Winter 2013-2014 Issue

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a quarterly resource celebrating family life in butte county November December January 2013/2014

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Top 10

Indoor Play Places

Still Pregnant!

Labor Induction Options

Getting a R.A.R.E Education The Importance of Strengthening Bonds With Animals

HOW TO COLOR KIDS’ FEELINGS

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

Winter is a fun time of year. I always enjoy making special holiday treats, feeling the cold air as I walk in the park, attending the special events and performances downtown, shopping at the local shops and seeing the giving spirit of this community during the holiday season. One of my favorite things to do in the winter is find craft projects to make with my kids and give them as gifts. It is so important to show children the value of giving.

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 places to go in the area, crafts to make, food to cook and stories to tell. There is something in this issue for everyone. This issue has content that, again, reminds me of the things I love about winter: The smells of holiday cooking, the special events that happen in the community, family, and the reminder that giving is such a powerful thing. There are articles about having a focus on dealing with feelings, playing indoors, getting parents together and articles about helping our environment, our health, and our relationships.

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 December 2nd through the 6th, we will be giving away 2 tickets per day to Chico Performances Cinderella Ballet 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 see you in the spring!!

Marne Larsen

Eric Miler Eric is a consultant and freelance writer based in Chico. A native of Colorado Springs, Eric has lived in Northern California over 20 years. He’s trapped in a household of estrogen, but lives on to tell the story. He welcomes readers to share their ideas. Read more of his stories at www.etcguy.com or contact him at eric@etcguy.com.

Terry J. Basile, LMFT Terry has been a therapist, program administrator and involved with feelings education throughout her career. Presently, she has a private practice in Chico and has written the children’s book, Let’s Color Your Feelings! illustrated by Conner Wenzel. It is available through her website: letscoloryourfeelings.com, Amazon or Lyons Books. You can also reach her through her website: coloryourfeelings.com.

Anne Junge Anne is a CSUC alumni, mother of two, and a DONA certified doula. Anne likes to say that her doula journey began when she was a child on the family dairy farm, as she soothed troubled laboring cows in the milk barn. In addition to being a founding member of Chico Doula Circle, she also works part time for an environmental consulting firm in Redding and is the Los Molinos 4-H club leader.

Anna Griffith, O. D. Anna grew up in Chico and following her college experience at UC Davis, optometry school at UC Berkeley, and a residency in Oregon, she has returned home to join Drs. Clarke and Johnston at Family Eye Care. Following her desire to help children struggling in school due to vision problems, she has started a vision therapy program as well as seeing patients for eye exams. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, playing sports, and photography.

Michelle Wysocki Michelle is a stay at home mom, wife and a lover of social media. She is originally from Sacramento, but has called Butte County home for seven years. Michelle is a graduate of CSU, Monterey Bay (Go Otters!) with a degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services, emphasizing on Social Work.

Raquel Borrayo Raquel is a CSU, Chico student majoring in journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She is currently the Online Communications Director for Tehama Group Communications; Chico State’s student-run public relations agency. Raquel is graduating in December, 2013, and hopes to begin her new career in an exciting city like Portland or Seattle.

Heather Schoeppach Heather is a development & outreach team member at Butte Humane Society, and the event coordinator for their annual Bidwell Bark Fun Run & Festival. She is a Chico State alumni and proud pet parent of two dogs, six cats, and frequent litters of foster kittens.

On The Cover: Emilia, the youngest child to Emigdio and Guadalupe Carrillo, prepares to embark on a new adventure at Loma Vista preschool as she turns three.

Cover Photo By: Karina Carrillo Photography. To see more of her work, visit her Facebook page “KLC Photography.”

Marne Larsen-Publisher (530) 518-6154 marne@growingupchico.com Darci Crossin-Graphic Design DeAnna Holman-Design/Editor Terry Givens-Graphic Design For Advertising Information, Contact: Rachele Thompson-Marketing Manager (530) 519-0320 rachele@growingupchico.com Advertising Deadline: To advertise in our upcoming Spring and Women 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 by December 20th.

Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available free online, as well as in print at 300 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. www.growingupchico.com Copyright © 2013 by Growing Up Chico Magazine. Reproductions without permission are prohibited. Articles and advertisements found in Growing Up Chico Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management.

Find us on Pinterest for fun craft ideas, easy recipes and more! pinterest.com/growingupchico Like us on facebook to find out about events, special offers and promotional giveaways! facebook.com/growingupchico

Come for a tour!

In Chico For ages 2-12

2477 Forest Ave

Lic#045404701, 045404702

894-6800

contents 18

A Way to Bond With Animals

16

Family Time 10

Let’s Color Your Feelings

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Harvest Festival

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Cinderella

12 15

Social Media Safety

The Butte Parents Café

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School and Home

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Strengthen HumanAnimal Bonds

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Top 10 Places to Play Inside!

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Looking at Induction Options

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Infant and Toddler Eye Exams

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Easy Winter Crafts

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Pen Pal Visits From Across the Ocean

Growing up Greener 26 30

RARE is Back!

Butte County Recycling Education Programs

IN EVERY ISSUE 32 34 38 39

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Local Resources

Events Calendar

Preschool Directory Advertiser’s Directory

Our Top 10 Local Indoor Activities

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Sweet Winter Recipes

Mini Gift Guide

10 Making

Children’s Feelings Important

Let’s Color Your Feelings!

www.growingupchico.com

family time

By Terry J. Basile, Marriage and Family Therapist

“As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children that what they feel is important to us.”

D

o you remember when you were a child being asked the question, “What’s your favorite color?” Some of you may have had the same answer for years, others would pick something different each time. We felt that choosing that color said something important about us. It may have even expressed how we were feeling that day. Early on, we show a tendency to choose a certain favorite color for our clothes and toys. A feeling of comfort or discomfort is often attached to those color choices. It was from that framework that I created the book, Let’s Color Your Feelings!

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have spent many years counseling teens and their families. Often a source of problems between a parent and teen was a long standing silence about the child’s real feelings. Then, with the challenges of adolescence, the teen would act up or become depressed. The parents would be surprised, as they felt that they had a good relationship with their child. Somehow the foundation for intimate communication had been lost. This pattern, I believe, begins in childhood. My hope was that with this book I could assist parents with some tools for establishing feelings expression early on.

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et’s take a look at the reality of daily family life. Often to get to work and school in the morning, children are rushed with parents frantic to keep the family on schedule. Evenings are often spent going through the litany of activities of dinner, bath, homework and preparation for the next day.

Sometimes we remember to ask about our child’s day at school, but we may not make the effort to really engage them. And believe me they know that if they express a problem, the household could become even more chaotic. It takes time for children to really share their feelings because they do not often

possess a ‘feelings’ vocabulary.

Instead, they act out to get our attention or withdraw to keep safe. Neither of these options is something a parent wants to promote. It is a pattern that will become more troublesome as the child matures.

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s parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children that what they feel is important to us. We need to make the time to teach them a ‘feelings vocabulary’ and make that communication a part of our daily conversation. In my book, Let’s Color Your Feelings!, I use color and images to start the dialogue between parent and child. I chose the emotions of happy, angry, sad, scared and quiet for children 4-8. For example, in the book there are “Red Dragon Angry Days when I feel like being loud when I shouldn’t.”

Then there are examples of how to positively express the anger like, “I need lots of room to run and play on a Red Dragon day.” I was told by one parent that after reading the book that her child, upon waking, actually spoke of feeling like the Red Angry dragon. This created a shorthand to express and address his feelings before the day began. How nice it was to avoid a tantrum in the car or at school.

So let’s talk about how you can develop some ‘feelings’ conversations in your family: • • • •

Take time at the end of the day to identify what feelings you saw in your child that day and record them for a week.

Pick the top five most common feelings.

Talk with your child about each feeling and identify together a color for that feeling. Write it down.

Teach through example. Use a color in

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your conversation with your child. For example, “I am having a blue happy day because we are going out for pizza.”

Show your child how some feelings are held in our body. Anger is often held in our tightened muscles. Ask where they feel it. Talk about ways to release it.

Once a feeling is identified, always create alternative behaviors to express it. For example, sadness can become less painful by holding a special stuffed animal or asking for a hug.

Include other caretakers, like babysitters or grandparents, in using your color code.

Be clear that there are no good or bad feelings. They are all okay, but what we do with them needs to be respectful of ourselves and others.

would suggest that you include ‘feelings’ as part of your child’s education. It is important in establishing a trusting relationship with them and giving them a healthy foundation to face the challenges ahead. Teach them that life is a rainbow of feelings and that they are the pot of gold at its end.

Let’s Color Your Feelings! is available at Amazon .com and Lyons Books

family time

A Mom’s Dilemma About the Safety of Social Media

Keeping My Child Safe:

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www.growingupchico.com

By Michelle Wysocki

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ecently, in a quest to arm myself with the most knowledge possible, I typed, “Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet” into my Google search engine. I was presented with a variety of options; however, none for the exact topic that I was seeking. Many of the choices were related to teaching kids about how to be safe while using the Internet. While this is valuable information, I was looking for something a little less related to my child’s use and more related to mine.

At two, my child has not yet mastered using the computer, but nonetheless, thanks to his adoring mother, there are pictures of him on the Internet. They exist on my Facebook page and chronicle various stages of his growth and development. There are newborn pictures, pictures of him eating rice cereal for the first time, pictures of his first birthday party, and other images capturing various milestones. I have great fun with it and I enjoy sharing all the steps along the way with family and friends.

While these postings seem innocuous and harmless, I worry that they are posing a safety risk for him that I had not previously considered.

