

Little Red Hen Mommy & Me Fairy Garden Class: The second Tuesday of every month, 6pm.

Floral & More: 959 East Ave. Let’s grow together! Create your own fairy garden featuring Studio M miniatures in our hands-on Mommy & Me class. $20 fee provides 1 terra-cotta pot and 3 Fairy garden plants. Miniatures are available to purchase. Refreshments will be served. Call 894-0040 to RSVP. Classes fill up fast!

Meet & Greet:

Meet & Greet Parent Support Group will be held the last Thursday of each month, from 6-8pm. Meet

& Greet is for parents or caretakers of children (adult or youth) with developmental disabilities. This free program offers an evening of respite and enjoyment for parents. Meet & Greet provides supports and ideas from knowledgeable parents in a light-hearted, enjoyable environment. Childcare is not provided. For more information please call Loren at Autism lifespan, 897-0900.

Mine Craft Mondays:

Join Bricks 4 Kidz every Monday for 3 hours of STEM education. This action packed Mine Craft themed Workshop includes weekly exciting motorized Technic builds and other challenging brick creations. 3 – 6pm, Ages 6 – 12, www.bricks4kidz. com/california-chico.

Montessori Mommy and Me:

Weekday playtime for children 0-5 and their parents.

Children find stimulating, educational fun while parents relax. Call 343-3101 or for more info go to sunnygardenchico.com.

Mothers Strong Support Group:

We are moms who provide support and strive to empower each other.

Our group is a safe, advice free, and judgement free zone.

A place to speak the truth about mothering even when you may feel anxious or depressed. Held in Paradise at 10 am on the first and third Monday at the Family Resource center, and in Oroville every Tuesday at FRTH from 10:3012. www.helpcentral.org/mothersstrong/ for more info.

monca, The Museum of Northern California Art:

The mission of the museum is to provide a vehicle for all ages to experience and create art for the sake of enjoyment, expression, social cohesion, innovation and communication.

At the museum itself questions are placed under each piece of art that ask something specific about the work to expands one’s knowledge of art. Check our website www.monca.org and Facebook page for upcoming events within and outside of the museum. Special guided tours available for groups of children, adults and organizations. Book in advance.

Patrick Ranch Museum:

Educational Field Trips & more at the Historic Patrick Ranch. To schedule a field trip, please call 588-3869 or 592-9260 or for more information visit our web-site at www.patrick ranchmuseum.org. The Patrick Ranch Museum is also open on Saturdays for tours of the Glenwood Farm house. Tours from 11am-3pm.

Check website for upcoming events on Saturdays.

Pet Nights with Santa:

Have your dog’s photo taken with Santa at Chico Mall, held every Tuesday in December from 6-9pm.

Pregnancy Education Series:

This four-week childbirth education series is designed to prepare expectant women and their support person for their childbirth experience. We recommend that you choose to attend a session that ends one month before your baby is due. Call 876-2518 to register or go to www.frhosp.org for more information.

Roo’s Zoo Skate Session at Cal Skate:

Join Roller-Roo for this specially designed session for kids 10 & under–strollers welcome. 10am-12pm. $5.50/child, includes quad skate rental (parents skate for $2.75); or $25/6-weeks. 343-1601.

Sliver Dollar BMX: First race is FREE for those looking

to try something new here in Chico! There are racers as young as 3 years old and all ages are welcome! Practice/ racing every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, weather permitting. “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ sdbmx to receive current track updates.

Silver Dollar Speedway:

Every Friday night. Gates open at 6pm and races start at 7pm. For more info and for a full schedule of events go to, silverdollarspeedway.com.

Sunny Garden Montessori:

Chico’s only indoor family play space. Our goal is to create a fun, learning environment for children and their adults through play and fun interactions. Check out the online calendar for upcoming events and classes. Open from 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. www.sunnygardenchico.com, 2801 Godman

Ave Ste 140 in Chico.

Teen Fandom Club:

Teens 13-17 are invited to join us for our newest club, The Fandom Club. Tell us what you are the most passionate about, whether it’s sports, Marvel superheroes, Teen Titans, Pokemon....you name it! Here you will be accepted and never judged in our welcoming and fun environment for all fans! We have different activities every week and meet in our young adult area or conference room. Chico Library, every Wednesday from 4-5pm.

The Mom Spot:

A place for mothers of young children (birth through kindergarten) to connect by building friendships and sharing experiences. Meets on second and fourth Tuesdays of the month 9-11:30 am.

