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APRIL 22, 2022

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APRIL 22, 2022

The Family Room offers educational support DAWNMARIE FEHR

owntown Brentwood is home to The Family Room, a new educational support

hub for the public. The Family Room at 654 Third St. was opened by Brentwood resident Hallie Polanco, who said her desire to serve her community inspired her efforts. “We are essentially a family learning and community center,” Polanco said. “We offer educational support services ranging from preschool and kinder-age classes to supplementary homeschool classes. We do events, community events, children’s events, and we have some family game nights coming up over the summer. Our heart here is twofold: to support students with educational growth as well as social opportunities, and to get people in the community back together.”

Should I drive or fly?

Polanco said her family began homeschooling in 2020 when faced with distance learning. She wanted to create more opportunities for homeschooling families to come together, as well as activities for young people, and families. She and her team offer everything from supplemental homeschool classes to a weekly co-op to movie nights where parents can drop their children off for some fun while grabbing dinner downtown. Brentwood resident and mom of seven Bryer Veach is a veteran homeschooler. She said her children have enjoyed attending classes at The Family Room, and her older ones are even building leadership skills through volunteering. “It is absolutely amazing,” Veach said.

People planning a trip may be considering whether to drive or fly and wondering which is the better value. Each mode of travel has its pluses and minuses and associated costs. When gauging whether to drive or fly, think of the outright and ancillary costs of each type of travel. For example, driving costs associated with vaca-

“We started in January when it first opened, and since we are a homeschool family, we signed up for some enrichment classes there and it has been the greatest experience for us, for all my kids.” For those who don’t need enrichment classes, The Family Room’s weekly events are a way to meet friends and build community. Dayna Williams said her three children love the Makers Boulevard events on Saturday mornings, and the movie nights. “I love The Family Room; I feel like they are very unique,” Williams said. “There isn’t anything I have found locally like that. Hallie and her family are so kind and inviting, and our kids have a blast every time they go. They would like to go more times than we take them, they have so much fun when they go and it’s not the same thing every time.”

tioning can include fuel, vehicle maintenance, hotel stays, food costs, and tolls. Costs related to flying are ticket prices, any additional checked bag fees, parking at the airport/transportation to and from the airport, terminal food costs, and rental car needs. It is often less expensive to drive, particularly if a person can share fuel costs with

Polanco is also working to support other small, local businesses by offering a shared rental space to a variety of providers, from speech and occupational therapists to photographers. She hopes to continue to find ways to work with and in the community as her business family grows, stressing her commitment to East County. “We really have a heart for this community,” she said of herself and her family. “My husband is a Brentwood police officer, so in a season when a lot of other people were looking around to move out of California, we decided to double down and look at our community and see what kind of positive changes we could bring. We want to love on our community and see it thrive and bring some life to the families and everyone after such a hard couple of years.” For more information, call 925-3928506 or visit www.thefamilyroombrentwood.com.

another traveler and if the trip can be made with as few stopovers as possible. However, flying can be a more frugal option for solo travelers who can capitalize on flexible schedules and discounted tickets. Also, flying becomes less expensive when baggage needs are minimal. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

APRIL 22, 2022

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Staycation Camp right around the corner MELISSA VAN RUITEN

ummer camps for kids are back, and Delta Valley Health Club (DVHC) is looking forward to hosting its Kids Staycation Camp.

Delta Valley Health Club in Brentwood offers its members a year-round childcare program. lessons will remain valuable and relevant well into adulthood. During the two-week session, campers can also take part in a more typical lineup of camp offerings: crafts, cornhole, keeping a journal, and practicing mindfulness. “Campers will have so much fun on their staycation with us, they won’t want to go home,” said Baddeley. This year’s camp offers a two-week session, with the option to sign up for a single week if that is what fits your family’s schedule. Sessions will run from June 13 until July 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. DVHC expects around 40 campers aged 4.5 years to 12 years each week. Campers will be split into two age groups — 4.5-7 and 8-12 — and enjoy concurrent camp activities with their peers. The cost is $200 for 1 week or $320 for 2 weeks for DVHC members. Non-members are also invited to join for $240 for 1 week and $380 for 2 weeks. The club offers its members a year-round childcare program. In addition to the pool, their facility also houses a multi-level, indoor play structure and mini basketball court,

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We offer ballet, tap, Jazz, contemporar y, hip-hop, and tumbling. Our classes range from beginners all the way to a pre-professional program. We have our recreational dancers as well as a prominent competition program. All of our trials are free and you can tr y as many classes as you’d like before enrolling.

