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FREE Flu Vaccine is available for anyone 18 years or older at Public Health.
FREE Childhood Vaccinations are provided through the California Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for eligible families
You may also get vaccinations from your primary care provider, if you don’t have a care provider you may call Public Health at (707) 472-2716 to assist you.
Vaccines protect you and your quality of life They’re proven to be safe, and effective and a strong defense against severe illness
IT’S TIME TO GET VACCINATED TODAY!
For more information visit: www mendocinocounty gov/departments/public-health/nursing/vaccines
Cal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults.
The MediCal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults.
The Medi-Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental services for children and adults.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Tooth decay is preventable!
Tooth decay is preventable!
Tooth decay is preventable!
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-a-dentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us
Oh, my gourdness!
Halloween season is here and it’s time to consider how you’ll entertain the kids. Find a number of not-too-spooky events in this edition’s Halloween Happenings (page 20). Trick-or-treating together offers fun parent-child bonding, as do activities outside the home based on your child’s unique interests. More ways to help kids form connections can be found within (page 10).
Considering child support?
When children dress up in costumes of careers they may wish to pursue — doctors, ballerinas, and the like — it is a great time to talk about goals. If you see a future lawyer in your child, this
edition explains how to set them on the road to law school (page 12).
Parents can further help children prepare for the future by addressing academic pressures, social anxiety, and less free time as extracurricular activities gear up during the school year. Medical experts discuss how parents can make these times less stressful (page 14).
While parents are making sure the kids are OK every day, this month is also a good time to consider your family’s emergency preparedness. Our
Bringing up the topic of child support can be hard. The Mendocino County Child Support Services office is here to help you understand the child support process and file all the paperwork involved. We are a neutral party, and assist both moms and dads!
We provide the following services in a professional and timely manner at little or no cost:
Providing on-line tools and resources for giving and receiving information/ digital signatures and e-filingno need to come into the office
Locating the other parent and assets
Obtaining child support orders
Enforcing child support orders
Modifying child support orders
Establish parentage including genetic testing
Providing a monthly accounting of what is owed and due
Providing individualized case management/help with navigating the child support and spousal support arena
Marketing/ Sales/Events
Patricia Ramos 707 586-9562 x1 patty@family-life.us
Features Editor
Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us
Production Manager
Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Contributing Writers
Rebecca Hastings
Sarah Lyons
Cheryl Maguire
Sabrina Renteria and Romina Kim Billing
Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
What better time to introduce little eaters to pumpkin soup than October?
Okinawans make this soup from kabocha, or Japanese pumpkin — a good substitute is acorn or butternut squash. The result is a silky, slightly sweet soup that takes about 20 minutes to whip up if you have an immersion blender or food processor.
You can also make this in a flash with canned pumpkin puree, which is usually a blend of pumpkin and orange squash. Considered a main dish, this soup is plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian. The recipe serves two, but can be doubled for a family of four, and can be paired with salads or sandwiches for a healthy Halloween meal or on any fall day. ❖
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen .
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
½ pound acorn or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks
¼ cup chopped leeks (or onion)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups unsweetened soymilk
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon dried turmeric
1 teaspoon salt, plus more if needed
1. Place a steamer tray into a pot with about 2 inches of water. Bring water to a boil and steam squash until soft, about 15 minutes.
2. In a soup pot, stir-fry leeks in vegetable oil until soft but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add soy milk, steamed squash, and spices and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend all together with an immersion blender or in a food processor (in batches, if necessary) until smooth. Add salt to taste.
Hosted by the City of Fort Bragg, The Longest Table is a free community meal and conversation event. Tables, chairs, and linens are provided and guests bring their own meal and beverage, take a seat at the table, and enjoy connecting with neighbors and friends. All ages, genders, races, singles, couples, families, and even leashed pets are welcome. Chalk art and face painting available for kids. The meal is Sunday, October 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. on Franklin St. in downtown Fort Bragg. Ready to join the table? Learn more and RSVP at tinyurl.com/2y6emjbc
River Oak Charter School once again hosts its popular community event, Pastels on the Plaza. Join community members, businesses, artists, and musicians working to raise money for the public school children at ROCS while celebrating, creating art, enjoying good food, and dancing, all within this year’s theme, “Gratitude.” Saturday, October 4 From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alex Thomas Plaza, Clay at School St., Ukiah. Full details can be found at tinyurl.com/s74rb9e2
The Woodland Community College Agriculture Department invites green thumbers to its Fall Plant Sale. Stop by the WCC Greenhouses to shop for a variety of plants grown by college agriculture students. Whether you’re looking for flowers or greenery for your garden, you’ll find healthy plants to take home while supporting student learning. Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. WCC Greenhouses, 2300 E. Gibson Road, Woodland. Visit tinyurl.com/yte38s7c for details on Facebook.