Join us for a hot breakfast, craft, speaker, and free onsite child care. Meets at Paradise Alliance Church 6491 Clark Rd. Paradise-call for questions 877-7069.

The Studio 561:

Children’s painting classes, mixed media, family painting parties, birthday paint parties, and summer camps. Also offers adult classes and painting parties. By local artist, Christine Mac Shane, 370-1285, 561 East Lindo Avenue.

Time Out For Moms:

Time Out For Moms meets every Friday Morning from 9am - 11am, childcare provided. This program is designed for mothers of babies, toddlers and young children in order to provide connection, support and encouragement for moms. We use a set curriculum, such as “MOPS,” and enjoy guest speakers, breakfast, and fellowship together during our weekly meetings. Visit www.bidwellpres.org for more information and registration. Any questions please call 530-343-1484. COST: $50 for full year.

Tiny Tots:

Expecting? or Have a child 0-36 months old? Join Us! The Family Place, 1007 Bille Road, Paradise.

Meet other Parents, Baby Socialization, Learn Infant/Child Massage, Craft Activities, Talk about Parenting, Lots and Lots of Fun! 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM. For questions or more information contact Tammi, 530-230-2011 Ext. 205. Held every Wednesday.

Tot Time:

Come enjoy quality time with your toddler doing Arts & Crafts, Music, and other activities. For Families of children ages 0-5. Siblings welcome. Every Monday from 11:15am-12:15 pm. At The Family Place, 1007 Bille Road in Paradise 530-230-0211 Ext. 205. Come laugh, learn, and play with us!

November Annie Jr. Thursday, Nov. 2nd - Sunday, Nov. 5th

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. For more info and for tickets go to www. chicotheatercompany.com.

Break Bread with a Farmer Friday, November 3rd

It’s a chance to meet local farmers for a BBQ dinner & pie auction. Held at The Patrick Ranch Museum, starts at 6pm. All proceeds benefit Patrick Ranch Museum and Visitor Center. For tickets and more info go to www. patrickranchmuseum.org.

Farm City Celebration Harvest Festival Saturday, November 4th

A FREE family fun event featuring activities including: kids arts & crafts, interactive animal displays, bounce house, calf roping, antique and modern farm equipment, butter

events calendar events article calendar title

churning, food booths, nutrition education, bee demonstrations, Bidwell Mansion tours, food available from Madison Bear Garden, plant sale, horse-drawn carriage rides and much, much, more. Bring your family and enjoy this great day at the home of Chico’s first farmer, John Bidwell. For more information go to www.farmcity.com. 10am - 2pm at Bidwell Mansion.

MOMIX Opus Cactus Saturday, November 4th

Momix transports audiences from their everyday lives to a fantasy world through its trademark use of magical lighting and imagery. With Opus Cactus, Moses Pendleton, founder and director of Momix, brings the landscape of the American Southwest to life with his signature illusionistic style, creating dynamic images of cactuses, slithering lizards, and fire dancers. For this tour, the company, known internationally for presenting work of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty, has re imagined Opus Cactus since its original premiere in 2001. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)8986333.

Soggy Dog Day Saturday, November 4th

CARD and Trailblazer Pet Supply are proud to present the 4th annual Chico “Soggy Dog Day!” Bring your four-legged friend and splash the day away at Shapiro Pool! This wonderful event includes health and wellness information for your pets, provided by various community pet organizations. All proceeds from this event support the proposed new dog park. This event is split into seven 30-minute time slots for water play. To register go to www.chicorec.com.

Crazy Fun Color Run Saturday, November 4th

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

Starts at the Community Park at Pearson & Black Olive. All funds benefit youth on the ridge. For more info cal 530-342-4896.

Lysander Piano Trio Sunday, November 5th

This young, energetic trio formed at the famed Julliard School in 2009 and features violinist Itamar Zorman, pianist Liza Stepanova, and cellist Michael Katz. They have garnered great success placing at prestigious competitions including the 2010 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the 2011 Coleman Chamber Ensemble Competition (grand prize), and the 2011 J. C. Arriaga Chamber Music Competition (first prize). Most recently, the trio claimed the Concert Artist Guild prize and performed on the CAG series at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

Slime Time Workshop Sunday, November 5th

For children ages 6-12. It’s slime time! Children will learn to mix and customize three different slime recipes to bring home in containers they decorate. Kinetic Sand Slime, Fluffy Slime, & Stretchy Slime. Classes and workshops take place at The Chico Art Center inside a restored historic train depot. For more info and to register go to www.chicokiddo. com

Paradise On Ice Opening Day Friday, November 10th

November 10, 2017—January 15, 2018. Rink is subject to closure during rainy weather.

