San Joaquin Kids March 2013

2 SAN JOAQUIN KIDS & PARENT MARCH/APRIL l 2013

Looking forward to being a new mom? Motherhood is an amazing journey and

the Women & Infants Center in St. Joseph’s beautiful Patient Pavilion is just

the place to start. New moms will enjoy the comfort of their own spacious, private

rooms, and feel pampered with small perks—like garden views, a hostess who takes bedside meal

orders, and freshly baked cookies delivered in the afternoon.

At St. Joseph’s, we are dedicated to your comfort, supplying advanced pain management, including

epidurals. You’ll feel reassured knowing there are new C-section surgical suites and a state-of-the-art

neonatal ICU. St. Joseph’s Medical Center has been awarded prestigious international recognition as

a Baby-Friendly® birth facility! The Baby-Friendly® designation honors hospitals that offer an optimal

level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

The birth of your baby is a story you’ll share time and time again. Choose the perfect setting—

St. Joseph’s Medical Center—where we’ve created a special place for motherhood to begin.

Begin motherhood in good hands.

209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 3

Fun for Kids, Plus a Bunch More to Do!

Follow us for updates and special giveaways on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

D i v i s i o n s

APRIL 26 - 28, 2013

AsparagusFest.com or call 209-644-3740

A Recipe

for Fun10AM - 7PM All Three Days

ASPARAGUS ICE CREAM SEA LION ENCOUNTER SKYY DOGS AND STUNT DOG PRODUCTIONS

ASPARABERRY SHORTCAKEASPARAZONE WITH RIDESVELOCITY CIRCUS

24383_ASP_PrepAd_SJ_Kids_Mag_03.indd 1 2/11/13 4:09 PM


14 Kids Tidbits Balloon Trees, Little Shop of Horrors

8 Spring Kids Calendar

18 Your Family A new twist on game night

26 Recommended Reading Librarian's Picks

16 Haute Items Getting A-Head

contents SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS & KIDS March | April 2013

20 16 28

8 24 26

24 Your Kids Spring Sports 20 FEATURE: Military Families by Jennifer Thornton

28 San Luis Opisbo Escape Even the most jaded teens can't help but crack a smile at SLO's laid-back sights. by Jennifer Thornton

18

209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 5 209.833.9989 I www.sanjoaquinKIDS.com 51-888-936-PLAN (7526) I www.hpsj.com

HEALTH PLAN OF SAN JOAQUIN MEANS...

- Hundreds of primary care physicians and specialists

- Easy access to your personal doctor

- Choice of hospitals and pharmacies

- Local and nationwide emergency care

- Free 24/7 advice nurse

- Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties

Eligibility guidelines apply and may be based in part on household income. Plan availability varies by county.


CONTACT USSan Joaquin Kids/Parent Magazine is published

6x a year by San Joaquin Magazine793 S. Tracy Blvd, Suite 230

Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: (209) 833-9989www.sanjoaquinkids.com

ADVERTISING OFFICE: 209.833.9989

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

ASSISTANT EDITORJessica Clare

CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Martinez

EDITORIAL INTERN Michele Bird

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETINGHeather Hilton-Rufo

Advertising Email: [email protected]

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Cox, Lauren Sturman,

Valerie Zoccoli, Christy Manzeck

ACCOUNTINGMelissa Peralta

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenn Thornton

PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Hood, Matthew James Photo,

Kristoffer Heacox, Dani Adams

WEB DESIGNER Violet Whitworth

DISTRIBUTION SERVICESRebecca Ristrim

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without

written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and

artwork are the property of Inside Magazines Publishing Company.

© 2012 Inside Magazines

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.


24

08/22/12 10:18

Executive CD:

Creative Director:

Art Director:

Writer:

Account Executive:

Production Supervisor:

Coordinator: Ext.

Title:

Market:

Run/Disk Date:

Color/Space:

Live:

Trim:

Bleed:

Notes:

Bill to:

REQ

CE:

Production Artist:

Task:

Spell checked

Required proof: Contract Laser Quick Print Mock-up

J. DiPiazza

M. Conboy

C. Kettering

B. Loose

A. Ngyuen

S. Osterrout

S. Schneider

Accolades gardner

Magazine

4C

6.875 10

7.875 10.5

9.5 11.25

Page 1 of 1

12KSZ0349

121063

2/0

Renee

type change

12KSM0416_C

{ }ASTHMA

LUNG

CANCER SCREENING

HEART

DIABETES

MATERNITY

MENTAL HEALTH

WE’RE RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION FOR QUALITY CARE.

BY FOCUSING ON THE BIG THINGS,

WE’RE HELPING YOU ENJOY MORE OF THE LITTLE THINGS.

*Based on HEDIS 2011 Commercial EOC Top Performance. For more information, go to http://www.ncqa.org/qualitycompass.aspx

From our innovative electronic medical records system to our fully integrated care teams, our unique approach to “total health” allows us to provide top-notch care that encompasses a range of important areas. It’s also why the National Committee for Quality Assurance ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California among the highest in the nation’s health plans in 2011, including Top Ten in the Nation on 12 quality measures.* By focusing on the things that matter most to you, we’re helping you get the most out of life. Learn more at kp.org/thrive

6.875 in.10

.0 in

.

