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online versionThis version of Bay Area Kids magazine includes a different layout and extra or extended content you won’t find in the print edition.
tHe regular tHe gooD stuFF
8 small talk papa san
10 local heroes angels on stage
12 mixed media marshmallow shooters, freaky bags, and more
14 suburban queen the never-ending birthday month
16 health matters how to enjoy and prepare for a a safe summer for your children
22young stars parenthood’s tyree brown
26float your [house] boat the ideal family vacation?
38green living grow your own candy
42food sizzling summer recipes
you’ve got to cool it nowsweet fashion treats for haute summer days 32
7what’sinside
online onlY »
extenDeD interview »
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26
8 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
8small talk
eDitor’s letter
papa san
You’re a winnerLast issue we ran a
contest giving away two Mother’s Day Packages, including a Motherhood
DVD, a $100 gift certificate from Swank
Mommy, and free flying time from iFly. And the
winners are:susan wong
eleanor Baltazar
Congratulations, and enjoy your (belated) Mother’s Day gifts!
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” — Rev. Theodore Hesburgh
Childrenarefun.Havingchildrenisfun.Raisingthem–atthecoreoftheexercise–issupposedtobefun.Beingafathertomytwochildrenhasbeenthemostfun,most
exhilaratingrideIcouldhaveeverimagined.Here’sthesecretofbeingafather:havingkidsletsusactlikekidsagain…withnorepercussions.
BeingDadgivesmetheexcusetojumpoutfrombehindthecurtains,pastastraineronmyhead,drinkingstrawinhand,usingmyworstJohnnyDeppimitationandrecreatingscenesfromPirates of the Carribean;orputthewoodensaladbowlovermyheadanddomybest(ahem)JackBlack/Kung Fu Pandarecreations.ItallowsmetosendthetworunningandscreamingbecausetheTickleMonsterhasdecidedtomakeanunexpectedappearance,andtofrustratemydaughterbecauseIgetmyDisneyprincessesmixedup:“Cinderella…she’stheonethatswimsunderwaterwithPeterPan,right?”Tosing(?)inharmonywithmysonasheyellsoutthewords(asheinterpretsthem)to“HakunaMatata”whilewe’reinthecartogether.(Hmmm…forsomereasonmanyofthesemomentsseemtorevolvearoundshowtunesandmoviesoundtracks.)
There’salsothepeacefuljoyofjustsitting,fortwentyminutes,withmysonaswewatchaprayingmanthisslowlymakehis(orher,notsurehowyoutellthedifference)wayacrossourbackyardfence;oftakingmydaughteroutonaclearnightandshowingherthepinpointsofstars,andhowtoconnectthemtocreateherownconstellations.Evenwhenthere’snothinggoingon,whenwe’rejustsittingonahammockrockinggentlytoanafternoonbreeze,andtheysitonmylapstaringintotheirownlittleworlds,there’sfuninthatmoment.It’sthosemoments—inbetweenthepersuadingandthearguingandthegentlenudginganddisciplineandhairtugging(myown,nottheirs)—thatdefinemyfatherhoodexperience,andit’sthosemomentsthatIhopetheyrememberwhenlookingbackattheirchildhood.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,thelittleonesarecomingbackfromschoolsoonandIneedtogomakeafortoutofthecouchcushionsbeforetheygethere.
EverardGStrong,Publisher,Editor,[email protected]
Mission impossible Starting with this issue I am going to try and do the impossible: get back in shape while working a more-than-full time job, spend quality time with my children, be a useful husband, and somehow find time to sleep as well. Follow along online and in our next issue, and wish me luck, I’m going to need it. (Thank you to Concord’s UFC gym for setting me up).
Volume 2, number 4June/July 2010www.BAKidsMagazine.com
publisher/editor/fatherEverard G. [email protected]
salesGeneral [email protected]
Kathryn [email protected]
General Editorial [email protected]
photographyShaun Fenn, www.shaunfenn.com
contributing writersKelly Pollard, Elyssa Lee
submissionsSend photos, events, news, and story requests to [email protected]
product submissionsSend all products to address below. Include return postage.
doing our partBay Area Kids magazine is printed on 10 percent recycled paper using only soy based inks. Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Act (RCRA) Standards and is a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council.
small print2010 Big E Productions (DBA Bay Area Kids magazine). No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Big E Productions assumes no liability or responsibility for any claims made by advertisers in the magazine.
BAY AREA KIDS magazineP.O. Box 30442Walnut Creek, CA 94598www.BAKidsMagazine.com
on tHe cover Jack is wearing a reactor den-im shirt $30 and polo ralph lauren t-shirt $25 (bloomingdale’s, www.bloomingdales.com). photo by shaun fenn.
BayAreaKids
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10local
heroes
angels on stage1582 Branham Ln, #326
San Jose(408) 394-6816
Fortykidshoveredbackstagefortheircuetoen-teronstagefortheiropeningnumber.Asthehouselightsdimmedandfootlightandspot-
lightsshone,themusiccuedup…kidsdressedinjunglecostumes(frompeople,toanimals,tococonuttrees)floodedthestagesinginganddancingtothethemesongofDisney’sJunglebookwithenergyandenthusi-asmrivalinganyBroadwayproduction.
AngelsonStageonceagainshonebrilliantlyforitssecondseason.Theyalsochallengedthestatusquodefinitionof“talent”bydemonstratingthatthestageisaworldwherelifeandtalentarelimitedonlybyonesimagination.
DeAnnaPursaifounded“AngelsonStage”(NamedforheryoungersisterAngel,whohasDown’ssyn-dromeandistheoriginal“Angel”).PursaiwasAngel’sbuddycoachinasimilartheatertroupewhentheywereyounger.“Angelismyheroandbestfriend,andIal-waysknewIwantedtostartasimilartheatretroupeaf-terIexperiencedthejoygrowingupwithmysister.”
Angel’sonStagefirstseasonwasfall2008with40“Angels”and35“typically-developingstudentbuddy-coaches”.TheypracticedforsixmonthsuntilMarch2009premieringwith“TheWizardofOz”--pre-formedtosold-outaudienceseachnight.Sincelastyear,theyhavedoubledto80Angels,50buddycoach-es,andahostofvolunteers.“EverySaturdaymorningwehaveabout150volunteerscomingtogethertosettheAngelsupforoptimalsuccessinilluminatingtheirin-credibleabilities”,accordingtoPursai.
TheAngel’sabilitiesaredrawnoutbythesteadfastguidanceofPursaiwhogrewuptobecomeaspecialed-ucationteacher.ShenowrunsAngelsonStageaswellasasecondnonprofit—TheCollegeofAdaptiveArts—offeringvisualandperformingartsclassestoadultswithdifferingabilities.
Amongherwell-qualifiedcredentials,PursaiholdsaMaster’sinEducationalPolicyAnalysis(spe-cialEdpolicyemphasis)fromtheUniversityofIllinoisatUrbana-Champaign.ShehasalsoreceivedaSpecialEducationRecognitionAwardfromSanJoseUnified’sCAC-SpecialEducationcommitteeforthepast2years.
Hermissionis“toprovideaprofessionalmusicaltheatreexperiencetochildren,ages5-22,withdiffer-ingabilitiesofanytypeanddegree.”Shehopestocon-tributetoanationalinfrastructurethatoffersmusi-caltheatreopportunitiesnationwide“onparwiththeathleticopportunitiesavailablethroughSpecialOlym-
pics”.TheorganizationalvisionistosettheAngelsandeachotheruptoachieveoptimalsuccess.
IaskedPursaiwhathergreateststrugglewasamongthemanyheartwarmingandamazingsuccessesAngelsonStagehasachieved.
“Ourgreateststruggles…howtoaccommodateourlargeinfluxofnewAngelswhowanttojoin…howtobegintothinkaboutbranchingouttomultiplelocationssimultaneously…andfinancial...wearesuchanewnonprofit,wehavebeenunsuccessfultodatesecuringfundingstreams.”
ThedemandishighandAngelsonStagehasdoneanexcellentjobilluminatingthetremendousmusi-caltheatreabilitiesofchildrenofallabilities,whilecreatingasafeandembracingatmosphere—awelcomechangeaccordingtoPursai
“Mostofthetime,childrenwithdisabilitiesliveinaconstant‘discomfortzone’wherebythey’reconstantlytryingtonavigateandfitintothe“typically-developingworld.”DuringAngelsonStagepractices/performances,westrivetoreconfigureourenvironmentwherebytheAngelsfeelcompletelysafeandfree,andit’stherestofour“discomfortzonetime”tofigureouthowtoentertheirworld.Ourmottois“Perception,notperfection.”
