August 2025 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Youth Leading Change in Santa Cruz County

Comcast — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:29:28 +0000

What makes a community thrive? At United Way of Santa Cruz County, we believe it starts by listening to young people, walking alongside them, and trusting them to lead. Every year, hundreds of youth across our county step into leadership roles through United Way of Santa Cruz County’s countywide United4Youth initiative. United 4Youth unites our youth-focused programs under a shared vision: to uplift youth voice, expand access to resources, and champion youth well-being. From Watsonville to Scotts Valley, youth are co-creating a stronger, more connected community, one where all young people are seen, supported, and empowered. United4Youth brings together four core programs under this vision: The Youth Action Network, where young people take on leadership roles and serve as city liaisons. The Youth Participatory Action Research initiative, where youth lead research and advocate for the issues that matter most to them. Jóvenes Sanos, based in Watsonville, is a youth leadership program focused on reducing stigma and promoting wellness through peer-led efforts. In Scotts Valley, Pathways to Possibility equips youth to address Adverse Childhood Experiences through policy advocacy and expanded afterschool access. “Youth are taught to listen. From an early age, we are conditioned to absorb information, listen and learn in school, listen and learn from authority figures. But rarely are encouraged to speak on their own experiences. Programs like Jóvenes Sanos and Youth Participatory Action Research change that by giving youth the tools and confidence to share their voices and empower others to do the same.” Gabriel, a long-time participant in Jóvenes Sanos /Youth Researcher “Nowadays it feels like the burden is on the younger generations to fix the problems of the world. With so much information available, it can be overwhelming to imagine fixing major issues that couldn’t possibly be solved alone.” Adrian, Jovenes Sanos Participant. This is why United4Youth is dedicated not to placing more responsibility on young people, but to creating the supportive spaces they need to THRIVE. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and consider joining our efforts, whether through volunteering, partnering, or donating, to help expand our countywide reach and invest in the future leaders of our community. Want to learn more? Explore highlights, impact stories, and countywide data in our latest United4Youth Annual Report at https://www.unitedwaysc.org/research-reports Or volunteer at the annual Stuff the Bus Event next year. Stuff the Bus is more than a backpack, it’s a commitment to ensuring every student starts the school year prepared and confident. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way of Santa Cruz County join forces to collect school supplies for students in need. The County Office of Education estimates that over 2,700 K-12 students in Santa Cruz County are currently experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship. Stuff the Bus aims to fill over 2,500 backpacks with new school supplies, helping students focus on learning, build positive self-esteem, and stay engaged in school. Join us in sending our youth back to school with the tools they need to succeed.

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From Tooth Fairy to Taxes: Debunking Money Myths for Kids and Teens

Bay Federal Credit Union — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:48:07 +0000

Not everything they believe about money is true—but that’s where the fun (and teaching) begins.“If we run out of money, can’t we just go to the ATM?” Sound familiar? Kids pick up all kinds of ideas about money—some adorable, some hilariously off-base, and some that could stick around a little too long if we’re not careful. Whether it’s cartoons, overheard conversations, or watching you swipe a card like magic, children and teens are constantly forming money beliefs. As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to gently unpack the myths and replace them with age-appropriate, empowering truths. Here are a few of the most common money misconceptions, plus tips for turning them into teachable moments. Myth #1: “ATMs Give You Free Money!” The Truth: Nope! ATMs only give you the money you already earned and deposited. Think of it like a snack machine—but the snacks are your dollars, and you can’t get them unless you’ve stocked it first. Try This: Next time you visit an ATM or mobile banking app, walk your child through how deposits show up, and how withdrawals lower the balance. Let them watch you check your balance first and explain what it means. Myth #2: “If You Have a Card, You Can Buy Whatever You Want.” The Truth: Cards look like magic wands, but they’re just tools. Debit cards draw from money you already have. Credit cards borrow money—money that has to be paid back (often with interest!). Try This: Start with a prepaid card or youth account with a debit card and help them track spending. Show how the balance goes down with each swipe—and why budgeting matters even in a cashless world. Myth #3: “Adults Don’t Have to Save—They Already Have Money.” The Truth: Most adults are still saving—for college, emergencies, car repairs, even retirement. Saving doesn’t stop just because you grow up—it becomes even more important. Try This: Create a “family goals board” where both kids and adults post what they’re saving for. It shows them that everyone is in the habit of planning and waiting for things that matter. Myth #4: “Taxes Are Just the Government Being Mean.” The Truth: Taxes fund the things we all use—roads, schools, parks, fire departments, and more. It’s a shared responsibility, not a punishment. Try This: Next time you drive over a new bridge or check out books at the library, connect it to taxes. Help them see taxes as part of a system that benefits the whole community. This could lead to a bonus conversation on civics and how communities decide how taxes are spent. Myth #5: “If I Want Something, I Just Ask for It.” The Truth: Wants vs. needs is a lifelong lesson. Helping kids learn to differentiate between the two builds patience, gratitude, and decision-making skills. Try This: Start a “wishlist window.” When they want something, write it down and wait 7 days before buying. If they still want it, talk through cost, value, and tradeoffs together. Bay Federal Credit Union proudly serves families in Santa Cruz County and along the Central Coast, offering savings and checking solutions that grow with your child. With just five dollars, you can open an account with no monthly fees and easy-to-use mobile banking, making it simple to teach financial wellness habits. Visit a local branch today to learn more about how we can help set your child on a path to a bright financial future.

