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Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us
What makes the lazy days of summer even better? A concert in the park, of course! Have you checked out the musical offerings in your community? We share why this is a great summer tradition for families (page 18). If a summer vacation is also on your agenda this month, we imagine you’ll welcome our money-saving travel tips (page 16).
For summer birthdays or any time of year, we also share great ways to celebrate close to home with local venues you may not have considered. From the artistic to the athletic, active to laid-back, check out these creative party place ideas (page 14).
We can’t forget dads this month as Father’s Day approaches. Make bedtime reading pop-themed with our list of books showcasing interesting father figures (page 20). For the youth who’ve outgrown story time, college catalogs may be the reading material of choice these days. Dads and moms can help teens investigate reasons community college may be something to consider (page 10)
From concerts to parties to vacations, June can be a lot. Let our humor columnist remind you that enjoying the ordinary is just as important as hunting the extraordinary this season (page 28)!
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Contributing Writers
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Rebecca Hastings
Pam Molnar
Pam Moore
Beth Rush
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Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Something Succotash
Corn Creation
Astaple of Native diets throughout the region, succotash was a brothy, long-simmered dish consisting primarily of two critical ingredients: dry corn (hulled by steeping in wood ash lye) and dry beans.
Upon this savory background was layered an ever-varying array of fish, shellfish, meat, roots, nuts, fruits, and leaves. English cooks, also from a broth-cooking culture, viewed this important dish as a conceptual relative of their own oat-based pottage and adopted the hulled-corn-and-beans duo without alteration, applying their own flavorings and garnishes.
Over the centuries, the ingredients were altered gradually to suit contemporary conditions, making a full transition from the hunted and gathered foods of the Wampanoag to the barnyard and kitchen-garden stuff of the English. This plant-based succotash is Paula Marcoux’s interpretation of a really early English autumnal version. We think it’s a great dish to consider for Father’s Day, as well!
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen
1620s Plymouth Succotash
Total Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 5
Ingredients:
2 pounds cooked, hulled corn (or reconstituted dry whole hominy, frozen hominy, or pozole)
8 ounces dried cranberry beans (or Jacob’s cattle beans or other similar beans), soaked and cooked until just tender
Salt
Optional add-ins:
2 turnips, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 acorn squash or other winter squash, seeded and sliced
A few handfuls of chopped cabbage, collards, or turnip greens
2 leeks or onions, sliced
A few handfuls of chopped lettuce, spinach, endive, chicory, or arugula (or a combination)
Tender strawberry or violet leaves
1 cup ground walnuts, chestnuts
Freshly ground black pepper
Few chives or scallions, chopped
Calendula petals
Fresh mint or parsley
Directions:
In a large soup pot, stir together the corn, beans, and salt.
Add the optional turnips, carrots, squash, cabbage or other winter greens, and leeks or onions, and simmer until they are almost tender, about 10 minutes. (Add oil, if needed.)
When the above are nearing tenderness, add the leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, endive, chicory, or arugula), strawberry or violet leaves, ground nuts, and pepper, and simmer for a few minutes more.
Stir in the chives or scallions, calendula petals, and mint or parsley. Serve immediately.
Willits Frontier Days
Anon-profit organization, Willits Frontier Days operates as it did in 1926 with no individual or organization getting any financial reward. Features Lions cowboy breakfast, rodeos, horseshow, horseshoe contest, bulls and broncs, beef barbecue, and more. Residents and clubs work together to put on the events and decide together how to spend the profits of each show to benefit the community. Dates in June and July. Call (707) 459-6330 or email willitsfrontierdays@gmail.com for more information. Find the full schedule and admission costs at willitsfrontierdays.com
Mendocino Urchin Festival
Join chefs, educators, experts, and adventurous palates for all things purple sea urchin as sustainability takes center stage for the 4th Annual Urchin Festival. Long a major producer of sea urchin in the U.S., Mendocino County celebrates this delicacy and its intertwined ocean existence with a host of events in coastal Mendocino including a sake pairing, sea harvesting, coastal adventures, and special lodging packages. Enjoy events such as an educational walk at Van Damme State Beach, an interpretive tidepool talk at MacKerricher State Beach, open house at the Urchin Ranch, and more. Various times. Friday–Sunday, June 13–15. Mendocino Coast multiple locations. View the full three-day schedule of events at urchinfest.com.