7.875 in.10

.5 in

.

9.5 in.11

.25

in.


COMPILED BY MICHELE BIRD

Chinese New Year Parade and FestivalMarch 3, Stockton

The CNYC of Stockton is hosting the 35th

annual Chinese New Year Parade and

Festival this March to celebrate the Year of

the Snake. This fun-filled day is the perfect

outing for families, couples, and kids of

all ages. There will be an exciting parade

going through downtown Stockton followed

by a festival featuring activities such as

live entertainment, demonstrations, and

a raffle giveaway. Don’t miss out on your

chance to celebrate history and make new

memories with your loved ones. 10 a.m.

Free. Parade: North El Dorado Street & East

Weber Ave. Festival: Stockton Memorial

Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,

stocktoncnyc.org

The Redhead Express & Walker Family at Hutchins Street SquareMarch 14, Lodi

Calling all country, bluegrass, and Americana music fans! The Redhead

Express & Walker Family will be bringing their energetic live show to

Lodi on March 14. Concertgoers are surely in for a night filled with

good music and an unforgettable live performance from both bands.

7 p.m. Tickets $25. Charlene Powers Lange Performing Arts Theatre,

125 S. Hutchins St., (209) 333-6782, hutchinsstreetsquare.com

MARCHAPRIL 2013C

ALE

ND

AR


22nd Annual Trivia Bee March 15, Stockton

The 22nd annual Trivia Bee is getting ready

to kick off on March 15. Various trivia teams

will be competing for the Bee Bobble Head

Award and Best Team Name. Audience

members will also have the chance to

walk away with Best Costume and Best

Decorated Table awards. With this year’s

theme as “Bee a Good Sport,” trivia teams

made of three people are encouraged to

enter this fun and educational contest.

Team entry fee including dinner for each

team member $550. Stockton Memorial

Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,

(209) 910-4548, sjcliteracy.org

2013 Brubeck FestivalMarch 18 – 23, Stockton

Attention all jazz music fans! The 2013

Brubeck Festival will be kicking off on March

18 through March 23 throughout Stockton.

The six-day festival will feature a variety of

live music performances and educational

lectures. Headlining this year’s event will be

nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis

and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The festival is a perfect event

for people of all ages and if you’re not already a jazz fan, you’re bound

to walk away one. Event times vary. Ticket prices vary. Events will be

held throughout Stockton, (209) 946-3275, pacific.edu

The Haggin Museum’s 81st Annual McKee Student Art ExhibitionMarch 21 – May 5, Stockton

Do your kids love art? The Haggin Museum will be

featuring a variety of art from students in kindergarten

through 12th grade at the 81st Annual McKee Student

Art Exhibition. Pieces that will be on display include two-

dimensional art, photographs, mixed-media pieces, and

digital shorts. The exhibition is a perfect family outing,

especially for those who artistic and creative. Maybe you

may even see an entry of your own on display! Times

vary. Ticket prices vary. The Haggin Museum, 1201 N.

Pershing Ave., (209) 940-6300, hagginmuseum.org

Catastrophic MMA Cage FightsMarch 23, Stockton

Are you an MMA cage fighting fan? How about health

products and fashion? Presented by “The Fight

For Stockton Project” and MAV Organization, the

Catastrophic Cage Fights will be held on March 23. In

addition to the cage fights, there will also be a fashion

show, fit expo, more than 20 booths, food, and more

at this event! With something for everyone, make sure to

purchase your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this

action packed and mind-blowing day. 2 p.m. Ticket prices

vary. Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St.,

(209) 812-5517, mavorg.org

featuring a variety of art from students in kindergarten

through 12th grade at the 81st Annual McKee Student

Art Exhibition. Pieces that will be on display include two-

dimensional art, photographs, mixed-media pieces, and

digital shorts. The exhibition is a perfect family outing,

especially for those who artistic and creative. Maybe you

may even see an entry of your own on display! Times

The Haggin Museum, 1201 N.

MARCHAPRIL 2013C

ALE

ND

AR


4th Annual4th Annual

SAVE the DATE!SATURDAY May 11, 2013

“Fun for Everyone”

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT 209.957.3340 EXT. 195

smhsoliveoilfestival.com

Food • Entertainment • Farmers Market Cooking Demos • Kid’s Zone • Bocce

4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual

millennium dental Focusing on children dental care

www.mil lennium-dental .net

Our ServiceS include:

• Orthodontics

& Invisalign

• treatment for Infants

• Implants

• Cosmetic dentistry

• Zoom 1-hour teeth Whitening

Stockton 2363 W. March Lane • 209.952.3951 | Tracy 436 West Beverly Place • 209.835.6487


MARCHAPRIL 2013C

ALE

ND

AR 21st Annual Mad

Hatter’s Tea PartyMarch 30, Stockton

Have you ever wished you could attend a mad hatter’s

tea party? Beginning back in 1993 by the Haggin

Museum Store Auxiliary, the 21st Annual Mad Hatter’s

Tea Party will be held on March 30. Classic characters

from Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland will be making

appearances such as the White Rabbit, the Queen

of Hearts, and much more! There will also be tea,

cookies, and other treats for guests. This delightful tea

party is perfect for people of any age because Alice In

Wonderland is sure to bring out the kid at heart in all

of us. 10:30 a.m. Tickets $15 for adults, $10 for children

under 12. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., (209)

940-6316, hagginmuseum.org

Dell’Osso Mud Run on the Farm April 6, Lathrop

Does a day full of running, food, drinks, and of course

mud interest you? The Dell’Osso Mud Run on the

Farm will be offering participants a day full of just that!

