June/Juyly Expanded Online edition

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LIL’ KICKERS IS MORE THAN JUST A GREAT SOCCER PROGRAM FOR KIDS. Our balanced and creative approach to coaching will have a positive impact on your child that goes far beyond the soccer field. Our high-energy soccer classes are carefully designed to enhance your child’s overall growth and well-being.

The result? Kids with strong physical skills, who are well-balanced and confident. We do all this while your child has the time of their life.

CALL NOW AND MENTION BAY AREA KIDS MAGAZINE TO SCHEDULE A FREE TRIAL AND RECEIVE A FREE UNIFORM UPON ENROLLMENT!

We also have other activities available:summer camps • birthday parties • batting cages

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4 CONVENIENT REHEARSAL LOCATIONSSan Francisco, Alameda, Oakland, Hayward

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20 let the children come to meThe story of an exceptional woman who runs an exceptional camp for exceptional children

Online versionThis version of Bay Area Kids magazine includes a different layout and extra or extended content you won’t find in the print edition.

THE REGULAR THE GOOD STUFF

10 small talk papa san

12 play dates select happenings

14 product reviews Marshmallow shooters, cats on the iPhone, get your Freak out, and more

18 health matters how to enjoy and prepare for a a safe summer for your children

26young stars Parenthood’s Tyree Brown

28green living grow your own candy

40food sizzling summer recipes

50diary of a suburban queen The never-ending birthday month

you’ve got to cool it nowsweet fashion treats for haute summer days 30

40

7what’sinside

ONLINE ONLY »

EXTENDED INTERVIEW »

ONLINE ONLY »


Drug-free solutions for ADD and ADHD.

Pleasanton5820 Stoneridge Mall Rd.

San Jose901 Campisi Way

San Mateo520 S. El Camino Real

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Our Team of Professionals are available for full Psychological and Educational Assessments.Ali HashemianPh.D., COHCDirector

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Anne JacksonPh.D.Licensed ClinicalPsychologist(PSY 17785)

Kimberly Warren MeierM.A., CCC-AClinical Audiologist

Gregory AlterPh.D.Licensed Clinical Psychologist(PSY 7422)

Jay GunkelmanQEEG - Diplomate

Francine GrevinPh.D.Licensed Clinical Psychologist(PSY 16634)

Michael BassM.D.Neurologist

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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.

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Drugs are not your only option and may mask the real problem. Delaying the proper treatment can cause irreversible harm. The Attention & Achievement Center specializes in:

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10small talk

EDITOR’S LETTER

papa san

YOU’RE A WINNERLast issue we ran a

contest giving away two Mother’s Day Packages, including a Motherhood

DVD, a $100 gift certificate from Swank

Mommy, and free flying time from iFly. And the

winners are:Susan Wong

Eleanor Baltazar

Congratulations, and enjoy your (belated) Mother’s Day gifts!

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” — Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

Childrenarefun.Havingchildrenisfun.Raisingthem–atthecoreoftheexercise–issupposedtobefun.Beingafathertomytwochildrenhasbeenthemostfun,most

exhilaratingrideIcouldhaveeverimagined.Here’sthesecretofbeingafather:havingkidsletsusactlikekidsagain…withnorepercussions.

BeingDadgivesmetheexcusetojumpoutfrombehindthecurtains,pastastraineronmyhead,drinkingstrawinhand,usingmyworstJohnnyDeppimitationandrecreatingscenesfromPirates of the Carribean;orputthewoodensaladbowlovermyheadanddomybest(ahem)JackBlack/Kung Fu Pandarecreations.ItallowsmetosendthetworunningandscreamingbecausetheTickleMonsterhasdecidedtomakeanunexpectedappearance,andtofrustratemydaughterbecauseIgetmyDisneyprincessesmixedup:“Cinderella…she’stheonethatswimsunderwaterwithPeterPan,right?”Tosing(?)inharmonywithmysonasheyellsoutthewords(asheinterpretsthem)to“HakunaMatata”whilewe’reinthecartogether.(Hmmm…forsomereasonmanyofthesemomentsseemtorevolvearoundshowtunesandmoviesoundtracks.)

There’salsothepeacefuljoyofjustsitting,fortwentyminutes,withmysonaswewatchaprayingmanthisslowlymakehis(orher,notsurehowyoutellthedifference)wayacrossourbackyardfence;oftakingmydaughteroutonaclearnightandshowingherthepinpointsofstars,andhowtoconnectthemtocreateherownconstellations.Evenwhenthere’snothinggoingon,whenwe’rejustsittingonahammockrockinggentlytoanafternoonbreeze,andtheysitonmylapstaringintotheirownlittleworlds,there’sfuninthatmoment.It’sthosemoments—inbetweenthepersuadingandthearguingandthegentlenudginganddisciplineandhairtugging(myown,nottheirs)—thatdefinemyfatherhoodexperience,andit’sthosemomentsthatIhopetheyrememberwhenlookingbackattheirchildhood.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,thelittleonesarecomingbackfromschoolsoonandIneedtogomakeafortoutofthecouchcushionsbeforetheygethere.

EverardGStrong,Publisher,Editor,[email protected]

Mission Impossible Starting with this issue I am going to try and do the impossible: get back in shape while working a more-than-full time job, spend quality time with my children, be a useful husband, and somehow find time to sleep as well. Follow along online and in our next issue, and wish me luck, I’m going to need it. (Thank you to Concord’s UFC gym for setting me up).

Volume 2, Number 4June/July 2010www.BAKidsMagazine.com

Publisher/Editor/FatherEverard G. [email protected]

SalesGeneral [email protected]

Kathryn [email protected]

General Editorial [email protected]

[email protected]

PhotographyShaun Fenn, www.shaunfenn.com

Contributing WritersKelly Pollard, Elyssa Lee

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 Print2010 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

ON THE COVER Jack is wearing a Reactor den-im shirt $30 and Polo Ralph Lauren T-shirt $25 (Bloomingdale’s, www.bloomingdales.com). Photo by Shaun Fenn.

BayAreaKids


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For more information contact Autumn Bailey at 925-262-8523 or [email protected]

and start teaching your children well today!

Dr. James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D

and his staff at the STARS Clinic in Walnut Creek provide:

• Design and review of educational programs for children with Autism

• Help to develop teaching procedures and IEP’s

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• Training for staff and schools to develop educational programs

• Training for parents on how to teach their individual child

• Necessary skills for children to communicate effectively

We help children with Autism and other developmental disabilities

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CALIFORNIA

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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]

VERY IMPORTANT DATES

June|July

12play

dates

Photo this p

age: Barry R

ice

Chomp 2! Return of the Carnivorous Plants through Oct 31, San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Dr. (Golden Gate Park), San Francisco. Hours: Tues-Sun, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission: $7.00/adults; $5:00 youths, seniors and college students; $2.00 chil-dren 5-11; free for children 4 and under. Visitors can feast their eyes on hundreds of multi-colored, meat-eating plants arranged in swampy, living bogs that showcase species both by their trapping strategies and by their native regions and coun-tries, including California’s own sinuously curved cobra plant (Darlingtonia californica). Other new additions include the Dionaea B-52, the world¹s largest Venus flytrap, and the aptly named (if you were a bug, that is) Abandoned Hope, a pitcher plant hybrid that can grow up to two feet tall.


BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS

B E R K E L E Y P L A Y H O U S E . O R G

JULIA MORGAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

G E T T I C K E T S A T

AUG 7 th - SEP 5 th

“Adventures in Art” Starts in June1-week paint camps (M-F, 1-4pm)Different Themes & Pizza Fridays

Only $150 per Week!

Sign Up For Summer CampAt Our Lafayette Studio!

Celebrate Summerin Full Color

3541 Mt. Diablo Blvd • (925) 299-2615

$10 OFFSummer Camp

Present this ad when you sign your child up for summer camp

www.lafayette.colormemine.com

Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival Sat June

5, sidewalks along North Shattuck, Berkeley.

