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YES on Bonds, No on Bullying and a Fun Poem
School’s back and I’m feeling a mix of seriousness and fun. Let’s start with the serious. I was shocked and so disappointed with the way some people made fun of Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s son Gus’s tearful reaction to seeing his father speak at the Democratic Convention. What kind of people would make fun of not just a kid with mental challenges, but any kid for being tearfully proud of their dad? Various conservatives—such as right wing columnist Ann Coulter, New Jersey Republican Mike Crispi and Wisconsin radio host Jay Weber– took shots at the 17-year-old and used their bully pulpits to be just that–bullies. It goes against everything…
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Dive Into Health with The Children’s Museum of Discovery
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is turning 10 this year and kicking off a season of celebrations with Potter the Otter™. . .a Healthy Adventure Traveling Exhibit! Based on the popular First 5 Santa Clara County Children’s books, this interactive exhibit lets kids join Potter on a quest to learn healthy habits. Paddle giant swans, tend your farm, and stock a healthy plate at the market. Potter the Otter sparks imagination and inspires healthy living with engaging activities and play. Free for Museum Members, and WIC/ EBT card holders, the exhibit is located in a whole new space in the Capitola Mall near the food court and runs…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters: Empowering Trans Youth
“I want to change the world by making it much more friendly for trans people”. –Neal, a young trans girl. At a time when the journey for gender inclusivity and support is more critical than ever, local programs are stepping up to make a meaningful impact on the lives of transgender youth. These initiatives are providing essential resources, fostering community, and advocating for the well-being of trans kids, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. One standout initiative in our community is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), a local organization dedicated to supporting transgender and non-binary youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters created one of the first LGBTQ Youth…
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The Gift of a Life Cycle
I was training elementary teachers on how to deliver the Next Generation Science Standards, and was asked. “When do they learn that some animals are called amphibians, some mammals, and all of that now?” I thought for a moment about how to answer that without using a lot of jargon. I said, “We are teaching big ideas and skills now. When you teach about life cycles, you teach that all things have them, why they are important, and that they look different for these groups called amphibians, mammals, butterflies, or even trees, flowers and sea jellies. One activity I gave the third grade teacher to use for this is a…
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Music for All the Senses at Santa Cruz County Symphony
The Santa Cruz Symphony’s 2024-25 season kicks off on September 21/22 with new music composer Mason Bates’ electrifying Philharmonia Fantastique and Johannes Brahms’ majestic Symphony no. 1, along with a new full orchestra arrangement of Ceremonial Music by beloved local composer Martin Gaskell. The Bates piece is a 25-minute concerto for orchestra and animated film, exploring the connection between creativity and technology. working through the various instruments of the orchestra, the vibrant musical guide to the orchestra blends sound and images, a collaboration between Mason Bates, Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom and animal director Jim Capobianco. Balancing the program is the gorgeous Symphony no.1 by 19th century master Brahms. On…
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Help Children Reach Potential By Embracing Their Mistakes
“Mistakes are so fun. I feel great every time I make one. Can’t wait to make another one!” Who says that? Not me. Most likely, not you either. In the world of scientific exploration and inventions, trial-and-error is a normal procedure. Experimentation holds valuable information. When followed up by studying the results, better results are possible. Edison was reported to have made 1,000 attempts to perfect the light bulb. That’s 999 fails. For children and teens, experimenting, making errors in judgment, and failing are not given this acceptance and value by the adult world. In the Positive Discipline parenting approach, a core tenet is that mistakes are an opportunity to…
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Smart Savings
Children enrich our lives in so many ways, but they sure don’t come cheap! Every parent knows that expenses related to child-rearing can feel endless. From covering essential needs like diapers, food, and clothing to managing their many wants and must-haves, and planning for their future, the financial demands can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are many convenient and accessible ways to save up for your child’s future to make these demands more manageable. Let’s take a look at several popular savings options you can open for your kids, and the benefits and factors to consider for each one. 1. 529 Savings Plans A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account…
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Growing Up, Laughing
