May 2020 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Relinquishing

growingupsc — Fri, 01 May 2020 21:45:00 +0000

Relinquishing BY LISA CATTERALL She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language. And birds fluttered around her, writing “yes” in the sky. With their beautiful markings, exotic eyes and streamlined shape, White-tailed Kites almost seem like a fantasy bird, dreamed up by a writer doing a story about wizards and dragons. They have long white wings, flashing red eyes, and they are the shape of a falcon. They have a unique ability to hover in the midst of wind in one place, waiting for their prey to pass beneath. They also love storms. While many animals hunker down in their burrows or under their umbrella tails (squirrels) and leaves (butterflies), the kite will sometimes relinquish its need for comfort and dance and hunt in the rain. Adversity has hit like a storm, perhaps the biggest storm many of us have weathered. As the storm appeared on the horizon, I heard a cacophony of panic which has begun to be called “panic-gogy” among education bloggers, or the pedagogy of panic. While people cannot relinquish their ties to so many things they took for granted before COVID-19 appeared, and are waiting for the return of “normal,” many of us teachers could not relinquish the beautiful grand finale we had planned for the school year. We all create a crescendo, or a cathartic moment in which the curriculum becomes a complete story and we gather our reflections and sum up everything we’ve learned in this beautiful cycle called a school year. It’s our moment with this year’s group, whom we have learned to love. It’s our MOMENT. Who can relinquish that easily? As we humans have retreated into our dens and under our metaphorical umbrellas, wondering when we can emerge, our real waterways and our air and our open spaces have been relinquished. Dolphins swim in the canals of Venice, wild snowy white goats roam the streets in packs in the towns of England, and the peaks of the Himalaya, long obscured by pollution, stand majestically visible over the cities of China. The waterways in Watsonville have filled with white pelicans, cranes, and dinosaur-like birds I’ve never seen, all taking up residence right below people’s yards. My family has relinquished many things in the last month. We’ve let go of the security of knowing exactly what we’re going to be able to procure from the store on a regular basis. We’ve uprooted our ornamental landscaping and planted a garden instead, and called our local farms and eaten whatever they can sell us. We’ve relinquished our sole dependence on the expertise of trained teachers at a critical time in our children’s development and have made tiny baby steps towards educating them ourselves. We’ve relinquished our need to be perfect at it. In the process, we know our kids better. With my students, I’ve stopped hovering and pushing against the wind and I’ve relinquished myself to the storm. We are dancing with it, with humor and camaraderie. We are no longer clinging on to the normal, and we are no longer panicking. There are new ways to meet, to bond, to progress, and they are not the same ways. Although I have a lot of training in teaching online and the tools, I feel like I am a first year teacher all over again. The possibility is that with a clean slate, the meeting of teacher and student can become about the joy of learning and the practice of human connectedness, and not about delivering a particular curriculum. As we all relinquish “normal,” “as expected,” and “predictability,” and schools retreat from requiring standard curriculum delivery this semester, and are admitting openly that equity among students is not certain, compassion and understanding can fill the void. As many institutions and governing bodies are advising schools to step back and to focus on supporting mental health and families at this time, I hope that focus will always continue. I hope the dolphins and birds and goats and mountains continue to reclaim their place in the landscape of Earth, and I hope compassion continues to grow and blossom in teaching. Meanwhile we will dance in the storm. Lisa Catterall teaches STEAM, math, science, and art at Mount Madonna School and is a senior associate of the Centers for Research on Creativity. She lectures and trains teachers and administrators on innovation in education in Beijing, China. Lisa has five children and lives in Santa Cruz County.

