Tree of Life Charter School
Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us
There are so many things to enjoy in the month of May! Right off the bat, Star Wars enthusiasts can celebrate with a “May the Fourth Be With You” activity, and we’ve got ideas (page 26). Mother’s Day is also just around the corner, so we’re sharing meaningful gift ideas Mom will love in this edition (page 24).
The month of May also means the end of school is drawing near, with graduation party plans in full swing. We offer some clever game ideas to get young and old in on the fun (page 14). Parents of younger children may be contemplating where they want
to send their kids to school this fall, and homeschooling has become a popular option. We’ve got advice for those considering it (page 22).
Are you a parent of a child thinking about college soon? Summer can be a great time to schedule a university tour, and we’ve got tips on how to make the most of your time on campus (page 10). And this month’s humor column reminds us to have patience with moms who might just be missing us when they spam our email (page 34). Happy May!
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
Kimberly Blaker
Cherie Gough
Angel Jenkins
Sarah Lyons
Cheryl Maguire
Kerrie McLoughlin
Pam Molnar
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Mom’s Day Pancaking
A Simple Recipe
By Angel Jenkins
Nothing says Mother’s Day like waking mom up with breakfast in bed, and what more traditional dish than pancakes? While the secret ingredient is, of course, love, the key to successful pancake making for kids, is a simple, easy-to-follow recipe.
According to bettycrocker.com, pancakes were first mentioned in writing in 600 B.C., when a poet of Ancient Greece referenced the sweet morning treat. Fast forward to 1100 A.D., and the holiday Shrove Tuesday (aka Pancake Day), became a popular way to use up dairy products before lent. The 1880s introduced syrup as the topping of choice for this breakfast staple. In the early 1900s, Bisquick lands on store shelves, helping cooks across America make the fluffiest pancakes yet.
Take a lesson from history, and have the kids write a poem, pour a glass of milk and present mom with a plateful of syrup-covered pancake love. Make sure hands get washed first, and the kitchen is cleaned up last, so that Mom can truly enjoy breakfast on her special day! ❖
Source: thespruceeats.com
Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 pancakes
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. fine salt
2 tsp. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
cooking spray
maple syrup
fresh fruits, optional
In a large mixing bowl, add first 4 ingredients, hollowing out a hole in the center of dry ingredients.
Pour butter, vanilla, milk and egg in the hole. Blend with an electric mixer on low until all ingredients are well mixed. Scrape down sides of bowl with a spoon to incorporate all ingredients.
Spray skillet or griddle with cooking spray, heating skillet to medium-high or griddle to 300 F.
Filling a ladle half full, slowly pour batter onto griddle. Repeat as space allows, leaving room between pancakes.
Once pancakes are covered with small bubbles, carefully flip with a spatula. Cook second side for about 30-45 seconds until done, then remove from griddle with spatula.
Serve warm with butter, syrup, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or your choice of fruits.
California Cowboys Rodeo Time
The Potter Valley Rodeo is a California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned rodeo produced by West Coast Rodeo Company, one of Northern California’s top stock contractors. The rodeo provides a weekend of fun family entertainment, including bull riding, barrel racing, axe throwing, mutton bustin’, and wood-cutting competitions, plus food, and entertainment. Hosted over Memorial Day Weekend, insert Friday-Monday, May 23-26. Potter Valley Community Parks & Recreation Property. 10747 Main St., Potter Valley. Get full schedule and more event details at pottervalleyrodeo.com
Lake County Outdoor Passion Play
Benefit Car Show
Come participate in our just peruse a benefit car show featuring music, raffles, vendors, and trophies. All proceeds benefit Operation Tango Mike, which has sent care packages to deployed military for more than 22 years. The first 50 participating cars receive dash plaques. $35 online registration fee to be in the show. Saturday, May 31. Vendors set up at 7 a.m. Cars park between 8 and 9 a.m. Show begins at 9 a.m. with awards at 2:30 p.m. Guests tour show for free. Historic Main Street, Kelseyville. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/mr2hczun
Lake County Outdoor Passion Play
In The Passion Play, more than 150 players re-enact the death and resurrection of Christ. Mounted Roman soldiers sweep across the 1,000 foot stage; sheep wander across the hillside; a powerful sound system carries the dialogue drawn from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. A talented team of directors, producers, and costume designers work throughout the year to create this experience. Admission is free but donations are appreciated and are tax-deductible. Bring your own chair. 4-6 p.m. Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18. 7010 Westlake Rd., Upper Lake. Learn more at lakecountypassionplay.org.
Potter Valley Rodeo
Benefit Car Show
Ballet in Bloom
This spring garden party fundraiser will benefit Mendocino Ballet, which has been a home to dancers for decades. A two-month fundraising campaign will help with the restoration of the facade, new awning, and studio dance floors. See a preview of the spring production by dancers, make a flower bouquet, enjoy snacks, and more! Children: $15; Adults: $25. 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Hosted at BARRA of Mendocino Wines. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. Ticket information can be found at tinyurl.com/4x6rzjws
Ukiah Valley Kids Book Fair
Join Ukiah Valley Kids Book Fair for a free, fun-filled day celebrating all things books. From picture books to young adult novels, there will be something for every young reader. Meet local authors, hear professional storytellers, experience dragon and lion dances, Taiko drumming, book swap, games, arts & crafts, and more. Participate in reading activities and maybe even discover your new favorite book. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 17. 4951 Bodhi Way, Ukiah. Visit ukiahbookfair.com/index.html for more details.