This autumn, take a round-trip train ride into the heart of the redwoods to a magical pumpkin patch wonderland. Enjoy seasonal treats on board the train, adult beverages for the parents, and when you arrive to Crowley, you’ll have the opportunity to walk the pumpkin patch, explore the nearby redwoods, take photos, and choose your very own pumpkin to bring back on the train. Tickets: $59.95 + fees. Ages 2 and under on laps: free. Through Friday, October 31. Willits Skunk Train Depot, 299 E. Commercial St., Willits. Purchase tickets online at skunktrain.com/ pumpkin-express
The Lake County Health and Wellness Expo is dedicated to promoting healthy living and community well-being. The free, family-friendly event features health-focused activities, demonstrations, and resources for all ages. Explore booths offering information on nutrition, fitness, mental health, senior services, preventative care, and more. Enjoy free health screenings, wellness workshops, fitness demos, and kids’ activities. Local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment will round out the day. Kick start a healthier lifestyle and enjoy a day of community connection. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18 at Xabatin Community Park, 800 N. Main St., Lakeport. Learn more at tinyurl.com/4c7bv2dt
Stars of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, Jersey Boys, are set to perform in SPACE Theater’s fall fundraising kick-off, “Oh What a Night.” The evening features Ukiah’s own Quinn VanAntwerp with a professional stage band, celebrating the iconic music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, along with other classic hits. General admission tickets are $75. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 25. The show will be held at the SPACE Theater, located at 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. For more information, visit spaceperformingarts.org.
By Sarah Lyons
Children learn how to love, play, interact, and resolve conflict through the bonds formed with their parents.
As they mature, those skills grow through shared experiences with parents and peers. Here are some easy ways to strengthen the parent-child bond, and inspire kids to expand their horizons outside of home.
Discover what your child is interested in. If your child enjoys reading, sign up for a library reading program, or have a two-person book club of your own. If your child loves sports, make game night a family event and cheer on their team via a local little league. Or, form a family team and hone your athletic skills in the yard on weekends. If art is their forte, research learning opportunities at city museums and rec centers.
Incorporating your child’s interests into everyday tasks is also a bonding opportunity. Have a young foodie on your hands? A cooking class for kids leads to grocery shopping and meal prep together as a family. For the child enamored with nature, botanical garden experiences can prepare you for your own home planting.
Experiencing extracurricular activities with parents and peers teaches children life skills such as how to share, follow rules, and
manage conflict. Such playtime gives your child a safe place to share their feelings and express worries, too. “My son would always open up when we played catch. We had some great conversations playing together,” Angela Leever, mom of three, said.
Make moments count. For the busy parent, bonding can happen during spare moments. Amy Siebert, mom of two, suggests talking to your kids while you are in the car.
If your child loves sports, make game night a family event and cheer on their team via a local little league.
“We spend a lot of time driving between activities. That’s where our best conversations happen.”
If you truly enjoy activities together, a stronger bond will naturally form. “When they show interest in a sport, music, games, hobby, or even a TV show, I will find free time to do it together,” said Michelle Lyons, mom of three. “I have found that while they are doing something they enjoy they are more likely to talk about other things in their life.”
Communicate. Besides supporting and being part of their activities, parents can bond with children through targeted communication. It is likely your children know you love them but how often do you tell them? Saying I love you to your child has powerfully positive effects for them.
Try not just saying you love them, but tell them why. “I love you because you
are so fun to be around” or “I love you because you care about others.” Words of affirmation give kids the self confidence they need to face the world, and understanding parents love them no matter what is especially important when a child is struggling. If your child makes a mistake, let them know you are there to love and support them through the challenges that they may face.
Put down your phone and talk to your child. Show them that they are your number one priority. If you have a task that needs to be done, ask them to let you finish it and when it’s complete, give your child your full attention.
If you have multiple children, it can be hard to spend one-on-one time with
them. Set aside time to go on a “date” with each of your children so you can connect and check in with what they have going on. Ask them open-ended questions about their thoughts, their relationships, and their activities, and
When you commit to making your child a priority, they will feel important and it will help to strengthen your relationship. When you support them in outside activities, they learn that their interests are a priority to you, too.
then really listen to the answers. Mom of three, Carrie Miller said, “Our most meaningful conversations happen before bedtime. It’s always worth the extra time, even when I’m tired from a long day.”
Most of these ideas are not profound or difficult to do, they just take a little planning and intentionality. Over time, without even trying, the bonds will be built and your child will have a foundation of love and support from not only their parents, but hopefully from the peers with whom they share common interests, as well. ❖
Sarah Lyons is a Midwestern mom of six kids, including triplets. She enjoys bonding with her kids over reading, sports, movies, and games.
