Sonoma Family Life February 2019

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February 2019

Camp Basics 7 helpful tips

Make a Date Keep love going strong

V-Day Verve Local fun Pretty in Pink Simple crafts

FREE

Family Expo & Camp Fair FRIDAY APRIL 12 4-7 P.M. AT CODDINGTOWN MALL, SANTA ROSA W

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RECREATION & PARKS

FIND YOUR PERFECT CAMP!

February 2019

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Futuristic Fun Green Mountain Gothic

10

Year of the Pig Soulful Strings Steel Away

Features

Move Over Zuck

24

20 Cooking with Kids

12 Super Smiles

10 Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Keys to dental care, at every stage and age.

Find a camp where your kids can thrive.

14 Look, Listen, Touch Kids learn through all their senses.

Walk on the Dark Side

24 Calendar of Events Malian Rhythms

34 Humor Potty Training Mommy

16 Make a Date Tips for maintaining a healthy marriage.

18 Crush Course How to handle kidsized romances.

22

22 Hearts Alive Take your sweetie on a fun adventure.

32 Pretty in Pink Dress up a jewelry box.

9 4 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

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t’s the month when we celebrate love, both familial and romantic. If you are looking for a way to show a special someone you care, Sharon Gowan check out “Hearts Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us Alive” (page 22) for local fun, including plays, a comedy show, and even a couples workshop. Our Calendar of Events (page 24) has lots of options, too.

Of course, relationships need attention regularly, not just on Valentine’s Day. Check out “Make a Date” (page 16) for practical partnership-fortifying tips, including a simple five-point communication method, as well as a great list of helpful books.

chocolate goodies.Serve to your brood while they are making the V-Day crafts in “Pretty in Pink” (page 20).

When the celebrating is over, perhaps you will be ready to turn your thoughts to the future, specifically your family’s plans for summer break. It’s not too early to be thinking about camps. Mark April 12, 4–7 p.m., on your calendar. That’s when we’ll be hosting our annual free Family Expo and Camp Fair at Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa. You’ll find all kinds of information on an array of local programs that focus on everything from technological skills to horseback riding to the circus arts. See sonomafamilylife. com for more information.

We hope your February is full of many moments of love. Our hearts are certainly happy to be serving you, our readers.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate heart day with the kids, head to the kitchen and turn to “Walk on the Dark Side” (page 32), where you’ll find easy, child-friendly recipes for some indulgent

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2019-20 will be accepted

California Distinguished Schools

Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433

Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Tanni Haas Malia Jacobson Karen Johnson Christina Katz Cheryl Maguire Denise Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 586-9562

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Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2019-20 School Year begins February 5 & 6

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Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

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707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org 6 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Doctor’s Confession to Petaluma

Dear Friend, I wanted to let everyone know what happened while I was in college. It was a moment that changed my life forever. But before I tell you about my experience, I wanted to tell you my story from the start.

Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. I am the guy in the middle, Dr. Taatjes.

You know when I meet people in town and they usually say, “Oh yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Taatjes. You’ve been serving the community for Thirty years! Well that’s me. We are now centrally located in our beautiful new office to better serve the community.

Thirty-four years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever.

Let me tell you my story.

I was studying pre-Med in college, in hopes of becoming a medical doctor.

Things were looking up, and life was good, until things took a turn for the worse.

I began to have terrible back and stomach problems. For a young guy, I felt pretty rotten.

My back hurt so badly that I had a hard time even concentrating in class. I was miserable.

The medical doctors tried different drugs, but they only made me feel like I was in a “cloud.”

I was just not getting better. A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor did an exam, took some films and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt — it actually felt good. I got relief, and I soon was off all medication. It worked so well that I decided, then and there, to become a chiropractor myself.

Now for my kids, Hayden and Henry. They have been under chiropractic care their entire lives. And, unlike most other kids in their class, they never get the “common” childhood illnesses like ear infections, asthma and allergies. In fact, they have never taken a drug in their lives. And they are now 23 and 24!

It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their back problems and stomach problems. They come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few.

If drugs make people well, then those who take the most should be the healthiest,

Dr. Taatjes with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right). but that simply isn’t the case. With chiropractic, we don’t add anything to the body or take anything from it. We find interference in the nervous system and remove it, thus enhancing the healing capacities of the body.

We get tremendous results…it really is as simple as that.

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I have had a problem with migraines as well as low back pain. Even after seeing doctors and other health professionals, the pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, they have helped me tremendously. They even take away my migraines. They’re great!” (Judy E.) “I came in pending laser surgery for two herniated discs. Over a few months here the need for surgery subsided, and the pain has subsided to a mild discomfort with occasional morning stiffness. Over all, I feel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual process.”

(Jaime O.) Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take credit.

Find out for yourself and benefit from an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct your health. You are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well write one for

a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article by Feb. 28, 2019, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $99. That’s with x-rays, exam, report of findings…the whole ball of wax. This exam could cost you $380 elsewhere. Great care at a great fee…

Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care, just because I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic who regularly goes to monthly educational chiropractic seminars. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to neighbors that you may know. I just have that low exam fee to help more people who need care.

My associates, Dr. James Rogers, Dr. Shawn Lorenzen and I are ready to see if we can help you. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called REDWOOD CHIROPRACTIC. We are located at 937 Lakeville Street Petaluma, and our phone number is 763-8910. Call Alex, Brenda, Samantha or Christine today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.

-Dr. Joel Taatjes P.S. When accompanied by this ad. I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $15.

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February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Futuristic Fun

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-D printers use melted plastic, applied one layer at a time, to turn digital designs into three-dimensional objects. Students ages 12 and up who are curious about how these machines work (are they really like a Star Trek replicator?) can see one in action—and even learn to create their own printable designs—at Introduction to 3D Design and Printing. Participants will learn about the basic functions of TinkerCAD, a free online CAD program, at the class, which will be held on February 6, 6:30–8 p.m., at the Guerneville Regional Library in Guerneville. Registration is required. Go to sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/5019015. ¶

Green Mountain Gothic

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Hungrytown

ver heard of folk noir? The Vermont band Hungrytown, made up of Rebecca Hall and husband Ken Anderson, has been crafting songs with this sound—think ’60s-era folk with darkish lyrics— since the late 1990s. And they’ve gotten rave reviews: Their third and latest album, Further West, made the top 10 on the American Folk DJ charts for two months and earned a spot on at least 14 “Best of the Year” lists.

“Not only is this one of the best albums of 2015, it’s one of the best of the decade,” proclaimed New York Music Daily. Their music has even been featured on The Daily Show and Portlandia. To hear some of their tunes, go to hungrytown.com, and then head over to the Sonoma Valley Regional Library in Sonoma on February 23 at 2 p.m. for a free concert. ¶

Year of the Pig he biggest lunar new year parade outside of Asia happens in the North Bay’s backyard: San Francisco. The annual event is also one of the only illuminated nighttime parades held in North America.

