CCF JAN 13

Family

Inside

Child Development ...... 2

Pet Tips ...................... 4

Education ...................... 6

Fun & Games ................ 8

Local History ................ 12

Family Life ................... 14

Self Care ....................... 15

Calendar ........................ 17

Family Events ............... 18

Local Resources .......... 20

Alt Education .............. 22

Central Coast FamilyFree!

Central Coast January 2013

Explaining News to Kids / Dogs / Tutoring / SLO’s Stormy History / New Year Resolve

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Kids get their news from many sources -- and they’re not always correct. Here are tips for how to talk about the news -- and listen, too.

Help to put the news in perspective. Shootings, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, end-of-the-world predictions -- even local news reports of missing kids and violence -- all of this can be upsetting news even for adults, much less kids. In our 24/7 news world, it’s become nearly impossible to shield kids from distressing current events.

Today, kids get news from everywhere. This constant stream of information shows up in sharable videos, posts, blogs, feeds, and alerts. Since much of this content comes from sites designed for adult audiences, what your kids see, hear, or read might not be age appropriate. Making things even more challenging is the fact that many kids are getting this information directly on their phones and laptops. Often parents aren’t around to immediately help their children make sense of horrendous situations.

The bottom line is that young kids

simply don’t have the ability to understand news events in context, much less know whether or not a source of information is credible. And while older teens are better able to understand current events, even they face challenges when it comes to sifting fact from opinion -- or misinformation.

No matter how old your kid is, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally. Many can feel worried, frightened, angry -- even guilty. And these anxious feelings can last long after the news event is over. So what can you do as a parent to help your kids deal with all of this information?

Reassure your children that they’re safe. Tell kids that even though a story is getting a lot of attention, it was just one event and most likely a very rare occurrence. And remember that your kids will look to the way you handle your reactions to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and considered, they will, too.

Tips for kids under 7

Keep the news away. Turn off the TV

and radio news at the top of the hour and half hour. Read the newspaper out of range of young eyes that can be frightened by the pictures. Preschool children don’t need to see or hear about something that will only scare them silly, especially because they can easily confuse facts with fantasies or fears.

At this age, kids are most concerned with your safety and separation from you. They’ll also respond strongly to pictures of other young children in jeopardy. Try not to minimize or discount their concerns and fears, but reassure them by explaining all the protective measures that exist to keep them safe. If you’re flying somewhere with them, explain that extra security is a good thing.

Tips for kids 8-12

Carefully consider your child’s maturity and temperament. Many kids can handle a discussion of threatening events, but if your children tend toward the sensitive side, try to keep them away from TV news. Repetitive images and stories can make dangers appear greater, more prevalent, and closer to home.

At this age, many kids who will see the morality of events in stark black-and-white terms are early in the process of developing their moral beliefs. You may have to explain the basics of prejudice, bias, and civil and religious strife. But be careful about making generalizations, since kids will take what you say to the bank. This is a good time to ask them what they know, since they’ll probably have gotten information from friends, and you may have to correct their “facts.”

You might explain that even news programs compete for viewers, which sometimes affects content decisions. If you let your kids use the Internet, go online with them. Some of the pictures posted are simply grisly. Monitor where your kids are going, and set your URLs to open to non-news-based portals.

Tips for teens

Check in. Since, in many instances, teens will have absorbed the news independently of you, talking with them can offer great insights into their developing politics and their senses of justice and morality. It will also give you the opportunity to throw your own insights into the

Child Development

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Explaining the News to Kids

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mix (just don’t dismiss theirs, since that will shut down the conversation immediately).

Many teens will feel passionately about events and may even personalize them if someone they know has been directly affected. They’ll also probably be aware that their own lives could be impacted by terrorist tactics. Try to address their concerns without dismissing or minimizing them. If you disagree with media portrayals, explain why so that your teens can separate the mediums through which they absorb news from the messages conveyed.

For more information on how to talk to your kids about a recent tragedy, visit the National Association of School Psychologists or the American Psychological Association.

Reprinted with permission. © Common Sense Media. Dec. 14, 2012


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Pet Tips

I often see the unhappy result of people acquiring a dog based on emotion instead of reason. Why is it that we spend weeks researching appliances or cars to find the best fit, but often pick a dog (that may spend 14 years with us) spontaneously? Remember the box of puppies outside the supermarket? Deciding what dog to bring into your family deserves prudent consideration.

Research and education are important ingredients to ensure successful integration. Consult a vet or reputable dog trainer, and peruse various dog books or websites. If you have kids that are old enough to communicate ideas, have a family meeting (or 3) to discuss what kind of responsibilities would be involved (feeding, grooming, training, walking, poop patrol, etc.). If your kids are toddlers, consider

your time constraints and how much attention you’ll be able to give a dog. If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, imagine this: taking care of another toddler 24/7, with needle sharp teeth to boot! The energy and attention requirements of puppies are immense.

Families with young children should be aware that many breeds, or mixes, are “prewired” for certain activities. For example: Border Collies and Heelers are bred for herding. This behavior often manifests when your kids are out in the yard running around. The dog will attempt to nip at the feet and legs of the “herd,” your kids. Their shrieking and squealing may initiate an instinctual reaction from the dog: nipping, biting or jumping on the small people. The kid’s reaction to this, unfortunately, is usually

more shrieking and squealing, resulting in terrified children and an isolated dog.

If you are an apartment dweller, it seems logical to have a small dog, but there are some larger dogs that are couch potatoes and a long daily walk or two will satisfy their activity requirements. Conversely, there are small dogs (some Terriers), that are like energizer bunnies! These dogs thrive in large yards, where they can chase balls and dig for gophers all day long.

If you have limited movement or serious health issues, selecting a dog that already has some training is a wise choice. I’ve seen the regrettable consequences that can result when people are not physically able to handle their dog, small or large. For example: a frail cancer survivor whose adorable Boston terrier puppy ripped her thin skin to shreds and walked all over her - literally and figuratively. She (and I) tried for several exhausting months to

make it work. Sadly, she ended up replacing him.

Adult children may sometimes decide, with the best intentions, to get their lonely parent(s) a dog for company. An excellent idea! But be conscious of any physical limitations the parents may have. For instance, if the parent has trouble bending over or down, a small dog may not be a good match.

Canine companionship can be an extraordinarily fulfilling relationship when owners make prudent, sensible choices. Please avoid “surprising” someone with a puppy or adult dog, especially if you don’t know how prepared the recipient might be. If you are considering getting a companion for your family, your parents, or your kids, do some research.

Before you go out shopping for a dog, investigate which breed(s) will match the lifestyle and activity level of your household. By learning about dog traits and behavior, you can increase the odds of ensuring happy, healthy, and mutually respectful relationships immeasurably.

