HMB Magazine April 2010

HALF MOON BAY REVIEW MAGAZINE

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COASTSIDE MOTHERS' CLUB IS MORE THAN JUST PLAY

SUMMERTIME IS FAMILYTIME

Q&A WITH

THE ANNUAL SUMMER ACTIVITIES ISSUE

STAY-AT-HOME DADS TALK ABOUT THE REWARDS

— AND CHALLENGES

DIRK ALVARADOPARKS AND REC SUPERVISOR

A TON OF SUMMER ACTIVITY IDEAS

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

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» PUBLISHER’S NOTE DEBRA GODSHALL HERSHON

Leaving the gray Coastside to fl y to warm, warm Hawaii at the end of March, I found myself thinking of that old witticism, “� e coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” and I found myself sharing the sentiment.

� e quote is o� en attributed to Mark Twain, though scholars aren’t sure who really said it fi rst. Twain lived in San Francisco, of course. He also spent time in Hawaii — the Sandwich Islands — back in 1866 when he was on assignment as a young journalist for the Sacra-

mento Union. His trip to paradise across the Pacifi c by steamer would have been considerably longer than the fi ve-hour fl ight I was embarking upon — grabbing a fl ight at 9 a.m., my new husband and I had a lunch date with friends at 1 p.m that same day at the Outrigger Canoe Club.

I tried to think of Twain traveling in our world 150 years later, boarding the fl ight at SFO, being herded through security, squeez-ing into tiny coach seats and handing the fl ight attendant a piece of plastic in exchange for a microwaved egg burrito.

Twain would have stepped off the boat in 1866 to the smell of coconut oil and plumeria leis, would have traveled the island

on horseback, camped and slept in cabins near active volcanos, and eaten the native fare of poi and lau-lau.

Sadly, all of that is quite diff erent today. In Waikiki, the boulevards lined with designers shops and fast-food franchises are fi lled with throngs of tourists walking up and down the streets in search of Hawaii, but fi nding — and settling — for Starbucks.

But the spirit of the place is still there if you go a little farther off the beaten path and look a little deeper.

Even in Waikiki, the ocean, the beach and the sky are right across the street, and that’s the beauty of the place.

Spending our honeymoon down at Diamond Head, we are just off that beaten path and can sit on a quiet beach under a palm tree reading our books. We can swim, surf, paddle-board and walk out our door to go on any number of amazing hikes.

And listening to the ocean and watching the sunsets we can still get a sense of the beauty and the spirit of that old Hawaii that Mark Twain would have loved.

Aloha!

Publisher Debra Godshall Hershon

Managing EditorClay Lambert

WritersMark FoyerMark NoackGreg ThomasStacy Trevenon

Photographer Lars Howlett

Production and DesignBill MurrayMatt MedeirosMark Restani

Business Offi ceKim Ritner

CirculationBarbara Anderson Advertising SalesLouise StrutnerMarilyn JohnsonBarbara DinnsenPam Collins

Find us P.O. Box 68714 Kelly AvenueHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019p: (650) 726-4424f: (650) 726-7054

The HMB Magazine is published on the fi rst week of every month and inserted in the Half Moon Bay Review. The entire contents of the magazine are also available in PDF format online at hmbreview.com

HMBHALF MOON BAY REVIEW MAGAZINE

San Francisco and Hawaii – never the Twain shall meet

4 April 2010 HMB

Camp is scheduled, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended Care is available in the morning (7-9 a.m.) and the afternoon (4-6 p.m.). During Extended Care, campers choose from crafts, activities, and outdoor games. Campers bring their own morning snack and lunch, with afternoon snack provided.

Sample Daily Schedule:

7:00-9:00 Extended Care Available 9:00-9:30 Opening Ceremony/Teambuilding 9:30-10:30 Fun Class 1 10:30-11:00 Snack Break 11:00-12:00 Fun Class 2 12:00-1:00 Lunch Break 1:00-1:30 Activity Stations/Story time 1:30-4:00 Featured Activity 4:00-6:00 Extended Care Available

Weekly Rate-$200

Week June 14-18

INTERSESSION-(Daycare)

1 June 21-25GOING BUGGY

2 June 28-July 2CRAZY, COOKY CIRCUS

3 July 5-9WILD, WILD WEST

4 July 12-16MAD MOVIEMAKERS I

5 July 19-23MAD MOVIEMAKERS II

6 July 26-30FUNKY FAIRY TALES

7 Aug 2-6SILLY SPACE EXPLORERS

8 Aug 9-13UNDER THE SEA SOIREE

9 Aug 16-20AROUND THE WORLD PARTY

Camp Woo offers a unique and fun experience: Creative classes, Wild Water Play, Team Building, Contests, Camp Songs, Local Hikes, Crazy Games, Cooky Contests, Spirit Awards, Beach Parties, Sippy Cup Shows, other performances and More!

Camp Woo is held June 21 through August 20 at the Wilkinson School Campus. It is available for children entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Camp is set up in weeklong sessions. However, children may be signed up for one week, one class, or the whole summer!

*WooStart is a four-week program offered during weeks 3-6 for Pre-School and Kindergarten aged children to ready them both academically and socially for Kindergarten and fi rst grade. It is taught by the current K-1st grade teacher; for more information please contact Ms. Hendrickson or Mr. Miller at 650-726-4582.

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June 22-26Amazing Racers

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July 6-10 Stuffed Animal Lovers

July 13-17Fantastic Flyers

July 20-24Knights and Princesses

July 27-31American Idols

Aug 3-7Mess Makers

Aug 10-14Crime Detectives

Aug 17-21Soaked Splashers

Camp Woo offers a unique and fun experience: Daily classes, Wild Water Play, Field Trips. KindergartenReadiness Program, Team Building, Contests, Camp Songs, Local Hikes, Crazy Games, Cooky Contests, SpiritAwards, Beach Parties and More!

Camp Woo is held June 15- Aug. 21 at the Wilkinson School Campus. It is available for children entering kinder-garten through 8th grade. Camp is set up in weeklong sessions. However, children may be signed up for one week,one class, or the whole summer!

*WooStart is a four-week program for Pre-School and Kindergarten aged children to ready them both academicallyand socially for Kindergarten and first grade. It is taught by the current K-1st grade teacher; for more informationplease contact Ms. Hendrickson or Mr. Miller at 726-4582.

Camp Woo - Summer 20081

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Camp is scheduled, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to4:00 p.m. Extended Care is available in the morning(7-9 a.m.) and the afternoon (4-6 p.m.). DuringExtended Care, campers choose from crafts, activitiesand outdoor games. Campers bring their own morningsnack and lunch, with afternoon snack provided.

Sample Daily Schedule:7:00-9:00 Extended Care Available9:00-9:30 Opening Ceremony/

Teambuilding9:30-10:30 Fun Class 110:30-11:00 Snack Break11:00-12:00 Fun Class 212:00-1:00 Lunch Break1:00-1:30 Activity Stations/Story time1:30-4:00 Featured Activity4:00-6:00 Extended Care Available

4:00-6:00 Extended Care Available

Weekly Rate-$200

HMB April 2010 5

Features

8PLENTY TO DO THIS SUMMER

Q&A with Dirk Alvarado about the Half Moon Bay recreation division.

12DADS ON DUTY

Stay at home Dads talk about the rewards —and challenges — of fatherhood.

20MOMS JOIN UP

The Coastside Mothers’ Club gets kids — and moms — together.

Departments

7 UPCOMING EVENTS

35 DOWN TO EARTH

36 SIGHTSEEING

28 SUMMER ACTIVITIESSummer will be here before you know it. Here is a whole mess of ideas for things to do for kids and adults alike.

On the cover Illustration by Bill Murray

» CONTENTS

Summer Activites Issue.

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{ PAGE 8 }{ PAGE 12 }{ PAGE 20 }

6 April 2010 HMB

Announcing Broadway By The Bay’s Youth Theatre Conservatory 2010 Summer Musical Theatre Camps

Training in acTing, singing and dancing For 4-18 year olds

A great way to spend the summer!

For pricing and additional info, visit BroadwayByTheBay.org or call 650-579-5565

The Peninsula’s Best Musical TheatreBecome a fan of Broadway By The Bay on FaceBook & follow us on TwiTTer!

