Central Coast

December 2013

Family
Inside
Getting Out Library Voice Money
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Fun & Games

Health & Safety Local History Calendar

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Family Events

Local Resources Alt Education

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Animals Alive! / Wise Investing / Baby Swaddling / Historic Shopping / Family Travel

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Getting Out
Joyful
Holiday Travel with Kids
by Stephanie M. Foster, PhD, OTR/L

Preparation is key! Children need to know what is happening, and do better when they have consistent routines. School vacations and free time may be fun, but may also be stressful because of the change in routines. Sometimes children benefit from looking at pictures of family members you visit infrequently. They also appreciate having a general schedule ahead of time. Children with developmental concerns need to be prepared to make a trip as comfortable as possible for them, as well as for the other people traveling. self-regulation. The holiday season can include a heightened level of stress for these children, with changes in routine and additional sensory stimulation at home and in public. This article will explore some tactics to make the month a smooth one, focusing on tips for travel and helping you to remain grounded.
Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
©

their anxiety will be beneficial. In addition, it may be helpful to dryrun the trip, or review the process on a map before the actual date. For many children, these steps may need to be carried out a couple of times, regardless of whether or not this is their first time traveling. At any time of year, airports can be chaotic and over stimulating. During the holiday travel season, crowds, noise, and confusion increase. If possible, plan air travel on less popular days. Remember that delays are often inevitable, and can make travel more difficult for children. Arrive with plenty of time, decreasing the need to hurry throughout the airport. In addition, make sure your children dress comfortably and travel with necessities. Remember to bring toys and books to feed their sensory systems and to keep them calm and regulated. Once you make

December can be a month of wonderfully fun family times, and a time when many go on vacation and travel to visit relatives or friends. Although primarily a time for rest and relaxation, this can also be a stressful season for our children. It can be doubly hard for children with behavioral problems and difficulties with

Initial preparation can be individualized for your children. It is often helpful to provide a trip countdown chart for a visual guide; such as a calendar or countdown rings. It is possible to create a book with pictures of family members to let your child know what they can expect. In general, anything that eases

Cover Photo:
Central Coast Family
Phone: (805) 528-0440
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Kevin L. Cole Photography www.kevinlcole.com

PO Box 6424, Los Osos, CA 93412
Fax: (805) 439-0798 PUBLISHER David Vogel ccfamilypb@gmail.com ADVERTISING Inquiries: ccfamilyad@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Eric Woodards

Our goal is to connect Central Coast families with the resources they need to thrive!

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristen Barnhart, Jennifer Best, Guy Crabb, Stephanie Foster, Molly Peoples, CS Perryess, Walter Reil, Steven Smith, David Vogel
Central Coast Family is published monthly with a readership over 40,000. Find FREE copies throughout San Luis Obispo County and North Santa Barbara County.
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Visit our website: www.centralcoastfamily.com Submission deadline: 15th of each month prior to publication
Information contained in advertisements and other submissions is accepted in good faith. Publication does not imply endorsement by Central Coast Family. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect views of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject or edit all submissions for any reason.

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Material published herein may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. © Vogel 2008

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Getting Out
THE VILLAGE SALON
Visit our new Boutique for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, or just for yourself: soy candles, jewelry, origami boxes, coasters, potholders, scarves, beanies, napkins, trivets…

Happy Holidays To All!
these initial preparations, you magnetic drawing boards, or are ready to start the trip. Etch-a-Sketch, that tuck neatly in a carry-on bag. Keeping your children regulated prior to boarding a plane Keeping yourself regulated and while up in the air is very throughout the holidays will help important. Make sure they have as well. Children easily read your had a proper meal. In case there level of excitement and anxiety. is a delay, make sure you have If you take care of yourself, snacks and games on hand. It is exercise, and maintain some easy to stash gum, hard candy, semblance of your home routine, and small toys in a side pocket of your children will notice. They will your bag. see you as a positive role model. One thing that will definitely help Typically, I do not recommend is keeping a consistent bedtime. the use of electronic toys for Pediatricians recommend no children. However, using an more than one-hour difference iPad, MP3 player, or hand-held between regular bedtimes and game system may help keep special vacation bedtimes. your children entertained and provide a refuge from chaotic Keeping yourself grounded is surroundings. Have them use critical during times of high headphones to block out the stress and excitment. Be sure to background noise. Never use enjoy the present, and not get ear-buds as they can cause too caught up in plans for the permanent damage to delicate future. While it is important to eardrums. plan ahead, it is also important to appreciate your current activity. Your children might also enjoy Don’t miss out on opportunities small hand fidgets to play with. for family bonding because there Some choices of hand fidgets is too much to do for “tomorrow.” include any small squeeze or Enjoy every moment with your tactile ball, a small Play-doh set family and friends, and relax as or Silly Putty, or a plastic baggie much as possible. Give yourself filled with beans, dried pasta, or time now to prepare your family, corn kernels. Using weighted pack your backs (keeping them items can be beneficial and easy under the weight limit), and get to take along, such as weighted ready for a “joyful” holiday trip lap pads, vests, or neck pads. for everyone. Devising travel games like ‘airport bingo’ (asking children to find different people or objects or go on letter hunts), will help keep everyone happy. Many travel size toys are available, including coloring books,
Stephanie Foster has been an Occupational Therapist for 23 years and specialized in working with children with self-regulation difficulties for the past 19 years. Her field of expertise spans from pre-natal & perinatal psychology to sensory integration therapy. Dr. Stephanie owns Kid’s Work Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Orcutt. Share your insights and comments with her at Stephanie@kidswork.biz or 264-1553.

from Toni & Toni: (805) 489-5100

115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande

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Library Voice
Animals Alive!
by Kristen Barnhart

the family cattle ranch. Miossi was an active community leader and a firm believer that individuals shape the world in which they live. He worked hard to create and save some of our most beloved open spaces, such as Montana de Oro and the Cuesta Grade, which was set to be clearcut and then widened to eight lanes. Miossi called the Cal-Trans plan “burying of Cuesta Canyon alive” and went from being a lone voice to having the ear of the San Francisco Chronicle and L.A. Times, which took his campaign statewide to victory. He was active in the Sierra Club and led the force to pass a bill protecting the Santa Lucia Wilderness all the way up to President Jimmy Carter, who signed the bill in 1978. One of my concerns about moving to the Central Coast in 1978 was PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, and Mr. Miossi was active in opposition to that too. He not only questioned the safety of the nuclear process, but also the impact of all those power lines winding their way through the delicate ecosystems that make up our county’s unique beauty. This winter, that beauty will be celebrated with six “Animals Alive” programs in the SLO Library Community Room, starting with nationally renowned Zoo to You presenting two shows about Vanished Animals on Saturday, December 28th at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. If you haven’t experienced one of these rescue and educational organization’s shows in person, you and your entire family are in for a treat. If you miss them in December, don’t panic… they will be our final presenters on Saturday, March 29th with “Where Animals Call Home” at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. We are really filling your Winter Break! On Friday, January 3rd at 10:30 am, Charles Paddock Zoo will offer their ‘Animals of the Central Coast” program. The very next day, Saturday, January 4th, Central Coast Aquarium will transform the Community Room into a tide-pool! Drop in anytime between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to experience their Touch Tanks and learn about this