Afterwatchingtheperformance,Icameawaywithgenuineheartfeltadmirationforthejoy,talent,cour-age,humor,perseverance,andspiritofalltheAngels,thevolunteersandPursai…andafterhavingtheprivi-legeofmeetingAngelinperson,IhavetoagreewithPursai-sheisnowmyherotoo.
local Heroes
GiveMyRegardstoBroadway by Laura Wrede
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 11
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12mixedmedia
Marshmallow MForcer (Marshmallow Fun Company) A manually pumped repeat pistol that shoots mini marshmallows twenty to twenty-five feet. Whoa. We see several scenarios where this could be useful. Scenario one: on a hot summer day, siblings are going at each other non-stop. Solution: give each one a loaded pistol and send them outside to duel it out. Scenario two: office wars. Scenario three: rainy day at the ranch? Give everyone their own MForcer. Stand around the living room table loading the ammo (you have to load by hand). Then, everybody gets five minutes to hide. Let the hunt begin. Holding fifteen marshmallows, the MForcer can serve as an effective weapon of family peace. $39.95. Available online at www.marshmallowville.com, Toys R Us, and other retail stores.
proDuct reviews
Freak-o-Bag (Kamibashi, www.kamibashi.com) Imagine a product that kids love, has a utilitarian value, and makes the world a better place in the process. Freak-O-Bags begin life as cute dolls with oversized heads, perfect for little hands as they sit in the back seat on the way to the store. Once inside, moms can unfurl a rather hefty (and attention getting) shopping bag from the doll’s head, saving plastic and paper bags at check out time. As for making the world a better place? Each bag is made by the Koonin family in Thailand through a fair trade program. Available in several styles. $14.45-$19.95. Available at Treehouse Green Gifts, Berkeley, (510) 204-9292 or online at www.kamibashi.com
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 13
alphabetica: odes to the alphabet (Diana Spieker and Krista Skehan, 2010 Personify Press, San Francisco). Created by Menlo Park moms Spieker and Skehan (who founded Personify Press in order to publish the book), Alphabetica offers a unique, while still kid-friendly take on the ABCs. Each page has a main theme that revolves around a certain letter, with a poem accentuating that theme. The wording is hip and modern, introducing “big words” without overcrowding or over intellectualizing. Each letter receives its own illustrations and font treatment, so every turn of the page turns up something new, adding to the discovery and engagement elements. For example, the page for the letter “I” has a fun ode to ice cream (“sweet cream vanilla bean chocolate in a frosty shake, any Sundae you can make brain freeze, yes please”) and in the illustration you can find ivy, ink, an Indian, Idaho, Iowa, igloos, Italy, an inch, insects, an ironing board, and even the infinity sign. A charming learning experience for adults and children. $19.95, available at all Pottery Barn Kids and online at www.personifypress.us.
cat chorus i-phone app (My Musical Cats) This app and a sister title, Cat Opera, were submitted to us by a couple of local Art Institute students, and our kids have loved playing with them since. Featuring thirteen kitties, you can swipe or tap individual ones to create your own music, or listen along to several pre-recorded tracks. You can also tap along to various songs as well. Very entertaining, with fun illustrations and an easy interface – in other words, perfect for little children on those long road trips. $0.99 from iTunes and www.mymusicalcats.com.
14 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
Great things come in clusters, or so they say.Take birthdays. They’re supposed to be acauseforcelebration,whetherit’syourchild’s
or your own.Who doesn’t appreciate a spread of cakeandicecreamaccompaniedbypilesofbrightlywrappedpresents?Yet,everyfamilyIknowhasacertainmonthin their arsenal plastered with birthday obligations.Mineisnoexception.
We have a concentrated two week period aroundthe beginning ofMay that boasts seven birthdays andcapsoffwithMother’sDay.Don’tgetmewrong,I lovebirthdays.ThisiswhenIcelebratemyfirstson’sbirth—the anniversary of my stumble intomotherhood; thisis when I celebrate my birthday, My mom’s birthday,severalnieces’,andabrother-in-law’s.Andthenthere’sMother’sDay...butseriously,whohasthestaminaforthat after twoweeksofmarathoncakebaking,presentsearching,andpartyplanning?
Thisyear,asIattempttoeveryyear,Ivowedtomakethingssimpler.
ForBobby’sseventhbirthday,Ibackedawayfrommyfamily-only party policy and allowed him to have thebuddybirthday.Istucktomygunsaboutnotmakingitoneofthosechaoticbashesinvitinghisentireclassroomand dropping amortgage payment on bounce houses,cateredfoods,andoverpricedpresents.Unfortunately,Ididn’t realize that justbecausewe threwhimapartyto share with friends, I couldn’t cancel the ensuingcelebrationswithvariousfamilymembers.
Our birthday journey started one Friday eveningwith tenofhisbuddiesat the localbowlingalley.Onething I got right: the choiceof venue. Itwas relativelycheapcomparedtothetemptingkiddiegymsandvideoarcades, and it ensured I wouldn’t have ten wild firstgradersscramblingaroundmyhouse.
Inlessthantwohours,thekidstossedmulticoloredbowlingballs,attemptedtosurfdownthe laneswhentheythoughtweweren’twatching,giggledovercheesepizzaandlemonade,andOohedandAhhhedoverthedalmatiandogcake thatI laboredoverallafternoon.Round one of birthday week madness had been arousingsuccess.
Sincewedidn’tinvitefamilymembers,wehitapizzaparlorafewnightslatertohookupwiththein-laws.Thenextmorning, forBobby’s “real”birthday, Iwokeupat the crackofdawn to spell outhisname inpancakebatter,andfryupeggsandsausage,onlytohavehimand
hislittlebrotherlicksyrupofftheirplatesanddeclareittooearlyforabigbreakfast.
Let’snot forget the lastminute trip to the grocerystore for cupcakes to bring to his classroom.Oh, andtheballoons;whatisabirthdaywithoutballoons?Thenwe opened presents after school with justMom, Dad,andBrother,alongwithatriptoMcDonald’sfordinner.
Two days later, we set out on yet another Bobby-themed celebration to Chevy’s with another set ofgrandparents.
Sundayprovedtobeamuch-neededdayofrestforthesewearyparents.Right.Thinkagain.
Another celebration seemed like a fabulous idea, afamilyBBQforBobbyandhistwocousinswhofallintoourbirthdaycluster.
The day called for another baking binge withrainbow sprinkle cupcakes and brownies. The cakebatterwasstartingtogivemehallucinations.
It was at this party that my siblings asked what,pray tell,did Iwant todo formyupcomingbirthday?I mumbled about just wanting some quiet time andhavingnoresponsibilityforplanninganotherbirthdaycelebration.
Thenwereturnedhometounwindafter thechaos…onlytohaveBobbydelveintohisnewestpresentfromus: a drum set.Themarathon cake bakingmust haverattledmylogicalthinkingabilities.Somuchforpeace.Andquiet.
Meanwhile,littlebrotherShanedrankinthenearlytwoweekbirthdaycelebrationdedicated tohisbrotherandisnowsilentlyplottingastrategyforhisNovemberbirthday.Withanyluck,he’llfigureouthowtodrawhisbirthdaypartyingoutuntilChristmas.
DiarY oF a suBurBan queen
TheNever-EndingBirthdayMonth
Kelly pollard is
a TriValley writer and
mother of two boys,
ages five and four.
You can find her at
TwoBoysinTwoYears.
BlogSpot.com with
more incriminating
tales of her family.
14mom’s
the word
“Themarathoncakebakingmusthaverattledmylogicalthinkingabilities.”
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 15
Reconnect with Nature& Nourish the Spirit
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16 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
16health
matters
About the Author: Board Certified Pe-
diatrician arnold Blustein, m.d., has been in practice for
more than 30 years. He is on the staff at
Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.
The‘lazydaysofsummer’quiteoftenfindchil-dren in a variety of summer camps, summerschooland/orspendingdayswithanewgroup
offriends.With the startofcampsandsummerschools,chil-
drencanbeexposed tomanydifferentgermsand in-creased opportunities for injury. It’s not unusual foremergencydepartmentstoseemorechildrensufferingfrombrandnewinjuries…justlikeatthebeginningofaschoolyear.
There are a few things to rememberwith your child’senvironment:Preventing InfectionsThebestwaytopreventinfectionisfrequenthandwash-ing. Pediatricians encourage all of our patients andtheirparentstoformgoodhandwashinghabitsfromthestart.Childrenshouldbecoachedtowashtheirhandsbeforeeating,afterusingthebathroomandafterplay-ingoutside.