July 5 - August 8, 2010

Full day program9:00am – 4:00pm

Mon – Fri

Half day program 9:00am – 1:00pm

Mon – Fri

June 14 - 25, 2010 2 week half day program

9:00am-12:00pm, Monday – Friday

June 14 - July 2, 20103 week half day program

1:00pm- 4:00pm,Monday-Friday

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Half day program12:00pm - 4:00pm

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July 5 - August 8, 2010

Ages 9-12

Ages 4 & 5

Ages 6-8

Ages 13-17

Pinocchio

Tiny BuT Mighty

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert BrownBook by Dan Elish and Robert Horn

Based on the Book by Carlo CollodiAdaptation and Lyrics by Jim Eiler

Music By Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy

Music & Lyrics by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller and Dan Root

Book adapted and additional Lyrics by Marcy HeislerMusic adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle

Based on the Screenplay by Bill PeetBased on the Novel ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ by Dodie Smith

Summer camp locations in the San Mateo/Burlingame area.

HMB April 2010 7

» UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL

Dreaming of machines and other springtime pursuits

Marvelous, miraculous, mind-boggling machines4/25 Nothing short of spectacular is planned for this year’s 20th anniversary Pacific Coast Dream Machines, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Half Moon Bay Airport, benefiting the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. There will be the usual: 2,000 driving, flying and working machines of the 20th and 21st centuries, including cool cars from vintage Model Ts to jet-fueled racers, custom motorcycles, tricked-out trucks, military aircraft, antique engines and more. But special attractions will highlight the anniversary, including the World War II-era “Heavenly Body” B-25 bomber, the M-551 Sheridan tank from Operation Desert Storm, a “Green Machines” display of alternative-fuel vehicles, and the KISS tribute Harley that pays homage to the classic rockers. Don’t forget the displays of cars owned by your neighbors, the Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Associa-tion displays, drag racing, kids’ amusements, food, bever-ages and the Shana Morrison, Claddagh and Andy Santana bands with special guest Terry Hanck. Admission is $20/adults, $10/youth 11-17 or seniors 65 and up, and free for kids 10 and under. 726-2328.

Try a best-selling beverageWednesdays “Grapes of Wrath Mojito?” “Gone with the Wind Martini?” Try drinks named after the classics at It’s Italia’s “Ladies Night Book Club,” at 401 Main St. in Half Moon Bay. Or suggest a recipe for such a drink, and if it’s featured, get a free drink. 726-4444.

Library classes teach everyday skillsAll month the Half Moon Bay Library offers free but essential classes. “Beginning E-mail” will teach adults how to create an e-mail account from 10 a.m. to noon April 8. Parents can “Solve Your Baby’s Sleep Problems” at 10 a.m. April 17. Learn social networking with “Facebook, MySpace and Twitter” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18. And parents can master “Ef-fective Limit Setting” at 6 p.m. April 20 in the Cunha Intermediate School multipurpose room. 726-2316.

Author brings the world to you

4/17 Visiting Ink Spell Books at 500 Purissima St. in Half Moon Bay at 4 p.m., Santa Clara journalist/author/lecturer

Martha Engber offers “Globalization of the Reading World: Shrinking Boundaries, Expanding Hearts” and a reading and book signing of her contemporary novel “The Wind Thief,” about a young East Indian thief and a young woman who believes she can talk to the wind — a gift that could save the world from cataclysm. Free. 726-6571.

Sound the handbells

4/30 Joy rings out when the Half Moon Bay Library presents a concert featuring the unique sounds of the San Fran-

cisco State University and Community United Methodist Church handbell choirs with Coastside Chorale vocalists. It’s at 7 p.m. at the library, 620 Correas St. in Half Moon Bay. Free. 726-2316.

Visit the chocolate factory

4/30 Coastal Theatre Conservatory young actors present a tasty old favorite with “Wonka: The Musical,” at 7:30

p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (beginning April 30) and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 9 at the theater at 1167 Main St. in Half Moon Bay. Admis-sion is $15, reserved. 726-0267.

Sample nature’s bounty

5/1 A new season of the bounty of field and tree begins when the Coastside Farmer’s Market opens a new season. It will

run every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shoreline Station, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, nuts, cheeses and more, grown or made locally or statewide. 726-4895.

8 April 2010 HMB

When Dirk Alvarado talks about the Half Moon Bay

Recreation Division, it’s apparent the recreation supervisor loves

his job. While staff layoffs have caused some adjustments within

the division, Alvarado stresses that a wealth of classes are still

available for everyone here on the coast. The following is an interview with the man who steers the city’s recreational

opportunities.

Q&A

Q: What does the recreation division have to offer Coastsiders this summer?

We’re going to have 35 summer programs for kids — magic camp, kids’ filmmaking camp — those are two new programs that are going to be coming in. We have 21 programs for adults from drawing to photography. And then, in conjunction with the Half Moon Bay Kayak-ing Company, we’re actually going to do a Fourth of July paddle. We have a lot of things that we’re offering kids to adults to seniors.

Q: Which familiar programs will be offered this year?

We have a number of different programs — we always try to change it up a bit. We keep the ones that are popular. We have a Jazzercise program that’s been going on a long time, the Shely Pack Dancers has a ton of participants coming through it, we have Tai Chi and a lot of different things that have been around for a long time as well. So it’s a balance.

Even amid cuts,

still abound in city recreationfun and games

Recreation Supervisor Dirk Alvarado looks over the activity guide that is published three times a year.

HMB April 2010 9

10 April 2010 HMB

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HMB April 2010 11

Q: How has the division evolved over the years?

I have kind of a short-term perspective, but we’ve really tried to increase the number of programs that we’ve offered in the last few years. It has been traditionally — as in every other recreation division and depart-ment — pretty heavily focused on children, but we try to give opportunities for adults as well. I think one of the things that’s really unique about us is we have the Rollie Wright Scholarship Fund. What that does is it allows every single Coastsider, if they want to take a class and they have a financial need, they can apply for this scholarship and it allows them to take the classes for up to 75 percent off. Recreation really is available to everyone on the coast, regardless of income level.

Q: How does this compare to other recreation divisions in the

county? A lot of times what they’ll do is they’ll just have it for children — adults are totally missed! In this case, we’re able to accept adults as well, and I think that’s really impor-tant. It shows a lot of community.

Q: How is the recreation division weathering the cutbacks right

now?It’s definitely a challenge. We lost two of our staff members last year so the workload has changed. What it’s done is allowed us to rethink how we’re doing things, and it’s allowed us to really focus on what’s impor-tant. We’ve really narrowed it down to the contract classes, the facility rentals and just really maintaining the facilities. Although we’ve had to cut back in other areas, we’ve still been able to maintain the same amount of classes we’ve had in the past.

Q: Is there anything Coastsiders can do to help the recreation

division? Use our programs! Sign up, rent our facili-ties, talk to people (and say things like), “I took this class at the division — it was really good.” That’s what’s going to help us out. And stop by and say, “Hi.” It’s always nice to have people coming by.

We’re going to have 35 summer programs for kids — magic camp, kids’ filmmaking camp — those are two new programs that are going to be coming in. We have 21 programs for adults from drawing to photography.

Outside the recreation offices at the Ted Adcock Community/Senior Center, Alvarado chats with nutrition coordinator John Yengich.

12 April 2010 HMB

HMB April 2010 13

Fift y years ago the term “stay-at-home dad” was virtually unheard of. Men earned the dough and women were expected to use it to bake that night’s apple pie. But times have changed. Ear-lier this year, the Pew Research Center reported that 22 percent of native-born American women were earning more than their husbands in 2007 versus 4 percent in 1970. On the Coast-side, where families oft en come to raise their children away from the hustle and bustle of the city, many fathers are now shouldering more

parenting duties while their wives are busy working. El Granada resident Chris Johnson is one example. Before

Johnson’s 2-year-old son, Maverick, was even in the womb, he and his wife gave a lot of thought to how they were going to balance parenting and work responsibilities. In 2005, Johnson opted to quit his full-time job to see if the family could get

used to one salary. “We went from $100,000 combined household

income to $50,000,” the part-time writer/editor said. “It was hard, but we had done that specifi cally so that by the time (Maverick) came around we’d reach some kind of balance, which we now have.”

Th e family now has the routine down. John-son’s wife holds down a full-time job at Google in Mountain View and every weekday morning she wakes up early to spend some time with Maverick before work. Two days a week, Johnson commutes to an offi ce too, and on those days they entrust their son with a local residential daycare. Th e stay-at-home dad spends the remaining three days of the work week with Maverick, taking part in both scheduled and unscheduled activities.

Just aft er noon on a recent Friday, Johnson is preparing Maverick’s lunch.

“Ready for some brocc-o-loc-o-li?” he asks, his voice rising slightly higher to address his 2-year-old.

“Yeah,” Maverick responds somewhat enthusiastically. “Brocc-o-loc-o-li?” Johnson repeats the question as he walks

toward his son. “Brocc-o-loc-o-li!” the playful father says a third time mock-

ing a menacing T-rex-esque tone before placing the vegetable on the table and aff ectionately pressing his lips to Maverick’s forehead.