Participants who enter the race will be challenged to a

5k run full of mud and an obstacle course. Spectators

will also be welcome to the race where there will be

a variety of food, drinks, and an entertaining race to

watch. You must be 12 or older to enter. Additional

race details and rules can be found online. 8 a.m.

Dell’Osso Family Farm, 501 Manthey Rd., (209) 982-0833,

mudonthefarm.com

Vaudeville Festival April 19 – 21, Tracy

Downtown Tracy will be enchanted by the Vaudeville

Festival this April with a weekend full of magic,

illusions, and more! Participants will have an endless

amount of activities to choose from including a street

fair, various workshops on topics from clowning

to juggling, and an animal show. The Vaudeville

Festival will definitely be an entertaining and magical

experience for all! Event times vary. Ticket prices

vary. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central

Ave., (209) 831-6858, atthegrand.org

Stockton Asparagus FestivalApril 26 – 28, Stockton

The Stockton Asparagus Festival will be back for

another year on April 26 – 28. The weekend will be

full of food, rides, live entertainment, and a whole lot

of asparagus, too! Dating back to 1986, the Stockton

Asparagus Festival is a yearly tradition for all San

Joaquin County residents. Don’t forget to purchase

tickets and bring your family, friends, and asparagus

lovers for a memorable weekend this April. 10 a.m.

Ticket prices vary. Downtown Stockton Waterfront,

221 N. Center St., (209) 644-3740, asparagusfest.com


Free Public Charter Schools Open to all students in San Joaquin County

Grades K-12International Baccalaureate

ProgramsAuthorized IB Diploma Program

APPlICAtIOnS AvAIlABle At

1 N. Sutter Street, Stockton • 209-390-9861AnD OnlIne At www.stocktoncollegiate.org

354 Lincoln Center • Stockton www.shopsassypants.com

209.451.9775

EastER stoRy timE Saturday March 23 at 11:30. Stories, snacks, and egg hunt.

Special discounts hidden in some lucky eggs!!

Discover the world of reptiles through arts, crafts, and other amazing activities!

Come face to face with reptiles of all shapes and sizes!

A hands-on experience brought to you by local reptile stores and museums!

Saturday, April 6, 2013 10:00am- 3:00pm


Little Shop of HorrorsBY JESSICA CLARE

Parents, there’s a good chance you already know and love

Little Shop of Horrors; be it the mid 80s Rick Moranis, Ellen

Greene, and Steve Martin version; the ongoing and much

beloved Off-Broadway musical; or the 1960 adaptation that

featured a pre-The Shining Jack Nicholson. If your kids have

reached that magical age where they can appreciate the

nuances of dark humor and heavy sarcasm, it might be time

to show them this cult classic--so why not do it right?

From March 6 through March 30, the Stockton Civic Theatre

will be running this rock opera, fi lling the iconic roles like

Seymour and Audrey with local talents under the direction of

James Reed. Catch a matinee with the family and catch a new

spin on this classic boy-meets-girl-meets-carnivorous-plant

tale. Even the moodiest of teens should be able to appreciate

the brooding humor and close-to-home angst of wanting

someone you can’t have, minus all the reality TV-esque

drama. And of course, with infi nitely more laughs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Stockton Civic Theatre2312 Rosemarie LaneStockton, (209) 473-2424sctlivetheatre.com

Where do BALLOONScome from? BY JESSICA CLARE

The World of Wonders Science Museum will host their very first book signing

on April 13, featuring Lodi native and children’s book author Danna Smith. In her

most recent book, The Balloon Trees, Smith drew inspiration from her husband’s

work running a rubber manufacturing plant. Her rhythmic, whimsical story of a

balloon’s journey from tree sap to birthday party adornment aims to give kids

a bit of insight about where everyday items come from and show a bit of the

science behind manufacturing in a kid-friendly, vibrant, and enthralling way.

In the spirit of her pro-educational style of writing, there are also interactive

activities available online to compliment the story. Smith will do readings of The

Balloon Trees at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for any interested kids and parents.

You can see the rest of Smith’s published picture books on her website,

dannasmithbooks.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:World of Wonders Science Museum2 N Sacramento St., Lodi(209) 368-0969, wowsciencemuseum.com


Carousel Children’s Consignment

“New items added daily!” Clothes 0-16

Baby Gear · Furniture · Toys · Books · Maternity

Open Monday thru Saturday 10 to 5

Now accepting consignments. No appointment necessary!

209.831.9140 | 29 W. 10th St, Tracytracycarouselconsignment.comtracycarouselconsignment.com

Like us on Facebook

Salida Surgery Centerwww.salidasurgerycenter.com

(209) 543-9299

State-of-the-Art Facility

Licensed & Certified By the State of California

Friendly Staff

5712 Pirrone Rd., Salida, CAVisa • Mastercard Accepted

Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal & Most Insurances Accepted

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAYCALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299(209) 543-9299

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAYCALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

www.SalidaSurgeryCenter.com

A leading dental surgery center designed with children & developmentally disabled in mind, specializing in providing an excellent alternative in dental care for patients that otherwise cannot be treated under conventional means.

