Bay Area Kids June/July 2009

PLUS» Clean plate Club: fentons Creamery» ecoTalk: When to Buy organic» health matters: Water safety

Cool Funin the Hot Summer Suninside and out

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NEW!TEAR-OUT

KID’S PAGE

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June/July 09 | East Bay Bay Area Kids 3

Learning

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San Mateo, CA 94403650.961.5200

5820 Stoneridge Mall RoadPleasanton, CA 94588

925.416.1400

Some services may be considered alternative or complementary: therefore, these services and their providers are not required to be Healing Arts Practitioners. Not intended to address any medical or mental disorders.

1600 South Main StreetWalnut Creek, CA 94596

925.280.9100

*6.9% is effective rate. Subject to credit approval. See Center for details.

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4 Bay Area Kids BAKidsMagazine.com

This All-Girl Pop Group, star-ring nine girls ranging in ages 11 to 16 make their West Coast concert debut at Kidsfaire.

GIRL AUTHORITY Universal Music Group and In-terscope Records Recording Art-ists Present “The Clique Girlz” live in Concert at Kidsfaire!

CLIQUE GIRLZ

WWW.AMERICASFAMILYEXPO.COM • 866.283.8600 • 10AM - 5PM • $8 ADULTS, $5 KIDS 2-12JOIN THE FREE KIDS CLUB FOR FREE UPDATES!

Visit the qubo Vil lage and Meet al l your Favorite Television Star s from NBC-TV, including The VeggieTales, Turbo Dogs, Zula Patrol, Maisy, Dragon, Babar and lots more!

And then visit Character Central to meet the wor ld’ s Most Popular Kids Television and Movie Star s… shake hands with star s of Madagascar, SpongeBob, Dora, Cl i f ford,

Super Why, Maya & Miguel, Alvin and the Chipmunks and tons more!

ALSO FEATURING: Pirate’s Treasure Hunt, Princess Pavilion,

Tiki Tiki Hut, Wild Wild West Pavilion, Craft City & Safari-Land


28 Dessert as the main course?

what’s inside

The reGulAr

22 Swim Healthy, Swim Safely

The Good sTuffVolume 1, number 4June/July 2009www.BAKidsmagazine.com

Publisher/Editor/Fathereverard G. [email protected]

SalesGeneral [email protected] helga [email protected] [email protected]

EditorialGeneral [email protected]

Photographymackenzie Chase PhotographyMackenzieChasePhotography.com

Contributing WritersKelly Pollard, Patricia Kutza, elise Cooke, Cathy Jetter, Courtney Bennett, Li miao Lovett

Submissionssend photos, events, news, and story requests to [email protected]

Product submissionssend all products to address below. include return postage.

Doing our PartBay Area Kids magazine is printed on 10 percent recycled paper using only soy based inks. Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Act (RCRA) standards and is a certified member of the Forest stewardship Council.

Small Print2009 Big e Productions (DBA Bay Area Kids magazine). No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Big e Productions assumes no liability or responsibility for any claims made by advertisers in the magazine.

BAY AReA KiDs magazineP.O. Box 30442Walnut Creek, CA 94598www.BAKidsmagazine.com

BayAreaKids

6 editor’s letter Growing up is hard to do

8 to-do list Calendar of events

10 cool destination Local water parks

14 mixed media Book reviews and local music

16 cool daze Spend summer in these cool libraries

22 water safety Learning to swim can save your child’s life

26 yes you can can Introducing the art of fruit preservation

28 clean plate club Fentons Creamery

30 the back page Diary of a suburban queen

SPECIAl SECTIOnS15 Absolutely Essential Father’s Day Gift Guide

19 Family Health Professionals Guide

Visit us online at www.BAKidsMagazine.com and you can virtually page through this magazine at your leisure, and even click on the links in the text or on the ad.

You can also enter contests, stay informed with our calendar, and plan your dining out days with our kid-friendly dining guide. All online, all for you.

flippin’ AWesome!

PLUS» Clean Plate Club: Fenton Creamery

» EcoTalk: When to Buy Organic

» Health Maters: Water Safety

Cool Funin the Hot

Summer SunInside and out

june/july 2009 $3.95

w w w. b a k i d s m a g a z i n e . c o m

07

Great

Gift Ideas

for DaddyDay!

5peekinside


I’m going to miss my kids when they’re gone.

ThaT sTaTemenT sounds omInous, so let me expand a bit. my son turned two this past may, and my daugh-ter is turning four in June. Though these may not be consid-ered milestones in themselves when considering overall child development, as their dad (“daddee”), I can see and feel that they’re on the cusp of a new stage in their young lives, and it saddens me a little. (okay … sniff … a lot.)

I wax melancholic for my daughter because she’s becom-ing a girl, and in the process she’s shrugging off her infant-like ways, becoming more inquisitive and interested in all things feminine. I don’t begrudge her this, and am very proud of her self-awareness and growth, and know with all my heart that in time she will grow up to be a healthy, independent woman. But even though I admit it’s a selfish thought, I just wish it would happen on a slower time scale.

my son’s growth is hitting me the hardest. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my son, or the youngest child, or because as he passes through this magical age he’s in—where the world is a grand stage, a cosmic playground where the clouds, cats, bugs, and parents are all created purely for his own amuse-ment and curious inspection—that I as a parent will not be able to go back to this special place again, and will move on along with my children to new, older destinations.

There are countless parents who will lay witness that each age of a child’s life is amazing and wonderful in its own way, and though much of a child’s early years may pass into distant memory in a dad’s mind, new and just-as-memorable experiences will fill the void. I get that, I do. It doesn’t make the passing any less difficult.

maybe therein lies the paradox of being a parent: we want our children to grow up, to learn, to function on their own, to lead rewarding lives; at the same time, we tug on their arm a little longer as they look wistfully at what lies ahead of them, eager to let go of our hold and skip down that road.

my children, then, as they are now, will soon be gone, re-placed by a different, older, and I’m sure just-as-exciting ver-sion of themselves. all I can do as a dad is stand at the door-way and wave goodbye to what was (but keep the door just a little ajar so I can run back every now and then and at least take a peak through the crack), and squeezing both their hands a little tighter, keep walking down that great hall.

happy Father’s day! everard G strong, Publisher, editor, and [email protected]

upfront

6small talk

The Cover

Our Cover Photo: We try not to use stock photography on our cover, but the above photo caught our eye because it best sums up the themes in this issue: Father’s Day, and Keeping Cool (which includes a review of area water parks). And because it made us smile.