Immunizations are another important means ofpreventinginfection.Vaccineshavesavedcountlesslivesoverthelastseveraldecades,andgroupsliketheAmer-ican Academy of Pediatrics encourage everyone to befullyimmunized.Boostervaccines,whichrenewimmu-nizationsthatmayhavelosttheireffectiveness,arealsoimportant.Itwillbeimportanttothinkoftheseasyouapproachthenewschoolyearaswell.
More than bacteria and virusesIn addition to infections, just like during the schoolyear,thereisahigheroccurrenceofheadlice.Licearetiny(2–4mm);layeggscalled‘nits’thatsticktightlytothehairshaft;andsometimescausealotofitching.
Headlicecanbetreatedusinganover-the-countershampoosuchasNixorRid.Parentswhopreferadrug-freeapproachcantrysuffocatingthelicebycoveringthechild’sentirescalpwithmayonnaiseatnightandthenrinsingitoffinthemorning.Washingclothesandbed-dingcanalsohelppreventrecurrences.
Themostimportantpartoftreatment,though,istopainstakinglycombthehairwithafine-toothedcomb,lookingforanycrittersornits.Myownrecommenda-tionwhenanitisseenistocutoutthehairshaft.
Topreventinfestationsfromoccurringtobeginwith,childrenshouldbetaughtnottosharecaps,combsorhairbrusheswithothers.
Avoiding injuriesKidscanalsohaveahighriskof injury–especially ifthey are participating in sports. And, by remainingphysicallyactiveoverthesummer,theywillbeinbetterphysicalconditionandlesslikelytohurtthemselvesinsports.Mostpediatriciansrecommendchildrenget25–30minutesofvigorousplayeveryday.
Addingwalkingorbikingwhileonvacationortoasummer activity can also increase a child’s risk of ac-cident or injury. Wear brightly colored clothing and,forbikers,alwayswearahelmet.Thiscanhelpavoidaninjury. Whether they are walking or riding, childrenshouldalwaysbetaughttoobservetrafficruleslikeus-ingacrosswalkandstoppingatintersections.
Staying healthyThemost important tips for ahealthy life are the sim-plest:Getplentyofsleepandeatanourishingdiet–eveninthesummertime!
Youngchildrenneed9–10hoursofsleepandteen-agersneed8–9.Ahealthydietminimizessalt,sugar,andanimalfatintakeandemphasizesfruits,vegetablesandwholegrains.
HealtH Matters
HavingaSafeSummer by Arnold Blustein, MD
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 17
18 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
Let the Children Come to Mefor ten years, elaine taylor has been running a very special camp deep in the woods of livermore. we need her to run it for at least ten more years. by Everard G. Strong
IfyouarenotfamiliarwithCampArroyoorTheTaylorFamilyFoundation(TTFF)thatrunsthesummer-longcampsdeepinthehillsofLivermore,
it’shardtonotsuckinyourbreathandholdinatearasthefullexpanseofwhatisoffered—andtowhom—becomesevident.EachsummerTTFFcommandeersCampArroyo,astate-of-the-artrecreationalfacilityjointlydevelopedandoperatedbytheEBPRDandTTFF,andhostsweek-longcampsthatcatertogroupsofchildrenwhoaredealingwithlifethreateningorchronicillnessordevelopmentaldisabilities.Foroneweek,kidscometoCampArroyotobekidsandenjoy(asmuchaspossible)alifeawayfromtheirlives.Foroneweekchildrenaretreatedtothebestfood,activities,sleepingquarters,andattentiontheycouldwant.Allofitisfree—nocamperortheirfamiliespayapennyforwhathasoftenbeenalife-changingexperience.
BehindCampArroyoandTTFFsitsElaineTaylor,thoughitisraretoactuallyfindhersittingdown.Withanarmyofvolunteersandasmallbutdedicatedstaff,Elainescheduleseachcampandappropriatemedicalneeds,keepsintouchwithfamilies,coordinatesdailylife,entertainsthetroops,andactsasMommywhenneeded.Andthenthere’stheplanningfortheirbigannualfund-raisingevent,ADayinthePark(theyskippedtheeventin2009becauseoftheeconomyandtoalsofocusonthisyear’sanniversary).
2010marksadoubleanniversaryforElaine:TheTaylorFamilyFoundationcelebratestwentyyears,andCampArroyoisseeingitstenthseason.Tomarkthisoccasion,wedecidedtosit(thoughnotreally…seeabove)withElaineandgetabetterglimpseofthewomanbehindthesmilesweseeonsomanycampers’faces.
Why did you found the Taylor Family Foundation? Was there a catharsis, a “vision” where you decided this is what you wanted to do?
Therewasnopersonalissue.Barry(Taylor,herhusband)andIwerelivingaprettyblessedlifeandwebothfeltthatifyouareabletogiveback,thenyou
should.AllIreallywantedtodoisgodowntothelocalhospitalandrockbabieswithAIDS,butIalsorealizedthatsuchactionswouldn’tchangemanylivesormakearealdifferenceinhowtheneedsofthesechildrenwerebeingaddressed.BarryandIcofoundedTTFFtohelpchildrenlocallywhowereinneedofresourcesthattheycouldnotget,tokeepthemoneyhereintheBayAreaandmakesurewemonitoredeverydime,sothatnofundswouldgotowaste...wewantedtopoureverycentintothekidsandtheirneeds.
Was there anything in your background that had led you to this path, given you the tools needed to set up and direct the Foundation (and Camp Arroyo)?
Myfolksweregivers,theyhelpedanyonewhoneededit.Theyweretrulyauthenticwhenitcametocaringandgiving,andtheytaughtmeandencouragedmetotreatpeoplehowyouwanttobetreated:ifyoucanhelpthenyoumusthelp.ThenImetBarry—probablythekindestmostgivingmanontheplanet—andhegavemethefreedomtojourneydownthispathwithoutanyrestraints.Hejoinedmeonthispathandwebelievedinwhatweweredoingwithourheartsandourminds.Andnowitstwentyyearslaterandwestillbelievethatwecanmakeadifference,andI’dliketothinkthatwewalkthetalk.But,andletmebeveryclearonthispoint:wedidnotdothisalone,withoutourfamily,friends,community,andcampersnoneofthiswouldhavehappened.
How did Camp Arroyo come from this initial vision and Foundation?
InitiallywewerejustfundingmedicalprogramsforchildrenwithHIV/Aids.Webecameveryawareofhowthekids’andfamilies’socialneedswerebeingputonthebackburner.Campisaverycriticalpartofshar-ingcommunity.Theideaofacamppeakedourinter-estandwethought,hecklet’sjustbuildacampandletthemcomeandbekids.Wesuredidn’trealizewhatwasinvolved,andwecountourluckycharmsthattheEast
The title of this article was taken from
Matthew 19:14 (NIV) “Let the little children
come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to
such as these.”
18neighbors
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 19
20 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
BayRegionalParkspartneredwithussothatwecansharethisamazingspacewiththem(thelandownerofCampArroyoistheEBRPD.ItwasfundedoriginallybyTTFF,EBRPDandtheStateofCalifornia.Itisop-eratedandfacilitatedbytheYMCAoftheEastBay.)
Give us a peek at your first days in the FoundationItwasscary.Iwassoinsecureaboutpeoplewanting
tosupportthemission,thattheywouldwanttohelpHIV/Aidskids,thattheywouldlookatTTFFlikeweweretoosmall.Thosefirstmonths,thephonewasnotringing.Iwascallingpeople,butnobodywascallingback.Itrulybelievedthatifpeoplereallyknewwhatweweredoing,realizedhowmanychildreninourbackyardshadnoresources,theywouldpositivelyrespondandtheydid.Ifyoujustkeeptellingyourstoryenoughtimes,peoplewillstarttohearyou...theystartingseeingthingsthattheyhadnevernoticedbefore.MymentorsandinspirationinthebeginningwereElizabethGlaser(ElizabethGlaserPediatricAIDSFoundation)andMarloThomas(St.JudeChildren’sResearchHospital),womenwhoreallybelievedinwhattheyweredoing.Todayit’swomenlikeAngieCoffee(localbusinessleader),GigiMcMillan(WeCan,PediatricBrainTumorNetwork),Dr.AnnPetru(Children’sHospitalOakland),andDr.DianeWara(UCSFChildren’sHospital),allwomenwhoreallyputitoutthereanddon’ttakenoforananswer.
You see children at their happiest, and you’ve seen what disease and suffering can do to a child. Do you believe in God (or a God)?