By Fiona Hall
Do you see glimpses of a great future lawyer in your child? Maybe they surprise you with their logical thinking or ability to quickly sum up a situation. Or maybe they have a love of justice and are quick to stand up for others.
It is important to encourage young minds to explore careers as soon as they show interest, and believe it or not, we need more lawyers in California.
The 2024 California Justice Gap Study by the California State Bar found Californians receive no or insufficient legal help for 85 percent of their civil legal problems, including housing, family and safety, consumer protection, and health care. According to the study, this is partly because
there aren’t enough attorneys to serve rural areas. Sonoma County itself is identified in the report as having rural areas at risk of becoming attorney deserts.
We are working to bridge this justice gap by educating law students at Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa, California. Empire is one of Monterey College of Law’s four community-based campuses offering evening classes so our students can
work during the day while earning their law degree at night.
We also offer a hybrid online option to reach beyond our local campuses. The school’s mission is to produce graduates who are dedicated to professional excellence, integrity, and community service. We achieve this in part by having local attorneys and judges as professors who bring
What matters most is strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
vast practical knowledge to the classroom. We strive to make law school accessible by keeping tuition low and accepting applicants with an Associate Degree.
If I’ve inspired you to think ahead, you’re probably wondering ways you could set your child on a path that keeps the door open for law school in the future. Monterey College of Law’s president and CEO, Lisa Sperow, and I suggest these natural starting points:
Build a Love of Reading and Writing Law students spend hours each week digesting dense legal opinions. The best preparation? Encourage a love of reading now. Whether it’s novels, biographies, or news articles, reading widely trains comprehension and focus. Pair reading with plenty of writing — journals, short stories, or essays — to strengthen their ability to express ideas clearly.
Parent tip: Ask your child to explain a story they’ve read in their own words. This practice mirrors the way
law students must distill complex information into clear and concise arguments.
Encourage Skilled
Communication A good lawyer isn’t just a sharp thinker but also a strong communicator. Debate team, mock trial or Model United Nations are excellent ways to practice speaking clearly and persuasively. But learning to listen is even more important. Lawyers must fully understand opposing arguments and learn what matters most to their clients. It takes empathy and strong listening skills to uncover this information.
Parent tip: At family meals, invite kids to take turns playing “devil’s advocate.” It’s a fun way to practice communication skills while learning
to reason and respect different points of view.
Expose Them to the Bigger Picture Lawyers work to solve problems that affect real people. Helping kids connect with their community early builds empathy and
A
lawyer isn’t just a sharp thinker but also a strong communicator.
perspective. Volunteering at a local food pantry, attending a city council meeting, or following an issue in the news can spark curiosity about justice and fairness.
Parent tip: Encourage your child to pick a cause that matters to them and
find a way to get involved. Passion fuels persistence and engagement.
Final Word for Parents There’s no single “pre-law” major. Law schools welcome students from philosophy to engineering. What matters most is strong reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. In high school and college, classes in history, government, sociology, and economics provide especially strong foundations. Whether your child ultimately becomes a lawyer, or something else entirely, these skills will serve them for a lifetime.
Fiona Hall is Campus Dean at Empire College of Law in Santa Rosa, CA. If interested in learning more about legal education or Empire College of Law, visit montereylaw.edu/index-empire.html.
By Sabrina Renteria, MD; and Romina Kim, MD
As the school year progresses, increased academic pressures, heightened social anxiety and less free time as extracurricular activities gear up can lead to stress and even burnout. The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom sat down with medical experts to discuss stress and burnout symptoms and what parents can do to help.
What are some of the main causes of stress and burnout in children and teens?
Sabrina Renteria, MD: Some of the top causes of stress and burnout for this age group stem from academic pressures with high expectations and heavy workloads. High achievers, in particular, tend to overwhelm themselves with extracurricular activities in addition to their schoolwork, leaving insufficient time for rest and relaxation, which can be exhausting both physically and mentally. Additionally, social stress is often a contributing factor, especially
in the age of social media where kids are constantly online. Bullying, peer pressure and difficulties navigating social relationships can all lead to severe emotional distress.
What do stress and burnout look like in this age group?
Renteria: Burnout and stress in children and teens can manifest in various ways. This can look like snappiness or irritability, lack of energy, or tearfulness. Depression and withdrawing from friends and family can be common, as well. Children might even express frustration or that they feel like giving up.
