Sonoma Family Life July 2014

sonoma July 2014

Tame Tantrums

Best Beaches

Popsicle Treats

4

The Buzz about

Fireworks

How to

4 Easy Recipes

Beekeeping

5 Top Spots

th of

July

For illnesses and injuries that can’t wait.

Get timely treatment, seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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ENTER TO WIN at SonomaFamilyLife.com A NEW WINNER DRAWN EVERY WEEK ENTER EARLY AND INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF BEING A WINNER! JUNE 30 THROUGH AUGUST 11 You can win great prizes, including tickets to Broadway Under the Stars, a Sonoma County YMCA one-week camp session, a San Francisco Zoo family membership, tickets to Clover Stornetta Family Fun series at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, dinner for four at Stout Brothers, Mountain Mike’s pizza, and Coldstone ice cream.

July 2014

Feature Stories

10 Here’s the Buzz about Bees Learn to start your own hive.

10

18 Rip Current Safety

Be smart with these four steps.

19 Sweets that Please

Mini-cakes make perfect kiddie goodies.

20 Ain’t Misbehavin’ Help kids cope with public tantrums.

24 Ready, Set, Prep!

The complete list of back-to-school essentials.

30 A Torn Heart A mom finds herself part of the Sandwich Generation.

41 A Party in the Sky

14 41

Celebrate the Fourth with barbecues, music, and fireworks.

Every Issue 6

Dear Readers

8

Bits and Pieces

Reading Rainbow Revived

Our New Family Life Home

Write On Mama!

Hunt for Nature’s Treasures

Enter the Summer Fun Sweepstakes!

46 Tips for a Boo-boo –Free Summer

14 Family Fun

Best Beaches 28 Cooking with Kids

Freeze Out 34 Calendar of Events Fair Flower Power 46 Marketplace 50 Humor Break

Stargazer Central

SonomaFamilyLife.com 4 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Get Well in 15 Minutes a Day!

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’m 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 in Petaluma for years…” Well, that’s me.

Twenty-six 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 19 and 21!

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, 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

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Tea with Doc 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 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 the 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 July 31, 2014, you will receive my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s with x-rays, exam, report of findings…the whole ball of wax. This exam could cost you $350 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

July 2014

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. Letzt, Dr. Lee, Dr. Thau and I are ready to see if we can help you. Our offices are both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called REDWOOD CHIROPRACTIC and we now have two locations. Our main office is located at 937 Lakeville Street Petaluma, phone number is 763-8910. Dr. Taatjes would love to help you at this location. Call Alex, Stephanie or Wendy.

Our second location is at 225 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, with Dr. Thau (who is awesome), and the phone number is 775-2545.

Call Cathy today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you.

– Dr. Joel Taatjes P.S. When accompanied by the first I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.

Visit us at:

redwoodchiropractic.com

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

I

’m so excited to be writing to you from our new home. I think of it as our summer growth spurt. While your kids have been Sharon Gowan busy sprouting, Publisher/Editor so have we. Our Sharon@family-life.us spacious new place gives us room to keep growing as we continue to bring you informative articles like those you’ll find in this issue.

Top on the list for July is how to celebrate the Fourth. “Party in the Sky” (page 41) will tell you where to find spectacular fireworks and lots of patriotic fun. If you are having your own Independence Day celebration, put our festive popsicles (“Freeze Out,” page 28) and mini-cakes (“Sweets That Please,” page 19) on the menu. They’re sure winners with the younger set.

If, as the long days continue, you are looking for an innovative and educational summer activity, we have just the ticket—beekeeping! It may sound unusual—maybe even scary—but it can be a perfect pastime for kids and adults alike (“Here’s the Buzz about Bees,” page 10).

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us

If an afternoon out is more your speed of distraction, look to our calendar of local events (page 34) for a plethora of ways to have a good time. And if too much fun makes for a cranky kid, turn to “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (page 20) for help avoiding and coping with meltdowns.

Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Karlon Baker karlon@family-life.us

To brighten up any day, enter our Sonoma Family Life Summer Sweepstakes to win a slew of great prizes (page 3).

Features Editor

Have a joyous July!

Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager

Marketing Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

VENDORS WANTED for HUGE Indoor Street Fair Starts September 2014 August 2014

Contributing Writers Cameron Carey Christina Katz John Corippo Diane Turner Maller Patty Wipfler Patrick Hempfing

Calendar Anna Freeman

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Includes: Farmers Market, Artisans, Antiques, Food Court & Family Fun

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Open in August

Tel 707-586-9562 Fax 707-586-9571

Sonoma Mountain Village Rohnert Park, CA

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July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Our New Family Life Home

A

fter a couple years of searching, Family Life Magazine finally found it—our new office! The old place served us well for ten years, but we grew—just like families do. We needed more space and now we have it.

We have newly painted walls and newly planted flowers, and we’re busy arranging new furniture and decorating with photos, awards, and fun stuff. Everyone is excited to be setting up shop in a beautiful but homey cul-de-sac just off of Airport Road in a park-like setting, a great place for a local community magazine that is really taking off. Our address is 134 Lystra Court, Suite A, Santa Rosa CA 95403. Our number remains the same: (707) 586-9562. Look for pictures on our Facebook page of our dressed-up digs. Plans for a grand opening are in the works, so stay tuned for the announcement! ¶

WE’ve Moved Write On Mama!

P

arents know that a family dinner or bedtime routine is full of the kind of pathos that makes for great drama. Write On Mama is a group of local writer-parents who are mining the material for their work.

From newbie writers to bloggers to published journalists, the members of the group meet online and in person to support each other. Recently they put out a book, Mamas Write (Bittersweet Press, 2014), an anthology of witty and gritty stories from in-the-trenches parenting.

Reading Rainbow Revived

I

f you were one of the thousands of people who grew up with Reading Rainbow and mourned its 2009 demise, despair no more. It’s back, but as an app.

LeVar Burton, who served as the show’s host for its entire 26-year run, bought the rights to the Reading Rainbow brand. He turned the show into a tablet-based app, which brings a library of children’s books and Reading Rainbow– style video field trips to paid subscribers.

Burton launched a Kickstarter campaign to make the app accessible via the Web, free of charge, to school classrooms. So far, the campaign has raised $3.8 million.

See readingrainbow.com for more information. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

The members hail mostly from Northern California and meet the second Sunday of the month from 3–6 p.m. at Mill Valley’s O’Hanlon Center for the Arts. The next meeting on July 13 will feature a talk at 5 p.m. by Abby Wasserman, a writer, artist, and former editor-in-chief of the Oakland Museum of California’s quarterly magazine.

New members are welcome; your first meeting is free. There is a small annual fee to join the group and to gain access to the lectures at a reduced cost. With a $60 annual membership, lectures and meetings are $5, and without, $10. See writeonmamas.com for more info. ¶

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Enter the Summer Fun Sweepstakes!

A

re you getting a little tired of hearing “I’m bored”? Enter our summer sweepstakes and cook up some fun! You can win great prizes, including tickets to Broadway Under the Stars, a Sonoma County YMCA one-week camp session, a San Francisco Zoo family membership, tickets to Clover Stornetta Family Fun series at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, dinner for four at Stout Brothers, Mountain Mike’s pizza, and Coldstone ice cream. Entering is easy.

Just go to sonomafamilylife.com, click on the “Summer Fun Sweepstakes” banner, and enter your email address. Want to up your chances of winning? Share our sweepstakes ad via your favorite social media. ¶

Hunt for Nature’s Treasures

W

ho doesn’t like to search for treasure? The Homes and Habitats program at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the beauty of the natural world. The program provides kids with a “quest,” a list of questions and directions that take young naturalists on a journey through the preserve, leading them to gems of flora and fauna. You can download quests at landpaths.org/ media/81614/quest_final.pdf or find them at a kiosk near the entry to the park. Take the kids on this unique expedition anytime; the park is open daily, from sunset to 6 p.m. For directions to, and a map of, the preserve, see tinyurl.com/6chxgz5 or go to sonomaopenspace.org.

Your crew did an excellent job!

They (and you) arrived promptly and the directions you gave were concise, direct, and exactly as we had requested. The crew went to work immediately and they performed careful, diligent work throughout the day. They started at 7am and I had to leave for appointments at 4:45 pm and the crew was still finishing up. They put in a long day with lots of hard work and cleaned up the premises.

I note that they had to take out six trees as well as trim back many trees and brush to clean up the property. Your crew did a great job and were quite careful with the trees that may have impacted the house or fencing.

I am quite pleased with the results and impressed with the care and professionalism of your crew.

Please pass along my compliments to the crew for their hard work and care. I will look to your company for our tree service in the future!

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July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 9

Here’s the

Buzz about Bees “ D

By Cameron Carey

10 SonomaFamilyLife

Why Family Beekeeping Is a Sweet Deal

o you want to see my bees?” my husband’s 80-year-old great uncle asked my eight-year-old son Griffin when we were visiting Ireland. Griffin raises bees at home, and I wondered if elder and younger beekeeper would connect.

“Yes,” came my son’s typical one-word reply.

“How many hives do you have?” asked the uncle, as they neared the woods where the hives were stored.

“Five,” replied Griffin.

“I have eight hives. All but one are empty right now.”

This peaked Griffin’s interest. He could not imagine having so many empty hives. The two remained in the woods examining the hives and sharing tricks of the trade for an hour. I think they both loved every minute of it.

Honeybees are a gift for so many reasons. They spread pollen and joy, helping crops to grow while making the world a more beautiful place. Unfortunately, bees have experienced a serious decline in the past 20 years. This condition has been named Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). While no one is completely sure of the cause of CCD, experts propose multiple contributing factors, including the increased use of pesticides and loss of habitat, as well as parasites and disease. Some even believe the decline is partly due to the rise in the use of cell phones, the radio

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Griffin and his 4-H leader, Ettamarie Peterson, inspect a hive.

waves from which interfere with the bees’ homing senses.

The good news is that you can help. By planting honeybee-friendly plants, you can provide the pollen that bees thrive on. Want to carry it a step further?

You can be like my family in Petaluma and raise bees in your own backyard.

For us, it all began when Griffin decided to join the beekeepers project in his 4-H club. He and his fellow 4-Hers met once or twice a month with an expert, Ettamarie Peterson, who taught them all about bees and how to care for them. She even helped Griffin get started with his own hive. After taking Griffin to a few meetings, my husband was hooked, too. Once the first hive was set up in our yard, the whole family became interested. We ended up with five hives of bees; our yard prospered, and we were rewarded with a regular supply of delicious honey.

