Growing Up Chico Winter 2012 Issue

fr

m

a

g

a

z

i

n

e

Easy Winter Crafts

Tilt Your Ear Upward

It’s The Snow Goose Festival!

A Cultural View

A Different Look at Co-Sleeping

Preparing for The Real World Teaching Kids About Money

Piecing the Puzzle A View on Autism

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

!

november december january 2012 - 2013

ee

a quarterly resource celebrating family life in butte county

FUN

ur out on o s is m ’t Hunt!

Don avenger c S n a Snowm

Kim N. Huber, CFP® Kim is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 18 years of experience serving families and individuals seeking financial security, strategic investment advice and comprehensive financial planning. Kim, her husband Geoff and their 2 boys enjoy bike rides on the weekends as well as spending time with friends and family. Kim believes her life work is to educate and empower others to live financially healthy lives and to enrich them with the tools needed to be successful. RedRockFinancialGroup.com

the roughout hidden th man to n e w o m w sn o se four sn on of each e ti th ca r lo a fo e m k th to tically Loo ail us with You will then be au , then em . e s! Prizes n m ze zi o ri a p .c g l a o m motiona gupchic ro in p w n te ro along with r g s u info@ one of o n Kanteen in a w le K to , Chico ts in ir entered hico T Sh r tickets to mber wing Up C n Yogurt o ce ro ze e G D ro : F e n l d o ir u incl to U Sw d by 5pm te e iv ca ifi ce rt re ce e a gift must b n please. ces! Emails per perso Performan th. Only one entry 15

Dana Sutter Dana is a wife and mother who grew up in the Chico area.

She graduated from CSU, Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and has an extensive background working with the preschool population. She works for Parent Infant Programs providing early intervention to children under the age of five.

James B. Wood, M.D. Dr. Wood has held a private pediatric practice in Chico for close to 30 years. In addition, he has served as Medical Director for Enloe’s Children’s Health Center for many years. In his spare time, Dr. Wood enjoys music, hiking, landscape photography and spending time with his 8 grandchildren.

Jenna Henry Jenna is a senior at CSU, Chico and will be graduating in December with a degree in public relations. She is currently the PR and marketing intern for Chico Performances. Jenna was born and raised here in the North State and loves anything outdoors and live music.

Jenna plans to move to the San Luis Obispo, CA area after graduation to pursue a PR career in the areas of health and wellness.

Be sure to look throughout the magazine for the four Snowmen shown above. Once you find all four, send us an email, to info@growingupchico.com, listing the page number and location of each Snowman. Ten winners will be randomly picked to win a promotional prize! Each winner will receive Growing Up Chico logo T-Shirts and Klean Kanteens for their children, a gift certificate to U Swirl Frozen Yogurt or tickets to Chico Performances. All emails must be received by 5pm on December 15th. Winners will be emailed and announced on our facebook page. The hidden objects will be slightly smaller than the ones shown above. Don’t forget to have the kids help with this, it’s fun for the whole family!

Sarah Root Sarah is a homeschooling mother of three and an advocate for attachment parenting. She spends much of her time adding beauty and creativity to every day, while inspiring in her children a love for learning and a thirst for adventure.

Rosie Wiklund Rosie is a mother of two young children. She writes more about mothering, attachment parenting, and marriage at http://rosiewiklund.blogspot.com

We absolutely could not produce this magazine without the support of our family of advertisers and contributors. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to mention you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions. Send me an email at marne@growingupchico.com; I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you for making Growing Up Chico your family’s resource!

Marne Larsen

Like us on Facebook.

Liz Gardener Liz volunteers for many local conservation organizations as well as at her two sons, Edwin & Augie’s school. She’s an avid outdoors lover who has most recently volunteered with the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Before that she worked at the Sacramento River Preservation Trust, coordinating numerous guided hikes and rafting tours on and along the River. Her Autumn highlight: swimming with the salmon on Butte Creek.

On The Cover: Christy is a dental hygienist and a mother to three beautiful girls. They enjoy living in Chico and taking in all that our community has to offer.

Cover Photo By: Aprille Hayes is a local mother of triplets and a dental hygienist who has a wonderful eye for photography.

Marne Larsen-Publisher (530) 518-6154 marne@growingupchico.com Terry Givens-Graphic Design Darci Crossin-Graphic Design DeAnna Holman-Design/Editor For Advertising Information, Contact: Rachele Thompson-Marketing Manager/Editor (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 January 6th.

Submit by the deadline, and if your article is chosen for the Spring Issue, we will thank you with Growing Up Chico logo tees for your child.

Thank you gifts are subject to availability and are at the discretion of Growing Up Chico’s management.

Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available free online, as well as in print at 300 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County.

Copyright Š 2012 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.

Come for a tour!

In Chico For ages 2-12

2477 Forest Ave

Lic#045404701, 045404702

894-6800

family time Teaching Kids About Money

by Kim Huber

The Nutcracker

by Jenna Henry

page 8

page 10-11

Bringing the “Farm to City”

by Theresa Schneider

page 12

Picky Eaters

by Dr. James B. Wood, M.D.

page 13

Autism: Putting the Puzzle Together

by Dana Sutter

page 14

holiday gift guide Featuring Local Holiday Gift Ideas

pages 16-17

school and home The Annual Snow Goose Festival

by Liz Gardner

pages 18-19

Spring Fling Hooker Oak School

pages 20-21

Co-Sleeping

by Sarah Root and Rosie Wiklund

pages 22-24

in every issue Photo Gallery See our readers’ submissions

pages 26-27

Winter Crafts

page 25

resource pages Events Calendar Seasonal activities for your family. Check it out here, in the most complete family calendar section in Butte County!

pages 30-32

Resources Support groups, parenting resources, destinations, websites, and other family resources in Butte County

pages 28-29

page 34

Advertisers Index Please support these local family-friendly

businesses

page 35

Preschool and Childcare Directory

Photo courtesy of Kristen Privett Photography

family time

Teaching Kids About Money

By Kim N. Huber

I

f personal finance classes were mandatory in our schools, would our nation experience many of the economic problems it faces today? It is a good question, but largely moot. Many elementary and secondary school systems offer some money education, but not as a K-12 discipline. Preparing our children for the financial real world needs to begin at home.

www.growingupchico.com

Depending on your child’s age and interests, here are some fun and safe ways to start family conversations about the value of money, setting a budget, and building savings goals for the future.

•

• • • •

8

growing up chico magazine

•

• •

Go on a walk through the neighborhood and brainstorm jobs that your child might be able to do to earn extra money, such as: raking leaves, walking dogs, washing cars and so on.

Play a board game that teaches money concepts. A few ideas: “Payday,” “Monopoly,” and “The Game of Life.”

Take a tour of a bank and talk about what banks do and how to use banks responsibly.

Have a shopping contest. Make a grocery list and see who spends the least to get everything on the list.

Let your child practice writing checks (except the signature) to pay some of your bills. Have them bring your check register up-to-date.

Start a small business together. Plan what you will do (make greeting cards, mow lawns, etc.), how much it will cost to get started, what you will charge and how you will find customers.

If you decide to loan money to your child, charge interest so they can learn the ramifications of borrowing.

Ask your kids to clip coupons for items you buy at the grocery store. For every dollar saved from these coupons, share a percentage of your savings with them.

• • • •

•

•

When you buy something at a store, have your child pay for it with cash so he or she can count out the money and practice making correct change.

As you walk through a store, have a contest to see how many items you each can list that are “needs” and “wants.”

For every dollar your child saves, add a percentage more — for example, a dime for each dollar — to illustrate the concept of earning interest.

Plan a vacation together. Talk about places you might go as a family, what it will cost, how much the family can spend, and then reach a decision together.

Brainstorm ways your kids can earn spending money for the vacation.

Implement a family budget. Explain to your kids why you need to cut back on spending and together set a goal to reduce the family’s spending by, for example, 10 percent. Ask for ideas on how each family member will contribute toward reaching this goal.

Cash your next paycheck and ask the kids to join you as you pay bills for the month, counting out the cash to illustrate how money works in tangible terms. If you do not have enough cash to cover every bill, discuss the decisions you will have to make.

