San Joaquin Parents & Kids Magazine May/June 2015

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

parents

MAY/JUNE 2015SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

LATHROP | LODI | MANTECA | RIPON | STOCKTON | TRACY

PUBLICATIO

N

The importance of Art Exploration for

Children of all Ages

ALSO:

Mother's Day Brunch

Sunshine Essentials

Watch Your Garden Grow

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4 THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

May/June8 | A Day on the Farm The farmers invite children to get a taste of the ranch life through informative tours of the land, the crops, machinery, and core values that come with caring for the farm throughout all times of the year.

8 | Rubber Ducky Race On May 9th thousands of rubber ducks will make their way down McLeod Lake’s watercourse in a race to support the many programs offered by the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County.

10 | Young Bankers As parents, we work to teach kindness, honesty and instill characteristics supportive of a successful life. Learn more about how to nurture your children’s financial understanding with help from Bank of Stockton’s Vice President and Branch Administrator Mary Elizabeth Eberhardt.

12 | Morning, Mom!A few our our top picks for Mother's Day Brunch in San Joauquin

14 | Art With Heart The Mary Graham Children's Foundation's Annual Kids Art Auction on May 13th gives residents an awesome opportunity to purcahse student created art and support an amazing cause. Learn more here!

16 | Art & Kids: The importance of Art Exploration for Children of all Ages

20 | Sunshine EssentialsGet theses local, cute looks for the kids!

22 | Transforming Stockton's Youth

24 | Watch Your Garden Grow

26 | Calendar

30 | Last Word

{2015}

10

On the CoverMODEL KARIS ELIZABETH BOYCE (7)

PHOTOGRAPHER JANDA MCMANUS-PALMEROwner of Sweet Sister's Photography

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MAY 2015 / JUNE 2015

PUBLISHER | EDITOR Tony Zoccoli

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

David Martinez

MANAGING EDITORLindsey Rodrian

SECTION EDITORMelissa Hutsell

TRAVEL EDITORDon Jackson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Cox, Neelam Patel

ART & EDITORIALREGULAR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nora Heston Tarte, Heather Reagan-Isbill, Rachael Kanner, Elizabeth Borsting

PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Hood

DISTRIBUTION SERVICESRebecca Ristrim

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING OFFICESCONTACT US

San Joaquin Parents Magazine published bi-monthly by

San Joaquin Magazine318 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240

Phone: (209) 833-9989www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

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MAY/JUNE l 2015 SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE 7

A Day at the

Farm BY MELISSA HUTSELL

Countryside Farms has shared the farm experience with San Joaquin families for more than 20 years and counting. A visit to the family farm, located in Stockton, offers guests an all-out experience through field trips and farm tours. The farmers invite children to get a taste of the ranch life through informative tours of the land, the crops, machinery, and core values that come with caring for the farm throughout all times of the year. Through a series of activities, children have opportunity to learn about agriculture and earth sciences in a hands-on environment. Depending on their age level, the activities are set up in rotating stations and focus on different topics which include ‘modern’ and ‘old days’ of harvesting, irrigation and seasonal plants. After a hayride through the orchids of walnut trees, visitors can enjoy the farm’s yard play area. The area includes a sandbox, a tunnel covered in honeysuckle vines, haystacks to climb, a kid’s size corn maze, an observation telescope, a lima bean pool…and animals of all shapes and sizes! Get up close and personal to pet, brush and feed chickens, goats, rabbits and horses. In the ultimate hands-on experience, children get their hands dirty by learning about soils and seasonal crops. To add to the fun, they will get the chance to taste the season’s offerings (like cherries or strawberries) and even take home their own piece of the farm by planting their very own fruit or vegetable!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:COUNTRYSIDE FARMS6666 E. Main St., Stockton(209) 943-1632