Through the wonders of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Blogs), it is now possible for random, and possibly dangerous, strangers to know vital pieces of information about our children without our knowledge or consent. They could know a child’s name, their face, relative age, and relative location- all without ever talking to, or even meeting the child or their parents. Even more alarming is the fact that this information is not being provided by the child themselves, but rather their parents, grandparents, and other various family members. Although safety concerns

exist anytime a child’s picture appears in a public forum, the Internet has provided easier access to information by a broader public. Personally, I like Facebook because of the opportunity it provides to stay in touch with my loved ones who live in other cities and states; however, even with the highest security settings, it is still possible for people I do not know to access my page, pictures, and information. Most of these individuals would not harm my family, but what about the small percentage that would? Though this question could keep me up at night, I have decided that the best thing to do is to confront my fears, shake off the nerves, and come up with a plan.

There is no way to participate in social media without creating some sort of safety issue, however slight. My protective instinct is to cancel my Facebook account, never Blog about my family, and discontinue my Internet use altogether.

Somehow, I do not think this is a good solution, though it is an understandable reaction. I compare it to driving: I could quit driving for fear of getting in an accident, but then it would be difficult to get anywhere. Instead, the best course of action must be to proceed with caution. I will teach “Stranger Danger” to my son as soon as possible so he understands to treat all strangers with caution. I will limit the pictures and information about him that I post online. I will research all the social media websites I use so I fully understand the use and limitations of a site’s privacy settings. Though that might not keep out professional hackers, it will provide some security and one more roadblock to information that I would rather keep private. The Internet can be a scary place. It can also be a fun and exciting place. The best I can do is to understand how it is both, and understand how to navigate my family through all the twists and turns.

TByTheresa he 9th Annual Farm City Celebration Harvest Festival Schneider

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family time

FCC Harvest Festival Chair

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he 9th Annual Farm City Celebration Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10 am - 2 pm at the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico.

The Harvest Festival is a FREE, for the whole family, rain or shine event and has fun agricultural related hands on activities, food and lots more.

We are truly bringing the farm to the city for this community agriculture day. There will be tractors on display, 4-H, FFA, cattle roping, stock dog demonstrations, cow milking, bees, Boy Scout Rope Bridge and so much more. Madison Bear Garden will be on site to BBQ for a special event price.

We are so privileged to have the Harvest Festival on the grounds of the Historic Bidwell Mansion. During the event, visitors can browse through the first floor of the Bidwell Mansion! Staff and volunteers will be there to answer questions, asking a donation. The Visitor Center

will be open, including “The General’s Store” gift shop, exhibit hall and bathrooms. The Carriage House will be open, displaying historic carriages and wagons.

Also at the event: • Local 4-H groups will have an Interactive Animal Display, games, bake sale and celebrate the 100 years of 4-H • We are excited to have Boy Scouts Troop 2 build their Rope Bridge in front of the mansion: A must experience event!

• Butte County Cattlewomen, interactive roping demonstrations, saddles branding and more!

• CSUC Sigma Alpha, apple painting activity • CSUC, apple painting, face painting and planting vegetables • CSUC Stock Dog Demonstration • Chico Spinners, spinning, weaving and knitting wool • North Valley Chapter

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California Women for Agriculture; cow milking experience, free reusable tote with local commodities Gateway Science Museum, information on exhibits Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products, locally grown, processed and packaged nuts.

Madison Bear Garden will be there to BBQ lunch. Come hungry for a big bite!

Mt. Lassen Chapter, CA Native Plant Society will have a plant sale and information on native plants Mt. View Christmas Trees’ Christmas tree info & marshmallows Miss Butte County Court will be having an exciting activity for everyone!

Buzz’s Bees, showcasing bees and all their bounty, honey candy for the kids.

TJ Farms Carriage Company- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Antique and Modern Equipment and Tractors

**The first 500 families receive a free reusable tote bag full of local commodities!

The Butte Parent Café C

ome and enjoy a family night out with the Butte Parent Café.

The Butte Parent Café is based on the Strengthening Families Framework and the Five Protective Factors. Through Valley Oak Children’s Services and a grant from First 5 California, the Butte Parent Café was born. This is a true family night out. At the Café, you will be provided with dinner, childcare and the opportunity to meet new people within your community. How many opportunities do you have to go out, eat, be applauded for talking about yourself, have your children cared for by amazing childcare workers and be able to relax? With the two awesome Parent Café Coordinators, Shauna Gowdy and Justin Margolis, you will find that the energy is infectious and real; these two bring a duality, comfort, and experience that are highly relatable. The heart of the Parent Café is you, the Parent, and the five Protective Factors. The Parent Café is a fresh new way to strengthen your family. If you have a vested interest in the lives of children, in any role, this is an event for you. Please join us for the following dates for the Chico Café: tentatively November 1st, December 6th and January 17th. The Oroville Cafés are tentatively November 15th, December 13th and January 24th.

Please contact the coordinators at jmargolis@valleyoakchildren.org or sgowdy@valleyoakchildren.org for more information.

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family time

Chico Performances and Chico Community Ballet Presents

Cinderella

“Women’s beauty is a treasure we never tire of admiring. But good grace is far more precious, and forgiveness a jewel beyond price. This is the moral of Cinderella’s story: Only true kindness is worthy of a fairy’s gift, for without it we can do nothing, But with it, anything is possible.”

These are the words Artistic Director, Deborah Jorritsma wants the audience to take away with them after seeing the magnificent ballet, Cinderella. In December 2013, Chico Community Ballet, along with Chico Performances, will bring Cinderella to Laxson Auditorium once again with a fresh twist and modern appeal.

While maintaining the historic feel, Chico Community Ballet will bring new elements to this beloved, vintage ballet.

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“I love Cinderella… It’s a great family ballet. It’s comical, it’s magical,” said Deborah Jorritsma.

This production will feature all the wondrous elements from Cinderella’s well-known fable, including talented dancers, mesmerizing costumes, enchanting scenery, and of course the beloved characters: Cinderella’s mice friends, the handsome prince, and her wicked step sisters and mother. In its fourth appearance in Laxson auditorium since 1989, 37 Chico Community Ballet company members, ages 6 to 20 years old, accompanied by 10 additional guest dancers from Full Force Dance Company, will dance to the glorious music of Sergei Prokofiev to reenact this tale enjoyed by all generations.

In previous years, the stepmother and stepsisters have been portrayed by male dancers to exemplify the characters’ ugliness and evil disposition. “In history it’s added a more comical side to it,” explained Jorritsma. However, in the spirit of modernizing

the ballet, Jorritsma decided to depict this version’s villainous step sisters and step mother with female dancers.

Costumes and setting will focus on the time period of the story. To bring the audience into the past, Set Designer Dave Beasley has drafted and constructed a remarkable set. There will be the fireplace from which the fairy Godmother appears, a breathtaking staircase, along with other large pieces to set the stage. “It’s magical, it’s real. It’s a beautiful set. So, we are really fortunate to have someone locally that has designed and built it,” said Jorritsma, describing Beasley’s work.

For this year’s production, the costumes are being redesigned to make Cinderella’s fairytale feel fresh and new. The three acts throughout the ballet will be full of sparkle and rhinestones, shimmering from the striking costumes adorning the dancers.

From the costume collections of the Sacramento Ballet, Chico State and Chico Community Ballet, costumer Andi Mathers has coordinated the wardrobe to bring Cinderella and her friends to breath-taking life on stage.

Don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunity to escape to the magical world of Cinderella this holiday season at Laxson Auditorium on the California State University, Chico campus.

Cinderella will be performed on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m.

There will be an autograph party on Saturday, following the matinee performance. This is a chance for kids to meet, and take pictures with, their favorite Cinderella characters in costume.

For tickets and other information visit www.chicoperformances. com or call 530-898-6333.

Valley Oaks Children’s Services oers workshops for Parents and Child Care Professionals on a variety of topics.

For a workshop calendar call or visit our website.

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school and home

The Butte Humane Society

By Heather Schoeppach

Strengthening Bonds

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ompanion animals play an important role in our homes and hearts. Anyone who grew up with a beloved family pet can tell you that animals are not just adorable cuddle buddies. They help children learn love, compassion, friendship and responsibility firsthand.

Children learn to strengthen human-animal bonds by taking care of their family pet; from fulfilling the animal’s basic needs (such as water, food, shelter, and grooming) to understanding their medical and behavioral needs (such as annual vaccinations and obedience training). It is important, not only for the sake of their current pet, but also for any future animals they may own.

Compassion for animals is also closely linked with all forms of empathy – and a child who is kind to animals is less likely to become violent toward humans as well as animals.

Although not everyone is able to add a furry family member, there are other opportunities for your children to connect with animals in meaningful ways. Every community has an animal shelter or rescue full of animals in need of help and love. From volunteering with their parents at the local shelter to finding creative ways to raise funds or supplies, there are many ways that children can make a difference in the lives of these animals.

At Butte Humane Society, our staff has met some very inspiring little boys and girls who have demonstrated amazing altruism to support their compassion for animals. These children have collected donations (both items and cash) through neighborhood or school donation drives, independent fundraisers, like bake sales or yard sales, or by “donating” their birthday parties to animals in need.

One such girl is the darling redhead seen in our ad, Aurora Copp. I first met Aurora after her 4th birthday party, when she came to our shelter to donate a variety of dog supplies and treats.

Aurora had decided that she had enough stuff, so for her birthday party she wanted to collect items for the dogs at Butte Humane Society. Over the years, she has not only continued to do this at every one of her birthday parties, but also has made a point to be involved in community events

in support of local animal shelters and rescues.

Aurora is now 10 years old which means she is old enough to participate with one of her parents in Butte Humane Society’s volunteer program – and we hear she’s got another project in the works that will involve baking and selling dog treats to benefit Butte Humane Society as an ongoing fundraiser at a local bakery. Aurora is a shining example of youthful compassion in action, and what can be accomplished when parents support their children’s innate love of animals.