This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is provided by Kim N. Huber, CFP® a local member of FPA. Kim is a registered representative with and securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Kim can be reached at www.RedRockFinancialGroup.com (LPL # 1-072963)

family time

Dancing the lead role of Clara will be Chico High School senior, Jenna Large. This is Jenna’s first time dancing the role of Clara, although she’s performed in Nutcracker productions 3 times before. Jenna began her dancing career in France where she danced for four years before moving to the North State.

“I’m really excited! This year’s Nutcracker is going to look amazing!” says Jenna.

Starring alongside Jenna will be 22 year-old, Jake Bevens, in the lead role as the Nutcracker. Jake just recently finished a 9-month contract for a dance show at Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo, Japan, and danced with Chico Community Ballet for 6 years during his time in Chico.

10

growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

This season’s Nutcracker is being directed by Debbie Jorritsma. Jorritsma is well known for her tutorage of young ballet students during her 30 years of teaching in the North State and she is a veteran director of The Nutcracker. “One thing I think is important is that every time we do The Nutcracker, it’s a brand new experience. We’re always revamping and creating new elements,” says Debbie.

The goal of this production isn’t just to create something that sparkles, but to be a great educational and training tool for the young talents of the area.

“This whole production is pretty amazing. We always start the planning almost a year out. Every year we do The Nutcracker, we come into it with the mind set of ‘how can we make this year’s production even more brilliant and exciting’,” says Debbie.

I

By Jenna Henry

t’s a cozy Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum’s House. The house is filled with the aromas of pine needles and peppermint; It is decorated with Christmas ornaments, wreaths, stockings, and mistletoe, and a beautiful Christmas tree.

Guests are arriving for the annual Christmas party and soon, Herr Drosselmeyer will arrive with gifts for the children. Tonight, Drosselmeyer’s goddaughter, Clara, will receive a gift that will take her on a journey she never expected: through a winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, flowers, sweet treats, and a handsome prince.

Join Chico Community Ballet as they breathe life and excitement into the timeless Christmas ballet classic, The Nutcracker, this December in Laxson Auditorium. Featuring amazing sets, beautiful costumes and great dancers, this is a holiday show the whole family can enjoy.

This highly anticipated performance features more than 80 performers from Chico Community Ballet, and the community, including 55 children, ages 6 to 18, all of whom attend schools in the Chico area.

“I have had parents come up to me and say they saw our production when they were kids and are now bringing their kids to Chico Community Ballet’s Nutcracker – that is just a great compliment to our production.”

Producing a local ballet of professional caliber takes a lot of work from a lot of people. “The community rallies around us for this production,” says Jorritsma. We use local community members in many onstage roles, as well as involving them backstage, with sets, design, costuming and lots more.”

Partnering with Chico Community Ballet to bring The

Nutcracker to life is Chico Performances, who support working with local children’s groups to present performances on stage. “The Nutcracker embodies what we strive to host on the stage at Laxson Auditorium,” says Daran Goodsell, marketing director for Chico Performances. “We have worked with Chico Community Ballet for years and they put on a high quality production that features local children and is perfect for a family attendance. Everyone loves the story, from young to old.”

“The kids that dance in these performances live here; they grow up here. They grow up going to Laxson for field trips and seeing show, and when they have a chance to be on stage it’s wonderful. To be able to perform for their family and friends on the biggest stage in the area, that’s special. It’s growing the audience of the future,” says Goodsell.

When asked who attends the ballet every year, Goodsell says she has seen it all.

“Grandmothers bring their grandchildren, moms bring their sons, dads bring their daughters – everyone usually dresses up, and everyone always has a great time. It’s a great family affair.”

This year’s Nutcracker will feature a special meet and greet with the costumed dancers, immediately following the Saturday matinee. This get together allows the audience to get up close and personal with the dancers, which is an especially nice treat for The Nutcracker will take youngsters who attend. place Thursday and Friday, Do not miss out on one of Dec. 13 & 14 at 7:30p.m., the most beloved stories Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m. of all time as Clara and the and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nutcracker dance through Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m. a world of dreams. Come To purchase tickets, or find watch as Tchaikovsky’s out more information, visit magical score promises a www.chicoperformances.com, wonderful experience for or call 530-898-6333. all this holiday season.

family time

Bringing the Farm to City

By Theresa Schneider, FCC Harvest Festival Chairperson

T

www.growingupchico.com

he 2012 Farm City Celebration is recognizing 32 years of sharing and educating the community on local agriculture this November.

The Farm City Celebration is a collaborative effort by many local organizations, businesses and individuals who value agriculture and want to promote positive relationships between the agricultural and urban communities.

Everyone is invited to celebrate agriculture at the 8th Annual Farm City Celebration Harvest Festival, taking place Saturday, November 3rd, from 10 am – 2 pm at the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.

Rain or shine, we are bringing the farm to the city with an interactive animal display presented by the 4-H, cattle roping and stock dog demonstrations, modern and vintage farm equipment, tractors and much more. Kids of all ages will enjoy the rope bridge obstacle course offered by Boy Scouts Troop #2; this is a must experience event! This will also be a Scouting 4 Food event so please consider bringing a canned food item to donate.

First level tours of the Bidwell Mansion will be available, as will a bee display, hands on arts & crafts, games, plant sale and a free bounce house for the kids. Madison Bear Garden will be on hand to barbeque hamburgers and hotdogs at a special event price and TJ Farms Carriage Company will have horse drawn carriage rides. Additional parking for the festival will be available at Chico Junior High School with a shuttle to drive you to and from the event; just look for the John Deere tractor and trailer. Bring the whole family, as the first 500 families will receive a free reusable tote bag filled with yummy local goodies.

12

growing up chico magazine

The Farm City Celebration also includes two other popular events.

Each year, local 3rd graders spend the day at the CSU, Chico Farm during Kids’ Day. The day is full of learning and experiencing farm life up close and personal. Pre-registration by educators is required for this event.

The final activity of the Farm City Celebration is the wildly popular Farm City Agribusiness Bus Tour. Participants board a chartered bus and are transported to five different area agriculture operations, given tours and given the chance to answer questions of the owners and operators. The tour concludes with a delicious barbecue lunch. The event sells out each year. For more information about the Harvest Festival or any of the other Farm City events, please visit www. farmcity.com or email Theresa Schneider at tmbschneider@msn.com.

Philosophy of Pediatrics and Child Development

Picky Eaters

By James B. Wood, M.D.

For the most part, children tell us when they are hungry and when they are all done. Regarding children viewed as picky eaters, one should understand that there is great variation in children’s appetites and times of the day when they are hungry, and this should be respected.

Children should eat as much as their bodies need, not how much a well-meaning adult thinks they should have, especially at a time when they are not hungry. It should be noted that most picky eaters do grow normally. Like our animal friends, many children considered as picky eaters actually do just fine grazing; a little here and a little there throughout the day. Furthermore, one should understand that there is no nutritional or medical rational for “three square meals each day.” The body actually works better with smaller portions more frequently.

Here are a few additional comments regarding eating habits: •

•

•

•

•

For every truly picky eater, there is always a caretaker who caters to him/her. “He’s got to eat something!” Do not fix something you know your child likes just to get him/her to eat. A child will eat pretty much anything when really hungry. Do not cater to a picky eater.

Too much milk will fill a child up until there is no appetite left over for anything else (This also leads to iron deficiency anemia).

Milk should be limited to one quart (32 oz.) per day, or less. Much less is okay. Juice should not be a dietary mainstay either, unless you want a lot of cavities and a child addicted to sugar. Any juice offered should be diluted at least 1:1 with water.

All too often, dinner time presents unnecessary trauma. The purpose for the family to sit around the dinner table in the evening is for communication and interaction (without TV). Eating is incidental, especially considering that most children are not hungry at dinner time anyway. Your child’s dinner time is actually right after school. This is usually about 3 – 4 hours after their lunch meal. This is a child’s dinner time. Comments like: “Don’t eat now, it will spoil your dinner” are inappropriate. If a child is hungry, especially after school, he/she should eat regular food and not a snack or “junk food.” For children in daycare at that time of the day, there are wholesome foods which require no preparation that can be substituted for a “snack.”

Being required to belong to the “clean plate club” is another ridiculous request, and it leads to much unnecessary upsetness.

Eating “three bites” might be a gentler and more appropriate approach.

Everybody needs something for breakfast. After all, it is likely that one has been fasting since the dinner before. Something without a high carbohydrate load is best; i.e. something with protein. That’s why eggs are good. Teens drinking their breakfast out of a soda pop can on the way to school are doing themselves no favors and are setting themselves up for serious osteoporosis at an early age.

