Central Coast April 2018

Family
Walk
for Autism &
Awareness
Fair Pg 15

Inside
Child Development ....... 2

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

Family Life ............................ 6

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

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

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

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

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

Child Safety ........................... 18

Local Resources ............... 20

Alt Education ..................... 22

Autism Awareness / Library Fun / Eco-Parenting / Summer Learning / Reye’s Syndrome

Free! Central Coast Family

Child Development
and understand the feelings and
perspective of another person.
People with autism find it harder
to show empathy to others,
although they can be taught to
acknowledge other people’s
views and feelings.

Physical Contact

In some cases, autistic people do

not like physical contact, such
as hugs, tickling, or physical play
with others.

Sudden Environment Changes

In the US, the first National the opportunity to achieve the early childhood (typically within
Autism Awareness Month was highest possible quality of life. the first three years). Autism is Due to heightened sensitivity
declared by the Autism Society Autism is a complex mental a lifelong neuro-developmental and dependence on routine,
in April of 1970. Since then, a condition and developmental disability with no single known any sudden change in their
nationwide effort was launched disability with a wide spectrum cause. People with autism surrounding environment may
a to promote autism awareness of symptoms characterized by are classed as having Autism affect a person with autism
by educating the public, enable difficulties in the way a person Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the negatively. Common offending
inclusion and self-determination communicates and interacts with terms autism and ASD are often disruptions could be loud noises,
for all, and to ensure that each other people. Autism can be be used interchangeably. People will changes in intensity of lighting,
person with autism is provided present from birth or form during autism have a set of symptoms alteration of visual aspects, or
unique to themselves (no two even changes in smell.
Walk for Autism Awareness people are the same), with a wide
Cover Photo: Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo
www.sloautism.org
range in severity. Speech

Common Autism Characteristics Speech can be affected in people

Central Coast Family with autism. ‘Echolalia’ is a typical
TM

(805) 528-0440
PO Box 6424, Los Osos, CA 93412
While no two people with speech symptom in which the
Our goal is to connect Central Coast families with the resources they need to thrive! autism will have the same set of person repeats words and phrases
symptoms, there are common that they hear. The speech tone
EDITOR Associate EDITOR characteristics found in those with of an autistic person may be flat
Patrice Vogel Claire Vogel this complex disability. Briefly, or monotonous. When symptoms
ccfamilyed@gmail.com ccfamilyae@gmail.com these characteristics include: are more extreme, the person
may not speak or interact with
AssISTANT EDITOR ADVERTISING
Social Skills others.
Jack Vogel CC F Inquiries:
ccfamilyae@gmail.com ccfamilyad@gmail.com People with autism often have
Changes in Behavior and Routine
problems interacting with others;
autistic children do not have
GRAPHIC DESIGN DISTRIBUTION MANAGER People with autism often display
Eric Woodards adequate playing and talking
Out of the Blue repetitive behavior when they
skills. Mild symptoms on one end
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS repeat the same action many
of the spectrum may be displayed
Jennifer Best, John J. Cannell, Guy Crabb, Kerrin Edmonds, times over. For example, a person
through clumsy behavior, being
Stanley W. Horspool, Karyn Lutes, Rebecca Juretic, CS Perryess with autism may repeatedly
out of sync with those around
Central Coast Family is published monthly with a readership over 40,000. Find FREE
™
pace around a room in a certain
copies throughout San Luis Obispo County and North Santa Barbara County. them, and making inappropriate
direction. Any change to their
or offensive comments or
Visit our website: www.centralcoastfamily.com behavior or routine can be
gestures. At the other end of the
Submission deadline: 15th of each month prior to publication unsettling for them. This could
spectrum, an autistic person may
be a reordering of daily activities,
Information contained in advertisements and other submissions is accepted in good faith. Publication does not imply endorsement by Central Coast Family.
not be interested in others at all.
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.
such as the sequence when a
Material published herein may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. © Vogel 2008
Empathy person brushes their teeth, takes
Every issue is printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle again! a shower, and has breakfast when
Empathy is the ability to recognize they get up in the morning.

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 2


Other characteristics of autism
can include an unpredictable
rate of learning, asynchronous
cognitive, emotional, and physical
development, obsessions, and
physical tics.
Autism Is Widespread
Awareness Is Not
On March 27, 2014, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) released data on the
prevalence of autism in the United
Central Coast Family
Child Development
States. This surveillance study
identified 1 in 68 children (1 in 42
boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having
autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Since then, some government
The Village Salon
researchers estimate that
the prevalence is now 1 in 45 From the girls
children. National Autism
Awareness Month aims to make at Village Salon
the public more aware about this
widespread disability and the
issues that arise in the autism
community. As so many people Call Toni & Toni: Happy
in America have autism, chances
are that you know someone with
(805) 489-5100 Spring !
this disability. A better informed
public will be more understanding
and supportive towards people 115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande
with autism.
This month is sponsored by the
Autism Society of America, which The Autism Society has local the Austism Society website.
undertakes a number of activities chapters throughout the United The Autism Society of America
to raise awareness about autism. States that hold special events also runs a year long campaign
throughout April. through their 1 Power 4 Autism
initiative, in which people are
The ‘Puzzle Ribbon’ is the official encouraged to hold events to
symbol for Autism Awareness raise awareness and support for
and is promoted by the Autism those affected by autism.
Society as means of supporting
awareness for autism. The Puzzle For more information on National
Ribbons may take the form Autism Awareness Month and
of pins attached to clothing, autism spectrum disorders, visit
fridge magnets, or stickers and www.autism-society.org and/
are available to purchase from or www.cdc.gov/actearly.
• April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 3
Library Voice
Check It Out:
April Happenings
by Rebecca Juretic

