Central Coast April 2019

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

Library Voice ...................... 4

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

Education ............................... 10

Local History ....................... 12

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

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

Easter Alt Education ................... 20

Egg Local Resources ............... 21
Hunts!
Page 19 Child Development ...... 22

Autism Awareness / Library Programs / Summer Learning / SLO Celebrities / Easter Events

Free! Central Coast Family

Child Development
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 US, the first National Autism is a complex developmental cause. People with autism Speech can be affected in people
Autism Awareness Month was disability with a wide spectrum are classed as having Autism with autism. ‘Echolalia’ is a
declared by the Autism Society in of symptoms characterized by Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typical speech symptom in which
April of 1970. A nationwide effort difficulties in the way a person the terms autism and ASD may the person repeats sounds and
was launched to promote autism communicates and interacts with often be used interchangeably. phrases that they hear. The
awareness, educate the public, other people. Autism can be be People with autism have a set of speech tone of an autistic person
enable inclusion and self-deter- present from birth or form during symptoms unique to themselves may be flat or monotonous. When
mination for all, and ensure that early childhood (typically within (no two people are the same), symptoms are more extreme, the
each person with autism is provided the first three years). Autism is with a wide range in severity. person may not speak or interact
the opportunity to achieve the a lifelong neuro-developmental with others.
highest possible quality of life. Common Autism Characteristics
disability with no single known
While no two people with autism Changes in Behavior and Routine
will exhibit the same set of People with autism often display
Cover Photo: Piedras Blancas Rookery symptoms, there are common
characteristics found in those
repetitive behavior when they
repeat the same action many
with this complex disability. times over. For example, a person
Briefly, characteristics include:
Central Coast Family with autism may repeatedly
TM

(805) 528-0440
Social Skills pace around a room in a certain
Our goal is to connect Central Coast families with the resources they need to thrive! direction. Any change to their
People with autism often have behavior or routine can be
EDITOR Associate EDITOR problems interacting with others; unsettling for them. This could
Patrice Horspool Claire Vogel autistic children may not have be a reordering of daily activities,
ccfamilyed@gmail.com ccfamilyae@gmail.com adequate playing and talking such as the sequence when a
skills. Mild symptoms on one end person brushes their teeth, takes
of the spectrum may be displayed a shower, and has breakfast when
AssISTANT EDITOR ADVERTISING
Jack Vogel CC F Inquiries: through clumsy behavior, being they get up in the morning.
ccfamilyae@gmail.com ccfamilyad@gmail.com out of sync with those around
them, and making inappropriate Other characteristics of autism
or even offensive comments or can include an unpredictable
GRAPHIC DESIGN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER gestures. At the other end of the rate of learning, asynchronous
Out of the Blue Eric Woodards cognitive, emotional, and physical
spectrum, an autistic person may
not be interested in others at all. development, obsessions, and
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS physical tics.
Jennifer Best, John J. Cannell, Guy Crabb, Kerrin Edmonds, Empathy
Stanley W. Horspool, Karyn Lutes, Rebecca Juretic, CS Perryess Autism Is Widespread
Central Coast Family is published monthly with a readership over 40,000. Find FREE
™ Empathy is defined as the ability Awareness Is Not
copies throughout San Luis Obispo County and North Santa Barbara County. to recognize and understand
the feelings and perspective of On April 26, 2018, the Centers for
Find us online: www.centralcoastfamily.com
another person. People with Disease Control and Prevention
www.facebook.com/CentralCoastFamily (CDC) released new data on the
autism find it harder to show
Submission deadline: 15th of each month prior to publication empathy to others, although they prevalence of autism in the
Information contained in advertisements and other submissions is accepted in good faith. Publication does not imply endorsement by Central Coast Family.
can be taught to acknowledge United States. This surveillance
Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect views of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject or edit all submissions for any reason.

other people’s views and feelings. study identified 1 in 59 children

Material published herein may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. © CCF 2019

Every issue is printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle again!
(1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls) as
Physical Contact having autism spectrum disorder

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 2


(ASD). Since then, researchers
estimate that prevalence of ASD
has remained relatively stable.
National Autism Awareness
Month aims to make the public
more aware about this widespread
disability and the issues that
arise in the autism community.
As so many people in America
have autism, chances are that
you know someone with this
disability. A better informed
public will be more understanding
and supportive towards people
with autism.
This month is sponsored by the
Autism Society of America, which
undertakes a number of activities
to raise awareness about autism.
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
Central Coast Family
Child Development
Society as means of supporting
awareness for autism. The Puzzle
Ribbons may take the form of
pins attached to clothing, fridge
magnets, or stickers, and are
The Village Salon
available to purchase from the
Austism Society website. The
Autism Society of America
From the girls
also runs a year long campaign
through their 1 Power 4 Autism
at Village Salon
initiative, in which people are
encouraged to hold events to
raise awareness and support for
those affected by autism. Call Toni & Toni: Happy
For more information on National
Autism Awareness Month and
(805) 489-5100 Spring !
autism spectrum disorders, visit
www.autism-society.org and/
or www.cdc.gov/actearly. 115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande
Make a Difference!
(805) 781-3226
www.slobigs.org
• April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 3
Library Voice
Check It Out:
Sunday Hours at the
SLO Library