Established since 2004State-of-the-Art FacilityComplete Dental Treatment in One VisitFully Equipped Operating RoomsLicensed & Certifi ed By the State of California

5712 Pirrone Rd., SalidaMAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

Medi-Cal & Most Insurance Accepted

99

Hammett

to Stockton

to Modesto

Gateway

Our Location

Pirrone RdSince 2004, Salida Surgery Center has been providing quality dentistry to children and special needs patients. We specialize in providing general anesthesia for all our patients that cannot be treated in a regular dental office due to anxiety, fear, young age, or requires extensive dental treatment. Please visit our website for more information.

SanJoaquinT H E P R E M I E R M A G A Z I N E O F C E N T R A L VA L L E Y L I V I N G m a g a z i n e

7 t h A n n u a l 2013 Best of SanJoaquin

Cast Your Vote

Visit our website to vote:www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Win Dinner on Us!

OVER $500 in Restaurant Gift Certificates are up for grabs.

Each completed ONLINE ballot will be entered to win.

BESTSAN JOAQUIN

M A G A Z I N E

G O L D W I N N E R

OF

20

13


Getting A-Head[HAUTE ITEMS] BY JESSICA CLARE

Golden Plaid Fedora by Fore!! Axel and HudsonAvailable at Sassypants

354 Lincoln CenterStockton, (209) 451-9775

shopsassypants.comStockton, (209) 451-9775

shopsassypants.com

Bittersweet Beanie by Hula Mula

Available at hulamula.com

Shaddow Knit Hat by Hula Mula

Available at hulamula.com

Star Wars Character Plush HatsAvailable at thinkgeek.com

Gunther Fedora by QuiksilverAvailable at ZoopALoop

21 Downtown MallLodi, (209) 367-1444

zoopaloop.com

Linen Driver Cap by Fore!! Axel and HudsonAvailable at Sassypants

354 Lincoln Center, Stockton(209) 451-9775, shopsassypants.com


209.478.CAKE (2253)Hammer Ranch Center

7610 Pacific Ave., Suite B6Stockton, CA 95207

www.cupcakemania.net

209.Hammer Ranch Center

7610 Pacific Ave., Suite B6

www.cupcakemania.net

209.

CElEbRAtE yourEvEnts

withCupCAKEs

spECiAlty CAKEs & CAKE pops

Birthdays • WeddingsBridal Showers & Much More!

EE

AKEsops

Bridal Showers & Much More!

Celebrating 20 Years!6311 Pacific Ave. • Stockton

209.951.KIDS209.951.KIDS

Enhancing Early Education• Affordable Fees • Small Child/Staff Ratio• Outdoor Area • Flexible Hours

50 Years of Combined Experience! Programs for Infants/Toddlers from2 Weeks to 2 Years Old.Preschool Program for 2 to 5 Years Olds

Est. 1992

• Affordable Fees • Small Child/Staff Ratio

50 Years of Combined Experience!

• Affordable Fees • Small Child/Staff Ratio

50 Years of Combined Experience!

Preschool Program for 2 to 5 Years Olds

209.951.KIDS209.951.KIDS

Your one stop for School Supplies, Educational Toys, Games and Fun!

Kumon Study Supplies, Science Projects, Art Kits, Music and so much more!

STOCKTON:5757 Pacific Ave. ( Stonecreek Village )

209-473-3700Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm • Sun: 12pm-5pm

MODESTO:1700 McHenry Ave. Ste. 61 ( McHenry Village )

209-491-2937Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm • Sat: 10am-5pm • Sun: Noon-4pm

www.learninghands-on.com

Art Easelby Melissa and Doug

Melissa & Doug Scratch Art

Calico Critters Adventure Tree House

John Deere Sit and Scoot ATV

Pete the Cat


FAMILYGame NIGHT For most anyone under thirty, playing games tends to involve electronics and an Internet connection—

but fear not, parents, for board games are making a comeback in a big way. Old favorites like Scrabble and Pictionary (though “Draw Something” may be a more familiar name these days) are popular apps, and savvy

companies like Milton Bradley and Hasbro have given their staples a modern facelift. If you want to talk your kids into trading the controller for some dice every once in a while, try out one of these more contemporary options.

BY JESSICA CLARE

APPLES TO APPLES(12 and up, 4-10 players)You’ve probably already seen, played, or at least heard of this wordy game, but for the uninitiated, here’s the gist: Players take turns matching nouns to adjectives, and take turns deciding which pairings are the most accurate (or funniest, depending on the mood). The sheer randomness of the cards promise that hilarity will ensue in any game, and offers a sneaky brush-up on vocabulary for both you and your kids—this game is one of Mensa’s official favorites, but don’t worry, everyone will be laughing too hard to notice they’re learning anything. Keep an eye out for variants on the original game like Disney Apples to Apples or Sour Apples, in which players pick the worst answers (There’s also a rated R version of the game, Cards Against Humanity, free for download at cardsagainsthumanity.com, but you’ll want to save this one for grown-up game nights). Available at Target and most major retailers.

