Math Education at Sonoma County Schools

Math Education Gets Extreme 

Makeover in Regional Schools

By Jean Wasp

Does math education need an extreme makeover?

Just ask Education Professor Kathy Morris from Sonoma State University. 

Morris is looking at a "fabulous opportunity" to provide better and far more coherent mathematics education, thanks to a recent $250,000 grant from the California Postsecondary Education Commission (now part of the California Department of Education).

She is guiding a team of K-12 teacher leaders from five northern California counties as they learn to support teachers in their region with the implementation of the new Common Core Standards. The next weekend teacher leader training is Jan. 13-14.

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ANIMAL CARE: The Family Pet

We conclude our review of miserable little parasites with everyone’s favorite, the heartworm!

Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne nematode that lives inside the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs and other animals, including people. These little nastys are quite large (think angel hair spaghetti) and become so numerous that they impede circulation, ultimately causing death similar to heart failure. It is often unappreciated that a dog infected with heartworms may have BAZILLIONS of microscopic larvae in their bloodstream, just waiting for a mosquito to bite and transport them to the next victim.

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SENIOR MOMENTUM - You Remember What?

Senior Momentum:  A Series Of Situations

You Remember WHAT?

In that fuzzy abyss of things partially (and erratically) remembered, dwell some amazing tales.  There is something about holidays with their family gatherings that can get you on a roll, with one remembrance triggering another and another.

When my gang gets together, part of my enjoyment is just watching and listening. I am intrigued by who recalls what, what seems funny to one but not the other, which stories seem to coalesce, and which inspire instant challenge and debate!   And, in my own mind I am looking at how I recall whatever story is on the table.

Family reunions late in life often reveal that some memories are to cherish, some are best forgotten, and some apparently may never have happened!

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Fighting Diabetes and Hunger

Redwood Empire Food Bank 

Awarded Grant to Fight Diabetes

By Miriam Wilding

The Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB), part of the Feeding America network of food banks, marked World Diabetes Day by announcing an $800,000 grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation to help communities and populations disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes. The grant is part of a $3.1 million commitment to Feeding America as part of Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation’s Together on Diabetes: Communities Uniting to Meet America’s Diabetes Challenge®, a five-year, $100 million initiative to improve health outcomes for people living with type 2 diabetes in the United States.

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Red Cross Trick-or-Treat Tips

Local Red Cross Offers “Trick” to 

Safety this Halloween Follow 

the “Lucky 13” 

 Ghouls and goblins will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween’s greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and automobile collisions. American Red Cross, Serving Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties, is helping all families to have a safe Halloween so Red Cross by providing these tips, the “Lucky 13.”

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Sonoma County Resources for Living

Sonoma County offeres a wide variety of services, organizations, clubs, groups and passionate people who help our residents to sustain life in our home. The following are resources that to use to enhance your life. 

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Homeless Shelter in the Russian River Area

Be Part of the SOLUTION 

River Area Shelter and Downtown (RASAD) 

Task Group Schedules 2nd Community Meeting In July, County officials sought a permanent solution to address the needs of homeless people in the lower Russian River area. In response to this call to action, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission established the River Area Shelter and Downtown (RASAD) Task Group.

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Retirement Planning in Today's Economy

The New Face of Retirement Planning 

By David M. Wasley
(In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor) 

Retirement these days just isn’t what it used to be. A generation ago, many Americans spent their golden years pursuing mostly sedentary activities like fishing or golfing. Today’s retirees are redefining this phase. Retirement now often means traveling the world, giving back to the community through volunteer work or starting a little business. But can these activities be financed with today’s escalating retirement bills?

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October Fun: Halloween and MORE!

These Opportunities for Fun Last All Month Long or are staged multiple times. Check their dates and plan ahead!

Self-Guided Rural Cemetery Tour (free) – at your convenience during daylight hours at the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetary (Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa). Download the brochure of the Historic Trail and map at www.srcity.org\ruralcemetery. Call for more information 543-3292.

PUMKIN PATCHES

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze ($6 for ages 6+ til 6 pm, $9 after 6pm.) - is open every day in October from 10 am to 6 pm (weekdays) and 10 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturdays ( 550 Stony Point Road, Petaluma). Free activities include the Big Straw Mountain and the Petting Zoo. Pony rides, rock climbing, face painting, food vendors, etc. priced fairly. For more information, call 707-781-3132.

Petaluma Farmer’s Market Costume Swap (Free with donation) – From 2-5:30 pm every Saturday this month in Walnut Park (corner of Petaluma Blvd South and D Street), drop off a gently used costume and take home another one that is new to you! Adult & kid sizes available.

Gothic Double Feature ($15-$20) – at 8 pm Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 15 & 16, 22 & 23, at Main Stage West (104 North Main Street, Sebastopol) is not for kids under 8. The play, “We ♥ U, Nosferatu” and the 1922 Classic Silent Film,”Nosferatu” set to live music by Dave Mac Nab. For more information, call 707-823-0177

Muelrath Ranches Pumpkin Farm (3800 Walker Avenue, Santa Rosa) – The pumpkin patch is free and open daily through Oct.31: Mon-Thurs from 3-6 pm, Fri from 3-9 pm, and Sat/Sun 10 am – 6 pm. Come for Campfire in the Corral ($10) from 5-9 pm on Fridays and roast hot dogs and marshmallows, enjoy hot cider and cookies, and take a night time hay ride. Call 707-585-2195 to reserve your place on the hay ride and visit http://www.muelrathspumpkins.com/ for full information.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm (2478 E. Washington Street, Petaluma) is open every day in October from 10 am – 6 pm. Includes a costume shop (Thurs – Sun), gift shops, food vendors, a farmer’s market and various activities like pony rides, slides, hay rides, etc. priced up to $5 on the weekends. On Oct 22 & 23, farm animals, milking demonstrations and antique tractors take center stage. More details? (707) 763-6416.

Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch (free) – open daily from 10 am – dusk (17740 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg) features crafts, animals, a hay fort and corn maze. For more information, call (707)431-8058

Olufs Ranches Pumpkin Patch (free) – open every day in October (899 Shiloh Road, Windsor) – weekdays 1:00 pm-dusk; weekends 9:00 am-dusk – and features a maze, petting zoo, etc. 707-838-7588

McClelland’s Dairy & Pumpkin Farm - open every October Saturday and Sunday (6475 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma) features pumpkins for sale, a petting zoo and, for a reasonable fee, a tour of the working dairy farm at 1 pm ( $10 adults , $7 kids 3 and up, kids under 3- free). (707) 664-0452.

Great Peter Pumpkin Patch (free) – Open when the shop is open at Spring Hill Cheese (4235 Spring Hill Road, Petaluma) where you can taste pumpkin ice cream and sample cheese. In the patch, pet farm animals, ride a tractor, dig potatoes and of course – pick your own pumpkin. 707-762-3446.

Pick of the Patch (from $8 to a $15 all day pass) – open Oct weekends (Friday 12-7 pm; Sat/Sun 10 am-7 pm) where Petaluma’s drive-in movie theater once was (5495 Redwood Hwy S.). Besides pumpkins, find activities, snacks, jack-o-lantern-related retail items and a Halloween photograph area. 707-775-1520.

Scary HALLOWEEN

Wicked West Ghost Town and Haunted House (free) – Every evening of October beginning with Oct 2, you can do something related to Halloween at 472 Jose Ramon Avenue in Santa Rosa. This is a neighborhood undertaking with some of the structures made possible by Mead Clark Lumber.
Note - Different nights cater to different levels of “spookiness”.

From the 2nd through the 14th, bring the whole family to enjoy a light show set to Halloween-themed songs between 7:00 pm and 9:30 on school nights (Sundays through Thursday) and on the weekends (Friday and Saturday) until 10:30.

On October 13th, the entire Ghost Town is thrown open to children and their parents (no monsters) for a full evening of family adventure. Sponsored by MY GYM, kids in costumes and camera-wielding parents are the most frightening characters you’ll encounter. (6:30-8:00 pm).
   A bit more caution is in order from the 15th through the 31st however as the Haunted House Maze is only youngster-appropriate from 6:00 pm until 7:00 at which point those who dare its twisty corridors are guaranteed some terrifying face time with various creatures of the night. The Haunted Town and its Maze are open until 9:30 on school nights and 10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Halloween - Past the “Children’s Hour” on October 31, all bets are off as the actors and special effects haunting the town and oddly disorienting hallways of the lumber mill are dead set on taking The Wicked West Ghost Town from its 2010 listing of 4th Best Haunted House in the Nation to one of the top three…..

“Frankenstein” returns to the stage ($20) – through October 30 for Sunday matinees (2 pm) and on weekend evenings at 8:00 beginning Friday October 7 and one Thursday (Oct 28), at the Sixth Street Playhouse (52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa) thanks to the The Independent Eye troupe of actors and life size puppets. Billed as a “new vision of the classic”, this is a professional production that promises to be exceptional. Call 707-523-4185 or visit http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/guides/season-201112/invited-artists/frankenstein/.

Dr. Evils House of Horrors ($10) – known the rest of the year as J’s Amusement Park at 16101 Neely Road in Guerneville is thought by some to be Sonoma County’s Scariest Haunted House. Operated since 2001 by Mike and Tracie Skaggs, the proceeds from Halloween night are donated to a different charity each year. (This year the beneficiaries are Elves with Attitude & The Kidney Foundation.) Every Friday and Saturday from “dusk til done” in October, kids over 12 can be frightened by whatever evil lurks within the main house for a $10 donation while your younger children enjoy a free mildly spooky “fun house”.  On Halloween, a special trick or treat experience awaits the smallest of your family with short open walls to assure constant visual contact with mom and dad at all times. With consistently great reviews on yelp.com, hauntedbay.com and hauntworld.com, Dr. Evil’s promises a good time for every member of your family. Benefits Mill Street Thrift that helps people getting their lives back on track and the Guerneville Blanket Drive. For more information, call 707-206-1076

Hopper House of Horror. The old Victorian comes to life this time of year from October 18 through November 1st. Wednesday thru Saturday, dusk to 10 pm - until 11pm on Oct. 17-31st. $12-$15. 3785 Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa. Info: 707-523-3728 http://www.BlindScream.com/


Slaughter Haunts: get lost in tunnels where your nightmares are REAL!. If you make it through you go right to the Slaughter House! Thurs ~ Sunday, 7-10pm through October 31. $9-$15 15 Copelans Street, Petaluma INFO: 332-6171 http://www.wix.com/neis18/slaughterhauntshome


Haunted Cornfield of Petaluma: Join Grandma Alma and hear her tell the tale of Deadman's F;at Thursd ~ Sunday, 7 ` 10pm through Oct. 31. $15 donation. 425 Rainsville Rd. Petaluma INFO: 707-763-3132 Best place for info is: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=163653127833

Dragon's Head Inn: CLOSED FOR THE SEASON JUST SO YOU KNOW! http://www.dragonsheadinn.com/ This is high tech at its best! animatronics, special effects and more to make you really scared! If you can't handle the scare level, there's a Scare care area that is for the timid who still want to have fun! Nightly feature and coupons o the web site. Fridays and Saturdays from Oct 23 at  7 ~ 10 pm. and until midnight on the 30th and 31st. $10 donation benefits local children in need. 631 West Spain St., Sonoma INFO: 707-815-8695

Blind Scream and Doc’s Horrortorium ($7-30, depending) – The Manly Honda Superstore at
2770 Corby Avenue has turned its 12,000 square foot service bay over to professional Haunt Build & Design Specialist Drew Dominguez to create the 52nd haunted attraction of his career. Billed as “theatrical in nature”, this haunted house is open from 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 other select days from Oct 7 through Halloween. Visit http://www.blindscream.com/calendar.html to be sure it’s open on the day you want to go and read the FAQs on the website (http://www.blindscream.com/faqs.html ) to determine how appropriate this experience may be for various members of your family. Call (707) 523-3728 for specific dates and times; and ticketing specials.


