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Keeping Busy
17 Parenting During SIP
MAY 2020 | VOL. 25 NO. 5
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20 Mother's Day Letters
Local News: Mother’s on the Front Line..................................5 Parenting: Mother’s Milk........................................................6 Parenting: Activites................................................................7 Parenting: Adoption Series.....................................................8 Parenting: Homeschooling.....................................................9 Get Organized........................................................................10 Teacher’s Desk........................................................................11 Birth Matters..........................................................................12 Healthy Eating........................................................................13 Always Amused......................................................................14 Career Pathway......................................................................15 Local News: Adapting Businesses...........................................16 Ask Nicole..............................................................................17 County Scoop.........................................................................18 Time Capsule.........................................................................19 Mother’s Day Letters...............................................................20 Good Stuff Spread..................................................................22 Summer Camp Guide............................................................24
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MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
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Tom Petty sang that “the waiting is the hardest part” and it was never more true than right now. All we’ve got is the waiting. Waiting to see if schools will reopen, waiting for a vaccine or safe treatments, waiting to see if we’ll have jobs, if there will be enough food, rent money and an economy that will keep us going when and if the virus passes. Other generations have faced worse challenges and made tougher sacrifices than staying home together, cut off from friends and activities. But we’re waiting to see just how big a toll all of this will take on us. Right now, we figure if we have a roof over our heads and enough food, we have plenty to be thankful for. We’re thankful for the Internet, which we worried was distracting our kids from more important things and now has become the main path to more important things, like hanging with friends, studying in school, playing games and doing projects. We’re thankful for the farmworkers we see out laboring daily, that they are risking their lives to bring us fresh food at poverty wages, after some in this country labeled them as the enemy and spent too much time and money trying to wall them off. We’re thankful for the supermarket clerks and cashiers, the gas station attendants, the police and firefighters, and the janitors and maintenance workers keeping us safe. And yes, of course, we are hugely grateful to the doctors and nurses who have the most dangerous jobs of all in facing off this highly contagious and scarily evolved killer virus. We’re thankful to get all that family time we’ve been lacking in our 9 to 5 or 9 to 9 crush of working to earn the huge amounts we need to take care of families in one of the most expensive places on Earth.
And we are thankful for our readers for picking up the magazine and reading online and buying advertising, even when you are also waiting to see if you can stay in business. Our goal is to give you information you need to get through this challenging time. In this issue we have articles about how to home school, how to get exercise indoors, how to donate breast milk for needy mothers, how to navigate the perils of foster parenting, how to build a classroom at home, how to find cool educational and fun websites, how to get jobs and build your immune system---to name a few. We have a truly moving story about local moms who are sacrificing their safety to help the rest of us and an important one about how local people who have been laid off are coming up with new entrepreneurial businesses. We’ve been doing community features like those for 22 years and hope to make it at least another 22. The virus is throwing a monkey wrench into our ability to publish when so few businesses can afford ads or even have services they can advertise during lockdown. We’re asking for help from our readers to keep us printing. Some have already donated, including one family that will match readers' donations up to $5,000. We have 10 staff people and our basic printing expense is $15,000 a month. You can donate at our GoFundMe account here: bit.ly/3bILy9d or directly to our PayPal account at the Buy Now button here growingupsc.com/contact Thanks in advance for anything you can do and thanks for reading and supporting the magazine! Stay Safe Brad Kava, Jennifer Ford, and Steve Dinnen
About the Cover Thank you to all of the women essential workers on the front line during these trying times. Captured are some of these faces on the cover. From left to right, top to bottom: Watsonville agriculture worker, US Army Nation Guard soldier Wheeler, Dignity and Sutter nurse Deanna Sanders, Wild Roots clerk Cheryl Gott, Fire Captain Dara Herrick, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christine Swannack, Foods Not Bombs volunteer Jill Kunishige, and homeschool teacher Lindsay Roberts.
About the Designer
Christy Shults, owner of Zelzi Belle, is a local graphic designer. She is a mother, playing the double duty of working while her kids participate in school from home during the Shelter in Place order. For more information about her design company, Zelzi Belle, please visit ZelziBelle.com or following her on Instagram and Facebook @zelzibelle. Photos by Kevin Painchaud, Christy Shults and Salvador Lua
LOCAL NEWS Mothers of the Farms BY IVAN ROCHA The essential farmworkers are still clocking minimum wage in the produce fields of California while the schools that kept their children have closed down amid the corona chaos. “I wish I could stay home with my son,” said 31-year-old Camerina of Watsonville, “but we need the money.” Camerina asked to remain partly anonymous but said, “Now I have to pay $12 a day for my son’s kid sitting. It adds up. He’s 9 years old but if he was younger it would cost more.” Camerina makes $13 an hour. This is the minimum wage for the size of the company she works for. The city of Santa Cruz’s website, Cityofsantacruz.com, says a living wage for this county is $17.38 with benefits. Produce pickers are highered mostly through private contractors and do not get benefits. Araceli, who also asked to remain partly anonymous, runs an off-the-grid daycare. She is Camerina’s kid sitter. “I only charge $12 daily, or $15 if they use diapers because I know how hard it can be to make ends meet.” Araceli’s unofficial daycare is a blessing for the farmworkers. The average daycare in Santa Cruz charges much higher daily rates. Veronica Diaz, 52, of Diaz daycare in Watsonville explains why, “I charge $50 daily for any child under 2 years old, $40 if they are older. It’s because I have my credentials and help prepare the children to enter public schools.” She added, “Santa Cruz’ county’s Department of Education monitors us. They
have a set of rules and standards we follow.” Diaz’ rates are the standard rates for daycares in Santa Cruz County. A single farmworker averages between $520 to $620 weekly depending on whether they work Saturdays. If they have young children, they will pay an average daycare rate between $200 and $240 per week, for children over 2. The COVID closedown has actually been a financial relief for many farmworkers. “I usually have more kids but right now I’m only watching Caremina’s son,” said Araceli. Diaz has also seen less business, “We haven’t had clients. The farm laborers that are working are leaving their children with family members who have been ordered to stay home so a lot of daycares have closed down.” Maria Guadalupe Rocha, 37, has been a farm laborer for 16 years and has delegated the task of kid-sitting to her older son. “I have 9 and 15-year-old boys. The 15-year-old is capable of watching the younger one so I just leave them at home while I work.” Lucia Tapiz, 42, has also felt the benefits of the closedowns, “My son is not in public school yet so I would have to pay for his daycare. Now my older daughter watches him. That’s an extra $200 we can keep. I know the virus is scary but it feels good to have a little more money.” She added jokingly, “Maybe we can use it for a good Mother’s Day gift.”
Our farmworkers—who are heroes in bringing us fresh food through this crisis—only earn $520$610 a week. Photo by Kevin Painchaud: Olga Perez, lettuce farmworker
Brave Moms on the Front Line BY JEANETTE PRATHER It is no doubt that moms are busy. They juggle schedules, work, families, commutes, bills… the list goes on and on. Now, during a COVID-19 outbreak and global pandemic, moms are called upon to wear more hats than ever before, especially those moms who are currently serving our communities out there on the front lines. “I feel anxious leaving for work in the morning,” said Jillian Castro, a single mother and a local grocery store clerk, who asked not to name her store because management handles interviews. “[My son’s] dad refuses to see his son due to me being exposed. We have split custody, so with him not seeing his dad at all it is a strain for childcare. I feel I have a duty to keep showing up for my team at work.” Grocery stores and pharmacies have risen to the demands of essential services during these times, joining the ranks of first responders, healthcare workers and law enforcement. “This is what I signed up for,” said Misty Navarro, an emergency physician at Salinas Valley Healthcare System in Salinas, the Vice Director of Emergency Medicine Group, as well as the mother of two school-aged boys who live in Santa Cruz. “It would be painful for me to be on the sidelines while something like this is going on.”
By mid-April, Salinas Valley Healthcare System had tested between 600 – 700 people with an outcome of 50 – 60 positive cases and four admitted to the hospital, according to Navarro. “We have the most cases,” she said, “which I actually think is a function of testing.” Despite this and believing the rise in cases being a considerable possibility, Navarro’s anxiety levels are low. “There’s a little bit of anxiety but for the most part I need to disassociate from that otherwise it prevents me from doing what I need to do,” she said. “I’m taking the necessary protocols before coming home and upon entry into my house. I’m doing what I can to keep the anxiety at bay and in perspective.” Navarro and her husband both work at the same hospital and as a result, are exposed to the same things, she said. They maintain their protocols for remaining safe and healthy, because she says that if she didn’t get “all of those hugs and kisses from my kids once I’ve decontaminated, I definitely wouldn’t be holding it all together as well as I have.” Carol Mikols, a local security guard and grandmother to twin toddlers, attributes remaining calm and sitting in gratitude as her remedy to combat anxiety. “I feel really good leaving to work. I work 7 pm
until 3 am,” said Mikols. “My attitude in life has always been to practice gratitude. My kids are more worried about me, but they’re grown.” Mikols, whose decontamination practices resemble Navarro’s, admits that there is definitely a risk to COVID-19 exposure, but she chooses to remain positive. “To be practical, yes, there is a risk of exposure. We’ve had people test positive where I am working and one fatality due to COVID,” said Mikols. “There is a risk of exposure, but I don’t look at it in that way. Some people I work with are very freaked out about it, but I’m choosing not to approach it in that way. I try to have a positive outlook.” Regardless of perspective, all these mothers are rallying and continuing their service for their families. “My kids are proud of me and they now know a lot about the coronavirus,” said Navarro. “I don’t think they have concerns because they mirror us and we’re calm about it, so they’re remaining calm.” “My kids are very supportive,” said Mikols. “They are constantly wanting me to be cautious, of course.” Mikols’ sonin-law manages a large chain of popular grocery stores, which she believes helps shed light on her own continuation to work. “He has a place in the garage where
he disrobes, decontaminates, and really takes precaution before entering the house,” said Mikols. “My son doesn’t want me to leave for work in the morning,” said Castro, “but overall, my family is reacting okay.” Castro, like Navarro and Mikols, remains concerned about infection to her family. “My fears concerning my family are that I will expose them, and they will either get sick or have to be on strict lockdown,” said Castro. “My specific concerns regarding my family really aren’t to do with their physical health, it’s more about their mental health,” said Navarro. “From about March 15 they really haven’t left the house unless we’re walking the dog.” “My first concern would be to pass on the virus to my family, but also I don’t want them to be worried about me,” said Mikols. “I just don’t want to be a cause of concern for my family.” Whether a grocery store clerk, a nurse or a security guard, these brave women continue to show up for duty day in and day out. To all you mothers and grandmothers out there still on the front line during this crisis, thank you tremendously for your service and please remain safe. GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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PARENTING Donated Mother’s Milk in the Era of Coronavirus BY LINDA KAY There has been a call for increased blood donations during this pandemic season but there is always a constant need for human milk donations. Blood donors can give multiple times a year and give for many years. The time a woman can donate milk is limited but the need is always present. The greatest need for donor human milk is for premature babies. Often when a baby is born premature the mother’s milk has not come in, yet the baby needs the nutrition and protection that mother’s milk provides. Premature or low birth weight babies are susceptible to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease that attacks the infant’s intestines. Donor human milk provides antibodies that fight off this kind of infection. But premature babies are not the only ones in need of donor human milk. Some mothers can’t produce enough milk to sustain their infant. Some mothers have had mastectomies. There are newborns that have an intolerance for formula. Goat milk is an alternative, but it lacks the inherent bioactive elements that are found in human milk. The San Jose Mothers’ Milk Bank (SJMMB) was established in 1974. It was
one of only a handful in North America at the time. In 1980 the World Health Organization and UNICEF jointly supported donated milk as an alternative to mother’s own milk. Thirty new milk banks opened across the United States. However, it was also in the 1980’s that the world was introduced to HIV. As quickly as milk banks opened, they closed due to fears of a contaminated milk supply and the unknown factor of how HIV was transmitted. The SJMMB was one of the eight that survived. In 1985 as a response for the need for milk safety, Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) was established to create guidelines for all non-profit milk banks to follow to maintain safe and certified donated milk. The SJMMB is the only milk bank in California. It supplies donor human milk to 80 percent of the NICU’s in California and serves 11 hospitals in other states. Seventy percent of the donated human milk goes to hospitals, 30 percent goes to outpatients who have a doctor’s prescription. The need for donor human milk is growing. In 2019 HMBANA affiliated milk banks dispensed over seven million ounces of milk, a million more than the
The San Jose Mothers’ Milk Bank is the only milk bank in California and it needs your help.
