Summer was a little bit of bliss, a little bit of boredom, but it’s time to embrace a return to routine as school bells begin to ring. Using a timeline for accomplishing back-to-school tasks can lessen stress and help kids start the year strong (page 10).
If you’re student is transitioning from elementary to middle school, that’s a big deal! Understanding the anticipation and challenges this move brings is important for parents as they help set their middle schooler up for success (page 12).
One way to help children of all ages ease into a new school year is to
consider extracurricular activities, either on campus or in the community. Read about the benefits of having kids engaged with their peers outside of the classroom (page 18).
No matter the grade level, it’s important for children to accept age-appropriate responsibilities. This edition offers ways to assist kids toward independence at various stages of their lives (page 22).
Last but not least is a simple blueberry bite recipe that eases the return-to-school morning rush in a most nutritious way (page 7). Plus, a little humor for parents who have earned their “I Survived Another Summer” award (page 32).
DID YOU KNOW?
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patty@family-life.us
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Contributing Writers
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Rebecca Hastings
Janeen Lewis
Sarah Lyons James O’Neal
Gina Rich
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Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Back-toSchool Blueberry Bites
Energy Snacking
These Blueberry Muffin Energy Ball
Bites are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, on-the-go snacking, or as you prepare to make lunchbox treats for back-to-school time.
Plant-based and vegan, energy bites are a nutritious way to start the morning. Although there’s a hint of sweetness, there’s no blood sugar spike in protein- and fiber-filled treats. An easy make-ahead meal means one less thing to worry about on busy school mornings, too. With no special kitchen tools required, they are also a great recipe for little helping hands! Better yet, prepared in just one bowl with seven simple ingredients, there’s no baking required.
Offering the taste of traditional blueberry muffins, Blueberry Muffin Energy Ball Bites are packed with healthy ingredients and come together in just 15 minutes. What better way to start a new school year? ❖
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen
Blueberry Muffin Energy Ball Bites
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
½ cup dried blueberries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
¾ cup almond butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined.
2. Roll into 12-14 balls. Typically 1 1/4- or 1 1/2-inch diameter makes a nice treat size, but even smaller is perfect for bite-sized snacks. The mix should easily form into balls and hold its shape well.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one-two weeks, although they’re unlikely to last that long. Still, they store even longer in the freezer, if needed.
Art in the Gardens Showcase
The 32nd annual Art in the Gardens features more than 50 artists, dramatic summertime blooms, as well as entertainment by Circus Mecca and the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers. Enjoy performances by talented Mendo Coast musicians. Food, craft brews, wine, and wine tasting will be available for purchase. This is a fun event for all and a major fundraiser for the non-profit garden. Parking is free, but limited. No pets. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. Purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/msabjtr2.
Paul Bunyan Days Tradition
Labor Day Weekend, Saturday-Monday, August 30-September 1, Paul Bunyan Days offers a fun, action-packed weekend. Activities include Belle of the Redwoods, kiddie parade, logging show, craft fair, trike races, fireman’s water fight, and more. Paul Bunyan Days has been a Fort Bragg tradition since 1939 and is the oldest and largest festival on the Mendocino Coast. Family friendly and always lumberjack rowdy, this event lets folks celebrate their favorite logger and his giant blue ox for free or near-free. Find out more at tinyurl.com/4m34evmb
Magical Mendocino Moments
Redwood Empire Fair presents “Magic is Reel,” a summer event filled with attractions, exhibits, livestock, arts, crafts, and fun. The theme highlights the tradition and innovation that makes Mendocino County so special, including some of the finest local crafts, live entertainment, speedway excitement, and carnival thrills. Bring the family and make memories that will last a lifetime. Through Sunday, August 3. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. See the full event schedule at redwoodempirefair.com
Art in the Gardens
R edwood Empire Fair
Paul Bunyan Days
County Fair
Blast from the Past
The annual Lake County Fair returns for a “Blast from the Past” this Labor Day Weekend. Mark your calendar for four days of action-packed grandstand events, talented regional artists, and traditional fair entertainers, the celebration of local agriculture through the Junior Livestock Auction, and, of course, a carnival filled with various activities for the whole family to enjoy. Thursday-Sunday, August 28-31. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. Learn more at lakecountyfair.com
Symphony for the Summer
The Lake County Symphony Association presents its Summer Chamber Concert, conducted by John Parkinson. Open seating includes $20 adult tickets, and free admission for season ticket holders or youth 18 and younger. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 17. Soper Reese Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. Purchase tickets online at tinyurl.com/4etfx3nb. Summer Chamber Concert
Festival Full of Blackberries
The 42nd Annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival again takes place the third weekend in August, offering children’s activities, arts and craft booths, live music, square dancing, Mendocino County wines, a variety of blackberry delicacies, and more. The festival is a project of the Friends of the Round Valley Public Library. Admission is free. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, August 16 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, August 17. Covelo. For more event details, visit roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com.