Year of the Pig Party
Perfect for Father’s Day, celebrate the joy of bacon at Lake County’s Seventh Annual Beer, Wine & Swine Baconfest with the theme “The Year of the Pig!” Some of the best chefs around create bacon magic, set to the soundtrack of great music from the heart of Kelseyville, California. Also featuring vendors, beer, and wine. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 15. Downtown Kelseyville. See full event details at beerwineswine.com.
Beer, Wine & Swine Baconfest
Willits Frontier Days
Urchin Festival
Historic Park
Nature Walks
Free nature walks led by volunteer docents provide an opportunity to observe wildlife and learn about their habitat. Walk will take between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on route taken. Steady rain will cancel. No dogs allowed on trails. Parking is $4 or $3 for seniors. 8:15 a.m.-noon. Saturday, June 14. Anderson Marsh State Historical Park, 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. For more information, call (707) 995.2658 or email info@ andersonmarsh.org. Event website is andersonmarsh. org/nature-walks.
Living the Otter Life
Author Katherine Applegate’s Odder, is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals. Applegate discusses the book with guests virtually. Recommended for students in third-sixth grades. 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Register and submit questions for the author at the link, tinyurl.com/cp8732x2
Leggett Mountain Folk Festival
Free fun for the whole family with a parade, arts and crafts, kids zone, axe throwing, auction, beer and wine booth, music, and more. The Leggett Mountain Folk Festival is a benefit for the Leggett Volunteer Fire Department featuring fire department demonstrations, too. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Event and music runs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday June 28. Leggett Fire Station, 67001 Hwy 271., Leggett. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/taybbvab
Jane Blonde and the Goldfingers
Anderson Marsh Historic Nature Walks
Community College Nine Reasons It May Be the Best Choice
By Pam Molnar
Many people overlook the opportunity to attend community college, assuming that it is just for those who aren’t accepted to “real” colleges. The truth is, community colleges might be the best fit and deserve a stop on your college tour list. Here’s why:
Affordability. According to a College Board report in 2021, the average community college tuition and fees are $3,800. Other factors, including books and room and board, are not included in that number. If we want to compare apples to apples, the average cost of tuition and fees in a public, in-state four-year college averages $10,390. Community college is almost a third of the cost.
Smaller Class Sizes. Not everyone is successful in a large
Community colleges might be the best fit and deserve a stop on your college tour list.
auditorium-like setting. Community colleges have smaller class sizes and allow for more hands-on learning experiences and better relationships with professors. In addition, many night classes are taught by people in their field vs. a professor who has not been in the field for several
Notable Graduates of Community College
Halle Berry: Actor; Cuyahoga Community College
John & Jim Belushi: Actors; College of DuPage
Eileen Collins: Astronaut; Corning Community College
Guy Fieri: Food TV Host; American River College
Morgan Freeman: Actor; Los Angeles City College
Tom Hanks: Actor; Chabot College
Steve Jobs: Co-Founder and CEO Apple; Reed College
George Lucas: Filmmaker; Modesto Jr. College
Jackie Robinson: MLB Star; Pasadena City College
Aaron Rodgers: NFL Star; Butte College
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Actor and Former Governor of CA; Santa Monica College
Amy Tan – Author; San Jose City College
Opportunity to Explore
Options. It’s hard to know what you want to do with the rest of your life at age 18. Community college allows a student to try introductory classes without committing to room and board, and all the expense of entering a four-year college. With smaller departments, students at community colleges may have the opportunity to shadow another student to see if that field of study is really what they want to do.
especially important for students who need help with family either physically or financially. It is also an easier transition for those students who need a little more time to adjust
Community colleges have smaller class sizes and allow for more hands-on learning experiences and better relationships with professors.
to post-high school life and are not ready to move away from home yet.
general education classes, are offered during the day or at night, as well as some weekend and online classes. This allows students the ability to work a full-time job or tend to other responsibilities. Some community colleges offer off-site classes in local libraries or other small campus buildings, so students don’t have to drive to the main campus.
Extracurricular Activities.
Community colleges have many of the groups you will find at a four-year college — athletics, theater, honor societies, clubs, leadership opportunities, and study abroad. The average size of a community college is 5,000 students. When compared to the tens of thousands years. These adjunct professors are also helpful in opening doors for future employment.
Close to Home. Community colleges are closer to home, which means less commuting time and no extra room and board. This is
Flexibility. The class times at a community college, especially
of students at universities, community colleges have less competition to fill these positions.
