ALL STUDENTS WHO TURN 4 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TK! STUDENTS TURNING 5 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR KINDER!
Our state-of-the-art TK/Kindergarten classrooms are the newest learning spaces in Ukiah. They are tailor made for Early Childhood education. Open spaces allow for group activities, custom furniture is just the right size, sinks and bathrooms are the perfect heights, and there is plenty of natural light. Plus, brand new playgrounds just for them!
REGISTER AT SCHOOLS OR ONLINE!
REGISTRATION FOR GRACE HUDSON ENDS FEB 20. Children are eligible for TK if they turn 4 before Sep. 1, 2026. Students start Kindergarten if they turn 5 by Sep. 1, 2026. Grace Hudson enrollment ends on February 20, 2026 to allow for a lottery on February 27, 2026.
Friday, March 20, officially ushers in the spring blooming season and it’s the perfect time to consider teaching your children about all things green … like money and how to manage it. A mom with financial expertise discusses how to age-appropriately address finances with kids (page 14).
If you’re considering a pantry spring cleaning, it may be time to investigate a gluten-free meal plan for your family. Some straightforward tips to craft the best dietary routine for your loved ones are within (page 16).
Family Life continues its informational series on educational options, featuring the benefits of preschool,
shared via The Learning Policy Institute, which strives to conduct research improving education policy and practice (page 10).
This month’s Book Break presents a journal that guides children through daily growth, gratitude, and goodness exercises. A Simple Seed turns five minutes a day into a shared emotional reset for the whole family (page 26).
On busy spring mornings, enjoy our simple, family-pleasing pancake recipe, which provides a nutritious start to your day and features ingredients from a California-based dairy (page 7). Make the batter a day in advance and refrigerate it to save even more time.
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Fluffy Pancakes
Going Greek With Yogurt
Fire up the griddle! We’ve got breakfast covered with this simple, family-pleasing pancake recipe. These fluffy flapjacks come together with ease and are packed with Clover Sonoma Pasture Raised Organic Whole Milk and Greek Nonfat Plain Yogurt for a nutritious start to your day. To save time (and have pancakes at the ready on busy weekday mornings) you can even make the batter a day in advance and refrigerate it. Serve your short stack with a generous pat of Clover Organic Butter and drizzle on the maple syrup, or top with your favorite fresh fruit. Oh, and make extra. Everyone will want seconds!
Pancakes with Greek Yogurt
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Servings: 10
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Clover Sonoma Pasture Raised Organic Whole Milk
½ cup Clover Sonoma Greek Nonfat Plain Yogurt
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Clover Sonoma
Pasture Raised Organic Unsalted Butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, milk,
extract.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the liquid mixture and whisk between additions until smooth. Let the batter sit for 15 minutes. (Note: At this point you can cover and refrigerate the batter overnight if you plan to cook the next morning).
4. Heat a non-stick pancake griddle or large frying pan on medium/high heat. Ladle out the batter and cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake (about 2 minutes). Flip and cook the other side.
