Mendo Lake Family Life August 2016

mendo lake FREE!

August 2016

Comic Mom Local writes for ABC show

Talk to Teach Build rapport Â

Pump at Work Make it easier Homework Help 7 Tips for success

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Get Connected

to primary and specialty care where you live!

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Ukiah Valley 101 Lakeport Medical Center 175

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Wherever you live in Mendocino and surrounding counties, you are never too far from an 1 101 Rosa Adventist Health primary care or specialty doctor. Through these services you’llSanta receive care that is integrated so no matter what office you enter you’ll never be a stranger.

Fort Bragg Fort Bragg Rural Health Center Primary and Specialty Care 850 Sequoia Circle Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.0259

Ukiah Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.2400

Lakeport Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 475 N. Forbes St. Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.6346 Lakeport Rural Health Center Pediatrics and Internal Medicine Lab Services 487 S. Main Street Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.4360 Willits Redwood Medical Clinic Family Medicine 88 Madrone Willits, CA 95490 707.459.6115

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Womens Health 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.2945 Ukiah Valley Medical Specialties Orthopedics and Physical Medicine 260 Hospital Dr., | Suite 107 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5278 Gastroenterology 415 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5275 234 Hospital Drive, Suite A Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.0681

Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center Allergy Behavioral Health Family Medicine Internal Medicine Oncology Ophthalmology Pain Management Pediatrics Urology 260 Hospital Drive Ukiah CA, 95482 707.463.8000

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General, Bariatric, Plastic and Reconstructive 101 Cosmetic Surgery 246 Hospital DrivePetaluma Ukiah, CA 95482 St. Hele 707.463.8011 Center Ear, Nose, and Throat for Behav 1165 S. Dora St., Ste. C-2 Novato Ukiah, CA 95482 1 707.462.8855 Ophthalmology and Optometry 1165 S. Dora St, Ste. B-1 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5218 Ophthalmology 248-B Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5250

Family Practice also located at: 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.7495

Mendocino Family Care Family Medicine 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.1900

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August 2016

Every Issue

10 Features 10 Queen of Comedy Our humorist talks about life as a writer for ABC’s Last Man Standing.

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Dear Reader

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Bits and Pieces Kick Up Your Heels Grow a Farmer Get Ahead of the Game Dance in the Streets Tap In to Fair Fun The Suits Are Coming

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22 Calendar of Events Get Juicy

30 Humor Break The Right Ingredients

14 Put the Om in Homework Creative ways to help kids calm down and focus on studying.

16 Seeds of School Success Advice for building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.

18 Mom’s Office Breastaurant Tips for making pumping on the job easier.

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20 2016–17 School Calendars All the key dates you need in one place.

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Close toHome

As part of our mission to improve the health of our community, we are excited to bring quality care closer to home. From the common cold to annual exams and vaccinations, your care team at the Redwood Medical Clinic is here for you.

Caring For Your and Your Family

MEET YOUR PRIMARY CARE TEAM John Glyer, MD | Family Practice Dr. Glyer has been serving the Willits community for 37 years.

Dr. Glyer also has a special interest in caring for patients in recovery from drugs and alcohol.

Andrea McCullough, MD | Family Practice A board-certified family medicine specialist. Dr. McCullough has over 10 years of experience as an emergency physician.

She is also fluent in Spanish.

Beverly Draudt, FNP-C | Family Practice Ms. Draudt is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and specializes in caring for patients of all ages. She has many years of experience in women’s health.

Now Welcoming Patients at Our New Location

To schedule an appointment, call 707.459.6115 Same Day Appointments Available

Kimberly Silva, FNP | Family Practice Ms. Silva is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who treats many conditions and provides a wide-range of services including, sick visits, annual physical exams and management of chronic diseases.

3 MARCELA DRIVE, SUITE C | WILLITS, CA 95490 | 707.459.6115

Dear Reader

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isten. Can you hear it?

That’s the sound of school bells ringing. Here are some tips to get the very best start Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor this school year.