SETTLERS OF CATAN(10 and up, 4 players)Monopoly may be one of the most well-known board games, but it can also be the most grueling—games often involve arguments about who will be banker, back-handed dealings for the last railroad, and tend to finish when players get bored and move on to something else (seriously, how often has anyone played a game of Monopoly through to the end?). The increasingly popular Settlers of Catan takes the capitalist, cutthroat spirit at the heart of Monopoly and reduces it down to a much simpler (and easier to finish) form—players build up towns, cities, and roads while competing for the raw materials they need to expand. In-game politicking, like trading cards with others or teaming up against the leaders, are encouraged, and the game play is short enough that tempers don’t have time to rise. There are also expansion packs, so if you get bored with the core game, new rules and pieces await.

Available at Gamer’s Path 234 W Yosemite Ave., Manteca, (209) 239-8573

RISK LEGACY(12 and up, 3-5 players)Traditional Risk has been around since the 50s, so chances are, you’ve already played a few tense games of world domination. The latest revamp of this classic game takes cues from video games and adds a unique interactive element—it’s intended to be played as a fifteen game competition between the same players, and the end of each game introduces elements and consequences that affect future games, and secret elements contain game-changing rules and elements that can turn territories into nuclear wastelands or prompt an alien invasion. Stickers are added to the board to make sure any changes are permanent, so your fifteenth game is guaranteed to be very different from your first. Streamlined rules mean that the gameplay is much faster than typical Risk, too, and the ever-changing board and challenges will keep everyones’ interest for all fifteen games. This game is not without a bit of fun dramatic flair—look for the “Do Not Open Ever” envelope at the bottom of the box and carefully consider whether or not to follow that advice.Can be special ordered from Comics Grapevine in Lodi 9 W Pine St., Lodi, (209) 368-1096


Giving birth is a special time for you, your baby and your family.

Doctors Hospital of Manteca’s family-centered birthing suites are specially

designed for your special delivery.

To find out more or schedule a tour

call 209-239-8322.

For a Physician Referral: 1.800.470.7229

Great results .

Great Expectations.

Mammography

Breast Health Program

Maternity Services

Imaging Services

1205 E North Street • Manteca

www.doctorsmanteca.comDownload a QR code readeron your smart phone.Scan here to visit our site. 209.774.0819

7475 Murray Drive Suite 11 · Stockton, CA 95210www.thezionacademyofmusic.org

Piano · Drums/Percussion · Bass GuitarViolin · Cello · Woodwinds · Brass

Language Arts · Literacy Through PhotographyK-2 Music Fundamentals · Musical Theater

Now enrolling for Summer 2013

Join us for spring Music festMay 29-31, 2013

Please see our website for more details

Winners of the 2012-2013 Stockton Arts Commission Grant

Twitter@ZionAcademy

“Teaching Training & Inspiring Young Musicians Since 1997”

Our mission at St. Peter Lutheran School is to assist parents in the training of their children through Christ-centered teaching and excellence in academic curriculum.

Pre-school and kindergarten-8th grade2400 Oxford Way, Lodi

www.stpeterlodi.com | 209.333.2225

NOW ENROLLING!From Preschool through Grade Eight

We are here for your family!

BY JENN THORNTON

“Hero” is a word too commonly used—a tag carelessly slapped

on to high-profi le athletes, reality TV “stars” and big-screen

caped crusaders. But heroism is a far greater enterprise than

false idol worship. Sometimes, heroes look like you and me;

sometimes they’re behind us in line at the grocery store. Very

often heroes struggle to get through the days, weeks, and

months, with four kids in tow and little support.


“the moment we help a family member, whether it be with a job, fi ling for fi nancial

assistance or something else. It’s knowing that we’re providing that support.”


None of this is a surprise to the countless military

families facing repeated deployments (up to 13

month stretches for California National Guard

members); fi nancial and emotional strain; the missing

of milestones (births, birthdays, graduations, etc);

and temporary single parenthood for non-deployed

parents. The long absences are diffi cult for everyone

involved to endure, but they also build strength

within the family unit, while stressing oft-over

looked and unheralded values of service, purpose

and community above self-interest. Naturally,

these sacrifi cing families are some of the

most hardy around, undertaking the above

challenges and others with the resilience

that is their hallmark.

It is the unique spirit of the enduring military

family that motivates Angelina Morlock to take up

her post with the California National Guard Family

Assistance Program, which, as part of Operation

Ready Families, acts as a resource hub, offering

essential services to Guard families. For her,

gratifi cation comes from “the moment we help a

family member, whether it be with a job, fi ling for

fi nancial assistance or something else. It’s knowing

that we’re providing that support.”

Support extends to all military families and

members (active, retired, or reserved), regardless

of their branch affi liation. This universal undertaking

makes Operation Ready Families a true bridge

serving those who have or continue to serve the

nation. Streamlining the process for all, Family

Assistance—a statewide program operating in

16 counties, including San Joaquin County—

leverages its community partnerships to provide

guidance and fi nancial resources to military families

(members are contacted 30 days prior to, once a

month during, and 90 days after deployment). The

sole responsibility of its sibling, however, the Child

and Youth Program, is to support military children

through camps, leadership training and related

initiatives.