Butte Humane Society also offers educational presentations and tours as another way to encourage greater understanding and compassion for animals. We offer tours and activities, by appointment, at our adoption centers as well as on-site visits at your location. Our educational opportunities will be tailored to fit the interests and age range of the audience. Topics can include dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and the importance of organizations like Butte Humane Society in our community. If your school, classroom, or community group is interested in an educational presentation or scheduling a tour, please give us a call at (530) 343-7917 x107 or email heatherschoeppach@buttehumane.org.

school and home

Castor Oil to Cytotech

By Anne Junge

Looking at Induction Options

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

“Yes, I am still pregnant, no baby yet.”

Every woman that has been pregnant to term has probably made that statement.

More than once. Probably to herself, in the morning, upon waking. Another night and no labor. Sigh. As your pregnancy approaches 40 weeks and/or beyond, your care provider may start mentioning the “I” word: Induction. Or, if you are trying for a VBAC, you might be asked to schedule a repeat cesarean. So now what?

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Take control. As a doula, one of my primary goals is to give you the tools to take control of your labor and birth experience.

Once you have control, you can steer the course of your journey to parenthood in a positive direction by making educated decisions. The suggestions below may start your labor sooner rather than later, or they may not, but the more you do, the better. Do them only after you have discussed the safety, pros, cons, risks and benefits of each with your care provider.

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Chiropractor - For one thing, you will feel better. If your spine and hips are adjusted, then baby’s head just might get into an even better position to get labor started.

Acupuncture/Acupressure - An acupuncturist knows the points to stimulate to cause contractions.

Even if the contractions do not start labor, you will get the idea of what contractions feel like. The acupuncturist can also tell you about some acupressure points to use at home

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as well.

Intercourse-So important - two benefits in one act. 1.) Prostaglandin is a component of semen. Prostaglandins soften the cervix, which allow it to thin (effacement) and open (dilate).

Think of it as a tree stump changing into a very, very flat donut. The softer the cervix, the easier it will smush and open the hole in the center. 2.) A happy ending for you (the woman), will release a big burst of oxytocin.

Oxytocin is the feel good love hormone and it stimulates contractions. I will discuss the synthetic forms of both prostaglandins and oxytocin when we get to Cervidil and Pitocin.

Castor Oil/Spicy Food/Any Food that gives you Diarrhea - When you have diarrhea, your body produces prostaglandins-that good ol’ cervixsoftening hormone again! I don’t recommend a huge dose of Castor Oil or going overboard on diarrhea producing food for one very big reason: Do you want to experience contractions and diarrhea at the same time? Diarrhea is exhausting mentally, physically, and it may dehydrate you.

Use the diarrhea route cautiously.

Nipple Stimulation - This might sound intriguing, embarrassing, or stupid.

Fact is your body produces oxytocin when your nipples are manipulated.

Oxytocin, the contraction stimulator!

Breast pumps, your partner, a washrag or your own fingers can provide the tweaking necessary to get the oxytocin flowing. Some bodies produce an

overabundance of oxytocin, so start slow and easy. Find out what your body baseline is and increase the frequency and duration over time.

I would like to state again: Check in with your care provider before you use any of the above options. If they say no, find out why specifically. Speaking of care providers, Butte County is blessed with some great options for childbirth-obstetricians, hospital midwives, and homebirth midwives.

Whatever type of care provider you choose, make sure it is a relationship you are comfortable with. Not all personalities mesh well, and the intimate childbirth moment is not the time to hash out differences of opinion or doubt your trust in your care provider. This trust relationship becomes more and more important as your due time arrives.

If it is very important to you that labor starts on its own, then you need to have a conversation with your care provider. Ask for time and a plan to safely wait for labor to start on its own. Your care provider may require one or both of the following tests repeatedly until your labor begins.

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Non-Stress Test-Tracks baby movements while attached to a fetal heart monitor and/or contraction monitor.

Amniotic Fluid Level-If yours is too low, ask for 24 hours to improve the levels. You may be a bit dehydrated.

If you drink the correct amount, your amniotic levels should come up.

If you and your care provider both agree that induction has become necessary, you need to find out which of the following methods he/she plans to use. •

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-Cervidil is a synthetic cervix softener-essentially synthetic prostaglandins. The Cervidil is a suppository placed against the cervix for a few hours, then removed. The suppository can be removed at any time if necessary.

-Pitocin is a synthetic contraction stimulator-essentially synthetic oxytocin. Pitocin is administered through an IV drip attached to a pole. Pitocin use requires continuous fetal heart monitoring and contraction monitoring. Pitocin drip can be stopped or the rate of administration can be slowed.

-Cytotech is another name for Misoprostol. Cytotech use for labor induction is controversial. Cytotech was developed to control ulcers. For the purpose of labor induction, it is either taken orally or placed on the cervix. Once swallowed, it cannot be unswallowed. Once placed on the cervix, it dissolves and cannot be removed. In rare cases, Cytotech has caused uterine rupture.

Synthetic drug inductions work. Home induction solutions sound more comfortable, more fun, and allow more control. Try the home induction solutions with passion, joy, and creativity. Keep communication with your care provider open and honest. If induction becomes necessary for the continued health of you or your baby, discuss your induction preferences with your care provider. This is your pregnancy, your birth, and your child.

Ask for informed consent on the benefits and risks of each of the synthetic labor induction drugs. Good Luck!

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Growing Up Chico’s

TopPicks10 for Places to Play… Inside!

Barnes & Noble

2031 Dr Martin Luther King Pkwy, 894-1494, store-locator. barnesandnoble.com/ store/2815 Enjoy some fun stories, from treasured classics to new adventures.

Wednesdays at 11am, Saturdays at 2pm.

Gateway Science Museum

625 Esplanade, 898-4121, csuchico.edu/gateway Designed to create a learning environment that enables visitors to explore, interpret, and celebrate the magnificent natural heritage of California through science, research and education.

Cal Skate

2465 Carmichael Dr, 343-1601, www.funlandchico.com Indoor skating fun with arcade games and more! Check out the website or call for times, specials and fun events.

In Motion Fitness

1293 East 1st Avenue, 343.5678, inmotionfitness.com In Motion’s heated and covered pools make it a great place to get out and play.

Chico Creek Nature Center

Chico Library

Chico Mall

1968 East 8th Street, 891-4671, www.bidwellpark.org Offers kids of all ages a place to interact with animals, nature, discover Bidwell Park’s diverse ecosystem and learn about preserving this natural resource.

1108 Sherman Avenue, 891-2762, www.chicolibrary.org The Library has Preschool, Baby, Toddler, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese Story times. Homework help, Chess Club and more! Call for times and days.

KidsPark

Sunny Garden

WaterSprites Swim School

2477 Forest Avenue #190, 894-6800, kidspark.com/center/ Chico/welcome Hourly childcare center for children two years and older, offers a safe and fun play space that is available without reservations. Drop in days, evenings and weekends-whenever you need childcare.

2801 Godman Ave, Ste 140, 343-3101, sunnygardenmontessori .com An ongoing weekly PLAYGROUP for children and their parents. Children will be introduced to stimulating toys and activities; all guided by their parent!

1950 East 20th Street, 343-0706, www.chicomall.com Children can climb a miniature Bidwell Mansion, run through the replicas of the One Mile Bridge and Honey Run Covered Bridge, and other well-known local landmarks.

Located by the food court.

2280 Ivy Street, 342-2999, chicowatersprites.com If you are looking for an inexpensive way to spend some quality time with the kids, join our family swim! Our Family swim is open to anyone on Fridays from 5:00-8:00 pm at our indoor pool.

school and home www.growingupchico.com growing up chico magazine

Infant and Toddler Eye Exams: American Optometric Association Recommends First Eye Exam at 6-months

By Anna Griffith, OD

G

etting an eye exam for your baby or toddler may be one of the most important things you do. A baby’s eyes continue to develop after they are born.

As the eyes see the world around them, they develop the ability to see clearly, track moving objects, and see depth in our 3-D world. These visual skills are critical for motor development and learning.

Poor eye alignment or significant nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, not corrected with glasses, can impact development during infancy and early childhood.

Amblyopia, also called “lazy eye,” is one of the most important conditions to catch early. An eye exam is necessary because in some cases there are not any warning signs for a parent to see. Amblyopia can occur when there is an eye turn, but can also be present when the amount of farsightedness, astigmatism and less frequently, nearsightedness, is very high or unequal between the two eyes. If one eye sees well and the other does not, a child can appear to function fairly normally, but the other eye will not develop good vision or depth perception without glasses. In some cases, patching of the good eye and vision therapy can also improve vision.

Naturally, infant and toddler exams are very different from adult exams. Rather than the infamous, “Which is better, 1 or 2?” other techniques are used to examine an infant or toddler’s eyes. At Family Eye Care in Chico, for a toddler who does not know letters, vision can be determined with the Lea eye chart which has shapes (a circle, square, house, and apple). If the child is too young to know the names of the shapes, a matching card is used on the child’s lap, so they can point to the shape. A pirate patch is worn so the vision is measured in each eye.

Children have fun wearing special “3-D glasses,” while their depth perception is tested. They look at colorful stickers or moving colored lights while their eye alignment, focusing ability up close, eye movements, and the ability to use their eyes well together is evaluated. Neurological and eye muscle problems are ruled out at this time. Color vision is also tested if the child is old enough.

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Dilation of the eyes is an important part of an

infant or child eye exam. Dilation enables the optometrist to most accurately measure the amount of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Children watch a movie like Finding Nemo while the optometrist holds lenses in front of one eye at a time and uses another instrument to take measurements.

Dilation also enlarges the pupils so more can be seen inside the eyes to make sure they are healthy. Though rare, serious eye conditions need to be ruled out.

A toy with spinning colored lights in a dark room keeps an infant’s interest and directs their gaze. Eye health and eye movements are evaluated to rule out any muscular, neurological, eye coordination, or eye alignment problems. Eye alignment is evaluated several ways. A special stereo test can also be used to see if an infant has depth perception. Just as with a toddler, an infant’s refractive error (farsightedness, nearsightedness, and/or astigmatism) can be measured after the eyes are dilated.