Revelers watch dancing lions, elaborately decorated floats, and costumed people fill the streets as firecrackers pop nonstop. One of the stars of the show is the 288-foot Golden Dragon, which more than 180 members of the martial arts group White Crane carry. The event, which has been going on since the 1860s, is set for February 23, 5–9 p.m. The parade will start at 2nd and Market Streets, go around Union Square, and end at Kearny Street and Columbus Avenue. Tickets for bleacher seating are $35, free for kids 2 and younger, and may be purchased at chineseparade.com/tickets. If you don’t want to face the crowds, you can watch the spectacle at 6–8 p.m. on KTVU Fox 2 or KTSF Channel 26. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

Lunar New Year Parade

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Knight Lights Photography

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Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival

Soulful Strings

J

oshua Bell’s name is synonymous with violin virtuosity.

With a career that has spanned 30 years, the Grammy Award–winning artist has played with every major orchestra in the world. And on February 8 at 7:30 p.m. he will come to the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. Get a sitter and see him perform works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Grieg. Tickets are $55–$125 and may be purchased at gmc.sonoma.edu. ¶

Steel Away

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n the 1960s, the waters of the Russian River were chock-full of Steelhead fish. But since that time, their numbers have decreased seven-fold, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. The annual Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival features exhibits that place a spotlight on the once-abundant fish’s predicament. But it’s not only educational activities that the annual free event offers.

There’s also a plethora of fun stuff, too, especially for kids: hands-on art demos, a chance for ages 5–15 to fish for trout, a presentation of live birds of prey, live music from the Blue Rock Band, and, of course, food and local wine.

Experience the festival on February 9, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Milt Brandt Visitors Center at Lake Sonoma in Geyserville. See lakesonoma.org for more information. ¶

Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Joshua Bell

Move Over Zuck

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girl growing up in a world where Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are the faces of Big Tech, one of the fastest growing job sources in the nation, may think there isn’t much room for females in computer science. Indeed, fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women.

Girls Who Code, a free club that features creative coding projects for girls in grades 7–12, aims to change that stat. Starting on February 20, a female software engineer from San Francisco will come to the Sebastopol Regional Library in Sebastopol each Wednesday, 3:30–5:30 p.m., to host the 13-week club. For more information, contact Rosalie at rabbott@sonomalibrary.org. ¶

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February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 9

Geographical Distance Another aspect to consider is the distance of the camp from your home. If the camp is far away, you may end up spending a lot of time and money driving to and from camp. This issue is made even more challenging if you have kids who go to different camps.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! 7 Tips for Choosing the Best Camp for Your Kids

By Tanni Haas

I

t’s no exaggeration to say that the one event kids really look forward to all year is summer camp. But how do you choose the right one? Based on my experiences as the parent of a 15-year-old boy, as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve figured out the top seven things to consider.

Cost It goes without saying that cost is an important factor, especially if you have more than one kid.

Summer camps can range widely in price, depending on whether they’re bare-bones camps with a limited number of activities, or camps that offer a lot of expensive activities like overnight trips. But don’t just consider the price of the camp. Also consider how much money you’ll have left for 10 SonomaFamilyLife

other summer activities like family trips. Kids’ summer vacations are long and can feel even longer if the whole family has to stay home for many weeks because you didn’t have any money left to do other things. I learned this the hard way the first time my son went to a summer camp. The camp was so expensive that we ended up not having money for our planned family vacation.

Day Camp or Sleepaway Camp One of the biggest choices every parent faces is whether to send their kids to a day camp or a sleepaway camp. In my experience it’s best to start with a day camp until your kids express interest in going to a sleepaway camp. If your kids haven’t said they’d like to go to a sleepaway camp, it’s probably because they’re not ready yet. It can also be a good idea to send

Come to Sonoma Family Life ’s Family Expo and Camp Fair on April 12, 4–7 p.m., in Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa. your kids to both day and sleepaway camps. While sleepaway camps give them a chance to experience real independence and to make new friends, day camps let them come home in the late afternoon and spend some time with their regular friends.

Indoor or Outdoor Activities When choosing a camp, consider the types of activities in which your kids would be engaged. Some kids enjoy sitting quietly inside focusing on arts and crafts; other kids prefer being outdoors doing sports. You could choose to simply follow your kids’ preferences and let them decide, or you could use the summer camp as

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

a chance to challenge your kids to step outside their comfort zones and try something entirely different. My spouse certainly prefers the second option. Since our son first began going to summer camp, my spouse has insisted that he try activities that we can’t offer him, such as canoeing, water skiing, and zip-lining.

Single Activity or Multiple Activities Find out if the camps you might be interested in are specialized and focus on one activity, or if they offer multiple activities. Many camps are geared toward one specific activity, such as chess, coding, writing, or more sports-oriented activities like basketball or soccer. Other camps offer kids a range of activities, from sports to crafts to performing arts. Camps that focus on a single activity typically

aim to strengthen kids’ abilities in that particular area. Camps that offer many different activities try to introduce kids to different things. So ask yourself—

When choosing a camp, consider the types of activities in which your kids would be engaged. and your kids—whether the goal is simply to have fun and try new things, or whether the goal is to enhance some particular skill.

Single or Multiple Camps Finally, ask yourself whether you want to send your kids to one camp for all or part of the summer, or whether your kids will go to multiple camps. There are good reasons for either choice. On the one

hand, sending your kids to a single camp can save you time and money.

It would also let your kids cultivate friendships for a longer period of time. On the other hand, sending your kids to several camps would let them explore different interests and make more new friends.

Research Options Come to Sonoma Family Life’s Family Expo and Camp Fair on April 12, 4–7 p.m., in Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa. You can collect information about, and talk to representatives from, camps all over the area.

There will be free family-friendly entertainment, too. ¶ Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a communications professor and freelance writer.

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SonomaFamilyLife 11

of cavities during sleep,” she says.

Singing a song or reading a special book, such as Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron (Children’s Press, 2010) or Sesame Street Ready, Set, Brush!

(Printers Row, 2017), while brushing can help little ones who need a little distraction to get the job done.

Super Smiles Keep Children’s Teeth Gleaming

Elementary Years: Ages 6–12 Brace Race That first orthodontist visit—or even braces—may not be as far off as you think. Parents are often surprised to learn that an orthodontic consult is recommended around age 7, and some children are sporting braces by age 8. Second grade isn’t too early

More than half of teens have had at least one cavity, and 15 percent have untreated decay.

By Malia Jacobson

I

f your child is sporting a cavity or two, she is not alone.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, far surpassing other childhood ailments: It’s four times more common than early-childhood obesity, five times more common than asthma, and 20 times more common than diabetes. Whether your child is cavity-free or all-too-familiar with fillings, you can help encourage better dental health, starting today. Here’s help.

Early Years: Ages 0–5 Good Beginnings The first tiny teeth generally appear around six months, but parents can begin caring for baby teeth before they even appear.