Photo: Shane Michael Babin

Your Turn

Have your baby, son, or daughter featured in an upcoming issue of Bay Area Kids magazine: Send us your best shots—whether they’re funny, pensive, fashionable, or silly. Photos should be 300 DPI and sent to [email protected]. Please include child’s name (and last initial), age of child (and sex), and city of residence, along with a description of what the child is doing, why you took the shot, what clothes they’re wearing, or anything else you’d like to add, and whether you’d like us to include your last name. Inclusion in the printed magazine is not guaranteed, but all photos will be posted online as well. By submitting a photo, you are giving Bay Area Kids magazine the right to reproduce the photo either online or in print.

ediTor’s leTTer

growing up is hard to do

sound CheCKThis issue’s Theme:

Lullaby CD for my daughter

Elton John : Your songRandy Travis : Forever and

ever, AmenSarah Brightman : Beautiful

Billy Bragg and Wilco : California stars

Alison Krauss : Down to the River to Pray

Garth Brooks : The RiverKlaus Badelt : Godspeed

(Time Machine Soundtrack)The Beatles : Let it Be

Beethoven : Fur eliseFisher : i Will Love You

Jim Croce : i Will have to say i Love You in a song

Julio Iglesias : CaminitoIsrael Kamakawiwo’ole :

somewhere Over the Rainbow

send your mix list to [email protected]

P.s. happy Father’s Day to the most impor-tant father in my life, my Dad, and also to Grandpa and Great-Grandpas Al and John. And happy Father’s Day to you, too.


Explore the beauty of the world class Ruth Bancroft Garden while viewing exceptional jury selected outdoor sculpture from some of the Bay Area’s top artists.

Preview Party & Artists ReceptionJune 19, 5:00-8:00pmReservations required

Artwalk & MarketplaceFather’s Day Weekend

June 20-21, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Juried Exhibit continues through July 19th

1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek

The Ruth Bancroft Gardenpresents

Sculpture in The Garden

For more information, go towww.ruthbancroftgarden.org

or call (925) 944-9352

Give your family the gift of health

Carol Lourie, ND, LAc.

pregnancy and childbirthhomeopathy • chronic ear infections

infertility • digestive problems emotional well-being • insomnia

acupuncture • sports injuriespostpartum stress and transitionsurgery recovery • clinical nutrition

teething • trauma and stress naturopathy • women’s health

• Ment ion th i s ad for $50 of f f i r s t v i s i t ! •

Center for Natural Health Care & Healing

(510) 526-2028 • www.cfnhc.com

Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate2960 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland (by the Zoo)

(510) 562-0328www.dunsmuir.org

Photo Courtesy: Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Come Picnic at the Family Estate

$5.00 AdmissionFamily Sundays June 7, Aug. 2, Sept. 6

Teddy Bear Parade July 4Scottish Games July 11 & 12

Music & Movie FridaysJune 26 : My Fair Lady

July 24 : A Secret GardenAug. 28 : A Little Princess

Sept. 25 : Finding Neverland

Nestled on 50 acres, with lush green meadows, footbridges, duck pond,

and mansion tours.


Sand Castle and Sculpture ContestJune 13, Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, AlamedaGrab your shovel, bucket, and cre-ative ideas and see if you’ve got what it takes to win this year’s contest. There are three categories: 12 and under (individual or group), 13 and over (individual or group), and Family. Registration: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., free admission. Robert Crown Me-morial State Beach, Otis and West-line Drive, Alameda. Rules and regu-lations available online at http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/arpd/events.html

These listings are provided as a free

service to our readers. submit your event

to us (include place, date, and description)

online at [email protected]

playdate

Sculpture in the Garden Exhibit: Father’s Free DayJune 19-July 19, Ruth Bancroft Gardens, Walnut CreekCelebrating its fifteenth year of merging art and nature in its an-nual outdoor exhibition, there will be over fifty artists’ work on display at this year’s event. Ruth Bancroft Gardens will be hosting a special Father’s Day Weekend exhibit and marketplace Art sale, free for Dads on Father’s Day (regularly $10/per-son), and free to children under 12. The event is open saturday and

CAlendAr of evenTs

june | july

sunday, June 20-21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek. (925) 944-9352 for more information, www.RuthBancroftGarden.org. Bay Area Kids is a sponsor of this event.

USS Hornet Father’s Day TourJune 21, USS Hornet, AlamedaWant to do something really cool for your Daddy’s special day? Bring him on board the uss hornet, where he will be able to see flight operations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position; he can take part in mission briefings, and even sit in the cockpit of a fight-er jet! uss hornet museum, 707 W. hornet Ave., Alameda, (510) 521-8448, www.USS-Hornet.org

Wente’s Dinner and a MovieJune 29, July 13, August 10, Wente Vineyards, LivermoreAdults can enjoy a two-course fixed price dinner at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards and a glass of their estate Grown Wine for only $29, and then relax on the Terrace Lawn and watch a movie. The Kid’s package (for children 12 and under), includes a drink, a choice of two entrees, and a sundae, all for only $15. Or, you could skip the meal and sit outdoors at the Reel Classics Café and enjoy more casual fare. Best of all for ev-eryone attending, movies are free! All movies begin showing at twi-light. 2009 line-up: Sound of Music, June 29; Harry Potter and the Sor-cerer’s Stone, July 13; Mama Mia! (The sing-along version), August 10. Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Rd., Livermore, (925) 456-2400, www.WenteVineyards.com. Bay Area Kids is a sponsor of this event.

Annual scottish highland GamesJuly 11-12, Dunsmuir Historic Estate, OaklandBring your kilt and join other fans for two fun-filled days of highland games, sheep dog demonstrations,

The WiGGles Go BAnAnAs! TourJuly 22, HP Pavilion, San JoseWake up Jeff! The four merry men from Down Under are back, and will be bringing all of their best friends: Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, and yes, Dorothy the Dinosaur. Bring dog bones for Wags (they will be donated to a local animal shelter), and roses for Dorothy (they will be donated to a local Children’s hospital), but most of all, bring your Wiggles fans for an unforgettable experience! Shows at 3:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, www.hppsj.com. Tickets available by calling (408) 999-5719, or at www.ticketmaster.com. (If you can’t make this date, there is a show July 21, at Arco Arena in Sacramento).

WIN

4 tIckets!