“It just goes by so fast that I want to experience every second of it,” Johnson said earlier of Maverick’s childhood. “I don’t want to ever give up my days with him.”

A few days later and less than a mile away, stay-at-home dad Brian Lee supervises his two young children in the driveway

dadCoastside fathers take a more active parenting role

FAMily liFe

By CARinA WouDenBeRg

At home with

El Granada father Chris Johnson stays home three days a week to care for his son Maverick while mom is away at work.

14 April 2010 HMB

of his El Granada home. Lee’s 7-year-old son James is trying out the skateboard the family purchased earlier that day, and his 3-year-old daughter, Rachel, watches and plays along on her scooter.

“This is really unsteady for someone who’s 3 years old,” Lee advises when James offers to push his sister on the skateboard. Instead, Lee takes his daughter’s hand as she rides somewhat shakily on the skateboard for a few moments. Then, still clasp-ing her dad’s fingers, Rachel jumps off.

“You hopped off!” Lee exclaims while Rachel giggles. Lee works as a real estate consultant while his wife works

one day a week at an investment firm in San Francisco. Until recently, Lee’s wife worked two days a week, leaving the kids in his care on Mondays and Thursdays. After she cut back on her work hours, Lee usually takes care of the kids full time on Mondays. This particular Monday, however, Lee’s wife was off on a long-weekend getaway with some girlfriends, leaving Lee with the kids for a few days. Lee says he’s grateful for a flexible job that affords him time for his children.

“I feel pretty fortunate because so many dads have to work 50 hours a week,” he said. “And they come home and it’s dinner-time, bedtime…done! I’d say I’m with my kids a lot more than most dads. Because of my career, I can sort of take a Monday off here. I can kind of do whatever I want.”

When asked what he liked about his dad, James said plainly, “He’s a fun guy to play with.” And biking, the 7-year-old says, is one of their favorite activities. “Once we did a rather tiring and shocking 10 miles of a bike ride,” he mused.

Bike rides and sports are two bonding activities shared by another stay-at-home dad and his 8-year-old daughter. Half Moon Bay resident Ben Komins started his own business 10 years ago, selling music memorabilia on eBay. Aside from occa-sional work-related trips up to San Francisco, Komins estimates

he now does 95 percent of his work from home. Due to a very flexible schedule, Komins is nearly always available to pick up daughter Katherine from Hatch Elementary School, or pick up the slack in other parenting or household duties when his wife is busy with her real estate business.

Spending lots of time at home also afforded the elder Komins to volunteer in Katherine’s classes. Komins says he was happy to offer a fatherly approach to the mostly female environment.

“I know a couple of the boys were happy that there was a male figure in the classroom,” Komins said. “It’s not like your mom telling you what to do and what not to do. My philosophy is to give a choice with the choice being pretty obvious: Do you want to sit here for the rest of the day? Or do you want to coop-erate and do what the rest of the class is doing?”

Komins says he’s observed a growing acceptance of stay-at-home dads here on the Coastside, pointing toward a larger number of male acquaintances who are trying to work from home a day or two out of the week in order to spend more time with their kids.

Johnson, on the other hand, says he feels there exists at least some level of judgment.

“There’s still this idea that the man makes the bulk of the money,” Johnson said. “And if the woman is making the bulk of it, then she’s wearing the pants in the family, and then there’s some problem with that.”

For Johnson and his wife, however, he says, they’re very care-ful to make sure they’re each bringing equal effort toward their relationship and their family. Johnson admits he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if he didn’t fulfill his personal goal of tak-ing care of all housework while his wife is at work.

“Her job is to make the bulk of the money,” Johnson said. “It really breaks her heart to leave five days a week, so when she comes home all she has to do is love him and take care of

Chris Johnson reads Maverick a book they bought on a recent trip. Spending every Monday together, Brian Lee enjoys sports and games with his two children.

HMB April 2010 15

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HMB April 2010 17

herself. She feels guilty about that, but I feel guilty about not having to go into the office five days a week.”

The entire family spends time together in the evenings when Maverick’s mother gets home from work — usually sharing dinner and reading books with their son before bedtime. On the weekends, John-son’s wife will typically take Maverick to Café Classique to listen to the live music and then to his weekly swim lesson meet at La Petite Baleen.

The system works, but — as most fami-lies who try to balance work and family life can attest — it’s not easy.

“He’s a 2-year-old so there’s crying and there’s tantrums,” Johnson admitted. “And sometimes it’s even him and not me.”

In Lee’s household, the family home-schools, which means his 7-year-old is home with him on Mondays when the young student would normally be at school for a good chunk of the day. The family takes a pretty unstructured approach to education and Lee says he doesn’t participate too much with the academic portion of the day. However, juggling two kids with different ages and interests can sometimes be a challenge on its own.

“My wife, I think, appreciates her one day off to go to work… have adult prob-lems not children problems,” Lee said. “Sometimes it gets hard because you’re

doing it kind of constantly.”As if on cue, Lee’s 3-year-old peeks her

head out from behind the breakfast bar. “Hello!” Rachel interjects. She’s stand-

ing on a box filled with building blocks and peeking her head out from behind the breakfast bar.

“Hello. Are you on the blocks again?” Lee asks. “Careful up there, they fall over sometimes.”

Lee turns back to the reporter to finish his thought.

“You don’t really have any off time with kids,” he said. “ I’ve been pretty much on, 24/7, three or four days…”

At that moment, the box Rachel was standing on suddenly gives way under her weight and her chin comes down on the counter. After a second of standing there in shock, Rachel lets out a series of wails. Lee grabs a tissue and places the sobbing child on his lap.

“I think you bit your lip with your teeth when you clunked your chin there!” Lee says between his daughter’s hiccupping.

There’s a little blood, but she’s going to be fine.

“You know what the good thing is?” Lee asks his daughter. “I don’t think we’re going to have to get stitches or anything like that.”

Since Komins’ daughter is older and at school during the day, she doesn’t require as much attention as she did when she

was younger. But Komins is there to help Katherine with her homework after school. As a former professional chef, he also takes on most of the cooking for the household too. Growing up, Komins saw very little of his own dad.

“I almost never saw my dad,” he said. “He would leave basically at 8 in the morning, come home 6 at night, just be exhausted and expect that my mom would have some kind of dinner on the table,” he says.

Katherine said she considers herself fortunate to have both parents around and available to her after-school. Many students are forced to go to after school activities until their parents can pick them up after work.

“There’s a lot of kids who don’t have any parents at home,” she said. “They’re working, so (the kids) go to this after-school thing… They get home at 5:30, so they stay there for like two hours.”

At 52, Komins acknowledges that he started parenting on the late side. A friend of Katherine’s lost her dad at an early age and reflecting on that makes Komins thoughtful.

“It makes me kind of realize that we are in a good situation spending a lot of time with each other,” he said of his daughter. “When that time comes when there won’t be a dad around — hopefully she’ll have some better memories.” 1

Ben Komins takes an afternoon stroll with his daughter Katherine and the family dogs after picking her up from school.

20 April 2010 HMB

The Coastside Mothers’ Club is not your grandmother’s playgroup.

Embarking on its 19th year, the more than 300-member network of Coastside women retains an interac-tive Web site complete with mission statement and multiple online forums. They’ve also built up a 30-member board that meets regularly. They’ve created specially designed playgroups and babysitting co-ops. You can even purchase T-shirts and baseball caps specially monogrammed (or, shall we say, mommagrammed?) with the club’s own logo.

While the group may seem very structured, club president Anita Krpata says they’re a very accepting, “down-to-earth” bunch.

Moms have a club of their own

Coastside Mothers’ Club is much more than coffee klatch

By Carina WoudenBurgphotos By lars hoWlett

Coastside mothers and their children gather at Straw Hat Pizza for Babysitters Appreciation Night.

HMB April 2010 19

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July 27th through August 21st, 2009

SUMMER CAMP

Certified By Dance Masters of America

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A program of the City of Half Moon BayParks & Recreation

Find out why dancers not only improve inschool but become more confident, focused,

and respectful of others!

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650-726-7811Schedule subject to change. REGISTER NOW!!!

MONDAYS2:00-3:00 Pre-school Song & Dance

(ages 2 1/2-5)

3:00-4:00 Mini/Petite -Dance & Acting(ages 6-9)

4:00-6:00 Jr/Sr Dance & Acting

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WEDNESDAY4:00-6:00 Jr/Sr Ballet

THURSDAY Competition Teams3:00-4:00 Petite4:00-6:00 Jr/Senior

FeaturingSinging-Acting-Dancing

Circus Acrobaticsand

July 27th through August 21st, 2009

SUMMER CAMP

Certified By Dance Masters of America

REGISTER NOW!!!

