Summer was a little bit of bliss, a little bit of boredom, but it’s time to embrace a return to routine as school bells begin to ring. Using a timeline for accomplishing back-to-school tasks can lessen stress and help kids start the year strong (page 10).
If you’re student is transitioning from elementary to middle school, that’s a big deal! Understanding the anticipation and challenges this move brings is important for parents as they help set their middle schooler up for success (page 12).
One way to help children of all ages ease into a new school year is to
consider extracurricular activities, either on campus or in the community. Read about the benefits of having kids engaged with their peers outside of the classroom (page 20).
No matter the grade level, it’s important for children to accept age-appropriate responsibilities. This edition offers ways to assist kids toward independence at various stages of their lives (page 26).
Last but not least is a simple blueberry bite recipe that eases the return-to-school morning rush in a most nutritious way (page 7). Plus, a little humor for parents who have earned their “I Survived Another Summer” award (page 40).
Bites are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, on-the-go snacking, or as you prepare to make lunchbox treats for back-to-school time.
Plant-based and vegan, energy bites are a nutritious way to start the morning. Although there’s a hint of sweetness, there’s no blood sugar spike in protein- and fiber-filled treats. An easy make-ahead meal means one less thing to worry about on busy school mornings, too. With no special kitchen tools required, they are also a great recipe for little helping hands! Better yet, prepared in just one bowl with seven simple ingredients, there’s no baking required.
Offering the taste of traditional blueberry muffins, Blueberry Muffin Energy Ball Bites are packed with healthy ingredients and come together in just 15 minutes. What better way to start a new school year? ❖
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen
Blueberry Muffin Energy Ball Bites
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
½ cup dried blueberries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
¾ cup almond butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Roll into 12-14 balls. Typically 1 1/4- or 1 1/2-inch diameter makes a nice treat size, but even smaller is perfect for bite-sized snacks. The mix should easily form into balls and hold its shape well.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one-two weeks, although they’re unlikely to last that long. Still, they store even longer in the freezer, if needed.
Famous Sonoma County Fair
This year it’s a “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” theme at the Sonoma County Fair. Experience the carnival, contests, fair food, live music, free entertainment, farmers day and horse play, plus the world championship grape stomp, and world’s ugliest dog contest. Shopping, special events and attractions — such as a rodeo, tractor pull and monster truck event — as well as the flower show, round out this year’s fair. Individual tickets, family packs, and senior discounts offered. Friday, August 1–Sunday, August 10 (closed Monday, August 4). See a full event schedule or purchase tickets at sonomacountyfair.com.
Pacific Islander Festival Fundraiser
Mark your calendar for the 13th Annual Pacific Islander Festival hosted by the Rohnert Park Warriors, a non-profit youth sports organization. This fundraising event brings Polynesian traditions — in music, dance, arts, crafts, and food — directly from the soul of the South Pacific to the hearts of the people of Sonoma County. Admission is free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, August 30. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2yu8tw4h
Happy Anniversary, Schulz Museum!
Celebrate the Schulz Museum’s 23rd anniversary with hands-on activities for the whole family. Enjoy live cartoon storytelling and drawing instruction with professional cartoonist Joe Wos; fold Peanuts origami (including Woodstock, Snoopy’s doghouse, and more); make your own Peanuts activity book; and sketch with artist Eric Martin. Plus, explore the galleries to see current exhibitions, watch a Peanuts animated special in the museum theater, and more. Included with museum admission cost; free for members. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, August 2. Learn more at schulzmuseum.org/ happy-anniversary-schulz-museum
CHARLES M. SCHULZ MUSEUM
Sonoma County Fair
Schulz Museum’s 23rd anniversary
Pacific Islander Festival
Wellness in the Park
Families looking for connection and support will find both at the Fox & Cub Family Wellness Event, a free gathering designed to nurture the whole family. Enjoy music, family yoga, kids’ fitness games, a bounce house, carnival games, crafts, sensory play, and a fun scavenger hunt, plus a raffle with prizes and free Fox & Cub gift bags for the first 100 attendees. Local doulas, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and parenting experts will host Q&A sessions, and a curated lineup of vendors and nonprofit resources will be onsite.
10 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, August 9. Rincon Valley Community Park, 5108 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. Learn more at foxandcubfamilywellness.com.
Money Smart Kids Event
Use Otto Bucks to practice money skills and budget for back-to-school shopping. All materials are free. One backpack and set of school supplies per student. Student must be present to participate in shopping for school supplies. For grades K-12. Registration required. A schedule of various library locations, dates, and times throughout August and registration available at tinyurl. com/9szdw296.
