Sonoma Family Life May 2015

sonoma May 2015

Camp Fair!

Come to our

May 16

Build a Global Family Host a foreign student

Mother ’s Day 5 ways to celebrate

Pop-up

Playgrounds

Make your own fun

With comprehensive services including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology — as well as after-hours care — we have more care for your family more of the time.

Annadel Medical Group accepts most major insurance plans including commercial/ PPO, HMO, Medicare, Partnership Healthplan, Western Health Advantage, SCAN, and select Covered CA plans.

For more information, visit AnnadelMedicalGroup.com or call (707) ANNADEL.

Imagine Your Child Cavity Free Petaluma Dental Group has created the Discovery Hub program which takes place during the kids’ one-hour dental checkups. This fun hands-on learning helps kids develop knowledge and behaviors to support a lifetime of health.

‘more than a dental checkup’

Call for an appointment today!

Join the Club!

www.petalumadental/discoveryhub | 1301 Southpoint Blvd, Petaluma | (707) 520-4300

Summer Camps Birthday Parties Afterschool Programs, Classes Kids ages 4 to 14

707-207-6505

www.engineeringforkids.com/northbay

May 2015

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces What’s Your Favorite Chili?

10 Features

Come to our Summer Camp Fair in Petaluma Honor Sonoma Coast History It’s Oysterpalooza!

A Different Kind of Rodeo

10 Cardboard Castles Pop-up playgrounds ignite kids’ imaginations.

12 Doors Wide Open The rewards of hosting an exchange student.

15 What’s Cool about Charter Schools Learn about free, local specialized education.

16 The Art of Napping

24 Family Fun Nourish the Nurturer

26 Calendar of Events Play on May Day

42 Humor Break

How to help your kids get the rest they need.

18 An Apple for Teacher Creative ways to show your appreciation to your children’s instructors.

20 Ready to Fly Tips for preparing your child for college.

22 Relaxed, Refreshed & Ready for Anything How Mom can sneak in time for herself.

8 4 SonomaFamilyLife

24 May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Rincon Valley Christian School Celebrating 45 Years of Quality Christian Education!

Come visit and experience the difference!

“Jesus is the common core”

Open Enrollment for PK-12th Grade TOUR or shadows CALL 707-539-1486

Christian values that promote: • A safe, positive Christian school community.

• An atmosphere that promotes spiritual development and learning.

• Dynamic academic, art, music and athletic programs.

• Proven academic success, preschool though 12th grade.

707-539-1486 • www.rvchristian.org

Dear Reader

Y

ou can see the end of the tunnel—the school year is almost over. There are just some loose Sharon Gowan ends to tie up.

Publisher/Editor Like finding the Sharon@family-life.us perfect gift for your children’s instructors. “An Apple for Teacher” (page 18) will give you lots of creative ideas. Maybe your children are graduating this year. Check out “Ready to Fly” (page 20) and find out how to best prepare them for the transition from high school to college.

If your children aren’t headed off to higher learning, you’re probably thinking about how to keep them entertained this summer. It’s not too early to sign up for a summer camp— in fact, it’s the perfect time. Come to our Summer Camp Fair at the

Petaluma Dental Campus in Petaluma on May 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Talk to representatives from more than 100 top-notch day and residential science, engineering, horseback riding, sports, and arts programs. (To view a list of participating organizations, see “Look Who’s Coming” on sonomafamilylife. com.) Pick up brochures, enter contests, and take advantage of lots of fun free stuff. While you are visiting exhibits, you can watch and listen to talented children’s dance and music performers.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Can’t wait for the fair? Visit our Virtual Camp Fair online for resources, ideas, tips, and, of course, summer camp options.

Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

I hope your May is full of opportunities that blossom just as beautifully as our Sonoma County flowers.

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Marketing Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Sara Barry Bull Garlington Christina Katz Amy Lage Kim Seidel

Calendar Anna Freeman

Junior Lifeguard Camps

Billing

Basic Training Camp June 15-19, 9 am-4 pm Spring Lake Regional Park

Publishing Office

Super Hero Training Camp June 22-26, 9 am-4 pm Spring Lake Regional Park Surf Camp June 29-July 2, 9 am-2 pm Doran Regional Park Adventure Camp July 6-10, 9 am-4 pm Spring Lake Regional Park

6 SonomaFamilyLife

River Rescuers Camp July 13-17, 9 am-4 pm Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach US Open Surf Camp July 27-30, 9 am-2 pm Doran Regional Park

Shark Week Camp August 3-7, 9 am-4 pm Spring Lake Regional Park Endless Summer Surf Camp August 10-13, 9 am-4 pm Doran Regional Park

Jan Wasson-Smith 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel 707-586-9562 Fax 707-586-9571

For more information visit

sonomacountyparks.org

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

JOIN THE ACTION!

Volleyball Camps Jr High Skills Clinic & Fast Fours (Incoming 6th-8th) Grade June 29-July 1 Skills: 12:30 to 2:30 Fast Fours: 3 to 5 $150 *Register by 5/30/15 and receive $25 off.

High School Skills Clinic & Fast Fours (Incoming 8th-12th) Grade July 2-4 Skills: 12:30 to 2:30 Fast Fours: 3 to 5 $150 *Register by 6/3/15 and receive $25 off.

‘Fun’damentals Youth Camp (Incoming 4th-8th) Grade July 6-8 Full Day: 9:30 to 3 Half Day: 9:30 to 12 *Full Day: $225 (Register by 6/7/15 and receive $25 off) *Half Day: $150 (Register by 6/7/15 and receive $25 off)

REGISTER EARLY FOR DISCOUNTS

Setter/Hitter Training Camp (Incoming 8th-12th) Grade July 9-11 Setter Camp: 9:30 to 12 Hitter Camp: 12:30 to 3 Both Camps: $250 (Register by 6/10/15 and receive $40 off) Setter Camp: $150 (Register by 6/10/15 and receive $25 off) Hitter Camp: $150 (Register by 6/10/15 and receive $25 off)

Passing/Serving Camp (Incoming 8th-12th) Grade July 23-25 Passing Camp: 9:30 to 12 Serving Camp: 12:30 to 3 Both Camps: $250 (Register by 6/21/15 and receive $40 off) Passing Camp: $150 (Register by 6/21/15 and receive $25 off) Serving Camp: $150 (Register by 6/21/15 and receive $25 off)

July High School All Skills Camp (Incoming 8th-12th) Grade July 20-22 Full Day: 9:30 to 3 Half Day: 9:30 to 12 Full Day: $250 (Register by 6/21/15 and receive $40 off) Half Day: $150 (Register by 6/21/15 and receive $25 off)

707-664-2521 • Register online at: sonomaseawolves.com

Bits & Pieces

Boaters ready for a race on Alaska Native Day in Fort Ross.

What’s Your Favorite Chili?

I

t’s time to fire up your taste buds for the 18th Annual Great Petaluma Chili Cook-Off, Salsa, and Beer Tasting, voted one of the best in the U.S. Forty chili and salsa teams and 15 breweries will be serving up eats and drink on May 9, 1–5 p.m., at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma. Sample gourmet, homemade, and veggie chili and salsa, and vote for your favorite. Wash it all down with your pick of Bay Area beers, and then stay for outdoor music and dancing. Tickets are $25 for chili and salsa; $40 for chili, salsa, and beer; $10 for kids 5–11; free for kids under 5. The event benefits Cinnabar Theater Youth Program. See greatchilicookoff.com for more information. ¶

Come to the Petaluma Summer Camp Fair with Sonoma Family Life Summer’s long days are just around the corner. Now is the time to shop for a camp for your child. Sonoma Family Life’s free Summer Camp Fair will help you find the perfect program for your son or daughter. Come to the Petaluma Dental Campus in Petaluma on May 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., to see a variety of exhibitors showcasing top-notch area programs. It’s a one-stop summer-camp shopping experience! Be treated to fantastic on-stage performances by local groups.

Take advantage of freebies, drawings, and discounts, and win great prizes. You’ll love this free day devoted to planning a super fun summer for your family.

Here are just some of the exhibitors you can come see: Bernstein Orthodontics, Christie Johnson Learning Center, Cloverleaf Ranch Camp, Comcast/Xfinity, Engineering for Kids Camp, Learning RX Petaluma, Lice Clinics of America North Bay, McDonald Ranch Day Camp, Monkey JumperZ, Mountain Mikes Pizza, Petaluma Dental Group, Rebounderz Rohnert Park, Redwood Adventure Camp, Renewal By Anderson, Sonoma County Dept. of Child Support Services, Sonoma County Radio Amateurs, Sports City Indoor Soccer Centers, State Farm (Shawn Hetherman), Steve and Kate’s Camp, Terra Firma Global Partners, TGA Premier Junior Golf, TLC Child & Family Services, and Young Actors Theatre Camp. Find out more at sonomafamilylife.com. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Honor Sonoma Coast History

D

id you know that Russians, as well as Native Alaskan and Kashia peoples, have all called the Sonoma Coast home at one time or another? You can learn about the confluence of these very different cultures at Alaska Native Day on May 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Fort Ross State Historic Park in Jenner. See demonstrations of beading and chagudax carving, help build a nigilax (a large open kayak), and watch performances by the Anchorage Unangax Dancers.