Can't get enough? Check out this web site for more Haunted Houses!
http://www.hauntedhouse.com/

Sixth Annual Tolay Fall Festival ($1 - 12 & under; $4 - 13 &  older) - October 13–16 & 19 –23 at Tolay Lake Regional Park, (5869 Lakeville Highway, just east of Petaluma) provides country-style family fun on weekdays 9am-3pm and on weekends 11am-5pm. Once your entry fee is paid, all activities are free and include a mind-boggling array of crafts, petting zoo, a maze, pumpkin seed-spitting contests, educational displays and demos, a haunted house and hay rides. Great food, too! Park free with a Parks Pass ($6 without a pass). For more details, call 707-565-2041 or to schedule a school field trip, 707789-9699. On-line, see http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_tolay_fallfestival.htm.

On Saturday October 8

Make a Halloween Monster Machine at the Build and Grow Clinic (Free) – 10:00 a.m. at Lowe’s in Cotati (7921 Redwood Drive). Expressly for kids where they can “create lots of funny monster combinations”. Call 707-242-5000 for details or sign up at http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/ChooseAClinic.aspx.

Visit a Glass Pumpkin Patch (Free) – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm both today and tomorrow, Sunday, 10/9– at FFT Antiques (2701 Gravenstein Hwy South, Sebastopol). Features blown glass demos and a chance to meet outstanding artists in this medium. Call 707-869-8280 for more information.

Pioneer Cemetery Tour – Guerneville. Two tours (1:00 or 3:00) hosted by the Russian River Historical Society and entitled ,“Remembering the Veterans of the Civil War”. Parking; $5.00 suggested donation. For details, call 869-3764 or 953-6074.

Crazy Pumpkin Art (Free with pumpkin purchase) – From 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design and take home the jack-o-lantern of your dreams. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Sunday October 9

Paper Bats! (Free) - From 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design a whole flock of batty pals to take home – while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Friday, October 14:

Kids’ Night Out ($18 Rohnert Park residents; $20 non-residents) – From 6:30-10:30 pm your 4-10 year old can join the “Monster Mash” at the Community Center (5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) for arts & crafts, games, snacks and a movie. Register by calling 707-588-3456 or at www.rpcity.org/recenroll

On Sunday, October 16:

Windsor Pumpkin Festival – From 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on the Windsor Green, enjoy the Kiwanis annual pumpkin pancake breakfast, face painting, pumpkin painting, scarecrow contest, giant pumpkin contest, pumpkin car races, parade of pumpkin desserts, and a costume parade for kids. This event is part of the Windsor Certified Farmers Market.

On Thursday, October 20:

Gothic Double Feature (pay as you will tonight only) – at 8 pm at Main Stage West (104 North Main Street, Sebastopol) is not for kids under 8. The play, “We ♥ U, Nosferatu” and the 1922 Classic Silent Film,”Nosferatu” set to live music by Dave Mac Nab. For more information, call 707-823-0177

On Friday, October 21:

Chop’s Halloween Costume Dance ($7- members; $10 – non-members) – Seasonal Fun 7-10 pm at Chop’s (509 Adams St., Santa Rosa) just for Seventh and Eighth Graders who are middle school students and have their photo i.d.! Check the website for dress code or call 707-284-2467

Pumpkin Bash Youth Overnight at the Y ($37 if pre-registered; $47 same day) – Kids aged 6 through 11 can sleep over at the YMCA (1111 College Ave, Santa Rosa) and enjoy swimming, movies, games, themed crafts and more! Check in is 7:00 pm on Friday evening and parent pick-up is 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, October 22. Call 707-545-9622 for details and to sign up.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical ($26 adult; $24 senior/youth) – 8:00 pm this evening and tomorrow with a Sunday matinee at 2 pm at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center (5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) Details & tickets, call 707-588-3434
On Saturday, October 22:

Make Your Own Halloween T-Shirt (Free with purchase of a T-shirt) - From 10 am -noon at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can design and decorate your own fun scary spider T-shirt– while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Pumpkins on Pikes ($10; kids 5 & under, free) – From 2-10 pm, join other families at Tara Firma Farms (3796 I Street Ext, Petaluma) for grilled mini-burgers and pumpkin carving! Bring your own table service, carving supplies, camera and a dish to share. Call 707-765-1202 for more information.

Family Halloween Carnival ($5 at door) – From 4-7 pm all ages will enjoy the games, prizes, a haunted house, a jump house, face painting, an old fashioned cake walk, DJ music and more at the YMCA (1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa). For the details, call (707) 545-9622.

The Mostly Magic Spooktacular Show ($15 adults, $10 kids 12 and under) – Magical Family Evening starting at 7:00 pm at the Community Center (5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park) includes comedy, fire-eating, illusions and more! Tickets and information: 707-588-3456.

The Ghoulwill Ball ($89) – 7:30 – 11:00 pm at the Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club (1525 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa) is themed “Ghosts of the High Seas” this year! KZST’s Debbie Abrams Emcees an evening of appetizers, full buffet, cocktails, a silent auction, door prizes and mystery entertainers as well as dancing to “Twice as Good”. Will your Pirate duds, gown or tux win the Costume Contest? Proceeds benefit Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire. 707-523-0550 ext 213 for more details or go to www.gire.org to purchase tickets online.

