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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County |
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Your friends will thank you for this newsletter signup link!
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How about 1000 Kindnesses? 1000 Forgivenesses? 1000 Questions? 1000 Dollars Saved? 1000 Hugs? 1000 Chores by Children? 1000 Family Games? 1000 Garden Projects? 1000 Art Projects? 1000 Little Love Notes? 1000 Songs? 1000 Dances? 1000 Vegetables? and . . .
Let's set up our own family's 1000 Challenge!
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Facing the difficult challenge of choosing the best educational environment for your children? Here's how > > >
Have a great weekend with your families, Parmalee
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“Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you’ve got about a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, babies —God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.” — K. Vonnegut
"Vonnegut credited Ida Young, his family's African-American cook and housekeeper for the first 10 years of his life, for raising him and giving him values: she "gave me decent moral instruction and was exceedingly nice to me. So she was as great an influence on me as anybody." Vonnegut described Young as "humane and wise", adding that "the compassionate, forgiving aspects of [his] beliefs" came from her." - Wikipedia |
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Ask Nicole: Showing Love in Many Languages |
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By Nicole M. Young, MSW
“Back in the day” (before COVID-19, when I had to drive places), I used to see an older couple taking morning walks as I drove to meetings or dropped my kids off at school. It always warmed my heart to see them walking the same route, holding hands, swinging their arms in unison, and smiling as they walked and talked. Even from a distance, I could tell they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, and it made me wonder what their lives were like. How long have they been together? Did they raise children together? Have they endured hardships together? What are they talking about that is so interesting and/or funny? And how do they maintain that obvious, natural joy and love in their relationship?
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It also made me realize they must know each other’s “love language,” a concept that Dr. Gary Chapman wrote about in his book, “The 5 Love Languages.” Dr. Chapman believes everyone expresses and experiences love in the same five ways – physical touch, gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, and quality time – but each person has a primary language that is most meaningful to them. Relationships are more likely to thrive when people show their love in the language that the other person prefers – even if it’s different from their own primary love language. |
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This is true in romantic relationships, as well as relationships between parents/caregivers and their children and teens. The primary love language of children and teens may change as they grow, so it helps to learn how to “speak” each language and be ready to show your love in multiple ways.
Here are some ideas for speaking the love language of your children and try them with your partner and other important people in your life! Continue > > >
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Check Out the Internet and a Computer with Your library Card
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) have created a collection of lendable technology devices that can be checked out with your library card.
The collection includes Amazon Fire 7 Tablets, Chromebook laptops, WiFi Hotspots, and Chromebook + Hotspot bundles. The collection is available for checkout now.
Library cardholders can visit the catalog or use our mobile app to search for and request any of the devices or the bundle by name. For example, a keyword search for “fire tablet” or “hotspot” will work.
Once the devices are on hold at the chosen library branch, they can be picked up at regular Grab & Go lobby service hours. Borrowers must be 18 years or older, and a lending agreement must be signed. The checkout period is 3 weeks, just like all other library materials. Instructional guides in English and Spanish are available. Details > > >
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Family Events
Check websites before you go!
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Santa Cruz Parent Calendar
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January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month! Join us for an 8-week virtual Triple P Group for families with children 2-12 years old, held Thursdays, January 7 – February 25, 5 – 6:30pm. Details
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SPCA Rescue Readers: These cute, cuddly, judgment-free listeners enjoy the extra TLC while they wait for their forever homes. While we aren’t able to offer in-person Rescue Readers at this time, we are now offering it VIRTUALLY! Sign up: Details
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Millipedes and Centipedes, January 28, 1pm. Join Bree, Community Science Specialist, to learn the differences between millipedes and centipedes! Watch it here: Details
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JavaScript Coding Free Class, Wednesdays, 3 - 4pm,This program follows the curriculum from Khan Academy called “Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation”. The instructor: Saashin is a local high school student. Details
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Dungeons and Dragons - Tuesdays, 3:30 - 6:30pm, Attention 12-16yr olds - Adventure awaits! A friendly introduction to Dungeons & Dragons for players of all experience levels, led by an experienced player. Details
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Boardwalk Winter Drivein Movies - Star Wars: The Force Awakens, January 30,
6pm - If you have not yet done the "drivein movies" evening, now is the time! Details
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Strengthening Communication through Family Meetings, Jan 28, 6 - 7:30pm, Learn how to hold family meetings to reconnect, discuss family rules, and solve problems together. Details
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Interactive Preschool Storytime, Fridays, 10-10:30am We’ll read books and sing songs in a safe environment. Designed for 3-5 year olds. Details
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The Power of Positive Parenting - January 31, 1 - 3pm - January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month! This seminar is the second in a series of three for families with children 2 - 12 years old. Details
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Burrell School Vineyards Annual Wine and Crab Feed, Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 30-31, 2021 – 1 – 5pm “Each take-out box will include fresh local crab, homemade clam chowder, fresh sourdough, caesar salad, crab themed cupcakes, and a bottle of unreleased 2019 ‘Teachers Pet’ Chardonnay. Details
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Baby Laptime, Fridays, 10:30 - 11am - Help your child (newborn – 2yrs) build early literacy skills as we have fun with songs and stories. Details
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Stories for Bedtime, Wednesdays, 7-7:45pm, Join us on Facebook or Youtube for Bedtime Stories presented by SCPL Librarian Jackie. On alternating weeks, Jackie will read bedtime stories, sing songs, and chant rhymes for families. Details
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Provocative Ideas to Stir Thoughts |
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These articles raise questions. That is good. We may or may not like the authors' opinions. That's okay because it helps us clarify our own opinions.
Schools Are Safe, the C.D.C. Says Details
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