5. Serve immediately topped with additional butter, maple syrup and fresh fruit of your choice.
Greek yogurt, butter, and vanilla
Experience a Lobster Boil
Experience an afternoon of indulgence at the second Lobster Boil Classic at Langtry Farms Tasting Room. Satisfy your cravings with a crustacean luncheon, paired with the signature single-vineyard Genevieve Chardonnay, available exclusively at the Winery. Take in the views of Guenoc Valley and the Tephra Ridge Vineyard. If weather permits, the event is outdoors, creating an idyllic atmosphere for you to enjoy your meal. Saturday, March 28, from 12:30–3:30 p.m. at Langtry Farms Winery 21000 Butts Canyon Rd., Middletown. For admission costs and more details, visit tinyurl. com/3cza6p38
Feast and Fundraise for Lower Lake
Lower Lake Community Action Group presents its annual Italian Feast Fundraiser benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Dinner includes antipasto, pasta, a main course, and dessert. In addition to a raffle and auction, this event features a full bar. Limited tickets are available: $75/ person or $650 for a table of eight (which includes two bottles of wine plus eight drink tickets). Doors open at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and activities from 6–9 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Brick Hall, 16374 Main St., Lower Lake. Call (707) 533-3902 to reserve tickets or purchase online at tinyurl.com/bdy8c9jj
Swing Dance to Live Jazz
Have you always wanted to learn to swing dance? Come Party with the Presbyterians at First Presbyterian Church Ukiah’s live jazz event featuring swing dancing lessons and food, with proceeds benefiting Plowshares. Tickets are $30 per person, $50 per couple, or $10 for students and can be purchased at the door. Saturday, March 7. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dance lessons begin at 6 p.m. FPC, corner of Dora Street and West Perkins, Ukiah. Learn more at fpcukiah.org
Lobster Boil Classic
Party with the Presbyterians
Italian Feast Fundraiser
Mothers and Sons Take to Dance Floor
Moms, grab you sons and hit the dance floor at the Konocti Vista Casino and Resort Mother Son Dance. Along with a deejay, the event includes a raffle, arcade, photo booth, snacks, and drinks. Cost is $25 per couple and $10 per additional son; $5 price increase the day of the event at the door. From 4–6 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Konocti Vista Casino and Resort, 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. Purchase tickets online at tinyurl.com/3tz3z94jj
Explore Your Future at College/Career Day
The 2026 College and Career Day at Mendocino College Lake Center allows local high school students to explore academic programs and career paths by connecting with industry representatives, with sign-ups handled through high school counselors. Primarily aimed at Lake County high school students. Attendees can learn about college majors, career options, and local employment opportunities. Bussing is typically provided for students. Thursday, March 5, from 10 a.m.–noon at Mendocino College Lake Center, 2565 Parallel Dr., Lakeport. Find more details at tinyurl.com/2sss5wbu
Play Bingo for Literacy
After the conclusion of its decades-long annual fundraiser, the annual Run/Walk for Literacy, the Literacy Coalition created a new fundraiser with much success. Since 2024, its Bingo Fun for Literacy! has been a crowd pleaser, featuring Bingo, silent auction and door prizes. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase during this event. Bingo is $30 per person and $12 per additional packs at the door. Saturday, March 21, from 5–8 p.m. at Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport. Learn more at tinyurl.com/53usu7st.
Bingo Fun for Literacy
Mother Son Dance
College and Career Day
PreSchool Perks
How Early Ed Prepares Students for the Classroom
From The Learning Policy Institute
Students who attend high-quality preschool programs reap benefits that can last through school and their lives, according to a review of research released by Learning Policy Institute (LPI). The study includes reviews of rigorous evaluations of 21 large-scale public preschool programs which find that children who attend these programs are more prepared for school and experience substantial learning gains in comparison to children who do not attend preschool.
Research on early learning programs in the 1960s and 1970s revealed that benefits for children lasted into adulthood, inspiring many states to invest in preschool programs. However, recent evaluations of two programs found mixed results, leaving policymakers and the public confused about whether or not investments in preschool programs actually do make a difference to student success.
LPI’s report reviews these two studies and others in depth, noting that interpretations of the results often depend on the groups of students
being compared. When participants are compared to others who attended similar preschools — or to a more generally advantaged comparison group — there are often not strong differences in their elementary school performance. This does not mean preschool effects “fade out” or that preschool is not effective; it means that the children in both groups benefit similarly.
On the other hand, when participants are compared to very similar students who did not attend preschool, the benefits of participation are found to
be substantial. Both preschool and elementary school quality also make a difference for the strength of ongoing effects in terms of achievement, school progress, and attainment.
LPI’s researchers found that investments in quality preschool programs bolster student success. Students who attend preschool programs are more prepared for school and are less likely to be identified as having special needs or to be held back in elementary school than children who did not attend preschool. Studies also show clear positive effects on children’s early literacy and mathematics skills. The review affirms the short- and long-term benefits of many preschool programs and makes recommendations for how policymakers can implement and support high-quality programs.
