The BIG READ

The month of March is The Big Read in Sonoma County. The purpose of The Big Read is to foster a community-wide celebration of reading. This year, the book selection is the poetry of Emily Dickinson. An actress who “becomes” Dickinson will make appearances throughout the county during the month of March.

Hand Washing

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of the swine flu or any flu or cold, is to wash your hands. But how do you get your kids to take the time to wash their hands and wash them well? Kid Scoop News has FREE hand washing education resources. These include a video, a printable version of the Scrub Squad Songbook as well as FREE downloadable and printable activity pages that help instill this message with your kids, to help them understand the simple steps they can take to reduce their risk of infection.

Ask the Dentist

Dr. Mangrum answers questions about how to take care of your kids’ teeth. Find out more.

Money Tips Monthly

Saving Smarts

Saving money takes discipline. To make it a habit for life, teach your kids about saving as soon as they have a regular income—i.e. an allowance. Help them understand that all the money they receive is not for spending immediately on candy, toys or games. Kids should learn that they have responsibilities—to themselves, their loved ones, their future and their community. Teach them that they should save money for several reasons, including emergencies, common expenses (such as birthday gifts or lunch money), future purchases, investing and charity.

The 3 Little Piggy Banks

Some experts recommend kids keep their money in at least three piggy banks—one for spending, one for saving and one for charitable giving. Your kids can use envelopes, plastic baggies or any other containers—as long as there are three separate ones clearly marked and explained. Decide what percentage of your kids’ allowance and gift money should go into each bank. A common formula is at least 10 percent for savings, 10 percent for charity and the rest for spending. Whatever formula you use, stick to it. Your kids need consistency to learn the routine.

Save Yourself

Model the behavior you want your kids to exhibit. The older they get, the more they'll notice your methods of saving and spending. Let your kids see that you put off immediate gratification to save for bigger goals, pay credit cards on time or set aside money regularly for retirement or investing.

The Magic of Saving

The payoff of saving is watching your money grow. Remind your kids to keep an eye on their savings. When they get enough coins, let your kids trade them in for bills. When they get five $1 bills, give them a $5 bill, and so on. By making regular deposits, they will see that savings add up.

Make It Official

When your kids have enough money saved, take them to open a savings account at your financial institution. Tell them their savings will grow faster and be safer in an interest-bearing account. Your could explain that the federal government insures people's money in most banks, credit unions and savings and loans associations for up to $100,000 per account.

Information courtesy of positivepromotions.com

Volunteer Project Opportunities

Agilent Environmental Challenge—As part of the “Hands On Sonoma County” program, Agilent Technologies and the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County are challenging local businesses and their employees to join Agilent volunteers in quarterly half-day environmental projects. For more information click here.

Are you interested in volunteering, but want to do more? The Hands On Sonoma County…Powered by Friedman’s program is looking for a few good leaders to help with a variety of projects. Help to organize and lead volunteers at project sites, interact with agencies and other volunteers. The Hands program has been in existence for the past 20 years helping to clean up Sonoma County with one-time half day work events benefitting the community & nonprofit agencies in Sonoma County. Contact: Rachel McDavid, rmcdavid@volunteernow.org or call 707-573-3399 ext. 125.

Schools of Hope is coming to 1st grades in the Santa Rosa area. United Way of the Wine Country is hosting this program for our area. They have had success in Madison, Wisconsin and in Grand Rapids, Michigan and now we are looking forward to a very successful program here in Santa Rosa. We are looking for 500 volunteers who will commit to 1 hr/week to help struggling readers. We will be working in 6 school districts: Bellevue, Wright, Roseland, Bennett Valley, Rincon Valley, Santa Rosa and in 14 classrooms—all 1st grades. If you are interested in this great opportunity to make a difference for our students please call Barbara Fisher at 707-573-3399 ext. 122.