Lisa Ellman has been training dogs since the age of 11, when she took first place in a group class with her Doberman Sidney. She was a founding member of Heeling Touch Dog Training in San Luis Obispo, bringing shelter dogs to the inmates of Juvenile Services. Lisa launched Good Dogma Obedience Training in 1996, and she mentors students from the Animal Behavior College in Northridge who are studying to become dog trainers. Lisa lives in Los Osos with her husband and four-legged children: Jake, Remo, and Chagall.

by Lisa Ellman

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Education

With today’s ever-changing educational system, it is becoming increasingly important for parents to try and fill the gaps in their child’s schooling. Teachers are pressured with larger classroom sizes, trying to accommodate students with diverse needs, and remaining accountable to evolving state standards and dwindling state budgets for schools. All of these factors can have consequences for students who are being asked to learn more and more material on their own.

There simply aren’t enough hours in each day for a teacher to sit and tutor students. Some children thrive in a one-on-one setting where a teacher can go into greater detail on given subject matter and the student can ask questions or comment without being judged by peers. I have found that struggling students would rather sit quietly with a teacher than to run the risk of revealing that they “don’t get it” in front of their classmates.

One solution to the problems faced by students who fall behind academically is to find support through a tutoring program. I have found that the key to a successful tutoring intervention program is to find a person who understands your child’s frustrations and can help both you and your child overcome the anxiety of “falling behind.” Students inherently want to do their best, in the best way they

know how. It’s important to understand that all of us have different modes of learning and varied attitudes when it comes to education. It’s also important that your child learn how to adapt to the teaching style of a given educator, because this skill can help them when they come across peers, co-workers, and employers that are challenging.

To ensure that tutoring is a positive experience, it is crucial for parents to see this as a way of polishing their child’s knowledge, and not as some sort of “punishment” for failure to complete their homework. Avoid identifying tutoring as a consequence for getting bad grades. I have had extensive experience tutoring students, and it’s amazing to see their confidence and grades improve until they are super proud of their hard work.

The goal of tutoring is to simply help organize a student’s thinking, so he can understand the material in class. Quite honestly, some teachers just aren’t good at explaining how information and materials relate to the student and this can cause a gap in understanding. Also, some parents aren’t equipped to lend support to their child with the ever-increasing complexity of tasks being asked of students.

I had to help my son secure a tutor in one of his subjects, because it was out of my comfort zone when he came to me for help. I didn’t

want to give him misinformation, and we decided the smart thing to do was to ask an “expert” for help. He agreed and has thoroughly enjoyed working with his tutor. My son even schedules extra sessions on his own if he feels the need for more support on certain topics.

So you’ve talked with your child and through supportive coaxing, you’ve decided to go out and find a tutor! Congratulations on taking a proactive step to support your child’s education. The most logical course is to ask friends or peers for recommendations to see if there is someone out there to meet your needs. In our case, we relied on peers to find our son’s tutor and we’ve been really happy with the results.

If you’re unable to find someone on your own, there are options. You might want to ask your child’s teacher if they know of someone who can help with your situation. The great thing about finding a recommendation from your child’s teacher is that the tutor can work in tandem with

the educator.

If you go out into the community to a business or a program, make sure the tutor that you end up with is qualified to teach your child’s grade level, familiar with the specific subject matter, and holds a current teaching credential. Ask for suggestions for how you can follow up to support your child’s learning at home, and keep track of his progress.

The goal of any tutoring program is to maximize the benefit of one-on-one time between the child and tutor. It’s important that your child enjoys spending time with the tutor, so you might have to try out a few until you find the perfect fit. It will be worth the effort to find a tutor who can encourage and inspire your child, as well as help him to develop academic skills.

Jeff Cyr is a k-6th grade educator on the Central Coast, helping parents bridge the gap between classroom and home. Send him questions or comments at [email protected].

by Jeffrey Cyr

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I love it when it rains. Every year, people living on the Central Coast wait for the rains to turn our brown hills to green. The water provides a beautiful landscape, but also a free supply of food for local cattle that graze in the hills and valleys. We’ve had a few inches of rain so far this season, and I am hoping for several more inches to fill our lakes, reservoirs, and underground water tables.

One of my favorite things to do during a rain storm is go to downtown San Luis Obispo and stand in the middle of Queenie Bridge next to the mission and see the level of San Luis Obispo Creek. If it has been a storm that gave us several inches of rain, the creek will rise so high that the sidewalks alongside the creek disappear. On a normal day, you can see large rocks in the creek below Queenie Bridge, but during a heavy rain the rocks will disappear due to the rising water. It is well worth a trip to see how high the creek can rise.

The first recorded flooding in the area goes back to 1772, when Father Serra stopped long enough to found Mission San Luis Obispo. The original mission was established down the street from the current one, near the end of Dana Street. During the years 1772 to 1776, San Luis Obispo Creek overflowed on several occasions and forced the missionaries to relocate. By around 1776, the mission was relocated to its present location.

Another favorite story about flooding in San Luis Obispo, is the story of Higuera Street. I have a really cool map from 1870 that reveals a great snapshot in time. In 1870, Thomas Higuera owned a farm on the corner of Nipomo (spelled Nipoma on my map) and Higuera Streets. Higuera Street was a two-way street and the entrance to and exit from town back in those days. Higuera Street did not have an official name until Mr. Higuera bought the land at this end of town and started a farm.

During the winter rains, all of the streets in town became a muddy mess and made it difficult for the horse-drawn wagons to travel. The people in town started asking Mr. Higuera to take care of the road in front of his farm because it was the entrance to town. Soon everyone started calling the road Higuera Street because he maintained the road on that side of town. Higuera was not the only street that was named due to rain in the city.

On that map I was talking about, Marsh Street is just one block long from Nipomo to Broad Streets. Today, Marsh runs right through the middle of Thomas Higuera’s farm. Marsh Street was so short because it dead-ended into the old mission vineyards. The vineyards had an area that became swampy after a heavy rain storm, and that’s how Marsh Street got its name. Next on my list of San Luis Obispo streets named due to heavy rains is Chorro Street. The name Chorro refers to rapids in a stream, which is exactly what happens to this creek during rain storms.

San Luis Obispo Creek was once an open waterway running through the middle of the city. Chorro Street stopped at Monterey Street because the creek blocked traffic from going through to Higuera Street. Some people would ride their horses down into the creek and cross over to Higuera, but most wagons could not do this. Soon, many small businesses started popping up all along the creek. The problem during the rainy season was that the creek would rise to a level where horses could not cross it safely. As the creek would flood, the high water level would also flood the tents and buildings that were located along the creek sides on Monterey and Chorro Streets.

In more recent history during the early 1970s, there was a storm that caused the worst flooding that the city had experienced in many years. The rain was so heavy and San Luis Obispo Creek overflowed so much that the streets of the city were completely underwater, along with the freeway at the Los Osos Valley off ramp. Higuera Street was underwater with small waves breaking right down the middle of the street. The creek turned into a river and the city made plans after the floods to develop a better drainage system.