“The research suggests that the main issue is not whether preschool works but how to design and implement effective preschool programs that deliver on their promise,” said Linda Darling-Hammond, President of LPI. Research finds that preschool programs that demonstrate the strongest and most persistent positive effects employ well-qualified educators, use a developmentally appropriate program, and provide adequate learning time for students. In order to achieve sustained benefits from preschool, districts and states should invest in the essential building blocks of high-quality early childhood education, including teacher preparation, thoughtful curriculum, meaningful family engagement, and
Introduction
Are you curious about how to prepare your child for kindergarten? Will she get along with other children? Will he follow instructions? Will she be able to use the bathroom independently? If these questions are on your mind, NCO Head Start is here to help. NCO Head Start has been a vital part of early childhood education for children and families for the past 56 years. Our program aims to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond by focusing on their overall development, including academic, social, and emotional growth.
Early Academic Foundations
We emphasize early learning with play-based activities that develop key skills in reading, math, and critical thinking. Research shows that children in Head Start often start kindergarten with better vocabularies, letter recognition, and early math skills compared to those who didn't attend.
Individualized Learning Approaches
Our personalized approach is a major strength. We observe each child to understand their needs and strengths, tailoring their teaching methods accordingly. This ensures every child gets the support they need to thrive academically.
Parental Involvement
We recognize the vital role of families in education. We work closely with parents, encouraging involvement through regular communication, classroom participation, and resources for home learning. This collaboration improves children's academic outcomes and fosters a love of learning.
GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START!
Serving families in Lake and Mendocino Counties with eleven sites
Nurturing classroom experiences for children aged 3 months - 5 years Children with disabilities welcome
SCAN TO GET STARTED!
Although these elements can be expensive, “when well-implemented and supported by subsequent schooling, high-quality preschool can pay for itself. Studies of high-quality programs that have followed students into adulthood find up to $17 returned in social benefits for every dollar invested. This is because people who attend preschool are more productive in school, work, and society generally — with higher levels of education and earnings, less involvement in delinquency and crime, and fewer chronic health problems,” said W. Steven Barnett, Founder and Senior Co-Director of the National
Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University.
“Even when students are only followed into elementary school, studies find significant benefits from preschool
in lower rates of grade retention and special education that offer a partial return on the investment. High-quality preschool programs can also help close the gap in school and life outcomes between those raised in low-income families and their support for English learners and students with special needs.
Studies also show clear positive effects on children’s early literacy and mathematics skills.
wealthier peers,” Barnett said.
“Quality doesn’t just happen,” said lead author Beth Meloy. “You have to design for it, support it, and continually work for it. States that are serious about providing high-quality early learning opportunities have focused their attention on setting clear expectations for educators’ knowledge and skills, supporting educators to reach those expectations, and establishing mechanisms for ongoing program improvement.” ❖
The report was released at a reception convened by the Learning Policy Institute and New America, and was authored by Beth Meloy, Madelyn Gardner, and Linda Darling-Hammond. The Learning Policy Institute conducts and communicates independent, high-quality research to improve education policy and practice.
Are you looking for a play-based, child-centered, developmentally appropriate preschool program for your child? Is being involved and participating actively in your child’s school important to you? We are licensed to have children 2 years through 1st grade. Ukiah Cooperative Nursery School began in 1952 License# 230100815
Money Matters
Talking to Kids About Finances
By Hanna Evans
Learning about money is an important part of growing up, and parents and caregivers are likely to have the most meaningful impact when teaching these lessons. However, knowing when to get started, and how to start the conversation, can be tricky. To help, we’ve put together a few useful tips, so you can equip your kids with the skills and knowledge they need for a healthy financial future.
Use Age-appropriate
Language There are lots of topics to cover with your child, but translating them into child-friendly language can be a challenge. How you talk about them will depend on their age and ability — you may want to think about starting off with more simple topics, and saving some of the more complex ones for when they’re older.
You could start with simple, concrete concepts for 3-5 year olds. For example, “money is something we
need to buy things we need and want.”
For 6-8 year olds, you may want to introduce choice and planning concepts — for example, “If we spend money on this, we won’t have money for something else.” For 9-11 year olds, consider discussing budgeting and trade-offs, for example, by saying “It’s OK to want things we don’t buy” or “A budget helps us to feel organized.” For older children and teens, it may become easier to talk about more complex concepts,
and to start introducing values and priorities, including how to handle disappointment and social pressures. For example, “We don’t spend money on everything we could, because we are working towards goals” or “We don’t have to have new things to fit in.”