Ibelievethereissomethingoutthereawholelotbiggerthanme,andthatthisspirithassetdestiniesforallofus.SomedaysIamveryspiritualanddoalotofprayingtotheheavens.SomedaysIamfrustratedbywhattheheavenshavedishedout.
You are celebrating twenty years with TTFF and ten years with Camp Arroyo. What are some of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced with both? Keepingthingsstableintoday’sworldhasbeenthehardest.Wantingtokeepourprogramsintacthasdemandedthatwedothesameworkwithsmallerbudgets,whichhasledTTFFtoreducesomeofourworkforce.Thisdecisionthenmeansthatourdedicatedemployeesnowtakeonevenmoreofaworkload.Thoughworkinginanon-profit,one’smentalityof“workload”isdifferent.Onehastobuyintothemissionofthenon-profittoworkforthem,becausetheworkloadisheavyandyoujusthavetoloveittoappreciatewhyyouaredoingit.It’simportantformeandmyteamtogouptocampandmixwiththegroupsandseethechildrengettingtobejustkids.Seeingandexperiencingthatmakesyoucomebackdownandconfirmswhyyouaredoingit,whyyouareworkingsohard.
Where there days where you just wanted to crawl into a ball and wish it all away?
Duringthedaysofconstruction,Ijustcouldnotwrapmyheadaroundwhythingstooksolong.SoIstarteddoubting,askingmyselfwhatwasIthinking?Whydidwethinkwecouldevendothis?
What brought you back down and kept you going?
Iamabigbelieverinwhateverhappenswasandisameanttobe.So,whileIcanmakealltheplansIwant,theexpression“IfyouwanttomakeGodlaughmakeplans”isalwaysrattlingaroundinmybrain.
What difficult obstacles do you face today?Oneofthebiggestisnotturningkidsandfamilies
away.Almosteverygroupisfullandhasawaitinglist.Thereisnowayforustoexpand,sowegetcreative:havemoreweekendcampgroups,makeallcampsadayshorter,allowingustosqueezeinyetanothernewcampwiththosefewextradays.WorkingwiththeYMCAoftheEastBay,ourexcellentfacilitator,touseanysparedayswhenpossible.
Have you thought of expanding or splitting the Camp to include another location, maybe in the South Bay or San Joaquin county?
No,No,andNo.Weareatinynon-profitwithfourtotalemployees,weareatcapacityforwhatwecando,Iwouldnotwanttodiluteourprogramsbytryingtoexpand.WhatIwouldreallylovetohavehappenisfora37-yearoldwomanwithanamazingamountofenergytocometomeandaskmehowshecandoherownversionofwhatwedo.Iwouldlovetogiveherthecookiecutterversion.LordknowstherearesomanymorechildrenjustintheEastBaywhoneedtohavetheCampArroyoexperience,therearejustnotenoughcamperspacesheretoaccommodatethem.
How do you balance the good with the bad that comes with the nature of these camps?
Therearejustsomanystoriesthathaveleftsuchamarkonme.Wehavehadthesaddestofcircumstanceswhereachildwillhangontolifejusttoattendcampandthenpassawayadayordayslater.Campmeantthatmuchtothem,eventhoughtheywerenotanactiveparticipant…theywerethere,seatedintheircommunity,filledwithloveandcomfort,knowingalltoowellthatthiswouldbetheirlasttimewiththisgroupwhodoesnotjudgeandonlygiveslove.Thosemomentsripmyheartoutofmychest.TheyarethemomentsthatmakemegratefulthatIgettobeatinypieceofthiscommunity.
ThentherearethemomentswhenIstopinatlunchtotheExceptionalNeedsNetworkgroup.ThisgroupcoverstheentireAutisticSpectrumandchildrenwithDevelopmentalDisabilities.Someofthesechildrenareseverelyimpairedandothersarenot.Someofthesechildrenaresooutgoingandgregariousand
what does a twenty dollar
donation do for the taylor Family
Foundation or camp arroyo?
Twenty dollars allows for a great
day of meals, another life jacket to be purchased,
a great evening of smores at the
campfire, and support for our field
trips. (For further validation, their
990’s are online).
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 21
when was the first Day in the park held? How has it grown since then? Our first event was held in 1990. It was a little event in our front yard to help children with HIV/Aids get some very important funding for the clinical and social programs. It has since grown to help children with brain tumors, childhood cancer, heart disease, skin disease, diabetes, autism and developmental disabilities, hemophilia, sickle cell, asthma, HIV/Aids, Chrons, colitis and irritable bowel, celiac disease, preschool burn survivors, bi-polar disorder, bereavement issues, congenital hand and limb issues, and epilepsy. From a small and humble beginning we have grown to a large and humble network for such a broad base of children right here in our community. It’s because of Day in the Park that we have been able to do this, because our community is beyond generous at this event.
How long does your team prep for the Day in the park? The day DITP is over is the day we start in for the next one. A whole year’s worth of very talented volunteers come in and put labels on 4,000 mailers, uncork 500 bottles of wine and champagne, assemble 3,000 goodies bags, run over 1,000 feet of hoses and electrical cords, wash over 10,000 dishes and wine glasses, fold over 4,100 T-shirts and the list goes on…. With out these volunteers, we could not do or be who we are!
what’s the minimum operating budget needed to operate a full schedule of camps for one year? Approximately one million dollars.
This year’s Day in the Park takes place on August 29 from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Tickets and more information available online at www.ttff.org.
Elements of this interview were cut due to
space limitations. Subscribers to Bay Area
Kids magazine can access a virtual version
of this issue that includes the whole interview
and more special content. Subscribe at www.
bakidsmagazine.com.
othersaresopainfullyinhibited.Yetwhenthemusiccomesonafterlunch,anditis“YMCA”bytheVillagePeople(andit’salways“YMCA”),mostofthesechildren—throughtheencouragementoftheiramazingcounselors—willgetuponstageandsinganddancewithjoy.Hereatcamptheyarefreetobewhoandwhattheyare:childrenfilledwithexcitement,spirit,joy,laughter,andasenseofpride.Itisatcampthatthefeelingofbelongingtrulyexists,fromthecounselorstotheirpeerstothestaff,everyoneisuponstagedancingandlaughingand,cornyasitmaysound,theyarespreadingthelove.
AsIlookbackonthesetenyearsofcampandtwentyyearsasafoundation,Iwouldthankthesunandthemoonand
starsforthegiftofbeingabletospendalmostathirdofmylifeinthepresenceofthesegloriouschildren.
What’s your definition of childhood?Lifewithoutworry,freeofillness,total
acceptance,andabundantjoyandlove.BAK
Find out more about Camp Arroyo, Day in the Park, and The Taylor Family Foundation at www.ttff.org.
22 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
22youngstars
rising star
Parenthood’sTyreeBrown by Elyssa Lee
Do you know of a young friend or family
member making a name for themselves
in the East Bay or beyond? Send us
information to [email protected]
After wanting to be an actor all his life, 6-year-old
Tyree Brown has finally gotten his first big break,
starring as Jabbar Trussell in the increasingly
popular new NBC drama, Parenthood, set in
Berkeley. We sat down with the Sacramento
native to talk about his busy life now that he’s a
star, having fun with his “pretend” parents on the
set, and how he’s a changed man now that he’s
turned the big 0-6.
so, Parenthood. How did it come about?IdidanauditioninSanFranciscoandthenthat’showIgot
inParenthood.Mymommyanddaddyjumpedupanddown.ButIstartedactingwhenIwas3.
You did? How did you get started in acting?MysisterMackenziewasbiggerthanme—she’s10andI’m6—
andshewasanactor.Shedoesmodeling,too.AndwhenIwatchedherdohermodeling,itlookedreallyfun.SomymomtookpicturesofmeandsentthemtoJE[Model,aSanFranciscoagency],andtheylikedme.I’vedonetheBarn[PotteryBarnKids].IdidaStateFaircommercial—meandmysister.Wehadapretendgrandpaandgrandma.Wegottogoonrides.
and now you’re going to be on tv. that’s really cool.Yeah.IlikeParenthood.Ilikemypretenddadandmom[played
byDaxShepardandJoyBryant].IlikehuggingDax.[Basedonthehit’80smovieofthesamename,theshowchroniclestheimperfectlifeoftheBravermanfamily.TyreeplaysJabbar,thesonofcommitmentphobeCrosbyBraverman(Shepard).]
are they like your real mom and dad or different?They’redifferent.DaxiswhiteandJoyisbrown.[Tyree’smom,
Renee,iswhiteandhisfather,MacArthur,isblack.]
what do you like about being on set at Parenthood?Thedonuts.Iliketheglazedones.Andlicorice.Ilikedone
scenebecauseIgottoplayCandyLand.DoyouhaveCandyLand?It’smyfirst[favoritegame]—Ilikebeingaperson.