All Things Apple Fair
Good food, good music, and good vibes await you at the 52nd Anniversary Gravenstein Apple Fair. Since 1973, Sonoma County Farm Trails has produced this country fair and music festival, every August during peak Gravenstein season. Celebrate all things apple, the best local food and drink, top regional music, ag-inspired fun for the whole family, exciting experiences connecting you to your neighborhood farmers and artisans, and much more. Saturday–Sunday, August 9–10. Ragle Ranch Park. 500 Ragle Rd., Sebastopol. Find the full schedule and purchase tickets online at gravensteinapplefair.com
Money Smart Kids
Gravenstein Apple Fair
Fox & Cub Family Wellness Day
New School Year Countdown
Tips to Start off on the Right Foot
By Janeen Lewis
Summer is a magical time filled with sleeping in, lazy days at the pool and picnics on the patio. Then summer suddenly screeches to a halt, and the new school year becomes a reality. Using a timeline to tackle back-to-school tasks over the summer months can lessen stress and get kids ready for a solid start to the school year. And starting on the right foot paves the way to success the entire year.
Ease into it slowly during the lazy days of summer. Over a long lunch or on a float in the pool (you still want to get the most out of summer!) discuss the upcoming school year. Is your child excited or nervous? Listen closely to your child’s feelings and help set goals for the coming year.
Purge last year’s items. Clean out backpacks and toss worn out or
outgrown items. Consign gently used items or have a yard sale. Spend the proceeds on new school items. Have playdates. Get to know the school community. If your child is starting a new school or feels uncertain about school, have him or her attend day camps at the school. If your child has already been assigned to a class, seek out other families whose children are in the class.
Do the summer reading. Keep minds sharp by getting involved in a summer reading program. If your school requires a specific summer reading list, get started early.
A month before school starts:
Check off health items. Take care of eye exams, teeth cleaning, immunizations, and sports physicals. Designate emergency contacts you will
Model an upbeat attitude about a new school year and see if it catches on with your child as well.
add to your child’s school clinic forms. Decide how you will manage sick days if your child can’t stay home alone.
Designate a family command center. Make space for backpacks, lunch bags, athletic bags, and shoes. Install organizers, hooks, and a communication board so reminders and messages will be in one place. Add a calendar or put a magnetic wipe-off calendar on the fridge.
Create a homework station. Include a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework like pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, wipe-off board and markers, scissors, highlighters, notebook paper, graphing paper, and calculator.
2 weeks before school starts:
Revisit routines. Read books together or watch a fun educational movie before daily homework starts. Go to bed and get up earlier until the first day of school.
Go shopping! New clothes and supplies motivate kids. Study sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Shop late in the evening or early in the morning when stores are less crowded. Make it a special day by following it with lunch out or a treat.
Please route this to:
Practice. Have younger children open and close school items and lunch containers. If your school system offers a practice bus run for primary students, go on a ride along.
refrigerator and pantry. Organize the laundry room with baskets for each child’s school uniforms, sports uniforms, and clothes. Keep a basket in your vehicle with snacks, bottled water, wipes, hand sanitizer, hair ties and anything else needed for all those hectic days of driving between school, work and after-school activities.
First day:
Have a fun photo shoot! Do your annual pose, or let your child brainstorm a new idea. Don’t forget to add a sign with the year.
March Issue Ad Proof
Night before school starts:
Prep before bedtime.
To: Company:
Celebrate! It can be simple, like a meal at your favorite restaurant or more elaborate, like a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events start.
Make lunches. Organize backpacks and supplies. Let kids lay out their clothes.
Phone: Fax: Date:
From: Production Family Life Magazine
Attend Back-To-School Night. Your child can meet the teacher, check out his or her classroom, and see old friends again.
Update the calendar.
Back-to-school can be a blast, not a drag. Model an upbeat attitude about a new school year and see if it catches on with your child as well. ❖
Janeen Lewis is a writer, first-grade teacher, and mom. A nationally published writer, she has been in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales
Attached is your March 2016 ad for approval. Please sign and return this proof back to me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email: production@family-life.us.
Organize spaces. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the
Thank you!
Talk to your child about after-school transportation, what their bus number is and remind them of any after-school activities.
Photo by Dennis Bolt
Caught in the Middle
Easing the Transition From Elementary
By Shannon Dean
Just as elementary students reach academic and social proficiency in their current school, they’re about to transition to a period of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
Although pre-adolescents don’t always show it with their words or actions, they need their parents’ love, involvement, and support every bit as much as they did in elementary school. Come fall, they may face unique challenges that isolate them at a time when they need your increased reassurance. Here are some examples:
They Need
To Fit In.
Many beginning middle schoolers have specific worries about looking out of place. They worry about navigating a larger facility, navigating a locker or a very heavy backpack, being on time for their next class, and juggling several different teachers. Add in changing hormones, the beginnings of peer pressure, and tweens’ tendency
to view everything as a crisis, and the result can be an enormous amount of anxiety.
You can help ease these fears by visiting the school prior to the first day and making sure your child has walked through his daily routine enough times to feel comfortable. Remind him to tape his schedule, locker combination (if applicable), and e-text passwords inside a folder or in the notes section of his phone.