SpringFest
Family Carnival
SpringFest Carnival at Redwood Empire Fairgrounds is the ultimate spring carnival promising a free, fun-filled weekend for the whole family. Experience carnival rides and adrenaline-pumping races, sweet treats, and savory bites from vendors, plus live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Gates open on Friday, May 30 at 3 p.m., and Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1 at noon. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2zyb6x4
Ballet in Bloom
SpringFest Carnival
Ukiah Valley Kids Book Fair
College Visits Tips for Successful Campus Tours
By Cherie Gough
This summer, thousands of teens and their families will tour college campuses. Since college schedules differ from high school, summer can still be a good time to experience campus life in action, and though online resources abound, there’s nothing like getting a feel for campus in person.
Signing up for the official tour is the obvious first step, but what else can parents and students do to prepare for and make the most of these important visits?
Tips for College Visits
1 Before heading out on tours, take time at home to discuss your teen’s values. Help them clarify their “Why” for attending college. College consultant Dr. Steven Antonoff offers free, downloadable tools to help families start the discussion at schoolbuff.com
2
Engage with a diverse range of people beyond the scripted tour. Ask at least three current students questions about their campus experiences to gain honest answers and valuable insight. Get specific. Instead of “What’s the social scene like?” ask “What did you do last weekend?” Instead of “How many majors are there?” ask, “Do counselors help freshmen sign up for classes? Is it easy to get the classes you need?”
Before heading out on tours, take time at home to discuss your teen’s values.
3
Sit in on a class that interests you.
4
Ask lots of questions about dorms. Housing can be stressful. Ask about availability of on-campus housing beyond freshman year. If not guaranteed, what’s the process to obtain off campus housing? How far in advance do students typically plan? Is it a hassle? Does overpriced housing often place excess pressure on students’ budgets?
5
Observe how people get around campus. Are they riding bikes? Taking the bus? Walking? Is the campus walkable to local shopping and dining? Is there a free campus shuttle to town?
6
Be a people watcher. What are your impressions of the student body? Is there a fun, positive vibe
or do people look stressed and exhausted? Does the campus have the right fit of diversity to help you thrive? Can you see yourself happily fitting in among these people and this environment?
7 Are safety measures in place around campus and in the surrounding area? Look for emergency call boxes. Ask if there are campus security escorts or free shuttles available at night.
8 Eat in the dining hall. How well do they accommodate your dietary preferences or needs? Can meal plans be used at cafes campus wide? Notice the vibe. Are students eating together or mostly picking up to-go orders?
9 Take photos to help you remember key positives and negatives about each campus. Use this tracker from College Board to help record your impressions: secure-media.collegeboard.org.
Be a people watcher. What are your impressions of the student body?
10
Visit the Career Center. Ask questions about job boards, work study, internships. Ask: How often do students meet with career counselors? What services do they offer?
11
Visit the surrounding neighborhood. Walk into shops and restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores you’ll likely frequent. How does the neighborhood feel?
12 Can’t get away for college visits? Check out Campus Reel, an online guide with real students leading you through a typical day at their university (dorms, cafeteria, nearby neighborhood, etc.): campusreel.org.
Visit the variety of local colleges and universities in town. They’ll give you a good indication of what feels right. ❖
Cherie Gough is a college essay coach who has successfully helped hundreds of students gain success in their application journey.
Graduation Games
Eight Activities that Guests Will Love
By Pam Molnar
It’s graduation season and time to start planning your party. Every parent tries to make their child’s event unique, especially since the same group of kids will circulate to each other’s party. Most guests will come to congratulate the graduate, fill their plates, and sit at a table where they will remain until it’s time to leave. Why not liven things up by offering some friendly competition with games your guests will love?
Does it Add Up? Purchase several boxes of dollar-store dominos. Pour them into a 5-gallon bucket with ice and water dyed to match the school colors. Players work to gather enough dominos to add up to ’25. The person to reach that number first wins.
O-Fish-ally Done with High School. Fill a kiddie pool with water and place chairs around it.
Add Swedish or plastic fish as well as a few other water creatures like sharks, seahorses, or turtles. Invite all the players seated around the pool to take off their shoes. On go, the players use their feet to get as many Swedish fish as they can in a minute (or two).
Tossing of the Hats. Break the group up into teams of two. One player sits in a chair while the other
tosses graduation caps and tries to land it on their partner’s head. You can also play this game like tic tac toe by creating a game board on the driveway and using two different colored graduation caps.