treasured local ecosystem. On Saturday, February 8th at 10:30 am, you will have the honor of meeting a wolf and the chance to learn about our local Wolf Rescue team’s efforts to keep this vital member of our natural community alive, well, and protected. Celebrate Spring Break with “Sunshine the Hawk” on Wednesday, March 26th at 10:30 am. These programs will, not only delight, educate, and entertain you, they represent a few of the many conservation groups working incredibly hard to save a nature-defined SLO County for future generations. We feel proud to be working with our community on such an innovative and inclusive program. Everything that libraries are fits into this model of sharing time, talents, information, and resources in ways that create future fond memories for our community. Although all the programs are held at the San Luis Obispo City Branch, families from the whole county are welcome to sign up and participate. Of course, they are all offered for FREE. I wish I could sit down and listen to Mr. Miossi’s stories about his vision for our beautiful county, the people he met, the fights he chose, and the memories he cherished. At least being part of this grant lets us know we’re carrying his spirit forward through the 21st century. We are grateful and honored to be a small part of his enduring legacy. Be sure to visit our website at www. slolibrary.org, “like’ us on facebook: SLOCountyLibrary, or call us at (805) 781-5775 for more information. We can’t wait to share our version of a winter wonderland with “Animals Alive @ the SLO Library!”
Kristen Barnhart has been telling stories, recommending books, and stamping little hands for over 34 years throughout SLO County. She is currently a Youth Services Librarian at the San Luis Obispo Library. Kristen can be reached at (805) 781-5775 or kbarnhart@slolibrary.org.

Welcome to a wild winter of family programming at the San Luis Obispo City Library, brought to you by another amazing grant from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust. Summer Reading Programs have become epic here in SLO and we want to keep that high quality momentum up throughout the year. This grant allows us to present a plethora of live free programs and partner with Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach and Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero for fabulous rewards. Starting December 28th and running through March 29th, families can sign-up at the SLO Library Children’s desk for reading logs to list ten nature or science related books shared as a family. By completing the log and attending at least one library program, families will be rewarded with a pass for either the Zoo or the Aquarium, and help to keep Harold Miossi’s dream

of a nature loving SLO County alive. Harold Miossi was born at the family–owned La Cuesta Ranch in Cuesta Canyon in 1922. His love for the majesty of nature in our county is still felt by all of us who live here now. Miossi’s four grandparents were part of the Swiss-Italian emigrants who built the dairy industry here between 1864 and 1870. His parents were both born in San Luis Obispo County: father Bernard Miossi was born on a ranch near Pismo Beach, and mother Vera Gnesa Miossi was born on a ranch in Green Valley between Cambria and Harmony. Miossi attended San Luis Obispo schools through his AA at San Luis Obispo Jr. College, which shared a campus with the high school before becoming Cuesta College. With academic honors, he received his BS from Cal Berkeley in 1943 and then returned home to run

CONSULT THE

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www.whizkidsslo.com
Central Coast Family • December 2013 •

Libraries will get you through times with no money, better than money will get you through times with no Libraries!”

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4211 Broad St, #D in San Luis Obispo

Monart Birthday Party!
See website for pricing

Call (805) 544-4243 to Register Now!
Like SLOMonart on facebook for discounts! and check out our new website:

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Money

Assumptions can be
Dangerous to Investors
by Molly Peoples

a financial professional, who ones, you may avoid being can provide you with strategies tripped up on the road toward designed to help cope with long- your financial goals. term care costs. You can’t avoid all assumptions when you’re investing. But by staying away from questionable
Molly Peoples is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in San Luis Obispo. She can be reached at (805) 784-9013. © 2013 Edward Jones. All rights reserved. Member SIPC.

Every day of our lives, we make assumptions. We assume that the people we encounter regularly will behave in the manner to which we are accustomed. We assume that if we take care of our cars, they will get us to where we want to go. In fact, we need to make assumptions to bring order to our world. But in some parts of our life, such as investing, assumptions can prove dangerous. Of course, not all investment-related assumptions are bad. But here are a few that, at the least, may prove to be counter-productive:

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer a degree of preservation of principal. But they’re not riskfree; their rates of return may be so low that they don’t even keep up with inflation, which means you could incur purchasing-power risk. Again, having CDs in your portfolio is not a bad thing, but you’ll only want to own those amounts that are suitable for your objectives. “The price of my investment has gone up — I must have made the right decision.” This assumption could also be made in reverse. That is, you might think that, since the price of your investment has dropped, you must have made the wrong choice. This type of thinking causes investors to hold on to some investments too long, in the hopes of recapturing early gains, or selling promising investments too soon, just to “cut their losses.” Don’t judge investments based on shortterm performance; instead, look at fundamentals and long-term potential.

Ch S N SO
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• “Real estate will always increase in value.” Up until the 2008 financial crisis, which was caused, at least partially, by the “housing bubble,” most people would probably have said that real estate is always a good investment. But since then, we’re all more painfully aware that housing prices can rise and fall. That isn’t to say that real estate is always a bad investment. As a relatively small part of a diversified portfolio, it can be appropriate, depending on your goals and • “If I need long-term care, risk tolerance. But don’t expect Medicare will cover it.” You may endless gains, with no setbacks. never need any type of long-term care, but if you do, be prepared • “Gold will always glitter.” for some big expenses. The During periods of market national average per year for a volatility, investors often flee to private room in a nursing home gold, thereby driving its price is nearly $84,000, according to up. But gold prices will fluctuate, a recent survey by Genworth, a sometimes greatly, and there are financial security company. This risks in all types of gold ownership, cost, repeated over a period of whether you’re investing in actual years, could prove catastrophic to bars of gold or gold “futures” your financial security during your or the stocks of goldmining retirement. And, contrary to many companies. people’s assumptions, Medicare may only pay a small percentage • “I can avoid all risks by of long-term care costs. You can sticking with CDs.” It’s true that help yourself by consulting with

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
7:30 PM - COHAN CENTER

The beloved classic comes to life on stage, filled with color, music and magic!
PRESENTED BY CAL POLY ARTS Prices: $30 - $62

TICKETS: 756-4849 CALPOLYARTS.ORG
Sponsored by KJUG 98.1 FM, La Cuesta Inn, New Times

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Fun & Games
Christmas Maze

Happy Holidays!

Winter

Wo r d

Search

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S U D O K U

Sudoku begins with some of the grid cells filled with numbers. The object is to fill the other empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number only in each cell). A number should appear only once in each row, column, and region.