Since self-esteem is tied to feelings of acceptance, pre-teens may covet the clothes, hairstyles, and hobbies embraced by their friends. Although it may be hard to accept, experts encourage parents to give kids some freedom with their appearance.
They Have To Quickly Learn Organization.
The National Education Association recommends that students spend 10 minutes per grade level on homework each night. That equates to 60-80 minutes nightly for middle schoolers.
Because keeping track of all of these assignments and their deadlines is such a challenge, teachers advise that students have a separate, designated homework folder or agenda to record obligations. Review the homework folder daily and help your student decipher what teachers expect over the short and long term.
You may need to help your child break down assignments into smaller chunks to avoid overload, especially at first. Determine a time estimate for each task so that your child doesn’t inadvertently overcommit himself or procrastinate.
This new workload can be an adjustment, so help your student set up a regular time and place where he can comfortably complete assignments without being disturbed by siblings, electronics, or other distractions.
They May
Face Peer Pressure.
Experts say that parents should address peer pressure well before the first day of school by speaking freely about their values, sharing their own experiences, and helping their child find ways to respect their wishes but still fit in.
Offer acceptable ways to escape risky situations. Role-play to find face-saving one-liners like, “I couldn’t go to the mall with you this weekend if my mom caught me skipping class.”
Pick a code word or phrase to use when she needs you to bail her out of an uncomfortable situation, but can’t say so. For example, when she calls you mother instead of mom, this means that she needs your help, but can’t explain why in front of her friends.
Do everything in your power to arm your child with high self-esteem, respect for herself and others, and strong moral standards. “When a person believes in herself, she is more likely to make the right decisions in difficult moments,” said Mike
They Still Need Your Continued Involvement. The start of middle school has the potential to be a difficult adjustment, but it can also be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your tween.
Many beginning middle schoolers have specific worries about looking out of place.
Try to see this transition as an
Inside Story: What Kids Tell Us, But Don’t Tell You, assures parents that these years can actually be advantageous: “Instead of just barely hanging on and riding out these middle school years, this stretch of your lives together can be a time that enriches and deepens your relationship in ways you never thought possible.”
Many experts stress that loving parental involvement is critical to how successfully preteens navigate these turbulent years. Most of the time, they actually want your continued and
2025–26 School Calendars
Woodland Star Charter School
Música
Trabajo
2025–26 School Calendars
*Charter & year-round schools in these districts may follow a different calendar.
Grades TK-12
Sonoma, Solano, Napa & Marin Counties
1:1 relationship with a credentialed teacher Our program is founded on the model of the educational team, which is the partnership between the student, parent or guardian, and the Pathways independent study teacher.
AI in the Classroom
Parents Help Navigate Tool’s Use
By James O’Neal
As artificial intelligence tools become classroom staples, educators are finding innovative ways to encourage critical thinking while preserving academic integrity. But it’s not just about how we teachers integrate AI — it’s also about how parents guide their children in using these tools responsibly.
As an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher and Esports teams adviser, I’ve been on the front lines of this shift. In my virtual classroom, students are already turning to tools like Google’s Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT to support their learning. But the biggest factor influencing whether students use AI ethically is parental involvement. If a student has a parent who is significantly involved in their academic journey, then they are more likely to use AI responsibly
as opposed to abusing AI to do all their work for them. Students model the values and expectations set at home. When parents actively engage — asking questions about assignments, reviewing their child’s work, or setting boundaries around technology — it reinforces the importance of doing the learning, not just getting the answer. Teachers must be careful to draw a line between using AI as a support tool and relying on it to complete assignments, which is considered a form of plagiarism. There’s a tricky
balance of using AI as a co-teacher versus using AI results as a final finished product.
When used appropriately, AI can be a powerful supplement to classroom learning. Gemini and Copilot used in lessons can help students go deeper into literature, such as analyzing grief and symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. Gemini offers analyses that students might not yet have considered. One idea it presents is that although the narrator believes his significant other is likely in heaven, he’s more fixated on the finality of death.
On the writing side, students might be encouraged to use AI to find credible sources or revise components of their essays, always with teacher guidance. Many students use sentence starters in graphic organizers that I made from scratch ensuring that the learning process remains student-driven.
Parents are essential partners in this process. By taking the time to understand the AI tools their children are using and having regular conversations about integrity and effort, parents can reinforce the educational values teachers are working hard to instill.
As debates over AI’s role in education continue we have to remember that students are watching the adults in their lives — both teachers and parents — to understand how these tools should be used. ❖
Jameson O’Neal is an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher and Esports advisor (Chess, Minecraft) at Insight School of Washington. He brings a thoughtful approach to educational technology, integrating AI tools to support student learning while advocating for academic integrity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
After-School Program Perks
How Keeping Busy May Help Kids
By Gina Rich
If your child isn’t overscheduled, you probably know one who is. Spontaneous after-school play dates or frolics through the neighborhood have become a rarity for many kids, who instead rush off to piano lessons, athletic games, or gymnastics practices as soon as the school dismissal bell rings. This trend even prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to issue a statement saying that unstructured playtime is critical to children’s development.