In the 1990s, I remember that Laguna Lake flooded so badly that the homes along Oceanaire Street were completely flooded and many had major damage. A few years ago, we had a moderate rainfall and I drove downtown to check out the creek to see how high it had risen. I happened to arrive just in time to see the county rescue squad in the creek saving a couple of knuckleheads who thought they could kayak down the creek. As soon as they put their kayaks in the water, they flipped over and one of them crawled under the bridge at Broad Street and had to be rescued.

Rain is a wonderful thing, but too much can become a big problem. Let’s all hope for a nice normal rainy season to make our hills green and grow enough grass to feed the county cattle population. Stay dry everyone!

Guy Crabb teaches at Charles E. Teach Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He graduated from Cal Poly SLO and has been teaching for 28 years. Guy was a Teacher of the Year in 2006 and currently teaches at a National Blue Ribbon School. Reach him at [email protected].

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Each year, when January rolls around, people write down their New Year’s Resolutions. Why not try something new and write a 2013 Bucket List? Instead of focusing on the negative things in your life that you want to change, set your sights on positive and enjoyable things to accomplish.

The term “bucket list” was popularized by a Rob Reiner movie called The Bucket List, in which two men go on a road trip to do all the things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” According to

the online Urban Dictionary, a bucket list includes all the things you want to do or see before you die.

Bucket lists can be made for all ages or types of people. Parents can even make bucket lists for their children. A bucket list can include places you want to visit, things you want to see, new hobbies you want to try, skills you want to improve, books you want to read, and movies you want to see. The best thing about a bucket list is that you can tailor it to suit your unique interests.

Here are some helpful tips on how to get started.

Consider the Possibilities

Do some research on what you want to put on your list. Use resources such as books, magazines, and websites, and talk with your friends and family to get inspiration.

Here are just a few of the idea books I have found for kids and their parents:

• Frommer’s 500 Places to Take

Your Kids Before They Grow Up

• The Sand Bucket List: 366 Things to Do With Your Kids Before They Grow Up

• 101 Things You Gotta Do Before You’re 12! by Joanne O’Sullivan

These are some of the many books to inspire adults:

• Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences

• Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Sights

• 1000 Places to See Before You Die and 1000 Places to See in the United States and Canada Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

• Off the Beaten Path by Reader’s Digest

• 101 Things to Do Before You Die by Richard Horne

• 2,001 Things to Do Before You Die by Dane Sherwood

• Idea book - 3500 Ideas for Your Bucket List by Marelisa Fabrega

Then there is the 1001 Series of books (http://1001beforeyoudie.com) including many different topics:

• 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery

• 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die by Peter Boxall

• 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up by Julia Eccleshare

• 1001 Escapes to Experience Before You Die by Helen Arnold

• 1001 Historic Sites You Must See Before You Die by Richard Cavendish

• 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die by Steven J.

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• 1001 Natural Wonders You Must See Before You Die by Michael Bright

• 1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die by Rae Spencer-Jones

• 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die by Stephen Farthing.

The Bucket List concept has been gaining popularity, and there are a number of websites dedicated to people who want to interact with each other and share ideas. Younger adults might be interested in social networking sites where they can share news of their completed adventures or activities online.

Think about a Timeline

Decide what timeline you would like to incorporate, for example when do you want to try things.


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Self Care

by Mandy Buechner

Beauty Blog: Body ImageBody image is how you view your physical self. Your idea of how you look on the outside, determines how you feel on the inside. We compare ourselves to the perfect image of what we should look like according to other people, media, and society. This process can influence our thoughts, moods, and emotions.

In the 17th century, the more rotund woman’s figure not only showed her wealth, but was believed to indicate fertility. In the 18th century, the ideal colonial woman was muscular, big, and strong. These were important assets for her own survival, as well as desirable for marriage, motherhood, and working the land. Toward the 19th century, idealistic body image drastically changed. Women were expected to be slinky, frail, pale, and small, and they used corsets to achieve the perfect hourglass shape. Today, women are revolutionizing the way body image is accepted in society. We are standing up and defining ourselves. All shapes and sizes are now considered beautiful.

As a woman, a mother, and a stylist, I see the struggle with body image everyday. I believe we are starting to leave the era of one ideal image (“perfect” and skinny) for all women. Guess what? Curves are coming back! Embracing who you are and feeling confident and sexy in your own skin is the new “In.” Every woman has this potential. It’s just a matter of bringing it out in the right ways.

When we love how we look, we feel we can conquer the world. But making the most of our assets can be a challenge. Maybe you don’t know what clothing styles look best on your body shape, or how to wear hair or make up to enhance your features. In 2013, invest in a happy self image. Self care doesn’t have to cost a fortune and the satisfaction of bringing out your inner beauty is priceless! We all deserve to feel beautiful.

Mandy Buechner is a master stylist at Legends Salon & Day Spa in Atascadero and graduated from Paul Mitchell The School – MTI. She can be reached at (916) 225-3971 for a free consultation.

You may want to plan to do one thing per month or a specific number in a year. Of course, you can extend the timeline over more years, or during your lifetime. One popular period of time for adults is 1001 days, which is about 2.75 years.

Set Your Goals

It is important to set goals and to put them down in writing. As Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” You can start by creating a simple checklist of things that are realistic to achieve, and then expand your list to add things that are more challenging.

Your list can be as simple as a scribble on scrap paper, or more elaborate on pages in a 3-ring binder or journal, or you can even make a form online. Some people like to keep their goals in sight, where they can easily be reminded and check off items that they complete.

Strive to obtain your goals one-by-one. Later, you can make a scrapbook showing photos and mementos of your adventures.

Set a Budget

The costs of completing your objectives can vary greatly, depending on what types of items you chose. While some things on your list might be very inexpensive, others (like travel to exotic places or doing pricey activities) might require saving up money. You might start with less expensive activities and travel destinations first.

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” (Eleanor Roosevelt). Make 2013 a year to remember!

Steven Smith is a resident of San Luis Obispo and a graduate of CSU Long Beach with a degree in Creative Writing. Steven is a painter/muralist and freelance writer. His art can be viewed at www.myspace.com/sloartiststevensmith. Contact Steven at: [email protected].

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coordination6 Improve listening skills &

following directions7 Gainself-esteem&confidence

8 Try something new – Acrobatics, Trampoline, or Cheer

9 Provide social interaction with peers

10 Learn to set & achieve goals11 Develop cognitive abilities

to help in the classroom12 Develop skills to enhance

other sports13 It’s Fitness & Fun all in one!

