Mendo Lake Family Life March 2025

mendo lake FREE!

March 2025

Early Education

How to Choose

Spring Break Frugal Fun

Camp Calling 7 Benefits Lucky Day! St. Pat Games

Ladies, Take Charge of Your Health!

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EVENT DATES: Saturday March 8th. We will have the Saturday clinic the second Saturday of each month for PAPs. Call now to schedule your appointment and protect yourself today. Together, we can fight cervical cancer!

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March 2025

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Cooking with Kids St. Paddy’s Day Green Soup

8

Features 10 Early Education Benefits of Day School and Preschool

14 Camp is Calling Seven Reasons to Send Your Kids

10

Out & About Call for Sculpture Entries Celebrating Spring’s Equinox Seed Saving and Swap Whale War Exhibit An Enchanted Dance

18 Feeling Lucky?

Games for St. Patrick’s Day

20 Tummy Troubles Common Causes and Treatments

Matilda The Musical

22 Calendar of Events 28 Humor Break Reading Month?

16 Spring Staycation Fun and Frugal Ideas

8

4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

March 2025

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www.mendolakefamilylife.com

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

F

rom Spring Break to St. Patrick’s Day, fun is in bloom this month! Even if there’s no Sharon Gowan vacation planned, Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us families can enjoy an entertaining and frugal staycation with the ideas offered in this issue (page 16). Some simple St. Paddy’s games will leave you feeling lucky and you may even walk away with something green (page 18).

If celebrations or just everyday activities seem to leave your little ones with tummy troubles, we have advice and solutions (page 20), and even share a keto soup recipe

that may help (page 7) — or at least sneak some veggies into their diet!

With Spring in the air, your thoughts may turn to summer camp plans and researching schools for the fall. This edition shares seven reasons to send your kid to camp for parents who may be undecided (page 14). An article with guidelines for choosing the perfect day- or preschool outlines ways to determine which school is the best fit for your child and family (page 10).

Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us

Features Editor Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Mary Ann Blair Katy M. Clark Rebecca Hastings Sarah Lyons Pam Molnar Jill Morgenstern

Billing

Adventure Awaits You!

Enjoy hiking, horses, swimming, backpacking, crafts, nature, archery, spiritual reflection, campfires, challenge course, and outdoor skills

Programs for campers grades 5 - 11, Friends and Family Camp, and Adults

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539

Register now at www.RedwoodAdventure.org

Redwood Adventure Camp Providing opportunities for leadership development, spiritual and personal growth, environmental stewardship, lifelong personal connections, fun, and adventure. office@redwoodadventure.org

(707) 984-6877

www.RedwoodAdventure.org 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

March 2025

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Cooking with Kids

St. Paddy’s Day Green Soup Keto Veggie Dish

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elebrated March 17, St. Patrick’s Day recognizes its namesake, a patron saint of Ireland who was abducted at age 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave worker. He managed to escape, but later returned to Ireland to create churches, monasteries, and schools.

Because of his efforts and the lore surrounding them — including myths that he explained the Trinity with a shamrock and also drove the snakes out of the country — St. Paddy’s celebrations, with feasts and religious services, take place on his death date every year.

The Americanized version of St. Patrick’s Day includes wearing green to avoid being pinched by leprechauns, who are unable to see you if you’re wearing the signature color of Ireland, also called the Emerald Isle. The holiday just may be your chance to introduce kids to an actual green meal, too! This keto veggie-packed soup is a great way to get your veggies in by the spoonful, and is brought to you by Zoup!

Good, Really Good Veggie Broth! ❖ Source: www.britannica.com/topic/ Saint-Patricks-Day.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Keto Veggie Soup Prep Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 tbsp. olive oil 3 celery stalks, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. ginger, grated 1 lb. broccoli, chopped 1 lb. spinach 1 can coconut milk 1 tsp. turmeric powder 3 cups Zoup! Good Really Good® Veggie Broth 6 tbsp. Greek yogurt, for garnish 6 tbsp. pumpkin seeds, for garnish 1/4 cup cilantro, for garnish

1. In a medium to large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the celery, garlic and ginger and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the broccoli, spinach, coconut milk, turmeric, and veggie broth. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until broccoli has softened.

3. Blend in a blender until smooth. Serve each bowl with Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, and cilantro, season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Salt and pepper, to taste

March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Out & About

Call for Sculpture Entries

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endocino Coast Botanical Gardens partners with the Arts Council of Mendocino County to present an exhibition of sculptures placed throughout the 47–acre botanical garden. The Sculpture Exhibit features a rotating collection of up to 10 pieces.