New School Year Countdown
Tips to Start off on the Right Foot
By Janeen Lewis
Summer is a magical time filled with sleeping in, lazy days at the pool and picnics on the patio. Then summer suddenly screeches to a halt, and the new school year becomes a reality. Using a timeline to tackle back-to-school tasks over the summer months can lessen stress and get kids ready for a solid start to the school year. And starting on the right foot paves the way to success the entire year.
Ease into it slowly during the lazy days of summer. Over a long lunch or on a float in the pool (you still want to get the most out of summer!) discuss the upcoming school year. Is your child excited or nervous? Listen closely to your child’s feelings and help set goals for the coming year.
Purge last year’s items. Clean out backpacks and toss worn out or
outgrown items. Consign gently used items or have a yard sale. Spend the proceeds on new school items. Have playdates. Get to know the school community. If your child is starting a new school or feels uncertain about school, have him or her attend day camps at the school. If your child has already been assigned to a class, seek out other families whose children are in the class.
Do the summer reading. Keep minds sharp by getting involved in a summer reading program. If your school requires a specific summer reading list, get started early.
A month before school starts:
Check off health items. Take care of eye exams, teeth cleaning, immunizations, and sports physicals. Designate emergency contacts you will
Model an upbeat attitude about a new school year and see if it catches on with your child as well.
add to your child’s school clinic forms. Decide how you will manage sick days if your child can’t stay home alone.
Designate a family command center. Make space for backpacks, lunch bags, athletic bags, and shoes. Install organizers, hooks, and a communication board so reminders and messages will be in one place. Add a calendar or put a magnetic wipe-off calendar on the fridge.
Create a homework station. Include a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework like pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, wipe-off board and markers, scissors, highlighters, notebook paper, graphing paper, and calculator.
2 weeks before school starts:
Revisit routines. Read books together or watch a fun educational movie before daily homework starts. Go to bed and get up earlier until the first day of school.
Go shopping! New clothes and supplies motivate kids. Study sales flyers and compare prices for the things your child needs. Shop late in the evening or early in the morning when stores are less crowded. Make it a special day by following it with lunch out or a treat.
Practice. Have younger children open and close school items and lunch containers. If your school system offers a practice bus run for primary students, go on a ride along.
Attend Back-To-School Night. Your child can meet the teacher, check out his or her classroom, and see old friends again.
Organize spaces. Make a place for lunch and breakfast items in the
refrigerator and pantry. Organize the laundry room with baskets for each child’s school uniforms, sports uniforms, and clothes. Keep a basket in your vehicle with snacks, bottled water, wipes, hand sanitizer, hair ties and anything else needed for all those hectic days of driving between school, work and after-school activities.
Night before school starts:
Prep before bedtime.
Make lunches. Organize backpacks and supplies. Let kids lay out their clothes.
Update the calendar.
Talk to your child about after-school transportation, what their bus number is and remind them of any after-school activities.
First day:
Have a fun photo shoot! Do your annual pose, or let your child brainstorm a new idea. Don’t forget to add a sign with the year.
Celebrate! It can be simple, like a meal at your favorite restaurant or more elaborate, like a special weekend getaway before homework and sporting events start.
Back-to-school can be a blast, not a drag. Model an upbeat attitude about a new school year and see if it catches on with your child as well. ❖
Janeen Lewis is a writer, first-grade teacher, and mom. A nationally published writer, she has been in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales
Begin
Caught In the Middle
Easing the Transition From Elementary
By Shannon Dean
Just as elementary students reach academic and social proficiency in their current school, they’re about to transition to a period of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
Although pre-adolescents don’t always show it with their words or actions, they need their parents’ love, involvement, and support every bit as much as they did in elementary school. Come fall, they may face unique challenges that isolate them at a time when they need your increased reassurance. Here are some examples:
They Need
To Fit In.
Many beginning middle schoolers have specific worries about looking out of place. They worry about navigating a larger facility, navigating a locker or a very heavy backpack, being on time for their next class, and juggling several different teachers. Add in changing hormones, the beginnings of peer pressure, and tweens’ tendency
to view everything as a crisis, and the result can be an enormous amount of anxiety.