Kids will be eager to try face “tattooing,” language games, petroglyph rock painting, and spear throwing. There will even be an iqyan (kayak) race in Sandy Cove. (Be sure to catch the traditional Russian Orthodox blessing of the boats before the race begins.) Meanwhile, the more cerebral in your family will enjoy a lecture on the Russian-Alaskan Creole. If all this activity rustles up some hunger, you can buy yourself some barbecue onsite. The event is $10 for adults and free for children. Note that California State Parks entrance fees also apply. See fortross.org/events.htm for details. ¶

It’s Oysterpalooza!

D

o bivalves give you a culinary buzz? Then head off to Oysterpalooza, where you’ll find them in droves.

Nosh to your heart’s content on everything from fried oyster Po’ Boys to red beans and rice, and even barbecue brisket. Then enjoy musicians performing Americana, bluegrass, rock, and brass on two stages. This annual event will be held at Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen and Saloon in Valley Ford on May 24 at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. See rockeroysterfellers. com to find out more. ¶

A Different Kind of Rodeo

W

ant your children to cycle safely? Round them up and bring them to one of the many free Community/Family Bicycle Rodeos in Sonoma County. At these open-ended 2–3 hour “on-bike instruction festivals,” kids learn bicycle skills while riding on courses set up on blacktop with chalk and cones. Instructors make sure everyone’s helmets fit correctly, and certified mechanics repair kids’ bikes for free. All ages are welcome, even toddlers on scoot-bikes; parents are encouraged (but not required) to ride, too. Kids get a novelty license plate, and helmets are sold for an $8 suggested donation. Registration is onsite.

Find about upcoming events at bikesonoma.org/bike-rodeos. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 9

Cardboard tubes are a staple for pop-up playgrounds.

Cardboard Castles Pop-up Playgrounds Pop-up playgrounds provide lots of moveable parts and opportunities for open-ended, child-centered play. In other words, kids get to do whatever they want with a bunch of cool stuff. Pandora Redwin, a playground planner who has hosted several pop-up playgrounds, has one simple rule: “Try not to hurt yourself or anyone else.” Other than that, she tells kids, “This is here for you to do with what you want.”

Inspire Kids’ Creativity

By Sara Barry

W

hen you hear the word playground do you think slides and swings and bright-colored climbing structures?

Picture this instead: piles of boxes, rope, and cotton sheets. This is what you’ll find at a pop-up playground, where kids go outside to construct castles or space ships or anything else their little minds can conjure up—no slides or swings required.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

As her words suggest, her role is largely hands-off. She cautions that staff and parents should do likewise.

The goal is to let kids play freely, take risks, and run their own show.

Cardboard, Creativity, and Collaboration

One of the ubiquitous items in Redwin’s toolbox is cardboard in various forms—boxes of all sizes, large sheets, and tubes. She also has a collection of containers of various shapes, wood slices, string and cloth, large spools, and bike tires. Add to that tape, scissors, and clips or clothespins, and you’ve got a large-scale, outdoor creation zone.

What do kids do when they enter this place set up just for them? Some jump right in and start creating. Others check out materials and what their fellow builders are up to. One thing is for sure: These big thinkers don’t need any direction from adults; they have

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Photos: Suzanna Law of Pop-Up Adventure Play

plenty of ideas of their own to try out.

The opportunity to do things their own way is a key part of the pop-up experience.

Given the space to explore and test their ideas, kids, even ones who don’t know each other, start sharing materials and collaborating on creations.

Parent Play Parents often join in the fun, too.

Redwin says that adults are often play-starved and want to take part in the process. She encourages them to do so, but not to drive the

The goal is to let kids play freely, take risks, and run their own show.

children like to destroy just as much as they like to create.

Kids may break something so they can build a new thing or just for the fun of it. Whatever their motivation, destruction is part of their process— and also part of what pop-up playgrounds are all about.

Ready for some create-and-destroy free-play? See the sidebar “Plan Your Own Pop-up” for tips on organizing this kind of fun in your area. ¶ Sara Barry is a freelance writer who covers seasonal family fun and outdoor activities.

Two friends play outside of the box.

Plan Your Own Pop-up 1. Set a place and time.

experience for their kids. It’s easy for adults to take over, coming up with a plan or explaining the best way to put something together.

Kids are innovative and often see opportunities and possibilities that adults don’t. Even if their first idea doesn’t work, trying it is an important part of the experience.

Unless it’s a safety issue, like something sharp on the ground, avoid giving too much direction. For example, skip statements like “Let’s put that away” or “Why don’t you finish this before starting something new.”

Build It and Break It Another common parental phrase is, “You worked so hard on that, don’t break it,” but if you’ve ever seen kids build a block tower only to send it crashing to the floor, you know www.sonomafamilylife.com

Pop-ups happen in many locations—parks, playgrounds, library lawns, courtyards. Once you find a public site and choose a date, think about a rain plan—you don’t want all that cardboard to get mushy.

2. Start gathering stuff.

Redwin says it’s easy to underestimate how long it will take to gather enough quality materials. Having a garage or trailer in which you can store materials you collect over time helps.

Ask local businesses to save large boxes of cardboard for you. Let friends know the kinds of materials you are looking for. Before long, they’ll think of you when they see things that might be useful.

Items to gather include: cardboard boxes (all sizes, but especially large ones), sheets of cardboard, cardboard tubes, fabric (various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures), string, yarn, rope, vessels and containers (plastic bottles, bowls, jars, pails), large spools, bike tires and inner tubes, wood scraps and tree slices, and natural items such as hay bales, sturdy vine, or saplings.

3. Get the word out.

Publicize your event through local schools, homeschooling groups, family centers, and parenting groups.

Remember to keep the rules loose and light, let kids lead, and have fun!

For more suggestions on setting up your own pop-up playground, check out popupadventureplaygrounds.wordpress.com.

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 11

Doors Wide Open Host an Exchange Student and Change a Life

E

very summer, Sonoma County welcomes hundreds of exchange students looking forward to being immersed in the English language and American culture. Lisa

Breschi, the international site director for the Santa Rosa chapter of the Educational Homestay Program (EHP), finds them places to stay, keeps them entertained, and gives them a new way to look at the

world—one conversation at a time.

12 SonomaFamilyLife

Breschi started working for EHP in 2008, a married mother of two boys, 7 and 8, with a master’s in teaching English as a second language. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she is fluent in Italian. She learned Spanish while living in and teaching English in El Salvador, so she knows what it’s like to be immersed in a culture and its language.

EHP students come from a variety of countries—Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Spain, and China, to name a few—to learn English or improve the English-language skills they already have. They are between the ages of 13 and 18, and they stay for 2–4 weeks between June and August.

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

They spend their weekday mornings studying hard in English classes, but by 1 p.m. Breschi has them on a bus exploring Sonoma County with their course leaders, who accompany them from their home countries; sometimes members of their homestay families come along, too.

Breschi loves watching the students’ perceptions of themselves and the world shift as they dive into American culture.

She tells me the story of David and Michael, two Chinese 15-year-old friends who came to stay with her for four weeks. (Just in case you were wondering, it’s common for Chinese people to take Anglican names.) She describes them as the Chinese version of The Odd Couple’s

Felix and Oscar, David the neat and orderly one, and Michael the one who would sweep dirty socks underneath his bed.

The two filmed everything, she says.

David would always ask the question, “And what is this?” as Michael

It doesn’t take much to be a host family, just a room where a child can sleep and an extra plate at the kitchen table.

Obama and the Dalai Lama that she had forgotten was on her fridge.

“Who is that?” they asked, pointing to the man in the burgundy robes.

“The Dalai Lama,” she said.

“Oh, in China we are told he is very bad,” they said.

She took a moment and then simply replied, “I think of him as a very peaceful and compassionate human being.”

And just like that, a cultural wall came tumbling down.

whipped out his cell phone to record the food on their plates or any number of seemingly mundane items.

It’s not just the students who benefit and change, but also the families who host them.

One day, Breschi recalls, the two pointed to a picture of President Barak

Breschi’s sons’ perceptions of China, Spain, or Russia, for instance, are based on the connections they have

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May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Do you change your own oil? (in your cars, trucks, boats, or motorcycles)

made with students who live in those countries, not on information they pick up in the media.

She and her family have also gone to visit several of the students they have hosted, and she has always been impressed by the generous welcome they have received.

She was particularly moved by the graciousness of the family of Juan, a Spanish teen who stayed with them in 2011.

Juan’s uncle met them at the airport because he was afraid they would

Breschi loves watching the students’ perceptions of themselves and the world shift as they dive into American culture.

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get lost, and his grandmother gave up her room for them so they’d have someplace to stay. They helped them get a converter for their electronic devices, and then took them out to dinner.

“We were treated like superstars,” she enthuses.