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Health & Safety

CC Flutes
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Instruments
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Hip Healthy Swaddling
Are you swaddling your baby 2. Place the baby on the cloth properly? so that the top of the fabric is at shoulder level. If using a Many parents find that swaddling rectangular cloth, the baby’s can provide comfort for fussy shoulders will be placed at the babies, reduce crying, and develop top of the long side. more settled sleep patterns. When babies are swaddled, care should 3. Bring the left arm down. Wrap the cloth over the arm and be taken to swaddle properly so chest. Tuck under the right the baby is safe and healthy. side of the baby. Improper swaddling may lead to hip dysplasia or developmental 4. Bring the right arm down and wrap the cloth over the baby’s dysplasia of the hip. When in arm and chest. the womb the baby’s legs are in a fetal position with the legs bent up and across each other. 5. Tuck the cloth under the left side of the baby. The weight Sudden straightening of the legs of the baby will hold the cloth to a standing position can loosen firmly in place. the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the socket. 6. Twist or fold the bottom end There are many ways to swaddle babies by using blankets or commercial products designed for swaddling. In order for swaddling to allow healthy hip development, the legs should be able to bend up and out at the hips. This position allows for natural development of the hip joints. The baby’s legs should not be tightly wrapped straight down and pressed together. Swaddling infants with the hips and knees in an extended position may increase the risk of hip dysplasia and dislocation. Here is one of the safe methods for baby swaddling: of the cloth and tuck behind the baby, ensuring that both legs are bent up and out.

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bend up. In the womb the legs are in a fetal position with the legs bent up across each other. Sudden straightening of the legs to a standing position can loosen the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the socket.

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her stomach, this may increase the risk of suffocation. Seek your pediatrician’s advice if swaddling an older or more active baby.

For more information, including a video showing three hip-healthy methods to swaddle your baby, Final Thoughts visit: http://hipdysplasia.org/ developmental-dysplasia-ofWhen put down to sleep, a the-hip/hip-healthy-swaddling swaddled baby should be placed on his or her back, face up. If the baby can roll onto his or
Reprinted with permission. © International Hip Dysplasia Institute. All rights reserved.

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Music Lessons for All Ages
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Winds, Brass, Percussion Composition & Music Theory
Composer and performer with many years of teaching experience

It is important to leave room for the hips to move. What about sleepsacks and commercial products? Some parents choose to wrap their babies in sleepsacks specifically designed for swaddling, instead of using a simple cloth or blanket. Commercial products for swaddling should have a loose pouch or sack for the baby’s legs and feet, allowing plenty of hip movement. However, even some of these commercial products can confine the legs if they are tightened around the thighs.

B.M. from the Cleveland Institute of Music M.M. from Yale School of Music Ph.D. from the University of Iowa School of Music
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1. If using a square cloth, fold back one corner creating a It’s especially important to allow the hips to spread apart and straight edge.

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Futsal FUN Winter Holiday Camps . 2 Weeks . 3 Locations
Positive and Professional Instruction. All experience levels. Great Learning and Great Fun!

Enjoy the Winter Break with a camp featuring professional soccer instruction. Players are grouped by age and skill levels. The camp covers all aspects of the game with special emphasis on the fundamentals of passing, shooting, and dribbling.

Each player is also introduced to futsal, emphasizing skill and tight ball control. Campers play both FUTSAL in the GYM and OutdooR SocceR, so they should bring both sets of shoes, along with water. Training shirts are provided.

Super FUNdamentals (Ages 6-12 - Boys & Girls) 9 am to noon $125 Little Skillsbuilders (Ages 4-6 - Boys & Girls) 9:30 to 11 am $75 Week 1A Week 1B Week 2A Date: Dec. 30th-Jan 3rd Date: Dec. 30th-Jan 3rd Date: Jan. 6th-10th Location: Atascadero Bible Location: Hawthorne Elementary Location: Paulding Middle Church School, SLO School, Arroyo Grande
SPACE IS LIMITED: Register Today! www.catal ystsoccer.com Questions? Contact the Catalyst Soccer Office: (805) 541-3031

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Local History
by Guy Crabb

SLO Shopping
of stores that were numerous in the southern states, but there were not many on the West Coast. The store had an icon that was a big pig. Our Piggly Wiggly was at 727 Marsh Street, which is near the location of the current CVS Drug Store. I was thinking about all those holiday foods we will be buying, and I found out what my grandma was spending for food during the holiday season. In 1936, our Piggly Wiggly was selling a pound of butter for 19 cents. They didn’t sell milk by the plastic gallon jug, but in cans. You could buy 5 cans of milk for 21 cents and get out your can opener at home. I guess you could have bottles of fresh milk delivered to your home from the creamery on Higuera or Nipomo Streets, but sometimes you need a can of milk. You could also pick up a pound of America’s favorite food for 19 cents a pound: bacon. Now, those are the kind of prices I would love to pay. When I jump to December of 1975, I see that people were paying $1.40 for milk, and a loaf of bread cost 28 cents. The cost of sending a

San Luis Obispo: 100 Years Books
Collect all three great books about the history of SLO town. Buy your memory of downtown as it continues to change in the coming months and years. Capture a moment in history!

Winter is here, and once again we have a great excuse to feel good and do nice things for our families and strangers alike. You can say hello to everyone and give presents to the special people in your life. The stores are loaded with Christmas and Hanukkah decorations and gift ideas for those we love, honor, and are thankful for. The stores are also giving us ideas for special dinners that we can make for the winter holidays. Every year, my wife and I go shopping for these dinners. As she loads up the grocery cart with great meal ingredients and hums Jingle Bells, I think about how much all of this costs and imagine the great leftovers in my future. While I was thinking about the holidays recently, I decided to find out if any of my old newspapers had grocery store ads. I found some papers from 1932, 1936, and a few from the 1960s and 1970s. I saw lots of food ads and rediscovered something very cool. We used to have a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in San Luis Obispo. Piggly Wiggly was a chain

Enjoy Your Memories!
Get an autographed copy at www.slo100years.com, Boo Boo Records, the History Center, and Antiques on Monterey
Also available at Barnes & Noble, Crushed Grape, Apple Farm, and Volumes of Pleasure
GUY CRABB PUBLISHING

Christmas card was 13 cents. Ten years later in 1985, milk was $2.26 per gallon, bacon was $1.65 a pound, and a stamp was 22 cents at our local grocery stores. If you were loaded with cash in 1945, you could buy your sweetie a new car for a little over $1000, or a new home for around $5,000. One of my favorite things about the holidays is that I get to buy things for my grandkids. I can’t wait to check out the Toys ‘R Us winter catalog that mysteriously shows up in my mailbox every year. I seriously wonder how I get on the mailing list for some of the gift catalogs I get in the mail. My wife has already set up my Amazon.com wish list and reminded me how to add things and how to check out other family members’ lists. My grandson Elliott has a list of 41 items. The other night, I noticed that some of the items on his list were the same toys I wrote on the list that I sent to Santa Claus in the North Pole as a child. One of my favorite toys, that inspired hours of play, was a Mr. Potato Head. Mr. Potato Head was invented back in 1952 and is still going strong today. I think the Disney Toy Story movies introduced this toy to a new generation of children. Over the years, I must have received or bought Mr. Potato Head on many occasions. The original cost was 98 cents and you could have gone down to Sears on Higuera Street to buy this toy. Actually, this first version included only the body parts to adorn your own real potato. In 1965, you could go to J. C. Penny’s on Higuera and buy Mr. Potato Head (with a plastic potato) for $2.00.