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previous year. SJMMB delivered just over 700,000 ounces of that milk. Nursing mothers who want to donate breast milk can contact the SJMMB. They first go through a screening by phone. If they are deemed good candidates, they are then sent a whole health questionnaire. They are asked to take a blood test at the SJMMB’s expense to screen for harmful pathogens. Potential donors must also have their doctor’s approval who takes into consideration not only the health of the mother but of her baby as well. Once approved, the SJMMB sends the mother bags in which she can collect her milk. She dates and freezes the milk. When she has a good supply, the SJMMB sends her a cooler and it is shipped back overnight via FedEx. Once SJMMB receives the milk donation, they carefully thaw the milk and put it into a pool of up to five other donors’ milk. The pool is homogenized and tested for any harmful bacteria. If the bacteria level is too high the pool is discarded. It is then pasteurized, tested again for bacteria, then bottled, sealed, frozen and sent out to hospitals and needy individuals.
There has been no evidence that the corona virus can be passed through donor human milk but to be safe the SJMMB established additional screening measures as of March 6:
A temporary 28-day deferral is place on the donor if:
Donor has cared for, lived with, or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 • Donor has had direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 • Donor has been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19 themselves • Donors who have had a diagnosis of COVID-19 but for whom symptoms have resolved Donors are asked to report a subsequent diagnosis of COVID-19 as soon as possible. SJMMB is always in need of new donors. If you are interested in donating milk contact them via their website: MothersMilk.org, or phone: 877-375-6645. •
PARENTING Skin Color BY AMANDA FIRTH This is part of a short series on foster parenting and adoption in Santa Cruz County. Proper names in the stories have been changed for the protection of the children and families involved. An old and dear friend was over at our apartment to meet “our babies.” One baby was really about to become our baby forever. We were about to adopt a beautiful Latino baby. He was in the midst of a playdate with one of our former foster babies, who was white. The two of them were crawling around the living room together. “It’s a shame you’re not adopting that one. That one looks more like you.” I shuddered inside at my friend’s words. I wish I’d said something very evolved such as, “There’s a lot to unpack about what you just said. How about a cup of tea and an honest conversation?” I hate to admit that instead, a part of me just gave up on her, then and there. We are a “mixed race” family. I wish people would never look at our family and wonder what the problem is. Assuming something is wrong comes from a deep place inside people. It doesn’t not come from us. It doesn’t come from my baby’s skin color that is different from mine. That place inside people is not their invention. It carries so many years of embedded misinformation, it’s thoughtless, like breathing. No one welcomes that control center inside their psyche that sends those thoughts. No one tries to look at my family and wonder what the story could be. But no one would wonder about anything if we were the same color. No one welcomes that part of themself. No one invites it in. But it is there. And it is each person’s problem, and theirs alone to overcome. It’s not my baby’s problem. The decision to keep my baby in our care was an arduous one on the part of CPS; he had distant older relatives who came out of hiding when he was ten months old. Handling orphans with “different ethnicity” goes through trends and waves, and sometimes the trend is to ensure children are with a family of their own color. These trends are usually backed by research, but the arc of the story of a child and a family is individual. Research on something that is never the same twice can’t be applied to every situation. My baby knows me, he knows my voice, sound, smell, breath, feel, arms. I am his mama and I have been for all his time that he remembers. The pain of moving a child away from his loving parents is pain that can only be told by one who has experienced it. This is a wound that shapes a life, a life that will be spent at least in part overcoming, rather than striding forward. I am a scientist, and I know that race and ethnicity, like gender, are social constructs. There is no genetic basis
Shuddering statement from a friend: “It’s a shame you aren’t adopting that one. That one looks more like you.” to separate us. Our country and its many complex financial systems were supported by social systems, and those relied upon creating the belief that skin color made humans fundamentally different in their abilities, desires, and dreams. Our country’s foundation depended upon the false story of white supremacy. That pestilent story is hidden deep within the statement below. “It’s a shame you’re not adopting that one. That one looks more like you.” OK, friend, but THIS one is my baby. This one loves art and music, and playing with a ball, and sings to my favorite songs, and is comforted by the sound of the waves and the wind blowing through the trees. This one loves the mountains and loves to travel, and loves to be out of the house. This one loves our cats, our walks, our friends, and our family dinners. This one’s spirit knew we were waiting when he set foot on his journey to touch the earth. He knows our voices, our smells, our touch, and has built his understanding of human interaction around how we react. How you react, friend, matters to him, and matters to us. No matter what you may be holding on to in your invisible bag full of misconceptions, you’ll have to react with nothing but love and acceptance if you want to visit my babies.
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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PARENTING Reluctant Homeschooler? Join the Club! BY SUKI WESSLING It’s an odd time to be a homeschooler. You finally got used to being the weirdest family on the block, and then suddenly everyone is doing it. I’ve been writing about homeschooling and teaching homeschooled children for years, operating in an almost invisible subculture that mainstream parents and teachers only found out of desperation. As recently as January, a public school official expressed surprise to me that my job—online teacher of homeschooled students—even existed. Most of the teachers I met thought that homeschooling was perilously close to child abuse. So I and other veteran homeschoolers have been watching with a mixture of concern, elation, amusement, and consternation as the public school system has creaked and lurched into the 21st century, knocking on the door of the “weird kid” club. This treehouse is getting crowded! But seriously, as a homeschooler I welcome this chance to introduce the larger public to some of the wisdom we have gleaned over the years. As we watch families trying to shift to home learning, we homeschoolers see a lot that is familiar, even though homeschooling
families are also homeschooling through quarantine for the first time. Following are a few pieces of wisdom that homeschoolers have always been willing to share with our schooling brethren.
Teachers benefit more than they know from herd behavior
During my first pregnancy, my doctor said to me, “If you’re going to have one, I figure you should just keep going till you have 6. That’s a lot easier!” I laughed, but she wasn’t completely joking. It really is harder to wrangle two or three kids than it is a larger group. You might find it takes an hour to get one child’s shoes on, yet your teacher accomplishes that task with 20 students in five minutes. Give yourself—and your child—a break that they seem less willing and slower moving than they were at school.
Time needed to focus on actual school work is lower than you might expect
Pretty much every homeschooling parent went to school. So overdoing it is one of the most common newbie mistakes. We think, “Students are at school for 6 or 7 hours a day. That means we have to ‘do school’ for that long.” Homeschoolers find that we get done
with seatwork much more quickly and efficiently. If your teacher is asking for more focused time than your child needs, ask if there are other activities you can do. You don’t have to be sitting still to learn any of the academic subjects in school. And plenty of time spent in school is spent on socializing, creativity, and exercise, too.
Busywork makes no sense at home
It’s not uncommon for classroom teachers to have a stockpile of “busywork” for every unit they teach. In a classroom, it can be very handy to have tasks you can give to the students who finish first. It can also be helpful to stretch out the learning time so teachers can give individual attention. But at home, work that makes no sense to a child simply makes no sense. If your child could go play with a pet, do a baking project, or talk to friends online, why force them to do work that doesn’t promote further learning? If your student gets frustrated at their workload, consider which of the work promotes learning, and which just takes up more time. Ask your child’s teacher if you can prioritize the learning-heavy work.
Your job as a parent takes precedence over your job as a teacher
“How can I be both Mom and teacher?” is one of the standard questions that new homeschoolers ask. And the answer is: you can’t. No matter what, you were a parent first and you’ll be a parent last. When the roles conflict, the choice is clear. If your child is upset about schoolwork, you are presented with a conflict. Do you try to resolve the emotional issue, or do you try to push past it to get the work done? Homeschoolers will tell you that very little homeschooling tends to get done during times of great stress. If being stuck at home doesn’t qualify as great stress for a child, I don’t know what does. Think about what you want your child to look back on when they think of this time, and prioritize that.
Family meetings are a must
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MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
Families can get by without a lot of communication, especially if they don’t spend a lot of time together. Homeschooling families? Let’s talk. You’re stuck at home together. You are all filling multiple roles in one environment. You don’t have friends to decompress with. If you aren’t doing family meetings yet, now is the time to start. There are some great family meeting guides out there. Find one that suits your style and call your meeting to order!
Parents need their “me time” more than ever Homeschooling is the ultramarathon of parenting. You’re always on, right? Nope: successful homeschoolers get time off. If you have been “on” since the schools were closed, it’s time to set some
“How can I be both Mom and teacher?” is a standard homeschooling question. boundaries. Call a family meeting and explain that you need some space. If you are a single parent in a small apartment with a child or children, that space may end up being metaphorical. But you do need it. If you have a room to go to, make some rules. Make a sign! Get everyone to sign onto the plan. Your me-time might be doing work. It might be talking to a friend or relative on the phone. It might just be taking an afternoon nap. But you need it. Find a way to get it.
Live a learning lifestyle!
I hope that when your students return to the classroom, your family benefits from this experience. My children attended both school and homeschool, and there were benefits to both. When homeschoolers return to school, they can take a lot of new tools with them. They will have a new, hopefully more intimate, relationship with their families. They will have learned new technology. They will hopefully have learned what it is that they love most about the world outside their home. Living a learning lifestyle means that even when you’re not “doing school,” you’re looking at the world around you, wondering, coming up with questions, and trying to find answers. Homeschooling is a great way to introduce that spirit into your family, now and for the long term. Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher, and the mother of two mostly grown homeschoolers. She teaches online courses for homeschoolers at Athena’s Advanced Academy, and keeps an active blog. Find more writing at SukiWessling.com or visit Suki’s Parenting and Education Facebook page.
PARENTING How to Get Them Up From the Screens BY SUKI WESSLING • • •
Hand-eye coordination
Though it may not seem so sometimes, but there are plenty of activities to take kids away from their screens during quarantine. Below are some great tips. In normal times, our kids are using screens way too much. These aren’t normal times. I love the Internet and all it has given us, but as a parent, one of the things I am concerned about is when activities on screens replace healthy, real-world activities. These activities are the antidote to screen use, and involve moving the body, changing eye focus between long and short distance, developing complex fine motor skills, and social interaction. In other words, all the things our kids do when they are in classes, playing with friends, being creative, and just out in the world. Maybe we can take some hints from OT. Occupational therapists treat children with deficits that result in learning or behavioral challenges. “We look at developmental areas that support higher learning and higher skill levels,” explains Keri Allen of the Pediatric Therapy Center. “If we see a child with delays in an occupation like writing or ball-playing, we might break that down and look at developmentally where they are struggling.” OTs come up with fun and stimulating “exercises” for kids with deficits, but those activities can easily be translated for kids who need a screen antidote. “These are areas that typically are developing as we learn through play and exploring the world,” Keri explains. She also points out that this isn’t just for younger kids. “I’m seeing it even more
so with the teenagers—they're having to be online for more time. Also, a lot of their movement comes from organized sports, where younger kids might be more used to having movement opportunities in education.”