Regular Hours: Monday—Thursday 3-8 pm, Friday 3-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm, Sunday 12-8 pm. Holiday Hours: Veterans Day (Nov. 10) 12-10 pm (Veterans & Active Military Skate Free), Thanksgiving Break: November 18th-25th 12-10 pm, Thanksgiving Day 12-5 pm, Winter Break: December 21st-January 6th 12-10 pm, Christmas Eve 12-5 pm, Christmas Day 12-5 pm, Martin Luther King Day: January 15th 12-8 pm. For more info go to www.paradiseprpd.com/ice_rink.html or call (530) 872-6393.

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Family Thanksgiving Art Workshop Sunday, November 12th

For children ages 6 – 12 plus one or two adults/guardians. Come experience art together as a family. During this workshop you will create 5 Thanksgiving art projects to take home and enjoy for the holiday. Classes and workshops take place at The Chico Art Center inside a restored historic train depot. For more info and to register go to www. chicokiddo.com.

An Evening with Travis Tritt Sunday, November 12th

Since 1990, country singer Travis Tritt has been releasing records that seek to marry his love of R&B and gospel with that of the South’s rich country and blues history. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

Santa Arrives at Chico Mall Friday, November 17th

Welcome Santa to Chico Mall at 6pm. Please go to www.chicomall.com for more info.

Family Movie Night at Chico Mall Friday, November 17th

Bring your low back chairs and blankets for the movie. We will have a special section in the back for regular chairs. Please no outside food or drink. Movie nights are from 7-9pm near Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more info go to www.chicomall.com.

“JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH” Jr. Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th

CRT Kids Show “JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH” Jr. is a fun adventure for the whole family! This show is perfect for all ages and a great day out for only $10. per person!

Performs NOVEMBER 17TH & 18TH at the Center For The Arts! 1475 East Ave. on the PV High Campus. For tickets and showtimes go to www.crtkids.com.

“ALADDIN” JR. Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th

CRT Kids Spring Show “ALADDIN” Jr. is a fun adventure for the whole family! This show is perfect for all ages and a great day out for only $10. per person! Performs NOVEMBER 18TH & 19TH at the Center For The Arts! 1475 East Ave. on the PV High Campus. For tickets and showtimes go to www.crtkids.com.

Christmas Preview Sunday, November 19th

Since 1978, Christmas Preview has been a Downtown Chico tradition...drawing folks together in the heart of our community to officially kick off the holiday season!

Downtown merchants roll out the red carpet and present the finest in hometown hospitality, debuting their holiday offerings, showing off fabulous decorations, and providing delicious refreshments and entertainment. The DCBA coordinates strolling carolers, and a few other on-street events and activities and invites SANTA to come on down for photos with the kiddos! You have not experienced the holidays in Downtown Chico if you have not experienced Christmas Preview. Santa Claus available for a visit and photo opportunity with the kiddos. 4-8pm in downtown Chico, for more info go to www.downtownchico.com.

12th Annual Run for Food Thursday, November 23rd

5K run/walk at the One Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park at 9am, www.runforfood. com.

It’s a Wonderful Life, The Musical Friday, November 24th to Sunday, December 17th

This musical is based on the classic film as it follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments. For more info and for tickets go to www.chicotheatercompany.com.

Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays Saturday, November 25th

The quartet, all former leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, exudes the irresistible rapport of a modern day rat pack. On their return trip to Chico, the boys put their unique retro twist on holiday classics, Doo Wop hits, and Christmas originals. From The First Noel to Run, Run Rudolf, the holidays never sounded so cool. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

Craft Fair Saturday, December 25th - Sunday, december 26th Held at the Glenn County Fairgrounds in Orland. 10am - 5pm.

A Very Chico Nutcracker Thursday, November 30th - Sunday, December 3rd

Back by popular demand, Chico Community Ballet’s newly envisioned A Very Chico Nutcracker returns to the stage. With hints of the traditional Nutcracker ballet and an infusion of rich Chico history, journey back in time to the magical night before Christmas at the home of Dr. Oscar Stansbury’s family, where their daughter, Angeline, receives a most mysterious gift that sparks a wondrous adventure. This production magically transports Angeline and the audience to an enchanted land where visitors from faraway lands, waltzing flowers, and special surprises await all! A true holiday treat not to be missed. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

December Letters to Santa Ongoing Until Friday, December 8th

During December, boys and girls under 8 years old can receive a letter via CARD from jolly old Santa and his elves. Children should mail their letter to the CARD office, 545 Vallombrosa Avenue, Chico, CA 95926, no later than December 8th. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be enclosed. The return envelope will be postmarked from the North Pole. Unfortunately, due to the amount of letters received, any letters collected after December 3rd will not receive a response. www.chicorec.com.