When I was recently looking to buy my granddaughter Scarlett a new bike, I went down to Target and found bikes that cost around $100. Way back in 1932, I could have bought a bike with hand grips and a cool paint job for $7.00. Now, these old bikes are worth a fortune if they are in excellent condition. Sears had a great gift catalog in 1932. A customer could order just about anything from a bike to a grand piano (the piano may have cost you about $400). Another classic toy that parents buy for their kids is the Glo-Worm. I remember buying the worm for my daughters in 1985 when the Glo-Worm cost about $7.00. Today, there are a variety of GloWorms and they cost around $15.00. I have been buying Barbie dolls for years now. I seriously think I have purchased more than thirty Barbies. I know I can go down to Target and buy a classic Barbie doll for $6.00. In 1959, the original Barbie cost around $3.00 and looked a lot different than the Barbie I have bought for my daughters and granddaughter. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! Create your own history with your friends and family. Oh, if you find an original Barbie at a garage sale this month, snatch that little doll up for your favorite history writer by the last name of Crabb.

Happy Holidays!
Guy Crabb teaches at Charles E. Teach Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He graduated from Cal Poly SLO and has been teaching for 28 years. Guy was a Teacher of the Year in 2006 and currently teaches at a National Blue Ribbon School. Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.

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26 & 27

9:30am-2:30pm

December 23, 26, 27

Mon-Thu-Fri Thu-Fri

January 2, 3

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The Hidden Functions of Problem Behaviors: A Non-Medicated Approach to Improving your Child’s Behavior
N  N  N  N  Is your child on medication for attention or behavior difficulty? Does your child become overly sensitive under stress? Have difficulty with social skills or self-control? Would you like for your child to learn to function without medication?

When:

Join us for an Informative & Interactive Workshop:
Session 1: December 10 & 17, 2013 6:30-8:00 pm Session 2: January 13 & 20, 2013 6:30-8:00 pm

Where: Who: Tuition:

Kid’s Work Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic in Orcutt $10 per session

All parents interested in learning more about this approach

Contact Kid’s Work to register and for directions

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This Morro Bay home in the Heights with fabulous ocean and Bay views is large enough to accommodate visiting family with 3231 square feet. Your master bedroom suite is at street level and four bedrooms, two baths and den are downstairs. The gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, large living room and wrap-around decking are great for big gatherings. There is even an office with it’s own separate entrance and halfbath, plus parking off-street for nine vehicles including the two-car garage. Celebrate holidays in style! $979,000

Jerri Walsh & Richard Margetson

Hano’s Real Estate

805-528-5800

David S. Vogel
Serious Injury
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1026 Palm Street, Suite 214, San Luis Obispo
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December is “Unlimited Month” at Central Coast Gymnastics!

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December 2013

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December 2013 Free Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
FARMERS MARKET: 10:00am-2:00pm SLO: Kennedy Club 11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

MONDAY 2 FARMERS MARKET:
2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

TUESDAY 3 FARMERS MARKET:
3:00-6:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 3:00-6:00 pm SLO: Grange Hall LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG
INTERNATIONAL day OF THE DISABLED PERSON

1

WORLD AIDS day Rosa ParK’s Day National pie day

special education day

8:30-11am AG Smart & Final 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 5 FARMERS MARKETS: FARMERS MARKETS:

FRIDAY
FARMERS MARKETS:
9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

SATURDAY
8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 9:00am-1:00pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo 2:00-5:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

6 7 BINGO VETS HALL MB - 1st FRI 5:00pm FARMERS MARKETS:
IRA GERSHWIN’S BIRTHDAY (Composer born in 1896)

NATIONAL COOKIE day WALT DISNEY’S BIRTHDAY (Born in 1901)

SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY 1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO

NEW MOON

NATIONAL ROOF-OVERYOUR-HEAD DAY

pearl harbor DAY (Attacked by Japan in 1941)

8 FARMERS MARKET:

11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

9 FARMERS MARKET:

2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG

10 FARMERS MARKET:

NATIONAl brownie day

8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

11 FARMERS MARKETS:

12 FARMERS MARKETS:

3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

13 FARMERS MARKETS:

9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

14 FARMERS MARKETS:

8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

Human Rights Day Nobel PriZe awardS emily dicKinson’s birthday (Born in 1896) unicef Anniversary (Established in 1946)

Poinsettia day

NATIONAL COcoa day

south pole discovered
(In 1911)

15 FARMERS MARKET:

11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club
bill of rights day (Adopted in 1791) edison patents the phonograph (In 1877)

16 FARMERS MARKET:

2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG

17 FARMERS MARKET:

8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

18 FARMERS MARKETS:

19 FARMERS MARKETS:

3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

20 FARMERS MARKETS:

9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

21 FARMERS MARKETS:

8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY Wright Bros. day (1st flight at Kitty Hawk 1903)
Beethoven’s birthday (Born 1770)
FULL MOON

FIRST day OF WINTER oatmeal muffin day games DAY

solstice

22 FARMERS MARKET:

11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

23 FARMERS MARKET:

2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG

24 FARMERS MARKET:

8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

25 FARMERS MARKETS:

26 FARMERS MARKETS:

3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

27 FARMERS MARKETS:

9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 10:00am-12:30pm Cayucos Vets Hall 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

28 FARMERS MARKETS:

8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

NATIONAL egg nog day Christmas eve roots DAY

visit the Zoo day Card playing day Chewing gum patented (In 1869) national chocolate day

KwanZa begins

christmas

boXing DAY

29 FARMERS MARKET:

11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club

30 FARMERS MARKET:

2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria

3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:30-4:15pm AG

31 FARMERS MARKET:

bowling ball invented (In 1862)

8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI

1 FARMERS MARKETS:

2 FARMERS MARKETS:

3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG

3 FARMERS MARKETS:

9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO

4 FARMERS MARKETS:

new year’s eve

Universal Human Rights Month Hi Neighbor Month National Stress Free Family Holiday Month Read A New Book Month Safe Toy and Gift Month Write to a Friend Month

December is:

Birthstone: Blue Topaz / Turquoise

8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

Flower: Poinsettia

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Family Events
FRI NOV 1 - TUE DEC 31: STEVEN SMITH ART EXHIBIT at West End Espresso & Tea, 670 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy the contemporary artwork of local artist and freelance writer Steven Smith. Cost: free. Contact: 5930937. THU NOV 7-SUN DEC 22 (times & prices vary): MARY POPPINS at PCPA Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr, Santa Maria. This Broadway musical is based on the book by P.L. Travers and the Disney film. Contact: 922-8313 or http:// pcpa.org. WED NOV 20 - TUE DEC 31 11:00 am-5:00 pm: CRAFT ART MARKET at SLO Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St. This one-of-a-kind craft fair featuring unique handmade gifts by local artists and artisans is open daily. Cost: free. Contact: sloma. org or 543-8562. THU NOV 21 - TUE DEC 31 (times vary): HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA at The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville, 1863 Front St, Oceano. The grand holiday tradition continues with the most popular triple bill show of the year. Tickets: $20-$22, with discounts for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. The inhouse snack bar serves food and drinks before the show and during intermissions. Contact: 489-2499 or http://americanmelodrama. com. NOV 22-DEC 15 (times vary): CHRISTMAS BELLES at Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N McClelland, Santa Maria. Cost: $10-15. Contact: 922-4442 or http://smct.org. FRI NOV 22 - SUN DEC 29 (times vary): A TUNA CHRISTMAS at Pewter Plough Playhouse, 824 Main St, Cambria. This fabulously funny and spot-on satire of small town life, featuring the outrageous characters of Tuna, Texas, plays every FRI, SAT, and SUN, with a special New Year’s Eve Bash. Cost: $15-25. Contact: pewterploughplayhouse.org or 927-3877. WED NOV 27-THU DEC 5 at 5:00 pm: SLO HANUKKAH CELEBRATION at Old Mission, Mission Plaza, SLO. The lighting takes place