Hours: Tues-Sun, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free

admission, tickets needed for chocolate sam-

pling. Celebrating 14 years of celebration, areas

of North Shattuck’s sidewalk will be assigned

to participants to create their own fanciful chalk

drawings. A contest for the best drawing will be

judged after 4 p.m. Chocolate lovers can nibble

and sip on organic café mocha, chocolate mo-

chi ice cream, chocolate truffles, savory choco-

late mole, spicy chocolate tandori chicken, or

the weirder chocolate foot massage! Live mu-

sic, clowns, and activities for the children.

What the World Needs Now Gala Opening

Night Fundraiser Sat June 5, 5:00 – 10:00

p.m., Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA). 538

Ninth St., Ste 210, Oakland, (510) 465-8770,

www.mocha.org. Be a part of this special

event that will celebrate young artists in their

What the World Needs Now . . . juried exhibit

of children’s art. Guests will be treated to deli-

cious hors d’oeurves, wine tastings, an artists’

marketplace and entertainment by youth per-

formance troupes. The exhibit features artwork

by Bay Area children in grades K–12 on the

themes of social justice, community aware-

ness and world peace.

Ace Dance Academy presents Outdoor

Adventure Sat June 12, 1:00 & 6:00 p.m.

Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, 10550

Albion Rd, San Ramon, (925) 973-ARTS. www.

acedanceacademy.com. Tickets $15. Students

of Ace Dance Academy perform dance pieces

highlighting their skills in ballet, jazz, tap, con-

temporary, and hip hop. From “Rainbow Con-

nection” to “This Land is Your Land,” Outdoor

Adventure is a dance event you and your family

will not want to miss.

Sticky Fingers-Clay Creations II Tues, June

15, 11:00 a.m., Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931

First Ave., Walnut Creek, (925) 935-1978, www.

wildlife-museum.org. $15 admission. Mold and

form with gooey clay to create animal-inspired

sculptures using live animals as models.

Bronkar’s Circus of Sound Sat June 19.

Two performances: 12:00 p.m., Hayward Main

Library, 835 C St., Hayward, (510) 881-794;

3:00 p.m., Hayward Library-Weekes Branch,

27300 Patrick Ave., Hayward, (510) 293-5366.

Body percussion, juggling, and beat boxing

combined in one spectacular show. To find out

more about Bronkar and his amazing talents,

go to http://bronkarlee.com.

Model Train Show Fri June 25, 8:00 – 10:00

p.m., Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society,

2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek, (925)

937-1888, www.wcmrs.org. Admission: $3.00/

adults, $2.00 for children 6-12 and seniors, chil-

dren under 6 are free. For model railroad enthu-

siasts, the WCMRS’ H.O. scale layout is one of

the largest in the United States. Guests can see

“Tommy,” “Hogwart’s Express,” and “Jelly Belly,”

trains. Visit the towns of Port Allen, with its busy

seaport and naval ships, and Olympia, and view

operations of the overhead wire trolley system.

Father’s Day Brunch and Solar Car Chal-

lenge Sun, June 20, Chabot Space and Sci-

ence Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland,

(510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org. Ad-

mission: $15/general admission; $13/dads and

members; $10 plus general admission/kids.

Buffet hours: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Solar Car

Challenge hours: 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Celebrate

Papa with a special Father’s Day Brunch at the

Starlite Bistro in Chabot. After, help Dad design

and create a “green” hot rod that you can de-

sign and race with him!

Father’s Day at the Zoo Sun, June 20, Oak-

land Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, (510)

632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org. Regular ad-

mission prices. To celebrate Father’s Day, Dads

get to ride the train for free at the Oakland Zoo.

Bring dear old Dad to the Zoo for a fun day

filled with animal exploration.

Wild Australia Exhibit Grand Opening Sat,

July 3, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Oakland Zoo,

9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, (510) 632-9525,

www.oaklandzoo.org. Help celebrate this new

addition to the Oakland Zoo, and welcome the

new residents from Down Under in style. There

will be live entertainment featuring didgeridoo

music. Board the Outback Express Adventure

train in the Rides Area and sit back and relax

while watching emus and wallaroos graze on

the hillside.

Fourth of July at the Marina Sun July 4,

Berkeley Marina, noon – 10:00 p.m., (510)

981-6740, http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina.

Free admission. Alcohol-free event. Live enter-

tainment, arts & crafts, food, and fun kid stuff.

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.


14mixedmedia

Marshmallow MForcer (Marshmallow Fun Company) A manually pumped repeat pistol that shoots mini marshmallows twenty to twenty-five feet. Whoa. We see several scenarios where this could be useful. Scenario one: on a hot summer day, siblings are going at each other non-stop. Solution: give each one a loaded pistol and send them outside to duel it out. Scenario two: office wars. Scenario three: rainy day at the ranch? Give everyone their own MForcer. Stand around the living room table loading the ammo (you have to load by hand). Then, everybody gets five minutes to hide. Let the hunt begin. Holding fifteen marshmallows, the MForcer can serve as an effective weapon of family peace. $39.95. Available online at www.marshmallowville.com, Toys R Us, and other retail stores.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Freak-O-Bag (Kamibashi, www.kamibashi.com) Imagine a product that kids love, has a utilitarian value, and makes the world a better place in the process. Freak-O-Bags begin life as cute dolls with oversized heads, perfect for little hands as they sit in the back seat on the way to the store. Once inside, moms can unfurl a rather hefty (and attention getting) shopping bag from the doll’s head, saving plastic and paper bags at check out time. As for making the world a better place? Each bag is made by the Koonin family in Thailand through a fair trade program. Available in several styles. $14.45-$19.95. Available at Treehouse Green Gifts, Berkeley, (510) 204-9292 or online at www.kamibashi.com


Alphabetica: Odes to the Alphabet (Diana Spieker and Krista Skehan, 2010 Personify Press, San Francisco). Created by Menlo Park moms Spieker and Skehan (who founded Personify Press in order to publish the book), Alphabetica offers a unique, while still kid-friendly take on the ABCs. Each page has a main theme that revolves around a certain letter, with a poem accentuating that theme. The wording is hip and modern, introducing “big words” without overcrowding or over intellectualizing. Each letter receives its own illustrations and font treatment, so every turn of the page turns up something new, adding to the discovery and engagement elements. For example, the page for the letter “I” has a fun ode to ice cream (“sweet cream vanilla bean chocolate in a frosty shake, any Sundae you can make brain freeze, yes please”) and in the illustration you can find ivy, ink, an Indian, Idaho, Iowa, igloos, Italy, an inch, insects, an ironing board, and even the infinity sign. A charming learning experience for adults and children. $19.95, available at all Pottery Barn Kids and online at www.personifypress.us.

Cat Chorus I-Phone App (My Musical Cats) This app and a sister title, Cat Opera, were submitted to us by a couple of local Art Institute students, and our kids have loved playing with them since. Featuring thirteen kitties, you can swipe or tap individual ones to create your own music, or listen along to several pre-recorded tracks. You can also tap along to various songs as well. Very entertaining, with fun illustrations and an easy interface – in other words, perfect for little children on those long road trips. $0.99 from iTunes and www.mymusicalcats.com.


A s imply beaut i fu l smi le

901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 201, Concord • (925) 680-4500 • www.DrRobinWilliams.com

Call to get your

child’s orthodontic

consultation by

age 7.

For The People® is not a law firm and cannot represent customers, select legal forms, or give advice on rights or laws. Services are provided at customers’ request and are not substitute for advice of a lawyer. Prices do not include court costs. Walnut Creek LDA#54 Contra Costa County, Exp. 08/2010. Oakland LDA #71 Alameda County, Exp 12/2011.

our comprehensive LIVING TRUST:Plan Your Family Legacy Today

A Revocable Trust, Will, Financial Power of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directive and an Organizer all for $499. Plus, we’ll notarize it for free!

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LifeherImagine

WITHOUT YOU

Montessori Family SchoolFounded in 1981

Join us for

Summer Fun!Summer programs offered from June 21 to July 30 at the Elementary Middle

School Campus in El Cerrito Hills

For more information, call (510) 236-8802

www.montessorifamily.com

Print making, Storytelling, Ceramics, Science Adventure, Self Defense, and Yoga!