Community Christmas Tree Lighting Friay, December 1st

City Plaza will come alive from the glow of the more than 2,000 LED lights during the lighting of the Annual Community Christmas Tree! Guests will enjoy a musical program and join Santa, the Mayor and others in the countdown to light the tree in City Plaza. Highlights include: Santa visits! Mayor addresses the crowd, Performances by the Children’s Choir of Chico and Sounds of the Valley Women’s Chorus. Butte

Environmental Council offering holiday light exchange. Wonderful, ‘feel-good’ community strengthening event. 6-8pm in downtown Chico, for more info go to www.downtownchico. com.

2-12 are welcome to shop for friends & family. Gifts are $2 each and wrapping is included!

While the kids are shopping parents can enjoy a bake sale table and browse silent auction items. Call 530-342-5518 for more info.

Into The Wardrobe Friday, December 1st - Sunday, December 3rd

Santa Shuffle Saturday, November 9th

Into The Wardrobe: An original full-length ballet based on The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by author C.S. Lewis. Taking the audience on a journey through a magical land, this exciting new production is being brought to the CFA stage this Christmas season by the International Institute for Education Through the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Direction and choreography by Laurel Tennant and Heather Wysong of North State Ballet. For more information please go to www.northstateballet.com or call 774-2364.

Stansbury Home Preservation Association Victorian Christmas Friday, December 1st - Sunday, December 3rd

A Chico Tradition for the entire family, A very merry Victorian Christmas, Corner of 5th and Salem.

Little Red Hen’s Christmas Preview Friday, December 1st - Sunday, December 3rd

15% off all 5 unique stores, all 3 days! Shop local and non-profit this holiday season while enjoying refreshments at any of our 5 retail locations. There will be fun kids activities to keep your kiddos active while you shop. Visit all 5 stores to be entered in a grand prize drawing! Our retail locations include Gift Shop, Vintage Hen, Plant Nursery, Floral & More, and Kitchen Store. For more info visit www.littleredhen.org

11th Annual Christmas Boutique Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd

Enjoy shopping for gifts from around the world and hometown favorites: Bread from the Oven, Especially Eli, Harper Hats, Lauren Mesa Art, LouLaRoe Clothing, Nod to Mod, and more. Your purchase will provide clean water in developing countries. Christmas Cookies and Carols with Katie Drake on Friday evening. Friday from 2PM-7PM and Saturday from 11AM-5pm, 45 Parkside Ct in Chico. www.btg4water.org.

Breakfast With Santa Saturday, December 2nd

Welcome to Santa’s village! Choose which time you would like to have breakfast and then use the rest of the time to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and make crafts with the elves.

Roots Catering will be serving pancakes and other wonderful breakfast treats. Choose from the available breakfast times, but come anytime to participate in the rest of the activities. This event will run from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Every person attending must be registered. Space is limited, so register early; this event does sell out. CARD Community Center. To register go to www.chicorec.com

Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 3rd

Join Santa for breakfast at Chico Mall. Starts at 9am, please go to www.chicomall.com for more details.

Glorious Sounds of the Season Sunday, December 3rd

Glorious Sounds of the Season is a Chico holiday tradition, a festive event featuring music and drama for the season. Faculty and students perform holiday favorites with special treats galore. Performers include the CSU, Chico Choral Ensembles, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz X-Press, chamber music and theatre ensembles, soloists, and readers.

Proceeds benefit student scholarships in the Department of Music and Theatre. Purchase tickets at the University Box Office, 530-898-6333, online at www.csuchico.edu/boxoffice, or at the door.

Pink Martini Holiday Spectacular Friday, December 8th

Chico’s favorite cocktail, world pop artists return to Laxson Auditorium and this time with China Forbes joining Thomas Lauderdale to front this most eclectic ensemble. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

Christmas Faire Friday December 8th - Sunday, December 10th

Held at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. Many booths and vendors with Christmas crafts.

Friday: 12-8pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm. Please go to www.silverdollarfair.org for more info.