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Meet Your Fitness Trainer Specializing in Women’s Fitness

growingupsc — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:35:39 +0000

Raised in the San Lorenzo Valley, Monica is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) nationally accredited Certified Personal Trainer. She holds a specialty degree in Prenatal and Postpartum through PROnatal, New York, holds a Bachelors Degree in Relational Communication Studies has been sculpting programs for healthier bodies for over fifteen years, guiding women through every stage of their wellness journey. Whether it’s preparing the body for the demands of motherhood, rebuilding strength and function after baby, regaining function and ability no matter if one has had children or not, she blends motivation with know-how that leaves clients trained up for a lifetime. While raising her two daughters is her first calling, her passion for fitness runs a close second igniting energy and confidence in women across our community. Why women? After her own motherhood journey, she became aware quickly of the misinformation and confusion around training the body for and before pregnancy and the months and years postpartum. Motivated to get her training and technique in the hands of those who need it most she thrives on working with women, a group she finds endlessly inspiring and in need of defined guidance around motherhood. Defining goals, discovering weaknesses, highlighting strengths, and filling in any obscurity around working out with purpose and safety all inspired the name for her business: Defined Fitness. In sessions her style isn’t only about training-she transforms lives with her knowledge, meeting you where you are with enthusiasm, igniting energy and confidence, passing on skills you’ll have for a lifetime.Effective communication allows the crafting of personalized plans with real understanding. She ensures every woman feels heard, empowered with defined goals and ready to conquer them. Whether you’re a new mom navigating post-partum recovery, a fitness enthusiast aiming to level up, thinking about starting a healthier habit, or a grandparent aiming for better strength and function, her knowledge paired with her knack for building trust creates a space where women thrive-physically and mentally. So, Santa Cruz, ready to feel stronger, healthier, and unstoppable? Monica is your go-to guide for a fitness journey that’s as fun and doable as it is transformative! Look here for tips, free advice and interesting women’s fitness topics uncovered. Submit requests to the editor if you’d like to ask her something! For more in depth and focused tips, follow her on Instagram trainingby_monica and Facebook Defined Fitness. Limited training spots are available now for small group fitness and individual training sessions. Email for info monicapmenard@gmail.com. Mention Growing up in Santa Cruz and receive a free consultation. By Monica Menard

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Money Management for Kids

Colleen Murphy — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:13:10 +0000