The garden sees more than 100,000 visitors each year who are able to enjoy the interaction between artwork, nature, and the changing seasons. Seize the chance to showcase your artwork to a new audience and exhibit among the dramatic blooms. Deadline for entry is Monday, March 31. Learn how to exhibit your sculptures at tinyurl.com/3nd5td38.

The Sculpture Exhibit

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

Seed Saving and Swap

Celebrating Spring’s Equinox

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onnect with the renewal of nature as you explore tide-pools by day, uncovering the hidden wonders of the coastline at the year’s most vibrant time. As dusk falls, gather around the fire pit for s’mores, sharing stories, and stargazing into the crisp evening sky.

Saturday, March 22, guided tide-pooling at 12:30 p.m., plus s’mores by the fire from 6–8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, tidepool exploration at 5:30 p.m. followed by s’mores and stargazing from 6–8 p.m. Self-guided weekdays. Mar Vista Farm + Cottages, 35101 CA-1, Gualala. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/59zfpkch.

Seed Swap and Plant Exchange

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rowse local seeds, learn to clean seeds, and meet new friends.

Bring your own saved seeds and plants or your leftover open-pollinated seeds to swap. We will also have locally contributed seeds to share.

While you’re here, you can join the Mendocino County Seed Circle! Seed Circle is a joint effort to increase local plant diversity. Saturday, March 15, from 2–4 p.m. Fort Bragg Library.

499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Email fortbragglibrary@gmail.com or call (707) 964–2020 with questions. Visit tinyurl.com/2r95tzyb to learn more.

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March 2025

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Organizers of the First Annual Mendocino Whale Festival 1993

Whale War Exhibit

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PHOTO BY NICHOLAS WILSON

isit the Kelley House Museum during March for a special exhibit about the Mendocino Whale War, started by a group of locals who launched the first Whale Festival to educate the public about the plight of endangered whales on the coast. Posters, photographs, and clippings will be on display, along with a slideshow from founding member and photographer Nicholas Wilson. $5 suggested donation. Fridays-Sundays, March 1–31. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Kelley House Museum.

45007 Albion St., Mendocino. Learn more at tinyurl.com/rdjnt7xc.

An Enchanted Dance

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endocino Coast Recreation & Park District brings back its traditional Father/ Daughter Family Dance to the North Coast.

Fort Bragg Town Hall transforms for the theme, Enchantment in Paris. There will be mock villages to discover, memorabilia distributed, and classic hits to dance to. This special event is open to all families — fathers, daughters, mothers, sons, and friends alike. Dress to impress! Sunday, March 9 from 5–7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person online or $12 per person at the door. Town Hall. 363 N. Main St., Fort Bragg.

Purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/yfe7pc7k.

Father/Daughter Family Dance

Matilda The Musical

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Matilda rehearsal

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

ake County Theatre Company presents a musical based on author Roald Dahl’s 1988 book, Matilda. LCTC shares the stage adaptation, telling the story of a brilliant young girl who uses her amazing abilities to overcome difficult circumstances.

The musical features catchy songs and a theme of resilience in the face of adversity. Appropriate viewing for all ages.

Performances are Friday–Sunday, March 7–9 and 14–16. Fridays: 7 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes in advance of showtime.

Cost: $17 in advance; $22 at the door. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/2u4cr3rv.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Early Education Choosing the Perfect Day School or Preschool W

By Rebecca Hastings

e were running errands when one of my teenagers shouted and pointed, “Look! It’s our old preschool!” Soon my other two teens were chiming in, “I loved it there!” and “That was my favorite school. Do you remember when...”

And just like that, we were walking down a memory lane of craft projects, field trips, and even that time when the teacher helped with a loose tooth that just wouldn’t budge.

It made me happy that my kids remembered their days there as fondly as I did. Finding a preschool — or before that, a day school — may seem stressful but when you focus on the right things, you can find the perfect place for you and your kids.

Here are seven tips to help you find a day school or preschool your kids will remember:

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3. Consider the schedule. Does the day/preschool have a schedule that works for your family? The days and hours must align with your family schedule, but also with your child’s preferences. There are day and preschools with two-day-a-week

Finding a preschool — or before that, a day school — may seem stressful but when you focus on the right things, you can find the perfect place for you and your kids.

1. Talk to other children. At the park, at the library, at your friend’s house. Find out what the kids loved doing on a given day or their favorite thing about day school or preschool. Ask to see their latest project. Most kids will be thrilled to share their expertise. You can learn a lot from kids if you pay attention.

programs and others that meet five days a week. Some schools meet for two hours while others are the whole day. Think about what you and your child would benefit from.