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Positive Parenting Pandemic

growingupsc — Fri, 01 May 2020 20:24:00 +0000

Positive Parenting During a Pandemic BY NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW Just when I got used to my son being away at college, BAM! He’s finishing his spring semester from home and we’re a family of four again with very different schedules, understandings of social distancing, and pre-existing handwashing habits. We’ve resolved most of the big differences that caused tension early on, but social distancing, school closures, and Stay at Home orders due to COVID-19 have turned many families’ lives upside down. Daily routines are disrupted, and everyday tasks like grocery shopping are increasingly difficult and stressful. Many parents I’ve talked to (virtually or from a safe distance, of course!) are coping with the pandemic in different ways. Some parents see this as an opportunity to do family activities, take online classes, rediscover a hobby, binge watch movies, reconnect with friends and family, stay in pajamas all day, or just live life at a slower pace. If this sounds like you, keep doing whatever works! Write in a journal, take photos, or record videos so that you remember the things that brought you joy while sheltering in place. Then think about which changes you want to maintain once social distancing ends. This is a chance to reset expectations, relationships, routines, and habits that were sources of stress before the pandemic. Other parents are riding a roller coaster of emotions…and not always enjoying the ride. Many are fearful about working in settings that put them at risk for contracting COVID-19. Others are stressed about losing jobs and not having enough money for basic necessities – now and in the future. Some parents are on edge because it’s impossible to create a “work-life balance” with multiple kids and adults in the same space all day. Others are frustrated or worried about expectations for distance learning (and students that have disengaged or will fall farther behind). And others are struggling with being physically distant from their social circles. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone! It’s natural to go through emotional highs, lows, twists, and turns during this pandemic. Many times, we create more stress by telling ourselves what we should or shouldn’t feel or do: I shouldn’t cry. I shouldn’t get frustrated or angry. I should be grateful for this time with my children. I should act happy so my kids don’t worry. But the emotional energy it takes to fight the feelings can leave parents feeling exhausted and defeated. Instead, give yourself “permission” to ride the roller coaster of emotions. Try using coping statements to talk yourself through the difficult times: It’s ok to cry, even if I don’t know why I’m crying. This is hard right now, and I’ll get through it. I can love my kids and be frustrated with their behaviors. I lost my temper today, but tomorrow is a fresh start. Many parents are worried about their children’s emotional well-being. Social distancing has been hard for children and teens who thrive on face-to-face interactions, as well as those who do best with daily, predictable routines. Children and teens may sense adults’ anxiety about COVID-19, but might not be ready or know how to verbally express their own feelings. Oftentimes, emotions are expressed through behaviors that appear disruptive, defiant, or out-of-character – e.g. tantrums, refusing to get out of bed or do schoolwork, teasing or fighting with siblings more than usual. If this sounds like your family, you’re not alone! Try to follow (or create new) routines when possible, while being flexible about rules and expectations. Talk as a family about what will stay the same (e.g. mealtimes) and what can be flexible while sheltering in place (e.g. screentime limits). Spend brief and frequent quality time with your children throughout the day to reassure them you’re available when they need you. Develop a family plan for handling the changes that are happening – e.g. Wash our hands frequently. Take turns using the computer. Take deep breaths if we’re scared or stressed. This helps create a sense of control, which can help reduce anxiety about the unknown. FINAL THOUGHTS: The range of reactions to these uncertain times is completely “normal.” If you or someone you know wants additional support, contact First 5 Santa Cruz County (465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org) for virtual Triple P parenting support or dial 211 (or text your zip code to 898-211) to find resources for food, housing, healthcare, and more. This monthly article provides tips for families raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org. Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 16 and 20, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