Find our special tear-away

entry form to draw your

favorite Wiggle and

you could go see

them live!

8to dolist


highland and country dance, man-sion tours, whiskey tasting, food, a gathering of clans, dancing demon-strations, and activities just for the kids. There will be pipe band com-petitions, and live music. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets: Adults, $20/2 days, $12/1 day; children 6-13, $5; chil-dren under 6, free; seniors, $8, and military or students (with ID), $8. Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland, (510) 562-0328, www.Dunsmuir.org.

Peter Pan, the MusicalJuly 17-August 23, Berkeley Play-house (Ashby Stage), BerkeleyYou can fly, you can fly! And so will your little ones’ excitement and imag-ination as they soar along with Peter, Tinkerbell, hook, Tiger Lily, Wendy, and the other familiar characters. (And yes, Peter Pan really does fly in this production!) every Thursday the Playhouse features “Pay what you can Thursdays,” making this a very affordable event for your whole fam-ily. Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sundays 1 and 6 p.m. Two special Wednesday shows August 5 and 12. Tickets (other than Thursday): $28 and $22. Performances held at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Asby Ave., Berke-ley, (510) 665-5565, www.Berkeley-Playhouse.org.

For more detailed events, includ-ing weekly highlights, visit us on-line at www.bakidsmagazine.com.

2 0 0 9

925-456-2424 wentevineyards.com

5050 arroyo rd., Livermore vaLLey

enjoy a family evening under the stars this summer with dinner and a movie at wente vineyards. adults can enjoy a two course fixed price dinner and a glass of

wente vineyards estate Grown wine in The restaurant for only $29 (plus tax and gratuity), followed by a movie on the terrace Lawn. The children’s Package includes

a drink, choice of two entrees, and a sundae for just $15 (plus tax and gratuity). restaurant reservations are recommended. or join us at the outdoor reel classics café where casual offerings are served. all movies are complimentary and begin at twilight!

audio visual provided by:

The Sound of MuSic 6/29

harry PoTTer and The Sorcerer’S STone 7/13

MaMMa Mia! Sing-Along 8/10

Don’t miss the Fireworks this July 4.

Find out where the sparks are going to fly at www.bakids-magazine.com


WATeR PLAY at a local park is a fun, low-cost (usually free) way to beat the summer heat and entertain the kids at the same time. Thanks to a bounty of east Bay parks with water features, one of these cool oases exists within driving distance of your home.

dAnvilleHap Magee Ranch Park (1025 La Gonda Way). hap magee has been welcoming children for a long time: at one point in its history, the park served as a summer camp for san Francisco orphans, then known as Camp swain (a plaque and a brick structure commemorate this past). hap magee’s water feature is a combination of metal tubes that form a tunnel with water

playdate

Cool desTinATions

Watery fun in the

hot sunThe East Bay boasts

a bevy of free outdoor water-soaked fun spots

by Courtney Bennett

spraying inside as kids run through, and water spraying up from the ground. A motion sensor activates the feature on a random circuit. This 17-acre park also has walking trails, separate play areas for younger and older children, picnic areas, and a dog park. Web site: www.ci.danville.ca.us

Sycamore Valley Park (holbrook Drive and Camino Tassajara). The park feature a recreational water fountain, with poles, tubes, domes and a water cannon that spray water throughout the play area. A motion sensor operates the water sprays on a random circuit. A playground is divided into two areas, one for older and one for younger children. You’ll also find picnic and barbecue areas, five baseball diamonds, and soccer fields. Web site: www.ci.danville.ca.us

Diablo Vista Park (1000 Tassajara Ranch Drive, at Crow Canyon Road). The park is home to a 75-foot mosaic water-snake with an open trough on its back streaming water as it winds down a hillside. The water runs continually, with periodic 15-minute breaks. Renovated in 2007, the 20-acre park has a children’s play area (targeted for children 8 and under), sand volleyball court, covered picnic area, lighted sports fields, and two tennis courts. You’ll also find a picnic area, and a snack shack. Web site: www.ci.danville.ca.usDrought policy: Water features at these parks will not operate until East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) officially lifts the mandatory drought restrictions.

duBlinEmerald Glen Park (4201 Central Parkway). This park’s water feature is a sculptural wonder of metal poles in various shapes, sizes, and colors that spray water—matched by jets in the ground. Look in the April/may 2009 edition of Bay Area Kids (page 10), for more about this park.

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furTher reAdinG

An extended version of this ar-ticle, featuring over twenty wa-ter parks throughout the whole Bay Area, is available online at www.bakidsmagazine.com

Web site: www.ci.dublin.ca.us Dates and Hours of Operation: The feature is open Memorial Day through Labor Day; Hours are dawn until dusk.

Drought policy: The water feature will operate this summer.

morAGAMoraga Commons (moraga Road and st. mary’s Road). Nestled in a grassy field between two playgrounds – one for younger tots and one for older children – the Commons’ newly renovated water feature features a green arch that sprays water when children tap a sensor pad with their feet. The park also has sand volleyball courts, grassy play areas, a 9-hole disc golf course, a basketball court, a skate park, and an open air amphitheatre for summer concerts. Check the park’s Web site for the feature’s status and for a schedule of evening concerts in the summer. Web site: www.moraga.ca.usDates and Hours of Operation: See their drought policy below.

Drought policy: The park follows EBMUD’s drought guidelines this summer, and will only operate the water when the temperature is 85 degrees or above.

oAKlAndSplash Pad Park (Grand and Lake Park Avenues). Designed by Walter hood, the former Chair of the school of environmental Design at uC Berkeley, splash Pad comes with a serious pedigree. Visit on a saturday to partake in

the Grand Lake Farmers’ market, which operates each saturday all year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While one of you watches the children splash in the fountain, the other can peruse over fifty vendors offering produce, prepared foods, and arts and crafts. if you’re really ambitious, check the movie schedule at the Grand Lake Theater across the street. Web site: www.splashpad.orgDates and Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with peak use between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday during the Farmer’s Market.

Drought policy: The fountain will operate during the summer. Check their Web site for any changes.

sAn rAmonCentral Park (12501 Alcosta Boulevard). A mushroom-shaped fountain in the middle of a shallow, circular wading pool dominates this park; the water from the fountain also runs down a pebble walkway, ending in a pond next to a sandy play area. This 35-acre park also includes a playground, soccer and baseball fields, lighted basketball courts, a tennis court, a skateboarding area, hiking trails, picnic facilities, and an amphitheatre used for summer entertainment events.Web site: www.ci.san-ramon.ca.usDates and Hours of Operation: Memorial Day to Labor Day. 9 am to 7 pm (Monday through Friday); 7 am to 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday).