Wonderful & Passionate CoachesFriendly Customer ServiceLargest Selection of Class Schedules

2012 Olympic Trials floor, bars, and signed chalk bowlKids Night Out PartiesFuntastic Birthday Parties

Super Fun GymSuper CampsThe “Gym Bag Store”Fresh Coffee & Tea Daily

2013 Excellent Reasons To Join Central CoastGymnastics Sports Center

• TWEN

TY-O

NE

YEARS IN BUSINESS • SLO •

2012

21

WHY CCG IS

THE PLACE TO BE IN

2013!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY30FARMERS MARKET:11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

31FARMERS MARKET:2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

1FARMERS MARKET:3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City ParkLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLODOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG

PAUl REvERE’S BIRTHDAY

(Born in 1735)

BETSY ROSS’ BIRTHDAY (Born in 1752)

NEW YEAR’S DAY

2FARMERS MARKETS:8:30-11am AG Spencers Market12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & DolliverLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

DRINkINg STRAW PATENTED (in 1888)

3FARMERS MARKETS:3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

FESTIvAl OF SlEEP DAYJ.R.R. TOlkIEN’S

BIRTHDAY (Born in 1892)

4BINGO VETS HALL MB - 1st FRI 5:00pmFARMERS MARKETS:9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets HallLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

ISAAc NEWTON’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1643)

JAkOB gRIMM’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1785)

lOUIS BRAIllE’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1809)

5FARMERS MARKETS:8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main StLIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY 1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO

1ST WOMAN gOvERNOR NEllIE ROSS INAUgURATED

IN WYOMINg (in 1925)

NATIONAlBIRD DAY

6FARMERS MARKET:11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

BEAN DAY

cUDDlE UP DAY

SHERlOck HOlMES’ BIRTHDAY (Published 1887)


OlD ROck DAY


BUBBlE BATH DAY

ElvIS PRESlEY’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1935)


NATIONAl STATIc ElEcTRIcITY DAY

NATIONAl APRIcOT DAY


11FARMERS MARKETS:9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets HallLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

MIlk DAY(1st bottles delivered in 1878)

SEcRET PAl DAY

12FARMERS MARKETS:8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main StLIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

NATIONAl PHARMAcIST DAY

WORk HARDER DAY


MAkE YOUR DREAMS cOME TRUE DAY

POETRY BREAk DAY



1ST SUPER BOWl(In 1967)


NATIONAl NOTHINg DAY


BENJAMIN FRANklIN’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1706)

18FARMERS MARKETS:9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets HallLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

NATIONAl HAT DAYA.A. MIlNE’S BIRTHDAY

(Born in 1882)

WINNIE THE POOH DAY

THESAURUS DAY

19FARMERS MARKETS:8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main StLIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

POPcORN DAY


INAUgURATION DAY

PENgUIN AWARENESS DAY

cHEESE DAY


DR MARTIN lUTHER kINg JR DAY

(Born in 1929)



MEASURE YOUR FEET DAY

NATIONAl HANDWRITINg DAY


cOMPlIMENT DAY

25FARMERS MARKETS:9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 10:00am-12:30pm Cayucos Vets Hall2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets HallLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

OPPOSITE DAY

26FARMERS MARKETS:8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main StLIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

AUSTRAlIA DAY(Sydney settled in 1778)


lEWIS cARROll’S BIRTHDAY(Born in 1832)



NATIONAl PUzzlE DAY


FRANklIN D. ROOSEvElT’S

BIRTHDAY (Born in 1882)


JAckIE ROBINSON’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1919)

NATIONAl kAzOO DAY

1FARMERS MARKETS:9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets HallLIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

2FARMERS MARKETS:8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main StLIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

NEW MOON


January 2013 Free Ongoing Events

FULL MOON

January is:Eye Care Month

National Blood Donor MonthNational Braille Literacy Month

National Hobby MonthNational Staying Healthy Month

National Thank You MonthHot Tea MonthOatmeal Month

Birthstone: Garnet

Flower: Carnation

BAckWARDS DAY


FRI NOV 16-MON DEC 31 (times vary): SEPTEMBER SONG - Great American Songbook Salutes JB’s 100th at Pewter Plough Playhouse, 824 Main St, Cambria. Jim Buckley, the theater’s founder, will be celebrating his 100th birthday! The cast performs about 40 fabulous songs and tells stories of JB’s many exotic exploits. Special New Year’s Eve Bash includes musical stage show, live cabaret music, an elegant supper buffet, Opolo champagne, party favors and fun! Cost: $17-30. Contact: 927-3877.

DEC 21-JAN 6 10:30 am-10:00 pm: WINTER WONDERSLO Jiffy Lube Ice Skating Rink at Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Rd, SLO. Enjoy the first ice skating rink in SLO! Fun for all ages. A portion of the proceeds benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Cost: $13 adults, $9 children includes skate rental. Contact: 709-2221 or http://winterwonderslo.com.

FRI DEC 28 6:30-8:30 pm: ENGINEERING WITH LEGO at SLO City/County Library, 995 Palm St, San Luis Obispo. Let your imagination run wild with Play-Well TEKnologies and over 100,000 pieces! This will be a fun event using real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture to develop problem-solving skills, foster an appreciation of mechanics, and build self-confidence. Ages 7-12. Cost: $15 per child per class. Contact: 781-7300.

SAT DEC 29 10:15 am-12:15 pm: NATURE BOAT CRUISE at Lopez Lake Recreation Area, 6800 Lopez Dr, Arroyo Grande. Bring the kids and take a cruise to learn about the history and mystery hidden below the water, as well as the flora and fauna living in the park. Rain cancels event. Meet at the Courtesy Dock at the Marina. Cost: $6 adult, $3 child. Contact: 788-2381.

Through DEC 30 THU-SAT 1:00-4:00 pm: STAR WARS COLLECTION at Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Star Wars franchise with the whole family. Free admission. Contact: 610-2306.

SAT DEC 31 9:30 am: MUSIC TOGETHER® DEMO Create and Learn at Sukha Wellness Center, 6615 Bay Laurel Pl, Avila Beach. Music Together® is an early childhood music and movement program for

infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them! Cost: free. Phone: (530) 712-5095.

SAT DEC 31 at 11:00 am: NOON YEAR’S EVE at San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St. Let the kids celebrate by making noisemakers, wearing party hats, joining a countdown, and watching a balloon drop without staying up late! Cost: free with admission. Contact: 545-5874 or http://slocm.org.

JAN 1-31 (locations vary): RESTAURANT MONTH: 30 days - 3 Courses - $30! Enjoy an incredible series of great meals at a great price, as more than 40 destination restaurants throughout SLO County offer a great deal. Each participating restaurant will offer at least one fixed price 3-course meal for just $30. Many also offer paired local wine. Locations: www.sanluisobispocounty.com/restaurantmonth. Contact: 541-8000.

FRI JAN 4 5:00-7:00 pm: Annual CHRISTMAS TREE BURN at Old Mission Santa Inez, 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang. Santa Barbara Co Fire Dept presents one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community gatherings on the Central Coast. Bring your bare tree to the burn pile and watch this powerful spectacle ignite the New Year! Contact: 688-7529 or http://cityofsolvang.com.

MON JAN 7 at 12:00 pm: CR - PRENATAL WATER AEROBICS at San Luis Campus, CA-1, San Luis Obispo. Prenatal Water Aerobics is designed for pre or postnatal women who want a safe and effective way to stay in shape. The format includes a pre-stretch, cardiovascular warm-up, aerobic segment, cool down toning and post-stretch to help pregnant women maintain current levels of fitness. This workout is held in the shallow end of the main pool. Contact: 546-3132 to receive packet with required medical release form.