Join the Cover to Cover Club! the program. Each registered

child can receive up to three (3)
Dive into spring reading… and a certificates by reading up to 15
special treat, courtesy of In-N-Out books by Saturday, April 14, so
Burger! The Cover to Cover Club let’s get reading!
awards a free burger for every Luis Obispo Public Libraries,
five books read. Readers age Share your Story with Cuesta College, the California
4-12 who read five (5) or more California Listens State Library Berkeley-based
books by April 14 will receive a StoryCenter. Fifteen county
certificate for a free hamburger, Do you have a great story to residents will be selected to
cheeseburger, or grilled cheese tell about life in San Luis Obispo participate in a two-day workshop
sandwich from In-N-Out. County? If so, you might be on Friday and Saturday, April 21-
selected to share your story to be 22 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Each child must be registered at part of a statewide digital archive.
any County of San Luis Obispo California Listens is a program In the workshop, participants will
Library branch to participate in presented by the County of San create a two to four minute video
using their personal and family
images, videos, and archival
material. They will learn how to
tell a great story, write and record
a narration script, and learn the
basics of video editing. The video
they create will become part of a
statewide archive of stories about
life in California.
Those interested can apply online
by April 8 at www.storycenter.
org/sanluisobispo.
The program seeks stories that
reflect the full spectrum of
life in San Luis Obispo County.
This may include long-time
residents and their families,
newcomers, artists, community
activists, social service and non-
profit professionals,  veterans,
civic leaders, and many others.
Book to Action
County of San Luis Obispo Public
Libraries is excited to announce
its new community reads program
for high-schoolers and adults
called Book to Action. We invite
the community to read, discuss,
and take action with this year’s
title, The 57 Bus, by Dashka Slater.
In The 57 Bus, journalist Dashka
Slater chronicles the true story of
an agender teen who is assaulted
by another teen while riding
public transit. Slater weaves
a compelling story that tells
both sides of the crime, and she
thoughtfully covers important
topics like gender identity, race,
juvenile justice, and forgiveness.
As part of a grant from the
California Center for the Book,
free copies of The 57 Bus will
be available in selected libraries
through April. The library will also
offer teen arts programs based
on themes from the book and a
community panel discussion that
includes the author.

Lace Up and make a difference in the lives of children and families

impacted by trauma on the Central Coast
Miracle Miles for Kids is a 10k (6.2 miles) walk/run along the water’s edge
from Morro Rock to Cayucos Pier on Saturday April 21st, 2018
This years race will mark the 15th anniversary of Family Care Network’s
Miracle Miles for Kids with great surprises in store!
Register today at www.MM4K.com

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 4


“We chose a title that we think
will resonate with both teens
and adults. We are so excited
to connect the community to
rich discussions about local and
broader issues,” said Margaret
Kensinger-Klopfer, Youth Services
Coordinating Librarian.
Slater, an award-winning author
from the Bay Area, will visit
students at San Luis Obispo High
School, Pacific Beach High School,
Atascadero High School, and the
County of San Luis Obispo juvenile
hall. The community is invited to
attend a panel discussion with the
Central Coast Family
Library Voice
author at the Atascadero Library
on Wednesday, May 2, at 5:30 pm.
Spring Events
Our Grow with Your Library
programs continue this month
with many free performances,
classes, art exhibits, workshops,
demonstrations, and more. Visit
slolibrary.org and click on Events
to see what’s happening at your
local branch! 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.
Rebecca Juretic is a freelance writer and Public Children practice in a friendly, supportive, coed atmosphere. Specially qualified
instructors use games, techniques, and tumbling exercises to teach children
Relations Consultant for the San Luis Obispo
County Libraries. Rebecca can be reached at: how to defend themselves without hurting others.
juretic@sbcglobal.net.
Visit our school, watch a class, and decide if Aikido would benefit your child!
• April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 5
Family Life
Kids Can do to Recycle by the carryout containers, and opaque
EarthWorks Group (there is also plastic cutlery.
Eco-Parenting an adult version), and Get Out!:
150 Easy Ways for Kids and Grown-
#7: Mixed plastic (several types
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 28th 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 21st 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 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 6

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 7
Fun & Games Jack’s Jokes
Why is everyone tired on April 1st? They just finished a 31 day March!

Easter Egg Maze What do you call 10 rabbits marching backwards? A receding hareline!

Why didn’t the egg cross the road? He wasn’t a chicken yet!