Very high, or unequal amounts of refractive error will impact the development of good vision, depth perception, motor development and learning.

The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams at 6 months and again at 3 and 5 years. Eye exams are also important for school-aged children. Especially, if your child is struggling in school, an exam that evaluates visual skills beyond seeing 20/20 is important. Difficulties with eye focusing, coordination, tracking, the ability of the eyes to work well together, and visual processing can be roadblocks to reading and learning. For more information see the article “Good Vision Is More Than 20/20, How Vision Therapy Can Help” in Growing Up Chico’s April 2013 issue, or online at growingupchico.com. *Dr. Griffith of Family Eye Care is residency trained in pediatrics and vision therapy and is accepting patients 6 months old and older.

school and home

Try these simple recipes for wintery sweet treats!

Ingredients: 1 cup butter 1/3 cup sugar 2 cups flour 2 tsp vanilla 1 cup pecans

Instructions:

www.growingupchico.com

Mix ingredients in a bowl and form into one inch balls. Bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Roll in powdered sugar when cooled.

Submitted by: Jenni Merrell Photo courtesy of cookingclassy.com

Super Easy Holiday Cookies Makes about 2 dozen

This is a super easy, and pretty quick, cookie recipe to make for either Christmas or any of the holidays. It is very versatile. It is fun to add different food colorings to the dough, roll out, and use different cookie cutters and toppings to decorate. It is a lot of fun for kids to help with this recipe. You can also use this recipe for making quick chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredients:

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growing up chico magazine

1 box of yellow or white cake mix ½ cup flour (Optional: use ½ cup Oatmeal instead) ½ cup melted butter 2 eggs Optional: Food coloring, Sprinkles, crushed candy canes or chocolate morsels.

Instructions: .

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, pour in cake mix, flour, butter and eggs. **Mix until a smooth dough is formed. Drop dough by tablespoon or cookie scoop onto a baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes. **Before the dough is formed, you can add food coloring to mixture and/or colored morsels. You can also make dough without any additions and cover with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

Apple Crisp

Makes 16 to 20 servings

Ingredients:

6-8 apples (try mix of varieties) 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 2 - 4 Tbsp flour Topping Ingredients: ½ cup sugar 3/4 cup flour 1/8 tsp salt 6-7 Tbsp butter

Instructions:

Grease 13”x 9” baking dish. .

Preheat oven to 375 .

Prepare apples by peeling, coring and slicing. In a large mixing bowl, add sliced apples; toss with flour, sugar and cinnamon. Pour apples into a greased baking dish. In the same bowl, add the topping ingredients.

Mix with pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Carefully sprinkle crumbly mixture over apples. Bake about 45 minutes or until topping is lightly browned and apples look tender.

Serve warm or cold, by itself, or with vanilla ice cream.

Crafts

HOLIDAY

Reindeer Craft Trace one of your child’s feet, but round the toes as if they were wearing shoes (don’t trace the individual toes) on light brown construction paper. Cut out the foot shape.

Trace each of your child’s hands with their fingers spread apart on dark brown construction paper and cut them out.

Glue the hands onto the toe portion of the foot shape as antlers.

Decorate face with googly eyes and a Pom Pom for the nose. This can be a great reminder of how little they were each year at Christmas!

Submitted by: Jenni Merrell

Toilet Paper Roll New Year’s Eve Party-Poppers

Save scraps of brightlycolored gift wrap and ribbon to make these easy, fun New Year’s Eve party favors.

You’ll need:

• • • • • • •

Toilet paper roll tubes Scraps of used gift wrap Ribbon scraps Scissors Craft knife Scotch tape Small favors / candy

Instructions:

1. Using the craft knife, cut a zig-zag pattern in the middle of the toilet paper roll tube, cutting the tube nearly in half, but leaving it attached. Make sure you leave ½ inch or so of the tube in tact.

2. Choose a scrap of gift wrap that is about twice as long as the tube.

3. Use Scotch tape to hold the wrapping paper firmly on the tube.

4. Place the tube in the middle of the wrapping paper and twist one end closed, securing it with ribbon, leaving the other end open.

5. Fill the tube with small treats like candy or favors.

6. Twist the open end closed and tie it with a bit of ribbon.

7. When it’s time to party, twist and pull the popper apart for a burst of festive fun! http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ca_crafts_projects/article/0,2041,DIY_13721_2273878,00.html

school and home www.growingupchico.com growing up chico magazine 28

Distant Pen Pal Comes Knocking at Door

By Eric Miller

“Eighty words bridged seven thousand miles...”

“Write to a soldier and cheer them up,” said Mrs. Larsen, while coordinating a holiday writing campaign for her fourth grade class. My daughter, Maggie, carefully focused on the task. Her vocabulary was simple, the paragraphs short. She talked about her hobbies, family, school, and pets. The letter was boxed with sixty others and mailed, destination unknown.

“You may not hear back,” I told her, “but we’re proud you tried.”

In 1971 my dad, an Air Force doctor, received orders to Vietnam. My family wept. Writing him letters made me feel better.

Five months passed and an envelope arrived, with a US

Army return address. It was from a sergeant named Julian Alvarez. Alvarez could not reveal his location, but said he was alright. My family read his letter several times. We wrote personal messages on a Memorial Day card and mailed it.

Summer passed and we wondered if our pen pal was safe. The weeks blended together and before long, school started again. Then one day, I received an amazing phone call.

“May I speak with Mr. Miller?” the man asked. His voice was polite, but serious.

“Who is this?” I challenged.

“This is Sgt. Julian Alvarez, you sent me a card. I’m back from overseas and my brother lives in Chico. I have a gift for your daughter.”

Stunned, I hesitated. “Sure. Come for dinner.” I hung up and wondered if I made a wise decision. “He was sincere,” I explained to my wife. “Let’s meet him.”

We tidied the house and I started the barbecue, figuring a soldier merited a thick steak. We were antsy—my family of four had a blind date.

The dogs barked when Sgt. Alvarez arrived. He wore his uniform, stood nearly six feet, and appeared to be in his mid-20s. We made clumsy small talk at first, but loosened up during the evening. A cordial fellow, his conversation was purposeful. Alvarez received 30 letters and was happy to get ours from Chico. “I replied to everyone,” he said. “Your family and another from the East Coast were the only families to write back.

Chico is near my hometown and I wanted to personally thank you.”

An eight-year veteran, Alvarez joined the Army at age 17 and fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our letter reached him in Afghanistan. He led a team that provided convoy security for NATO forces. Each soldier carried 120 pounds of gear for a mission that typically lasted 20 hours. His longest mission, while under attack, was 70 hours. He directly confronted the enemy numerous times. Fortunately, he was never wounded in battle. “We lost several guys,” he sighed.

We listened quietly as he continued. “I got hurt a few times. Explosions from roadside bombs rocked our vehicle. We bounced around inside.”

He missed family and friends, but also trivial freedoms.

“I couldn’t leave base to buy a candy bar. I took that simple liberty for granted. And I felt bad for my mom who was alone.”

Alvarez was awarded the NATO medal for excellent conduct, and the Afghan Campaign medal with two campaign stars. He returned home to the Bay Area in September, 2010.

After dinner, he presented a camouflage bandana.

“Army chaplains hand them to soldiers who ask. Can I give it to Maggie?” I read the language printed on the bandana and recognized verses from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd… Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil…” I

smiled and nodded.

I’ve stayed in touch with Julian since our dinner two years ago. He now attends the University of Alabama and studies communications. He still serves in the Army Reserves.

I have never served my country in the way Julian has.

I appreciate his sacrifice and taking time to contact us.

He even made time to visit Mrs. Larsen’s class. I asked what I could do for him. “Military moms struggle with worry. Can you promote Blue Star Moms? Blue Star Moms helped my mom.”

Friendships can begin in unexpected ways. Like this one, because of a fourth-grader’s letter to a soldier.

Thank you, Julian. Happy Veterans Day. To contact Blue Star Moms, visit www.bluestarmoms.org.

RARE

www.growingupchico.com

growing up greener

Recycling Education Programs in Butte County Are No Longer

RARE, The Recycling and Rubbish Education Program, Strives to Educate

growing up chico magazine

W

hen it comes to waste, “there is no away.”

This is an important life lesson that the Butte Environmental Council hopes to impart to local students, teachers and community members with their new recycling education program.

hands-on experiences within their classrooms and show them up close by visiting the local landfill, they feel connected to the bigger picture of where trash ends up,” said Tanya Parish, RARE program coordinator. “Our hope is that they then take positive steps to create a healthier and more sustainable future.”

RARE, The Recycling and Rubbish Education program, strives to educate through engaging interactive workshops and field trips, which focus on the four R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle and rot. The program comes directly to the students at their Butte County school and is completely free of charge.

A Mission Focused on Education

“When we give children meaningful,

30

By Raquel Borrayo

RARE was formed in 2001 and is operated at the California State University, Chico campus through the Associated Students and CSU, Chico Research Foundation. During its affiliation with the university, it helped educate thousands of K-12 students through hands on, interactive education.

In 2013, BEC was selected to carry on RARE’s legacy, allowing further outreach to the community. Today, the program is made possible by funding from landfill tipping fees, CalRecycle Funds and private donations.

“For BEC, this recycling education program takes us back to our roots,” said Mark Stemen, the council’s board of directors president. “BEC started the first recycling program in Chico decades ago and now, today, it’s the perfect complement to our education efforts.”

BEC envisions a world in which the Earth’s natural resources are protected and conserved for current and future generations. With this goal in mind,

RARE representatives reach out to Butte County teachers to hold workshops that teach students the importance of recycling.

•

Workshops Teach Students The Four R’s Classroom workshops last 45 to 90 minutes and are facilitated by RARE program coordinator, Tanya Parish and interns from CSU, Chico or Butte College. Workshops align with California Environmental Education Initiative Curriculum and are tailored to various age groups including elementary, middle and high school students.

