Vaca High Bulldogs VACAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2009 The Vacaville High School Football Program would like to thank our sta, student body, alumni, families and community for the over whelming show of support through our 2009 Monticello Empire League Championship season and playo run. We hope you enjoyed the journey as much as we did. Please continue to follow Bulldog Football in the future. For the most up-to-date Bulldog information visit us at www.vacavillefootball.com, Facebook and Twitter. Best wishes in 2010!
vacamag.com 35
Down on Main Street Downtown Vacaville 2009 Event Calendar Jennings & Keller performing at WineStyles in downtown Vacaville.
Salon and Day Spa
Specials An hour Facial or an hour Massage only $50! Eyelash Extensions Full Set $100. (using medical grade fast drying glue)
• • • • • • • •
Facials Body Treatments Waxing Massages Permanent Cosmetics Eyelash Extensions Hair Little Princess Parties
407 Elizabeth Street
707-718-0187
Downtown Happenings Downtown Vacaville is starting our musical journey even earlier in 2010. The Downtown Merchants are hosting a singer/songwriter competition beginning Tuesday, January 12 and running every Tuesday through March 2. If you would like to participate just show up and sign in by 6:45 pm and watch it all happen starting at 7 pm. There is a $5 entry fee and prize money will be paid out weekly. The event will be happening at different locations each week and will be held at Los Reyes Restaurant, WineStyles and Mary Cornelison’s Gas Lighters Theater on Main Street. The performers can bring a guitar or individual instrument (looking for individuals, duos or trios…no bands or drums can be accommodated in these small settings) and perform one original song. Each week will have professional song writer open the show followed by contestants. The winner each week qualifies for the finals which will be held on Tuesday, March 2 and that winner will be the opening act on Downtown’s Ladies Night on March 10. Contestants can enter each week but can only win once. The location and dates are as follows: Jan. 12 @ Los Reyes Jan. 19 @ WineStyles (piano available) Jan. 26 @ Mary Cornelison’s (piano available) Feb. 2 @ Los Reyes Feb. 9 @ WineStyles (piano available) Feb. 16 @ Mary Cornelison’s (piano available) Feb. 23 @ WineStyles (piano available) March 2 Finals @ Los Reyes
Continually the best value in town!
707-448-6708
Now Open
Women’s Apparel and Accessories. Affordable Designer Clothing. Open Tues - Sat 10-7 and Sun 11-5 Emily Cribss is a common downtown performer.
Downtown Vacaville • 537 Main Street www.zukova.biz • 707-452-8738
! R J l l a C Just
Hey... I know that guy!
Lic # 0G57166
As a Vacaville resident since 1962, Judy Runow has been a licensed Realtor for over 23 years. JR Specializes in residential, country and mobile homes.
707-365-6269 Ralph Berumen • Allstate Insurance Auto • Home • Life Hablamos Español 350 Merchant St. Downtown Vacaville
707-447-8860
38 Vacaville Magazine
The Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District is the organization of merchants who put on all the events happening in our Historic Downtown. Shop Downtown and help our local economy when you can. The calendar for 2010 is even bigger and better than last year’s. Two new events that will be happening are a Jewelry Fair in June and a Blues Festival over the 4th of July weekend. Besides these events the Downtown Merchants host the Medieval Fantasy Festival in April, a Wine Stroll in May, Farmers’ Market that begins in May and runs through October, Chili Challenge in August, Art, Wine & Brew Festival in September, Oktoberfest the end of September, Halloween Stroll in October, Holiday Craft & Gift Fair in November plus Town Square Entertainment on Wednesdays and Fridays in May through the end of September. For information on any of the above events please refer to the website at www.downtownvacaville.com or call the DVBID office at 707-451-2100.