Start

End

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 2018 •
Uwww.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 8
Central Coast Family • April 2018 • 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. More than half of the
achievement gap between lower-
and higher-income youth can be
explained by unequal access to
summer 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 “summer slide” and provide
For Wildlife in Distress
Call Our Hotline:
805 543-WILD [9453]
Central Coast Family
CC Flutes
Band
Instruments
New and Used Instruments . Band Instrument Rental
Plan for Locally Owned and Operated . Amazing Discounts!
Personal Knowledgeable Service by Flexible Appointment
Summer ron@ccflutes.com CCFlutes.com
Learning
Be Creative want to try something new.
benefits for young readers that Summer is the perfect time to let Take advantage of the warmer
can be seen year-round. children’s imaginations run wild weather and keep youth active
and stimulate creativity. Visit the outdoors. The following sites can
Visit your local library and help your following websites for ideas: help you get started:
children put together personal
summer reading lists based on Kids.gov (http://kids.usa.gov) – KidsHealth.org (http://kidshealth.
individual interests. Celebrate Find resources for arts and crafts org/parent/nutrition) – How
each time they finish a book. This projects that will keep children do you feed a picky eater or
will encourage them to complete engaged and their minds active encourage a child to play outside?
the list by the time the summer while having fun. Learn how to keep your child
ends. Be sure to take advantage healthy with the right foods and
of any summer programs and NGA Kids (www.nga.gov) – exercise.
activities sponsored by your local Choose from a variety of activities
library. or projects from the National Let’s Move! (www.letsmove.gov/
Gallery of Art, enjoy an animated get-active) – Opportunities for
During the school year, children musical adventure, take a tour kids to be physically active, both
have busy schedules and often through the sculpture garden, and in and out of school and create
have required reading for classes. more. new opportunities for families to
Summer is a time when children be moving together.
can read what, when, and how Smithsonian (http://americanart.
they please. Don’t set daily minute s i . e d u / e d u c a t i o n / i n s i g h t s / USDA Summer Food Program
requirements or determine the midnight) – Are your children (www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/
number of pages they should fans of Night at the Museum? summer-food-service-program)
read. Instead, make sure they Then this is the perfect activity – This U.S. Department of
pick up books for fun and help for them. Here you are magically Agriculture program provides free
find ways for them to choose to taken to the museums at night. meals to all children 18 years old
read on their own. Remeber, To get back home, you have to and under in areas with significant
if kids see the adults around solve mysteries and help your new concentrations of low-income
them reading often, they will friends find their artworks. children.
understand that literature can be
a fun and important part of their Stay Active & Healthy Plan to read together, register
summer days. for local programs, visit parks
and museums, and keep kids
In addition to academic risks,
Without the regular weekly children can also be at an learning and active during the
school regimen, adults and kids increased risk of weight gain when
may need more activities to fill they are out of school during the
summer months. For additional
tips throughout the summer,
the hours. Books that teach kids summer months. Sign your child follow @usedgov on Twitter, and
how to make or do something are up for local recreational or sports check out the U.S. Department of
a great way to get kids reading programs. Churches, community Education Facebook page.
and keep them occupied. Don’t centers and schools usually host
forget to take your kids’ favorite events throughout the summer. Excerpted with permission. © Office of
reading series along on day Let your child choose what Communication and Outreach at the U.S.
Department of Education. http://www.
outings and long road trips. interests them. They may even ed.gov
• April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 10
Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 11
Local History Monterey Street is getting a makeover.
Buildings are being renovated and the
parking lots are being dug up.

Schoolhouses of Buy your copy of Monterey/Marsh Sts

100 Year Book. Remember the past, as
the future is right around the corner.

San Luis Obispo County Enjoy Your Memories!

Get an autographed copy at:
by Guy Crabb w w w. s l o 1 0 0 ye a r s . co m
Schools are wonderful places Morro Elementary was not the Also available at Barnes and Noble, Crushed Grape, Antiques of Monterey,
where kids can learn and discover only cool school that once graced History Center, Apple Farm, and Boo Boo Records. GUY CRABB PUBLISHING
things that will amaze and astound our rolling hills and towns. The
them. Being a teacher for over 32 city of San Luis Obispo and
years, I enjoyed the times when I surrounding areas had a bunch
got to teach new concepts or give of country schools. Actually are narrow and curving. In 1903, are all wearing Levi’s and the girls
my students new information. there were no organized schools there was a place called Canyon are wearing dresses.
When my students learned in the county prior to 1850. In School. It was a small, wooden,
something new and exciting, I 1850, the first official school was one-room schoolhouse where the Another wonderful old school
loved to see their eyes light up established at Mission San Luis teacher taught all of the children building that someone was smart
with energy and wonderment. Obispo and taught in Spanish. from See Canyon. enough to save and restore was
Being a teacher is lots of fun, but The population of the area was the Banning Canet School, now
the hours that teachers devote to very small and families were The Irish Hills, which run along located at the Rancho El Chorro
making things fun are endless. spread out. Schools would pop See Canyon, held several small Education Center. The Banning
up when there was a need due to schools. In 1926, there was a Canet School was originally
I taught at three different schools a growing community. schoolhouse that was about 30 located in the Morro Bay area
during my career. The first school feet wide and 50 feet long. It along Highway 1. The building was
I worked in was Morro Elementary Here’s some really interesting was named Irish Hills School and larger than many other schools at
School in Morro Bay. The school information; in the very early days the wooden building had a four the time. In 1923, the class picture
was built in the early 1930s and of the county, “Brush Schools” foot tall cattle fence surrounding had 22 students. Several of the
Julia Morgan, William R. Hearst‘s were scattered throughout the the building to keep the cows students look a little on the older
architect for Hearst Castle, helped county. A “brush school” was out. The picture that I have of side, but my guess is that this
design the building. an oak tree that had a wooden this school also has a big oak tree school taught all students from
fence surrounding it to keep the next to the building. This might first grade through high school.
My class was in Room 6 inside cattle out. Kids came to “school” have been a brush school until the When I would take my students
the main building and we had when the weather was good and community decided to construct a to Rancho El Chorro, we would
an amazing view of Morro Rock. it wasn’t too cold outside. These real building. There was another go into the schoolhouse to gaze
The floors were wood, and our “brush schools” were also used one in the Irish Hills called Pecho at the stars in the giant inflatable
custodian Dan Stanley kept those as churches and places for other School, which looks to be about planetarium. All 35 of the kids
floors looking great. We also community activities. half the size of Irish Hills School. could sit inside!
had the best stage in the world Pecho School appears to be a
with thick red velvet curtains Let me tell you about some of the sturdy-looking stationary building You can also visit the old Santa
and a cool trap door to get under schools that are no longer around with a covered porch, but most of Fe Bellevue schoolhouse located
the stage. Today, the old Morro because of demolition or being these small schools were wooden at the head of Bob Jones bike
Elementary campus is no longer moved to a different location. I’m boxes that could be moved to trail along Hwy 101 at the Avila
used as a school, and is rented out sure everyone has driven into See another location if necessary. Beach exit. The folks at Salisbury
to a variety of businesses. Canyon at some time. The roads Vineyards have done a lovely job
One of my favorite old wooden restoring this schoolhouse after it
schools is the Los Osos School in had fallen into disrepair.
the community park in Los Osos.
This old school house has been It’s great to have some of these
restored to its original appearance. old schoolhouses around from
If you have never been to visit the the 1800s and have the chance
school, it is worth the time to go to walk inside them. I encourage
and peek in the windows. If you everyone to spend an afternoon
are lucky, the doors may be open traveling around to see some old
and you can step into the past wooden schoolhouses. Schools
and imagine sitting in this building are wonderful places. I should
as a student. After you visit the know, because I went to school
school, grab your skateboard and for almost 60 years!
have fun at the skateboard park
just a few steps away. I have a
great old picture of a teacher Guy Crabb retired after teaching for over
and her class standing in front of 32 years, most recently at Charles E. Teach
Los Osos School. There are nine Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He was
selected as San Luis Coastal Unified School
Los Osos Community Park Schoolhouse students ranging in age from District Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.
about 8 to 14 year olds. The boys Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 12

