I knew this week would be hard on me regardless of the election results, but I found it affected me more than I expected. I know I want to DO to help my community.
Looking for a way to give back to your community this Thanksgiving? Here are a few websites that can link you to non-profits that would love your help. Keep in mind, the earlier you contact each organization the smoother everything will go. If you run out of time to organize volunteer hours, consider making something you can donate. If you have an animal love consider the Zoo or an animal shelter- keep your (or your child's) interests in mind, but don't be afraid to push your comfort zone and come away with all the feels. Love is Service.
JustServe.org
VolunteerMatch.org
HandsOn Central California
~Sarah
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Clovis Fest- Hot Air Balloons
Admission and parking are free.
Clovis Fest takes place October 29 from 7am-5pm, October 30 from 8am-5pm
Be early (6am) for parking to ensure you get a spot before the balloons take off
The balloons are at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds and take off is between 6:45am-7:15am
I always see amazing photos from this event. It is a cultural, carnival style event. read more in The Fresno Bee.
RE/MAX will be offering free, first come, first serve, tethered balloon rides weather permitting.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Boo Fest at Sierra Vista Mall
Join the folks at the Sierra Vista Mall for the 2nd annual Boofest event!
Bring the family and enjoy this (free) community event from 4pm-9pm in front the of movie theater.
Spooky Pooch Parade @ 4pm at Center Court
Costume Contest @ 6:30 pm at the Community Park
Movie in the Park after dark
Costume contests, carnival games, reptiles, face painting, bounce houses, emergency vehicles, Halloween photos, pumpkin decorating, and CANDY!!!!
After all the festivities make sure to stay for the Movie in the Park presented by Powell's Sweet Shoppe!
Sponsored by the Clovis Police Department, Powell's Sweet Shoppe, Pumpkin King, Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, and Ryan Barnes Photography
1050 Shaw Ave, Clovis, California 93612
Questions? Call 559-299-0660 or email nkhan@woodmont.com
Monday, June 6, 2016
Sickies in the Classroom
Have you received your truancy letter?
I have, not for all the kids yet, but I'm bound to. California has a law that declares your child a truant if they miss three days unexcused and six days excused of school.
This is a piece of the pretty letter you get for the First Notification of Truancy
EC Section 48260.5: Upon a pupil's initial classification as a truant, the school district shall notify the pupil's parent or guardian, by using the most cost-effective method possible, which may include electronic mail or a telephone call:
(a) That the pupil is a truant.
(b) That the parent or guardian is obligated to compel the attendance of the pupil at school.
(c) That parents or guardians who fail to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 48290) of Chapter 2 of Part 27.
(d) That alternative educational programs are available in the district.
(e) That the parent or guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the pupil's truancy.
(f) That the pupil may be subject to prosecution under Section 48264.
(g) That the pupil may be subject to suspension, restriction, or delay of the pupil's driving privilege pursuant to Section 13202.7 of the Vehicle Code.
(h) That it is recommended the parent or guardian accompany the pupil to school and attend classes with the pupil for one day.
You realize this threatening letter gets sent to Kindergarteners. Those rebels. When? When they miss three days- unexcused or six days excused (out sick/doctors appointments).
Granted I have a neighbor whose child was absent or late so often she was held back a year, poor girl, it wasn't her fault at all. This is a case where the school should attempt to intervene.
But truancy is not why I'm posting today.
I met a mother today who worked at the school that was convincing her child to eat up her school breakfast so she could get to class. The poor pale kid was sucking down her milk dutifully and shuffled to class 15 minutes late. The working mother mentioned that she threw up last night.
Last night.
There is a school policy that if you child has vomited or had a fever in the last 24 hours you do not allow them to go to school. I can only imagined either this mother is worried about attendance and possibly truancy, or she uses school as a babysitter or both. Maybe she doesn't know the policy. I forgive her because I understand, but I will be a sad panda when my family is praying to the porcelain gods.
Good heavens, that poor kid's face is stuck in my mind. I'll find out soon, when I pick up my son if she did toss cookies in the classroom. So now 20+ kids are most likely going to have the stomach flu in the next week.
Hoof and mouth hasn't made it to our home yet, but I know it's at my son's elementary school.
Come on village. Take care of your kids. Bare minimum keep the fever, diarrhea, and vomit home. These school kids have siblings, some of which are tiny babies.
Please consider how your actions affect others. Screw the truancy letter.
Don't let the man scare you into sending your sickies to school when they should be home so they can get better.
I have, not for all the kids yet, but I'm bound to. California has a law that declares your child a truant if they miss three days unexcused and six days excused of school.