TUE JAN 8 10:00-10:30 am: KINDERMUSIK Musical Storytime at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson Dr, Paso Robles. For children ages 1.5-3 years old and parents. Come enjoy singing, dancing and playing instruments together. Cost: free. Contact: 238-0381.

THU JAN 10 at 7:30 pm: HAIR at Cohan Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Broadway’s exuberant; Tony Award-winning musical is an electric celebration! Young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time strikes a resonant chord with all ages. Brief nudity. Cost: $30-84. Contact: 756-6556.

SAT JAN 12 9:00 am-12:00 pm: New Years PLANTING PARTY at Sweet Springs Nature Preserve on 4th St and Ramona Ave, Los Osos. Help plant endangered Morro Manzanita, and other rare and common shrubs, and fill out the wildflower meadow with yellow eyed grass and field sedge. Bring your gloves and shovel (with your name). Tools, tips & treats provided – even prizes for correct answers on a Nature quiz! Contact: 239-3928.

SAT JAN 12 10:00-11:45 am: 4-H SLO Hikers HIKE AT HARMONY HEADLANDS State Park, west side adjacent to the southbound lane of Hwy 1, Harmony. Join us for a beautiful 3 mile central coast hike! The trail is located five minutes north of Cayucos and 2.6 miles south of Harmony. A small parking lot is visible along the west side of Hwy 1 and overflow parking is available on the opposite side. Cost: free.

Contact: 781-5944.

SAT JAN 12 1:00-3:00 pm: CHICKENS 101: PECKING ORDER at SLO Botanical Garden at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, SLO. Steve Soderstrom of Cal Poly Poultry Center discusses backyard poultry. Learn breed selection, chick care, housing, diseases, and more. Come w/ questions. Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members. Cost: 541-1400 or http://slobg.org.

SAT JAN 12 at 8:00 pm: CALIFORNIA MISSIONS TOUR at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm St, SLO. Vivaldi’s beloved “Four Seasons” and composer Craig Russell’s beautiful re-creation of early mission music: “Ecos Armónicos.” Cost: $15-35. Contact: 543-3533.

SAT JAN 12 & SUN JAN 13 (times vary): JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL at Palm Theatre 3, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo. Join us for this enjoyable weekend celebrating Jewish Culture. The SLOJFF promotes cultural diversity in our area, and takes the audience to Jewish communities and life throughout the world. Includes an opening reception, Jewish food faire, and filmmakers/sponsors dinner. Cost: varies. Contact: 426-5465 or www.jccslo.com.

Family Events

Sponsored by Laguna PTA

FRI JAN 18 at 7:00 am: City of SLO Parks & Rec TEACHER WORK DAY CAMP at Hawthorne Elementary School, 2125 Story St, San Luis Obispo. This one-day camp is open to all local school children in K-6th grades. Register from DEC 10-JAN 16 online or at 1341 Nipomo St. Cost: $50. Contact: 781-7300 or www.slocity.org.

FRI JAN 18-SUN FEB 3 (days & times vary): CATS THE MUSICAL at Unity, 1490 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo. Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” CATS is set at the annual reunion of the Jellicle cats at the Jellicle Ball. The eldest of this special breed, Old Deuteronomy, seeks to select which of the many cats in the neighborhood will be reborn to begin another life. Cost: $14-60. Contact: 543-7529 or http://kelrikproductions.org.

FRI JAN 18 7:00-9:00 pm: GAME NIGHT at Yosemite Main Lounge, Cal Poly SLO. Bring the family to enjoy snacks, billiards, board games, and crafts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Parents are encouraged to stay and play! Cost: free. Contact: 925 321-2226.

FRI JAN 18-MON JAN 21 (times & locations vary) MORRO BAY WINTER BIRD FESTIVAL! This event includes walks, cruises, workshops, speakers, displays, and vendor booths in honor of this “Globally Important Bird Area,” home to or visited by more than 200 bird species. Reservations are required for most festival events. Costs vary. Contact: 866 464-5105 or http://morrobaybirdfestival.org.

SAT JAN 19 1:00-3:00 pm: KID’S SUPER SPROUTS at SLO Botanical Garden at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo. Learn how plants grow. Get a jump start on spring plantings by starting seeds now! Play and learn and take seeds home. Cost: $5 donation. Contact: 541-1400 x304 or slobg.org/super-sprouts.

MON JAN 21-FRI JAN 25 7:00-9:00 pm: SQUARE DANCE CLASS for families (children age 13+ with parent) at Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St, San Luis Obispo. Cost: $6 adults, $5 kids 13-18. Preregister with discount, or $25 each for one week. Contact: 541-2386 or ccsda.net.

THU JAN 24-SUN MAR 10 (times vary): THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY at The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville, 1863 Front St, Oceano. If you love all the mistaken identities, plot twists and silliness of Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor, then you’ll love his newest farce! Enjoy a charming, madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with outrageous sweaters and... golf. (Rated PG). Tickets: $18-$22, with discounts for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. The in-house snack bar serves food and drinks before the show and during intermissions. Contact: 489-2499 or http://americanmelodrama.com.

SAT JAN 26 at 5:30 pm: DERBY DAYS Dinner Auction Fundraiser at Café Roma, 1020 Railroad Ave, SLO. Enjoy an Italian dinner, silent and live auctions, and indoor horse racing! Cost: $50. Proceeds benefit Laguna Middle School Leadership and 8th grade AVID classes. Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].

3rd SAT every month: Equine Assisted Learning Workshops in Los Osos. Enjoy being with horses in a fun, active, and effective setting. Workshops are all unmounted (no riding). For individuals, parents, couples, team building. Facilitated by EAGALA certified professionals: Angela Sherman, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PSY 23689 and Carol Studer, Equine Specialist. Contact: (650) 248-4072, [email protected], or www.changeyourlead.com.

2nd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 pm: Grief Support Group at Central Coast Hospice, 253 Granada Dr, Ste D, San Luis Obispo. This free group is for anyone suffering from the loss of a loved one who is in need of support. Contact: 540-6020.

2nd SAT of every month FEB-NOV at 9:00 am: The City Of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department offers free docent-led nature walks of the Los Flores Ranch Park, 6271 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. Contact: 925-0951 x 263.

2nd WED every month 6:30-7:30 pm: LOS BERROS 4-H CLUB Create and Learn meets at El Camino Art Gallery, 1200 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande. New members welcome! Cost: free. Contact: 748-1454.

1st & 3rd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 pm: Free Class On How To Read Music at The Piano Outlet, 485 North Frontage Rd, Nipomo. Introduction to the basic building blocks of music notation and how to read and play music with emphasis on pitch and duration, or rhythm. There’s no need to register. Just show up! Contact: 541-350-1703 or lucaspianoacademy.com.