April Happenings
by Rebecca Juretic
Bestselling Author to
Hold Free Event for
Teens and Adults
Want to get your teen excited
about our Book to Action
community reads program?
Well, there’s a good chance
your teen has read books by
this year’s featured author –
you may have some in your own
home library!
Bestselling author Jarrett J.
Krosoczka, who wrote and
illustrated our featured book,
Hey, Kiddo, has also authored
such wildly popular books
series as Jedi Academy and
Platypus Police Squad. He will
be speaking at San Luis Obispo
High School, Atascadero High
School, and County of San
Luis Obispo Juvenile Hall.
childhood and how he used
He will also be discussing his
art to cope with the fallout
work and signing books at the
from his mother’s heroin
San Luis Obispo Library on
addiction. We hope to start
Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 pm.
conversations about our own
county’s opioid crisis. Clearly,
Book to Action is meant to start
these can be sensitive topics,
conversations about important
so this program is suitable
topics. Hey, Kiddo is an illustrated
for teens and adults only.
memoir geared toward young
adults that details the author’s
Hey, Kiddo is a 2019 National
Book Award finalist. You can
check it out at local libraries
– there’s even a book club
kit available. Book to Action
is funded by the Friends
of the Atascadero Library,
the San Luis Obispo Friends
of the Library, and the
California Center for the Book.
Cover to cover
books & Burgers
Our extremely popular Cover
to Cover program is back this
spring! Kids 4-12 who read five
books or more by April 13th
can earn an In-n-Out Burger
reward. Stop in at your library
to sign up and get more details.
Good news for busy families:
The San Luis Obispo Library will
open on Sunday afternoons,
12:00 to 4:00 pm, from April 7 to
June 30, 2019 (except for Easter
Sunday on April 21). All regular
services will be available to the
public except for those that
require special appointments,
such as passport acceptance.
This is a pilot program, and the
San Luis Obispo Library will likely
continue to operate on Sundays
if there is sufficient interest.
“We received feedback in our
County-wide Community Survey
last year that Sunday hours
were something that families
were very interested in,”
said Assistant Director of SLO
County Libraries, Chase McMunn.
“It is an additional day for busy
families to find a time to make
it to the library and get work
done or find something they
are interested in. We hope that
opening the San Luis Obispo
Library an additional day
will make a large impact for
people in the whole county.”
Rebecca Juretic is a freelance writer and Public
Relations Consultant for the San Luis Obispo
County Libraries. Rebecca can be reached at:
juretic@sbcglobal.net.

For great spring break reading

recommendations, you can
always ask a local librarian. Or,
you can receive reading lists
curated by our librarians and
customized to your tastes and
Brainfuse interests. Sign up at slolibrary.
On demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. View how easy, intuitive and engaging org. Just click on “Subscribe
Brainfuse HelpNow eLearning is for all ages and levels.
to the Library’s Newsletters”
G o t o : w w w. s l o l i b r a r y. o r g / i n d ex . p h p / k i d s in the upper left-hand corner.

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 4

 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 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 5

 Grooming All 10 Years
Dog Breeds Experience

Open Tuesday - Saturday

715 Santa Maria Ave, Unit E, Los Osos
(805) 286-8968

Jillian Parks Photography

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 6

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 7
Fun & Games Jack’s Jokes
What’s the most intimidating thing to do in Photoshop? Superimposing!
What do you call a short psychic jail escapee? A small medium at large!
What’s a snarky criminal going downstairs? A condescending con descending!

EARTH DAY
Word Search

ENVIRONMENT GREEN ANIMALS

WORLD PLANTS OCEAN
CLEAN AWARENESS POLLUTION
HABITAT WATER GLOBAL WARMING
RECYCLE APPRECIATION AIR
CELEBRATION EARTH OXYGEN