UP FRONT

RubberDUCKYRACE

BY LINDSEY RODRIAN

On May 9th thousands of rubber ducks will make their way down McLeod Lake’s watercourse in a race to support the many programs offered by the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County (CAPC).The second annual Ducky Derby, founded by the council’s executive board, gives families an opportunity to bond, compete and have some fun while raising funds for CAPC and protecting the children of our community. The CAPC supports children throughout San Joaquin with compressive programs designed to improve the protection and safety of children and strengthen families. These programs include center-based child care and preschool, parental coaching, therapeutic services and support groups, supervised visits, safe exchanges offering neutral locations and support for divorced parents experiencing difficulty, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and The Lisa Project, to name a few. During the free event at Weber Point in Stockton, attendees can purchase a single duck, or a family, flock or colony of ducks to be numbered and entered in the Ducky Derby race! If your numbered rubber ducky is among one of the first 10 ducks to the finish line, you will win one of 10 sensational prizes! “This year we will be having two ducky derby races,” explains Kristen Dyke, event co-chair, “One for individually adopted ducks and another for businesses and non-profits.” Also new to this years event is the Health & Safety Fair, offering education and fun for all families in attendance! Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enhance your waterfront experience during this ducky free-for-all!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY 540 N. California St., Stockton (209) 464-4524, nochildabuse.org


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YoungBANKERSBANK OF STOCKTON EMPOWERS SAN JOAQUIN’S FUTURE ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

EMPOWERING

As parents, our influence molds our children’s character. We work to teach kindness, honesty and instill characteristics supportive of a successful life. A successful life is made of many components, and understanding finances is one critical to future success. As a family owned and operated community business, Bank of Stockton works to nurture children’s understanding of money, eradicating generational poverty to support San Joaquin’s future. Through their Young Bankers program, all San Joaquin schools are welcome to visit the bank for a field trip and tour, receiving valuable information tailored to the children’s age group. Vice President and Branch Administrator Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt, and Robin Price,

AVP and Customer Service Manager, personally conduct the tours at the bank’s headquarters branch in Stockton. During the tour, students visit the safe deposit boxes, merchant rooms, IT department, the historical vault doors and even the president’s office! Following the tour, Robin and Mary-Elizabeth talk finances with the students, providing age appropriate information and advice. “Robin speaks with the teacher in advance to create a custom tour and discussion for each group,” explains Mary-Elizabeth. “Despite their age, we always talk about the difference between a want and a need,” she says, “And we encourage them to ask, will buying this item I want today really benefit me in the future?” Mary-Elizabeth and Robin also explain

BY LINDSEY RODRIAN

credit and things like student loans; providing information on credit cards and interest rates, something Mary-Elizabeth says can be understood at a young age, when properly explained. “As soon as kids turn 18, they have the ability to go out and get a credit card, and if they aren’t prepared for the responsibly, they can severely damage their credit…. something that follows them all their lives.” Mary-Elizabeth also stresses teaching children the importance of saving money, more than money itself. “You want to earn it, save it and watch it grow,” she says, “Students need to understand that planning for their future is of utmost importance.” To create knowledge and awareness at an early age, Mary-Elizabeth suggests implementing a savings system if an allowance is earned. “Parents should encourage, or make it a rule, that children put a third of their allowance away,” she says. Once the savings have accumulated, you can share with your children the joys and value of saving, as they make a large purchase useful for years to come, like a laptop, vehicle, or even a college education. “And teach philanthropy along the way,” encourages Mary-Elizabeth.


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Consider having your children donate to a family in need during the holiday season. Personally choosing toys to purchase for other children, with their own money, will surely add extra fun to the joys of giving. For parents working to encourage their children’s future financial stability, Mary-Elizabeth says simply lead by example. “We always have a tendency to want to give our kids more than we had,” she says, “We often over indulge, and miss the opportunity to teach an invaluable lesson; the value of a dollar and a strong work ethic.” Through education and awareness, Bank of Stockton hopes to better the community’s future, and as Mary-Elizabeth explains, “the students of today are going to grow up and start businesses, and be the best at whatever they choose to be… if they are able to handle their money,” she adds, “It will give them not only freedom, but happiness.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:*Schools and teachers can contactRobin Price at (209) 929-1331 to schedule a tour. BankofStockton.com


MOTHER'S DAY

CENTRALE1825 Pacific Ave, #2, Stockton • (209) 939-1825, Centrale1825.comEach year, the restaurant serves San Joaquin mothers an impressive brunch that includes Centrale favorites in addition to exclusive Mother’s Day specials. With menu items like seared crab cake benedict, steak and eggs, and Texas French toast, your mom will surely be spoiled on her special day.