You can help ease these fears by visiting the school prior to the first day and making sure your child has walked through his daily routine enough times to feel comfortable. Remind him to tape his schedule, locker combination (if applicable), and e-text passwords inside a folder or in the notes section of his phone.
Since self-esteem is tied to feelings of acceptance, pre-teens may covet the clothes, hairstyles, and hobbies embraced by their friends. Although it may be hard to accept, experts encourage parents to give kids some freedom with their appearance.
They Have To Quickly Learn Organization.
The National Education Association recommends that students spend 10 minutes per grade level on homework each night. That equates to 60-80 minutes nightly for middle schoolers.
Because keeping track of all of these assignments and their deadlines is such a challenge, teachers advise that students have a separate, designated homework folder or agenda to record obligations. Review the homework folder daily and help your student decipher what teachers expect over the short and long term.
You may need to help your child break down assignments into smaller chunks to avoid overload, especially at first. Determine a time estimate for each task so that your child doesn’t inadvertently overcommit himself or procrastinate.
This new workload can be an adjustment, so help your student set up a regular time and place where he can comfortably complete assignments without being disturbed by siblings, electronics, or other distractions.
They
May Face Peer Pressure.
Experts say that parents should address peer pressure well before the first day of school by speaking freely about their values, sharing their own experiences, and helping their child find ways to respect their wishes but still fit in.
Offer acceptable ways to escape risky situations. Role-play to find face-saving one-liners like, “I couldn’t go to the mall with you this weekend if my mom caught me skipping class.”
Pick a code word or phrase to use when she needs you to bail her out of an uncomfortable situation, but can’t say so. For example, when she calls you mother instead of mom, this means that she needs your help, but can’t explain why in front of her friends.
Do everything in your power to arm your child with high self-esteem, respect for herself and others, and strong moral standards. “When a person believes in herself, she is more likely to make the right decisions in difficult moments,” said Mike Domitrz, creator of Safer Choices, an interactive program for schools. “Students with low self-esteem are more likely to lower their standards to please others — a very dangerous and unhealthy behavior.”
They Still Need Your Continued Involvement. The start of middle school has the potential to be a difficult adjustment, but it can also be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your tween.
Many beginning middle schoolers have specific worries about looking out of place.
Try to see this transition as an opportunity to reinforce your family’s values and to remain as connected as you have always been.
Cynthia Uhlrich Tobias, the co-author of Middle School: The
Inside Story: What Kids Tell Us, But Don’t Tell You, assures parents that these years can actually be advantageous: “Instead of just barely hanging on and riding out these middle school years, this stretch of your lives together can be a time that enriches and deepens your relationship in ways you never thought possible.”
Many experts stress that loving parental involvement is critical to how successfully preteens navigate these turbulent years. Most of the time, they actually want your continued and loving support — even if they insist otherwise. ❖
Shannon Dean is the mother of two and a freelance writer who enjoys covering the health and well-being of families.
2025–26 School Calendars
Lake County
Mendocino County
AI in the Classroom
Parents Help Navigate Tool’s Use
By James O’Neal
As artificial intelligence tools become classroom staples, educators are finding innovative ways to encourage critical thinking while preserving academic integrity. But it’s not just about how we teachers integrate AI — it’s also about how parents guide their children in using these tools responsibly.
As an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher and Esports teams adviser, I’ve been on the front lines of this shift. In my virtual classroom, students are already turning to tools like Google’s Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT to support their learning. But the biggest factor influencing whether students use AI ethically is parental involvement. If a student has a parent who is significantly involved in their academic journey, then they are more likely to use AI responsibly
as opposed to abusing AI to do all their work for them. Students model the values and expectations set at home. When parents actively engage — asking questions about assignments, reviewing their child’s work, or setting boundaries around technology — it reinforces the importance of doing the learning, not just getting the answer. Teachers must be careful to draw a line between using AI as a support tool and relying on it to complete assignments, which is considered a form of plagiarism. There’s a tricky
balance of using AI as a co-teacher versus using AI results as a final finished product.
When used appropriately, AI can be a powerful supplement to classroom learning. Gemini and Copilot used in lessons can help students go deeper into literature, such as analyzing grief and symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. Gemini offers analyses that students might not yet have considered. One idea it presents is that although the narrator believes his significant other is likely in heaven, he’s more fixated on the finality of death.