Children will usually let us know when they are hungry. If we pay attention to their signals and requests and respond with wholesome foods, perhaps everyone will be happy and possibly a little leaner.

18

14 growing up chico magazine growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

family time

Autism:

Putting the Puzzle Together

By Dana Sutter

Autism: What is it, really? Many of us have a skewed image of what someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) looks like: mentally retarded, a lost cause, someone who will never lead a “normal” life.

Realistically, those ideas could not be further from the truth.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and of those, 1 out of 252 will be girls, while 1 out of 54 will be boys.

Autism is not going away.

People with ASD definitely face daily life challenges. Some common difficulties can include impairment with social interaction and communication. Many engage in repetitive behaviors and have sensory processing issues. No two people with ASD are alike. Some have more skills than others, but more importantly, those skills can be taught and improved through intervention.

Intervention involves a rigorous program of speech and occupational therapy, social and daily life skills (sitting at the dinner table, brushing teeth, going to the park, etc.), and school. Early intervention is the key to providing people with ASD the tools to function in society amongst typically developing individuals.

Autism Spectrum disorder is not an easy concept to grasp or accept.

Parents/caregivers who have children diagnosed with ASD often times go through a grieving process for the child they thought they were going to have. It requires a tremendous amount of patience and dedication to parent any child, and even more so with those on the Autism spectrum.

The responsibility placed on parents/ caregivers can be daunting, but if the proper intervention is given, both the child and family will benefit greatly.

The main difference between typically developing persons and those with ASD is how they process information, which in some ways can give them an advantage. The social deficits that people with Autism

face makes them less susceptible to emotional judgment, enabling them to analyze information for what it is.

As a result, you often times have an individual who is able to give a direct and honest evaluation of a given situation.

Autism is, by no means, a death sentence. People with ASD are no less deserving of love and respect than anyone else. With the proper tools, many will live “normal” lives. They can make friends, go to the prom, play sports, attend and graduate college, become employed, get married, have children, etc., if that is the path they choose to take.

It might be done outside of the proverbial box, but the important thing to remember is it CAN be done. Autism has a face, and it is no different than your own.

Helpful Tips for Children with Autism: • Deep pressure or squeezes can greatly calm a child with Autism. A few to try are arm, head, foot, and whole body squeezes.

• Provide a variety of sensory activities to keep the child regulated. Water play, sand, rice, playdough, shaving cream, and water beads are all good options.

• Count! When a meltdown strikes, engaging in a predictable activity such as counting can help soothe the child. Singing a familiar song can have the same effect.

• Dim the lights. Many children with Autism are highly sensitive to incandescent lighting.

Filtering the light can help to keep the child regulated.

Consider sunglasses for your child when going to the store, as the overhead lighting can be over-stimulating. ***If you are interested in learning more about Autism, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org. I also recommend the movie, “Temple Grandin,” as well as any of Temple Grandin’s books.

Sunny Garden & Music Together Classes Music Playgroups Fun 530-343-3101

musictogetherchico.com sunnygardenmontessori.com

速

16

growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

holiday gift guide

school and home

Tilt Your Ear Upward The 14th Annual

Snow Goose Festival

of the Pacific Flyway January 24 – January 27, 2013

www.growingupchico.com

By: Liz Gardner

The Annual Snow Goose festival has firmly established itself, in the North State, as the outdoor winter destination far and away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, January 27, 2013, the 14th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway arrives in Chico.

18

growing up chico magazine

There is no better time to get outdoors with your family to witness the center of all things avian – and it all takes place here!

Chico is situated in a unique part of the globe when, from late October and through March, thousands of migrating snow geese pass through the region on their way south for their warmer season.

The SGF is accomplished through the work of many volunteers. For many local residents, it has become a mid winter tradition; and for families, a new experience each and every year. For others, who come from the Bay Area and Southern California to attend, it can be a chance to see wildlife, up close, without having to travel far from their homes. Although the majority of attendees live here, the event has had participants from across the Big Pond and beyond.

In 1999, the Snow Goose Festival started as a one day symposium and has spread into a four day, very diverse, fun filled

event. Headquartered at the Masonic Family Center, field trips and special events are planned to celebrate this winged migration of the snow goose, but also for hundreds of bird species, native and foreign: Bald Eagle, Snowy Egrets, Blue Heron’s, Sand Hill Cranes and many more.

Last year, over 130 bird species were documented during the 12th Annual SGF. California’s central valley winter wetlands and the more recent agriculture have provided a refuge for avian wildlife for millenniums to land, rest and rejuvenate before taking flight and continue their southward journey.

Our unique winter birding season (where many a Chico resident’s ear is tilted skyward for the familiar honk and squawk of flocks of happiness heard overhead) occurs for many weeks. The yearly festival is a time for us to gather in celebration of this phenomena. It is an opportunity for individuals, big and small, from far and wide, to learn from local organizations and governmental agencies who help enhance a better understanding of this sacred and natural world. California State Parks, California Conservation Corps, National Fish & Wildlife Service, Altacal Audubon, California Native Plant Society, Yahi Sierra Club, Sacramento River Preservation Trust, the Middle Mountain Foundation and many

more, provide staff and volunteers to help the SGF with guided field trips, nature talks, festival registration and hospitality.

Some of the most popular programs are the free Junior Naturalist Activities on Saturday and Sunday, January 26-27 from 10am to 3pm at Masonic Family Center.

The Owl Prowl, and the ever family friendly walks at Tiechert Pond and Upper Bidwell Park are just a few of the field trips that fill up quickly, so register early. Look for online registration in the beginning of December.

Not to Miss: • • • •

Friday, January 25: Art Reception at Avenue 9 Gallery Saturday, January 26: Gathering of Wings Banquet Keynote & Silent Auction at the BMU Saturday & Sunday: All day free Family Activities at the Masonic Family Center Field trips start Thursday, January 24 and go through Sunday, January 27.

Check the website at www.snowgoosefestival.org. For more information, or join the email list at info@snowgoosefestival.org.

Call 530.345-1865.

Festival pricing varies: Free to $45: check local listings.

school and home www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com 20 20 growing up chico magazine growing up chico magazine

Spring Fling Hooker Oak School Welcomes Community to Annual Dinner and Auction

T

he annual Spring Fling, presented

by Hooker Oak School, is a chance to support a Chico public school, hear great music, enjoy delicious food and have a fun night out.

Hooker Oak School’s dinner and silent auction will take place Friday, March 8, 2013, at Sierra Nevada’s spectacular Big Room. Highlighting the event will be music

by All Fired Up, a popular Chico-based band covering hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond. “We are so excited to have such a wonderful venue for this event, and to be able to welcome the community at large to join our Hooker Oak ‘family’ at this event,” said Celeste Cramer, a lead organizer for the Spring Fling.

An evening for adults only, the Spring Fling is hosted by Hooker Oak’s parentteacher organization body, the Parent Advisory Board. The volunteer PAB holds fund-raising events throughout the year, but the Spring Fling is by far the largest. “We hope to raise thousands of dollars that will go directly toward enriching children in the classroom,” said JoAna Brooks, who heads the PAB as co-moderator.

The money raised at the Spring Fling will pay for educational activities and school projects, as well as essential classroom resources and basics such as pencils, paper and tissues. Ticket buyers will get a receipt with a Hooker Oak Elementary School tax ID for their records.

“Hooker Oak Open Structured Classroom School, a school of choice in the Chico Unified School District, is a Chico gem where educating the whole child to become responsible citizens is a priority,” Principal Sue Hegedus said. “Hooker Oak teachers work endlessly to integrate subjects to assist students in making reallife connections that provide our students a deeper understanding of concepts. Parents work in and out of the classroom as our greatest supporters. Our students learn that they can make a difference in the world by every grade level being involved in some kind of community service in and outside of the school into the Chico community,” she said.

Chico’s community spirit was especially clear in the wake of an August 31 early-morning, human-set fire that destroyed Hooker Oak’s play structure.

Just last year, the PAB had used $5,000 in volunteer-raised funds to pay for materials to replace part of the structure’s slide. “Chico is fortunate to have so many wonderful schools, and the money and emotional support Hooker Oak received was so touching,” Cramer said. “Parents from Sierra View Elementary came out to our school’s spaghetti feed with cash in hand. People from the neighborhood around Arbutus Avenue came by with donations. A local business, Recology, donated $5,000.