• InfantstoKindergarten• Structuredcurriculum

forallages(withaschoolyearimplementation)

• Fieldtripsallyearandspecialactivitydaysforthesummer.

• Annualstudentandschoolpictures

• 2snacksandlunchservedeveryday

Calvary Christian Preschool

Director: Arlene McLean3425ConcordBlvd.Concord(925)689-2542

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Fun,loving,caring,nurturing,stimulating,largepreschoolwithsmallclassroomsettings.

1 st – 12 th grade too

Uniforms • Hot lunch

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Grades K-8

Summer Programs June 21 - July 23Morning Academics - Afternoon Recreation

Summer Daycare June 14 - August 23

Visit our website for more information.

Congratulations to our 2010 graduates!

Reconnect with Nature& Nourish the Spirit

Our online site features vintage articles, decade recipes, educational highlights, a garden game,

and signature organic cotton apparelwww.gardensofcalifornia.com

Adaptive Horticultural Services Garden Therapy for Various Groups & IndividualsServing most East Bay cities and San Francisco

(925) [email protected]

Member San Ramon Chamber of Commerce

For The People … For You!

For The People® are Pro Se (“for yourself”) bonded legal document assistants who specialize in providing high quality, low cost legal documents to the increasing number of people who choose to represent themselves in uncontested legal matters. For The People helps clients compose and file necessary court documents, simplifying the legal process.

Family owned and operated, For The People® operates with the goal of providing the finest, most accurate legal document assistance service available for the most reasonable price. Owners Bill and Mary Schaaf have resided in Walnut Creek for over 35 years and bring a family approach to their business. You can often find both Bill and Mary on site guiding their clients every step of the way. They pride themselves on providing personable customer service in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. For the Schaaf’s, For The People® is more than just a business, it is a way for them to help people with life’s difficult decisions.

In order to better serve their community, Bill and Mary Schaaf offer community resources such as free seminars and lectures on various subjects. In the past topics have covered differences between Wills and Trusts.

For The People® can assist you with Living Trusts, Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Name Changes, Divorce, Legal Separation, Family Law court order changes, Incorporations and LLCs, Deeds for property, and more.

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sponsored editorial

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18health

matters

About the Author: Board Certified Pe-

diatrician Arnold Blustein, M.D., has been in practice for

more than 30 years. He is on the staff at

Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.

The‘lazydaysofsummer’quiteoftenfindchil-dren in a variety of summer camps, summerschooland/orspendingdayswithanewgroup

offriends.With the startofcampsandsummerschools,chil-

drencanbeexposed tomanydifferentgermsand in-creased opportunities for injury. It’s not unusual foremergencydepartmentstoseemorechildrensufferingfrombrandnewinjuries…justlikeatthebeginningofaschoolyear.

There are a few things to rememberwith your child’senvironment:Preventing InfectionsThebestwaytopreventinfectionisfrequenthandwash-ing. Pediatricians encourage all of our patients andtheirparentstoformgoodhandwashinghabitsfromthestart.Childrenshouldbecoachedtowashtheirhandsbeforeeating,afterusingthebathroomandafterplay-ingoutside.

Immunizations are another important means ofpreventinginfection.Vaccineshavesavedcountlesslivesoverthelastseveraldecades,andgroupsliketheAmer-ican Academy of Pediatrics encourage everyone to befullyimmunized.Boostervaccines,whichrenewimmu-nizationsthatmayhavelosttheireffectiveness,arealsoimportant.Itwillbeimportanttothinkoftheseasyouapproachthenewschoolyearaswell.

More than bacteria and virusesIn addition to infections, just like during the schoolyear,thereisahigheroccurrenceofheadlice.Licearetiny(2–4mm);layeggscalled‘nits’thatsticktightlytothehairshaft;andsometimescausealotofitching.

Headlicecanbetreatedusinganover-the-countershampoosuchasNixorRid.Parentswhopreferadrug-freeapproachcantrysuffocatingthelicebycoveringthechild’sentirescalpwithmayonnaiseatnightandthenrinsingitoffinthemorning.Washingclothesandbed-dingcanalsohelppreventrecurrences.

Themostimportantpartoftreatment,though,istopainstakinglycombthehairwithafine-toothedcomb,lookingforanycrittersornits.Myownrecommenda-tionwhenanitisseenistocutoutthehairshaft.

Topreventinfestationsfromoccurringtobeginwith,childrenshouldbetaughtnottosharecaps,combsorhairbrusheswithothers.

Avoiding injuriesKidscanalsohaveahighriskof injury–especially ifthey are participating in sports. And, by remainingphysicallyactiveoverthesummer,theywillbeinbetterphysicalconditionandlesslikelytohurtthemselvesinsports.Mostpediatriciansrecommendchildrenget25–30minutesofvigorousplayeveryday.

Addingwalkingorbikingwhileonvacationortoasummer activity can also increase a child’s risk of ac-cident or injury. Wear brightly colored clothing and,forbikers,alwayswearahelmet.Thiscanhelpavoidaninjury. Whether they are walking or riding, childrenshouldalwaysbetaughttoobservetrafficruleslikeus-ingacrosswalkandstoppingatintersections.

Staying healthyThemost important tips for ahealthy life are the sim-plest:Getplentyofsleepandeatanourishingdiet–eveninthesummertime!

Youngchildrenneed9–10hoursofsleepandteen-agersneed8–9.Ahealthydietminimizessalt,sugar,andanimalfatintakeandemphasizesfruits,vegetablesandwholegrains.

HEALTH MATTERS

HavingaSafeSummer by Arnold Blustein, MD



Let the Children Come to MeFor ten years, Elaine Taylor has been running a very special camp deep in the woods of Livermore. We need her to run it for at least ten more years. by Everard G. Strong

IfyouarenotfamiliarwithCampArroyoorTheTaylorFamilyFoundation(TTFF)thatrunsthesummer-longcampsdeepinthehillsofLivermore,

it’shardtonotsuckinyourbreathandholdinatearasthefullexpanseofwhatisoffered—andtowhom—becomesevident.EachsummerTTFFcommandeersCampArroyo,astate-of-the-artrecreationalfacilityjointlydevelopedandoperatedbytheEBPRDandTTFF,andhostsweek-longcampsthatcatertogroupsofchildrenwhoaredealingwithlifethreateningorchronicillnessordevelopmentaldisabilities.Foroneweek,kidscometoCampArroyotobekidsandenjoy(asmuchaspossible)alifeawayfromtheirlives.Foroneweekchildrenaretreatedtothebestfood,activities,sleepingquarters,andattentiontheycouldwant.Allofitisfree—nocamperortheirfamiliespayapennyforwhathasoftenbeenalife-changingexperience.

BehindCampArroyoandTTFFsitsElaineTaylor,thoughitisraretoactuallyfindhersittingdown.Withanarmyofvolunteersandasmallbutdedicatedstaff,Elainescheduleseachcampandappropriatemedicalneeds,keepsintouchwithfamilies,coordinatesdailylife,entertainsthetroops,andactsasMommywhenneeded.Andthenthere’stheplanningfortheirbigannualfund-raisingevent,ADayinthePark(theyskippedtheeventin2009becauseoftheeconomyandtoalsofocusonthisyear’sanniversary).

2010marksadoubleanniversaryforElaine:TheTaylorFamilyFoundationcelebratestwentyyears,andCampArroyoisseeingitstenthseason.Tomarkthisoccasion,wedecidedtosit(thoughnotreally…seeabove)withElaineandgetabetterglimpseofthewomanbehindthesmilesweseeonsomanycampers’faces.

Why did you found the Taylor Family Foundation? Was there a catharsis, a “vision” where you decided this is what you wanted to do?