2. Talk to parents. See what day/ preschool they love and why. Find out if they are friends with other families there. Ask about the caregivers and teachers that make them great. The most important thing is to talk to real people. Don’t rely on social media for accurate information.

4. Ask about educational philosophy. Every day/preschool has a unique approach. Some schools focus heavily on academics while others focus on social skills.

Some schools stress nature-based learning while others focus on the arts. Some day schools emphasize

March 2025

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March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

education more than others.

Don’t get caught up in what these approaches are called, but think about your child and how their interests line up with what the day/ preschool offers.

and make sure it is something you are comfortable with. Some schools ask parents to volunteer regularly during the day while others only invite parents for holiday and year-end

5. Talk money. The cost must work for your family. Consider tuition costs as well as extras like fundraisers, field trips, and parties.

Be bold about asking these questions before you choose a day/preschool so you are not stressed later about unexpected expenses. Finding a program that your family can afford will create a less stressful environment for you and your child.

Be realistic about your family’s needs and how they match up with the facility.

6. Find out about parent involvement. Ask how much parents are expected to be involved

programs. Extras like fundraising or events can also be a requirement. Day schools may have their own parental involvement guidelines, too. Find out what is expected so you know if you can participate at that level.

7. Ask to observe. See if there is a good time for you and your child

What can your local Family Resource Center do for you?

Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund FRC

Finding the perfect daycare or preschool doesn’t have to be stressful.

Be realistic about your family’s needs and how they match up with the facility. With these simple tips, you can discover a learning environment that will be perfect for your child. ❖ Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, or driving her kids places. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.

UKIAH COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL

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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

to visit during the day. Watching the facility in action is one of the best ways to discover if it will be a good fit. Chat with some parents at drop-off or pick-up. Observe the kids as they work together. All of it fits together to create the atmosphere where your child will learn.

March 2025

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March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Camp is Calling Seven Reasons to Send Your Kids

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By Mary Ann Blair

ith summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it!

With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child.

From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to week long sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child.

Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in “everyday” life. Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course.

Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your March 2025

child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun!

Camps are a safe place to practice social skills. It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of

With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child. camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging.

But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Camps give kids a muchneeded technology break. No matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul!

Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too.

Driving away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gut-wrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your

Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself.

Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!

Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future.

Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and www.mendolakefamilylife.com

leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What a great way to spend a summer!

part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp. ❖

Camp is just plain fun. So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite

Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com, she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Spring Staycation Fun and Frugal Ideas for Families

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By Jill Morgenstern

pring break can be both a blessing and a curse as parents try to make each year more memorable than the next. This pressure to provide a fun-filled vacation can be particularly true when both parents are working.

While summer break is full of sleepaway camps and day camps, there can be fewer options during spring break. But spring break does not have to be lavish and over the top to be memorable. By having an inventive staycation in your own home, you don’t have to break the bank to have a great time. Here are some ideas to get you started: Have a karaoke night. If you don’t have a karaoke machine, there’s a chance that a friend has one you 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

could borrow. Not only that, but these days there are karaoke apps you can use on your phone!

Build blanket forts galore.

Now is the time to get out maybe not the prettiest pillows, but at least the bulkiest ones. And once the fort is built, activities planned for inside become that much more exciting — board games, reading time, or even a movie night if the screen is small enough or the fort big enough!

March 2025

The key is to have an open mind and a sense of fun.

Create a mini indoor golf course. What? You have no golf clubs? Even better! Let the children use their imagination to make something they might use. Paper towel rolls could be turned into golf clubs, for example. And who says the golf ball has to be one certain size?

Have a DIY home spa day. No need to go bankrupt if you already have nail polish or bath bombs on hand. Plus the Korean masks that are so popular right now can be bought for under $10. No Korean skincare store or Asian store in your area? You can find them on Amazon or even sometimes at Walmart!

Make homemade ice cream. If you want to splurge, it can be great fun for kids to see ice cream being made in a real ice cream maker. But if not, they can still have the satisfaction of creating their own sweet treat! Look www.mendolakefamilylife.com

on YouTube for plenty of instructive videos on how to make single serving ice creams in sandwich bags.

Pitch a tent nearby. If you happen to have a back yard, a strong sense of adventure, and favorable weather, this activity will be sure to make your spring break memorable.

Use your senses to enjoy the outdoors — look for stars, smell the outdoors, listen for leaves blowing or critters crawling, all while knowing that, if necessary, a warm bed and hot shower can be only moments away.

Have a scavenger hunt. These can take a little while to set up initially (you provide clues to get from one destination to the next until players finally find a prize at

the end) but children love them.