The first step in our honeybee sojourn was to find a hive. They can be purchased or made, but we were lucky enough to receive one donated by a past beekeeper. As part of the 4-H project, the children learned how to make frames, which go inside the hive and are where the bees store their honey and brood (bee larvae).

My husband was delighted to pull out his tools and help Griffin make a few at home. They eventually made a complete hive box together. I loved seeing my husband share his expertise, and watching him and Griffin join efforts in a project about which they were both so excited.

Griffin removes the cell cappings so that the honey can be extracted from the frames, as little sister, Missy, looks on.

After your hive is established and your bees are strong, the next step is to harvest honey. But before www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 11

Griffin checks a hive.

A swarm of bees.

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12 SonomaFamilyLife

attempting this activity, get a bee suit. It’s a necessity. The bee suit covers beekeepers from head to toe, making sure no skin is exposed or susceptible to stings. Honeybees die after they sting a victim, so they only attack when absolutely necessary. A beekeeper’s task is to be very careful and gentle when delving into their home. It takes an extremely calm demeanor to interact with bees without risking being stung. But wearing the correct clothing, including a bee suit, hat, and gloves, will keep a

beekeeper protected and safe. (Make sure that the suit’s cuffs are tight; no one likes getting a bee stuck up their pants or shirt!)

Harvesting honey is, of course, a high point of beekeeping. You do not get honey from the main hive box, but instead add another “story” that is just for honey collection. This is called a honey super. A special portal is installed for this hive so that the queen will be excluded from it, and no eggs can be laid there.

Once the honey super is full, you

Getting Started

A

ttend a meeting of the Sonoma County Beekeepers. Everyone is welcome from beginner to expert, and the information and advice is invaluable. Visit sonomabees.org.

The essential elements to begin your hive: 1. A hive with frames 2. A hive tool (to pry the frames in and out)

3. A frame grabber 5. A smoker (to calm the bees) 6. A bee suit (to protect yourself) 7. And… the bees

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CLOVERLEAF RANCH

Fast Facts • Honeybees have been around for 30 million years.

they have stuffed themselves, it is very difficult for them to sting.

• Bees are the only insect that • Toothpaste and mud bring quick produces food eaten by humans. relief to a bee sting.

• A honeybee visits 50–100 flowers during a collection trip.

• Honey is one of the world’s oldest known antiseptics.

• Pollen sticks on little hairs that cover the bee as it travels from plant to plant.

• It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a bee’s flight around the world.

• Before swarming, honeybees gorge themselves, not knowing when they might eat again. After

Collected by Cameron Carey

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can begin to harvest. Harvesting usually takes place once in the fall, and sometimes, if you are lucky, in the spring.

The entire process of honey collection and extraction led to a controversy in my family. When our hives were very strong the first couple years, collecting honey was not an issue. When Griffin felt that one of his hives was having a hard year, my husband wanted to harvest the honey, but my son did not. Since harvesting the honey is essentially “stealing” from the bees’ food source, Griffin felt it was better to leave it for the bees’ use during the winter.

Who would have thought that such “child rearing” differences could arise between a young child and his parent? In the end Griffin won—the honey was left available for the bees through the winter. While many beekeepers will feed their bees sugar water during a time when pollen is scarce, of course the bees’ own honey is the best solution. www.sonomafamilylife.com

The advantages of beekeeping with children reach far beyond simply interacting with the bees. For instance, the age-old discussion of the “birds and the bees” was much easier once our children knew about the insect’s life cycle, including pollination and how the queen mates.

In addition to providing ample teachable moments, bees make great “pets;” they thrive with or without attention—and the neighbors never complain. Actually, the folks next door are as grateful as my fruit trees and vegetable plants to have such powerful pollinators so close by.

And, as Griffin and his uncle will attest, the humming insect is great at “pollinating” intergenerational friendships, too.

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Be part of the beekeeping buzz and get your own hive. You’ll be glad you did. ¶ Cameron Carey moved to Petaluma 21 years ago. She is a senior writer for Irish Dancing & Culture magazine, and freelances as a writer and web administrator.

July 2014

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527 4th Street • Santa Rosa stoutbrospub.com

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Family Fun

Best

Beaches ‘

Beautiful Places for Families to Play Together

Tis the season of long hot afternoons, no homework, and kids with nothing to do.

Miles of sandy shore are the perfect antidote for pent-up energy. And while your children are running around hunting for shells, you can luxuriate in cool ocean breezes, knowing that your little ones will be too wiped out to even think of making a fuss at bedtime.

Wondering what beaches are the best bets for families? Check out these Bay Area treasures, most of them world renowned for their beauty.

14 SonomaFamilyLife

Shell Beach.

This lovely spot is terrific for tide-pooling.

In fact, the beach serves as an outdoor classroom where students from area schools learn about marine life. And it’s a prime fishing hangout, too, so dad or mom can cast a line while the kids are wow-ed by starfish and anemones. Don’t touch any of the tide-pool fauna, though. Just the simple act of turning over a rock can endanger the marine life, especially if the fragile creatures are exposed to the sun. No dogs or camping are allowed. No day-use fee. For more information, call 875-3483 or see parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Courtesy California State Parks 2014

Nonstop Flights to/from Learn to Fly Aircraft; Helicopters

Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

TS

Goat Rock Beach. Along Sonoma County’s majestic coast, waves crash against striking monoliths. One of them stands so close to the shore, visitors can drive up to it, and stand in awe of its presence. This is Goat Rock, a mammoth landmark with a mysterious moniker. (One ranger said it may be so named because only a goat could scale the beast.) Drive a few feet on a one-lane road and find the parking area for Goat Rock Beach. From its easily accessible shores, you can watch the Russian River flow into the Pacific, and, from March through August, witness harbor seals lying about with their cubs. Bathrooms with flush toilets are adjacent to the parking lot, which is conveniently close to the beach. No dogs or camping are allowed. No day use fee. For more information, call 875-3483, or see parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451.

Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

©P N

images courtesy of Kevin O’Connor and The Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, www.stewardscr.org

Sonoma County Airport

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

Open House July 15, 6pm • Bilingual Toddler thru Elementary • STEM Curriculum • Math Through Architecture • Mommy & Me

Doran Regional Park. Bodega Bay is famous not only as the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Birds, but also for its resplendent beaches. This park’s sheltered two-mile stretch of sand is an inviting place for families to picnic, surf, and swim (though note that there are no lifeguards). A 1.28-mile trail winds through the park’s dunes while a rock jetty at the harbor mouth provides access for fishing, crabbing, and exploring sea life. The park boasts an ADA-accessible boardwalk with viewing areas, beach wheelchairs (available upon request), fish-cleaning and boat-rinsing stations, and a boat launch that can accommodate up to 20-foot vessels. Camping sites feature restrooms with electrical outlets, flush toilets, and coin-operated showers. There are no RV hook-ups, but there is a $7 day-use fee. Leashed dogs are allowed. For more information, call 875-3540 or see parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Doran_Regional_Park.aspx. www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

707-763-9222 SpringHillMontessori.org

SonomaFamilyLife 15

Courtesy California State Parks 2014

Salt Point State Park. If you are thirsting for spectacular, panoramic vistas, drink in Salt Point State Park, home to rocky promontories, pygmy forests, and other distinct geological features. Get your wilderness fix hiking 20 miles of trails; go tide-pooling in Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, one of the state’s first underwater parks; or fish, SCUBA dive, picnic, or camp. Gerstle Cove campground offers 30 family campsites, and Woodside, 79; both provide drinking water and restrooms, but no showers.

Besides offering some blissfully wild hiking and camping, this park carries a bit of interesting local history, too.

During the mid-1800s, sandstone from the area was used to construct San Francisco streets and buildings. Search the rocks at Gerstle Cove, and you’ll find eyebolts where the ships anchored to load sandstone slabs.

Leased dogs are allowed, but not on trails or beaches. In addition, your canine friends must be kept in a tent or vehicle at night. There is an $8 day-use fee. Camping at Gerstle Cove and Woodside is $35/night. Note: Fisk Mill and Stump Beach are closed to day use. For more information, call 847-3221, or visit hotwire.com/hotel/results?searchTokenId=1&sn=sn6_2.

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Golden Gate National Park

Tennessee Valley. A mostly flat 1.7-mile walk to the sea makes this Marin County– gem a very doable family exploration. Rolling hills line a trail that leads to a beach small enough to keep track of your kids, and big enough to let them commune with nature on their own. Ceceilia’s Gardens, a terrific produce stand right at the beginning of Tennessee Valley Road, sells delicious organic seasonal fruit to fuel your brood’s trek. Outhouses are available at the beginning of and along the trail.

Get there early. It’s a popular spot, and parking can be sparse, especially on weekends. No day-use fee.

Camping by permit only. No dogs are allowed. For information, call (415) 331-1540, or check out nps. gov/goga/planyourvisit/tennessee_valley.htm. ¶

Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon. If you and your family are more interested in taking a dip than a scenic drive, then visit Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon. Staffed by regional park lifeguards, it features placid waters, clearly marked swim boundaries, and roomy beaches. Parking is $7 or free with a Regional Parks membership. For more information, go to parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Activities/Swimming.aspx.

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 17

Rip

Current Safety

4 Steps for Escaping Danger

N

o matter how many times you’ve been to the beach, or how great a swimmer you are, never, ever be lax about rip currents.

Rip currents, which are different from rip tides and undertow (see tinyurl. com/67ggfkp for more information), are formed when waves break strongly in one place and weakly in another, creating a river-like channel of fast-moving water that travels off shore.

They usually form in low areas where kids like to play, such as sandbars, and also near groins, jetties, and piers.

The currents can be very narrow or hundreds of yards across; the pull may end just beyond the line of breaking waves or extend several hundred yards from shore. The important thing to know is that they are fast—reaching speeds of 8 feet per second. That’s faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint! The swifter they run, the more dangerous they become. Sometimes they can be fairly slow, but even relatively gentle currents can quickly turn treacherous if wave height and frequency increase.