Money management, much like parenting, is one of those critical life skills that is not formally taught. Parents flounder trying to teach their kids about money when they themselves lack financial savvy. Many adults often lack knowledge on how to create and live within a budget, frequently overspend, or penny-pinch to an unhealthy level. Even discussing money issues is uncomfortable. Positive Discipline not only promotes tools that build healthy parent-teacher-child relationships, but it also teaches life skills so children enter the world prepared. Here’s some help in preparing your children to skillfully manage their money. . Avoid Using Chores as a Money Teaching Tool In the April 2025 issue of Growing Up in Santa Cruz, I wrote an article focused on chores, recommending that kids not be paid to complete household tasks. As a refresher, here’s why money in exchange for chores is problematic. Children need to be prepared for the adult world. In the adult world, adults are not paid to wash dishes or take out the trash. Paying children money to do chores can cause these issues: Sets up the expectation that contributing to the running of a household means extrinsic rewards (money), instead of real-life intrinsic rewards of feelings of contribution, capability, and skill at organization Sets up the children to think they have the option of saying, “No, thanks. I don’t need the money, so I won’t be doing my chores this week.” Can create entitled children upon discovering that chores need to be done, regardless of payment. (“What? I have to do the trash for free?”) However, is payment for extra chores ok?… Yes! By all means, put your kids to work washing your car or running errands for you. Use Allowance as a Money Teaching Tool To manage money, children need to have money to manage. Instead of tying it to payment for tasks, embrace the idea of giving children money freely to manage their own spending. Rather than parents paying for a toy, ice cream, movies, clothes, or any number of things parents will be paying for anyway, put the money in their children’s pocket to spend or save at their will. Let’s break this down. Age and Amount This is up to each family to decide when and how much children will receive for an allowance, depending on their preferences and financial situation. It would be reasonable to give a 5-year-old $1 or $2 a week, a 9-year-old $10-$20 a month, or a 13-year-old $30 a month, etc. As their age goes up, the more items the children/teens are financially responsible for, therefore, the more money they will need. How It Works You will be asked the famous question again and again, “Can you buy me this?” But instead of having to decide if you’re going to buy it or not, you are empowered to say, “You have your own money to spend. Do you have enough?” This takes the decision out of your hands and into theirs. A common response to realizing they will need to use their own money when begging for a toy or such is, “Oh, never mind.” (Guess they didn’t want it badly enough!) For young children, parents will closely advise and guide them. “Here’s your allowance. I know you want to buy ice cream at school on Friday, so how much do you need to save so you’ll have it to spend? Let’s put the amount in this pouch to save for Friday.” “We’ll be traveling in two weeks. Do you want to have some spending money for snacks or a souvenir? Let’s save that in your wallet to bring on the trip.” “I know you like that toy your friend has. Let’s see how much it costs, and you can save up for it each week until you have enough.” Older children can use the money for social activities such as school dances or sporting events, laser tag, or buying a slice of pizza with friends. The money given could cover school lunches for the month, or their interests such as books, art supplies, collecting cards, and sports equipment. It can pay for special items of clothing they desire. Parents will still advise and guide. “This is enough for 5 hot lunches throughout the month. You can spend it all in one week or portion it out.” “You can buy that expensive sweatshirt, but remember, it will take all of your allowance for the month. It’s your choice if you’re okay with that.” Teens, launching into independence soon, can be handed more responsibility to manage money challenges. They can be given a clothing allowance for the school year to be spent as they see fit. Don’t be surprised if one teen stretches the money through thrift shopping and another teen spends it all on one or two high-quality, prized pieces of clothing, as my two kids did. You may require some of their allowance to cover gas expenses for the family car, or to contribute to car insurance or phone plan payments. Or it could be expected that they find part-time jobs to contribute to these expenses if they want to drive or have a phone. Parental Control Is Part of the Equation A key aspect is that parents will be involved in decisions about what is purchased to some extent. Just because kids have money does not mean they can buy out the candy store or purchase adult-rated video games. Your family values can set the boundaries for what can and can not be purchased. However, keep in mind that as your child ages, your ability to keep a tight hold on their spending choices becomes less and less. Opportunity for Priceless Life Lesson In Positive Discipline classes, we say, “Don’t get in the way of Life’s lessons.” Life experiences offer the BEST lessons. Don’t rescue or save your kids from a little pain and suffering, and also let them experience the triumph of meeting financial goals on their own. Lessons offered are: Being broke: let them experience running out of money until the next allowance installment. Better to be broke now than when they are adults. Creating money-making ideas: if you stick with the allowance schedule, this can motivate kids to think of extra ways to earn money if they are broke or want more than the allowance given. Delayed gratification: saving money for a goal and sticking with the long-term plan is a skill that makes the difference between future failures or successes. Contributing to causes they believe in: part of the allowance agreement can be to save 10% of it to contribute to causes or people they choose to support. For further guidance, seek out the many books available, such as Capitate Your Kids and Financial Literacy for Kids. Shira Coleman Hagar is a Positive Discipline parent educator and PD in the classroom facilitator. She is the mother of two teen boys, 18 and 15 and the wife of high school English teacher Jeffry Hagar. She is also a swing dance teacher and owner of DesigningWell. She has been gratefully using PD in her own relationships and work for the last 16 years.