Drought Policy: The water feature should be fully operational this summer, but check their Web site before heading out.

Of Droughts and MenWinter rains brought some relief to drought-parched Northern California, but many parks are still taking measures to conserve water that range from limiting water feature hours to shutting them down completely. The City of Moraga, which did not operate its water feature last year, has decided to operate it only on hot days (85 degrees or above). Other parks, like those in Danville, are waiting until mid-June to see what the official drought pol-icy will be before setting dates and hours of operation. Meanwhile, parks that have water features that re-circulate or recycle, such as Central Park in San Ramon and Splash Pad Fountain in Oakland, plan to run as scheduled. If you’re going to a park specifically for its water feature, play it safe by checking the park’s Web site in advance and calling the parks and recreation information number just to be safe. That way you can avoid explain-ing the concepts of “drought,” and “water rationing” to a disappointed child.

OAKlAnD’S SPlASH PAD PArK

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Wanna make kids smile? Wanna make kids smile?

Our Mission Statement:Preserving the wellness and enhancing the quality of life

for children in Northern California with life threatening and chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and youth at-risk

through unique therapeutic experiences and support.

January • Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California

March • Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF)

April • Jack’s Camp for Pediatric Brain Tumor

May • Camp Hope (Bereavement)

June • California Fairplay (Asthma) • Camp Breathe Easy (CHO-Asthma) • Camp Wonder (Children’s Skin Disease) • Gut Busters (Crohn’s, Colitis and IBD)

July • Camp Sunburst (Pediatric HIV/AIDS) • Camp Taylor (Congenital Heart Disease) • Celiac Camp (High allergy to any wheat product)

August • Exceptional Needs Network (Autistic & Developmentally Delayed) • Kara’s - Camp Erin (Bereavement) • Camp Opehay (Bi-polar Disorder) • Camp Sickle Cell • Jack’s Camp for Pediatric Brain Tumor

September • Little Heros Firefighters Burn Institute (Preschool Burn Survivors)

November • Camp Hope (Bereavement Camp)

See Who’s Coming to Camp in 2009*

If you have a child with special needs, please contact us: 925-455-5118 • www.ttff.org • [email protected]

with special needs, please contact us:

The Taylor Family Foundation • 5555 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550 • Tax ID 94-3262932

Send them to The Taylor Family Foundation’s Camp Arroyo

*At no cost to the child or their family

TTFF parents mag 1108ver11.indd 1 11/5/08 7:07:26 AM


llaMa llaMa MiSSES MaMaWritten by Anna DewdneyLlama Llama takes on his biggest adventure yet, the first day of school. Through it all, Llama Llama learns that teachers are patient, new friends can be fun, and with just a little encouragement, little Llama learns he can love school and his mama Llama, too. make this a part of your reading routine this summer to ease your child’s first day jitters come september. Cathy Jetter Van OODlES

A tightly-produced album from san Francisco native Van Oodles, his debut CD has enough goofy silliness to keep the young ‘uns bouncing, but he also intertwines plenty of modern riffs, vocal effects, and jaunty rhythms to keep the adults interested as well. stand out tracks include “monkey moo,” “Bee in the house,” “Bailey” (about a dog), and “Pombi the Chicken eater.” CD available at www.VanOodles.com

abby anD THE PiPSqUEakSThis quirky collection of funky little-folk tunes has become a dance-time favorite around the strong house, especially tracks like “Don’t Play with Fire,” “i Like monsters,” “Bully,” “Chugga Chugga Choo Choo,” and “i Like Apples.” Online at www.AbbyandthePipsqueaks.com.

2030: a Day in THE liFE OF TOMORROW’S kiDSWritten by Amy Zuckerman and James DalyIllustrated by John MandersThe Jetson’s may have missed the mark in their prediction of life in the space age, but the details of this author’s fantastic future are all firmly rooted in the science of today. schools constructed from plasticized cement, clothing that gathers solar energy to run electronic gadgets, and brussel sprouts modified to taste great are mundane moments in the day of an elementary student in 2030. science class should be as interesting as the book’s sidebars that explain how today’s technology is already affecting our future. Cathy Jetter

PiP in THE GRanD HOTElWritten by Johannes HuckeIllustrated by Daniel Mullermary only wants to share her friend, Pip, with her friends, but open boxes and tiny mice are not a good combination. When Pip leaps from the box, the chaotic chase begins—right through the door of the Grand hotel. highly detailed, nearly frenetic illustrations bring young readers into the heart of the hunt as they search for Pip on each page. hotel managers and disgruntled princesses are easy to outmaneuver, but mary and her friends will have to find Pip before the inside of the hotel’s cat becomes Pip’s last destination. Cathy Jetter

reAdinG mATeriAls loCAl sounds

8-12 yrs

4-8 yrs

1-4 yrs

soundwords

14mixedmedia


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neighborhood

Bay area lIBrarIes are now a magnet for all things social and, believe it or not, all things cool as well. more than likely your kids have already told you that. They are hanging out there in droves, and this summer they will be showing up in record numbers to surf the ‘net, compete for neat prizes, and en-joy great (and free) entertainment.

Take me to the Pleasanton libraryCalifornia libraries once again are taking part in the federally-funded Collabora-tive summer library Program (CslP), a partnership between the California state library and the California library asso-ciation (Cla). The Pleasanton library is customizing its program around the con-cept of the Wild West.

Preschoolers through eighth-grad-ers will be flocking to their Tales of old West summer reading games, held June 13 through august 8. By reading (or lis-tening to audio material), kids can earn

neat prizes, such as free books, enter-tainment certificates, and other goodies, when they accumulate reading hours.

“lariat larry,” a cowboy storyteller and perennial community favorite, ap-pears on Wild West Wednesdays to thrill kids with his stories and rope tricks. not to be outdone, dinosaurs in old West re-galia will be the featured performers in their puppet shows. outside, there will be more theatre where the spirit of the old West show takes place.

says children’s librarian John mitchell about the summer programs: “We want our library to be a very welcoming place. our staff has a small town mentality and I think visitors appreciate how communi-ty-based we are. Come summer they will really appreciate our cool, air-conditioned space on those really hot days.”

