April 2021

Inside
Child Development ............. 2

Library Resource ................. 4

Education .................................... 6

Fun & Games ......................... 8

Family Life ............................. 10

History ....................................... 12

Wordmonger ....................... 14

Calendar ................................... 17

Local Resources ............... 21

Alt Education ........................ 21

Autism Awareness / Home Learning / COVID-19 / Atascadero History / Eco Parenting

Free! Central Coast Family

Child Development
Physical Contact
In some cases, autistic people do
not like physical contact, such
as hugs, tickling, or physical play
with others.
Sudden Environment Changes
Due to heightened sensitivity
and dependence on routine, any
sudden change in the surrounding
environment may affect a person
with autism negatively. Common
offending disruptions could be
loud noises, changes in intensity
of lighting, alteration of visual
aspects, or even changes in smell.
Speech
In the USA, the first National Autism is a complex developmental cause. People with autism
Autism Awareness Month was disability with a wide spectrum are classed as having Autism Speech can be affected in people
declared by the Autism Society in of symptoms characterized by Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and with autism. ‘Echolalia’ is a typical
April of 1970. A nationwide effort difficulties in the way a person the terms autism and ASD may speech symptom in which the
was launched to promote autism communicates and interacts with often be used interchangeably. person repeats sounds and
awareness, educate the public, other people. Autism can be be People with autism have a set of phrases that they hear. The
enable inclusion and self-deter present from birth or form during symptoms unique to themselves speech tone of an autistic person
mination for all, and ensure that early childhood (typically within (no two people are the same), may be flat or monotonous. When
each person with autism is provided the first three years). Autism is with a wide range in severity. symptoms are more extreme, the
the opportunity to achieve the a lifelong neuro-developmental person may not speak or interact
highest possible quality of life. Common Autism Characteristics with others.
disability with no single known
While no two people with autism Changes in Behavior and Routine
will exhibit the same set of
symptoms, there are common People with autism often display
Central Coast Family
TM

(805) 528-0440 characteristics found in those repetitive behavior when they

Our goal is to connect Central Coast families with the resources they need to thrive! with this complex disability. repeat the same action many
Briefly, characteristics include: times over. For example, a person
with autism may repeatedly
EDITOR Associate EDITORS Social Skills
Patrice Horspool Claire & Jack Vogel pace around a room in a certain
ccfamilyed@gmail.com ccfamilyae@gmail.com People with autism often have direction. Any change to their
problems interacting with others; behavior or routine can be
autistic children may not have unsettling for them. This could
ADVERTISING adequate playing and talking be a reordering of daily activities,
COVER PHOTOGRAPHy Inquiries:
Mary Bennett Kelting
CC F
skills. Mild symptoms on one end such as the sequence when a
ccfamilyad@gmail.com person brushes their teeth, takes
of the spectrum may be displayed
through clumsy behavior, being a shower, and has breakfast when
GRAPHIC DESIGN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER out of sync with those around they get up in the morning.
Out of the Blue ™
Eric Woodards them, and making inappropriate Other characteristics of autism
or even offensive comments or can include an unpredictable
FEATURE & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
gestures. At the other end of the rate of learning, asynchronous
Jennifer Best, John J. Cannell, Guy Crabb, Kerrin Edmonds,
Stanley W. Horspool, Karyn Lutes, Rebecca Juretic, CS Perryess
spectrum, an autistic person may cognitive, emotional, and physical
not be interested in others at all. development, obsessions, and
Central Coast Family is published monthly with a readership over 40,000 throughout
™
Empathy physical tics.
San Luis Obispo County and North Santa Barbara County.
Empathy is defined as the ability Autism Is Widespread
Find us online: www.centralcoastfamily.com Awareness Is Not
to recognize and understand
www.facebook.com/CentralCoastFamily the feelings and perspective of On March 27, 2020, the Centers for
another person. People with Disease Control and Prevention
Submission deadline: 20th of each month prior to publication autism find it harder to show (CDC) released new data on the
Information contained in advertisements and other submissions is accepted in good faith. Publication does not imply endorsement by Central Coast empathy to others, although they prevalence of autism in the
Family. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect views of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject or edit submissions for any reason.
can be taught to acknowledge United States. This surveillance
Material published herein may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. © CCF 2021
other people’s views and feelings. study identified 1 in 54 children

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 2

 Child Development
(1 in 34 boys and 1 in 144 girls) Society as means of supporting
diagnosed with autism spectrum awareness for autism. The Puzzle
disorder (ASD). Researchers Ribbons may take the form of
suspect that gender bias in
assessment and diagnoses of ASD
pins attached to clothing, fridge
magnets, or stickers, and are The Village Salon
accounts for some of the available to purchase from the
difference in sex ratio statistics.
Autism Awareness Month aims
Austism Society website. The
Autism Society of America
From the girls
to make the public more aware
of this widespread disability and
also runs a year long campaign
through their 1 Power 4 Autism
at Village Salon
issues in the autism community. initiative, in which people are
The hope is that a better informed
public will be more understanding
and supportive towards people
encouraged to hold events to
raise awareness and support for
those affected by autism. Call Toni & Toni: Happy
with autism.
This month is sponsored by the
For more information on National
Autism Awareness Month and
(805) 489-5100 Spring !
Autism Society of America, which autism spectrum disorders, visit
undertakes a number of activities www.autism-society.org and/
to raise awareness about autism. or www.cdc.gov/actearly. 115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande
The Autism Society has local
chapters throughout the United
States that hold special events
throughout April.
The ‘Puzzle Ribbon’ is the official
symbol for Autism Awareness
and is promoted by the Autism
Make a Difference!
(805) 781-3226
www.slobigs.org