It was obvious that Juan came back with great stories about his experience, and she knew that he had changed and grown. His family was excited to see the people who made that all happen and to return the favor.

“When Juan leaves for college, this will be your room,” they kept saying to her sons.

It doesn’t take much to be a host family, according to Breschi. You just need a room where a child can sleep and an extra plate at the

14 SonomaFamilyLife

kitchen table. If you don’t have a bed, EHP can supply an inflatable one, and students can share rooms with kids who are not more than three years older or younger than themselves. Students often feel more comfortable practicing their English with little ones than adults, so if you have kids, that’s a plus. But it’s not necessary to be a parent to host a child, and if you have a kid, but not a partner, that’s okay, too.

“I want someone who is interested in doing it. Period,” asserts Breschi.

It’s important to Breschi that host families “make a really incredible connection with their student,” and to this end, she conducts a lengthy home visit, which allows her to match up hosts and students who share similar interests. To ensure that host families are really committed to bringing a child into their homes, they aren’t paid.

Breschi has talked to kids who stayed with both volunteer and paid families, and says unpaid families come out on top every time.

“That’s because people [who are unpaid] want to do it,” says Breschi, “and they make their student part of their family.”

If you think you might be interested in hosting a student, there’s still time to sign up to do it this summer.

Go to ef.edu/ehp, or contact Lisa Breschi at 304-1739 or lisabreschi@ gmail.com.

In the meantime, Breschi will be readying herself for more life-changing moments, and to add yet another child to her ever-expanding global family. ¶

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

What’s Cool about Charter Schools Local, Innovative Education—for Free!

D

oes your child want to be in a STEM or language-immersion school, but you can’t even imagine paying for a private education? Consider charter schools. They offer specialized, cutting-edge programs to all students and are tuition-free.

including the Santa Rosa French–American School and Rincon Valley Charter School, the first STEM school in the county. Mendocino County has ten schools and Lake County has three, including two that opened this year, the Intermountain STEM Academy Charter School and the California Connections Academy at North Bay, an online California has the most charter schools in the school available to students in the Middletown Unified country—1,184, 87 of which opened just this year. Nine School District. To download a complete list of charter percent of our state’s student population, or about schools in the state, and find out more information, go to 547,800 kids, go to one. They educate all grade levels, and the website of the California Charter Schools Association, must submit to the same state academic assessments as ¶ calcharters.org. traditional schools. Sonoma1 County 56 PM charter schools, SFZ-RRA-FamLife.pdf 1/21/15 has 1:53

www.sonomafamilylife.com

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 15

The Art of Napping 4 Tips for Helping Kids Get Their Zzzzs

By Amy Lage

E

very parent will tell you that kids need their naps or chaos ensues.

But sometimes getting kids to do what is best for them, such as sleeping, is not as easy as parents would like.

Here are four tips to help your child be a good napper.

1

Timing is important. The key to helping babies nap is making sure they snooze when their bodies want them to. We all have internal clocks called circadian rhythms that make us feel drowsy at certain times of the day. We can fall asleep the easiest, and get the most restorative sleep, during these time periods. As crazy as this sounds, a one-hour nap at the correct biological time is more restful than a two-hour nap that is not at the right time. When these “sleep waves”

occur changes as we get older, but they happen for kids at predictable times. Given this, you can actually schedule your children’s naps.

2

Not all naps are alike. The morning and afternoon naps serve different needs. The morning nap is mentally restorative and the afternoon nap is physically restorative. Before you consider skipping one or the other, think about which part of your child’s development is worth jeopardizing!

The Right Amount of Rest: Sleep Needs by Age Age

Night Sleep

Day Sleep

Total Sleep

Newborn–2 Months

8–9 Hours*

7–9 Hours (3-5 Naps)

17–20 Hours

2–4 Months

9–10 Hours*

4–5 Hours (3–4 Naps)

14–16 Hours

4–6 Months

10–11 Hours*

4 Hours (2–3 Naps)

14–15 Hours

6–9 Months

10–11 Hours*

3–4 Hours (2 Naps)

14 Hours

9–12 Months

10–12 Hours

2–3 Hours (2 Naps)

14 Hours

12–18 Months

11–12 Hours

2–3 Hours (1-2 Naps)

13–14 Hours

18 Months–2 Years

11–12 Hours

2 Hours (1 Nap)

13–14 Hours

2–3 Years

11–13 Hours

1–2 Hours (1 Nap)

12–14 Hours

0–2 Hours (0-1 Naps)

3–5 Years

11–12 Hours

5–12 Years

10–11 Hours

10–11 Hours

11–13 Hours

Teens

9–10 Hours

9–10 Hours

*Night feedings may be necessary. Contact your pediatrician if you are unsure of your child’s nutritional needs.

16 SonomaFamilyLife

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

3

It takes an hour. In order for a nap to be effective, it must be an hour or more in duration. A nap under an hour isn’t long enough to be beneficial to your children’s bodies, so try to keep catnaps to a minimum. Additionally, if your children wake up before an hour has passed, consider leaving them in their cribs until the hour has elapsed. This is a great way to teach self-soothing skills and lengthen a nap, and who knows—they may surprise you and fall back to sleep!

4

Your baby needs to nap in a crib. Babies and toddlers achieve their very best sleep at home in their bassinets, cribs, or beds. Why? First, sleeping at home in their own dark, quiet room ensures that your child will have an easy time falling asleep and staying asleep. Second, rest is more restorative for babies and toddlers when they are sleeping in a stationary location like their own beds. Vibrations or motion (think strollers and car seats) forces the brain into a lighter sleep state and reduces the restorative power of the nap. It’s like sleeping on an airplane: It’s okay, but not really restful. An occasional nap on-the-go is fine, but most of your children’s naps should be in their beds. ¶

Amy Lage is a mother of two four-year-olds and a Family Sleep Institute certified pediatric sleep consultant. She is founder of the Well Rested Baby (wellrestedbaby.com), and offers consultations in person or via phone, e-mail, Skype, or FaceTime. Reach her at amy@wellrestedbaby. com and find more sleep tips on the Well Rested Baby’s Facebook page.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 17

An Apple for Teacher

Budget-friendly Gifts from A to Z

By Christina Katz

W

ant to thank your child’s teacher for a great year?

Then end the school year with an attitude of gratitude towards the second most important person in your child’s classroom— the teacher.

When you are generous to, and harmoniously work with, your children’s teachers, you give them a terrific example of how to like and trust authority figures. That’s something that will help them throughout their lives.

Here is an alphabet of teacher gift ideas that will put a big smile on three faces—yours, your child’s, and your child’s teacher’s—without breaking the bank.

18 SonomaFamilyLife

A B C D E F G

is for art supplies that enrich the learning experience.

is for books, for teachers and for the classroom. is for chocolates, candies, or cupcakes. is for donations to a charity in his or her name.

is for erasers in all shapes and sizes.

is for food baskets— think: fast, ethnic, or organic. is for games for classroom downtime.

H I J K L M N O

is for handmade mugs, frames or vases.

is for a gift certificate for ice cream. is for jewelry or anything bedazzled. is for kitchen gadgets everyone always needs.

is for lottery tickets stuffed in a personal note. is for money in any form—coins, cash, or checks.

is for a personal note of praise sent to the principal. is for office supplies, but any type of supplies will do.

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

P Q R S

is for a potted perennial or herb plant. is for quote books your teacher would fancy.

is for recipe books written for busy people.

is for salts, scrubs, or soaps.

Dream Big W X Y Z

College Savings • Investments Life Insurance • Covered California

is for a water bottle that will last all day.

is for an x-tra smile the next time you see him or her.

is for a yearbook donation so no child is left without.

is for zinnias, but any bright bouquet will do.

6 DIY Gifts Kids Can Make

T U V

is for tea, but don’t forget the coffee.

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Search online for easy tutorials for these quick teacher gift ideas:

• Painted dollar-store vases • Egg carton herb garden-starters

is for a big, colorful umbrella.

• Glitter-covered wooden initials

is for happily volunteering your time.

• Seashell-covered photo frame

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Call Jerry Mendes 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Suite 200 Santa Rosa • (707) 545-5400 www.JerryMendes.com

• Origami bird mobile • Duct-tape rose pencils

Christina Katz loves being a member of the human race. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

May 2015

*Mu sic Les *Ar son tC s fo las r all ses age s *Dan inc ce,Y ludi oga ng Ce *Bir , Dr ramic s thd ama ay Classe Par s ties & Ca mps

MUSIC | ART | DANCE | YOGA | DRAMA

Art & Soul Music School

www.artandsoulmusic.com • 707-575-7701 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa SonomaFamilyLife 19

MUSIC |

Ready to Fly

Do, however, help them pick out new activities that interest and challenge them. And make sure they know that their worth as a person is not based on the ease or difficulty of the course of study they choose or how successful they are at achieving their goals.

3

Teach kids to ask for guidance. Let your children know that it’s okay to ask for a helping hand if the workload and stress are too much for them, or if they feel homesick.