Use a clean, damp washcloth to clean off residual food and milk after feedings and before bed. This helps introduce the idea, and the sensations, 12 SonomaFamilyLife

of tooth brushing and helps keep the gums clean and healthy, says Kate Lambert, DDS. “Babies and toddlers thrive on a fun, simple, and regular routine. It’s vital to brush before bed, since that removes all the plaque and food from the day which could increase the risk

for braces, says Kim K. McFarland, DDS, MHSA, particularly for children with overbites, cross-bites, or other types of jaw misalignment.

Early orthodontic treatment is timed to correct these issues early in the child’s growth, so that a child’s dental arches and teeth will grow more symmetrically during the natural growth spurt that occurs around age 10. Early braces usually mean 2 sets of braces, the first between ages 8 and 10 and the second around age 12.

This route isn’t for everyone; braces necessitate excellent brushing habits (parents of reluctant brushers, take note) and not every family wants to commit to two courses of orthodontic treatment. As an alternative to early braces, McFarland says, parents can ask about less invasive pediatric appliances.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CAMP Teen Years: Ages 13–18 Clean Scene The transition to independence can mean more cavities for teens, says Lambert. More than half of teens have had at least one cavity, and 15 percent have untreated decay. But because teens have their permanent teeth, good dental hygiene is especially important. “Teenagers have an increased risk for cavities for a number of reasons, including less parental guidance when completing home care, braces which can be

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more difficult to clean, and more independent diet choices, such as sodas and candy,” she notes.

Malia Jacobson’s latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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Parents are often surprised to learn that an orthodontic consult is recommended around age 7.

Because teens also care about their attractiveness, a gentle reminder about the appeal of fresh breath may motivate more thorough, regular brushing and flossing. Use a dry erase marker on the bathroom mirror to occasionally remind teens to brush and floss; seek out YouTube videos to demonstrate how unhealthy habits, such as smoking, chewing sugary gum, or sipping soda, can impact the way their teeth look and feel for years to come, recommends Lambert. “Teens are smart, so explaining how cavities form in detail can help motivate them to make better choices!” ¶

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SonomaFamilyLife 13

the human body, for example, by jumping, running, stretching, and discussing which parts of the body are allowing them to do such activities. They are more likely to memorize facts while playing catch, jumping rope, or clapping. Both tactile and kinesthetic learners may enjoy building 2-D or 3-D models with clay, play dough, or building

Kinesthetic students need to move their bodies as they learn.

Look, Listen, Touch 7 Different Styles of Learning

By Karen Johnson

D

o you know your child’s preferred learning style? Does your daughter tend to memorize information after simply reading it? Does your son enjoy building intricate Lego structures? These behaviors are often indicators of learning preferences. It is important to identify a child’s learning style in order to ensure the best chance of academic success.

The seven main learning styles are as follows: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, logical, social, and solitary. Visual and auditory learners have an advantage in traditional classrooms, which cater to them.

Visual learners do well reading; viewing lists, charts, diagrams, and other images; and reading their teachers’ facial expressions.

14 SonomaFamilyLife

Auditory learners benefit from verbal instruction, talking through problems, and using rhythm and music as memory aids.

Kinesthetic students need to move their bodies as they learn, and tactile learners like to use their hands to comprehend material. Kinesthetic learners might like to learn about

materials such as Legos. They might like to do their writing assignments on large marker boards or butcher paper so, unconfined to a desk, they can be fully immersed in the activity.

Another type of learning preference is logical. Logical learners enjoy mathematics, proving equations, and using reasoning and systems. These students write out lists of goals or steps to figure something out. They are likely to use the scientific method approach to solve a problem, and they may become frustrated if they don’t know why something is the way it is. Quite often, logical learners excel at using technology, providing them an advantage in more modern classrooms.

The last two categories of learning preferences are social and solitary.

Social students thrive when they work in groups, while solitary learners do better with self-paced lessons and individualized study plans. It is important to find a niche of interest for solitary learners and craft lessons around it. For example, an interest in airplanes can be used

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

EXCLUSIVE

to teach about gravity, weather, and physics. Fortunately for students who prefer to learn independently, there are online learning communities where they can feel comfortable and succeed. ¶

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1. Your child was assigned a report on a wild animal. She asked to visit the zoo to see and touch stingrays in their natural habitat. Your child is most likely: A. a tactile learner B. a social learner C. a kinesthetic learner D. an auditory learner 2. Your daughter was told to create a project showing the water cycle. Which of the following would indicate that she is a logical learner?

A. She immediately jumped on the computer to research water cycles after school.

B. She created a step-by-step detailed diagram of the water cycle, complete with a color-coded key.

C. She created a rain-measurement tool and left cups of water around the house to observe water evaporate.

D. All of the above.

3. Your son’s foreign language teacher tells you that he most enjoys listening to translation activities via headphones and computer. Your son would be best described as a: A. social, visual learner B. tactile, kinesthetic learner C. auditory, solitary learner D. logical, social learner 4. Which of the following is a helpful lesson for teaching math to a kinesthetic learner?

A. having him measure how far he kicked the soccer ball to determine the length of the field B. having him draw a soccer field and describe its measurements C. having him watch the teacher draw the measurements on the white board D. asking him to join a group in drawing a soccer field to scale on paper 5. Your child can be identified as a visual, social learner. She was assigned a group project on the Civil War. What might be a good role for her within the group?

A. creating a 3-D battlefield B. reenacting a battle scene for the class C. writing out a detailed synopsis of why the war occurred D. researching little-known facts about the Civil War and reporting her findings back to the group

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priority when you’re so busy,” says Karen, homeschooling mother of three children. “Ken and I may go two to four months doing the ‘day-to-day.’

Then we realize we’ve been so focused on the children that we haven’t had time to get out.”

When this happens, the Cebenkas make a date. “Sometimes we go to Lowe’s and just walk around or go…

Couples should spend a few minutes each day sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Make a Date

get ice cream and talk. It’s not really what we do. It’s just having that time together,” she continues.

By Denise Yearian

Experts say one of the best ways to nurture a marriage is to have regularly scheduled date nights.

Finding Couple-Time When Raising a Family

J

ennifer and Larry DiGuiseppe were married six years when a wave of troubled waters threatened their marriage, their family, and their future. “After our second child was born, life became increasingly stressful,” explains Jen, mother of two, voice teacher, and part-time performer. “We were lost in our own little worlds. I was busy with the children and Larry was going to work. We weren’t communicating, and we weren’t connecting.”

When the DiGuiseppes realized what was happening, they sought marriage counseling to anchor their relationship and bridge the gap that had grown between them.

In a world where work and family responsibilities vie for couples’ time, spouses often find it difficult to maintain a healthy marriage relationship. But according to Dr. Bonnie Fisher, clinical psychologist, 16 SonomaFamilyLife

a healthy marriage is the foundation of a healthy family.

“In order for a marriage relationship to survive, it must be nurtured and maintained,” says Fisher. “There has to be some plan and process to keep that going. It does not happen automatically, particularly after the children are born.”