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 3

Library Voice
Check It Out:
April Happenings
by Rebecca Juretic

Help for Breastfeeding Moms sponsored by the California State

Library, in partnership with Parent
Mothers with newborn babies Connection, SLO County Health
will have the opportunity to get Department, South County Youth
breastfeeding help from Dawn Coalition, and First 5 SLO.
Wilt, Lactation Consultant and
Nutritionist from the County of Earth Day Art Workshop for Kids
San Luis Obispo Health Agency.
We will be hosting a Zoom event Let’s celebrate Earth Day in a
on Tuesday, April 13 from 10:30 new way! We will be hosting a
am to 12:00 pm. special online art workshop for
school-age kids, taught by an art
Learn the basics of nursing, an educator from the Santa Barbara
overview of common lactation Museum of Art. Kids will create
issues, and community resources artworks inspired by the land and
for nursing moms. There will sea.
be time for Q&A, so be sure to
bring your questions! Register The art workshop will take place
for this event and receive a copy via Zoom on Friday, April 16
of Suckle, Sleep, Thrive or The from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Register
Nursing Mom's Companion. by e-mailing SBMA Program
Libraries have been receiving Special Storytime
Assistant Elena Hancock at 
great feedback on our online
Once you register, you will receive communityprograms@sbma.net.  Ms. Susana will he hosting a very
music classes for kids age 0-5, and
a Zoom link one week before special Bilingual Storytime for
there’s still time for you to get in
the program. To register, visit Earth Day Science Online: Día de los niños / día de los libros
on the fun. Music classes will be
slolibrary.org and find the date on Revenge of the Toxic Robot on April 30 at 10:30 am. We hope
happening each Wednesday at
our Event Calendar. This program you can join us! Register on our
10:30 am through April 21.
is part of the Parent Place project Earth Day is a great time to learn Event Calendar at slolibrary.org
about science! Kids can join in a
to receive the link.
fun and interactive online quest Popular bilingual children’s singer-
to solve the mystery of why a songwriter and teaching artist If your kiddo has been missing
toxic robot is blocking the town Nathalia teaches this bilingual storytime, remember that we
park. Along the way, they will interactive music class, "Ritmo y have our Ms. Sally and Ms. Susana
learn about reducing waste Rima" or “Rhythms and Rhymes.” storytime playlists on our YouTube
and recycling, reusing everyday Children will be learning a number channel and on our Facebook
products around us, and how of concepts through singing, page. Watch your favorites again
pollution affects the environment.  games, musical stories and more.  until in-person storytimes can
resume once more.
To register, go to slolibrary.
This Talewise online interactive
science program will happen org and find the event on our
Event Calendar. This program
on Thursday, April 22 from 4:30
is sponsored by a grant from
to 5:10 pm. You can register on
the California State Library;
our Event Calendar at slolibrary.
in partnership with the South
org. This program is suitable for
school-age kids. County Youth Coalition, The
Center for Family Strengthening,
Music Classes Continue! Parent Participation: San Luis Rebecca Juretic is a freelance writer and Public
Coastal Adult School, and First 5 Relations Consultant for the San Luis Obispo
County Libraries. Rebecca can be reached at:
San Luis Obispo County Public of SLO County. juretic@sbcglobal.net.

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Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 5
Education
Break Learning
Students can experience learning
loss when they do not engage
in educational activities during
school closures. On average,
students lose the equivalent of
two months of math and reading
skills during regular school breaks.
Studies show that more than half
of the achievement gap between
lower- and higher-income youth
can be explained by unequal
access to school break learning
opportunities.
Now is the perfect time to start
making plans to change that.
Together, parents, guardians, and
community members can help
give children the best foundation
for the next school year.
Stay Engaged
Encourage reading throughout breaks are a time when children
the school break. This will help to can read what, when, and how
For Wildlife in Distress choose to read on their own.
Call Our Hotline:
805 543-WILD [9453] will understand that literature
School
can be a great way to get kids
reading and keep them occupied.
prevent the “learning slide” and Don’t forget to take your kids’
will provide benefits for young favorite book series along on day
readers that can be seen year- outings.
round.
Visit online resources provided by
your county and city libraries and
many educational organizations to
help your children put together
personal reading lists based on
individual interests. Celebrate
each time they finish a book. This
will encourage them to complete
the list by the time the school
closure ends. Be sure to take
advantage of any web-based
programs and activities that are
sponsored by your local library.
During a normal school year,
children will have busy schedules
and often will have required
reading for their classes. School
they please. Do not set daily
minute requirements or try to
determine the number of pages
they should read. Instead, make
sure they pick up books for fun
and help find ways for them to
Remember, if kids see the adults
around them reading often, they
can be a fun and important part
of their days.
Without the busy regular weekly
school regimen, adults and kids
may need more activities to fill
the hours. Books that teach kids
how to make or do something
Visit ReadySLO.org
for COVID-19 &
Vaccine updates
for San Luis Obispo
County
Let your children choose programs
that interest them. They may
even want to try something new.
Take advantage of the warmer
weather and keep youth active
Be Creative
outdoors. The following sites can
School break is the perfect time help you get started:
to let children’s imaginations run
wild and stimulate creativity. Visit KidsHealth.org (http://kidshealth.
the following websites for ideas: org/parent/nutrition) – How do
you feed a picky eater or inspire a
Kids.gov (http://kids.usa.gov) – child to play outside? Learn how
Find resources for arts and crafts to keep your child healthy with
projects that will keep children the right foods and exercise.
engaged and their minds active
while having fun. Let’s Move! (www.letsmove.gov/
get-active) – Opportunities for
NGA Kids (www.nga.gov) – kids to be physically active, both
Choose from a wide variety of in and out of school, and to create
activities or projects from the new opportunities for families to
National Gallery of Art, enjoy an be moving together.
animated musical adventure,
take a tour through the sculpture USDA Summer Food Program
garden, and more. (www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/
summer-food-service-program)
Smithsonian (americanart.si.edu/ – This U.S. Dept of Agriculture
education/insights/midnight) – program provides free meals to
Are your children fans of Night all children 18 years and under
at the Museum? Then this is the in many areas with a significant
perfect activity for them. Here concentration of low-income kids.
you are magically taken to the
museums at night. To get back Plan to read together, enjoy online
home, you have to solve some educational and fitness programs,
mysteries and help your new play outside, and keep your kids
friends find their artworks. learning and active during the
school closure. For additional
tips throughout the school break,
Stay Active & Healthy
follow @usedgov on Twitter, and
In addition to the academic risks, check out the U.S. Department of
children can also become at an Education Facebook page.
increased risk of weight gain
when they are out of school.
Excerpted with permission. ©2021 Office of
Take advantage of any online or Communication and Outreach at the U.S.
streaming exercise classes for kids. Department of Education. www.ed.gov

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Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 7
Fun & Games Jack’s Jokes
Easter Spot the Differences (12) Why was the Easter Bunny upset? He was having a bad hare day!