7 Tips for Helping Graduates Prepare for College

By Kim Seidel

I

t’s a bittersweet time when a child graduates from high school and prepares for college. The mix of strong emotions and new information can make the process of transitioning from high school to college overwhelming for both parents and children.

Here are some tips for making it a little easier.

1

Discuss how college courses will differ from high school classes. Talk to your children about how, depending on the area of study, college-level material is typically more abstract than high school work. Let them know that more synthesis, evaluation, and research will be required than in high school when they probably practiced more memorization than analysis.

2

Help kids to make choices that honor their true selves.

“Don’t force [your kids] to [take on] the family business or follow the career path you wish you had taken,” 20 SonomaFamilyLife

says Lissa Raines, author of 8 Crucial Realities: Successful Choices for Graduates (B&H Publishing Group, 2011).

And, she says, “don’t fall into the trap of guiding them toward a lucrative career just because the money is good. Guide them according to their God-given aptitudes and passions.”

While it’s important to help your kids figure out what they love to do, it’s also necessary to help them gauge their weaknesses.

“Do not tell your kids that they can do or be whatever they want to be,” she says. “It just isn’t true.”

“Let them know many students need help, especially in their freshman year,” Raines says.

Counselors on campus can provide a listening ear while student study centers can offer tutors for that extra push through a hard course.

4

Set up a budget. Kids may be in the dark about how much money they will spend at college. After all, you’ve taken care of their needs for their entire lives. Figure out how much they will need to earn to cover basic items like clothing, food, gas, and entertainment, says Raines, and then help them create a realistic budget.

Kids are relentlessly pursued by credit card companies, says Raines, so teach them how to firmly say No to telemarketers, and to shred mailed credit card offers to prevent identify theft.

5

Communicate with respect. From choosing a school to figuring out what to buy for the dorm room, the transition from

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

college to high school requires a lot of discussion. Allow your new graduate to express his or her opinions with freedom.

“Resist harsh rebukes and condemning their choices,” Raines advises. “When graduates feel respected, they are more likely to seek your advice.” And that’s helpful when you see them headed toward a bad situation.

6

Encourage good habits.

While kids don’t want their parents to nag them, you can get away with occasionally reminding them to do things like eat right and get enough sleep. The most effective way to get your children to develop healthy habits is to adopt them yourself.

Making positive diet and exercise choices as well as modeling perseverance, hard work, and an attitude of gratefulness “will encourage them to do likewise,” Raines says. “Pass on good books you have read. Invite them to church or to join you in volunteer work. Your influence will be felt.”

La Tercera Elementary School Sonoma County’s First STEM Elementary School

Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten enrollment is now open!

7

Offer unconditional love.

Many teenagers and early 20-somethings make pretty big mistakes. When they mess up, let your children know that you will always love them, no matter what.

“That doesn’t mean enabling them to live recklessly or rescuing them from the consequences of their actions,” Raines says. “It does mean emotionally being there for them and not turning your back on them when they fall.” ¶ Kim Seidel is a writer and mom of two daughters, one of whom is inching her way toward high school graduation.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Tour and enroll today!

Tours: Tues. & Thurs. at 9 AM Call (707) 765-4303 Please join us as we share highlights of our school experience from TK to sixth grade, including our STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math focus, curriculum, extracurricular activities and community events.

1600 Albin Way, Petaluma • (707) 765-4303 • lt.oldadobe.org May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Relaxed, Refreshed & Ready for Anything A Half-day Away for Mom

By Christina Katz

L

et’s face it: Moms get burned out mentally,

physically, and emotionally. An endless list of responsibilities can

leave women feeling raw, reactive, and even sometimes desperate.

22 SonomaFamilyLife

Does an entire half-day to yourself sound impossible? Well, maybe not!

A half-day away adds up to just six hours, which, if your kids are students, happens to be the length of a typical school day. So maybe a little retreat from chores, bills, and shopping is more attainable than you think. In a few short hours, you can reclaim your sense of self and return home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for anything. And you’ll have given everyone in the family a chance to take care of each other without you.

Here’s how to make a mini-getaway work for you.

1. Plan your escape.

Communicate calmly and clearly your decision to take a little time for yourself and no one will question the practicality of your choice. Make sure

each child will be cared for, whether at school, with a sitter, or at an extended play date with a trusted friend.

Prep your spouse. Once he or she understands that your goal is to help yourself be a happier helpmate, there is no doubt he or she will be supportive.

Everyone will soon discover that when Mom is happy, the whole family is happier, too.

2. Prepare the day before. Plan for a smooth morning routine. Prepare lunches the night before. Pack the kids’ backpacks and also your “escape bag” with items you don’t want to forget. Get yourself and the kids up a little early. Keep everyone on track and out the door on time. No need to remind the kids what you are doing on your special day. Just give them a kiss, tell them to have a great day, and that

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Discover you’ll see them after school, as usual.

After all, making time for Mom should be routine, not unusual.

3. Keep in touch. So long as you have your cell phone, and there are no changes in the family’s regular schedule, there is nothing for you to worry about. Keep your phone in your pocket but resist the urge

Everyone will soon discover that when Mom is happy, the whole family is happier, too. to check it constantly. If a child comes down with the flu or skips a nap and becomes inconsolable, you are only a phone call away. But don’t expect imminent disaster or it might undermine your fun. Chances are very good that the world won’t stop spinning just because you are taking some time to relax. Truly.

And if your day is interrupted, don’t

be discouraged. Relax and enjoy whatever amount of time you can get, and then try again next week or next month. The more you practice, the better you will get at taking a half-day away.

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4. Escape on a shoestring. You don’t have to spend a lot to take care of yourself. Pack a lunch. Check out some magazines from the library.

Window shop. Eat at a bakery or sandwich shop. Take advantage of free museum days. Go to a matinee.

Or just meander around a nearby city or town without a plan. If you end up walking around a park making phone calls to friends, something you never seem to have time to do, then you’ve had a successful retreat. Your primary goal is to take good care of yourself and do what you want to do, whatever that is. ¶ Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself.

7 Ways to Wind Down 1. Spa trip. How about a massage and a hot tub soak?

2. Long lunch. Bring a really good book or a stack of magazines.

21 DAY SUMMER JUMPSTART FOR $129!!

For new members only, restrictions apply.

3. Shopping day. Go to your favorite location.

Try on as much as you like with no interruptions.

4. Museum tour. Seen any good exhibits lately?

5. Movie matinee. That rom-com nobody wants to see but you? Go for it.

6. Salon day. Give your hair, nails, and toes some love.

Make a day of it!

7. Treasure hunt. Go antiquing or junking at nearby shops and thrift stores. Maybe you’ll get inspired to update your home’s décor.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

May 2015

707-569-1515

santarosa@getinshapeforwomen.com 4745 Old Redwood Hwy (Larkfield), Santa Rosa (Next to Starbucks)

SonomaFamilyLife 23

Family Fun

Nourish the Nurturer 5 Local Mother’s Day Events

H

ow are you honoring the special woman who sustains your family? Feed Mom’s body and soul with these events, which feature everything from high tea and a DIY brunch to dance and musical performances.

However you choose to celebrate the mother in your life, remember the best present is lots of love.

Tea and Crumpets For most mothers, just a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea is a luxury. Let your honored guest sip in style at the lavishly restored historic Queen Ann Victorian that houses Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol. On May 10, ladies can listen to poetry and music, try one of the shop’s 15 varieties of tea, and admire an array of colorful tulips and other flowers that populate the teahouse gardens. Each mom will receive a flower, and those who purchase a special selection of sandwiches and other tasty goodies will get a free gift. Reservations are suggested. Call 634-6143 or visit muirstearoom.com.

Tulips grace the grounds of Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol.

Scents Divine Treat your queen for a day to the intoxicating fragrance of roses at the Russian River Rose Company’s Classic Perfume Rose Harvest Tour in Healdsburg. Mom can pick baskets full of petals from fields of ancient Bulgarian, French, and Persian blooms, and then watch them transformed into rose oil and water. The event runs on Thursdays and Sundays, 9:30–11:30 a.m., through May 21; Thursdays are $10.95 and Sundays, $14.95. Reservations are required and can be made at russian-river-rose.com/tours.html. If you don’t want to make reservations or spend lots of bucks, go to the open garden on May 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For a donation of $2 (per person), Mom can watch hummingbirds and butterflies flit about more than 600 varieties of roses.

(Note that picnics and pets are not allowed.)

24 SonomaFamilyLife

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Photo by Erin Baino

KiDS ALiVE! Galician Grooves If Mom is interested in something a little different, take her to listen to the exotic sounds of Cristina Pato and the Migrations Band. Pato, a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, is a master of the gaita (the Galician bagpipe) as well as a pianist and composer. Called a “virtuosic burst of energy” by the New York Times, Pato and her band blend Latin and jazz sounds to create music that transcends genres. The concert will be held at Schroeder Hall in Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park on May 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at gmc.sonoma.edu or by calling 866-955-6040.

Viva Flamenco!