D MEDAL OLWARD

ON THE COVER: Everyone can benefit from the array of services and fun activities that Delta Valley Health Club in Brentwood offers. The club will soon host a Kids Staycation Camp.

Photo by Melissa van Ruiten

This year’s theme is “staycation.” The first week’s focus will be on the Olympics, and then during the second week, kids will have the chance to explore creating music videos and reels, including a presentation for parents at the end. Both weeks will emphasize social emotional learning through sports with activities such as basketball, rock climbing, yoga and kickboxing. Camp attendees also can use DVHC’s pool for free-swim time. “DVHC Kids Staycation Camp is all about allowing your children to live their best post-COVID lives,” said Kids Camp Coordinator Rebecca Baddeley. “[We] understand that today’s children have needs that the prior generations didn’t have. DVHC has formatted a one-of-a-kind Kids Camp that’s more than just a sports camp.” In addition to sports, kids can learn real-life skills, such as how to grow their own food. But it doesn’t stop there. They will then learn how to prepare a meal using garden-fresh fruits and vegetables. Camping skills, such as how to pitch a tent, make their own camp “fire,” and purify water, will also be taught. With so much natural beauty in California, these

which encourages children to move, helping them to build strong bones and muscles while burning off their endless amounts of energy in a positive environment. “Our childcare program here at Delta Valley is a fun place that kiddos never seem to want to leave,” said Lizeth Hernandez, the DVHC Childcare and Aquatics director. “Throughout the years, we have seen a positive development in their social skills and emotional maturity by talking and interacting with other children of different ages, as well as communicating with our childcare staff.” And because the staff at DVHC knows that parenting can get hectic, they offer members a Monday through Saturday “Stay and Play” option, so mom or dad can use the facility as a “backup babysitter” while running errands, knowing their kids are enjoying themselves in an environment with which they’re already familiar and comfortable. Additionally, a monthly parents’ night out is offered from 5-9 p.m., for both members and nonmembers (pricing varies). Movies, crafts, games and pizza keep the kids entertained, while parents get some date-night time. “I absolutely trust the staff with my children. My boys love the play area, which gives me much needed ‘me’ time at the gym,” said member and parent Lillian Razavi. “I love Delta Valley Health Club because the staff is so friendly, it feels like family. My boys don’t get tired of going. They have so much fun there it’s hard to get them to leave.” DVHC staff have made the health and safety of the children their number one priority, including a daily checklist that staff complete to make sure everything is cleaned before leaving. They do ask, however, that parents keep their kids home if they have a runny nose, cough or fever. For more information about signing your child up for Delta Valley Health Club’s Staycation Camp, or any of the other childcare programs available, visit https://deltavac.com/childcare/.

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APRIL 22, 2022

Have fun as a family without breaking the bank

he cost of raising a family can sometimes seem daunting. A 2015 report from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture found that a typical middle-income American family spent just under $13,000 annually per child. Those costs included housing, food, childcare, health care, and the various other expenses associated with raising children. Multiply that number by 18 years and parents can expect to spend $234,000 per child by the time the youngster graduates high school. That’s before parents write a single college tuition check. The cost of raising children is no less significant in Canada, where Loans Canada, a nationwide financial services firm, estimates that raising a child from birth to 18 will cost parents just under $254,000. Since the costs of raising children are so substantial, parents are often on the lookout for budget-friendly ways to have fun as a family. Parents whose budgets are stretched thin can still find affordable ways to have fun as a family. The following are a handful of ways that families can have fun without breaking the bank. ♦ Picnics: Dining al fresco is an enjoyable

way to break bread, but if backyard barbecues have grown stale, parents can always plan picnics in local parks. Park admission is probably free, and parents can save even more money by packing picnic-style foods, like salads and sandwiches, rather than using grills provided by the park (parks may or may not charge fees to use grills). ♦ Family days: Local attractions like zoos and museums may designate a certain day of the week as Family Day. Admissions might be discounted on these days, and some attractions may even allow kids to enter for free. Take advantage of these promotions whenever possible. In addition, inquire about family memberships at local attractions. Such memberships may offer year-round entry for the whole family for an annual fee. Depending on how often you visit the attraction, paying an annual fee can save you a lot of money compared to paying regular admission prices on each visit. ♦ Festivals: Community festivals are another great way for families to get out of the house without taxing their budgets. Community festivals typically do not charge for admission. Parents should not downplay the benefits of free entertainment, as a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average American spent just over $2,900 on entertainment in 2016. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

APRIL 22, 2022

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A New Era of Soccer in East Contra Costa County

ast County Revolution Football Club (Revolution FC) is embarking on its inaugural season. Merging the 40-year history of

Impact Soccer Club with the 11-year history of AJAX East Bay Soccer club, provides new opportunities for players in the community. The two clubs were once rivals on the field, but are now forming new teams together. Sports teaches important life lessons and is a great experience for our kids.