Therewasnopersonalissue.Barry(Taylor,herhusband)andIwerelivingaprettyblessedlifeandwebothfeltthatifyouareabletogiveback,thenyou

should.AllIreallywantedtodoisgodowntothelocalhospitalandrockbabieswithAIDS,butIalsorealizedthatsuchactionswouldn’tchangemanylivesormakearealdifferenceinhowtheneedsofthesechildrenwerebeingaddressed.BarryandIcofoundedTTFFtohelpchildrenlocallywhowereinneedofresourcesthattheycouldnotget,tokeepthemoneyhereintheBayAreaandmakesurewemonitoredeverydime,sothatnofundswouldgotowaste...wewantedtopoureverycentintothekidsandtheirneeds.

Was there anything in your background that had led you to this path, given you the tools needed to set up and direct the Foundation (and Camp Arroyo)?

Myfolksweregivers,theyhelpedanyonewhoneededit.Theyweretrulyauthenticwhenitcametocaringandgiving,andtheytaughtmeandencouragedmetotreatpeoplehowyouwanttobetreated:ifyoucanhelpthenyoumusthelp.ThenImetBarry—probablythekindestmostgivingmanontheplanet—andhegavemethefreedomtojourneydownthispathwithoutanyrestraints.Hejoinedmeonthispathandwebelievedinwhatweweredoingwithourheartsandourminds.Andnowitstwentyyearslaterandwestillbelievethatwecanmakeadifference,andI’dliketothinkthatwewalkthetalk.But,andletmebeveryclearonthispoint:wedidnotdothisalone,withoutourfamily,friends,community,andcampersnoneofthiswouldhavehappened.

How did Camp Arroyo come from this initial vision and Foundation?

InitiallywewerejustfundingmedicalprogramsforchildrenwithHIV/Aids.Webecameveryawareofhowthekids’andfamilies’socialneedswerebeingputonthebackburner.Campisaverycriticalpartofshar-ingcommunity.Theideaofacamppeakedourinter-estandwethought,hecklet’sjustbuildacampandletthemcomeandbekids.Wesuredidn’trealizewhatwasinvolved,andwecountourluckycharmsthattheEast

The title of this article was taken from

Matthew 19:14 (NIV) “Let the little children

come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to

such as these.”

20neighbors



BayRegionalParkspartneredwithussothatwecansharethisamazingspacewiththem(thelandownerofCampArroyoistheEBRPD.ItwasfundedoriginallybyTTFF,EBRPDandtheStateofCalifornia.Itisop-eratedandfacilitatedbytheYMCAoftheEastBay.)

Give us a peek at your first days in the FoundationItwasscary.Iwassoinsecureaboutpeoplewanting

tosupportthemission,thattheywouldwanttohelpHIV/Aidskids,thattheywouldlookatTTFFlikeweweretoosmall.Thosefirstmonths,thephonewasnotringing.Iwascallingpeople,butnobodywascallingback.Itrulybelievedthatifpeoplereallyknewwhatweweredoing,realizedhowmanychildreninourbackyardshadnoresources,theywouldpositivelyrespondandtheydid.Ifyoujustkeeptellingyourstoryenoughtimes,peoplewillstarttohearyou...theystartingseeingthingsthattheyhadnevernoticedbefore.MymentorsandinspirationinthebeginningwereElizabethGlaser(ElizabethGlaserPediatricAIDSFoundation)andMarloThomas(St.JudeChildren’sResearchHospital),womenwhoreallybelievedinwhattheyweredoing.Todayit’swomenlikeAngieCoffee(localbusinessleader),GigiMcMillan(WeCan,PediatricBrainTumorNetwork),Dr.AnnPetru(Children’sHospitalOakland),andDr.DianeWara(UCSFChildren’sHospital),allwomenwhoreallyputitoutthereanddon’ttakenoforananswer.

You see children at their happiest, and you’ve seen what disease and suffering can do to a child. Do you believe in God (or a God)?

Ibelievethereissomethingoutthereawholelotbiggerthanme,andthatthisspirithassetdestiniesforallofus.SomedaysIamveryspiritualanddoalotofprayingtotheheavens.SomedaysIamfrustratedbywhattheheavenshavedishedout.

You are celebrating twenty years with TTFF and ten years with Camp Arroyo. What are some of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced with both? Keepingthingsstableintoday’sworldhasbeenthehardest.Wantingtokeepourprogramsintacthasdemandedthatwedothesameworkwithsmallerbudgets,whichhasledTTFFtoreducesomeofourworkforce.Thisdecisionthenmeansthatourdedicatedemployeesnowtakeonevenmoreofaworkload.Thoughworkinginanon-profit,one’smentalityof“workload”isdifferent.Onehastobuyintothemissionofthenon-profittoworkforthem,becausetheworkloadisheavyandyoujusthavetoloveittoappreciatewhyyouaredoingit.It’simportantformeandmyteamtogouptocampandmixwiththegroupsandseethechildrengettingtobejustkids.Seeingandexperiencingthatmakesyoucomebackdownandconfirmswhyyouaredoingit,whyyouareworkingsohard.

Where there days where you just wanted to crawl into a ball and wish it all away?

Duringthedaysofconstruction,Ijustcouldnotwrapmyheadaroundwhythingstooksolong.SoIstarteddoubting,askingmyselfwhatwasIthinking?Whydidwethinkwecouldevendothis?

What brought you back down and kept you going?

Iamabigbelieverinwhateverhappenswasandisameanttobe.So,whileIcanmakealltheplansIwant,theexpression“IfyouwanttomakeGodlaughmakeplans”isalwaysrattlingaroundinmybrain.

What difficult obstacles do you face today?Oneofthebiggestisnotturningkidsandfamilies

away.Almosteverygroupisfullandhasawaitinglist.Thereisnowayforustoexpand,sowegetcreative:havemoreweekendcampgroups,makeallcampsadayshorter,allowingustosqueezeinyetanothernewcampwiththosefewextradays.WorkingwiththeYMCAoftheEastBay,ourexcellentfacilitator,touseanysparedayswhenpossible.

Have you thought of expanding or splitting the Camp to include another location, maybe in the South Bay or San Joaquin county?

No,No,andNo.Weareatinynon-profitwithfourtotalemployees,weareatcapacityforwhatwecando,Iwouldnotwanttodiluteourprogramsbytryingtoexpand.WhatIwouldreallylovetohavehappenisfora37-yearoldwomanwithanamazingamountofenergytocometomeandaskmehowshecandoherownversionofwhatwedo.Iwouldlovetogiveherthecookiecutterversion.LordknowstherearesomanymorechildrenjustintheEastBaywhoneedtohavetheCampArroyoexperience,therearejustnotenoughcamperspacesheretoaccommodatethem.

How do you balance the good with the bad that comes with the nature of these camps?

Therearejustsomanystoriesthathaveleftsuchamarkonme.Wehavehadthesaddestofcircumstanceswhereachildwillhangontolifejusttoattendcampandthenpassawayadayordayslater.Campmeantthatmuchtothem,eventhoughtheywerenotanactiveparticipant…theywerethere,seatedintheircommunity,filledwithloveandcomfort,knowingalltoowellthatthiswouldbetheirlasttimewiththisgroupwhodoesnotjudgeandonlygiveslove.Thosemomentsripmyheartoutofmychest.TheyarethemomentsthatmakemegratefulthatIgettobeatinypieceofthiscommunity.

ThentherearethemomentswhenIstopinatlunchtotheExceptionalNeedsNetworkgroup.ThisgroupcoverstheentireAutisticSpectrumandchildrenwithDevelopmentalDisabilities.Someofthesechildrenareseverelyimpairedandothersarenot.Someofthesechildrenaresooutgoingandgregariousand

What does a twenty dollar

donation do for the Taylor Family

Foundation or Camp Arroyo?

Twenty dollars allows for a great

day of meals, another life jacket to be purchased,

a great evening of smores at the

campfire, and support for our field

trips. (For further validation, their

990’s are online).