This is what Karen and Ken Cebenka found. “You lose sight of keeping this

“If the family is so busy the couple can’t find time to get out, they need to schedule a date and mark it on the calendar just like they would a soccer game,” suggests Marilyn Denn, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in marital counseling.

“Line up a babysitter, enlist the help of family, and plan to do something.

The important thing is that you are free of the needs of your children and focusing on the two of you.”

This was helpful for the DiGuiseppes.

“Our marriage counselor suggested we do date nights,” says Jen. But since Larry works evenings, nights out are a challenge.

“We tend to find other times of the day to be together,” Jen continues.

“Lots of times when the kids are in

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

school, we come back to the house and have coffee and breakfast together. Sometimes we just lay on the hammock reading the newspaper.”

What happens if you can’t synchronize your schedules, and using a babysitter is a no-go due to lack of finances or local family to help?

“Trade off with friends,” suggests Fisher. “Do a barter system—I’ll watch your kids twice this month if you’ll watch mine.”

The DiGuiseppes have done this several times. “My friend is a single mother with two children the same ages as mine, so sometimes we’ll swap with her. I’ll take her kids if she wants to go out and vice versa.

We’ve even done overnighters and the kids love it,” Jen says.

In addition to date nights, experts suggest daily connect time. “A lot of couples get bogged down with the details of life and don’t regularly share their feelings with one another,” says Denn. “We may call our spouse and ask him to pick

up milk or take ‘Johnny’ to soccer practice, but fail to connect on an emotional level.”

Couples, says Denn, should spend a few minutes each day sharing their thoughts and feelings.

The Cebenkas do this. “Every night after dinner, Ken and I spend about 15 minutes at the kitchen table talking,” Karen says. “We tell the kids this is ‘our time.’ I fill him in on what has happened during the day, and I hear about his day. We get caught up.”

But that’s not the only time they communicate. “Sometimes we’ll be in the living room talking and the kids will come in. We’ll tell them they have to leave because we’re having a date.

Then we laugh. They think it’s funny, too,” she continues.

“It’s times like these that show children the high value you place on your relationship,” says Fisher.

Both Fisher and Denn suggest that if spouses are too busy for couple time, they may need to reevaluate current

commitments and give up something, if necessary, in order to nurture their marriage.

“Maintaining time for ‘us’ is a constant struggle,” concludes Jen. “We do our best to stay aware and keep a finger on the family pulse. But it’s worth it, because our family is worth it.” ¶ Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

The Love Book List William J. Doherty, Take Back Your Marriage (The Guilford Press, 2013) John M. Gottman and Nan Silver, The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work (Harmony, 2015)

Patricia Love and Jo Robinson, Hot Monogamy (Piatkus Books,

1998) Terrence Real, The New Rules of Marriage (Ballantine Books, 2008) David Richo, How to Be an Adult in Relationships (Shambhala, 2002)

Stoking the Fire: It’s All About Communication Daily Temperature Check is a tactic used by some professionals to assist couples in communication. It takes about 10 minutes a day, and each spouse takes a turn communicating in three to five of the following ways.

1. Appreciation Say something you appreciate about your spouse: “Thanks for remembering to make that phone call today.”

2. New Information Tell your spouse something that is going on in your life or something important she or he needs to know: “My mother called and said her surgery is scheduled next Friday.”

www.sonomafamilylife.com

3. A Puzzle Communicate about something you have observed and are curious about: “I saw you didn’t sleep well last night. Was there a problem?”

4. Concern with a Request to Change Share with your spouse a valid concern you have, with a request that an action be taken: “It bothers me that you don’t replace the paper towels when you empty a roll. Could you please replace the roll when it is finished?” Note: Be sure this doesn’t turn into a gripe session.

5. Wishes, Hopes, and Dreams Make a statement of anything you wish or hope for: “I hope we can find some time this weekend to plan our vacation.”

February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 17

friend, and respecting others’ personal space to help them navigate strong feelings and budding friendships.

ELEMENTARY YEARS 6–12: Sticks and Stones It’s normal for grade-schoolers to develop crushes as they become more social and interact with a wider circle of friends and peers. Often, though, crushes appear anything but affectionate. Kids may show interest by targeting their crush for negative

Crush Course Helping Kids Navigate First “Loves”

By Malia Jacobson

W

hen cupid’s arrow strikes, it can be fun and exciting.

But for young children just learning how to navigate social interactions, crushes can also be intense, puzzling, and disappointing, says Carolyn AlRoy, Psy.D.

Early crushes start sooner than parents think, sometimes in preschool, and experts say they can lay the groundwork for a child’s future romantic relationships. Read on for age-appropriate tactics to help parents turn crushes into lessons about life and love.

or another non-family adult. It’s normal for young children to fixate on someone they like, even declare that they want to marry their friend or teacher. Use these statements as bridges to discussions about concepts like marriage, friendship, living together, and love.

EARLY YEARS 3–5: Fast Focus Does your child spend every waking minute talking about a special friend or favorite teacher? You’re in the crush zone. A child’s first “crush” may take the form of an intense interest in a new friend, preschool teacher,

“Remember, children this age are still learning how to interact in social situations,” says Jenell Kelly, Ph.D., family and human development specialist. Give your child simple instructions for expressing and receiving affection, being a good

18 SonomaFamilyLife

What’s the right age for teens to begin dating? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. attention, from name-calling to schoolyard chasing. And most have no idea how to deflect unwanted attention from a peer with a crush on them.

It’s all part of learning about boundaries and group dynamics, says Kelly. “Getting along with peers—those they are interested in and those they may not be interested in—is an important component of normative development.” But kids should understand that healthy relationships don’t involve rough physical interactions, name-calling, or other negative attention. Parents can help children interact positively with others by adopting a zero tolerance for bullying policy at home and using games and role play to help children identify ways to express their interest in a positive way, such as offering a compliment or striking up a conversation about music.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

TEEN YEARS 13–18: Dating Game What’s the right age for teens to begin dating? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, says Kelly. While some may go on first “dates”—possibly chaperoned trips to the mall or movies—around age 13, others may not date at all as teens.

“Chronological age is not always

Before dating begins, start talking with teens about boundaries—things like responsibility, accountability, communication guidelines, dating curfews, how the family will screen potential dates, and what to do if your child feels uncomfortable on a date.

“And before your teen dates, take him or her on a date!” says AlRoy. Use the time to talk about healthy dating, appropriate behavior, and brainstorm fun date activities.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning parenting journalist and mom of three.

Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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the best way to determine when teens are ready to date,” she notes.

A child’s social and emotional maturity and a family’s value system should factor in, as well. If “real” dates are still a few years off, group dates, movie nights at home, or parent-chaperoned outings can help pave the way for more dating autonomy later on.

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SonomaFamilyLife 19

Cooking with Kids

Walk on the Dark Side Spread Some Chocolate Love

By Christina Katz

A

long with roses, chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. These recipes make it easy to share its deliciousness with the whole family.

Pretty Chocolate Pudding Serve this tasty pudding warm on cold days and cold on warm days, and it will always be a major hit.