A program of the City of Half Moon BayParks & Recreation

Find out why dancers not only improve inschool but become more confident, focused,

and respectful of others!

www.shelypackdancers.com

650-726-7811Schedule subject to change. REGISTER NOW!!!

MONDAYS2:00-3:00 Pre-school Song & Dance

(ages 2 1/2-5)

3:00-4:00 Mini/Petite -Dance & Acting(ages 6-9)

4:00-6:00 Jr/Sr Dance & Acting

TUESDAY3:00-4:00 Mini/Petite Acrobatics

4:00-6:00 Jr/Sr Acrobatics

WEDNESDAY4:00-6:00 Jr/Sr Ballet

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No weekend Classes. schedule subject to change. Certified by Dance Masters of America. A program of Half Moon Bay Parks & Recreation.

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543 Main Street

20 April 2010 HMB

The Coastside Mothers’ Club is not your grandmother’s playgroup.

Embarking on its 19th year, the more than 300-member network of Coastside women retains an interac-tive Web site complete with mission statement and multiple online forums. They’ve also built up a 30-member board that meets regularly. They’ve created specially designed playgroups and babysitting co-ops. You can even purchase T-shirts and baseball caps specially monogrammed (or, shall we say, mommagrammed?) with the club’s own logo.

While the group may seem very structured, club president Anita Krpata says they’re a very accepting, “down-to-earth” bunch.

Moms have a club of their own

Coastside Mothers’ Club is much more than coffee klatch

By CARinA WouDenBuRgpHoTos By lARs HoWleTT

Coastside mothers and thieir children gather at Straw Hat Pizza for babysitters appreciation night.

HMB April 2010 21

“It’s really a very open community,” she said. “It shouldn’t be at all intimidating — if someone has a good idea, I’m all for it.”

Group members must be having many a “good idea” because several ongoing, annual and special events are planned for each month. In March, the group held its annual “Babysitters Appreciation Night” at the Straw Hat Pizza in Half Moon Bay. Club members were encouraged to bring in their babysitters for free pizza. A list of 20 or so recommended babysitters was available for particpants’ perusal and addi-tions, and Straw Hat offered 15 percent of its profits that night to the club itself.

When not nibbling on pizza, the pre-school-aged kids ran around the restaurant in pirate eye patches, colored on pirate-themed crafts and were greeted by a female “pirate,” hired by the club to entertain the little ones.

Six-year CMC member Kelly Rog-ers stood watching the action from the sidelines. As a stay-at-home mom with a 6- and a 4-year-old, Rogers echoed other club members when she said the socialization in the club is just as important for adults as it is for the kids.

“I joke that I have my playgroup,” she said. “When you’re a new mom you feel isolated, you don’t know what’s around — you don’t know what to expect.”

Fellow member Jennifer Lockhart sat nearby, helping her toddler with dinner. The part-time graphic designer juggles three kids, work and also publishes the

Melissa Coucke, center, shares smiles with fellow playgroup members Leslie Conaghan, left, and Sarah Bunkin, right, during a Wednesday morning get together at her Half Moon Bay home.

22 April 2010 HMB

• Organic U-Pick Strawberries: May to Oct. • 35 miles South of HMB• Open 7 days a week year round! 8AM to Sunset.• Check out our History Displays, Vintage Games and Music while enjoying farm made organic bakery treats!

Also U-Pick at our Swanton/Coastways Ranch:• Organic Olallieberry U-Pick in June/July• Organic Blackberry U-Pick in July• Organic Kiwi U-Pick November though January

25 miles south of HMB831-469-8804www.swantonberryfarm.com

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• Music, Intro to Spanish, Science, Gardening, Art, and Computer Lab

Call (650)726-2017 for information480 Ave. Alhambra El Granada

2010 RITZ KIDS SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete and return to The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay: Attention Ritz Kids One Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, California Fax: (650) 712-7870 Phone (650) 712-7667 Email: [email protected]

Camper’s Name Age and Date of Birth Guardian’s Name Street Address

City State Zip

Telephone Email address

Before Care After Care $ Session 1: June 21 – June 25 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 2: June 28– July 2 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 3: July 5 – July 9 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 4: July 12 – July 16 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 5: July 19 – July 23 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 6: July 26 – July 30 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 7: August 2 – August 6 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___ $ Session 8: August 9 – August 13 Yes ___ No___ Yes ___ No___

Total extended care at $15 per day $ Total lunch orders at $15 per day $ Other Charges $______________ Total Amount Due $ CHECK INFORMATION Check Number

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Name (Exactly as it appears on Credit Card)

Credit Card Number: Expiration

Card Billing Address:

Cardholder’s Phone: Fax:

Registration Fee/Payments: Full payments are due prior to start of camp. To make payments by credit card, please complete the section above, sign below, and fax or email information to the resort. Checks may be sent to the address above or included with this form.

I hereby authorize The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay to charge the above credit card for any outstanding balance not covered by advance payment for Ritz Kids Summer Camp, in the event that charges are not completely settled upon conclusion. Cardholder’s Signature: Date:

Aspire Create Imagine Discover Play

THE RITZ KIDS 2010 SUMMER CAMPS

June 21 to August 13

Tennis • Science • Sports • Arts & Crafts •Fitness • Adventure •Nature

Ages 5 through 14

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers fun, enriching day camps in weeklong sessions designed for children to enjoy a hands-on experience

in a remarkable, unique coastal setting.

A TYPICAL RITZ KIDS CAMP DAY

8 to 9 a.m. Extended morning care 9 a.m. Drop off and welcome 9:30 a.m. to Noon Outdoor activities/swimming Noon to 1 p.m. Lunch and relaxation 1 to 3 p.m. Themed camp activities 3 to 4 p.m. Arts & crafts/Free play 4 p.m. Pick up and fond farewell 4 to 5 p.m. Extended after camp care

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers fun, enriching day camps in weeklong sessions designed for children to enjoy a hands-on experience in a remarkable, unique coastal setting.

One Miramontes Point Road Half Moon Bay, California Fax: (650) 712-7870, Phn: (650) 712-7667 www.ritzcarlton.com

HMB April 2010 23

club’s monthly newsletter. One of the special aspects of the club, Lockhart says, involves learning more about the other club members’ lives outside of parenting.

“I’m always surprised to find out what a mother’s other role is,” she said. Many of the members are heavily involved in volunteer-ing or work with nonprofits. One mom in the group, she says, works as a Russian translator.

The adulttalk and parent bonding are facilitated by the groups’ various activities. While many events are very child-centered, the club plans some for moms only, couples only and even activities especially tailored for the dads in the group.

Of course, diaper and crib talk is still very important to the group as well. At a recent playgroup meet-up, two mothers chatted about children’s toys while their 3-year-olds played with them.

“Did you get this at the used children’s store?” one of them asks.

“No. But where is this used children’s store?” says the other.

The Web site’s online forums enhance this example of old-fashioned word-of-mouth networking. Here parents can post topics on potty-training tips or on how to get your toddler to sleep through the night. There’s also a forum for local news and opinions, and a third that operates as a classified ads section. “For example,” Krpata said, “I’m in the market for a car seat.”

Back at the playgroup, the host’s son, 5-year-old Evan Coucke, constructs an elaborate fort out of the couch cushions. Some of the younger girls take the op-portunity to bounce on the naked couch sections before the mothers motivated the group toward the outdoor playset designed with child-generated rough-housing in mind.

Evan’s mom, Melissa Coucke, works on the board as the club’s secretary and is also involved in the “New Member Tea”—an event geared to welcome new members and held once a month at La Di

“IT’S REALLY A VERY OPEN COMMUNITY,” SHE SAID. “IT SHOULDN’T BE AT ALL

INTIMIDATING — IF SOMEONE

HAS A GOOD IDEA, I’M ALL

FOR IT.” —Club presIdent

AnItA KrpAtA

Children at a Coastside Mother’s Club enjoy arts and crafts as the parents mingle.

24 April 2010 HMB

Early Childhood Music Classesages newborn to 5 years

Private piano, guitar,bass, sax, recorder

Rock Pop Jazz KeyboardsAges 5 to 17 :: Beg - Adv :: July 26 - 30

Kids’ Morning Music CampsAges 5 to 8 :: Aug 16-19 & 23-26

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(650) 726-5705 | www.cameronsinn.com

Cameron’s InnCameron’s InnCameron’s InnCameron’s Inn

We’ve watched your kids grow

And you’ve watch ours grow.