Haircare • Brazilian Blowout Straightening System • SofTap Permanent Makeup • Hair Extensions • Facial Waxing • Event Styling • Makeup Application • Bare Escentuals • frequent buyer cards available now
358 Merchant Street • 453-0588 www.WeAreTheTalkoftheTown.com
vacamag.com 39
Solano Family & Children’s Services
by: Vicki James
your child care connection for over 32 years When you enter our office on a busy day, the first thing you’ll notice is the children playing with toys and reading books at a table just their size. There will be Child Care Providers dropping off forms, some parents coming in for a free list of child care referrals, while other parents are checking in to meet with their Family Services Specialists. You’ll also notice book shelves full of videos and books available to be checked out from our Lending Library. As you step up to the front desk, you’ll soon be greeted by the receptionist, who will be ready to assist you with your child care needs. Solano Family & Children’s Services (SFCS) is a private, non-profit Child Care Resource & Referral Agency. Since 1978, we have been dedicated to enriching children’s lives by providing services and support to parents, child care providers and community members in Solano County. Do you know someone who needs help paying for child care? The Subsidized Child Care Program may be able to help. SFCS administers several programs which help low-income families pay for their child care costs. The goal of these programs is to promote health, growth, education and care of children while their parents work, look for work or go to school. Our staff will help determine which program the family may be eligible. Each program has strict eligibility guidelines and all families must qualify under those guidelines in order to receive services. Last year we served over 2,300 families covering child care costs for approximately 4,100 children. Our Resource & Referral Program provides FREE child care referrals to all families in Solano County. Our goal is to promote the healthy growth, care and development of children by educating families about the steps to choosing quality child care. A successful child care arrangement requires special effort between families and caregivers. Our Resource & Referral Specialists help the family begin a personalized search for care by asking some questions that will help narrow down the search. We have over 700 licensed child care settings throughout Solano County in our database. Last year SFCS helped over 1,800 families select the quality child care placements that best suit their individual needs. SFCS offers technical assistance to community
40 Vacaville Magazine
members who are interested in becoming licensed child care providers, want to enhance or develop their child care business, as well as providing support to adults who are providing exempt child care to one family’s child or children. We can offer consultation over the phone, in person and through workshop topics during our quarterly schedule of workshops. SFCS provides items that can be borrowed from the Lending Library. Membership is free and available to all community members. The Lending Library is open during our normal business hours. Books and videos in the Lending Library include, but are not limited to, small business development, curriculum ideas, child development, health & safety, parenting, nutrition and working with children of all abilities. Curriculum kits are available that are built to suit the needs of both families and providers, and they cover topics such as math, science, language, health and safety and other common themes appropriate for young children. Kits contain a variety of children’s literature, curriculum ideas, puzzles and other fun items. Soft vinyl climbing structures meant for infants, toddlers and “twos” provide safe play just right for little ones. When assembled, they provide gross motor activities, a place to rest, explore and more. Climbers feature ramps, steps, tunnel and other geometric shapes. Members may check out items for up to one month. We also have machines available at SFCS. We have Die Cut Machines with over 350 shapes to choose from. Make bookmarks, bulletin board shapes, party favors and games. This machine cuts paper, felt, poster board, compressed sponge, poly foam and more. Cost—$2.00 per 30-minute session or any fraction thereof, per person, per machine. We have a Button Making machine, which also makes magnets and key chains. Cost—50¢ each. We have a Book Binder. Take a stack of paper and make it into a book, flip chart, portfolio presentation or professional report. Cost—50¢ per book, which includes a spine, front and back cover. A Note pad maker is available. Cut shapes and pile them up to put together a note pad. No need to scramble any longer to find a piece of paper to write on. Cost—50¢ per note pad (die cutting fees are separate). We also have laminating services. Drop off children’s mas-