You’re in kindergarten. How do you memorize your lines?
[MymomandI]workonthelinesathome.Idohomeschooling.Ilikehomeschool.Ilikemymomteachingmeandmydadteachingme.IlikecallingmymomMs.Reneeand[wearing]myjammies.
what’s the hardest word you’ve had to memorize so far?
“Intolerant.”Itmeansthatyou’resick.Itwasforacarscene—I’minthescenewithmydadandI’mintoleranttosomething[lactose].
that is a big word. But you’re a big boy now—you just turned 6. what’s going to be different about being 6 versus 5?
I’mgoingtostopwhining.SometimesI’mcrazy—Igethyper.AndIdon’t[liketo]eatvegetables,butI’mgoingtoeatvegetables.AndnowIdon’tneedacarseat.
speaking of car seat, do you drive or fly when you have to go down to l.a. to shoot Parenthood?
Drive.ButIlikeflying.IlikegoingonanairplanebecauseIamreallyhighupandIcanlookoutthewindowandsay,“Whoa,lookatthat!”
Do you like l.a.?Yeah,cuzofAustin[hiscousin,who
livesthere].He’sababy.Hejustturned3.Sohe’sababy,buthecangopeebyhimself.
You visit l.a. but you live in the sacramento area. where?
InElkGrove.Inabighouse—wehaveanupstairsandadownstairs.MyfirstbestfriendEvanlivesnextdoor.He’sreallycool.IlikehisWiigames.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 23
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July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 25
what else do you like to do for fun?IliketogotoToys‘R’Us.Idosoccer.
AndIlikeboxing.I[also]liketackling.I’magoodtackler.SoIwanttoplayfootball.IwanttolearnfootballwhenI’m21.Ilikeswimmingtoo.WhenIwas3,IlearnedhowtoridemybikeandIlearnedhowtoswim—withoutthefloaties.WhenIwas5,therewasagirlthatwas6andIbeatherinswimming.
wow. Back to acting, you’re on a tv show. Do you want to be in a movie?
Yeah,IwanttobeinanIronManmovie.Hecanshoot[repulsorrays]andhecanfly.ButIhavetobe16becausehelooksveryold.
Do you think you’ll want to act when you grow up or do something else?
Iwanttodosomethingelse.
what do you want to do?BeIronMan!Ihavethecostume.OrI
wanttobeadoctor.Iwanttogotothehos-pitalandhelppeople.
that’s great. and finally, now that you’re a big Hollywood star, i have to ask: Do you have a girlfriend?
Yes.Frompreschool.HernameisBrayden.She’sinfirstgradenow.Herhairiscurly.It’slikemymommy’shair—blonde—butcurly.Welikeplayingwithblocks.
This interview originally appeared in Sactown Magazine (www.sactownmag.com). Reprinted by permission of the author and publisher.
“IlikedonescenebecauseIgottoplayCandyLand.DoyouhaveCandyLand?It’smyfavoritegame—Ilikebeingaperson.”
26 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
This summer, There’s only one way To
FloatYour[house]Boatwant to try something new? how about a vacation where every family member has fun?
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 27
28 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
For many families, summer vacations are anything but.Somebodyalwaysloosesout:littlePeteycan’tgoonalltherides,hisbig sister justwants to layout and tan,Mommy
wantstoactuallyrelax,andDaddywouldrathergofishing.Thenthere’sthematteroffiguringoutwheretoeateachday,howtogettoandfromthehotel,makingsurePeteygetshisnap,andtryingnottoletone’stempergetashotastheafternoonsunblastingdownonyou.Planningadestinationwhereeverybodygetswhattheywantisalmostcertainlyafutileproposition.
Unless...Whatiftherewassuchadestinationwhereeverybodycomesoutawinner.
Whatifyouconsideredahouseboatforyournextvacation?
On aMonday in early June,my family plus one father-in-lawtook a two hour and forty-fiveminute road trip to LakeOrovillenorth east of theBayArea), a beautiful, lesser-knownman-madelakethatishometothelargestearth-filledandthetallestdamintheUnitedStates.Ourdestinationwasboat#431,aseventyfootfloatingbehemothwewouldcallhomeforthenextthreedays,courtesyofthefine folks atForeverResorts.Usually, a smaller fiftyor fifty-ninefootboatwouldbemorethanadequateforafamilyoffive,butwhenpresentedwithourownfloatingpalace,whowerewetocomplain?
Apalaceitis.Theboatislarge,andthere’sareason:mywife’sfirstwordsasweenteredwere,“Canwestayanextraday?”
Ourmodelfeaturedalargefrontentryway/deckwithacustom-builtgrillandplentyofroomtostashfishingsupplies.Onceinside,youweregreetedwithwhatyouwouldexpecttofindatanexpensivesuite at amajorhotel chain: a top-of-the line kitchen, two comfysleeper/sofas,alargeTVscreen,twofullbathrooms,andfourbed-rooms,eachwithaqueen-sizedbedandtheirownDVDplayersandsmallscreens.Ourchildren,alreadyvisiblyexcitedaboutspendingtimeonanactualboat,wherethrilledwiththeideaofhavingtheirownbedrooms.
Thebackdeckfeaturedplentyofroomformorefishingsupplies(yeayforDaddyandDaddy-in-law!)andaladdertotheupperdeckwheretheresatalargehottub,whichmadeallofusadultshappyaswepicturedtworelaxingnightsspentsippingchampagneunderthestarsafterthelittleoneswenttosleep.Thiswasgoingtobefun.
After unloading all of oursuppliesandfillingthetwoicechests up with ice and bever-ages, we were given a tour bySean, our helpful guide gaveus a prep on how everythingworked onboard the ship, in-cluding steering. Not famil-iar with Lake Oroville, Seangaveusdirectionstohisfavor-ite spot, drove us out past theidle range and then hoppedonboardawaitingreturnride,leaving us to our own devicesforthenextthreedays.
A built-in GPS near thesteeringwheelmadenavigating
thelakeeasy,andasIdrove,myfatherinlawstartedpreppingthefishinggearwhileMommyandthekidssatonthetopdeck, tak-inginthetranquilscenery.Thelakewasquietsaveforoneortwofishingboatsandoneskiboatoutandabout.Aboveuswecouldseehawkscirclinglazilyintheafternoonsky.Nothingbutblueskiesahead.
Seancouldnothavesentustoamoreidealspot:thecovewasremovedenoughfromthemainlakethatpassingboatswerehardlynoticed,andawaterfalljustoffshoreprovidedabeautifulbackdropforouractivities.Thisinfluxhelpedcooldownthewaterwhenitwastimetodivein,whilealsoprovidingabeautifulfishingspot.Surroundedbyhills,weexperienced sunnydays thatgaveway toshadedearlyevenings.
Eachofthehouseboatshasabuiltinslideintherear,andourchildrenwereeagertogodownintothewater(safetyjacketsarere-quiredfashionaccessoriesabovethehouseboats,andweheldtheminourlapsonthedescent).
Wedecidedthatitdidn’treallymakesensetogoanywhereelse,andsoanchoredtheboatandleftittherefortheremainderofourstay,thoughacoupleoftimesrisingwaters(thankstothemeltingwinter snow) sentus scurrying to re-attachour anchor ropes onhigherground.
Thenextthreedayswerespentinwhatcouldonlybedescribedasfamilybliss.Therewasnoagenda,noschedule,nopre-planningTwomenandoneboyfishedinthemorningandnights.Enoughbasswerecaught(five)thatwehadfreshfishfordinneronenight,andmore thanadozenbluegillandcroppiewerecaughtandre-leased(afterteachingmysonthekissandreleasemethod).Whenitgottoohot,wejoinedMomandDaughterinthewaterorwatchedasthetwochildrenchasedeachotherontheupperdeckwithsquirtgunsweboughtjustfortheoccasion.
Onoursecondday,ashowerofladybugsswarmedtheboat,andmydaughterandsonsatonthedeckasladybugscrawledontheirhands and legs. She evenhad butterflies alight onher head andhaironeafternoon.
Ifoneorbothof thechildrengotheatedortiredorgrumpy,theywerehappytoretreattotheirownprivatespaceandcooloff,andwecouldallstillcarryonwithoutadelay.