Older children and teens may be more likely to turn to the internet for financial advice, if they have access to it — so make sure you’re sharing resources and websites with useful money tips to guide them in the right direction.
Incorporate Hands-on Activities
It can be difficult to keep a child’s attention through conversation, particularly younger children. Incorporating hands-on, fun activities may help your child to grasp certain concepts that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to through words alone. For example, you could “play shops,” allowing your child to pick out items and then pay you for them, with fake or real money, and then receive change back. Interactive activities like this equip your child with real-world examples, boosting their learning and confidence.
Similarly, simply putting pocket money away can help your child to learn the importance of saving money, and to see how their money can grow. Remitly suggests attaching pocket money to tasks, so that your child can learn that money is earnt. This will help to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership, boosting your child’s understanding of the value of money. No matter which hands-on activity you choose to incorporate, remember to talk them through it too — they should be used as a way to complement the
lessons they’re learning, rather than to replace important conversations.
Model Responsible Money
Management Remember, kids learn by modelling their caregiver’s behavior. No matter how young your child is, they’re likely to be picking up on the way you talk about money,
Incorporating hands-on, fun activities may help your child to grasp certain concepts.
so it’s best to be mindful of this. For example, if you feel stressed about a financial situation, you might want to think about how you can frame it in a way that feels more like a problem to be solved — anytime you express
helplessness, you may pass this feeling onto your child.
Of course, there’s no need to be perfect, and you don’t need to get it right the first time. The point is to simply be aware of your own actions and think about how they may impact your child’s approach to money management.
Consider these phrases to avoid and their alternatives:
• “Money needs planning and care” instead of “Money doesn’t grow on trees;”
• “We’re being careful with money” instead of “We don’t have money;”
• “That’s not how we’re using our money today” instead of “We can’t afford it.”
Financial Lessons to Support Your Child’s Future
No matter how you start the conversation with your kids, know that you’re teaching them an important lesson that will serve them well in their adult lives. There is no one-size-fits-all, and you know your child best — so make sure to tailor the language used and the topics of conversation to suit your child’s needs.
Your child’s financial education should be ongoing, and they’ll pick up new knowledge throughout their childhood. Start off small, and remember there’s plenty of time to teach the more complicated concepts later. ❖
A mom of two, Hanna Evans aims to give more parents the tools they need to talk to their children about money in an age-appropriate way.
Going Gluten-Free
Creating Your Family’s First Stress-Free Menu
By Beth Rush
Changing what your family eats shouldn’t feel challenging. Your kids can get used to new foods with helpful strategies, and may even discover new favorites. If you’re hoping to start a family gluten-free meal plan, remember some straightforward tips to craft the best dietary routine for your loved ones ...
What Does Gluten-Free Mean?
Gluten is a protein found in substances like wheat and rye. Some people are hypersensitive to ingested gluten, resulting in symptoms like psoriasis flare-ups or mouth ulcers. They may adjust their eating habits to feel more comfortable with or without a formal allergy diagnosis. Whether your family members have met with a doctor or not, going gluten-free can be a good idea if you want to alleviate potential related symptoms. Get inspired to make the best dietary decisions for your loved ones by learning how to make a
menu full of delicious foods that don’t contain gluten.
Steps to Create a FamilyFriendly, Gluten-Free Meal
Plan Anyone can make a gluten-free dietary routine for their kids once they have simple strategies that work for any family. Use these ideas to help your loved ones follow a diet that better supports their health.
1. Outline Helpful and Allergy-Inducing Foods Create a list of foods your family already likes. Add a column for any ingredients that may induce allergy symptoms
or that your kids won’t eat. They may be more receptive to a new diet if it incorporates foods they already love.
The key is balancing healthier foods with meals that feel familiar. A sweet potato casserole would add comfort food to your diet, doubling as a base that goes well with a range of sauces and toppings. If you add that to a meal with your family’s favorite protein or a
Once you find a couple of meals your loved ones like, serve them again throughout the week.
gluten-free dessert, your kids may be more willing to stick with your new meal routine.