terpieces, posters or anything to preserve. Remove staples, tape, paper clips or binding materials before dropping off. Punch out any perforated materials. Cost—$2.00 per running foot (Operated by SFCS staff once weekly). Remember, these services are available to anyone in the community! SFCS also administers the Child Care Food Program (CCFP). This is a USDA Child Nutrition Program that assists licensed and TrustLine Registered child care providers with the high cost of feeding children. The primary goal of the CCFP is to provide nutritious meals and snacks to children who are in a child care home setting. Children who are introduced to good nutrition at an early age have proven to do better in school and go on to become healthier adults. The Child Care Food Program serves over 2,300 children per month. For eligibility requirements, please call our office. We also have on-site LiveScan Fingerprinting services available, by appointment. Please call the LiveScan call center at 1-800-315-4507 (this is different than our number here at SFCS). SFCS is an active community participant in organizations and councils that can be a helpful resource to our agency and our clients. If we do not have the information/ services needed by our clients, we will provide other community resources to help meet those needs. Since SFCS is a private, non-profit organization, we rely on donations from the public to help offset the diminishing funds we receive from the State and Federal government. Donations are gladly accepted and are 100% tax-deductable. SFCS is designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable corporation under Section 501(c)3. Checks can be mailed to our office. For more information on making a donation by credit card or finding out other ways to support our agency, please visit our website at the address listed below. Our Combined Federal Campaign number is 26543. Please join us on Monday, January 18, 2010 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) for a fundraiser at Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, 1651 East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville, between 2 pm and 8 pm. Call our office for a flyer or download it from our website. The flyer must be presented at the time of dining and 20% of all pre-tax dollars spent will be donated to our agency. Watch our agency website for future events and fundraisers. For more information about our agency, please contact us. Drop by our office at 421 Executive Court North, Fairfield, CA 94534-4019. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, except for Tuesdays – we are open from noon to 5 pm. Visit our website at www.solanofamily.org, or call our office 707-863-3950. Vallejo residents may call 707-642-5148, which connects directly to our office in Fairfield. It is our pleasure to serve Solano County residents!
Exciting Hands-on Science!
You, too, can take over the world.
Don’t miss these winter 2010 courses: Chocolatology and Lab Wars! Open to all 3rd through 6th grade students. visit www.secretlabonline.com or call 707-678-4062
The Children’s Garden Preschool & Child Care 707-365-0694
Preschool: 2 days per week ~ $148 per month 3 days per week ~ $198 per month 531 Christine Dr. After school ~ $85 per week 707-365-0694
Mention this ad and receive free registration! ($75 value)
Join Us On The Bridge by: Lisa Rico
On International Women’s Day, March 7, we will join with over 40,000 Rwandan and Congolese women on symbolic bridges on both sides of the world. Ours, spanning Ulatis Creek on Main Street; theirs, a bridge connecting their war-ravaged countries. Together, we will raise our voices in music, prayer and song, and send a message of support for women all over the world who have been forced to bear the burdens of war. Join us on the bridge March 7, and add your voice to the message. Further express your compassion for these women in their quest for healing and peace by writing a letter, poem, sign or drawing and bring it to the bridge. Many will be part of the Africa: We Connect exhibit at Vacaville Museum opening in October. Following the bridge gathering, participants will proceed on foot down Main Street to the Vacaville Museum Courtyard for further expressions of support, music, dance and refreshments. “Our bridge is only a symbol,” bridge event chair Jennifer Hamilton explained, “a place to gather in solidarity with women in war-torn countries around the world as they make a stand for peace and development for the future. On March 7, we will be in concert with women in the Congo and Rwanda, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, as we gather on our bridge and they on theirs with one common goal: to rebuild their lives and countries ravaged by wars and to demand peace for the future. “Women and children are 75% of the civilian victims of war; 70% of the poor and 90% of the world’s refugees. International Women’s Day is our chance to connect with women around the world and recognize the full impact of war on the survivors who are still fighting for basic rights and freedom.” Hamilton concluded, “Both our bridges are symbolic. Theirs is a conduit of hope, a connection for peace. Ours reaches out to them with our support. We want them to feel us standing beside them.” Call the Vacaville Museum office at 447-4513 to register for this event. Lisa Rico is the artist/curator of Africa: We Connect, a museum exhibit opening October 1 at Vacaville Museum exploring how we as a community connect to Africa.