When was the first Day in the Park held? How has it grown since then? Our first event was held in 1990. It was a little event in our front yard to help children with HIV/Aids get some very important funding for the clinical and social programs. It has since grown to help children with brain tumors, childhood cancer, heart disease, skin disease, diabetes, autism and developmental disabilities, hemophilia, sickle cell, asthma, HIV/Aids, Chrons, colitis and irritable bowel, celiac disease, preschool burn survivors, bi-polar disorder, bereavement issues, congenital hand and limb issues, and epilepsy. From a small and humble beginning we have grown to a large and humble network for such a broad base of children right here in our community. It’s because of Day in the Park that we have been able to do this, because our community is beyond generous at this event.

How long does your team prep for the Day in the Park? The day DITP is over is the day we start in for the next one. A whole year’s worth of very talented volunteers come in and put labels on 4,000 mailers, uncork 500 bottles of wine and champagne, assemble 3,000 goodies bags, run over 1,000 feet of hoses and electrical cords, wash over 10,000 dishes and wine glasses, fold over 4,100 T-shirts and the list goes on…. With out these volunteers, we could not do or be who we are!

What’s the minimum operating budget needed to operate a full schedule of camps for one year? Approximately one million dollars.

This year’s Day in the Park takes place on August 29 from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Tickets and more information available online at www.ttff.org.

Elements of this interview were cut due to

space limitations. Subscribers to Bay Area

Kids magazine can access a virtual version

of this issue that includes the whole interview

and more special content. Subscribe at www.

bakidsmagazine.com.

othersaresopainfullyinhibited.Yetwhenthemusiccomesonafterlunch,anditis“YMCA”bytheVillagePeople(andit’salways“YMCA”),mostofthesechildren—throughtheencouragementoftheiramazingcounselors—willgetuponstageandsinganddancewithjoy.Hereatcamptheyarefreetobewhoandwhattheyare:childrenfilledwithexcitement,spirit,joy,laughter,andasenseofpride.Itisatcampthatthefeelingofbelongingtrulyexists,fromthecounselorstotheirpeerstothestaff,everyoneisuponstagedancingandlaughingand,cornyasitmaysound,theyarespreadingthelove.

AsIlookbackonthesetenyearsofcampandtwentyyearsasafoundation,Iwouldthankthesunandthemoonand

starsforthegiftofbeingabletospendalmostathirdofmylifeinthepresenceofthesegloriouschildren.

What’s your definition of childhood?Lifewithoutworry,freeofillness,total

acceptance,andabundantjoyandlove.BAK

Find out more about Camp Arroyo, Day in the Park, and The Taylor Family Foundation at www.ttff.org.


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26youngstars

RISING STAR

Parenthood’sTyreeBrown by Elyssa Lee

Do you know of a young friend or family

member making a name for themselves

in the East Bay or beyond? Send us

information to [email protected]

After wanting to be an actor all his life, 6-year-old

Tyree Brown has finally gotten his first big break,

starring as Jabbar Trussell in the increasingly

popular new NBC drama, Parenthood, set in

Berkeley. We sat down with the Sacramento

native to talk about his busy life now that he’s a

star, having fun with his “pretend” parents on the

set, and how he’s a changed man now that he’s

turned the big 0-6.

So, Parenthood. How did it come about?IdidanauditioninSanFranciscoandthenthat’showIgot

inParenthood.Mymommyanddaddyjumpedupanddown.ButIstartedactingwhenIwas3.

You did? How did you get started in acting?MysisterMackenziewasbiggerthanme—she’s10andI’m6—

andshewasanactor.Shedoesmodeling,too.AndwhenIwatchedherdohermodeling,itlookedreallyfun.SomymomtookpicturesofmeandsentthemtoJE[Model,aSanFranciscoagency],andtheylikedme.I’vedonetheBarn[PotteryBarnKids].IdidaStateFaircommercial—meandmysister.Wehadapretendgrandpaandgrandma.Wegottogoonrides.

And now you’re going to be on TV. That’s really cool.Yeah.IlikeParenthood.Ilikemypretenddadandmom[played

byDaxShepardandJoyBryant].IlikehuggingDax.[Basedonthehit’80smovieofthesamename,theshowchroniclestheimperfectlifeoftheBravermanfamily.TyreeplaysJabbar,thesonofcommitmentphobeCrosbyBraverman(Shepard).]

Are they like your real mom and dad or different?They’redifferent.DaxiswhiteandJoyisbrown.[Tyree’smom,

Renee,iswhiteandhisfather,MacArthur,isblack.]

What do you like about being on set at Parenthood?Thedonuts.Iliketheglazedones.Andlicorice.Ilikedone

scenebecauseIgottoplayCandyLand.DoyouhaveCandyLand?It’smyfirst[favoritegame]—Ilikebeingaperson.

You’re in kindergarten. How do you memorize your lines?

[MymomandI]workonthelinesathome.Idohomeschooling.Ilikehomeschool.Ilikemymomteachingmeandmydadteachingme.IlikecallingmymomMs.Reneeand[wearing]myjammies.

What’s the hardest word you’ve had to memorize so far?

“Intolerant.”Itmeansthatyou’resick.Itwasforacarscene—I’minthescenewithmydadandI’mintoleranttosomething[lactose].

That is a big word. But you’re a big boy now—you just turned 6. What’s going to be different about being 6 versus 5?

I’mgoingtostopwhining.SometimesI’mcrazy—Igethyper.AndIdon’t[liketo]eatvegetables,butI’mgoingtoeatvegetables.AndnowIdon’tneedacarseat.

Speaking of car seat, do you drive or fly when you have to go down to L.A. to shoot Parenthood?

Drive.ButIlikeflying.IlikegoingonanairplanebecauseIamreallyhighupandIcanlookoutthewindowandsay,“Whoa,lookatthat!”

Do you like L.A.?Yeah,cuzofAustin[hiscousin,who

livesthere].He’sababy.Hejustturned3.Sohe’sababy,buthecangopeebyhimself.

You visit L.A. but you live in the Sacramento area. Where?

InElkGrove.Inabighouse—wehaveanupstairsandadownstairs.MyfirstbestfriendEvanlivesnextdoor.He’sreallycool.IlikehisWiigames.




What else do you like to do for fun?IliketogotoToys‘R’Us.Idosoccer.

AndIlikeboxing.I[also]liketackling.I’magoodtackler.SoIwanttoplayfootball.IwanttolearnfootballwhenI’m21.Ilikeswimmingtoo.WhenIwas3,IlearnedhowtoridemybikeandIlearnedhowtoswim—withoutthefloaties.WhenIwas5,therewasagirlthatwas6andIbeatherinswimming.

Wow. Back to acting, you’re on a TV show. Do you want to be in a movie?

Yeah,IwanttobeinanIronManmovie.Hecanshoot[repulsorrays]andhecanfly.ButIhavetobe16becausehelooksveryold.

Do you think you’ll want to act when you grow up or do something else?

Iwanttodosomethingelse.

What do you want to do?BeIronMan!Ihavethecostume.OrI

wanttobeadoctor.Iwanttogotothehos-pitalandhelppeople.

That’s great. And finally, now that you’re a big Hollywood star, I have to ask: Do you have a girlfriend?

Yes.Frompreschool.HernameisBrayden.She’sinfirstgradenow.Herhairiscurly.It’slikemymommy’shair—blonde—butcurly.Welikeplayingwithblocks.

This interview originally appeared in Sactown Magazine (www.sactownmag.com). Reprinted by permission of the author and publisher.

“IlikedonescenebecauseIgottoplayCandyLand.DoyouhaveCandyLand?It’smyfavoritegame—Ilikebeingaperson.”


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BayAreaKids

sponsored by

Bay Area Kids magazine and JE Model present

Answer the Call contestThe Greater Bay Area Child Casting Call

IS modelIng RIgHT FoR YoU And YoUR CHIld?

Before submitting a photo, DO ...Know your child. is he extroverted with strangers? does he mind being

told what to wear? does he take direction well? AsK your child. does she want to do it? if she is not old enough to

understand, think about the following: is she happy having her picture taken? does she like trying on clothes? does she like meeting and speaking to other kids and adults?