It’s possible to spot a rip current before even getting into the water, especially if you happen to be wearing

18 SonomaFamilyLife

polarized sunglasses. Here are a few things to look for: • a channel of choppy water • an area where the water is murkier or a markedly different color • a string of foam, seaweed, or debris moving out to sea • a break in the pattern of incoming waves These signs can be hard to detect from shore, though. Sometimes the only way to know the location of a rip current is by actually being in one. If this happens, remember: Don’t panic! It’s a myth that a rip current can pull you under; it can only pull you farther out to sea. People die not because they’ve been pulled under water, but because they instinctively try to swim toward land, against the intense current, eventually exhausting themselves and drowning.

There are a couple of approaches to escaping a rip current. Here’s what to teach kids.

1 2

Stay calm. Remind them that rip currents can’t pull them under, just out to sea, and that the pull will eventually end.

Don’t go toward the shore.

Advise kids to swim parallel to the shore, not toward it—no matter what. If you’ve got swim team stars in your family, remind them that not even the Michael Phelpses of the world can beat the power of a rip current, so they shouldn’t try either.

Since parallel may be a difficult word for young minds to grasp, you may want to think of a catchy phrase to help kids understand. Something like “Follow the shore, safety you’ll score” or “Follow the line, safety you’ll find.”

Kids can determine if they are out of harm’s way by figuring out if they still feel the current’s pull on their bodies.

If they no longer feel the pull, then they can swim toward land. Some experts advise swimming diagonally toward land, even after breaking free of the current.

3

Don’t freak. Float. If swimming out of the current doesn’t work, just tell your children to simply turn on their backs, or tread water, until they are out of the current’s reach. This works as a first option, too, if they don’t want to try to swim out of the current.

4

Yell. If all else fails, they can turn toward shore, wave their hands, and holler for help.

Many people die trying to save others by entering the current themselves.

The best way to help victims is to throw them something that floats, yell instructions for escaping, and then seek out a lifeguard or call 911.

For more information, see the sites of the United States Lifesaving Association, usla.org/?page=ripcurrents, and the National Weather Service, ripcurrents. noaa.gov/index.shtml. Check out tide times by going to surfline.com. ¶

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Sweets That Please Pint-Sized Holiday Treats for Little Hands

Mixed-Berry and Lemon Mini-Icebox Cakes Yield: 12 mini-cakes • 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries • 2/3 cup granulated sugar • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 2 cups heavy whipping cream • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon) • 1 package (4.9 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies • Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for garnish

No-Bake Cheesecake Star Pops Yield: 6 servings • 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 3/4 cup boiling water • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1 bag (12 ounces) royal blue Candy Melts candy • Lollipop sticks Prepare 6-cavity mini-star silicone mold with vegetable pan-spray. In small bowl, combine gelatin, sugar, and water; whisk until completely dissolved. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, vanilla, and salt with electric mixer until smooth.

Gradually add gelatin mixture, beating well. Scrape bottom and sides of bowl. Continue beating until fully combined. Pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate 2 hours or until completely set.

Carefully unmold cheesecakes onto cookie pan. Melt small amount of Candy Melts. Dip lollipop stick in melted candy and insert 3/4 of the way into cheesecake stars. Freeze 30 minutes or until firm. In large bowl, melt remaining Candy Melts according to package directions. Drizzle or pipe candy over cheesecake stars as desired. Refrigerate 10 minutes or until set. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Note: Some cream cheeses are firmer than others. Firm is best for this recipe. Choose a brand-name, full-fat cream cheese for most favorable results.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Line muffin pan with plastic wrap, pressing plastic into each cavity and letting plastic hang over edge of pan. In large skillet, combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until berries soften and liquid reduces to 1 cup, about 20–25 minutes. Gently mash berries with wooden spoon. Transfer to medium bowl and cool completely. In large bowl, whip cream on medium-high speed until cream holds stiff peaks, about 4–5 minutes. Gently fold in berry mixture and zest until completely combined. Place whipped cream in decorating bag and cut off pointed end. To assemble, pipe small amount of whipped-cream mixture into each muffin cavity. Lightly press a cookie into whipped cream. Continue layering whipped cream and cookies until cavities are full, finishing with whipped-cream layer. You should have 3 layers of cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove pan from refrigerator.

Remove plastic wrap from top and carefully flip out onto serving platter. Remove wrap from mini-cakes. Garnish with additional berries, if desired. Serve immediately.

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 19

Ain’t Misbehavin’ Helping Children with Public Tantrums

By Patty Wipfler

I

t is the end of a

particularly stressful day at

work. You just picked up

your three-year-old son from day care, and you’ve run to

the store to do some shopping before heading home. You’re hurriedly scanning the shelves

for oatmeal, when your little guy spots a box of Lucky Charms that he simply must have.

20 SonomaFamilyLife

You don’t allow high-sugar cereals at the breakfast table, so you refuse. But that doesn’t keep him from asking again.

You refuse— again. Then he starts making demands, stretching up on his tiny toes, reaching for the box, insisting from the core of his being that he needs this cereal. His pleas are so utterly desperate that, for a second, you actually believe him. But you stand your ground. “No,” you say gently but firmly.

And then it happens—his feet begin to stomp, his face crumples into tears. Before you know it, your sweet, adorable child is screaming at the top of his lungs, having a full-blown tantrum in the middle of aisle three.

Frazzled already, you are at your wit’s end, not to mention embarrassed and ashamed. The condemning looks of strangers sting your spirit. You know what they’re thinking: “Why can’t you control your child?” And you wonder the same thing.

Melt Downs Are Normal

Our society isn’t terribly nice to parents or young children. You’d think that a tantrum was tantamount to stealing or some other kind of criminal behavior, given our general attitude toward what is essentially a typical childhood experience.

An upset child is crying for connection with you.

We think that children should be seen and not heard, and that parents should always be in control of their children’s behavior. In short, children are not fully welcome. Public tantrums are a nuisance. It’s foreign to see a child’s frank expression of feelings as a gift. And granted, standing in isle three, you too might have trouble seeing your child’s “full expression of feeling” as a good thing.

However, consider the parenting ideals you may have been raised with.

The child-rearing tradition that has been handed down to most of us sets us against our children when their behavior isn’t convenient for us or other adults. Others expect us to criticize, use harsh words, punish, isolate, shame, threaten, or physically attack children who are “misbehaving.” No parent really wants to act like an adversary toward the children they love. We

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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treat our precious children in these ways when we can’t think of anything else to do, when we feel very upset, or when we fear the disapproval of others.

But there are ways of effectively handling tantrums without resorting to parenting strategies that don’t feel good to you or your child.

Increase the Dose of Love The number one thing to remember: An upset child is crying for connection with you. When your child is having a melt down, she needs more loving attention from you, not less.

When children become emotionally charged, they can’t think or listen, or function normally. The slightest thing brings them to tears. At these times, children need you to set kind, sensible limits and to be close to you while they express their intense feelings.

This spilling over of emotion in your calm and patient presence is the most effective way to speed children’s return to their reasonable, loving selves.

So what does it look like to approach a tantrum in this way? In the case of our dear Lucky Charms fan, it means getting down to the child’s eye level, putting your arm around him, and gently saying no to his demands while you allow him to tantrum. You can move to the corner of the store, if that is helpful.

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In other scenarios, such as when getting into a car seat, it would mean staying with your child, seat belt not yet fastened, letting the tears flow as you listen to her.

In general, when a young one begins to spin out, slow things down and just allow for and listen to the child’s www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

feelings, reminding yourself that she is doing nothing wrong. She is just following her instincts, releasing emotions that are blocking her ability to function in a reasonable manner.

Get a Different Perspective As parents, several adjustments of our expectations are necessary before we can let ourselves be present for our children as they release pent-up feelings in a public place.

• We need to remember that every good child experiences big feelings in public places.

• We need to remind ourselves that our society has trained people to disapprove of children doing what is healthy and natural, including making noise, horsing around, crying, and even laughing too

much. This disapproval is out of line. Children are good. Their needs are legitimate, including the need to offload bad feelings.

• When other adults criticize our kids, we need to continue to treat them with respect. Being a parent means advocating for our children in many settings, including in public and with strangers.

• Finally, we need to acknowledge that children legitimately need far more attention than it is comfortable to give. Adults who see child rearing differently, or who got little attention themselves as children, will be upset when they see you being tenderly present for your child. We can expect these upsets, but we don’t have to be governed by them.

It’s helpful to plan ahead of time what to say to people who express their opinions or concerns. You can adopt some phrase like “We seem to be having technical difficulties,” “My daughter really knows how to wail,” “It’s that kind of a day,” “After he’s finished, it’s my turn,” or simply, “We’re OK. I don’t think this will last all day.” A comment like this gives the message that you are in charge.

Predict “Tantrum Weather” You can be a “behavioral meteorologist,” and learn to prevent tantrums from happening by knowing the kinds of situations in which young children often become emotionally charged. These include: • being with several people: a family dinner or gathering, a meeting, a

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22 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

birthday party, the grocery store, church, or temple; • moving from one activity to another: leaving home or day care, stopping play for dinner, and going to bed; • being with parents who are stressed because they are cooking, cleaning, shopping, trying to finish a task on time, or upset because there’s so little help; • at the end of an especially close or fun-filled time such as a trip to the park, a visit with a friend, or wrestling, chasing, and laughing with Mom or Dad.

child before you take her to a public place or challenging situation. Then, stay connected. Use eye contact, touch, your voice, and short spurts of attention to keep her in the orbit

When you see an upset brewing, see if you can find a way to play, so that your child can laugh. of your love. This contact is deeply reassuring, and can sometimes defuse situations that your child finds difficult.

Keep Calm and Connected To keep tantrums at bay, spend time connecting one-on-one with your

When you see an upset brewing, make contact right away. See if you can find a way to play, so that your child can laugh. Laughter relieves children’s tensions, and allows them to feel more

and more connected. If, when you make contact, your child begins to cry or tantrum, do what you can to allow him to continue. His upset will heal if the feelings are allowed to drain.

By respecting and allowing—instead of judging—our children’s feelings, we open the door to a greater sense of equilibrium for both our children and ourselves. When we see children’s upsets as a plea for connection with us, we will have fewer “Lucky Charms” moments and more harmony in our families. And that makes everyone happy. ¶ Patty Wipfler is the founder and program director of Hand in Hand Parenting, handinhandparenting. com. For 40 years, she has worked with parents and children all over the globe. Her booklets have sold more than 700,000 copies.

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1

July 2014

6/6/2014 1:17:48 PM 23 SonomaFamilyLife

Ready, Set, Prep!

The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist

By Christina Katz

W

hether you are just getting back from vacation or you are spending your summer relaxing at home, the

back-to-school bell is probably on your

mind. How will you get your shopping done with minimal stress?