Gross motor movement
Kids need to move! OTs break this down into a number of areas, including bilateral coordination, crossing the midline, and upper body strength, but what parents need to know is that kids should be doing big, varied movements. Look for activities that feature varied movements, such as: • Climbing • Lifting • Using hands and feet at the same time • Cross-body movements • Keri recommends car-washing, fort-building, and obstacle courses.
Fine motor control
Your kids do get some fine motor control experience on computers. Typing and gaming both develop the brain for certain fine motor activities. But there are plenty of other fine motor skills that lie dormant as kids gaze at screens. Look for fun activities that your child enjoys that require small hand movements, such as: • Using scissors • Origami • Coloring pages • Separating and sorting small objects
At a time when our students are spending hours without shifting their focus, it’s especially important to move in intentional ways. Keri particularly recommends balloon play because it slows down the process and forces kids to move in an organized way. Get your kids involved in silly activities that require them to watch and move, such as: • Balloon games • Pool noodle games • Throwing and catching
Sensory processing
Working on a computer is a uniquely sensory depriving activity. When our students attend online classes, they pause their interaction with the sensory world. OTs split sensory activities into a large number of subgroups, such as vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, and auditory. Without being too worried about which category any particular activity falls into, consider offering up strong sensory activities such as: • Clay, slime, sand, and other mushy, gritty, pliable substances • Smelling and tasting • Making music
Self-help skills
More than any generation of parents, we love to try to keep our kids from hardship. But the human organism thrives on being useful and productive. If you are all stuck at home together, take this time to ask your children to learn new skills—and improve their physical and mental health at the same time. Think of important life skills such as: • Doing laundry • Taking out the garbage • Cooking
Integrated activities
The best activities are fun and integrative: your kids won’t even know that they’re learning. More complex activities integrate planning, movement, and sensation, but looks like simple family fun to the kids who are benefitting from it. Consider putting together integrated activities such as:
Meal planning and cooking (let your kids run a restaurant!) Scavenger hunts complete with map-making and running around Making forts and battling it out with foam swords
Remember that everything you do with your children affects them in a variety of ways, from their intellectual development to their mental health. “There’s so many components that support our learning, whether it's keeping your arousal level up or activating your muscles or getting the fresh you need or keeping circulation going,” Keri points out. “Also, for your overall emotional health as well, if you’re sitting for long periods of time you don’t feel that great about yourself. I hear about my kids getting depression and feeling really down. You generally feel better after some movement or tactile experience to keep you more alert.” Teleschooling may currently be a necessity, but we can do a lot to create balance in our kids’ lives, one batch of slime at a time.
Resources: • •
• • •
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The Pediatric Therapy Center offers activity ideas on their blog at ptc-sc.com/blog Youth Programs @ Home from Cabrillo College Extension offers culinary, creative arts, science & engineering, computers and technology, leadership & academic enrichment: cabrillo.edu/services/ extension/youthreg.html The Santa Cruz Public Library is features storytime events online: santacruzpl.org/ County of Santa Cruz Parks & Rec offers Craft of the Week: scparks.com/ City of Santa Cruz Parks & Rec offers Virtual Recreation: cityofsantacruz.com/government/ city-departments/parks-recreation Santa Cruz Arts Council Arts Learning at Home: artscouncilsantacruzcounty artsathome.weebly.com/ Online volunteer opportunities from the Volunteer Center: scvolunteernow.org/ athomevolunteer Yvette of the Art Factory puts out videos on her Facebook page, telling stories and guiding kids in art projects: facebook.com/TheArt-Factory-112370182141009/ West Performing Arts and All About Theatre have moved their classes online: westperformingarts.com/ and allabouttheatre.org/
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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GET ORGANIZED Build Your Home Classroom BY JHONEÉ FILLMORE
Designate a Teacher Hub
Try meditation while soaking up vitamin D, it can be a family activiy. We are all carrying out the remainder of the school year in our homes. Do you need some ideas on how to physically set up your “home classroom” in order to make it a feel-good and efficient learning environment, even if this is a temporary setup? You know your child and home best so mix and match ideas that will best suit you and don’t forget that if something isn’t working… mix it up again.
Mix Up Your Location How to keep your kids focused on school when they are used to other things at home? How about a classroom space?
Don’t get stuck in the same spot everyday. Try to rotate spaces in which your kids are working to keep the ENERGY FRESH! Even if you are space limited, you likely have access to a few spots you may not have considered. You don’t always need a table either as clipboards are awesome portable surfaces. Luckily, my house has enough space for my two boys to travel around in. Some of our favorite spots: dining room table, front porch steps, backyard table, garage, train/LEGO table, individual small desks in playroom, reading on the couch, finding a tree to lean against or any soothing nook. You may also have various spots being utilized at once by different children. After working together in a group space for some time, I am able to let my kids have this freedom for parts of their schooling. If I plan to give one child a project that he can complete with little or no help, I can join my other child in a different space whereas I am very active in his learning. Visa Versa. Separate spaces also work well when one child needs silence while the other is working out loud.
Tidy & Visually Pleasing
Keep your whole family motivated by two factors: One, aim to create a space that is tidy for your students to work in regardless of the size or location. A tidy space reduces frustration and anxiousness and promotes creativity and clear thinking. Two, get creative in your space and have it feel fun and/or educational. You could create a circle time wall, hang some art, letters of the alphabet, chalkboard, dry erase board, etc. Have your kids help make the space feel invited and inspirational.
10 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
Most families need an adult to administer the learning game plan. I mentioned that the learning area itself be mixed up to keep us all refreshed, but what about the place we pull from and store our items? Designate one spot that is accessible and efficient. Create a space within this space that is child specific. Give each child a binder, separate folders or separated bins that contain a spot for: academic calendar, class expectations, assignments, workbooks, book, logins/passwords, completed work, reference materials (site words, multiplication table, tracing sheets), flash cards, scratch paper and their necessary electronics. Within this space, hang a calendar for you (or older children) to reference weekly or monthly agendas including online engagements, deadlines, and planned activities for each child.
Portable Supplies
I quickly discovered that though our home already had a system for supplies, it wasn’t cutting it for our classroom needs. Gathering and returning these supplies daily from their usual areas wasn’t an effective way to spend my time as a teacher. I decided to create a classroom tote that is easily taken to a new space. Example items: pens, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, dry erase markers, rulers, tape, glue, scissors, etc.
Reuse & Waste Less
Any opportunity I get I will insert paperwork into a plastic sleeve and use a dry erase marker so that we get multiple uses from a worksheet. Also, in a folder, I save all papers in our house that are no longer needed and only have print on one side. The backsides are awesome for solving math problems, cutting, drawing and creating our own worksheets. Saving paper and ink is worthwhile.
Refueling
Be creative! Make sure that you pause work to get some fresh air or move around. Since we have the flexibility to get silly, we sure do. My older son does circles on his bike and answers a math flashcard every time around while my younger son does laps around the garage once he completes a worksheet. Now my kids are just stalling on their next school task, but it gets them moving. Remember to feed the brain by offering snacks. My favorite nonmessy items include smoothies, cut up fruit, bananas, cheese sticks, pretzels and goldfish. Need a more specific suggestion? Email me at hello@thedavenportcompany.com Be well. Best, Jhoneé Jhoneé Fillmore, Owner, Missplaced Organizing TheDavenportCompany. com/missplaced
TEACHER'S DESK Relinquishing BY LISA CATTERALL She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language. And birds fluttered around her, writing “yes� in the sky. ? Monique Duval With their beautiful markings, exotic eyes and streamlined shape, White-tailed Kites almost seem like a fantasy bird, dreamed up by a writer doing a story about wizards and dragons. They have long white wings, flashing red eyes, and they are the shape of a falcon. They have a unique ability to hover in the midst of wind in one place, waiting for their prey to pass beneath. They also love storms. While many animals hunker down in their burrows or under their umbrella tails (squirrels) and leaves (butterflies), the kite will sometimes relinquish its need for comfort and dance and hunt in the rain. Adversity has hit like a storm, perhaps the biggest storm many of us have weathered. As the storm appeared on the horizon, I heard a cacophony of panic which has begun to be called “panicgogy� among education bloggers, or the pedagogy of panic. While people cannot relinquish their ties to so many things they took for granted before COVID-19 appeared, and are waiting for the return
of “normal,� many of us teachers could not relinquish the beautiful grand finale we had planned for the school year. We all create a crescendo, or a cathartic moment in which the curriculum becomes a complete story and we gather our reflections and sum up everything we’ve learned in this beautiful cycle called a school year. It’s our moment with this year’s group, whom we have learned to love. It’s our MOMENT.
Who can relinquish that easily?
As we humans have retreated into our dens and under our metaphorical umbrellas, wondering when we can emerge, our real waterways and our air and our open spaces have been relinquished. Dolphins swim in the canals of Venice, wild snowy white goats roam the streets in packs in the towns of England, and the peaks of the Himalaya, long obscured by pollution, stand majestically visible over the cities of China. The waterways in Watsonville have filled with white pelicans, cranes, and dinosaur-like birds I’ve never seen, all taking up residence right below people’s yards. My family has relinquished many things in the last month. We’ve let
go of the security of knowing exactly what we’re going to be able to procure from the store on a regular basis. We’ve uprooted our ornamental landscaping and planted a garden instead, and called our local farms and eaten whatever they can sell us. We’ve relinquished our sole dependence on the expertise of trained teachers at a critical time in our children’s development and have made tiny baby steps towards educating them ourselves. We’ve relinquished our need to be perfect at it. In the process, we know our kids better. With my students, I’ve stopped hovering and pushing against the wind and I’ve relinquished myself to the storm. We are dancing with it, with humor and camaraderie. We are no longer clinging on to the normal, and we are no longer panicking. There are new ways to meet, to bond, to progress, and they are not the same ways. Although I have a lot of training in teaching online and the tools, I feel like I am a first year teacher all over again. The possibility is that with a clean slate, the meeting of teacher and student can become about the joy of learning and the practice of human connectedness, and not about delivering a particular curriculum.
As we all relinquish “normal,â€? “as expected,â€? and “predictability,â€? and schools retreat from requiring standard curriculum delivery this semester, and are admitting openly that equity among students is not certain, compassion and understanding can fill the void. As many institutions and governing bodies are advising schools to step back and to focus on supporting mental health and families at this time, I hope that focus will always continue. I hope the dolphins and birds and goats and mountains continue to reclaim their place in the landscape of Earth, and I hope compassion continues to grow and blossom in teaching. Meanwhile we will dance in the storm. ď ˝ Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.
TAKE OUT
ESSENTIAL
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Â? Â? Â? Â? Â Â? Â Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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BIRTH MATTERS Support from Afar LAURA MAXSON, LM
Chats
Zoom and Facetime are no replacement for in person visits – but are way better than nothing. Of course, there is really no way to schedule a convenient time to chat with a new baby around. Be prepared to sit and wait while baby is tended to, just as would happen with an in-person visit.