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Editor’s Note May 2020

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:23:53 +0000

Editor’s Note Tom Petty sang that “the waiting is the hardest part” and it was never more true than right now. All we’ve got is the waiting. Waiting to see if schools will reopen, waiting for a vaccine or safe treatments, waiting to see if we’ll have jobs, if there will be enough food, rent money and an economy that will keep us going when and if the virus passes. Other generations have faced worse challenges and made tougher sacrifices than staying home together, cut off from friends and activities. But we’re waiting to see just how big a toll all of this will take on us. Right now, we figure if we have a roof over our heads and enough food, we have plenty to be thankful for. We’re thankful for the Internet, which we worried was distracting our kids from more important things and now has become the main path to more important things, like hanging with friends, studying in school, playing games and doing projects.We’re thankful for the farmworkers we see out laboring daily, that they are risking their lives to bring us fresh food at poverty wages, after some in this country labeled them as the enemy and spent too much time and money trying to wall them off. We’re thankful for the supermarket clerks and cashiers, the gas station attendants, the police and firefighters, and the janitors and maintenance workers keeping us safe. And yes, of course, we are hugely grateful to the doctors and nurses who have the most dangerous jobs of all in facing off this highly contagious and scarily evolved killer virus. We’re thankful to get all that family time we’ve been lacking in our 9 to 5 or 9 to 9 crush of working to earn the huge amounts we need to take care of families in one of the most expensive places on Earth.And we are thankful for our readers for picking up the magazine and reading online and buying advertising, even when you are also waiting to see if you can stay in business. Our goal is to give you information you need to get through this challenging time. In this issue we have articles about how to home school, how to get exercise indoors, how to donate breast milk for needy mothers, how to navigate the perils of foster parenting, how to build a classroom at home, how to find cool educational and fun websites, how to get jobs and build your immune system—to name a few.We have a truly moving story about local moms who are sacrificing their safety to help the rest of us and an important one about how local people who have been laid off are coming up with new entrepreneurial businesses. We’ve been doing community features like those for 22 years and hope to make it at least another 22. The virus is throwing a monkey wrench into our ability to publish when so few businesses can afford ads or even have services they can advertise during lockdown. We’re asking for help from our readers to keep us printing. Some have already donated, including one family that will match readers’ donations up to $5,000. We have 10 staff people and our basic printing expense is $15,000 a month. You can donate at our GoFundMe account here: bit.ly/3bILy9d or directly to our PayPal account at the Buy Now button here growingupsc.com/contact Thanks in advance for anything you can do and thanks for reading and supporting the magazine! Stay SafeBrad Kava, Jennifer Ford, and Steve Dinnen