Morro Bay High School & Los Osos Middle School Bands & Choirs present a variety of seasonal music at their annual

WINtER cONcERtS
Christopher Cohan Center Performing Arts Center Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Choirs: TUE, December 3rd at 7:00 pm Bands: THU, December 5th at 7:00 pm

above the Mission steps, with songs and storytelling. NOV 27: Immediately following the candle lighting ceremony is a Hanukkah party at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art featuring dreidel spinning contests, cookie decorating, menorah making, and fun foods that showcase Thanksgivukkah (Hannukah and Thanksgiving happening together)! Menorah lighting continues for eight nights. Cost: free. Contact: jccslo.com or 426-5465.

SUN DEC 1 10:00 am-4:00 pm: Morro Bay Merchants CHRISTMAS STREET FAIRE at “Old Towne” Morro Bay on Morro Bay Blvd. Enjoy a day of arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. Contact: (877) 478-9477.

SUN DEC 1 10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Morro Bay Merchants CHRISTMAS STREET FAIRE along Morro Bay Blvd. Enjoy a day of Arts and Crafts, food and entertainment all along Morro Bay Blvd in the heart of Old Towne Morro Bay! Contact: FRI NOV 29 10:00 am-4:00 877-478-9477. pm: HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR at Downtown City Park, 12th SUN DEC 1 at 3:00 pm: THE and Spring St, Paso Robles. MESSIAH by G.G. Handel at Trinity Contact: 238-4103 or http:// Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Rd, Paso Robles. Cost: $10-35. Contact: pasoroblesdowntown.org. 328-3575. FRI NOV 29 5:30 pm-7:30 pm: LIGHTING CEREMONY at SUN DEC 1 - SUN DEC 22 4:00Downtown City Park, 12th and 9:00 pm: CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS Spring St, Paso Robles. Candlelight MARKET at Cambria Pines caroling and tree lighting. Cost: Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr, Cambria. free. Contact: 238-4103 or http:// WED-SUN: Enjoy an outdoor market in the German American pasoroblesdowntown.org. tradition with food, drink, music, NOV 29-DEC 24 (days & times vary): and gifts. Cost: free. Contact: CANDY CANE TRAIN at South cambriachristmasmarket.com or Coast Railroad Museum, 300 North 966-6490. Los Carneros Rd,Goleta. This 21st annual holiday event features train SUN DEC 1-TUE DEC 31: CHRISTMAS rides, treats, and a festive holiday AT HEARST CASTLE at 750 Hearst display. Cost: $4. Contact: 964- Castle Rd, San Simeon. The Assembly Room, Refectory, and 3540 or http://goletadepot.org. Morning Room all contain lavish SAT NOV 30 at 7:00 pm & SUN DEC decorations, lights, and traditional 1 at 3:00 pm: THE NUTCRACKER at ornaments. Cost: $12-24. Contact: Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave, hearstcastle.com or 444-4445. Arroyo Grande. Everybody Can Dance and Santa Maria Civic Ballet DEC 1-JAN 3 (times & locations JULEFEST HOLIDAY present a production featuring vary): guest artist Sayat Asatryan. Cost: CELEBRATION. Solvang celebrates $12-20. Contact: 489-9444 or http:// the season with a city-wide Christmas Tree display DEC 1-31. clarkcenter.org.

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Family Events
Chorro St, San Luis Obispo. “Get Your Holiday Shine On” is the theme of this year’s 100-entry procession. Contact: http://downtownslo.com. DEC 6-8 & 13-15 (times vary): NUTCRACKER BALLET at the Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S Main St. Enjoy this holiday classic with the whole family. Cost: $20-25. Contact: 610-7570 or http:// northcountyperformingarts.org. SAT DEC 7 at 8:00 am: REINDEER RUN 5K RUN/WALK at Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St, San Luis Obispo. This family 5k run/walk benefits the food bank. Cost: $30-40. Contact: 781-7300. workshop, Fine Art and Craft Faire, and Holiday Tree Lighting. DEC 7-8 5:30-9:00 pm: Holiday of Lights home decoration. Contact: 4899657 or http://grover.org. SUN DEC 8 at 3:00 pm: PEACE ON EARTH concert at United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy a holiday program by Vocal Arts Ensemble. Cost: $10-$40. Contact: 541-6797 or http://vocalarts.org.

“Solvang on Ice” features an ice skating rink DEC 6-8 at Solvang Park. The annual “Julefest Parade” is DEC 7 at 11:00 am starting at the Old Mission Santa Ines. The annual Christmas Tree Burn is on JAN 3. Contact: 709-2221 or http:// julefestsolvang.com.

seasonal favorites performed by Morro Bay High School and Los Osos Middle School Choirs. Cost: $11, free parking. Contact: www. pacslo.org. THU DEC 5 11:30 am-1:30 pm: CASA VOICES FOR CHILDREN at Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy this CASA holiday luncheon to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates. Cost: $50. Contact: 541-6542 or http://slocasa.org.

TUE DEC 3 1:00 - 4:00 pm: AWAY IN A MANGER Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 480 Monterey Ave, Morro Bay. This free family event includes live music, and over 250 nativity sets from all over the THU DEC 5 at 7:00 pm: Band world. Contact: 772-8457. Concert at Cohan Center, PAC, 1 TUE DEC 3 1:00-4:00 pm: AWAY IN Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy A MANGER at Calvary Evangelical seasonal favorites performed by Lutheran Church, 480 Monterey Morro Bay High School and Los Ave, Morro Bay. There will be live Osos Middle School Bands. Cost: music and over 250 nativity sets $11, free parking. Contact: www. from all over the world. Cost: free. pacslo.org. Contact: 772-8457. FRI DEC 6 5:30-8:00 pm: HOLIDAY TUE DEC 3 at 6:30 pm: HOLIDAY HARMONY & LIGHT UP PISMO SONG FEST in Altrusa Theatre at BEACH at Beach Bum parking Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. lot (Dolliver & Pomeroy). Enjoy McClelland St, Santa Maria. Craig pictures with Santa, fresh snow, Newton performs sing alongs with lighting of the city at 6:00 pm, and audience interaction. Contact: 925- a tree lighting ceremony on the 0951 or http://ci.santa-maria.ca.us. pier Cost: free. Contact: 773-7063 or http://classiccalifornia.com. TUE DEC 3 at 7:00 pm: Choral Concert at Cohan Center, PAC, 1 FRI DEC 6 at 7:00 pm: 38th Annual Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy HOLIDAY PARADE starts at Palm &