42 Vacaville Magazine
Valentine Cookin’ Courtesy of Gigi Warshawsky
Strawberries Romanoff 1 pint Vanilla Ice Cream, softened 1 pint Sour Cream 3 T. brandy 3 T. Orange Liqueur 1 lg. Hershey Bar or 6 oz. Chocolate Chips 4 pints Strawberries, hulled In a large bowl, combine the softened ice cream and sour cream and mix well. Add the brandy and orange liqueur and mix until well combined. Refrigerate until the ice cream has completely melted and the mixture is a sauce consistency, about 30 minutes. Place the chocolate in a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate until melted and smooth. Pour the ice cream mixture over the strawberries. Drizzle with chocolate and serve.
photo by Ryan Bates
Gigi Warshawsky graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in 1981. She has been in the restaurant industry for over 27 years as both Chef and in Management. She currently owns her own company, Dish It Up Catering, Food Safety Specialists and is an Ambassador with The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce. She has been a resident of Vacaville for almost 20 years and her family consists of her son, Joshua, partner, Pete and two incredibly cute kitties. To contact Gigi email her at FoodSafetySpec@aol.com and put in subject line Vacaville Magazine.
We Believe In Real Estate Welcome to McGuire Brokers, a local family owned business specializing in home sales, purchases, loans and investing. We understand the importance of smart investing, in long-term growth, and the risks and benefits associated with investing in real estate.
www.mcguirebrokers.com
785 Alamo Drive, Suite 150 Tom McGuire 707-685-2382
Shea McGuire-Keane 707-301-1349
vacamag.com 43
We Have Moved!
www.strokeofmagiconline.com Sign up now for our Valentine workshops
A Paint and Art Studio
Buckingham Charter by: Jared Austin and Bridget Wieckowski
Imperialism It’s Tuesday morning at 8 am; the tension is rising as the red robed judges proceed to sit at their designated table. The trial against Imperialism is about to begin in Mr. Hawkins’ tenth grade World History class at Buckingham Charter Magnet High School. Prosecutors, defenders and witnesses can feel the excitement and anticipation as they await their opportunities to speak out. The teams of attorneys look forward to winning the cases for which they have prepared so well, and the witnesses ponder the questions they may or may not be asked on the stand. Judging always seems to be the most challenging part, as each judge is required to cast a vote, based on the evidence presented, to determine the winning side. This experience is an excellent way for students to learn not only about their debating skills, but also about the historical events and characters being studied in class. Writing a testimony from the perspective of an infamous dictator or a former American President is both a fun and effective way to help students recall facts that may eventually be needed for a test. These mock trials are a key learning strategy for increasing students’ retention of the both the facts and the reasons behind the events of history. Dave Hawkins puts on trials every year depicting a different era of history. In the past there have been trials on Hitler and Mussolini. The students are always excited about the opportunity to defend or to prosecute. Students can even be judges and hold the scales of history in their hands. Mr. Hawkins pulls in the involvement of other staff mem-
44 Vacaville Magazine
bers to subpoena student witnesses. He also interrogates them. It’s an opportunity to recreate history. What better way to learn about history than to recreate a historical environment and to act it out live? One student put it this way, “The trials really help you understand the time period because it is like you are there.” Mr. Hawkins’ 10th grade history classes have scored the highest in Solano County on state standardized tests
Mention this ad for 1 hour free studio time Birthday Parties • Business Team Building • Just Because! 520 Main Street • 707-455-8000 A Paint and Art Studio
Magnet High School over the past five years. There is little doubt that his creative learning atmosphere has had a positive impact on the students’ scores. His trials reach students of all learning styles - auditory, visual and kinesthetic. They require students to be active participants in the learning environment. Other staff members have said, “The creativity in visually seeing history just adds to the quality of learning.” The trials draw the attention of many other students from around the school. They request permission to just be observers of the trials and of this captivating learning environment. It is something that the students look forward to every year. Mr. Hawkins does an amazing job of keeping the trials fresh and exciting by adding new elements to the learning every year.