On the writing side, students might be encouraged to use AI to find credible sources or revise components of their essays, always with teacher guidance. Many students use sentence starters in graphic organizers that I made from scratch ensuring that the learning process remains student-driven.
Parents are essential partners in this process. By taking the time to understand the AI tools their children are using and having regular conversations about integrity and effort, parents can reinforce the educational values teachers are working hard to instill.
As debates over AI’s role in education continue we have to remember that students are watching the adults in their lives — both teachers and parents — to understand how these tools should be used. ❖
Jameson O’Neal is an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher and Esports advisor (Chess, Minecraft) at Insight School of Washington. He brings a thoughtful approach to educational technology, integrating AI tools to support student learning while advocating for academic integrity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
After-School Program Perks
How Keeping Busy May Help Kids
By Gina Rich
If your child isn’t overscheduled, you probably know one who is. Spontaneous after-school play dates or frolics through the neighborhood have become a rarity for many kids, who instead rush off to piano lessons, athletic games, or gymnastics practices as soon as the school dismissal bell rings. This trend even prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to issue a statement saying that unstructured playtime is critical to children’s development.
My daughter is in fourth grade and probably meets the criteria for an overscheduled child. She has an after-school activity every day except Friday, and two mornings a week she arrives at school an hour early for orchestra rehearsal. There are also occasional Girl Scout meetings, special practices, and concerts.
In the eyes of the AAP, my daughter’s jampacked schedule would perhaps raise some red flags, and initially, I was concerned too. Earlier this fall, as our family calendar swelled with drama rehearsals, swim lessons, and martial arts classes, I felt my blood pressure rising. I worried about the
potential pitfalls — namely, increased stress and a big reduction in leisure time — of letting my daughter participate in so many extracurricular activities.
But several weeks into the school year, I’m much more comfortable with the schedule. Here’s why:
She thrives when participating in several activities. Before I considered signing her up for anything, my daughter made a compelling case for why she wanted to try each activity. While I pushed back at first, her enthusiasm won me over. Over time, I’ve observed that she is happiest with a mix of structured activities that engage her mind and body in different ways.
By contrast, my younger daughter loves to play independently and has little desire to cram her waking hours with supervised programs — and that’s okay, too. Just like adults, some kids enjoy being busy; others prefer more unstructured time. As long as my older daughter remains the driving force in selecting her activities, I want
to support her to the extent that our family schedule and budget allow. She can socialize with different groups. Around third grade, cliques at school become a bigger factor in kids’ friendships, fueled by the strong desire to fit in and feel secure. Participating in an array of extracurricular activities gives my daughter a sense of belonging as she works with peers toward shared goals. It also offers her a chance to develop close-knit friendships outside school.
No matter what might have happened at recess that day, she can always regroup, and commiserate with her theater friends about flubbing lines, or strategize with her tae kwondo buddies about how to tackle a tough board break.
She’s learning to prioritize. Most days, we have a small window between school and activities. One such afternoon, my daughter dropped her
I want
her to make plenty of mistakes while finding
what she’s passionate about.
backpack on the floor and made a beeline for her iPad.
“Do you think you should finish your homework before screen time?” I asked.
She waved me off. “I’ll do it later.”
Later turned out to be past her bedtime, when she suddenly
remembered the reading assignment she’d postponed. “I should’ve done my homework first,” she said.
Allowing her to carry a full schedule has taught her more about time management than all of my well-intentioned nagging ever could. She has to keep up with her homework and get adequate sleep, or she’ll have little energy for the activities she enjoys.
She’s discovering that she won’t always be the best at everything. Like me, my daughter is competitive and struggles with perfectionism. At first, when she didn’t get a lead part in the fall musical, she was crushed. But now she loves being part of the ensemble and is learning from her more experienced cast mates. Trying different activities
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Special intensive classes in August for our Art of Classical Ballet program
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has helped her realize that the most important thing is to show up and give her best effort.
In supporting my daughter’s extracurricular activities, though, I do have a few nonnegotiable rules.
School comes first. Always. She needs to stay caught up on homework, reading and studying for tests.
If she signs up for an activity, I expect her to complete the full session. She needs to understand that when she commits to an activity, her parents are making a commitment, too — both financially and time-wise. Shuttling her to and from activities impacts our family schedule. If she loses interest or decides that something just isn’t for
her, that’s OK, but she has to finish the session.