My daughter is in fourth grade and probably meets the criteria for an overscheduled child. She has an after-school activity every day except Friday, and two mornings a week she arrives at school an hour early for orchestra rehearsal. There are also occasional Girl Scout meetings, special practices, and concerts.
In the eyes of the AAP, my daughter’s jampacked schedule would perhaps raise some red flags, and initially, I was concerned too. Earlier this fall, as our family calendar swelled with drama rehearsals, swim lessons, and martial arts classes, I felt my blood pressure rising. I worried about the
potential pitfalls — namely, increased stress and a big reduction in leisure time — of letting my daughter participate in so many extracurricular activities.
But several weeks into the school year, I’m much more comfortable with the schedule. Here’s why:
She thrives when participating in several activities. Before I considered signing her up for anything, my daughter made a compelling case for why she wanted to try each activity. While I pushed back at first, her enthusiasm won me over. Over time, I’ve observed that she is happiest with a mix of structured activities that engage her mind and body in different ways.
By contrast, my younger daughter loves to play independently and has little desire to cram her waking hours with supervised programs — and that’s okay, too. Just like adults, some kids enjoy being busy; others prefer more unstructured time. As long as my older daughter remains the driving force in selecting her activities, I want
to support her to the extent that our family schedule and budget allow.
She can socialize with different groups. Around third grade, cliques at school become a bigger factor in kids’ friendships, fueled by the strong desire to fit in and feel secure. Participating in an array of extracurricular activities gives my daughter a sense of belonging as she works with peers toward shared goals. It also offers her a chance to develop close-knit friendships outside school.
No matter what might have happened at recess that day, she can always regroup, and commiserate with her theater friends about flubbing lines, or strategize with her tae kwondo buddies about how to tackle a tough board break.
She’s learning to prioritize. Most days, we have a small window between school and activities. One such afternoon, my daughter dropped her
I want her to make plenty of mistakes while finding what she’s passionate about.
backpack on the floor and made a beeline for her iPad.
“Do you think you should finish your homework before screen time?” I asked.
She waved me off. “I’ll do it later.”
Later turned out to be past her bedtime, when she suddenly
remembered the reading assignment she’d postponed. “I should’ve done my homework first,” she said.
Allowing her to carry a full schedule has taught her more about time management than all of my well-intentioned nagging ever could. She has to keep up with her homework and get adequate sleep, or she’ll have little energy for the activities she enjoys.
She’s discovering that she won’t always be the best at everything. Like me, my daughter is competitive and struggles with perfectionism. At first, when she didn’t get a lead part in the fall musical, she was crushed. But now she loves being part of the ensemble and is learning from her more experienced cast mates. Trying different activities
has helped her realize that the most important thing is to show up and give her best effort.
In supporting my daughter’s extracurricular activities, though, I do have a few nonnegotiable rules.
School comes first. Always. She needs to stay caught up on homework, reading and studying for tests.
If she signs up for an activity, I expect her to complete the full session. She needs to understand that when she commits to an activity, her parents are making a commitment, too — both financially and time-wise. Shuttling her to and from activities impacts our family schedule. If she loses interest or decides that something just isn’t for
her, that’s OK, but she has to finish the session.
The expectation is that she gives her best effort, not that she performs perfectly. I want her to make plenty of mistakes while finding
Trying different activities has helped her realize that the most important thing is to show up and give her best effort.
what she’s passionate about. What matters most is that she’s putting forth a genuine effort — even if her rendition of “Hot Cross Buns” on the violin sounds like a mouse being murdered (as she once put it).
I’ll admit that my daughter’s full schedule adds an element of stress to our lives. There are weeks when one parent is traveling and the other has to scramble to cover the transportation duties that we normally share. There are evenings when we sit down to dinner at eight o’clock, and there are frantic morning searches for spelling homework that somehow got lost in the shuffle.
But so far the benefits have outweighed the downsides. While next year could look completely different for my tween, at the moment, being “overscheduled” feels just right. ❖
Gina Rich lives in Wisconsin, where she writes about parenting, health, and the natural world for publications including The Washington Post, Notre Dame Magazine, and others.
Training Days
Helping Kids Become Independent
By Sarah Lyons
As a mom of kids ranging from 2 to 12, I realize how quickly time flies. I love watching them grow, try new things and discover their passions. As a parent, it can be hard to let them struggle through, or even fail at, experiences outside their comfort zone.
However, those experiences develop confidence and independence which is valuable in raising children. I want to raise self-sufficient adults and that means I need to start training them now. Here are some ideas to help kids naturally develop the independence needed to be confident and responsible adults.
The Preschool Years (ages 2-5): Toddlers and preschoolers love to follow their parents around the house; so why not have them help with the chores? They can help put clothes in the dryer, match socks, sweep
the floor, or assist in any other task. They may not be able to do chores independently or have household responsibilities yet, but taking the extra time now lays the groundwork for the future.