Thanks For The Memories – Cameron’s Crew

From Our Family To

YoursServing Big Kids

& Little Kids

LOTS OF PALMERS From left, Colton, Kimberly,

Kennedy, Cassidy, Kamryn, Kyle, Kayla

Aquatic Programs forall ages and interests!

Friends, Fitness and Fun

Adult Lap/Masters’Swimming: Our popularadult program offers a low-impact total body workout andstress relief. On deck assis-tance available. Convenientearly morning and eveningwork out times to fit anyschedule.

For more information on any of our aquatic programs,see www.mavswim.com

Age GroupSwimming:(Ages 6+ to 18). Explore swimming for fun, crosstraining or competition.

NEW SESSION DATES:Spring and SummerSession is April 26through July 23

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Safe, comfortable, serene dog & cat boarding

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Located in Pacificawww.shamrockranchkennels.com (650)359-1627

HMB April 2010 25

Da. Playgroup hosts are not expected to supply food, but Coucke supplied an elegant display of crustless cucumber sandwiches, a bowl of gold fish crackers, juice packages and freshly made frittata.

After an hour or so of swinging and sliding, the group splits up for the week. Some of the members look forward to seeing each other even sooner.

“Jenna and Lily met in this playgroup, and now they’re like twin sisters,” club member Leslie Conaghan said of her daughter and daughter’s playmate. “They’re together five days a week.”

Sarah Bunkin similarly raves about the club. “You get hooked up with so many of the other moms that are around,” she said. “And now all the husbands are friends.”

For more information on the Coastside Moth-ers’ Club or to become a member visit the Web site at www.coastsidemothers-club.org. 1

“JENNA AND LILY

MET IN THIS PLAYGROUP AND NOW THEY’RE

LIKE TWIN SISTERS.”— Club member

leslIe ConAgHAn

At a playgroup meetup, Coastside mothers catch up as their children have fun in the house.

Lara Fey paints the faces of children at a get together at a local restaurant.

26 April 2010 HMB

Need we say more?

CAUTION: May be habit forming, lead toextreme happiness, and long road trips.

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SALES • PARTS • SERVICE • MOTORCLOTHES® APPAREL

Dudley Perkins CompanyHarley-Davidson® & Buell®

~ est. 1914 ~A family tradition of four generations. Mid-Peninsula

HigH

scHool

Choose a small, caring, innovative high school

sPring oPen HouseSaturday, April 24, 10:30-12pm

1340 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 321-1991

www.mid-pen.com

Enjoy the best summer of your life!

YMCACamp Loma Mar Summer Camp

www.camplomamar.org

650-879-0223

Lazy “H” RanchSUMMER CAMP

Every child owns a ponyor horse for the week.

Camp is every week during the summer.

Call for more information or a ranch tour:(650) 726-3743 www.lazyhponyranch.com

Coastal Adventures Coastal Adventures Summer Camp's goal is to give

children an adventure they'll remember. Each day we load

up the van with a small group of kids and explore the

amazing sites around the coast.

k Children Ages 6-13k Hours: 8:30 to 4pmk Adventure Weeks: Beach, Hike & Bikek 12 Children Maximum / 2 Adults

k $325 per week

Jon Lowings (650) 303-4055 www.jonsadventures.com






k $325 per week







k $325 per week







k $325 per week


Our goal is to give children an adventure they’ll remember.

Every day we explore the amazing sites around the coast.

community united methodist church

Experience God’s Love

777 Miramontes Street at Johnston 650.726.4621www.cumc-hmb.com

29th Annual Summer Camp in Memorial Park in PescaderoCamp out, crafts, games, hikes, songs

July 27-31, 2010Open to 3rd through 8th graders

Call the church office at 726-4621 for more information

HMB April 2010 27

Junípero Serra High School451 West 20th Avenue San Mateo CA 94403 650.345.8207

SUMMERAT SERRA

CO-ED

PLEASE VISIT WWW.SERRAHS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

SERRA HIGH SCHOOLACADEMICS + SUMMER CAMP

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NEXT LEVEL SPORTS CAMPSCHILDREN’S SPORTS & RECREATION CAMPS

CSI Serra: Crime Scene Investigation Camp Robotics CampPerforming Arts Camp Creative Writing/Journalism Camp

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS (including four exciting NEW camps)

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMICSPRE-HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMICS

YMCA OF SAN FRANCISCO

C AMP

J ONES

G ULCH

Summer Resident Camp

Retreats & Rentals

Family Camp

Ropes Courses

Teen Adventure Camp

www.campjonesgulch.org Pescadero Rd, La Honda (650) 747-1200

[email protected]

650-560-9717Individuals ~ Groups ~ Workshops

Corrine BucherLife Coach

has been helping people like yourself to achieve their goals since 1999

Make 2010Your MostVibrant

Year Yet!Don’t miss my coaching specials in

January and February, call for details

[email protected]







[email protected]







[email protected]







Helping people to achieve their goals since 1999

[email protected]







Gymtowne Gymnastics850 Airport Street, Unit 7

Moss Beach, CA 94038(650) 563-9426

www.gymtowne.com

• Gymnastics Classes (all ages) • Summer Camp (ages 3 1/2 and up)

• Birthday Parties

1/2 OFF FIRST MONTH’S TUITIONNew students only.

Cannot be combined withany other offer.Expires 6/30/10

✁

(650) 738-8648

www.SpindriftSchool.org 9 Musical Theatre Summer Camps!

Camps are for: Ages 4-7, Ages 7-12 & Ages 12 to 18. All camps are 4 weeks, Mon.-Thurs. Training in acting, dancing & voice

with a full performance experience at the end! Call us or visit our website for more information & availability. New this year: Two one-week mini camps in August. Camps fill early. CALL NOW!

Nipper CampJune 15-25Ages 5-8

T,W, Th 11:30-2:30All day Fri June 25

$400

Junior CampJune 14-26Ages 8-12

M-F 10:00-3:001/2 day June 26

$500

Seniors CampJune 14-26Ages 12-16

M-F 9:15-3:301/2 day June 26

$600

728-7519 | 496 6th St. Montarawww.SHaywardDance.com

SUSAN HAYWARDSCHOOL of DANCING

26th Annual 2010Theatre Arts & Dance Camp

Come and join the Fun

*ages 5-16*

28 April 2010 HMB

a d v e r t o r i a l

There is no shortage of things to do on the Coastside this summer. Get outside! Learn new things! Explore the coast! Make new friends! Here are a bunch of great ideas — there is something for everyone!

| SAILING |

Learning how to sail during a week of on-the-water instruction is a wonderful summertime activity for kids. the Half moon bay Yacht Club offers sailing classes to young people ages 8 to 16 at its facilities in Pillar Point Harbor. Classes start at 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. each day. Beginners are welcome, and certified Level 1 U.S. Sailing instructors teach classes. Student sailors must be able to swim 50 feet in a wetsuit without a life jacket. Sailors must provide their own wetsuit and bring a bag lunch each day. Classes run every week from June 28 through August 20. Cost is from $290 for a one-week course and from $580 for a two-week course, plus $50 temporary family membership in the Yacht Club. Register online at www.hmbyc.org or through the HMB Parks & Recreation Department. Questions? Email inquiries to [email protected] or call the Club at 650-728-2120.

| CAMP |

Give your child a camp experience in beautiful memorial park in pescadero. This camp is open to children going into third through eighth grade. During the week of July 27 — July 31, we camp out, eat well-planned meals, do crafts, play games, go on hikes, sing around the campfire every

night, make new friends and learn together about God’s love and grace. This camp is sponsored by Community united methodist Church in Half moon bay. It has been an annual event for 29 years. For more information or to get a registration form, call the church office at 726-4621.

| CAMP |

One of a child’s greatest memories when they grow up is summer camp. mariner’s Church offers various camps for children from grades K-12 that offer all the fun with the added benefit of a faith-based experience. For those who are still young, going off to camp is a bit overwhelming, so we invite children in grades K-5 to “set sail” with us at our High Seas Expedition Day Camp August 2-6. Each morning is filled with crafts and activities and each afternoon with field trips. The cost is only $80 per child for the entire week! For those a bit more adventurous, we offer three camp experiences in the mountains above Fresno at Hume lake. For grades 3-6 we go to Wagon Train on July 4-10. And on August 8-14 grades 6-8 go to Meadow Ranch while grades 9-12 go to Ponderosa. All the information you need can be seen at marinerscc.org or by calling 726-5959. We look forward to helping your child develop memories that last a lifetime!