The expectation is that she gives her best effort, not that she performs perfectly. I want her to make plenty of mistakes while finding
Trying different activities has helped her realize that the most important thing is to show up and give her best effort.
what she’s passionate about. What matters most is that she’s putting forth a genuine effort — even if her rendition of “Hot Cross Buns” on the violin sounds like a mouse being murdered (as she once put it).
I’ll admit that my daughter’s full schedule adds an element of stress to our lives. There are weeks when one parent is traveling and the other has to scramble to cover the transportation duties that we normally share. There are evenings when we sit down to dinner at eight o’clock, and there are frantic morning searches for spelling homework that somehow got lost in the shuffle.
But so far the benefits have outweighed the downsides. While next year could look completely different for my tween, at the moment, being “overscheduled” feels just right. ❖
Gina Rich lives in Wisconsin, where she writes about parenting, health, and the natural world for publications including The Washington Post, Notre Dame Magazine, and others.
PROTECT
CALIFORNIA’S COAST
Helping Kids Become Independent Training Days
By Sarah Lyons
As a mom of kids ranging from 2 to 12, I realize how quickly time flies. I love watching them grow, try new things and discover their passions. As a parent, it can be hard to let them struggle through, or even fail at, experiences outside their comfort zone.
However, those experiences develop confidence and independence which is valuable in raising children. I want to raise self-sufficient adults and that means I need to start training them now. Here are some ideas to help kids naturally develop the independence needed to be confident and responsible adults.
The Preschool Years (ages 2-5): Toddlers and preschoolers love to follow their parents around the house; so why not have them help with the chores? They can help put clothes in the dryer, match socks, sweep
the floor, or assist in any other task. They may not be able to do chores independently or have household responsibilities yet, but taking the extra time now lays the groundwork for the future.
During the preschool years, kids typically show an interest in trying self-care tasks themselves. It may be easier (and faster) to tie your child’s shoes, zip up their coat, make their lunch, and buckle their seatbelt but allowing your child to try these things on their own helps them become more independent. Consider starting the
One of the hardest things kids have to experience is the consequences for a poor choice.
preparation for your day 15 minutes earlier to allow time for your child to try some things on their own. If frustration arises, remain calm and ask if they would like help. Instead of just completing the task for them, take time to teach them how to do it so they can try again tomorrow. Problem-solving skills begin to develop at a young age. Toddlers and preschoolers will often get frustrated when things don’t go their way and it may result in a temper tantrum. While this is age appropriate, parents can begin to help their children develop problem solving skills by calmly suggesting solutions to what is upsetting them. Have your child come up with ideas to solve the problem and when possible help them work through it on their own.
Give your child choices whenever possible to help them develop independence and to give them a sense of control.
Elementary School Years (ages 6-11): For elementary age kids, you can advance what was done in the preschool years. I will assign my child a chore like washing windows, vacuuming, or putting away dishes and since they have helped me with these tasks for years they no longer need my assistance. If they are reluctant to do chores, I make a list of things that need to be done and have them choose a few things they would like to do. When they are done they will have free time for electronics, outside play, or something they have been looking forward to. Chores teach kids to be independent and responsible.
Give your child more opportunities to be independent as they mature. This may look different depending on your child’s age and maturity but some ideas may be ordering and paying for their food at a restaurant, riding their bike home from school,
As our children grow, so must their responsibilities.
packing their own lunch or trying a new extracurricular activity. Each opportunity, even a challenging one, helps your child become self-sufficient and develop more independence.
Elementary school kids will begin to face bigger problems that may include
challenging friendships, struggles with schoolwork, or even bullying. Foster good communication with your child and help them come up with solutions they are comfortable with. Cheer them on when they are able to work through obstacles.
Do your best not to criticize your child’s efforts but instead praise them for doing their best.
Teen Years (ages 12-18):
Tweens and teens should be given even more household responsibilities as they are nearing adulthood. Take note of what skills it takes to run a household and begin to teach them these tasks. Cooking, yard work, babysitting, laundry, car care and even a part=time job fall into this category. The more responsibilities your child is
comfortable with while in your home will make the transition to living on their own smoother.
There is a fine line between giving your child independence and keeping them safe in the teen years. As kids start to drive, spend more time with friends, and work outside the home parents have less control over their choices. Continue working on open communication and trust with your teen so that as they venture into the world, you both feel comfortable with the change.