2. Reflect on Your Schedule
Even if you create the healthiest eating routine in history, you may not be able to stick with it due to your schedule. Think about how often you’re too busy to cook or rely on restaurants to deliver dinner. Your family activities might keep you on the move during the week, which is important to acknowledge before starting a new diet.
Select menu additions that are easy to make or meal prep based on your family’s typical weekly activities. You can also check out the numerous restaurants in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties that offer gluten-free items. They’ll help feed your family when you’re too busy to cook. You might also find inspiration in their menus, eventually recreating your favorite dishes at home.
3. Check the Canned and Frozen Aisles Making meals
is less time-consuming if you have frozen or canned ingredients. These budget-friendly fruits and veggies save time and money. Remember to check the nutrition labels before buying any canned goods. They can sometimes contain lesser-known gluten ingredients, like flavor enhancers.
4.
Prep What You Can
If you need to make a recipe that won’t work with canned or frozen foods, try meal prepping ingredients when you have the time. You could chop bell peppers or cook chicken in a crockpot on a slow Saturday morning. They’ll be ready throughout the week whenever you need to feed everyone. Your family gluten-free meal plan will only be successful if you find ways to make it work with your home life, which may
include preparing ingredients on your least busy days.
5. Embrace Repeated Meals
The average family of four with a thrifty budget is spending $988.60 on monthly groceries, but you don’t
Anyone can make a gluten-free dietary routine for their kids once they have simple strategies that work for any family.
have to pay more to live gluten-free. Once you find a couple of meals your loved ones like, serve them again throughout the week. You’ll reduce how many ingredients you need to
get at the grocery store and create opportunities to make big batches. Everyone can eat leftovers when you don’t have time to cook.
Enjoy Exploring New Foods
Together Creating a family-friendly, gluten-free meal plan is easier than many parents might think. Wherever you may live, you’re close to numerous restaurants that can help when you don’t have time to cook. Start your new menu with whatever gluten-free ingredients your kids already love to ease them into a new diet with foods that feel familiar and taste great. ❖
Beth Rush has been featured on sites like Business Insider, The Everymom, and CafeMom, where she explores parenting topics through research-driven storytelling and firsthand experience as a parent with ADHD and Hashimoto’s disease.
Springtime Craft
Q-Tip Painted Lavender
By Kimberly McLeod
The first day of Spring is the perfect time to get creative over a “blooming” activity with the kids. Try this Q-tip craft to help your children make their own field of lavender!
Instead of a regular paintbrush for this project, we bundled a handful of Q-tips to make a unique stamper. When dipped into paint, it creates a really fun flower print perfect for completing your lavender flowers and celebrating the new season.
Instead of Q-tips, kids can also use fingerprints to paint the lavender flowers on.
Supplies:
Q-tips – approximately 18
Elastic band – to secure the Q-tips together
Paint – green and purple
White cardstock
Paintbrush
2. Bundle Q-tips together. Bundle a small bunch of Q-tips together (we used 18) and wrap an elastic band around them to secure. Dip the bundled Q-tips into the purple paint. Dab the Q-tips onto the paper along the green stems to form the lavender flowers. Lavender is usually a little wider at the base of the flower, so you can stamp a few more times at the bottom and taper off the stamps as you go up.
Instead of a regular paintbrush for this project, we bundled a handful of Q-tips to make a unique stamper.
Add it to the fridge or frame it for some spring decor.
Steps:
1. Make the lavender stems. Paint lines on the paper using the paintbrush. Paint some of the lines diagonally so that it looks like a field of flowers that don’t all grow perfectly straight. Instead of painting, you can also glue down green strips of construction paper. Let the green paint dry before adding the purple flowers to the stems.
3. Add more individual flowers. Dip a single Q-tip into the paint and dab it on the paper on any areas that need a few more flowers. You can also add a few extra dots at the top of the flower to make a more pointed top. Continue until you’re satisfied with the way it looks.