Let the fierce beauty of flamenco dance and music inspire Mom’s spirit. Take her to see Noche Flamenca, who will be performing their formidable footwork at Weil Hall in Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. Formed in 1993 by Martín Santangelo and his Bessie award-winning wife, Soledad Barrio, the company tours the globe with its dramatic presentations of intense Spanish dance and songs. Tickets start at $35 and may be purchased by calling 866-955-6040 or by going to gmc.sonoma.edu.

July 13-23, 9am–12:30pm Musical – “Under God’s Sea in 3 D”

by Celeste Clydesdale Choreography, Drama, Crafts, Games All kids Pre-K– Grade 8 Performance of Musical: July 23, 7pm Auditions for speaking parts and solos

Call for info 484-8548 Registration packets available in church office or at

www.petalumaumc.org Petaluma United Methodist-410 D Street

La Cantera Racquet & Swim Club

Summer & Afterschool Junior Tennis Programs

A Brunch Sublime Does the lady of the house like to get creative in the kitchen?

Sign her up for a cooking class at the Relish Culinary Center in Healdsburg. Chef Anne Cornell will teach her how to make a fabulous brunch that will include hollandaise sauce, crêpes, scones, and even candied bacon. The class will include two 4-ounce glasses of wine. Additional wine will be available for purchase. The event will be held on May 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and costs $104. To register, see relishculinary.com. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

MUSIC CAMP

May 2015

Afterschool Mon. & Wed. 4 Classes - $50 Summer Tennis Camps and Summer Swim Lessons Call or go online for our brochure!

544-9494

3737 Montgomery Dr. Santa Rosa lacanteraracquetclub.com

SonomaFamilyLife 25

May

Children doing the Maypole Dance at the Geyserville May Day Celebration.

Calendar of Events Play on May Day

S

ince 1925, Geyserville has been welcoming spring with a May Day Celebration. This year’s free event will be held on May 3, noon–4 p.m., at the Hoffman Picnic Grounds in Geyserville. The May Day Queen will be crowned at 1:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Geyserville Elementary School third graders will treat revelers to a Maypole Dance. Other offerings include a performance by the Ballet Folklorico, live music, a jump room and climbing wall, and kids’ craft area. Meanwhile, a Kiwanis rib cook-off and plenty of beer and wine will keep bellies full. You can find out more at geyservillecc.com. ¶

Friday 1 FREE Beginning Manga & Anime Drawing for Tweens. Ages 9–13.

4–5:30 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Fridays. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Arnold Field.

241 W. First St., Sonoma. svcfm.org.

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore the dynamic

biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Fridays. 2–4 p.m. 2099 West Side Rd., Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

FREE First Friday at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) Planetarium.

Emphasis on stars, constellations, planets & other interesting facts about that night’s sky. Come early for free

A Cherished Memory that will last a lifetime...

parking pass. 7 & 8:30 p.m. SRJC. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Picnic, hike & hug

ancient trees. 8 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset. Visitor Center 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Parking $8. Senior parking $7. Free to pedestrians & bicyclists. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville.

869-2015. parks.ca.gov.

MonkeyJumperZ.com

Pencil Portraits by Dawn

FAMILY FRIENDLY NON-TOXIC TREATMENT • Unique system for lice removal.

• 100% guaranteed on 1st visit.

• Certified operators. • FDA cleared.

415-328-1350 • www.lcanorthbay.com 159 Lynch Creek Way • Petaluma

26 SonomaFamilyLife

www.dawnwolford.weebly.com dawnwolford@sbcglobal.net

707-687-8067

Monkey JumperZ Bounce House Rentals Birthday Parties • Daycare Centers Carnivals • Schools • Corporate events and all your bounce house needs (707) 978-2144

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Have You Had Your Apple Today?

Fresh Frozen Natural Apple Juice

Find our award-winning Sebastopol Ratzlaff Ranch’s

Apple-A-Day Cider At These Local Stores

Andy’s Produce in Sebastopol, Pacific Markets in Sebastopol & Santa Rosa, Speers Market in Forestville, Bill’s Farm Basket in Sebastopol, Bohemian Market in Occidental, Glen Ellen Village Market in Glen Ellen, Oliver’s Market in Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park, Petaluma Market in Petaluma, Sonoma Market in Sonoma, Santa Rosa Community Market in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Community Market in Sebastopol, Sheltons Natural in Healdsburg, Whole Foods Markets in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Sonoma & Petaluma.

Also at Ratzlaff Ranch, 13128 Occidental Rd., Sebastopol Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8am–5pm • Closed Sat. • Sun. 9am–5pm

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M.M.A.

It’s

WGAS Monster Trucks. Monster Trucks, FMX, Tuff Truck Racing & much more! Thru May 2. Tickets on sale at Sonoma County Les Schwab Tire Stores. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. wgasmotorsports.com.

Saturday 2 FREE Demystifying the College Application Process. UC Berkeley

application reader Robin Eurgubian covers how to navigate through applications, testing options, college campus selection, essay-writing & more. 2–3:30 p.m. Petaluma Library.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Windsor Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Live entertainment,

Adventure with us!

June 1-August 31

30

Summer Youth Pass

santa rosa

Unlimited Rides. Just $24

sonoma

60

40

48

34

FREE Family Bicycle Skills & Safety Rodeo. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Rohnert Park

20 62

School’s out, summer camp’s in!

Community Center (back parking lot). 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. bikesonoma.org.

Register for Camp Yu-Chi or Doyle Adventure Camp today! crafts • field trips • archery songs & skits • games

$15 off

Registration for Camp Yu-Chi or Doyle Adventure Camp

No cash value. To register, present coupon in person at Steele Lane or Finley Community Center or call 543-3737 and mention coupon when registering. Discount may be applied to multiple weeks.

Expires 6/8/15 santarosarec.com or call 543-3737 28 SonomaFamilyLife

multicultural art displays, children’s activities, food & informational vendors. Noon–3 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. townofwindsor.com.

FREE Whale Watch at Bodega Head. The amazing sight of the yearly

migration of Pacific Gray Whales!

Weekends. Thru May. Bodega Head, Bodega Bay. stewardscr.org.

FREE Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Wednesdays & Saturdays. 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.

50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com.

Footloose. A toe-tapping, high-octane trip back to the 1980s! Special May 3 performance during Day Under the Oaks. Sat. 2 p.m. Sun. 3 p.m. $12–$22.

Burbank Auditorium. Santa Rosa

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Junior College. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

Howarth Park Rides & Attractions.

Carousel, animal barn, jump house, pony rides, dig zone, boathouse, more.

Saturdays & Sundays. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets $2. Pony rides $4. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. howarthpark.com.

FREE Salmon Creek Art Walk.

Premiere Sonoma Coast art show. Thru May 3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Salmon Creek Village. 1 mile north of Bodega Bay on Hwy. 1. salmoncreekartwalk.com.

FREE Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center.

Tangible experiments & projects let children explore the natural world. Every first Sat. 1, 2 & 3 p.m.

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

Sunday 3 FREE Sunday Boating at the Barn. Volunteers help you try

a nonmotorized vessel—canoe, kayak, rowboat, or sailboat— on the Petaluma River. Open year-round. Sundays 11 a.m.–1 p.m. friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

Put Your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

“RVCS gave me the skills to be an independent learner, inspired me to seek out new experiences, and gave me the technological skills I needed to excel in high school, graduate early, and be well prepared for college.”

Middle School Can Be An Excellent Experience.

The technology-empowered middle school chartered by the Rincon Valley Union District now has 2 campuses.

• MacBook laptops for all students • Inquiry-based STEM science technology program • Integrated, project-based curriculum • Campus-wide participation in the arts including an award-winning music program

FREE Consultation

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

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Limited Openings for Fall 2015 rvusd.org/schools/rvcharter (707) 542-7375

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net www.sonomafamilylife.com

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 29

CLIMBING, TRAINING, COMMUNITY

SUMMER CAMPS!

FREE Day Under the Oaks. Santa

Rosa Junior College (SRJC) celebrates education with open campus. Exhibits, music, more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. SRJC. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. santarosa.edu.

Monday 4 Rock-n-Glow Bowling. Family

fun with LED lane-lighting & automated scoring. Special bumper rails for kids. Mondays. 5–10 p.m. $9 for 2 hours. Shoes included.

Windsor Bowl. 8801 Conde Ln., Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

Session 1: June 8-12, ages 7-10 Session 2: June 15-19, ages 11-14 Session 3: June 22-26, ages 7-10 Session 4: July 6-10, ages 11-14 Session 5: July 13-17, ages 7-10 Session 6: July 20-24, ages 11-14 Session 7: July 27-31, ages 7-10 Session 8: Aug 3-7, ages 11-14 Session 9: Aug 10-14, ages 7-10

Tuesday 5 FREE Cinco de Mayo Craft Table.

Ages 3–12. Drop in all day. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library.

6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Petaluma Farmers Market.

Open year-round. Tuesdays. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lucchesi Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. communityfarmersmarkets.com.

FREE Santa Rosa Cinco de Mayo Festival. Alcohol- & smoke-free event.

4–9 p.m. 650 Sebastopol Rd., Sebastopol. santarosacincodemayo.com.