Never fear. Here is a list of crucial items you will want to buy before the first day of school arrives. Use this list to help you get organized so that you can get everything done in just a few hours, and then finish up any other necessary shopping the first week of school.

Will you purchase everything on these lists? Probably not. Chances are good you already have some of these items on-hand. If not, look for hand-me-downs, or pick up second-hand or clearance items.

This list has all your back-to-school to-dos covered, so you can squeeze some more fun out of summer!

24 SonomaFamilyLife

Everyday Supplies ✔ Backpack ✔ Lunchbox ✔ Thermos or water bottle ✔ Hot and cold lunch containers ✔ Replaceable silverware ✔ Disposable bags or foil ✔ Combination lock ✔ Locker décor ✔ A permanent market for labeling each item For Each Child ✔ School clothes ✔ Underpants ✔ Undershirts, tank tops, or bras ✔ Socks ✔ Pants and jeans ✔ Tops ✔ Belts ✔ Dresses, skirts, and skorts ✔ Jackets, scarves, hats and gloves ✔ Hair accessories

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

For the Extra-Curricular Bag ✔ Gym bag ✔ Workout clothes or uniform ✔ Special underwear, if needed ✔ Cleats, sneakers, or special shoes ✔ Mouth guards, pads, or other specific gear ✔ Socks ✔ Portable hair-care items ✔ Deodorant ✔ Water bottle For the Whole Family ✔ A Well-stocked pantry ✔ Breakfast foods ✔ Sandwich supplies ✔ Condiments ✔ Healthy chips ✔ Fruit ✔ Granola bars ✔ Sweet treats

✔ Low- or no-sugar drinks ✔ After-school snacks ✔ Milk Scheduling ✔ Wall calendar ✔ Bulletin board for upcoming event papers ✔ White board for lists and reminders ✔ Fresh pens, markers, and dry-erase markers

Homework ✔ Backpack, sport bag, shoe-storage area ✔ Pencils and pens ✔ Pencil sharpener ✔ Calculators ✔ Staplers ✔ Scissors ✔ Tape dispenser ✔ Paper clips and alligator clips ✔ Plain white paper ✔ Lined paper pads

✔ Cubbies or pockets to sort school papers on the fly ✔ Clothesline on which to display excellent work ✔ Drawer or nook for parent-student directories ✔ Central place to keep digital devices parked and charging

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220 Windsor River Road, Windsor July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Back-to-School Troubleshooting

Communication Catch-Up

• Low on funds for school clothes? Shop thrift shops or online sales instead.

• Local stores running out of supplies? Hop online and score discounts.

• Haven’t gone through last year’s school papers?

Place them into bins labeled with each child’s name, and sort at a later date.

• Overwhelmed by birthday-party commitments during the school year? Note friends’ birthday months on your calendar, and buy budget-friendly gifts for everyone at once.

• Don’t have your family calendar updated? Call a quick family meeting to figure out schedules.

• Your child is new to the school? Send the teacher a little email, and let her know a bit about what to expect from your child as a student.

1. Go to school website and transfer calendar dates into family calendars.

2. Post schedules on the bulletin board.

3. Set up any car-pooling days in advance.

4. Input relevant principal, teacher, and coach email addresses and phone numbers into devices.

5. Input friend and nearby family email addresses and phone numbers for last-minute pickups and play dates.

6. Put calendar reminders regarding appointments, etc., in your or phone.

7. Coordinate drop-offs and pickups with other family members who drive.

Christina Katz is a busy author and journalist who loves to break down big tasks and get them done all in one day whenever possible.

Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

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NEW SCHOOLS, NEW PROGRAMS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Learning for a lifetime . . .

School Starts August 19 & 20, 2014

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Cooking with Kids

Freeze Out

Delicious Popsicles Keep Kids Cool

Robby Corippo and Brady Banks chowing down.

By John Corippo On a hot summer day, these ice-cold treats satisfy tiny tastebuds.

Recipes make 6–12 popsicles, depending on the mold.

28 SonomaFamilyLife

Turtle Fudgesicles 1 ½ cups cooked black beans, approx. 1 can, rinsed and drained 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Purée ingredients in food processor until smooth. Some flecks from beans will appear in mix; strain them out, if preferred, or leave in for texture. (My boys don’t like them.) Fill molds and freeze until solid.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Vertex Climbing CAMP SUMMER

Cody Corippo helping to pick out strawberries for popsicles.

Strawberry Lemonade Creamsicles 12 ounces fresh or In a saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries strawberries, lemon juice and zest, Zest and juice of 1 and cane sugar. Cook over medium extra-large lemon heat, stirring periodically, for about 1/3 cup cane sugar 5–10 minutes. Pour strawberry (Sugar in the Raw, preferred) mixture into blender, purée until 8 ounces cream cheese smooth. Add remaining ingredients, 6 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt purée until smooth. Fill molds and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract freeze until solid.

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Hulk Pops 1 large handful of spinach 1 banana 1/2 pineapple, cored and cut into spears 3 cups orange juice

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Combine ingredients in blender and purée until smooth. Fill molds and freeze until solid.

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Cherry Limeade Popsicles 3 cups frozen cherries 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 cup fresh lime juice 4 cups cold water

Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water in small saucepan over medium heat until dissolved.

Combine sugar mixture with lime juice and cold water. Combine 3 cups of mixture and frozen cherries in blender. Purée. Fill molds and freeze until solid. If desired, freeze remaining mixture in ice cube tray for lime-flavored drinks and water.

John Corippo lives in Ukiah with his wife and two sons. Corippo is a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative. www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

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www.wingsmap.org SonomaFamilyLife 29

A Torn Heart A Voice from the Sandwich Generation

By Diane Turner Maller

My three-year-old daughter’s chubby legs straddled my hip when I heard the news that my father was diagnosed with cancer and was given two years to live. The phone hung in the balance as I stopped any motion forward, sideways, downward, or backward. I just stood there. Crumbling to the floor was not an option. Parents of young children instinctually know that collapsing is simply not possible.

My son’s height almost matched the countertops in the kitchen. His busy arms reached toward the sink and then became a blur.

Was that my mother’s voice I just strained to hear? As blood rushed to my brain, making me fully alert, I wondered how she so calmly delivered the news.

In that moment, I instantly became “sandwiched”—caught between 30 SonomaFamilyLife

the needs of my beautiful, active, full-of-wonder-and-possibility children, and my parents, whom I previously could not have imagined growing old or sick.

This new reality made me struggle to form a vision of my parents as something other than super-human beings. I was forced to bring them down from their pedestals, accept their humanity, and prepare to offer significant support. My father

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

would require medical and eventual nursing care for his newly named condition. In addition, his mortality had a date, a deadline to its finality.

There were times during the following months when I literally felt torn apart. My body was present with my children, but my mind was preoccupied, and my heart longed to travel the distance up the freeway to be with my dad.

I felt soft, sweet arms wrapped around my waist. Small hands pulled and tugged. High-pitched voices called “Mommmm!” Like a statue, I felt frozen in space mid-stride with one kid on my back and another holding on for dear life to my leg. From this position, I watched my dad, longed for my dad, wanted to be with my dad, yet my Relax. You’re at Great Clips ™

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Children are so observant. They notice when Mom’s presence is waning. They notice the distant stares. They notice the long

My body was present with my children, but my heart longed to be with my father. conversations on the phone. They notice unexpected outbursts. They notice tears.

My tears are what finally brought me back to my children. When the final, frazzled straw hit my back, my stoic resolve had all but worn down,

and I was compelled to let my strong can-do attitude unreservedly dissolve.

I dropped like a walrus into the welcome arms of an overstuffed chair and the tears flowed. My six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter ran over to me and climbed onto my lap.

They stroked my face and told me how sorry they were that Mom was so sad.

My remarkable children embraced my vulnerable yet honest expression and offered comfort in kind.

Children can understand authentic expression of emotion. In that teachable moment, I understood how to include my children, and I did my best to give them an explanation of what was happening to their grandpa in age-appropriate terms. I had read much advice about the best way to talk to children of

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feet felt mounted in place by the logistics of child rearing.

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SonomaFamilyLife 31

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A gaggle of grandchildren under the age of five surrounded my dad during his last years and months.

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My father’s was a premature death.

At 64, he was cheated out of the best years with his grandchildren.

He grieved this loss on several occasions during his illness as did we, his family. One sister-in-law, in the fullness of her third pregnancy, mourned the fact that her baby would never know her grandfather.

As his daughter, I was cheated out of the wise and cheerful guidance that no one else but he could give. I was counting on having his support and encouragement for many years to come. Finally, I was cheated out of the last foot massage that I was planning to give him before he left us. No matter how expected or anticipated, there is no preventing the shock that accompanies the final breath or the final news of a loved one’s passing.

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as well as for my mother, who often found them underfoot while she attempted to give care to my father.

them by his bedside and on his lap whenever possible.

And he grew weary. Sometimes the exuberant energy and noise of children was too draining for him,

Accepting the loss has helped me to grow as a caregiver. Otherwise, I might not be able to fully savor current opportunities I have with Mom to offer emotional support, companionship, and, more and more, care.

Diane Turner Maller is a freelance writer who continues to be challenged by the ever-changing roles that family life brings.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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July

Calendar of Events

Fair Flower Power

T

he theme for this year’s Sonoma County fair—“Peace, Love & Fair”—winks at the area’s countercultural past. Come to the Hall of Flowers and see gardens inspired by iconic songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Purple Haze,” or feel the thrill of an old-fashioned carnival ride. Special attractions include the Acrobuffos street theater, the Great American Petting Zoo, and Elvis Day. The fair runs July 24–August 10, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; admission is $11 (ages 13 & up), $5 (ages 7–12), free (6 and under). On Fridays, kids 7–12 are free. See sonomacountyfair.com for more information. ¶

1 Tuesday Howarth Park Rides & Attractions.

Train, trails, carousel, bouncy house, animal barn, pony rides. Every week, Sat.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $2–$4 per ride. Howarth Park. Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa.

FREE Kids Bowling. Kids

18 and under get two free games every day thru Aug. 31. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends.

300 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park. doubledeckerlanes.com.

Cool off with a fun summer swim thru Aug. 17. Mon.–Fri. Noon–4 p.m. Fri. eve. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 1:15–6 p.m. $4 & $5. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.