Some Hooker Oak second graders brought

in their Tooth Fairy money – it was just amazing.”

Hegedus said the Chico Unified School District is paying the $9,000 insurance deductible, so donations dedicated specifically to the playground may go toward replacing specially treated fireresistant bark, salvaging fire-damaged trees, or other related costs. Hooker Oak students were asked what they would like to see in a new playground and they chose a structure very similar to what was there before.

Since 1973, Hooker Oak has been the site of a program in which students learn under the Open Structured Classroom philosophy, a learning model that emphasizes the whole child. The school building, at 1238 Arbutus Ave., was constructed in 1948.

Tickets for the Spring Fling can be purchased instantly online via www.

ChicoSpringFling.com. Checks and credit cards are among the payment options available. There is a $5-per-ticket “early bird” discount for purchases before January, making tickets $30 per person. Multi-ticket packages include raffle tickets. Table and bar sponsorships are also available and donations are welcomed for the silent auction. Yet another option is to “gift” tickets to someone else.

Silent auction items will be on hand at the dinner, where bids can be placed throughout the evening. Past dinner

auctions have included donations from local businesses and artisans as well as themed gift baskets, class projects and even parties and recreational activities. Another tradition that will continue this year is the dessert auction of cakes, pies and other treats.

“We hope that, with so many convenient options, people choose to buy tickets early so we can better plan the event and cover some up-front costs,” said Kristie Gerry, a Spring Fling volunteer. “Of course, we’ll welcome guests at the door, too.”

The Chico Spring Fling, hosted

by Hooker Oak School, is Friday, March 8, 2013. Tickets and more information are available at www.ChicoSpringFling.com.

You can also “Friend” the Spring Fling on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ ChicoSpringFling.

For more information on the school, please visit: http://www.cusd.chico.k12. ca.us/dna/hookeroak or http:// hookeroakosc.tumblr.com.

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

For a workshop calendar call or visit our website.

school and home

THE CO-SLEEPING OPTION

A Good Night’s Rest

22

growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

By Rosie Wiklund

S

hould children be allowed to regularly sleep with their parents?

For centuries parents around the world have shared their beds with their children in a practice referred to as family beds or co-sleeping. Despite its history and worldwide popularity, co-sleeping in the United States is surrounded by controversy. A number of child development specialists, psychologists, and doctors have come out against co-sleeping, citing concerns about mental wellbeing, fostering independence, and safety. These professionals’ views on co-sleeping are often disappointingly short sighted. Many professionals in the United States are concerned with supporting independence of a young child, but this ideal rejects cultures which value interdependence as much or more than independence. Naturally all parents and professionals value the safety of children, but to reject co-sleeping outright as dangerous, while simultaneously ignoring the dangers of solitary crib sleep, is limited thinking at best. While bed sharing may not work for every family, it is important for child experts to recognize the value which co-sleeping may offer. I disagree with western child experts who speak out against co-sleeping because of their cultural bias which leads them to believe that the bedroom is a place limited to sexual intimacy, or suggesting that a child cannot be independent if they co-sleep.

Additionally, I disagree with experts who suggest that independence is vital while rejecting family values like interdependence. The family bed can serve as an affectionate refuge from the world, and for some eases breastfeeding and improves quality of sleep. Co-sleeping is a valued practice for many people including the Japanese, East African tribes, and more. Given the many benefits of co-sleeping, it is inappropriate for western professionals to reject the family bed without further research.

Why do many experts reject co-sleeping? Admittedly, some doctors are quite reasonable in their concerns about physically harming infants in a family bed. In an article on the dangers of co-sleep, Heather Chin writes, “Babies who sleep with a parent can become overheated, be rolled onto, or be smothered by soft sheets or pillows. They can also lose circulation if wedged between the mattress and furniture.” (www. mommobile.org). These concerns are rational, but they fail to consider a parent’s genuine interest in their children’s wellbeing. Preventative measures can be taken to make co-sleep safer. In her article, “Checklist for Safe Co-sleep,” Elizabeth Pantley describes some dos and don’ts

of safe family beds. The co-sleep environment should be childproofed with a firm mattress, free of excess bedding. It is also important that the bed is set on the floor or surrounded with walls to prevent the infant from rolling off the bed. Parents who co-sleep do not smoke around their infant or go to bed intoxicated. (www.motherandchildhealth. com). Unfortunately, cribs can also pose a risk to infants. KID or Kids in Danger, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children by improving children’s product safety states that, “More infants die every year in cribs than from any other nursery product. In the last 20 years 1,100 children have died from crib related injuries. Nearly 10,000 children are rushed to emergency rooms with injuries and an average of 22 children die each year in unsafe cribs.” (http://www.kidsindanger.org).

A parent considering crib sleep in the United States would be advised by safety commissions on the safest model to choose, but a co-sleeping parent may be simply told there is no safe way to share their bed with an infant. This seems to be an unfair double standard. It poses the question, is co-sleeping really so dangerous or are professionals simply unwilling to give parents the tools and education to make family beds safe? Why would a professional who works for children be unwilling to explore co-sleep?

Perhaps physical safety is not the real issue experts take with cosleeping. Dr. Meredith Small offers some insight. In the book, Sleeping With Your Baby, she claims, “The bed in the West is also synonymous with sex, and that, too, makes co-sleeping with an infant suspect.” (P 12). Could it be that these professionals are allowing their judgment to be clouded by preexisting ideas about sexuality? Co-sleeping can be described as revolutionary in the West as it redefines the bedroom: no longer is the bedroom a place of sexuality, but instead it becomes a place of family and connection. Given that the bedroom is often a sexual place in the United States, I wondered if co-sleeping parents are still able to be intimate, and are they doing that in front of their children? It seems the co-sleeping parent is not willing to engage in intimate acts in front of their children any more than any other parent.

For the curious outsiders to co-sleep, Dr. James J. McKenna, director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory University of Notre Dame, describes the logistics of sex, “Intimacy will have to be less spontaneous. You may need to start scheduling time together when someone else can tend to the baby, find some other place to be intimate after the baby falls asleep, or move baby into a crib or bassinet after he falls asleep.”(P 76).

Another fundamental issue in the co-sleep debate is that of how a baby is viewed. On issues of cultural views and the infant child, Janet Gomez-Mena offers this explanation, “The idea that a baby is an individual and that he or she must come to see “self“ as separate from “other“ is a cultural concept. Not all cultures hold this view of the baby.” (P 37) While every family is unique, a baby is more likely to be viewed a small individual in an American family, while in Mexico a baby is more likely to be seen as part of a whole. The implications of these views are varied and widely complex. It is of great importance that doctors, physiologists, and child developmental experts work with sensitivity to the culture in which a child lives. In the case of co-sleeping, many experts suggest that a child’s independence, such as sleeping alone, is necessary in emotionally sound children. Ideally, all children will learn to care for themselves and others so that they may contribute to their communities, but I argue that is not simply through private beds or an emphasis on early self care skills that a child’s wellbeing is fostered. On the subject of independence in children, Dr. William Sears suggests that, “It is not the parent‘s responsibility to make a child independent, but rather to create a secure environment and a feeling of rightness which allows a child‘s independence to develop naturally.” (P 38). Recently, University of California, Irvine conducted a survey to examine the impact of co-sleeping on a child’s independence. Eighty-three middle class mothers with preschool age

Why We Co-Sleep

By Sarah Root

children took a questionnaire on family sleep habits and independence. They found that children who slept in their own beds were more independent in terms of sleep, but children who co-slept were more self reliant. For example, the children who had co-slept were reported as more able to dress without help and entertain themselves with a toy or book. Early co-sleeping children were also reported to be more likely to make new friends and work out issues with playmates independently. While survey shows only a limited population, it certainly offers some interesting insight on independence and co-sleep.

Having explored the risks and controversy surrounding co-sleeping, it is important to remember and examine the benefits which family beds can provide.