» Pleasanton Public Library400 Old Bernal Ave, Pleasanton (925) 931-3400 / www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services

Cool Dazebay area libraries are

serving up plenty of

cool offerings for those

hot summer days.

By Patricia Kutza

16keeping

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Bringing the zoo to LivermoreThe oakland Zoo’s library Zoomobile will be heading out to livermore this summer, bringing along an education specialist who will share small live animals and live artifacts with kids. That’s just one of a non-stop event stream taking place at the library this summer. Their on-site café serves breakfast so library lovers can make a day of it.

The swazzle Puppets will be featuring their River Otter Circus promising a “fun, frolicsome, and furry cast of characters,” and magic mike will be on-hand to offer his sleight-of-hand tricks. There will be evening events, too, when parents can join their kids for thrilling entertainment like eden aoba Taiko’s traditional Japanese drumming.

livermore is also offering the summer read-ing games program, using the state-wide “Be Cre-ative” theme. Kids will be rewarded for reading hours, including the chance to shake hands with marshall Kamena, livermore’s mayor.

“We have an ongoing unique program,” says mary ann Vande Vusse, children’s librarian. “at our listener stations children can read to trained listeners. These listeners ask them questions that help our readers retain concepts and think cre-atively about what they read.”

» Livermore Public Library 1188 s livermore ave, livermore (925) 373-5500 / www.livermore.lib.ca.us/

Much ado in Berkeleyanyone interested in a game of chess? There’s a lot of interest in Berkeley. so much so that teens have their own weekly chess club at the Berkeley library. Teens who like to draw comics have their own club too, as do kids who can’t imagine what juggling and origami have in common (they will need to beat a path to Jeremy’s event in June).

For kids who are content to read in their favor-ite chair at home or in the library, Berkeley’s staff offers online personalized reading advice. The li-brary also offers extended services for persons of all ages with disabilities, such as home delivery, sign language interpreters, TTy-capability, close-captioned and described videos, audiobooks, and adaptive Internet workstations.

» Berkeley Library 2090 Kittredge street, Berkeley (510) 981-1834 / www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

Kids have their say in Walnut CreekThis summer, kids will find plenty of activities to

keep them interested at both branches of the Wal-nut Creek library. There are reading programs for all ages. Parents and caregivers of babies from birth to 2 years can win prizes by participating in their early literacy-building Baby reading Pro-gram. Kids that want to learn the latest moves can strut their stuff in a hop-hop dance or ballet class.

Walnut Creek kids can crow about the fact that plenty of thought went into designing the new Walnut Creek library, now under construction, with them in mind.

When the new library (slated to open in 2010) was in the planning stages, Group 4, the architect design firm, received input from a youth advisory council made up of over twenty teens from Wal-nut Creek area schools. When completed, teens will have their own area that includes an expand-ed book collection, computer terminal banks, and small-group study rooms. There will also be a separate Children’s Wing, and a dedicated story Time and Computer and homework center.

» Walnut Creek Public Library 1644 n Broadway, Walnut Creek (925) 646-6773 / www.wclibrary.org

An embarrassment of riches in Oaklandall sixteen branches of the oakland library sys-tem will be rockin’ this summer. In addition to their regular story time schedule that runs throughout the season, Tamar Kirschner, their Children’s ser-vices program librarian, reports that there will be programs designed for the most eclectic of tastes. From cartooning, jewelry making, cultural dancing and magic-making to drumming—there’s lots to keep kids interested. like live lizards and snakes? They will want to head out to the main branch for an event sponsored by the east Bay Vivarium.

“We’re holding a Children’ room kick-off party in June,” says Kirschner. another highlight of this summer’s programs is the end-of-summer reading event at the oakland musuem. This event—in part-nership with their Family explorations series—will reward the library’s summer reading Program fin-ishers with puppet-making, cartooning, face paint-ing, storytelling, and dancing. Kirschner notes that kids who want to bump up their reading skills should take advantage of their weekly Book Bud-dies program where kids can practice reading with a Teen Buddy, recruited from the oakland youth employment Partnership’s work program. BAK

» Oakland Library (main branch) 125 14th st, oakland (510) 238-3134 / www.oaklandlibrary.org/

neighborhood


DR. nEDa OROMCHian attended the university of California, Berkeley and Cal state, hayward. she then attended the university of Pacific Dental school in san Francisco, and graduated in 1991. Dr. Neda had associated in a Pediatric office for eight years in milpitas, CA before opening her current private practice in san Ramon CA. she has been in practice for more than 18 years and she offers longer hours and more days to her patients. in addition to having a private practice in san Ramon, Dr. Neda has volunteered her time at numerous clinics specializing on the children’sdental needs such as mcKinely school Dental Clinic insanta Clara, CA.

Dr. Neda also taught dentistry at the university of Pacific school for 6 years, and is past president of the Northern California American society of Dentistry for Children. her peers have awarded her with the Dr. Charles and Joe sweet Award for supervisor proficiency in the field of Dentistry for Children.

Dr. Neda’s vision is to provide high quality dentistry in a nurturing and caring environment. her focus is patient centered with emphasis on preventing dental disease, beginning in infancy to adulthood. she has years of experience working with special needs patients such as those suffering from autism, cancer, down syndrome, and rare genetic anomalies. For her dentally anxious patients, she is able to administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make the dental experience more comfortable.

her goal is to create a positive and fun experience for all of her patients. her philosophy is to treat all patients like family.

if you have any questions for Dr. Neda please do not hesitate to contact her at [email protected].

Neda Oromchian, DDS

[General Dentistry for Children]

special advertising section : family health professionals

Neda Oromchian, DDSGeneral Dentistry for Children

21310 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Ste. 2, San Ramon(925) 828-0824

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Our practice has been established on the premise of rendering the best possible dental care to children (infant to teenage) and simultaneously responding to the emotional needs of the patient and parent. I am very fortunate to enjoy going to the office where I am supported by long term staff and energized daily by the patients. Our practice is uniquely prevention oriented. All treatment decisions are made taking into consideration the child’s needs, the parent’s desires and the most conservative treatment possible. I appreciate and am honored to be allowed to aid the dental development of the child, always mindful that around each tooth is a child and each child brings a parent along.

Randall R. Wiley, DDS [Pediatric Dentistry]

rAndAll r. WileY, ddsPediatric Dentistry

www.KidsToothDoctor.com

Dr. Ashrafi is a board-certified pediatric Dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of pediatric dentistry, dentofacial orthopedics, and early orthodontic treatment.