MIDTOWN CREPERIE AND CAFÉ2319 Pacific Ave., Stockton(209) 941-9070, MidtownCreperie.comBack by popular demand, Midtown Creperie will help San Joaquin celebrate Mother’s Day all weekend long with their Saturday and Sunday brunch offerings. The Stockton based, New Orleans style restaurant includes a brunch buffet. The buffet comes complete with several stations (including savory crepes, omelets and French toast), sides and desserts.

BUD’S SEAFOOD GRILLE314 Lincoln Center, Stockton(209) 956-0270, BudsSeafood.comThis upscale dining experience is both affordable and classy – perfect for a Mother’s Day, family celebration! Bud’s Seafood and Grille has mastered brunch, offering it every Sunday for the past 22 years and counting. While guests can order from the restaurant’s regular menu, specials for the day are available. Make your mother feel extra special with a gourmet, freshly prepared entrée that includes coffee and champagne, muffins, and fresh fruit.

MARKET TAVERN236 Lincoln Center, Stockton(209) 932-8001, MarketTavernStk.com Stockton’s own Market Tavern serves up farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients for its impressively diverse menu and market. The restaurant’s brunch menu, offered each Saturday and Sunday, includes favorites with their own exotic twist, such as house-made Meyer Lemon Curd Doughnuts and Bacon and Cheddar Sourdough Pancakes.

MILE WINE CO. 2113 Pacific Ave., Stockton (209) 465-9463, MileWineCompany.comIndulge your mother with a creatively inspired, mouthwatering menu prepared especially for Mother’s Day at Mile Wine Company. The brunch special will include starters, a buffet option and entrées that are sure to impress. The restaurant prides their menu on the chef’s house-made fusion of Californian, Chinese, French, Mexican and Italian for a twist on modern cuisine.

VIAGGIO ESTATE & WINERY100 E. Taddei Rd., Acampo(209) 368-1378, ViaggioWinery.comThe Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch at Viaggio Estate and Winery is a true treat your Mother won’t want to miss. The outdoor occasion gives guests a chance to relish the scenery while enjoying decadent menu items such as Citrus Brined Pork Loin with peach mustard, caramelized onion, spinach and cheese strata with sautéed cherry tomatoes, tarts, ice cream, and cobblers and much more!


Morning,MOM!

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH IN SAN JOAQUINBY MELISSA HUTSELL

Quality time together as a family is the best gift any mother will receive all year. We hit the streets of San Joaquin to give you a taste of some of the

areas best brunches sure to cater to mom this May.

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THE ARTS

ArtWITH HEARTTHE MARY GRAHAM CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

7TH ANNUAL KIDS ART AUCTION

Since the early 1960s, The Mary Graham Children’s Shelter welcomes nearly 1,400 of the most severely abused and neglected children in San Joaquin County each year. Under the direction of San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, and with help from passionate volunteers, staff, board members and partnerships, the shelter provides comfort and care for children newborn to 18 years old. Due to neglect, sexual assault and physical or emotional abuse, children are placed in protective custody, and find refuge at Mary Graham. Most stay at the shelter for an average of 14 days, while others call Mary Graham home for many months; all receiving counseling, medical and dental services, recreational and enrichment programs, developmental assessments, family visitations and more. As Erin Guy Castillo, Foundation Board Member and co-chair of the Annual Kid’s Art Action explains, the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation, founded in 2001, was initially created to help raise funds to build the beautiful, new Mary Graham Children’s Shelter to house abused, abandoned, and neglected youth. After its completion in 2004, the Foundation expanded its mission to not only fund programs for the Shelter’s residents, but also to support aged out foster youth through higher education and an adult mentor. The Foundation focus is to provide foster youth with tools for a successful transition out of the foster care system and into higher education, so they can become successful, productive, and caring members of society. Both endeavors encourage hope, build confidence, and restore dignity. Each year, the community has opportunity to support the amazing works and programs of the Foundation, through attendance of their Annual Kids Art Auction. Celebrating its seventh year, this year’s event on May 13 will take place at the beautiful Stockton Golf & Country Club, offering an excellent selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and fine local wines, in addition to the live auction and entertainment. “The art auction is an opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind art work created by our foster youth that reside at the Shelter with the guidance of a professional, Mario Tejada,” explains Erin. “The children who make the art pieces typically range in age from 6 to 17. These children spend several months working on the artwork, so they are ready for our auction. Sometimes several children work together to create one amazing art piece!” “All paintings are mounted and framed and worthy of any wall whether in a home, office, mountain retreat or seaside bungalow,” Erin adds, “In addition to the featured artwork, the University of Pacific, Music Management Department, provides unique entertainment. The University of Pacific music students bring to life original musical work composed by residents at the Mary Graham Children’s Shelter during music therapy class.” Spend an enjoyable evening in support of a heartfelt cause and San Joaquin’s children in need, among friends, board members, mentors and community leaders. To make a reservation for this ticketless event, or to become an event sponsor, visit marygrahamfoundation.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION:THE MARY GRAHAM CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION(209) 468-7635, marygrahamfoundation.org