Before the development of language, an infant has only crying to express their needs. Dr. James J. McKenna explains that prolonged crying decreases oxygenation and increases heart rate, causing the infant’s body to release stress hormones. He argues that an infant who is co-sleeping is less likely to cry themselves to sleep than their crib sleeping peers. He goes on to suggest that the energy lost in crying could otherwise be put into growth and development. The benefits of co-sleeping are not limited to children, they can also extend to parents. Dr. James J McKenna quoted one mother who said, “I work in an office all day long; co-sleeping is a way to reconnect.” (P 51) Co-sleeping is also said to offer easier access to feedings, particularly to those who are breastfeeding; there is no need to go far from bed to soothe a hungry child if it is already here in your room and can stay when it falls back to sleep. Co-sleeping parents may notice they are also able to rest more as they need not go far from bed to comfort the child. The child, in turn, may be easier to soothe when it has not had to cry loudly from another room to alert a parent to it’s needs. Above all, one of the greatest benefits to co-sleeping can be the warm affectionate space that a family bed can be. In his book The Family Bed, Tine Thevenin shares a memory of A Kikuyu chief of East Africa, “At night when there was no sun to warm me, my mother‘s arms, her body took it‘s place…”(P 35) This touching memory shows the bonding and positive feelings which co-sleeping can offer. For this paper, my friend Joe Maxey a twenty-three year old yoga teacher agreed to an interview on his co-sleeping experience. Joe shared his mother’s bed on and off until he was five years old. Joe was quoted as saying, “It offered me greater sense of stability in an environment which otherwise had little.”

Another issue fueling the co-sleeping debate is SIDS. SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is a recognized medical disorder affecting children under one year of age. Tragically, some seemingly healthy infants are put to bed never to wake up.

It is not currently understood what causes SIDS. The Department of Health and Human Services states that, “SIDS is not preventable, but the risk can be reduced by placing the baby on his or her back to sleep on a firm surface, by making sure the baby has a smoke-free environment, and keeping the baby from being overheated.”

In his book, Sleeping With Your Baby, Dr. James J. McKenna examines some thought provoking statistics, “Japan, another industrialized nation, not only has one of the lowest infant mortality rates (less than 3 infants per 1000 live births compared with around 7 in the United States), but one of the lowest SIDS rates in the world Continued...

“The idea that a baby is an individual and that he or she must come to see ‘self’ as separate from ‘other’ is a cultural concept. Not all cultures hold this view of the baby.”

I can still remember the night I brought my eldest daughter into bed with me for the first time. I was utterly exhausted and to be completely honest, a bit nervous.

Despite the worries that swirled through my head, I slowly let myself drift off and slept peacefully for the first time in weeks. I nursed her a few times in the night, having just gotten used to side lying nursing days prior. I remember that warm feeling of being refreshed and at ease when I awoke to her sweet face beside me in the morning. At that moment, I knew that this was the right choice for me and my family.

During my first weeks of motherhood, I argued with myself over whether or not to co-sleep. I worried that I would suffocate my baby or that she would roll off the bed (as is a concern for many moms). She was so tiny and fragile that I shied away from her sleeping with me and tried, in vain, to use a crib or bassinet. Never being one to allow a little one to cry, I would find myself up, pacing the halls with her at every hour of the night. When a baby wakes up in a crib, she finds herself alone, startled, and afraid. This produces a rush of adrenaline, causing the child to fully awaken and become harder to calm and sooth back to sleep. Now consider how a child wakes up when she is in bed with her mother.

She has no need to fully awaken to nurse; the mother feels her move and is able to quickly satiate the hungry child. She has her need for nourishment and love being promptly met and drifts easily back to sleep. A belly full of breast milk can digest in just two hours, so this cycle can repeat itself many times each night.

When trying to make my decision whether or not to co-sleep, I did quite a bit of research. One study I came across, done by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, showed that there were 515 cases of infant suffocation in an 8 year period which is equivalent to 65 a year.

Now compare that with the number of infant deaths that were classified as SIDS at 85,000 over that same 8 year period.

The study unfortunately does not list whether or not any risk factors were involved or if the person next to each child was the mother or another family member.

Continued...

school and home www.growingupchico.com

THE CO-SLEEPING OPTION Continued... (between .2 and .3 babies per 1000 live births compared with around 7 for the United States).

In 1998, 60% of parents said they practiced bed sharing in Japan.” (P 34). These are interesting statistics and I cannot help but wonder, could co-sleeping help to prevent sudden infant death? While these are admittedly very complex issues with a number of factors at work, these are worthwhile statistics to be considered. If the child rearing experts of the United States were more receptive to exploring cosleeping, we as a country may be able to do more work to investigate SIDS and its prevention.

In closing I ask, is it possible to imagine a child would be most encouraged to develop independence by the firm external suggestions that they do like being required to sleep alone and feed themselves at an early age? Alternately, is it possible to imagine a child should have access to support and affection which co-sleeping can offer until they decide they are ready to become independent?

It is easy to make a case for both styles of parenting and that is the suggestion at work here: each parent should be able to make the choices that they feel suit their family’s needs best. In this ideal, I hold the sincere hope that families are able to find to physicians, psychologists, and child developmental experts who practice with compassion. A professional need not always agree with the choices of a parent, but to quickly condemn a practice that is not supported by science or research can undermine the work of the child experts. Again, I do not suggest that co-sleeping should be required, or that it will work for all families. Instead, I humbly ask the reader to consider the possible benefits of a family bed and to take a critical look at the professionals who are quick to condemn co-sleeping.

Works Cited

Chin, Heather. “Mom Mobile”. 10/25/2009 .

Cowles, Nancy. “KID - A Nonprofit “. Kids In Danger . 10/25/2009 .

Gonzalez-Mena, Janet. The Developing Child-Workbook. McLean, VA: Magna Systems, INC., 2001.

Keller, Meret A., and Wendy A. Goldberg. “Cosleeping and independence. (Bulletins: good news about pregnancy, birth, and parenting).” Mothering Jan.-Feb. 2003.

McKenna, James J. Ph.D., William Sears M.D., and Meredith Small Ph.D.. Sleeping With Your Baby. Washington, DC: Platypus Media, LLC, 2007.

Pantley, Elizabeth. “Mother and Child Health”. 10/25/2009 .

Sears M.D., William. Nighttime Parenting: How to Get Your Baby and Child to Sleep.

New York, NY: Plume Books, LLC, 1985.

Thevenin, Tine. The Family Bed . Wayne, NJ: Avery Publishing Group INC., 1987.

24

growing up chico magazine

Bibliography

Chin, Heather. “Hospitals Push Safe Sleep Practices for Infants.” Mommobile.org. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. .

Cosleeping.org - Information about co-sleeping - the family bed. Web. 03 Nov. 2009. .

Cowles, Nancy. “KID - Product Hazards - Dangerous Cribs Recalls.” KID - a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from dangerous children’s products. Web. 25 Oct. 2009. .

Gonzalez-Mena, Janet. The Developing Child-Workbook. McLean, VA: Magna Systems, INC., 2001.

Keller, Meret A., and Wendy A. Goldberg. “Cosleeping and independence. (Bulletins: good news about pregnancy, birth, and parenting).” Mothering Jan.-Feb. 2003. Print.

McKenna, James J. Ph.D., William Sears M.D., and Meredith Small Ph.D.. Sleeping With Your Baby. Washington, DC: Platypus Media, LLC, 2007. Print.

“Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory.” University of Notre Dame. Web. 03 Nov. 2009. .

Pantley, Elizabeth. “Checklist for Safe Co-Sleeping.” Herbs, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Children, Natural Pregnancy & Birth, Attachment Parenting, Birth Choices. Web. 25 Oct. 2009. .

Sears M.D., William. Nighttime Parenting: How to Get Your Baby and Child to Sleep.

New York, NY: Plume Books, LLC, 1985. Print.

Thevenin, Tine. The Family Bed . Wayne, NJ: Avery Publishing Group INC., 1987. Print.

Mother and child have a special bond and when you lie next to your child at night, it regulates his/her breathing, body temperature, and oxygenation.

It also makes it easier to breastfeed, which is why most moms enjoy cosleeping. Without having to rise from your bed, you can feed and sooth the baby back to sleep in just minutes. It makes breastfeeding easier and there are no temptations to have your partner give your baby a bottle. Breastfeeding exclusively can reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS by 73%, by improving their overall health and insuring them a healthy immune system.

While many infant safety issues are heavily broadcasted and widely addressed, what is scarcely talked about is co-sleeping safety. Just as we need to buckle our children into a car seat while driving, we need to ensure our children’s safety while they sleep in the family bed. There are ways to make sure that you and your baby can get a restful night’s sleep without much worry. You should never sleep with any heavy bedding or pillows near the baby.