La Cage Aux Folles. Hilarious & touching story of one family’s struggle to stay together. July 1–3, 15 & 16, 25 & 27. All tickets $10 July 16! Otherwise $15 & $25. Burbank Auditorium. Santa Rosa Junior College. summerrep.com.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural

FREE Open Mic Night. Not

Finley Aquatic Center Public Swim.

Reserve. Picnic, hike & commune with ancient trees. 8 a.m.–1 hour after sunset. $8 parking. $7 senior parking. Armstrong Woods State Park. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. 869-2015. parks.ca.gov.

just for musicians—also comedians, beat boxers, jugglers, hula hoopers, magicians & more. All ages welcome! Tuesdays. 7 p.m. doors open. 7:30 p.m. show. Hopmonk Tavern. Sebastopol. hopmonk.com.

Japanese Enchantment

N

eed a change of pace? Go on an afternoon urban, multicultural adventure, and check out the free Japan Day Festival. Listen to powerful rhythms of taiko drumming or the gentle sounds of the koto, or let your kids be inspired by martial-artist performers. (Maybe karate classes will be in their future?) The action takes place on July 13, from noon–5 p.m., at Peace Plaza, Post and Buchanan Streets, San Francisco. ¶

34 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

SONOMA COUNTY’S

2 Wednesday FREE Puppet Company: Why

of popular children’s book, sharing the tale of poor Mosquito and how he commits a terrible crime in the jungle without even knowing it! 2 p.m. Santa Rosa Downtown Library. sonomalibrary.org.

favorite pediatricians

•

Same day and after hours appointments

•

Manage your child’s healthcare online; lab results, prescriptions, appointments, and e-mail your doctor with questions 24/7

•

Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

Mosquitoes Buzz. Adaptation

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Convenient locations

To find the Pediatrician that’s right for you, call 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org

FREE Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. First Wednesday free. 9

a.m.–4 p.m. Next to the Schulz Museum. Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Marin County Fair. Fireworks every night! Thru Jul. 6. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. $15 & $17. Marin County Civic Center.

10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marinfair.org.

FREE Wednesday Night Market.

Live performances & fresh produce thru Aug. 20. Don’t miss the Flash Mob on July 9! Wednesdays.

5–8:30 p.m. Downtown Santa Rosa. wednesdaynightmarket.org.

Willits Frontier Days. Carnival opens.

A week of fun community events.

Thru Jul. 5. Rodeo grounds. Willits. willitsfrontierdays.com.

3 Thursday FREE Masks and Mime / Mascaras y pantomima. Fun

bilingual program with local actor Eliot Fintushel.

Improvisation games, stage clowning & pantomime illusions cocreated with the audience. 11 a.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Grease! Thru

Jul. 6. 8 p.m. Thurs.– Sat. 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. $15–$28. GK

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 35

Hardt Theatre. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Photo Art Cards

Hand-signed Card Line by award-winning Sonoma County photo artist Amy Erickson All cards are blank All packs are unique Specials change monthly Limited quantities

4 Friday Red, White & Boom! Food, kids’

Summer Special!

10% OFF AND FREE SHIPPING! ON ALL OUR UNIQUE ASSORTMENTS

Enter “FamLife” in coupon area at online checkout

www.abrelacarta.com • (707) 529-3733

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.

A family-friendly event featuring Judy Collins & the Santa Rosa Symphony, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display. 7:30 p.m. $25 & $35. Green Music Center, Sonoma State University. Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

A Summer of Fun!

A Lifetime of Memories!

Looking for a fun, exciting and creative place for your children this summer? Come join us!

Day Camp for Children 1st – 6th grade June 9-August 8 8:30 to 1:00, Monday - Friday Only $170 a week.

Before & After Care at $5 per hour.

activities, live music by Court ‘n’ Disaster, Kingsborough, Wonderbread 5. 3:30 p.m. gates open. 9:30 p.m. fireworks. $4–$10. Free under 4.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Santa Rosa. srboom.com.

Summer Day Camp PCA Visit us online and register today! pacificchristianacademy.org (707)823-2880 (Space is limited)

FREE Party on the Plaza. Rohnert Park farmers market, wine, beer & live bands thru Aug. Fridays. 5–8 p.m.

Library parking lot & adjoining City Center Plaza. rpcity.org.

5 Saturday World’s Largest Salmon BBQ. Annual event features great food, wines, live music & fireworks. No dogs allowed in the dining area. $30 at door or $23 Harvest Market. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Downtown Fort Bragg. fortbragg.com.

FREE Lego Club. Build your own unique creations with a different theme each month. Lego bricks provided. Ages 6–12. 2 p.m. Windsor Library. sonomalibrary.org.

COME SEE US AT THE SANTA ROSA WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARKET! 36 SonomaFamilyLife

CHESS FOR KIDS at your school!

527-6427

www.chessclubforkids.com

FREE Friedman’s Kidsworx Creative Workshop. Children’s Museum of

Sonoma County hosts science & art activities. 9 a.m.–Noon. Friedman’s Home Improvement. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center.

Tangible experiments & projects let children explore the natural world. 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Spring Lake.

393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Petrified Forest Guided Main Trail & Meadow Walk. Every day. 11 a.m., 1

p.m., 3 p.m. $5–$10. Kids under 6 free.

The Petrified Forest. 4100 Petrified Forest Rd., Calistoga. 942-6667.

Family Night at Cal Skate. Music, fun, games & prizes. Saturdays. 6–8:30 p.m. $49 family of four: admission, skates, pizza. 6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park. calskate.com.

FREE Roseland Lion’s Club Faire

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2014

& Farmers Market. Entertainment,

shopping, fun & games. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dollar Tree Parking Lot. 665 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. facebook.com/roselandmercado.

FREE Fireworks Over Bodega Bay.

Can be seen all over the bay. Handicap parking at Westside Park. 9:30 p.m. bodegabayca.org.

6 Sunday FREE Live at Julliard. Sunday summer concert series thru Aug. 10. 5–7 p.m.

Juilliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.

FREE Petaluma Summer Music Series.

Jul. 6. 3:30 p.m. Lee Presson & the Nails. Jul. 18. 5:30 p.m. Frobeck. Theatre Square Plaza. 140 Second St., Petaluma. sonomacounty.com.

7 Monday Rock ‘n Glow Bowling. LED lane lighting & automated scoring.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

LIVE MUSIC BY

Hot Buttered Rum

Alex deGrassi • DJ Dragonfly Plus Workshops, Speakers, Networking & Organic Food, Beer & Wine

THE SOLAR LIVING CENTER

13771 S. HWY 101 • HOPLAND CA 95449 • WWW.SOLARLIVING.ORG

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Your donation funds programs to find missing children.

Donate Your Vehicle.

Help Keep Kids Safe.

707-769-1334 | PollyKlaas.org Any condition.

Free pick-up.

Tax deductible.

Special bumper-rails for kids.

Mondays. 5 p.m.–10 p.m. $9 for 2 hrs. Windsor Bowl. 8801 Conde Ln., Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

FREE Intro to Culinary Arts Class.

Offered by the Sonoma County Office of Education for North County middle school students. Jul. 7–11. 1–4 p.m. Washington School.

Cloverdale. scoe.org.

8 Tuesday FREE Kids Outdoor Summer

Make Makeaadifference difference in in the thelife lifeofofa achild child in in your yourcommunity! community!

Movies. Jul. 8. Bugs Life. Jul. 15.

Jurassic Park. Jul. 22. The Shaggy Dog. Jul. 29. Despicable Me 2. 15 mins. after sunset. Windsor Town Green. townofwindsor.com.

9 Wednesday FREE Magical Moonshine Puppet

For Forinformation, information, contact: contact:

Savannah SavannahDel Del Campo Campo (707) (707)489-5905 489-5905 DelCampoS@rcs4kids.org DelCampoS@rcs4kids.org

Lic #236803313 Lic #236803313

Company. Puppylocks & the Three

Bears puppet show. What if Goldilocks was not a little girl at all, but a golden, mischievous little dog? 11 a.m.

Petaluma Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Xtreme Science Magic!

Don O’Brien in this fast-moving, interactive show full of experiments, demonstrations & oodles of audience participation. 11 a.m. Guerneville Library. sonomalibrary.org.

June 1–August 31

FREE Peacetown Concert Series.

Wednesdays. 5–8 p.m. Ives Park.

Sebastopol. seb.org.

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30

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38 SonomaFamilyLife

10 Thursday FREE Dan Chan, Magic Man. Magic, mind-reading, pick-pocketing. 11 a.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library.

Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Thiessen Brothers’ Music Show. Old-time

bluegrass music from twins Marshall & David. 2 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library (in Coddington Shopping Center).

Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Windsor Summer Nights on the Green. Live

entertainment, family lawn games, fresh produce thru Aug. 28. Thursdays 6–8 p.m.

No show Jul. 3. Windsor Town Green. townofwindsor.com.

FREE Concerts Under the Stars.

Jul. 10. Nathan Owen & Legends of Motown. Jul. 17. Springsteen Experience. Jul. 24. Wonderbread 5.

Thursdays. 5:30–8 p.m. Montgomery Village. Hwy. 12 at Farmer’s Lane, Santa Rosa. mvshops.com.

Hot Dog Thursday at Pacific Coast Air Museum. 11:30

a.m.–1:30 p.m. $5. Members get $1 off. Price includes admission, large hot dog, chili, chips & soda or water. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

11 Friday Thoroughly Modern Millie.

High-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 2:30 p.m. $26 adults. $16 children 14 and under. Carston Cabaret. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore the dynamic

biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Closed Jul. 4. Fridays. 2–4 p.m.

2099 Westside Rd. Bodega Bay. bml. ucdavis.edu.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 39

Exclusively Organic only at

707.544.2766

312 D Street, Santa Rosa

A celebration of art thru Jul. 20. Stars of music, dance & theater. Fine cuisine, enriching art & wellness programs. Free Bouchaine Young Artist Concerts Jul. 15 & 17. 11 a.m. festivaldelsole.org.

Napa Valley Festival Del Sole.

FREE Friday Night Live at the Cloverdale Plaza. Jul. 11. Special

Coming Soon

a Brand New Website at the Same Location

Headline Show (TBA). Jul. 18. Mingo Fishtrap + Second Line. Jul. 25. Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Thru Aug. 29.

Farmers Market 5:30 p.m. Live Music 6:30 p.m. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

85th Annual Lake County Rodeo.