Once the paint has dried, your lavender painting is ready to display at home. Add it to the fridge or frame it for some spring decor. Don’t forget to write your child’s name and date on the back of the art.
With a community of over 5 million followers across social media, author and mother Kimberly McLeod created The Best Ideas for Kids for busy parents, teachers, and childcare providers. The Best Ideas for Kids is a popular platform with DIY craft ideas, screen-free activities, recipes, and printable worksheets that keep kids entertained for hours!
March Calendar of Events
Have a Whale of a Time
The Fort Bragg Chowder Tasting & Wine Walk Whale Festival will be bigger and better than ever, featuring a Downtown Wine Walk, Chowder Tasting Competition, Beer Festival, 10K/5K Whale Run and Walk, craft fair, live music, food trucks, and marine life encounters throughout the day. Tickets start at $28.52. Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, at Fort Bragg Town Hall, 363 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. For a full schedule of events, visit visitfortbraggca.com/whale-fest-2026. The Mendocino Whale Festival offers coastal food, wine, and music from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, taking place at Crown Hall Inc., 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino. Learn more at tinyurl.com/44ubcd66
Sunday 1
Crows Nest Interpretive Center Exhibits. View marine mammal exhibits and a tidepool aquarium.
South Trail, Fort Bragg. noyocenter. org/event-calendar.
Monday 2
FREE Walking Moai. Walk with
community engagement. Mondays at 5:15 p.m. Xabatin ‘Big Water’ Community Park. 800 N. Main St., Lakeport. discoverlakeportca.com
Wednesday 4
FREE Nintendo Switch. Play the library’s Nintendo Switch every 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. 3–4:30 p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Virtual Reality. For adults and kids ages 13 & up. Wednesdays 4–5 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N Main St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
Bad Art Paint & Sip. Mocktails & hilarity as participants attempt to recreate actual works of art. Adults of all skill levels. First Wednesday of the month. 5–6 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Evening Book Club. Read and discuss a different book each month. 5:30–7 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N. Main St., Lakeport. library. lakecountyca.gov
Wednesday Watercolor Workshop. Mid-week artistic session for local painters of any age. 3—5 p.m. Medium Art Center, 110 S. School St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3d388bv4.
Thursday 5
FREE Walking Group. Start your day on the right foot! 9–10 a.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N. Main St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Storytime. Picture book story time with songs, rhymes, & games. 10:15–11 a.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Friday 6
Just Between Friends Kids’ & Maternity Consignment Sales
Event. Locally owned by Bay Area parents, offering one-stop shopping, great prices, and organized aisles for family-friendly convenience. Thursday–Sunday, March 6–8. New location: Old Sears Place. 100 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. northbay.jbfsale.com.
Mendocino Whale Wars Exhibit. A historical exhibit exploring the origin of the Whale Festival through posters and photographs. Fridays–Sundays, through March 29, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. tinyurl. com/2w526uhb
Mendocino College Gym • 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!
FREE Beginner’s Dungeons & Dragons. Club for kids 8–12 years old. Every Friday (except the last Friday of each month). 3–4:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 707-987-3674. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov
Anderson Valley Variety Show. A three-decade tradition featuring local singers, magicians, and acrobats. Friday–Saturday, March 6–7. Adults $15. Kids $5. AV Solar Grange. 9800 Hwy. 128, Philo. tinyurl. com/2kzc346w.
Saturday
7
FREE Happy Trails Hiking Book Club. Walks/hikes at Anderson Marsh State Park along with book discussions. 8–9 a.m. Saturdays. Redbud Library.
14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Lego Club. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call 707-994-5115 to register. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Mother & Son Dance. $25 per couple & $10 per extra son. Includes 30 minutes of unlimited arcade play card, first photo in photo booth. $5 price increase the day of the event at the door. Snacks/drinks available for purchase. 4–6 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Konocti Vista Casino. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/pdx67e6d.
Ukiah Certified Farmers Market. Shop for fresh, local produce and
enjoy the community atmosphere. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza, Downtown Ukiah. visitukiah.com/ venue/alex-thomas-plaza
FREE 2025 North Bay Science Discovery Day. For children, teens, & families. 70 organizations & 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. Parking free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. northbayscience.com.