I’m Blown Away. Set up tea candles on a long table in a line about 8" apart. Next to each candle, place a small prize like gum, a candy bar, a hair clip, etc. The dollar store is a great source for
If a player gets a question wrong, they have to admit that they are not smarter than a 5th grader.
these prizes. Players take turns standing at the end of the table and try to blow out as many candles as they can. The player gets to keep the prize next to the last candle they blew out. Keep moving prizes and candles to fill in the space until all prizes are gone.
Pass or Fail. Mark the grades on small paper plates — one A, one F and the rest B, C, and D. You will need a plate for each player. Hole punch the plates and attach a long piece of colored yarn to it. Gather up all the yarn and pull through the hole at the bottom of a Solo cup and place it upside down.
Lay out all the attached plates randomly around the cup. Players take turns pulling a piece of yarn through the cup. If the player gets an F, they are out. If a player gets a B, C or D, they are still in but will remove that plate. If they get
an A, they stay in and no plates are removed. Play until there are only two players left and the last one gets an A.
Find the Keys to Success.
Turn your party space into a scavenger hunt. Purchase a package of 125 keys used for jewelry (under $10 on Amazon) and hide them in plain sight on tables, near the food, on the counter in the bathroom, etc. Have a small prize for the most keys collected during the party. Warning: this game might have the hostess finding unclaimed keys around her house for weeks!
The Freshman 15. This game is a fun relay race. Players use cups to carry water to a big bucket on a scale. The first team to get to 15
lbs. is the winner. You can play this with other variations using different sized cups, squeezing sponges, or with players passing water from cup to cup instead of running. You can
also play with teams playing against each other with someone from the opposite team trying to empty their opponents’ bucket with a teaspoon while they are filling it up with cups.
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? You would hope
this would be an easy game for a bunch of high school graduates, but you might be surprised. Gather questions for math, science, grammar, and history that should be able to be answered by a 5th grader. Players can be assisted by their classmates. If a player gets a question wrong, they have to admit that they are not smarter than a 5th grader. Offer points for each right answer with a grand prize for the winner.
Whatever you play, have fun celebrating your graduate’s special day! ❖
Pam Molnar is the mother of three and an avid party planner. She enjoys writing about having fun and making memories together.
‘Big Kid’ Campers
By Kerrie McLoughlin
MSending Teens to Summer Adventures
aybe the thought hasn’t crossed your mind that your teen might need to find a fun summer camp. Your teen should be babysitting, mowing lawns, working at the pool, hanging around with friends, right? Well, sure! But why not send teens off for a week or more of summer fun and learning this year for a break? Here are nine great benefits for teens attending summer camp:
1. Giving back. Community service camps offer a great chance for your teen to make a difference and help out in the community while also learning skills that will carry them through their life. Kids get to spend their days helping others, which just feels good to
everyone involved. Maybe your teen will learn how to pack food for the homeless, teach kids how to read, or work on a project that will benefit the community, like cleaning up a playground or fixing equipment. They could even learn how to paint a house, care for a yard for an
elderly person who is unable to do so anymore, or they may even learn how to plan and build a house for someone who is in need.
2. Making new friends. It’s important to continue to grow and change, and adding new friends to one’s life enriches it at any age. Some teens attend the same camp or camps every summer and might find the same friends there year after year. Many are attending for the very first time and need to hone their social skills to make new friends and get to know other kids in their age range outside of a school setting. Being in close proximity for days or weeks helps kids get closer, faster.
3. Learning new things you can’t find in a textbook. Whether your teen attends a camp to learn more about horses, adventure, or a specific sport — or any other type of camp — they have an entire day, week, or longer to
focus on that one activity and really immerse themselves in it. Who
different hobbies and topics), Girl Scout camp (also covers so many
Middletown Art Center
Monday-Friday 9:30am- 12:30pm June 9-13, June 16-20, July 14-18
Lunes a viernes de 9:30am a 12:30pm 9-13 de junio, 16-20 de junio, 14-18 de julio Ages 5-13 Welcome! ¡edades 5-13 bienvenidos! lcome!
$150/wk, includes healthy snacks
$135/wk, Early Bird through April 28th!
$150/semana – Incluye refrigerios saludables
$135/semana – Precio anticipado hasta el 28 de abril de
camp. Some camps even have kids do team-building and trust activities to help them get to know each other.
6. Staying active. Forget sitting around doing “screen time” all day long during the summer with a bag of Takis or Funyuns close by! When a teen attends summer camp, they often forget all about those things and focus on having fun with their friends going on hikes, paddle boating, swimming, and more, depending on the camp they choose. Bonus points for activity if your child chooses a camp targeted to a sport they’re passionate about.
7. Standing on their own. Let’s face it: As our kids get older, they start to grow away from us.
Set Their Imagination &
They are simply preparing to head out on their own, and they are also preparing you for that by perhaps being a little distant. They are stuck in between childhood and adulthood, and it’s a confusing time. Going away to camp for even a short period of time helps teach independence. There is a daily structure at camp that’s already in place that teens need to follow. Parents aren’t the ones doing the nagging, so teens don’t tune it out and they learn to respect and learn from other adults.