Availability
the washer, transfer it to the dryer or just work on folding the mountain of clothing babies go through each day. This means lots of timely communication - texting back and forth - to coordinate what needs to be done and when, but might be just right for a neighbor.
Safety
Dealing with COVID 19 means adding extra safety steps. Wash hands and wear a mask during meal preparations, while shopping or making drop offs. Keep your distance with porch drops, disinfect, and keep up with safety recommendations.
Helpers
Some families prefer just one person to come into the home to help. This may be a family member or friend for some families, or a paid postpartum doula for
Inform
Supplies
others. Friends and family who would normally pop in to help out, might instead want to contribute to a doula fund.
When doing personal shopping, pick up some staples to drop off to the new family. Instead of asking, “let me know if you need anything,” send a text that says “I’m at the store, what can I pick up for you?” Leave the groceries on the doorstep with a call or text to alert them that it’s there, include their receipt so payment can be sent via venmo or paypal. Follow up that they didn’t get distracted and forget the groceries on the porch.
It can be hard to keep up with the changing community resources while dealing with the distraction of a new baby. There are many live, online classes and meetings for new families now. Virtual meetings mean accessing support for breastfeeding, yoga and more, without wrestling a car seat. Lamaze has free infant massage and breastfeeding videos up during the stay-at-home order. Look up what’s available and share information with new parents.
Diapers
Food
Empathize
Back in the old days, like two months ago, the birth of a child was a family affair. What can we do under quarantine? Parents are facing a postpartum experience quite different from what they may have planned. Family and friends aren’t dropping by. Nobody is getting on a plane to visit anyone in the near future. Families still need support, and friends and family can still help in new and different ways.
Give your friend a midnight pass – permission to call in the middle of the night for support. Find out how someone wants to be contacted. Is texting best? Schedule a facetime in advance? Call anytime? Everyone’s a little different in how they want to be contacted and it may change over time - but be sure to keep checking in.
Diaper service is a great gift – a weekly diaper service bringing (and taking away compostable diapers might be just the thing to help keep parents home. No runs to Costco or Safeway for diapers, and most diaper services can also provide wipes.
Laundry
Give the gift of clean laundry. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to simply pick up a hamper of dirty laundry from the front porch and return it clean and folded. Another variation involves more communication with a local friend/ neighbor about the status of the laundry. A quick text and a friend can drop by the garage laundry room to put laundry into
Meals can still be delivered – just minus the baby snuggle. Coordinate the meal train for porch drops. Restaurant meals are nice, too. DoorDash and Grubhub are handy, especially for those out of town, but local restaurants benefit most from consumer pickups, instead of delivery services.
Contact
Window visits can provide safe baby viewing without sharing germs. Grandparents, aunties and best friends who need a new baby fix can stop by with a gift (wrapped and left to sit for a few days before giving) and watch it be received through the window.
y Happ r’s e h t o M Day
There is always a lot to feel in the postpartum period. Families (and friends) are facing real losses in what is usually a time filled with visits and support. It is okay to grieve these losses while at the same time falling in love with the baby. Birthnet.org for local resources/classes Virtual Meet the Doulas for postpartum and birth doula information Free breastfeeding and infant massage video Lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/ GBWC-Post/TitleLink/Free-ResourcesBreastfeeding-and-Infant-Massage-Videos-fromBabyBabyOhBaby Postpartum distress SpeakupSantaCruz.org
Virtual Meet the Doulas Saturday, May 16, 4pm
Learn about how doulas support families though the birth and postpartum experience during our current COVID19 situation. Preregister to join our free live zoom event: BirthNetSantaCruz.EventBrite.com
One-stop-shopping for pregnancy, birth & parenting services
www.BirthNet.org 12
MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
HEALTHY EATING Lifestyle Can Foster Your Strongest Immune System BY GRETCHEN HEIMSOTH
Recipe
Five Ingredient Lentil Salad 16 oz wide mouth mason jar
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups cooked green/French lentils (from 3/4 cup dry)
Times are crazy! I think we all are looking for things we can do to feel empowered right now. I have hope we are now starting to move in a slow, but forward momentum surrounding the coronavirus. But the threat of it makes one want to react. “What can I do to protect myself?” We think about the immune system. “Can I boost it?” the thought process can go. Yet when it comes to the immune system, there isn’t any magic boosting pill, supplement, or superfood. Ramping up the immune system would lead to the unpleasant symptoms we experience with colds. Trying to get a fast fix on the immune system is not the best way to think about it. Don’t get me wrong; I believe wholeheartedly in the healing power of foods and herbs, even so, immune nutritional benefits are most strongly reaped over time. Giving your body what it needs to build healthy cells. Research on vitamin C, perhaps most specifically, from food sources, showed protective benefits from certain cancers, the common cold, and several eye issues. Vitamin D is immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory, crucial for activating several immune responses. Many, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, are deficient. These two vitamins may be worth considering when it comes to wanting to build your most robust immune system. The first from food sources. The second from the sun and perhaps supplementation, all age groups. In the short term, there are habits you want to focus on reducing that will stop lowering your immune system. Building the immune system is about creating a healthy body, a lifestyle. A few habits to consider limiting if you want to build and protect your immune system are limiting long periods of sitting and being sedentary, smoking, excess alcohol, a high sugar diet, poor sleep, and poor stress management. Exercise contributes to the healthy movement of blood cells, which help to keep the
immune cells moving so they can better do their job. Walking, jogging, jumping jacks if you can. Aim for 20 minutes, grow from there. Smoking inflames the lungs, and the cardiovascular system lowers immune function. Alcohol causes several harmful by-products that also inflame and lower immune function. Inadequate sleep will keep you from getting the restorative rest your body needs to have to do the deep repair. Sugar, caffeine, and lack of exercise can make sleep difficult. Cut screens, all blue light at least one hour before bed.
Stress Management
Stress loads are high right now. Uncertainty, health worries, and financial stress are all in the mix together. Many of us have been forced into job changes, homeschooling, reduced hours, loss of income…Quarantine brings social isolation. It affects our senses of autonomy, competency, and control. I want to encourage anyone reading this to be gentle to yourself during this time. All the feelings surrounding this process are valid. Reducing stress won’t be a perfect process right now. And that’s ok. It doesn’t have to be. Functioning for prolonged periods under high stress can make the body start to become cortisol dependent and then resistant. It is opening the inflammation floodgates, ultimately leading to a weakened, tired immune system that can’t operate at its best to protect you. It’s essential to do what you can right now and what works for you.
1 cup bruschetta (homemade or storebought) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 4 cups arugula Optional 2 large whole wheat pitas
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the lentils, bruschetta, and feta cheese in a large bowl. Mix with arugula and serve as a salad or stuff in half a large whole wheat pita. If preparing ahead of time, leave pita on the side! This recipe is in the frugal, Mediterranean, grocery trip limiting spirit.
Recipe by Biscuits & Beets
Vitamin C Rich Fruits and Vegetables, Fiber, Protein
Fill your plate with the rainbow, minimally processed, seasonal local foods. Avocado and olive oil. Legumes such as lentils. Moderate consumption of dairy. Less frequency of red meat and in
smaller portions. A Mediterranean style diet offers the most immune building, anti-inflammatory benefits. Breathe, focus on what you can reach that you are grateful for. These practices, hand washing, and social distancing are the best ways to stay healthy right now.
Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence.
Meditation
Maybe right now, you can’t get mentally still at all or have never embarked on the practice. Try a guided meditation. If that’s not the right fit, try yoga. It can ground you back in the moment. The focused breath helps to break you out of fight or flight. The goal right now is to try to give your nervous system as many breaks as possible right now. Get outside in nature, reach out to friends and family outside of social media. Take advantage of video calling. The whole family can utilize these practices. Children are feeling what is going on. Their world has flipped upside down. They can also use “brain breaks”meditation, movement in nature. Video calling with friends and family. And lots of understanding, pausing and hugs.
Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process. (831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.org. 425 ENCINAL STREET SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
831-423-0658 | KIRBY.ORG
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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ALWAYS AMUSED Will You Ride a Roller Coaster this Year? Questions remain, but Boardwalk extends season passes through 2021 BY ERIK CHALHOUB
We have tried some virtual rides that were almost as good as the real thing.
14 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
I was going through old photos on my phone the other day when I came across one I took of RailBlazer at California’s Great America back in December. It made me wonder: Have I yet to ride a roller coaster this decade? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Even more unfortunate is the idea that I have no idea when my next coaster ride will be. And we’re almost halfway through 2020. With the coronavirus barely showing signs of letting up, theme parks around the nation are gearing up for a possible summer without thrills. At the beginning of April, most parks anticipated reopening in mid-May. But as April neared its end, the narrative changed to “whenever we reopen.” Gov. Gavin Newsom in mid-April hinted at a possible loosening of the state’s shelter-in-place order in May, but warned that large gatherings likely would still be prohibited at least through August. That prompted Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel to suggest canceling summer events in Santa Cruz County, including operations at the currently closed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Newel quickly clarified her statement, saying that “speculation about future operations at this time is premature.” Boardwalk officials said that no decisions have yet been made on the fate of the summer season. “We remain optimistic and hopeful that we will be able to open sometime this summer,” a statement from the Boardwalk read. “Our continued priority remains the health and safety of our guests and employees.” The virus has forced the major theme park chains to cut salaries, positions and improvement projects for 2020. Even worse, the status of some new-for-2020 attractions remains unclear. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, for instance, has removed all references to its new coaster, Sidewinder Safari, from its website. Crews had just started construction in
early March before the shelter-in-place order went into effect. California’s Great America, meanwhile, is still promoting its new waterpark expansion for summer, yet construction has been halted since March. Even if Great America reopens in July in a best-case scenario, the new waterpark is still roughly two months away from being finished, and it’s unlikely it will make the summer season. With social distancing protocols expected to last well throughout the year, what might that mean for theme parks? Would the number of people allowed in a park be limited? Would only one family at a time be allowed on a roller coaster? Can small queues handle separating people six feet apart, or will lines spill out and clog the midways? There are too many questions out there, and sadly, there are not very many answers as things have been changing at a rapid pace.
It’s not all bad news, though.
Great America and Gilroy Gardens, as well as all parks nationwide in the Cedar Fair chain, announced that 2020 season pass holders will have their passes extended through the end of 2021. Six Flags, SeaWorld and Universal, meanwhile, said they will extend the expiration date of season passes by the number of days their parks are closed. The Boardwalk will extend all season passes purchased before it closed for one year past its reopening date.
The next best thing
At the beginning of the year, I had thought my May 2020 column for Growing Up in Santa Cruz would’ve been my annual summer preview article, highlighting what the Boardwalk and other theme parks had in store for the warmest season of the year. I never thought, at this time of the year, I would be writing what follows. In May 2020, the only way you can ride a roller coaster is … virtually. Yes, most parks have point-of-view videos of their roller coasters on their YouTube channels, where they’ve mounted an HD camera on the front of the coaster train to provide a wide-open view of its surroundings as it traverses its course. Make sure, however, that you find a park’s official channel or those of other legitimate organizations, such as the American Coaster Enthusiasts or a news outlet. YouTube is filled with shaky, handheld videos from guests who somehow snuck their phones onto the ride to record their journey. Such an action is illegal and is cause for ejection from the park. So please, don’t give them any views. You would only be rewarding them for breaking theme park law.