Done often enough, children will start doing them for each other and if you’re lucky, they may make one for you!

By having an inventive staycation in your own home, you don’t have to break the bank to have a great time.

Create and perform a family play. Especially if mom and dad are both working, this can give children something to do during the day, culminating in an after-dinner performance that everyone can enjoy.

By participating in these activities, or ones you think of on your own, a spring break vacation can be just as memorable and meaningful as an extravagant vacation, but without the extravagant cost. The key is to have an open mind and a sense of fun.

It can be challenging to fit in the time for fun activities but as children mature they will take on more and more of the responsibilities for making their spring break a time to remember — thanks to parents who inspired them to do so! ❖ Teacher and writer Jill Morgenstern has four children and a Master’s Degree in teaching reading. Visit her at linktr.ee/JillMorgenstern.

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hara hachi bu!

People living in Okinawa, Japan, have a wise strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. Before every meal, they say "Hara Hachi Bu," which means, "I will stop eating when I am 80% full." This mealtime mantra can help you be more mindful, cut calories, and lead to better health and longevity.

Learn more at mendocinocounty.bluezonesproject.com

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March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

and green pom-poms. Place the bags in front of every other person.

On “go,” the players choose something inside the bag and pass the bag to the next player. The bags continue around until a player finds four of that same item and they grab for a spoon. Like in the game Spoons, everyone else grabs a spoon quickly and the one without a spoon is out. Offer a small prize for the winner.

Feeling Lucky?

Super Simple Games for St. Patrick’s Day

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By Pam Molnar

t. Patrick’s Day is a pretty easy party to host. You ask everyone to come dressed in green, you serve festive green foods and drinks and you play some Irish music in the background. Now the only thing you need to make your party a success is some St. Patrick’s-themed games.

Looks like you’ve come to the right place!

1. Throw Me the Money: Fill a canvas bag with coins – pennies will work nicely – and tie it closed.

Players stand in a circle, with the reader holding the bag. A St. Patrick’s themed question (i.e. Name a food that is green) is read and the bag is tossed to the person who answered (correctly) first. That person is now the reader and the bag holder cannot answer the question, allowing someone else to get a chance. If 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

anyone answers incorrectly, they are out. Have a prize for the last person standing.

2. What’s in the Bag: This game is like the game Spoons in that you will need a spoon for every player, minus one. You will also need one lunch-sized paper bag for every two players filled with a variety of St. Patrick’s or green items like shamrocks, gold coins

March 2025

Play for a set time or number of rounds and give a prize to the person with the most points.

3. Competitive Hot Potato: This is such a simple game and only requires one potato. Traditionally, players pass the potato around in a circle while music plays. When the music stops, the one holding the potato is out. If that is too simple for your group, you can add a challenge.

Ask everyone to stand in two lines across from each other, tossing back and forth. If the potato is dropped, the catcher is out. To make it more difficult, start every new round by taking a step back. You can also play with your eyes closed, pouring a smaller potato from cup to cup or play with a carrot and a potato going in opposite directions around the circle.

4. Tic Tac Gold: You will need gold and green plastic coins for this game. Set up a Tic Tac Toe board on the counter or table with tape. Players will slide their coins across the table

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

to try and get three in a row. If one player slides his coin into a space that is already occupied, he gets to remove his opponent’s coin. This can also be played with a bigger game board (four or five in a row) and more players.

However, this game will take a little longer.

5. You’re One Lucky Spella: For this game, you will need Scrabble tiles and a cup for each player. You will also need a list of St. Patrick’s Day words. The tiles are laid out upside down in the middle of the table. For each round, players choose 10 tiles without looking at them and put them in their cup.

On “go,” players dump out their cups and try to make a St. Patrick’s Day word out of their tiles within

a minute. Players get one point for each letter they use. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

— Take the six when you roll 2 threes, 1 and 5 or 2 and 4.

The next player rolls and takes their corresponding card. Play continues until a player rolls a number that 6. Rollin’ for Coins: This game is has already been removed. When great for larger groups as it is played that happens, the roller must give all in tables of four. Each player will need his other collected cards (if any) to a score sheet. For each table, you will the player holding that card. At that point, the round is over and players The only thing you need tally their scores — a point for each to make your party a value rolled. Switch tables as you success is some St. would for bunco. Play for a set time Patrick’s-themed games. or number of rounds and give a prize to the person with the most up the topic of child support can be hard. The points. ❖ need a pair of dice and aBringing suit of cards Mendocino County Child Support Services office is here to Considering 2-Queen only. Cards arehelp laid you outunderstand face the child Pam support process and and file all the Molnar is a writer child support? involved. We are a game-loving neutral party, and assistShe both mom of three. believes up in order in the middlepaperwork of the table. moms and dads! every good party has a fun theme, Players take turns rolling the dice delicious food, and of course, plenty of games. and removing the corresponding card