8. Appreciating everything. Away from screens (yes, I keep focusing on this one), it’s easier to focus on nature, learning, forming relationships and more. Being away from parents, kids will come home
with a new appreciation for what it takes to be in a family and what it takes to help out in the running of the household. Your teen will
probably also appreciate funny things, like a full pantry that’s open all day, a comfy bed, and privacy!
9. Deepening their faith. If your teen enjoys activities with youth groups at church, synagogue, or mosque, an organized religious camp might just be the ticket. The
day might begin with a service, followed by breakfast, a hike, and then some time spent in the cabin with friends memorizing scriptures for a competition at the end of the week. Later there could be singing songs around a bonfire while roasting s’mores. The point is that making connections based on their faith can create strong bonds. Teen summer camp has so many benefits that cover all the bases, from physical, social, mental, and spiritual. As for the rest of the summer? Well, your teen can spend plenty of time doing those odd jobs to help pay for camp next year! ❖ Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned mom of five who blogs at TheKerrieShow.com
Homeschooling Tips Awareness Month Advice
to Get Started
By Sarah Lyons
During National Homeschool Awareness Month, are you considering homeschooling your kids but are unsure where to start? Teaching your child at home can be rewarding for both you and your child but many parents find getting started overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you decide if homeschool life is a good fit for you and your family.
It's okay to be overwhelmed. When you are trying something new it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. While the idea of teaching your children at home may seem daunting, try not to worry. No one expects you to have everything figured out right away, not even your kids. Let them know that you are all trying something new and it's fine to allow time for adjustments and frustrations along the way. Do some research and make a list of things you
would like to try so you have a place to refer back to if you need ideas.
Create a flexible schedule. Creating a schedule is a great way to keep your kids, and yourself, on task. It can be easy to get distracted when you are adjusting to the new idea of learning from home. Home is typically a place where you relax, rest, and play but it will also need to be a place to get work done during homeschool. Create time and space for learning from
Take it a little at a time and you will become more comfortable and confident.
home and use a schedule that works for your family. If you are freshest in the morning, try to schedule learning right after breakfast. If you are a family of night owls, later in the day may be a better time to focus. Allow time for outings, errands, play time, and free time in your schedule. Unlike traditional school, you do not need to be working on school work the majority of the day. A big benefit of homeschool is the flexibility it can give your family.
Follow your child’s lead. Kids are more excited about learning when they have an interest in what they are learning about. When planning your curriculum try to include and incorporate things that your child is interested in.
For example, if your child is interested in animals, have them research
different animals by reading books, watching educational videos, or visiting a zoo or nature center. If your child is interested in cooking, have them plan a meal, shop for the ingredients while learning about money, make the recipe while discussing the math and science of cooking, and serve the meal while they learn about social skills such as how to set a table, manners, and clean up. Reading, writing, math, social studies, and science can be incorporated into almost any topic. Follow your child’s lead and take note of what they are interested in, what type of learning they enjoy, and what works best for your family.
Don’t overdo it. When you are just starting your homeschool adventure it may be tempting to
do too much. Don't spend a lot of money on curriculums that you may not end up using. Don't try to cram too much into each day. Try to be flexible while you are learning and
Teaching your child at home can be rewarding for both you and your child but many parents find getting started overwhelming.
see what works well for you, your budget, and your kids while still meeting the requirements. Take it a little at a time and you will become more comfortable and confident.
Enjoy the time. A big benefit of homeschooling is knowing you get to be a role model to your kids. As adults, we can learn new things too. You do not have to know about everything you teach prior to teaching it. Have fun learning along the way, experience reading new books with your kids, enjoy watching them discover new things, and enjoy quality time together.
If you think homeschooling is a good option for your family, start by talking to some friends in your community that have experience with teaching their kids at home. They will be a great resource for support in your area. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 10-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
A Day Just for Mom
Celebrations and Gifts She’ll Treasure
By Kimberly Blaker
The role of mothers in shaping their daughters’ and sons’ lives is unsurpassed. Mothers teach us to love, be strong, be confident, persist, live life to its fullest, and be the best we can be.
Mother’s Day is this month. Give her a gift from your heart and your undivided time to make it a day she’ll treasure …
Mother’s Day Brunch — Serve your mom a scrumptious breakfast or take her out for Mother's Day brunch. If you prepare it yourself, the following menu will be sure to please: fruit salad, juice, waffles, or pancakes with her favorite berry topping, bacon or fresh sausage, omelets or eggs benedict, homemade hash browns, and coffee cake or Danishes. Don’t forget the fresh cut flowers for the table centerpiece.
Spring Blooms — Pick up Mom’s favorite annuals and perennials: begonias, petunias, violets, morning glories, poppies, marigolds, snapdragons, or mums. Enjoy a day sprucing up her flower garden and catching up on old times.