This is a piece of the pretty letter you get for the First Notification of Truancy
EC Section 48260.5: Upon a pupil's initial classification as a truant, the school district shall notify the pupil's parent or guardian, by using the most cost-effective method possible, which may include electronic mail or a telephone call:
(a) That the pupil is a truant.
(b) That the parent or guardian is obligated to compel the attendance of the pupil at school.
(c) That parents or guardians who fail to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 48290) of Chapter 2 of Part 27.
(d) That alternative educational programs are available in the district.
(e) That the parent or guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the pupil's truancy.
(f) That the pupil may be subject to prosecution under Section 48264.
(g) That the pupil may be subject to suspension, restriction, or delay of the pupil's driving privilege pursuant to Section 13202.7 of the Vehicle Code.
(h) That it is recommended the parent or guardian accompany the pupil to school and attend classes with the pupil for one day.
You realize this threatening letter gets sent to Kindergarteners. Those rebels. When? When they miss three days- unexcused or six days excused (out sick/doctors appointments).
Granted I have a neighbor whose child was absent or late so often she was held back a year, poor girl, it wasn't her fault at all. This is a case where the school should attempt to intervene.
But truancy is not why I'm posting today.
I met a mother today who worked at the school that was convincing her child to eat up her school breakfast so she could get to class. The poor pale kid was sucking down her milk dutifully and shuffled to class 15 minutes late. The working mother mentioned that she threw up last night.
Last night.
There is a school policy that if you child has vomited or had a fever in the last 24 hours you do not allow them to go to school. I can only imagined either this mother is worried about attendance and possibly truancy, or she uses school as a babysitter or both. Maybe she doesn't know the policy. I forgive her because I understand, but I will be a sad panda when my family is praying to the porcelain gods.
Good heavens, that poor kid's face is stuck in my mind. I'll find out soon, when I pick up my son if she did toss cookies in the classroom. So now 20+ kids are most likely going to have the stomach flu in the next week.
Hoof and mouth hasn't made it to our home yet, but I know it's at my son's elementary school.
Come on village. Take care of your kids. Bare minimum keep the fever, diarrhea, and vomit home. These school kids have siblings, some of which are tiny babies.
Please consider how your actions affect others. Screw the truancy letter.
Don't let the man scare you into sending your sickies to school when they should be home so they can get better.
 |
| T4 is home with a fever today. |
Saturday, May 28, 2016
It's Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial day weekend in the tourist business is the first day of summer. Water attractions open among other things. Please make sure to pay some respects to your fallen service men and women and here's a few things happening around the San Joaquin Valley you can enjoy with your family.
Memorial Services
Wild Water Adventure Park
Island Waterpark
The City of Fresno splash parks are open!
The parks will be open daily through mid-October from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday when the parks will operate from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Amenities include interactive water features, misters, and cascades providing refreshing water play for children at no cost. Splash park locations include:
Dickey Playground
50 N. Calaveras Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Figarden Loop Park
4265 W Figarden Drive
Fresno, CA 93722
Todd Beamer Park
9797 N. Maple Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
Don't forget most farmer's markets like Downtown Clovis are now open, and the u-pick farms like Two Sister's U-Pick Apricots.
Memorial Services
Wild Water Adventure Park
Island Waterpark
The City of Fresno splash parks are open!
The parks will be open daily through mid-October from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday when the parks will operate from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Amenities include interactive water features, misters, and cascades providing refreshing water play for children at no cost. Splash park locations include:
Dickey Playground
50 N. Calaveras Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Figarden Loop Park
4265 W Figarden Drive
Fresno, CA 93722
Todd Beamer Park
9797 N. Maple Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
Don't forget most farmer's markets like Downtown Clovis are now open, and the u-pick farms like Two Sister's U-Pick Apricots.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Visit National Parks Free April 16-24, 2016
 |
| Sammy and Sarah 2005 Sequioa and Kings Canyon National Park |
Check out which parks are participating HERE and join in on a service project on Earth Day HERE.
Friday, January 29, 2016
5 Things I've Learned Adulting
People will ask me, How do you do it?
My answer is, You rise to the occasion.
It's true. When I was in high school I pretty much never imagined what my life would be like past this point- I couldn't even conceive it. I planned on getting an education with the hopes of hanging my diploma on the wall in order to be a mother. I wanted to be in a position to become a teacher if the day came when I must work, but the plan was to get married, have children, and eventually, one day, become the greatest grandma ever and change the world for the better. I've learned a few things adulting and this is my short list:
1. When an opportunity presents itself, take it. The best advice I ever received was while I was a lifeguard working at Wild Water Adventures. While working ember watch during an Independence Day firework show, I listened to the words of a 25 year old EMT who explained, When an opportunity presents itself, take it. Sounds simple enough, but to me, at 17, those words were profound.