1. Stir together 2/3 cup sugar, ¼ cup cocoa, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt in medium saucepan.

Place over medium heat and gradually stir in 2 ¼ cups milk.

2. Stir constantly until mixture boils.

Boil and stir for 1 minute.

3. Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

4. Pour mixture into a serving bowl or divide among 4 individual dessert dishes. Press plastic wrap directly onto pudding surface to prevent skin from forming.

5. Chill 2 hours or serve warm.

Remove wrap and garnish with whipped cream.

20 SonomaFamilyLife

Best Brownies Ever These decadent brownies are amazing slightly cooled from the oven with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top.

1. Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Butter and flour an 8-inch–square baking pan.

2. In a small saucepan, place 4 ounces chopped unsweetened chocolate on top of 2 sticks of butter. Stir over low heat until melted. If you use a microwave, take care not to splatter or scorch mixture.

3. Place 2 cups sugar into medium mixing bowl. Pour in chocolate-butter mixture and mix well. Add 4 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla and blend well.

4. Sift ½ cup of flour over the mixture and fold in gently, taking care to not over-mix.

5. Pour mixture into baking pan and bake for 30–40 minutes. For gooey brownies, bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean. For more cake-like brownies, bake 5 minutes longer.

Easy Chocolate Fondue This is always a hit with kids. Dip fresh fruit, marshmallows, sturdy bread, pretzels, or pound cake into this warm, creamy mixture—mmm!

1. In a heavy saucepan, warm 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to slowly boil.

Add 12 ounces high-quality dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips to the cream and whisk until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla, if desired.

2. Transfer to a fondue pot on low heat or serve straight from the saucepan. Make sure kids do not touch or tip a hot pot.

3. Arrange bite-sized pieces of dipping foods on a plate with fondue forks or regular forks. If the fondue starts to stiffen, whisk in a bit more cream. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is a lover of all things chocolate.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

Family Fun Cloverdale Citrus Fair

Hearts Alive

6 Local Ways to Celebrate V-Day

T

CLOVERDALE If you want to include your kids in your V-Day weekend, the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, February 15–18, will offer myriad amusements for every age. Besides high-flying rides at the carnival, there will also be culinary demos, an orange-juicing contest, wine tasting, art displays, animal exhibits, cabaret performances, a Kids Zone, live local music, and numerous other entertainers. Admission to the fair is $5–$8; a carnival ticket book is $20 and an unlimited rides wristband is $25–$30 (neither includes fair admission). Some activities, such as the cabaret, may cost extra. See a full list of offerings at cloverdalecitrusfair.org.

22 SonomaFamilyLife

Hamlet

Jennifer Griego

he relationship that you have with your partner is the foundation of your family. Let these local offerings inspire you to give it some extra attention this Valentine’s Day. Want even more ideas? Turn to our Calendar of Events on page 24.

ROHNERT PARK “To be, or not to be?” If you are like most parents, you are too busy to ponder Hamlet’s existential query. But perhaps you can take a break and watch Shakespeare’s prince do the contemplating for you. The Bard’s masterpiece will be performed at Spreckels Performing Arts Center on weekends February 1­–17. Purchase tickets, which are $16­­–$26, via rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/ spreckels_performing_arts_center.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

PETALUMA A book 113 years overdue is dropped in a library’s night slot, and a reclusive librarian decides to try to track down the borrower. Such is the premise of Underneath the Lintel, the latest play to grace the stage of Cinnabar Theater. Take your love to an evening of comic theater and watch Sonoma County actor John Shillington play the librarian who travels the globe on his unusual quest. The show runs weekends February 1–17.

Tickets are $28–$30 and may be purchased at cinnabartheater.org.

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SANTA ROSA It takes a recessive gene to color locks red. And gingers’ specialness doesn’t end there: At the Charles M. Schulz Museum, redheads get free entry on Valentine’s Day. The annual tradition is in honor of the Little Red-Haired Girl, Charlie Brown’s object of endless unrequited love. If you or the kids are carrot-tops, take advantage of free admission on February 14, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Regular fees ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 and younger) apply for all others.

See schulzmuseum.org for more information.

Rohnert Park: 360 Rohnert Park Expressway Santa Rosa: Coddingtown Mall 750 Farmers Ln. (by Ross) 2240 Mendocino Ave. (by Safeway) 750 Stony Pt. Rd. (by Starbucks) 1425 Fulton Rd. (by Raley’s) 2700 Yulupa Ave. (by CVS) ANY HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT Windsor: 9018 Brooks Rd. (by Mary’s Pizza) Healdsburg: 1017 Vineyard $Plaza $ 99 99 Sonoma: ANY HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT 19217 Sonoma Hwy. (Maxwell Village Center) Terra Linda: $ 99 ANY $ 99 HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT Northgate One Shopping Center 701 Sonoma $Mountain Parkway $ Petaluma: 99 99 929 Lakeville St. (by Luckys)

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Whose Live Anyway?

SANTA ROSA What parent—or human, for that matter—doesn’t need a good laugh?

Let the pros do it right. Take your sweetie to an all-star line up of four nationally known comics doing 90 minutes of completely improvised games, scenes, and songs. The show, Whose Live Anyway?, is the stage performance spin-off of the popular television program, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which airs on CW. The evening stars Ryan Stiles, who has appeared on all three iterations of the television program. Check it out on February 17 at 7 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Tickets are $39–­$59 and may be purchased at lutherburbankcenter.org.

SEBASTOPOL Does your partnership need a little tune-up? Maybe the Thrive Together couples workshop can help. Facilitators (and parents) Maura and Andrew Griffes, who met during their graduate training in counseling psychology, will teach shared movement exercises and techniques for dealing with conflict. The class will be held at the Dhyana Center on February 2, 6:30–9:30 p.m., and costs $60.

Register at lucidrelating.com/events/ couples-workshop-sebastopol. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

HEY MOM GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

• What did you like?

• What didn’t you like?

• What subjects would you like us to cover?

• Got any local story ideas? e-mail melissa@family-life.us Maura and Andrew Griffes

February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 23

February

Calendar of Events Malian Rhythms

pbeat rhythms and a dynamic stage presence have made Malian guitarist and singer Habib Koité a star of the world music scene. He is known for his unique guitar-playing style, which combines rock and classical techniques with open tunings. The result? His guitar sounds more like an African than a western instrument. See him perform with the Grammy-nominated ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate on February 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg. Purchase tickets, which are $35–$50, at raventheater.org. ¶

Friday 1 Hamlet. $16–$26. Thru Feb. 17. Fridays & Saturdays (plus Feb. 14): 8 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m.

Spreckels Performing Arts Center.

5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. spreckelsonline.com.

Underneath the Lintel. Weekends.

Thru Feb. 17. $28–$30. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org.

FREE A Celebration of American Music & Family Dance Party. Family

DJ team hosts dance party featuring music of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson & more. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. Other libraries will host this event in Feb. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.

Saturday 2 Thrive Together Couples Workshop.