CAREER PATHWAYS On The Spot First Job Interview BY MARY GAUKEL FORESTER I hope that each and every reader, and family, is well and finding the positive opportunities and discoveries during Shelter In Place. The article for this month was to be about “Your First Jobâ€? with tips for parents and students about getting the first job. The month of May traditionally begins the hiring season for summer jobs, often the first job for a teen. As I write this article, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Whitings Foods, the largest Santa Cruz summer employers, are shut and no one knows when they will reopen and what that might look like. Many other first jobs in fast food and other food industry places are limited as businesses are closed or offer limited hours. Even with the unknown, preparing to get a first job, or any job, first step in preparing for an interview is time well spent. For this article, I am is to research the job or company. For taking the perspective that most parents a job at MacDonald’s it might mean and youth are spending more time researching jobs in the fast food industry, together and the focus will be on the landyourlife.com/fast-food-jobs/, and opportunity to practice for interviewing. McDonald’s, mcdonalds.com/, the A fun way to practice for the first corporation. It is important to know interview is to role play which can something about the job, if possible, the be done with all ages, adjusting the company or particular business. The questions. First jobs in Santa Cruz next step is to research what questions County mightRegistration include: is now open! might be asked in an interview, for • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Administrative Assistant Amusement Park Attendant Barista Baby-sitter/Nanny Bus person Camp Counselor or Counselor-inTraining Carpenters Helper Cashier Construction Helper Counter Attendant Daycare Assistant Delivery person Dog Walker Farm Worker Grocery Bagger Groundskeeper Home Companion/Caretaker Host/Hostess Hotel Desk Clerk Assistant Kennel Attendant Kitchen Helper Lawn/Landscape Worker Library Assistant Lifeguard Maintenance HelperMessenger/ Courier Movie Theatre Attendant Usher Packer/Mover Parking Lot Attendant Plant/Nursery Assistant Receptionist Retail Clerk Swimming Instructor Vehicle washer/detailer Veterinarian Assistant Waiter/Waitress
ay camps!
fast food jobs, the following website offers standard questions and answers for fast food jobs: content.wisestep. com/restaurants-common-interviewquestions-answers/. A third step is considering what to wear for an interview which varies for different jobs such as for McDonald’s which can be found at this website: work.chron.com/dressinterview-mcdonalds-15903.html. Now begins the fun, role playing the interview, beginning with your child interviewing you and not the other way around. As a parent, you “dress for the interview�. Print out questions that your child can ask you so that you can model possible answers. Serious or humorous it is all good practice. Once you have had your interview, ask your child to choose their “interview clothes�, read over the interview questions, and ask them to show-up promptly for their “interview appointment� with you. You now play the role of employer and ask questions, allowing time for your child to think about and formulate the answers. At the “end� of the interview you can provide feedback and brainstorm improvements. Maybe your child needs to be more thoughtful and prepared to share their strengths, talents, and soft skills that will help them be successful in that job. They might need to talk slower or maybe they “nailed� the interview. Practicing interviewing can be adjusted for any age group. My six year old grandson would like to be a firefighter. We talked about how you prepare for the job through education and training. I shared that before a person gets the job they have an interview and they are
asked questions to see if they can do the job. We sat at the dining room table and I asked him very simple questions: Why do you want to be a firefighter? How do you put out a fire? What else do firefighters do besides putting out fires? He was serious about his answers and I intend to keep role playing with him so that he feels experienced for his first “real� interview. Have fun and help your child be prepared!
CALL TODAY OR VISIT
OUR WEBSITE TO REGISTER
831-239-4228 COUGARSWIMSCHOOL.COM
Fortunately preparing for an interview during Shelter In Place is easy with some internet research. The
ď ˝ Mary began teaching elementary school, had her own children, taught in middle school and high school, became a high school principal, finally a grandparent, and currently, the executive director for the non-profit organization, Your Future Is Our Business. Your Future Is Our Business partners with schools to link students to career explorations. Reach Mary at marygaukel@gmail.com
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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LOCAL NEWS Staying in Business During Quarantine How to Think Outside of the Box in Challenging Times BY MARINA HALLIN AND STAFF
When Michael Cyr had to take a break from major construction projects, he started a business making planters.
Amidst these hard times for business owners and employees alike, there are many creative individuals coming up with different ways to keep money rolling in and change their business. Construction worker, Michael Cyr, 55, has seen business slow because of the stay-at-home order. He has come up with a meaningful project and way to keep income rolling in during this time. Cyr is making individual planter boxes for people’s outdoor gardens. Cyr recalls planting produce with his father, being fascinated with watching it grow, and going out into the garden to eat fresh veggies. He hopes that by making these planter boxes, kids can also have the enriching experience that he had, and now with most people out of work, adults can even learn a thing or two about gardening. He says that he can make almost any kind of box, and it can be an art project as well, for kids can paint these boxes. They can serve as the focal point to a garden or just a starting point to a multitude of garden projects. If you are interested in these, you can email him directly at mncyr65@yahoo.com Hairstylist, Kendra Guisado, 43, at Evolve Beauty Lounge in Capitola, which is closed by law, is offering custom color kits for purchase to do at-home coloring. Guisado has been doing hair for 24 years, and is scared about being able to make a steady income and fears restrictions proceeding at the salon. “My industry is always changing and evolving,� she says. “This is definitely a hurdle I didn’t anticipate. However I’ve always thought, wouldn’t it be great if we as hairstylists could somehow do virtual hair? I am helping my clients by offering custom color kits through my website for them to use at home. Once they receive their kit we will Facetime each other and I walk them through the process step by step.  I am able to answer any questions or concerns they might have during the process.� Guisado says that this will never replace in person styling, but she is
flirting with the idea of keeping this going once the pandemic is over. She is optimistic that once we are back to work we will be able to thrive thanks to the support of their clients. West Performing Arts of Santa Cruz, has found a safe, and fun solution to throw birthdays for kids of all ages. Using Zoom screen sharing, Hunter Wallraff, the charismatic and comical Director of Improv Programs for West, leads kids in an online party. Hunter uses his wit, and humor to engage the kids and lead them through a series of fun and active games. He’ll get the kids jumping around and pretending to be various characters and animals while playing Charades, or have the kids drawing in front of the camera during games of Pictionary. Hunter provides a fun, funny, and energetic atmosphere for the kids to be kids. The family of one 7-year-old gave the experience a big thumbs up and they got amazing thank you letters from all the attendees. West Creative Performing Arts can be contacted at westperformingarts.com Brian Hallin (who happens to be my father)owns a small promotional product company, Adventures in Advertising. Since promotional products are mainly used at events and gatherings, his business has almost completely come to a halt. Hallin has been doing a lot of back end work that he would not normally have the time for during regular business. He is cleaning up lead lists, emailing potential new clients, and doing much needed organizational work. How are you evolving your business to meet the restriction of COVID 19? Send GUISC your stories. Send them to editor@growingupsc.com
16 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
ASK NICOLE Positive Parenting During a Pandemic NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 20, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program.
Just when I got used to my son being away at college, BAM! He’s finishing his spring semester from home and we’re a family of four again with very different schedules, understandings of social distancing, and pre-existing handwashing habits. We’ve resolved most of the big differences that caused tension early on, but social distancing, school closures, and Stay at Home orders due to COVID-19 have turned many families’ lives upside down. Daily routines are disrupted, and everyday tasks like grocery shopping are increasingly difficult and stressful. Many parents I’ve talked to (virtually or from a safe distance, of course!) are coping with the pandemic in different ways. Some parents see this as an opportunity to do family activities, take online classes, rediscover a hobby, binge watch movies, reconnect with friends and family, stay in pajamas all day, or just live life at a slower pace. If this sounds like you, keep doing whatever works! Write in a journal, take photos, or record videos so that you remember the things that brought you joy while sheltering in place. Then think about which changes you want to maintain once social distancing ends. This is a chance to reset expectations, relationships, routines, and habits that were sources of stress before the pandemic. Other parents are riding a roller coaster of emotions…and not always enjoying the ride. Many are fearful about working in settings that put them at risk for contracting COVID-19. Others are stressed about losing jobs and not having enough money for basic necessities – now and in the future. Some parents are on edge because it’s impossible to create a “work-life balance” with multiple kids and adults in the same space all day. Others are frustrated or worried about expectations for distance learning (and students that have disengaged or will fall farther behind). And others are struggling with being physically distant from their social circles. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone! It’s natural to go through emotional highs, lows, twists, and turns during this pandemic. Many times, we create more stress by telling ourselves what we should or shouldn’t feel or do: I shouldn’t cry. I shouldn’t get frustrated or angry. I should be grateful for this
time with my children. I should act happy so my kids don’t worry. But the emotional energy it takes to fight the feelings can leave parents feeling exhausted and defeated. Instead, give yourself “permission” to ride the roller coaster of emotions. Try using coping statements to talk yourself through the difficult times: It’s ok to cry, even if I don’t know why I’m crying. This is hard right now, and I’ll get through it. I can love my kids and be frustrated with their behaviors. I lost my temper today, but tomorrow is a fresh start. Many parents are worried about their children’s emotional well-being. Social distancing has been hard for children and teens who thrive on face-to-face interactions, as well as those who do best with daily, predictable routines. Children and teens may sense adults’ anxiety about COVID-19, but might not be ready or know how to verbally express their own feelings. Oftentimes, emotions are expressed through behaviors that appear disruptive, defiant, or out-of-character – e.g. tantrums, refusing to get out of bed or do schoolwork, teasing or fighting with siblings more than usual. If this sounds like your family, you’re not alone! Try to follow (or create new) routines when possible, while being flexible about rules and expectations. Talk as a family about what will stay the same (e.g. mealtimes) and what can be flexible while sheltering in place (e.g. screentime limits). Spend brief and frequent quality time with your children throughout the day to reassure them you’re available when they need you. Develop a family plan for handling the changes that are happening – e.g. Wash our hands frequently. Take turns using the computer. Take deep breaths if we’re scared or stressed. This helps create a sense of control, which can help reduce anxiety about the unknown. FINAL THOUGHTS: The range of reactions to these uncertain times is completely “normal.” If you or someone you know wants additional support, contact First 5 Santa Cruz County (465-2217 or triplep@first5scc. org) for virtual Triple P parenting support or dial 211 (or text your zip code to 898-211) to find resources for food, housing, healthcare, and more. This monthly article provides tips for families raising children, based on
Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep. first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 4652217 or triplep@first5scc.org.
Even small changes can make a BIG difference. Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County. Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips. Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org. This program is made possible through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (MHSA – Prop 63 funds) & Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.
I n f o r m at I o n : first 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 triplep@first5scc.org • triplep.first5scc.org
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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COUNTY SCOOP Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Updates BY ZACH FRIEND, COUNTY SUPERVISOR
I’ve noticed that vacation rentals and homeshares still seem to be operating as usual. Are they allowed to be renting?
Under the Governor’s order, all nonessential travel is prohibited. Therefore, local vacation rentals, homeshares, hotels and other similar lodging shall only be used for essential functions or purposes as defined by the State. For example, some vacation rentals are being used to house local and out-of-town health care workers and first responders. However, leisure travel is prohibited. Violations could lead to revocation of the owner’s vacation rental permit. The Sheriff’s Office has dedicated a team to outreach and enforcement of the shelter-inplace order and you can call the nonemergency line at to report potential violations. 471-1121
Coming in
JUNE Pet Guide Father’s Day Graduation Special
Are parks still open? It seems some people aren’t adhering to social distancing at beaches and some parks.