Wednesday 6 FREE Wednesday Night Market.

Live music, fresh farmers market, more. Thru Aug. 19. 5–8:30 p.m. Downtown Santa Rosa. wednesdaynightmarket.com.

Thursday 7 FREE Teen Henna Workshop. Space is limited to 15 participants. Sign up at the reference desk. 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

$195/participant. Camp is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-12pm.

Thursdays are 9am-4pm. We will be climbing at Goat Rock all day.

It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ®

Cultivating a Life-long Love of Learning Since 1974

Shawn Hetherman, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0J01006 170 Farmers Lane Suite 10 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Bus: 707-800-7962

EARLY CHILDHOOD - HIGH SCHOOL

707-573-1608

climbvertex.com 3358a Coffey Lane • Santa Rosa 30 SonomaFamilyLife

655 Willowside Rd, Santa Rosa 707-575-7194 www.summerfieldwaldorf.org

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company 1203087 (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Hot Dog Thursday. Includes admission,

large hot dog, chili, chips & soda or water. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. $5. Members get $1 off. Pacific Coast Air Museum.

One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

American Crown Circus. Circus stars

Dare to Dazzle

• Girls Night Out • Little Miss Dazzle Birthday Parties • Bridal/Prom/Baby Shower Parties • Gels • Mani/Pedi • Artificial/Natural Nails • Organic Polish Available

(707) 523-1288 • 150 Steele Lane Suite 200, Santa Rosa

from around the globe. Family-friendly shows are narrated in Spanish. Thru May 11. Various times. Adults $18. 2 kids get in free with paying adult. americancrowncircus.com.

Friday 8

2014-15 SEASON

Mary Poppins! Thru May 24.

Special fundraiser & silent auction May 9. Various times. $16–$26.

Spreckels Performing Arts Center.

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

Sonoma County Airport

Sunday, May 17 at 3pm $16 Children | $21 Adults Get on-board with Genevieve and her beat-boxing engineer, DC, as she drives her train through fantastical lands while singing contemporary, kidfriendly hip-hop songs.

WITH GENEVIEVE!

Additional generous support provided by:

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

Join us for a post-show autograph session with the cast!

Summer Camps Missoula Children’s Theatre June 22 – 27 FREE Weeklong Theatre Residency

Auditions: Mon, June 22 · 10am to noon For students entering 1st – 12th grades

©P N

TS

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Draw It! Paint It! Sculpt It! Art Camp July 13 – 17 For students entering 4th – 7th grades

New Song Music Camp July 27 – 31 For students entering 3rd – 6th grades

707.546.3600

May 2015

·

wellsfargocenterarts.org

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Bob Rider photography

Family Portraits Individuals • Families • Events

FREE Indie Pop Rock with Jeff Campbell. Food, drink, bike valet.

Special appearance by Caroline Sky. Doors 5:30 p.m. Show 6 p.m. Novato City Hall. 901 Sherman Ave., Novato. downtownnovato.com.

Saturday 9 BobRiderPhotography.com • (707)245-5321

Holt. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

Grand Opening Special

Human Race. 3K & 10K races.

Pancake breakfast, fun & games area for kids! Rain or shine. Registration 6:30 a.m. Race 8 a.m. Herbert Slater Middle School. 3500 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. humanracenow.org.

Cut & color $65 Special for 1st time clients.

Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

FREE Make a Lovely Mother’s Day Card! Ages 5 & up with Catherine

FREE The Wellness Expo. Health Crystal, Katie, Megan, Lindsey, Dulce, Morgan, Janet and owner Sonna

SONOMA COUNTY’S

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

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Convenient locations

•

Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

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

screenings, activity sign-ups, door prizes, food, more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa.

Sunday 10 FREE The French Market: Marin’s Outdoor Antique Market. French

music & crepes add to the ambiance. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast.

Hosted by Rincon Valley Firefighters. Raffle prizes. 8 a.m.– noon. Ages 13 and over $8. Ages 5–12 $5. Under 5 free. San Miguel Elementary School. 5350 Faught Rd., Santa Rosa. rvfire.org.

Mother’s Day at Bay Area Discovery Museum. A day of family-filled

v

32 SonomaFamilyLife

projects & programs to honor the special ladies in our lives. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. General $12. Babies & seniors $11. 557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org.

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

SMILE FOR

SPRING! • NO DOWN PAYMENT • ZERO INTEREST FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECKS • HABLAMOS ESPANOL

CALL (707) 575-0600 FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION!

Horse & Summer Day Camps ald McDaonnch R Shuttles from Petaluma, Glen Ellen, Rohnert Park

Smile Star of Bernstein Orthodontics

Camps Held at Sky Tree Ranch in Santa Rosa

www.BernsteinBraces.com

www.mcdonaldranch.org • 707 537 0955

$150 UP TO $195! * * SAVE * SAVE * * *

AT Y CAMP, YOUR CHILD WILL MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!

SIGN-UP FOR CAMP NOW!

Sylvan helps students of all ages catch up, keep up, or get ahead!

Get Started $ 95!* for forOnly just $95!

copy layout A special offer forSelect Sonoma Family Life A special offer for Sonoma Family Life Readers – call 528-6000 today and Readers – call 528-6000 today and your child can get started your child can get started at Sylvan for just $95! atatSylvan forlocation just $95! *Valid Santa Rosa only. *Valid at combined Santa Rosawith location May not be otheronly. offers.

May not be combined with other offers. Exp. 5/31/14

FREE ASSESSMENT

• Low 3:1 student/teacher ratio.

• No portion of class time ever takes Adventure Camp•Sports Camp•Super Science place without a teacher!

Camp•Little Campsters•Moving On • Individualized lesson plansStop basedin today for a FREE on your student’s needs. Sylvan Assessment (a Camp•Kids Club & Counselor in • Regular progress reports. $195 value) Training Program • Flexible, affordable, interest-free interest payment Offerfree expires XX/XX/XXXX. Valid at participating centers only. May not be combined with other offers payment plans for as plans little forasas$122/mo.! little as $118/mo!

• Locally Owned and Operated over 30 27 Years.

Call or visit us for more details

& registration information.

707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org

Sylvan Learning of Santa Rosa

707-528-6000 • www.educate.com READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST PREP, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE!

www.sonomafamilylife.com

• Horseback Riding • Swimming • Archery • Counselor-In-Training • Farm Animals • Camp Cooking and more!

Sonoma County Family Y  1111 College Avenue  Santa Rosa 707-545-9622  www.scfymca.org The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 33

CLOVERLEAF RANCH

Tuesday 12 FREE Simply Science: Dry Ice. Fun & interactive preschool science.

Ages 3–5. 10:30 a.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

Wednesday 13 FREE Picnic Storytime! On the

Resident Camp

create your own schedule enjoy over 25 activities make life long friends

Day Camp

choose from 3 programs explore camp lifestyle play outdoors

Open House Sunday May 17 11am–3pm

707-545-5906

Cloverleafranch.com

Town Green. Bring your blankets & lunch for a great time. Ages 2–5. 11:30 a.m.–noon. Windsor Regional Library.

9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

Sebastopol Library Spring Book Sale. Thru Sat. May 16. Sebastopol

Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

Thursday 14 FREE American Graffiti Auto Cruise.

Classic American cars, rock ’n roll

music & the happy days of the 1950s & early 1960s. Thru May 16. Downtown Petaluma. americangraffiti.net.

Saturday 16 FREE PETALUMA Summer Camp Fair with Sonoma Family Life. Join us at the

Petaluma Dental Group Campus and find summer camps, family travel, fun & learning. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Petaluma Dental Group Campus. 1301 Southpoint Blvd., Petaluma. sonomafamilylife.com.

Alaska Native Day at Fort Ross State Historic Park. Dance performance,

historical presentation, kids crafts, blessing of the boats & dried fish! BBQ for sale. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10. Kids free.

Fort Ross State Historic Park. 19005 Coast Hwy. 1, Jenner.

Love Children?

Summer Classes Art, cartooning, LEGO-animation computer gaming and even ice skating at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

June 8–Aug. 14, 2015 Reserve your space online www.schulzmuseum.org/learn

or call

(707) 284-1272 34 SonomaFamilyLife

CLEANING YOUR HOUSE! We Do It All!

Call us to learn about Foster Care in our community.

You will receive real insight about Foster Care that will give you the answers that may just make a difference in your life.

We provide extensive support, training and financial compensation.

(707) 467-2000

Insured

Bill’s Cleaning Service Serving Santa Rosa (707) 321-7400

Lic. #236803534

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Bach with Verse. Richard

“Dobbs” Hartshorne will play the Bach Cello Suites & take the audience along on musical adventures in hilarious comedic stories. Seating is limited.

2 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 West Napa St., Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org.

Maker Faire Bay Area. A 2-day, family-friendly festival of invention & creativity. Thru May 17. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $20–$80. San Mateo County Events Center. 1346 Saratoga Dr., San Mateo. makerfaire.com.