Romina Kim, MD: Physically, stress can show up as things like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, unintended weight loss due to loss of appetite, tics, and other generalized pain. In severe cases, some patients can experience what’s known as functional neurologic disorder, which is characterized by physical symptoms that cause distress and impair function without a structural or neurologic abnormality. In these cases, while nothing seems to be physically wrong with the child, they may experience various physical manifestations, including the inability to walk, muscle weakness, or even seizures. With proper treatment, along with time and patience, most of these ailments are reversible.
How do doctors determine if a child’s physical ailment is stress-related, versus physiological?
Kim: It’s our role as doctors to do our due diligence. We always start by obtaining a detailed history from the patient and their family. This subjective information is our first step to piece together the puzzle. We also obtain objective data, such as physical exams, lab work, imaging studies, and more to help support a possible diagnosis. Once we narrow things down, we often bring in additional experts, such as our neurology or psychiatry teams to help us confirm the diagnosis and address the problem to get the patient firmly on a path to recovery.
What signs of stress or burnout should parents or guardians look for in their children?
Renteria: Parents know their children best and should look out for significant changes in their behavior and mood. If your child starts to have a drop in grades, is increasingly irritable, or constantly in a bad mood, those could all be signs they are under too much stress. Kids may also lose interest in their previously cherished pastimes or hobbies. Another red flag may be sleep issues, like trouble falling or staying asleep, or even sleeping too much.
Kim: When kids are burned out or feeling too much stress, they tend not to be able to cope with their emotions. Often, even the smallest inconvenience can trigger a big reaction. It’s important that parents don’t automatically dismiss what may be an unusual behavior for their child
as them just being a “moody teenager,” when there may be much more to it than that.
How can parents or guardians help their kids manage significant stress or burnout?
Renteria: It’s OK for kids to be active and busy, but it’s all about striking a balance. It is important to find the right amount of organized activity and free time to help promote social and emotional growth and development in your child. Parents can help children combat burnout by encouraging them to engage in physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, establish a daily routine, set realistic goals, practice relaxation techniques, limit screen time, and seek professional help if needed.
Kim: By building an open, communicative relationship with their children early on, parents can create a foundation on which a child feels comfortable being able to talk openly about any stress or anxiety they’re experiencing. Another important thing for parents to remember: If they are not modeling good self-care and coping skills themselves, it is that much more difficult for their children to learn these habits. By setting an example of healthy balance for yourself, you can help set your kids up for success as well. ❖
Sabrina Renteria, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, and Romina Kim, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. Source: The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom
By Rebecca Hastings
ctober is National Fire Prevention Month, and the perfect time to consider your family’s emergency preparedness. Whether it’s a fire, power outage, snowstorm, hurricane, or other disaster, having a plan helps keep your family safe and calm. Here’s how to get started.
1. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Include:
• Escape routes from your home
• Meeting places (one nearby, one further away)
• Emergency contacts, including a friend or relative out of town
• Who’s responsible for what (grabbing pets, checking on grandparents, etc.) Don’t forget to write it down and practice it, even with older kids and teens.
2. Build a Go-Bag for Each Family Member. A well-stocked emergency kit means you’re ready to go if you need to leave quickly — or stay put without power for a while. Include:
• Water (one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• First aid supplies
• Phone charger + power bank
• Prescription meds
• Important documents (copies of ID, insurance, etc.)
• Comfort items for kids: a favorite snack, small toy, or blanket
Make sure it’s stored in an easy-to-grab backpack or bin near your exit.
3. Talk About It (Without Scaring Them). Conversations about emergencies don’t have to be scary. Use age-appropriate language to explain that sometimes things happen, but being prepared helps everyone stay safe.
For Young kids: “We’re going to practice what to do if there’s an emergency like a fire or a flood, so we all know how to stay safe.”
For Tweens: “If you’re home alone and the power goes out, here’s where the flashlight is and what to do next.” Or “If there is a fire, your only job is to get out of the house and get help. Don’t try to put it out or get your things.”
For Teens: “If there’s an emergency when we’re not together, here’s how we’ll reconnect.” And offer a plan for where they should go or how to get in touch. Consider meeting places, trusted people to connect with, and other important information.
Keep the talks simple and revisit them regularly.
4. Sign Up for Alerts & Know
Local Resources. Many towns and school districts offer emergency text alerts. Sign up for local and national systems (like FEMA or weather apps), and know where to find reliable information.
Also helpful: Save emergency numbers in your phone so you recognize them.
Also, teach kids how to call 911 and give your address
5. Prepare for Special Circumstances. If you have infants, elderly relatives, or pets, think through their specific needs. Keep extra formula, diapers, or pet food in your kit. If someone in your home relies on medical equipment, contact your utility company about priority service during outages.