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Letters to Mom

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:44:03 +0000

May is the month we celebrate mothers. Women who give selflessly to those around them. A mother is not always the one who gave birth to you; she may be your aunt, guardian, or friend. She may live next door, across the country, or be watching over you from beyond this world. We celebrate a mother’s unconditional love, her ability to be somewhere/someone safe when we are scared, and our cheerleader through life—cheers to all of the women out there wearing their heart outside of their body. Dear Mom,I appreciate the incredible Mom you’ve been for 37 years now. It all began with a heartfelt tune you sang to me as a child “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray…” Thank you for being a powerful instrumental woman in my life. You taught me how to be independent, responsible, honest, integral, and loyal. Now that I’m a Mom I understand how much energy, time, and dedication it takes to be there for your child and make them your main priority. When looking back, I appreciate you making a home where we had everything we needed and could feel warm and safe in your arms as kids. You’ve taught me the importance of my values and sticking with them. I’m proud and grateful at what an amazing Grandma you’re in our lives. You’re thoughtful, caring, and a giver of boundless love. Thank you for giving me the space to grow and independence to make mistakes but still being there to help me up when I fall, and to look at it as a teaching point. You’re my best friend and my confidant. Thank you for being with me and Sydney for every goal accomplished and taking part in all life’s celebrations. I’m strong because of you and the examples you set. Having you in my life means the world to me and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. During dark times you’re the light that helps me navigate and keep moving. As it all began and now, “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey…” Happy Mother’s day, Mommy Sunshine. I hope you know how important you’re to us today and always. I love you.Love,SunShine xoxo To the most selfless person we know. To the one that worked all night to be with us us all day. To the one that kept a smile on her face no matter the situation. To the one that worked hard to put dinner on the table every night. To the one that never missed an event. To the one that loves unconditionally. To the one that taught us to always be kind. To the one that laid down a foundation and gave us the life skills to grow and become our own. To the strongest woman we know. To the warrior woman we are luckily enough to call Mama. Happy Mother’s Day Mama, we love you.Britt & J Dear MomYou more than fulfilled your motherly role of raising me and showing me how to love and be love in this world. God wanted you home early and I may never understand why, but I owe the rest of my life to you for your loving guidance in my life. I hope you can see the wonderful man I found, the beautiful children he’s given me, and I hope you see, that even though I don’t have you in the flesh, God has given me another to fulfill that motherly role in this time, and she does an amazing job! To my wonderful mother in law Joanne,I thank for the amazing man my husband is and the loving father he is to my children. He betters my life because of the love and care you raised him with. Most people are blessed with one mother in their lives, I have been blessed with two. You’ve accepted me and my children into your family with open arms and you didn’t have to, you did it because you’re such a genuinely loving and other centered person. It takes a strong woman to be a great mother to her children, but it takes an even greater woman to fulfill that role willingly, for people who are not of her own. I thank you so much for being an amazing Mother, Grandma, Mother-in-law and person. I am blessed beyond most to have you in my life. Happy Mother’s Day! Love,Heather Dear mommy,How are you doing? Stressed? I just wanted to send some love during this time. I always know how much you did for our family. But this quarantine has made me appreciate you so much more. You deal with constant nagging by the kids and even more from my lazy butt when I get home. I don’t know how you don’t blow your top more often. According to you I’ve been helping out around the house. Mom, I’ve been doing the least. Especially compared to you. You don’t realize because you are so kind. You don’t ever need to repay me for anything I’ve been doing, I’m the one who should be paying my gratitude. Mom you are so incredibly humble and great in every aspect. I love spending time with you. Even though we don’t get that much time alone anymore I cherish every moment with you. My favorite thing to do with you is sit down and search for old music we used to listen to. And belt it at the top of our lungs. I love when you have a random memory and share it at any given moment. You’re filled with stories and interesting memories. You are so amazing and I hope I will end up like you when I am older. You have raised me so well and I am so grateful for everything you have taught me. I love you so much. Keep doing what you’re doing because you are absolutely amazing.Love,(your daughter) Ava What My Mom Means to Me By Ania SinnottMy mom is one of my BIGGEST role models. I want to be just like her when I’m older. She is the best mom in the world! She is sweet, kind, beautiful, smart, caring, and amazing! She is always making everything fun. She is a single mom, she has to work, help us with school, take willow to school, feed us, and do many more things that mom’s do. My little sister willow is almost 2 and keeps my mom up all night and still is as happy as she can be even when she can’t get as much sleep. Some nights when I cry and don’t know why she sits with me and comforts me. She dosent have to do that but she chooses to. One day I said I wanted to redo my room and right away she said ¨okay let’s go to Target and get you some stuff.¨ I know it’s such a little thing but it means a lot. I don’t have 2 mom’s but my friend Jordan’s Mom (Shireen) is like a mom to me. She treats me like I’m her daughter. Shireen is always there for me and I consider her apaart of my family that’s how much I care about her. I wanna thank my mom and shireen for being so nice and making me the person I am today. I love you guys! To My Heavenly Mama-As I approach this Mother’s Day, the 5th one where we can’t be together in the flesh, I am filled with emotion as I prepare myself for my first Mother’s Day expecting a new baby. Our traditions surrounding this day, garden shopping and eating chocolate covered strawberries and appreciating all the beauty in bloom in springtime, I am looking forward to creating new traditions with my son. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you, and miss you, and wish that we could be together. There are so many things I would ask you as I prepare myself for the journey of motherhood, and all the joy that comes along with it. You truly are all the best things about me, and I am forever so thankful to have had you as my teacher in life. I will do my best to teach my children about loving unconditionally, participating with a full heart in the community, and being there for others whenever possible. Mama, I love you so much. I have never been prouder to be your daughter. I hope that as you watch over me and protect me in this next stage of life, you are proud of the woman I have become, and will continue to guide my heart in the best ways you know how. I will celebrate you this Mother’s Day, and every day, for as long as I am on this earth. With my whole heart for my whole life, Carlyn