Mother/Daughter or Mother/ Son Memories — Purchase a pre-designed record book to fill out and share with her. Or create your own memory scrapbook or journal. Include photos and memories about special times the two of you have had together; the most important things you remember about your mother from your childhood; how
she has inspired you; and the times you look forward to in the future.
The Main Event — Surprise her with event tickets: the ballet, a concert, play or musical, favorite sporting event, comedy show, or dinner theater. Be sure to tell her you have something special planned (but not what), so she’ll be yours for the day.
Train Excursion — Make memories on a train ride enjoying the vivid colors of spring, blue skies, beautiful blossoms, and other sights.
Enjoy a day sprucing up her flower garden and catching up on old times.
Family Portrait — Schedule to have your family’s picture taken at a studio, or hire a photographer for a photoshoot in the park. Coordinate with family in advance on the formality and color scheme, so outfits match. Inform your mother how to dress for the day, but keep the specific reason a surprise.
The Power of Poetry — You don’t need to be a poet to write a special verse for your mother. Share how she influenced your life, or tell her just what she means to you. Then print it on stationery, matte and frame it.
A Little Pampering — Mothers spend many years pampering their children giving bubble baths, washing hair, and caring for them when they’re ill. Give your mother a special treat, a gift certificate for pampering at the spa where she can enjoy a Swedish massage, hair care, a manicure and pedicure, or a soothing facial.
Weekend Getaway —Put together a weekend package designed especially for your mom. Choose a city that offers excellent shopping, art museums, and cultural centers, or even a quaint historic town with neat shops, cafes, and parks. Leave the dates for the getaway open so she can make the trip at her convenience, or so the two of you can make plans together.
Give her a gift from your heart and your undivided time to make it a day she’ll treasure …
Keep it Simple — Plan a relaxing day together, enjoying the outdoors. Head to a nearby park where you can meander along nature trails, picnic, or take a bike ride.
Especially for Mothers —
Buy a book for and about moms. Consider one of the following:
Mother: A Cradle to Hold Me by Maya Angelou
I Love You, Mom by Amylee Weeks
Why a Daughter Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang
Why a Son Needs a Mom by Gregory E. Lang
Mothersongs: Poems For, By, and About Mothers by Sandra M. Gilbert et al.
Mom, I Wrote a Book About You by M.H. Clark
Real Poems for Real Moms: From a Mother in the Trenches to Another by Rachel S. Donahue
Mom, Tell Me Your Story: Keepsake Journal by Susan Branch
You Are One Amazing Lady: Special Thoughts to Share With a Truly Wonderful Woman by Douglas Pagels
Dear Mother: The Hot Mess of Motherhood by Bunmi Laditan
Write an inscription inside the book’s front cover, including the date, so Mom can always remember
the exact day she received your thoughtful gift! ❖
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com
LAKE COUNTY OUTDOOR PASSION PLAY
Thank you for supporting the Lake Co Passion Play!
ADMISSION IS FREE; donations are gratefull chair and sunscreen.
Star Wars Party
‘May the Fourth Be With You’
By Cherie Gough
Team up with budding Star Wars fans to create festive family fun for May 4 (Star Wars Day). Transform your home into a Star Wars galaxy with these fun ideas.
Jedi Attire — Form a family alliance by dressing in Star Wars gear whether it’s pajamas, favorite T-shirts, or full costumes. Ask classmates to wear Star Wars face masks or shirts to make the school day special.
Bring Outer Space to Your Place — Create a party atmosphere by decorating with red and blue or black and silver. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand. Supplement with Star Wars themed napkins and plates (available at party and discount stores).
Make a playlist of iconic Star Wars music and turn it up full throttle to bring the galactic mood to life. Place pre-built Star Wars LEGO masterpieces around the house.
Anyone working online can choose a Star Wars Zoom background to
download. Yes, you can join the virtual company meeting from the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon (and others)!
Mealtime Fun — Awaken the force with Chewbacca-shaped hash browns or maple bars for breakfast. Add a smile to the kids’ lunchboxes with a Star Wars note or riddle. Find free, downloadable notes online.
Cook some Chewie chicken nuggets and Darth Tater tots for a fun, easy dinner.
Kids can help make healthy lightsaber snacks: Sith-kebabs with cherry tomatoes and red pepper chunks or a fruit version with red strawberries and green grapes.
Top cupcakes with stormtrooper decorated marshmallows (use a
food-safe pen to draw faces). Make gingerbread Wookie Cookies.
Get Crafty — Construct “lightsabers” from pool noodles and electrical tape. Make droids from cardboard boxes. Paint rocks to look like R2-D2, Chewbacca, or a Jawa, or paint/draw your favorite Star Wars phrase or symbol.
Write “May the Fourth be with you” on the back and place the rocks
Transform your home into a Star Wars galaxy with these fun ideas.
around a local park for neighbors to find. Learn how to make a Baby Yoda portrait using paint and an egg carton.
Jedi Training Games — Backyard games are perfect for young Jedis, and keep festivities outdoors. Have a galactic egg race. Adapt this popular game by decorating eggs to look like stormtroopers.