This year, to honor the “Month of the Military

Child,” the youth-centric program’s Teen Council

will host its 2nd annual Child and Youth Ball, April

27, in Sacramento. Although only for National

Guard children, the local community is welcome

to back and/or sponsor the event through the

program’s partner, River City Blue Star Moms

(rivercitybluestarmoms.com).

Both these branches of Operation Ready Families

are particularly important to local Guard families,

who, as part of a reserve component, do not benefi t

from the cohesion that living on a base breeds

and encourages. “One thing we understand as

Guardsmen and reservists,” elaborates Morlock,

“is that families feel disconnected. That’s why the

Guard implemented a reconnection to military life.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OPERATION

READY FAMILIES AND ITS PROGRAMS:

visit calguard.ca.gov

Sports With the spring season right around the

corner, it means the return of warm weather, allergies, and of course, sports. Spring is full of almost any sport you can think of, from cheerleading to baseball. Whether your kids prefer to be in the pool or out on the fi eld, there is a spring sport out there for everyone. Sports are something that interest people of all ages. Whether you start at age two or fi fty-two, the love for a sport is important and the experience you get out of it is unforgettable. From memorable moments in the game to championships, sports offer a unique experience each season. Not every sport is the same game, but they all offer a fun outlet to exercise and be active each day. Sports are not only a great way to stay healthy, but can also be fi lled with friendships. Many of your children’s teammates can

end up being lifelong friendships, which is important during adolescence. Sports can also be a bonding experience because you are learning important qualities such as trust, dedication, and teamwork. For kids who have great hand-eye coordination, they could excel in sports such as softball and baseball. Many teams such as Tracy Express Fastpitch Softball have already begun spring practices to prepare for the upcoming season. Leagues vary based on location and it is best to check offi cial websites, call, or e-mail for additional registration and scheduling information. If you missed registration for those sports, you could also participate in private lessons. It is a great opportunity to improve skill level and prepare for the next season. Other spring sport options include youth football and cheerleading. Registration dates for teams throughout San Joaquin County vary. The Tokay Jr Tigers kicked off registration for the 2013 season on January 20. Registration will continue through May 18. Offi cial details can be found on the offi cial Tokay Jr Tigers website. The Tracy Buccaneers, a youth football and cheerleading team, will begin signing up returning players and siblings starting March 10. New players will be able to sign up on March 17 at Monticello Elementary School in Tracy, California from 1 – 4 p.m. If your kids are like fi sh and would rather be in the water than running on the fi eld, they would be perfect on a swimming or

water polo team. There are various teams located throughout San Joaquin County, such as the Lodi Swim and Water Polo Club as well as the Tracy Triton Swim Club. The Tracy Tritons will begin registration starting on March 2 for returning members and March 24 for new members. No matter which sport you decide to take part in, just remember to have a good time and a lot of fun. Sports are not always about winning, but also for the love of the game. You will walk away with a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to be part of a strong team. You never know, maybe your kid will end up the next Superbo wl winner or Olympic gold medalist!

SportsSpring

BY MICHELE BIRD



Each child has a gEm insidE.

Academy of Performing Arts

“Come make something of yourself”

The Academy of Performing Arts’ mission is to provide a positive, self-esteem building, highly effective dance and performing art educational experience.

now enrolling for

SpringsessionsAges 18 monThs Thru ProfessionAl

124 West 10th st. Tracy, CAPhone: (209) 830-9296 Just across from Tracy Presswww.apaoftracy.com

Thank you for voting APA Best of the Best in Tracy, once again!

Early Education inclusion. PrEschool

mckinley school & Wanda hirsch schoolTUsd side by side inclusion Program

in cooperation with tusd/sjcoE

209.830.9296www.apaoftracy.com

Early Education Early Education iinclusion. Prnclusion. PrEEschoolschool

mckinley school & Wanda

n cooperation with tusd/sjcoE

209.830.9296www.apaoftracy.com

1st place state champions

Miss Moria 209.321.8512

[email protected]

Winstar AcademyWinstar Academy Gymnastics Tumbling Sports Acrobatics Jammin’ Gym Ages 18 months to Young Adult

San Joaquin Locations

Lathrop and Tracyprofessional coach

safety certified

www.apaoftracy.comwww.apaoftracy.com

Winstar Academy

sPEcialTuition at

mcKinley school if you enroll by

april 15

Professional Indoor Baseball and softball

training facility for all ages.established in 1997

baseball and softball playersget ready for an all star 2013 season

(209(.833.BALL280 E. Larch rd. #117, Tracy, cA

visit our website for all event information

www.allamericansportsacademy.net

Elite Baseball classestaught by gregg Jefferies sports Academy

start March 5th,2013

Easter baseball and softball campat Rainbow fields in Modesto

April 1st,2013

All American sportsAcademy Baseball

Pitching campApril 19, 2013

city of Tracy Baseball and softball

summer campJune 10-13, 2013

Nike softball summer camps

June and July 2013

Academy services:competitive travel teams private and group lessons

Team and individual batting cage rentalscoaches clinic college recruiting services

Recreational and travel team clinicsstrength, speed and agility training

ompetitive travel teams private and group lessons

oaches clinic college recruiting services

WWW.IMPACTSPORTSCENTER.COM

1110 W. KETTLEMAN LANE • LODI, CA 95240 • 209.369.2436

GYMNASTICSTUMBLINGPARKOURCHEERNASTICSBIRTHDAY PARTIESOPEN GYM PLAYTIMENEW PLAY CENTERHUGE FOAM PIT

KIDS BOUNCE HOUSESZIP LINEROCKWALL

CALL 209.369.2436 FOR A FREE TRIAL CLASS!