6. Quick Grab List: What Every Parent Should Have Ready …
Emergency contact sheet
Copies of important documents
Medications and extra glasses
Cash (ATMs might not work)
Spare keys
Chargers and power bank
Food and water
Flashlights and batteries
First aid kit
A calm, confident plan
Being prepared isn’t about worrying — it’s about feeling empowered. Take one step at a time, involve your kids, and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.
Week 1: Make Your Emergency Plan. Start with the most important piece: what to do and how to stay connected.
Checklist:
Talk as a family about why being prepared matters (keep it age-appropriate). Choose two meeting spots: one near your home and one out of town.
Write down emergency contacts, including an out-of-area person.
Decide who handles what in an emergency (e.g., pets, checking on relatives).
Post your plan somewhere visible and review it with the whole family.
Practice a quick drill (fire escape, phone call plan, etc.).
Week 2: Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit. This week is all about supplies — start with what you already have and build from there.
Checklist:
Check what’s already in your pantry or closets.
Pick up extra water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days).
Buy or gather shelf-stable food
(granola bars, canned soup, fruit cups).
Add flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, phone charger, and power bank.
Include comfort items for kids (a toy, blanket, or snack they love).
Make sure you have supplies for babies, pets, or elderly family members.
Store your go-bag near your main exit.
Tip: Set a small budget each week — this doesn’t have to be expensive!
Week 3: Get Documents & Alerts in Order. Now that you’ve covered plans and supplies, it’s time to make sure you can access key information quickly.
Checklist:
Make copies of IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions, and birth certificates.
Store one copy in a waterproof pouch in your go-bag.
Take photos of documents and save them in a secure cloud folder.
Save emergency numbers in everyone’s phones (and write them down, too).
Sign up for local alerts through your town, school district, or FEMA.
Talk to your utility provider about priority service if someone has medical needs.
With the basics in place, you’re ready to test your plan and tailor it for your family’s real life.
Checklist:
Practice your emergency plan — do a fire drill or pretend power outage.
Review your emergency contacts and update them as needed.
Add or replace expired items in your kit (batteries, snacks, meds).
Talk through “what if” scenarios with kids using simple, calm language.
Print and post your emergency plan in the kitchen or near the door.
Celebrate your progress as a family — you’re ready!
Bonus Tip:
Set a reminder to revisit your plan every six months. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words and driving her kids places. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
3 p.m. Konocti Vista Casino. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/5n8u93b9
FREE Spooktacular Fall Carnival & Drop-In Trick or Treat. Storytime: 10:30–11 a.m.; Carnival: 11 a.m.–noon; Drop-in Trick or Treat: 1–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
FREE Magic Market. Activities include live music, craft booths, local vendors, costume parades for dogs, kids, and more. Downtown Fort Bragg. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. tinyurl.com/2s4xa6vv
Sunday 26
Fall Festival. Admission is free, but attractions such as a rock wall, food, drinks, and sweets must be purchased. Proceeds benefit the Ukiah Junior Academy. Noon–4 p.m. Ukiah Junior Academy. 180 Stipp Ln., Ukiah. myuja.org.
Halloween Carnival. Games, candy, prizes, face painting, free hot dogs for kids. Hosted by the Middletown Lioness Club. Costumes encouraged. 2–5 p.m. Middletown Central Park. 15399 Central Park Rd., Middletown. tinyurl.com/47vfe99p
Thursday 30
Trick or Treat for Dogs. Bring your pup for some Halloween fun. Drive through to collect dog-friendly treats. Costumes encouraged. 5:30 p.m. Send Rover on Over. 2945 Reeves Ln., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/2edzcfy2.
Friday 31
Enchanted Pumpkin Path. Refined-sugar-free, and scare-free Halloween adventure for all ages. Choose time slot from: 4:15–7:45 p.m. Admission $10. Babies in arms: free. The Waldorf School. 6280 3rd St, Calpella. tinyurl.com/3kvyd25b.
Trick or Treat on Main Street. Local businesses and organizations will be handing out goodies. Activities and festive fun for all ages. 2:30–5:30 p.m. Downtown Lakeport. Costume contest: 4–5 p.m. Museum Park. tinyurl.com/23cf43m2
Trunk or Treat. Trick or treating. Costumes encouraged. 5–7 p.m. Clearlake Youth Center, 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. tinyurl.com/3j85swx9.
Trunk or Treat. First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah. Come in a costume, photo op, games, and candy. All welcome. 4:30–7 p.m. Corner of Perkins & Dora St., Ukiah.