Evenings after dinner andbefore the kids’ bed timewerespent eating freshly-poppedpopcorn on the couch watch-ingamovieor standinguponthe deck, looking at the starrynightskies.
Putting them to bed bothnights was a snap, days filledwith constant activities weredulledbythegentlerollingac-tionof theboat, andbothkidsentered dreamland within fiveminutesofhittingtheirpillows.
We did make true on ourhottubpromise,buttookturnsas we found it hard to hear
But is it saFe?the main question we had before the trip — and one echoed by
other parents once they heard about our adventure was “is it safe?”
the answer is yes, mostly. the two sliding doors that lead out are
childproof, so there’s no real danger of them skipping out at night for
a midnight swim.
life jackets are required, so any time they step outside those
sliding doors, they have to put one on. the outdoor surfaces aren’t
very slippery, and the high protective barriers and fences make it
hard for a toddler to go overboard. like any other day, an adult does
need to keep an eye on their child while they are outdoors, especially
with fishing equipment around. we had no incidents, and the only
flaw we found was the lack of a protective gate or barrier at the top
and bottom of the stairs leading to the upper deck.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 29
30 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
if thechildrenwokeup.Aftera fulldayofcatching fish, swimming,tanning, or entertaining children, we finally surrendered to sleepourselvesslippingintoaverycomfortablebed,andsoftandwarmsheetsand blankets, In themorning, hot showers and hot coffee helped usgreettheday,asourchildrenwerebothupbydawn’searliestlight,eagertobeginthefunanew.
On the thirdday, asweheaded (slowly)back tobase,we tookonelast soak of the scenery, with both of my children looking on a bitcrestfallen. Finallymy son tuggedmy leg and asked “Daddy, why areleavingourhome?Iwanttolivehere.”SodoI,son,sodoI.BAK
But is it expensive?the boat we were on, at seventy feet, is the largest in their fleet. it
also rented at a daily rate of $1,142 per day, not including gas and
food (you supply your own food). however, that particular boat is not
meant for five people (unless you really want to splurge). with the
four bedrooms and two full sofa/sleepers, four families could interact
comfortably. with each family shouldering the costs, your total bill is
equal to or less than a family vacation spent elsewhere, without the
crowds, long lines, and attitudes and souvenir stands.
single families should opt for the smaller boats: forever resorts
has two smaller sizes: a fifty footer and a fifty-nine footer that will
sleep two families comfortably.
Boat sizes available (size and daily rate at time of print):
50’ Xt forever 8 (sleeps 2-6): $542/day
59’ deluxe (sleeps 10): $656/day
70’ millenium: $1,142/day
See ForeverHouseboats for more options and specific rates.
wHat else Do i neeD to Know?gas as with rental of any vehicle, you are provided with a gassed-up
houseboat and are required to fill it back up when you return (actually
they will fill it up for you). these aren’t twenty-gallon tanks either. our
tank held something like 264 gallons, and even though we only drove
it less than an hour away from the main marina, keeping the generator
going (needed for hot water and some other functions) drizzled about
a quarter of a tank by the time we returned.
insurance buy it. it’s only fifteen dollars a day and covers most any
damage that might be done to the boat. it’s not worth the gamble.
necessities imagine being without any contact to the outside world
for three days and plan accordingly. plenty of sunscreen, diapers (if you
need them), emergency supplies, lots of water, and enough food for three
meals a day plus snacks. also bring board games, cards, your child’s
favorite toys, books, and movies. they do provide a complementary pail
of toys and stickers and activity books.
want More inForMation? Forever Resorts offers houseboat rentals at several California and neigh-
boring lakes, including Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Oroville, Trinity
Lake, Lake Berryessa, and Lake Don Pedro
forever resorts houseboats: ForeverHouseboats.com
lake oroville marina: LakeOrovilleMarina.com | (800) 255-5561
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 31
a verY special tHanKs
To Forever Resorts and the ever helpful (and very patient) staff at
Oroville Marina. And a very, very special thanks to Sean for pointing
us to our own private heaven, if only for three days. The fishing was
great, the water was cool and deep, the scenery was breathtaking,
and the memories are still fresh.
32 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
you’vegottoscoop out some delicious flavors and colorful
combinations for summer wardrobes
MoDel: BellaBaby lulu floral dress ($42, tassels of los Gatos, 408 395-5016)
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 33
Coolitnow!photos: shaun fenn | models: Je model
MoDel: samlacoste white and striped beach towel ($40, macy’s, www.macys.com)
34 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
MoDel: orianeaqua seersucker blazer, ralph lauren top ($68/blazer, $45/top, both at bloomingdales, www.bloomingdales.com)
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 35
MoDel: amitairalph lauren top ($45, bloomingdales in stanford, www.bloomingdales.com)
36 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
stylist, hair & make-up: mina drakestudio teacher: christine bloomingdale
MoDel: tiannalily Bleu tie dye dress, ($38, bloomingdales in stanford, www.bloomingdales.com)
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 37
BayAreaKids
sponsored by
Bay Area Kids magazine and JE Model present
Answer the Call contestThe Greater Bay Area Child Casting Call
IS modelIng RIgHT FoR YoU And YoUR CHIld?
Before submitting a photo, DO ...Know your child. is he extroverted with strangers? does he mind being
told what to wear? does he take direction well? AsK your child. does she want to do it? if she is not old enough to
understand, think about the following: is she happy having her picture taken? does she like trying on clothes? does she like meeting and speaking to other kids and adults?
EvAluAtE your lifEstylE. you must be flexible. if both parents work full time, your family travels for months at a time, or if you are unable to pull your child from school for jobs & auditions, you might decide modeling is not the right path for your family. if you have multiple children, are you able to arrange or pay for child care for your other children when you need to bring your young talent to see a client?
thinK objEctivEly. when gathering photos to submit to an agency, take about 5 simple, clear snapshots that are current, in good natural light, without any makeup, hats, costumes, sunglasses, food on the face, etc…. trust me, we’ve seen it all! your child’s natural, smiling self is what will win us over.
hAvE rEAlistic ExpEctAtions. Modeling is not always the glamorous life portrayed on tv. you will spend a lot of time in the car or in a waiting room. very few kids skyrocket to superstardom. normally, models start out in their local market doing print work for catalogs, online sites and some commercials. while bigger jobs such as tv shows and movie opportunities do come up, they are less frequent. think of every go-see (meeting with a client) as a positive experience for your child.
bE prEpArEd for rEjEction. the fact is, your child may not be accepted by every agency in town and they certainly won’t book every job they audition for. it’s nothing personal. just stay positive and keep at it as long as your child is having fun.
bE rEAdy to drop EvErything. After you’ve signed with an agency, that’s when the work begins. jobs and castings happen at the last minute. you will normally get calls the night before you need to be somewhere. updating photos, sizes and Entertainment work permits are your responsibility.
lEt your child spEAK for thEMsElvEs. whether meeting with an agent or a client, your child should answer questions directed to them. Encourage them by not answering for them.
trust your instincts. if you get a bad feeling about a “modeling school” or agency, listen to your gut. do your research and ask questions.
rEMEMbEr: this is A job. be prepared and on time to everything! on set, parents need to step back and let the crew direct the models. parents should remain professional at all times. you never know who the person standing next to you might be. remember, the objective of the shoot is not to add to your scrapbook, it’s to produce an image that will attract buyers to a product.
rElAx And Enjoy! yes, it will be stressful for you, but pursuing a modeling career for your child should be fun for them. the less you stress, the more enjoyable it is for everyone.
Written by Shannon Malloy, children’s agent at JE Model
For submission information, rules, prizes, and other details, click on over to www.bakidsmagazine.com
Contest ends November 12, 2010. Winners will be announced in the December/January issue of Bay Area Kids magazine.
Two Boys Two GirlsFour winnersWinners will earn a one-year contract with JE Model, and appear in an upcoming fashion photo shoot for Bay Area Kids magazine, as well as win other great prizes!
Children must be newborn to 8 years old. Entrants must reside in the greater Bay Area and able to travel to local photo shoots. Pho-tos judged by JE Model and Bay Area Kids magazine. More details online at www.bakidsmagazine.com
SPONSORS: Contact [email protected] on sponsorship availability
38 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
38greenliving
tHe clean plate cluB
is taking a summer recess
and will be back in the fall
Fun in tHe MuD
GrowYourOwnCandy
Wanttogetthekids(andyou)reallyexcitedaboutgardeningthisyear?Growplantsthatsatisfyasweettooth!Inthetemperate-to-warmSanFranciscoBayAreaclimate,gardenerscangrowawidevarietyofinterestingfoods,includingsugarbeets,ginger,andyes,evensugarcane.
sugar caneKidsintheCaribbeanroutinelysnapoffapieceofsugarcane,peelofftheouterhusk,andgnawonthestalkforajuicy,sweettreat.Youcanmakeyourbackyardthego-todes-tinationfortheneighborhood’schildrenbyheadingtoanethnicproducemarketandpurchasingacanetopropagateyourownstand.Cutthestalkintopieces,butnotatthejoints.Thejointsarewheretherootssprout;lookforthetell-talecircles.