Teaching ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and rot is at the core of RARE: •

•

By showing students real-life examples of the waste produced in ordinary boxed lunches, children begin to value the use of reusable containers, a key step in reducing waste.

Recycling relay races divide students

•

into groups to see who can practice the four R’s the best.

Rot is the activity that lets students hold the Earth’s greatest decomposers in the palm of their hand. Better known as composting, RARE representatives bring in materials to build worm bins to teach students the benefits and process of composting.

High school auto shop classes learn important tools of the trade by focusing on reducing oil consumption, best practices for managing used oil and locations of Certified Collection Centers.

“Recycling is one thing we can all do every day to reduce our impact on the environment,” said BEC executive director, Robyn DiFalco. “The RARE program really fills an unmet need by providing basic education on what can be recycled and why it’s so important to reduce our waste.”

Along with classroom workshops, RARE organizes free field trips that give

children a chance to see where their trash goes. Classes gain a firsthand look into all of the waste produced in Butte County and how it affects the environment. The goal is to educate students about waste reduction and to ultimately extend the life of the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility.

Have RARE Visit Your Classroom The Butte Environmental Council and Butte County Public Works hope that many teachers and parents will take advantage of this new, free recycling and education program. RARE is a crucial first step that kids can participate in to become sustainable and environmentally conscious members of society.

To invite RARE into your classroom or schedule a field trip, contact RARE Program Coordinator, Tanya Parish at RARE@becnet.org or 530-891-6426.

For more information about RARE visit www.becnet.org/RARE.

Your guide to free or low-cost family resources in Butte County!

resource pages

For New Moms!

Babies Love Books “lapsits” Babies 0-18 months and parents will enjoy connection through rhymes, songs, and books designed especially for them! Free! Every Wednesday, 9:30am and 10:30am, Chico Library, www.buttecounty.net/library.

Better Babies Services include private appointments, health education, nutritional information, childbirth classes, breastfeeding and baby care.

Individual support, counseling and support groups. 578 Rio Lindo Ave., Ste 100, 894-5585.

www.growingupchico.com

Enloe’s Mother & Baby Education Center Offering a full & rich education program which offers before baby, safety and parenting classes.

Enloe’s Mother & Baby Breastfeeding Support Services: We offer lactation assistance before and after the birth of your baby. Staffed by an International Certified Lactation Consultant who provides consultation appointments 5 days a week. Call 332-3972 for an appointment or for more information.

La Leche League We offer mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. Every Friday from 10:30 to 12:00, Downtown Chico at Bidwell Presbyterian Church (in the nursery).

More information at: www.lllnorcal.org, or by calling 591-9191.

Mom2Mom Support group sponsored by Feather River Healthy Mothers every Thursday from 10:30am-12pm. Topics include: breastfeeding, first foods, baby wearing, cloth diapering, natural parenting, returning to work, infant development and much more!

876-2518.

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growing up chico magazine

Mother Nurture Free breastfeeding support groups for all stages of nursing. On-going class series and events, from Cloth Diapers to Attachment Parenting. www.facebook. com/pages/Mother-Nurture-Chico-CA.

Sunny Garden Montessori Ongoing play groups for parents and babies. Adults will share parenting strategies and techniques in a beautiful warm facility. 343-3101 www.sunnygardenmontessori.com Women’s Resource Clinic www.womensresourceclinic.org Exists to help women, mothers & babies of this community in difficult times. We are a free pregnancy-crisis clinic. We also provide free baby clothes, maternity clothes, diapers, wipes and baby furniture. 897-6101.

Parenting Resources Adoptive Parent Support Group Join us in sharing, learning, and supporting each other with the joys & challenges of adoption. First Monday of the month, 7-9pm, 520 Cohasset Road.

879-3861 Butte College Foster/Kinship Education Free workshops & trainings for parents, foster parents, and relative caregivers. For more info and a current workshop schedule, call 897-6235.

Butte County Mothers of Multiples We are here to provide mutual support and guidance to meet the special challenge of parenting two, three or more children born together. For more info call 899-1538 or at: www.buttecountymoms.com.

Chico Homeschoolers We are a local homeschooling group and support network. We are a fully inclusive group and all homeschoolers are welcome. We have weekly park days, regular field trips, and teen gatherings.

Membership is free. http://groups.yahoo.co m/group/chicohomeschoolers/ Chico Mothers Club The member-run, non-profit organization supports mothers of young children by organizing activities, playgroups, community involvement and much more.

Find them on faceboook or go to www.chicomothersclub.org for more info.

Enloe Mother & Baby Outreach Program At Enloe’s Mother & Baby Outreach Program, many parenting the infant classes are offered, such as Bittie and Bigger Baby and Me, Infant Massage, and Infant-Pediatric CPR. In addition, we offer breastfeeding support, services and a clinic that helps mothers and babies establish and maintain breastfeeding, before, during and after the birth.

332-5520 or online at www.enloe.org/baby.

MOMS (Making Our Mothering Significant) We invite you to join us every 1st and 3rd Thursday of September–May at MOMS. A time for moms to meet, learn, share and grow together! All denominations and affiliations welcome. EVFree Church of Chico, 1193 Filbert Ave,9am-11:30am, Childcare available up to age 6. www.Facebook. com/MOMSofChico, 343-6022 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) For mothers of infants through kindergarten-age.

Grace Community Church. Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 2346 Floral Ave, Chico.

343-5528 ex35 Free Childcare.

Parent Infant Programs A developmental program designed for children diagnosed at birth with a regional center qualifying condition or children at risk of developing those qualifying conditions. 247-1375, www.parentinfantprograms.com OPT for Fit Kids A community based program that encourages people of all ages to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Services include group and individual family-based nutrition education and nutrition education classes. 1311 Mangrove Ave, Suite E, 345-0678. www.optforfitkids.org Sacred Beginnings Offers childbirth preparation classes, pre & postnatal yoga, & yoga with toddlers & crawlers. www.sacredbeginnings.org 321-6477.

Sunny Garden Montessori Ongoing play groups for babies and toddlers age 0 months to 36 months! Classes designed for the 3, 4, and 5 year olds and their parents! We will meet one time a week for one and one-half hour! Children will meet new friends and adults will share parenting strategies and techniques in a beautiful warm facility.

343-3101 www.sunnygardenmontessori.com.

Enloe’s Bittie Baby & Me Bittie Baby & Me and Bigger Baby & Me parenting series. At the Mother & Baby Education Center, 251 Cohasset Road, Suite #120. Call 332-3970 for more information or to register.

Teen Parent Support Group Support group about health and nutrition for teen parents and parents-to-be. Third Thursday of the month at 2:30pm. WIC Office, 1311 Mangrove Ave. Suite E. 891-2767

Feather River Hospital We offer education, participation and emotional support for all members of the expectant family.

Offering many parent and childbirth education classes such as: Pregnancy Education Series, Baby Steps-First Year Parenting, Infant CPR, Cesarean Refresher, Pregnancy Yoga, Sibling Preparation, Breastfeeding and more! Please call 876-2518, or go to www.frhosp.org for more information.

Valley Oak Children’s Services A Resource and Referral Program that provides free referrals to child care and other family-related services. Low Income parents can call and get on the Centralized Eligibility List for preschool and subsidized child care in Butte County. Community members are invited to use the Resource Library at no cost. Call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627 or visit valleyoakchildren.org for more information.

Free Tutoring All grades, all subjects. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-6:30pm, CSU Chico campus, Bell Memorial Union 309, call 898-5817 for more information.

WIC A program that provides supplemental food vouchers and nutrition education to pregnant and breastfeeding women and to infants and children up through age five who qualify in Butte County.

Services are available to clients who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and who meet financial guidelines. Parent education about nutrition, breastfeeding, child safety, growth/development and other child-appropriate topics is provided by the WIC staff. 891-2767, fns.usda.gov/wic/

Grandparents as Parents Support group that helps grandparents and other family caregivers. Chico: First Thursday of month, 11:30-1:30pm. 2491 Carmichael Drive, Suite 300.

Paradise: First Thursday of month 6-9pm at Family Resource Center on Skyway. 897-6235

Family Destinations The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation The Wildlife Foundation is home to a remarkable variety of non-releasable, endangered, and exotic live animals. Hours of Operation: 7 days a week by appointment, 9am - 5pm. Donations Welcome! Call 345-1700 or visit them online at www.kirshner.org.

Bidwell Mansion Learn about Chico’s rich history with a guided tour of this 1860’s Mansion. The Visitor Center is open Sat-Mon. Hours: Sat and Sun from 11:00am–5:00 pm; Mon. 12:00–5:00 pm. Guided tours are available on the hour-the last tour is at 4:00 pm each day. Cost: $6 per adult; $3 children 5 -17, and children under 5 are free. 525 Esplanade, Chico. 895-6144 Book Family Farm Fun, Educational, Year Round Field Trips & Tours, Grass-Fed Meats, Pumpkin Patch. For up to date info “like us” on Facebook bookfamilyfarm.net, bookfamilyfarm@gmail.com Chico Creek Nature Center The Chico Creek Nature Center operates as a natural history museum, nature center, and information center of Bidwell Park, and offers educational programs for students, weekend hikes, and nature activities for the public.

Donation requested. 891-4671 Chico Community Observatory Providing access to our universe through its telescopes for the enjoyment and education of the youth of this community. Winter hours: F-Su 6-9pm. Summer hours: W-Su from sunset to 3 hours after. Open 11am -1pm Sundays for solar viewing. In Upper Bidwell Park. 343-5635. www.chicoobservatory.com.

Chico Museum The Chico Museum celebrates the unique identity of Chico by presenting locally relevant exhibits that explore our past, illuminate the present and imagine the future. Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4pm; Donations greatly appreciated. Located at Second and Salem Streets, Downtown Chico. Phone 8914336, or visit www.chicomuseum.org.