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During a time when art is rapidly becoming less present in public schools, it’s important for parents to find opportunities for their children to create and learn in an artistic atmosphere. Whether that means pulling out a box of crayons at home or exploring a museum on a Saturday afternoon, it’s never too early to start exposing your child to art. Many of the skills learned through art help children in their academics, making art a necessary part of a well-rounded education. Schools and businesses have both shown a move toward STEM education – science, technology, engineering and math – often altered to STEAM to include the arts. What many may not know, however, is that art has a direct connection to STEM learning. “Art is highly motivating for kids to learn STEM skills,” says Lisa Jones, director of development at Children’s Museum of Stockton. “Kids really get a lot out of pretending.” Hand/eye coordination, critical thinking, problem solving, visual perception, concentration and persistence are just some of the skills built through graphic arts like drawing, coloring and painting, says Kristen Rinaker, acting executive director of Jagged Lines of Imagination Academy. Art practice helps build motor skills and teach patience and perseverance while motivating children in other aspects of life, Jones says.

“A lot of it when they’re little is just about practice – play and practice,” she says. The definition of art is not limited – which also encompasses music, dance and architecture. “What’s important is the underlying unity that the arts, wielded by proficient individuals, reach across language barriers,” Rinaker says. It’s never too early to introduce your child to art. While different ages and skill sets lend themselves

The importance of Art Exploration for Children

of all Ages

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

to different projects, art exists in some form for everybody. “Even nonverbal children can benefit from art classes just as a means of expression and exploring the world,” says Claudia Mackey, community education coordinator at Delta Community College’s Kids College program. Mackey credits tactile learning – education through touching and feeling – as one of the most important ways that kids learn. With mediums ranging from finger paint to Popsicle sticks, kids can let their imaginations run wild, she says. San Joaquin County is saturated with opportunities for kids to learn and practice art. From local project-based classes to entire museums dedicated to art appreciation, there is a venue for all families to expand their art knowledge and practice.

Jagged Lines of Imagination Academy:In addition to a monthly art club and sponsored field trips and events, Jagged Lines of Imagination Academy offers after-school art classes for children of all ages. Focused courses build skills above and beyond basic drawing techniques. For example, the school features figure drawing, faces and heads and comic and anime design.

Jagged Lines of Imagination Art Academy


TRANSFORMINGSTOCKTON’S

YOUTHPODESTO TEEN IMPACT CENTER

BY MELISSA HUTSELL

SPOTLIGHT

Stockton’s Teen IMPACT Center creates opportunities for Stockton’s youth through leadership and personal development. Every day, the Center serves approximately 100 teens with extracurricular activities such as sports, music, literacy and art programs that inspire and support their individual goals in a safe environment. Through encouragement, the Impact Center - a private and public partnership of the City of Stockton and the Family Resource and Referral Center (a 501 c 3, community benefit organization) - and its staff, empower teens to reach

their full potential despite problems faced at home, in their neighborhoods or at school. Leslie Reece, Director of Program Services, says, “Many teens just need to spend time talking about goals and promoting self-confidence- especially those lacking adult guidance,” adds Reece, “With the Teen Leadership Council, the participants learn about city government, participate in activities at the center and work together to leave a legacy during their time at the TIC.” The leadership council is only one of many programs offered by the TIC, providing teens with what they need to

be successful now and in their future careers – giving them guidance, and a chance to invest in the community and their futures. TIC programs include a computer lab, sporting activities such as basketball and bowling, and studio sessions that prove popular with teens interested in technology and sound engineering. “The studio provides hands on experience working with actual hardware and software,” adds Reece. The Center also puts academic achievement at the forefront, providing tutors in several subjects. “Another highlighted Program is Guitars Not Guns, where a guitar is provided to students and if they complete the eight week