Burythesectionsafewinchesdeepinrich,moistsoil.Withinacoupleofweeks,rootswillappear.Anewstalkwon’tbefarbehind.Plantscaneitherbestartedinpotsindoorsor,ifit’satleast60Fatnight,di-rectlyoutside.
Sugarcanesharesmanycharacteristicswithbamboo.Astandofthesweetstuffcandoubleasanaturalprivacyscreen,duetoitsup-to-12feetinheightandplantdensi-ty.Plantsintherightconditionsgrowfast,andself-propagaterapidly.Afirstharvestcanbereadyinayeartoeighteenmonths.
Toeat,carefullysliceabout1/8thinchintoasectionofstalk,downitslength.Pullawaytheoutersurfacetochewonthefi-bersbeneath.Stalkscanalsobeslicedintoskewersforasweetsurpriseshishkebab.Toextractthesugar,crushthefiberstoextractthejuice,coverinwaterandboil.Extractthepulp,andboildownthejuiceuntilitcrystallizesintobrownsugar.
Thereareacoupleofnoteworthycau-tionstogrowingsugarcane.Thisplantdoesbestintropicalandsubtropicalzones,soplacethemsomewhereoutofthewind,infullsun,wheretheywillenjoyasmuchwarmthaspossible.Also,warnthekidsthattheleavesaresharpandcancutun-protectedskin.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 39
canDieD ginger
40 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
sugar BeetsDon’tjudgeabeetbyitscover.Sugarbeetslooklikebland,off-whiteparsnips,butlooksaredeceiving.Onaverage,asinglebeetcontainsthreeteaspoonsofpuresugar.Thekidswon’thaveanytroubleeatingtheirveg-giesiftheseareonthemenu!
Inthespring,direct-seedsugarbeetsinloosesoil.Thinseedlingstothreeinchesapartwhenplantsareafewincheshigh.Enjoythegreensinsaladsduringthesummermonths.Theseareverynutritious,thoughnotverysweet.Allowtheweathertogetchillybeforehar-vestinginthefall,ifpossible,asthatwillbestdevelopthesugarsintheroots.
Washthebeetswell;soilaccumulatesineverycrev-ice.Sugarbeetsarebestenjoyedtossedinoliveoilandroasteduntilsoft.Cookingbringsouttheflavor;therootdoesn’ttasteverygoodraw.
It’seasiertoextractsugarfrombeetsthanfromcane.Cuttherootsintosmallpieces,coverwithwaterandboiluntilsoft.Reservethejuicesolutionandboilitdowntoathirdofitsoriginalvolume.Scrapecrystalsoutofthecooledliquid.Boilagain,untiltheliquidisgone,torecoverthelastcrystals.Thesugarwillnotbeperfectlypure,butitwillbesweet!
gingerAdmittedly,freshgingerisn’tsweetinandofitself,butcandiedinsugaritmakesadelightfulhomegrowncon-fection.It’salsoabeautiful,aromaticplant,withspear-tipshapedleavesandcane-likestalks,fromwhichdeli-cate,colorfulflowersemerge.Brushpastthisplantandbreatheinthespice.
Growinggingerstartswithafreshrhizome,commonlycalledthe“root,“availableinsupermarkets.Selectplump,moist,thin-skinnedpieces.Soakthemovernightbeforeplanting.Gingerlikeswarmtemperaturesandmoist,warmsoiloutofdirectsunlight.Buryrhizomesinandinchortwoofsoil.Sproutingoccursfromprotrusionscalledgrowthbuds.
Harvestrhizomesforthekitchenonceayear,andreplant.GingercangrowoutsideintheBayArea.Pottedplantsalsothriveinsunnywindowsills,sogardenersincoolerclimescanenjoythem,too.
Tocandyginger,selectathick,plump,freshrhizome.Peelandcutintorazor-thinslices.Putaboutacupofthesliceswithtwocupsofsugarandatablespoonofwaterintoaskillet.Simmergentlyforaboutanhour,stirringoccasionallytoseparatepiecesandkeepthemfromburning.Lettheslicescrystallize,butremovethemfromheatbeforetheycarmellize.
Usethecandiedgingerincakes,asagarnish,ascandybyitselfordippedinchocolateforextradecadence.
Vegetablegardeningisallaboutgrowingfoodsyourfamilywillactuallyenjoy,andinstillingthisgreenhealthyhabitinthenextgeneration.Cultivatingalittlefunalongsidethesuperiornutritionoffresh,organicproducewillcertainlyencouragelittlehandstogetdirty!
Elise Cooke is the author of the award-winning TheGroceryGar-den, HowBusyPeopleCanGrowCheapFood. Visit her website at SimpletonSolutions.com.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 41
42 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
42food
sizzling suMMer recipes
SensationalSliders
Dishes with smaller serving sizes are currently the rage atoutdoorbarbeques,andofferguestsmoretastestochoosefrom.Giveguestspetiteportionsofclassicbarbequefavor-
iteslikesliders,minichickensandwiches,orhotdogbites.Hereisadeliciousrecipethatwillbesuretokeepyourfriends
andfamilytalkingaboutyoursummerbarbequeallyearlong.
Blue Cheese Sliders Makes:6servings 1lb groundbeef Steakseasoning(2-ouncecontainer) 4oz ouncesbluecheese 12 dinnerrolls1Tbs vegetableoil2Tbs oliveoil
Hand press ground beef on a cutting board until flattened toapproximately2inches.Usinga2-inchroundcookiecutter,cut-outthesliderpattiesandlightlyseasoneach.Setaside.
Heatbarbequetomediumheatandcoatthegrillrackwithvegetableoil.Brownthepattiesbycookingfor4-5minutes,allowingeachsideto cook for about twominutes.When thepatties are almostdone,topeachwithbluecheese.Removethepattiesfromthegrilloncethecheeseismelted.Splitrollsandlightlybrushtheinsideswitholiveoilbefore toastingonthegrill surface(brushed-sidedown).Placepattiesinthetoastedrollsandserve.
Here are a few ideas to help you throw a sensational summer soiree.
guard Your guests: Shield your guests from the summer heat by setting up a large umbrella over the patio table, place chairs under trees for shade or have an outdoor fan running. When the sun sets, make sure the party is well lit by hanging festive lanterns and deter pesky insects with citronella candles. Keep cool Knowing You’re prepared: To fully enjoy the day, plan in advance as much as possible. Be sure to stock up on supplies like plates, napkins, utensils and ice. Get charcoal or refill the propane tank beforehand, and clean and season the grill rack the morning of your barbeque.
create Hot spots: Make different areas of interest around your yard to prevent everyone from congregating in one place. Put your bar opposite of where you’re serving the food. Set up games for both children and adults to encourage movement around the party and interaction with each other.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 43
44 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
sizzling suMMer recipes
TropicalFruitPizzaMakes12servingsone18oz rollrefrigeratedready-to-slicesugarcookiedough 1/3C sugar one8oz packagefat-freecreamcheese 1tsp coconutextract 1-1/2tsp gratedorangerind 1C fat-freefrozenwhippedtopping,thawedone26oz jarmangoslices,drained,or2freshmangoes,sliced 16oz pineappleslices,drained,or1freshpineapple,sliced 11oz mandarinorangesegments,drained 1/2C apricotpreserves 2Tbs orangeliqueurororangejuice 2Tbs coconut,toasted,optional
Preheatoven3500F.Presscookiedoughintoa12to14-inchpizzapancoatedwithnonstickcookingspray.Bake12minutes,coolcompletely.Inmediummixingbowl,blendtogethersugar,creamcheese,coconutextractuntilwellmixed.Stirinorangerindandwhippedtop-ping,mixinguntilsmooth.Spreadcreamcheesemixtureontopofcooledcrust.
Arrangemangoslicesaroundedgeoficedpizza.Then,arrangepineappleslicesaroundedge.Next,arrangemandarinorangeslicesinanotherringtofillcenterofpizza.