Mendocino Whale Festival. A weekend celebration of the gray whale migration featuring nature walks, community activities, and local charm. Through Sunday, March 8. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Mendocino. tinyurl. com/4ywv8uwx
FREE Dungeons & Dragons. 5th edition club for kids 13+ years old. Saturdays. 3–4:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 707-987-3674. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library. lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Stitchaholics. Calling all knitters & crocheters; all cross-stitchers & needlepointers, & every stitch in between. 2–4 p.m. Saturdays. Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov.
The Boy Who Talks To Whales Screening. A special screening of the 1975 classic film introduced by Whale War founder Barry Cusick. 4–5:30 p.m. Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. kelleyhousemuseum.org
20th Annual Boys & Girls Club
Crab Feed. A popular local fundraiser featuring fresh crab, social dining, and community support. 6–9
p.m. Redwood Empire Fair, 1055 N. State Street, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ mr3rkzw6.
Party with the Presbyterians. Benefit for Plowshares featuring live jazz, swing dance lessons, and desserts. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Swing dancing lessons begin 6 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Corner of Dora St. & W. Perkins St., Ukiah. tinyurl. com/yc3h72av.
Tuesday 10
FREE Weekly ESL Conversation Club. Practice English with your peers in a small group setting. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Online. Call 707-263-7633 to sign up. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Wednesday 11
Library at the Market. Stop by the library table to check out all the happenings it has to offer. You might even get a free book to take home. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Farmers Market on Franklin Street. mendolibrary.org/events.
FREE All Grown Up Coloring Group. Adults of all ages, get together every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Bring your own supplies or use those provided. Monthly themed coloring pages provided. Space is limited. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. Call to reserve your spot: 707-994-5115. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Thursday 12
FREE Cookbook Club. Prepare, share & critique recipes. Learn about all the fun new cookbooks at the library. Noon–1 p.m. Lakeport & online. To sign up, call 707-263-8817. Lake County Library.
1425 North High St., Lakeport. Also, available via Teams. Email library@ lakecountyca.gov to join via Teams. library.lakecountyca.gov
Friday 13
FREE Art Together Fridays. Bring your own supplies or use ours and
Medium Art Center. 110 S. School St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ycxxfw65
Saturday 14
FREE Yarn Wizards Club. Yarn enthusiasts work on their own projects, share their knowledge, & learn from each other. 10–11 a.m. Lakeport
Love Where You Live • Work • Play
Library. 1425 North High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
Margarita Madness Fundraiser. A competitive showdown where bartenders vie for the best margarita to support 10 coastal state parks. $53 per ticket. 12–3 p.m. Little River Inn, 7901 California 1, Little River. tinyurl. com/yn2hxzaf.
Whale Festival Flashback Party. A 50th-anniversary celebration with DJ BeetRoot, dancing, and a no-host bar. 5 p.m. Crown Hall, 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/3rx53uwt
Guided Whale Walk. An easy, 1.6-mile round-trip walk learning about whale migration and spotting techniques. Saturday, March 14 & Sunday 22. Noon–1 p.m. Noyo Center, South Headlands Parking Lot, end of West Cypress St., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org
Life & Death: A Love Story. A solo theatrical performance exploring themes of love and existence. $25. Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m. Willits Community Theatre, 37 West Van Ln., Willits. tinyurl.com/22pef5yv.
Monday 16
Willits & Regional Workshops
Korean Papermaking. A hands-on workshop in traditional Korean papermaking followed by a group dinner. 5:30–7 p.m. Ridgewood Ranch, 11800 Orchard Lane, Willits. tinyurl. com/53m3utex.
Friday 20
Whale Fest. A major coastal festival with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly whale sightings. Friday–Sunday, March 20–22. Downtown Fort Bragg. visitmendocino.com.