Keeping busy local summer activities

HMB April 2010 29

| CAMP |

the ritz-Carlton, Half moon bay, will be running its’ Ritz Kids Summer Camp Program for eight weeks beginning the week of June 21 through the week of August 13. Each week will offer a different theme and focus. The camp staff will enliven the minds of our youth with different activities and excursions that fit the week’s theme. Ritz Kids will explore sports, fitness, science, art and crafts, adventure, and nature. The camps are open to ages 5-12, and siblings are eligible for a camp discount. Camps will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an extended care option from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an additional fee per child. Lunch is not included in the base price, but can be added for an additional cost per day for each child. For information on a specific week’s theme, camp pricing, activities, and/or to register, please contact The Ritz Kids Department at 650-712-7667.

| DANCE |

Kids of all levels of experience can have fun and enjoyment at the susan Hayward’s school of dancing’s 26th annual theatre Arts and dance Camp in montara. “For many years this has been a great way for some children to start in dance and drama,” said Susan Hayward, director of the school. “It’s a sampling of all forms of dance, drama and theatre arts along with learning the skills of putting on a production at the end of camp.” Children’s classes are divided into three age groups from 5 to 16. The camp runs from June 15-25 for the younger children, and June 14 to 25 with an additional half day for the juniors and seniors on June 26. Daily times vary according to the age group. Hayward said the camp differs from year to year due to ages and experience levels of those attending. The two weeks culminates with a show, complete with costumes, sets and props the students design in theatre art classes. 728 7519.

| STAY BUSY |

Coastside Children’s programs (CCP) will offer two distinct and super fun camps this summer! The “Summer Sports Fun” camp will be offered for 6 weeks during the summer — focusing on a new sport each week. The 10-week “Exploring the Coastside” will be a blast for kids age 5-12. Each camp will be uniquely different from the school year but will have the same qualified and highly experienced staff! Both camps will be offered on a weekly basis, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 14 to Aug. 18 at CCP Half Moon Bay (located at Hatch Elementary School). Visit www.coastsidechildren.org to register or call 650.726.7413 for more information.

| GYMNASTICS |

Where are your kids hanging out this summer? gymtowne gymnastics offers full-day and half-day summer camps for school-age children, and a special morning camp for preschool-age children. With a focus on gymnastics, campers will also enjoy arts and crafts, games, obstacle courses and relay races. Boys and girls entering first grade and up can choose full-day camp, or half-day camp in the morning or afternoon. Preschool camp is for children ages 3 1⁄2 to entering kindergarten, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every day. “Gymnastics camp is a fun way for kids to stay active,” said Doris Strom, owner of Gymtowne. “It helps develop self-esteem, coordination and strength.” Call 563-9426, or visit www.gymtowne.com.

| RIDE THE TRAIN |

During the year, the weekdays are busy, but what about the weekends? lemos Farm has an answer: Come visit the farm and the kids can ride the ponies, take a trip on the train and pet the critters in the petting zoo. “The kids have a lot of fun at the farm,” said Lemos Farm owner Bob Lemos. “Parents can keep busy, too. It’s a great place for the family to spend time together.” Lemos Farm’s activities for kids are available every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also hosts exciting parties for kids. 726-2342.

summer activities

continued

30 April 2010 HMB

| ENRICHMENT |

There’s no reason to fritter away your summer. Students can stretch themselves academically and have fun doing it at the Crystal springs uplands summer enrichment program. The three-week core program at the Hillsborough college preparatory school is a summer enrichment offering that combines traditional academic classes and elementary thematic classes with an array of electives like computer science, Spanish, digital photography, theatrical improvisation, public speaking, art and sports classes. Weeklong sports camps run by CSUS Varsity coaches will be offered in the afternoons. The weeklong camps include more choices such as math camps, Shakespeare Camp, instrumental and vocal music camp, cooking, Writing Magic with Harry Potter, environmental science field trips, basketball and tennis camps and more. The programs run from June 14 to July 2 and are open to children entering grades 2-9. To register online, visit http://www.csus.org and select summer programs. 342-4175.

| CREATE | Give your child a summer he or she will never forget at Camp Woo at the Wilkinson school in el granada. Summer should be safe, fun and enriching for children and families. Camp Woo invites you to explore any or all of their 9 weeks of wild fun. The exceptional, enthusiastic staff guides kids through a full day of fun activities. The day officially begins with a wacky camp roundup. Daily classes entice campers to be engulfed in the worlds of “Going Buggy,” “Crazy, Kooky Circus,” “Wild, Wild West,” “Mad Moviemakers I,” “Mad Moviemakers II,” “Funky Fairy Tales,” “Silly Space Explorers,” “Under the Sea Soiree,” and “Around the World Party.” Some of the weeks, campers will traverse on popular field trips, such as Sky High, bowling and more. Other weeks Paul and Gabby La La from the Sippycups will be holding interactive performances. Summer session runs from June 21 - Aug. 20 and is targeted for K-8 kids. For more information contact 726-4582 or stop by the Wilkinson School.

| RIDE HORSES |

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, if you love horses, moss beach ranch summer Horse Camp is for you. “It’s all about horses,” said owner Lauren Allen. “Every day is filled with riding instruction and adventure, along with lessons on how to understand and care for horses.” The weeklong camps run all summer long, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for kids ages 6 to 15. Campers each have their own horse for the week, and along with riding, learn something new about horses every day. Covered topics include safety, grooming, behavior, health and more. At Moss Beach Ranch Horse Camp, kids have fun learning basic vaulting, which builds confidence and skills on horseback. “Our goal is to foster a child’s love of horses through patience, teamwork and responsibility,” said Allen. “The kids not only have fun, but they come away with a sense of accomplishment and pride.” To register online, visit www.mossbeachranch.com. 728-0700.

| SWIM | Many Coastsiders are already familiar with la petite baleen swim school in downtown Half Moon Bay. Countless children from infancy on up have eased their fears of the water and learned their strokes in co-owners Irene and John Kolbisen’s cozy indoor pool. Lessons are half-hour long, with small group, semi-

private and private lessons available. La Petite Baleen also offers adult lessons for those who didn’t learn this life-saving skill as a child, or who wish to brush up on their strokes. 866-896-3603 or pre-register online: www.swimlpb.com.

| HORSEMANSHIP |

After 17 years, the folks at lazy H ranch in Half moon bay know how to run a horse camp. The weeklong camps run all summer long from June 7 through Sept. 3, giving plenty of local kids, ages 6 through 12, a chance to experience the joy of horses. There is also space for those wanting to join in on one of the two weeklong spring break camps held April 5-9 and April 12-16. “Every child gets his own pony or horse,” said Breen Hofmann, who runs the ranch with his wife, Emma. “We teach them how to catch them, how to groom them, and tack them up. We go riding every day.” Campers also participate in art projects, barn projects and nature hikes, then finish up the week with a show for the parents. Hofmann says that many students come back to the camp year after year to get their summer horse fix. Some even sign up for several sessions all summer long. Call 726-3743, or visit www.lazyhponyranch.com.

| SURF |

dave Alexander’s private surf lessons will continue throughout the year, and his spring break and summer surf camps will be back by popular demand. Kids can be wet and wild all summer long as they learn proper surfing etiquette and ocean safety, while having fun and enjoying the exhilarating experience of riding waves. The surf camp is for all ages and all levels. Surfboards are supplied, and wetsuits must be worn. They can be rented from any of the local surf shops. The ability to swim is a requirement. The camp is held at Surfer’s Beach, and weeklong sessions are April 5 to 9 for spring break camp, and June 14 through Aug. 27 for summer camps. Classes are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t forget your sunscreen, towel and sack lunch. Each session is concluded on Friday with a fun barbecue. Call Open Ocean Surfing for lessons at (650) 867-0315 or visit the Web site at www.openoceansurfing.com. To register for camps, call the Half Moon Bay Recreation Division at 726-8297, or visit online at www.hmbcity.com/parks-rec.html.

| EDUCATE |

Looking for something fun and educational for your child to do this summer? sea Crest school is offering several week-long sessions extending through most of the summer. Choose from a wide variety of interests, including Science Adventures classes, academic enrichment classes, and summer fun camps to create a unique summer school experience that is tailor-made for your child. Week-long offerings are available from June 21-August 6th except during the week of July 5th. For more information, details on classes, and to find registration materials, please visit our website at www.seacrestschool.org http://www.seacrestschool.org.