Trick or Treat Main Street
Kelseyville. All welcome. The street will be shut down for a block party, local merchants give out treats to costumed kids. 3–6 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/4vwdp37x
Co-presented with the Mendocino Film Festival, this special outdoor screening event features the 1987 film, Spaceballs at Cinema in the Vineyard. Dinner is served from 5-6:30 p.m. and can be ordered on arrival. Ticket holders are admitted at 5 p.m. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. Concessions will be available for the duration of the film with popcorn, cheesy snacks, and beverages for purchase. No outside food, drink, or coolers/ice chests are allowed. Saturday, October 4, at Pennyroyal Farm, 14930 CA-128, Boonville. Ticket prices start at $20 for children and $30 for adults. Purchase tickets at cinemainthevineyard3.eventive.org/welcome.
Wednesday 1
FREE Good Mourning Support Group. Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one and looking for a safe, supportive space to share your feelings? Connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Noon–1:30 p.m. Round Table Pizza. 821 11th St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/4dazwuhm
FREE Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents On-line Support Group. All expectant parents (2nd & 3rd trimester) are welcome: moms, birthing people, non-gestational parents, partners, couples, & single parents. Held the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month. Register: tinyurl.com/yzka8ncs.
FREE A Child, A Dog & A Good Book. Kids can meet and read with our therapy dogs. Safe play with licensed and insured doggies who love kids. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl. com/2rkvd56k.
FREE Dungeons & Dragons for Teens. Learn to play; all levels are welcome. Run by teens ages 12-18. 3:30–5 p.m. Coast Community Branch Library, 225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl.com/4uv2yxc3.
Thursday 2
Chair Yoga. Low-impact, inclusive program to get you moving while seated for a yoga routine. 11 a.m.–noon. Coast Community Branch Library, 225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl.com/ycxhd9py
FREE Mother-Wise First-Year Friends. Weekly meet-up for mamas with babies under 1 year. Coffee, snacks, play area. Thursdays. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The Living Room. 1901 N. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/52xmxxc6.
FREE Lines & Spines Book Club. Monthly book discussions on Zoom. First Thursday of the month. 6 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 Main St., Ukiah. Email Melissa Carr at carrm@ mendocinocounty.gov or call (707) 234-2862 to sign up.
FREE Open Mic Poetry. Come, read your own poetry, someone else’s, or just come to listen. In person and via ZOOM. First Thursday of the month. 7 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
FREE Kids Story Time. Stories and sing-alongs. Rhyme Time Story Time is the first Friday and Saturday of the month (except those months where the two days are separate). Most Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30–11 a.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
FREE Middletown Farmers Market. Locally fresh produce, crafted goods, & artisanal treats. Fridays. 4–7 p.m. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. farmersunitedlc.com/#Mission.
First Friday Art Walk. Peruse local art galleries, many with kelp-themed shows, that are open late for the occasion. This monthly evening of art includes live music and fun activities for the whole family. 5–8 p.m.
Downtown Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/ ywbsc9hd
First Friday Fling: Stop in to see all the new artists. Enjoy music and wine. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Main Street Gallery. 325 N. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/5dbwxc3y.
Gala in the Street. Help the Ukiah Valley Trail Group celebrate 20 years of great sales. This annual event features a live and silent auction, songs ’n’ smores from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on School Street in front of the conference center. Tickets: mendotrails.org.
Skate Night. Also October 10 and 24 with a special costume party on the 24th. Rent skates or bring your own. 6–8 p.m. Harwood Hall. 44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville. tinyurl.com/ tcxk6kmj.
Friday Skate Nights@MCRPD. $5 with your own skates & $8 to rent. Fridays. Younger kids: 5–7 p.m. Older kids: 7–9 p.m. (older kids). All are welcome any time. Old Recreation Center. 213 E. Laurel St. Fort Bragg. mendocoastrec.org/skate-night.
Beginning Birding Walks. First Saturday of the month. Led by a Mendocino Coast Audubon Society member. 9 a.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org/ birdwatching.
Hike at Rodman Preserve. Visitors are welcome to enjoy unguided hikes. Heavy rains can impact the trails, so at times waterproof boots are needed for comfortable walking. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Rodman Preserve. 6350 Westlake Rd., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/bdeucnrz
Farmers Market Story Hour. Age-appropriate read-alouds to marketgoers. 10–11 a.m. Alex Thomas Plaza, 20290 S State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/bdzy66cd.
Saturday Market. Fresh produce, beautiful crafts, live music, and great food options too. Shop for your family,
have a picnic, meet your friends, and taste some wine while enjoying great local music! Rain or shine, year-round. Saturdays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The Mercantile. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/ events.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays In October
Pastels on the Plaza. Join community members, businesses, artists, and musicians working to raise money for the public school children at River Oak Charter School. Celebrate, create art, enjoy good food, and of course, dance. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza, Clay at School St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/murkdzdj.