Facilitated by Maura & Andrew Griffes. $60. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Dhyana Center. 186 N. Main St., Suite 240, Sebastopol. lucidrelating.com.

Sebastopol Guitar Festival.

Music, exhibitors, workshops, talks & mini-concerts. Admission 24 SonomaFamilyLife

(including evening shows): $35.

Evening concert only: $17. Noon–10 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 823-1511. seb.org.

FREE Special Needs Activity Program–SNAP. Fun &

developmental activities for kids with special needs & their families.

Alternating sessions of music, dance, arts, crafts, physical exercise & yoga.

Saturdays. 10 a.m.–noon. Runs thru March 23. Healdsburg Community Center. 1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 431-3301.

FREE African-American Folktales.

Kirk Waller will perform stories & songs that explore African & African-American culture & history.

Ages 5 & up. 11 a.m.–noon. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. Other libraries will host this event in Feb. See sonomacounty. libcal.com for branches/times.

FREE KidsWorks at Friedman’s.

Explore Children’s Museum of Sonoma County Museum-on-the-Go’s interactive displays. Rain or shine.

9 a.m.–noon. Friedman’s Home Improvement. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Giant canopy next to garden center. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Habib Koité

Pudding Creek Express. Travel along the Pudding Creek Estuary to Glen Blair Junction on this scenic 7-mile round-trip. $10–$25. Dogs: $10.

Saturdays & Sundays (plus Mon. Jan. 21). 11 a.m. Some days also at 1 & 3 p.m. Fort Bragg Depot. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Thru Feb. 24. 964-6371. skunktrain.com.

FREE Heart Candy Box. Build a Valentine heart candy box. Kids must be accompanied by adult. 9 a.m.–noon. Home Depot locations: Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa & Windsor. homedepot.com/workshops.

Monday 4 Whirling Waters Vortex. Be prepared to get wet. Weather permitting. $9–$12. Under 12 mos.: free. Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 564-4069. cmosc.org.

Museum Mondays. Enjoy stories, arts & craft activities & movement games. For children ages 1–5 & their caregivers. New theme weekly. $5 per child before 11 a.m. Up to 2 adults per child are free before 11 a.m. After 11 a.m., regular admission applies. Mondays. 10 a.m.–noon.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Ferenc Kalmandy

U

Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Tuesday 5 The Wonders of Orion. Learn

about the most recognizable constellations.

Three large telescopes will be available. $20–$25. Sign up early. 7 p.m. Robert Ferguson Observatory. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. brownpapertickets.com/ event/4039651.

Behind Enemy Lines: A True Story of a Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany.

Holocaust survivor Marthe Cohn tells her story. $15–$25. 7 p.m. SRJC Petaluma. Carol Ellis Auditorium. 680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma. jewishpetaluma.com.

Terrific Tuesdays. Fun activities &

snacks, all for $10. Tuesdays. Noon–4

e 17 Junthru— — y 19 Jul

p.m. Fundemonium. 579 Rohnert Park Expwy. W., Rohnert Park. 800-4060. fundemoniumtoys.com.

6–8 p.m. Petaluma Community Center.

320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. petalumamothersclub.org.

Wednesday 6

Friday 8

FREE Intro to 3-D Design & Printing.

6:30–8 p.m. Guerneville Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

FREE SAT Intensive Preparation.

Class is limited to juniors.

Students must attend both parts.

Part 1: Feb. 6, 3:30–6 p.m. Part 2: Feb. 9, 2:30–5 p.m. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. Registration requires both parent/guardian & student signatures. Download form: sclib.us/ wintersignups1.

FREE Petaluma Preschool Night.

Meet-&-greet evening for local preschools. Open to the community.

FREE Bilingual Storytime Cuentos y Cantos. Explore books, songs,

rhymes & play in English & Spanish. For children 0–5. Libros, canciones, rimas y actividades en ingles y espanol. Para edades 0–5.

Fridays. 11 a.m.–noon. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.

Children’s Book Sale. Sponsored

by Friends of Petaluma Library. Feb. 8: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Feb. 9: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (half-price day). Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. petalumalibraryfriends.org.

Joshua Bell. $35–$125. 7:30 p.m.

Sonoma State University. Green

Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect,

Exploration Makes Explorers Summer Camps for ages 10 to 14. Featuring camps in robotics, music, art, ceramics, debate, storytelling, cooking, baking, outdoor skills, podcasting, broadcasting, sports, and more! Find out more, www.sonomaacademy.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Saturday 9 Art Jam: Children’s Theater with Cinnabar Theater. A monthly visiting

artist series where families create art with Cinnabar Theater, Folk Modern Craft, Sonoma Flower Mart, Franklin Williams & more. Program is included in the admission cost ($9–$12, under 12 mos. free). 1–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 564-4069. cmosc.org.

FREE Valentine Tea. 9:30–11 a.m.

Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm.

655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa.

575-7194, ext. 102.

Wine Country Distillery Festival.

Public tasting benefiting Social Advocates for Youth (SAY). A cocktail

competition, distillery wine booth visits, food bites & live music. $10–$50.

Ages 21+ only. Noon–4 p.m. Sally Tomatoes. 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park. eventbrite.com.

card. Supplies provided. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library.

6250 Lynne Conde Way & Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Valentine Dinner Dance. Food, live

FREE Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival. Food trucks, wine & beer &

music, dancing, raffle, silent auction, prizes. Benefits local veterans & their families. $40. Dinner: 6–8 p.m. Dancing: 8–10 p.m. Santa Rosa Veterans Hall. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

FREE Valentine’s Day Crafts & Cupcakes. Create a homemade

valentine & decorate a cupcake.

Supplies provided. Children of all ages. 1–3 p.m. Santa Rosa Central Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

FREE Hearts & Flowers Day Drop-in Craft Table. Make a gift

activities for kids. Live music, archery, birds of prey. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lake Sonoma. Milt Brandt Visitors Center.

3288 Skaggs Springs Rd., Geyserville. lakesonoma.org.

The Spy Who Killed Me. Murder

mystery dinner theater. $68. Feb. 9, 16 & 23. 7 p.m. Charlie’s Restaurant.

1340 19th Hole Dr., Windsor. getaclueproductions.com.

Santa Rosa Symphony–Love Letters. A musical celebration of

all kinds of love, from romantic, platonic & familiar, to the love of

The Art of Academic Excellence Pre-K to Grade 8

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26 SonomaFamilyLife

Electives: Culinary arts • Dance • Spanish • Music • Art • Photoshop • Video editing • Technology MATHEMATICS ENGLISH • SCIENCE CREATIVE ARTS ATHLETICS • HISTORY

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Charter Middle 6-8

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

nature. Mendelssohn & Schumann. $24–$87. Feb. 9 & 11: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10: 3 p.m. (Feb. 9 open rehearsal at 2 p.m., $10–$20). Sonoma State University.

Weill Hall. Green Music Center.