Sharon@family-life.us “Seeds of School Success” (page 16) will make sure you get off on the right foot with your child’s teacher. And the innovative ideas in “Put the Om in Homework” (page 14) will curb study-session dramas. Already wondering how you’ll spend breaks? With our 2016–17 School Calendars (page 20), you can plan them now.

Breastfeeding Month. Even though nursing is natural, it’s not always easy, especially for mothers who work outside of the home. Get advice on how to successfully pump on the job in “Mom’s Office Breastaurant” (page 18).

Our local humorist, Holly Hester, is no stranger to the challenges of balancing a professional life with kids.

She was nervous starting her new gig as a writer for ABC’s Last Man Standing. But in “Queen of Comedy” (page 10) she shares how being a mom actually gives her the upper hand in the writers’ room.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager

Besides marking the beginning of school, August is also National

Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Jean Flint jean@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Patrick Hempfing Christa Melnyk Hines Ashley Talmadge

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel (707) 586-9562 Fax (707) 586-9571

Family health care for all of Lake County.

sutterlakeside.org

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Hospital Services 707-262-5000 Community Clinic 707-263-6885 After Hours Care 707-262-5088

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Bits & Pieces

Get Ahead of the Game Kick Up Your Heels What are your favorite boogie-woogie shoes?

Beat-up sneakers?

Leathered boots? Sparkly heels? Whatever inspires you to move, wear it to the free Kickin’ in the Country Street Dance on Kelseyville’s Main Street. Shake your hips to the feel-good grooves of local band The Hip Replacements or just pull up a chair and listen.

The free event will be held on August 18, 7–10 p.m. ¶

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s your child getting ready to run cross-country or hit the football field? Take your budding runner or linebacker for a free physical. Exams will be offered at the Redwood Medical Clinic, adjacent to the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, in Willits on August 6, 8 a.m.–noon.

High school and elementary students participating in a sports program are invited to attend. Appointments are encouraged; call 456-3185. Walk-ins are also welcome. ¶

Grow a Farmer

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id your kids spend the summer planting a garden, raising chickens, or tending a beehive? Let them sell the fruits of their labors at the Kids’ Farmers Market at the Ukiah Branch of the Mendocino County Library. Children will learn how to display and sell their produce, eggs, honey, and other products while connecting with other young farmers. The market is held Wednesdays, noon–2 p.m., through August 17. Call the library in Ukiah at 463-4490 for further information. ¶

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Forever Wild

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or 25 years, the Anderson Valley Land Trust has been helping local landowners create easements to protect their properties from unwanted development. Celebrate the nonprofit’s silver anniversary with local wine, art, and music at the private Philo home of one of the trust’s founders, John Scharffenberger. Bid on unique cellar selections or art collectibles during the silent auction, or take a tour of the formal gardens on the grounds. The event will be held on August 6, 4–7 p.m. Tickets are $100 (including food and wine) and may be purchased at andersonvalleylandtrust.org. ¶

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Dance in the Streets

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ine and dine your honey at the annual Taste of Lake County.

You and your partner in crime can sample the area’s finest vino and nibble on gourmet appetizers made by local chefs while you stroll along Main Street in downtown Lakeport.

After you’re finished noshing, let loose and dance to the Jimmy Z Band. The action happens on August 27, 5–10 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event.

See lakeportmainstreet.com for more information. ¶

The Suits Are Coming

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

irthed in 1989, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been on a decades-long mission to revitalize American jazz and swing music from the thirties, forties, and fifties.

With energetic, percussion- and horns-driven dance tunes from albums like This Beautiful Life (1999) and Rattle Them Bones (2012), they’ve played everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl to the Lincoln Center, and now they are coming to the Twin Pine Event Center in Middletown. Get ready for fedoras and wide lapels on August 19; doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at twinpine.com. ¶

Tap In to Fair Fun

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ibble away on cotton candy, win your kid a teddy bear, and swing way up high on a gravity-defying ride at the Redwood Empire Fair. When you’re done playing at the midway, tune in to live music performed

by Funkacillin, Waylon and the Wild Cats, La Entrega De Mendo, and others. Or hoot and holler at tractor and truck pulls, and motorcycle and ATV shows. Meanwhile, kids will get a kick out of the Wild and Wacky Emu Races or Puppet and Players Little Theatre dramas. The fair will be held August 4–7 at the fairgrounds on North State Street in Ukiah.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. on August 4 and 5, and at noon on August 6 and 7. Adults are $9; ages 6–12 years and 65 years and over $7; and kids five years and under are free.