Every TUE & THU 9:30 am or 6:30 pm: Moms Group Drop-in classes at 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande. $7 members, $9 Non-members. This fun year-round class for parents and babies 3 mos to 2 yrs includes swimming skills, bonding, and songs. Contact: 481-6399 or www.5citiesswimschool.com.

1st MON every month 12:15-12:45 pm: Sukha Wellness Center welcomes Heidi Harmon for a singing and dancing good time at 6615 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach. Helps kids with active participation and camaraderie, developing creativity,

reducing performance anxiety and building memorization skills. Cost: $5. Contact: 801-8088.

Every MON 6:30 pm: Prenatal Yoga With Mary Sage Sennewald at Sukha Wellness Center, at 6615 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach. Learn essential exercises and techniques to use throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Meet other pregnant women and learn about local resources. Cost: $8. Contact: 801-8088.

Every TUE 6:00-7:30 pm: Women’s Depression Group with Michelle Ogle, LMFT at 411 Traffic Way #A, Arroyo Grande. Explore your personal journey among like-minded women. Share adversity and strengths. Learn to Set boundaries and Goals. Evolve through others’ experiences. Be happy without compromising who you are. Ongoing groups. Call for brief screening and info. Contact: 260-5710.

Every TUE at 6:30 pm: Central Coast Weight Loss Challenge Lessons and Classes at Crossroads Wellness, 1542 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande. This 12-week program advises proper nutrition and food choices while encouraging exercise. Each person will receive personalized one-on-one


Recurring Events& Resources


coaching. Participation costs $39 for all 12 weeks. $10 of each entry will be donated to a local children’s charity, and the rest of the proceeds will be awarded to the “biggest loser.” Contact: 489-4466 or [email protected].

Every other THU 3:30-4:30 pm: Paws to Read Program—Reading to Rover at Atascadero Library, 6850 Morro Rd. Join Captain, a 6 year-old tan and white rough-coated Jack Russell Terrier and his human friend Anne Harris, for a relaxed hour of stories. Captain, a certified therapy dog, loves it when children read to him! For dates, call 461-6161.

4th WED of every month at 10:00 am: Wednesdays at the Movies at Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St. Watch a free flick and discuss it with family and friends! Contact: 772-6394 or http://morrobayfriendsoflibrary.org.

Every SAT 11:00 am-4:00 pm: ADOPT-A-PET events at Petco in Madonna Plaza Shopping Center, 271 Madonna Rd, SLO. Cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, tested and vaccinated. A free vet exam is included. Cost: Adoption fees are $60 for one or $80 for two. Contact: 549-9228 or http://felinenetwork.org.

Los Osos Pet Lost & Found Headquarters connects people with their LOST pets and allows those who have FOUND a pet to locate the owner. If you are unable to secure a found pet in your home, call 528-5611. Sponsored by Squeaks, Chirps & Bubbles Pet & Feed Store, 1030 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos. If you found or lost a pet in Los Osos, call 528-5611 or 801-6640.

Tree of Life at 7730 Morro Rd, Suite 106, Atascadero, is a non-profit organization helping women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy with free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, baby clothes and supplies, as well as medical referrals and other practical assistance. All services are free and completely confidential. Contact: 461-3405 or www.treeoflifepsc.com.

Every WED at 4:30 pm: Read to Skipper the Dog at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave. Skipper is a good listener. Contact: 528-1862 or http://slolibrary.org.

Every WED-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & SAT 10:00 am-5:00 pm: Free Electronic Waste Drop Off at Exploration Station, 867 Ramona Ave, Grover Beach. Drop off any item with a cord (all electronics and small appliances). Not accepted: large appliances, batteries, and light bulbs. Tax receipts and free pick-up for large TVs and loads of electronic waste. Contact: 473-1421 or www.explorationstation.org.

Every WED 10:00 am-6:30 pm: North County Humane Society offers microchip clinics at 2300 Ramona Rd, Atascadero. Get your cat microchipped, so you’ll never have to worry about them getting lost. It’s the best $15 you will ever spend! Contact: www.slonchs.org.

2nd TUE every month 7:00-9:00 pm: SLO NightWriters offers educational speakers at PG&E Education Center, 6588 Ontario Rd. SLO NightWriters is the premier writing organization on the Central Coast. Contact: www.slonightwriters.org.

Every FRI 10:00 - 11:30 am: Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) at One Consignment, 240 E HWY 246, #105, Buellton. Contact: 564-3888 or www.sbpep.org.

AIKIDO FOR KIDS - Get Fit at Aikido of SLO, 209 Bonetti, SLO. Ongoing classes are for ages 4-11 (kids are divided into two age groups). Children learn how to be safe without hurting others. The learning environment is fun and skilled teachers are friendly. Classes include safety techniques, games, tumbling, and cooperative interaction skills. Contact: http://aikidoslo.com or 544-8866.

La Clinica de Tolosa is a nonprofit children’s dental clinic in Paso Robles providing a full range of quality pediatric dental care for ages 1 to 12. It serves low-income children throughout the county who are uninsured or covered by public insurance programs such as Medi-Cal. Contact: www.clinicadetolosa.org, or 238-5334.

Every FRI 1:00-2:00 pm: Mommy and Me Little Swimmers in a warm water therapy pool at 1443 Cazadero St, SLO. Jack’s Helping Hand offers a parent & child class designed to engage children ages 2 to 8 with

special needs in fun water activities that encourage physical and social development. Cost: $20 for 4 classes and scholarships are available. Join anytime! Taught by Kinesio-Therapist Kay Heaton. Contact: 547-1914.

Volunteer as a Good Neighbor! Make a difference in the life of an older or disabled adult. Once trained, volunteers choose services to contribute and schedule hours at their convenience. Training is scheduled monthly at Wilshire Community Services, 285 South St, Ste J, SLO. Contact: 547-7025 x 17.

Volunteer at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art! Stop by at 1010 Broad St (Mission Plaza) or email [email protected].

2nd MON every month 6:30-8:00 pm: Caregiver Support Group at Cayucos Community Church, Ocean Ave & S 3rd St. Free support group for caregivers and family members dealing with long-term illness, memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Contact: 458-7484.

1st SAT every month 9:00 am-12:00 pm: Elfin Forest Work Parties. Dress for wind, fog, or sun (layers work well) in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes. Meet at the north end of 15th St in Los Osos. Contact: 528-0392 or www.elfin-forest.org.

2nd SAT every month: Family programs at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Contact: 541-1400 or www.slobg.org.

Every MON 10:00 am-2:00 pm: Remain Independent Despite Vision Loss at Santa Maria Terrace, 1405 E. Main St. New ways of doing daily tasks are taught by the Braille Institute, such as managing the

home, traveling, and use of talking library books. Contact: 462-1225.

2nd & 4th MON every month at 6:30 pm: MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at Pacific Christian Church, 3435 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. Childcare provided. Contact: 934-3491 or www.pacificchristian.net.