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-filing no need to come into the office

Enforcing spousal support orders in conjunction with child support Providing a monthly accounting of what is owed and due

Bringing up the topic of child support can be hard. The Locating the other parent and assets Mendocino County Child Support Services office is herecase to Considering Providing individualized Obtaining child you support orders the childmanagement/help understand support process and file all the with child support? help paperwork involved. neutral party, both the and childassist support Enforcing child support orders We are anavigating moms and dads! and spousal support arena

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Modifying child support orders Establish parentage including genetic testing

We provide the following services inandaenforcing professional If you would like assistance in maintaining an accounting any existing order for support, or and timely manner at please little or the noon-line cost: establishing an order for support, complete application for services at the link below or contact our office to request a printed application.

Providing on-line tools and resources for giving and receiving information/ digital signatures and e-filing no need to come into the office

Enforcing spousal support orders in conjunction with child support

a monthly accounting Enroll Providing ofToday! what is owed and due

Locating the other parent and assets

Providing individualized case Obtaining child support orders Use your phone’smanagement/help with navigating the child support Enforcing child support orders camera to followand spousal support arena Modifying child support ordersthe QR code!

Establish parentage including genetic testing

wouldhave like assistance an accounting and enforcing any existing order for support, or IfIf you you anyin maintaining questions, please contact us at: establishing an order for support, please complete the on-line application for services at the link below or contact our office to request a printed application.

CSS@MendocinoCounty.org

707-472-2800 or 866-901-3212

Enroll Today!

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

March 2025

Use your phone’s camera to follow the QR code!

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

persists longer than a few days and you feel your child is becoming dehydrated, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Tummy Troubles Common Causes and Treatments

T

By Sarah Lyons ummy troubles are common in young children and typically aren’t serious. Stomach aches can be anything from constipation to stomach flu to an excuse to get out of school. The tricky part is figuring out if the stomach pain warrants a trip to the doctor and if it is something serious or a passing thing. Here are some common childhood tummy troubles and what to do about them.

Constipation. It’s common for kids to have occasional constipation.

This is usually something that can be improved by a higher fiber diet or by using over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives. Decreasing foods that cause constipation like bananas, milk, and cheese can also be helpful. (mayoclinic.org) Physical activity can also encourage the need to use the bathroom. If your child has chronic constipation that is not improving, speak to your doctor for more suggestions or ask for a referral to a gastrointestinal physician.

Stomach flu. The stomach flu is an unavoidable part of childhood.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Even with all the hand sanitizer in the world, your child is bound to catch it at some point. While a GI bug is miserable for both the parents and the child, it doesn’t usually warrant a trip to the doctor. During the virus it’s normal to have a fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The most important thing to remember during a stomach bug is to keep your child hydrated. Children, especially babies and toddlers are more likely to get dehydrated during the stomach flu which can be dangerous. If your child cannot eat during the flu, make sure they are drinking small sips of clear liquids as much as possible. If the bug March 2025

Gas. A common cause of stomach pain in children comes from trapped gas. Gas pain can be painful and make your child uncomfortable. If your child has frequent pain from gas, try changing their diet slightly. For example, many people with frequent gas are lactose intolerant. Reducing the intake of dairy products or trying lactose-free alternatives can help your child develop less gas-related stomach pain.

Acid reflux. Acid reflux, or heartburn, can be painful and persistent. If your child complains of a burning feeling in their upper abdomen or has a vomit taste in their mouth, they may be experiencing acid reflux. Try an over-the-counter antacid, a glass of milk, or prop up their pillow at night. You can also watch the foods they eat before bedtime. Acidic foods like tomato sauce, sugary, sweet foods, spicy foods, and chocolate can all be triggers for heartburn. If none of these ideas help, consult your doctor who can prescribe medication for acid reflux and make sure nothing more serious is going on.

For the most part, childhood stomach pains are not anything to be concerned about. However, if your child has symptoms that persist over time, has unexplained weight loss, has blood in their vomit or stool, or doesn’t seem to be improving, there is nothing wrong with reaching out to your family doctor for advice on what the next steps should be. ❖ Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 10-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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March

Calendar of Events Saturday 1 Sculpture Exhibit Call for Entries.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens partners with the Arts Council of Mendocino County to present an exhibition of sculptures placed throughout the 47-acre botanical garden. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Ongoing throughout March. 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg.