FREE 2nd Annual Farm to Home Wool Festival. Thru May 17. Fiber

crafts, local artists, music, local food, wool grading & trading. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Valley Ford Wool Mill. 14390 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. valleyfordwoolmill.com.

Fairy Tea! Fairies, harpist, storyteller, fairy garland-making & surprise visit.

Wings

11 a.m. $44.50. Very limited seating.

Reservations required. Muir’s Tea Room. 330 South Main St., Sebastopol. muirstearoom.com.

Dances through Time. The magic

of ballet performed by young artists dancing to ragtime, oldies, more. Thru May 17. Sat. 7 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. Adults $18. Seniors $15. Under 8 $13. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 N. St., Healdsburg. raventheater.org.

FREE 121st Annual Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival. Theme:

Out of a Storybook. Focus on literacy.

10 a.m. Downtown Santa Rosa. roseparadefestival.com.

Take Action ✔Yardwork Done!

Check yardwork off your to-do list today We have all your lawn and garden equipment needs covered.

Aerators, Tillers & Dethatchers The region’s largest rental equipment provider with 4 Sonoma County locations.

Open 7 days a week

Boy Scout Day: Art & Animation.

Earn art & photography merit badges. Get messy with watercolor, sculpture, collage & use iPads to explore photography & animation.

Reservations required. 10 a.m.–12:30

Now Enrolling

Early Childhood Education Programs NOW INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN!

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

Santa Rosa 539-0707 • Windsor 838-4373 Healdsburg 431-3544 • Fulton 544-0501

Heal Thyself!

Your own body has what it takes to heal you!

We work with natural remedies to support your own immune system.

SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP Children’s Circle 2.5-3.5+ yrs.

Kinderclub 3-5 yrs.

Montessori in Motion 3-6 yrs.

(Now offering Kindergarten)

7:1 Teacher Ratio • Certified Teachers Affordable • Nurturing • Quality Programs

We give you what you need to thrive!

Call for Consult with Dr. Marcus or Dr. Rebecca Porrino

natural remedies

Monday-Friday 7:30 am-6 pm

• Daily Martial Arts Classes • Swimming, Movies • Weekly Adventures • Science, Art & Discovery Labs

(707) 544-2302

www.wingsmap.org 3644 Airway Dr., Santa Rosa www.sonomafamilylife.com

Register at the Parks and Recreation Office 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg 300D, Windsor 838-1260 • townofwindsor.com/preschool May 2015

707-996-WELL

710 West Napa St., Suite 1 • Sonoma www.sonomanatmed.com

SonomaFamilyLife 35

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

p.m. Charles Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Birthday Parties Public Skating Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

Sunday 17 Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve!

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

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

It’s all about the party!

Based on the popular shorts airing daily on the Disney Channel, this hip duo teaches children through music. 3 p.m. Adult $21. Child $16.

Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Visit us & learn

about our science based education

A whole loada fun!

Bay to Breakers Run. Annual 12K run/walk celebration of San Francisco.

Pre-show expo May 15 & 16. Main St. & Howard St., San Francisco. zapposbaytobreakers.com.

Saturday 23 FREE Family Bicycling Workshop.

Pre-register. Fun games & a neighborhood ride! 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Santa Rosa French American Charter School. 1350 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa.

545-0153. bikesonoma.org.

Cross & Crown Lutheran School

Where the JOY of learning meets the JOY of the Lord Register Now for 2015/2016

Birthday • Graduation • Family Reunion • Office Event 327 O’Hair Court, Santa Rosa • 575-KIDS

• Bilingual Toddler thru Elementary • STEM Curriculum • Math Through Architecture

707-763-9222

SpringHillMontessori.org

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL

EST. 1951 A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow.

It’s not just

Enrolling for Summer Camps

Gymnastics...

It’s confidence for a lifetime!

• Tumblebug Program for preschool-aged children • Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 • Tumbling & Tramp Classes

707-763-5010

www.regymnastics.com

36 SonomaFamilyLife

reg

redwood empire gymnastics

2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten - Kindergarten 1st - 6th Grade Preschool license #490100475

Call or email to visit our school:

(707)795-7863 www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org

SUMMER CAMP

CALL TODAY 538-2000 AGES 7 - 12

• Now accepting applications for 2015/16 school year • Pre K class for academic & social Kindergarten readiness • Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect

To support our families, we provide parenting tools & classes to work together as a team for your children

579-3718

srecschool.org

www.markweststables.com

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Monday 25 FREE Memorial Day Services.

Features music, remembrance program, flag displays & wreath-laying ceremonies. 9 a.m. Marin Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Friday 29

times. Various prices. Healdsburg. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Bottlerock Napa Valley. Four

stages.

Napa food & wine, expos, comedy.

Thru May 31. 1–3 day passes.

Various prices. Napa Valley Expo. bottlerocknapavalley.com.

Saturday 30 FREE Fairies! A Craft Program. 1

FREE Friday Night Mash-Up Youth Talent Showcase. Monthly music

p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

& poetry showcase for young talent ages 14–21. Younger ages considered.

6–9 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. seb.org.

FREE Friday Night Live at the Plaza. Chuck Mead & His Grassy

Healdsburg Jazz Festival. Eddie

Knoll Boys & Court ’n Disaster.

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

7th Annual

Scholastic Chess Tournament May 2, 2015 Grades K–8

Call today!

(707) 527-6427

Palmieri, Pablo Ziegler, Luciana Souza with Romero Lubambo, more. Thru June 7. Various

Register Online: www.chessclubforkids.com

B Mî `ƒ

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Call for details 6001 Commerce Blvd.

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www.sonomafamilylife.com

Thriving Academics, Creativity, & Well-being • • • •

Traditional Montessori Curriculum Ages 2 - 6 years old Kindergarten Program Summer Program

Developing the Foundations for a Lifetime of Creative Learning 537-8889

2810 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa bvmontessori.com

May 2015

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS - BE PART OF THE WIZARD OF

OZ!

Teen Theatre Camp: (Ages 13-19) June 15-July 30 Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:30pm Performances: July 31-August 2 Tuition: $600 Youth Theatre Camp: (Ages 8-12) June 22-August 6 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm Performances: August 7-9 Tuition: $650

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Classified Marketplace Real Estate

Health

Health

Health

A n n e B a ke r

Make Fit Happen!

R E A L T O R

Helping my neighbors because I care.

Endermologie Massage Proven Effective for

Cellulite Reduction

GET FIT WITH LIZ

And Fibromyalgia Scar Tissue and More Free Evaluation & Sample Massage

WITH A PACKAGE OF FIVE

Endermologie

Liz Sinna, Certified Personal Trainer

Call 206-5613

Helping You Fit Fitness In

ONE FREE SESSION! 707-484-2459 www.getfitbyliz.com

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

Discover (707) 245-6090 . 01165299 annebaker.net

Visit our new mobile-friendly website

SonomaFamilyLIfe.com

Like Us On Facebook Services

THE FIRST COMPLETE TRAINING PROGRAM

FOR WOMEN

21 DAY SUMMER JUMPSTART FOR $ 129!!

For new members only, restrictions apply.

We can help!

GET IN SHAPE FOR WOMEN

KANDU BDY WRK STUDIOS P R E S E N T S…

Serving the Community Massage by Donation

Ivy Hawthorne

Therapeutic Bodywork (Shiatzu/Aromatherapy) 707.536.3398

Call Today for Appt.

Check out our new online directories

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

707-569-1515

4745 Old Redwood Hwy (Larkfield), Santa Rosa (Next to Starbucks)

Check out our new online directories

Taking care of your families needs as if they were her own

Julie Kitchens, Sales Associate

415.686.0535

www.rickobrien.com •BRE#01733874

38 SonomaFamilyLife

 Paternity and Child Support Order Establishment  Payment Collection Services  Payment Tracking and Accounting  Child Support Modification

Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Petaluma Nit Flix All Natural Non-Toxic Lice Removal Solutions!

Before and After School Appointments!

WE ACCEPT ALL INSURANCES!

Lice Removal Salon (or in home options) 707-484-2711

411 B Street, Suite 6 • Petaluma www.petalumanitflix.com

EZ SMILE DENTAL

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

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Camps

Nature Camp in Napa Valley July 13-17 & July 20-24

Hiking, Swimming, Crafts, Music, Drama, Puppetry, Wilderness & Native American Garden Studies, Stewardship & Pioneer History. “like” us on facebook~naturecampnapavalleyatbothe

(707) 963-1683 info@napavalleystateparks.org

Camps

Camps

Santa Rosa Symphony’s

Camps

SPANISH SUMMER CAMP

SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY

JULY 13-AUGUST 1

Full Day, Half Day, before and after care options.

7 weeks available Starts June 15

536-1241

— 2015 summer camp — Science! Art! Games!

Each week is unique, see website for themes santa rosa: Rincon Vlly School TBD, June 15–July 31 M–F, 9–3, S. R. Rec. Parks & Cmnty Srvcs: (707) 543-3737

Full-day (9am-3pm) & A La Carte Classes Available!