Teen Wellness Program: TUE 3:00-6:00 pm & FRI 3:00-5:30 pm at Arroyo Grande EOC Health Services Clinic, 1152 E Grand Ave. Health services, including reproductive health services, in a safe environment with staff trained to screen, assess, and provide intervention. Appt preferred. Contact: 489-4026.

1st WED every month at 9:00 am: Community Action Partnership Senior Health Screening at First United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande. Free and low-cost services for people 50 and older including blood pressure, pulse, weight, total cholesterol, screening for anemia, diabetes and fecal blood, nutritional counseling, and referrals. Contact: 481-2692 or 788-0827.

1st WED every month at 12:00 pm: Disabled American Veterans luncheon at Veterans Memorial Bldg, 313 W. Tunnell St, Santa Maria. Contact: 345-0402.

Every WED 5:30-7:00 pm: Widowed Support Group at New Life Church, 990 James Way, Rm 14, Pismo Beach. Arrive 10 min early for 1st meeting. Offered by Hospice of SLO Co. Contact: 544-2266 or www.hospiceslo.org.

1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Commission on the Status of Women meets at Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. The

For Wildlife in DistressCall Our HOtline:

805 543-WilD [9453]

www.stopbullying.gov

Find Out What You Can DoLocal Resources


Commission is an official advisory group to the SLO County Board of Supervisors to identify issues of concern to women that are not the focus of other advocacy or advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406.

Every TUE at 7:00 pm: Al-Anon Family Support Group at Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave, Orcutt. Contact: 937-9750.

2nd SUN every month 1:00-3:00 pm: Free Reiki energy balancing and relaxation at Sukha Wellness Center, 6615 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach. 30 min sessions, no disrobing, 5 certified practitioners. Contact: 235-6283.

3rd WED every month at 7:00 pm: How to Survive Divorce seminar at the San Luis Obispo Women’s Community Center, 1124 Nipomo St, #D in SLO. Practical tips, pointers, and suggestions for handling family law issues. $10.00 donation requested for handout materials and book. Contact: 544-9313 to register.

4th TUE every month at 5:30 pm: Legal Clinic for Self-Represented Litigants at the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse Law Library, 1050 Monterey St in SLO, #125. SLO County Bar Assn Family Law Section & Women’s Community Center provide one-on-one legal advice for persons filing divorces w/o an attorney, and a document preparer to assist in completing court-required forms. Min. $40.00 donation. Limit: 12 participants. Contact: 544-9313.

Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention (SARP) Center of San Luis Obispo County offers: Weekly Drop-In Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors; 24 Hour Crisis Line; Advocacy and Accompaniment; Peer Counseling; Individual Clinical Counseling; Prevention and Education Programs; and Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense Workshops. Contact: 545-8888 or www.sarpcenter.org.

1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Commission on the Status of Women meets at Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. The Commission is an official advisory group to the SLO County Board of Supervisors to identify issues of concern to women that are not currently the focus of other advocacy

or advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406.

Every MON 4:00-5:00 pm: Jack’s Yoga for Teens in San Luis Obispo Veterans Building, 801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Classes are free with Jack’s Helping Hand Scholarships, all abilities and special needs welcome, ages 10-18. Classes are taught by certified yoga instructor Shoosh Crotzer. Contact: 547-1914 or www.jackshelpinghand.org.

Every MON 2:00-4:00 pm & WED 3:00-5:00 pm: Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library - Jack’s Helping Hand at Central Coast Gymnastics, 21 Zaca Lane, #100 in San Luis Obispo. Traditional and adaptive toys for children with all types of disabilities to check out. In-home appointments also available. Cost-Free! Contact: 547-1914 or www.jackshelpinghand.org.

Every TUE 2:00-5:00 pm & FRI 4:00-7:00 pm: Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library - Jack’s Helping Hand at Pat’s Place in Nipomo Recreation Community Rm, 671 W Tefft St, Ste 2, Nipomo. Toys for children with all types of disabilities to check out. In-home appointments also available. Cost-Free! Contact: 547-1914 or www.jackshelpinghand.org.

Every THU 11:00 am-2:00 pm & SUN 1:00-4:00 pm: Katie’s Korner Adaptive Toy Lending Library (Jack’s Helping Hand) is at Paso Robles Children’s Museum, 623 13th St, Paso Robles. Traditional and adaptive toys for children with all types of disabilities free to check out. In-home appointments also available. Contact: 547-1914 or www.jackshelpinghand.org.

Divorce Support Group meets weekly at 1540 Marsh St. Suite 260 in SLO. Licensed Psychotherapist Ben Elfant-Rea leads the group. Contact: 903-2604 or www.searchforself.com.

1st MON every month at 6:00 pm: Free Infant-Child CPR Class at 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande. Contact: 481-6399 or www.5citiesswimschool.com.

1st THU every month 9:30-10:30 pm: Bike Happening at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa! After Farmers Market, enjoy pedaling with hundreds of bikers, or just watch.

SARP CenterSexual Assault Recovery &

Prevention Center of SLO Co

24 hour crisis line: 545-8888email: [email protected]

www.sarpcenter.org

Serving SLO

County since 1976

Different costume and decoration themes every month. Have fun and obey all traffic laws! Contact: http:/bikehappening.org.

Last TUE every month at 7:00 pm: Birth & Baby Resource Network sponsors free education events at EcoBambino, 863 Monterey St, SLO. Contact: www.bbrn.org or 546-3755.

Every SAT 11:00 am-3:00 pm: ADOPT A PET at Petco, 2051 Theater Dr, in Paso Robles. Cats are available for adoption through NCHS. Dogs are available through Short n’ Sweet Dog Rescue. Contact: 466-5403.

Find the Adventures With Nature & Mind Walk schedule from Morro Bay Museum of Natural History at: www.ccnha.org/naturewalks.html.

Every FRI at 7:00 pm: Senior Ballroom Dancing at Madonna Inn. If you are a senior (single or attached) and like ballroom dancing, this is the place! Look left of the bandstand for a table sign “Senior Dancers.” Dance, chat and listen to good music. No fees or dues; just fun! Contact: 489-5481 or [email protected].

Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer tutors and offers free training in SLO. Contact: 541-4219 or www.sloliteracy.org.

Become a volunteer tutor for adults learning to read, write, or speak English with Central Coast Literacy Council. No teaching experience or ability to speak a 2nd language required. Tutor training at Santa Maria Library on SAT FEB 25 & SAT MAR 3. Contact: 925-0951 x 837, [email protected] or stop by the office at Santa Maria Library.

800 549-4499SLO hOTLINE

TMhA

Free & Confidential 24 Hours of Every Day

Suicide Prevention, Mental Health and Emotional Support

Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens offers many free services: Senior Connection - connecting callers with local resources; HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) one on one assistance for Medicare beneficiaries, advise and referrals for long term care options, and help with billing / appeals; Vial of Life magnetized containers with medical information; a Senior Resource Directory for SLO or SB counties, and much more. Contact: 925-9554 or www.centralcoastseniors.org.