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It’s Already That Time of Year Again: School!!!

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:02:46 +0000

OK. Mind shift. School? It starts when? Like, now. How did that happen? It feels like the middle of summer. Are you and your kids ready? Parents: we’ve got so much important information in this issue to help. I’m truly proud of this one (Yes, I feel that every month…but this one, wow!!!) We’ve got new columns and new writers I think you will love. Please, drop us a line and let us know what you want to see more of. Some of the hits: we’ve got the story that answers why school starts so soon here, unlike many other places that wait until after Labor Day (which feels right to me). Writer Joanna Jenkins did some digging on this one. We have two stories that focus on something they don’t teach enough of in school: financial education for kids and parents. In one, Colleen Murphy suggests not using chores as a payment option for kids. It’s one of my favorite tools, but her suggestions really opened my eyes to other ways to motivate. In the other, our friends at Bay Fed (and who knows more about money?) break the myths that kids see in handling dollars (you mean that credit card isn’t a magic way to buy anything?). If only for those articles, you’d get your value for the $10 you spend on this magazine (what? It’s free? Oh yeah. What a value!) We’ve got three new columns this month. One, which I’ve wanted for years, is about special needs, the kids who are overlooked and too ignored in our system (and it’s getting worse in a new federal world that scorns DEI). Please send in your questions and suggestions on topics there for Tovah Petra Kolodinski, a brilliant authority. Send them to editor@growingupsc.com. We’ve also got one on women’s fitness, which will have tips and suggestions readers will love. FInally, we’ve got one on grandparents volunteering in the classroom, an invaluable benefit for our struggling schools. Author Steve Miller (not the rock star, but a star anyway), runs Shared Adventures, which puts on recreational activities for the disabled population, truly heroic work. Then there’s Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy’s advice for helping teens in school (kids never stop being kids and they need just as much help as they get older). She’s got very important information about AP classes designed not for students going to college, but for learning about the real world. We need these and I wish I had them when I was a student! On the fun side, Jaime McFaden has a preview of a place to get fit while dancing in lines. It’s becoming quite the fad, right up there with pickleball. And in a feature you have to share with your daughters, Malia Fort suggests how to pick the perfect outfit to start the school year with, complete with photos. On the food front, nutritionist and celebrated author Elizabeth Borelli, has recipes to help trick your kids into eating healthy and making treats they will love. Finally, we have an adoptable pet and advice for how to keep them cool in the summer time, something we all need to know. (Why haven’t they invented sunscreen for dogs?) And on a very positive note: our cover features the best news in a while: free pre-K for all Santa Cruz children! Check About the Cover for info. Thanks for reading and we hope to help you ease back from summer vacation. Brad Kava, Publisher

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AP Classes Equip Teens With Real-Life Skills

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:00:59 +0000

For decades, high school students have taken classes to prepare for college — algebra, biology, literature, U.S. history — but far too often, they graduate without knowing how to create a budget, avoid identity theft, or understand how a business works. That’s finally changing. The College Board just announced two new Advanced Placement (AP) courses that are relevant to students’ futures: AP Business Principles with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. Both are designed to give students practical skills and to be prepared for life. “Students need more than test prep — they need life prep.” Financial Literacy: A Must for Every Teen AP Business with Personal Finance will cover key topics like entrepreneurship, investment basics, economic systems, and — most importantly — how to manage money. Right now, fewer than half of American high school students are required to take a financial literacy course before graduating. That means most teens enter adulthood without understanding how credit works, how to save for emergencies, or how to avoid falling into debt. This AP course will give students the tools to take control of their financial lives early — before the mistakes begin piling up. They’ll learn about loans, taxes, savings, and how to navigate the real-world financial systems they’ll encounter the moment they turn 18. Cybersecurity: Essential for Everyone The second new course, AP Cybersecurity, covers how to protect sensitive information and recognize threats like phishing scams, malware, and identity theft. Whether students go into tech, business, healthcare, education, or the arts, they’ll all need to understand how to protect themselves from cyber threats. This class will teach students how cybersecurity works and why it matters — not just at the personal level, but globally. In an era of increasing digital risk, cybersecurity has become a fundamental part of being an informed, responsible citizen. It’s About Career AND College While most AP courses are seen as stepping stones to college, these two also build career-readiness.AP Business helps students develop leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills — qualities every employer looks for. Cybersecurity fosters analytical thinking, precision, and digital fluency. Together, these courses do more than boost a GPA. They provide practical, hands-on experience with real-world challenges and prepare students for fields that are growing fast and in need of skilled workers. Equal Access to Critical Knowledge What’s especially exciting is the potential for equity. Financial literacy and cybersecurity aren’t taught at home for everyone — and yet they’re essential for everyone. These new AP courses ensure that all students, regardless of background or zip code, can build the knowledge and confidence to make smart decisions in their adult lives. This kind of curriculum levels the playing field and opens doors to careers many students might never have considered. What Schools Need to Do Next It’s now up to schools to offer these courses and support students who enroll in them. That means training teachers, making space in student schedules, and encouraging all types of learners to give these classes a try — not just the “AP kids.” Parents can help by asking their schools to offer these classes and helping their teens see the long-term value of understanding money and technology. College prep is still important, but preparing students for life is even more so.