During the preschool years, kids typically show an interest in trying self-care tasks themselves. It may be easier (and faster) to tie your child’s shoes, zip up their coat, make their lunch, and buckle their seatbelt but allowing your child to try these things on their own helps them become more independent. Consider starting the
One of the hardest things kids have to experience is the consequences for a poor choice.
preparation for your day 15 minutes earlier to allow time for your child to try some things on their own. If frustration arises, remain calm and ask if they would like help. Instead of just completing the task for them, take time to teach them how to do it so they can try again tomorrow. Problem-solving skills begin to develop at a young age. Toddlers and preschoolers will often get frustrated when things don’t go their way and it may result in a temper tantrum. While this is age appropriate, parents can begin to help their children develop problem solving skills by calmly suggesting solutions to what is upsetting them. Have your child come up with ideas to solve the problem and when possible help them work through it on their own.
Give your child choices whenever possible to help them develop independence and to give them a sense of control.
Elementary School Years (ages 6-11): For elementary age kids, you can advance what was done in the preschool years. I will assign my child a chore like washing windows, vacuuming, or putting away dishes and since they have helped me with these tasks for years they no longer need my assistance. If they are reluctant to do chores, I make a list of things that need to be done and have them choose a few things they would like to do. When they are done they will have free time for electronics, outside play, or something they have been looking forward to. Chores teach kids to be independent and responsible.
Give your child more opportunities to be independent as they mature. This may look different depending on your child’s age and maturity but some ideas may be ordering and paying for their food at a restaurant, riding their bike home from school,
As our children grow, so must their responsibilities.
packing their own lunch or trying a new extracurricular activity. Each opportunity, even a challenging one, helps your child become self-sufficient and develop more independence.
Elementary school kids will begin to face bigger problems that may include
Play as You Learn PRESCHOOL
challenging friendships, struggles with schoolwork, or even bullying. Foster good communication with your child and help them come up with solutions they are comfortable with. Cheer them on when they are able to work through obstacles.
Do your best not to criticize your child’s efforts but instead praise them for doing their best.
Teen Years (ages 12-18):
Tweens and teens should be given even more household responsibilities as they are nearing adulthood. Take note of what skills it takes to run a household and begin to teach them these tasks. Cooking, yard work, babysitting, laundry, car care and even a part=time job fall into this category.
Maggy’s Home Day Care
comfortable with while in your home will make the transition to living on their own smoother.
There is a fine line between giving your child independence and keeping them safe in the teen years. As kids start to drive, spend more time with friends, and work outside the home parents have less control over their choices. Continue working on open communication and trust with your teen so that as they venture into the world, you both feel comfortable with the change.
One of the hardest things kids have to experience is the consequences for a poor choice. A parent’s first reaction may be to step in and “save” their child but, in the long run, this does not teach them anything. For example,
if your child left their homework at home they will not receive credit for the work. The easy thing to do would be to run the assignment to the school, but chances are your child will forget
Sit down with your child and help them come up with solutions to problems and encourage them to do this without you and present their solution to you.
again and most likely, on a larger assignment.
As adults we have to manage our responsibilities and teens must also learn these lessons. If forgotten homework is repeatedly an issue, suggest packing up the night before. Do
Set specific household rules so that your child has the opportunity to be independent but not out of your comfort zone as a parent.
for doing their best.
As our children grow, so must their responsibilities. As always, you will be there to guide and train them but giving your child tools throughout their childhood will help them grow into a confident and independent adult. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 10-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
August Calendar of Events
Annual Russian River Car Show
The 26th annual Russian River Car Show celebrates with the theme “Monte Rio Vacation Wonderland” this year. Open to cars and trucks from the 1920s to 1970s, this community event features family fun and a Best in Show award. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free entry for spectators. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, August 16. Northwood Commons. 19420 CA-116, Monte Rio. Car show participants can register at tinyurl.com/2prj5xw4
Friday 1
FREE Money Smart Kids. Grades K–12. Use Otto Bucks to practice money skills and budget for back-to-school shopping. All materials
free. One backpack and set of school supplies per student. Registration required. View schedule & locations at Sonoma County Library branches: tinyurl.com/mrycadvs
Sonoma County Child Support is here to help establish orders, manage payments, and get the support your children deserve. Need help with child support?
¿Necesita ayuda con la pensión alimenticia?
Sonoma County Child Support está aquí para ayudar a establecer órdenes, gestionar pagos y obtener la manutención que sus hijos merecen
With 3 locations to serve you/Con 3 ubicaciones para atenderte:
3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
South County Center 5350 Old Redwood Hwy N, ste 100, Petaluma CA 94954 Thursdays 8:30am to 4:00pm East County Service Center 19080 Lomita Ave, Sonoma, CA 95476
Appointment only- Call to schedule/Solo con cita previa- Llame para agendar- (707)565-4010
Connect with us!