San Luis Obispo Senior Center offers health screening, legal services, meals, exercise, bridge, bingo, and more at 1445 Santa Rosa St. Contact: 781-7306.

San Luis Obispo ALPHA (Alpha Pregnancy Counseling & Support) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, non-sectarian organization providing free pregnancy support, newborn assistance & education in SLO, Arroyo Grande, and Atascadero. Pregnancy Testing; Options Counseling; Follow-Up Counseling; Support & Referrals re: Post-Partum Depression; Medical Care & Insurance; Agency Referrals; Rental Deposit Assistance; Maternity & Baby Clothes; Infant Supplies & Equipment; Workshops; Support Groups; and a Speaker’s Bureau. Contact: 541.3367 or www.sloalpha.org.

Central Coast Astronomical Society plans a Dark Sky Star Party every month at Santa Margarita Lake KOA Campground at sunset. CCAS also sponsors special guest speakers and programs periodically. Event details and schedules, weather updates, and local resources can all be found at: www.centralcoastastronomy.org. Contact: Aurora Lipper at [email protected].


Parent Participation. Core classes for parents and children to enhance parenting skills, meet other families, and allow children time to play with others of the same age. Enrichment classes are offered, such as Spanish, Cooking and Gardening, and a Cooperative Preschool at CL Smith. Register through the San Luis Coastal Adult School. Contact: 549-1222, http://ppp.slcusd.org/Home.html.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

CAVA – California Virtual Academies. and K¹² give kids the chance to learn at the pace and in ways that are right for them. Online schooling aligned with California state standards. Teacher support as needed, meetings and work samples required quarterly. Contact: (866) 339-6790, www.caliva.org or www.k12.com.

Family Partnership. A tuition-free K-12 independent study public school serving Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. Home study charter schools in San Luis Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Solvang, Santa Maria, and Cambria. Meet with teachers weekly and turn in work samples. Contact: 686-5339, www.familypartnershipschool.com

Olive Grove. Independent study home school with sites in San Luis Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Santa Maria, Lompoc, Los Olivos, and Santa Barbara. Meet with teacher weekly and turn in work samples. Enrichment classes also offered. Contact: 543-2701, www.sbceoportal.org/losolivos.

NATURE BASED SCHOOLS

SLOWanders. Offering nature-based education in SLO County. Programs include wilderness living skills, naturalist studies, wildlife tracking, awareness skills, and rites-of-passage customized for after-school, home-school, and personal one-on-one mentoring. Weekend workshops for adults. Contact: 215-0595, www.slowanders.com.

Outside Now. Summer, after-school, and private nature-based education in SLO County. Contact: 541-9900, www.outsidenow.org.

Coyote Road Regional School. Natural Science and Outdoor Education. Contact: 466-4550, www.coyoteroadschool.com.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

The Laureate School. Project-based, differentiated learning that develops critical thinking, coursework in arts, technology, and foreign language, and a school-wide character develop-ment program. Interactive learning in a small-class environment that addresses students’ unique learning needs. 880 Laureate Lane in San Luis Obispo. Contact: 544-2141, www.laureateschool.org.

Clarity Steiner School. Waldorf education for first and second graders. Class meets four days per week in Nipomo. Contact: 929-6878.

Santa Lucia School. Independent school on 5 acres in Templeton. Peace education for over 25 years.

Integrated curriculum founded on life experiences, in-depth study, and active immersion in the arts for grades 1-8. Attendance Mon-Thu with homeschool Fridays. Carpooling encouraged. Contact: 434.2217, www.santaluciaschool.org. SLO Classical Academy. Private school. Part time or full time classical education in SLO. Part time options are Tuesday/ Thursday or Monday/ Wednesday with a Friday enrichment day. Contact: 548-8700, www.sloclassicalacademy.com.

Sage Creek Sudbury. Modeled after Sudbury Valley School. Opening in the Fall of 2010. Contact: 489-3820, www.sagecreeksudbury.org.

Children’s House Montessori School in Atascadero strives to help each child reach his/her greatest potential, by embracing learning and appreciating and respecting the world. Contact: 466-5068, www.childrenshouse.cc.

Montessori Children’s School in San Luis Obispo seeks to inspire a passion for excellence, to nurture curiosity, creativity and imagination, and to awaken the human spirit of every child. They offer classes for children ages 3-12. Contact: 544-6691, http://montessoriofslo.com.

Central Coast Montessori School in Morro Bay offers a rich, individualized academic environment to promote independence and optimum scholastic achievement. Contact: 772-9317, www.centralcoastmontessori.com.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Cambria Montessori Learning Center. Tuition-free public school in Morro Bay for grades K-6th through the Family Partnership Charter School. Contact: 927-2337 or 541-2412. Application forms are available at familypartnershipschool.com.

Santa Maria Joint Union Home School. Accredited high school program at Santa Maria Public Library. Interactive student-parent-teacher partnership providing educational resources and a mentor teacher. Students may qualify to enroll in community college courses in addition to their regular secondary classes. Students are eligible to participate in high school sports, clubs, and activities. Contact: 937-2051 X2761 or X2762.

Central Coast families are fortunate to have a wide variety of quality choices for their children’s education. Following are some options for those seeking secular alternative education. For more information on independent and religious schools, go to: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/sd or http://private-schools.findthebest.com/directory/a/California.

Templeton Independent Study High School. WASC accredited. Weekly meeting with teacher. Opportunity for early graduation and concurrent Cuesta College enrollment. Sites in Templeton and SLO at Los Ranchos Elementary School. Contact 434-5833. http://tae.tusd.ca.schoolloop.com/tishs.

West Mall Alternative School. Independent Study Home School in Atascadero. Contact: 462-4238, www.edline.net/pages/West_Mall_Alternative.

HOMESCHOOL ORGANIzATIONS California Homeschool Network is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the right of parents to educate their children. Their website provides information about current state and federal legislation affecting homeschooling families, and how to get started. Contact: 800 327-5339, http://californiahomeschool.net.

Homeschoolers of the Central Coast. An inclusive Yahoo! group for homeschoolers meeting on a regular basis for interaction and scheduled field trips: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_of_the_Central_Coast.

Santa Maria Inclusive Learners. A Yahoo! group offering free homeschool enrichment and support in the Santa Maria Valley: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/santa_maria_inclusive_learners.

Templeton Unified School District K-8 Home Schooling program: 434-5840 or http://tae.tusd.ca. schoolloop.com.

HOMESCHOOLING LINKS

http://www.hsc.orghttp://www.carschooling.comhttp://www.homeschool.comhttp://homeschoolcentral.com/

index.htmh t t p : / / w w w . h o m e s c h o o l n e w s

link.comhttp://www.homefires.comhttp://www.hslda.org

Note: This feature is published as space allows and is a work in progress. Please submit updates, corrections, or additional resources to: [email protected].

Alternative Educationon theCentral Coast

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Women’s Shelterof San Luis Obispo County

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www. womensshelterslo.org

The Village Salon

115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande

From Toni & Toni: (805) 489-5100

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