Learn how to exhibit your sculptures at gardenbythesea.org/calendar/ sculpture-entries.

Saturday Market at The Mercantile.

food options. Shop, picnic, taste wine.

Rain or shine, year-round. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/events.

FREE Dungeons & Dragons Club.

Ages 13 & up. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Every Saturday. Registration required: (707) 994-5115. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. tinyurl. com/yunf64yf.

Mendocino Whale Festival.

Chowder tasting ($20) and wine walk ($65). Both activities: $75. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Mendocino Coast Chamber

Fresh produce, crafts, live music, and

of Commerce. 217 S. Main St., Fort Bragg. mendocinocoast.com.

Mendocino Whale War Exhibit.

Anniversary exhibit started by a group of locals who launched the first Whale Festival to educate the public about the plight of endangered whales on the coast. $5 suggested donation. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Kelley House Museum. 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/mr3ccbv2.

Kids Craft Time. Fun crafts for kids

of all ages. Supplies provided. Most first and third Saturdays. 11 a.m.– Noon. Fort Bragg Branch Library.

A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth and meaning in our lives.

GO TO MUSEUMS AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN. Maria Kalman

Museums of Lake County museums.lakecountyca.gov

Courthouse Museum, 255 N. Main St., Lakeport, CA

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

March 2025

Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Main St, Lower Lake, CA

Gibson Museum 21267 Calistoga Rd, Middletown, CA

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

499 Laurel St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/482p8mcw.

Sunday 2 Northern Pomo: Mendocino’s First People. Explore the rich culture of

the Northern Pomo, who have lived on the Mendocino Coast for thousands of years. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. various Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout March. Kelley House Museum. 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/ mw5vhwmb.

Monday 3 Kelseyville Senior Center Walking Moai. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Mondays.

Gather at the Kelseyville Event Center, then drive to the Clearlake State Park for a walk. tinyurl.com/2s432ejj.

of live performance, featuring the Broadway musical sensation, Company.

Appetizers, wine, and softer beverages: 6 p.m. Curtain: 7 p.m. Dessert and coffee at intermission. Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery before a family curse dooms its newest heir in this fast-paced comedy.

Mendocino Theatre. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. Tickets: $30.

Thursdays-Saturdays, March 6-April

39TH ANNUAL MENDOCINO COUNTY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR & STEAM EXPO

HeyPeers Support Groups.

Offering a range of support groups throughout the month for challenges such as addiction, anxiety, caregiving, chronic illness, depression, grief and loss, parenting, and many more. For meeting times, visit heypeers.com/ support_groups.

Wednesday 5 A Child, A Dog & A Good Book. Safe

play with licensed and insured doggies who love kids. 3 p.m.–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/mk8cddym.

Bad Art Paint & Sip. Adults of

all skill levels, join us every first Wednesday of the month for mocktails and hilarity as we attempt to recreate actual works of art. 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/yvv6754w.

Thursday 6 Museum Fundraiser. Ukiah

Players Theatre annual evening www.mendolakefamilylife.com

MARCH 15, 10AM-4PM

Mendocino College • 1000 Hensley Creek Rd, Ukiah Dive into a world of wonder at the Mendocino County Science & Engineering Fair & STEAM Expo! Enjoy free hands-on activities, engaging booths, and captivating displays for kids of all ages. Bring the whole family to this celebration of science!

THIS IS A FREE EVENT, BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! mendosciencefair@mcoe.us • bit.ly/mendoscience March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

6. Showtimes and tickets: tinyurl. com/43v2aane.

Friday 7 Rhododendron Walks. More than 1,000 rhododendrons can be seen blooming throughout the Gardens during peak bloom in March and April. Fridays. 1–3 p.m. Mendocino Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/yc5ky54t.

Skate Night. 5–7 p.m.: Younger

kids. 7–9 p.m.: Older kids. With your own skates: $5. Skate rental: $8. Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District, Old Rec Building.

100 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. mendocoastrec.org/skate-night.

Matilda The Musical. Lake County

Theatre Company presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Friday-Sunday,

March 7–9 and 14–16. Fridays: 7 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sundays 2 p.m. Cost: $17 in advance; $22 at the door. Soper Reese Theatre.

275 S. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/2u4cr3rv.

Saturday 8 FREE Nature Walk. Guided

garden walks. No pets. 8:30–10 a.m.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

8825 Hwy. 53. 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. thebloom.news/big-calendar.

Storytime. For ages 2-7. Join us for

a story (or two, or three) followed by a simple craft, game, or activity.