Parking is $7. Pre-sale carnival wristbands are $22, or $27 at the gate. On August 4, children and seniors get in free until 6 p.m. For a schedule of events and more information, see redwoodempirefair.com. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Holly Hester balances life as a Hollywood writer with life on her farm.

Queen of Comedy Our Humorist Writes for ABC

By Melissa Chianta

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here is a magic refrigerator at the office of Sebastopol mom (and our humor writer) Holly Hester. Write the name of any edible delight on the adjacent white board labeled “Grocery,” and, lickety-split, it appears in the fridge.

10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

“The first thing I wrote on the board just to see if it would show up was this organic raw almond butter that’s at Whole Foods for $25 a jar and that I just won’t buy

She set out to show her colleagues not just what a woman could do, but what a mom could do. on principle. I checked and in an hour there it was. So then I started writing every single thing that I had been denying myself at Whole Foods for years—whatever, like chocolate-covered goji berries. And the magic refrigerator supplies them!” Hester exclaims.

Welcome to Hollywood, home of fridge genies and Hester’s new job writing for the ABC comedy Last Man Standing starring Tim Allen.

Hester is no stranger to Tinsel Town.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she wrote for Ellen and was the executive producer of both The Drew Carey Show and (speaking of genies) Sabrina: The Teenage Witch.

Fueled by 60–80–hour workweeks, her career chugged along, and then in 2003, she had her first baby. One look at his cute face and she made the decision to abandon her hectic, super-plush lifestyle and become a full-time, regular ol’ middle-class mom.

“It was funny. [Before I had kids,] I really, really hated it when people

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

would quit their careers to have babies. I thought that was so bad for women. How are we going to push ahead and rule the world if people keep quitting to have babies? I just didn’t understand. And then I had a baby, and I quit,” she says, laughing.

“Now I understand.”

That was 13 years ago. In the interim, she and her husband, wine sales associate Bill Shortridge, moved to the North Bay where she has been homeschooling her now three children—12-year-old Buck, ten-year-old Emerson, and

“[Before I had kids,] I really, really hated it when people would quit their careers to have babies. And then I had a baby, and I quit.”

—Holly Hester six-year-old August—while tending an acre vineyard and raising 60 chickens.

jump off a trampoline. But I can’t jump into this conversation.’”

To make matters worse, her mostly male colleagues, not unlike her earlier self, were not impressed with how she had spent her Hollywood hiatus. When one welcomed her back from her 13-year “vacation,” she didn’t take it well.

“Oh my God! Cooking all day, no sleep, being spit up on, taking kids everywhere, just making sure they are safe,” that’s definitely been a vacation, she retorts.

After that inaugural session, she went home deflated, but she knew she had to rally. She gave the dismissive comments and her own self-critical thoughts the boot and called forth her former self.

“I used to be a really, really competitive person,” she explains.

“I think there are 12 writers on the show, and there are only three women. [The men] have big voices;

they’re really funny. A lot of them are comics. And way back when I felt very competitive, [I’d think,] ‘I’ll show you. I’m going to represent for all women. I’m going to get this joke first. All your preconceived notions

Hester is keeping it real in the writers’ room. about women—I’m going to dash them.’ But when I had children…I just put that whole side of myself away,” she explains.

She decided it was high time to bring back the sass and set out to show her colleagues not just what a woman could do, but what a mom could do— and a middle-class mom at that.

“One of my complaints when I lived [in Hollywood] the first time was that people were so wealthy, so out of touch with how people actually lived, it was difficult for them to

Getting back into television writing was basically a financial move for Hester. And though the salary is great, going back to Hollywood after a 13-year break has had its challenging moments.