CLASSES FOR ALL AGES STARTING AT WALKINGMORNING & AFTERNOON CLASSES AVAILABLEEXPERIENCED STAFF

FOLLOW US ON

IT’s COLD OUTSIDE


“AWESOME AIR PRESSURE” WITH THE SCIENCE WIZARDWhen: March 28 at 3:30 pm at the Maya Angelou Branch Library (2324 Pock Ln., Stockton)


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

BOOK CLUBS, STORY TIMES AND

OTHER PROGRAMS, visit ssjcpl.org.

Fine Art Classes for Kids and Adults

Coming Soon Summer Art CAmpSSee website for camp schedule.

Sign-up eArly

● year round Classes ● Kids & Adult Classes● Birthday parties● All mediumsAll Classes are private & doors are locked during class

mention this ad for list of

discounts209.939.9931 229 E. Alpine Ave.● Stockton ● www.artkorner.com

Infant Care, Preschool, Pre-K & After SchoolFull Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks Served Daily

Conveniently located nearMarch Lane & Pacific Ave. in Stockton

PreschoolFull Time Day Care

209.956.54374453 Precissi Lane, Stockton

Visit us @ www.WriteStartLearningCenter.net


When it comes to vacation, “fussy” is just another thing my family packs. Being parents of a 'tween has a little something to do with it. That, and none of us can agree on anything. My hus-band is a science type (nature centers are huge), I’m creative, and our daughter? Well, let’s just say that unless adventure an-swers to the name Justin Bieber, she’s hard to dazzle these days.

Things as they are, we don’t stray too far from familiar stomping grounds. Though it’s hard to compete with fl ashy provinces like Tahoe and Los Angeles, California’s striking Central Coast holds its own with some of the best scenes in the state. And still, it lurks unforgivably low on the must-go radar. For families like mine, this is particularly pitiful given the region’s bevy of playgrounds—from historic San Simeon and fog-shrouded Morro Bay to beach-house-crazy Cambria and pleasures beyond (inland, Paso Robles buzzes with wonderful wine and in less commercialized Cayucos, a rickety pier delights). But of all these coastal outposts, one emerges with the best of everything: San Luis Obispo (or “SLO” if you’re local). It’s here my “fussy” family converges af-ter a long road trip, much to the chagrin of my daughter, who was not all thrilled when I suggested we stow all technology for the ride. In its place, old-fashioned fun, including sing-a-longs to—her words not mine—“really bad music.” It’s not until we promise to ban U2 that the fi rst round of license-plate bingo commences. By the time we roll into SLO, situated mid-point between San Francisco and Los An-

LUIS LUIS!

SHORE UP FOR FUN IN FAMILY-FRIENDLY

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BY JENNIFER THORNTON

LUIS


geles, my daughter is “totally over” the alphabet game. Out of steam ourselves, we luck out. It’s Thurs-day, the day SLO freshens up with a renowned street fair masquerading as a farmers’ market (sanluiscounty.com). Here, downtown comes alive with peddlers of freshly plucked or-ganics, street performers, and garage bands galore. A balloon animal artist soon lifts my daughter out of her funk, I take a shine to jugglers with Cirque du Soleil-level skills, and my husband finds refuge in homemade cheese. And that bike valet? A big hit. No wonder the USA Today anointed SLO “The Happiest Place in the USA.” Two hours in and we’re drinking the Kool-Aid, too. (Truthfully, we’re guzzling it.) Soon enough we agree to skipping rocks at SLO Creek, a stream that snakes through the middle of town, and just when I think things

can’t get more surreal, we’re strolling down Bubblegum Alley, home to 1.7 million pieces of gum, some recast into mindboggling displays of artistic genius. My daughter quickly joins a gathering of other kids who’ve also broken free from the grasp of their embarrassing parents and are now gleefully smacking their gum in a rousing chorus of cool. I blame the balloon guy for alerting my daughter to her newfound Picasso tendencies—for one hour she relent-lessly works at fashioning something that never does provide any clarity. But one thing is totally clear: we’re all hav-ing a much better time than we had in the car. And not just us; everyone is ir-repressibly cheery. But if you lived in a town that’s in the perpetual hug of ver-dant hills just ten miles from the Pacific, you’d be giddy, too. Proximity like this yields endless op-portunity for adventure, from biking and

hiking to fringe recreation like hot-air ballooning. We discuss all possibilities the next morning over breakfast at the Madonna Inn (see sidebar), a legend-ary hotel known for its dizzying array of charming-to-odd interiors. We sift through the surplus of options, giving tractor rides, the Children’s Museum, and Mission Plaza their due consider-ation before whittling down our list to a doable itinerary over a heap of syrup-soaked pancakes. For my daughter, fun boils down to the beach, while my hubby and I are keen to discover what we’ve been told (correctly, in fact) is a worthy wine country. If we had forgot-ten how collaborative we can be—es-pecially when killing time between anti-quated car games—we’re reminded by the time the check arrives. In a fairer world—one with more time, an even-tempered child and endless re-sources—we would do everything, but