Most Saturdays. 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

Round Valley Branch Library. 23925 Howard St., Round Valley. tinyurl. com/553pv7ye.

FREE Preschool Dance Party. Kids, 0-6 and their grown-ups. Come and dance to your heart’s content, maybe catch a bubble or two. 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. For more detials, contact fortbragglibrary@gmail.com.

Crab Cioppino Feed. Lower Lake

Community Action Group’s primary scholarship fundraiser assisting young adults of the community as they start their college journey. $70 per person; $750 for table of 8. 5–11 p.m.

Clearlake Callayomi Masonic Lodge, 7100 South Center Dr., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/4tp9mufz.

Sunday 9 Father-Daughter/Family Dance.

Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District presents Enchantment

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in Paris, dancing, music, and memories. Tickets per person: $10 online; $12 at the door. 5-7 p.m. Town Hall. 363 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/yfe7pc7k.

Tuesday 11 FEC Play Group. Fun activities,

emotional connections, cognitive and social skill development for newborn to preschoolers with a parent or guardian. Second Tuesday of every month. 3–4:30 p.m. FFRC Center.

16170 Main St., Suite D. Lower Lake. tinyurl.com/2pdtmfme.

Wednesday 12 Field Guide to North American Wildlife video lectures. Through

March 26. No sign-up required.

Drop-ins welcome. 1:30–3 p.m.

Coast Community Branch Library.

225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl. com/458xhapc.

St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/y58p6tfj.

FREE Creative Writing Workshop.

work to share for feedback and inspiration. All levels. Second Thursdays. 5–7 p.m. Main Street Gallery. 325 N. Main St., Lakeport.

A monthly workshop taught by published authors. Each month will feature a different genre/style/or theme. This month: Flash, Smash, Twist — Creating Short-Short Memoir and Fiction — with Karen Lewis.

Open to all adults. Bring notebooks and pencils. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. For more details, email fortbragglibrary@gmail.com.

Thursday 13 FREE Cookbook Club. Prepare,

share, and critique recipes. Learn about new cookbooks at the library.

Also available via Zoom. Noon–1 p.m.

Lake County Library. 1425 N. High

SONOMA/NORTH BAY HOME EXPO SONOMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

SAT MARCH 29 / SUN MARCH 30 SPEAKERS:

• Zach Giffin from Tiny House Nation • Daniel Fitzpatrick

from Tiny House Industry Association

LIVE MUSIC

BRAD WILSON & THE RHYTHM DRIVERS

FOOD TRUCKS

• Tri Tip Trolley • Heavenly Butterfly Bakery • Carnival Food Stand

Writer’s Circle. Bring unpublished

Friday 14 FREE Whale Welcome Ceremony.

Musical offerings, a sunset ceremony, and words of gratitude from community members to kick off the whale season in the region. 6–8 p.m.

Crow’s Nest, 331 Jere Melo St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/32vjtp9c.

Saturday 15 FREE Mendocino County Annual Sciences & Engineering Fair.

Students in grades 3–12 compete. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino College

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Sonoma County Fairgrounds

FOR FREE PARKING

1350 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Visit our website to purchase tickets WWW.SONOMANORTHBAYHOMEEXPO.COM

jbfsale.com @JBFNorthBay

Free TICKETS ONLINE

$4 admission without free ticket.

You can SELL your items, too! Everything at the sale is from local families. Details online.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

March 2025

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Gym. Ukiah. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. bit.ly/mendosci.

Walk the Whale Trail. Every

Saturday, March 15–April 5.

Volunteers along the bluffs to loan out binoculars and help point out the migrating gray whales passing by. Three walking tours on those Saturdays, too. Point Cabrillo Light Station. 13800 Point Cabrillo Dr, Mendocino. tinyurl.com/4ettd9wn.

Aging, Dying, & Afterlife Discussion Group. Read and discuss books about aging and dying peacefully. Third Saturday of each month. Noon–2 p.m. Upper Lake Library. 310 Second St., Upper Lake. Join: (707) 772-9252 or greenwomansgardens@gmail.com.

Tuesday 18

Symphony of the Redwoods Spring Concert. The theme of water unifies

favorite classics with orchestral virtuosic masterpieces and a rhythmic American premiere in this 40th anniversary conclusion. Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 16: 2 p.m. Cotton Auditorium, 500 N. Harold St., Fort Bragg. symphonyoftheredwoods.org/ concert-3.php.

Wine Walk. Merchants serving

Mendocino County wines and hors d’ oeuvres while you stroll shops in downtown Fort Bragg. Live music. Visit the new Coastal Trail where you might catch a migrating gray whale. Tickets: Noon–4 p.m. $50 ahead and $60 day of the event. Must be 21. Downtown Fort Bragg. visitfortbraggca.com/ whale-fest-wine-walk.