 Law Offices of
David S. Vogel
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Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 13

Education
in grasslands, European marmots
tend to prefer higher altitudes.
The word marmot came to English
in the 1600s. We can trace it back
through French and Swiss to the
the Dutch word moddelen, which
means to make water muddy.
Twitterpated, on the other hand,
seems to have more to do with

CS Perryess
Latin murim montis, or mountain the heart than with the head.
mouse. The vole lives primarily Twitterpated first appeared in

writes
in fields. The word vole came to the 1942 Disney classic, Bambi. It
English in 1828, most likely from appears that screenplay writer

about words the Old Norse word, vollr, which

means field.
Larry Morey coined the word,
adding pate to twitter, which
means in tremulous excitement or
UNGULATES any animals preferred finding We refer to a type of burrowing romantically infatuated. He may
deer to the other options (some squirrel as a gopher, a word that have been inspired by the word
Let’s consider a rather under- which had nasty tusks). In time, arrived in American English in 1812. flutterpated, born in 1894 and of
appreciated order of critters, the the initially general term took on Americans most likely borrowed the same meaning.
ungulates. The word ungulate the more specific meaning. the word from Louisiana French
first showed up in English in 1802 speakers’ word gaufre, which A wonderful two-syllable synonym
from the Latin word ungulatus, An Algonquin language (most meant honeycomb or waffle, a for twitterpated is agog, which
or hoofed. Soon after that, in likely Narragansett or Abenaki) reference to the condition of the made its way from French to
1839 the word ungulates began gave English the word moose in garden or field after the gopher English as early as the 1400s,
representing the entire order of 1610. The word means he strips has claimed it as its own. meaning heated with the notion
hoofed mammals. off, which refers to either the of some enjoyment or longing.
moose’s habit of using his palmate FROM ADDLEPATED TO
Recent advances in DNA testing antlers to strip the bark off trees, TWITTERPATED A second two-syllable synonym
have completely changed our or to the moose’s use of the bark is dotty, which came to English in
understanding of which critters of trees to strip the “velvet” from I’ve always had a fondness for the 1400s in the form of dottypolle
are and aren’t ungulates. The the antlers. the word pate, even before mine (polle meaning head – the same
old-school ungulates have now was exposed to the elements. root from which tadpole comes). It
been sliced, diced, and moved SQUIRREL! appears to be based on the word
My attraction to the word pate
around. Who knew in 1839 that a includes the words twitterpated dote, and means silly with desire.
hippopotamus was more closely This spring our neighborhood has and addlepated, so I’m celebrating
related to a whale than it was to seen a serious uptick in the grey April with a consideration of these Our final two-syllable synonym
a rhinoceros? Who ever guessed squirrel population, which got for twitterpated is smitten, which
two words and their synonyms.
that whales belonged in the order me to thinking about the word meant struck hard or afflicted
named for hooved mammals? squirrel, which led to this topic.
Addlepated came to English in with disaster when it came to
There are 257 species of ungulates In the early 1300s, English the 1850s, along with its cousin English in the 1200s, but a mere
on the globe as I type. Join me to speakers started using the word addlebrained. Though addle four centuries later picked up
take a look at the etymologies squirrel instead of the Old English initially meant liquid filth or urine, the meaning inspired with love.
of a few of them. In the 1300s, word acweorna. Squirrel came in time it came to also mean I suppose some folks might
the word rhinoceros appeared from the Anglo-French word putrid, empty, vain, or idle. By claim the old and new meanings
in English, taken from the Greek esquirel, which we can trace back 1706, addle added to its quiver are synonymous, though I am
word rhinokeros, which meant through Old French, Vulgar Latin, of meanings confused, muddled, fortunate to have had more
nose-horned. and Latin to the Greek word or unsound. It’s this 1706 bunch positive smitten experiences.
skiouros, a word used to refer to – of meanings that brought about
The word hippopotamus showed what a surprise – squirrels, though addlepated and addlebrained. My thanks to sources: OED, Etymonline, Full
up in the 1560s. It came through it translates literally to shadow- TV Movies, Wordnik, Merriam Webster, and
Late Latin, but started with the tailed. Interestingly, it wasn’t until A synonym of addlepated is Ultimate Ungulate.
Greeks, and meant river-horse. 1939 that the word squirrel added puddingheaded, which showed
This spelling replaced the earlier to its quiver a verb form, allowing up in English in 1851, referring
Middle English word ypotame, us now to squirrel things away. to an amiable, yet stupid person.
which also means river-horse and Pudding, the first bit of this
also comes from Greek, but made The word chipmunk came to compound word, came to English
its way through French before English in 1832 from the Ojibwa either through West Germanic
landing in England. word ajidamoo, which means languages meaning to swell
one who descends trees headlong. (related to pudgy), or through
The word deer is an Old English The lack of phonetic similarity Latin and French, referring to
word once spelled doer. It meant between chipmunk and ajidamoo sausage (related to purse).
animal or beast. Heorot, the word is probably due to the English
the Old English used to refer to speakers translating the “foreign” The 1850s also gave birth to
the modern critter we call a deer sounds of the people they were muddleheaded. The word muddle
morphed in time to the word busy displacing to sounds they came to English in the 1590s, CS Perryess writes for teens, narrates audio
hart. It seems that the word were accustomed to hearing. meaning literally to bathe in mud, books, and ponders the wonder of words in a
foggy little town on California’s central coast.
deer won out over time because and figuratively, to destroy clarity. Find more at http://csperryess.blogspot.com,
enough folks going hunting for Though some marmots may live It appears to have come from or reach him at csperryess@gmail.com.