Featuring professional rodeo, steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, cow-chip bingo & more! BBQ vendors, horses & a dance Sat. night.

Fri. & Sat. Lake County Fairgrounds. lakecountyrodeo.com. 263-5092.

12 Saturday

Women’s Health Services

FREE Cotati Kids Day Annual Parade & Festival! Family

fun, games, music, entertainment. Free pancake breakfast 7–10 a.m. Parade 10 a.m. Free festival 11 a.m. La Plaza Park. cotatikidsday.org.

• Family Centered Prenatal Care • Board Certified Nurse-Midwives, Family Medicine Physicians, and Obstetricians

Second Saturday Cartoonist. Joe Wos blends storytelling & cartooning. 1–3 p.m. $5–$10. Charles Schulz Museum. schulzmuseum.org.

• Programs for infants and toddlers with cooking demonstrations

Wine Country Big Q. Enjoy authentic barbecue, world class wines, award-winning brews & great live music. 1–5 p.m. $20 youth. $45 general. Sonoma Mountain Village.

1300 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park. winecountrybigq.com.

Call today for an appointment!

We accept most insurances and offer a sliding scale fee based on family size and income.

707.559.7500 40 SonomaFamilyLife

phealthcenter.org

1179 North McDowell Blvd.

Seasons of Love. The Rohnert Park Kut-Ups razzle-dazzle in

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

A Party in the Sky

Fireworks Make the Summer Sparkle

July 3 Guerneville: Farmers market at 3 p.m. on the Square. Live music from 6–8 p.m. At dusk, set up your chair on First St. to view the fireworks.

Kenwood: Pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., near the Kenwood Community Church. Parade at 10:30 a.m. at Kenwood Plaza Park. Following the parade, enjoy live music in the park. kenwoodparade.com.

Sebastopol: Fireworks and music festival at the Analy High School Football Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m. Admission: $8; $5 kids (6–11); free ages 5 and under. sebastopolkiwanis.org.

Petaluma: Fireworks choreographed to music at 9:30 p.m. at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. $5 admission includes obstacle course, bouncy houses, slides, and games. www.ptown4th.com.

Windsor: Kaboom! Live Music and Fireworks Show from 4–10 p.m. at Keiser Park. Bouncy houses, obstacle courses, crafts, and clowns for the kids. Admission: $5; $3 kids (7 and under). windsorkaboom.com.

Rohnert Park: Fireworks Spectacular with Judy Collins at the Green Music Center. The renowned folk singer performs with the Santa Rosa Symphony at 7:30 p.m. at Sonoma State University. Tickets: indoor seating, $35; outside, $25. (866) 955-6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

July 4 Cloverdale: Free fireworks show at dusk at the Cloverdale High School Football Field. A chicken and steak barbecue at Second Street City Park from 1–4 p.m. Beer, wine, live music, and kids’ games. 894-4470.

Guerneville: Craft fair on the Square, 10 a.m–6 p.m., and the Russian River Rotary’s barbecue in Lark Parking Lot, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. $15 for chicken or rib dinner; oysters 3 for $5.

486.2481 (BBQ), 869-9000 (craft fair).

Healdsburg: Kiddie Parade and Duck Dash as well as pie-eating contests, games, and live music at Healdsburg Plaza. Parade begins at 11 a.m. Festivities until 2 p.m.

Fireworks at dusk at the Healdsburg High School football field. healdsburg.com. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Santa Rosa: Red, White and Boom! at the Sonoma Fairgrounds. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Live music starts at 4 p.m. Watermelon-eating contest, bouncy houses, face painters, clowns, and local food.

Admission: $8 (12 and up); $4 kids (5–11); free, ages 4 and under; $6 veterans. srboom.com.

Sonoma: Parade at 10 a.m. on the Plaza. Live music, games, food, beer, and wine. sonomacommunitycenter.org.

July 5 Bodega Bay: Fireworks, visible from all around the bay, begin at dark (9:30 p.m.). Handicap parking at Westside Park. visitbodegabayca.com.

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Super Shirts & More T-shirts & Apparel • Screen Printing Embroidery • Banners Promotional Products

789-9398

ace-promo-specialties.com

A n n e B a ke r R E A L T O R

Helping my neighbors because I care.

(707) 245-6090 . 01165299 annebaker.net

song, dance, comedy & laughter.

Music from The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, & Pussycat Dolls.

Thru July 19. Matinees & evening performances. $16. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. rpcity.org.

FREE Art in the Park. Beautiful art under the trees. Food & music.

Noon–5 p.m. $15 wine tasting.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Guerneville. stewardscr.org.

5th Annual Cowboy Cook-off. Local

cowboys & cowgirls will serve up their signature dishes. Prizes awarded for best cowboy, cowgirl & couple attire. Reservations required. $20 members. $40 public. 2–4:30 p.m. Six Sigma Ranch. Lower Lake. sixsigmaranch.com.

Travel Back in Time! Learn about Fort Bragg’s rich & historical commercial past. Discover how the 1906 earthquake destroyed the business district & how the area has changed thru history. $5 donation.

Walk takes 90 mins. 10–11:30 a.m.

Guest House Museum. 343 N. Main St. Fort Bragg.

13 Sunday FREE Japan Day Festival & Bon Odori. Bay Area’s leading performers in taiko, marital arts, koto & more. 1–5 p.m.

Japantown Peace Plaza, Post and Buchanan Streets, San Francisco. japancentersf.com/events/ japan-day-festival.

FREE Petaluma Art & Garden Festival. Featuring

more than 100 local artists, gardeners, restaurants, wineries, breweries. Kids corner & live music on two stages. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Kentucky & 4th Streets. petalumadowntown.com.

FREE The French Market. Marin’s

outdoor antique faire. Vintage furniture, jewelry, clothing with a French ambiance. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium Parking Lot. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE Cross & Crown Lutheran School Public Skating • Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

585-0500 • FOR RESERVATIONS: 585-0494 6100 COMMERCE BLVD. • WWW.CALSKATE.COM

42 SonomaFamilyLife

2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 5th Grade

REGISTRATION FOR 2014-15 NOW OPEN 795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org Preschool license #490100475

WINDSOR 707-838-7207 SEBASTOPOL 707-832-5207

Dr. Rob Oliver P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T R Y www.lifeofsmiles.com

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

15 Tuesday

19 Saturday

FREE Tuesday Night Concert

FREE Sonoma County Family

Series. 29th Street Swingtet. Jul. 22. The Kings of 88. Jul. 29. Front Country. Healdsburg Plaza. 8 p.m. ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

Bicycling Workshop. Parents & kids gain bicycling skills in safe & supervised environment. Parents must participate with kids. Kids must be able to ride a bike & be road-ready.

Register at www.bikesonoma.org/ family-bike-workshops.

16 Wednesday FREE Circus Bella & Guests.

Clowns, trapeze artists, unicyclists & more. 2 p.m. Union Square Park. Geary & Powell Streets, San Francisco. circusbella.com.

17 Thursday FREE Didgeridoo Down Under.

High energy show of otherworldly sounds. 2:30 p.m. Cloverdale Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Coventry & Kaluza. Laugh &

be amazed at this exciting program of circus, music & laughs. 11 a.m.

Healdsburg Library. sonomalibrary.org.

TypeA+ teaches computer keyboarding to students grades 2-8 Enrolling Now for Summer

Star Party! The Robert Ferguson Observatory’s three main telescopes will be open for viewing. 9 p.m. $3 adult. Under 18 free. $8 parking.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org.

Bastille Day at Occidental Center for the Arts. Performance

by French music trios Un Deux Trois & La Guinguette. 8 p.m. $15.

Occidental Center for the Arts.

3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Civil War Days at Duncans Mills.

Several daily Civil War battles, cannon firings, encampments, artillery demonstrations, cavalry horses & a civilian town. All day

SCHEDULE A

FREE

PREVIEW CLASS

ENROLL NOW FOR YEAR-ROUND OR SUMMER CLASSES

Sonoma County Children’s Music 867 Third Street • Santa Rosa (707) 527-7900 Enroll Online at www.childrenlovemusic.com

FRESH, LOCAL,

& FUN!

ENRICHING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS

EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY

Children’s Circle: 2.5–3.5+ yrs.

Kinderclub: 3–5 yrs.

Creative Thinkers: 4–5 yrs.

Montessori In Motion: 3–5 yrs.

WEDNESDAY: 8:30 am to Noon SATURDAY: 8:30 am to 1 pm Wells Fargo Center for the Arts 50 Mark West Springs Road

7:1 Ratio • Credentialed Experienced Teachers Quality Affordable Community Programs Register at the Parks and Recreation Office 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 300D 838-1260 • townofwindsor.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 43

Bring Your World into Focus • In House Optical & Lab • Licensed opticians • Thousands of frames in stock, including designer brands.

• Accept majority of insurance plans • State of the art instruments

Family owned and operated since 1956

Sat. & Sun. $5–$12. $5 (cash only) parking. Freezeout Rd., Duncan Mills. warhorse.org.

Rivertown Revival. Artboat race,

parade, family area. Local music, art, food & drink. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. $10 general. $5 under 18. Steamer Landing Park. Petaluma. rivertownrevival.com.

24 Thursday 720 4t h S t r ee t • San t a Ro s a • 575 -3800

Sonoma County Fair. This

year’s theme is “Peace, Love & Fair.” Thru

Aug. 10. Hall of flowers, art exhibits, horse races, carnival. Closed Mondays. Kids 7–12 free on Fridays. $5–$11. 6 & under free every day.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com.

25 Friday Fantastical Family Night. Labyrinth

of magic, exploring Broadway & Disney songs thru Jul. 26. 5 p.m.

Pre-show picnic. Performance 7:30 p.m. $42 general. $29 youth. Jack London State Historic Park. Glen Ellen. transcendencetheatre.org.

Kids Night at the Charles Schulz Museum. Drop

off your kids for after-hours fun. Dinner & nighttime games & crafts. Reservations required. 5–9 p.m. $32 nonmembers. $25 members. $5 off for siblings. schulzmuseum.org.

Teaching the art of the sword Sign up for our summer camps today!