What do you get when you cross shellfish with a rabbit? The Oyster bunny!

How do you catch a unique rabbit? Unique up on him!

How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way. Unique up on him!

Fill empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number per cell).
A number should appear only once in each row, column, and region.

S
U
D
O
K
Central Coast Family • April 2021 •
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Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 9
Family Life
Kids Can Do to Recycle by the #6: Polystyrene (styrofoam);
coffee cups; fast food
Eco-Parenting
EarthWorks Group (there is also
an adult version), and Get Out!: containers; grocer trays; egg
150 Easy Ways for Kids and Grown- cartons; disposable cups and
ups to Get Into Nature and Build a bowls; carryout containers,
Greener Future by Judy Molland. and opaque plastic cutlery.
Point out the top 10 things to
#7: Mixed plastic (several types of
recycle: aluminum; PET (plastic)
plastic mixed together): some
bottles; newspaper; corrugated
baby bottles; trashcan liners,
cardboard; steel cans; HDPE
and some clear plastic cutlery.
(plastic) bottles, glass containers;
magazines; mixed paper, and There are many websites with fun
electronics, such as computers. eco-activities for children, such as:
Here is a simple test to see if a www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/
by Steven Smith can is aluminum or steel. Use ce/eek/cool/rainyday.htm
a magnet; if the magnet sticks www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth.
to the can, it is steel. Cans may html
Did you know that it takes 20 Global Warming by Laurie David; be bi-metal (made out of both
years for plastic bags to break aluminum and steel), so you need greenliving.lovetoknow.com/
• The Kid’s Environment Book by
down (or to biodegrade), the to check the top, bottom and Earth_Day_for_Children
Anne Pedersen;
average U.S. household uses sides of the can with the magnet. www.planetpals.com/earthday.
127,400 gallons of water a year, • 50 Simple Things You Can Recycle bi-metal cans with steel html
or that compact fluorescent lights Do to Help Save the Earth by items, which are often recycled at
use 65-75 percent less electricity Earthworks group; Another fantastic way to get
scrap metal yards. It’s helpful to
than incandescent bulbs? children involved with saving
• True Green Kids: 100 Things You understand the types of plastics
the earth is to encourage earth-
April 22nd is Earth Day. All over Can Do to Save the Planet by when recycling. Kids can learn
friendly crafts. Peruse these
the United States, people will be Kim McKay, to check the number inside the
ebooks for project ideas:
focusing on earth-friendly living. • What’s the Point of Being Green triangular plastic symbol to figure
Saving the earth starts at home. out the composition. • Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints
by Jacqui Bailey.
It is important for parents to by Ellen B. Senisi for ages 4-8;
Here’s a breakdown of seven of
teach children ways to help each People often talk about their the most common plastics: • EcoArt!: Earth-Friendly Art
day. Parents can lead by example carbon footprint. Kids can find and Craft Experiences for 3- to
and model responsible behavior out what a carbon footprint is at #1: PET (polyethylene
9-Year-olds by Laurie Carlson;
for their children. www.myfootprint.org and learn terephthalate): large plastic
how they impact the earth. By soda bottles; most soda; • Recycle Crafts Box by Laura C.
An excellent way to encourage measuring their own footprint, water; juices; detergents; Martin for ages 9-12;
earth-friendly behavior is to teach kids learn how much energy they cleansers, and some peanut
children about environmental consume and how much waste • Good Earth Art: Environmental
butter jars. Art for Kids (Bright ideas for
issues. Check out ebooks online they generate. The website www.
from your local library, read footprintfriends.com/home.htm #2: HDPE (High-density Learning) by MaryAnn F. Kohl
them together and have family is aimed for 10 - 18 year olds and is polyethylene): milk jugs; water for ages 3-8,
discussions about issues like global designed to help raise awareness jugs; bleaches; detergents, • Green Crafts for Children: 35
warming, changing climates, on environmental issues. and some body products. Step-by-Step Projects Using
ozone depletion, pollution, acid #3: PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): Natural, Recycled, and Found
rain, carbon emissions, population Parents can teach the concept credit cards; garden hoses; Materials by Emma Hardy for
effects, endangered animals and that sometimes “less is more” and shower curtains; cling film, ages 9-12.
plants, and habitat destruction. encourage borrowing, renting,
and some plastic squeeze By learning more about current
or sharing items. We all need to
Here are just a few informative practice the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, bottles. environmental issues, reducing
books your child might like: and Recycle. Parents can show #4: LDPE (low-density consumption, buying less, and
• Earth Watch by David Burnie; kids how to recycle in their rooms, polyethylene): most plastic using only what we need, we
at home, in the backyard, in the grocery bags; most plastic can all become stewards of the
• An Inconvenient Truth: The wrap; some bottles; plastic earth. Celebrate our beautiful
community, and in the world.
Crisis of Global Warming by Al sandwich bags, and clear planet with your family! For more
Children can be taught about the
Gore; packaging on CD’s. information, go to www.epa.gov/
benefits and impact of recycling;
• It’s Your World - If you Don’t saving natural resources and earthday.
#5: Polypropylene (generally
Like it, Change it: Activism energy, creating less pollution,
not recyclable): bottle caps;
for Teenagers by Mikki Halpin protecting animals, saving money,
straws; plastic lids; plastic Steven Smith is a resident of San Luis Obispo
(with a chapter on “Saving the and decreasing waste in landfills.
food storage; syrup and and a graduate of CSU Long Beach with a
Environment”); degree in Creative Writing. Steven is a painter/
You can find many recycling ideas yogurt containers, and some muralist and freelance writer. Steven can be
• The Down-To-Earth Guide to in books like 50 Simple Things baby bottles. reached at: sloartiststevensmith@yahoo.com.