One of the hardest things kids have to experience is the consequences for a poor choice. A parent’s first reaction may be to step in and “save” their child but, in the long run, this does not teach them anything. For example,
if your child left their homework at home they will not receive credit for the work. The easy thing to do would be to run the assignment to the school, but chances are your child will forget
Sit down with your child and help them come up with solutions to problems and encourage them to do this without you and present their solution to you.
again and most likely, on a larger assignment.
As adults we have to manage our responsibilities and teens must also learn these lessons. If forgotten homework is repeatedly an issue, suggest packing up the night before. Do your best not to criticize your child’s efforts but instead praise them for doing their best.
Set specific household rules so that your child has the opportunity to be independent but not out of your comfort zone as a parent.
As our children grow, so must their responsibilities. As always, you will be there to guide and train them but giving your child tools throughout their childhood will help them grow into a confident and independent adult. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 10-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes 30th Anniversary Tour Thu, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tower of Power Fri, August 8 at 7:30 p.m.
“Weird Al” Yankovic Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour with special guest Puddles Pity Party Wed, August 27 at 7:30 p.m.
August Calendar of Events
Wine & Wheels
Wine & Wheels car show is back. Bring your classics, customs, and hot rods for a fun, casual evening of cars, coffee, and wine in beautiful Redwood Valley. No registration required — just show up and show off! There is a People’s Choice Award, so bring your best and cast your vote for your favorites! 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 15. Testa Coffee & Wine Shop, 9001 N. State St., Redwood Valley. Find more information at testaranch.com/events.
Friday 1
Redwood Empire Fair. A fun-filled, family-friendly experience including artwork, high-energy shows and interactive exhibits. Through Aug. 3. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, and noon
on Saturday and Sunday. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/bdz4abvz.
Friday Skate Nights@MCRPD. $5 with your own skates & $8 to rent. Fridays. Younger kids: 5–7 p.m. Older
kids: 7–9 p.m. All are welcome any time. Old Recreation Center. 213 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. mendocoastrec. org/skate-night
FREE Concerts in the Park. Family-friendly entertainment by world-class musical acts. Fridays. Aug. 1st: RASH, Rush Tribute; Aug. 8: Liquid Sky, Jimi Hendrix Tribute; Aug. 15: Swifty, Taylor Swift Tribute; and Aug. 22: Funky Dozen, disco/funk/ soul. 6:30 p.m. Library Park. 200 Park tinyurl.com/23axtwjx.
Art Walk Ukiah. Art exhibition by local artist, Tamsen Donner. Guests can enjoy an all-ages mini canvas painting program and a book sale by the Ukiah Valley Friends of the Library. Live music by Mendo Jazz Collective. 5-7 p.m. Exhibit runs through Aug. 30. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.
Saturday 2
School Supply Giveaway. Supplies given to school children under the age of 18 while they last, beginning at 10 a.m. Willits Branch
Wine & Wheels car show
Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. mendolibrary.org
Saturday Market. Fresh produce, beautiful crafts, live music, and great food options, too. Shop for your family, have a picnic, meet your friends, and taste some wine, while enjoying great local music! Rain or shine, year-round. Saturdays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The Mercantile. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/ events
Lighthouse Lens Tours at Point Cabrillo. First-come, first-serve, no reservations. $5–$10. Children 42” and taller only. Tours last 15–30 minutes. Held first weekend of each month. Aug. 2–3. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Art in the Gardens. 32nd annual celebration of creative expression, gorgeous gardens, and culinary delights. Live music. Food, craft brews, wine, and wine tasting available for purchase. Through Aug. 3. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/msabjtr2.
FREE Spinning and Knitting Circle. All skill levels welcome. Spinning: 1–2 p.m. Knitting: 2–4:30 p.m. Saturdays. Willits Branch Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. tinyurl. com/3uszt3ew.
Sunday 3
FREE Sunday Funday at The Mercantile. Yard games on the lawn. Choose from Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Giant Yahtzee, Darts, Disc Golf Putter, and Cornhole. On blistery days, board games, cards, and dice inside. Noon–6 p.m. Sundays. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/events.
Tuesday 5
Farmer’s Market. Certified seasonal farmers’ market Tuesdays through the end of September. Rain or shine. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Library Park, 200 Park St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/mrxc2nty.
FREE Lunch at the Library. Healthy lunch provided for all children ages 18 and under. Noon–1 p.m. Through
Friday, Aug. 8. Willits Branch Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. mendolibrary.org.