Revolution FC has approximately 35 competitive teams, a recreational program totaling about 1,000 players, and other programs to accommodate every skill and commitment level from age 3 to adult. Revolution FC provides soccer programs for players in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Oakley, and nearby unincorporated surrounding areas. Revolution FC programs are led by two established and experienced coaches, Director of Coaching Tom Ginocchio and Technical Director Mike Rainsford. Tom oversees a competitive coaching staff compromised of individuals who dedicate weeknights and weekends to train and coach our players. Each competitive coach holds one or multiple coaching licenses. “I am excited about what East County Revolution FC will be bringing to our community and families. We will have bumps along the way, and many great

It is too easy for us adults to forget that soccer is not only a game but a platform for our youth to prosper and grow. Revolution FC provides players the opportunity to train locally and compete at a high level. – Vincent Baldwin, President

moments of achievement. As problems arise, we will tackle and address them. We will recognize our accomplishments and work hard on behalf of our membership.” Tom Ginocchio, Director of Coaching The club is governed by the Board of Directors comprised of dedicated parent volunteers. They are supported by an Administrative Staff and Operations/Consulting Board Members to assist with all levels of operation from referees and fields to marketing and registration. Revolution FC is a club where players of all abilities have a place to play, a club that stresses development of the soccer player, and a club that, along with good soccer, emphasizes personal character and strives to help make a player the best person they can be through the principles of integrity, honesty, dedication, and commitment.

“It is too easy for us adults to forget that soccer is not only a game but a platform for our youth to prosper and grow. Revolution FC provides players the opportunity to train locally and compete at a high level. Now, we don’t take for granted that players and parents must choose a Club at Tryouts. Revolution FC isn’t a continuation of the two old clubs but a bold step forward. Our actions over time will demonstrate the Revolution FC Way.” Vincent Baldwin, President. Join us! Be part of the Revolution! There is something for all ages and level of commitment. Summer Camp starting June 20th, Competitive tryouts starting on May 15th for birth years 2016 to 2009 and May 23rd for birth years 2008 to 2004. Or Revolution FC’s Fall Recreational Program starting in July and a whole lot more!

Check out our website for more information and to sign up for our programs. Please visit - www. RevolutionFC.org today!

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APRIL 22, 2022

Planning can ensure everyone stays safe on a road trip.

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No matter where the road may take you, safety should always be a priority. The home and travel safety resource Safewise. com reports that car accidents are the No. 1 cause of death in America among people ages of 1 and 54. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board estimates that there are 160,000 car accidents each year in Canada. When planning your next road trip, these tips can ensure everyone stays safe: ♦ Plan where to get gas Even the most fuel-efficient vehicle will need to be filled up during long road trips. To ensure you’re not running on ‘E’ with no fuel station on the horizon, plan in advance where you will take breaks to get gas. Try not to run under one-quarter tank of gas, and coordinate gas stops with opportunities to recharge and visit restrooms. ♦ Stock the car Breakdowns happen, even with wellmaintained vehicles. Stock an emergency roadside kit and keep it in the car at all times. Kits should include: – Mobile phone and charger – Flashlight

– First aid kit – Jumper cables – Jack and tire-changing tools – flares – Water and nonperishable foods – Paper maps – Emergency blankets, towels and changes of clothes Keep the number of a roadside service, and phone numbers for emergency contacts in the glove compartment. ♦ Take frequent breaks Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after being awake for 18 hours, the human body functions like someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. After being awake for 24 hours, it’s equal to 0.10 percent, or the equivalent of a 160-pound man drinking five beers in an hour. Don’t wait to feel tired to pull over. Make frequent stops or switch drivers to give everyone breaks. ♦ Keep weather in mind Let the season and the forecast dictate your route. Ensure windshield wipers are working and blades are effective. Consult weather forecasts to determine if thunderstorms will be in the area or if it will be especially windy. Never drive through flooded roadways. ♦ Don’t forget face masks and sanitizer Traveling during the era of COVID-19 requires taking extra precautions. Wear masks and sanitize your hands during bathroom breaks and rest stop visits. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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APRIL 22, 2022

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A trip into a World of Wonders DAWNMARIE FEHR

he World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi is an interactive, hands-on science museum for all ages. Since