Little Red Hen’s Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 9th

It’s time again to enjoy a full course pancake breakfast with Little Red Hen! Tickets Available at All 5 Little Red Hen Locations (or at the Door). Proceeds benefit our quality programs for children with autism. 9am-1pm, Eagle Hall, Corner of 20th & Mulberry. www.LittleRedHen.org.

Kids Shopping Day Saturday, December 9th

Annual holiday sale at Chico Montessori Children’s House from 10-2pm. All children ages

The Salvation Army Chico Corps Community Center 2nd Annual Santa Shuffle 5 K: A run for OTHERS in Need. To register go to runsignup.com/Race/CA/Chico/santashuffle5K1M.

Family Movie Night at Chico Mall Friday, December 15th

Bring your low back chairs and blankets for the movie. We will have a special section in the bak for regular chairs. Please no outside food or drink. Movie nights are from 7-9pm near Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more info go to www.chicomall.com.

Believe Friday, December 15th - Sunday, December 17th

5th Year Anniversary Year! BELIEVE is a holiday family experience that takes you on a journey to the North Pole with music and dance! This show will ignite your senses, thrill your imagination and recall your faith...Believe! Buy Tickets starting November 1!

“Believe” is an original production inspired by The Polar Express, created, produced and directed by brother-sister team Jeff Schneeweis and Sarah Blakley. www.believechico. com.

The Nutcracker Friday, December 15th - Sunday, December 17th

The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The ballet is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on Sunday, December 18, 1892. Although the original production was not a success, the twenty-minute suite that Tchaikovsky extracted from the ballet was.

The complete Nutcracker has enjoyed enormous popularity since the late 1960s and is now performed by countless ballet companies, primarily during the Christmas season. www.northerncaliforniaballet.com

Hallelujah Handel’s Messiah Saturday, December 16th & Sunday, December 17th

Recognized around the world as the preeminent holiday performance, Handel’s Messiah is sure to brighten your holiday season. The North Valley Chamber Chorale, under the direction of Dr. David Scholz, will be presenting this perennial favorite, just in time for the Christmas holidays. Come and enjoy holiday classics, including “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” “Every Valley,” “Rejoice Greatly,” “The Trumpet Shall Sound,” and the famed “Hallelujah Chorus.” For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

January Kris Kristofferson Wednesday, January 10th

For his 80th birthday, Kris Kristofferson released another album—The Cedar Creek Sessions. Recorded in Austin, Texas, the songs featured are the reflections of a maverick artist. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

Family Movie Night at Chico Mall Friday, January 19th

Bring your low back chairs and blankets for the movie. We will have a special section in the bak for regular chairs. Please no outside food or drink. Movie nights are from 7-9pm near Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more info go to www.chicomall.com.

19th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway Wednesday, January 24th - Sunday, January 28th

For 5 days birders, naturalists, visitors, families, youth, and locals will enjoy quality time attending the wide gamut of highly educational, exciting, adventurous, and inspiring field trips, workshops, talks, and free activities which are designed with every skill and interest in mind. For more info and to view a full schedule of events please go to: www. snowgoosefestival.org.

Spotlight Performances Friday, January 26th

This fourth annual Spotlight Performance will showcase the best of our areas choreographers, dance studios and dancers. Featuring everything from classical ballet to hip-hop, lyrical jazz to modern, the pieces featured in this performance highlight the broad range of talent in our area. For tickets go to www.csuchico.edu or call (530)898-6333.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Friday, January 26th - February 4th

A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences are swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical. For tickets, showtimes and more info go to www.crtshows.com.

directories

P r e sc h o o l & C hildc are D irecto ry

Center

Ages

Hours

Curriculum

Contact

Chico Country Day Preschool

3-5 years

MWF 8:30-11:30 M/W 12:15-3:15 T/Th 8:30-11:30 T/Th 12:30-2:45

We offer small individualized class sizes that provides a safe, joyful environment that celebrates learning through multi-sensory hands on activities. Encourages children to discover their environment, learn new skills and concepts, and engage in activities and gain independence.

895-2650 EXT 110 kcooley@chicocountryday.org www.chicotuntrydayschool.org

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Chico Montessori Children’s House

2.9-5 years

8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

The goal of the Montessori approach is to help the child acquire the confidence and motivation he or she needs to fulfill his or her best potential. This is done by providing an environment with activities that fit the child’s individual needs, builds his/her interests, and nurtures his/her enthusiasm.