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

S
U
D
O
K
Central Coast Family • April 2019 •
Uwww.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 8
Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 9
Education
Students can experience learning
loss when they do not engage in
educational activities during the
summer months. On average,
students lose the equivalent of
two months of math and reading
skills during the summer months.
Studies show that more than half
of the achievement gap between
lower- and higher-income youth
can be explained by unequal
access to summer break learning
opportunities.
Spring 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 upcoming school year.
Stay Engaged
Encourage reading all summer
long. This will help to prevent the
For Wildlife in Distress
Call Our Hotline:
805 543-WILD [9453]
Central Coast Family
Educational Services
Linda Gruettner, M.A.
Credentialed Teacher / Special Needs Educator
In-Home Sessions ADD / ADHD / Dyslexia
Plan for Children and Adults Auditory Processing
Multisensory Approach Asperger Syndrome
Summer
(805) 787-0632 lgruettner@aol.com
Learning
outings and long road trips. Let your children choose what may
interest them. They may even
“summer slide” and will provide Be Creative want to try something new.
benefits for young readers that
can be seen year-round. Summer is the perfect time to let Take advantage of the warmer
children’s imaginations run wild weather and keep youth active
Visit your local library and help and stimulate creativity. Visit the outdoors. The following sites can
your children put together following websites for ideas: help you get started:
personal summer reading lists
based on individual interests. Kids.gov (http://kids.usa.gov) – KidsHealth.org (http://kidshealth.
Celebrate each time they finish a Find resources for arts and crafts org/parent/nutrition) – How do
book. This will encourage them projects that will keep children you feed a picky eater or inspire
to complete the list by the time engaged and their minds active a child to play outside? Learn how
the summer ends. Be sure to take while having fun. to keep your child healthy with
advantage of any summer events, the right foods and exercise.
programs, and activities that are NGA Kids (www.nga.gov) –
sponsored by your local library. Choose from a wide variety of Let’s Move! (www.letsmove.gov/
activities or projects from the get-active) – Opportunities for
During the school year, children National Gallery of Art, enjoy an kids to be physically active, both
have busy schedules and often animated musical adventure, in and out of school, and to create
have required reading for classes. take a tour through the sculpture new opportunities for families to
Summer is a time when children garden, and more. be moving together.
can read what, when, and how
they please. Do not set daily Smithsonian (http://americanart. USDA Summer Food Program
minute requirements or try to si.edu/education/insights/mid- (www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sum-
determine the number of pages night) – Are your children fans of mer-food-service-program) – This
they should read. Instead, make Night at the Museum? Then this is U.S. Department of Agriculture
sure they pick up books for fun the perfect activity for them. Here program provides free meals to
and help find ways for them to you are magically taken to the all children 18 years and under
choose to read on their own. museums at night. To get back in many areas with a significant
Remeber, if kids see the adults home, you have to solve some concentration of low-income kids.
around them reading often, they mysteries and help your new
will understand that literature friends find their artworks. Plan to read together, register
can be a fun and important part for local programs, visit parks
Stay Active & Healthy and museums, and keep your kids
of their summer days.
learning and active during the
Without the busy regular weekly In addition to the academic risks, summer months. For additional
tips throughout the summer, fol-
school regimen, adults and kids children can also be at an
may need more activities to fill increased risk of weight gain when low @usedgov on Twitter, and
the hours. Books that teach they are out of school during the check out the U.S. Department of
kids how to make or do some- summer months. Sign your child Education Facebook page.
thing are a great way to get kids up for local recreational or sports
reading and keep them occupied. programs. Churches, community
Excerpted with permission. © Office of
Don’t forget to take your kids’ centers, and schools usually host Communication and Outreach at the U.S.
favorite book series along on day events throughout the summer. Department of Education. www.ed.gov
• April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 10
Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 11
Local History
Brushes with Fame by Guy Crabb
The only reason that I watch the
Oscar Awards is to see how some
of the older stars have aged. The
beginning of the Oscar TV coverage
includes all the big stars walking
down the red carpet to have their
pictures taken by the press, and
some are interviewed. One of my
all time favorite Hollywood stars is
Bill Murray. He is still funny and can
make me laugh with just a look, but
he does look on the older side now
(which he is). I remember some
years ago when Bill came to our
area for a visit. I also started think-
ing about the movie people who
have lived in our county or have
stayed here for a few years before
moving on.
From all the research that I have
done over the years, I can easily say
our county has had kings, queens,
mega stars, world class athletes,
and many other famous people
come to our county and either live
here or visit for a period of time.
The people that I am referring to
were guests of one of the most
famous residents of San Luis Obispo
County, William R. Hearst. Mr.
Hearst was one of the richest men
in the world, and famous people
came to visit him at his ranch, more
popularly known as Hearst Castle.
Not only did famous people like
Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and
Winston Churchill stay at Hearst
Castle, but many also stayed in
San Luis Obispo before they were
WR Hearst & Rita Hayworth
Central Coast Family
driven to the Castle by taxi. Errol
Flynn, Greta Garbo, Harpo Marx,
and Charles Lindbergh were a few
of the more famous people who
have stayed in our area for a while.
Stars of the past are the first things
that enter an old researcher’s mind
like mine. I have also met a few
famous people over the years. I
think one of the most famous stars
from our county is Zac Efron, a
Disney star who lived in Arroyo
Grande. Another famous person
who lives in the AG area is Jon
Anderson of the rock group Yes.
I’m not sure if I would recognize
him if I walked past him on Grand
Avenue, but I would enjoy saying
howdy to him. I used to listen to
Yes all the time years ago. I also
hear that the “Hulk,” Lou Ferrigno,
lives in the area. Arroyo Grande is
like Hollywood North with all the
stars walking around town.
We’ve also had world class athletes
stay in our county. One of my all-
time favorite big league pitchers,
Sandy Kofax of the Los Angeles
Dodgers, lived in the North Coun-
ty for years. I got to meet him at
a golf tournament, and this was an
opportunity that I will never forget.
I have also met Joe DiMaggio, but
meeting Sandy was a real dream
come true. I guess one of the
biggest sports figures who made
San Luis Obispo his home for a few
years was John Madden, of football
• April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
fame. Harry’s Bar in Pismo used to restaurant loved Jack and he loved
use John Madden’s name in their them. His wife was wonderful
radio commercials. and just as colorful as Jack. Jack
LaLanne was a true modern day
Professional golfer Loren Roberts historical figure, and the first fitness
was actually born in San Luis Obispo superhero. When I was teaching at
and continues to be a part of our Morro Elementary in the 1980s, a
community. Horace Grant was a student’s parent that worked for
professional basketball player and Jack had him sign an 8 x 10 photo
has made our county his home. I for me. I am still very proud of that
know several people who have picture.
met him and say he’s a very nice
guy. Ozzie Smith is a Hall of Fame There are many other Hollywood-
baseball player who went to Cal type people that live or have lived
Poly and would come back to the in the area. Weird Al Yankovic is
area to help out his alma mater. a Cal Poly alumnus who became
One of the coolest professional famous for rewriting pop songs
athletes that lived in our area was and making fun of popular culture.
Ultimate Fighting Champion Chuck Actor James Brolin grew up in the
Liddell. I would see him walking area, and Johnny Galecki, a star in
down Higuera Street and would the TV series Big Bang Theory, had
always be surprised by his height. a ranch in Santa Margarita.
Isn’t it fun knowing that you might
One of the world’s most well-known
see someone famous around town?
athletes who ever lived in our area
was my own mother’s favorite,
Jack LaLanne. As Morro Bay’s most Guy Crabb retired after teaching for over
famous resident, Jack would often 32 years, most recently at Charles E. Teach
eat at Dorn’s Restaurant. That’s Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He was
selected as San Luis Coastal Unified School
where I met him for the first time, District Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.
and noticed that everyone in the Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.
Guy Crabb retired after teaching for over
32 years, most recently at Charles E. Teach
Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He was
selected as San Luis Coastal Unified School
District Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.
Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.
Jack Lalanne on Colman Beach
• Page 12
 Law Offices of
David S. Vogel
Car,Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
Wrongful Death, Head Injury, Burns
Education Advocacy
Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Neglect
No Recover y . No Fee

Former Prosecutor with 30 years of Experience

Honored with the highest rating (AV Preeminent) in the
Peer-Reviewed National Law Directory Martindale-Hubbell