A recipient of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Student research award, Dr. Ashrafi has numerous scientific publications in national and in-ternational dental journals. He is also a clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry in the Department of Orofacial Science at the University of California in San Francisco, an active member of the medical staff at UCSF Medical Center, and an active member of the Southern Alameda County Dental Society and the California Dental Association.

M. H. Ashrafi, DMD, MS [Pediatric Dentistry]

m.h. AshrAfi, dmd, msCanyon Pediatric Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Rd., San Ramon(925) 820-7373 | www.smiles4kidz.com

2879 Willow Pass Rd., Concord(925) 685-0513

300 El Cerro Blvd., Danville(925) 837-8218

Dr. Schmitt received his Bachelors degree at UC Berkeley and his DDS at UOP in San Francisco. He completed his residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Southern California and Miller Children’s Hospital where he gained valuable experi-ence caring for special needs patients. Volunteering as an instructor at UOP allows Dr. Schmitt to teach dental students the unique skills needed in caring for children. His father started the practice in 1959, giving him the opportunity to learn from an early age the joy and satisfaction that come from working with young patients. Dr. Schmitt and his family live in Alamo and he enjoys coaching his son’s sports teams.

Donald C. Schmitt, DDS [Pediatric Dentistry]

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

donAld C. sChmiTT, ddsPediatric Dentistry

www.KidsToothDoctor.com

2879 Willow Pass Rd., Concord(925) 685-0513

300 El Cerro Blvd., Danville(925) 837-8218

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Advanced neurotherapy was started 18 years ago with a vision of offering a non-drug alternative for children and adults suffering with ADD/ADHD or on the Autistic Spectrum. We have grown to include children with learning disabilities, and other problems such as sensory processing disorder, depression and anxiety. neurotherapy has excelled as a non-drug therapy for these diagnoses. With a wide variety of technologies and approaches, our caring and warm staff works to achieve successful outcomes for each individual child. no matter what the problem we are committed to offering the most comprehensive and individualized care available today.

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Graduating with a Dental education from UOP in 2003, Dr. Ozzie completed her Pediatric residency at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she was trained specifically in the growth and development of children, from infancy to development. Dr. Ozzie’s vision is to provide her young patients with a positive experience from the very beginning—each child has unique dental needs, and it takes time to determine those needs. Her fun, compassionate staff truly loves working with her young patients, and her brand new Danville office offers the latest advances in technology, as well as all the goodies that kids love: videogames, movies, and music!

Children’s illnesses and injuries do not always occur during traditional physician hours. That’s the premise behind night Owl Pediatrics—an urgent care facility that sees patients newborn to college age from 1pm-10pm, Monday-Saturday, and 10am-9pm on Sundays. located in Pleasant Hill, night Owl Pediatrics is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and offers a more expedient and affordable alterna-tive to a hospital-based Er visit. The practice is comprised of a dedicated nursing team and 10 physicians, all of whom are specifically trained in Er and/or Urgent Care. The facility is equipped with an X-ray machine and ready to handle the unex-pected—from broken bones and lacerations, to evening fever spikes and weekend sports injuries (or that urgently needed school or sports physical). night Owl Pedi-atrics welcomes all patients. Most insurance plans accepted.

Ozzie Jafarnia, DDS [Pediatric Dentistry]

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Night Owl Pediatrics [After Hours Urgent Care]

ozzie jAfArniA, ddsDanville Pediatric Dentistry

4145 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville(925) 837-7745 | www.drozzie.com

niGhT oWl pediATriCs425 Gregory Lane, Suite 203, Pleasant Hill

(925) 288-3600 | www.nightowlpediatrics.com

photo Mackenzie C

hase Photography

photo Mackenzie C

hase Photography

photo Mackenzie C

hase Photography



sChool WIll Be ouT soon and parents are going to be faced with the daunting task of coming up with activities to keep their children busy during the summer months. With summer quickly approaching, now is the best time to begin water safety instruction. “Water safety and learning to swim are crucial. There are many sports and activities for children, but swim-ming is the only one that can save a life,” said matt alberti, owner of the american swim academy (they have several locations in the east Bay area).

For those parents who are questioning whether their children are too young to start swimming lessons, the national Institute of health (www.nih.gov) recently reported that providing very young children with swimming lessons does not increase a child’s risk of drowning, and in fact appears to provide a protective effect against drowning. These findings should ease the concern amongst health care professionals and parents who fear that giving swimming lessons to children from ages 1 to 4 years might indirectly increase the drowning risk of a child, by making parents and caregivers less vigilant when children are near bodies of water.

“swimming lessons are appropriate for consideration as part of a comprehensive drowning prevention strategy,” said duane alexander, m.d., director of the eunice Kennedy shriver national Institute of Child health and human development (nIChd), the nIh Institute at which the study was conducted. “Because even the best swimmers can drown, swimming lessons are only one component »

Steve Sherman of Sherman Swim School in Lafayette is a big proponent of SAFER 3, a drowning prevention program instituted by the U.S. Swim School Association (USSSA) and promoted through the Swim for Life Founda-tion as a year-round educational campaign to prevent pool drowning and near-drownings. We sat down to talk with him about Safer 3. BAK: What is Safer 3?Sherman: The Safer 3 provides a multi-

layered approach to drowning preven-tion: Safer Water, Safer Kids, Safer Re-sponse are the three elements of the program. The letter “r” in “Safer” stands for “risk” and helps remind us that risk is always present when there is water, no matter how deep or shallow.

BAK: What is Safer Water?Sherman: Safer Water refers to the pro-

tection against an unauthorized entry to a pool or spa by a child that has little or no swimming skills. There are many types of protection available including barrier fencing with latching gates, alarms, mo-tion detector devices, door locks, and pool covers.

BAK: What does Safer Kids mean?Sherman: Constant adult supervision is

key to Safer Kids. Always assign an adult “Water Watcher” who is able to swim. Don’t rely on flotation devices to do the work for you. Kids should never be treated as “water-safe” as this can create a false sense of security and potentially dangerous lapses in supervision.

BAK: What can you tell us about Safer Response?Sherman: Learn CPR, First-Aid, and res-

cue techniques at your Red Cross. Have an action plan and always be ready for an emergency. Kids should be part of that plan too, you don’t want them diving in to help a brother or sister—review with them what to do if a sibling falls in the pool. Have a shepherd’s hook, life-saving ring, and emergency numbers posted. Have a phone readily available in case an emergency should happen—911 is a quick call away.