introduction to guitar class, they get to keep the new guitar.” In addition to artistic and academic opportunities, the center promotes financial literacy through the Bank on your Dreams program, “local bank branches have come out to teach classes on setting up bank accounts, managing money, applying for loans and what type of credit cards to avoid.” All programs are offered free of charge to attendees. “We are truly here to make a difference and anyone can be part of the change we are trying to inspire our youth to be,” says Reece. To Jonathon Ramirez, Teen Center Coordinator, “A center like this is important- it’s critical to show our youth that we care about them and that there are many opportunities to succeed right here in Stockton.” Reece and Ramirez are inspired by all the success stories they see, and the teens who credit the TIC with giving them the chance to attend college or land better jobs. “Many teens believe in making lasting changes in their community and have become involved in numerous projects to make it happen. The best result we see, is once a teen has become interested in a project or changes their thoughts of hopelessness, the first thing they do is to encourage another youth to follow in their footsteps. Their enthusiasm is contagious and it starts spreading out among the youth. It is a unique place where everyone knows that normal social issues such as gang affiliation, bullying and prejudice are left at the door,” adds Reece.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:THE GARY AND JANICE PODESTO TEEN IMPACT CENTER725 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, (209) 461-2910, Frrcsj.org

M E D I A S P O N S O R

M A G A Z I N E


GARDENING

WATCH YOUR Garden Grow

We recently heard a story in which a little girl asks her mother where breakfast comes from. The mother thinks for a moment, and proceeds to explain that breakfast comes from a mystical giant who lives in an enchanted land, and when he waves his magical wand: Poof! Eggs, bacon and hash browns. It seems to us that it would’ve been just as easy to explain that eggs come from chickens, bacons from pigs and potatoes from a farm, and the child would have learned a great lesson. Teaching kids where their food comes from creates an appreciation for what’s on their plate, encourages healthier food choices, and teaches respect for nature. A perfect way to teach your kids about food is to start a simple windowsill herb garden- with their help, of course. It’s easy, inexpensive and your kids will feel proud when they sprinkle their own fresh basil on their spaghetti.

HERE’S HOW1

Purchase a windowsill planter or a few small pots. Make sure they have holes on the bottom for drainage, and

a saucer to catch the excess water.

2 Fill your container with soil and plant your seeds. A few great herbs to start with are parsley, sage, basil

and dill. The seeds will be tiny, so don’t plant them very deep. Label your pots, so you know what is growing!

3 Make sure your plants get at least six hours of light a day, and that the soil is kept moist with water.

4 When your herbs have grown, snip them regularly to encourage extra growth.

If you’d like a little more guidance, windowsill garden kits are widely available to make home growing even easier. Happy Growing!


CALE

NDAR

MAYJUNE2015

Critter Corral at the Museum @ San Joaquin County Historical MuseumMay 2- August 30 Visit and pet live farm animals every weekend this summer, beginning May 2 from 10AM to 3! Encounters with the animals are free with regular Museum admission. Make & take children’s craft activity’s are also available in the Calaveras Schoolhouse on weekends beginning in May. San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd,. Lodi, (209) 331-2055/ Stockton (209) 953-3460, sanjoaquinhistory.org

Mother’s Day at Micke Grove Zoo& Toys for CrittersMay 10There are few better ways to celebrate mom’s special day than with a trip to Micke Grove Zoo on Mother’s Day! Landing on May 10 this year, come celebrate moms of all species with games, crafts, and fun educational activities, including the Toys for Critters. Guests will get to learn interesting facts about all of our animal moms and compare their own parenting stories! Included with zoo admission! Micke Grove Zoo @ Micke Grove Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, mgzoo.com

Apollo Night Auditions May 10 & June 15If your child is passionate in singing, dancing or modeling, consider talking with them about auditioning for the most recognized Unsigned Talent Showcase in Northern California, returning for an exciting 16th season. It’s a great experience, instilling in children self confidence and respect. All acts must call the Apollo Night Hotline at 209-546-1622 to pre-register for an official audition. All ages welcome to audition. Top Winners are selected in a variety of categories and age groups. $500 Grand Prize! Apollo Night Auditions, (209) 546-1622, tonywashingtonshow.com

