|
|
A resource for families in Santa Cruz County |
|
Please forward this email to friends,
and invite them to sign up here:
|
|
I like the magnificent array of choices our librarians have put together for their annual summer reading program! We parents have wonderful partners in our librarians in planting the seeds of reading for our children.
"The theme at the Santa Cruz Public Library this summer is Find Your Voice. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change. Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world."
"This summer we encourage you to read for fun, to learn a new skill, to make a new friend... Library programs and events are FREE and focused on maintaining and improving reading skills, exploring inside and out, and building up our community. Read! Write! Draw! Sing! Find Your Voice at the Santa Cruz Public Library this summer!"
Our librarians have put together the most-comprehensive-and-amazing-ever list of events and programs for their annual summer reading program. Download the library's Summer Reading 2023 and mark your calendars! There is something for every interest and for every age, baby to adult. |
|
Did you miss this May 30 bird drawing art class? "Calling all artists—get ready for a fun webinar! Grab your drawing supplies and follow along. Artist Emma Brittain-Hardy will show us the basics of drawing birds for nature journaling in this live art session." It was recorded! You can access the archived class, and more webinars, at this link: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/live-events/
Have a creative weekend, Parmalee
|
|
"Turn off the light already, and get some sleep!" |
|
by Lisa Sunberry, Educational Consultant
Regarding Baby - Santa Cruz parenting classes, parenting workshops, and early childhood education
"I was the kid who always had my nose in a book. In middle school, I remember having a novel on my lap and reading while teachers prattled on about whatever. I went to the library every few days to check out new books. My parents had to nag me to do chores and come to dinner because I always wanted to "read just one more page." At night, I hid under the covers with a flashlight reading well past bedtime.
I'm still that person, except I don't hide out under the covers anymore because I am an adult and can stay up as late as I want. (One of the few perks of adulthood.)
I am also secretly tickled to say that my daughter, who has dyslexia and was once a reluctant reader, has lately taken to sneaking a book and a flashlight into bed to read well past bedtime."
|
|
Ask Nicole: Tips for Dads and Father Figures |
|
by Nicole M. Young, MSW
I have many happy childhood memories of my dad playing the guitar and singing, instigating highly competitive family croquet tournaments (which my dad usually won), and teaching my siblings and me how to use tools, then creating a “workshop” in the garage so we could experiment with wood scraps — just to name a few.
Other childhood memories involve events that were stressful then but hold a special place in my heart now – like the time my dad convinced me to go on an amusement park ride with him and I ended up crying in terror every time the ride dipped and my stomach dropped. I buried my face in my dad’s chest while he held me tight and reassured me it would be over soon (laughing and enjoying the ride the whole time). Whether those memories are filled with joy or fear, I recall how my dad’s words and presence made me feel safe, secure, loved, and cared for.
During this month of celebrating and supporting dads, I hope that every child has a dad, stepdad, uncle, papá, foster dad, or other father figure who makes them feel this way, too.
Dear Nicole, My partner and I just adopted two siblings – a 5-year old boy and an 8-month old girl. We’ve always wanted to be dads but we’re total newbies. Neither of us had good role models when we were growing up. We want things to be different with our kids, but we don’t know what we’re doing. Got any tips for us? Sergio
Dear Sergio, Congratulations on becoming dads! Fathers and father figures play a critical role in children’s well-being, but it still takes time, practice, and patience to be the kind of dad you want to be. That’s because parenting is hard work and children don’t come with an instruction manual!
|
|
Always check for new posts!
|
|
The Little Prince, June 1-3, 7:30pm; June 4, 3pm, UCSC Opera students perform Rachel Portman’s enchanting opera, The Little Prince. Based on the mysterious fable by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the opera centers around the story of a pilot, who having crashed in the desert, makes the acquaintance of a prince from a far-off planet and addresses themes of love, identity, and loss. Details
|
|
|
|
Suki Wessling presents “This is Not Your Mother’s Homeschool: Meeting the 21st Century Challenge” Friday June 2, 3pm PT / 7:00pm ET, Let’s get together and shut out the noise: Let’s talk about what homeschooling is really about, how modern technology and lifestyle offers new choices and challenges, and what you hope to achieve in the end. Our homeschool elders did a lot right, but they had a lot fewer choices. How do we shut out the FOMO and focus on what matters? How do we choose when the opportunities seem endless? How do we prepare our kids for whatever it is that they’ll find when they walk out the homeschool door and into their adult lives? Details
|
|
|
|
Redwood Mountain Faire, Saturday and Sunday, June 3 & 4, The 12th Annual Redwood Mountain Faire joyfully returns to Roaring Camp in Felton. Everyone’s favorite family-friendly music festival is back with an amazing line-up on two stages, juried arts and crafts, memorable kids’ activities, and reasonable prices to beckon all ages. Details
|
|
|
|
Adult Summer Crafts Camps, Beginning June 1, Remember summer camp? Take yourself back in time, when days were longer and summer seemed endless, and the only worry you had was being told to go to bed? Come recreate some Summer Camp Crafts with us or pack your materials to complete at home! Details
|
|
|
|
Seacliff State Beach History Walk, Friday 11 am, June 2, Join a State Parks docent for a guided history walk to hear stories about the past, present, and future of Aptos. Stroll to the Aptos Creek Bridge and back to get the lowdown on Rafael Castro, Claus Spreckels, the development of Aptos, Seacliff Park, the “Madman of Seacliff”, and the story of the Concrete Ship. Pre-register! Details
|
|
|
|
Free Day Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, First Fridays of the Month, 11am – 4pm, Hey! Free day! Pop-on by for a dose of nature connectedness. Access to the Museum is for everyone! Join us. Details
|
|
|
|
Home Depot Kids Workshops, Saturday 9am – 12pm, Join us the first Saturday of each month for free in-person Kids Workshops, Soquel or Watsonville. Details
|
|
|
|
Triple P Workshop: What to Do When Your Teen Is Rude & Disrespectful, Thursday, June 1, 5:30 – 7pm, Register and attend this FREE virtual parenting workshop Details
|
|
|
|
Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! June
|
|
|
|
"Fascinating Africa" program, showcasing the culture, photography, and treasures of Africa, June 1, The event includes two sessions tailored to different interests. The early session is focused on photography, while the evening session is designed for adventurous travelers. Get your free ticket today in the links below!
|
|
|
|
CHP Start Smart! Wednesday, June 1, 5:30 - 6:30pm, TEENS! Start Smart Driving Education for Teens & their Parents In an effort to prepare young drivers to drive responsibly, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is offering new driver education class. Details
|
|
|
|
ALL Family-friendly events!
|
|
|
|
Summer Kick-Off Festival, Saturday, June 24, 11am – 3pm, Celebrate summer in Santa Cruz! This annual festival promises to be a day of nature-filled family fun — both out in the sunshine and within our Museum galleries. Live animals, Live music, Food trucks, Nature Crafts, Science activities …and more! Free admission to the Museum and outdoor festivities! Details
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