For beginning Strings, Woodwinds, and experienced Brass, Percussion, Guitar and more! students

546-7097 x229

santarosasymphony.com

petaluma science camp: July 6 – 17 / M–F / 9:30–1 City of Petaluma Rec. Svs: (707) 778-4380

ART FOR ALL AGES

AFTER SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP 707-762-5600

www.PetalumaArtsCenter.org

Visit our new mobile-friendly website

Questions: (707) 793-2251 kidscienceadventures.com

www.LaCasitaDaySchool.com

A Week of Play Enjoy fellowship, art, music, nature, spiritual dialogue, and community!

Whether you are 8 or 80 we have a program for you.

The Bishop’s Ranch 707-433-2440

www.bishopsranch.org

Riding Lessons for Children

SonomaFamilyLIfe.com

Camp

C . A.S.T.L.E. Affordable Summer Camp in Sebastopol

Weekly field trips & swimming, visiting artists, enrichment, and more

castle@sebusd.org

829-4578

Pony Camp!

Weekly June 8 thru August 14

European Pony School

546-7669

europeanponyschool.com

Your one stop cake, candy, party & wedding shop

Classes

• Candy Making • Cake Decorating

Teaching the art of the sword

• Party Supplies • Private Parties • Helium Tank Rentals

Sign up for our summer camps today!

Santa Rosa

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

433-8102

egfencing.com

Super Kids Camp At Sonoma State University

June 8 thru August 14

FIRST LESSON

FREE!

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

A full week of camp as low as $145 per week.

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

707-664-4FUN

707-484-1188

superkidscamp@sonoma.edu www.sonoma.edu/campusrec/programs/skc Blog—superkidscamp.wordpress.com

www.jessesaldana.com 5425 Stony Point Road • Santa Rosa

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 39

Classified Marketplace Counseling

Lessons

Parties

Parties

DO YOU LOVE TO

Sing?

Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus Providing quality music education and choral training since 1984!

Boys & Girls ages 7-12 may join

527-8813 srchildrenschorus.com

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

Check Out Our New Online Directories 40 SonomaFamilyLife

Check out our online directories pets

Let Us Decorate Your Next Party for You! • Birthdays • Quince’s • Weddings • Events • Corporate

Party Chicks Décor

707-888-7075 Lic. 69681

We Make Your Event –Our Event

10 OFF Birthday Party $

· Tenting · Lighting · Dance Floors · Linen · Tables/Chairs · Delivery/Pickup · And Much More

IS YOUR PET READY FOR THEIR CLOSE UP?

where your imagination comes to play

707-544-4132 • pterentals.com 115 Lystra Ct., Santa Rosa

• Nonstressful and fun • Separate cat area • Play areas for big and small dogs (707) 331-3143 www.hairofthedogsr.com 2770 Stony Point Road, Ste. E Santa Rosa

794-9533 374 Blodgett Street • Cotati pumpitupparty.com/cotati-ca

HAVING A PARTY OR EVENT? Liven it up!

PARTY LIKE A ROCK STAR AT Pizza, Games, & Great Rock Star Souvenirs

586-1949

601 Rohnert Park Expy W, Rohnert Park www.chuckecheese.com

with balloon artists Katie & Luke

Katie's Balloons

707-539-1818 ktsballoons@gmail.com

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Tutors

Schools

Bodega Bay Public School

Childcare/Preschools

Childcare/Preschools

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

YMCA YMCA YMCA PRESCHOOL PRESCHOOL PRESCHOOL

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

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

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE GROW.LEARN.THRIVE GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA SANTA SANTA ROSA ROSA ROSA 2590 2590 PINER PINER RD. RD. 2590 PINER RD.

Diane: 546-7012

... the school with vision and a view

Don’t wait until your child falls behind

Call to Schedule a tour

sonomacountytutors.com

www.bodegabay.shorelineunified.org

Academic Subjects • Test Prep Foreign Languages Study Skills • ESL

(707) 585-2584

STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL?

GET HELP NOW!

Credentialed K-8 Teacher Jeanne Walters

Blossom Learn & Grow Tutoring & Homework Help

707-953-2118 • Santa Rosa waltje2@hotmail.com www.blossomlearnandgrow.weebly.com

“I care about learning again” • Grades 6-12 • School without Stress • Affordable Rates • Individualized Instruction

707-996-2881 sonomavalleyacademy.org

528-7789

www.sonomafamilylife.com

PRICING PRICING & && PRICING REGISTRATION: REGISTRATION: REGISTRATION:

YMCA YMCA YMCA Program Program Program Office Office Office 707.544.1829 707.544.1829 707.544.1829 community based TheThe Y The isYaYisnon-profit isa anon-profit non-profit community community based based organization. organization. organization.

Financial Assistance isisavailable.

Financial Financial Assistance Assistance is available. available.

Casa dei Bam io’s Since 1981 b Montessori School

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

Now Enrolling

Early Childhood Education Programs NOW INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN! Montessori Education Inspires ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Children’s Circle 2.5-3.5+ yrs.

Kinderclub 3-5 yrs.

Montessori in Motion 3-6 yrs.

Joy of Learning Order & Detail Concentration Grace & Courtesy

2427 Professional Dr. • Santa Rosa Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101

707-528-0889•www.rhioscasa.com

(Now offering Kindergarten)

EXPERIENCED CERTIFIED TUTOR Santa Rosa Call Katie Lyon

Enrolling for Summer and Fall

707 875-2724

Check out our new online directories

Will provide home tutoring in phonics for reading improvement & comprehension Grades 1-8

Preschool & Child Care Center

ini

Our high quality tutors can help with:

• Small multi-graded classes • Afterschool enrichment and childcare.

• Art, music and Spanish language instruction.

• Partnership with Bodega Marine Lab.

FUMC

Rh

End School Frustration!

Now enrolling grades K-5

PROGRAM PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: OBJECTIVES: PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

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

Register at the Parks and Recreation Office 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg 300D, Windsor 838-1260 • townofwindsor.com/preschool

Like Us On Facebook

Visit our new mobile-friendly website

SonomaFamilyLIfe.com May 2015

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.

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.

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

Battle for the Bathroom Survival of the Sneakiest

By Bull Garlington

W

e have three perfectly good bathrooms in our house. Three bathrooms, and it’s not enough.

We don’t use the one upstairs because it’s at least 17 steps too high.

There’s one in the basement, but it’s inhabited by spiders and marmosets.

We don’t use it unless we need an emergency science project. So our family of four is left with one functioning bathroom, the guest loo, which all need at the same time.

Every time.

No matter how long I wait, as soon as I shut the door someone starts pounding on it and there I am, coffee cup and magazine in hand, glaring at the tiles.

“Hon, I need to get in there.”

“I’M ALREADY IN HERE!” “Babe, seriously.”

“I cannot tell you just how serious things are about to get in here. We’re

Our family of four has one functioning loo, which we all need at the same time. Every time. talking foreign documentary serious.

We’re talking subtitles.”

“I’m already in here.”

“I reeeeeeeellly need to get in there.”

“Dad, seriously.”

“THERE ARE TWO OTHER BATHROOMS IN TH—“

“Dad, I reeeeally need the bathroom.”

“There are two other bathrooms in this house,” I say, murderously.

“Dad please!” he says, tapdancingly.

Because I’m awesome, I relinquish the lavatory, lug my load upstairs, and lock the door.

42 SonomaFamilyLife

Which is not on me.

Anymore.

“Dad, I need to get in there.”

“Trust me, son. This is serious.”

prepare to shower. I balance my mug on the edge of the sink and crank up the hot water to “melt steel.” I’m lost in a welcome cloud of steam when I hear heavy breathing.

Now this is my basement. People have gone missing for weeks down here. I lost a friend, a good friend, somewhere near the hot water heater badlands so the sound of breathing stops me mid-scrub. I frantically search for a sharp piece of soap I can use as a shiv when I realize the breathing is in stereo. I take a peek around the moldy curtain to see my dogs staring at me with a look on their faces that means they’re about to water the plants—on my laundry. Growling, I wrap a stiff towel around my waist, shuffle over to wrench open the basement door, and scream like a girl as the dogs plow through me to get to the yard so they can pee on my towel.

“You know that picture you won’t let me put on Facebook?”

“I’ll be right out.”

I carry my coffee down two flights into the spider conservatory, wedge the door shut with a piece of cardboard, release the hounds, and

But hey, it’s the basement, right? If I just duck-walk under the windows I can slide behind the bookcase to the bathroom. There’s another towel in there…with my daughter, who snuck in right behind me (I think she’s in league with the hounds) and stole my shower.

“Sarah, I need to get in there.”

“I’m already in here.”

“I reallllllly need to get in there.”

“Whatever. Can you get me a towel from upstairs? I used this one as a rug.” ¶ Bull Garlington is the author of Death by Children, the ForeWord Review’s Humor 2013 Book of the Year.

May 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

(707) 781-7373 3120 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA 94952 Like Us On Facebook www.sonomafamilylife.com

May 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 43

Summer Camp & Fun Fair

Petaluma Saturday May 16 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Petaluma Dental Group

1301 Southpoint Blvd. Petaluma