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Free and Low-Cost Preschool Available

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:50:01 +0000

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) today announced every family in Santa Cruz County with young children now has access to high-quality early learning opportunities through California’s Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) initiative, beginning with the 2025–26 school year. As part of a transformative statewide effort, the UPK initiative offers a range of free and low-cost programs for children aged 2–5, regardless of family income or immigration status. UPK offers families flexibility, including Transitional Kindergarten, the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), as well as private early care and education providers. Together, these options support early academic and social-emotional development while helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. “The introduction of Universal PreKindergarten for local families is a major milestone for education in Santa Cruz County,” said Dr. Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools. “It reflects our commitment to equity and opportunity by providing access to early learning opportunities to every child in our community — regardless of their family’s background or income.” Research consistently demonstrates that high-quality early learning experiences significantly enhance academic readiness and social-emotional development in children. UPK helps bridge the gap between early childhood and the TK–12 system, preparing students for long-term success and assisting schools to support all learners. “The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is proud to help lead this initiative and encourages families to explore the early care and learning options available to them,” said Caryn Lane, Director of Early Childhood Services at the COE. “Together, we can ensure that every child in Santa Cruz County enters kindergarten confident, curious and ready to thrive.” Transitional Kindergarten (TK): A Free Pre-K Option for 4-Year-Olds Starting in the 2025–26 school year, all children who turn 4 by September 1 are eligible for TK, a free, play-based program offered through California public schools. TK helps children develop the social and academic skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. While TK is not required, participation has been shown to significantly benefit children’s early development. Families interested in enrolling their child in TK should contact their local school district. To enroll, families will need to provide proof of age, immunization records and verification of residence. California State Preschool Program (CSPP): For Eligible Children Ages 2–5 CSPP provides free or low-cost, high-quality preschool to eligible families with children ages 2 to 5. These programs are offered in a variety of settings across the county and emphasize developmentally appropriate, play-based learning. Eligibility is determined based on family income and other criteria.To learn more about CSPP and other UPK options for families in Santa Cruz County, families can contact the COE’s Child Development Resource Center (CDRC) at (831) 466-5820, toll-free at (833) 774-4596, or visit childcare.santacruzcoe.org. #

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Free Backpacks, Supplies for Students

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:39:02 +0000

Over 400 area students were given a running start for the upcoming school year as they were presented with free backpacks loaded with school supplies Saturday in an upbeat gathering in Watsonville Plaza. Thanks to the Salvation Army in Watsonville, Freedom Rotary Club, Scouting America and others, swarms of kids and their families lined up for the annual giveaway that included new colorful backpacks stuffed with pencils, notepads, glue, binders and other classroom tools that will help them with their education over the school year that starts Aug. 13. “We want to make sure that every youth has equal opportunities starting school with the right resource so they can make sure they stay ahead of what the schools are doing and making sure they are planned and prepared,” said Trina Coffman-Gomez, advisory board of Rotary Club of Freedom and District Chair for Scouting America. “This is just a way to give back to the community.” Information tables were sprinkled around the plaza, including a mobile van from the Environmental Science Workshop. To kick the event off, the local folklórico dance group, Estrellas de Esperanza, treated the crowd to a number of traditional Mexican dances, complete with dazzling attire. “There are so many things the Salvation Army helps our community with, including hot meals seven nights a week for those in need — typically 80 to 130 people — and meals to take home on several holidays,” Coffman-Gomez said. “We just want to make sure that all families, regardless of their situation, if they need help, we’re here to be able to provide that.” Stuff the Bus The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and United Way of Santa Cruz County are teaming up to send local students back to school with the supplies they need to succeed as part of the 16th annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive. The campaign aims to distribute 2,500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Santa Cruz County students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and other hardships. After raising funds and supplies from generous donors, it’s time for a team of dozens of volunteers to fill up the backpacks — and Stuff the Bus. The Stuff-A-Thon is hosted in partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors and UPS. The event will be held from 10am-1pm Aug. 2,at Kaiser Permanente Arena. For more information, visitunitedwaysc.org/stb. By TARMO HANNULA