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Time Capsule

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:35:39 +0000

Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Update

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:31:15 +0000

Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Updates BY ZACH FRIEND, COUNTY SUPERVISOR Many in our community have been severely impacted by both the health and economic conditions caused by the virus. With community members losing their jobs, businesses seeing declining revenue and tenants and renters unable to pay rent, we know it is also difficult to meet your basic needs – and many have been contacting me with questions on ways to get assistance. We want to help. What resources are available to you? How does the shelter-in-place order apply to a number of sectors? Here are answers to some of the most common questions that have been coming into my office in the last week. Where can I get the most reliable local data and info on COVID? The County Health website now has a significant amount of data (updated daily) for you to be informed about local data and resources on COVID-19 including: local demographic data of cases, a breakdown of where the cases are occurring, the total number of cases and tests, resources for providers and residents, a county-by-county comparison, info on the shelter-in-place order and much more. Visit santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus to learn more. I have a business and I’ve lost a most of my revenue and need a loan. Where can I apply? The County’s Economic Development Department has created a special webpage for businesses with information on how to apply for Small Business Association (SBA) loans, California IBANK loans, as well as tax extensions and payment relief from local utilities, and the California Franchise Tax Board. This information can be found at www.sccvitality.org (select COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Businesses). Additionally, they are hosting regular webinars on these topics. The Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo (SBDC) is also offering help in preparing applications to the SBA and others. You can visit their website at cabrillo.edu/services/extension/sbdc.html for contact info. I lost my job – where I can I find information on unemployment or funding available to me? The State of California Employment Development Department is working to expedite unemployment claims for lost work, a reduction in hours, for those acting as caregivers or that have become sick with COVID-19 and are unable to work. edd.ca.gov has information on how to file for these and other circumstances. I’ve noticed that vacation rentals and homeshares still seem to be operating as usual. Are they allowed to be renting? Under the Governor’s order, all non-essential travel is prohibited. Therefore, local vacation rentals, homeshares, hotels and other similar lodging shall only be used for essential functions or purposes as defined by the State. For example, some vacation rentals are being used to house local and out-of-town health care workers and first responders. However, leisure travel is prohibited. Violations could lead to revocation of the owner’s vacation rental permit. The Sheriff’s Office has dedicated a team to outreach and enforcement of the shelter-in-place order and you can call the non-emergency line at to report potential violations. 471-1121 Are parks still open? It seems some people aren’t adhering to social distancing at beaches and some parks. The Health Officer ordered all parks and beaches closed for a week during Easter and Spring Break. This is a dynamic situation and it’s possible that if social distancing principals aren’t adhered to it becomes likely additional restrictions will be placed on some (or all) functions at State and County parks and beaches. Some locations, like the skate park in Seacliff, were problematic and needed to remain closed after the one week order where as some of the open space park areas haven’t had issues. The Health Officer is working to balance the overall health and safety of the community with the health (emotional and physical) aspects of using the outdoors. She is looking at ways where low risk activities can be resumed in the coming month but where higher risk and/or emerging higher risk activities will be restricted. It’s a very difficult balance to meet and one that elicits strong, differing, opinions from the community. Is there a place where I can speak with someone to get questions answered? Yes. The County has a live, staffed hotline – open every day between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. Call (831) 454-4242. What other ways can I get information? You can call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. I’m also maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and during the shelter-in-place order I’m hosting weekly tele-townhalls on various issues on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm. The call in information for the town halls is 454-2222 with the Meeting ID: 145384#. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do feel free to reach out to me. You can always call me at 454-2200.