“The first day I had to sit in the writers’ room, I was stone silent. I was absolutely terrified. I had this frozen, fake smile on my face. I didn’t even know what to say. I was just sweating,” she recounts. “People in writers’ rooms are so funny, and they are so sharp. And I thought, ‘I have been talking to children for 13 years. I can blow bubbles; I can www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Hester with, from left, Buck, Emerson, and August.

August 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Humor Break

I’m Free!

Mom’s Back-to-School Emancipation Checklist

By Holly Hester

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Sit down. The kids have left for their first day of school. The house is miraculously silent. Not even the dog is moving. No one is asking for a snack. No one is shoving a board game onto your lap. No one needs swim goggles adjusted. No one is fighting because THERE’S NO ONE HOME! Sure, you’ll miss the kids and long for those fun summer days— eventually, but not yet. Right now it’s all about the highly anticipated, tearful reunion between your butt and the couch.

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Read a bad magazine.

You’ve finished all the weighty, thought-provoking summer novels Oprah recommended and now it’s time to get down to more important business—celebrity hookups, divorces, and plastic surgeries gone horribly awry. Ah, that’s better. Life is so much 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

easier when you’re not trying to set a good example for anyone.

5

Call someone.

Call anyone.

Your mom. An old college friend. Call Comcast about your bill. Make a crank call. It doesn’t really matter. The point is that the phone is suddenly wonderful

Right now it’s all about the highly anticipated, tearful reunion between your butt and the couch. again because no small person is interrupting you while you’re on it—or worse, eavesdropping on your conversation. You can curse on the phone! You can gossip on the phone!

You can talk about your children on the phone! You can curse and gossip about your children on the phone! It’s amazing. Just pick it up and start venting!

4

Throw away toys you hate.

You know those loud, battery-operated toys that some vengeful relative sent your children over the summer? Well, now is the perfect moment for a reconnaissance mission into your kid’s bedroom. Discreetly select several hateful toys, and shove them into a black garbage bag. On the way to Goodwill, practice saying with a straight face, “No, I haven’t seen that toy. Have you tried looking in your closet?”

3

Eat. Eating is nice, isn’t it?

Eating is really nice when you don’t have to share every single thing you’re putting into your mouth with one of your spawn. Eating is exceptionally nice when it’s a big chocolate bar, and you’re standing in the middle of your living room dancing around in your underwear screaming, “I’m free! I’m free!”

write for television,” she says. Her colleagues would ask each other what people were doing in the “fly-over states,” those apparently

2

Exercise. Actually, better yet, make an exercise plan. You don’t want to rush into anything. You could accidently hurt yourself. Take a look at the calendar. Halloween is just around the corner, and then Thanksgiving, followed shortly by Christmas. So it’s best to start exercising next January.

Now sit back on the couch and continue reading that trashy magazine.

That’s an order!

1

Breathe. Haven’t done that in a while, have you? Just breathe in.

Now breathe out. See, you’re getting the hang of it. Children are incredible. They are the reason we get up in the morning and the reason why we do everything throughout the day. And, while they fill us with indescribable amounts of joy, they also seem to drain the life out of us at the same time. So don’t feel guilty about being excited they’re back in school, and don’t busy yourself doing things you think you “should” be doing.

L. A.’s slick urban mystique has been turning her countrified kids’ world upside down.

Take a moment for you. In fact, take lots of moments. You deserve it.

Just breathe. (And eat lots of chocolate.)

Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

August 2015

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ms. Mirth’s Work

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e’ve gotten such a kick out of publishing Holly Hester’s articles. Though Hester is very busy with her new job at ABC, she’s still going to provide us with some material now and then. Look for her essays in the “Humor Break” section of our magazine. In the meantime, go to mendolakefamilylife.com and check out these pieces she has already published with us.

“Mom Mischief: Pranks to Play on Your Kids,” April 2016 “My V-Day Wish List: A Nap, a Shower, and a Dry Toilet Seat,” February 2016 “Not This New Year: Resolutions I Won’t Keep,” January 2016 “The 12 Denials of Christmas: Holiday Hazards I Won’t Avoid,” December 2015 “The 7 Stages of Lunch Box Grief: Make Peace with a Necessary Evil,” September 2015 “I’m Free!: Mom’s Back-to-School Emancipation List,” August 2015

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

insignificant parcels of land between Los Angeles and New York City.