| EXPLORE |

Coastal Adventures proudly celebrates our 6th summer of successful camps. The camp’s goal is to let children explore the wonderful sights of the coast and peninsula. Each day Coastal Adventures staff picks up a small group of children and takes them on an awesome adventure that they will remember. The summer is broken up into three theme weeks: Beach Week, Bike Week & Exploration Week. The week-long camps are suited for ages 6-13 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some excursions include: secret caves, making rope swings, sand boarding, riding bikes around Angel Island and so much

summer activities

HMB April 2010 31

more. Coastal Adventures is about seeing new things, trying new things, and of course having fun. Please check out our Website www.jonsadventures.com or call Jon at (650) 303-4055 for more information.

| PERFORM |

Children from ages 2 1⁄2 to 18 will enjoy a performance camp of acting, singing and dancing. Special classes for the little ones highlight preschool song and dance, upbeat music and tumbling. School-age children will enjoy the many class combinations of ballet, tap and jazz designed to introduce them to various dance forms and performance. Junior/Senior dance, acting and acrobatics are some of the fun summer offerings for older dancers. “This is an opportunity for students to enjoy learning techniques in acting and singing along with dance and movement,” said Director Shely Pack-Manning. The program is facilitated by the city of Half moon bay parks and recreation department and located at 535 Kelly Ave. in the Ted Adcock Community/ Senior Center. Camp sessions are July 19-Aug. 12, 726-7811 or visit www.shelypackdancers.com.

| MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPS |

Youth theatre Conservatory offers affordable, fee-based, quarterly classes to young people ages 4-17. The Youth Conservatory Theatre classes are taught by working professionals from the greater Bay Area and are conducted in accordance with National Standards of Arts Education. Class schedules are designed to provide year-round weekend workshops, winter class sessions that produce a special holiday show, an ensemble of young performers called Broadway Bound, and summer musical theatre camps that conclude in full-length musical performances. The benefits of offering vocal technique, mime, acting and arts movement classes encourage participation among the students and helps grow their self-esteem. broadway by the bay’s YTC 2010 summer camps consist of full productions of 13, A New Musical for ages 13-17, Pinocchio for ages 9-12 and smaller scale in-studio productions of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians for ages 6-8 and Tiny But Mighty, a review performance for ages 4 and 5. The year round programs include Broadway Bound, an ensemble which provides free performances throughout the community and Cabaret by the Bay, a workshop geared towards individual vocalists.

| MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE |

The spindrift school of performing Arts is offering 9 different musical theatre camps this summer for a variety of ages. We offer an exciting curriculum of classes taught by professionals in their respective fields of Music, Theatre, and Dance. We have designed an intensive schedule of classes for our summer programs to educate and stimulate that aspiring young performer in your family. The camps include classes in acting, dance, music and voice. Finally, at the end of the four-week session, your child will perform in a Broadway Musical for friends and family to watch and enjoy! Broadway Bound: (ages 4-7) $395 — June 21-July 18 and/or July 19-August 14, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Spotlight Stars: (ages 7-12) $595 — June 21-July 18 and/or July 19-Aug. 14, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. OR a later schedule for July 5-Aug. 31, Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. On-Site before and aftercare available. Teen Training: (ages 12-18) $595 — July 12-Aug. 15, Monday-Thursday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. New this year: Musical Theatre Mini Camps. We are offering two one-week long Mini camps! For (ages 7-12)

$175-Aug. 2-Aug. 6 and/or Aug. 9-Aug. 13, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit us at www.SpindriftSchool.org for more details and locations or call 650-738-8648 for more info.

| CAMP |

YmCA Camp loma mar offers a super-fun camp experience. From traditional camp activities like hiking, swimming and sleeping under the stars to climbing our giant wall, zipping down our zip line and shooting arrows at archery- kids will find something they love. Using age-appropriate activities and challenges, our trained, caring staff encourage campers to make new friends, experience new things and learn new skills. Days and nights are packed with fun and safe outdoor activities, ending with energetic and unforgettable performances before lights out. Campers work together on campfire skits, zany weekly dances, x-treme creek hikes and mud facials. Visit www.CampLomaMar.org <http://www.camplomamar.org/> . For more information, call 650-879-0223 or email: [email protected].

| CAMP |

YmCA Camp Jones gulch offers safe and exciting summer programs for kids age 5 to 16. Campers enjoy activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, archery, hiking, foam-sword fighting, carpet-ball, ping pong, zip line, arts & crafts, swimming, climbing tower, ga-ga, and much more. Nights offer fun-filled and rewarding programs like nightly reflection, talent shows, campfires, and an overnight sleep-out under the stars. Our trained, compassionate staff encourages campers to build lifelong friendships, try new activities, develop new skills and grow in character values. In addition to resident and day camp, we invite you to check out our Retreats & Rentals, Family Camps, and Ropes Courses at our redwood home near La Honda. Call (650) 747-1200, email [email protected] or visit www.CampJonesGulch.org <http://www.campjonesgulch.org/>.

|PRESCHOOL |

Do you want to enroll your 2 1/2 to 6-year-old child in a fun, educational, nurturing, and affordable environment? picasso preschool and Kindergarten offers one of the best on the Coastside. Weekly programs include Music, Intro to Spanish, Science experiments, Gardening, Art, and Computer Lab in addition to fun events. Picasso doors are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Flexible hours are available upon request. The enthusiastic teachers strive to listen, guide, nurture, and educate in a small class setting environment. Consider Picasso ... For the fine art of childcare. For more information call (650) 726-2017. Picasso Preschool and Kindergarten, 480 Ave. Alhambra, El Granada 94018

summer activities

continued

32 April 2010 HMB

Ocean View Driving Range201 Kelly Avenue

Half Moon Bay (650) 726-1155

Andreotti’s Farm Fresh Produce329 Kelly Avenue Half Moon Bay (650) 726-9151

Andreotti’sOcean View Driving Range and Farm Fresh ProduceOpen year round

8 a.m. to dusk

ANDREOTTI FAMILY FARMCome and support one of theselect few farms on the Coastside— 80 acres of fresh produce:

Since 1926

Fresh eggs from Happy Hens Artichokes * Fava Beans * Pumpkins

* Strawberries and Vine-RipenedTomatoes available through October* Corn Maze * Cauliflower, Broccoli,

Leeks, Chard, Kale, and Beets *Open year round Friday, Saturday

and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,after October to 5 p.m. * Open the

Day before Thanksgiving

SAND TRAP, GRASS AND LESSONS

Half MoonBay

Art Glass

at La Nebbia Winery • 12341 Hwy 92

650-283-5626 • [email protected]

Classes in Glass BlowingHot Glass Sculpting

FUN FOR AGES 12 to 102

HMB April 2010 33

| SWIM |

In the fog or in the sun, kids will stay busy swimming in Mavericks Swim Association’s heated pool, located at the high school. Summer is a fantastic time to try competitive swimming in a fun, friendly environment says Mavericks Swim Association. Swimming is also an excellent cross-training sport for kids and adults. The spring and summer swim sessions run from April 26 through July 23rd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., although the summer session times may shift slightly. The summer session also offers three two-week mini sessions for convenience with vacation planning and other obligations. “Under our truly talented, fun and caring coaches,” Worden said, “swimmers learn self-confidence and discipline, and to look within for improvement.” www.mavericks-swim.org.

| MUSIC, MATH, SCIENCE |

Only 10 spots are available for each of Ms. Kitty’s Harmony Road Creative Connections Camps. We have nine extraordinary camps combining music, math and science — ranging from African drumming and all things Japanese to stirring up potions and mastering the art of pranks. (Parents: Our project-based educational camps are so engaging and active, kids don’t even realize they’re in “class” — they’re too busy having fun and making discoveries.) Camp ages vary from 5 to 13 — Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with before/after care available for most camps. At our Kids’ Morning Music Camps, ages 5 to 8 will twirl with scarves, sing new songs and play xylophones and drums in this Orff-inspired class with Marty Hoffman. Ages 5 to 17 will tickle the ivories in our Rock Pop Jazz Keyboards Workshops Monday through Friday for 2 hours each day with professional jazz pianist Sue Crosman. Beginners to advanced players will learn improvisation and try out new styles. Plus guitar and piano lessons and our weekly music classes (ages newborn to 5 years) continue all summer. For full details and to register: www.HarmonyRoad.us or (650)72-TUNES.

| SCHOOLS |

Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo is much more than an outstanding Catholic college preparatory for boys. Teachers become mentors. Classmates become brothers. Ordinary moments become extraordinary experiences!

Serra offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which includes a rich diversity of classes and an extensive array of AP and Honors courses. Ninety-nine percent of our graduates go on to college. All graduates meet UC and CSU requirements.