Gateway to University. Community college is a great solution for students whose GPA falls just under the acceptance requirements
Some community colleges offer off-site classes in local libraries or other small campus buildings, so students don’t have to drive to the main campus.
of their dream four-year institution. Community colleges near larger universities often have transfer
agreements, meaning they work together to provide a sequence of classes that gives the student a better chance of transfer acceptance after graduation. Many of these programs are referred to as 2 + 2 programs.
Scholarships. Community college means community involvement. Many local businesses offer scholarships to students at the college in their community with the hopes of recruiting some of these students to work for them in the future. Transfer scholarships are also available to students who choose to go to four-year colleges after graduation.
All They Need. Dozens of careers only require a two-year degree, so
attending a four-year university is not the only road to success. Indeed.com shared a list of 25 in-demand careers you can get with an associate’s degree which include web developer ($81,148),
Dozens of careers only require a two-year degree, so attending a four-year university is not the only road to success.
dental hygienist ($98,577) respiratory therapist ($103,987), MRI technician ($121,473), and air traffic controller ($130,420). ❖
Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three who is a proud graduate of a community college.
Party Local!
Celebrating Birthdays Close to Home
By Beth Rush
From action-packed adventures to creative experiences, here are some local ideas to help you keep your child’s birthday celebration close to home …
Trampoline Parks. If your kid likes to bounce off the walls, a trampoline park is a dream come true. These venues usually offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, balance beams, and dodgeball courts. It’s a great way to burn off energy and keep kids laughing the whole time.
Climbing Gyms. Indoor rock climbing gyms are a thrilling yet safe environment for party guests to test their limits. Many offer party packages with beginner-friendly walls, harnesses, and supervision, so everyone can join in.
Art and Craft Studios A birthday celebration in an art studio can be
fun for creative kids. Think pottery painting, collage-making or DIY jewelry. And everyone goes home with their handmade creation!
Nature-Based Adventure
Parks. California is home to some beautiful parks with trails and creeks. Pack a picnic, plan a scavenger hunt, and let nature do the rest. It’s a low-cost way to celebrate your little one. Consider a short hike on an engaging trail that’s no more than a mile long.
Inclusive Play Centers. When planning your child’s birthday party, it’s important to think about inclusivity. Look for playgrounds or
indoor centers designed for all abilities. These venues feature sensory-friendly zones, adaptive equipment, and welcoming environments where every child can play and feel part of the fun. Plus, inclusive play areas are a fantastic way for little ones to develop their social skills and physical capabilities.
Escape Room Challenges. Older kids and tweens might enjoy putting their problem-solving skills to the test with an escape room. These puzzle-based adventures encourage teamwork and critical thinking and make for a unique birthday twist.
Cooking or Baking Classes. A hands-on culinary experience adds deliciousness to any party. Kids can decorate cupcakes, make their own mini pizzas, or attempt simple recipes in a group setting guided by an instructor.
Animal Encounters. Whether it’s a petting zoo pop-up or a visit to a local farm, animal experiences are always a hit. Children can learn, interact and get up close with their
favorite furry friends. The B. Bryan Reserve is a fantastic place to see African animals in California.
Dance Studios. A party with fun music and simple choreography can be a blast. These venues often customize the experience based on age and energy level, making it accessible for everyone.
Science Centers. Interactive science centers bring out curiosity. With hands-on experiences and cool demonstrations (maybe even a slime station!) this kind of celebration is perfect for budding scientists.
Mini Golf Courses. Mini golf offers fun competition. Many courses have shaded picnic areas for cake and gifts afterward.
Indoor Sports Arenas. From soccer to basketball and laser tag, sports complexes can be a high-energy venue for a child’s party.
These spaces usually offer private party rooms and flexible packages to suit all skill levels.
Themed Picnic Parties. Pick a theme — like pirates, fairies, or superheroes — and set up a festive picnic in one of the county’s scenic regional parks. Add some themed games, a dress code, and a
piñata, and you’ve got an outdoor celebration everyone will remember. Music and Jam Studios. Does your little one dream of being a rock star? Music studios that offer jam studios or mini-performances let kids play real instruments, sing karaoke, and even write songs together.
With so many unique and exciting options, planning the perfect celebration doesn’t have to be stressful. Regardless of your little one’s interests, there’s a local spot that can bring their dream day to life. ❖
Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, a health and wellness brand. She covers topics like sustainable healthcare and ways human health is linked to planetary health. Beth is raising her own family on plant-based recipes and mindful nutrition. You can find her on X @bodymindmag.