The Gateway Science Museum Designed to create a life-long learning environment that enables visitors to explore, interpret, and celebrate the magnificent natural heritage of Northern California through science, research and education. For more information, visit the Gateway Science Museum Web site: http://www.GatewayScience.org/.

Gold Nugget Museum Learn about and become a part of the history of the Ridge! There are many hands-on events, such as the Days of Living History, which the entire family can participate in. 502 Pearson Road, Paradise. 872-8722. goldnuggetmuseum@ aol.com.

Home At Last Equine Sanctuary Lots of critters to meet. homeatlastsanctuary@ gmail.com.

Museum of Anthropology The museum is committed to the collection, protection, and interpretation of ethnographic material culture & to share this with the community through its educational programs.

Please call 898-5397 to arrange a tour.

Stansbury Home Built by Dr. & Mrs. Oscar Stansbury in 1883, this home was designed in the Italianate Victorian style, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 307 West 5th St. 895-3848.

Sat & Sun 1-4pm. Adults $2; Students $1, Under 10 Free.

Patrick Ranch Museum An Interactive Agricultural and Natural History Learning Center. Offering educational field trips too. 10381 Midway, Chico. Call for hours 3424359, www.patrickranchmuseum.org.

Just for Kids Chico Public Library Storytimes Preschool Storytime for 3-5 year olds, stories, songs & craft Tuesdays 10am and 11am. Babies Love Books 0-18 months stories, songs & bounces Wednesdays 9:30am and 10:30am. Toddler Story time for 1-3 year olds, stories, songs & action rhymes Fri-10am and 11am. Please call for more information on Japanese Story time, Spanish Story time, Chinese Story time, Homework help group, and Chess Club. 891-2762, www.buttecounty.net/ library.

Barnes & Noble Storytime Enjoy some fun stories, from treasured classics to new adventures. Wednesdays 11am, Saturdays 2pm. 894-1494 Boys & Girls Club of Chico The Boys & Girls Club of Chico, the positive place for kids and teens ages 6 to 18, offers a variety of walk-in, facility programs Monday through Friday. $10 per year. 899-0335 KZFR Storytelling for Kids Kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of fascinating storytelling by tuning in to 90.1 FM radio in Chico. M-F, 7-7:30pm. 895-0706.

Yo-Yo Fun! Come learn new tricks, show off your skill, & win great prizes. Bird in Hand in Downtown Chico.

Saturdays at noon. 893-0545

Handi-Riders Therapeutic Riding Center Handi-Riders has been offering a safe and enjoyable equine experience for special needs children ages three and up for over 30 years.

We provide a place where our students can meet their challenges and enjoy the physical, developmental and emotional benefits they gain by participating in our therapeutic horseback riding program. Visit our website: www.handiriders.org or call 533-5333.

Hydrocephalus Association Support Group An opportunity to meet others connected to hydrocephalus. All ages are welcome! Last Saturday of every other month at 3:30pm, Chico, contact 591-9512, nethertonhydro@hotmail.com.

Recreation & Dreams for Kids w/Cancer Children with cancer & their families are invited to attend this support group providing free monthly recreational opportunities. 332-3171 Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California We provide support, education, and advocacy services to families with children ages birth to 26 with special education needs living in Northern California. For information on trainings and support groups, please call the Chico office at (530)899-8801 and toll free 888-263-1311 or www.rfenc.org. Hablamos Español.

The Enloe Health Learning Center A community library. We invite you to browse a broad array of health and medical information.

Learn more about a disease or disorder affecting a family member, research a medical diagnosis or find wellness information. A free library card gives you access to health care information through books, periodicals, Internet access, multimedia resources and more. Web site in English and Spanish. www.enloe.org/library.

Wings of Eagles Provides emotional and financial assistance to all families in the four county areas of: Butte, Glenn, Tehama and Colusa who have children with a pediatric cancer or a life-threatening illness diagnosis. The Joseph Alvarez Organization for Seriously Ill Children. 893-9231

Websites of Interest Special Needs ARC Support Group Families who experience the challenges that come along with raising a child with a special need are invited to this support group hosted by ARC of Butte County. Tuesdays. 891-8157 ext.

107.

Chico Cheer All Stars Inc. -Stars We are proud to join over 170 other All Star Gyms throughout the USA in offering Butte County’s ONLY Special Needs Cheerleading Team! The STARS cheer program is open to children and young adults, boys and girls, ages 5 yrs & up. It builds social interaction in a TeamOriented, Positive Environment. Build Self-Esteem, Motivation, Work Ethic, and Sense of Belonging and Accomplishment. Practice cognitive skills with dance, formations, tumbling, and timing exercises. Your child will enjoy a fun energetic workout! We look forward to the opportunity to build a community where everyone is an ALL STAR! 894-2227, ChicoAllStars@aol.com, www.

ChicoCheerAllStars.com.

HelpCentral.org Need help finding services in Butte County? Here you will find a comprehensive listing of low cost and no cost health and human services. You can find services such as emergency food, parenting classes, recreational programs, support groups, drug treatment, tax assistance, in-home help, after school programs, hospice, counseling, and subsidized day care. www.helpcentral.org Butte County Library Get access to some great library resources... without leaving your house! There are links for Teens and for Kids, too! Younger children can even have books read to them on their computer. www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary/

Have a resource for us?

Do you know of a resource you would like to see listed, or does a listin g need to be updated? Let us know!

Email us: info@growingupchico.com

events calendar events calendar

weekly PLAYGROUP for children and their parents. Children will be introduced to stimulating toys and activities; all guided by their parent! Please call 343-3101 for more information or visit www.sunnygardenmontessori.com.

Chico Yo Yo Club: Come learn new tricks, show off your skill, & win great prizes.

Bird in Hand in Downtown Chico. Every Saturday at noon. 893-0545.

Check out all the great things we have to look forward to this Winter! Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm events.

Ongoing Events Gateway Science Museum:

Come explore the Gateway. 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.

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

The very popular ‘For Kids at the Turner’ resumes on Wednesdays after-school this fall and winter with free weekly art workshops throughout the semester at the Janet Turner Print Museum at Chico State.

Open to students grades 4-12, each workshop is supervised by Dr. Teresa Cotner of the Department of Art and Art History. Each session will feature a different art project related to the exhibitions at The Turner. Drawing and mixed art media will be incorporated. Must pre register. For more information see www.theturner.org.

Chico Certified Farmers’ Market-Saturdays:

Take advantage of all the wonderful produce grown locally at Chico’s year round Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday from 7:30am-1pm, rain or shine. Located at 2nd and Wall St parking lot.

Chico Creek Nature Center:

Bidwell Park was made for exploring and having fun. The Chico Creek Nature Center offers kids of all ages a place to interact with animals, nature, discover Bidwell Park’s diverse ecosystem and learn about preserving this natural resource. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am-4pm. 1968 East 8th Street, 891-4671, bidwellpark.org.

La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group:

La Leche League offers mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. Children welcome. First Friday of every month, 10am-11:30am. Free. Find them on Facebook to find support between meetings. Bidwell Presbyterian Church in the Church nursery, 208 West First St. 591-9191.

Rowell’s Pals Playgroup:

A diverse playgroup for parents & little ones ages 1-5, of all abilities. Come sing, dance, read & play. 10-11am, Fridays. Free, pre-reg encouraged. Rowell Family Empowerment of N. CA, 3075 Cohasset Rd., #2. 8998801.

Chico Museum:

Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4pm; Donations gladly appreciated. Watch for these upcoming exhibits at the Chico Museum: This is Our Home, Here We Remain - The story of the Mechoopda. Chico: Our Story in Pictures from the John Nopel Collection. Located at Second and Salem Streets, Downtown Chico. Phone 891-4336, or visit www.chicomuseum.org.

Childbirth Preparation: 5-week series taught by highly trained registered nurse

Fantastic Fridays:

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.

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

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.

Chapman Food And Fitness Festival: Every Friday from 2–5:30p.m. at 1010 Cleveland Ave. This event is a certified farmers’ market as well as a health forum, and it takes place all year. For more information call 624-8844 or visit www.cChaos.org.

Family Swim: Our 90 degree indoor pool is always comfortable any time of year.

Our 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.

Chico Air Museum:

The Chico Air Museum is located at the Chico Municipal Airport. This museum features air exhibits that are fun for the whole family! Open every Saturday from 10am-4pm. FREE! 147 Convair Court, 345-6468.

instructors will help prepare you for birth, newborn care & breastfeeding. Promotes individual & family choices, including natural breathing & relaxation techniques & pain management options. Wednesday evenings, 6-8:30pm. On-going. Pre registration with payment required. Call 332-3970 for more information or to register.

Enloe’s Mother and Baby Education Center: Offers ongoing before baby classes, after baby classes as well as safety classes. Call 332-3970 to register or go to www.enloe.org, click on Mother and Baby Care Center for more information.

MOMS: (Making Our Mothering Significant) is a group of moms who get together to share the joys and challenges of motherhood. Every mom needs a community that will encourage and support her. 1193 Filbert Ave, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 9am, from September through May. Child care is provided. First meeting is free! Contact EVFree Church for more information: 343-6022.

Chico Art School: 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. Janet@chicoartschool.com or find them on facebook: www. facebook.com/ChicoArtSchoolandGallery.

for ages 5-12. Saturdays, 9am-12pm. Free. Chico: 342-0477; Oroville: 538-0521.

Book Family Farm: Fun, Educational, Year Round Field Trips & Tours, and Grass-Fed Meats. For up to date info “like us” on Facebook. bookfamilyfarm.net, bookfamilyfarm@gmail.com

Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops: Free kids clinic every Saturday at 10am. Must pre register at, www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

Open Playgroup:

Home Depot Kids Workshops: Chico & Oroville. Hands-on building workshop

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Sliver Dollar BMX: First race is FREE for those looking to try something new here in Chico! We have racers as young as 3 years old-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.