1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org.

admission. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Sunday 10 Santa Rosa Mothers’ Club Sign Painting Fundraiser. Make a

ready-to-hang, framed decorative wood sign. Materials & 1-on-1 instruction. $39–$79. To support the Santa Rosa Mothers’ Club. 5–7 p.m. LaRosa Tequileria & Grille.

500 4th St., Santa Rosa. Tickets at boardsandbottle.com.

20th Anniversary Paws for Love Gala. Benefits animals in

need. $50–$60. 6–10 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. pawsforlove.info.

Friday 15 Cloverdale Citrus Fair. $5–$8.

(Kids 12 & under free on Feb. 18.)

Feb 15: noon–9 p.m. Feb. 16 & 17: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Feb. 18: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. cloverdalecitrusfair.org.

I Heart Rohnert Park. Activities for all ages, live entertainment, food, beverages & more. 2–5 p.m.

Rohnert Park Community Center.

5401 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. rpcommunityservices.org.

FREE Children’s Story Time at the Museum. Family-friendly event to

coordinate with Black History Month exhibit, The Great Migration. Children are invited to attend this interactive story time. Parent/guardian must be present. 10 a.m.–noon. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. 20 4th St., Petaluma. petalumamuseum.com.

Saturday 16 Shiloh Ranch Regional Park Hike.

A Bill & Dave hike. Hike consists of 2 loops from the parking lot, a total of 6.5 miles. Break for lunch. Rain or shine. Event: free. Parking: $7. Meet at park entrance at 9:45 a.m. for a prompt 10 a.m. departure. Shiloh Ranch Regional Park. 5750 Faught Rd., Windsor. billanddavehikes.com.

Thursday 14 Calling All Little Red-Haired Girls.

Little (or not so little) red-haired girls or boys receive free museum

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February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 27

Family Hikes. Learn about local plants & animals while participating in a citizen-science project. Event: free.

Parking: $7. Hikes start on the hour: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Spring Lake Regional Park. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Whose Live Anyway? Improvised comedy. Based on TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?. $39–$59. 7 p.m.

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.

50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Call of the Wild Cat Show. Pure-bred

FREE Girls Who Code. 13-week club features creative coding projects for girls in grades 7–12. Wednesdays.

3:30–5:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

& domestic cats compete. $4–$6.

Under 5: free. Parking: $9. Feb. 16 & 17: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com.

Sunday 17 Petaluma Mothers’ Club Family Dance. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Petaluma

Veterans Memorial Building. 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. facebook. com/petalumamothersclub.

Friday 22 Holly Near: Our Love Is Here to Stay.

Standards & show tunes. $30–$40. 7 p.m. Ner Shalom. 85 La Plaza, Cotati. shalomevents.ticketleap.com.

FREE Rebuild Green Expo.

Showcase for building affordable,

Rain or Shine the Y swim lessons will be taught in our indoor heated pool by caring, skilled instructors.

707-545-9622 x 3138 www.scfymca.org Sonoma County Family YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 • 707-545-9622 F 707-544-7805 The Y is a non-profit Community Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

28 SonomaFamilyLife

Saturday 23 Cold Process Soap-Making Workshop. Taught by Kelly Smith,

Wednesday 20

Swim Lessons SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA

sustainable & resilient communities.

11 a.m.–7 p.m. Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. rebuildgreenexpo.com.

owner of Rubber Ducky Soap. $40. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Laguna Environmental Center. 900 Sanford Rd., Santa Rosa. Pre-registration required. lagunafoundation.org.

Crab Feed. Fundraiser

for Jack London Families PTO & the YMCA. $60. 5–9 p.m. Friedman Center. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets via scfymca.org.

The Spirit of Us: A Musical History from Africa to Hip-Hop. In honor of

Black History Month, an enriching

HELPING YOUR KIDS SUCCEED IN SCHOOL! We can help with specialized projects.

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Private Tutoring (by certified teachers) After-School Homework Help 1–6pm on School Days Special Appointments Available

First Session FREE Come In Check Us Out!

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February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 29

HOME OF

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& educational musical production. $10–$15. 7:30 p.m. Museums of Sonoma County. 505 B. St., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org.

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S

ome kids may find the topic of history rather dry. But storyteller Kirk Waller aims to make it fun as he tells tales and sings songs that illustrate African-American history and culture. In honor of Black History Month, Waller, who won the Parent’s Choice Foundation GOLD award for his latest CD, But Why? Stories, Music and Songs, will be performing his unique mix of spoken word, rhythm, music, and movement at several area libraries.

Kids ages 5 and up can see it on February 2 at 11 a.m. at Sonoma Valley Regional Library in Sonoma; February 8 at 11 a.m. at Cloverdale Regional Library in Cloverdale; February 9 at 11 a.m. at Guerneville Regional Library in Guerneville and 2 p.m. at Northwest Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa; and on February 23 at 11 a.m. at Sebastopol Regional Library in Sebastopol and 4 p.m. at Windsor Regional Library in Windsor. Meanwhile, Rincon Valley Regional Library in Santa Rosa will host a short-film series for ages 5 and up. See Garrett’s Gift, Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story, and The Journey of Henry “Box” Brown on February 6, 6–8 p.m. The films will also be screened at other Sonoma County libraries throughout the month.

See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches, dates, and times. ¶ 30 SonomaFamilyLife

Join Santa Rosa Firefighters for a morning of fishing. Loaner rods, bait & tackle provided. For ages 5 & older. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing licenses required for ages 16 & older. Licenses not required to assist a child. 9–11 a.m.

Lake Ralphine at Howarth Park.

630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.

FairyTale Ball. Dance party for ages 4–12 & their chaperones. Fairytale theme. Tickets only available before event, not at door. $35. Additional chaperone or child: $10. 5 p.m.

Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.

Broadway Bash. Featuring performances of old classics & new favorite Broadway tunes. Beer, wine, champagne, a variety of food & sweets included with admission. $75.

Supports Cinnabar Theater students.

6 p.m. SRJC Petaluma. Carol Ellis Auditorium. 680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma. cinnabartheater. org/broadway-bash.

Whale Watching Adventure. 2-mile

round-trip hike. Event: free. Parking: $7. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Gualala Point Regional Park. 42401 Hwy. 1, Gualala. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

FREE Family Bike Day. 4-mile ride on the paved Joe Rodota Trail. Learn basic bike-safety tips.

1–3 p.m. Joe Rodota Trail. 4211 Sebastopol Rd, Sebastopol. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Lamb Day. Learn

about wool. Feed & hold lambs. Spinning demo. Enjoy own picnic by the pond. $20. Ages

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

12 & under: free. No walk-ins. No pets. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Windrush Farm Fiber Arts. 2263 Chileno Valley Rd., Petaluma. Tickets: eventbrite.com.

(Search on “Lamb Day.”) Afro Fusion. Afro/Brazilian

dance classes for all levels. Nigerian dance, samba/axé & maculelê. $25–$65. Noon–6 p.m. Tone Pilates Dance Yoga. 545 Ross St., Santa Rosa. facebook.com/ events/2231183813865243.

hour). Sonoma Community Center. 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomacommunitycenter.org.