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 14

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 15
Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 16
April 2018 Free Ongoing Events
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
FARMERS MARKET:
2
FARMERS MARKET:
3
FARMERS MARKET:
4
FARMERS MARKETS:
5
FARMERS MARKETS:
6 7
FARMERS MARKETS:
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 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 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 Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
Hans Christian LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
north pole
Anderson’s discovered (In 1898) SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
birthday 1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO

NATIONAL no housework
INTERnational WALK AROUND DAY
Children’s find a rainbow day THINGS Day
book day National read a world
roadmap DAY health day

8
FARMERS MARKET:
9
FARMERS MARKET:
10
FARMERS MARKET:
11
FARMERS MARKETS:
12
FARMERS MARKETS:
13
FARMERS MARKETS:
14
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 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 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 Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
national AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
sibling day
1st public thomas jefferson’s
library opened Birthday (Born in 1743)
(1833 in New Hampshire)

zoo lover’s encourage

DAY a young reach as high
writer day barbershop
quartet day as you can day

15
FARMERS MARKET:
16
FARMERS MARKET:
17
FARERS MARKET:
18
FARMERS MARKETS:
19
FARMERS MARKETS:
20
FARMERS MARKETS:
21
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 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 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 Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
Da vinci’s birthday 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
(Born in 1452) LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
slavery abolished national
Jackie (In DC by Lincoln in 1862) haiku day humorous day
Robinson Day kindergarten
day
Income tax Day (1st kindergarten in 1837)
national
stress
NEW MOON awareness
Day national
patriots day look alike day

22
FARMERS MARKET:
23
FARMERS MARKET:
24
FARMERS MARKET:
25
FARMERS MARKETS:
26
FARMERS MARKETS:
27
FARMERS MARKETS:
28
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 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 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 Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
national national
earth day pet parents arbor day
day national poetry
pretzel day reading day

shakespeare’s
birthday
(Born in 1564) national national
telephone day tell a story day

29
FARMERS MARKET:
30
FARMERS MARKET:
1
FARMERS MARKET:
2
FARMERS MARKETS:
3
FARMERS MARKETS:
4
FARMERS MARKETS:
5
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 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 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 Paso Downtown Park
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB, LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

April is:
Autism Awareness Month Birthstone: Diamond
School Library Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
National Child Abuse
Prevention Month
Flower: Sweet Pea
Nat. Math Education Month
FULL MOON national National Garden Month
honesty day National Frog Month
National Poetry Month

Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 17

Safety
Aspirin & KIDS
instead of vomiting. • Pills for menstrual cramps
• Sinus pain or congestion
Why it’s so severe medicine
Preventing Reye’s Syndrome In Reye’s, fat builds up in the liver • Multi-symptom cold or flu
(and other organs) and pressure medication
You probably know not to give unless approved by a doctor. builds in the brain. Because
your kids aspirin - and that the Although someone can get Reye’s Reye’s may be mistaken for other Aspirin can be found in many
reason has something to do with without taking aspirin, keeping illnesses, valuable treatment time other common over-the-counter
Reye’s (pronounced “rye’s”) aspirin away from children can can be lost. If Reye’s is caught and prescription medications as
syndrome. Most parents have no help avoid many cases. early, a child has a much better well. Some topical medications
clue what Reye’s is or what aspirin chance of getting well. If the (products rubbed on the skin) may
has to do with it. Symptoms of Reye’s disease progresses untreated, also contain aspirin or salicylates.
though, coma and death can Since they can be absorbed
The first sign of Reye’s is usually occur.
Reye’s is uncommon and isn’t vomiting, which starts about through the skin, there is a chance
contagious. It’s usually seen three to seven days after a child that they may also pose a threat
when a child is getting over a viral Aspirin in products of Reye’s syndrome, though more
has a virus like the chickenpox
illness. And though it can occur or flu. The vomiting usually gets Aspirin may be listed on product research is needed.
at any time, it’s seen mostly in worse during the next eight to 12 labels by several various names, Check all labels carefully and then
January, February and March - hours. The child may have little including “acetylsalicylate,” ask your doctor before using the
when people may be battling the energy and be very sleepy. These “acetylsalicylic acid,” “salicylic following products on a child or
flu, colds, and chickenpox. Reye’s are warning signs that your child acid” or “salicylate.” Always read teen:
usually strikes children between needs immediate medical help. labels carefully or check with your • Acne products
the ages of 4 and 16 - but rarely doctor or pharmacist before you
adults. Babies can get it, too. During the second stage, children buy medication for your children. • Arthritis pain rubs
may be aggressive, cranky and The following over-the-counter • Dandruff shampoos
The aspirin link confused, and may not know medications may contain aspirin • Wart removers
Many studies show a connection where they are. They may have or closely related compounds:
between use of aspirin and Reye’s. seizures or even go into a coma. • Sport-strength sun block
• Medicines for fever or pain
The U.S. Surgeon General says Call 9-1-1 if your child has any of • Facial scrubs
relief
parents should not give aspirin these symptoms. There is usually • Exfoliating creams
or products containing aspirin no fever. Infants may have • Medicines for nausea,
to children under the age of 19, different symptoms, like diarrhea vomiting or diarrhea • Astringents
• Muscle pain relief creams or
patches
• Facial scrubs and masks