www.davidvogel.com (805) 540-7100

1026 Palm Street, Suite 214, San Luis Obispo

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 13

Education
CS Perryess
writes
about words
LEARNING & STUDYING
Modern American society appears
to be ambivalent about learning.
We all claim it’s of paramount
importance, but oddly, those who
excel at it are seldom considered
heroes. After looking into the
etymologies of these two words,
I find myself wondering whether
the concept that so many of us
really admire and aspire to is that
of studying more than learning.
To my surprise, the word learn
covers only 2/3 of a page of the
OED. To be truthful, the entry
isn’t fascinating reading. Learn
has roots in all of the Germanic
languages (except for Dutch, for
some unknown reason). Ever
since it entered English about
900 AD, learn has meant to ac-
quire knowledge. About the most
intriguing story learn has to tell
us is that back in the 1400s, “I
learned him his lesson,” was
considered proper English.
The word study, on the other
hand, is worthy of some study.
It covers nearly three pages of
the OED. It’s related to studio,
student, and etude. Study comes
from Latin through French, and
originally referred to zealous-
ness, affection, seeking help, and
applying oneself. It made its
way into English writings when
Chaucer employed it in 1374, and
has countless shades of meaning.
The verb alone includes, but is not
limited to these varied nuances:
• devotion to another’s welfare
• the action of committing to
memory
• friendliness
• an employment, occupation, or
pursuit
Central Coast Family
• careful observation or
examination
• a state of mental perplexity
• a state of reverie or abstraction
• application of mind to the
acquisition of learning
• attentive reading
• desire, inclination, pleasure, or
interest in something
• reflection
What a world it would be if we all
immersed ourselves in study in all
its various meanings. Even that
state of mental perplexity can be a
great thing. When I’m perplexed
about something, it often leads
me to, well, study it.
What connections do you make
with the various meanings of
study, or what theories do you
have regarding society’s apparent
ambivalence regarding this topic?
TESTS & QUIZZES
Now let’s take an etymological
look at a topic that (in my humble
opinion) has been getting an
inordinate amount of focus –
the purported measurement of What irony, humor, or intrigue do
learning. you find in these word histories?
The word test came to English
in the 1300s through Old French
from Latin, originally meaning
an earthen pot used in assaying
precious metals. It took till 1590
for it to generalize to mean trial
or an examination to determine
correctness.
Within the last few decades,
the educational community has
become very fond of the word
assessment, which showed up in
English in the 1540s, and, much
like test, derived through Old
French from Latin. It originally
• April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
referred to a value of property used pick-up line, “Voulez vous
for tax purposes. Assess comes canoe avec moi?”
from the Latin word assidere,
The word paddle takes up a page
to sit by (referring to the fact that
and a half in the Oxford English
a judge or assessor was usually
Dictionary. Interestingly, one
seated while proclaiming property
meaning of the word paddle has
value). By the 1640s, assessment
no known source. We Americans
also meant an estimation. In the
seldom use paddle this way – to
1950s, assessment discovered its
walk about in mud or water.
application to education.
There’s also a paddle that refers
In 1847 , the verb quiz, showed up
to a small leather bag (diminutive
in English from the Latin qui es?,
of pad), and another paddle that
who are you? (the first thing one
refers - for unexplainable reasons
must answer on a quiz). By 1867,
- to the sea-toad or lumpfish. The
quiz made its way into the world
paddle we might use in a canoe
of nouns, however, at that point
is a relative of the word spade,
quiz meant an odd or eccentric
and some linguists contend it was
person. Quiz’s next life as a noun
initially spaddle. Originally, it
started in 1807, when a quiz was
meant a long-handled spade-
a hoax, a practical joke, or piece of
shaped implement that was used
humbug. By 1891 the noun quiz
for clearing a ploughshare of earth
began its long association with
or digging out thistles. In time,
the classroom and began to mean
it morphed into the paddle we
the act of questioning, specifically
know today.
of a class or student by a teacher.
Many thanks to sources: Etymonline, The OED,
Merriam Webster, Latintos.
PADDLE YOUR CANOE
The word canoe comes from
the Arawakan language of Haiti.
Canaoua first appeared in English
in the 1500s, taken from the notes
of none other than Christopher
Columbus (who some revere and
others feel should’ve received
a paddling). The noun referred
originally to a narrow boat made
of a log with the center hol-
lowed or burnt out. After a few
CS Perryess writes for teens, narrates audio
centuries, the meaning broadened books, and ponders the wonder of words in a
foggy little town on California’s central coast.
and the noun verbified, creating Find more at http://csperryess.blogspot.com,
opportunity for the sadly seldom or reach him at csperryess@gmail.com.
• Page 14
Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 15
 Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Rotary Centennial Park
2625 South College Drive in Santa Maria
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s biggest event of the
year, the 10th annual Kite Festival will attract over 2,000
kite enthusiasts from all over the Central Coast
Enjoy family-friendly entertainers, arts and crafts,
vendor booths, and a kite hospital!
Thanks to our 2019 sponsors:

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 16

April 2019 Free Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
31
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
1
FARMERS MARKET:
2
FARMERS MARKET:
3
FARMERS MARKETS:
4
FARMERS MARKETS:
5 6
BINGO VETS HALL MB - 1st FRI 5:00pm FARMERS MARKETS:
2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG FARMERS MARKETS: 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 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
April Fools DAY DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG
Birthstone: Diamond LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Hans Christian National read a 1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO
find a rainbow day
Anderson’s birthday roadmap DAY
JUMP OVER THINGS
INTERnational WALK AROUND Day
Flower: Sweet Pea
Children’s book day THINGS Day NEW MOON
north pole
discovered (In 1898)

7
FARMERS MARKET:
8
FARMERS MARKET:
9
FARMERS MARKET:
10
FARMERS MARKETS:
11
FARMERS MARKETS:
12
FARMERS MARKETS:
13
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in 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 2:30-5:30pm 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 Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
no housework 3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
DAY 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
world
health day zoo lover’s DAY
national sibling thomas jefferson’s
day Birthday (Born in 1743)

1st public encourage

library opened a young writer
day pet
(1833 in New Hampshire) owner’s day

14
FARMERS MARKET:
15
FARMERS MARKET:
16
FARMERS MARKET:
17
FARMERS MARKETS:
18
FARMERS MARKETS:
19
FARMERS MARKETS:
20
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in 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 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
Jackie Robinson 3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 4:00-8:00pm Avila Beach Promenade 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
Day 3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
reach as high as Income tax Day LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
you can day
national
national stress haiku day
awareness Day
humorous day
slavery abolished
(In DC by Lincoln in 1862) FULL MOON
Da vinci’s birthday
(Born in 1452) cuckoo day

21
FARMERS MARKET:
22
FARMERS MARKET:
23
FARMERS MARKET:
24
FARMERS MARKETS:
25
FARMERS MARKETS:
26
FARMERS MARKETS:
27
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in 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 10:00am-12:30pm Cayucos Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
earth day hug a friend day
national pretzel day
national
pet parents arbor day
day tell a story day

national
telephone day
Administrative
shakespeare’s professional’s take daughters &
kindergarten birthday (Born in 1564) day sons to work day
day (1st opened in 1837)