Petaluma Mother’s Club Fall Carnival & Costume Parade (free) – from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Kenilworth Junior High (800 Riesling Road, Petaluma). Bring the family and enjoy the 4H Petting Zoo, jumpy houses, bake sale, cupcake walk, magician, soccer demonstrations, wildlife from the Petaluma Wildlife Museum, music by James K., crafts and games for the kids. Costume Parade at noon.

On Tuesday, October 25:

Paper Pumpkins (Free with purchase) - From 10 am -noon at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma) you and your 3-or-older offspring can prepare to grace your home with ghoulish décor – while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Wednesday, October 26:

Halloween Storytime for Preschoolers (free) – 2-5 year olds and parents/caregivers gather ‘round 11:30 a.m. at the Windsor Library (9291 Old Redwood Hwy – Building 100, Windsor) to hear not-very-scary Halloween stories, sing songs, learn fingerplays and complete a craft project to take home! Costumes encouraged. Call 707-838-1020 x6 to learn more.

Cloverdale Halloween Show (free) – for school-age kids and parents at 2 pm at the Cloverdale Library (401 N Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale).
Owen Baker-Flynn performs juggling, magic and comedy with a Halloween twist! Call for more information, 707-894-5271.

Pumpkin Carving Contest (free) – for grades 7-12 from 3:30-4:30 at the Rincon Valley Library (6959 Montecito Blvd, Santa Rosa). Contestants carve their pumpkins, library patrons vote for their favorites and prizes are awarded to the top three most popular! 707-537-0162
Family Story Night (free) – all ages gather at 6 pm at the Guerneville Library (14107 Armstrong Woods Rd) in costume to hear spooky and not so spooky Halloween stories. 707-869-9004

Halloween Visors (free with purchase of visor) – come to life when crafted for Halloween Fun from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up. Make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Thursday, October 27:

Halloween Crafts (free) – for ages five and up at 3:00 pm at the Sebastopol Library (7140 Bodega Ave, Sebastopol). Supplies provided. For more information, call (707) 823-7691 ext. 6.

Jeremy the Juggler’s Halloween Special (free) – begins at 4:00 pm at the Central Santa Rosa Library (211 E Street, Santa Rosa). Children 3-11, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are invited to wear their costume in the Halloween Parade through the library. 707-545-0831

Magical Masks (free with purchase of mask) – decorated by you and your kids 3 and up from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

On Friday, October 28:

Free Ice Cream for Giants Fans – from Noon- 8 pm today, this Saturday (10/29) and this Sunday (10/30) at Cookies and Cream (17190 Bodega Hwy, Bodega). All Giants fans score big over Halloween Weekend and if you come in costume or your Halloween Orange and Black, expect an extra special treat! Look for the bright blue building across from the Post Office in the town of Bodega. (707) 377-4087

Scary Face Pancake (free for kids under 12) – One per child from 7 am to 10 pm at So Co IHOPs
(5312 Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma 707-792 9110; 6480 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-586 3698; 2745 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa 707-579 4000 ; 1401 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542 4467)

Halloween Clay Pot Event (free with purchase of 3” clay pot for 50¢) – from 6-8 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up make it and take it - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418.

Haunted Winery Party & Benefit ($15 in advance; $20 at the door) - 7 pm to 11 pm at Trione Vineyards and Winery (19550 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville) features The Pat Jordan Band and Crazy Famous, a silent auction, raffle, wine and food ($5 buys you a night-time nibbles plate). Proceeds benefit the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Geyserville School District. Get more information by calling 707-814-8100 or purchase tickets online at http://trionehalloweenbenefit.eventbrite.com/. 

Zombie Crawl – The “dead” stagger through Guerneville on Friday, October 28.  Meet up at the Rainbow Cattle Company at 7:00 pm (16220 Main Street) for the 8:30 “walk”.

Progressive Halloween Costume Contest – Another Guerneville fave for the grown ups.  Sign up at 7:00 pm Saturday, 10/29, at the Russian River Resort; contest at 8:30. At 10:00 pm, find the fun at Rainbow Cattle Company. Cross over to McT’s Bullpen at 11:00. Midnight moves the party to Trio (16225 Main Street). And the frights finish off at Jerry Knights River Theater.

Hallowmas –The inimitable Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence sponsor a night of Transformation, Ritual and Remembrance with Rev. Lisa Hamilton (Religious Science), Rev. Diana Wheeler (Night Ministries) and the Center for Sacred Studies from 7-9 pm at Guerneville’s own Sonoma Nesting Company (Main at Armstrong Woods Road). See www.rrsisters.org.

On Saturday, October 29:

“Boo!-Not-So Scary Stories” with Pam Brown (free) – for ages 2-6 at 11:00 am at the Rohnert Park/Cotati Library (6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park.) Come in costume if you like and enjoy stories, songs and crafts! (707) 584-9121

Christopher Creek’s Fall Fest (free) – from 11 am – 4 pm at Christopher Creek Winery (641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg) Wine tasting, bites to eat, treats, and a goblin or two. 707-431-8243

Annual All Hallows Cemetery Tour (free) – At 11 am, join the docent led tour of Two Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetary (7063 Bodega Avenue, Petaluma). Hosted by the Petaluma History Museum, donations are welcome. Wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking. Rain or Shine. (707) 778-4398

Halloween at Howath Park ($8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under) – Get your costume on and from noon til 3:00 pm, enjoy a spooky afternoon in the park (630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa) 707-543-3737

Howl-o-Ween Parade ($10/canine entry) – and doggie costume contest - noon til 2 pm in the Healdsburg Plaza where you can also enjoy kids’ games, raffles and face painting. Kids can enter the parade for free; all entry fees benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Sign up to be in the parade at the Healdsburg Dog House and the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. 707-431-3386

Halloween Event (free) – 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Ages 3 and up join the costume parade, create trick-or-treat Duck Tape® totes or pails and get faces painted - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418

Petaluma Farmers Market Trick or Treat Costume Parade (free) - 2 pm to 5:30 pm at Walnut Park (corner of D St and Petaluma Blvd South, Petaluma). Treats and free crafts for kids in costume.