Weekly sessions: June–Aug 9:00am–3:30pm M–F

26 Saturday Seussical Jr. Presented by H-Town Youth Theater thru Jul. 27. Raven

Put your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

FREE Consultation

Nominate Guardians for Minors Revocable Living Trusts Wills Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net 44 SonomaFamilyLife

RINCON VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Foster Self-Esteem

Preschool– High School

Make Friends

Build Courage Gain Strength

Academic excellence Award winning Music Programs Leading Sports Programs Day School-Home School-Hybrid

707-539-1486

www.rvchristian.org

Summer Camp Sessions Riding Lessons for All Ages Pony Adventures & More! markweststables.com RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

(707) 538-2000

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

A Quiet Mind

Theater. 115 North St., Healdsburg. raventheatre.org.

25th Annual Full Vineman Triathlon.

The oldest independent full-distance triathlon held in the continental U.S. Starts at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville, with a swim, then a ride & run thru scenic wine country. vineman.com.

Annual Fort Ross Festival.

Multicultural celebration of the Kashaya, Russian & Ranch-era people. Costumed historical reenactments, militia cannon firings, live music & dance, a multicultural food court, children’s crafts & more. Park entrance fees apply. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Fort Ross Historic Park.

847-3437.

27 Sunday 48th Annual Chicken BBQ Fundraiser. For

the Wilmar Volunteer Fire Department. Kids games, fire engine rides. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $12 adults. $7 under 12. Holy

Ghost Hall. Bodega & Eucalyptus Aves., Petaluma. wilmarfire.org.

31 Thursday FREE Santa Rosa Symphony Concert. Featuring

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernàndez. 7 p.m. Green Music Center, Sonoma State University. Rohnert Park. gmc. sonoma.edu.

A Quiet Mind

Was shy… not now!

4W ee FRE$49 a k s fo E U nd a r Vis nifo it Lim webs our rm ite ite! dT im e!

Is Your Child Distracted, Shy, Out of Control, Over Weight, Inactive, Stressed Out, or Can’t Stand Up for Himself?

You’ll See a Difference in 30 Days or it’s FREE! SHOTOKAN KARATE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL® 707-861-0092 askaboutkarate.com

Violin lessons Melanie Webster; MA Instructor & Performer

Enrich your child’s life!

Prize Winning Students Beginning to Advanced Levels Private Lessons, Groups & Chamber Music Suzuki & Traditional Methods

www.mwviolin.com 823-3268

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL EST. 1951

A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow.

• Accepting 2–5 Years Old

• Before & After School Care Option • Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect ~ Natural and logical consequences Pre K Classes Available for Academic & Social Kindergarten Readiness

579-3718

srecschool.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

BETTER KID IN 30 DAYS OR MONEY BACK

July 2014

SEE WHAT MAKES OUR TEAM THE BEST Santa Rosa: 707-545-2001 Healdsburg: 707-433-2240 RedwoodMoving.com CA PUC#189615

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMPS

reg

redwood empire gymnastics

Featuring our tumblebug program for preschool aged children Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 Tumbling, Tramp, Camps Parties & Parents Night Out

www.regymnastics.com

707-763-5010

SonomaFamilyLife 45

Bits & Pieces

Continued

Pets

Stargazer Central

T

he Valley of the Moon’s starry nights beckon us to look up and wonder what’s out there. The Novato Space Festival on August 2 may have some answers to that question.

The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Novato Space Museum, will feature a chance to meet legendary astronauts Dick Gordon (Gemini 11, Apollo 12) and Dan Bursch (STS 51, 68, 77 & ISS 4), who together have amassed more than 235 days in space, including 15 hours of space walks.

Participants will also get to view the sun through a telescope, take in rare artifacts that were used in the Apollo moon missions, sit in a jet fighter cockpit used by astronauts, touch a 1960s Gemini test capsule, and play around with interactive NASA and Virgin Galactic space displays. Admission and parking are free. See thespacestationca.org for more information. ¶

Tips for a Boo-boo–Free Summer

T

We care for your pets as though they are part of our family!

Op M o n d ae n y Saturdathru y

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol 707-823-3250

1010 Gravenstein Hwy, South Sebastopol ahosvet.com

he season of sun and fun means more outdoor play—and more scraped knees and bruised elbows. Injuries from unintentional falls and heat-related illnesses can plague small children.

Follow these five tips, and you’ll pull out the beach ball more than the bandages.

1

Inspect everything. Whether the equipment your children play on is at the park or in your own home, check that it is properly secured and meets recommended safety standards.

2 3

Keep watch. Most accidents can be prevented by supervision. Ensure adults or safety professionals are nearby, and that they are enforcing guidelines.

Be age-smart. Make sure even the most fearless kid is using age-appropriate equipment with playmates of a similar size and weight.

4

Beat the heat. Sunscreen and hats are

essential during the hottest part of the day, noon–6 p.m. Little ones need to take breaks from the intensity of the sun by hanging out in the shade or resting indoors.

Boarding • Daycare • Training Grooming • All Day Play Web Cams Rohnert Park 206-9000

Santa Rosa 595-3834

ParadisePetResorts.com petbuddies@me.com

5

Push fluids. Give kids plenty of sugar-free liquids— water and unsweetened fruit juices—before, during, and after outdoor activities. Stay away from sugary sodas, which do not adequately hydrate children. Especially avoid caffeinated beverages such as cola and iced tea; they actually deplete the body of necessary liquid. ¶

46 SonomaFamilyLife

Like Us On Facebook July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Camps

Health

Camps

Pony Camp!

SUMMER DAY CAMP!

science! art! games! each week is unique: See website for themes: kidscienceadventures.com now 2 locations! santa rosa: sequoia elem. school, rincon Valley 6-16– 8-1 / m–F, 9am – 3pm. to enroll: santa rosa recreation Parks & community services: (707) 543-3737

Weekly June 3 thru August 15

Check out our online directories

Health

NO INSURANCE, NO PROBLEM! Trusted, Comfortable & Caring Dentistry

European Pony School

546-7669

europeanponyschool.com

AND... Petaluma science camP! 6-23–7-14 / m–F / 9:30am–1pm to enroll,city of Petaluma rec. services: (707) 778-4380.

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps!

Questions: (707) 793-2251 www.kidscienceadventures.com

Before and After School Appointments!

WE ACCEPT ALL INSURANCES!

Love Horses?

EZ SMILE DENTAL Call Today for more information: 707-575-7701 www.artandsoulmusic.com 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa *Bring in this ad and we’ll waive your registration fee

Riding lessons and camps

Thompson quarter horses 707-773-3981

heidithompsonquarterhorses.com

Super Kids Camp Fun weekly themes, field trips, swimming, rock wall climbing, & so much more!

An exciting, recreational, & educational experience for campers, ages 5-11.

A full week of camp starts as low as $125 per week.

Call, email, or check out our website for details.

707-664-3391

superkidscamp@yahoo.com sonoma.edu/campusrec/youth/superkids

TGA Golf Camps Camps run from June 9 – August 15 At Washoe Creek GC, Cotati

emphasis on developing character while improving golf skills • 4:1 camper: coach ratio • On Course Instruction and Play • Field Trips to Petaluma Golf Center • Half Day $179 Full Day $349 415-897-0423 golftga.com/northbay

575-9595 • ezsmilefamily.com 4757 Hoen Avenue · Santa Rosa

Take control of your family’s health Naturally safe, purely effective essential oils

707-545-2423

info.naturalsolutionspro.com 3924 Princeton Drive, Santa Rosa

Endermologie Massage Proven Effective for

Cellulite Reduction And Fibromyalgia Scar Tissue and More Free Evaluation & Sample Massage

n u FBlast!

Weekend

@ Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best family friendly weekend events.

See our complete Camp listing Online at our

Virtual Camp Fair

Endermologie

Call 206-5613

5212 Old Redwood Hwy, Santa Rosa www.bodytec-massage.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 47

Parties

Gifts

Lessons New Location!

WE HAVE THE PLACE FOR YOUR PARTY

Carole Savoy, Director 5681 Redwood Drive • Rohnert Park 707 584-8058 footloosedancecenter.com

Artful Arrangements

Delivery of Living-Plant Gifts

Art’s for the soul – a gift to the eye Life is too short, to even ask why

Kids Cuts • Hair Bling Feather Extensions

Color • Corrections • Highlighting Special Event Styling • Perms Facial Waxing • Scissor & Razor Cuts Leslie Pietsch 396-2789 2012 4th Street • Santa Rosa

un FBlast!

Weekend

Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best family friendly weekend events.

Children’s Clothing

MediCal/PHP Accepted • Parent Coaching • Child Therapy

Party with us!

Glassfusion

Newborn to Size 5 Boy & Girl Quality, Unique Apparel & Gifts • Christening Crib Bedding • Baby Registry Organic Items • Made in the USA items

&

707.829.3855

Sebastopol, CA

glassfusionstudio.com

Visit us at our New, Expanded location in Montgomery Village @ 2417 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa

(707) 544-4630 • reveriebaby.com

Sports

Carol Menke, Artistic Director Providing quality training and performance since 1984.

Beginning-advanced levels Auditioning children ages 7-12

Mill Creek Safety

YOU CAN LEARN

First Aid • CPR Wilderness First Aid

Classes available

3450 Airway Dr, Santa Rosa 546-2253 • nancysfancys.com

Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus

527-8813

Your one stop cake, candy, party & wedding shop

Find us on Facebook

Lessons

srchildrenschorus.com

Pottery Too

• Fused Glass • Pottery Painting

707- 483-9061 FREE CONSULTATION SolutionFamilyTherapy.com

Sing!

ArtfulArrangements.org 707-664-8656

Parties

Jennifer Ballard, MFT

Reverie baby DO YOU LOVE TO Children’s Apparel & Gifts

Prompt Delivery Giftshop Open Saturday’s 10am-2pm 205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove

• Candy making • Cake decorating • Private party Call for current class schedule

48 SonomaFamilyLife

Dance Center

CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY

Rehearsal Space Available

A real airplane to sit in and play with the controls.

Refrigerator available.

Call the museum at 575-7900.

See what we have! www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

A Day at the Peach Hair Studio

Footloose

Tap • Flamenco • Hip Hop Wing tsun • Salsa Ages 6–80

PACIFIC COAST AIR MUSEUM

Beauty

Counseling

All training occurs on-site and at your convenience. (minimum of 8 participants)

Check out our online directories

Classes are informative, stimulating and fun!

Eric Peterson

millcreeksafety@sbcglobal.net millcreeksafety.com • 433-7752

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Schools

Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours

Enroll now K12.com/AAS or 877-506-8631

SPANISH

Program of First United Methodist Church Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

Diane: 546-7012

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699

FUMC

Preschool & Child Care Center

Enrolling for Summer and Fall

Language Supportive Counseling. Helping children and families with anger, stress, depression and healing from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Counseling for parents. Kathleen Dunham, MFT. 829-7051. Se Habla Espanol.