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 10

 Classes Start
Wednesday, April 7th in Spanish
Length: 12 weeks, once a week

Tuesday, April 20th in English

Length: 6 weeks, twice a week
Tuesdays and Thursdays

Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Virtual via Zoom

Pre-registration required.
Call Today!
805-325-5570

Reynaldo Veronica Emigdio

Rubalcava Lopez Esquivel

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 11

Local History
Atascadero by Guy Crabb
Atascadero is one of the best small
towns in San Luis Obispo County.
It has a unique history and is a very
friendly place to visit. Atascadero
also has a strong connection to
another one of my favorite cities
in the county, Morro Bay. I taught
at Morro Elementary School for
many years until the school district
closed the school in 2001. So this
article gives me a chance to tell
my readers about two great cities
that are easy and fun to visit.
Let’s start with a little history of
Atascadero. A man named E. G.
Lewis came from the great state
of Missouri to San Luis Obispo
County around 1915 (during the
time of World War I). Lewis felt
that California was the best place
in the country to live due to the
wonderful year-round climate.
Lewis purchased a huge ranch that
stretched from Santa Margarita
to Templeton. He focused on
developing the area around
Atascadero. Lewis started sending
out thousands of periodicals that
showed pictures and included a
sales pitch to buy property in E.
G. Lewis’s Atascadero Colony.
The publication was called the
“Illustrated Review – Atascadero,
California,” and you can even go
on E-bay and buy old copies of the
magazine for ten dollars. Since
Central Coast Family
Monterey Street is getting a makeover.
Buildings are being renovated and the
parking lots are being dug up.
Buy your copy of Monterey/Marsh Sts
100 Year Book. Remember the past, as
the future is right around the corner.
Enjoy Your Memories!
the magazine is around 100 years Get an autographed copy at:
old, you would think it would be
more valuable than ten dollars.
w w w. s l o 1 0 0 ye a r s . co m
Copies of the “Illustrated Review” Also available at Barnes and Noble, Crushed Grape, Antiques of Monterey,
are so cheap because of the many History Center, Apple Farm, and Boo Boo Records. GUY CRABB PUBLISHING
thousands of magazines he sent
out to people in the eastern and
midwestern parts of the United all of the time and the weather is lots were purchased by buyers
States. In fact, Mr. Lewis had a mild. In addition to living in sunny across the country, but it was
problem with the United States California, they could travel over soon discovered that obtaining
government that involved his the hill and spend leisure time at loans to build on the land was
publication and mailing of those Atascadero Beach in Morro Bay. very difficult, so only one house
publications, but that is another was ever built on the property.
story in itself. Soon Mr. Lewis realized that As I mentioned, Mr. Lewis had
he purchased too much land in run-ins with the United States
As Mr. Lewis continued selling Morro Bay, so he started his own government on several accounts,
lots to people across the country, seed farm called the Atascadero and he even spent time in prison.
he felt that to entice his potential Seed Company. He built this farm
land buyers he needed some form on the area near the housing Mr. Lewis developed the concept
of recreation. There was the development known today as the of Atascadero and Morro Bay
ocean over the hills in Morro Bay, Cloister’s property. Lewis grew combined together to create a
and there were hot springs up in rows and rows of vegetables and paradise for people across our
Paso and down in the Avila Beach flowers of all colors. Farmers country. I for one know that
area. He finally settled on the still grow flowers for seed in the each of these towns are indeed
beautiful beaches in the Morro Los Osos area and it really is a a paradise for more and more
Bay area. Lewis put together a beautiful scene watching flowers people every year. Take a car trip
package deal that combined a grow to their full maturity. The soon to Morro Bay and then go
plot of land in Atascadero to build Atascadero Seed Company farm over the hill to Atascadero. I bet
a future home with a small lot on must have been a wonderful site you’ll agree that we live in one of
the beach in Morro Bay that Mr. with many acres of flowers that the most beautiful places in the
Lewis named Atascadero Beach. were all the colors of the rainbow. world.
I am sure that many people have
wondered why there was a beach As time passed and Mr. Lewis
in Morro Bay named for a city on continued to spend other people’s
the other side of the hills. investment money, he came up
with the idea to build a resort to
In 1919, E. G. Lewis purchased attract even more people. He
almost 500 acres of prime land realized the large resort required
along the area that is now Morro more money than he could raise,
Bay High School all the way up to so as a compromise, Lewis built
Toro Point, which is a short drive a small resort and called it The
up the road. The deal would be Cloister’s Inn. The Inn was located
that these people from back in at the end of what we know today
New York would be able to buy a as San Jacinto Street. According
plot of Atascadero land and have to one of my favorite Morro
a house built on the property, Bay history books, Morro Bay’s
and also get to have a small lot Yesterdays, the eucalyptus trees
of land on or near the ocean. that still line the street are the
With all of the pictures that Mr. same trees that Mr. Lewis planted
Lewis put in his publications, the to enhance the avenue heading
purchase of property became down to the hotel/inn. Guy Crabb retired after teaching for over
very tempting. Buyers from New 32 years, most recently at Charles E. Teach
York would get to leave the snow In reality, the whole plan by Mr. Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He was
selected as San Luis Coastal Unified School
and freezing weather and move Lewis to sell lots of land on the District Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.
to California where the sun is out beach failed miserably. Many Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.
• April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 12
Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 13
Education
Minion
For years now, I have been
laughingly referring to myself as a
minion. Officially, I’m one of two
San Luis Obispo co-coordinators
for the Central-Coastal Region
of the Society of Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators. The
tongue-tripping title has a causal
relationship to my preference for
the moniker minion.
In my California baby-boomer
upbringing, I understood that a
minion was a devoted helper –
usually of some nefarious villain.
Nefarious villains aside, I’ve
always had an affinity for the
word. Imagine my surprise upon
discovering that minion has a
myriad of deliciously disparate b. a pert or saucy girl or woman
meanings.
The Oxford English Dictionary
(OED) devotes two thirds of a
page to minion, which appeared
first in English about the year
1500. Though most etymologists
believe it came from the Old
High German word minnja or
minna, meaning love, others put
its source in the Celtic combining
form, min- or small, which was
borrowed from Latin. The OED’s
definitions (slightly abbreviated)
for minion include:
a. a beloved object, darling or
favorite
b. a lover, lady-love, mistress or
paramour
c. a dearest friend or favorite
child, servant or animal
d. one who owes everything to
his patron’s favor and is ready
to purchase its continuance by
base compliances
e. a form of address, meaning
darling or dear one
f. a hussy, jade, servile creature
Central Coast Family
carpets clearly belonged on floors.
Oddly, rugs didn’t start on
the floor either. The word rug
entered English in the 1550s, from
Norwegian rugga, meaning coarse
fabric or coverlet. It took until the Lovingkindness appears in Psalms.
1800s for rugs to land soundly on bloodthirsty – not a word one
the floor. would expect in Psalms, but
Some rug and carpet tidbits: predictability is not the Old
or slave Though nobody’s sure when Testament’s strongest suit.
the term roll out the red carpet uproar – meaning to move, stir or
g. a gallant, an exquisite shake, or a revolt or commotion
became popular, the custom
h. an adjective meaning dainty, (appearing in Kings, Matthew
of rolling out a red carpet to
fine, elegant, pretty or neat and Acts), from the German
celebrate royalty or popularity
aufruhr, meaning tumult or riot,
The last few OED meanings are appears to have begun in ancient
really out there. Greek myth when Clytaemnestra and definitely not related to the
word roar, which came to English
rolled one out for Agamemnon.
a. a small kind of ordnance
1769 to be snug as a bug in a rug through Old English and Dutch
b. a type of peach from Sanskrit ragati, meaning
1823 to be called on the carpet barks.
c. a type of lettuce
1940 theatre slang labeled a sackbut – from the book of Daniel,
d. a typesetter’s term identifying toupee a rug
a medium-size font sackbut came from the French
1942 to cut a rug saquebute, a bass trumpet with a
Some non - OED definitions
trombone-like slide. Interestingly,
compiled by the wonderful folks 1953 to sweep something under
the carpet the instrument bore a striking
at Wordnik include:
resemblance to the saqueboute,
a. an obsequious follower or 1968 - the word rugrat was born a hooked lance-like weapon of
sycophant northern France, used in battle
Myles Who?
to pull riders from their horses.
Let us consider some words first
Apparently Coverdale incorrectly
c. loyal servant of a powerful written down by Myles Coverdale,
used the term in Daniel to refer
being who, in 1535, published the first-
to Aramaic instruments known as
How did this one simple word ever English translation of the sabbekha, a small triangular harp.
end up being its own antonym Bible (predating the King James I’m often in the minority when it
in multiple ways? And what’s up version by seventy-six years). comes to religious/spiritual issues,
with the lettuce, anyway? Even though most etymologists but it seems to me that a joyful
believe many of the compound noise is a joyful noise, no matter
Carpets and Rugs words Coverdale was the first the nature of one’s sackbut. Of
We walk on them all the time, but to write down were in common course, the question remains
do we ever take the time to think usage, the commoners using whether it was the French or
of their etymologies? them weren’t bothering to write the Aramaic who first coined the
them down, so the following phrase, Does this dress make my
The word carpet made its way words are known as Coverdale
sackbut look big?
into English in the 1200s, words:
meaning coarse cloth, tablecloth My thanks to sources: OED, Etymonline, English
or bedspread. It entered English fleshpot – meaning luxuries Bible History, and Wordnik.
from the Old French word regarded with envy, though the
carpite, which referred to heavy, literal meaning was pots in which
decorated cloth. This came from flesh was boiled. One could argue
the Medieval Latin word carpite, for either meaning in the Exodus
which began with the word verse in which the word appears.
carpere, to card or to pluck. This noonday – a simple compound of
most likely had to do with the noon and day, from Job
fact that wool, cotton, and other lovingkindness – I’ve always
weaving materials required some associated this word with my
sort of plucking before they could mother, known in the family
be wrassled into threads or yarn, as Muz. She strived to live this CS Perryess writes for teens, narrates audio
books, and ponders the wonder of words in a
and then woven into cloth. word and most who knew her foggy little town on California’s central coast.
Find more at http://csperryess.blogspot.com,
It wasn’t until the 1400s that would agree that she succeeded. or reach him at csperryess@gmail.com.
• April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 14
Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 15
 Raising A Reader Challenge
Parents of children ages 3 to 5 are
invited to take part in the Raising A
Reader Challenge, where you can
keep track of books read together,
engage in fun and enriching literacy
activities with your child, and best
of all, develop a love of reading
together.
Visit slolibrary.beanstack.org/reader365
to register your child today!