Dress warmly, but not in anything fluffy or with dangling straps, such as a robe.

Make sure that there are no cracks between your mattress and the walls or other furniture that your baby could become wedged between. Never bring your baby to sleep with you on a soft surface, such as a couch or water bed.

Most importantly, you should never co-sleep while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, sleep aids or if you are a smoker, as these are known factors in over-lying and SIDS. As mothers, we have an innate ability to know where our babies are during the night and can be easily aroused if needed. Within a safe environment, we have a measured control over our sleeping bodies; after all, if we had no control, we would be rolling off the bed every night.

With my first child I was very nervous about welcoming her into my bed, but now with my third, it just seems like the natural thing to do.

Winter

Crafts

Grocery Bag Gingerbread People • • • • • • • •

Gobble Gobble Apple Turkey

You’ll need:

Used brown paper bags Scissors Gingerbread cookie-cutter Pencil Markers Googly eyes Buttons Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Cut a long strip from a used brown paper bag.

2. Using the cookie-cutter to measure the width, fold the strip accordion style.

3. Trace the gingerbread shape onto the bag using the cookie-cutter and making sure each of the hands is on the fold.

4. Secure the folded bag using paper clips and cut out the gingerbread shape, making sure NOT to cut through the folds on the hands.

5. Open up the gingerbread garland and decorate with recycled buttons, pieces of ribbon and other items.

• • • • • • •

You’ll need:

Apple Glue stick Popsicle stick Toothpicks Crayons or colored pencils Multi-colored gum drops Image of turkey head

Instructions:

1. Color both turkey heads 2. Cut out each head 3. Glue opposing heads together, AND leave space at the neck for popsicle stick (which will be inserted into apple) 4. Take turkey head and popsicle stick and insert into apple so it looks like a turkey body with a neck and head.

5. Use toothpicks and multi-colored gum drops and alternately insert toothpick into gumdrops to create “feathers.”

Borax Crystal Snowflakes •

Cinnamon Ornaments • • • • • • • •

You’ll need:

1 cup of cinnamon Scissors ¾ Cup of applesauce or water ¼ Cup of white glue Winter shaped cookie cutters Straw Acrylic paint or glitter paint Decorative string

Instructions:

1. Mix cinnamon, applesauce and glue until they form a dough.

2. Roll out dough until it is about ¼ inch thick. If dough becomes too thick add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.

3. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Using a straw cut out a hole in the ornament for hanging. Place on baking sheet and bake at 200 for about 3 hours turning occasionally or allow to air dry for 48 hrs.

4. Decorate with paint or glitter.

• • • • • •

You’ll need:

White pipe cleaners String Wide mouth jar Borax powder Pencil 4 cups of boiling water Scissors

Instructions:

1. Make a snowflake shape out of pipe cleaners. Make sure the sections are twisted together at the center and it is small enough to fit inside the wide mouth jar without touching any sides. We cut one pipe cleaner into 3 equal pieces making a star shape. Then we cut one pipe cleaner into 6 equal pieces and forming a V shape out of each piece.

Attach V shape to the end of each arm of the snowflake.

2. Tie a string around one arm of the snowflake. Attach the other end of the string to a pencil.

3. Mix boiling water and 12 tablespoons of borax. Pour mixture in the wide mouth jar.

4. Hang the snowflake in the jar so that the pencil sits on top of the jar making sure the snowflake is completely covered by the water solution and is not touching any sides of the jar.

5. Let rest for 10-12 hours. Remove from water and let dry. Hang in a window or use as an ornament.

6. Optional: to make colored snowflakes add 20 drops of food coloring to water mixture.

7. Water mixture can be reused, just reheat water to boiling and repeat steps.

2626 growing upup chico magazine growing chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

photo gallery

resource pages

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

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

Breast Friends Expectant & breastfeeding mothers come together for support, encouragement & friendship. Onsite breastfeeding assistance from a lactation consultant. Thursdays 10am.

WIC office. 891-2767 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.

28

growing up chico magazine

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! 8762518.

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

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.com/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.

For more information, call 571-4268 or at: www.chicomothersclub.org 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 InfantPediatric 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.

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.

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 StepsFirst 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.

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.

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

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. We share a deep commitment to normalizing the relationships, attitudes, goals and expectations among Parents, families, professionals and the very young child. 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 Beginings Offers childbirth preparation classes, pre & postnatal yoga, & yoga with toddlers & crawlers. www.sacredbeginnings.org 321-6477.

Sunny Garden Montessori Ongoing playgroups 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 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 Thermalito Family Involvement & Literacy Center (T.L.C.) Offers a Parent Resource Center to local families and much more. Call 538-2950 or stop by 2075 Poplar Avenue, Oroville 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.

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/

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 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. The Fall, 2012 exhibit, “ I Love Chico” opens September 8. This Community Creative Arts Show features expressions of love for Chico by artists of all ages, all talents and using all mediums. Come create your own piece of art with our interactive exhibit. Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4pm; Adults $3.00, Seniors/Students $2.00, under 14 free. Located at Second and Salem Streets, Downtown Chico.

Phone 891-4336, or visit www.chicomuseum.org.

Friendly Farm Alpacas The alpaca is a sweet fuzzy animal that likes children to visit them. Please call 342-4745 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 yrs. stories, songs & craft Tues-10am and 11am, Babies Love Books 0-18 mos. stories, songs & bounces Wed9:30am and 10:30am, Toddler Story time for 1-3 yrs 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

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 Team-Oriented, 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

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.handi-riders.org or call 5335333.

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 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 article calendar title

November • December • January Check out all the great things we have to look forward to this season!

Please note that dates and times are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm events.

Ongoing Events Gateway Science Museum:

Open through December 30th, Gateway’s hours are: Wed through Sun noon to 5pm, closed Mon/Tues. For more information call 898-4121 or visit www.csuchico.edu/ gateway

www.growingupchico.com

Chico Certified Farmers’ Market-Saturdays: Take advantage of all the wonderful produce grown locally at Chico’s year round Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine). Located at 2nd and Wall St parking lot.

Parent’s Night Out: Bring your kids to Parents Night Out and let them experience

the ultimate night of fun including games, snacks, crafts, friends & gymnastics! Athletic Horizons 415 Otterson Dr. Suite 70., 893-4967, 2nd Saturday of Every Month.

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.

Sliver Dollar BMX: First race is FREE for those looking to try something new here

Chico Oaks Youth Rugby:

MOPS Chico: MOPS

New rugby association for kids of all ages! Age groups are: 8 and under (non-contact), 10 and under, 12 and under, Middle School (13 to pre-high school), and High School. CHICORUGBY.ORG or call Coach Mitch Jagoe at 308-1092. Be sure to “LIKE” us on Facebook at Chico Rugby Foundation.

Fantastic Fridays: 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!

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.

Butte County Library: Preschool Storytime for 3-5 years, stories, songs & craft

growingup growin upchico chicomagazine magazine

An ongoing weekly PLAYGROUP for children age 0-6 months and their parents on Mondays, playgroup for babies and toddlers age 7 months to 14 months on Tuesdays, playgroup for toddlers age 15 months to 2 years old on Wednesdays, mommy and me prepreschool classes for 3-5 year olds. Children will be introduced to stimulating toys and activities; all guided by their parent! Please call 343-3101 for more information.

Chico Museum: Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4pm; Adults $3.00, Seniors/ Students $2.00, under 14 free. Located at Second and Salem Streets, Downtown Chico. Phone 891-4336, or visit www.chicomuseum.org.

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. WIC Farmers Market coupons and EBT are accepted. For more information call 624-8844 or visit www.cChaos.org.

38 30

Sunny Garden Montessori Mommy and Me Playgroups:

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. 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.

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 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. Fridays, 10:30am12pm. Free. Bidwell Presbyterian Church, 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.

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

Tues-10am and 11am, Babies Love Books 0-18 mos. stories, songs & bounces Wed9:30am 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

Pregnancy Education Series: Offered monthly on Tuesday or Thursdays. 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.

Chico Air Museum:

Enloe’s Mother and Baby Education Center: Offers ongoing before baby

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

Home Depot Kids Workshops:

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

Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops: Free kids clinic every Saturday at 10am.

Must pre register at, www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.