HOST YOUR NEXT PARTY AT THE C.V. STARR COMMUNITY CENTER. AVAILABLE ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 1PM TO 4PM
Vacation Money Savers
Budget-Conscious Travel Tips for Families
By Rebecca Hastings
Sitting in front of my computer I was ready to find the perfect vacation for my family. I knew it needed to be fun and exciting. I wanted it to be memorable. It needed to have something everyone would enjoy. A quick Google search and I had 1,375,283 results. The possibilities seemed endless. Until I remembered my bank account.
While I had saved some money, it wasn’t enough to simply follow wherever my Google search led. I needed to be strategic about what we chose and how much money we spent on our vacation.
Forbes reports that 46 percent of people are likely to change their travel plans due to inflation. Top changes include traveling during the off-season,
changing destinations, and choosing less luxurious lodging.
The big question is: how do you create magical family vacations while spending less? Even with a smaller budget, you can travel with your family.
Location, Location, Location. It’s like the real estate mantra; location makes a big difference in price. If you have your heart set on a trip to Paris,
consider another area of France or Europe. For something domestic, shift your sights from a summer at Disney to family-oriented parks with less demand.
Beach and lakefront spots are at a premium in the summer for good reason. But you may be able to find something in the mountains that has a great pool instead. The key is your willingness to explore options.
Also, don’t dismiss international travel. Sometimes international locations can be more affordable than domestic.
See
Consider a variety of options and see what works best for your family’s needs. Think outside the box when deciding where to go.
Book at the Right Time. Travel prices fluctuate all the time. While we can predict some trends, considering when you book your vacation can have major savings.
For busy travel times like holidays, you should book early or last minute to maximize savings. The few weeks leading up to a holiday are typically the most expensive, with price variation that can go into the hundreds of dollars.
Find the Discounts. Places offer a wide variety of travel discounts, many of which you may not even think of. Consider looking for discounts for everything from flights and lodging to tickets and dining.
Many credit cards offer member benefits with reduced rates for hotels
and special events. Additionally, you may have airline miles you completely forgot about. Cashing them in for a family vacation can be the perfect money saver.
Other often overlooked discounts are through employers and directly from businesses. Some employers have special savings programs they offer as a benefit. Contact your human resources department to see if your company participates. Even if you don’t have an employer-sponsored discount program, with some advanced planning you can check individual companies or even discount warehouse stores for options.
See if any places you want to visit offer discounts for veterans, EMS workers, nurses, or teachers.
Use These Tips as Your
Foundation. These are great starting places, but your travel savings can grow from there. Savings can be found in places you wouldn’t expect when you build upon them. It will take extra work, but that extra effort may be the very thing that makes it possible to have a wonderful vacation with your family that fits your budget.
More Money-Saving Family Travel Tips
• Rent a condo or a house instead of a hotel room. In addition to more space, you will have a kitchen. This allows you to bring and make food. Even if you just made cereal for breakfast each day instead of eating out, you could save hundreds of dollars over the course of a week.
• Look for unusual kid discounts. Whether it’s at your hotel, restaurants, or events, many places offer discounts for kids on certain days or at certain times. Do an internet search for “kid discounts + (insert location).” You can
find everything from kids eat free days to discounted or free tickets for good grades. Just be sure to call to confirm with the business and bring anything you need (like a report card).
• Bring the pricey stuff. When you travel with kids you’re bound to need some essentials like sunscreen or swim diapers. Tourist areas offer these items, but at a much higher price than you would get at home. Bring things like sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, swim diapers, and beach towels to prevent expensive emergency purchases.
• Consider different types of trips. Not every vacation needs to involve boarding a plane for a tourist destination. Great options for families include camping/glamping, farm stays, multi-stop road trips, volunteer travel, and train trips.
• Check for dining packages. A dining plan at a theme park, for example,
can allow you to get a meal and drink every hour or two. You can purchase one or two dining plans and share the food throughout the day with the whole family, saving you from purchasing meals and snacks for everyone individually.
• Make a souvenir and snack budget before heading to parks or destinations. It can save money to let everyone pick one snack while you’re out but make a meal back at your rental. Or you can purchase themed souvenirs online for theme park trips ahead of time. Buying favorite character T-shirts from a discount store offers big savings from purchasing on-site. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
Outdoor Concerts
6 Reasons to Make Music a Summer Tradition
By Cherie Gough
Make the most of beautiful weather and longer summer days by attending free outdoor concerts in your neighborhood. They’re low key (shorts and flip-flops) and parking is plentiful in most cases. Here are six reasons to make outdoor summer concerts your family’s new summertime ritual.