Mary Graham Children’s Foundation7th Annual Kids Art Auction May 13The Foundation’s Annual Kids Art Auction on May 13 gives opportunity for community support of the art and music program, as well as the Trade School & College Scholarship Program. Celebrating its seventh year, the event includes a live art auction of eight pieces created by children of the shelter, raffle baskets, local wine and hors d’oeuvres and other large auction items like an all-inclusive vacation. To attend the ticketless event, make your reservation at marygrahamfoundation.org. Mary Graham Children’s Foundation, (209) 468-7635, marygrahamfoundation.org


Performance Chiropractic

AND WELLNESS CENTER

Proudly offers WeightLoss & Management with the

IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS METHOD

TUESDAY • MAY 19, 2015 @ 6-7:30PM

Each month we host a free workshop about nutrition, health, and dieting with the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method. In this

hour long workshop you will learn:

• How your body burns stored fats protein protocol• The relationship between insulin & weight gain

• The scientific basis and researchbehind the Ideal Protein Protocol

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Join us and be inspired to make a lifestyle change because

YOU DESERVE IT!Call (209) 474-1330 to

reserve your seat now!www.idealprotein.com

A Young Scientists

Mini-Camp for ages 5 & 6 will be offered

June 22nd - 24th

Call the museum for details


Lodi Memorial Walk for the Health of ItMay 16Lodi Memorial Hospital’s 25th anniversary annual walk includes a 5k Walk, 5k Run, 5k Poker Walk, 1 Mile Walk & Roll (wheelchairs and strollers) and a 1 Mile Fun Run for the youngsters. The event concludes with a complimentary Health Fair in the Hospital parking lot where participants can enjoy post-walk/run pampering in the form of healthy, reinvigorating snacks and beverages along with much needed massages. The Lodi Memorial Hospital staff will offer a variety of health tests and screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation, (209) 339-7833, lmhfoundation.org

Kids Night Out @the WOW Museum May 16Leave your parents at home! Come hang out at the World of Wonders Museum in Lodi, enjoying crafts, science experiments, pizza, popcorn, and a movie! This event is open to children ages 5 – 12. Space is limited so register today! World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, (209) 369-0969, wowsciencemuseum.org

Children and Youth Day at Pixie Woods May 16Enjoy free admission to the 27th annual Children and Youth Day at Pixie Woods along with a day of activities, games and entertainment for children and families. Community resource agencies and local businesses will spotlight their services. Sponsored by Family Resource and Referral Center and the City of Stockton, Community Services Department. Pixie Woods @ Louis Park Shimizu Dr. at Occidental Ave., Stockton, stocktongov.com

Delta Fusion 2015Workshops: June 8-6Festival & Pageant: June 27, 5-7 PM Delta Fusion organizers invite students age six and up to join this summer’s workshops. Classes will be held at University of the Pacific’s Theater Arts Building in mask making, puppetry, movement and storytelling over a three-week period, culminating in a festival and pageant in beautiful Victory Park on Saturday June 27. The festival, starting at 5 p.m., includes food, craft, informational booths and vendors. It also showcases cultural, dance, and musical groups representing the cultural variety found within our geographical area. Participation in the workshops is free but enrollment through The Haggin Museum’s Summer Art Workshop is required. Delta Fusion 2015, (209) 940-6315, deltafusionstockton.comCALE

NDAR

MAYJUNE2015

Father’s Day BBQ at Wine & RosesJune 21Enjoy the annual Wine & Roses’ Dad’s Day BBQ featuring indoor and outdoor seating, to celebrate dad in casual style! Bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious classic barbecue, classic cars and a tropical bird display. Seating Times: 11AM-2 (every 15 minutes) Reservations: $50 Adults/ $17 ages 5-12 / $5 Children under 5. Wine & Roses Hotel. Restaurant. Spa. 2505 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 371-6160, winerose.com

Central California Interclub AssociationRegional Figure Skating ChampionshipsJune 26See figure skaters compete in this local event. Get out of the sun, and wow and inspire the kids while enjoying this talented, entertaining display. More information to come, visit the website for updates! Oak Park Ice Arena, 3545 Alvarado Ave., Stockton, ccia-figureskating.org


for Families

May 9th &June 13th

1:30-3:00 pm

No Reservations Required Children under 10 FREE All Materials Provided $8.00

Adult940-6315 • www.HagginMuseum.org

Join us for fun art activities exploring our special exhibitions!