Bounce a balloon on the pool noodle lightsabers you made. Count how many bounces before it hits the ground. Create a Jedi obstacle course with items you already have (cones, hula hoops, pool noodles, crawling tunnels, balls, ramps, trampoline, etc.).
Indoor Fun — Play a Star Wars version of a classic board game.
Have a family video game battle playing LEGO Star Wars or Battlefront.
Binge watch your favorite Star Wars movies or episodes of the Mandalorian TV series.
However you choose to celebrate, “May the Fourth be with you!” ❖ Cherie Gough is a writer and mom of two who loves to celebrate life’s little moments. Find her on IG @cgoughwrites.
May Calendar of Events
Thursday 1
Spring Sprouts Activities. Self-guided learning opportunities for children (best suited for K–6). Available with regular Gardens admission. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/4vb4443n.
FREE Parent to Parent Support Group. Parents of children with disabilities ages 3–22 years old find support and resources to help their children thrive. Via Zoom or in person. 10 a.m. First and fourth
Thursdays. Lake Family Resource Center. 16170 Main St., Suite D, Lowerlake. tinyurl.com/53vw4m49
Agriculture Animal Science Courses. Experienced instructors guide guests through sustainable farming methods. All ages. $15 per class. Thursdays and Fridays throughout May. Childrens Museum of Arts and Science. 15210 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. Sign up: tinyurl.com/ cmasag25.
Mendo Parks Wildflower Display. Experience an array of wildflowers and educational information, plus botanical illustrations through the end
of May. Free admission; donations appreciated. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Ford House Visitor Center and Museum. 735 Main St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/ bdekzcwe
Mother & Baby New Parent Group. Join for walks, casual conversations, and playtime every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 1 p.m. Snacks provided. JD Center, 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/y3z24u34
First Thursday Community Concert. Steven Bates with Big Sticky Mess + Averi Sellassie Blackwell + Idle WAVes. 5–8 p.m. Piaci Pub & Pizzeria. 120
W. Redwood, Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/4vwdjkck
The Glass Menagerie. Part fiction, part autobiography, this Tennessee Williams’ drama follows the story of a family displaced from their genteel agrarian past and facing the challenges of a 20th-Century industrial world. Various dates/times through Saturday, May 31. Mendocino Theatre Company. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. mendocinotheatre.org
Friday 2
Boggs Raise the Pines Bike Race. 8–hour mountain bike relay race. 1 p.m. Friday–5 p.m. Saturday, May 3. Boggs Demonstration State Forest. 29400 Highland Way, Cobb. Registration, fees, and schedule at boggs.rocks
FREE Kids Story Time. Join the Fort Bragg youth librarian for stories and sing-alongs, most Fridays and Saturdays. Rhyme Time Story Time is the first Friday and Saturday of the month. 10:30–11 a.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/5buh4c2p.
Ukiah Art Walk. This art show is designed to give an expressive voice to the unhoused in Ukiah with an art exhibition by the Building Bridges Homeless Resource Center. 5–7 p.m. Ukiah Library. 101 N. Main, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3dau6bvk.
SPACE Theater Presents It’s Elemental. Inspired by ancient imagery of the the five elements— wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—and brings each element to life through choreography by local and regional choreographers featuring 40 teens and special guest performers.
May 2 at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Adults: $18. Ages 18 and under: $10. Space Theater. 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/bdd5racf.
Skate Night. Laytonville Healthy Start Family Resource Center hosts music, food, and fun. Rent skates or bring your owns. 6–8 p.m. Harwood Hall. 44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville. tinyurl.com/mt7ctm39.
Saturday 3
Fort Bragg American Legion Post
96 Pancake Breakfast. Every First Saturday of each month. A breakfast of sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes. $10. 8–11 a.m. Fort Bragg Veterans Memorial Hall in Bainbridge Park. 382 N. Harrison, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/h44crfbb
FREE Downtown StoryWalk. Families walk their way through the book Diminuta by Silvina Rocha. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. A printable map is available at fortbragglibrary.org or pick one up at the library.
FREE Rhododendron Show.
Showcase of some of the best rhodie specimens on the west coast. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, May 3. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/2s3mc9tf
A Day at the Woods. Guided labyrinth walk, kid zone, crafts/games for all ages, and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westminster Woods. 6510 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. tinyurl.com/ bddu8sw2
Lighthouse Tours. Join volunteer docents for the unique opportunity to climb to the top of Mendocino’s historic lighthouse. $10 per adult, $5 per child (under 18; must be over 42” tall). Tours last between 15 and 30 minutes. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Also Sunday, May 4. Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. 45300 Lighthouse Rd., Mendocino. pointcabrillo.org/ visit/events.
Community Talent Show. Performers of all ages and talents. Musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, and other talents. 7–9 p.m. Arena Theater, 214 Main St., Point Arena. tinyurl.com/2ejve43v.