1. Get together with friends with little to no planning. A simple text message serves as the invitation. No one has to host. A potluck picnic is a simple way to share a no-fuss meal. Some venues may have food trucks on site for ultimate convenience.
Play outside with the family. Avoid being couch potatoes this summer. Most concerts are held at a park, so bring along your favorite ball or Frisbee and find an open space to play. Make it a special event by adding glow sticks or
bubbles. You’re sure to meet people or bump into neighbors.
Visit the playground if your kids need to climb. Some venues even offer games and bounce houses to keep children happy and active at the event. While the music is playing, it’s natural to get up and dance as a family.
3. Neighborhood concerts build community. People of all ages gather together, reminiscent of the piazzas in Italy where time slows, conversations flow, and
people share food and smiles. In our super busy, over-scheduled lives, it’s important to schedule some down time. It’s good for the kids to see grandparents dancing together and enjoying life — and for older folks to see young families playing together in a positive way.
In our over-scheduled lives, it’s important to schedule some down time.
4. Share your love of music with your kids. Summer concerts offer a wide variety of musical genres, everything from ’80s rock and bluegrass, to Zydeco and Big Band. Sharing music with your kids allows you to tell stories and share a piece of your youth with them. It also offers an opportunity to watch live musicians, point out different instruments and sounds, or just boogie and be silly together.
5. Enjoy the beauty of nature together. When was the last time you ran around outside, observed clouds, watched the sunset, or enjoyed a dinner picnic as a family? There are many health benefits to being outdoors, taking your shoes off, and walking barefoot in the grass. What parent wouldn’t relish some time away from screens?
Outdoor summer concerts are totally free! So, what are you waiting for? ❖
Cherie Gough is a writer and mom of two who loves to celebrate life’s little moments. Find her on IG @ cgoughwrites.
Books About Dad
Titles You’ll Completely Adore
By Pam Moore
My dad taught me how to ride a two-wheeler and float on my back. He taught me how to drive a car, how to check my oil and tire pressure, and how to haggle with a car salesman. He also taught me the pleasure of getting lost in a book, something I watched him do regularly.
If you’re in the mood for a novel featuring an awesome dad, these won’t let you down.
1. All the Light We Cannot
See by Anthony Doerr. Set in Europe during World War II, the story focuses on two characters and how their paths eventually converge. When Marie-Laure goes blind at the age of 6, her father, Daniel, builds her an exact replica of their Paris neighborhood in miniature, so she can navigate independently. When the Nazis invade France years later, Daniel flees to the
safety of an uncle’s coastal fortress with Marie-Laure on his back.
Unbeknownst to Marie-Laure, they are smuggling a sought-after jewel her father took from the museum where he worked before their exile.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the Nazis have plucked young Werner from his orphanage because of his incredible aptitude for radio repair. Initially thrilled for the opportunity, Werner is soon horrified by the atrocities he witnesses in the Hitler Youth Academy. Eventually, he is tasked with following the activities of the
French Resistance, an assignment that nudges him ever closer to Marie-Laure's hiding spot.
The beautiful prose and masterful storytelling beg you to ask yourself what you would do in the same circumstances, while compelling you to keep turning pages.
2. Everything I Never Told
You by Celeste Ng. Though it appears the story is set in motion with the mysterious death of teenage Lydia, it actually begins before she
If you’re in the mood for a novel featuring an awesome dad, these won’t let you down.
is even born. In this mystery-meetslove-story-meets-tragedy, Ng peels back layers of family history that led to the unfortunate series of events precipitating Lydia’s demise.
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, her father, James, grows up in the 1950s with a longing to assimilate into U.S. culture. He hopes to fulfill that longing by marrying the blue-eyed, blonde-haired Marilyn. Marilyn, however, is desperate to forge a path as a doctor, a dream that is derailed when she and James start a family.
This is the story of failed dreams, expectations, and desires of a family who, despite their love for each other, are strangers to one another.
3. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. Set in Australia just after the first World War, this is the story of Tom, his wife, Isabel, and the baby they find
alone in a rowboat washed up on the shore of the desolate island where Tom works as the lighthouse keeper.
After surviving the horrors of the war, Tom enjoys the predictable life he shares with Isabel and wants nothing more than to make her happy. Despite his misgivings, he gives in to Isabel's desperate wish to keep the baby. Tom must grapple with the reality of what they took from another family when they claimed the baby they found as their own.
Tom is caught in a moral dilemma that will keep you turning the pages way after your bedtime. This is a book about truth, love, and loyalty that you should not read without tissues nearby.
4. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This touching story is told from the perspective of the protagonist’s dog. Garth Stein does such an
excellent job of letting the dog tell the story, it never even feels weird that a dog is the one giving you all the details. (And, no, I am not the kind of person who shares a bed/ hamburger/kiss with her dog. I don’t even have a dog.)
Enzo, the dog, is a shrewd (if biased) observer of human nature.
He is also fiercely loyal to his owner, Denny, who is a race car driver, a mechanic, and an all-around stand-up guy.
Through Enzo’s loving eyes, we watch Denny face loss and the unimaginable challenges thrown at him in the wake of that loss. In this unputdownable tale of friendship, loyalty, life, and death, we also see how Denny uses the wisdom he’s gleaned from racing to steer his life.
With Father’s Day this month, it’s a great time to read a book about dads together! ❖
Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at . This article was originally
at cleanercoast.org
The Medi-Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental services for children and adults.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
The MediCal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Tooth decay is preventable!
Cal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults. your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Tooth decay is preventable!
Tooth decay is preventable!
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-a-dentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
June Calendar of Events
Fort Bragg Quilt Show
Come see the quilts, vendors, demonstrations, and raffle baskets at the Fort Bragg Quilt Show. Tickets at the door are $10; children 12 and under admitted free. Raffle tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Proceeds from ticket sales fund the community projects of the Ocean Wave Quilters, a not-for-profit organization. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 28. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 29. Raffle is Sunday. Dana Gray Elementary School, 1197 E. Chestnut St., Fort Bragg. Learn more at tinyurl.com/yc4kty78
FREE Walking Moai.
Considering child support?
5–8 people who walk together for an hour, once a week. Sponsored by Blue Zones of Mendocino. Open
Bringing up the topic of child support can be hard. The Mendocino County Child Support Services office is here to help you understand the child support process and file all the paperwork involved. We are a neutral party, and assist both moms and dads!
We provide the following services in a professional and timely manner at little or no cost:
Providing on-line tools and resources for giving and receiving information/ digital signatures and e-filingno need to come into the office
Locating the other parent and assets
Obtaining child support orders
Enforcing child support orders
Modifying child support orders
Establish parentage including genetic testing
Enforcing spousal support orders in conjunction with child support
Providing a monthly accounting of what is owed and due
Providing individualized case management/help with navigating the child support and spousal support arena
Wednesday 4
FREE Virtual Author Talk. Smithsonian Extinctopedia: A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About It. Smithsonian scientists highlight extinct animals, endangered animals, organizations that protect animals, and strategies for biodiversity. 11 a.m.–noon. Register and submit questions to the scientists at libraryc.org/mendolibrary/76588
Thursday 5
Enroll Today!
An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest tour, An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies — Part II, is derived from The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Harry Potter, and A Bug’s Life. A review of the science that our favorite movies got wrong combines with some of the stuff they got right. 7:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/ y9aehwfp.
Friday 6
Skate Night. Laytonville Healthy Start Family Resource Center hosts music, food, and fun. Rent skates or
bring your own. 6–8 p.m. Harwood Hall. 44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville. tinyurl.com/mt7ctm39.
Saturday 7
FREE Summer Reading Kick-off. Children, teens, and adults sign up to win prizes for reading. Get a tracking sheet and tally the time you read through Thursday, Aug. 7. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Peggy Sue’s All American Car Show & Cruise in. Pre-1976 classic American cars, hot rods, and customs cruise downtown Santa Rosa. Event includes a Show & Shine at the Sonoma County Event Center, a drive-in movie, a pin-up contest, and a raffle. Friday–Saturday, June 6–7. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Full schedule: cruiseforpeggysue.com.
Lake County Winefest. Arts and crafts, snacks, live music, silent auction, wine barrel raffles, voting for the best wines and brews. Tasting tickets: $30 in advance and $35 at the event. Noon–5 p.m. Library Park. 200 Park St., Lakeport. lakecountywinefest.com.
Sonoma Wild Music Festival. A family-friendly musical event celebrating Sonoma County’s wildlands. Environmental information booths and presentations focusing on local issues, crafters, food vendors, art, and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local environmental organizations. 1–9 p.m. SOMO Village Event Center. 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park. Tickets: tinyurl.com/ mtmucu9y
FREE Middletown Farmers Market. Locally fresh produce, crafted goods, and artisanal treats. Double your EBT benefits up to $30. Fridays. 5–8 p.m. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. tinyurl.com/ ykx8b896.