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 16

 April 2021 Free Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
28
FARMERS MARKET:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club
April is:
Autism Awareness Month
School Library Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
National Child Abuse
Prevention Month
Nat. Math Education Month
National Garden Month
National Frog Month
National Poetry Month
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
29
FARMERS MARKET:
30
FARMERS MARKET:
31
FARMERS MARKETS:
1
FARMERS MARKETS:
2
FARMERS MARKETS:
3
FARMERS MARKETS:
2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 9:30 am-12:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:00pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
Birthstone: Diamond AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:00-5:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO
Hans Christian
Anderson’s birthday find a rainbow day
Flower: Sweet Pea
INTERnational
Children’s book day

4
FARMERS MARKET:
5
FARMERS MARKET:
6
FARMERS MARKET:
7
FARMERS MARKETS:
8
FARMERS MARKETS:
9
FARMERS MARKETS:
10
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 9:30 am-12:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:00pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
National read AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
a roadmap DAY

no housework 1st public

DAY library opened national
(1833 in New Hampshire) sibling day
world
health day
north pole encourage
discovered FULL MOON a young
(In 1898) zoo lover’s DAY writer day

11
FARMERS MARKET:
12
FARMERS MARKET:
13
FARMERS MARKET:
14
FARMERS MARKETS:
15
FARMERS MARKETS:
16
FARMERS MARKETS:
17
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 9:30 am-12:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:00pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
Jackie
Robinson Day
reach as high slavery abolished national
as you can day (In DC by Lincoln in 1862) haiku day

national
thomas \
stress
jefferson’s awareness
Birthday Da vinci’s birthday
(Born in 1452) Day
(Born in 1743)

18
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FARMERS MARKET:
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FARMERS MARKET:
21
FARMERS MARKETS:
22
FARMERS MARKETS:
23
FARMERS MARKETS:
24
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 9:30 am-12:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:00pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
humorous
day shakespeare’s
kindergarten
day birthday (Born in 1564)
(1st kindergarten in 1837)

national earth day

look alike
day NEW MOON

25
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26
FARMERS MARKET:
27
FARMERS MARKET:
28
FARMERS MARKETS:
29
FARMERS MARKETS:
30
FARMERS MARKETS:
1
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 9:30 am-12:00 pm Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:00pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
national tell a story AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
telephone day national
day zipper day arbor day

hug a friend
day

national poetry national

pretzel day reading day honesty day

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Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 18
Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 19
Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 20