Roo’s Zoo Skate Session at Cal Skate:

Join Roller-Roo for this specially designed session for kids 10 & under–strollers welcome. 10am-12pm. $5.50/child, includes quad skate rental (parents skate for $2.75); or $25/6-weeks. Cal Skate, 3431601.

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.

Music Teachers’ Association of California Classes: Orchestra Prep Class, Tuesdays 4:15-5:00p, Rosedale Elementary School; Beginning Youth Orchestra, Tuesdays 3:30-4:15p; Rosedale Elementary School, Intermediate Youth Orchestra Thursdays 5:45-6:50pm Grace Bretheren Church; Advanced Youth Orchestra Thursdays 7:00-8:00p, Grace Bretheren Church; Prerequisite: Private Instruction, Ages: 7-18 years, Contact Graham Wickam with any questions 966-7516.

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

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. Meetings are held in the Evangelical Free Church of

Chico Fellowship Hall, 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 Kids Choir

Learn kid’s pop songs in a 3 month time period and perform them at various locations. Your child will learn to control their voice while singing in a team. The choir will continue through the year. Auditions run December 16th-January 8th. Practice begins Wednesday, January 9th, 3:45-5pm. For more information contact Chico Kids Choir at 521-3082 or www.chicokidschoir.com

November 2012 38th Annual Almond Bowl Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5K Sunday, November 4th

The Almond Bowl is Chico’s Hometown Footrace! 8:00 AM, One-Mile Recreation Area, Bidwell Park. chicorunningclub.org/almond-bowl.html.

The Multicultural Experience: Healthy Cooking with Fitness and Fun Monday, November 5th

Pick up your passport to fun and come learn healthy kid-friendly recipes from different lands as well as games played by children from all across the world. This fun workshop will focus on recipes that are healthy, simple and budget-friendly as well as games that require minimal equipment and lots of movement and that are fun and can be adapted to different or even mixed age levels. Free, open to the community and require pre-registration. Hosted

by Valley Oak Children’s Services, 6-8:30pm. For more info call 895-3572 or 1-800-3458627. 1290 Notre Dame Blvd

B.B, King Wednesday, November 7th

Winner of 15 Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Grammy Hall of Fame, B.B. is one of the most celebrated singers of our time. 898-6333, chicoperformances.com.

Infant Toddler Environments Thursday, November 8th

Come share ideas and learn ways to make your environment “kid friendly” and also easy for you to work in! 7-9pm, Free, open to the community and require pre-registration. Hosted

by Valley Oak Children’s Services. For more info call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627. 287 Rio Lindo Ave.

Girls on the Run Butte County 5K Fun RUN/Walk Saturday, November 10th

Save the Date and Get Your Running Shoes Ready! Fall 2012 GOTR 5K! 8:30AM-9:30AM. This event serves as the culmination of the fall Girls on the Run program and also as a wonderful fundraising event to support Girls On The Run. For many of our 8-12 year old participants this is their first 5K. We hope you and your family will join us! gotrbuttecounty.org

Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Tuesday, November 13th

Mexico’s finest dance ensemble takes to the stage with gorgeous costumes, exciting dance, and authentic live mariachi music. Entertaining for the whole family and filled with evocative folklore, their performances are a living history of Mexico. www.chicoperformances.com, 898-6333

Activity Resource Room Wednesday, November 14th

Open to all parents, grandparents and providers! Paint, glue and a variety of art supplies plus curriculum and activity ideas. Also, utilize office machines such as copier, laminator and computer and visit the Valley Oak Children’s Services lending library in Chico. No preregistration required: just show up! 6-7pm. For more info call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627.

287 Rio Lindo Ave.

Great Gobblers! Preschool Program at Chico Creek Nature Center Thursday, November 15th

It’s turkey time! Did you know we actually have wild turkeys right here in Bidwell Park? Join our naturalist to learn about the wild side of our feathered friends. We will get a close up look at a turkey specimen, go for a walk through some turkey habitat, do a turkey craft, and meet one of our animal friends. For ages 3-5, 10-11am, a parent or guardian must attend the workshops. Space is limited to 15 children per workshop. The fee is $12 per child.

Please go to bidwellpark.org or call 891-4671 for registration information.

Eat Right While Money’s Tight Thursday, November 17th

Learn how to stretch your dollar at the Eat Right When Money is Tight class at 6pm. This month’s recipe is “Amazing Apples”. Learn how to use apples in a variety of different ways!

All eligible families will receive a free food basket at the end of the class. Held at OPT for Healthy Living located at 1311 Mangrove Ave, Suite E. Nutrition Educators will provide tips

events calendar events article calendar title

on healthy eating and are available to answer questions. For more information call 345-0678. Children activities are available with reservations.

Infant/Pediatric CPR Saturday, November 17th

The number one cause of death for children under the age of 5 is preventable accidents. Learn how to make your child’s environment safe, how to prevent the most common childhood accidents, and infant/child CPR techniques. $35/person, preregistration required. Call 332-3970 for more information or to register.

Christmas Preview Sunday, November 18th

Downtown Chico officially kicks off the season in a tradition of holiday hospitality it’s the much-anticipated Christmas Preview! Held from 4-8pm. Merchants debut their holiday cheer by inviting the community to delight in an evening filled with the sights, sounds and anticipation of the holidays. Santa will arrive to his station on Third Street & Broadway - a perfect opportunity for a visit and a photo. Free!

7th Annual Run For Food Thursday, November 22nd

Please join us this year for the 7th Annual Run for Food! The 7th Annual Run for Food is a 5K run/walk that will begin and end at the One Mile Recreation Area of Bidwell Park at 9 a.m. www.runforfood.com.

Activity Resource Room & Provider Chat Tuesday, November 27th

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

Open to all parents, grandparents and providers! Paint, glue and a variety of art supplies plus curriculum and activity ideas. Also, utilize office machines such as copier, laminator and computer. No pre-registration required: just show up! Meet with others in the business and set the agenda for the evening. Share ideas: anything you want to ask or discuss can be part of the evening. 6:30-8pm, 1720 Daryl Porter Way, Oroville.

Call 895-3572.

37th Annual Christmas Faire Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 30th-December 2nd

Held at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. Many craft vendors to help get you into the holiday spirit!

December 2012 Christmas Tree Auction and Holiday Festival Saturday, December 1st

The Chico Community Shelter Partnership and the Torres Shelter invites you to our 10th annual Christmas Tree Auction & Holiday Festival at the Chico Masonic Family Center at 6:00pm. 891-9048

Make and Take Gift Ideas Tuesday, December 4th

Help children create holiday gifts that parents, grandparents, family and friends will treasure forever! Free, open to the community and require pre-registration. For more information or to pre-register, call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627. 7-9pm, 1290 Notre Dame Blvd.

Danu: Christmas in Ireland Tuesday, December 4th

32 38 32

growin up growing upchico chicomagazine magazine growing

A high-energy Celtic celebration from the Emerald Isle, the music of Danú offers an authentic Irish holiday experience. Danú creates an unforgettable performance filled with lively Christmas cheer. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333.

family! 894-3282, www.chicotheatercompany.com

Community Tree Lighting Friday, December 7th

Produced by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA) and funded in part by the City of Chico, the Tree Lighting is a gift to the community. Crowds will enjoy a musical program and participate in the countdown to light the tree. Standing at more than 55’ tall, the Blue Atlas Cedar is decorated by the City of Chico Tree Crew each year with more than 8,000 colorful LED lights. Downtown City Plaza, from 5:307:30pm

Glorious Sounds of the Season Friday, December 7th - Sunday, December 9th

This Festive concert, a Chico holiday tradition, features music for the season, www.schoolofthearts-csuchico.com.

Activity Resource Room Wednesday, December 12th

Open to all parents, grandparents and providers! Paint, glue and a variety of art supplies plus curriculum and activity ideas. Also, utilize office machines such as copier, laminator and computer and visit the Valley Oak Children’s Services lending library in Chico. No pre-registration required: just show up! 6-7pm. For more info call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627. 287 Rio Lindo Ave.

Wild for Winter! Preschool Program at Chico Creek Nature Center Thursday, December 13th

What do animals do to get ready for winter? Where do they go when it gets cold, and how do they keep warm? To answer these questions, we will go for a winter walk through Bidwell Park to search for our animal friends, create a craft, and meet one of our resident animals up close. For ages 3-5, from 10-11am. A parent or guardian must attend the workshops. Space is limited to 15 children per workshop. The fee is $12 per child, per workshop. Please go to bidwellpark.org or call 891-4671 for registration information.