Sunday 8
FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. June 8: The Expendables with Top Shelf. June 22: Po’ Ramblin Boys, East Tennessee Bluegrass. 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
Monday 9
Potter the Otter Pop-Up Exhibit. Dive into the world of Potter the Otter: A Healthy Adventure with a free, interactive exhibit designed for families with children 5 and under. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free lunches for kids served daily at noon. Free admission. (Exhibit entry separate from Museum admission.) Monday–Friday, June 9–August 8. Coddingtown Mall. 733 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. cmosc.org/events/pottertheotter.
Wednesday 11
FREE Creative Writing Workshop. Monthly workshop taught by published authors. Each month will
feature a different genre, style, or theme. Open to all adults. Bring your notebooks and pencils. This month: Short Fiction with Kailyn McCord. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Friday 13
FREE Chinese Brush Painting. Participants will experiment with ink and watercolor on rice paper and create their own works of art. Ages 12 and older. Materials provided. No experience necessary. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. Reservations required: (707) 463–4490. mendolibrary.org.
FREE Summer Fridays & Moonlight Madness. June 13: Summer Kick-off 5–8 p.m. Vinewood Park. 1260 Elm
Tree of Life Charter School
St., Ukiah. June 27: Screening of Moana. Bring blankets and low back chairs. Gates open: 7 p.m. Ukiah Municipal Pools. 511 Park Blvd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/39dbmdhp.
Wine & Wheels. Car show, coffee, and wine. No registration required. People’s Choice Award. 6–8 p.m. Testa Coffee & Wine Shop. 9001 N. State St., Redwood Valley. tinyurl. com/yaffxy7p.
Mendocino Urchin Festival. Join chefs, educators, experts, and adventurous palates for all things purple sea urchin as sustainability takes center stage for the 4th Annual Urchin Festival. Educational walk, interpretive tidepool talk, open house at the Urchin Ranch, and more. Various times. Friday–Sunday, June
13–15. Mendocino Coast multiple locations. View the full three-day schedule of events at urchinfest.com.
Saturday 14
FREE Guided Nature Walk. Led by volunteer docents, observe wildlife at the park and learn about their habitat. Walk is between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on route taken. Steady rain will cancel. No dogs allowed. 8:15 a.m.–noon. Anderson Marsh State Historical Park. 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. tinyurl.com/4xfjyea2.
55th Annual MLK Community Festival Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion. Marking Juneteenth with vendors of food, clothing, arts and crafts, and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Old Courthouse Square. Fourth St. and Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyjuneteenth.com
Sunday 15
Lake County Beer, Wine & Swine Baconfest. Top local chefs create bacon dishes, while breweries and wineries present their finest. Plus vendors, music, and raffles. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Downtown Kelseyville at Main Street. beerwineswine.com
Thursday 19
Parent to Parent Support Group. For families with children with disabilities, ages 3 to 22 years old. In person or via Zoom. Noon. 16170 Main St., Suite D, Lower Lake. For Zoom ID or more information, call (707) 279–0563, ext. 204. com/572mj5cy
FREE Kickin’ in the Country Summer Concerts. Live music by Rick Estrin & the Nightcats. Food/drinks available for purchase. 7–9:30 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com
Friday 20
FREE Silly Circus. Kids & families are invited to enjoy Bri Crabtree and her Silly Circus Show. Bri will dazzle you with her fusion of circus and vaudeville. 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
Saturday 21
Afternoon Tea at Westport Hotel Expansion Project Benefit. Join us for tea and tasty treats at Westport
p.m. Westport Hotel, 38921 CA-1, Westport. Contact Friends of the Fort Bragg Library at ffblnews@gmail.com.
South Lake County Volunteer Firefighters Association Dinner and Auction. Fundraiser dinner, wine, games, quality firearms, live and silent auctions, drawings, and more. Advance tickets: $95/person; $175/ couple. 5–10 p.m. Twin Pine Casino & Hotel Event Center. 22223 CA-29, Middletown. tinyurl.com/4dxbhpsf
FREE Tamborazo del Valle Concert. Part of the Clearlake Concert in the Park Series first Saturday of the month April–October. 7–9 p.m. Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/ypfze53a
Monday 23
Junior Guard Camp. Participants learn about swimming and paddling rescues, boating safety, first aid, CPR, and AED use, all while enjoying related activities. Through Thursday, June 26. Spring Lake Regional Park. 5585 Newanga Ave., Santa Rosa. tinyurl.com/yc3zaf5r
Thursday 26
Parks After Dark: Sunset Hike. A unique opportunity to experience the parks at sunset. Hike 2–3 miles over moderate terrain and enjoy the sunset. Cost: $10 for Sonoma County residents and $12 for out-of-county attendees. Parking: $7 or free with a Regional Parks membership pass. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Shiloh Ranch Regional
Park. 5750 Faught Rd., Windsor. tinyurl.com/mr3aphbv
Friday 27
Nature Mindfulness Walks. Join First 5 Mendocino for walks every fourth Friday. Friday, June 27 theme is “Noticing Opposites in Nature.” 9 a.m. Observatory Park. 400 block of Observatory and Luce Ave., Ukiah. Email megan@first5mendo.org to reserve a spot.
