Family

Add a splash of safety for the summer

BY STEPHANIE A. WILKEN - SUN STAFF WRITER

With the weather warming up, some Yumans are already daring to dip their toes in swimming pools and the Colorado River. But with playtime comes the responsibility to make sure everyone has a fun time and a safe time - especially for children. Wheth... Full story

Summer camp offers cellos, not canoes

BY DARIN FENGER - FEATURES EDITOR

Most kids don't head off to summer camp with a violin under their arm. But Yuma's own Strings Del Rio Summer Music Camp is certainly no ordinary camp experience. Instead of canoes and campfires, students are treated to all things string, be it cell... Full story

Planning after a breakup

BY LARRY DEASON, ESTATE PLANNING

Nobody plans to break up. When a couple marries, they dream of their lives together and the special times which they will share. They think of the shared holidays and the family which will grow from their love. Their lives become intertwined emotiona... Full story

Reflecting on Yuma's library boom

BY SARAH WISDOM, CHECK THIS OUT!

The Yuma County Library District will join libraries across the nation to celebrate National Library Week April 11-17.It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians, and to promote library use and support.T... Full story

CuddleKit receives donation

OG RV Resort Park Association turned over 130 pillowcases made by members to Kristen Sheppeard (third from right), of CuddleKits, along with toys and items purchased through fundraising. Members (from left) are Marina Williams, Beve Henson, Janet Sta... Full story

Dioramas to vie for 'Peeple's Choice'

BY CHRIS McDANIEL - SUN STAFF WRITER

Local librarians are inviting local peeps to make some art with colorful marshmallow critters.The Yuma County Library District is planning a Peeps in Literature Diorama Contest this month in celebration of National Library Week, April 11-17.The libra... Full story

A better way to say no

BY MELISSA BEHUNIN, FAMILY FOCUS

I truly believe that parenting should be fun. However, some parts are more fun than others. We spend some of the best part of our existence attempting to keep our kids from eating dirt, trying to convince them to take a bath, or figuring out ways to ... Full story

Spinecrackers read 100th book

BY NANCY GILKEY - SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Members of a local club have visited India, Africa and the distant shores of Denmark. They’ve sat in the jury box at a local murder trial, they’ve walked with Malcolm X, and they’ve watched as a forgettable horse swept the Triple Cr... Full story

Six key characteristics to strong families

BY CHRISTINA HAWKEY, FAMILY FOCUS

I teach a class at Arizona Western College called The Family. I love teaching this class because we learn how to strengthen families — the building blocks of neighborhoods, communities and nations.For the past two years, I have divided my stude... Full story

Keeping your marriage healthy...with kids

BY MELISSA GIBSON BEHUNIN

One of my favorite theories looking at interpersonal relationships is psychologist Robert Sternberg’s triangular theory of love. He suggests that all relationships can be defined by the absence or presence of three main components, often depict... Full story

Isn't it time to turn off the TV?

BY KAREN SPENCER, FAMILY FOCUS

A question was posed at the beginning of a research study on the possible negative effects of children's television viewing habits.“If there was something that you, as a parent, could do to decrease your child's risk of cancer, increase their l... Full story

You are the perfect age ... today

BY CHRISTINA HAWKEY, FAMILY FOCUS

My daughter recently turned the ripe old age of 24. I have been thinking about what it would be like to be that young again. Many people would think she is the perfect age! Interestingly, she e-mailed me on her birthday and said, “Mom, 24 sound... Full story

New group helps families of gays, lesbians

BY MARA KNAUB, SUN STAFF WRITER

When Jody Michaud's lesbian daughter first came out to her, she was taken "aback" by the announcement. Her then 19-year-old daughter, Tiffany Richardson, revealed her secret in a letter. "I wasn't expecting it. I have plenty of gay friends, but it's... Full story

Critter Country to benefit HSOY

BY STEPHANIE A. WILKEN, SUN STAFF WRITER

To help raise money for Yuma County's furriest, the Humane Society of Yuma will host its seventh annual Critter Country hoedown later this month. Proceeds from the event benefit HSOY's operating costs. The event is from 5 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 at Brita... Full story

Volunteers make the difference

BY SARAH WISDOM, CHECK THIS OUT!

We love our volunteers!Over the past year, library volunteers contributed approximately 822 hours per month!Without the dedication and support of these individuals, we would not be able to maintain the same level of service to the community. Voluntee... Full story

Books are nightly ritual

BY JUDY WATKINSON, FAMILY FOCUS

One of my best memories of childhood, and motherhood, are being read to and then reading to my own children. The memory evokes feelings of comfort and peace. In both my own childhood and in my children's, books at bedtime were part of a daily routine... Full story

Marriage changes with life's seasons

BY KATHY WATSON, FAMILY FOCUS

Each year when my husband and I celebrate our anniversary, I spend some time reflecting on our relationship and the shared history we have together. As I do, I am renewed in my commitment of marriage even though it changes with the seasons of life.Re... Full story

4 deaths, 3 estate planning mistakes

BY LARRY DEASON, ESTATE PLANNING

What would you want to leave behind for your family? If your choices were A) a contentious mess, or B) a well-coordinated estate plan, you would choose option B, right? All too many of us end up with option A. In fact, a recent national survey discov... Full story

Saying goodbye doesn't get easier

BY KAREN SPENCER, FAMILY FOCUS

Several weeks ago Melissa Behunin wrote an article for Family Focus for the Yuma Sun titled “Saying bye-bye to your child.” She talked about how difficult it can be for both parent and tot to part from one another and she shared some rese... Full story

Love and laugh with your grandchildren

BY CHRISTINA HAWKEY, FAMILY FOCUS

I have been thinking about grandparents lately. As I set my goals for the New Year, I decided I wanted to become more like my Grandma Lil.My grandparents were huge influences in my life. My grandma was one of my best friends. She taught me a lot abou... Full story

'Family' Archives