814 Glenn St. Chico, CA 95928 342-5518 www.chicomontessori.com

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Creative Outlets In-Home Preschool

2-6 years

8:30am-1:30pm Monday-Thursday

Creative Outlets offers a true preschool experience with the benefits of a loving, in-home setting. The owner has 20 years of experience and a degree in child development.

The program focuses on teaching kinder readiness and is tailored to the needs of each student. It incorporates Math, Science & Pre-Reading, utilizing Zoo Phonics, cooking & gardening. Children learn through play, music & art, while providing a safe & exciting place to learn & grow.

Exploration/personal growth on an individual basis is encouraged. Nutritional snack & lunch provided.

892-8069 funnyfaces@digitalpath.net www.facebook.com/creativeoutlets

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Enchanted Play

License # 045407157

3 mo.

-5 years

7:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday

Enchanted Play encourages education through the magic of play and exploration. Theme based emergent curriculum and music provide opportunities for children to participate in daily educational activities.

715-0436 www.enchantedplay.com denisealioto@encgantedplay.net

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Kids Park

2-12 years

Drop in childcare, affordable hourly rates. The preschool curriculum is offered from 9:00am-11:30am. The 4 and 5 year old class is held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and The 2 and 3 year old class is held on Tuesday/Thursday.

2477 Forest Ave. Chico, CA 95928 894-6800 www.kidspark.com

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

M-Th: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am12midnight, Sat: 10am-12am, Sun:1pm-6pm 7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

Little Sprouts Preschool offers: ECO Green, organic gardening, and recycling. The Kindergarten readiness program has Zoo Phonics, Into to Spanish, French & Sign Language, Daily circle time and enrichment activities.

Nutritious snacks and lunch included.

15 Overland Ct. Chico, CA 95928 345-0123 littlesproutspreschool1@gmail.com

D L A S Y

7:30am – 6:00pm Monday – Friday

Half Days & Full Days Available Preschool & Daycare Available

500 Orient St. Chico, CA (530) 487-7330 preschool@ndschico.org http://ndschico.org/preschool

License # 045404389

www.growingupchico.com

License # 045406630

License # 045405971

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License # 045404701, 045404702

License # 045405784

Notre Dame Preschool 2.5 License #045407128

Years Old & Up

D-Diapers L-Lunch P-Parent participation T-Traditional school year A-After-school program S-Summer program Y-Year round program

D L Y S T S A

Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory Thank you to our advertisers!

Without the support of our advertisers, this magazine would not be possible. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico Magazine.

Apollo Music & Arts LLC: pg 6 Apple Blossom Baby: pg 15, 39 Baby Moments of Bliss: pg 17 Bricks 4 Kidz: pg 22 Chico Community Acupuncture: pg 22 Chico Country Day School: pg 7 Chico Creek Dance Centre: pg 6 Chico Creek Nature Center: pg 22 Chico Mall: pg 20 Chico Montessori Children’s House: pg 38 Chico Mothers’ Club: pg 28 Chico Pediatric Dentistry:

pg 18 Chico Performances: pg 10, 22 Creative Outlets Preschool: pg 38 Dimple Deedles: pg 9 Downtown Chico Business Association: pg 19 Dr Bruno: pg 18 Dreampuppyz: pg 12 Enchanted Play: pg 10 Forest Ranch Charter School: pg 20 Funny Faces Chico: pg 22 HYPE Dance Studio: pg 2 In Motion Fitness: pg 9 Inspire School of Arts & Sciences: pg 20 Instant Nails: pg 28

Kelly Kirlin Photography: pg 20 Kids Park:

pg 5 Kinetics Academy of Dance: pg 7 Lilliput: pg 10 Little Sprouts Preschool:

pg 7, 38 McMillan Tree Service: pg 17 My Oven’s Meals: pg 28 North State Ballet: pg 19 Northern California Ballet: pg 7 Northern Valley Indian Health: pg 28 Notre Dame School: pg 10, 38 Paradise On Ice: pg 12 Rejuvene: pg 40 Restoration Bee: pg 6 Round Table Pizza: pg 18 Salvation Army: pg 28 Snow Goose Festival: pg 6 Stellar Northwest Realty: pg 19 Sunny Garden Montessori: pg 20 Supportive Conceptions Surrogacy Agency: pg 28 Sweetwater Day Spa: pg 28 Thrive: pg 22 Titus Insurance: pg 19 Watersprites Swim School: pg 3 Youthful Smiles Dentistry: pg 5