The county has some great services to keep track of what’s going on with the Coronavirus. Many in our community have been severely impacted by both the health and economic conditions caused by the virus. With community members losing their jobs, businesses seeing declining revenue and tenants and renters unable to pay rent, we know it is also difficult to meet your basic needs – and many have been contacting me with questions on ways to get assistance. We want to help. What resources are available to you? How does the shelter-in-place order apply to a number of sectors? Here are answers to some of the most common questions that have been coming into my office in the last week.
Where can I get the most reliable local data and info on COVID?
The County Health website now has a significant amount of data (updated daily) for you to be informed about local data and resources on COVID-19 including: local demographic data of cases, a breakdown of where the cases are occurring, the total number of cases and tests, resources for providers and residents, a county-by-county comparison, info on the shelter-in-place order and much more. Visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus to learn more.
18 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
I have a business and I’ve lost a most of my revenue and need a loan. Where can I apply?
The County’s Economic Development Department has created a special webpage for businesses with information on how to apply for Small Business Association (SBA) loans, California IBANK loans, as well as tax extensions and payment relief from local utilities, and the California Franchise Tax Board. This information can be found at www. sccvitality.org (select COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Businesses). Additionally, they are hosting regular webinars on these topics. The Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo (SBDC) is also offering help in preparing applications to the SBA and others. You can visit their website at cabrillo.edu/services/extension/sbdc.html for contact info.
I lost my job – where I can I find information on unemployment or funding available to me?
The State of California Employment Development Department is working to expedite unemployment claims for lost work, a reduction in hours, for those acting as caregivers or that have become sick with COVID-19 and are unable to work. edd.ca.gov has information on how to file for these and other circumstances.
The Health Officer ordered all parks and beaches closed for a week during Easter and Spring Break. This is a dynamic situation and it’s possible that if social distancing principals aren’t adhered to it becomes likely additional restrictions will be placed on some (or all) functions at State and County parks and beaches. Some locations, like the skate park in Seacliff, were problematic and needed to remain closed after the one week order where as some of the open space park areas haven’t had issues. The Health Officer is working to balance the overall health and safety of the community with the health (emotional and physical) aspects of using the outdoors. She is looking at ways where low risk activities can be resumed in the coming month but where higher risk and/ or emerging higher risk activities will be restricted. It’s a very difficult balance to meet and one that elicits strong, differing, opinions from the community.
Is there a place where I can speak with someone to get questions answered?
Yes. The County has a live, staffed hotline - open every day between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. Call (831) 454-4242.
What other ways can I get information?
You can call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at www. facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls on various issues on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do feel free to reach out to me. You can always call me at 454-2200.
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GrowingUpSC.com
MY SHELTER IN PLACE
Time Capsule Living through history
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Have you read our new online column, the Good Stuff? Every week we write about something positive happening in the world with a ton of pictures. From local mom and teacher reliving the history of her home while making masks to the harvest of a school's life lab garden to help feed those in need. What feel-good stories do you have? Send them to us by emailing christy@growingupsc.com. We could all use some joy right now; lets as they say, "Throw it around like confetti!" Check us out online GrowingUpSC.com
Food Bank Distribution
History Repeats Itself
National Guard & Second Harvest
BY CAREY LISTON
PHOTOS BY KEVIN PAINCHAUD
I’m a social music teacher longing to be back in school creating music with my students. The past few weeks have been extremely difficult. Feeling like I needed to channel my energy, I started sewing face masks. I called my mother, who in my mind is a master seamstress, to walk me through my first mask. After the first I started to crank out more. As I was sewing, my husband pulled a book titled Historic Homes of Boulder Creek from the shelf and reminded us of a story we had forgotten. In 1907, George and Mildred Cress bought our house on Pine Street in Boulder Creek. George and his partner operated a livery stable to transport loggers, ran a taxi service, supplied a hearse, and ran a stage line to Big Basin State Park. They even had the first auto dealership in the San Lorenzo Valley selling Model T Fords. The Cress family
Thirty volunteers joined with the US National Guard to help the Second Harvest Foodbank distribute food to Santa Cruz County residents at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on Friday, April 3. Suzanne Willis, Development and marketing officers for Second Harvest Foodbank estimates that food was distributed to over 2,000 cars, feeding over 3,000 families across
20 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
the Santa Cruz County. The distribution included fruits, vegetables, and various frozen food items. Second Harvest Foodbank is looking to distribute food at the fairgrounds every Friday until the pandemic ends. They are currently looking for other distribution locations in the mid-county area. For more information please visit their website TheFoodbank.org
lived in the home for 67 years and raised their two children who were born in the house. Their daughter Shirley recalls a story of the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Many people were sick around town and afraid to go out. George had brought in a load of wood and a crate of oranges. The family spent days huddled around the fire while Mildred sewed face masks and handed them through the front window for friends and neighbors. After revisiting the Cress story, my husband, two daughters and myself thought it was fitting to walk to the old cemetery up the hill and visit the Cress family plot. When the 1918 flu hit, they were all roughly the age we are now. 102 years later in the same house I too find myself sewing face masks and giving them away. Similar to the Cress family, we all huddle around the fire, I sew masks, and we wait.
THE GOOD STUFF Gateway's Garden Bounty BY PETRA BRYAN Gateway School was established in 1970 and for the last 29 years, it has delivered produce grown in its Life Lab Garden to a variety of agencies through its Growing for Good program. Recipients have included Second Harvest Food Bank, the Familia Center, River Street Shelter Kitchen, and this year, Grey Bears. The Growing for Good program was developed to help students understand access to food and what and how the supply chain works. Every fall as part of Gateway School’s Social Justice curriculum Kindergartners and 5th graders discuss what they are thankful for and learn about those who are less fortunate. Gateway School’s Life Lab Garden supports a number of school events each year so in order to provide produce for the larger community, students plant extra crops. They plant, tend, harvest, and deliver the produce. This year, due to the shelter in place order, students were
not able to harvest or deliver but that did not prevent Gateway from donating their garden’s bounty. With the help of Gateway’s Life Lab farm managers, Dave Gardner and Tricia Sven, Life Lab instructor Caprice Potter harvested and delivered more than 150 lbs of produce to the Grey Bears in Santa Cruz on April 1. Gateway’s Kindergarten through Middle School students develop a strong sense of personal responsibility for the natural world and others in their community through the school’s rich Environmental Science curriculum which, like all instruction, is integrated with Gateway’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practice. Taking what they learn in the classroom into the community lets students discover and experience the difference that they can make. To learn more about Gateway School and its award-winning Life Lab Garden, please visit gatewaysc.org
3D Mask Production CABRILLO COLLEGE PRESS RELEASE Payson&DaughterPPEsCabrillo College Makerspace Begins Production of 3-D Printed PPE Masks and Face Shields for Santa Cruz County Medical Providers. APTOS, CA – In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting shortage of medical supplies and PPE masks, Payson McNett, Cabrillo College Art Studio Instructor and Director of Digital Fabrication has a solution – he’ll make them. Deemed essential by Cabrillo College Superintendent/President Matt Wetstein, the Cabrillo College Makerspace is staying open to produce PPE masks and face shields, both of which are desperately needed by medical facilities and hospitals nationwide. McNett has done extensive research on the best options for 3-D printed masks and face shields, which led him to the Billings Clinic Foundation in Montana. Billings Clinic Neurosurgeon Dusty Richardson, MD, in collaboration with Billings-area dentist Spencer Zaugg, DDS and his son Colton, have created and posted designs for durable, reusable plastic masks that can be created using 3D printer technology. According to their website, they are now working to “activate every 3D printer in our community to create these masks.” McNett is answering that call for medical facilities here in Santa Cruz County. The 3-D printed mask has a snapin section for medical grade filtration materials that can be changed out as needed. The designs for these PPE masks are posted on the Billings Foundation website, for use by anyone able to produce them. For the time being, McNett is using HEPA vacuum filters, and is working on providing links on the Cabrillo Makerspace website with information and testing and efficacy of other more readily available materials. McNett got face shield designs from Joseph Prusa, a 3-D printer designer and manufacturer.
“I’m ready to go into production of these items and have a good stockpile of printer filament and Poly Carbonate to keep me busy,” said McNett. “I’ve got a call in to the supplier for the filter cloth listed on their site, and I have about 20 desktop FDM printers and one working Stratasys Dimensions printer that uses ABS. I also have two SLA printers but much less material for those.” Once masks are prototyped, McNett is looking to create rubber gang molds, which will enable him to ramp up production from a current capacity of about 100 masks per day to potentially thousands of masks per day, so long as materials are still available. McNett is also hoping to eventually develop a breathing machine, though admits it’s a much more involved process. He’d like to be ready if and when designs become available. “If you would like to send me your prototypes I would love to take a look at the files for you and help answer any design questions you might have,” continued McNett. “I’m totally open to different or better designs, I just haven’t found them yet.” For prototypes or help with designs, please contact Payson McNett at pamcnett@cabrillo.edu. To make a donation for supplies, please donate through the Cabrillo College Foundation at foundation.cabrillo.edu and indicate the donations are for the Digital Fabrication Program.
About the Cabrillo College Makerspace
The Cabrillo College Makerspace is equipped with state of the art technology to assist students with learning to use contemporary tools opening up new and exciting ways of making and adapting classical techniques to the future of making. The Makerspace features 3-D printing and scanning, Laser cutting and engraving, vinyl cutting, and CNC router capabilities. GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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May is the month we celebrate mothers. Women who give selflessly to those around them. A mother is not always the one who gave birth to you; she may be your aunt, guardian, or friend. She may live next door, across the country, or be watching over you from beyond this world. We celebrate a mother's unconditional love, her ability to be somewhere/ someone safe when we are scared, and our cheerleader through life—cheers to all of the women out there wearing their heart outside of their body.