WED DEC 11 at 12:00 pm: North County Multiflora Garden Club POTLUCK LUNCHEON at Paso Robles Community Church, 2706 Spring St, Paso Robles. Bring an unwrapped gift for a child of any SAT DEC 7-SUN DEC 8 at 9:00 am: age. Guests can also enjoy an HANDMADE HOLIDAY Craft Fair at optional wrapped gift exchange St Timothy Church, 962 Piney Way, ($10 limit). Contact: 238-5888. Morro Bay. This craft fair features handmade arts and crafts and is THU DEC 12 5:00-8:00 pm: 6th a fundraiser for youth programs. Annual HOLIDAY STROLL from Vista del Mar to Cliff Ave, Shell Beach. Contact: 772-5114. Enjoy vendors, musicians, singers, SAT DEC 7 1:00-3:00 pm: KIDS’ Santa, food and beverages. Raffle GARDEN GIFTS at SLO Botanical tickets at Central Coast Kayaks on Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Shell Beach Rd. Contact: katchy@ Luis Obispo. Create garden gifts charter.net. for friends and family! Learn how to make lotion and bath salts for FRI DEC 13 9:00 am-12:00 pm: loved ones. Cost: $5. Contact: 541- SPIRIT OF HOPE BOUTIQUE at Mission Hope Cancer Center, 1400 or http://slobg.org. 1325 East Church St, Santa Maria. SAT DEC 7 at 1:00 & 6:00 pm & Proceeds from this craft boutique SUN DEC 8 at 1:00 pm: BABES IN benefit those battling cancer. TOYLAND at Clark Center, 487 Fair Contact: 925-8290. Oaks Ave, Arroyo Grande. Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet presents FRI DEC 13 5:00-9:00 pm: WINTER this holiday classic. Cost: $18- WONDERLAND at the Sunken 25. Contact: 489-9444 or http:// Gardens, Downtown Atascadero. Enjoy piles of snow, snow slides, clarkcenter.org. food, music, fire engine rides, and SAT DEC 7 4:30 pm: LIGHTED BOAT the Elks Little Train. This event PARADE & TREE LIGHTING at Main occupies five city blocks. Cost: St & Morro Bay Bld, Morro Bay. free. Contact: 570-4524 or http:// Enjoy a free family event with atascaderomainstreet.org Santa Claus at City Park starting at 4:30 pm, decorated boats cruising SAT DEC 14 1:00-3:00 pm: SECRETS the harbor at 6.30 pm, and tree OF SEAWEED at SLO Botanical lighting with Christmas music Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San performed by White Caps at the Luis Obispo. Learn about secret North T-pier at 6:00 pm! Contact: lives and uses of local seaweed species. Cost: $5-10. Contact: 541772-6200 or http://morrobay.org. 1400 or http://slobg.org. SAT DEC 7 at 8:00 pm: PEACE ON EARTH concert at Mission San SAT DEC 14 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm Luis Obispo, 751 Palm St, SLO. & SUN DEC 15 at 2:00 pm: THE Presented by Vocal Arts Ensemble. NUTCRACKER at Performing Arts Cost: $20-40. Contact: 541-6797 or Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Performed by Civic Ballet http://vocalarts.org. of SLO. Cost: $18-53. Contact: 756– SAT DEC 7 & SUN DEC 8 (times & 4849 or http://pacslo.org. locations vary): HOLIDAY EVENTS in Grover Beach. Soak up the festive SUN DEC 15 12:00-1:00 pm: What atmosphere! DEC 7 10:00 am-5:00 to Consider Before Gifting pm: 16th St Holiday Parade, Santa’s a Pet seminar at Woods Humane

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Family Events
Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave, SLO. Learn important factors before you “surprise” someone with a new dog or cat. Cost: $10 donation suggested. Contact: 543-9316. SUN DEC 15 at 4:00 pm: 6th Annual Community CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY SING-ALONG at Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Dr, Arroyo Grande. This family event includes shows by various groups and audience sing-alongs. Cost: $612. Contact: 489-9444 or http:// clarkcenter.org.

Recurring Events & Resources
Hospice of San Luis Obispo County provides grief counseling, group support, counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness education to those with a lifelimiting illness, their families, and the bereaved. This nonprofit agency supports the community in coping with loss and promoting healing with free counseling, community education and volunteer support to those grieving a death or dealing with potential end-of-life issues. Offices in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Contact: 544-2266.

TUE DEC 17 at 7:30 pm: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. This sumptuous Dickens holiday classic features a cast of 24 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes. Cost: $30-62. Contact: Daily NOV 1 - FEB 28 10:00 am4:00 pm: Monarch Butterfly Talks 756-7222 or http://pacslo.org. at Pismo State Beach Monarch THU DEC 19-SUN JAN 5 9:00 am- Butterfly Grove, Hwy 1, Pismo 10:00 pm: WINTER WONDER SLO Beach. Knowledgeable docents at Madonna Expo Center, 100 give talks at 11:00 am and 2:00 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. It’s pm daily. Cost: free admission Contact: www. back - A real ice skating rink! Enjoy and parking. winter fun for the whole family. monarchbutterfly.org or 800 443Cost: $9-13. Contact: 784-2410 or 7778. http://winterwonderslo.com. Last FRI every month at 6:00 pm: SAT DEC 21 (times vary): HOLIDAY Family Fun Night at Unity Church, MAGIC AT THE ZOO at Charles 1165 Stubblefield St, Orcutt. Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Rd, Contact: 937-3025. Atascadero. Visit with Santa and join the animal care staff as they Every WED 5:45-7:00 pm: Play at make and give “special” gifts to Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades. the animal residents. For ages Ages 7-15. Contact: 528-1862. 7-12. Contact: 461-5080 or http:// Every THU-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & charlespaddockzoo.org. SAT 11:00 am-5:00 pm: Exploration Interactive Science MON DEC 23 at 9:00-11:30 am: Station’s Center welcomes families at 867 The Polar Express at Galaxy Ramona Ave, Grover Beach. Cost: Theatre, 6917 El Camino Real, $2 kids, $3 adults. Contact: 473-1421 Atascadero. Includes popcorn, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa! or http://explorationstation.org. Wear your favorite pjs. Tickets available at Atascadero Chamber 2nd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 of Commerce. Cost: $10 (children < pm: Grief Support Group at Central Coast Hospice, 253 Granada Dr, Ste 2 free). Contact: 466-2044. D, San Luis Obispo. This free group SAT DEC 28 at 10:30 am & 2:00 is for anyone suffering the loss pm: VANISHED Animals Alive at of a loved one who is in need of San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm support. Contact: 540-6020. St, SLO. Zoo to You presents two shows about vanished animals. 2nd SAT of every month FEB-NOV at 9:00 am: Santa Maria Recreation Cost: free. Contact: 781-5775. and Parks Dept offers free docentTUE DEC 31 at 11:00 am: NOON led nature walks in Los Flores YEAR’S EVE at Children’s Museum, Ranch, 6271 Dominion Rd, Santa 1010 Nipomo St, San Luis Obispo. Maria. Contact: 925-0951 x 263. Ring in the New Year well before bedtime! Make noise makers Volunteer as a Good Neighbor! before the countdown and balloon Make a difference in the life of drop at noon sharp! Contact: 545- an older or disabled adult. Once trained, volunteers choose services 5874 or http://slocm.org. to contribute and schedule hours

at their convenience. Training is scheduled monthly at Wilshire Community Services, 285 South St, Ste J, SLO. Contact: 547-7025 x 17.