28
FARMERS MARKET:
29
FARMERS MARKET:
30
FARMERS MARKET:
1
FARMERS MARKETS:
2
FARMERS MARKETS:
3
FARMERS MARKETS:
4
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in 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 2:30-5:30pm 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 Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 5:00-8:00pm Pismo, Main St & Dolliver 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO
poetry LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
reading
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
day zipper day

national
honesty day

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 17

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 18
 SAT APR 6 11:00 am-2:00 pm: KIDS DAY & EGG HUNT at Nipomo Community Park, 255 Pomeroy Rd Nipomo. Easter Egg Hunt
with 17,000 eggs starts at 11:oo am on baseball field separated by age: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 years. Bounce house, carnival games,
magic show, model rocket launches. Bring your own basket. Cost: free. Contact: www.nipomorecreation.org or 929-5437.

SAT APR 13 10:00-11:30 am: AVILA EASTER PARTY at Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St, Avila Beach. Enjoy a
bounce house, egg hunt, crafts, refreshments, and the Easter Bunny. Cost: free. Contact: avilabeachcc.com or 627-1997.

SAT APR 13-SUN APR 21 10:00 am-5:00 pm: SPRING FESTIVAL at Charles Paddock Zoo, 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero. Enjoy fur and
feathers, Bug Zone, baby chicks, crafts, and more for a limited time. Activities for all ages. Cost: included in Zoo admission.
Contact: 470-3170 or charlespaddockzoo.org.

THU APR 18: 6:00-8:30 pm: BUNNY TRAIL DOWNTOWN at SLO Farmers Market. Join the eggs-citement as E. Bunny invites all
kids to “Hop Along the Bunny Trail,” visiting businesses collecting treats. Meet at the corner of Chorro and Higuera to receive a
free map of participating shops and treat bag. Watch for Downtown Bunny! Cost: free. Contact: downtownslo.com or 541-0286.

SAT APR 20 10:00 am-12:00 pm: EASTER EGG HUNT at South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos. It begins with
contests for the best home decorated egg or best costume. 10:30 am: Los Osos Library story time on the lawn. 11:00 am: egg
hunt for ages 2 to 7. Cost: free. Contact: 528-0100.

SAT APR 20 10:00 am-12:00 pm: EASTER EGG HUNT at Mountainbrook Community Church, 1775 Calle Joaquin, SLO. Kids ages 2-10
can enjoy the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting, and popcorn. Cost: free. Contact: 543-3162.

SAT APR 20 10:00 am-1:00 pm: FAMILY EGG HUNT & FESTIVAL at 1221 Ash St, Arroyo Grande. Free egg hunt for all ages! Egg toss
competition, bunny hop races, petting zoo, fire engine and police vehicle display, and visits with the bunny. Bring a basket. Cost:
varies. Contact: 473-5474.

SAT APR 20 10:00 am-1:00 pm: EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA at Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price Rd, Pismo Beach. Eggs-citing egg
hunt, games, bounce houses, face painting, a balloon artist, and much more! Bring your own basket or bag. Cost: free. Contact:
pismochamber.com or 773-7063.

SAT APR 20-SUN APR 21 10:00 am-1:00 pm: EASTER FUN at Apple Farm, 2015 Monterey St, SLO. Join the Easter bunny for family
photos. Easter menu available. Cost: free. Contact: 544-6100.

SAT APR 20 10:00 am-3:00 pm: EASTER EGG HUNT & DOG PARADE at Hardie Park, 3rd St, Cayucos. Dress up your favorite pooch
in their best Easter Bonnet and outfit for a parade! Prizes are awarded. Plus an Easter Egg Hunt and meeting with the Easter
Bunny. Sponsored by Cayucos Lioness Club. Cost: free. Contact: 235-2289.

SAT APR 20 11:00 am-1:00 pm: Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt at 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero. Celebrate “Joy Playground,”
the first Inclusive Playground on the Central Coast! This 5th annual event includes a BBQ, egg hunt, friends, and more. Siblings
are welcome, and there is no age limit! Bring one dozen filled eggs. Hunt is at noon. Cost: free. Contact: 235-2289.

SAT APR 20 11:00 am-1:00 pm: EGG HUNT at Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. Hippity Hoppity! Bring your
basket and join the Bunny for an adventure and search for prize-filled eggs. Ages 0-8. Cost: free. Contact: slocity.org or 781-7067.

SUN APR 21 at 8:00 am: EASTER EGG HUNT at Shamel Park, 5455 Windsor Blvd, Cambria. Meet the Easter Bunny. Balloons &
prizes for kids 8 yrs and under. Special egg hunt for kids 2 yrs and under. Cost: free. Contact: cambriachamber.org.

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 19

Local Resources
SLO Classical Academy. is a private Contact: 463-2331 or rskepins@

Alternative Education
school offering part time or full time
classical education in SLO. Part time
options are Tuesday/ Thursday or
Monday/ Wednesday with a Friday
enrichment day. Contact: 548-8700
shandonschools.org.
Santa Maria Joint Union Home School.
Accredited high school program at
Santa Maria Public Library. Interactive

on the or sloclassicalacademy.com.
Wishing Well School in Los Osos
offers pre-school, mixed age
student-parent-teacher partnerships
provide educational resources, a
mentor teacher, and eligibilty for
sports, clubs, and activities. Students