Treatment
Immediate diagnosis and
treatment is key. In hopes of
preventing brain damage, the
care team may need to give a
child with Reye’s a medication to
reduce brain swelling. They will
also make sure the child’s fluids
and electrolytes stay balanced,
and work to prevent lung or heart
complications.

Depending on how severe the

swelling becomes, it could cause
brain damage or death. A
child with the condition who
is treated early has a much
better chance of getting well
than one who slips into a coma.
That’s why caregivers need to
act quickly if they notice the
earliest symptoms of Reye’s.

Adapted from the National Reye’s

Syndrome Foundation and the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke.

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Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 20

advice for persons filing divorces w/o
an attorney, and a document preparer
to assist in completing court-required
forms. Cost: free. Contact: 788-3418.
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Divorce &
Feeling hopeless, desperate, or alone?
Child Support Workshops at SLO Court
Concerned for someone you care about? Support Services, 1120 Mill St, Ste A, San
Luis Obispo and Paso Robles Courthouse,
901 Park St, Paso Robles. Help is provided
to start or respond to a divorce case, or
request or modify child support, custody
and/or visitation orders. An overview of
Suicide Prevention the legal process is followed by time to
Mental Health and prepare forms and ask questions. Cost:
Emotional Support free. Contact: 788-3418.
Free 1st & 3rd SAT every month at 2:00 pm:
Confidential FAMILY MOVIE at Los Osos Library, 2075
24 hours of every day Palisades Ave. Enjoy popcorn and a G/PG
A program of Transitions Mental Health Association
movie. Call for title. Cost: free. Contact:
528-1862.
2nd FRI every month at 3:00 pm: PAWS
2nd & 4th SAT every month 12:00-4:00 TO READ at Los Osos Library, 2075
pm: Railway Historical Museum at Santa Palisades Ave. Come share your stories
Maria Transit Center, 400 E Boone St, with adoring listener Carly. Cost: free.
Santa Maria. This bimonthly opening Contact: 528-1862.
features a locomotive, boxcar, caboose,
railroad artifacts, interpretive exhibits, Every WED 3:00-4:00 pm: PAWS TO READ
vintage rolling stock, and a diorama to at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave.
explore. Cost: free. Contact: 714-4927. Read to Berkeley, the dog who loves to
listen to children. Cost: free. Contact:
Every TUE & THU: Youth Aikido Classes 528-1862.
at Budo Ryu, 3536 S Higuera St, San
Luis Obispo. Kids have fun, stay fit, 3rd WED every month at 3:00 pm:
make friends, gain life skills, and learn KIDS CRAFT at Los Osos Library, 2075
to deal with bullies without becoming Palisades. School age children make ’n’
one. Aiki-Mites (age 4-6) class is 3:00 take crafts. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
pm TUE. Aiki-Kids (age 7-12) TUE & THU
Every SUN 12:00-4:00 pm: Family Funday
at 4:00 pm. Pre-registration only. Cost:
at Bang the Drum Brewery, 950 Orcutt
$50-75/mo. Contact: 544-8866 or www.
Rd, San Luis Obispo. Enjoy the patio with
aikidosanluisobispo.com.
your family. Bring the kids to play family-
Every WED 10:00-11:00 am: Growing With friendly games and drums! Cost: free.
Baby Class at 1230 Marsh St, San Luis Food and craft beer available for sale.
Obispo. Andrea Herron, a pediatric nurse Contact: bangthedrumbrewery.com or
practitioner and lactation consultant, 242-8372.
answers your questions about feeding,
Every FRI 6:00 am-4:00 pm: Early Bird
crying, and sleep for babies 0-10 months.
Flea Market at Santa Maria Fairpark, 937
Dads are always welcome! Call to reserve
S Thornburg St. Browse many vendors
a spot. Contact: 543-6988.
with antiques, fruits, vegetables, new
Every TUE 7:00-9:00 pm & SAT 2:00- and used items, and more! Cost: free.
4:00 pm: Basic Safety Class at SLO Contact: 258-1765.
MakerSpace, 81 S Higuera St, Ste 160
Every FRI 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Zen
& 180, San Luis Obispo. This course
Doodle Adult Coloring Book Group
gets you acquainted with the space
at Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main
and equipment. All are required to St.  Relax and unwind with the new adult
take this class before using any part coloring books. Cost: free. Contact:
of the facility. See website for specific artcentermorrobay.org or 772-2504.
dates and other classes. Cost: free for
Every MON 2:00-5:00 pm: Historic
MakerSpace Members and SLO County
Architectural Tour at the Monday Club,
Library Cardholders. Contact: 439-2727
1815 Monterey St, SLO. The Monday Club
or slomakerspace.com.
of SLO is offering free docent-led tours.
Every THU 10:00-11:00 am: La Leche This is an excellent opportunity to tour
League Mother Support Meetings in one of the architectural gems of the City
North Co, SLO, AG and SM. Breastfeeding of San Luis Obispo. Cost: free. Contact:
and parenting support and information themondayclubslo.wildapricot.org or
offered. Cost: free. Contact: 242-2294 or 541-0594.
Facebook.com/lllofslo.
Every THU at 10:15 am: Tiny Tunes
MON-THU 8:30-11:30 am: Walk-In Legal Music & Movement at Music Motive,
Clinic in 3rd Floor Atrium of Courthouse 3440 S Higuera St #130, SLO. This
Annex, 1035 Palm St, San Luis Obispo parent participation program for ages
and Paso Robles Courthouse, 901 Park 1-5 includes activities based on music