Click to enroll in our services!
Haga clic para inscribirse en nuestros servicios
FREE First Friday Bike Petaluma. Community family-friendly ride. Bring your helmets and bike lights. 10 a.m. Meet-up: Walnut Park. South Petaluma Blvd. & D St., Petaluma. facebook.com/IBikePetaluma.
FREE Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure Pop-Up Exhibit. Based on the book series Potter the Otter. Free lunch for kids served daily: noon. Geared for ages 5 and under. Mondays–Fridays. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Runs thru Aug. 8. Coddingtown Mall. 1300 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. (Near the fishtank). cmosc.org/ events/pottertheotter
Baby Buggy Bootcamp. Stroller Fitness helps moms restore or boost pre-baby fitness. Punch cards available: 8 Punches.: YMCA members: $72. Non-members: $80. Mondays: 10:30 a.m. Fridays: 9:30 a.m. Meet in the YMCA Lobby. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-545-9622. Sonoma County Fair. Admission: $13–$22. Under age 6: free. Family 5-pack $65. Carnival wristband: $43–$48. Ride tickets: $1 (3–7 per
Russian River Car Show
ride). Parking: $15–$18. Aug. 6 & 8: Kids 12 & under free. Aug. 9, afternoon: Elvis lookalikes & fans. Tuesday–Thursday: noon–10 a.m. Friday–Sunday: noon–11 p.m. Runs thru Aug. 10. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com
FREE Lunch at the Library. Lunch available to children ages 0–18 years. Families are welcome to enjoy lunch, stay to play, and read together. Mondays–Fridays. Noon–12:30 p.m. Runs thru Aug. 8. View schedule & locations at Sonoma County Library branches: tinyurl.com/349dnc2w
FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Docent-led. Explore the dynamic biodiversity of the Northern California coast. Suggested donation:
$5 child, $10 adult, $25 per family. Service dogs only. Fridays. Register for 1 of 3 time slots: 2, 2:30, or 3 p.m. Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your tour start time. Last tour for season: Aug. 30. Bodega Marine Laboratory. 2099 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Free with a reservations: tinyurl.com/8py7msfy.
FREE Fridays Party on the Plaza. New bands weekly. Food, drinks, and shop local artisan crafts. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.: 5–8 p.m. City Center Plaza. 500 City Center Dr. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5hdd5vyd.
FREE Friday Night Live at the Cloverdale Plaza. New bands weekly. Food, drinks, and shop local artisan crafts. Fridays. Street fair: 6 p.m. Live music: 7-9:30 p.m. Downtown Plaza.
1st & 2nd Streets, Cloverdale. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5n6vc6j4.
Saturday 2
FREE Guided Tours – Armstrong Woods. Docent-led, learn about the redwoods, people, plants, and animals. Saturdays and Sundays. Starts 10 a.m. (1-2 hrs.) Armstrong Redwoods. Meet-up: picnic tables in the front parking lot. 17000 Armstong Woods Rd., Guernville. Registration required to have a headcount: tinyurl. com/5n8ds6e9.
Happy Anniversary, Schulz Museum! Celebrate with family fun and hands-on activities. Live cartoon storytelling and drawing with Joe Wos, fold Peanuts origami, make an activity book, and sketch with artist Eric Martin. $7–$15. Ages 3 & under:
free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Charles Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/wjensdcu.
FREE Rialto Cinemas Matinees. Family Matinees first Saturday & Sunday of the month. Screening of Babe. Aug. 2–3: 11 a.m. 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. rialtocinemas.com/sebastopol.
Laguna Gold Orchard. Bring the kids & join the fun. Pick your own fresh peaches & berries for purchase. Saturdays. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Laguna Gold Fruit Company. 2600 Laguna Rd., Santa Rosa. lagunagoldfruit.com/ you-pick.
Sunday
3
FREE Live at Juilliard. New bands weekly. Enjoy live music &
individually purchased food & drink items. Sundays. 5–7 p.m. Juilliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org/2169/Live-at-Juilliard
Tuesday 5
FREE Family Movies on the Green. Outdoor film screening of Dog Man. Bring blanket or low-back chair. No blankets on lawn before 4:30 p.m. Note: no shuttle for this event. Movie begins 15 minutes after sunset. Windsor Town Green. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. tinyurl.com/ mtnpwfc7
FREE Santa Rosa Taco Tuesdays Rides. Family-event. All cyclists welcome to roll through downtown Santa Rosa (8-miles round trip). Taco trucks on hand to sell tacos & drinks. Tuesdays. Meet-up: 5:30 p.m. Pedals
FREE Tuesdays in the Plaza. New bands weekly. Children’s activities. Shop food vendors & farm-fresh produce. Tuesdays. 6–8 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza. Healdsburg Ave. & Matheson St., Healdsburg. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/5n7p2re3
FREE Movie in La Plaza Park. Outdoor film screening of Dog Man. Bring chairs, blankets, & a picnic. Individually purchased food & drink items available. Arrive 15 minutes prior to show. Movie starts: 8:15 p.m. LaPlaza Park, W. Sierra & Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. tinyurl. com/5frrkxsb.