EvAluAtE your lifEstylE. you must be flexible. if both parents work full time, your family travels for months at a time, or if you are unable to pull your child from school for jobs & auditions, you might decide modeling is not the right path for your family. if you have multiple children, are you able to arrange or pay for child care for your other children when you need to bring your young talent to see a client?

thinK objEctivEly. when gathering photos to submit to an agency, take about 5 simple, clear snapshots that are current, in good natural light, without any makeup, hats, costumes, sunglasses, food on the face, etc…. trust me, we’ve seen it all! your child’s natural, smiling self is what will win us over.

hAvE rEAlistic ExpEctAtions. Modeling is not always the glamorous life portrayed on tv. you will spend a lot of time in the car or in a waiting room. very few kids skyrocket to superstardom. normally, models start out in their local market doing print work for catalogs, online sites and some commercials. while bigger jobs such as tv shows and movie opportunities do come up, they are less frequent. think of every go-see (meeting with a client) as a positive experience for your child.

bE prEpArEd for rEjEction. the fact is, your child may not be accepted by every agency in town and they certainly won’t book every job they audition for. it’s nothing personal. just stay positive and keep at it as long as your child is having fun.

bE rEAdy to drop EvErything. After you’ve signed with an agency, that’s when the work begins. jobs and castings happen at the last minute. you will normally get calls the night before you need to be somewhere. updating photos, sizes and Entertainment work permits are your responsibility.

lEt your child spEAK for thEMsElvEs. whether meeting with an agent or a client, your child should answer questions directed to them. Encourage them by not answering for them.

trust your instincts. if you get a bad feeling about a “modeling school” or agency, listen to your gut. do your research and ask questions.

rEMEMbEr: this is A job. be prepared and on time to everything! on set, parents need to step back and let the crew direct the models. parents should remain professional at all times. you never know who the person standing next to you might be. remember, the objective of the shoot is not to add to your scrapbook, it’s to produce an image that will attract buyers to a product.

rElAx And Enjoy! yes, it will be stressful for you, but pursuing a modeling career for your child should be fun for them. the less you stress, the more enjoyable it is for everyone.

Written by Shannon Malloy, children’s agent at JE Model

For submission information, rules, prizes, and other details, click on over to www.bakidsmagazine.com

Contest ends November 12, 2010. Winners will be announced in the December/January issue of Bay Area Kids magazine.

Two Boys Two GirlsFour winnersWinners will earn a one-year contract with JE Model, and appear in an upcoming fashion photo shoot for Bay Area Kids magazine, as well as win other great prizes!

Children must be newborn to 8 years old. Entrants must reside in the greater Bay Area and able to travel to local photo shoots. Pho-tos judged by JE Model and Bay Area Kids magazine. More details online at www.bakidsmagazine.com

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28greenliving

THE CLEAN PLATE CLUB

is taking a summer recess

and will be back in the fall

FUN IN THE MUD

GrowYourOwnCandy

Wanttogetthekids(andyou)reallyexcitedaboutgardeningthisyear?Growplantsthatsatisfyasweettooth!Inthetemperate-to-warmSanFranciscoBayAreaclimate,gardenerscangrowawidevarietyofinterestingfoods,includingsugarbeets,ginger,andyes,evensugarcane.

Sugar CaneKidsintheCaribbeanroutinelysnapoffapieceofsugarcane,peelofftheouterhusk,andgnawonthestalkforajuicy,sweettreat.Youcanmakeyourbackyardthego-todes-tinationfortheneighborhood’schildrenbyheadingtoanethnicproducemarketandpurchasingacanetopropagateyourownstand.Cutthestalkintopieces,butnotatthejoints.Thejointsarewheretherootssprout;lookforthetell-talecircles.

Burythesectionsafewinchesdeepinrich,moistsoil.Withinacoupleofweeks,rootswillappear.Anewstalkwon’tbefarbehind.Plantscaneitherbestartedinpotsindoorsor,ifit’satleast60Fatnight,di-rectlyoutside.

Sugarcanesharesmanycharacteristicswithbamboo.Astandofthesweetstuffcandoubleasanaturalprivacyscreen,duetoitsup-to-12feetinheightandplantdensi-ty.Plantsintherightconditionsgrowfast,andself-propagaterapidly.Afirstharvestcanbereadyinayeartoeighteenmonths.

Toeat,carefullysliceabout1/8thinchintoasectionofstalk,downitslength.Pullawaytheoutersurfacetochewonthefi-bersbeneath.Stalkscanalsobeslicedintoskewersforasweetsurpriseshishkebab.Toextractthesugar,crushthefiberstoextractthejuice,coverinwaterandboil.Extractthepulp,andboildownthejuiceuntilitcrystallizesintobrownsugar.

Thereareacoupleofnoteworthycau-tionstogrowingsugarcane.Thisplantdoesbestintropicalandsubtropicalzones,soplacethemsomewhereoutofthewind,infullsun,wheretheywillenjoyasmuchwarmthaspossible.Also,warnthekidsthattheleavesaresharpandcancutun-protectedskin.


CANDIED GINGER


Sugar BeetsDon’tjudgeabeetbyitscover.Sugarbeetslooklikebland,off-whiteparsnips,butlooksaredeceiving.Onaverage,asinglebeetcontainsthreeteaspoonsofpuresugar.Thekidswon’thaveanytroubleeatingtheirveg-giesiftheseareonthemenu!

Inthespring,direct-seedsugarbeetsinloosesoil.Thinseedlingstothreeinchesapartwhenplantsareafewincheshigh.Enjoythegreensinsaladsduringthesummermonths.Theseareverynutritious,thoughnotverysweet.Allowtheweathertogetchillybeforehar-vestinginthefall,ifpossible,asthatwillbestdevelopthesugarsintheroots.

Washthebeetswell;soilaccumulatesineverycrev-ice.Sugarbeetsarebestenjoyedtossedinoliveoilandroasteduntilsoft.Cookingbringsouttheflavor;therootdoesn’ttasteverygoodraw.

It’seasiertoextractsugarfrombeetsthanfromcane.Cuttherootsintosmallpieces,coverwithwaterandboiluntilsoft.Reservethejuicesolutionandboilitdowntoathirdofitsoriginalvolume.Scrapecrystalsoutofthecooledliquid.Boilagain,untiltheliquidisgone,torecoverthelastcrystals.Thesugarwillnotbeperfectlypure,butitwillbesweet!

GingerAdmittedly,freshgingerisn’tsweetinandofitself,butcandiedinsugaritmakesadelightfulhomegrowncon-fection.It’salsoabeautiful,aromaticplant,withspear-tipshapedleavesandcane-likestalks,fromwhichdeli-cate,colorfulflowersemerge.Brushpastthisplantandbreatheinthespice.

Growinggingerstartswithafreshrhizome,commonlycalledthe“root,“availableinsupermarkets.Selectplump,moist,thin-skinnedpieces.Soakthemovernightbeforeplanting.Gingerlikeswarmtemperaturesandmoist,warmsoiloutofdirectsunlight.Buryrhizomesinandinchortwoofsoil.Sproutingoccursfromprotrusionscalledgrowthbuds.

Harvestrhizomesforthekitchenonceayear,andreplant.GingercangrowoutsideintheBayArea.Pottedplantsalsothriveinsunnywindowsills,sogardenersincoolerclimescanenjoythem,too.

Tocandyginger,selectathick,plump,freshrhizome.Peelandcutintorazor-thinslices.Putaboutacupofthesliceswithtwocupsofsugarandatablespoonofwaterintoaskillet.Simmergentlyforaboutanhour,stirringoccasionallytoseparatepiecesandkeepthemfromburning.Lettheslicescrystallize,butremovethemfromheatbeforetheycarmellize.

Usethecandiedgingerincakes,asagarnish,ascandybyitselfordippedinchocolateforextradecadence.

Vegetablegardeningisallaboutgrowingfoodsyourfamilywillactuallyenjoy,andinstillingthisgreenhealthyhabitinthenextgeneration.Cultivatingalittlefunalongsidethesuperiornutritionoffresh,organicproducewillcertainlyencouragelittlehandstogetdirty!