Chops Teen Club Halloween Carnival (free) – 8-11 pm at Chops (509 Adams Street, Santa Rosa) For dress code and details, call (707) 284-2467

Karaoke Night & Costume Party ($5) – benefits Mentor Me Petaluma - at Joe Hamer Hair Salon (18 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma). Karaoke, dancing and cocktails. Doors open at 9 pm; Karaoke begins at 10 pm. Need more info? Call (707) 773-1735
On Sunday, October 30:

FUNTAZMAGORIA (free) – from 10-2 at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa). Wear your costume for the parade at 11:00 a.m., decorate a scarecrow, shadow play, and more ! Call (707) 546-4069 for details.

Halloween Crayola® Pumpkin Patch Event (free) - 1-3 pm at Michael’s Craft Stores (2775 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa; and 1359 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma). Celebrate Crayola Style! Ages 3 and up - while supplies last. Call 707-591-9382 or 707-766-9418

Dance Journey’s Halloween Hafla ($8 in advance, $10 at the door) – 6 pm at Glaser Center (547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa). Belly dancing and improv, food, drinks, rafffle tickets. Wear your costume and join the fun! Call (707) 238-2273 for more information

Monday, October 31 – Halloween!

The History of Horror Films (free) – 12:15 in Newman Auditorium (Emeritus Hall), Santa Rosa Campus, Santa Rosa Junior College

Petaluma Downtown Trick or Treat Trail (free) – from 3:30-5 pm over 60 Downtown Merchants “treat” costumed trick or treaters under 12. Follow the orange &black balloons. (707) 762-9348

Free Tasting for Trick or Treaters in costume (and over 21) from 11 am-5 pm at at Sbragia Winery
(9990 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville). 707-473-2992

Halloween at Rosewood Village Shopping Center (free) – from 4 pm to 6 pm at Rosewood Village Shopping Center (on the corner of Piner and Marlow, Santa Rosa). Face painting, balloons, costume parade/contest and trick or treating at local merchants for kids aged preschool to 6th grade.

Family Friendly Alternative to Trick or Treating($3) – from 5:30 to 8 pm at New Life Christian Fellowship (1310 Clegg Street, Petaluma ). Instead enjoy costume contests, cotton candy, a magician, jump houses, face painting and a family-oriented carnival. (707)765-0956 ext. 25.

Windsor Halloween Parade (free) – starts at 6:00 pm at Raley’s (Lakewood Shopping Center on Lakewood Drive, Windsor) and ends at the Community Center where all parade participants receive free hot dogs, sodas, chips and trick or treat bags of goodies. Led by a Windsor Fire Truck . For more info: 838-4531.

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Insectapalooza at Sonoma State University

When someone asked the Dalai Lama, “What is the most important thing to teach our children?” he replied, “Teach them to love the insects.”

In Sonoma County, we are fortunate to have an organization that fosters appreciation of the fascinating world of insects. Thousands of Sonoma County students are introduced to insects and their role in nature each year, in presentations provided by the Sonoma State University (SSU) Entomology Outreach Program.

SSU student presenters conduct classroom visits and provide displays for ‘Science Night’ at local schools. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and the collections, microscopes and live insects they bring inspire exploration of the insect world. Presenters have completed the SSU biology department’s annual entomology course, where they have sometimes been surprised to discover their own enthusiasm for insects. How lucky we are that they have also discovered their love of sharing their knowledge!

The Dalai Lama may have been simply encouraging us to value even the smallest of living things, but there are other reasons to learn to love the insects. In addition to their well-known role as pollinators, they serve as decomposers and regulate pest populations. Insects are also critical food for birds, fish, and other animals.

Over 70% of birds, for example, are insectivores; well over 90% feed their young insects. Without insects, scientists tell us, all life on the planet would collapse! The Entomology Outreach Program frames its activities under an overarching theme of watershed stewardship; focusing on aquatic insects and garden allies for lessons. Presentations link human activity in garden to watershed and ecosystem health. School teachers choose from lessons focused on these two themes; lessons are either classroom-based or incorporate on-campus creeks and school gardens.

The university program also provides workshops and lectures for environmental and public agencies, classroom and school garden teachers and the general public. The program coordinator, Frederique Lavoipierre, addresses groups such as the California Native Plant Society, the Audubon Society, and the Science Buzz Café.

Entomology Outreach displays can be viewed at Pepperwood Preserve’s Wildflower Festival, the Hallberg Butterfly Garden Open House and other large public events. A calendar of their public workshops, field trips and presentations is posted on the university Preserves’ website; there are also a number of helpful handouts and lesson plans.

The program staff also produces Insecta-Palooza, an extravaganza of entomological entertainment which serves as the university Field Stations & Nature Preserves’ annual open house.

Insecta-Palooza is the principal fundraiser for the Entomology Outreach Program, which relies on grants, donations and fundraisers for its support. This year’s campaign focuses on sustaining the program staff, and subsidizing the costs of school visits.

The third annual Insecta-Palooza, Saturday October 29, has a theme of Metamorphosis, honoring the 50th anniversary of the university. The event is crafted to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests - budding entomologists, master gardeners, teachers, birders, and the merely curious will all find something to engage their interest.

If you are under 12 years old, admission to Insecta-Palooza is free if you bring a ‘one-breath’ poem about metamorphosis, to be posted in the halls during the event. We can hardly wait to read them!

For more information, visit the SSU Entomology Outreach Program online at www.sonoma.edu/preserves, e-mail Frederique Lavoipierre at lavoipie@sonoma.edu, or visit the Insecta-Palooza website http://www.sonoma.edu/preserves/insecta-palooza/index.html.