Wednesday 6
FREE Cotati Community Farmers Market Concerts. Various bands & entertainment weekly. Food, drinks, and shop local artisan crafts. Wednesdays. 4:30–7:30 p.m. La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. Full schedule: tinyurl. com/4uv3wb2p
FREE Wednesday Peacetown Concerts. New bands weekly. All ages welcome. Food, local wine/beer, and non-alcoholic options sold. No outside food or beverages permitted. 5–8 p.m. Ives Park. 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. peacetown.org.
Acoustic Sunsets. Live music, family fun, and leashed dogs welcome. Bring a picnic. Free for members & included with admission. $8–$15. Ages 4 &
FREE Summer Night on the Green Concert Series. New bands weekly. Food vendors, farm fresh produce, & family lawn games. Thursdays. Street Fair: 5 p.m. Live music: 6 p.m. Windsor Town Green. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/4f6x66m7
Tower of Power. 57 years of the best in funk and soul. $41–$111. Bring blanket or low-back chairs. Food, local wine/beer, and non-alcoholic options sold. 7:30 p.m. Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets: gmc.sonoma.edu .
FREE Movies in the Park. Screening of Grease. Bring blanket or low-back chair. Food/drinks sold. Movie begins at dusk. Lucchesi Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. tinyurl.com/4wu3cn78.
Saturday 9
Annual Gravenstein Apple Fair. Music, arts & crafts, children’s activities. Local food, wine & cider,
FREE Fox & Cub Family Wellness Events. Family-friendly outdoor events for expecting parents and kids of all ages. Family yoga (200 mats provided), kids’ obstacle courses, fitness games, expert Q&As, vendors, music, crafts, & activities for all ages. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Rincon Valley Community Park. 5108 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yzvhu6bs.
FREE Family Day. Live Birds from the Bird Rescue Center as part of the Second Saturday program. 11
a.m.–1:30 p.m. Sonoma County Museum. 425 7th St., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org/events.
FREE Family Day at the Museum. Live Birds from the Bird Rescue Center as part of the Second Saturday program. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sonoma County Museum. 425 7th St., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/exfsjhtf.
Second Saturday Cartoonist. Join cartoonists Martin Cendreda (The Hand of Black), Derek Kirk Kim (The Last Mermaid), and John Pham (J&K ) for a discussion about their work, moderated by Thien Pham (Family Style). Cost included with Museum admission. $7–$15. Ages 3 & under: free. Discounts available for qualifying guests. 1–3 p.m. Charles Schulz
Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/5t6h8ws4
Sunday 10
FREE Second Sundays at Old Courthouse Square. Live music, kids’ activities, adoptable pets on the Cuddle Shuttle, fire engine fun, & more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Old Courthouse Square. 600 4th St., Santa Rosa. SRCity.org/secondsundays
Sunday Fundays. Coincides with the Garden’s Winged Wonders exhibit of giant bamboo birds. Enjoy live bird shows, birding walks, crafts, yoga, games, and more! Members: free. Non-members: cost included with Museum admission. $8–$15. Ages 4 & under: free. 1–4 p.m. Sonoma Botanical Garden. 12841 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. tinyurl.com/47ks2cdm
Ragtime & Early Jazz Piano Concert. A diverse range of music styles to suit every taste. Seating limited. $20 per person & includes parking. Free. 11:00 a.m. Docent tour to the Wolf House. 2–4:30 p.m. House of Happy Walls Museum (2nd floor). Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. Tickets: tinyurl. com/mt7as3pf
Thursday14
Circus Vargas. Presents “Hollywood Dreams!” an homage to tinseltown’s golden age. $25 to $85. Thursday, Aug. 14–Monday, Aug. 25. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. 1450 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. circusvargas.com
Friday 15
FREE Movies in the Park. Movies TBA. Bring blanket or low-back
chair & picnic. Food/drinks available for purchase. Aug. 15, 22, and 29. 6:15–7:15 p.m.: Music & games. Train and carousel add’l fee. 8 p.m.: movie starts. Howarth Park. 630 Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl. com/27t8vvja.
FREE Forestville Movies in the Park. Screening of Minecraft. Concession stand opens an hour before the movie begins. Bring your own low-back chairs & blankets. No pets. Movie starts: 8:15 p.m. Baseball Field. Forestville Youth Club. 7045 Mirable Rd., Forestville. forestvilleyouthpark.org
Saturday 16
FREE 26th Annual Russian River Car Show. Vintage cars & trucks: 1920s–1970s. 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Northwood Commons. 19420 Hwy. 116, Monte Rio. Parking is first come, first serve. russianriverhistory.org.