Central Coast
kindergarden, and 1st-3rd grades. may qualify to enroll in community
The approach (educating the whole college as well as secondary classes.
child: head, heart, and hands) is Contact: 937-2051 x 2761 or x 2762.
based on Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf
model. Contact: 235-4401. Templeton Independent Study
High School. WASC accredited.
Children’s House Montessori Weekly meeting with teacher.
School in Atascadero strives to help Opportunity for early graduation
each child reach his/her greatest and concurrent Cuesta College
Central Coast families are fortunate to have a wide variety of quality potential, by embracing learning enrollment. In Templeton and SLO
and appreciating and respecting at Los Ranchos Elementary School.
choices for their children’s education. Following are some options for the world. Contact: 466-5068 or Contact 434-5833 or tae.tusd.
those seeking secular alternative education in our region. childrenshouse.cc.
ca.schoolloop.com/tishs.
For more information about local private, independent, nature based, Montessori Children’s School in San
Trivium Charter Schools in Lompoc,
and religious schools, visit: cde.ca.gov/re/sd Luis Obispo seeks to inspire a passion
for excellence, to nurture curiosity, Santa Maria, and Arroyo Grande
Parent Participation of San Luis blended classroom/home study for creativity and imagination, and to offer a hybrid program of classical
Coastal Adult School offers core grades K-8. Contact: 938-8934 or awaken the human spirit of every project-based classes 2 days per
classes to enhance parenting orcuttacademycharter.net. child. Ages 3-12. Contact: 544-6691 week and homeschool 3 days
skills, meet other families, and or montessoriofslo.com. per week. Contact: 489-7474 or
allow children to play with peers. Summit Academy charter school triviumcharter.org.
Also enrichment classes such as serves K-12 grades, and provides Central Coast Montessori School in
Spanish, Cooking, and Gardening, personalized home-based learning Morro Bay offers a rich, individualized West Mall Alternative School.
and a Cooperative Preschool at that fosters investigation, skill academic environment to promote Independent Study Home School
CL Smith. Contact: 549-1222 or development and creativity, and independence and optimum scholastic in Atascadero. Contact: 462-4238
parentparticipation.org. lifelong curiosity. Contact: (818) 450- achievement. Contact: 772-9317 or or edline.net/pages/West_Mall_
9810 or summitacademyca.org. centralcoastmontessori.com. Alternative.
Charter Schools
Nature Based Schools Heritage Montessori Preschool Paso Robles Joint Unified School
CAVA – California Virtual Academies in San Luis Obispo provides an District Home School & Independent
and K¹² give kids the chance to Outside Now provides summer, after- enriching and loving environment in Study Program serves K-8th grade.
learn at their own pace. Online school, and private nature-based a beautiful country setting. Waldorf Students and parents work one-on-
schooling is aligned with California education in San Luis Obispo County. and Montessori based for ages 2.5-5 one with teachers, receive lesson
state standards. Teacher support as Contact: 541-9900 or outsidenow. years. Contact: 235-5589. plans, textbooks, and teachers’
needed, meetings and work samples org. editions for all subjects. Classes,
required quarterly. Contact: (866) Academics and More is a Homeschool enrichment activities, and field trips
339-6790, caliva.org, or k12.com. Delphinus School of Natural History Helper class for 7th-8th grade at
are also offered. Contact: 769-1675.
is a unique, regional, outdoor science Ludwick Community Center in SLO.
Family Partnership is a tuition-free program in San Luis Obispo, for Offered in partnership with City of Homeschool Organizations
K-12 independent study public school elementary through middle school SLO, this class includes a convenient
serving Santa Barbara, San Luis students. Programs are engaging, cost-effective way for students to Homeschool Association of California
Obispo, and Ventura counties. Home interactive, student driven, and gain access to a tutor, community is an inclusive organization offering
study charter schools in San Luis designed to foster self-expression involvement, assistance with their campouts, conferences, statewide
Obispo (1981 Vicente Dr), Morro Bay, and environmental stewardship. school work, time management and support, a website with excerpts
Solvang, Santa Maria, and Cambria. Contact: delphinusschool.org. organization skills, and more. Contact: from education code books, and
Meet with teachers weekly and turn EarthAdventuresForKids.com. links. Contact: hsc.org.
in work samples. Contact: 348-3333 Independent Schools
or fpcharter.org. Public Schools California Homeschool Network is
Clarity Steiner School in Nipomo
a grassroots organization to protect
Olive Grove is an independent study offers Waldorf education for first Cambria Montessori Learning Center. the right of parents to educate their
home school with sites in San Luis and second graders. Class meets four Tuition-free public school in Morro children. Website offers current state
Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Santa days per week. Contact: 929-6878. Bay for grades K-6th through the
and federal laws. Contact: (800) 327-
Maria, Lompoc, Los Olivos, and Family Partnership Charter School.
5339 or californiahomeschool.net.
Santa Barbara. Meet with teacher Santa Lucia School on 5 acres in Contact: 927-2337, 541-2412 or
weekly and turn in work samples. Templeton has provided peace familypartnershipschool.com. Homeschoolers of the Central Coast.
Enrichment classes also offered. education for over 25 years. Yahoo! group meeting regularly for
Contact: 543-2701 or sbceoportal. Integrated curriculum founded on Parkfield Elementary School is a one- interaction and field trips: groups.
org/losolivos. life experiences, in-depth study, room school in San Miguel providing
and active immersion in the arts for a unique, child-centered education yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_of_
Orcutt Academy Independent Study grades 1-8. Attendance Mon-Thu customized to student abilities the_Central_Coast.
is affiliated with Orcutt Academy with homeschool Fridays. Carpooling and pace. Hands-on instruction,
Charter School at 500 Dyer St. This encouraged. Contact: 434.2217 or exploration, and speakers focus on Please submit updates, corrections, or news
free program offers home study and santaluciaschool.org. the inner development of each child. about resources to: ccfamilyed@gmail.com.