FREE Storytime. A story (or two, or three) followed by a simple craft, game, or activity. Ages 2-7. 11–11:30 a.m. Round Valley Branch Library, 23925 Howard St., Round Valley. tinyurl. com/57ekr68p.
FREE Kids Craft Time. Families make a fun craft the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Supplies provided. 11 a.m.-noon. Fort Bragg
Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
Oktoberfest. A 21 and over event with live music, food, beer, crafts, a cornhole tournament, and silent auction. Noon–5 p.m. CV Starr Community Center, 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/zffph6nk
FREE Pasted Paper. Construct artwork with found objects, cut-out images, and/or weekly collage challenges. All ages. 2–3:30 p.m. Coast Community Branch Library, 225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl. com/3wye6d58.
FREE Nailed It! Adult Craft. All supplies provided. Space is limited. Reservations required: fortbragglibrary@gmail.com. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel
St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Full Hunter’s Moon Night Tour. Panoramic view of the sea and coast. Tickets: $50. Reservations required: (877) 725-4448 ext. 1 or (707) 882-2809 ext. 1 or in person no later than 3:30 p.m. three days before the event date. 6:30 p.m. Point Arena Lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. tinyurl.com/5f2kp764
Sunday 5
Field Station Open House. Tour the Urchin Ranch, a 40-foot shipping container where overabundant yet starving purple urchins are being fed in a recirculating aquaculture system to create delicious uni. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Noyo Center for Marine Science Field Station, 32430 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/378tkhzh First
FRIDAY OCTOBER 31ST
FREE Sunday Funday at The Mercantile. Yard games on the lawn. Choose from Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Giant Yahtzee, Darts, Disc Golf Putter, and Cornhole. On blistery days, board games, cards, and dice inside. Noon–6 p.m. Sundays. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/events.
Mendocino Camerata. The a cappella ensemble Mendocino Camerata perform diverse choral music. Seasonal refreshments. Tickets $12 (in advance at willitscenterforthearts.org); $15 (at the door). Doors open: 3:30. Concert: 4 p.m. Willits Center for the Arts, 71 E. Commercial St., Willits. willitscenterforthearts.org.
Tuesday 7
FREE The Longest Table. Bring your own meal and beverage and take a seat at the community table. Meet and connect with new people. 1–4 p.m. Down North Franklin Street, Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/4wyzfp7h.
FREE LEGO® & Games. Kids! Create your own LEGO® design or play a game with your friends and/or family members. Most Tuesdays. 2–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
FREE Hiking Moai. This Blue Zones Project is a well-being initiative that focuses on making the community a healthier, happier place. 6–7 p.m. Most Tuesdays. Low Gap Park. 1167 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. mendocinocounty. bluezonesproject.com/events
Wednesday 8
FREE Creative Writing Workshop. A monthly workshop taught by
published authors. Each month will feature a different genre/style/or theme. Open and free to adults. Bring notebooks and pencils. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
FREE Teen Play Time. Anime, crafts, tabletop gaming, and STEM ventures. Wednesdays. 3–5 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ ykbk7w38
FREE Tuesday Crafternoons. Tweens and teens drop-in for a new project each week. All supplies are provided. Ages 10-17. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Coast Community Branch Library, 225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl. com/5933m6mk.
FREE Silent Book Club. Gtherings that allow bibliophiles to meet up and quietly read in a shared space. Second Friday of each month. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Coast Community Branch Library, 225 Main St., Pt. Arena. tinyurl.com/ mr2452dk.
FREE Nature Walk. Led by volunteer State Parks docents. Observe wildlife at the park and learn about their natural habitat, as well as the history and geology of the area. Meet: parking lot at 8:15 a.m. to observe birds and wildlife found in the picnic area. Walk: 8:30 a.m., taking between 1½–3 hours. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org/events
Traveling Star Show. Join Taylor Observatory for a live musical performance under the stars. Whether you’re an astronomy buff or just curious, enjoy an unforgettable evening with Lake County families, hosted by astronomy expert Angelo Parisi. Seats limited. 7:30 p.m. $7.18–12.21. Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oaks Hills Ln., Kelseyville. Tickets: tinyurl.com/4kpkm57p.
StoryWalk. Enjoy a featured story along with a craft led by a State Park employee. Tell them at the gate you are there for StoryWalk and parking is free. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Clear Lake State Park. 5300 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/45r84v55
Book Donations. Hosted by the Friends of the Fort Bragg Library.
Second Saturday of every month. Noon–3 p.m. Donations taken in the alley to the west of the library. Contact: ffblnews@gmail.com. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
Second Saturday Artwalk. Celebrate art, community, and creativity at participating shops. 4–6 p.m. 325 N. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/3u4thura.