2nd FRI every month at 3:00 pm: PAWS TO
READ at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades
Ave. Come share your stories with an adoring
listener. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
Feeling hopeless, desperate, or alone?
Every WED 3:00-4:00 pm: PAWS TO READ at
Concerned for someone you care about?
Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave. Read to
a dog who loves to listen to children. Cost:
free. Contact: 528-1862.
Every SUN 12:00-4:00 pm: Family Funday at
Bang the Drum Brewery, 950 Orcutt Rd, San
Suicide Prevention
Luis Obispo. Enjoy the patio to play family-
Mental Health and friendly games and drums! Cost: free. Food
Emotional Support and craft beer available for sale. Contact:
Free bangthedrumbrewery.com or 242-8372.
Confidential
24 hours of every day
Every FRI 6:00 am-4:00 pm: Early Bird Flea
Market at Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S
A program of Transitions Mental Health Association
Thornburg St. Browse vendors with antiques,
fruits, vegetables, new and used items, and
2nd & 4th SAT every month 12:00-4:00 more! Cost: free. Contact: 258-1765.
pm: Railway Historical Museum at Santa
Every FRI 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Zen Doodle
Maria Transit Center, 400 E Boone St, Santa
Adult Coloring Book Group at Art Center
Maria. This bimonthly opening features
Morro Bay, 835 Main St.   Relax and unwind
a locomotive, boxcar, caboose, railroad
with the new adult coloring books. Cost: free.
artifacts, interpretive exhibits, vintage rolling
Contact: artcentermorrobay.org or 772-2504.
stock, and a diorama to explore. Cost: free.
Contact: 714-4927. Every MON 2:00-5:00 pm: Historic Tour of
Architecture at Monday Club, 1815 Monterey
Every TUE & THU: Youth Aikido Classes at
St, SLO. Cost: free. Contact: themondayclub
Budo Ryu, 3536 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.
slo.wildapricot.org or 541-0594.
Kids have fun, stay fit, make friends, gain life
skills, and learn to deal with bullies without Every THU at 10:15 am: Tiny Tunes Music &
becoming one. Aiki-Mites (age 4-6) class Movement at Music Motive, 3440 S Higuera
is 3:00 pm TUE. Aiki-Kids (age 7-12) TUE & St #130, SLO. This parent participation
THU at 4:00 pm. Pre-registration only. Cost: program for ages 1-5 includes activities based
$50-75/mo. Contact: 544-8866 or www. on music psychology and child development.
aikidosanluisobispo.com. Cost: $80 per mo. Contact: 543-0377.
Every WED 10:00-11:00 am: Growing With 2nd FRI every month at 1:00 pm: Book Group
Baby Class at 1230 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. at Cayucos Library, 310 B St. Join other
Pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation readers to discuss whatever you’re reading
consultant Andrea Herron answers questions and to discover, ponder, and share insights
about feeding, crying, and sleep for babies about what others are reading. Cost: free.
0-10 months. Dads are always welcome! Call Contact: 995-3846.
to reserve a spot. Contact: 543-6988.
Every THU 6:30-9:30 pm: SLO Chess Club
Every TUE 7:00-9:00 pm & SAT 2:00-4:00 pm: meets at Carl’s Jr on Santa Rosa St, 1 block
Basic Safety Class at SLO MakerSpace, 81 S W of Foothill, across from Cal-Poly. All ages.
Higuera St, Ste 160 & 180, San Luis Obispo. Get Cost: free. Contact: 441-7210 or slochess.com.
acquainted with the space and equipment Every SAT 10:00 am-2:00 pm: SLO Chess
before using the facility. See website for
Club meets at the big board on Morro Bay
dates and classes. Cost: free for Members
Embarcadero at west end of Morro Bay Blvd
and all SLO County Library cardholders.
(down the stairs). Cost: free. Contact: 441-
Contact: 439-2727 or slomakerspace.com.
7210 or slochess.com.
Every THU 10:00-11:00 am: La Leche League
3rd WED of every month at 6:30 pm:
Mother Support Meetings in North Co, SLO,
Prepared & Natural Childbirth Classes at Twin
AG and SM. Breastfeeding and parenting
Cities Community Hospital, 1220 Las Tablas
support and information offered. Cost: free.
Rd, Templeton. This six-series class includes
Contact: 242-2294 or Facebook.com/lllofslo.
lecture, hands-on demos, and technique
MON-THU 8:30-11:30 am: Walk-In Legal Clinic practice. Cost: free. Contact: 434-4654.
in 3rd Floor Atrium of Courthouse Annex,
2nd THU of every month at 6:30 pm:
1035 Palm St, San Luis Obispo and Paso
Breastfeeding Basics at Twin Cities
Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St, Rm 112. Get
Community Hospital, 1100 Las Tablas Rd,
help with divorce, child and spousal support, Templeton. Learn about practical aspects
domestic violence, guardianship, civil of feeding your newborn from a Lactation
harassment, and name or gender change. Consultant. Cost: free. Contact: 239-4443.
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Divorce & Child
Every THU-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & SAT 11:00
Support Workshops at SLO Court Support
am-5:00 pm: Exploration Station Interactive
Services, 1120 Mill St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo
Science Center welcomes families at 867
and Paso Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St,
Ramona Ave, Grover Beach. Cost: $2-3.
Paso Robles. Help for divorce, child support, Contact: 473-1421 or explorationstation.org.
custody and visitation orders. Overview of
legal process followed by form prep and 2nd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 pm: Grief
questions. Cost: free. Contact: 788-3418. Support Group at Central Coast Hospice, 253
Granada Dr, Ste D, San Luis Obispo. Free for
1st & 3rd SAT every month at 2:00 pm: FAMILY
anyone suffering the loss of a loved one who
MOVIE at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades
is in need of support. Contact: 540-6020.
Ave. Enjoy popcorn and a G/PG movie. Call for
title. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862. 2nd SAT of every month FEB-NOV at 9:00
Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
Local Resources
am: Santa Maria Parks & Rec Dept offers free