Saturday 21
38th Annual Whale Run & Walk. Races including a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K along scenic coastal trails. $11.60–$48.70. 7:30–10 a.m. Noyo Headlands Park (Cypress Street), Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/4mvrxef8
Chowder Tasting Competition. Sample chowders from local restaurants and vote for your favorite. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Town Hall, Main St. & E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/ ev5v467n
Rotary Beer Festival. An afternoon of craft beer and live music benefiting local scholarships. Through Sunday, March 22. Noon–4 p.m. Eagles Hall, Fort Bragg. See full schedule at tinyurl. com/ev5v467n
Downtown Wine Walk. Sip Mendocino County wines while browsing local boutique shops and galleries. 1–4 p.m. Various Shops, Downtown Fort Bragg. mendocinocoast.com
Soroptimist Town Hall Craft Fair. Handmade goods and local art from coastal creators. Through Sunday, March 22. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Town Hall, Fort Bragg. visitmendocino.com.
A Bridge to Freedom Benefit. Dinner, drinks, and a live performance by Neveah Travis followed by a deejay. 4–8 p.m. Redwood Empire Fair, 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/6ezjr967.
Sunday 22
Whales on Wheels Bike Ride. A 12-mile family-friendly ride along the coastal trail to MacKerricher State Park. 10 a.m.–noon. Noyo Center, South Headlands Parking Lot, end
of West Cypress St., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org/event-calendar.
Paint the MacKerricher Whale Skeleton. A unique volunteer event to help maintain the park’s iconic whale skeleton. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. MacKerricher State Park, 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd., Fort Bragg. instagram.com/p/ DHhOL26S6N3
Thursday 26
FREE Adult Book Group. Contact the library to reserve a copy of the monthly selection then join us the last Thursday of the month for a lively discussion. 3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact: Dan Hess, hessd@mendocinocounty. org. fortbragglibrary.org.
Friday 27
FREE Gamer’s Craft. Every last Friday of the month, crafting all things geeky... painting mini game pieces, cosplay tutorials, costuming make-up, etc. Open to adults and children ages 8 and up. 3–4:30 p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Saturday 28
Meet & Make. Drop-in art session to create your own unique whale fluke prints. Noon–4 p.m. Discovery Center, 338 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, noyocenter.org/event-calendar.
Neurodiversity Night MendoLEAP. A social event focused on neurodiversity, aiming to provide a space to learn, explore, adapt, and play for all ages. 5 p.m. Mendo LEAP, 2146 S. State St., Ukiah, mendoleap.com
Five-Minute Gratitude
New Journal Gives Kids Simple Daily Practice
Author Katie Wood announced the release of A Simple Seed: A Five-Minute Journal for Growth, Gratitude and Goodness, a colorful daily guided journal designed to help children ages 6 and up develop gratitude, resilience, and confidence through simple daily practices.
Born from Wood’s personal experience after her baby daughter’s life-saving brain surgery, A Simple Seed transforms the power of gratitude into an accessible daily practice for families. “I felt powerless during that time, and discovered that a simple daily gratitude practice was what steadied me,” Wood said. ” I created A Simple Seed so kids and families could build that same resilience early.”
The journal features engaging daily prompts that guide children through gratitude exercises, positive “I AM” statements, acts of kindness, and challenges designed to build emotional tools for navigating life’s obstacles. Parents and caregivers benefit from conversation-starting tips that address important themes like building community, helping others, and overcoming setbacks.
With an emphasis on growth mindset, empathy, and resilience — plus a touch of faith and spirituality — A Simple Seed turns five minutes a day into a shared emotional reset for the whole family.
Katie Wood is the busy mom of four young children, a business owner, and the proud wife of a hardworking fireman. As a former teacher, she understands how important it is for children to have a growth mindset and learn the essential life skills to empower them to live a purposeful life filled with courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion.
ISBN: 9781955985482
Publisher: Penguin Random House: Clarkson Potter
Katie wrote A Simple Seed when her search for a kids’ journal encompassing life lessons, positive self-talk, and gratitude came up empty. With assistance from her family, friends, and an online community, she created this morning journal of 100 powerful lessons to help children practice healthy habits and develop the strong roots they’ll need for life. She believes there’s nothing more powerful than investing in the next generation to prepare them for the unknown future ahead.
This disclaimer clarifies that the magazine is reporting news from the publishing industry and is not offering an endorsement or review of the books mentioned.