FREE Getting a Grip Workshop. A local author and licensed therapist shares tools for handling life in distressing times. Open to all ages. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org.
Willits Frontier Days. Enjoy treats as you stroll the midway. Carnival
games, truck pull, rodeo, music, street dance, and more. Full schedule: willitsfrontierdays.com/events.html.
Saturday 28
FREE Leggett Mountain Folk Festival. Parade: 10 a.m. Over 30 arts and crafts booths, food, kids zone, Leggett Volunteer Fire Department demonstrations, axe throw, auction, beer and wine booth, and more. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Leggett Valley Fire Station. 67001 Hwy. 271, Leggett. tinyurl.com/bdem4j2r.
Flynn Creek Circus. Passage of the Wolf. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. $18-$81. Under age 3: Free (if sitting on parent’s lap). Doors open 30 minutes before each show. Arrive early for best seats. June 28: 3 and 7 p.m. June 29: 2 and 5 p.m. June 30: 6 p.m. Runs thru July 6. Friendship Park. 998 School St., Mendocino. Full schedule and tickets: flynncreekcircus.com.
Fort Bragg Quilt Show. Display of quilts, vendors, demonstrations, and raffle baskets. Tickets at the door: $10; Children 12 and under: free. Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Dana Gray Elementary School, 1197 E. Chestnut St., Fort Bragg. oceanwavequilters.com/ fort-bragg-quilt-show.
Saturday Walk In The Park. Observe and discuss various natural and cultural history topics while exploring park trails and the beach. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Gualala Point Regional Park. 42401 Coast, CA-1, Gualala. tinyurl. com/4cdu6ucm
Have More Fun & Create Great Memories
Summer Balance
Enjoying Ordinary
By Rebecca Hastings
Tand Extraordinary Days
he day was wide open before us.
We weren’t tethered to packing lunches and getting to the bus stop. No longer slaves to homework calendars and after-school activities. It’s summer. We should celebrate! My mind began racing with ideas. We could go to that new science museum. Or the movies. No, save those for a rainy day. Hmmm … the beach? The park? A picnic at the park followed by ice cream at the beach? There was no shortage of possibilities.
My kids appeared relaxed, basking in their new-found freedom. I, on the other hand, was busy figuring out how to make the first day of summer magical. And then I tripped over the laundry pile on my way to feed the dogs.
Looking around I saw all the things that still had to be done. Beds to be made, dirty dishes, work email notifications on my phone. School may have ended, but real life hadn’t. There was a tug-of-war in my head between the magic I expected to create and the real-life responsibilities.
I’d developed an expectation that life was a great big Instagram feed of who I am, but also who I want to be, who I think others want me to be, and who I can never be. With all the headlines telling me how to “Create a Magical Summer,” I began running faster on a hamster wheel demanding perfect memories for my kids.
But just like I am never going to be 5 foot 8 and size 2 (no matter how high the heels and how tight the
Spanx), I can’t entertain my kids 24/7. Even the thought is exhausting. Kids need to see that there is balance between fun and normal, or better yet, a melding of the two. If I want them to grow up to be more than consumers of this beautiful world, I need to give them the chance to live in and contribute to it. And this means doing things that don’t make the Instagram feed. I look around and see them. One is plugged into an audiobook, one is playing a video game, and one headed outside to scooter. They are content for the moment, so I permit myself to be content, too.
We can find moments of magic in ordinary hours.
The day is just a day, but magical simply because it exists. There will be laundry to fold, and they will help. But if we do that right after lunch we can grab an ice cream and head to the park. We can find moments of magic in ordinary hours.
It’s not my job to entertain my kids. And they shouldn’t be entertained all day anyway. We can, however, find ways to have fun in real life. To have beach days and home days. To have chore times and break times. To do nothing and to do something amazing. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