2. I believe in the capacity of people to do good.
About six months after my talk on the top of the Sidewinder, I began the journey to become a foreign exchange student. Not only did I learn German, and make life long friends, but the main thing I took away from my year in Europe was the world is a big, diverse, beautiful place, and people should not be swift to judge or criticize. I grew up believing many things were black and white (which is typical of most children) and I came to learn that although people make some bad choices it doesn't necessarily mean they are bad people. I believe in the capacity of people to do good.
3. Be resourceful and share what you learn to improve others lives. Life skills are taught. Whether by observation or direct instruction, we are complex social creatures expected to learn a myriad of skills ranging from proper etiquette to cooking rice. Before Youtube, these skills were expected to be learned in the home and young people everywhere are practically starving due to their lack of skills and you have this (in the best case scenario) unintentionally entitled generation who expect their parents to register them for college and chauffeur them back and forth. Use your brain. Find someone to teach you. Keep learning. READ. Be resourceful and creative. To be fair- I'm close to the can't cook side of things- but I can teach you how to use Wordpress, ride a horse, and change the oil in your car.
4. Don't be afraid of money. I grew up thoroughly middle class and for the longest time I felt like DOOM was around the corner. If I couldn't pay my bills it was the END of the world. Now I know, it's not the end of the world. There are far worse things. I have a healthy family and loyal and loving husband and friends who care about me. If I can't pay Verizon, I can suspend that account. PGE can give me their notices. I'll live. The only suckers I pay on time are the credit card companies and my student loans- because if I don't it will really be hell to pay, but only financially, again, real hell, much worse. If your bills are getting out of control, call the companies they will work with you and consider what is truly a want and what are needs. Be wise, but don't let fear and anxiety rule you. Money comes and goes. You might be one top of the world one day and the bottom the next, your relationships are what matters most.
5. Have courage and be kind. Borrowing from Cinderella here, but it is true. Be independent. Be considerate. Be straightforward and honest. Not only is this important in every day life, but professionally. Be one of the shepherds and protect those with whom you work; don't be one of the wolves. We are human beings capable of tremendous compassion and terrible cruelty and some teenage girls are capable of both within the same day. Have integrity. Chose to be better each day and do service. Service will help you to love others and yourself.
My answer is, You rise to the occasion.
1. When an opportunity presents itself, take it. The best advice I ever received was while I was a lifeguard working at Wild Water Adventures. While working ember watch during an Independence Day firework show, I listened to the words of a 25 year old EMT who explained, When an opportunity presents itself, take it. Sounds simple enough, but to me, at 17, those words were profound.
2. I believe in the capacity of people to do good.
About six months after my talk on the top of the Sidewinder, I began the journey to become a foreign exchange student. Not only did I learn German, and make life long friends, but the main thing I took away from my year in Europe was the world is a big, diverse, beautiful place, and people should not be swift to judge or criticize. I grew up believing many things were black and white (which is typical of most children) and I came to learn that although people make some bad choices it doesn't necessarily mean they are bad people. I believe in the capacity of people to do good.
3. Be resourceful and share what you learn to improve others lives. Life skills are taught. Whether by observation or direct instruction, we are complex social creatures expected to learn a myriad of skills ranging from proper etiquette to cooking rice. Before Youtube, these skills were expected to be learned in the home and young people everywhere are practically starving due to their lack of skills and you have this (in the best case scenario) unintentionally entitled generation who expect their parents to register them for college and chauffeur them back and forth. Use your brain. Find someone to teach you. Keep learning. READ. Be resourceful and creative. To be fair- I'm close to the can't cook side of things- but I can teach you how to use Wordpress, ride a horse, and change the oil in your car.
4. Don't be afraid of money. I grew up thoroughly middle class and for the longest time I felt like DOOM was around the corner. If I couldn't pay my bills it was the END of the world. Now I know, it's not the end of the world. There are far worse things. I have a healthy family and loyal and loving husband and friends who care about me. If I can't pay Verizon, I can suspend that account. PGE can give me their notices. I'll live. The only suckers I pay on time are the credit card companies and my student loans- because if I don't it will really be hell to pay, but only financially, again, real hell, much worse. If your bills are getting out of control, call the companies they will work with you and consider what is truly a want and what are needs. Be wise, but don't let fear and anxiety rule you. Money comes and goes. You might be one top of the world one day and the bottom the next, your relationships are what matters most.
5. Have courage and be kind. Borrowing from Cinderella here, but it is true. Be independent. Be considerate. Be straightforward and honest. Not only is this important in every day life, but professionally. Be one of the shepherds and protect those with whom you work; don't be one of the wolves. We are human beings capable of tremendous compassion and terrible cruelty and some teenage girls are capable of both within the same day. Have integrity. Chose to be better each day and do service. Service will help you to love others and yourself.
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