5:30 pm: Teen Wellness Program at Arroyo Grande EOC Health Services Clinic, 1152 E Grand Ave. Health services, including reproductive health, in a safe environment with Volunteer at San Luis Obispo staff trained to screen, assess, Museum of Art! Stop by at 1010 and to provide intervention. Broad St (Mission Plaza) or email Appointments are preferred. volunteer@sloma.org. Contact: 489-4026. 2nd MON every month 6:30-8:00 pm: Caregiver Support Group at Cayucos Community Church, Ocean Ave & S 3rd St. Free support for caregivers and family members dealing with long-term illness, memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Contact: 458-7484. 1st WED every month at 9:00 am: Community Action Partnership Senior Health Screening at First United Methodist Church, 275 N Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande. Free and low-cost services are offered for people 50 and older: blood pressure, pulse, weight, total cholesterol, screening for anemia, diabetes, and fecal blood, nutritional counseling, and medical referrals. Contact: 481-2692 or 788-0827.

Every MON 10:00 am-2:00 pm: Remain Independent Despite Vision Loss at Santa Maria Terrace, 1405 E Main St. New ways of doing daily tasks are taught by the Braille Institute, such as managing the 1st WED every month at 12:00 home, traveling, and use of talking pm: Disabled American Veterans library books. Contact: 462-1225. luncheon at Veterans Memorial Bldg, 313 W. Tunnell St, Santa 2nd & 4th MON every month Maria. Contact: 345-0402. at 6:30 pm: MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at Pacific Every WED 5:30-7:00 pm: Widowed Christian Church, 3435 Santa Maria Support Group at New Life Church, Way, Santa Maria. Childcare is 990 James Way, Rm 14, Pismo provided. Contact: 934-3491 or Beach. Arrive 10 min early for 1st www.pacificchristian.net. meeting. Offered by Hospice of SLO Co. Contact: 544-2266 or Every TUE 3:00-6:00 pm & FRI 3:00-

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San Luis Obispo

875 Oklahoma Ave

Education Programs; and Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense 1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Workshops. Contact: 545-8888 or help with billing / appeals; Vial of Life magnetized containers with Commission on the Status of www.sarpcenter.org. medical information; a Senior Women meets at Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh St, San Luis Every SAT 11:00 am-3:00 pm: ADOPT Resource Directory for SLO and Obispo. The Commission is an A PET at Petco, 2051 Theater Dr, in SB counties, and much more. official advisory group to the Paso Robles. Cats are available for Contact: 925-9554 or www. SLO County Board of Supervisors adoption through NCHS. Dogs are centralcoastseniors.org. to identify issues of concern to available through Short n’ Sweet San Luis Obispo Senior Center women that are not the focus Dog Rescue. Contact: 466-5403. offers health screening, legal of other advocacy or advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406. Find the Adventures With Nature services, meals, exercise, bridge, & Mind Walk schedule from Morro and bingo at 1445 Santa Rosa St. Every TUE at 7:00 pm: Al-Anon Bay Museum of Natural History at: Contact: 781-7306. Family Support Group at Luis www.ccnha.org/naturewalks.html. San Luis Obispo ALPHA (Alpha OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Every FRI at 7:00 pm: Senior Pregnancy Counseling & Support) Ave, Orcutt. Contact: 937-9750. Ballroom Dancing at Madonna provides free pregnancy support, 3rd WED every month at 7:00 pm: Inn. If you are a senior (single newborn assistance & education How to Survive Divorce seminar or attached) and like ballroom in SLO, Arroyo Grande, and at the San Luis Obispo Women’s dancing, this is the place! Look left Atascadero. Pregnancy Testing; Community Center, 1124 Nipomo of the bandstand for a table sign Options Counseling; Follow-Up St, #D in SLO. Practical tips, Senior Dancers. Dance, chat and Counseling; Support & Referrals re: pointers, and suggestions for listen to good music. No fees; no Post-Partum Depression; Medical handling family law issues. $10.00 dues; just fun! Contact: 489-5481 Care & Insurance; Agency Referrals; Rental Deposit Assistance; donation requested for handout or dg17@juno.com. Maternity & Baby Clothes; Infant materials and book. Contact: 544Supplies & Equipment; Workshops; Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo 9313 to register. County has an ongoing and urgent Support Groups; and Speaker’s Contact: 541.3367 or 4th TUE every month at 5:30 pm: need for volunteer tutors and Bureau. www.sloalpha.org. Legal Clinic for Self-Represented offers free training in SLO. Contact: Litigants at the San Luis Obispo 541-4219 or www.sloliteracy.org. The Central Coast Astronomical County Courthouse Law Library, 1050 Monterey St in SLO, #125. 1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Society plans a Dark Sky Star Party SLO County Bar Assn Family Law Commission on the Status of Section & Women’s Community Women meets at Coast National Center provide one-on-one legal Bank, 500 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. advice for persons filing divorces This official advisory group to the w/o an attorney, and a document SLO County Board of Supervisors preparer to assist in completing identifies issues of concern to court-required forms. Min. $40.00 women that are not currently the donation. Limit: 12 participants. focus of other advocacy or advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406. Contact: 544-9313. RISE (formerly Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center of San Luis Obispo County) offers: Weekly Drop-In Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors; 24 Hour Crisis Line; Advocacy and Accompaniment; Peer Counseling; Individual Clinical Counseling; Prevention and Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens offers many free services: Senior Connection connecting callers with local resources; HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) one on one assistance for Medicare beneficiaries, advise and referrals for long term care options, and

every month at Santa Margarita Lake KOA Campground at sunset. CCAS also sponsors special guest speakers and programs periodically. Event details and schedules, weather updates, and local resources can all be found at: www.centralcoastastronomy.org. Contact: Aurora Lipper at aurora@ centralcoastastronomy.org. Every WED 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Growing With Baby, an infant feeding office for breastfeeding mothers and their babies (0-10 mos), offers a free class on feeding, crying, and sleep at 1230 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. Pediatric nurse practioner and lactation consultant Andrea Herron will answer questions. Dads are always welcome! Call to reserve a spot. Contact: 543-6988. San Luis Coastal Adult School’s Parent Participation Program offers Core Parenting and Enrichment classes in SLO, Morro Bay, and Los Osos. Bring your child to an activity class, or find support for parents. Cost: $74/10 wks, 10% off for two or more classes. Contact: 549-1222 or http://parentparticipation.org.