2012, they have used their WOW on Wheels bus to bring their unique style of learning to schools all over Northern California, including Brentwood. “The reason we do the WOW on Wheels is when we were doing the field trips, we received a grant to have the kids here, but the principals couldn’t afford to bus the kids here, it was too expensive,” said Sally Snyde, president of the board and one of the founding members. “So we started WOW on Wheels so we could go in the classroom and teach the same things there we can here and that’s extremely popular. We have been far, the WOW on Wheels just has gone everywhere and the educators go in and teach science and the kids love to see the van come.” In 2019, the museum’s WOW on Wheels program reached 19,000 kids, while another 16,000 students came into the building for field trips. The museum is still a popular option for teachers – and families – who can make the trip to Lodi. “We are an excellent resource for the community and by the community,” said Jessica Marshall, one of the museum’s educators. “We aren’t here just to be a museum, we are here to be in schools. We work with

teachers to be at community events. We want to fill in whatever resource gaps we can fill in, not just sit in a building.” Snyde was part of the original thought process through the Rotary Club of Lodi that opened the museum in 2009. Modeled after the Exploratorium in San Francisco, the museum’s 9,000 square feet has 70 hands-on exhibits designed to get kids learning and thinking about the world around them. Snyde said even the gift shop is stocked with items often not available in big-box stores. “What we always hope to do is we want to inspire and engage children when it comes to science,” said Snyde. “Because science is all around us, everything we do is science. So when the kids come here, we want to inspire them … a lot of kids aren’t getting hands-on kind of stuff, because they took shop out of the schools, they took home ec out of the schools. So we have that hands-on component here. Kids need to be able to do things with their hands, not just on a computer.” Though the museum has been shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has reopened Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing from 1 to 2 p.m. for deep cleaning. Snyde said more people are visiting. The museum is starting to plan and participate in community events again and hope to see their visitor numbers reach their pre-pandemic heights by next year. As of now, there are no plans to return to Brentwood. The museum is at 2 North Sacramento St. in Lodi. For more information, call 209-368-0969 or visit www. wowsciencemuseum.org.

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Photo courtesy of World of Wonders

The World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi, which also offers to bring its program to students, including those in Brentwood, is an educational hands-on science experience.

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APRIL 22, 2022

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE TODAY Turn their love of technology into skill building for future success!

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the lack of available services for baby and toddlers’ birthday parties as a 1-year-old might have a hard time leaping about in a jump house. “I’m just really excited to be able to do this,” Fisher said. “I want to offer it to anyone who is open to it. I’d love to do playdates eventually, like one day a week, I’m trying to work on that.” Fisher said a quality customer experience is the most important aspect of her business, which had its first booking in March. “I want everyone to have fun and I want them to have a good experience. That’s a goal for me, is that after their rental, they feel like it was worth what they paid for and they had a good time.” Anyone can request a quote on Yelp at https://www.yelp.com/biz/ panda-soft-playground-brentwood.

Brentwood has provided what its owner calls a safe,

clean play space for children ages 6 months to 3 years old since it opened in February. The company was founded by Amanda Fisher, a mother and former pre-kindergarten teacher who wanted to be able to be present with her family and her children. The service provides a four-hour package that includes an 8-foot by 8-foot enclosed play area with 29 pieces. “I am a mom of 3 kids, so flexibility is really important,” Fisher said of her reasons for starting Panda Soft Playground. She lamented what she called

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APRIL 22, 2022

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How to make camping more comfortable

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roughing it in the wild and intentionally eschew comfort in an effort to create what they feel is a more authentic camping experience. But those who want the best of both worlds can try various strategies to combine camping and comfort. ♦ Focus on a good night’s rest. A good night’s rest can be elusive for novice and experienced campers alike. Thankfully, campers can explore various options to make their nights out in the wild more conducive to sleep. The outdoor recreation experts at REI note that there are three types of sleeping pads: self-inflating, air and closed-cell foam. REI recommends air pads or closed-cell pads for backpackers, as these are lightweight options that won’t make backpacking more difficult.

Self-inflating pads work better for car camping, as these are heavier but also thicker and wider than the alternatives, providing more comfort and support. Bring along a pillow from home or an inflatable camp pillow for added comfort. ♦ Invest in a good cooler. It’s easy to take food and beverages for granted when planning a camping trip. However, when camping for a weekend or longer, a good cooler can ensure food and beverages stay cold without forcing campers to make routine ice runs. Lightweight coolers with thick walls and sufficient insulation won’t prove a chore to lug to and from the campsite and they will be highly effective at keeping meat, fish and beverages cold during your trip. ♦ Increase your body heat before going to bed. Nighttime temperatures can dip even when camping in summertime. Few people find it easy to fall asleep when they’re cold,

but a few simple tricks can ensure you’re warm and comfortable when it’s time to call it a night. REI recommends wearing long underwear overnight and putting on a fresh pair of clean, dry socks before going to bed. In addition, eating a light meal or snack before bed will start the digestion process, which can warm your internal body temperature and make it easier to sleep comfortably. ♦ Spice things up. Food cooked over an open flame is undeniably delicious, but it’s easy for campers to forget that such meals are made even better with spices. But foods made around the campfire need not be bland. Spice bottles are portable and don’t take up much space. Salt and pepper are must-haves, but it’s easy for campers to tote along additional favorite spices to make mealtime that much more palatable. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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APRIL 22, 2022