Elise Cooke is the author of the award-winning TheGroceryGar-den, HowBusyPeopleCanGrowCheapFood. Visit her website at SimpletonSolutions.com.



40food

SIZZLING SUMMER RECIPES

SensationalSliders

Dishes with smaller serving sizes are currently the rage atoutdoorbarbeques,andofferguestsmoretastestochoosefrom.Giveguestspetiteportionsofclassicbarbequefavor-

iteslikesliders,minichickensandwiches,orhotdogbites.Hereisadeliciousrecipethatwillbesuretokeepyourfriends

andfamilytalkingaboutyoursummerbarbequeallyearlong.

Blue Cheese Sliders Makes:6servings 1lb groundbeef Steakseasoning(2-ouncecontainer) 4oz ouncesbluecheese 12 dinnerrolls1Tbs vegetableoil2Tbs oliveoil

Hand press ground beef on a cutting board until flattened toapproximately2inches.Usinga2-inchroundcookiecutter,cut-outthesliderpattiesandlightlyseasoneach.Setaside.

Heatbarbequetomediumheatandcoatthegrillrackwithvegetableoil.Brownthepattiesbycookingfor4-5minutes,allowingeachsideto cook for about twominutes.When thepatties are almostdone,topeachwithbluecheese.Removethepattiesfromthegrilloncethecheeseismelted.Splitrollsandlightlybrushtheinsideswitholiveoilbefore toastingonthegrill surface(brushed-sidedown).Placepattiesinthetoastedrollsandserve.

Here are a few ideas to help you throw a sensational summer soiree.

Guard Your Guests: Shield your guests from the summer heat by setting up a large umbrella over the patio table, place chairs under trees for shade or have an outdoor fan running. When the sun sets, make sure the party is well lit by hanging festive lanterns and deter pesky insects with citronella candles. Keep Cool Knowing You’re Prepared: To fully enjoy the day, plan in advance as much as possible. Be sure to stock up on supplies like plates, napkins, utensils and ice. Get charcoal or refill the propane tank beforehand, and clean and season the grill rack the morning of your barbeque.

Create Hot Spots: Make different areas of interest around your yard to prevent everyone from congregating in one place. Put your bar opposite of where you’re serving the food. Set up games for both children and adults to encourage movement around the party and interaction with each other.




TropicalFruitPizzaMakes12servingsone18oz rollrefrigeratedready-to-slicesugarcookiedough 1/3C sugar one8oz packagefat-freecreamcheese 1tsp coconutextract 1-1/2tsp gratedorangerind 1C fat-freefrozenwhippedtopping,thawedone26oz jarmangoslices,drained,or2freshmangoes,sliced 16oz pineappleslices,drained,or1freshpineapple,sliced 11oz mandarinorangesegments,drained 1/2C apricotpreserves 2Tbs orangeliqueurororangejuice 2Tbs coconut,toasted,optional

Preheatoven3500F.Presscookiedoughintoa12to14-inchpizzapancoatedwithnonstickcookingspray.Bake12minutes,coolcompletely.Inmediummixingbowl,blendtogethersugar,creamcheese,coconutextractuntilwellmixed.Stirinorangerindandwhippedtop-ping,mixinguntilsmooth.Spreadcreamcheesemixtureontopofcooledcrust.

Arrangemangoslicesaroundedgeoficedpizza.Then,arrangepineappleslicesaroundedge.Next,arrangemandarinorangeslicesinanotherringtofillcenterofpizza.

Insmallsaucepanorinmicrowave,heatapricotpreservesandorangeliqueurjustun-tilmelted.Spoonglazeoverfruit.Sprinklewithtoastedcoconut,ifdesired.Refrigerateuntilserving.


WatermelonandTomatoSaladMakes10(1/2-cup)servings 4C scoopedoutwatermelonballsorchunks 1/2C choppedredonion 1pt cherrytomatoes,halved 2Tbs freshchoppedbasil 1Tbs oliveoil 2Tbs balsamicvinegar Salttotaste 1/3C crumbledreducedfatfetacheese,optionalInbowl,combinewatermelon,onion,tomatoesandbasil.Whiskto-getheroilandvinegarandtosswithsalad.Seasontotaste.Refriger-ateuntilserving.



Sundaes101

Whena trip to the icecreamparlor isn’t in thecards,bring the icecreamparlorhomewithDIYsundaes!Makingtheperfectsundaemightlooklikeaheftytask,yetwithalittlecreativitythisall-Americandessertisoneoftheeasiesttomake.By

offeringanassortmentoficecreamflavorsandtoppings,everyoneinthefamilycanconcocttheirownpersonalizedcombinations.

Thereisnowrongwaytocraftthisicecreamdessert,butreadonfortipsthatwillhelpyourecreatetheicecreamparlorinyourkitchen.

Dishes.Glassbowlsaretraditionalfavorites,butbeimaginativeandrummagethroughyourforgottendishestofindsomethingspecial.Chillthedishesfor30minutesinthefreez-ertokeeptheicecreamfrommeltingwhilecreatingyoursundae.

Icecream.Pickicecreamflavorsthatgowelltogetherorusevanilla,whichtastesgreatwitheverything.Scooptheicecreamwithaslightlywarmedmetalscooptomakeiteasier.

Mix-ins.Fromcrushedcookiestogummybears,thereisnolimittowhatcangoinasun-dae.Fruitandchocolatechipsarepopular toppingsand toastednutsprovidea crunchiertexture.Createamix-inbuffetbyplacingallthegoodiesonthekitchencounterwithabowlandaspoonforeach.

Toppings.Oncedishesarefilledwithicecreamandmix-ins,drizzlesyrupovertop.Car-amel,chocolate,strawberry,peppermintandEnglishtoffeearepopularchoices.Don’tforgetthewhippedcreamandcherry,ifdesired.Sprinkles,maltpowderandmintleavesmakegoodfinishingtouchesaswell.

Digin!Long-handledspoonsaregreat—theyareidealforscoopingouteverything,rightdowntothebottom.Andrememberkidslovecolorfulspoonswithfunnycharactersormo-tifsonthem.

Trythesesundaerecipesforcreativecombinations

TurtleSundaeMakes4servings 4 31/2-inchwafflebowls 5C turtlesundaeicecream 16 chocolateTurtlecandies assortedcandy,forfacialfeaturesone1.50z packagechocolatecoveredcrispwaferstickcandy, (suchasPepperidgeFarmPirouettes)

Formfourscoopsoficecreamandsetaside.Filleachwafflebowlwithremainingicecream.Placeeachwafflebowlicecreamsidedownonanindividualdessertplate.Placeeachofthefouricecreamscoopsthatweresetasideagainsteachwafflebowlfortheturtles’heads.Arrangefourturtlecandypiecespartiallyunderthebottomofeachwafflebowltoformtheturtles’legs.Pressassortedcandypiecesintoicecreamscoopsforeyesandmouth.Placeonechocolatewaferstickpartiallyunderwafflebowlfortail.Serveimmediately.



CaribbeanSundaeMakes4servings 1/2C cupcannedcrushedpineappleinjuice,drained 1/2C cupchoppedmango,thawediffrozen 2C cupsvanillaicecream 8tsp teaspoonsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut,toasted 1tsp teaspoongratedlimepeel 4 freshlimeslices

Placeonetablespooncrushedpineappleandonetablespoonchoppedmangointoeachoffoursmallparfaitglasses.Topwithquartercupicecream.Sprinklewithoneteaspoonoftoastedcoconut.Repeatlayering.Topeachparfaitwithone-fourthteaspoongratedlimepeel.Garnishrimofeachparfaitglasswithasliceoflime.Serveimmediately.