Family Game Time. Board/card games and/or Nintendo Switch games provided. All ages welcome. 2:30–4 p.m. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/ yc2n9ej3.

Wednesday 19 Kids Craft. Third Wednesday of every month, all four Lake County Library branches hold this event.

Contact your favorite branch for details. Supplies may be limited.

Registration is required.

Thursday 20 Virtual Author Talk. How Women’s Liberation Transformed America: In Conversation with Clara Bingham.

11 a.m.–Noon. Register and send

APRIL 23 ONLY

$

7

Annie KIDS February 28–March 9 Kid Street Charter School Theater 709 Davis Street, Santa Rosa Get tickets at lutherburbankcenter.org

Directed by Bridget Palmer Assistant Director Avery Stockert 26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

March 2025

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

questions to the author: libraryc.org/ mendolibrary/68855.

Saturday 22 Celebrating Spring’s Equinox.

Guided tide-pooling and stargazing, plus complimentary s’mores. March 22: Tide-pooling 12:30 p.m.; s’mores by the fire 6:30-8 p.m. March 29: Tide-pooling 5:30 p.m., s’mores and stargazing 6-8 p.m. Mar Vista Farm & Cottages. 35101 CA-1, Gualala. tinyurl. com/59zfpkch.

FREE Spring Gardening with Sakina. Learn the basics of preparing

gardens for spring. 10–11:30 a.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact: fortbragglibrary@ gmail.com or (707) 964-2020.

Wednesday 26 Stronger Together Grief Support Group. Loss support to community

members of all ages. Fourth Wednesday of every month. 2–3:30 p.m. Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. 14295 Lakeshore Blvd., Clear Lake. tinyurl.com/46fdp3hs.

Thursday 27 Teen Gaming. Come to play, hang

out, watch, and grab a snack. 4–6 p.m.

Thursdays. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ynjt7uzn.

Sunday 30 Concert with Conversation.

Tallman Hotel presents Ben Rosenblum Trio. 3–4:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. Tallman Hotel Riffe’s Meeting House. 9550 Main St., Upper Lake. tinyurl.com/mwuscdur.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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March 2025

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Humor Break For years, I’ve felt bad about his lack of fervor for reading, especially during National Reading Month. Until one day I stopped.

It was the day a mom came over to pick up her child from a play date with my youngest (who loves to read, by the way). I don’t remember how the topic of my son’s lack of interest in reading came up, but she shared her thoughts.

Reading Month?

The Joke’s on Book-loving Mom

By Katy M. Clark

A

nother post on social media from a friend singing the praises of her child: “How lucky am I?” she wrote.

“My son finished Harry Potter and he’s only in second grade!”

“You are lucky,” I thought, damping down my jealousy. I can’t exactly post, “My son hates reading!” on social media. He’s a teenager, and I’ve waited years to admit publicly how much he loathes it. I felt that my son’s lack of interest in reading meant I was a bad mother.

The truth is kinder to me than I am to myself: Reading is a pursuit that he is not passionate about.

He can read. He doesn’t like to read.

There’s a difference.

Ever since my son was born, I tried to instill in him a love of reading.

In no particular order, here are the word-nurturing, pro-book, 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

literature-lovin’ experiences I exposed him to: I read in front of him. I love to read!

I read to him. Daily from birth until third grade.

I took him to the library.

I took him to the bookstore.

I bought him books from the school book fairs.

I made sure his daycare was a developmentally-appropriate, NAEYC-accredited child care center chock full of book nooks, story times, and language-enrichment activities.

I signed those homework reading logs that came home every night from kindergarten through sixth grade.

I chatted with him about books.

I bought him an e-reader.

Did I mention I read in front of him? I love to read!

March 2025

“I hate reading, too,” she commented.

“It was never social enough for me. I always wanted to be doing something else.”

Here she was, a successful vice president at an international company with three lovely children, confessing that reading wasn’t for her.

What a relief! It was the first voice I heard that defied the cacophony telling me that I must get my child to love reading. That day I allowed

He can read. He doesn’t like to read. There is a difference. myself to believe, to embrace even, that my son could succeed in life even though he doesn’t like to read.

Reading is not for my son. However, what is for my son is socializing with friends and family, chatting with anyone he meets, participating in classroom discussions, being a leader, playing sports, and being pretty great.

Maybe I should put that on social media. He can’t be embarrassed by such a post. Chances are he won’t even read it ❖ Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom. www.mendolakefamilylife.com