I lost both of my parents during my 20’s. Yet, the memories survive, and the best ones are, of us laughing. Growing up and laughing together, with my parents, was part of the fabric that made us a family. Mom always wanted to be in on the joke, she adored laughing, but didn’t like anything too “dirty.” My father and I shared a more twisted sense of humor. In 1974, my dad took me to see the Mel Brooks classic, Blazing Saddles. I was 12. Some people might say I was too young for some of the humor, and I was. A lot of the gimmicks and double entendres went…
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Taking a Semester Abroad Opened a New World
I wade through whitewash with a lead rope in hand. The black pony tentatively follows. She hops and side steps through the waves, skittish to the feel of water on her chest. We push deeper until the ocean sits at my ribs. She swims in circles around me. The slapping waves mirror her sloping spine. I throw the rope over her shoulder and slide myself onto her back. She bounds off and I crash into the water. I rise over her back and fall splashing over and over until she is snorting and I am cold and heavy. On land, I sit with the family. We enjoy the crackers I…
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Finding What Works for Your Family
Parenting is undeniably challenging. I remember bringing my daughter home from the hospital and worrying, “Will I mess this up? Can I help her thrive?” Facing insecurities and the endless existential questions, bombarded by advice from TV, internet, social media, and everyday conversations, it was easy feeling judged for every decision. Now that she’s a toddler, I still face many opinions, but I’ve learned to trust what works for our family. This month we’ll explore the power of praise, a topic that generates many opinions and questionsHow much is too much or too little? Will my children become dependent on praise? Does it do more harm than good? These are…
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Got the Back-to-School Blues?
Got the back-to-school blues? The Santa Cruz County Fair is the cure! The 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair is a one-stop-shop for experiences and entertainment that will take you back in time and transport you to the future! For the first time ever, the Fair will feature a drone light show. Each night of the five-day Fair, “Skye Dreams” will amaze fairgoers with 200 drones dancing in the sky above the fairgrounds. It’s an artistic and high-tech experience. The custom drone show includes a Salute to America, Fair mascot Space Kid and the UC Santa Cruz mascot Sammy the Slug. Skye Dreams is in its third year producing shows throughout…
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Battling Bullying
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education released the first federal definition of bullying. Bullying in SchoolsAbout 22% of students ages 12- 18 said they were bullied at school. The majority said the bullying occurred between one and 10 days, according to the most recent available data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Being the subject of rumors or being insulted were the most common forms of bullying. Fewer than half said they notified a teacher or other adult. CyberbullyingIn a 2022 study, only 6% of teens 13-17 say online harassment or bullying is NOT a problem.…
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Top 10 Self-Care Tips for Parents
Ah, September! The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to change, and school bells are ringing once again. With the hustle and bustle of fall, it’s the perfect time to prioritize self-care and set yourself up for a thriving end of the year. Let’s face it, the holidays will be here before we know it, and with them comes the whirlwind of activities and responsibilities. And, of course, the return of cold and flu season (did it ever really leave?).To help you navigate this busy season, I’m sharing my TOP 10 self-care tips for parents and families: Pay It ForwardSelf-care extends beyond yourself. Being part of a community and…
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Firefighter Makes History as First Female Chief
Clare Frank made history as an inspirational firefighter and as one of first female fire chiefs in California. Her career is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and pioneering spirit. Through her writing, in her memoir “Burnt,” she provides readers with an inspiring perspective on resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions against all odds. “Burnt” captures the challenges Clare faced on her journey to becoming a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Frank’s family fostered a household of independence and finding one’s passion. While living in Santa Cruz, in consultation with her parents, Clare emancipated herself at 17 years old. Clare’s older brother, a firefighter, told…
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Rainbow Conference Offers Opportunities for Teens
The Rainbow Conference opens the door for our LGBTQIA2S+ teens and their parents/guardians as well as their adult allies. There is also an event for elementary school students and their families. It’s a day of celebration, community, and learning for our young people and the adults who support them in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. Students who have attended in previous years say it’s changed their lives and made them feel more welcomed in their homes, schools, and broader community. This free event takes place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Watsonville High School from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm and is organized through the Safe Schools Project.…