FREE LEGO® and Games. For kids and families. Most Tuesdays. 2–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Wednesday 6
FREE Glass Beach Walking Moai. This Blue Zones Project is a well-being initiative that focuses on making the community a healthier, happier place. Noon–1 p.m. Wednesdays. Glass Beach. West Elm St. and Old Haul Rd., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/yc822fzn.
FREE Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents. On-line Support Group. All expectant parents (2nd & 3rd trimester) are welcome: moms, birthing people, non-gestational
parents, partners, couples, & single parents. Held the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month. Aug. 6: 4:30 p.m. & Aug. 20: 10 a.m. Register: tinyurl.com/yzka8ncs.
Thursday 7
FREE First-Year Friends. Mamas with babies 1 year and under invited to this new support group each Thursday. 11 a.m.–noon. Mother-Wise. 180 N. Main S., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/5ebepd4y
Friday 8
FREE Storytime in the Park. Stories, songs, and crafts. Fridays. 10:15–11 a.m. Library Park, 200 Park St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/5n6e8m8x.
FREE Summer Fridays & Moonlight Madness. Aug. 8: A Minecraft Movie.
Bring blankets & low-back chairs. Gates open: 7 p.m. Ukiah Municipal Pools. 511 Park Blvd., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/summerfridays
Saturday 9
FREE Nature Walk. Led by volunteer State Parks docents. Observe wildlife at the park and learn about their natural habitat, as well as the history and geology of the area. Meet: parking lot at 8:15 a.m. to observe birds and wildlife found in the picnic area. Walk: 8:30 a.m., taking between 1½–3 hours. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org/event/72
Italians In Lake County Exhibit. Take a look back at the influence the Italian culture had in Lake County. Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–4 p.m. Courthouse Museum. 255 N. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/7nej25sd.
FREE StoryWalk. Hear a featured story and participate in a craft led by a State Park employee. Mention at the gate you are there for StoryWalk and parking is free. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Clear Lake State Park. 5300 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/57tb5kax
Noyo Headlands Race. Half-marathon, 5K Fun Walk, 5K and 10K Run, plus Kid’s 1/2K. Enjoy some of the most remarkable scenery Northern California has to offer. Chipped timing. Place medals awarded for top finishers for each distance (except Fun Walk), in each age group, within each category; male, female, and non-binary. Entry cost and
full schedule: tinyurl.com/2kpfxbmm.
FREE Movies in the Park. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a showing of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. 7 p.m. Middletown Square Park. 21249 Washington St., Middletown. middletownareamerchants.com
Sunday 10
African Dance & Drumming. Lessons in rhythms and dance according to participant abilities.
3:30–4:30 p.m. Lavender Moon & Spa, 127 N. Main St., Lakeport.
FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Aug. 10: Los Silverbacks, Latin Spanish Rumba. Aug. 17: Tainted Love, Best of the ’80s. Blanket or low-back chairs only. Food/drinks
for purchase or bring picnic. Sundays. 6–8 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/ sundaysinthepark
Tuesday 12
FREE Chicago. Watch the musical drama made into a 2003 movie featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, and Rene Zellweger. Rated PG 13. Donations appreciated. Concessions available. Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Movie begins: 6 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main. St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com
Thursday 14
FREE Poetry Writing Workshop for Adults. Find your inner poet! Second Thursday of the month. 3–4:30 p.m.
Fort Bragg Library. 499 E Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
Teen Game Night. Meet up. Hang out. Crush your friends at Settlers of Catan. Snacks provided. 5–6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Willits Branch Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. mendolibrary.org
Friday 15
FREE Summer Fridays & Moonlight Madness. Bounce to the stars. Food vendors on site. Gates open: 5–8 p.m. Observatory Ave., Ukiah. cityofukiah. com/summerfridays
Saturday 16
42nd Annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival. Children’s activities, arts and craft booths, live music, square dancing,
Mendocino County wines, a variety of blackberry delicacies. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17. Covelo. roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com.
Lighthouse Lecture Series. Point
Arena Lighthouse President and Executive Director Mark Hancock will present “10 years on the Light Station,” covering his 10 years of service as the caretaker of the 155-year-old Light Station. Point Arena Lighthouse. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. Schedule: tinyurl.com/43kuknep.
Guided Bike Tour. Konocti Bicycles host a “no drop” ride every third Saturday. Meet at the tasting room and prepare to meet other riders for camaraderie and fun. Rolling hills and
two hours of biking. 10 a.m.–noon. Six Sigma Ranch and Winery. 13372 Spruce Grove Rd., Lower Lake.