The Nutcracker Thursday, December 13th - Sunday, December 16th

Celebrate Chico Community Ballet’s 33rd season with the timeless Christmas ballet classic, The Nutcracker! You will be transported to a magical place filled with Tchaikovsky’s magical score, a bigger than life Christmas tree, marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the land of Sweets, and some of the most glorious dancing on earth. Enchanting for the whole family. chicoperformances. com, 898-6333.

North State Symphony’s Christmas Concert Friday, December 14th

‘Tis the season for the North State Symphony’s traditional Christmas concert! For more information, please call the NSS Office, 898-5984.

Stress Free Holidays?

Monday, December 17th

As the holiday season winds down, find ways to relax and actually enjoy your days, free, open to the community and require pre-registration. For more information or to pre-register, call 895-3572, 7-9pm, 287 Rio Lindo Ave.

Activity Resource Room Tuesday, December 18th

Open to all parents, grandparents and providers! Paint, glue and a variety of art supplies plus curriculum and activity ideas. Also, utilize office machines such as copier, laminator and computer. No pre-registration required: just show up! 1720 Daryl Porter Way, Oroville. 6:30-7:30pm, visit www.valleyoakchildren.org for more info.

Comedy Pet Theatre Wednesday, December 5th

Eat Right While Money’s Tight Thursday, December 20th

Building Self-Worth in Thursday, December 6th

January 2013

As seen on The Tonight Show, Letterman, and America’s Got Talent, Comedy Pet Theater blends comedy, world-championship juggling, clowning, and the extraordinary talents of lots and lots of performing pets. Most of the dogs and cats were rescued from animal shelters and now thrill audiences worldwide. This show is guaranteed to surprise and delight all ages. chicoperformances.com, 898-6333.

The focus in this workshop is to increase parent’s understanding of the importance of a positive self-worth in themselves and their children. Additionally, parents will learn proven strategies to help build their child’s positive self-worth. Free, open to the community and require pre-registration. For more information call 895-3572, 6-8pm.

A Christmas Carol Thursday, December 6th

Set to traditional holiday music, this classical Dicken’s tale is perfect faire for the entire

Learn how to stretch your dollar at the Eat Right When Money is Tight class at 6pm.

This month’s recipe is “Hungry for Jicama”. Learn how to use jicama in a variety of different ways! All eligible families will receive a free food basket at the end of the class. Held at OPT for Healthy Living located at 1311 Mangrove Ave, Suite E. Call 3450678, children activities are available with reservations.

Winter Baseball Camp Tuesday, January 1st - Friday, January 4th

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. Pre-register, www.chicobullpenba.com, 230-2100.

Eat Right While Money’s Tight Thursday, January 17th

Learn how to stretch your dollar at the Eat Right When Money is Tight class at 6pm.

This month’s recipe is “Brilliant Beans”. Learn how to use beans in a variety of different ways! All eligible families will receive a free food basket at the end of the class. Held at OPT for Healthy Living located at 1311 Mangrove Ave, Suite E. For more information, call 345-0678. Children activities are available with reservations.

The Sound of Music Saturday, January 19th through February, 10th

One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music delights audiences with humor, love, and a score of hits such as; “Maria,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Go to www.chicotheatrecompany.com for ticket information or call 894-3282.

Golden Dragon Acrobats Wednesday, January 23rd

A thrill for the whole family, this 21-member company showcases incredible athletic feats, unbelievable gymnastics, and hilarious circus clowning. Prepare yourself for a truly suspenseful and entertaining performance. 898-6333, chicoperformances.com

Snow Goose Festival Thursday, January 24th - Sunday, January 27th

Registration begins in early December. Free family activities all day Saturday and Sunday at the Masonic Family Center. Some of the most popular programs are the free Junior Naturalist Activities on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 3pm at Masonic Family Center. The Owl Prowl, and the ever family friendly walks at Tiechert Pond and Upper Bidwell Park are just a few of the field trips that fill up quickly, so register early. www.snowgoosefestival.org or find us on facebook.

Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo Wednesday, January 30th

Erth’s amazing prehistoric creatures, from cute baby dinosaurs to teeth-gnashing giants, live in a petting zoo like no other! These ancient life-like dinosaurs come alive in this fun, educational, and imaginative performance that will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. Travel with Erth’s multi-faceted performers and life-like puppets on a journey through history where you too can roam with the dinosaurs! 898-6333, chicoperformances.com

directories

P r e s c ho o l & Ch ild c are Dire c to ry Center

Ages Hours

Curriculum

Contact

Discovery Place Preschool

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 child-initiated and teacher guided activities.

790 Filbert Ave. Chico, CA 95926 899-8168 DiscoveryPlacePreschool@gmail.com

T

Feather River Recreation & Park District-Child Development Center

18 mos.-5 years

6:30am-6pm Monday-Friday

We nurture the whole child and provide a comprehensive early childhood education program which incorporates the Zoo Phonics curriculum.

1875 Feather River Blvd., Oroville, CA 95965 354-4012 www.frrpd.com

D L S

Kidspark

2-12 years

M-Th: 8am10pm, Fri: 8am-12midnight, Sat: 10am-mid, Sun:1pm-6pm

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

D L A S Y

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

7am-6pm Monday-Friday

ECO Green, organic gardening, recycling Kindergarten readiness program, Zoo Phonics. Intro. 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 Y S

Paradise Pre-School, Inc. Parent Co-Op

3-5 years

9am-11:30am Monday-Friday

Our program’s objective is to help develop a well balanced child through enriching play based activities, including art, science, math, music, oral language experience and physical education. All of these activities are aimed at promoting a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

6722 Clark Road Paradise Paradise, CA 95969 877-8155 www.paradisepreschool.com

P T N

Wood Family Farm

2 yrs 9mos12 yrs

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

We believe that play is the work of a young child and we are passionate about providing a place where children can thrive. Our classroom and outdoor space includes a large garden area, barn with animals, and is full of open ended play potential. We bring nature and the changing seasons alive through circle songs, music, dance, games, finger-plays, baking, cooking what we’ve grown, drawing, painting, modeling, crafts, sewing, puppets and storytelling.

343-7120 www.WoodFamilyFarm.net missjessi@WoodFamilyFarm.net

D L T A S N

License # 045046170

License # 045405901

License # 045404701, 045404702

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

License # 045405784

License # 041309492

License# 045406227

D-Diapers L-Lunch P-Parent participation T-Traditional school year

A-After-school program S-Summer program Y-Year round program N-Snack

34 38 chico magazine 34 growing growinupup growing up chico chico magazine magazine

Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory All Fired Up: Apple Blossom Baby: Blue Oak School: Chico Bullpen Baseball: Chico Creek Dance Centre: Chico Kids Choir:

Chico Pediatric Dentistry: Chico Pediatric Medical Group: Chico Performances: Chico School of Rock Cozy Diner: Discovery Place Preschool: Downtown Chico Business Association: Eco Community Seeds Magazine: Enloe Medical Center: Feather River Hospital: Feather River Recreation District: Fletcher’s Plumbing: Forest Ranch Charter School: Hooker Oak School: In Motion Fitness: Innovative Preschool Inc.:

pg 9, 16 pg 16, 34 pg 19 pg 21 pg 15 pg 15 pg 13 pg 5 pg 31, 35 pg 17 pg 9 pg 13 pg 11 pg 33 pg 3 pg 7 pg 34 pg 12 pg 35 pg 33 pg 36 pg 15

Joy Lyn’s Candies: Kids In Motion (In Motion Fitness): Kids Park:

Kinetics Academy of Dance: Kristen Privett Photography: Little Sprouts Preschool: Matthew Clough: Paradise Preschool and Parent Co-Op: Powell’s Sweet Shoppe: Rejuvene: Snow Goose Festival: Sunny Garden and Music Together: Sweet Repeats Chico: Snapshots Photobooth: The Durham Connection: THRIVE Learning Center: Valley Oak Children’s Services: Watersprites Swim School: Wood Family Farm Preschool: Youth and Family Programs: Youthful Smiles Dentistry:

pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg pg

9, 17 36 5 3 16 12 16 38 11, 16 7 21 15 19 21 33 19 21 2 15 19 15