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 20


1st & 3rd SAT every month at 2:00 pm: FAMILY
MOVIE at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades
Ave. Enjoy popcorn and a G/PG movie. Call for
title. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
2nd FRI every month at 3:00 pm: PAWS TO
Feeling hopeless, desperate, or alone? READ at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades
Concerned for someone you care about? Ave. Come share your stories with an adoring
listener. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
Every WED 3:00-4:00 pm: PAWS TO READ at
Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave. Read to
a dog who loves to listen to children. Cost:
free. Contact: 528-1862.
Suicide Prevention
Mental Health and Every SUN 12:00-4:00 pm: Family Funday at
Bang the Drum Brewery, 950 Orcutt Rd, San
Emotional Support Luis Obispo. Enjoy the patio to play family-
Free friendly games and drums! Cost: free. Food
Confidential and craft beer available for sale. Contact:
24 hours of every day bangthedrumbrewery.com or 242-8372.
Every FRI 6:00 am-4:00 pm: Early Bird
A program of Transitions Mental Health Association
Flea Market at Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S
Thornburg St. Browse many vendors with
2nd & 4th SAT every month 12:00-4:00
antiques, fruits, vegetables, new and used
pm: Railway Historical Museum at Santa items, and more! Cost: free. Contact: 258-
Maria Transit Center, 400 E Boone St, Santa
1765.
Maria. This bimonthly opening features
a locomotive, boxcar, caboose, railroad Every FRI 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Zen Doodle
Adult Coloring Book Group at Art Center
artifacts, interpretive exhibits, vintage rolling
stock, and a diorama to explore. Cost: free. Morro Bay, 835 Main St.   Relax and unwind
Contact: 714-4927. with the new adult coloring books. Cost: free.
Contact: artcentermorrobay.org or 772-2504.
Every TUE & THU: Youth Aikido Classes at
Budo Ryu, 3536 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo. Every MON 2:00-5:00 pm: Historic
Architectural Tour at the Monday Club, 1815
Kids have fun, stay fit, make friends, gain life
Monterey St, SLO. The Monday Club of SLO
skills, and learn to deal with bullies without
is offering free docent-led tours. Cost: free.
becoming one. Aiki-Mites (age 4-6) class
Contact: themondayclubslo.wildapricot.org
is 3:00 pm TUE. Aiki-Kids (age 7-12) TUE &
or 541-0594.
THU at 4:00 pm. Pre-registration only. Cost:
$50-75/mo. Contact: 544-8866 or www. Every THU at 10:15 am: Tiny Tunes Music &
aikidosanluisobispo.com.
Movement at Music Motive, 3440 S Higuera
St #130, SLO. This parent participation
Every WED 10:00-11:00 am: Growing With
Baby Class at 1230 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. program for ages 1-5 includes activities based
Pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation on music psychology and child development.
consultant Andrea Herron answers questions Cost: $80 per mo. Contact: 543-0377.
about feeding, crying, and sleep for babies 2nd FRI every month at 1:00 pm: Book Group
0-10 months. Dads are always welcome! Call at Cayucos Library, 310 B St. Join other
to reserve a spot. Contact: 543-6988. readers to discuss whatever you’re reading
Every TUE 7:00-9:00 pm & SAT 2:00-4:00 pm: and to discover, ponder, and share insights
Basic Safety Class at SLO MakerSpace, 81 S about what others are reading. Cost: free.
Higuera St, Ste 160 & 180, San Luis Obispo. Contact: 995-3846.
This course gets you acquainted with the
Every THU 6:30-9:30 pm: SLO Chess Club
space and equipment. All are required to take meets at Carl’s Jr on Santa Rosa St, 1 block
this class before using any part of the facility.
W of Foothill, across from Cal-Poly. All ages.
See website for specific dates and other Cost: free. Contact: 441-7210 or slochess.com.
classes. Cost: free for MakerSpace Members
and SLO County Library Cardholders. Contact: Every SAT 10:00 am-2:00 pm: SLO Chess
439-2727 or slomakerspace.com. Club meets at the big board on Morro Bay
Embarcadero at west end of Morro Bay Blvd
Every THU 10:00-11:00 am: La Leche League (down the stairs). Cost: free. Contact: 441-
Mother Support Meetings in North Co, SLO, 7210 or slochess.com.
AG and SM. Breastfeeding and parenting
support and information offered. Cost: free. 1st & 3rd THU every month 7:00-8:30 pm:
Contact: 242-2294 or Facebook.com/lllofslo. Drop-in Dream Group at St. Benedict’s
Episcopal Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Ln, Los
MON-THU 8:30-11:30 am: Walk-In Legal Clinic Osos. This support group is to share dreams
in 3rd Floor Atrium of Courthouse Annex,
and the relationship between dreams and
1035 Palm St, San Luis Obispo and Paso spiritual path, using Jungian interpretive
Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St, Rm 112. Get assumptions and language and Robert
help with divorce, child and spousal support, Johnson’s book Inner Work. Cost: free.
domestic violence, guardianship, civil
Contact: bobpelfrey@charter.net.
harassment, and name or gender change.
3rd WED of every month at 6:30 pm:
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Legal Clinic for
Prepared & Natural Childbirth Classes at Twin
Self-Represented Litigants at the SLO County Cities Community Hospital, 1220 Las Tablas
Courthouse Law Library, 1050 Monterey
Rd, Templeton. This six-series class includes
St, SLO, #125. One-on-one legal advice for lecture, hands-on demos, and technique
persons filing divorces w/o an attorney, and
practice. Cost: free. Contact: 434-4654.
a document preparer to assist in completing
court-required forms. Cost: free. Contact: 2nd THU of every month at 6:30 pm:
788-3418. Breastfeeding Basics at Twin Cities
Community Hospital, 1100 Las Tablas Rd,
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Divorce & Child Templeton. Learn about practical aspects
Support Workshops at SLO Court Support of feeding your newborn from a Lactation
Services, 1120 Mill St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo
Consultant. Cost: free. Contact: 239-4443.
and Paso Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St,
Paso Robles. Help is provided for divorce, Every THU-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & SAT 11:00
child support, custody and/or visitation am-5:00 pm: Exploration Station Interactive
orders. An overview of the legal process is Science Center welcomes families at 867
followed by time to prepare forms and ask Ramona Ave, Grover Beach. Cost: $2-3.
questions. Cost: free. Contact: 788-3418. Contact: 473-1421 or explorationstation.org.
Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
Local Resources
2nd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 pm: Grief
Support Group at Central Coast Hospice,
253 Granada Dr, Ste D, San Luis Obispo. Free
group for anyone suffering the loss of a loved
one who is in need of support. Contact: 540-
6020.
2nd SAT of every month FEB-NOV at 9:00
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 and suggestions for handling family
law issues. Cost: $10. Contact: 544-9313 to
register.
4th TUE every month at 5:30 pm: Legal Clinic
for Self-Represented Litigants at SLO County
Courthouse Law Library, 1050 Monterey
St, SLO, #125. One-on-one legal advice for
persons filing divorces w/o an attorney, and
a document preparer to assist in completing
court-required forms. Cost: Min $40 donation.
Contact: 544-9313.
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: Senior 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
official advisory group to SLO County Board
of Supervisors identifies issues of concern
to women that are 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 many free services: Senior Connection
for connecting callers with local resources;
one on one Medicare assistance, advice and
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
Santa Margarita Lake KOA Campground
at sunset. CCAS sponsors guest speakers
and public education programs. Find the
CCAS event calendar, 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
Family Life
Kids Can do to Recycle by the carryout containers, and opaque