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Zoodles, Pancakes and Summer Fun

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:37:06 +0000

Name one summer crop that’s just as delicious folded into pancakes and muffins as it is tossed in peanut sauce or threaded onto the grill. It’s the seasonal sensation known as zucchini, and when it’s fresh and abundant, the ways to enjoy it are nearly endless. When I was a kid, our garden would explode every July with so much zucchini we had to get creative. I remember my mom’s zucchini pancakes, which we topped with a dollop of sour cream for a savory treat. Then there was her zucchini bread, studded with walnuts—moist, sweet, and irresistible. Of course, we also made Italian-style sautéed zucchini with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, or marinated and roasted it in the oven, perfect alongside any summer barbecue. I loved passing those recipes on to my own kids, but they surprised me with a fun new way to transform my favorite squash into noodles. The spiralizer, or “Zoodler,” is as practical as it is entertaining—and once you start, the possibilities are endless. Although zucchini is often considered a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit; one also rich in multiple nutrients: Vitamin C – Supports immunity, skin health, and antioxidant defense Vitamin A (as carotenoids lutein & zeaxanthin) – Important for eye health Manganese – For metabolism and bone health Potassium – Helps maintain healthy blood pressure Magnesium – Supports muscle and nerve function Folate & B6 – Important for energy and cell function If you don’t have a garden—or a neighbor who does—you can still pick up fresh, locally grown Pinnacle Farms zucchini at Shopper’s Corner market. And if your kids are ready to spend some time in the kitchen, zucchini is the perfect way to help them discover how delicious healthy food can be. Since kids sometimes cringe at anything green, you can peel the zucchini first, then invite them to help shred it along with some Parmesan or feta cheese to make easy zucchini pancakes. Choose a box grater with a wide base and a comfortable handle that’s easy to grip. Many models include finger guards or food holders to keep little hands safe. Rotary graters are another great option for shredding cheese or vegetables. Look for sturdy models with a secure base and a handle that kids can turn with ease. Easy Zucchini Pancakes Makes: ~8 small pancakes (serves 2–3) ✨ Ingredients 2 medium zucchinis (~2 cups grated) 2 large eggs 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free) 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or feta (optional) 2 green onions, chopped (or 2 tablespoons minced onion) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) Olive oil or avocado oil for cooking Instructions Prep the zucchini Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it sit 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can using a clean kitchen towel or your hands. Mix the batter In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the flour, cheese (if using), green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fold in the squeezed zucchini until evenly combined. Cook the pancakes Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with a thin layer of oil. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet and gently flatten. Cook ~2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and set. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve Enjoy warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. For kids with a bit more kitchen savvy, the Zoodler or a vegetable spiralizer is a fun way to experiment with new recipes. Pick one up at Toque Blanche or Target (for less than $30!) to make yummy zucchini noodles you can eat just like pasta. Simply steam and add your favorite sauce. 🥒 Kid-Friendly Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce Serves: 2–3 ✨ Ingredients For the Noodles: 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized or peeled into ribbons 1–2 cups cooked noodles (spaghetti or rice noodles) to mix in if kids prefer familiar pasta For the Mild Peanut Sauce: 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for less salt) 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin) 🍽 Instructions Make the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Add warm water slowly, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Prep the noodles: Pat zucchini noodles lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. For extra softness (great for little kids), quickly sauté them in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil for 1–2 minutes. If using cooked pasta, prepare it according to the package directions and drain. Combine: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini noodles (and cooked noodles, if using) with the peanut sauce until coated. Mix in the shredded carrot or bell pepper if your kids like veggies. Serve: Sprinkle with a few crushed peanuts or sesame seeds (optional). Serve right away—great warm or room temperature. 🌿 Kid-Friendly Tips If they’re hesitant about zucchini noodles, mix half zoodles and half pasta. For very young kids, cut noodles into shorter pieces for easier eating. Serve with mild sides like apple slices or plain rice. Let kids help spiralize the zucchini—they often love making “noodle ribbons.” Whether you’re harvesting it by the crate or picking it up from the market, zucchini is a summer standout that’s easy to love and endlessly versatile. From nostalgic family recipes to fun new twists, it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be fresh, shared, and made with a little heart. So grab a grater, fire up the skillet, or break out the Zoodler and invite your family to enjoy the bounty!