Sunday 4
Babysitter’s Training and First Aid. These classes are for 11- to 15-year-old
to teach babysitting skills including handling emergencies and preventing accidents, feeding, diapering, playing with and caring for children. (First aid training is Sunday, May 11.) 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center .1640 S. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/447v54hd
FREE Sunday Funday. As weather permits, there will be a collection of yard games on the lawn. Choose from Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Giant Yahtzee, Darts, Disc Golf Putter, and Cornhole. On blistery days, board games, cards, and dice inside. Noon–6 p.m. Food available for purchase: Noon–3 p.m. No outside food allowed. The Mercantile. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/events.
Monday 5
Ballet Class. Ballet classes for all ages. Other dates throughout May. 3:15–5:45 p.m. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. Check class schedule by contacting instructor Aline Jalfim: (707) 734–0952. casparcommons.org/ calendar.
Tuesday 6
FREE The Blue Zone Project
Walking Moai. A moai is a group of 5–8 people who walk together for an hour, once a week. Sponsored by Blue Zones of Mendocino. Open to all. Tuesdays. 11 a.m.–noon. Meet-up: Mendocino College. 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg. Hosted on other dates/ locations. tinyurl.com/5n8jme3j.
FREE Library Events. Family Game Time, Tech Tuesday, Children’s Storytime, Kids’ Crafts, Cookbook Club, Stitch Club, Lego Club, and much more. Various dates and times throughout the month. Mendocino and Lake County libraries. Calendars: mendolibrary.org/events and lakecountyca.gov/calendar.
Wednesday 7
African Dance Class. Break down of traditional dance steps, then dancing to associated drum music. All levels welcome. Cost: $10. Multiple classes in April. 5:30–7 p.m. Caspar Community Center, 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. Contact: neno@divadesignstudio.com. casparcommons.org/calendar
Thursday 8
FREE Drop-In Knit & Crochet Group. Work on new or ongoing projects in a supportive atmosphere with other fiber artists. Meets on the second Thursday of each month. 5:30–7 p.m. Ukiah Library, 101 N. Main, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/mr4c9867.
Friday 9
FREE Chinese Brush Painting. Hands-on workshop of simple brush techniques, with ink and watercolor on rice paper. Every second Friday of the month. Art materials are provided; no prior experience needed. Ages 12 years and older. Call 707-463-4490 to reserve your spot. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Ukiah Library. 101 N. Main, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/24xzp4zr
Saturday 10
FREE Community Matinee. Screening of Disney’s Mufasa Refreshments provided. 1 p.m. Clearlake Stadium Cinema. 3380 Washingtn St., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/ mvtm7fnr
Career Readiness Workshop. Booster your job skills with assistance toward resume preparation, job search strategies, interview tips, time management, and more. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/2n7kudkr.
FREE StoryWalk & Crafting Party. Take a short walk while reading a StoryWalk® book with your kids. Crafting activity afterward. Bring
Park Center. 5300 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/mr4469mt
Sunday 11
Mother’s Day Pops Concert. Music from nine popular films. General assigned seats: $25. Premium assigned seats: $30. 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Wednesday 14
FREE Creative Writing Class. The second Wednesday of the month, taught by published authors. Open to all adults. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg.
Thursday 15
18th Annual Festival of New Plays. Ten original 10-minute plays by local playwrights, directed by Mendocino College theatre students. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Mendocino College — Ukiah Campus. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/yc8btfwt.
Friday 16
FREE Stitch and Screen at the Schoolhouse presents Pride & Prejudice. Bring your latest project— knitting, sewing, embroidery, or whatever you’re working on—and settle in for a cozy afternoon. Popcorn while supplies last. 1 p.m. Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum Weaver Auditorium. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.
Glenhaven Catfish Derby. Largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. Food, entertainment, cash prizes. Fishing starts at noon Friday and ends at noon Sunday, May 18. Derby Headquarters/Clearlake Oaks Fire Station. 12655 E. Hwy. 20,
Clearlake. clearlakeoaks.org/derby.
Saturday 17
Ukiah Community Yard Sale. Third Saturdays of spring and summer months. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. To register, visit tinyurl.com/37dxxv98.
Cooking Class for Kids. Lessons in creating food from scratch for mini master chefs. Two sessions offered: 9–11 a.m. traditional menu; noon–2 p.m. Italian menu. Clearlake Youth Center. 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. Registration required: clearlake.ca.us/ recreation.
Center Stage Spring Showcase. Celebrating the beauty of spring through music, dance, and more. 1 and 6 p.m. Marge Alakszay Center. 100 Lange St., Lakeport. Purchase tickets: centerstage.studio.
Wednesday 21
Botanical Gardens Early Bird Outing. Two-mile outing to experience 40-60 species of birds. Wear comfortable clothing, shoes, and hat. Bring binoculars. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl. com/mu5jrn
Friday 23
Strawberry Music Festival. Through Monday, May 26. A long weekend of live music. Nevada County Fairgrounds. 11228 McCourtney Rd. Grass Valley. See the full schedule, reserve a camping spot, or purchase tickets at strawberrymusic.com
Annual Potter Valley Rodeo. Parade, rodeo, performances, competition, food, local artisan crafts & more. $15. Ages 10 & under: free. May 23: Junior
Rodeo Slack: 4 p.m. (free admission). May 24: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Parade: 11 a.m. & Dancing: 8 p.m.) May 25: 7 a.m.–1 p.m. May 26: 9 a.m. Potter Valley Park. 10747 Main Street, Potter Valley. Complete schedule of activities: pottervalleyrodeo.com.