Insmallsaucepanorinmicrowave,heatapricotpreservesandorangeliqueurjustun-tilmelted.Spoonglazeoverfruit.Sprinklewithtoastedcoconut,ifdesired.Refrigerateuntilserving.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 45
WatermelonandTomatoSaladMakes10(1/2-cup)servings 4C scoopedoutwatermelonballsorchunks 1/2C choppedredonion 1pt cherrytomatoes,halved 2Tbs freshchoppedbasil 1Tbs oliveoil 2Tbs balsamicvinegar Salttotaste 1/3C crumbledreducedfatfetacheese,optionalInbowl,combinewatermelon,onion,tomatoesandbasil.Whiskto-getheroilandvinegarandtosswithsalad.Seasontotaste.Refriger-ateuntilserving.
46 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
sizzling suMMer recipes
Sundaes101
Whena trip to the icecreamparlor isn’t in thecards,bring the icecreamparlorhomewithDIYsundaes!Makingtheperfectsundaemightlooklikeaheftytask,yetwithalittlecreativitythisall-Americandessertisoneoftheeasiesttomake.By
offeringanassortmentoficecreamflavorsandtoppings,everyoneinthefamilycanconcocttheirownpersonalizedcombinations.
Thereisnowrongwaytocraftthisicecreamdessert,butreadonfortipsthatwillhelpyourecreatetheicecreamparlorinyourkitchen.
Dishes.Glassbowlsaretraditionalfavorites,butbeimaginativeandrummagethroughyourforgottendishestofindsomethingspecial.Chillthedishesfor30minutesinthefreez-ertokeeptheicecreamfrommeltingwhilecreatingyoursundae.
Icecream.Pickicecreamflavorsthatgowelltogetherorusevanilla,whichtastesgreatwitheverything.Scooptheicecreamwithaslightlywarmedmetalscooptomakeiteasier.
Mix-ins.Fromcrushedcookiestogummybears,thereisnolimittowhatcangoinasun-dae.Fruitandchocolatechipsarepopular toppingsand toastednutsprovidea crunchiertexture.Createamix-inbuffetbyplacingallthegoodiesonthekitchencounterwithabowlandaspoonforeach.
Toppings.Oncedishesarefilledwithicecreamandmix-ins,drizzlesyrupovertop.Car-amel,chocolate,strawberry,peppermintandEnglishtoffeearepopularchoices.Don’tforgetthewhippedcreamandcherry,ifdesired.Sprinkles,maltpowderandmintleavesmakegoodfinishingtouchesaswell.
Digin!Long-handledspoonsaregreat—theyareidealforscoopingouteverything,rightdowntothebottom.Andrememberkidslovecolorfulspoonswithfunnycharactersormo-tifsonthem.
Trythesesundaerecipesforcreativecombinations
TurtleSundaeMakes4servings 4 31/2-inchwafflebowls 5C turtlesundaeicecream 16 chocolateTurtlecandies assortedcandy,forfacialfeaturesone1.50z packagechocolatecoveredcrispwaferstickcandy, (suchasPepperidgeFarmPirouettes)
Formfourscoopsoficecreamandsetaside.Filleachwafflebowlwithremainingicecream.Placeeachwafflebowlicecreamsidedownonanindividualdessertplate.Placeeachofthefouricecreamscoopsthatweresetasideagainsteachwafflebowlfortheturtles’heads.Arrangefourturtlecandypiecespartiallyunderthebottomofeachwafflebowltoformtheturtles’legs.Pressassortedcandypiecesintoicecreamscoopsforeyesandmouth.Placeonechocolatewaferstickpartiallyunderwafflebowlfortail.Serveimmediately.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 47
48 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
CaribbeanSundaeMakes4servings 1/2C cupcannedcrushedpineappleinjuice,drained 1/2C cupchoppedmango,thawediffrozen 2C cupsvanillaicecream 8tsp teaspoonsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut,toasted 1tsp teaspoongratedlimepeel 4 freshlimeslices
Placeonetablespooncrushedpineappleandonetablespoonchoppedmangointoeachoffoursmallparfaitglasses.Topwithquartercupicecream.Sprinklewithoneteaspoonoftoastedcoconut.Repeatlayering.Topeachparfaitwithone-fourthteaspoongratedlimepeel.Garnishrimofeachparfaitglasswithasliceoflime.Serveimmediately.
CinnamonBunHotAppleSundaeMakes8servings 1 4-inchfrostedcinnamonroll 31/2C cupsvanillaicecream,softened 1/2C cupglazedwalnuts 21oz applepiefilling 1/2C cupbutterscotch-carameltopping glazedwalnuts,optional
Cutcinnamonrollintohalf-inchpieces;setasidequartercupfortopping.Combinethreecupsoficecream,cinnamonrollpieces(notreservedamount)andhalfcupglazedwalnutsinlargebowl;gentlymixtocombine.Freezeatleasttwohours.Warmapplepiefillinginmicrowave-safecontainerorinsmallsaucepanovermedium-lowheat.Spoonaboutone-thirdcupapplepiefillingintoeightservingbowls.Topeachbowlwithonescoop(scanthalfcup)oftheicecream.Drizzleeachwithonetablespoonbutterscotch-carameltopping,severalpiecesofreservedcinnamonrollandglazedwalnuts,ifdesired.Serveimmediately.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 49
50 Bay area Kids www.bakidsmagazine.com
Flag Festivities CupcakesMakes24cupcakes
1 package(18.25oz)cakemix Egg,oilandwatertopreparemix1/2 cupred,whiteandbluenonpareils,sprinklemixes,or jimmies,divided 3 cupsready-to-usewhitedecorator icingorbuttercreamicing 24 four-inchlollipopsticks 24 PatrioticFlagsicingdecorations
Preheatovento350degrees.Placebakingcupsinstandardmuffinpan.
Inlargebowl,preparecakemixfollowingpackageinstructions.Stirinuptoquartercupsprinkles;spoonintobakingcups.Bake18-20minutesoruntiltoothpickinsertedintocenterorcupcakecomesoutclean.Coolcompletely.
Smoothicingovercupcakes;addremainingsprinkles.Insertlollipopsticksintocupcakes;attachicingdecorationswithstifficing.
tHe clean plate cluB
is taking a summer recess
and will be back in the fall
sizzling suMMer recipes
July4Cupcakes
These all-American cupcakes are festively adorned in red,white,andblue fromtop tobottom,beginningwith star-studdedOldGlorybakingcups all thewayup to thewav-
ingflag.Theypromisetobepatrioticallypleasingforall—kidsandadultsalike.
Thecupcakescanbeanyflavor,madefromamixorfromscratch.Icewithwhitebuttercreamtocreateacanvasforstar-spangleddeco-rating fun.For a surprise in everybite, fold red,white, andbluenonpareils,sprinklemixesor jimmiesintothecupcakebatterjustbeforefillingthebakingcups.Useuptoone-fourthcupforatwo-layercakemix.Nowthey’repatrioticinsideandout.
Tomakeaflagpoleforthecandyflagtopper,simplyinsertalol-lipopstickintothecupcakeandattachtheflagicingdecorationwithstiffbuttercream.Orusestarsandstripespartypicksorpatrioticfoilpixtotopthecupcakeinsteadofthecandyflag.Eitherway,theywillbeaperfecttributetotheoccasion.
Cupcakescanbebaked,sprinkledandiceduptoonedayinad-vance;storecoveredatroomtemperature.Topwiththeflagjustbe-foreserving.To order star-spangled decorations, or for additional holiday, special occasion and everyday celebration ideas, visit www.wilton.com.
cupcaKe proDuctszebra cupcake
and Frosting Kit
($22.99, www.
zebramix.com
and major retail-
ers nationwide).
Boasting an in-
gredient list that
includes 70 percent
organic content, each
kit comes with chocolate
and white cupcake mix, cups, frosting pen,
and very kid-friendly illustrated step-by-
step instructions.
Frosting Deco pen/
cookie and cup-
cake Decorat-
ing set (both
by Kuhn Rikon,
$29.95 for the
pen, $24.99 for
the set, available
at Sur Le Table, Bed
Bath and Beyond and
other retailers). These tools are great for
little and big hands, and easy to use (and
clean … very important). The deco pen has
a battery operated pump that lets you lay
down icing or pipe in various decorations.
A fun filler tip is included for giving your
cupcakes surprise fillings.
locally Baked gluten-Free option. Want
or need gluten-free cupcakes for your next
party, or for your personal enjoyment? Mi-
glet’s Gluten Free Bakery just opened up in
Walnut Creek, offering a bevy of cupcakes,
pastries, and other finger-licking delights.
Find out more at www.migletsgf.com.
July/august 2010 | south bay Bay area Kids 51
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