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Local Resources

Alternative Education
on the Central Coast

SLO Classical Academy. Private school. Part time or full time classical education in SLO. Part time options are Tuesday/ Thursday or Monday/ Wednesday with a Friday enrichment day. Contact: 548-8700, www. sloclassicalacademy.com. Sage Creek Sudbury. Modeled after Sudbury Valley School. Opening in the Fall of 2010. Contact: 489-3820, www.sagecreeksudbury.org. Children’s House Montessori School in Atascadero strives to help each child reach his/her greatest potential, by embracing learning and appreciating and respecting the world. Contact: 466-5068, www. childrenshouse.cc. Luis Obispo seeks to inspire a passion for excellence, to nurture curiosity, creativity and imagination, and to awaken the human spirit of every child. Ages 3-12. Contact: 544-6691, http://montessoriofslo.com. Central Coast Montessori School in Morro Bay offers a rich, individualized academic environment to promote independence and optimum scholastic achievement. Contact: 772-9317, www.centralcoastmontessori.com. Heritage Montessori Preschool in San Luis Obispo provides an enriching and loving environment in a beautiful country setting. Waldorf and Montessori based for ages 2.5-5 years. Contact: 235-5589. Public Schools Cambria Montessori Learning Center. Tuition-free public school in Morro Bay for grades K-6th through the Family Partnership Charter School. Contact: 927-2337 or 541-2412. Application forms are available at familypartnershipschool.com. Santa Maria Joint Union Home School. Accredited high school program at Santa Maria Public Library. Interactive student-parent-teacher partnership providing educational resources, a mentor teacher, and eligibilty for sports, clubs, and activities. Students may qualify to enroll in community college as well as secondary classes. Contact: 937-2051 X2761 or X2762. Templeton Independent Study High School. WASC accredited. Weekly meeting with teacher. Opportunity for early graduation and concurrent Cuesta College enrollment. Sites in Templeton and SLO at Los Ranchos Elementary School. Contact 434-5833. http:// tae.tusd.ca.schoolloop.com/tishs.

Trivium Charter Schools in Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Arroyo Grande offer a hybrid program of classical project-based classes 2 days per week and homeschool 3 days per week. Contact: 489-7474 or www. triviumcharter.org. West Mall Alternative School. Independent Study Home School in Atascadero. Contact: 462-4238, www.edline.net/pages/West_Mall_ Alternative. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Home School and Independent Study Program serves kindergarten through 8th grade. Students and parents work oneon-one with credentialed teachers, receive lesson plans, textbooks, and teachers’ editions for every subject. Academic classes, enrichment activities, and field trips are also offered. Contact: 769-1675. Homeschool Organizations California Homeschool Network is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the right of parents to educate their children. Their website provides information about current state and federal legislation affecting homeschooling families, and how to get started. Contact: 800 327-5339, http:// californiahomeschool.net. Homeschoolers of the Central Coast. An inclusive Yahoo! group for homeschoolers meeting on a regular basis for interaction and scheduled field trips: http://groups. yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_ of_the_Central_Coast. Santa Maria Inclusive Learners. A Yahoo! group offering free homeschool enrichment and support in the Santa Maria Valley: http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/santa_ maria_inclusive_learners. Templeton Unified School District K-8 Home Schooling program: 434-5840 or http://tae.tusd.ca. schoolloop.com. Homeschooling Links www.hsc.org www.californiahomeschool.net www.homeschool.com www.hslda.org www.ldonline.org/indepth/home schooling
Note: This feature is published as space allows and is a work in progress. Please submit updates, corrections, or additional resources to: ccfamilyed@gmail.com.

Central Coast families are fortunate to have a wide variety of quality choices for their children’s education. Following are some options for those seeking secular alternative education. For more information on independent and religious schools, go to: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/ Montessori Children’s School in San sd or http://private-schools.findthebest.com/directory/a/California.
Parent Participation. Core classes to enhance parenting skills, meet other families, and allow children time to play with others of the same age. Enrichment classes are offered, such as Spanish, Cooking and Gardening, and a Cooperative Preschool at CL Smith. Register through San Luis Coastal Adult School. Contact: 5491222, ppp.slcusd.org/Home.html. Charter Schools CAVA – California Virtual Academies. and K¹² give kids the chance to learn at the pace and in ways that are right for them. Online schooling aligned with California state standards. Teacher support as needed, meetings and work samples required quarterly. Contact: (866) 339-6790, www.caliva.org or www.k12.com. Family Partnership. A tuition-free K-12 independent study public school serving Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties. Home study charter schools in San Luis Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Solvang, Santa Maria, and Cambria. Meet with teachers weekly and turn in work samples. Contact: 686-5339, www.familypartnershipschool.com Olive Grove. Independent study home school with sites in San Luis Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Santa Maria, Lompoc, Los Olivos, and Santa Barbara. Meet with teacher weekly and turn in work samples. Enrichment classes also offered. Contact: 543-2701, www.sbceoportal. org/losolivos. Orcutt Academy Independent Study. Affiliated with Orcutt Academy Charter School at 500 Dyer St, this free program offers home study and blended classroom/home study for grades K-8. Contact: 938-8934 or www.orcuttacademycharter.net. Nature Based Schools SLOWanders. Offering nature-based education in SLO County. Programs include wilderness living skills, naturalist studies, wildlife tracking, awareness skills, and rites-of-passage customized for after-school, homeschool, and personal one-on-one mentoring. Weekend workshops for adults. Contact: 215-0595, www. slowanders.com. Outside Now. Summer, after-school, and private nature-based education in SLO County. Contact: 541-9900, www.outsidenow.org. Coyote Road Regional School. Natural Science and Outdoor Education. Contact: 466-4550, www. coyoteroadschool.com. Independent Schools The Laureate School. Project-based, differentiated learning to develop critical thinking, with arts, technology, foreign language, and character development programs. Interactive learning in a small-class environment that addresses students’ unique needs. 880 Laureate Lane in San Luis Obispo. Contact: 544-2141, www. laureateschool.org. Clarity Steiner School. Waldorf education for first and second graders. Class meets four days per week in Nipomo. Contact: 929-6878. Santa Lucia School. Independent school on 5 acres in Templeton. Peace education for over 25 years. Integrated curriculum founded on life experiences, in-depth study, and active immersion in the arts for grades 1-8. Attendance Mon-Thu with homeschool Fridays. Carpooling encouraged. Contact: 434.2217, www.santaluciaschool.org.

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EL MORRO CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Open TUE - SUN 10:30 am - 10:00 pm

What do you offer Central Coast Families?
Contact us to SPREAD THE WORD
Enjoy FREE full color, graphic design & website exposure:

Sunday, December 8, 9:30 am & 11:00 am

Children’s Christmas Program

(805) 528-0440 centralcoastfamily.com

Christmas Dinner/Musical ($15/person)
Sunday, December 22, 6:00 pm

Friday, Dec 20 & Saturday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm

Los Osos Valley Organic Farm
lovorganicfarm.com
mail@lovorganicfarm.com

Blue Christmas Service

(worshipful, reverent - for those experiencing loss or sadness)

Tuesday, December 24, 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Services

(805) 242 6789

A Place for New Beginnings 1480 Santa Ysabel Ave, Los Osos
(805) 528-0391 www.elmorro.org
www.centralcoastfamily.com • • Page 23

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Central Coast

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