Sunday 25
Lower Lake Daze. Celebrate our hometown heros. Food trucks, venders, local merchants, & Family frienly activites. Street fair: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. & parade: 11 a.m. Main St. Lower Lake. tinyurl.com/yuvu3xux
Caspar 4th Sunday Breakfast. Menu changes each month, always serving organic, locally sourced food. 9–11 a.m. Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. tinyurl. com/yewckwhn
Willits Car & Bike Show. Classic car enthusiasts experience a display of vintage vehicles, music, shop vendors, purchase food from local restaurants, and enjoy activities for all ages. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Main St. at Wood St. to E. Commercial St. to Madden Ln. To register a vehicle in the car show, visit tinyurl.com/57czhsye.
Wednesday 28
Pop-up Dinner and Show. Three-course dinner and a screening of the movie E.T. under the stars and amidst the trees at the Mendocino Grove. Free popcorn! Beer and wine for sale. Bring a chair and wear warm clothes. Doors open at 7 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. Mendocino Grove. 9601 CA-1, Mendocino. Purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/cmnwb3nk.
Friday 30
FREE Tools for Distressing Times. Get a grip on the overwhelm of daily life on the last Fridays of each month with tips from a local author, licensed therapist, and educator. Open to all ages. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Library, 101 N. Main, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/4yejrf3j.
Saturday 31
Mosaic Basics. Two-day class where you can make a mosaic pot to take home. All materials, including the 10 inch flowerpot, safety equipment, and tools provided. If you want to bring a dish or object from home to incorporate into your piece, please do. 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.–noon Sunday, June 1 to grout your piece. Offered each month thru November. $100. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/2jjznb49.
FREE Open Mic Poetry Series. Begins with one or two featured readers and a brief break, followed by the open mic. Featured readers for February are Thomas Roberdeau and Scott Croghan. Last Saturday of every month. 4–6 p.m. Mendocino Art Center, Stevenson Studio. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. devreauxbaker. org/events.
A Springtime Suite: Coppelia Act 2 and Little Land. Annual fundraiser presented by Mendocino Ballet. $25. Ages 15 and younger: $15. May 31: 7 p.m. & June 1: 2 p.m. Mendocino College Center Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. Tickets: mendocinoballet.org/performances.
Unsubscribe Me
Hidden Meaning of Mom’s Emails
By Cheryl Maguire
My mom deemed the Internet useless back in the early 2000s when it became mainstream. Like other new technology she resisted it. I knew she would love a digital camera, but she refused to buy one insisting her camera worked fine. Since she wouldn’t buy a camera, I gave her one as a gift and as predicted she was snapping pictures of everything.
An Internet connection was not as simple as purchasing a camera. There is a monthly fee, and it requires a computer connection. She lived most of her life without the Internet so she thought it was unnecessary. By the time 95 percent of the population was surfing the net, she finally caved. Once she learned how to use emails, she sent me a minimum of 10 per day; nine I deleted without reading. I informed her of this fact. I even typed “unsubscribe” in response to one of her emails, to no avail.
Most of the emails she sent were forwards of articles for a town she didn’t even live in anymore. One email subject said, “FW: Miley Cyrus Spotted Food Shopping.” As you can imagine I didn’t read it.
She also sent elaborate recipes even though I don’t cook. A lot of the emails were things you would say in passing conversation:
Subject: Laptop
Message: This laptop is a lost cause. It takes FOREVER to do anything. if you see any good deals, please let me know …
(She waited FOREVER to get an Internet connection and now it’s not quick enough for her?)
She also liked weather-related emails: Subject: Snow
Message: They are predicting 6 inches of snow this weekend. Starting Friday night here...
(I do have faster ways of gathering weather information, like checking the weather app on my phone.)
But some emails I have to open. Like when I read this subject: Subject: GRRRRRRROSS!!
Message: A live mouse caught in the trap under the sink. Moved the trap to the back under the pipes but Dad can’t get him out!!
The emails started coming in around 8 a.m. and then are sporadically sent throughout the day. Until one day when I didn’t get any.
My mom had an accident and shattered her shoulder. She was unable to send emails and I felt this strange sense of loss.
I recovered all her deleted emails, and found myself smiling with a new perspective, noticing the nuances of the messages for the first time.
How she still read news from the town she used to live in because she missed it. How her use of all caps hilariously mimicked her emotions. How her innocuous message about a mouse left me wondering what happened to him?
The emails have her personality all over them and were simply her way of keeping in touch with me. The realization led me to type the following email:
Subject: Subscribe
Message: I would like to please re-subscribe to your email list. I really miss it.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree and is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her on X @ CherylMaguire05.