instead we spend a sun-fi lled day at Avila Beach (visitavilabeach.com). A lo-cal’s secret, most tourists skip this place in favor of more popular pit stops in Pismo and Morro Bay, but don’t make that mistake. Here you’ll fi nd a petting zoo and hayrides at Avila Valley Barn (avilavalleyba-rn.com); abundant aqua-culture at Sea Life Center (sealifecenter.org) minus the Monterey Aquarium-esque crowds, and the Point San Luis Lighthouse (sanluislighthouse.org). And by all means, take time to canvass the area’s vintage points. Almost all SLO wineries are bou-tique producers, meaning

operations are small but accommodating. Among the more family-friendly options are Baileyana (bai-leyana.com), which offers lovely picnic grounds and bocce ball, and Sextant Winery (sextantwine.com). Located at the Old Edna Townsite, this spot gives wiggly kids the run of its expansive grounds (and the deli is fantastic, too). By the time the mid-night strikes on our vaca-tion, we’ve rediscovered our rhythm. I hand over the iPad and Dad gets in a little Joshua Tree. Slowly, we make our way home… and while it’s a lot more peaceful, it’s not quite SLO enough.

DETOUR: HEARST CASTLE Set aside one day to visit Hearst Castle (hearstcastle.com). Call it what it is—a gi-normous, 165-room monument to excess perched high above San Simeon. This his-toric hill-topper, dubbed “the ranch” by its newspaper magnate owner, William Randolph Hearst, hosted luminaries in its heyday, among them his mistress Marion Davies (no word if the ornate theater on-site screens Citizen Kane, Orson Welles’ classic retelling of Hearst, his silent-fi lm actress honey and his expansive homage to opulence). Not having lost a shred of its Spanish-style luster, this wondrous spec-tacle (one of California’s principal draws) stuns with sprawling surrounds—the prop-erty once boasted the world’s largest zoo. Though things have since settled down, you’ll still fi nd bountiful gardens, ancient statuary, and other magnifi cent spoils, plus a unique mix of architecture, most grandly on display in two shimmering pools—the exterior one beckoning unsupervised kids to jump in, especially on a hot day, so keep them close; and its less touted but equally impressive interior counterpart, lavishly de-tailed with Moorish embellishments.

SLUMBER PARTY! If you’ve got kids, then you know that hanging out with the inn crowd must some-how factor into your trip plans. Here it’s at the quirky Madonna Inn (madonnainn.com). Though campy, this Willy Wonka-like won-derland is imaginative times ten, dazzling onlookers and visitors alike with 110 themed rooms (one memorably, if not shockingly, doused in hot-pink paint) and, sometimes, with truly bizarre extravagances—you’re not seeing things, men, that urinal is indeed a waterfall. And yet, for all its wacky splen-dor, the place is a spitting good time. Not only does the centrally located Inn have all possible accoutrements to legitimately earn “resort hotel” status (spa, fi tness center, restaurants, shopping), it also boasts ideal proximity to downtown SLO and the sand dunes of South County. If staying elsewhere, be sure to stop by for the buttery delights routinely coming out of the oven at the Inn’s popular bakery, and do not miss a slice of the grand dame’s pink Champagne cake—it’s legendary.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER LODGING, DINING AND WINERY CHOICES AND MORE INFO:sanluisobispocounty.com


** Source: Panel data, 2009

Healthy products born and raised in California.

Available at retail locations in: Stockton • Manteca • Lodi • Modesto • Fresno Sacramento • San Jose • Oakland • Concord

Pittsburg • Visalia • San Francisco

Healthy products born and raised in California.

Please ask your retailer to carry us. • www.earlyon.com

• 12 popular flavors (7 fruit, 5 vegetables) • All natural with no added sugar, salt or preservatives • The only branded baby food made in California using primarily locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Side by side taste tests rate quality equal to or better than national brands.**

Serving San Joaquin County since 1965, the Central Valley Youth Symphony provides young people ages 8-22 with the opportunity to play great symphonic music while making new friends! Weekly rehearsals at the University of the Pacific in Stockton prepare our student musicians for 3-4 concerts each season in Stockton, Tracy and Lodi. CVYS features two orchestras, and students in both groups receive expert coaching from Music Director Thomas Derthick and Preparatory Orchestra Conductor Shane Kalbach, with assistance from faculty and students from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music.

A Tradition of Excellence...The Central Valley Youth Symphony Association

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOUR CHILD CAN BECOME PART OF THIS OUTSTANDING PROGRAM!

1-888-FOR- CVYSwww.cvys.org | [email protected]

the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music.

A Tradition of Excellence...The Central

INFORMING PARENTS • ENRICHING FAMILIES

San Joaquin Kids

Contact San Joaquin Kids Magazine today to ensure that your included in our next Kids Edition

209.833.9989 • www.sanjoaquinkids.com

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Edition

If your business helps kids... promote it for as little as $195Mommies, Daddies andGrandparents will be glad you did

The Area’s OnlyMagazine For

PARENTS

San Joaquin Kids March 2013

Documents

Transcript of San Joaquin Kids March 2013