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Schools of Hope Sonoma County

Hidden Epidemic

Schools of Hope Program Targets Core Life Skills

By Sylvia WynnLindeman
This is strictly an editorial comment but to me it seems that so many people in Sonoma County are living the most amazing of lives. Surrounded by artists, foodies, wine enthusiasts, and those who wax eloquent about sustainability, we enjoy the beauty of our environment, conduct our business and interact with friends who are “just a cut above” in terms of philosophical bent and education….

How’s this for a shocker, then?
In Sonoma County 54% of our third grade students are reading below grade level. Nearly 80% of third grade students who are also English Language Learners are reading below grade level.

Education is the cornerstone of individual community success. It is essential for finding and keeping a job with a livable wage and health benefits. Reading is a core building block of education and vital for mastering the skills necessary to thrive. Too many of our children are failing, and there is evidence of a wide achievement gap.

Research shows third-grade reading proficiency is a powerful predictor of later academic achievement. Children who have not mastered reading skills by this critical juncture continue to fall further behind in school and are much more susceptible to academic and behavior problems. Little wonder then that 25% of our students are not completing high school on time.

What can we do in this era of bare bones funding and governmental downsizing?
One answer may rest in an innovative program launched a year ago when the United Way of the Wine Country partnered with the Volunteer Center, local school districts and several community organizations and - in an effort to stem this alarming trend – introduced Schools of Hope into the mix.

Schools of Hope is an early intervention model for children who are struggling with reading. The core components of the program include one-to-one literacy tutoring, volunteer recruitment and training, family engagement, and rigorous program evaluation.

Currently 46% of our third graders are reading at grade level. The Schools of Hope goal is to increase that percentage to 75% by 2015 and to 90% by 2020.

And this is where you come in.
Since its start up during the 2010-2011 school year, the Schools of Hope program has helped 180 students increase their reading proficiency through one-on-one tutoring in six Santa Rosa elementary schools. If this is an issue you’d like to help cure and you have as little as one hour per week to volunteer, you can make the difference in a child’s future.

Schools of Hope is currently preparing volunteers – from all walks of life - to provide 30 minute one-on-one tutoring sessions during the school day for the duration of the school year (October through the end of May). They ask that you commit to at least one tutoring session per week and in most cases, door-to-door time will be less than one hour.

Regardless of your background, the Schools of Hope Training Session will provide the basic skills that you need to be comfortable and effective as a tutor and your time availability will be matched with the needs of the participating school nearest you
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Schools in the program provide activities and materials for you to use and do their best to provide the best possible setting for you to work with your student, whether it be the back of a classroom or the school library. In addition to help from the program’s School Site Coordinator, you will have the support of your school’s Principal and the opportunity to attend advanced training as the year progresses.

While you will not receive formal progress reports, as a tutor, you will be informally assessing the students progress through your activities. In addition, teachers may be able to share more information with you when needed to the extent that privacy laws allow.

Need to know more before you commit? No problem! Register for an orientation session today! Contact Barbara Fisher at the Sonoma County Volunteer Center at 707-573-3399 or bfisher@volunteernow.org. For more information visit www.unitedwaywinecountry.org.

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Dine Out for Seniors Meals on Wheels

Bay Area Restaurants Rally To Support 

Meals On Wheels “Dine Out” Program

One Day Fundraiser on October 4th, 2011 

to Help Feed Seniors Across Seven Counties

In response to the precarious economy and extensive budget cuts that have put considerable pressure on local support services, specifically for senior citizens, Meals on Wheels agencies in seven Bay Area counties have organized the second annual Bay Area Dine Out fundraising event. Nearly doubling restaurant participation over last year, more than 200 local restaurants (and counting) throughout the East Bay, South Bay, San Francisco, North Bay, and Peninsula have risen to the occasion and partnered with their dining clientele and the Dine Out program to help raise much needed funding for daily hot meal delivery to homebound seniors.

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Sonoma County School Accountability Report

State releases 2010-11 school accountability report

State accountability data released in Sacramento today show that Sonoma County schools have continued to realize gains in academic achievement, moving up eight points on the Academic Performance Index (API) scale for the 2010-11 school year. The county’s API Growth score now stands at 787, which is nine points higher than the state average.

The state as a whole posted an API score of 778 in today’s report. This is the ninth year in a row of statewide academic improvement.

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Sonoma County Book Festival 2011

Travel the World

without Leaving Home

By Penny Hastings
Close your eyes and imagine a place where everyone who reveres the written word gathers together with books and book people…where authors, poets, children’s book authors, storytellers and book sellers all gather on one fantastic day. You can be one of them if you come to the 12th Annual Sonoma County Book Festival in Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa on September 24, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is FREE!

Authors Maxine Hong Kingston (I Love a Broad Margin of My Life, The Woman Warrior), Ann Packer (Swim Back to Me, The Dive from Clausen’s Pier,) Geneen Roth (Lost and Found: Unexpected Revelations About Food and Money, Women, Food, and God, are among the many nationally recognized and local favorite authors who will present their newest works, mingle with readers and autograph books during the day.

Must-see Belva Davis, an award-winning journalist who has covered Bay Area politics for four decades, will read from her memoir, Never in my Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism. Davis, who lives in Petaluma, will appear with co-author Vicki Haddock. You can see Davis at 12:45 pm in the Forum Room of the downtown library.

Poet Jane Hirshfield leads the distinguished list of acclaimed poets presenting their works at the Book Festival. Hirshfield’s award-winning books include the new Come, Thief, her seventh poetry collection. Al Young, who served as Poet Laureate of California from 2005-08, Francisco X. Alarcon, an award-winning Chicano poet and educator, Judy Halebsky, Christine Hutchins, Lee Slominsky and Catherine Strisik are some of the other poets attending.