MOPS Chico: MOPS at Grace Community Church support group for mothers of children 0-preschool just like you! Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays September-May, call for more information 343-5528. Free Childcare.

Free Art Classes at The Turner:

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

Butte County Library:

Held at Discovery Place Child Development Center every the second and forth Friday from 9:30 to 11:30. Please contact for dates. 899-8168, www.discoveryplacechico.com.

Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years, stories, songs & craft Tues-10am and 11am, Babies Love Books 0-18 mos. stories, songs & bounces Wed-9:30am and 10:30am, Toddler Story time for 1-3 years stories, songs & action rhymes Fri-10am and 11am, Please call for more information on Japanese Story time, Spanish Story time, Chinese Story time, After school Homework help group, and Chess Club. 891-2762, www.buttecounty.net/library.

Chico Dojo: Kids Karate classes for kids 5 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 for more info, 898-9753, www.chicodojo. com.

Roo’s Zoo Skate Session at Cal Skate:

Barnes & Noble Storytime: Held weekly on Wednesdays at 11am and Saturdays at 2pm in the children’s book section. Every 3rd Friday join them for American Girls Club at 7pm. Call 894-1494 for more info.

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. Cal Skate, 343-1601.

Sunny Garden Montessori Mommy and Me Playgroups:

An ongoing

Chico School of Rock Open Mic: Every 4th Friday of the Month, Open to all performers, all ages and abilities, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Located at Chico School of Rock, 932 W. 8th Avenue.

November Jack Hanna Friday, November 1st

Go on safari with Jack Hanna live! Facing down dangerous animals and persnickety latenight hosts, the congenial wildlife expert and dedicated conservationist in the trademark khaki suit has been a TV fixture for the last 30 years, and he is excited to bring stories of his many wildlife adventures from around the world to Laxson Auditorium. www. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

Kid’s Day at the CSU, Chico University Farm Saturday, November 2nd

California State University, Chico-University Farm, Hegan Lane. Many agricultural learning stations. Kids get to experience farm life up close. Pre-registration is required for this event.

For more information, contact Joan Webster at 228-5455 or Email at joanwebster33@msn. com.

9th Annual Harvest Festival presented by The Farm City Celebration Saturday, November 2nd

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

Community Park Play Day Saturday, November 2nd

Held at DeGarmo Park from 11am-1pm. chicorec.com for more info

Pet Night with Santa Sunday, November 3rd From 7pm–9pm at the Chico Mall, Cats and Dog only please. www.chicomall.com

Butte Humane Society Supper Club Wednesday, November 6th

Mama Celeste’s will donate 15% of the sales made that night to Butte Humane Society!

From 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Mama Celeste’s Pizzeria is located at 1008 W Sacramento Ave, Chico.

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Wednesday, November 6th

Bring It On - Battle of the Locals Cheerleading Competition Sunday, November 10th

Join us to see local high school and all star cheerleading teams compete for the first place trophy in this annual competition! A perfect show for anyone who likes a good performance full of energy, stunts, acrobatics and more! Visit www.ChicoCheerAllStars. com for more info.

Pet Night with Santa Sunday, November 10th

From 7pm–9pm at the Chico Mall, Cats and Dog only please. www.chicomall.com

Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt Thursday, November 14th

In this special acoustic performance, two of America’s most beloved songwriters team up for a side-by-side evening swapping tales and singing songs. www.chicoperformances. com, 898-6333

WTC’s 59th Annual Turkey Dinner Thursday, November, 14th

Work Training Center’s 59th Annual Turkey Dinner & raffle. All-you-can-eat turkey buffet.

Proceeds from the event benefit individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Chico Elk’s lodge, 5pm, 343-7994 x5303.

Chico Creek Nature Center: Owl Prowl Saturday, November 16th

We will be hitting the trail to look for owls and evidence of owls. We will collect owl pellets and practice our owl calls while searching for the elusive owls that live in the park. Once we have some pellets, we will head back to lab to discuss what our local owls have been eating and to learn about the amazing biology of owls. 5-6:30pm, bidwellpark.org

Paradise on Ice - Ice Skating Rink Opens Saturday, November 16th

This Community Event, brought to you by Paradise Recreation & Park District, will transform the Terry Ashe Recreation Center courtyard into an outdoor ice rink. There will be food, vendors, music, special events and it’s also available for private rentals. Please go to www.paradiseprpd.com/IceRink.html for more information on times and cost. Open until January 12th, 2014.

Santa Arrives at the Chico Mall Saturday, November 16th

Held from 4pm–7pm. Face painting, Mrs. Clause, crafts, performances and more. Go to www.chicomall.com/event for complete details

Going Buggy! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft!

Call to register 891-4671.

Pet Night with Santa Sunday, November 17th

Hedgerow Workshop Wednesday, November 6th

Kindergarten Fair Tuesday, November 19th

This workshop will discuss how to select perennials that will attract pollinators to your farm or garden, as well as how to plant, irrigate and maintain your perennial hedgerow.

Held at the Organic Vegetable Project on the Chico State University Farm from 4-5:30 P.M. cultivatingcommunitynv.org

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Thursday, November 7th

From 7pm–9pm at the Chico Mall, Cats and Dog only please. www.chicomall.com

Don’t miss this event if you have a kindergartner starting in the fall. Meet local area schools and get more information about their programs. FREE! Held at the BMU on the Chico State Campus from 5-7pm.

De-clutter Your Life: Books, Magazines & Catalogs, Oh My! Thursday, November 21st

Animal Language! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft!

Call to register 891-4671.

Love to read but always behind in the reading you’d like to get done? At this Meetup we will discuss strategies to manage our books, magazines and catalogs. These meetings are lead by a professional organizer and handouts are provided. Call 643-7496 Meetings are $10, but mention Growing Up Chico and your first meeting is free!

Chili Cook Off Friday, November 8th

The Jungle Book Kids!

Thursday, November 21st & Saturday, November 23rd

King’s Christian School Fund-raiser. Tickets are $5 or $20/family. You get a bowl of chili, cornbread, hot dog and a drink. Entertainment/games provided by KCp students, $10 to enter your Chili/Top chili will win $50 cash prize. Trophies, awards and fun! For more info call 345-3100.

Whose Line is it Anyway?

Friday, November 8th

Back again by popular demand, the hilarious live improv comedy show Whose Live Anyway? promises to rock the hall with laughter. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Joel Murray, and Jeff B. Davis leave their audiences gasping with the witty scenes they invent before your eyes, all based on audience suggestions. www.chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Saturday, November 9th

Great Gobblers! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft!

Call to register 891-4671.

Fun for the whole family, tickets only $5! Performs at the Center for the Arts by CRT Kids.

CRT Kids is a magical place that brings family and fun together through performing arts!

Please go to: crtshows.com/crt-kids.html for tickets and more information.

Mulan Jr. Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th

Fun for the whole family, tickets only $5! Performs at the Center for the Arts by CRT Kids.

CRT Kids is a magical place that brings family and fun together through performing arts!

Please go to : crtshows.com/crt-kids.html for tickets and more information.

Christmas Preview Sunday, November 24th

Downtown Chico officially kicks off the season in a tradition of holiday hospitality from 4-8pm it’s the much-anticipated Christmas Preview! Merchants debut their holiday cheer by inviting the community to delight in an evening filled with the sights, sounds and anticipation of the holidays. Stores don beautiful decorations, provide entertainment and

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offer delicious refreshments. Photos with Santa too! www.downtownchico.com

Day Camp at the Nature Center Monday, November 25th - Wednesday, November 27th

Camp Chico Creek is an environmental education-based day camp for children 5 to 11 years old. The programs are designed to provide outdoor recreation activities and foster awareness of nature in a fun, safe, and caring setting. From 7:45-5:30pm, Come for one day or all 3! Must pre register, www.bidwellpark.org

Run For Food Thursday, November 28th

Please join us this year for the 8th Annual Run for Food! This 5K run/walk will begin and end at the One Mile Recreation Area of Bidwell Park on Thanksgiving Day at 9am. www.runforfood.com

Mountain View Christmas Tree Opens Friday, November 29th

For more than 30 years we have been planting a sustainable forest of “Choose and Cut Christmas Trees.” The farm, nestled in the forest on the rim of the Feather River Canyon, provides for an exciting family outing. Build a family tradition, choose and cut your Christmas tree or select a freshly harvested pre-cut tree, roast hot dogs, marshmallows and make a S’more. Visit the farm animals and take advantage of the many photo opportunities for recording your family adventure. Weekends 9am-6 p.m. Weekdays 1-6 pm, www.mtnviewtrees.com.

Black Friday At the Chico Mall Friday, November 29th

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

The Chico Mall opens at Midnight. Doorbusters at midnight and throughout the night.

Please go to www.chicomall.com/event for complete details.

December Letters to Santa Sunday, December 1st-Saturday, December 7th

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 Dec.7th. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must be enclosed. The return envelope will be postmarked from the North Pole. chicorec.com for more information.

Growing Up Chico’s 5 Days of Giveaways Monday, December 2nd - Friday, December 6th

Like us on facebook, www.facebook.com/growingupchico and respond to our daily post to be automatically entered in to win 2 tickets to Chico Performances’ Cinderella.

Winners will be announced at the end of each day!

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Wednesday, December 4th

Wild for Winter! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft! Call to register 891-4671.

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Thursday, December 5th

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Flying Away! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft!

Call to register 891-4671.