CinnamonBunHotAppleSundaeMakes8servings 1 4-inchfrostedcinnamonroll 31/2C cupsvanillaicecream,softened 1/2C cupglazedwalnuts 21oz applepiefilling 1/2C cupbutterscotch-carameltopping glazedwalnuts,optional

Cutcinnamonrollintohalf-inchpieces;setasidequartercupfortopping.Combinethreecupsoficecream,cinnamonrollpieces(notreservedamount)andhalfcupglazedwalnutsinlargebowl;gentlymixtocombine.Freezeatleasttwohours.Warmapplepiefillinginmicrowave-safecontainerorinsmallsaucepanovermedium-lowheat.Spoonaboutone-thirdcupapplepiefillingintoeightservingbowls.Topeachbowlwithonescoop(scanthalfcup)oftheicecream.Drizzleeachwithonetablespoonbutterscotch-carameltopping,severalpiecesofreservedcinnamonrollandglazedwalnuts,ifdesired.Serveimmediately.



Flag Festivities CupcakesMakes24cupcakes

1 package(18.25oz)cakemix Egg,oilandwatertopreparemix1/2 cupred,whiteandbluenonpareils,sprinklemixes,or jimmies,divided 3 cupsready-to-usewhitedecorator icingorbuttercreamicing 24 four-inchlollipopsticks 24 PatrioticFlagsicingdecorations

Preheatovento350degrees.Placebakingcupsinstandardmuffinpan.

Inlargebowl,preparecakemixfollowingpackageinstructions.Stirinuptoquartercupsprinkles;spoonintobakingcups.Bake18-20minutesoruntiltoothpickinsertedintocenterorcupcakecomesoutclean.Coolcompletely.

Smoothicingovercupcakes;addremainingsprinkles.Insertlollipopsticksintocupcakes;attachicingdecorationswithstifficing.

THE CLEAN PLATE CLUB

is taking a summer recess

and will be back in the fall


July4Cupcakes

These all-American cupcakes are festively adorned in red,white,andblue fromtop tobottom,beginningwith star-studdedOldGlorybakingcups all thewayup to thewav-

ingflag.Theypromisetobepatrioticallypleasingforall—kidsandadultsalike.

Thecupcakescanbeanyflavor,madefromamixorfromscratch.Icewithwhitebuttercreamtocreateacanvasforstar-spangleddeco-rating fun.For a surprise in everybite, fold red,white, andbluenonpareils,sprinklemixesor jimmiesintothecupcakebatterjustbeforefillingthebakingcups.Useuptoone-fourthcupforatwo-layercakemix.Nowthey’repatrioticinsideandout.

Tomakeaflagpoleforthecandyflagtopper,simplyinsertalol-lipopstickintothecupcakeandattachtheflagicingdecorationwithstiffbuttercream.Orusestarsandstripespartypicksorpatrioticfoilpixtotopthecupcakeinsteadofthecandyflag.Eitherway,theywillbeaperfecttributetotheoccasion.

Cupcakescanbebaked,sprinkledandiceduptoonedayinad-vance;storecoveredatroomtemperature.Topwiththeflagjustbe-foreserving.To order star-spangled decorations, or for additional holiday, special occasion and everyday celebration ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

CUPCAKE PRODUCTSZebra Cupcake

and Frosting Kit

($22.99, www.

z e b r a m i x .c o m

and major retail-

ers nationwide).

Boasting an in-

gredient list that

includes 70 percent

organic content, each

kit comes with chocolate

and white cupcake mix, cups, frosting pen,

and very kid-friendly illustrated step-by-step

instructions.

Frosting Deco Pen/

Cookie and Cup-

cake Decorat-

ing Set (both

by Kuhn Rikon,

$29.95 for the

pen, $24.99 for

the set, available

at Sur Le Table, Bed

Bath and Beyond and

other retailers). These tools are great for

little and big hands, and easy to use (and

clean … very important). The deco pen has

a battery operated pump that lets you lay

down icing or pipe in various decorations. A

fun filler tip is included for giving your cup-

cakes surprise fillings.

Locally Baked Gluten-Free Option. Want

or need gluten-free cupcakes for your next

party, or for your personal enjoyment? Mi-

glet’s Gluten Free Bakery just opened up in

Walnut Creek, offering a bevy of cupcakes,

pastries, and other finger-licking delights.

Find out more at www.migletsgf.com.



Great things come in clusters, or so they say.Take birthdays. They’re supposed to be acauseforcelebration,whetherit’syourchild’s

or your own.Who doesn’t appreciate a spread of cakeandicecreamaccompaniedbypilesofbrightlywrappedpresents?Yet,everyfamilyIknowhasacertainmonthin their arsenal plastered with birthday obligations.Mineisnoexception.

We have a concentrated two week period aroundthe beginning ofMay that boasts seven birthdays andcapsoffwithMother’sDay.Don’tgetmewrong,I lovebirthdays.ThisiswhenIcelebratemyfirstson’sbirth—the anniversary of my stumble intomotherhood; thisis when I celebrate my birthday, My mom’s birthday,severalnieces’,andabrother-in-law’s.Andthenthere’sMother’sDay...butseriously,whohasthestaminaforthat after twoweeksofmarathoncakebaking,presentsearching,andpartyplanning?

Thisyear,asIattempttoeveryyear,Ivowedtomakethingssimpler.

ForBobby’sseventhbirthday,Ibackedawayfrommyfamily-only party policy and allowed him to have thebuddybirthday.Istucktomygunsaboutnotmakingitoneofthosechaoticbashesinvitinghisentireclassroomand dropping amortgage payment on bounce houses,cateredfoods,andoverpricedpresents.Unfortunately,Ididn’t realize that justbecausewe threwhimapartyto share with friends, I couldn’t cancel the ensuingcelebrationswithvariousfamilymembers.

Our birthday journey started one Friday eveningwith tenofhisbuddiesat the localbowlingalley.Onething I got right: the choiceof venue. Itwas relativelycheapcomparedtothetemptingkiddiegymsandvideoarcades, and it ensured I wouldn’t have ten wild firstgradersscramblingaroundmyhouse.

Inlessthantwohours,thekidstossedmulticoloredbowlingballs,attemptedtosurfdownthe laneswhentheythoughtweweren’twatching,giggledovercheesepizzaandlemonade,andOohedandAhhhedoverthedalmatiandogcake thatI laboredoverallafternoon.Round one of birthday week madness had been arousingsuccess.

Sincewedidn’tinvitefamilymembers,wehitapizzaparlorafewnightslatertohookupwiththein-laws.Thenextmorning, forBobby’s “real”birthday, Iwokeupat the crackofdawn to spell outhisname inpancakebatter,andfryupeggsandsausage,onlytohavehimand

hislittlebrotherlicksyrupofftheirplatesanddeclareittooearlyforabigbreakfast.

Let’snot forget the lastminute trip to the grocerystore for cupcakes to bring to his classroom.Oh, andtheballoons;whatisabirthdaywithoutballoons?Thenwe opened presents after school with justMom, Dad,andBrother,alongwithatriptoMcDonald’sfordinner.

Two days later, we set out on yet another Bobby-themed celebration to Chevy’s with another set ofgrandparents.

Sundayprovedtobeamuch-neededdayofrestforthesewearyparents.Right.Thinkagain.

Another celebration seemed like a fabulous idea, afamilyBBQforBobbyandhistwocousinswhofallintoourbirthdaycluster.

The day called for another baking binge withrainbow sprinkle cupcakes and brownies. The cakebatterwasstartingtogivemehallucinations.

It was at this party that my siblings asked what,pray tell,did Iwant todo formyupcomingbirthday?I mumbled about just wanting some quiet time andhavingnoresponsibilityforplanninganotherbirthdaycelebration.

Thenwereturnedhometounwindafter thechaos…onlytohaveBobbydelveintohisnewestpresentfromus: a drum set.Themarathon cake bakingmust haverattledmylogicalthinkingabilities.Somuchforpeace.Andquiet.

Meanwhile,littlebrotherShanedrankinthenearlytwoweekbirthdaycelebrationdedicated tohisbrotherandisnowsilentlyplottingastrategyforhisNovemberbirthday.Withanyluck,he’llfigureouthowtodrawhisbirthdaypartyingoutuntilChristmas.

DIARY OF A SUBURBAN QUEEN

TheNever-EndingBirthdayMonth

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.

50last

words

“Themarathoncakebakingmusthaverattledmylogicalthinkingabilities.”

Documents

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