Tuesday 14
FREE Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Movie. Donations appreciated. Concessions available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30. Movie: 6–7:30 p.m. Soper Reese Community Theater. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Wednesday 15
Early Bird Walks. Third Wednesday of the month through October. Led by a Mendocino Coast Audubon Society member. 8 a.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org/ birdwatching.
Friday 17
Nature Journal Club. Welcoming artists, nature lovers, naturalists, and citizen scientists at every level. Bring your own sketching supplies. Every third Friday. 10 a.m.–noon. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. gardenbythesea.org/nature-journal.
Saturday 18
FREE Soap Box Derby. Races, food vendors, and fun activities. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dam Rd Ext., near Obsidian Middle School, Clearlake. tinyurl.com/ yhup8w3w.
FREE Four Shillings Short - A Samhain/Halloween Concert. Music, Poetry and Folklore for the Celtic New Year. 6–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
Thursday 23
Flynn Creek Circus presents The Bridge. A rurally based, award winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Tickets are sold by chair, table or bench, regardless of Ages of attendees. $23–$190. Beer, wine & light concession sold. Family Shows: Oct. 23: 6:30 p.m., Oct. 25: 4 p.m. Oct 26 2 p.m. Adult Shows 21+: Oct 24–25: 7 p.m. Anderson Valley Brewing Company. 17700 Boonville Rd., Boonville. Tickets: flynncreekcircus.com.
Saturday 24
FREE Native Arts Expo. Indigenous art market embodying the essence of Native American heritage. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 24–25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/3pxumpft.
Halloween Concert Fall Festival. Free pumpkin and treat for kids in costume. Costume contests for all ages (and pets!). Enjoy corn maze, tractor rides, carousel, plus food, wine, and more. Fees apply. 5–8:30 p.m. That Ranch. 4405 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. discoverlakeportca.com/ event/2412.
Social Services Navigation. Questions about Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or IHSS? Mendocino County Social Services the fourth
Thursday of the month. Check on your case, ask questions, or apply for benefits. For more information, call (707) 463-5437. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Round Valley Branch Library, 23925 Howard St., Round Valley. tinyurl. com/ysm8jfku .
FREE Adult Book Group. Contact the library to reserve a copy of the monthly selection then participate the last Thursday of the month in a lively discussion. Contact: Dan Hess at hessd@mendocinocounty. org. 4 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
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By Cheryl Maguire
Lights illuminated our new house, bags of candy brimmed a colossal bowl, and my husband donned a Doctor Who costume.
The doorbell rang. Our first trick-or-treaters arrived. Cinderella and Superman said in unison, “Trick-or-treat.”
Superman pointed at my husband and announced, “Look he is dressed as Harry Potter.”
For the next hour, a stream of eager children gathering candy appeared at our door and identified my husband as Harry Potter. And then I had a strange encounter.
The doorbell rang. A young couple stood before me. I searched for their child, but I was unable to locate one. The young man said, “Trick-or-treat.”
Could they be in high school? The man had a beard, and the woman’s
hair was swept up into a high pony. They held their pillowcases, awaiting their treats.
The young man sensed my hesitation because a smirk appeared across his face … a subtle reminder that the first word he uttered was “trick.”
I didn’t want to be the house that got egged, toilet papered, or decorated with shaving cream so I begrudgingly dropped a full-size candy bar into each of their pillowcases. The young man accessed whatever the current mode of teen communication is, sharing a message with countless friends; something along the lines of, “House No. 100 is giving out mad candy. And be sure to check out the weird dude dressed as Harry Potter.”
As a result, we received an influx of similar looking teens and our candy supply was running dangerously low. We panicked. What if we ran out?
Our new house would be marked like Hester Prynne with a scarlet A on her dress. It was almost 8 p.m. so we dared to turn off all the lights and waited. Every sound we heard we wondered if we were under attack. Finally the noises died down, and we felt somewhat relieved.
“Well that isn’t what I expected,” I said.
“Me neither. I mean Harry Potter doesn’t even look anything like Doctor Who.”
“No I meant the non-costumed teens invading for candy.”
“Yeah, they were a little old for that. When I was a teen, we just went around egging or spraying shaving cream at houses.”
Okay, I didn’t expect to hear that either.
Next year I’m going to try to prevent some of these adolescents from freeloading off my candy intended for fledgling children decked out in elaborate costumes. Near the doorbell there will be a sign declaring: ONLY ring the doorbell if …
1. You are dressed in a REAL costume. T-shirts and jeans do NOT count.
2. Due to your age, you are unable to obtain a driver’s license, a job, grow facial hair, or purchase candy yourself at a store.
Don’t worry, I know what you are thinking. My intricate preparations will also include a fully stocked closet of cleaning supplies.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.