An Irish Christmas Thursday, December 5th

In this celebration of the holiday season, An Irish Christmas weaves a story of love, friendship, joy, and happiness in an evening that sparkles with exuberant energy. Yarns are spun, songs are sung, and music is played, all in the traditional Irish holiday style. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

Butte Parent Cafe Friday, December 6th

Butte Parent Cafés are based on the Strengthening Families Framework and the Five Protective Factors. They are 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. www.butteparentcafe.com

Community Tree Lighting Friday, December 6th

Celebrating the Magic of the Season! Produced by the Downtown Chico Business

Association and funded in part by the City of Chico, the Tree Lighting is a gift to the community. Pre show entertainment, performances by some of Chico’s finest choral groups, words from the Mayor, visit with Santa Claus! 5:30-8pm. downtownchico.com

Stansbury Home Victorian Christmas Friday, December 6th - Sunday, December 8th

Come to the lavishly decorated Stansbury Home for our annual Christmas Event. Friday @ 6pm Saturday 1-8pm and Sunday 1-4pm. For more details contact Megan at 8953848 or Byron at 321-5882.

Glorious Sounds of the Season Friday, December 6th - Sunday, December 8th

This festive concert features music and drama for the season. Faculty and students perform holiday favorites in a kaleidoscopic fashion throughout the hall. Performers include the 100-voice Choral Union, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz X-Press, chamber and theatre ensembles, soloists, and readers. schoolofthearts-csuchico.com

Storytime with Mrs. Clause Saturday, December 7th

Visit Mrs. Clause for storytime while Santa feeds his reindeer. Held at the Chico Mall.

Times and additional details at www.chicomall.com/event

An Afternoon with Santa Saturday, December 7th

Join us for crafts, snacks and a story with Santa and Mrs. Clause, starts at 2pm. Please go to www.chicomall.com/event for complete details.

11th Annual Christmas Tree Auction & Holiday Festival!

Saturday, December 7th

Please join us for the Torres Community Shelter’s largest fundraiser of the year!

Held at 6 pm at the Chico Masonic Family Center. Fabulous silent auction items, live entertainment, delicious food and wonderful company! You can purchase tickets on line at www.chicoshelter.org

Chico Creek Nature Center Preschool Program Saturday, December 7th

Magnificent Mammals! Held from 12-1pm for ages 3-5 years old. Programs include a short talk, a walk focused on the theme, a close encounter with one of our animals, and a cool craft! Call to register 891-4671.

Wild for Winter Saturday, December 7th

Join naturalist Jon Aull for a walk in the Park in his favorite time of the year. How does the rain cool temperatures and shorter days change the lives of the plants and animals?

Where do our scaly, slimy and furry friends go? How do the insects spend the winter?

What animals and plants welcome this change of seasons? Chico Creek Nature Center, bidwellpark.org, must preregister.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 7th

Welcome to Santa’s village! Choose what 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 AM -12 PM. Space is limited, so register early; this event does sell out. CARD Community Center. chicorec.com for more info.

Believe Friday, December 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd

Inspired by the Polar Express, 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!

Cinderella Friday, December 13th-Sunday, December 15th

This magical tale tells the story of a plucky housemaid’s undying belief in happiness beyond her drudgery, and the transforming power of love. From the moment the lights dim, you’ll be transported to an enchanted land filled with Prokofiev’s dreamlike score, spectacular sets, colorful costumes, and wonderful, comical choreography. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

The Nutcracker Friday, December 13th-Sunday, December 15th

By the Northern California Ballet held at the Performing Arts Center in Paradise. Visit www.northerncaliforniaballet.com for more info.

Storytime with Mrs. Clause Saturday, December 14th

Visit Mrs. Clause for storytime while Santa feeds his reindeer. Held at the Chico Mall.

Times and additional details at www.chicomall.com/event

Storytime with Mrs. Clause Saturday, December 21st

Golden Dragon Acrobats: Cirque Ziva Wednesday, January 15th

Visit Mrs. Clause for storytime while Santa feeds his reindeer. Held at the Chico Mall.

Times and additional details at www.chicomall.com/event

This 21-member company combines amazing skill, physicality, and dexterity in choreographed acts that showcase everything from juggling umbrellas and soccer balls to creative use of props like ladders and giant spinning wheels. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

Day Camp at the Nature Center Monday, December 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, January 2nd, & 3rd

Chico Science Fair - free workshop Thursday, January 16th

Camp Chico Creek is an environmental education-based day camp for children 5 to 11 years old. The programs are designed to provide outdoor recreation activities and foster awareness of nature in a fun, safe, and caring setting. From 7:45-5:30pm, Come for one day or all! Must pre register at www.bidwellpark.org

Chico school students and their parents are encouraged to attend preliminary workshops in preparation for the annual Chico Science Fair. The workshops will explain the scientific method, demonstrate the Chico Science Fair format for projects and answer questions.

Visit www.chicosciencefair.org for more information about the Chico Science Fair.

Winter Baseball Camp Monday, December 30th

Butte Parent Cafe Friday, January 17th

Come enjoy the Chico Bullpen Camp in the new 10,500 sq ft. Baseball Facility. The Bullpen offers 7 cages, three pitching machines, and tee/soft toss area. Camp participants will enhance their baseball skills through in-depth and positive instruction from the Chico Bullpen staff. For ages 6-14. Call 230-2100 or go to www.chicobullpenba.com for more information.

Winter Band Camp Monday, December 30th - Thursday, January 2nd

Located at Chico School of Rock, 932 W. 8th Avenue. Please call 894.2526.

January 101 Dalmatians Kids-CRT Kids Classes Start Monday, January 6th

Butte Parent Cafés are based on the Strengthening Families Framework and the Five Protective Factors. They are 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. butteparentcafe.com

Carlos Nunez Thursday, January 23rd

“The Jimi Hendrix of the bagpipe.”—Billboard. Carlos Nuñez is one of Spain’s most recognizable musicians and a major force behind the bagpipes’ resurrection in popular music today. University Box Office (530) 898-6333. For more information visit ChicoPerformances.com

For ages 5-11. Classes are designed to build skill in the area of performing arts including vocal performance, acting and dance. Classes will be taught by veteran directors of professional and community theater. See crtshows.com/crt-kids.html for more info.

Pink Martini Sunday, January 26th

Alice in Wonderland Jr. CRT Kids Classes Start Tuesday, January 7th

Stunt Dog Experience Tuesday, January 28th

For ages 12-18. These classes are designed to build skill in the area of performing arts including vocal performance, acting and dance. Classes will be taught by veteran directors of professional and community theater. Go to crtshows.com/crt-kids.html for registration information.

University Box Office 898-6333 or visit ChicoPerformances.com

Who doesn’t love cute dogs doing great tricks? These dogs fly, jump rope, and wrap themselves around the hearts of the audience in a “fur-flying” interactive experience.

Featuring comedy skits, tricks, juggling, and much more. www.chicoperformances.com, 898-6333.

directories www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

P re s c h o o l & Chil dcare D irecto ry Center

Ages

Hours

Curriculum

Contact

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 childs 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. I have 20 years of experience and a degree in child development.

My program focuses on teaching kinder readiness and is tailored to the needs of each student. I incorporate Math, Science & Pre-Reading utilizing Zoo Phonics, cooking & gardening. We learn through play, music & art while providing a safe & exciting place to learn & grow. I encourage exploration & personal growth on an individual basis. Nutritional snack & lunch are provided.

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

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Discovery Place Child Development Center

2yrs 9mos-5 years

8:30-11:30am and 1:30-4:30pm Monday-Friday

At Discovery Place children become aware of shared humanity that binds all people together and the diversity of cultures that creates vision and change. Play is valued, children’s interests, engagement, creativity, and self-expression are supported through a balance of childinitiated and teacher guided activities.

790 Filbert Ave. Chico, CA 95926 899-8168 www.discoveryplacechico.com

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Kidspark

2-12 years

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

2477 Forest Ave. Chico, CA 94928 894-6800 www.kidspark.com

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

M-Th: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am12midnight, Sat: 10am-mid, Sun:1pm-6pm

7am-6pm Monday-Friday

ECO Green, organic gardening, recycling Kindergarten readiness program, 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

Wood Family Farm

3-8 years

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

HOORAY, LET’S PLAY! Nature-based, tactile, interactive curriculum that promotes age-appropriate growth and development. Large organic garden, barn with animals... a place to grow.

343-7120 www.WoodFamilyFarm.net

License # 045401420

License # 045405971

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License # 045046170

License # 045404701, 045404702

License # 045405784

License# 045406227

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

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Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory Ampla Health: Apple Blossom Baby: Bacio Catering & Carry Out Cuisine: Believe: Blue Oak School: Butte Humane Society: Chico Bullpen Baseball Academy: Chico Christian School: Chico Community Ballet: Chico Country Day School: Chico Creek Dance Centre: Chico Creek Nature Center: Chico Dojo: Chico Doula Circle: Chico Massage Studio: Chico Montessori Children’s House: Chico Pediatric Dentistry:

Chico Performances: Cozy Diner: Creative Apple: Creative Outlets Preschool: CRT Kids Youth Theater: Downtown Chico Business Association: Dr. Couk DDS: Dr. James Wood, M.D.: Eco Community Seeds Magazine: Eco In Chico:

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Family Eye Care Optometry: Feather River Hospital: Funland CalSkate: Funny Faces Chico: Image Orthodontics: In Motion Fitness: JEI Learning Center: Joy Lyn’s Candies: Kids In Motion (In Motion Fitness): Kids Park:

Little Sprouts Preschool: Mountain View Christmas Trees: North Valley Eye Care: Paradise On Ice: Round Table Pizza: Rejuvene: Skyway Pediatric Dentistry: Snapshots Photobooth: Sunny Garden Montessori: Sweet Repeats Chico: The Nutcracker: Thrive Healthy Foods for Kids: Thrive Learning Center: Valley Oak Children’s Services: Watersprites Swim School: Wood Family Farm Preschool: Youthful Smiles Dentistry:

pg 25 pg 5 pg 11 pg 31 pg 8 pg 40 pg 8 pg 19 pg 40 pg 5, 38 pg 11, 38 pg 17 pg 9 pg 7 pg 13 pg 9 pg 8 pg 21 pg 23 pg 31 pg 13 pg 31 pg 31 pg 17 pg 2 pg 23, 38 pg 11