For children, the Peanuts Pavilion area will kick off with Megan McDonald, author of the best-selling Judy Moody series at 10 am on Old Courthouse Square. The Schulz Museum’s booth will host celebrated cartoonists—including artists from Hanna Barbera—who will teach children to draw familiar characters from Scooby Doo to Disney princesses. Storytellers, entertainers and book authors reading from their works will also be on hand.

New this year, the Secret Agent Jack Stalwart Treasure Hunt will be ongoing throughout the day. Based on the popular series by Elizabeth Singer Hunt, the treasure hunt encourages children and their families to solve clues by visiting businesses along Fourth and D streets…both will be closed to car traffic from Old Courthouse Square to the downtown library.

An expanded young adult section presents panel discussions of topics for teens, including “Save the Drama for Your Mama: Contemporary Young Adult Authors” and a Teen Poetry Slam with cash prizes.

Five fascinating panel discussions, including “The Sky is High and So am I: Alternative Subjects” will draw festival-goers. Other panels are “Shots Happen” (Mystery Panel); “Books: The Rumors of My Death have been Greatly Exaggerated” (Book Business); “Writing for Film and Stage” and “Writing Local History with Gaye LeBaron.”

Visit www.socobookfest.org for a schedule of the days’ events, a complete list of presenters and more information about the Book Festival.

The Sonoma County Book Festival, the oldest general interest book festival in Northern California welcomes the entire family to a full day of literature, poetry and fun.

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Help for Hoarders Workshop

By Elisabeth Middelberg
“I might one day buy an old record player and then I can listen to all these records I have here” Sallie says, pointing to several stacks of old vinyl records.  It is in itself a harmless statement, except Sallie’s stacks of records are almost disappearing under several other stacks of newspapers, magazines, clothes and boxes with new, small appliances and brown paper bags, the content of which is unknown, even to Sallie. Those familiar with hoarding or excessive cluttering will have recognized Sallie’s explanation of why she cannot let go of her records.

Over time, Sallie has become more and more isolated. Chairs are now used to hold books and papers and can no longer be used to sit on, and Sally does not want others to see her living environment.


Recent reality shows like “Hoarders” have started to shed light on this challenging medical condition and current research is under way to increase people’s understanding of this condition and to develop treatment models. So far it has been difficult to treat people who are hoarders, partly because hoarders often do not see the need for treatment and because the condition is deeply ingrained. Loved ones and neighbors seem more concerned about the living condition and the quality of life of someone who is hoarding than the actual hoarder.

Dr. Maryellen Curran, Ph.D, at Kaiser, Santa Rosa has led several groups for hoarders over the years. She has been able to develop treatment models that have been successful for people who are seeking help and who acknowledge that their hoarding is spinning out of control.

We are quite excited to offer a workshop on hoarding led by Dr. Curran on Sunday, September 25th at 1:00- 3:00 pm, in Guerneville. The workshop is open to the general public and will be hosted by the Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire.

If you would like to know more about hoarding, either because you have considered treatment yourself, or because you are concerned about a loved one, please join us. The suggested donation is $5.00 - $10.00, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you can RSVP, please do so at 707-869-9882. The workshop will be held at the Odd Fellow’s Hall - 16219 First Street in Guerneville.

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Teaching Money Skills to Children

by Lee Alderman,
Assistant Vice President of Training & Financial Literacy, Redwood Credit Union

As back-to-school season begins, your children and teens will learn subjects such as English, math, history, and science. But what about financial management? Like many essential life skills, the basics of money management will come from you, their parents.

Raising children who are money-savvy— a challenging task for most parents—is perhaps even more difficult in today’s economy. However, the current economic environment makes basic money management skills more important then ever. Many financial leaders nationwide believe that a lack of basic financial understanding contributed significantly to the economic troubles we face today.

Parents as Teachers
As a parent, you can teach your children financial basics such as saving, earning, spending wisely, donating and even the concept of credit. More importantly, you have the opportunity to guide, cultivate, and reinforce sound financial habits to prepare them for managing their money in the future. Here are some suggested fundamentals to help you get started:

Early years, ages 3-7:
• Show them how to save coins using a clear jar or piggy bank that allows them to see the money “growing” inside.
• Explain how money is used to buy things. Consider letting them hand the clerk money when buying ice cream or other desirable items to demonstrate how money is exchanged for goods.
• Introduce the concept of saving for a goal. For example, if your family is planning a vacation to Disneyland. You can use this goal to discuss how you will skip buying items today so you can reach that goal sooner.

Pre-teens, ages 8–12:
• Introduce a weekly allowance and begin teaching the experience of paying for items with money they’ve earned.
• Familiarize them with what financial institutions do and help them open their own savings account.
• Explain the idea of “wants” versus “needs”—this concept plays a key role in making financial decisions.
Encourage them to save their own money for things they want, such as video games.

Teens, ages 13 – 18:
• Explain how credit cards work, and the pros (convenience) and cons (debt) of using them.
• Help your older teens open a checking account and teach them the skills—and necessity—of tracking your money through check registers or online banking.

Parents as Role Models
A parent’s job as role model is just as important as that of teacher. Your children learn a lot about how things work “in the real world” by watching your actions. If you pull out the credit card every time you buy something, they will learn that there’s no need to save as long as you have the “magic” plastic card.

Here are some additional recommendations to help you impart strong money skills to your children:
• Create a family budget with input from the whole family and allow your children to see where money comes from and where it goes.
• Set future financial goals as a family so your children begin to understand why unnecessary purchases, such as the latest fad toy, impact that family goal.
• Ask your children to help you as you pay monthly bills and help them understand why these payments must be made first.
• If the family decides to have a special movie and pizza night on the town (or any other similar expense), show your children how you decide what you can afford and how that impacts the family budget.

Education is an important part of every child’s life. In school, they develop intellectual and social skills that will last a lifetime. At home, they learn to help with chores, ride bikes, and a myriad of other skills. As parents, it’s important to ensure that one of these skills is basic money management as you help prepare your children for the future.