The Sherman Swim School was founded in 1961 by Steve Sherman’s father and has been in the family ever since. Steve and Laurie Sherman now run the school, which boast three pools and provides year-round swimming and diving lessons for students of all ages, starting as young as 9 months old.

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• American Red Cross Swim Lessons • Learn-to-Swim program: Infants through Adults

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Give your child an unforgettable summer!

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Wet & Wild Family DaySATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2009$15 per person (13 Years & Up)$12 per person (Ages 3-12 Yrs)FREE (Under Age 3 Yrs)ENCINAL SWIM CENTER230 Central Ave, Alameda

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“We believe that it is vital to get children acclimated to the water at an early age, so they will not develop apprehensions and fears as they get older,” said alberti. BAK

Leigh Bury is a Certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross.

SAFETY FIRSTThe American Safety Academy (based in Dublin) endorses the following safety tips in and out of the water:Teach your child how to swim at an

early age; swim lessons can begin as early as six months of age.

Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests, and can give children and parents a false sense of security.

Be “water aware.” Always supervise children in and around the pool or body of water. Keep close attention to children in the water at all times. If you are in a group of parents or adults, appoint a designated water watcher, taking turns with others in the group.

Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

Keep a First Aid Kit on hand when engaging in any summer activity

Keep a telephone or cell phone nearby in case of an emergency.

All parents, grandparents, and caregivers should learn and know infant and child CPR—immediately providing effective CPR can double a victim’s chance of survival.

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noThInG says summer like baskets full of locally-grown blackberries, loganberries, ollalieberries, long-season strawberries, and cherries. Kids love these juicy sweet treats, you love all the vita-mins and antioxidants in them. after the family has gorged on their fill of cobblers, pies, sauces and fruit salads, don’t you wish there was some way to enjoy the bounty year-round?

There is a very simple way to do just that: make preserves and can them. It’s a great way to spend a sticky-sweet, educational af-ternoon with your brood. When you’re done, the house will smell wonderful, your kids will need baths, and there will be a colorful collection of jars cooling on the counter, ready to perk you up during dreary weather in the months ahead. (It’s amazing how the aroma from opening a can of home-preserved strawberries can liven up a dreary winter day.)

once largely relegated to our grandparents’ generation, and seemingly gone the way of the buggy whip, canning is roaring back into vogue as a good “green” habit. as it should—canning is all about eating locally without wasting any food. Canners recycle their jars and rings over and over. (I’ve got jars handed down from octogenar-ians, manufactured by companies long since gone.) along with the lack of packaging waste, the shelf-stable product needs no refrigera-tion. Properly sealed, they remain edible for years.

a basic canning guide is essential to safely follow procedures and get the proportions right. everyone from the u.s. department of ag-riculture to canning jar manufacturers like Ball and Kerr have pro-duced them; look on-line (www.freshpreserving.com is a Web site run by Jarden home Brands, which owns both Ball and Kerr), or check out a book from the library to get started (or go to www.ama-zon.com and buy one). most grocery stores still carry jars, rings and lids, though you’ll probably have to ask a clerk to help you find them.

goinggreen

Yes You Can CanInTrODUCInG THE ArT OF FrUIT PrESErVATIOn

a water bath kettle, can lifter, and canning rack round out the absolute necessities, though I would add that a canning fun-nel and stick magnet will also come in handy. a full kit, in-cluding book, six jars, and all the equipment, is available for about fifty dollars.

While some earth-friend-ly habits can be hard to form, canning isn’t one of them. once you’ve filled a couple of jars and reveled in the simplicity of the process, you’ll wonder why every one isn’t doing it.

To make preserves, wash the fruit, then cook it in a stockpot with sugar and a little lemon juice until it’s thick. (If you’re making cherry preserves, you’ll need to pit the fruit, but berries can be cooked whole, seeds and all.) Pour it into hot, clean jars, leaving a little space on top. Put the pre-simmered lids on the jars, screw on the rings then boil the sealed jars in the water bath for fifteen to twenty minutes. That’s it.

It’s easy to see how our farmers’ wives could single-handedly “put up” dozens of quarts of preserves in the span of a well-coordinated after-noon. The kids can also deco-rate the labels for an even more personal touch. Elise Cooke

Elise Cooke cans with her kids, and has so far lived to tell about it. Visit her on-line at www.SimpletonSo-lutions.com

For a list of local patches

where you can pick your own

berries, log on to www.

bakidsmaga-zine.com

26kitchen

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The roll Call on fruits and veggies is out from the lat-est study done by the environ-mental Working Group (eWG). here’s a good number to crunch on: If you eat organic for just the top twelve items on their list, you can cut your exposure to pesticides by 80 percent. The fruits most likely to have pes-ticide residues include stuff that kids like: peaches (rated the highest), apples, nectar-ines, strawberries, and cher-ries. also in the “dirty dozen” are sweet bell pepper, celery, kale, and lettuce, which in my toddler’s universe translates to “uggh.” Three more of his favor-ites round up that list: imported grapes, carrots, and pears.

at the lower end of eWG’s list are fruits and veggies that don’t have a lot of pesticide residues, including tropical fruits like pa-paya, kiwi, mango, and pineap-ple. For the teething set it’s also safe to eat frozen peas and corn, avocado, and eggplant. also in the safe list are cabbage, aspar-agus, and onion (lowest in pes-ticides). my toddler, however would throw these right back onto my dinner plate.

With meat, eggs, and dairy, you’d want to go organic as much as possible. organically raised animals haven’t been treated with antibiotics and growth hor-mones, and their feed is organic too. They get to spend time out-side, as opposed to the fast food burger that spent its past life cooped up with several thou-sand other heads of cattle in a small enclosure. a word of cau-tion about packaging claims for “free-range” or “natural” prod-ucts; these terms aren’t defined

well by the usda—nor are there government standards for seafood, which could be labeled “organic” even if it’s contami-nated with PCB’s and mercury.

I love the fact that some of my local Bay area grocers carry organic products. some items are harder to find, though; even Trader Joe’s is getting its grapes from Chile, so it may be time to hit your neighborhood farmer’s market.