photos by Iris Alfonso
vacamag.com 45
Local Music Scene
by: Gary Ricker
Gabrielle “Ellie” Redden Happy New Year, Vacaville! Welcome to 2010 and a new year of local music. We are starting this year’s first article off with a bang. We have a future star among us and her name is Gabrielle Redden, who is affectionately called Ellie. Ellie is a seven year old who attends Vacaville Christian School as a 2nd grader that has experienced the sheer joy of singing and dancing since she could talk and walk. She has a phenomenal gift and truly enjoys performing whether it’s singing, dancing or acting and she performs for an audience like she performs in the mirror at home. Her impromptu singing debut at age three amazed a group of 200 people at a local charity event. Ellie, not the nervous type, was absolutely thrilled to be able to sing. She is a little diva on the stage strutting her stuff singing, acting and dancing like she is a seasoned stage performer. According to her mother Paula, she is always singing...even while doing homework. “Ellie has the ability to hear a song and within minutes can perform it with her own unique flare and style. People are amazed at how such a young girl can sing and perform. She has a gift and a true passion for performing”. She has been singing and dancing with Carole Warren of Danc-Sing Star Studio for over two years now to continue the fine tuning of her talent. In 2008, her father, a 21-year Air Force Senior Master Sergeant asked Ellie if she would like to sing the National Anthem at his future retirement ceremony. Ellie said, “Yes”, with a big glowing smile and immediately began practicing. She mastered the song in less than an hour. She has sung it during formal military
46 Vacaville Magazine
events and her school’s 9/11 remembrance event. Ellie is working on a very special song to sing for her father who is now proudly serving in the Middle East. Ellie has an ever growing resume with performances in the Bay Area at over 30 charity events including a Televised Relay for Life from the American Cancer Society. She has won several singing and dancing competitions over the past few years. For 2009, she won “The Most Talented Person in the Air Force” ages 6-8 where she sang and danced a rendition of the Barbara Streisand song, Don’t Rain on My Parade. She came in third place over all ages in the Solano County Fair and third place in Hollywood’s Best New Talent competition. She was invited to sing at the “pin on” ceremony for Brigadier General Mary Ann Miller former Commander of the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis AFB, the Sacramento Air Show and at the Tops In Blue show in Davis. Ellie, like other little girls, has two musical talents she really enjoys, Sarah Brightman and Holly Stell who are Opera/ Pop Opera singers and in the Disney pop genre she likes Hanna Montana. Ellie has even inspired a writer to write a song called Summer Sun which she hopes to record this coming spring. Ellie has some performances up for your entertainment on youtube.com that are quite fun to watch. Included on that channel is a song Ellie sang for her dad when he was deployed
Raised and Still Growing in Vacaville
and put it up on YouTube as a tribute to him and other military members. It was seen by Move America Forward and they have put the video on there favorite videos on YouTube. For more information on Ellie and to watch her career skyrocket, visit her YouTube channel @ www. youtube.com/mpgeRedden and subscribe. The following is a quick list of performances over the past few years. 2007: • Solano Bridal Fair • Tomato Festival • Kids Fest • Merriment on Main
CA Lic # 642563
Jerry’s Painting
All your painting needs since 1990. Interior and exterior along with commercial painting. We also offer construction for additions and remodels.
2008: • 349th AMW Wing event - National Anthem • International Performing Arts Conference in LA- 1st place in her age group • Travis Commissary Idol 3rd over all ages • Fiesta Days Talent Competition -2nd place • Tomato Festival • 9/11 Remembrance at VCS - National Anthem • Kids Fest • Merriment on Main 2009: • US Air Force Wide Talent Competition - 1st place in her age group • Fiesta Days Parade - National Anthem • Fiesta Days Talent Competition - 1st place in her age group • Solano County Pageant - guest performer • 349th Gen Miller’s Pin-On Ceremony - National Anthem • Relay for Life Vallejo - guest performer • Solano Star Competition - 3rd place over all ages If you are a local musical artist or band and have a story to tell, please contact Gary Ricker at loudentertainmentbookings@yahoo.com or visit the loud entertainment website at www.loudentertainment.biz.