St, Rm 112. Get help with divorce, child psychology and child development.
and spousal support, domestic violence, Cost: $80 per mo. Contact: 543-0377.
guardianship, civil harassment, and
Every TUE & SAT (by appt only): Partners
name or gender change.
in Equestrian Therapy in Atascadero
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Legal Clinic offers riding lessons for special
for Self-Represented Litigants at the SLO needs children, adults, and veterans.
County Courthouse Law Library, 1050 Volunteers needed. Contact: petslo.com
Monterey St, SLO, #125. One-on-one legal or 235-2787.
Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
Local Resources
2nd FRI every month at 1:00 pm: Book
Group at Cayucos Library, 310 B St. Join
other readers to discuss whatever you’re
reading and to discover, ponder, and
share insights about what others are
reading. Cost: free. Contact: 995-3846.
Every THU 6:30-9:30 pm: SLO Chess Club
meets at Carl’s Jr on Santa Rosa St, 1
block W of Foothill, across from Cal-Poly.
All ages. Cost: free. Contact: 441-7210 or
slochess.com.
Every SAT 10:00 am-2:00 pm: SLO Chess
Club meets at the big board on Morro
Bay Embarcadero at west end of Morro
Bay Blvd (down the stairs). Cost: free.
Contact: 441-7210 or slochess.com.
Mankind Project men’s support group
meetings: all issues welcome. Find
purpose, mastery, healthy autonomy,
and your life’s mission and purpose. Gain
skills to change your life or to become
a better husband or dad. Call ahead to
confirm. 1st & 3rd TUE 6:00-9:00 pm in
San Luis Obispo. Contact: 459-7808.
1st & 3rd THU 6:30-9:30 pm in Cayucos.
Contact: 471-9342. 2nd & 4th THU 6:30-
9:00 pm in Atascadero. Contact: 235-
2774. Cost: free. Contact: mkp.org.
1st & 3rd THU every month 7:00-8:30 pm:
Drop-in Dream Group at St. Benedict’s
Episcopal Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Ln,
Los Osos. This support group is to share
dreams and the relationship between
dreams and spiritual path, using Jungian
interpretive assumptions and language
and Robert Johnson’s book Inner
Work. Cost: free. Contact: bobpelfrey@
charter.net.
3rd WED of every month at 6:30 pm:
Prepared & Natural Childbirth Classes
at Twin Cities Community Hospital, 1220
Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. This six-series
class addresses all matters of childbirth
with a lecture, hands-on demos, and
technique practice. Cost: free. Contact:
434-4654.
2nd THU of every month at 6:30 pm:
Breastfeeding Basics at Twin Cities
Community Hospital, 1100 Las Tablas
Rd, Templeton. Learn about practical
aspects of feeding your newborn from
a Lactation Consultant. Cost: free.
Contact: 239-4443.
SLO Special Education Local Plan Area
(SELPA) and Community Advisory
Committee (CAC) offer parent
orientation to special education
programs in SLO County. Contact: 782-
7301 or sloselpa.org/pro_dev.htm.
Twin Cities Community Hospital
Volunteers provide support to patients,
doctors, and nurses, and seek volunteers
to work in the gift shop and Obstetrics
Dept. AM and PM 4 hour shifts are
available. Contact: 434-4524.
Every THU-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & SAT
11:00 am-5:00 pm: Exploration Station
Interactive Science Center welcomes
families at 867 Ramona Ave, Grover
Beach. Cost: $2-3. Contact: 473-1421 or
explorationstation.org.
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 and
family dealing 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.
• Page 21
Local Resources
Alternative Education
Central Coast families are fortunate to have a wide variety of quality
choices for their children’s education. Following are some options for
those seeking secular alternative education in our region.
For more information about local private, independent, nature based,
and religious schools, visit: cde.ca.gov/re/sd
Parent Participation. San Luis Coastal
Adult School offers core classes
to enhance parenting skills, meet
other families, and allow children
to play with peers. Also enrichment
classes such as Spanish, Cooking,
and Gardening, and a Cooperative
Preschool at CL Smith. Contact: 549-
1222 or parentparticipation.org.
Charter Schools
CAVA – California Virtual Academies
and K¹² give kids the chance to
learn at their own pace. Online
schooling is aligned with California
state standards. Teacher support as
needed, meetings and work samples
required quarterly. Contact: (866)
339-6790, caliva.org, or k12.com.
Family Partnership. A tuition-free
K-12 independent study public school
serving Santa Barbara, San Luis
Obispo, and Ventura counties. Home
study charter schools in San Luis
Obispo (1981 Vicente Dr), Morro Bay,
Solvang, Santa Maria, and Cambria.
Meet with teachers weekly and turn
in work samples. Contact: 348-3333
or fpcharter.org.
Olive Grove. Independent study
home school with sites in San Luis
Obispo (165 Grand Ave), Santa
Maria, Lompoc, Los Olivos, and
Santa Barbara. Meet with teacher
weekly and turn in work samples.
Enrichment classes also offered.
Contact: 543-2701 or sbceoportal.
org/losolivos.
Orcutt Academy Independent Study.
Affiliated with Orcutt Academy
Charter School at 500 Dyer St, this
Central Coast Family
434.2217 or santaluciaschool.org. may qualify to enroll in community
college as well as secondary classes.
SLO Classical Academy. Private Contact: 937-2051 x 2761 or x 2762.
school. Part time or full time