Dear Mom
Dear Mom, I appreciate the incredible Mom you’ve been for 37 years now. It all began with a heartfelt tune you sang to me as a child “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray...”Tank you for being a powerful instrumental woman in my life. You taught me how to be independent, responsible, honest, integral, and loyal. Now that I'm a Mom I understand how much energy, time, and dedication it takes to be there for your child and make them your main priority. When looking back, I appreciate you making a home where we had everything we needed and could feel warm and safe in your arms as kids. You’ve taught me the importance of my values and sticking with them. I’m proud and grateful at what an amazing Grandma you’re in our lives. You’re thoughtful, caring, and a giver of boundless love. Tank you for giving me the space to grow and independence to make mistakes but still being there to help me up when I fall, and to look at it as a teaching point. You're my best friend and my confidant. Tank you for being with me and Sydney for every goal accomplished and taking part in all life’s celebrations. I’m strong because of you and the examples you set. Having you in my life means the world to me and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. During dark times you’re the light that helps me navigate and keep moving. As it all began and now, “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey...” Happy Mother’s day, Mommy Sunshine. I hope you know how important you’re to us today and always. I love you. Love, SunShine xoxo
To the most selfless person we know. To the one that worked all night to be with us us all day. To the one that kept a smile on her face no matter the situation. To the one that worked hard to put dinner on the table every night. To the one that never missed an event. To the one that loves unconditionally. To the one that taught us to always be kind. To the one that laid down a foundation and gave us the life skills to grow and become our own. To the strongest woman we know. To the warrior woman we are luckily enough to call Mama. Happy Mother’s Day Mama, we love you. Britt & J
22 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
You more than fulfilled your motherly role of raising me and showing me how to love and be love in this world. God wanted you home early and I may never understand why, but I owe the rest of my life to you for your loving guidance in my life. I hope you can see the wonderful man I found, the beautiful children he’s given me, and I hope you see, that even though I don't have you in the flesh, God has given me another to fulfill that motherly role in this time, and she does an amazing job! To my wonderful mother in law Joanne, I thank for the amazing man my husband is and the loving father he is to my children. He betters my life because of the love and care you raised him with. Most people are blessed with one mother in their lives, I have been blessed with two. You've accepted me and my children into your family with open arms and you didn't have to, you did it because you're such a genuinely loving and other centered person. It takes a strong woman to be a great mother to her children, but it takes an even greater woman to fulfill that role willingly, for people who are not of her own. I thank you so much for being an amazing Mother, Grandma, Mother-in-law and person. I am blessed beyond most to have you in my life. Happy Mother's Day! Love, Heather
What My Mom Means to Me By Ania Sinnott My mom is one of my BIGGEST role models. I want to be just like her when I'm older. She is the best mom in the world! She is sweet, kind, beautiful, smart, caring, and amazing! She is always making everything fun. She is a single mom, she has to work, help us with school, take willow to school, feed us, and do many more things that mom’s do. My little sister willow is almost 2 and keeps my mom up all night and still is as happy as she can be even when she can't get as much sleep. Some nights when I cry and don’t know why she sits with me and comforts me. She dosent have to do that but she chooses to. One day I said I wanted to redo my room and right away she said ¨okay let's go to Target and get you some stuff.¨ I know it's such a little thing but it means a lot. I don’t have 2 mom’s but my friend Jordan’s Mom (Shireen) is like a mom to me. She treats me like I’m her daughter. Shireen is always there for me and I consider her apaart of my family that's how much I care about her. I wanna thank my mom and shireen for being so nice and making me the person I am today. I love you guys!
MOTHER'S DAY LETTERS Dear mommy, How are you doing? Stressed? I just wanted to send some love during this time. I always know how much you did for our family. But this quarantine has made me appreciate you so much more. You deal with constant nagging by the kids and even more from my lazy butt when I get home. I don't know how you don't blow your top more often. According to you I've been helping out around the house. Mom, I've been doing the least. Especially compared to you. You don't realize because you are so kind. You don't ever need to repay me for anything I've been doing, I'm the one who should be paying my gratitude. Mom you are so incredibly humble and great in every aspect. I love spending time with you. Even though we don't get that much time alone anymore I cherish every moment with you. My favorite thing to do with you is sit down and search for old music we used to listen to. And belt it at the top of our lungs. I love when you have a random memory and share it at any given moment. You're filled with stories and interesting memories. You are so amazing and I hope I will end up like you when I am older. You have raised me so well and I am so grateful for everything you have taught me. I love you so much. Keep doing what you're doing because you are absolutely amazing. Love, (your daughter) Ava
Abby Watkins Aptos High School Abby plans to go to Cabrillo College next year and wants to become a real estate agent in the future. "Losing my senior year is hard, because my entire high school career was building up to this and now it’s gone. It’s hard to believe that there won’t be a prom or graduation. The best thing about it is being able to grow personally during this time and have more time to think about the future, and the worst is not having a chance to properly complete high school. My favorite thing about high school was finding myself as a person and understanding what I want to do as an adult. I’m really excited for the future and what it holds.”
To My Heavenly MamaAs I approach this Mother’s Day, the 5th one where we can’t be together in the flesh, I am filled with emotion as I prepare myself for my first Mother’s Day expecting a new baby. Our traditions surrounding this day, garden shopping and eating chocolate covered strawberries and appreciating all the beauty in bloom in springtime, I am looking forward to creating new traditions with my son. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you, and miss you, and wish that we could be together. There are so many things I would ask you as I prepare myself for the journey of motherhood, and all the joy that comes along with it. You truly are all the best things about me, and I am forever so thankful to have had you as my teacher in life. I will do my best to teach my children about loving unconditionally, participating with a full heart in the community, and being there for others whenever possible. Mama, I love you so much. I have never been prouder to be your daughter. I hope that as you watch over me and protect me in this next stage of life, you are proud of the woman I have become, and will continue to guide my heart in the best ways you know how. I will celebrate you this Mother’s Day, and every day, for as long as I am on this earth. With my whole heart for my whole life, Carlyn
PARENTS
Give your graduates the gift of their photo and favorite memories of school in June’s "Dads and Grads" issue of Growing Up in Santa Cruz in our gorgeous print and online versions. COST Make the donation of your choice at the Buy Now button here: growingupsc.com/contact/
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE
So many peoples’ lives were changed by summer camps. They are places not just to get away from parents and make new friends, but to try new things, enjoy nature and learn crafts. We canoed, made lanyards, caught frogs and snakes, learned guitar, made fires in the wilderness and cooked and cleaned up afterwards. Those were timeless experiences that gave us a lifetime of memories. *Please check with the camps to make sure they are operating this summer.
DAY CAMPS
than in CYT’s positive and encouraging atmosphere. July 6-10 Aptos, July 13-17 Scotts Valley.
Animal Training & Research International
Four Points Youth Camp
Science, Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing (831) 771-4191 animaltraining.us/junior-trainer Exclusive Jr. Trainer experiences including hands-on discovery with sea lions for ages 9-16 (or as young as 7 with a parent)! Come have fun and learn with our rescued animal ambassadors at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Participants receive one-onone personalized attention designed to give them a feel for what it’s like to actually care for, work with, and train sea lions and other animals. Available 7 days/week and year-round, kids learn animal care, feeding, husbandry skills, and much more. Nurture your child’s love of animals with the animal professionals you can be proud of. Limited availability for the summer – book your special sea lion summer now! Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District
15685 Forest Hill Drive Boulder Creek CA 95006 831-338-4144 bcrpd.org Boulder Creek Recreation offers a variety of fun play-based summer activities. Younger children will enjoy a 3-week session of camp at our downtown facility which includes indoor and outdoor learning and socializing for the little ones. This program offers water play, gardening, outdoor play, indoor games and reading time for ages 2-4.5 years. For children 5-12 we offer a variety of actives at our Bear Creek Community Center with river play, swimming pool, basketball court, playscape, tennis, hiking, outdoor fort building, music, crafts and more. We hope you will join us this summer. Christian Youth Theater Santa Cruz
804 Estates Dr #210, Aptos Camp info (831)539-6448 Register at cytsantacruz.org CYT Santa Cruz “Find Your Character” summer camps are a week-long musical theater day camp for students ages 4-18. Camps are designed to create a hands-on theater experience, and are focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. The program includes drama, dance, and music, team activities like water day and a petting farm, a daily devotional, and a concluding showcase where every camper performs for family and friends. There’s no better place for kids to learn about theater and have fun
24 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
Locations: Pacific Cultural Center, Veteran’s Memorial Building, Orchard School, Aptos kaseylindemann@fourpointsyouthcamp.com fourpointsyouthcamp.com Four Points Youth Camp is a new summer day camp with activities designed to broaden every camper’s horizon. Serving campers in grades K-8, our activities include sports, arts and crafts, technology, and traditional camp games. These activities are designed to cater to each age group. With new unique themes each week, every camp session is a fresh experience. Little Garden Patch Farm
LittleGardenPatchFarm.com 4635 Fairway Drive Soquel CA 95073 (831) 476-0964 At Little Garden Patch Farm children aged 5-8 make memories to last a lifetime as they learn through hands-on play and discovery, arts & crafts, active play and imagination plus gardening activities and encounters with our many farm animal friends. Whether outdoors in our beautiful gardens and play area, or indoors in our whimsical playroom or our farm kitchen, children experience a community of joy and friendship that supports them as they learn and grow. Exciting weekly themes, a cozy home atmosphere, cooking experiences, a nurturing staff, and special guests round out an exciting, joyful experience families will never forget. Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way, Watsonville 831-722-8178 mvcs.org/camps MVC is excited to offer a full docket of athletics and fine arts summer camps for grades K-12 this June and July. Check out mvcs.org/camps for more information on all of our offerings, including optional transportation to/from Monterey and Morgan Hill each day. Summer days on our gorgeous 105-acre “mountain view” campus are not to be missed! Mountain of Fun – Mount Madonna School
491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna 408-847-2717 mountmadonnaschool.org/summer Be Unplugged, Outdoors and Active with Mountain of Fun summer day camps! Featuring redwood horse camps, performing arts and nature crafts. Give your child a summer rich with outdoor exploration and imagination through forest play, garden time, fiber arts, games and
new friends. Details and registration online at mountmadonnaschool.org/summer. Camps are offered for the weeks of July 13 and July 20, with an additional full-day Horse Camp starting August 3. Open to children entering kindergarten through 5th grade, with transportation available. Pathways Dojo
2724 Soquel Ave Ste D, Santa Cruz 831-465-8236 pathwaysdojo.com Pathways Dojo has a unique approach of combining martial, healing, and nature arts as paths to self-improvement and personal development. We offer specialized programs for men, women and children in ninjitsu (the art of the ninja) and the healing arts of qi gong and tai chi. Mark Roemke, a 15th Dan in Bujinkan, leads our dojo. We teach our Ninjas in Nature program monthly in the forests of Felton, at after school programs, at in-school programs, and with summer camps. Our vibrant and welcoming Santa Cruz community is one of our treasured assets. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 420-6115 info@santacruzmuseum.org santacruzmuseum.org Explore nature with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! Featuring family-friendly events, free admission for youth under the age of 18, and weeklong day camps, the Museum offers many ways to explore, both through interactive exhibits and experiences outside in nature. Camps for youth entering Kindergarten through 6th grade are offered June 29 through August 7 and scholarships are available! Santa Cruz SPCA
(831) 465-5000 spcasc.org/events/spca-summer-kidscamp-2020/ The Santa Cruz SPCA is offering eight full weeks of Summer Camp in 2020. The dates are June 15-19 (students going into 1st through 3rd grade) June 22-26 (students going into 4th through 6th grade) June 29-July 3 (students going into 1st through 3rd grade) July 6-10 (students going into 4th through 6th grade) July 13-17 (students going into 1st through 3rd grade) July 20-24 (students going into 4th through 6th grade) July 27-31 (students going into 1st through 3rd grade) Aug 3-7 (students going into 4th through 6th grade) This camp fills up quickly so sign up asap on our website. The camp will take place at our new location 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz. The cost for one week of camp is $275. See our website to sign up and for more information.