• Photography in Mexico from the Collection of SFMOMA • Fortunes & Family: The Haggin McKee Legacy

at

V.B.R. Foster Family Agency & Children Services

Contact us: (209) 830-6394 www. Vbrfoundationinc.org

Donations can be dropped off at 2 locations:

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Hotel: 2410 Naglee Road

V.B.R. Foster Family Agency: 72 W. 11th Street

Growing StrongerEVERY ISSUE

Subscribe TODAY (209) 833-9989


LAST WORD

A BUG’S LIFEBY NORA HESTON TARTE

Today we experienced a home invasion of the house centipede variety - although I’m still pretty convinced it was an alien life form come to signal an uprising by the machines living beneath earth’s crust, but my husband doesn’t believe me. At first sight of the intruder - I scooped up my baby boy - before he could decide whether or not to eat the strange, moving object on the floor - and ran for cover, screaming for my dog to follow. My first plan was just to retreat several feet until I could decide how best to proceed, but then the intruder started following us. If that isn’t proof this animal was wired for something much bigger than a simple home invasion, I don’t know what is. It ran full speed ahead at us until I safely corralled my son, my dog and myself into the master bedroom and pondered what to do next. My first scary thought was that it could pretty easily slip underneath the door, leading me to make the quick decision to drop a heavy object on it, pray for accuracy and run. As I sat watching my son, oblivious to what had just happened, I had a profound realization. I am the parent. That seems dumb, right? Obviously I’m the parent. My son calls me “mom” constantly, yet that thought very rarely sets in. I’m the one in charge of scary situations like home invasions and extraterrestrial visits. If something goes wrong, I’m up. I’m the one at bat, poised to make the big decision. My son will undoubtedly look at me the minute anything goes awry and throw his arms up in the air in the most aloof fashion possible just as he does every time we

ask, “What happened?” before toddling in the direction of danger. Occasionally it hits me - this overwhelming feeling that I am a mother. The feeling is usually fleeting, but for a solid 60 seconds I can feel the weight of the circumstance. I look at my son - banging objects together, discovering a new sound - and it suddenly hits me. I’m that kid’s mother. It’s almost stifling, like 100 bricks hitting you at once, but in the best way possible. For those few seconds I am overcome by a harrowing sense of responsibility, a profound and unexplainable love and, usually, a little guilt. Luckily, my son doesn’t play alone for long, and he’ll snap me right back to ignorance as quickly as I fell into reality. Perhaps it’s best that we aren’t always consumed by the knowledge of parenthood. As long as we act with the full weight of the responsibility I don’t think the conscious thought is all that important. It would be too much to feel that weight all of the time. I imagine it would become completely overwhelming. Instead, I revel in the small moments that I truly feel like a mother, and thank God that the moment will be fleeting so I can get back to enjoying playtime with my son.

FROM THE BLOG:slightlykrunchymama.blogspot.com



SJGH-P.OB_SJMag_4.15_x 3/6/15, 2:15 PM1


2505 W. TURNER ROAD, LODI, CALIFORNIA • winerose.com • 209.334.6988

Enjoy music, no host barbecue and bar, pool & jacuzzi$5 per person (Entrance Fee) no reservations required, limited seating first come, first served

select friday evenings 5-9pm at Wine & Roses pool

WITH

localWINERIES

JUNE 6 – BOKISCH VINEYARDS

JUNE 13 – MCCAY CELLARS

JUNE 20 – LANGE TWINS WINERY

JUNE 27 – OAK FARM VINEYARDS

AUGUST 8 – FIELDS FAMILY WINES

AUGUST 15 – METTLER FAMILY VINEYARDS

AUGUST 22 – ESTATE CRUSH

AUGUST 29 – ACQUIESCE WINERY

JULY 11 – JEREMY WINE CO.

JULY 18 – IRONSTONE

JULY 25 – VAN RUITEN WINERY

AUGUST 1 – HARNEY LANE WINERY

San Joaquin Parents & Kids Magazine May/June 2015

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Transcript of San Joaquin Parents & Kids Magazine May/June 2015