docent-led nature walks in Los Flores Ranch,
6271 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. Cost: free.
Contact: 925-0951.
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 helping with
long-term illness, memory loss, dementia,
and Alzheimer’s. Contact: 458-7484.
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 home management,
traveling, and using talking library books.
Contact: 462-1225.
2nd & 4th MON every month at 6:30 pm: MOPS
(Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at Pacific
Christian Church, 3435 Santa Maria Way,
Santa Maria. Childcare is provided.  Contact:
934-3491 or www.pacificchristian.net.
Every TUE 3:00-6:00 pm & FRI 3:00-5:30 pm:
Teen Wellness Program at Arroyo Grande
EOC Health Services Clinic, 1152 E Grand
Ave. Health services, including reproductive
health, in a safe environment to screen,
assess, and provide intervention. Appts
preferred. Contact: 489-4026.
1st WED every month at 9:00 am: Senior
Health Screening at First United Methodist
Church, 275 N Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande.
Free and low-cost services for ages 50
and older: blood pressure, pulse, weight,
cholesterol, screening for anemia and
diabetes, nutritional counseling, and medical
referrals. Contact: 481-2692 or 788-0827.
1st WED every month at 12:00 pm: Disabled
American Veterans luncheon at Veterans
Memorial Bldg, 313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria.
Contact: 345-0402.
Every WED 5:30-7:00 pm: Widowed Support
Group at New Life Church, 990 James Way,
Rm 14, Pismo Beach. Offered by Hospice of
SLO Co. Contact: 544-2266 or hospiceslo.org.
Every TUE at 7:00 pm: Al-Anon Family
Support Group at Luis OASIS Senior Center,
420 Soares Ave, Orcutt. Contact: 937-9750.
3rd WED every month at 7:00 pm: How to
Survive Divorce seminar at SLO Women’s
Community Center, 1124 Nipomo St #D, SLO.
Tips for handling family law issues. Cost: $10.
Contact: 544-9313 to register.
RISE offers: weekly drop-In support groups
for sexual assault survivors; 24 hour crisis
line; advocacy; peer counseling; prevention,
empowerment and education. Contact: 545-
8888 or www.sarpcenter.org.
Every SAT 11:00 am-3:00 pm: ADOPT A PET at
Petco, 2051 Theater Dr, in Paso Robles. Cats
from NCHS and dogs from Short n’ Sweet
Dog Rescue. Contact: 466-5403.
Every MON 2:00-4:00 pm & WED 3:00-5:00 pm:
Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library-Jack’s
Helping Hand at Central Coast Gymnastics, 21
Zaca Lane, #100, San Luis Obispo. Traditional
and adaptive toys for children with all types
of disabilities to check out. In-home appts
available. Cost: free! Contact: 547-1914 or
www.jackshelpinghand.org.
Every TUE 2:00-5:00 pm & FRI 4:00-7:00 pm:
Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library - Jack’s
Helping Hand at Pat’s Place in Nipomo
Recreation Community Rm, 671 W Tefft St,
Ste 2, Nipomo.  Toys for kids with all types
of disabilities to check out. In-home appts
avail. Cost-free! Contact: 547-1914 or www.
jackshelpinghand.org.
Every TUE 5:30-6:30 pm: Citizenship Classes
at SLO County Library, 995 Palm St, SLO.
All classes are bilingual, with all materials
covered in 8 classes. No registration required.
Cost: free. Contact: slolibrary.org or 781-4187.
Every FRI at 7:00 pm: Senior Ballroom
Dancing at Madonna Inn. Look left of the
bandstand for sign: Dancers. Dance, chat and
listen to good music. No fees; no dues; just
fun! Contact: 489-5481 or dg17@juno.com.
Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County
has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer
tutors and offers free training in SLO. Contact:
541-4219 or www.sloliteracy.org.
1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Commission
on the Status of Women meets at Coast
National Bank, 500 Marsh St, SLO. This
advisory group to SLO County Board of
Supervisors identifies issues of concern to
women not the focus of other advocacy or
advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406.
Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
Adventures With Nature & Mind Walks
schedule is at: ccnha.org/naturewalks.html.
Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens
offers free services: Senior Connection to
connect callers with local resources; one on
one Medicare help, referrals for long term
care, and help with billing and appeals; Vial
of Life kits with medical info for emergency
responders; a Senior Resource Directory for
SLO and SB counties, and more. Contact: 925-
9554 or www.centralcoastseniors.org.
Hospice of SLO County provides free grief
counseling, individual and family support,
counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness
education to those with a life-limiting illness,
their families, and the bereaved in SLO and
Paso. Contact: 544-2266.
Volunteer as a Good Neighbor!  Make a
difference in the life of an older or disabled
adult. Training is monthly at Wilshire
Community Services, 285 South St, Ste J, SLO.
Contact: 547-7025 x 17.
Volunteer at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art!
Stop by at 1010 Broad St (Mission Plaza) or
email volunteer@sloma.org for information
about multiple volunteer opportunities.
San Luis Obispo Senior Center offers health
screening, legal services, meals, exercise,
bridge, and bingo at 1445 Santa Rosa St.
Contact: 781-7306.
Central Coast Astronomical Society sponsors
a Dark Sky Star Party every month at sunset.
CCAS sponsors guest speakers and public
education programs. Find the CCAS event
calendar, location and weather condition
updates, and local resources at: www.
centralcoastastronomy.org.
San Luis Coastal Adult School’s Parent
Participation Program offers Core Parenting
and Enrichment classes at centers in San Luis
Obispo, Morro Bay, and Los Osos. Parent and
child activity classes, individual peer support,
and education for parents and caregivers.
Contact: 549-1222 or parentparticipation.org.
• Page 21
Local Resources
options are Tuesday/ Thursday or student-parent-teacher partnerships