Sonoma & Marin Counties

Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive?

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We know how difficult and frustrating it can be when everything you have tried has not worked. Through a highly effective program for children 3-6 years old, we can help you to successfully manage these behaviors. Start to see results in as little as 6 sessions.

Call today for a free consultation 707-545-4600 www.srcbt.org

“I NEVER KNEW WE COULD HAVE SUCH FUN WITH OUR CHILD AGAIN!”

613 College Avenue, Santa Rosa

www.sonomafamilylife.com

www.ColorsofSpanish.com

(707) 782-1084

Counseling

Having The Talk Before They Can Talk

Workshops, individual and family consultations on how to speak to your kids about their bodies, how babies are made and more.

Preschool•Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6-years

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ Joy of Learning ♥ Order & Detail ♥ Concentration ♥ Grace & Courtesy 2427 Professional Dr.•Santa Rosa, Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101 www.rhioscasa.com

707-528-0889 Developing the Whole Child ages Play-Based Learning 3 to 5 hours 8 am to 3 pm, Monday - Friday Christ Methodist Preschool

1717 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa • 707.526.0204 www.cmpreschool.org

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment.

Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners.

Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

JANBOREE PRE-SCHOOL A fun filled curriculum for 3 & 4 year–olds. 8:30 –11:30 a.m. Mon.– Fri. $15 per day.

Dunham-Hessel area. 795-8568. www.janboree.com License #490111872

Check out our online directories

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified.

M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

YMCA PRESCHOOL Tutors

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER RD.

Part Time /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving 2-5 year olds

End School Frustration!

Our high quality tutors can help with:

Academic Subjects • Test Prep Foreign Languages • Study Skills • ESL Professional Sexuality Educator Remi Newman, MA has over 10 years of experience 707-694-4030 reminewman@gmail.com

Casa dei B o’s Since 1981 amb i h Montessori School

years

CLASSES For All Ages - Since 2004

Childcare/Preschools

ini

Your Child can Thrive!

Childcare/Preschools

R

Counseling

Giving students the skills they need to succeed!

(707) 585-2584

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Academic Skills.

PRICING & REGISTRAION:

YMCA Program Office 707.544.1829 The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

sonomacountytutors.com

July 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 49

Humor Break

The Hairspray Helmet I

A Dad Smiles at Crazy-Kid Joy

By Patrick Hempfing

n mid-May, my nine-year-old daughter, Jessie, and I attended a show at our local theater. At the end of the performance, the director came on stage to thank people for their support. She concluded, “I hope you all have a nice Christmas.” The audience erupted with laughter, at which point she clarified, “I meant to say have a nice summer.”

No matter the season, I love to laugh.

It’s one of my favorite things to do.

Jessie fills my life with laughter, even though she sometimes simultaneously frustrates and exhausts me. I love Jessie with all my heart, but she’s heard me say many times, “Girl, you wear me out.” I’ve learned that I must choose my battles wisely. So if something minor happens, I try to laugh it off instead of getting upset.

Okay, maybe I stress out just a little. A recent example comes to mind.

My wife, Mattie, had an overnight trip, so it was just Daddy and daughter on Monday morning. Jessie’s third-grade class had a field trip to a farm that day.

After breakfast, I told Jessie to go into our bathroom and apply sunscreen.

After waiting three times as long as it should have taken, I checked on her. She had dutifully applied the sunscreen, but then proceeded to 50 SonomaFamilyLife

drench her pigtailed hair with Mattie’s hairspray. As I stepped toward her for a closer look, she gave it an additional squirt. It was now past time to leave, and my daughter’s hair looked as wet as if she’d just gotten out of the shower—and I knew it would soon dry to the hardness of her bicycle helmet.

Jessie’s morning routine never includes hairspray. A few nights earlier, though, she had performed in a ballet recital, and her teacher had

Before she exited the van, I reminded Jessie to stay away from fire, as she was highly flammable. used hairspray to secure the girls’ buns. It would have been bad enough to send Jessie to school with only her teacher and classmates to notice her immovable (even if gale force winds were present) hair, but since it was a field-trip day, lots of mothers would be around. Deep down, I think we all care what other people think, even if we say we don’t. I tried not to make a big deal out of Jessie’s hair. Shaking my head, I left the room and advised myself, “The girl is just like her independent momma, so let it go.”

As I drove my fragrant, shiny-headed daughter to school, I brought up the topic of adequate hairspray usage. Jessie responded, “It’s not too much hairspray, Dad. There’s high humidity today.” I laughed out loud at my daughter’s quick-thinking and felt relieved that the hairspray caking her head hadn’t affected her brain.

Although we missed the 8 a.m. bell by three minutes, I dropped Jessie off before the late bell, at which point we would have had to go to the office for a tardy slip. Before she exited the van, I reminded her to stay away from fire, as she was highly flammable.

In hindsight, maybe the show director wasn’t wrong in wishing everyone a nice Christmas. We all receive gifts throughout the year, and Jessie gives me gifts of laughter every day. I’m going to take time to enjoy them. Okay, maybe not all of them. Last night, Jessie surprised me with open-faced, syrupy mandarin-orange sandwiches. I sent my non-appetizing meal back to the kitchen, but Jessie ate hers. I asked, “How was it?” She answered, “Not bad, but the bread was soggy.” What was I to do? I laughed. ¶ Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer.

July 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

SANTA ROSA RECREATION & PARKS

WE ❤ SUMMER! It’s a summer camp spectacular!

Camp Yu-Chi (Age: 6 – 12) Campers enjoy full days of games, songs, skits, archery, creek and nature projects, crafts, and a theme-related field trip or special guest!

7/7 - 7/11 7/14 - 7/18 7/21 - 7/25 7/28 - 8/1 8/4 - 8/8

Junior Lifeguard (Age: 9 – 16) City of Santa Rosa has teamed up with Sonoma

Cloverleaf Ranch Adventure Camp (Age: 6 – 13) Campers enjoy an assortment

7/7 - 7/11

of ranch activities including a 1,000 ft. zip line, water games & free swim.

7/28 - 8/1

8/4 - 8/8

D5 Summer Culinary/Nutrition Camp (Age: 6 – 13) From knife skills to sushi making, kids’ cooking skills will be enrich and enhanced as they prepare delicious dishes!

7/7 - 7/11

7/14 - 7/18

7/21 - 7/25

8/4 - 8/8

Dance Camp (Age: 5 – 8) Ballet, Tap, and Jazz dance combinations will be explored with wands, ribbons, and crowns.

7/28 - 8/1

8/4 - 8/8

Doyle Adventure Camp (Age: 6 – 12) The “adventure” includes 3-4 CityBus excursions to local destinations plus tons of beloved classic camp activities.

7/7 - 7/11

7/14 - 7/18

7/21 - 7/25

7/28 - 8/1

8/4 - 8/8

County Regional Parks to teach kids lifeguard rescue skills including swimming rescues, paddling rescues, boating safety, first aid and CPR.

8/4 - 8/8

KidScience Camp (Age: 6 – 14) Kids get to let their inner scientist shine and experiment, build, play science-related games and create art!

7/7 - 7/11

7/14 - 7/18

7/21 - 7/25

7/28 - 8/1

Rock Climbing Camp with Camp Vertical (Age: 7 – 14) Participants learn climbing technique, knots and safety skills, with plenty of time for fun on the 35-foot high walls.

7/7 - 7/11

714 - 7/18

7/21 - 7/25

7/28 - 8/1

8/4 - 8/8

Sailing (Age: 8 – 16) Under the guidance of skilled instructors, campers get experience sailing on Howarth Park’s Lake Ralphine.

7/7 - 7/10

7/14 - 7/17

7/28 - 7/31

8/4 - 8/7

Sewing Camp (Age: 7 – 12) Campers will learn to sew clothing items and design fabulous craft and jewelry projects.

En Garde Fencing Camp (Age: 7 – 12) An incredible week of fencing, cross-training & games to give students a solid foundation in this Olympic sport!

7/28 - 8/1

7/7 - 7/11

Soccer Camp (Age: 4 – 14) For the young World Cup Fan! Learn and build

7/28 - 8/1

Gymnastics Camp (Age: 5 – 12) Flipping, swinging and climbing fill the days in this camp. Plus, crafts, rock climbing and a carnival day too!

7/7 - 7/11

7/14 - 7/18

7/21 - 7/25

7/28 - 8/01

8/4 - 8/08

Horse Camp (Age: 6 – 12) In a fun setting with other kids, campers learn grooming and basic skills in bareback and western riding.

7/14 - 7/17

7/28 - 7/31

Scan for camp schedules

upon the fundamentals of soccer through lessons, drills & games.

7/7 - 7/11

7/21 - 7/25

Tennis camp (Age: 6 – 14) From singles to doubles, kids will learn the ins and outs of this exciting summer sport in a fun atmosphere.

7/7 - 7/10

7/14 - 7/17 7/21 - 7/24 7/28 - 7/31 8/4 - 8/7 8/11 - 8/1

For details and to plan your summer adventures, visit www.santarosarec.com

When it’s Time for you to Play, we get to work taking care of your property

This is our season for hard work, and your season for vacations. We take advantage of this perfect weather just as much as you do!

You can rest-assured that when we walk through your property to assess your needs and preferences, we’re taking detailed notes, and will review all your requests before we start your job. Our goal is your total satisfaction.

Whether we’re grooming your residence or vacation home, you don’t have to be present during the noise of chain saws and chippers to feel secure about our work.

Sonoma County’s Best-Loved Tree Service since 1999

(707) 874-2018 Visit our web site for more information and testimonials from satisfied clients.

www.SonomaTree.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Many of our clients are people with homes in the City who come to Sonoma County on weekends. They hire us to maintain their property all year long...during winter storms... fire season...and for spring clean-up.

We’re proud to have earned their trust…both in the quality of our work and the integrity of our crew.

Property maintenance is no longer something they worry about.

Call Fine Tree Care to assess your grounds for fire hazards, tree health, and view restoration. Go ahead, leave for vacation and come home to a neat & tidy yard waiting for you.

CCL #947598, LTO #A10086, Certified Arborists Reports, Workers Comp., General Liability, Commercial Auto, & Third Party Liability Insurance