Attention all bands... U Store America, located at 767 Elmira Road in Vacaville, is now offering band rehearsal space. Various size spaces are available from 10’ x 15’ to 20’ x 20’. Please call 707-446-1620 for an appointment to see which space is right for your band.
Jerry Linscheid with his daughter Sabrina
We do it all! Including Commercial and Industrial Buildings.
707-451-0925
No Slippy Hair Clippy
®
the clip that stays in®
Amanda Elkins Photography
Perfect for Gifts!
801 Alamo Drive, Vacaville • 800-466-7304 Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm. Closed weekends
www.hairclippy.com
A Solano County Success Story by: Kimberly DeBra
First Northern Bank celebrates its first 100 years! Today, more than ever, people are seeking peace of mind and trust, particularly when it comes to their financial institution. For 100 years, First Northern Bank has been a pillar of strength in the communities it serves. Since its inception, it has successfully navigated all twelve of the nation’s documented economic recessions, as well as The Great Depression. Many believe it’s this experience that differentiates First Northern Bank from so many banks, credit unions and brokerage houses. Even in these trying economic times, First Northern continues to thrive as one of the oldest independent community banks in the greater Sacramento region. The bank’s goals and objectives are not driven by Wall Street. The focus remains on the local economy rather than reaching into unfamiliar markets. First Northern Bank’s offices consist of eleven full service branches throughout Solano, Yolo, Sacramento and Placer counties, two satellite branches in retirement communities in Davis, four Real Estate Loan offices, five Investment & Brokerage Services offices, a Small Business Administration Loan Department and an Asset Management & Trust Department. First Northern Bank’s core values are paramount in every decision that’s made: People First Absolute Integrity Zest for Excellence The Board of Directors, senior management and the employees all have an unwavering commitment to these values which has helped fuel the bank’s history of continuous growth and expansion of services and market share. First Northern Bank is proud of its past and is excited about its future.
48 Vacaville Magazine
Other key factors that differentiate First Northern Bank include: • First Northern Bank utilizes new technology to make banking faster, more convenient, mobile and secure. • First Northern Bank adheres to a Policy of Independence. While other banks have come and gone over the years, First Northern Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to remaining independent so it can set its own course and make decisions at the local level. • First Northern Bank is known for reinvesting in the communities it serves. Through volunteerism, monetary contributions and grant assistance, First Northern Bank is there for the community. Over the past three years, within Solano County alone, the Bank has contributed over $130,000 in monetary and in-kind donations to the area’s non-profits and community service clubs. Volunteerism is strongly encouraged by First Northern Bank; employees who give over 100 hours of service during the year become part of an elite group at the bank called the Franklin’s…First Northern Bank’s community service super stars. Volunteer time in Solano County by First Northern Bank employees totaled over 7,000 over the past three years. And, through its partnership with KUIC 95.3 FM, First Northern Bank has provided
free air time to Solano County non-profit organizations whose missions are to serve the area’s low to moderate income residents and/or to revitalize the community through redevelopment of underserved areas, job creation or economic development efforts. For many years now, the bank has helped dozens of organizations throughout Solano County to get their messages out to the public about their services and fundraisers. • First Northern’s customer base is broad and resilient. The bank serves a wide range of consumers and business markets throughout the local region. Because of this diversity, the bank’s deposit and loan totals aren’t dependent on a few specialty lines of businesses. This, of course, serves them well when economic cycles play havoc on certain industries. • First Northern hires only the best people and they stay at the top of their game through ongoing technical and customer service training. The bank has created a culture that truly motivates employees to perform as if their name was on the door. Currently, over 90% of the bank’s full-time employees own company stock, so chances are First Northern’s customers are being served by an owner of the bank. • First Northern Bank has made it a priority to do its part to adopt green initiatives to help preserve the earth’s natural resources. Hybrid vehicles have been used in the Bank’s fleet of courier cars since 2005. Reusable grocery bags are offered to customers as a free gift option with a new checking account. And in 2008, the bank installed rooftop solar systems on all buildings owned by the bank. First Northern Bank is proud to be a well-capitalized, well-managed financial institution that continues to grow and provide safe and secure banking for its customers. During these challenging economic times, the bank has never wavered from its adherence to the core principles that have guided its growth and sustained its strength in the marketplace for 100 years. One way the bank is celebrating its centennial milestone is through the creation of a cookbook that was compiled from family recipes supplied by employees, directors and shareholders. The cookbook titled, 100 Years and Still Cookin’ will feature over 100 recipes, photos and stories of family traditions. The bank will sell the cookbooks through its branches and local merchants. Cookbook profits will be donated to food banks throughout the local region. During the week of February 1st, stop by any First Northern Bank branch for a slice of cake and sparkling cider and share in the celebration!