How children can create positive summer camp memories

s the hours of sunlight increase, thoughts may turn to summer vacation.

For many children, summer vacation wouldn’t be the same without camp. Adults may have their own fond

Children can benefit from attending summer camps, but it helps to prepare for the excursions.

memories of going to summer camp when they were children because of the opportunities it presented to be independent and meet new people. Campers often bond over shared experiences, whether they are planned activities or unexpected disasters like a rainstorm washing out a canoe trip. That is why so many parents choose to carry on the summer camp tradition when they have their own children. However, some kids may not be ready to jump right into the summer camp lifestyle. Such youngsters may need extra reassurance and support to make the most of their time at camp. The following are some tips for making summer camp an enjoyable experience. ♦ Plan ahead Families can visit the camp in advance and get a lay of the land. Knowing what to expect in terms of facilities and activities can assuage some anxiety. It also will help

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campers decide what to pack and what to expect over the summer. ♦ Try many new activities Summer camp is about expanding boundaries and interests. Campers should sign up for many activities, including those that normally may be out of their wheelhouse. A camper may be pleased to learn that a new craft activity or a sports game piques his or her interest.

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♦ Connect with fellow campers in advance If the camp has a social media presence, follow the camp’s posts and connect with other like-minded campers even before they arrive. Talking with others who have similar interests can help campers feel more comfortable about meeting up once they arrive at camp. ♦ Develop a rapport with camp counselors The saying ‘you get only one chance to make a first impression’ extends to campers meeting camp counselors. When campers interact with counselors for the first time, they should be outgoing, polite and open to new ideas. Counselors will appreciate easy-going campers and could be good resources of useful information, such as how to score an extra dessert at meal time.

♦ Follow the safety rules While campers may spread their wings a bit at summer camp when not under the watchful eyes of parents, any mischief should not come at the expense of safety. Campers should stick to the safety protocol so that camp is not memorable for the wrong reasons. ♦ Change another camper’s experience A camper who recognizes a fellow camper is reserved and shy can invite that person to come sit with other friends at meals or to participate in an activity. This can help build a lasting friendship and make camp that much more enjoyable for someone in need. Summer camp season is on the horizon and campers can take several steps to foster memorable and fun experiences along the way. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

APRIL 22, 2022

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can contain bacteria and even cryptosporidium, a parasite that infects humans. Even though animal waste is organic, leaving it alone instead of picking it up can lead to environmental issues, including harming local water supplies. It also smells bad and attracts flies and vermin. Park visitors should pick up after their companion animals. 3. Reduce waste. It can take roughly 450 years for a plastic water bottle to biodegrade. Even if they finally break down, bottles made from polyethylene terephalate (PET) can leave toxins in the soil and threaten fresh water. Use a reusable bottle instead of a single-use alternative when visiting the park. If plastic bottles must be used, be sure to place them in recycling containers around the park. 4. Volunteer. Individuals can volunteer to pick up trash at their local parks. Various conservation groups and organizations organize trash pick-up events each year. Increased usage of parks means the potential for more trash and damage. Everyone can do his or her part to keep parks clean and enjoyable. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

Even though parks offered safe places to have fun outdoors when other options were limited, the pandemic affected the way the parks were managed due to budget cuts and reduced staff. This, coupled with a surge in visitors that continues today, only underscores the importance of all outdoor enthusiasts doing what they can to keep parks clean. The following are four effective strategies for individuals to keep parks clean. 1. Leave No Trace. According to National Geographic, Leave No Trace is a set of environmental ethics for interacting with the great outdoors. It follows guidelines for using parks in thoughtful, sustainable ways. In addition to carry in/carry out policies for belongings and trash, Leave No Trace involves making an effort not to disturb plants and animals, hiking in appropriate areas, and using care when camping. More information about the Leave No Trace movement is at https://lnt.org. 2. Manage pet waste The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, in the United States, pet dogs produce more than eight billion pounds of feces each year, which equates to three-quarters of a pound per dog every day. Dog waste

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