Serra welcomes families of all faiths. Teachers help students explore their talents and find their voices in a variety of places — academics, the arts, athletics, clubs, and service organizations — in the context of our core values of Faith, Wisdom, Service, Leadership and Community. Our teachers are among the finest educators in the Bay Area. Check out our popular Robotics Club, where science meets technology. Become a seasoned journalist by writing for The Friar newspaper. It’s even possible to start a new club of your own. The Serra brotherhood is unmistakable. Students form bonds that are strengthened every day — on the fields, in the classrooms, around the halls — which ultimately transform into a brotherhood that lasts for life. Discover Your Place at Serra High School!

| SCHOOLS |

Since 1979, Mid-Peninsula High School has provided a unique college preparatory education that adapts to individual learning styles. Our students are encouraged by a caring faculty and staff who work to promote a positive, progressive learning environment. We are able to accommodate students who have learning differences, those who prefer a small school setting, and those who enjoy more individual attention. Mid-Pen offers varsity sports, community service, and excellent art and music programs.

| THEATRICS |

Come be a part of Coastal Rep’s Summer Theatre Conservatory program. The program consists of a morning Stagecraft session, and an afternoon Performance session led by Gail Erwin. It also includes drama and vocal music led by Amy Cowan, and choreography led by Michelle McDonald.

The play, /The Nitnoid Wars, Part 2, “On the Run,”/ continues theadventures of the five brave young people of the future who reject thedictator Kubla’s attempts to inoculate them with nanobots as he takesover North America.

Class runs from July 5 through July 30, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Half-day sessionsare also available, beginning at 1:00 p.m. for the Performance sessiononly. Performances of /The Nitnoid Wars, Part 2, “On the Run,”/ areAugust 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m. The class fee is $1,000 for the full dayand $650 for the half-day. Families receive $100 discount off of thefull day session and $50 off of the half-day session when registeringadditional family members.

| SUMMER CLUBS |

Puente’s Summer Clubs offer summer programs and activities for South Coast children ages 0-13. Summer activities include local field trips, sports, outdoor activities, arts & crafts, games, special events, math, science, and technology, English and Spanish language arts, Story Time and more. Puente summer partners include Camp Jones Gulch and the Half Moon Bay Library. For more information, contact Veronica Ortega at 650.879.1691 or email [email protected].

summer activities

34 April 2010 HMB

Member of Daughters of Charity Health System

Free Physician Referral

At Seton Medical Center, we realize how important it

is to have a physician that understands and cares for

your unique health requirements and preferences. So,

whether you are in need of a highly regarded primary

care doctor or a nationally recognized specialist, contact

Seton Medical Center in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Call for a free physician referral (800) 436-2404Or visit www.setonmedicalcenter.org

A Physician For You.

Innovative Technology. Heartfelt Care.

STILL TIME TO ENROLL IN SUMMER CLASSES

AND CAMPS!Register online: www.csus.org

Call Phil Ekedahl,Summer Director, at650-342-4175 for information

Crystal SpringsUplands SchoolCrystal SpringsUplands School

JUNE 14 THROUGH JULY 2

Exciting classes, camps andclinics for children entering

Grades 2-9 in the fall.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT 2010 Our 22nd year of fun and educational summers

2nd-3rd grade:Math and Science Wizards,

Art and PE

4th-9th grade:Over 8 different mathclasses, over 6 differentLanguage Arts classes,Science, Technology, Sports

and muchmore.

Weeklong afternoonsports camps taughtby CSUS VarsityCoaches for 4th-9th

graders.

HMB April 2010 35

» DOWN TO EARTH

Contact Jennifer Segale, Wildflower Farms, 726-5883 and Carla Lazzarini,

Earth’s Laughter, (650) 996-5168.

1. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Growing veggies takes hard work, lots of attention, and takes a lot longer than planting a pansy. Tilling the soil, planning and planting, and maintaining your veggies is much more work than an average garden. Make sure you are willing to put the time into it from the beginning and make a plan. This can be researched by sitting down and making a list of what you really know you will eat from your garden. Using a calendar makes a huge difference and most of what you need to know about planning is right on the back of your seed packets.

2. only buy organic everything! Seriously, these are vegetables you will eat (hopefully)! If you buy organic compost for your soil, organic fertilizers, and organic seeds, you will end up with health-ier, fast-growing veggies. If this seems too simple, it’s because it is! Only buy organic.

3. Fertilize the right way. Most people just rely on compost or an all-purpose powder/granular fertilizer for their veggies, and put it out once in the beginning. Did you know your broccoli can re-produce up to six times after you’ve harvested (more, actually, but it’s not as good) — bearing the exact same amounts of nutrients the first harvest had? This is if you fertilize it the right way. After planting in compost, the best way to fertilize your veggie is with a foliar spray. This can be found at www.dirtygirlgarden.com under resources.

4. Water, but less is more. Watering your seeds and sprouted vegetables is important — but avoiding watering them too much is even more important. The No. 1 way a vegetable dies or doesn’t produce, is because it suffers from too much water. My personal trick to making sure I water my veggies right is to put reminders on my phone. I know this sounds lame, but it really works. I add onto my calendar when I’ve watered and for how long — then set little reminders for either a couple days or a week later, depending on the weather.

5. get planting! The most impor-tant thing to growing vegetables, is to just start. Make a goal to grow one or two crops in your garden or in pots this year — and harvest and eat them! It will be incredibly gratifying, not to mention yummy. Then, over the next year, you can add another crop to your list, then another. Pretty soon you will spend less time at the grocery store waiting in line to pay $17 for basil — and more going outside and eating out of your own garden!

6. When in doubt, ask a farmer!

Farmer John loves talking with people about how to grow award-winning pumpkins — as do most farmers when you catch them at work. We are so lucky to live among the same people who grow our food. It’s silly not to ask them directly for help and advice. And if traipsing out to the farms or going to farmer’s markets is not available in your tight schedule — send an e-mail question over to me at www.dirtygirlgarden.com

— Jls

“IT’S DIFFICULT TO THINK ANYTHING BUT PLEASANT THOUGHTS WHILE EATING A HOMEGROWN TOMATO.”

leWIs grIzzArd, neWspAper ColumnIst

Veggie planting 101A couple months ago, I planted about an acre of fava beans, peas and alfalfa on my property. It sounds like a tedious task, but really didn’t take very long. I was actually thinking of how boring someone would think this was, seeing how it was a sunny Saturday on the coast and farming vegetables in the sticks doesn’t really top the list of all-time fun things to do on the weekend (well, to some people, I guess!). I was also pondering how incredibly boring it is to read about growing veggies — compared to actually getting out there and doing it.

The past few articles in garden magazines I have read about the grow-your-own-food move-ment have been seriously dull, to be honest. I get it, I get it. Plant pumpkins in April/May, stake tomatoes, lettuce in part shade, blah, blah, blah. What I like to read is the good stuff, the juicy inside secrets to growing vegetables. Luckily, after many years of my veggie-growing obsession, I have learned those secrets, and usually while in a field of some kind, from the awesome farmers who grow our food. So here are my favorite tips for growing vegetables in your garden, from my experience and the many great conversations I’ve had with people like Farmer John Muller, Louie Iacopi, and the growers at Tunitas Creek Family Farm or Potrero Nuevo Farm.

36 April 2010 HMB

» SIGHTSEEING WITH LARS HOWLETT

Be curious

Lars Howlett is the Half Moon Bay Review’s

photographer. You can reach him at

[email protected] or twitter @HMBfoto

n When: 2:14 p.m., March 8, 2010 n Where: Martin’s Beachn Exposure: 1/160 of a second at f/13, ISO 200n Photographer’s Notes: For the year and a half I have worked as staff photographer for the Review, I have heard mention of Martin’s Beach but never had the opportunity to go out there. On a slow news day, I decided to pay a visit on my own accord only to find a locked gate and unwelcoming signs. It felt like a dead end. I was about to give up when I had a stroke of luck. A construction worker pulled up and a cabin owner arrived to meet him at the gate. I asked if I could look around in hopes of shooting a “photo of the week” for the newspaper. The cabin owner gave me the go-ahead and I enjoyed a few wonderful hours peeking around this anti-quated oceanfront community. Through the viewfinder it seemed as if I had stepped back in time and I felt a profound sense of gratitude that my work continues to lead me to unexpected places, where I meet people whom I otherwise would never know.

C. Ray Sheppard, DMDA PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

(650) 726-3355OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

890 Main Street, Ste. A, Half Moon Baywww.halfmoonbaysmiledesign.com

O N E V I S I T C R O W N S

C E R E C

Our warm, friendly staff with state of the art technology are hereto make your dental visit a comfortable, pleasant experience!

CAD-CAM CEREC crowns in one visit!

You too can have a beautiful, healthy smile!

Mikki and Leni TribblePatients — El Granada

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HMB Magazine April 2010

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