Eco-Parenting
EarthWorks Group (there is also plastic cutlery.
an adult version), and Get Out!:
#7: Mixed plastic (several types
150 Easy Ways for Kids and Grown-
of plastic mixed together): some
ups to Get Into Nature and Build a
baby bottles; trashcan liners, and
Greener Future by Judy Molland.
some clear plastic cutlery.
Point out the top 10 things to
recycle: aluminum; PET (plastic) There are many websites with fun
bottles; newspaper; corrugated eco-activities for children, such as:
cardboard; steel cans; HDPE www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/
(plastic) bottles, glass containers; ce/eek/cool/rainyday.htm
magazines; mixed paper, and
electronics, such as computers. www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth.
html
Here is a simple test to see if a
can is aluminum or steel. Use greenliving.lovetoknow.com/
by Steven Smith
a magnet; if the magnet sticks Earth_Day_for_Children
to the can, it is steel. Cans may www.planetpals.com/earthday.
Did you know that it takes 20 Global Warming by Laurie David; be bi-metal (made out of both html
years for plastic bags to break aluminum and steel), so you need
• The Kid’s Environment Book by Another fantastic way to get
down (or biodegrade), the to check the top, bottom and
Anne Pedersen; children involved with saving
average U.S. household uses sides of the can with the magnet.
127,400 gallons of water a year, • 50 Simple Things You Can the earth is to encourage earth-
Recycle bi-metal cans with steel
or that compact fluorescent lights Do to Help Save the Earth by friendly crafts. Peruse these
items, which are often recycled at
use 65-75 percent less electricity Earthworks group; books for project ideas:
scrap metal yards. It’s helpful to
than incandescent bulbs? • True Green Kids: 100 Things You understand the types of plastics • Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints
April 22nd is Earth Day. All over Can Do to Save the Planet by when recycling. Kids can learn by Ellen B. Senisi for ages 4-8;
the United States, people will be Kim McKay, to check the number inside the • EcoArt!: Earth-Friendly Art
focusing on earth-friendly living. • What’s the Point of Being Green triangular plastic symbol to figure and Craft Experiences for 3- to
Saving the earth starts at home. out the composition. Here’s a 9-Year-olds by Laurie Carlson;
by Jacqui Bailey.
It is important for parents to breakdown of seven of the most
teach children ways to help each People often talk about the common plastics: • Recycle Crafts Box by Laura C.
day. Parents can lead by example carbon footprint. Kids can find Martin for ages 9-12;
#1: PET (polyethylene
and model responsible behavior out what a carbon footprint is at terephthalate): large plastic soda • Good Earth Art: Environmental
for their children. www.myfootprint.org and learn Art for Kids (Bright ideas for
bottles; most soda; water; juices;
how they impact the earth. By Learning) by MaryAnn F. Kohl
An excellent way to encourage measuring their own footprint, detergents; cleansers, and some
earth-friendly behavior is to teach kids learn how much energy they peanut butter jars. for ages 3-8,
children about environmental consume and how much waste #2: HDPE (High-density • Green Crafts for Children: 35
issues. Check out a few books they generate. The website www. polyethylene): milk jugs; water Step-by-Step Projects Using
from your local library, read footprintfriends.com/home.htm jugs; bleaches; detergents, and Natural, Recycled, and Found
them together and have family is aimed for 10 - 18 year olds and is some body products. Materials by Emma Hardy for
discussions about issues like global designed to help raise awareness ages 9-12.
warming, changing climates, on environmental issues. #3: PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride):
ozone depletion, pollution, acid credit cards; garden hoses; By learning more about current
rain, carbon emissions, population Parents can teach the concept shower curtains; cling film, and environmental issues, reducing
consumption, buying less, and
effects, endangered animals and that sometimes “less is more” and some plastic squeeze bottles.
encourage borrowing, renting, using only what we need, we
plants, and habitat destruction. #4: LDPE (low-density can all become stewards of the
or sharing items. We all need to
Here are just a few informative practice the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, polyethylene): most plastic earth. Celebrate with your family
books your child might like: grocery bags; most plastic wrap; at the 29th annual San Luis
and Recycle. Parents can show
some bottles; plastic sandwich Obispo County Earth Day Fair &
• Earth Watch by David Burnie; kids how to recycle in their rooms,
bags, and clear packaging on CD’s. Music Festival on Saturday, April
at home, in the backyard, in the
• An Inconvenient Truth: The #5: Polypropylene (generally not 27th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
community, and in the world.
Crisis of Global Warming by Al recyclable): bottle caps; straws; at Laguna Lake Park in San Luis
Children can be taught about the
Gore; plastic lids; plastic food storage; Obispo. For more information, go
benefits and impact of recycling;
• It’s Your World - If you Don’t saving natural resources and syrup and yogurt containers, and to earthdayalliance.com.
Like it, Change it: Activism energy, creating less pollution, some baby bottles.
for Teenagers by Mikki Halpin protecting animals, saving money,
#6: Polystyrene (styrofoam); Steven Smith is a resident of San Luis Obispo
(with a chapter on “Saving the and decreasing waste in landfills.
coffee cups; fast food containers; and a graduate of CSU Long Beach with a
Environment”); degree in Creative Writing. Steven is a painter/
You can find many recycling ideas grocer trays; egg cartons; muralist and freelance writer. Steven can be
• The Down-To-Earth Guide to in books like 50 Simple Things disposable cups and bowls; reached at: sloartiststevensmith@yahoo.com.

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 22

Central Coast Family • April 2019 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 23