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Adapting Business

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:19:40 +0000

Staying in Business During Quarantine How to Think Outside of the Box in Challenging Times BY MARINA HALLIN AND STAFF Amidst these hard times for business owners and employees alike, there are many creative individuals coming up with different ways to keep money rolling in and change their business. Construction worker, Michael Cyr, 55, has seen business slow because of the stay-at-home order. He has come up with a meaningful project and way to keep income rolling in during this time. Cyr is making individual planter boxes for people’s outdoor gardens. Cyr recalls planting produce with his father, being fascinated with watching it grow, and going out into the garden to eat fresh veggies. He hopes that by making these planter boxes, kids can also have the enriching experience that he had, and now with most people out of work, adults can even learn a thing or two about gardening. He says that he can make almost any kind of box, and it can be an art project as well, for kids can paint these boxes. They can serve as the focal point to a garden or just a starting point to a multitude of garden projects. If you are interested in these, you can email him directly at mncyr65@yahoo.com Hairstylist, Kendra Guisado, 43, at Evolve Beauty Lounge in Capitola, which is closed by law, is offering custom color kits for purchase to do at-home coloring. Guisado has been doing hair for 24 years, and is scared about being able to make a steady income and fears restrictions proceeding at the salon. “My industry is always changing and evolving,” she says. “This is definitely a hurdle I didn’t anticipate. However I’ve always thought, wouldn’t it be great if we as hairstylists could somehow do virtual hair? I am helping my clients by offering custom color kits through my website for them to use at home. Once they receive their kit we will Facetime each other and I walk them through the process step by step. I am able to answer any questions or concerns they might have during the process.” Guisado says that this will never replace in person styling, but she is flirting with the idea of keeping this going once the pandemic is over. She is optimistic that once we are back to work we will be able to thrive thanks to the support of their clients. West Performing Arts of Santa Cruz, has found a safe, and fun solution to throw birthdays for kids of all ages. Using Zoom screen sharing, Hunter Wallraff, the charismatic and comical Director of Improv Programs for West, leads kids in an online party. Hunter uses his wit, and humor to engage the kids and lead them through a series of fun and active games. He’ll get the kids jumping around and pretending to be various characters and animals while playing Charades, or have the kids drawing in front of the camera during games of Pictionary. Hunter provides a fun, funny, and energetic atmosphere for the kids to be kids. The family of one 7-year-old gave the experience a big thumbs up and they got amazing thank you letters from all the attendees. West Creative Performing Arts can be contacted at westperformingarts.comBrian Hallin (who happens to be my father)owns a small promotional product company, Adventures in Advertising. Since promotional products are mainly used at events and gatherings, his business has almost completely come to a halt. Hallin has been doing a lot of back end work that he would not normally have the time for during regular business. He is cleaning up lead lists, emailing potential new clients, and doing much needed organizational work. How are you evolving your business to meet the restriction of COVID 19? Send GUISC your stories. Send them to editor@growingupsc.com

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On the Spot

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:13:47 +0000

On the Spot First Job Interview BY MARY GAUKEL FORESTER I hope that each and every reader, and family, is well and finding the positive opportunities and discoveries during Shelter In Place. The article for this month was to be about “Your First Job” with tips for parents and students about getting the first job. The month of May traditionally begins the hiring season for summer jobs, often the first job for a teen. As I write this article, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Whitings Foods, the largest Santa Cruz summer employers, are shut and no one knows when they will reopen and what that might look like. Many other first jobs in fast food and other food industry places are limited as businesses are closed or offer limited hours. Even with the unknown, preparing to get a first job, or any job, is time well spent. For this article, I am taking the perspective that most parents and youth arspending more time together and the focus will be on the opportunity to practice for interviewing. A fun way to practice for the first interview is to role play which can be done with all ages, adjusting the questions. First jobs in Santa Cruz County might include: Administrative Assistant Amusement Park Attendant Barista Baby-sitter/Nanny Bus person Camp Counselor or Counselor-in-Training Carpenters Helper Cashier Construction Helper Counter Attendant Daycare Assistant Delivery person Dog Walker Farm Worker Grocery Bagger Groundskeeper Home Companion/Caretaker Host/Hostess Hotel Desk Clerk Assistant Kennel Attendant Kitchen Helper Lawn/Landscape Worker Library Assistant Lifeguard Maintenance HelperMessenger/Courier Movie Theatre Attendant Usher Packer/Mover Parking Lot Attendant Plant/Nursery Assistant Receptionist Retail Clerk Swimming Instructor Vehicle washer/detailer Veterinarian Assistant Waiter/Waitress Fortunately preparing for an interview during Shelter In Place is easy with some internet research. The first step in preparing for an interview is to research the job or company. For a job at MacDonald’s it might mean researching jobs in the fast food industry, landyourlife.com/fast-food-jobs/, and McDonald’s, mcdonalds.com/, the corporation. It is important to know something about the job, if possible, the company or particular business. The next step is to research what questions might be asked in an interview, for fast food jobs, the following website offers standard questions and answers for fast food jobs: content.wisestep.com/restaurants-common-interview-questions-answers/. A third step is considering what to wear for an interview which varies for different jobs such as for McDonald’s which can be found at this website: work.chron.com/dress-interview-mcdonalds-15903.html. Now begins the fun, role playing the interview, beginning with your child interviewing you and not the other way around. As a parent, you “dress for the interview”. Print out questions that your child can ask you so that you can model possible answers. Serious or humorous it is all good practice. Once you have had your interview, ask your child to choose their “interview clothes”, read over the interview questions, and ask them to show-up promptly for their “interview appointment” with you. You now play the role of employer and ask questions, allowing time for your child to think about and formulate the answers. At the “end” of the interview you can provide feedback and brainstorm improvements. Maybe your child needs to be more thoughtful and prepared to share their strengths, talents, and soft skills that will help them be successful in that job. They might need to talk slower or maybe they “nailed” the interview. Practicing interviewing can be adjusted for any age group. My six year old grandson would like to be a firefighter. We talked about how you prepare for the job through education and training. I shared that before a person gets the job they have an interview and they are asked questions to see if they can do the job. We sat at the dining room table and I asked him very simple questions: Why do you want to be a firefighter? How do you put out a fire? What else do firefighters do besides putting out fires? He was serious about his answers and I intend to keep role playing with him so that he feels experienced for his first “real” interview. Have fun and help your child be prepared! Mary began teaching elementary school, had her own children, taught in middle school and high school, became a high school principal, finally a grandparent, and currently, the executive director for the non-profit organization, Your Future Is Our Business. Your Future Is Our Business partners with schools to link students to career explorations. Reach Mary at marygaukel@gmail.com