Scotts Valley Parks & Recreation
361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley (831) 438-3251 scottsvalley.org Licensed Program #4407.103.04 Summer registration is almost here for City of Scotts Valley Parks & Recreation! Summer Camp (license #4407.103.04) is 11 one-week sessions/full and part-time at our Vine Hill site in Scotts Valley. Registration for begins April 14th. Enroll early – we fill up fast! Registration for classes/activities begins April 20th. So many fun activities for all ages. Gymnastics, Parkour, dance, swim lessons, soccer camps, tennis and much, much more. Summer at Santa Catalina
1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, CA 831.655.9386 summercamp@santacatalina.org santacatalina.org Summer at Santa Catalina is a place filled with fun, joy, and learning. From arts and athletics to yoga and marine biology, we offer attention-grabbing classes that spark curiosity and build confidence and independence. Our teachers and counselors are committed to the growth of every camper and dedicated to the values of honesty, respect, and kindness. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, we are dedicated to serious summer fun! We laugh hard and we make friends and memories that last a lifetime. Come see why families have been a part of this all-girls tradition for 67 years! Director: Ange Atkinson. Resident and Day Camp for Girls, ages 8-14. Tara Redwood Summer Camp 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel 831-462-9632 tararedwoodschool.org
Tara Redwood School’s summer camp, Into the Heart of Nature, is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the redwoods of the Nisene Marks Forest. We will offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, animal observations, skits, nature art, yoga, capoeira, parkour, sports and explore the various elements that support all life. For children 10 years old and up, we will offer a junior counselor program for skill-building leadership. Our summer camp educators are highly experienced in outdoor activities and wildlife studies. At Tara Redwood’s Camp, children learn social skills and kindness through developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to all parts of life. The program is an extension of Tara Redwood’s CCC pedagogy in which practicing mindfulness, developing empathy and exploring ways to help others, children are guided to feel empowered and how to make a positive difference in the world. Tara Summer Campers want to return year after year to participate in this engaging, fun, and unique values-based environmental program for 3–5 years & 6–10 and older. Find out more at tararedwoodschool.org
SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE CLASSES
SPORTS
Teach Me French
Adventure Sports Unlimited
831.295.3556 sophieveniel@hotmail.com I offer Customized French tutoring for elementary, middle school, high school students, homeschoolers and adults. Learning French can be one of the most rewarding educational opportunities. As a French native, I am passionate about teaching and sharing my language skills. I offer simple steps to understand grammar, pronunciation and build vocabulary to gain confidence in speaking. I can teach at any level. I offer private lessons in person and online.
303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz 831.458.3648 asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is Santa Cruz's premier swim school. We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Big Sur Camping Trip and Kelp Pickling Class. We explore the world-renown underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custombuilt aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU Come Play With Us!
Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center
303 Walnut Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831- 426-3062 wafwc.org Warriors Group provides youth aged 12-18 the support they need during their teen years. Through workshops, games, and discussions we explore healthy relationships, communication, and self-care while having fun. Once a month, we host a dance class, movie night, and a culture night! Warriors youth group meets weekly from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.
FINE ARTS Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond 831-336-3513 mountainartcenter.org Fill your summer with art! The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center offers the premier Summer Art Camp in the San Lorenzo Valley. Our goal is to provide campers aged 7–17 with opportunities that build self-esteem through art and friendship. Students work on individual and collaborative projects in disciplines such as painting, drawing, cartoon art, ceramics, printmaking, and art-meetsscience (STEAM) classes. Students will learn to feel comfortable expressing themselves artistically and within a group setting. Campers will have an opportunity to participate in critiques and learn how to present and discuss their work. WEST Creative Performing Arts
831-425.9378 Santa Cruz westperformingarts.com Summer 2020...create….INNOVATE! Ever dreamed of sword fighting epic villains, flying in Neverland, casting spells, or capturing your favorite Pokémon? Then get ready for a summer full of imagination and fun with West Creative Performing Arts! Join us for our unique process-based theatre arts classes, camps, and conservatory-style studies, where actors use their imagination to craft their own play experience full of innovation, creativity, and fun! From immersive theatre-based day-camps to original plays, classic productions, and an opportunity to hone your funny bone, we have it all so come PLAY! All of our classes, training programs, and productions are process-driven, believing that the creative journey is what matters. We build confidence, communication, and community. Ages: K-12
Community Boating Center, UCSC
790 Mariner Park Way Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-425-1164 boating.ucsc.edu The UCSC Community Boating Center has been teaching local juniors how to sail for over 30 years. All classes are hands-on, coed classes, ages 8-16 and are taught in RS Quests, RS Visions, and Lasers. Students learn the basics in the protected Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and progress to the beautiful Monterey Bay. Enjoy sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment with knowledgeable, experienced staff. Sign up today! (Adult classes are also available!) Cougar Swim School
SLV High School Pool 7105 Hwy 9, Felton 831-239-4228 cougarswimschool.com At Cougar Swim School we believe that “teaching a child how to swim and be safe in the water is the greatest gift you can give your child”. We offer morning and afternoon swimming lessons for swimmers from the age of 2 and up. Our experienced staff always provides gentle positive encouragement to each swimmer. Along with our swimming lessons Cougar Swim School offers: Board Diving, Jr. Life Guard Academy (Ages 10 to 14), Water Polo (Ages 8 – 17) and the popular Aquatic Day Camp (Ages 7 -13). June Bug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz 831.464.BUGS (2847) junebugsgym.com/ June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement. Nike Sports Camps at UC Santa Cruz
1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226) ussportscamps.com Train with Division III UC Santa Cruz and top local coaches on the UCSC home turf in summer 2020. Improve your skills, make new friends, and experience what it’s like being a student-athlete at one of California’s top summer camp destinations. Youth, adult, day, overnight, week, and weekend programs offered.
Radical Movement Factory
2855 Mission Street Extension (in the Wrigley Building) 831-531-8407 radicalmovementfactory.com The Radical Movement Factory offers week-long day camps in circus and aerial arts for kids ages 6-12. Sessions run Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and include a beach day! Cost: $325. Registration will open by May 15th. Early Bird rate: $300 before June 1 Session 1: July 20-24 Session 2: July 27-31 Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc.
2750 B Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831.462.0655 scgym.com During the summer we will be offering themed Preschool and Recreational Gymnastics Camps at the same time to give parents a safe place for children ages 4 & up. Our camps will be offered all summer long starting in June. Beginning through advanced gymnasts will participate in all Olympic gymnastics events as well as daily trampoline, tumbling, strength, fitness and flexibility exercises. We’ll be filling our camps with lots of other out of the sun fun!!! Visit our website or contact our office for complete details & registration. Come flip with us! Santa Cruz Soccer Camp
831.246.1517 santacruzsoccercamp.com For over 30 years our vision of joy and adventure remains. Almost all coaches have been young players who joined the harmony and magic of the camp, and have graduated through our Leadership Development Program. From the inspiration and resonance experienced at Delaveaga Park during 10- week-long summer camps, the coaches and directors are in service to the new paradigm celebrating the Evolution of competition. SLV Swim Center
9050 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond 831-278-0139 slvswimcenter.com SLV swim center in Ben Lomond offers swimming lessons, swim team, pool parties, and lifeguard classes. All our Instructors are certified, and we keep our pool temperature at 86 degrees. We have added ultraviolet light to our filtration system. Call or text Donna to schedule.
SUMMER EATS Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-469-4400 kiantis.com Party at Kianti’s with our Kids Pizza Parties. Offering Curbside and Take Out for our entire menu and drinks, free kids pizza with entree purchase, Kianti’s Kids Pizza Kits, Happy Hour At Home 3-5 Daily, Family Dinner Special for $40, Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Bottles of Kianti’s Wine and Kianti’s Vodka, Gin or Rum, gift cards and apparel. Delivery services include DoorDash, UberEATS, and Doorbell Dining. Visit kiantis.com/virtual-fun for Kids Pizza Making Videos and more! Visit Kiantis.com/curbsidetogo for Kianti’s rockin’ curbside specials.
SUMMER HEALTH Nannette Benedict DDS & Associates
5015 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley 831.440.9214 ScottsValleyDentist.com Babies, toddlers, teenagers and their parents will enjoy our newly opened up space. We are very family oriented: I even practice with my son! We have the latest in high-tech instruments which we enjoy showing to everybody, including CAD/CAM crowns with 3-D imagery and a 3-D printer. We offer Invisalign to teenagers and adults. You can bring your own playlist and can use our headphones or watch programs on the IPAD mounted over the chair. To better accommodate families, we are open 5 days a week and have two specialists: a periodontist and an endodontist. Go to our website and you can book your next appointment online. Ultraderm | California Skin Institute
Address: 3311 Mission Dr., Santa Cruz 95065 Phone: (831) 272-0936 californiaskininstitute.com/locations/ ultraderm-santa-cruz/ As the days get longer, sunnier and filled with outdoor activities you need to protect your family’s skin from UVA/UVB rays. Remember to apply/reapply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. If you have any concerns about the health of your child’s skin, California Skin Institute is a premier dermatology practice in Santa Cruz, Freedom, & Monterey with board-certified dermatologists and specialists helping families with their skin health. Visit our website or call to make an appointment and ask us about our teledermatology options.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT Animal Training & Research International
Science, Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing (831) 771-4191 animaltraining.us/junior-trainer Exclusive Jr. Trainer experiences including handson discovery with sea lions for ages 9-16 (or as young as 7 with a parent)! Come have fun and learn with our rescued animal ambassadors at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Participants receive one-on-one personalized attention designed to give them a feel for what it’s like to actually care for, work with, and train sea lions and other animals. Available 7 days/week and year-round, kids learn animal care, feeding, husbandry skills, and much more. Nurture your child’s love of animals with the animal professionals you can be proud of. Limited availability for the summer – book your special sea lion summer now! The Bookakery
BookakeryBoxes.com Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help in the kitchen? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and activity, all based around a theme of the month. Order yours today! Use code GUISE10 for 10% off any subscription length (renews at standard rate). Expires 12/31/2020 GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDE SUMMER ENRICHMENT (cont’d)
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row, Monterey montereybayaquarium.org Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. 831-647-6886 or toll-free in the U.S. and Canada 866-963-9645 montereybayaquarium.org/visit/ admission-tickets/tours/aquariumadventures-information Come dive with us! Underwater Explorers in a unique program (summer only) where kids ages 8-13 are introduced to the underwater world through surface scuba diving. Kids are safely guided by Aquarium leadership level dive staff in our Great Tide Pool, where they’ll meet amazing animals while getting a fishes’ eye view of the wonders of the bay. No experience or wet suit is necessary, only a sense of adventure! montereybayaquarium.org/ underwaterexplorers Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo w/MusicalMe, Inc.
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County 831.438.3514 MusicalMe.com Discover your family’s rhythm! Make music
COMMUNITY RADIO FOR THESE TIMES
an exciting & enriching part of your child’s life. In our weekly classes, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them come together for 45 minutes of funfilled, learning-filled, bonding-filled family time. You’ll have so much fun singing, dancing, playing, and laughing that you may not realize just how much learning is taking place. We can help your child grow into a confident music-maker while also tapping into all the developmental benefits that music brings. As you discover fun ways to play with music and rhythms both in & out of class, you’ll be supporting your child’s music-learning and overall development. Classes are offered throughout the year, with a new song collection each season. NEW: All babies up to 4 months attend for free! Santa Cruz Public Libraries
224 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-427-7713 santacruzpl.org IThe SCPL Summer Reading Program for all ages, Imagine Your Story, is going virtual this year. You can still earn books, attend virtual events, and win prizes. Paper logs are available for people without internet access. Reading just 5 books over the summer helps prevent learning loss in students. Kids can continue learning while having fun doing activities that spark imagination. Amazing performers have pivoted to provide interactive online programs. Sign up at any branch or online at santacruzpl. org\srp starting June 1st.
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26 MAY 2020 | Growing Up in Santa Cruz
Maternity care born from humankindness. When you’re looking for a comforting birth experience, trust Dominican Hospital. Our Birth Center delivers the highest level of care in the Monterey Bay area. We provide a welcoming feeling for parents and families, along with the latest technology for moms and babies. Visit dignityhealth.org/DominicanBirthCenter to schedule a tour of Dominican Hospital Birth Center.
GrowingUpSC.com | MAY 2020
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IF YOU FEEL SICK
PREVENTION