FREE Hungrytown. Folk

duo. 2 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Lunar New Year Parade. Biggest outside of Asia. 2nd & Market Streets, San Francisco. Bleacher seating: $35.

5–9 p.m. chineseparade.com.

Sunday 24

The Chieftains. Six-time Grammy

Award–winning Irish band. $35–$85.

7:30 p.m. Sonoma State University.

Green Music Center. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Chili Bowl Express Fundraiser.

Seatings at 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.: $30. 5 p.m.: $60 (includes cocktail

Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.

Kids Fishing Derby. For

ages 15 & under. Prizes will be awarded for multiple age groups. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Must bring your own equipment. $3 per participant.

7:30–10:30 a.m. Lake Ralphine at

sonoma

Wednesday 27 Walk Through the Grades Tour. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa.

575-7194, ext. 102.

Thursday 28 Banda Magda. Led by Greek-born singer, composer & accordionist Magda Giannikou. Combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, mid-century classics & more. $25–$45. 7:30 p.m. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center.

1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc. sonoma.edu.

The

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• Expressive Arts Integration • Focus on collaborative and activity driven learning For more information, please attend one of our Parent Information Events at 487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472.

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707-823-8618

487 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol, 95472 February 2019

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Crafting with Kids

Pretty in Pink Valentine Projects

By Christina Katz

V

alentine’s Day is coming!

And after all the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year holidays, you may want to keep your heart-day celebration simple.

Luckily, your family can have plenty of fun making crafts with items you have on hand.

Embellished Jewelry Boxes • Cardboard jewelry gift boxes • Foam brushes • Acrylic paint • Glossy Mod Podge • Tissue paper scraps • Wire rack • Magazine cutouts • Glitter • Spray lacquer • Leftover jewelry charms • Stick-on embellishments • Ribbon • Tacky glue Drying times will vary, but as long as you apply liquids in a thin layer, they will dry quickly. Paint box inside and out, as needed, or cover with Mod Podge and tissue cut into 1-inch squares. Let dry on wire rack. Add a thin layer of paint or Mod Podge, magazine cutouts, 32 SonomaFamilyLife

another layer of Mod Podge, and sprinkle lightly or thickly with glitter. Let dry, tap off excess glitter, and then spray with a generous coat of spray lacquer to permanently adhere glitter. Let dry. Add charms, embellishments, and ribbons using Tacky glue as needed. Let dry.

Seed Valentines for the Birds • 1/2 cup boiling water • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (2.5 teaspoons) • 3 tablespoons corn syrup • 4 cups birdseed • 3/4 cup flour • Non-stick cooking spray • Cookie sheet • Parchment or waxed paper • Heart-shaped metal cookie cutters • Drinking straws • Waterproof ribbon Place water in microwave-proof bowl or cup and heat to boiling in microwave. Slowly sprinkle in gelatin, stir with fork, and let sit one minute. Add corn syrup and stir.

In large bowl, combine birdseed with flour. Pour a thin stream of liquid all over the top of the dry ingredients. Spray a large mixing spoon with non-stick cooking

spray and mix until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Give it a light spray of non-stick cooking spray. Also spray the inside of cookie cutters.

Fill each cookie cutter with birdseed mixture, while inserting a short piece of a cut drinking straw all the way through each cookie. If you do not have straws, you could use a chopstick or something similar. If birdseed mixture is sticking, use more cooking spray, even on hands.

Then push the seed cookie through the cookie cutter and onto the tray and let sit overnight.

Once dry and firm, thread the cookies with waterproof ribbon and hang outdoors where birds gather.

Discard leftover seed mixture outdoors.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz enjoys whiling away the hours making crafts with her teenage daughter.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 33

Humor Break

Potty Training Mommy 6 Signs of Readiness

By Cheryl Maguire While potty-training books discuss children’s readiness to use the pot, they do not recognize “mommy readiness.” Here, I will attempt to fill the void.

Enthusiasm to clean yet another mess. Many moms spend the majority of their waking hours cleaning some sort of mess, whether it’s the food smeared on the furniture or the diaper cream used as finger paint or the toys strewn across every inch of the house. Just the thought of encouraging another mess can send some moms right over the edge.

There comes a time, however, when the diaper messes become so revolting that the thought of cleaning up after potty training actually sounds appealing. This is what I mean by mommy readiness. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, just wait.

You’re much better off remaining in a state of blissful ignorance until then.

Motivation to do more laundry.

Moms face an endless amount of laundry. Obviously, when potty training a child, accidents will occur, and this leads to more laundry.

Mommy readiness becomes apparent when you find yourself cleaning sheets, 34 SonomaFamilyLife

blankets, and clothes every morning thanks to stripped-off diapers.

Suddenly, cleaning a few extra outfits seems minimal.

Eagerness to spend all day in the bathroom. It’s difficult to imagine having to add another activity to an already busy schedule, much less one that involves running to the bathroom at a moment’s notice because your potty trainee needs to

Many moms spend the majority of their waking hours cleaning some sort of mess. go. But when you add up all those dollars spent on diapers and wipes, you realize that spending some extra time in the bathroom might not be so bad after all.

Readiness to deal with accidents in public. Going to public places with toddlers is extremely challenging. They are interested in all the new and fascinating items in front of them, which sends them in every direction except the one you want. Their attention span is also limited, so you

find yourself moving at warp speed trying to accomplish whatever task you set out to do. “Accidents” in public create yet more obstacles in your outing. That said, discovering your child bathing in toilet water speedily enhances your readiness to deal with any accident in public.

Willingness to use public restrooms. Many people avoid using public restrooms. Toilet training your child means using public restrooms on a regular basis. Finding your child throwing his or her dirty diaper across a room that is not a bathroom helps you overcome this hang up really fast.

Admitting your child is no longer a baby. This is by far the most difficult step for any parent to make. On some level, they will always be your babies. After learning to use the potty, the next step is going to college—or that’s how it feels sometimes. Statistically, most college students end up moving back home anyway, so you need not worry about them leaving you anytime soon. ¶ This article was originally published on Parent.co.

Cheryl Maguire holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

February 2019 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Gravenstein Union School District

n wi Ne -20!

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An innovative and inclusive program for all at Gravenstein Elementary School

Energetic & Compassionate Teachers!

Beautiful, rural school setting!

Rigorous academic expectations for all.

Engaging enrichment classes.

Age-appropriate exposure to technology.

Social-Emotional Learning curriculum.

Affordable before/after school care.

New for 2019-2020...ALL TK-5 students participate in enrichment classes!

Enrichment classes may include: Art, Music, Spanish, PE and Athletics, Dance, Drama, Poetry, and HandsOn Science.

Contact Principal Keri Pugno for more info or to book a tour: (707) 823-5361 kpugno@grav.k12.ca.us

January 12 from10:00-11:00 AM Gravenstein Elementary School: 3840 Twig Avenue, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Paperwork available at www.grav.k12.ca.us or in the school office

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