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Ride Again

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:02:52 +0000

Will You Ride a Roller Coaster Again This Year? BY ERIC CHALHOUB I was going through old photos on my phone the other day when I came across one I took of RailBlazer at California’s Great America back in December.It made me wonder: Have I yet to ride a roller coaster this decade? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Even more unfortunate is the idea that I have no idea when my next coaster ride will be. And we’re almost halfway through 2020.With the coronavirus barely showing signs of letting up, theme parks around the nation are gearing up for a possible summer without thrills. At the beginning of April, most parks anticipated reopening in mid-May. But as April neared its end, the narrative changed to “whenever we reopen.” Gov. Gavin Newsom in mid-April hinted at a possible loosening of the state’s shelter-in-place order in May, but warned that large gatherings likely would still be prohibited at least through August. That prompted Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel to suggest canceling summer events in Santa Cruz County, including operations at the currently closed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Newel quickly clarified her statement, saying that “speculation about future operations at this time is premature.” Boardwalk officials said that no decisions have yet been made on the fate of the summer season. “We remain optimistic and hopeful that we will be able to open sometime this summer,” a statement from the Boardwalk read. “Our continued priority remains the health and safety of our guests and employees.” The virus has forced the major theme park chains to cut salaries, positions and improvement projects for 2020. Even worse, the status of some new-for-2020 attractions remains unclear. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, for instance, has removed all references to its new coaster, Sidewinder Safari, from its website. Crews had just started construction in early March before the shelter-in-place order went into effect. California’s Great America, meanwhile, is still promoting its new waterpark expansion for summer, yet construction has been halted since March. Even if Great America reopens in July in a best-case scenario, the new waterpark is still roughly two months away from being finished, and it’s unlikely it will make the summer season. With social distancing protocols expected to last well throughout the year, what might that mean for theme parks? Would the number of people allowed in a park be limited? Would only one family at a time be allowed on a roller coaster? Can small queues handle separating people six feet apart, or will lines spill out and clog the midways? There are too many questions out there, and sadly, there are not very many answers as things have been changing at a rapid pace. It’s not all bad news, though.Great America and Gilroy Gardens, as well as all parks nationwide in the Cedar Fair chain, announced that 2020 season pass holders will have their passes extended through the end of 2021. Six Flags, SeaWorld and Universal, meanwhile, said they will extend the expiration date of season passes by the number of days their parks are closed. The Boardwalk will extend all season passes purchased before it closed for one year past its reopening date. The next best thingAt the beginning of the year, I had thought my May 2020 column for Growing Up in Santa Cruz would’ve been my annual summer preview article, highlighting what the Boardwalk and other theme parks had in store for the warmest season of the year.I never thought, at this time of the year, I would be writing what follows.In May 2020, the only way you can ride a roller coaster is … virtually. Yes, most parks have point-of-view videos of their roller coasters on their YouTube channels, where they’ve mounted an HD camera on the front of the coaster train to provide a wide-open view of its surroundings as it traverses its course. Make sure, however, that you find a park’s official channel or those of other legitimate organizations, such as the American Coaster Enthusiasts or a news outlet. YouTube is filled with shaky, handheld videos from guests who somehow snuck their phones onto the ride to record their journey. Such an action is illegal and is cause for ejection from the park. So please, don’t give them any views. You would only be rewarding them for breaking theme park law.