classical education in SLO. Part time Templeton Independent Study
options are Tuesday/ Thursday or High School. WASC accredited.
on the
Monday/ Wednesday with a Friday Weekly meeting with teacher.
enrichment day. Contact: 548-8700 Opportunity for early graduation
or sloclassicalacademy.com. and concurrent Cuesta College
Central Coast
Wishing Well School in Los Osos enrollment. In Templeton and SLO
offers pre-school, mixed age at Los Ranchos Elementary School.
kindergarden, and 1st-3rd grades. Contact 434-5833 or tae.tusd.
The approach (educating the whole ca.schoolloop.com/tishs.
child: head, heart, and hands) is Trivium Charter Schools in Lompoc,
based on Rudolf Steiner’s Waldorf Santa Maria, and Arroyo Grande
model. Contact: 235-4401. offer a hybrid program of classical
Children’s House Montessori project-based classes 2 days per
School in Atascadero strives to help week and homeschool 3 days
each child reach his/her greatest per week. Contact: 489-7474 or
potential, by embracing learning triviumcharter.org.
and appreciating and respecting
the world. Contact: 466-5068 or West Mall Alternative School.
childrenshouse.cc. Independent Study Home School
in Atascadero. Contact: 462-4238
Montessori Children’s School in San or edline.net/pages/West_Mall_
Luis Obispo seeks to inspire a passion Alternative.
for excellence, to nurture curiosity,
creativity and imagination, and to Paso Robles Joint Unified School
free program offers home study and awaken the human spirit of every District Home School & Independent
blended classroom/home study for child. Ages 3-12. Contact: 544-6691 Study Program serves K-8th grade.
grades K-8. Contact: 938-8934 or or montessoriofslo.com. Students and parents work one-on-
orcuttacademycharter.net. one with teachers, receive lesson
Central Coast Montessori School in plans, textbooks, and teachers’
Morro Bay offers a rich, individualized editions for all subjects. Classes,
Summit Academy charter school
serves K-12 grades, and provides academic environment to promote enrichment activities, and field trips
independence and optimum scholastic are also offered. Contact: 769-1675.
personalized home-based learning
that fosters investigation, skill achievement. Contact: 772-9317 or
centralcoastmontessori.com.
development and creativity, and Homeschool Organizations
lifelong curiosity. Contact: (818) 450- Heritage Montessori Preschool
Homeschool Association of California
9810 or summitacademyca.org. in San Luis Obispo provides an
is an inclusive organization offering
enriching and loving environment in campouts, conferences, statewide
Nature Based Schools a beautiful country setting. Waldorf
support, a website with excerpts
and Montessori based for ages 2.5-5 from education code books, and
Outside Now. Summer, after-school,
years. Contact: 235-5589. links. Contact: hsc.org.
and private nature-based education
in San Luis Obispo County. Contact: Academics and More is a Homeschool
541-9900 or outsidenow.org. California Homeschool Network is
Helper class for 7th-8th grade at
a grassroots organization to protect
Ludwick Community Center in SLO.
Delphinus School of Natural History Offered in partnership with City of the right of parents to educate their
A unique, regional, outdoor science SLO, this class includes a convenient children. Website offers current state
program in San Luis Obispo, for cost-effective way for students to and federal laws. Contact: (800) 327-
elementary through middle school gain access to a tutor, community 5339 or californiahomeschool.net.
students. Programs are engaging, involvement, assistance with their
interactive, student driven, and school work, time management and Homeschoolers of the Central Coast.
designed to foster self-expression organization skills, and more. Contact: Yahoo! group meeting regularly for
and environmental stewardship. EarthAdventuresForKids.com. interaction and field trips: groups.
Contact: delphinusschool.org. yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_of_
Public Schools the_Central_Coast.
Independent Schools
Cambria Montessori Learning Center. Santa Maria Inclusive Learners.
Clarity Steiner School in Nipomo. Tuition-free public school in Morro Yahoo! group with free homeschool
Waldorf education for first and Bay for grades K-6th through the enrichment and support: groups.
second graders. Class meets four Family Partnership Charter School. yahoo.com/group/santa_maria_
days per week. Contact: 929-6878. Contact: 927-2337, 541-2412 or inclusive_learners.
familypartnershipschool.com.
Santa Lucia School on 5 acres in Templeton Unified School District
Templeton. Peace education for Santa Maria Joint Union Home School. K-8 Home Schooling program.
over 25 years. Integrated curriculum Accredited high school program at Contact: 434-5840 or tae.tusd.ca.
founded on life experiences, in- Santa Maria Public Library. Interactive schoolloop.com.
depth study, and active immersion in student-parent-teacher partnerships
the arts for grades 1-8. Attendance provide educational resources, a
Mon-Thu with homeschool Fridays. mentor teacher, and eligibilty for Please submit updates, corrections, or news
Carpooling encouraged. Contact: sports, clubs, and activities. Students about resources to: ccfamilyed@gmail.com.
• April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 22
Central Coast Family • April 2018 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 23