If you’re serious student of what’s going into the alimen-tary canal, your local farmer may be best source of knowl-edge about how your food is

grown and raised. That’s what sam mogannam recommends. as managing partner at Bi-rite market, he thinks the usda standards for organic food are good, but his store works with some farmers who aren’t certi-fied, but go above and beyond the standards. If you’re seri-ous about buying organic for the kids, read the fine print and chat up your local grocer. Think of that networking concept – it might be best to trust someone you know. Li Miao Lovett

ecotalk

For the en-tire list of forty seven fruits and vegeta-bles ranked by environ-mental Work-ing Group, go to www.food-news.org/full-list.php

When to Buy Organic


tabletalk

FEnTOnS CrEAMEry

4226 Piedmont Ave., Oakland

(510) 658-7000www.fentons- creamery.com

The CleAn plATe CluB

fentons creamery

WeLCOme TO FeNTONs CReAmeRY, the sweetest spot on Piedmont Avenue. (Fentons was first located at 41st and howe street in Oakland for sixty-seven years—they are now celebrating one hun-dred and fifteen) At Fentons, dessert—more specifically, ice cream—has always been considered the main course. Don’t even think about saving room after a meal for the filled-to-overflow sundaes: impress your kids instead, and order the traditional Banana special as the main entree. huge scoops of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream are set on a banana boat floating in a sea of pineapple, straw-berry, and chocolate fudge. Fruit, protein, calcium … it’s all there in this well-rounded meal.

if giving up gluttony was on your New Year’s No-No list, there’s plenty of dignified indulgence to be found on Fentons “sundaes for the sedate” menu: their Black and Tan features generous scoops of toasted almond and creamy vanilla ice cream flavors, topped with handmade chocolate and caramel sauces. Fentons encourages cre-ative thinking, and guests are encouraged to create their own sun-daes with any combination of ice cream, toppings, whipped cream, nuts … even the traditional cherry on top of it all.

homemade is an integral part of the Fentons way of thinking. Batch by batch, their fabulous flavors are made on premise, be-hind large glass windows, attracting plenty of small fingerprints and wide-eyed anticipation as the minutes between order-taking and order fulfillment tick by.

Fentons understands that not every day can be a dessert-for-dinner day, and their menu offers plenty of excellent choices you

can eat without a spoon. Long time favorites include the Crab melt sandwich—on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato, avocado, jack cheese and made with real Alaskan snow Crab. it‘s the perfect accompaniment to a chocolate shake. Their triple-decker BLT, never better than when served with a Fentons Frost: your choice of syrup, blended with sparkling soda water and whipped cream, topped off with three slices of sherbet, whipped cream, and yes, the cherry. Their chicken cobb salad, with bacon, avocado and blue cheese is a great introduction to a slice of baked-on-the premises pie (a la mode, of course) … Okay, so maybe it’s just not Fentons without the dessert. some things—like children and ice cream—are by definition, made for each other. Cathy Jetter

Check out our new online kid-friendlly restaurant listing at www.bakidsmagazine.com

photo courtesy Thomas h

awk

At Fentons, dessert—more specifically, ice cream—has always been considered the main course.

28eating

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IT Was The lasT day oF sWIm Class, and all us little swimmers had to jump off the diving board to graduate to the next level. There I stood, shivering, with my toes curled over that ledge. Tears streamed down my face. It felt like I stood there forever, while the instructor waded in the deep end where I was expected to land. Then came that traumatizing moment when another instructor had the audacity to push me off the diving board, my body slapping into the water.

Fast forward to today, when I’m the nervous parent on the sidelines of my two sons’ swim lessons. only when I became a mother did the presence of an unfenced swimming pool fill me with dread. Before, I was oblivious to pools even requiring a fence. once my son was old enough to waddle on his unsteady, chunky legs, getting close to any body of water induced severe anxiety. summer barbecues at my brother’s house were occasions of barely contained stress as our family mingled at the edge of the pool, the older kids doing cannonballs off the side while my son watched in delight from his perch on the top steps.

Gone are the days of throwing babies in the water to teach them to swim. Today, it’s all about mommy and me swim lessons; supposedly you’re gently acclimating the young one to the water, but really, you’re training frightened parents how to be safe and secure in the water with their child.

The smell of chlorine tickled my nose as I gripped my sunscreen-slippery toddler against the bathing suit I didn’t feel ready to wear in public. That first season of classes is as much a blur to me as I’m sure it is to my now six-year-old son. like so many things that didn’t happen with my second son, we skipped the mommy and me classes, opting for the preschool lessons where the cautious three and four year olds float duckies and obediently blow bubbles into the water to earn the coveted rubber stamp on their hands after drying off. There is something to be said for the group mentality of a swim lesson. my normally fearful preschooler was much more inclined to follow the pack when mom was far removed on a bleacher.

The first time each of my sons dunked their heads completely underwater, I had to restrain

diArY of A suBurBAn queen

must wear water wings

Kelly Pollard is a TriValley writer and

mother of two boys, ages five and four. You can find her at

TwoBoysinTwoYears.BlogSpot.com with more incriminating tales of her family.

myself from screaming from the crowded bleachers filled with eagle-eyed parents watching the swim instructors’ that were in charge of our precious cargo. Fear and pride jumbled up inside me.

I’m a stickler for life jackets and water wings. allowing my boys to join a class and step into a pool without the aid of flotation devices felt like a huge leap of faith. yet I realize that they’ll never learn to swim while buckled into a life vest. Water wings won’t stop a drowning, but they do keep the kids skimming the pool’s surface like there’s an angel holding them above water.

I grew up with an olympic sized pool, sans fence, dominating the landscape of our backyard. how my mother had any peace of mind while I rode my tricycle around its perimeter is beyond me. even with my boys building their water skills, a backyard pool still seems like some degree of a nightmare. don’t get me wrong. I love to swim and I love that my kids love the water. yet my mom-radar has no respite during the hours spent poolside. I can easily sprout two dozen gray hairs in an afternoon. I’m afraid to blink or turn my head and forget indulging in a trashy novel. a part of me marvels at my aquatic paranoia. I survived my childhood by the pool just fine.

To me, watching my sons swim is like that adrenaline thrill of a roller coaster: excitement and terror bound together. There is no happier summer image than of a group of kids splashing in a glistening body of water. That feeling of cool weightlessness in the triple digit heat is something even I can’t deny my children. and I wonder, as my kindergartner advances up a level in swim lessons, will this be the year that he sheds the water wings permanently? and, more importantly, am I brave enough to let him?

This thought is slightly less terrifying than being shoved off a diving board. Kelly Pollard

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Bay Area Kids June/July 2009