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Strengthen Immune System

growingupsc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 19:09:01 +0000

Lifestyle Can Foster Your Strongest Immune System BY GRETCHEN HEIMSOTH Times are crazy! I think we all are looking for things we can do to feel empowered right now. I have hope we are now starting to move in a slow, but forward momentum surrounding the coronavirus. But the threat of it makes one want to react. “What can I do to protect myself?” We think about the immune system. “Can I boost it?” the thought process can go. Yet when it comes to the immune system, there isn’t any magic boosting pill, supplement, or superfood. Ramping up the immune system would lead to the unpleasant symptoms we experience with colds. Trying to get a fast fix on the immune system is not the best way to think about it. Don’t get me wrong; I believe wholeheartedly in the healing power of foods and herbs, even so, immune nutritional benefits are most strongly reaped over time. Giving your body what it needs to build healthy cells. Research on vitamin C, perhaps most specifically, from food sources, showed protective benefits from certain cancers, the common cold, and several eye issues. Vitamin D is immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory, crucial for activating several immune responses. Many, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, are deficient. These two vitamins may be worth considering when it comes to wanting to build your most robust immune system. The first from food sources. The second from the sun and perhaps supplementation, all age groups. In the short term, there are habits you want to focus on reducing that will stop lowering your immune system. Building the immune system is about creating a healthy body, a lifestyle. A few habits to consider limiting if you want to build and protect your immune system are limiting long periods of sitting and being sedentary, smoking, excess alcohol, a high sugar diet, poor sleep, and poor stress management. Exercise contributes to the healthy movement of blood cells, which help to keep the immune cells moving so they can better do their job. Walking, jogging, jumping jacks if you can. Aim for 20 minutes, grow from there. Smoking inflames the lungs, and the cardiovascular system lowers immune function. Alcohol causes several harmful by-products that also inflame and lower immune function. Inadequate sleep will keep you from getting the restorative rest your body needs to have to do the deep repair. Sugar, caffeine, and lack of exercise can make sleep difficult. Cut screens, all blue light at least one hour before bed. Stress ManagementStress loads are high right now. Uncertainty, health worries, and financial stress are all in the mix together. Many of us have been forced into job changes, homeschooling, reduced hours, loss of income…Quarantine brings social isolation. It affects our senses of autonomy, competency, and control. I want to encourage anyone reading this to be gentle to yourself during this time. All the feelings surrounding this process are valid. Reducing stress won’t be a perfect process right now. And that’s ok. It doesn’t have to be. Functioning for prolonged periods under high stress can make the body start to become cortisol dependent and then resistant. It is opening the inflammation floodgates, ultimately leading to a weakened, tired immune system that can’t operate at its best to protect you. It’s essential to do what you can right now and what works for you. MeditationMaybe right now, you can’t get mentally still at all or have never embarked on the practice. Try a guided meditation. If that’s not the right fit, try yoga. It can ground you back in the moment. The focused breath helps to break you out of fight or flight. The goal right now is to try to give your nervous system as many breaks as possible right now. Get outside in nature, reach out to friends and family outside of social media. Take advantage of video calling. The whole family can utilize these practices. Children are feeling what is going on. Their world has flipped upside down. They can also use “brain breaks”- meditation, movement in nature. Video calling with friends and family. And lots of understanding, pausing and hugs. Vitamin C Rich Fruits and Vegetables, Fiber, ProteinFill your plate with the rainbow, minimally processed, seasonal local foods. Avocado and olive oil. Legumes such as lentils. Moderate consumption of dairy. Less frequency of red meat and in smaller portions. A Mediterranean style diet offers the most immune building, anti-inflammatory benefits. Breathe, focus on what you can reach that you are grateful for. These practices, hand washing, and social distancing are the best ways to stay healthy right now.

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