Harvest in the Historic Orchard. Discover the orchard planted in 1908–1912 at Jack London State Historic Park. Optional 6.5-mile hike follows. $15 per person. $10 parking. 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. (turn right after kiosk). Tickets: tinyurl.com/yfnnne93
Cotati Accordion Festival. Live music. Kids under 15: free (when accompanied by paying adult). Free parking & shuttle service to & from, Cal Trans parking lot at corner of Old Redwood Hwy. & St. Joseph’s Way. Aug. 16–17: 9:45 a.m.–7:45 p.m. La
Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. cotatifest.com
Public Star Party. Astronomical topics & telescopes open for viewing. Entry: $13.65–$18.90. Ages 6–12: $7.34. Ages 5 & under: free, but still requires a ticket. Parking $10. Aug. 16 & 23. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org/index.php/calendar-of-events
Friday 22
FREE Sandy Loam Back-to-School Event. All ages. Animal feeding, art, crafts, & treats. 3–5:30 p.m. Veronda-Falletti Ranch. 175 W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. sandyloam.org/ workshops-events.
FREE Teen Pride Book Club. Grades 7–12. Free book copies
available at the reference desk. Didn’t finish the book, you’re still able to join. Drop-ins & allies welcome. Snacks provided. 4–5 p.m. Sebastopol Library. 7140 Bodgea Ave., Sebastopol. tinyurl. com/6hrntjjw
Saturday 23
Santa Rosa Marathon. Aug. 23: 10K: 7 a.m. 5K: 9 a.m. Aug. 24: Full marathon: 6:30 a.m. Half: 7:30 a.m. $61.64–$181.78. Post celebration. Register online: santarosamarathon.com.
Movies at the Green Music Center. Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Bring blanket or low-back chairs. Food, local wine/ beer, and non-alcoholic options sold. Lawn tickets: $6. Kids 12 & younger: free (ticket still required). Gates: 5
p.m. Weill Hall. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets: gmc.sonoma.edu.
Wednesday 27
FREE Providence Health Mobile Clinic. Blood pressure & glucose screenings. This program will be hosted outside of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1–2:30 p.m. Children’s Museum. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa.
Saturday 30
FREE Annual Pacific Islander Festival. Traditional Pacific Island music, dance, arts & crafts, & food. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. City Center Plaza. 475 City Center, Rohnert Park. facebook. com/rpwarriorspifestival
* 7 Stages & 40 Acts * Zydeco, Cumbia, International Stars Join us for
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Summer Survived
Your Parenting Award is in the Mail
By Rebecca Hastings
August has arrived and you’ve survived another summer! Soon comes school supply sales, return to routine, and the quiet joy of sipping coffee without hearing “I’m bored” every 15 minutes. Let’s take a moment to honor all you’ve endured these past few months.
Epic Battles:
Sunscreen Struggle: Spray? Mineral? SPF? Who knows which to buy?! And we all know that applying sunscreen to a child is like wrestling a greased octopus that also happens to scream. Despite your best efforts, there’s always one streak of sunburn.
Pool Towel Debacle: You’ve washed, dried, and folded approximately 4,279 towels, only for them to end up in a damp, smelly heap within an hour. The faint odor of mildew will linger long after summer ends.
Snack Wars: You bought enough snacks to feed a small village, yet somehow there’s “nothing good to eat.” You’ve resorted to eating the bag of crushed animal crackers at the bottom of the swim bag.
Car Smells: Should you try to clean the car out or just get a new one? It’s a toss-up.
Bedtime Negotiations: Remember when bedtime was a thing? Neither do your kids. It now takes multiple reminders, bribes, and threats of “no screen time tomorrow” to get them to sleep before midnight.
A Week-by-Week Breakdown of Your Sanity:
Week One: “This summer is going to be magical!”
Week Two: “This isn’t so bad.”
Week Three: “This is a lot of togetherness.”
Week Four: “I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids.”
Week Five: “We’re out of money, patience, and the will to entertain these people.”
Week Six: “I’m just going to check and see when the first day of school is so we’re ready.”
Week Seven: “Dinner? Ummm … who wants ice cream?”
Week Eight: “School starts soon. I think I’ll miss them. Maybe.”
Week Nine: “Wait, did we do enough fun things? Should we take a last-minute trip?!”
Week Ten: “Officially out of energy. Someone hand me the back-to-school supply list and a giant coffee.”
Unexpected Talents You’ve Developed:
Professional Event Planner: You understand why camp counselors exist.
Amateur Detective: “Who ate the last ice pop and left the box in the freezer? Who has the good goggles? Who dumped sand in the car?”
Olympic-Level Referee: Stopping sibling fights before they escalate to WWE-level brawls.
Expert at Answering Impossible
Questions: “If sharks had wings would they still live in the ocean?”
The end of summer is near and you survived. That deserves a trophy, but you’ll settle for five minutes to scroll your phone in peace. Happy new school year! ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net