Sunday 17
Summer Chamber Concert. Presented by the Lake County Symphony. Doors open: 1:30 p.m. Concert: 2 p.m. Open seating. Tickets: $20. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main. St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Tuesday 19
Pop-up Book Sale. Hosted by The Friends of the Willits Library providing books at $1 during library hours. Through Saturday, Aug. 23. Willits Branch Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. Sale hours: mendolibrary.org.
Thursday 21
Kickin’ in the Country. Music, food, and libations while enjoying the beats of Beaufunk. 7–9:30 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com
Friday 22
FREE Carnegie Library Grand Opening. In conjunction with the final Concert in the Park at Library Park, a sneak peek inside the historic Carnegie Library — open to the public for the first time since 1985. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Library Park. 200 Park St., Lakeport. cityoflakeport.com/calendar.php
Saturday 23
You Should Be Dancing: A Tribute To The Bee Gees. The night begins with a deejay and dancing, followed
by tribute band music. $35 general admission in advance; $45 at the door. 6–10 p.m. Cache Creek Vineyards & Winery. 250 New Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks.
Tuesday 26
FREE Singing in the Rain. Watch the musical comedy depicting the turmoil of the movie industry in the 1920s when movies went from silent to sound. Rated G. Donations appreciated. Concessions available. Doors open: 5:30 p.m. Movie begins: 6 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main. St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com
Saturday 30
Labor Day Weekend Book Sale. Hosted by the Friends of the Fort
GET TICKETS NOW!
Bragg Library. Unique books, DVDs, CDs, and more. Proceeds fund library programming. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/yjz89pcj
FREE Neurodiversity Night. Experts speak on a variety of topics. Pizza provided. Bilingual event. 5–7 p.m. Mendo Leap. 2146A S. State St., Ukiah. mendoleap.com/calendar.
Paul Bunyan Days. Family-friendly and always lumberjack rowdy, head into Fort Bragg on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate your favorite logger and his giant blue ox. Parade, craft fair, trike races, and more. Through Sept. 1. Full schedule: paulbunyandays.com.
Summer Survived
Your Parenting Award is in the Mail
By Rebecca Hastings
August has arrived and you’ve survived another summer! Soon comes school supply sales, return to routine, and the quiet joy of sipping coffee without hearing “I’m bored” every 15 minutes. Let’s take a moment to honor all you’ve endured these past few months.
Epic Battles:
Sunscreen Struggle: Spray? Mineral? SPF? Who knows which to buy?! And we all know that applying sunscreen to a child is like wrestling a greased octopus that also happens to scream. Despite your best efforts, there’s always one streak of sunburn.
Pool Towel Debacle: You’ve washed, dried, and folded approximately 4,279 towels, only for them to end up in a damp, smelly heap within an hour. The faint odor of mildew will linger long after summer ends.
Snack Wars: You bought enough snacks to feed a small village, yet somehow there’s “nothing good to eat.” You’ve resorted to eating the bag of crushed animal crackers at the bottom of the swim bag.
Car Smells: Should you try to clean the car out or just get a new one? It’s a toss-up.
Bedtime Negotiations: Remember when bedtime was a thing? Neither do your kids. It now takes multiple reminders, bribes, and threats of “no screen time tomorrow” to get them to sleep before midnight.
A Week-by-Week Breakdown of Your Sanity:
Week One: “This summer is going to be magical!”
Week Two: “This isn’t so bad.”
Week Three: “This is a lot of togetherness.”
Week Four: “I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids.”
Week Five: “We’re out of money, patience, and the will to entertain these people.”
Week Six: “I’m just going to check and see when the first day of school is so we’re ready.”
Week Seven: “Dinner? Ummm … who wants ice cream?”
Week Eight: “School starts soon. I think I’ll miss them. Maybe.”
Week Nine: “Wait, did we do enough fun things? Should we take a last-minute trip?!”
Week Ten: “Officially out of energy. Someone hand me the back-to-school supply list and a giant coffee.”
Unexpected Talents You’ve Developed:
Professional Event Planner: You understand why camp counselors exist.
Amateur Detective: “Who ate the last ice pop and left the box in the freezer? Who has the good goggles? Who dumped sand in the car?”
Olympic-Level Referee: Stopping sibling fights before they escalate to WWE-level brawls.
Expert at Answering Impossible
Questions: “If sharks had wings would they still live in the ocean?”
The end of summer is near and you survived. That deserves a trophy, but you’ll settle for five minutes to scroll your phone in peace. Happy new school year! ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net