Alternative Education
Monday/ Wednesday with a Friday
enrichment day. Contact: 548-8700
or sloclassicalacademy.com.
Wishing Well School offers non-
provide 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.

on the
profit holistic Waldorf education
Contact: 937-2051 x 2761 or x 2762.
in Los Osos with part or full-time
preschool, and full-time kindergarten- Templeton Independent Study
7th grade, and 1st-7th two-day High School. WASC accredited.

Central Coast
home school enrichment. Contact: Weekly meeting with teacher.
wishingwellschool.org or 235-4401. Opportunity for early graduation
and concurrent Cuesta College
Children’s House Montessori
enrollment. In Templeton and SLO
School in Atascadero strives to help
at Los Ranchos Elementary School.
each child reach his/her greatest
Contact 434-5833 or tae.tusd.
potential, by embracing learning
ca.schoolloop.com/tishs.
and appreciating and respecting
the world. Contact: 466-5068 or Trivium Charter Schools in Lompoc,
childrenshouse.cc. Santa Maria, and Arroyo Grande
Central Coast families are fortunate to have a wide variety of quality offer a hybrid program of classical
Montessori Children’s School in San
choices for their children’s education. Following are some options for Luis Obispo seeks to inspire a passion
project-based classes 2 days per
those seeking secular alternative education in our region. week and homeschool 3 days
for excellence, to nurture curiosity,
per week. Contact: 489-7474 or
creativity and imagination, and to
For more information about local private, independent, nature based, awaken the human spirit of every
triviumcharter.org.
and religious schools, visit: cde.ca.gov/re/sd child. Ages 3-12. Contact: 544-6691 West Mall Alternative School.
or montessoriofslo.com. Independent Study Home School
Parent Participation of San Luis grades K-8. Contact: 938-8934 or in Atascadero. Contact: 462-4238
Coastal Adult School offers core orcuttacademycharter.net. Central Coast Montessori School in
or edline.net/pages/West_Mall_
classes to enhance parenting Morro Bay offers a rich, individualized
Summit Academy charter school Alternative.
skills, meet other families, and academic environment to promote
serves K-12 grades, and provides independence and optimum scholastic Paso Robles Joint Unified School
allow children to play with peers.
personalized home-based learning achievement. Contact: 772-9317 or District Home School & Independent
Also enrichment classes such as
that fosters investigation, skill centralcoastmontessori.com. Study Program serves K-8th grade.
Spanish, Cooking, and Gardening,
development and creativity, and Students and parents work one-on-
and a Cooperative Preschool at Heritage Montessori Preschool
lifelong curiosity. Contact: (818) 450- one with teachers, receive lesson
CL Smith. Contact: 549-1222 or in San Luis Obispo provides an
9810 or summitacademyca.org. plans, textbooks, and teachers’
parentparticipation.org. enriching and loving environment in
Nature Based Schools editions for all subjects. Classes,
Charter Schools a beautiful country setting. Waldorf
enrichment activities, and field trips
Outside Now provides summer, after- and Montessori based for ages 2.5-5
are also offered. Contact: 769-1675.
CAVA – California Virtual Academies school, and private nature-based years. Contact: 235-5589.
and K¹² give kids the chance to education in San Luis Obispo County. Homeschool Organizations
Academics and More is a Homeschool
learn at their own pace. Online Contact: 541-9900 or outsidenow.org. Helper class for 7th-8th grade at Homeschool Association of California
schooling is aligned with California Ludwick Community Center in SLO. is an inclusive organization offering
state standards. Teacher support as Delphinus School of Natural History
is a unique, regional, outdoor science Offered in partnership with City of campouts, conferences, statewide
needed, meetings and work samples SLO, this class includes a convenient support, a website with excerpts
required quarterly. Contact: (866) program in San Luis Obispo, for
elementary through middle school cost-effective way for students to from education code books, and
339-6790, caliva.org, or k12.com. gain access to a tutor, community links. Contact: hsc.org.
students. Programs are engaging,
Family Partnership is a tuition- interactive, student driven, and involvement, assistance with their
California Homeschool Network is
free K-12 independent study public designed to foster self-expression school work, time management and
a grassroots organization to protect
school serving Santa Barbara, San and environmental stewardship. organization skills, and more. Contact:
the right of parents to educate their
Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties Contact: delphinusschool.org. EarthAdventuresForKids.com.
children. Website offers current state
with home study schools in San Luis Public Schools and federal laws. Contact: (800) 327-
Obispo (1981 Vicente Dr), Morro Bay, Independent Schools
5339 or californiahomeschool.net.
Solvang, Santa Maria, and Cambria. Clarity Steiner School in Nipomo Montessori Resource Center is a
Meet with teachers weekly and turn offers Waldorf education for first tuition-free public school in Morro Homeschoolers of the Central Coast
in work samples. Contact: 348-3333 and second graders. Class meets four Bay for K-5th grades through Family Yahoo! group meets regularly: groups.
or fpcharter.org. days per week. Contact: 929-6878. Partnership Charter School. Contact: yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_of_
348-3333 or fpcharter.org. the_Central_Coast.
Olive Grove is an independent study Santa Lucia School on 5 acres in
home school with sites in San Luis Templeton has provided peace Parkfield Elementary School is a one- Santa Maria Inclusive Learners.
Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Santa Maria,education for over 25 years. room school in San Miguel providing Yahoo! group with free homeschool
Lompoc, Los Olivos, and Santa Integrated curriculum founded on a unique, child-centered education enrichment and support: groups.
Barbara. Meet with teacher weekly. life experiences, in-depth study, customized to student abilities yahoo.com/group/santa_maria_
Enrichment classes also offered. and active immersion in the arts for and pace. Hands-on instruction, inclusive_learners.
Contact: 543-2701 or sbceoportal. grades 1-8. Attendance Mon-Thu exploration, and speakers focus on Templeton Unified School District
org/losolivos. with homeschool Fridays. Carpooling the inner development of each child. K-8 Home Schooling program.
Contact: 463-2331 or rskepins@
Orcutt Academy Independent Study encouraged. Contact: 434.2217 or Contact: 434-5840 or tae.tusd.ca.
shandonschools.org.
is affiliated with Orcutt Academy santaluciaschool.org. schoolloop.com.
Charter School at 500 Dyer St. This SLO Classical Academy. is a private Santa Maria Joint Union Home School.
free program offers home study and school offering part time or full time Accredited high school program at Please submit updates, corrections, or news
blended classroom/home study for classical education in SLO. Part time Santa Maria Public Library. Interactive about resources to: ccfamilyed@gmail.com.

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 22

 Aikido (The Art of Peace) is a perfect martial art for children, because it builds a
strong sense of inner strength, focus, and self-confidence.

Children practice in a friendly, supportive, coed atmosphere. Specially qualified

instructors use games, techniques, and tumbling exercises to teach children
how to defend themselves without hurting others.

Visit our school, watch a class, and decide if Aikido would benefit your child!

Central Coast Family • April 2021 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 23

Central
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Central Coast families?
with the resources
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extraordinary value. Our loyal readers are relatively
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