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Consider Volunteering in the Classroom

growingupsc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:32:23 +0000

I had a great experience this past year, which I would like to share—especially with grandparents. I volunteered in my 1st grade granddaughter’s classroom, and it was a fun and fulfilling experience in many ways. This experience gave me the opportunity to get to know my granddaughter’s peer group; it felt great to help advance the educational process for these kids; and I learned a lot about cognitive development on a first hand level. My context is as an older guy (70+) with basic college level literacy skills, having the experience of seeing one generation of kids grow up, and enjoying a nice relationship with my granddaughter.The teacher, while not dependent on volunteers, certainly appreciated the support in the classroom and put out a monthly sign-up sheet. It was most successful for the teacher, the kids and me to have a consistent volunteer slot (mine was Thursday morning, 8:45-10:00). Getting to know the children in my grandchild’s peer group was a real collateral benefit. Conversations with my granddaughter were much easier and richer talking about so-and–so did this or that, when I could picture the kids and their various personalities (and the teacher’s, as well). You may have a bit of trepidation “how will the kids relate to me?” The good news is you are not a substitute teacher. You are not coming in as an authority figure (hopefully). Classroom volunteers are usually appreciated; they are generally somebody’s mom. Even better, they are seen as somebody’s grandparent— with a reserve of grandparent goodwill. Just about every kid has a loving grandparent (or wishes they did) whether distant or nearby. It warmed my heart each week to be greeted with “Grandpa Steve is here”. Being in the classroom, you see kids—including your own—in their natural state (for better or worse). You get to know the range of the kids’ behavioral and academic abilities, and see what really goes on in the classroom—even the playground. You will develop a better understanding of your own child/grandchild’s accomplishments and needs. From heart-breaking to up-lifting, you will gain insight to other kids’ and families’ lives. Your classroom teacher will have some assignments for you ranging from one-on-one listening to a struggling reader, to playing literacy games with a group, to doing group writing exercises. The teacher will generally find an activity that you feel comfortable with. A couple of tips that worked well for me: Be flexible in making the games/exercises work—see the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals and figure out how to engage each kid in your short time. Don’t try to establish yourself as a disciplinarian (the kids know they can out-wait your hour in the classroom). You will be more successful if you are seen as a big buddy; but as an adult expect respect and attention. The teacher will generally be happy to (briefly) discuss a style of working with a particular student. Don’t take on the whole classroom; working with individuals and small groups will be the best experience.I found a great feeling of accomplishment as the year progressed, seeing skills develop and relationships deepen, towards myself and among the kids in general. And of course I developed a renewed respect and appreciation for classroom teachers. In addition to regular classroom time, some other more modest volunteer engagements: Field Trips—always an adventure—a few outings a year. The class generally needs drivers. I always tried to have a fun car, playing the radio loud and letting the kids have a free communication zone. Playground duty—the school can always use another grown-up on the playground, organizing an activity or being an available ear for a child who wants to talk. Classroom organizing–if you are not comfortable doing lessons with kids, there is endless “back-end” work: organizing files, lesson prep, etc. that free hours of the teacher’s time. I hope this article may have gotten you excited about volunteering; but, you need to know there is a bit of bureaucracy to being able to volunteer in the schools. Schools/school districts take volunteering very seriously and legalistically (yes, you will need to be finger-printed). Check with your school’s website for volunteer procedures. My advice: jump-in and do it. It will be a highlight of your year, and great bonding experience with your child or grandchild. There is a short time when you can share this experience with your loved one—take advantage of it. By Steve Miller

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