For additional tips on teaching your children to be money-smart, as well as online articles and exercises they will enjoy, visit
www.redwoodcu.org/youth

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Training Students to Bike to School

By Sarah Hadler
This beautiful late summer weather is the perfect time to get yourself and your child in the habit of biking to school. It will also help your family to gear up to celebrate International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 5th.

Last year, 73 schools and more than 10,600 students in Sonoma County participated. This year, we are expecting even more! If you would like information on how your school can join the fun please contact: Tina Panza at: saferoutes@bikesonoma.org or (707) 545-0153.

There are many reasons why it is good to bike to school: it’s healthy and a wonderful way for your child to get his/her daily exercise, it cuts down on traffic congestion around your school – and around town, it’s good for the environment, it saves money, it increases your child’s sense of independence, and -- my favorite reason -- it’s super fun!

Here are some tips and tools that will help get your family ready to bike to school.

Always be sure to do an “ABC Quick Check” before you ride; you can teach your child to do this as well. “A” stands for air, make sure the tires are pumped up; “B” stands for brakes, squeeze your brakes to make sure they work; “C” stands for chain, your chain should be well oiled and move smoothly when you pedal, and pants legs should be rolled up and shoe laces tucked in so they do not get caught in the chain; and lastly, check your quick releases on the wheels and seat to make sure they are tight.

Now, put on your helmet and make sure it fits snugly. The handy dandy two finger helmet check is key to a good helmet fit: there should be a two-finger space between your eyebrows and your helmet rim, next, make a “v” with your two fingers and that’s what your helmet straps below your ears should look like, and finally, no more than two fingers should fit between your chin and chin strap.

Wear bright colors --drivers will see you better.

Always ride on the right side of the road with traffic, even if your child is young and feels safer on the sidewalk.

Be careful around driveways and parked cars.

Always obey traffic signs and signals.

If you are riding at dawn, dusk or at night, you must have a front light and at least a red rear reflector, the more lights the better because you are safer when you are more visible.

For additional bicycle skills training, take Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s (BikeSonoma) “Street Skills for Bike Riders” class, and pass your skills along to your child. Teens ages 12 & up can take it, too. Info at www.BikeSonoma.org.

Remember that a half mile bike ride takes about 6 minutes, so you and your child might make it to school faster on bikes than in a car! There is great gear out there that makes it easier for you and your child to carry things on a bike. Consider getting a rear rack and some panniers (bags that hang on the rear rack) and your child’s ride to school will be even easier. Ask at your local bike store for some help in selecting the necessary equipment
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Think about leading a bike train! Biking is always more fun with a friend or a group of friends and International Walk and Roll to School Day would be a great day to get a bike train started. Get together kids in your neighborhood or your child’s friends and choose one or two days of the week to bike to school together. Go over these tips about biking safely before you start out and you and your child will become biking experts before you know it

Sarah Hadler is a program manager for Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School Program

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Sebastopol Students Lead Us to Connect

By Lucas Oshun
Global Student Embassy (GSE) is now beginning our fourth year of youth leadership and grassroots international relations. As a director of programs, I am continuously inspired by the commitment of students, teachers and community members who volunteer their time. The energy and determination participants of all ages bring to GSE projects in California, Tanzania, and Ecuador shows us that we are tapping into something real. We support each other’s goals, and we accomplish a lot.

Please join us on Saturday, November 5 at 6:30 pm at the Sebastopol Community Center for dinner, live music and a silent auction. This is Global Student Embassy’s fourth annual benefit event. We greatly appreciate your support and interest in our mission!

Local to International
Sonoma County: GSE will launch its Environmental Action and Youth Leadership Program this fall, in partnership with the Sonoma Land Trust and local Sonoma County Resource Conservation Districts (RCD). The program will provide hands-on experiences for Windsor, Sebastopol, and other Sonoma County high school students in habitat restoration work and organic gardening projects.

Marin County: This fall, we will work with students at Sir Francis Drake and Redwood High Schools cultivating ecological literacy through school garden projects and native habitat restoration. Students at both high schools will also participate in bimonthly meetings to prepare for the winter visit of international students from Ecuador and Tanzania. Visiting students will stay at the homes of GSE students and partner on projects designed by Marin GSE participants.

Ecuador: We’ve just returned from Bahia de Caraquez, where students from California and Ecuador dove into a number of projects with great enthusiasm and openess towards one another. Together we worked on GSE’s reforestation project, put our energy into caring for two organic gardens at local high schools and designed a workshop series, in Spanish, on gardening. Students also built a greenhouse to support ongoing germination of native species for reforestation with the goal of producing 3,000 new seedlings for the 2012 planting season.

Tanzania: GSE Tanzania began this summer’s exchange program with a stay in a Maasai community outside the Morogoro city limits. The experience was life changing; we learned so much from these folks whose culture is so different from our own. Together we established a library, planted a fruit orchard and painted a mural representing the value and beauty of education. We connected with one another on so many levels. We all were grateful and felt deeply rewarded to have been welcomed so kindly into this amazing community.

In Morogoro we reconnected with our friends at Kilakala and Mzumbe Secondary Schools to continue work on the projects we began during our 2010 exchange. At Kilakala, students built a greenhouse and created art signs to use as educational tools, depicting the process of grafting, tree planting, compost-making, and maintaining tree health. We worked to upgrade Mzumbe’s poultry project by building a garden that will complement its mini-farm. Manure from the chickens will fertilize the garden, and produce grown in the adjacent garden will provide nutrients for the chickens. Students worked together to install efficient drip irrigation, a practice that is uncommon in Tanzania. We are eager to hear progress on these projects!

We have many local volunteer opportunities to work with students and community members on restoration projects and gardens, as well as contributing to our annual exchange in January and February when visiting students are here in Sonoma County.

To get involved: please contact us at globalstudentembassy@gmail.com. Donations can be made online at globalstudentembassy.org.

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