Acupuncture Plus Personalized Medicine
There is an alternative, a truly natural way to help the body heal, without side effects.
Shihan Mary Bolz Licensed Acupuncturist
455-0638 310 E. Monte Vista Ave. Suite B www.acupunctureplus.us
Free list of foreclosed homes at www.vacavillehomes.org Jeanne’s DRE license #01509164 Kappel’s DRE license # 00527552
Science Project for by: Stuart Russell
Borax Crystal Snowflakes Add a little glimmer, sparkle and shine to your festivities this holiday season with a home-made snowflake that won’t melt. Borax crystal snowflakes are a creative way to learn about solutions and crystal structure while blending science with a craft project that can engage the whole family. This dazzling project offers a sturdy ornament that can be displayed by a window. So gather the crew and prepare for hands-on science fun! Materials: • Blue pipe cleaner (a.k.a. craft stem) • Heavy duty dark thread • Wide mouth, glass pint jar • Borax powder (available in the laundry section of the grocery store) • Scissors • Pencil • Boiling water Safety First: This project requires parental supervision and assistance. Only adults should handle the boiling water and the borax should be kept away from small children. Salt can be used in place of borax if there are concerns that your toddler may taste or ingest the snowflakes. While borax is best, salt snowflakes are a finer and more delicate substitute that can be beautiful in its own way. What to do: 1) Cut your pipe cleaner into three equal sections. Blue pipe cleaners give the borax crystals a cool, icy look. Any color can be used, however. 2) Twist the pipe cleaners together at the middle to form a six-pointed star. 3) Using scissors, trim the snowflake tips to make them even and to allow the snowflake to fit into your jar. 4) Tie the dark thread to one of the tips of the snowflake. Tie the other end of the thread in a loop large enough for a pencil to slide through. The thread and loop should be long enough so that the snowflake hangs somewhere in the middle of the jar. Because tying thread isn’t always
50 Vacaville Magazine
easy for young hands, kids will most likely need some help with this step. 5) Test the fit of the snowflake in the jar. Slip the pencil into the loop and hang the snowflake by resting the pencil on the mouth of the jar. If the snowflake touches the bottom of the jar, roll the thread up onto the pencil and tape the thread in place. The snowflake should be at least ½ inch from the bottom of the jar. Because it needs to be completely submerged in the borax solution, the snowflake shouldn’t be too high in the jar either. 6) Remove the snowflake from the jar and set it aside. 7) This is the step for parents only! Fill the jar with boiling water, leaving an inch of space at the top (When you add borax, the water level will rise). As an alternative, you can put tap water in the jar and then heat it to boiling in the microwave. Whatever method you use, be careful when handling boiling water near children. 8) Add borax one tablespoon at a time. Stir each portion until most of it dissolves. At first, the water will look cloudy, but it will eventually clear. You will need between 3 and 4 tablespoons of borax for each cup of water used. After the last portion, don’t worry about borax settling on the bottom of the jar. 9) Set the jar in a place where it won’t be disturbed. Depending on the location, you may need a trivet to protect the surface from the heat of the boiling water. 10) Now it is time for the magic! Lower the snowflake into the borax solution and rest the pencil on the mouth of the jar. 11) Allow the jar to sit overnight. 12) The next day... Wow! Enjoy the glistening crystals.