Now, she says, she makes sure the perspective of everyday parent-folk is on the table. For instance, when her colleagues were plotting out a storyline in which the show’s college-age daughter quits school to volunteer, she asked the question nobody else had even thought of: How is she going to make money?

“Everybody looked at me: ‘What?’

And I [said,] ‘You know, how is she going to pay her phone bill? How is she going to pay her insurance?

Money questions would be every parent’s question.’ And everyone [said,] ‘Oh. You’re right,’” Hester recounts.

While Hester has been keeping it real in the writers’ room, Los Angeles’s slick urban mystique has been turning her countrified kids’ world upside down.

“When I first took the kids [to Los Angeles], they were afraid to get on an escalator,” she says. “I was like, okay they’re Amish,” she says, chuckling.

“We pulled up in front of a restaurant, and my daughter said, ‘Mommy,

there’s somebody standing by the car and [I said,] ‘Oh that’s a valet.

They take your car and they park it. And [the kids said,] ‘But where?

Why do they do that?’ [I said,] ‘Okay, everybody out of the car. I’ll explain in the restaurant,’” she recalls, amused.

After the buzz of escalators and valets wore off, they started going to “mind-blowing” exhibits at children’s museums with their dad. And with Hester’s miraculously light schedule, she sometimes has been able to go

Going back to Hollywood after a 13-year break has had its challenging moments. with them. But still, even with all of Hollywood’s curiosities, the slow hum of planting and growing, feeding and tending beckons. So on weekends, everyone heads back to the farm, where the quiet life embraces them.

“It sounds so silly, but pushing a wheelbarrow around, taking care of the animals, hanging out in nature— it just does so much for you. It’s so grounding and calming to your central nervous system. You’re so happy,” she says.

Ultimately, Hester would like to be able to work from home and just come to L.A. for meetings.

But for now it’s hanging out in the land of writers’ rooms and magic refrigerators. Just write on the board: “brand new life.” And Bam! You’ve got it. ¶ Melissa Chianta is the features editor for Mendo Lake Family Life magazine.

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

A Bright Future

A Place to Reach your Personal Potential At La Vida Charter School, students are fully engaged, with a personalized study plan to meet their needs & aspirations.

Call Now Orientation Workshops Start Aug. 23!

Member, Alliance for Public Waldorf Education

Growing One’s Strengths To Mastery

La Vida Charter School

Ridgewood Ranch, North of Ukiah (Home of Seabiscuit) Call for Information / Directions 459 - 6344

707-459-6344 lavidaschool.org

Give Start!

GiveYour Your Child Child a Head Head Start!

Free & Low-Cost Quality Quality Preschool!

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We empower children to reach their highest potential.

AlsoAlso providing FREE FREE in-home servicesservices for providing in-home infants, toddlers toddlers & pregnant& women! for infants, pregnant women!

Head Start Child Development Program License #230111843 Applicationsonline: online:www.ncoinc.org www.ncoinc.org••(707) (707)462-2582 462-2582 Applications www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2016

• Ukiah

C E NN TT EE RR SS

✓ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ✔ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ages 18 months to 5 years ages 18 months to 5 years ✓✔ Potty-trained not necessary Potty-trained not necessary ✓✔ Children with disabilities welcome Children with disabilities welcome ✓✔ Referrals for transportation available Referrals for transportation available

•North Ukiah Ukiah - Bush St.

North Ukiah - Bush St.

Nokomis - Washington Ave. Nokomis - Washington Ave. South Ukiah - S. State St. South Ukiah - S. State St. Peach Ave. PeachTree Tree--S.S.Orchard Orchard Ave.

• Willits

•Near Willits Brookside School at

Near Brookside School at

Spruce St. & Lincoln Way Spruce St. & Lincoln Way

• Lake County

•Upper Lake County Lake - 2nd Street Upper Lake - 2nd Street

Upper Lake - Clover Valley Upper Lake - Clover Valley Lakeport Lakeport- -Howard Howard Ave. Ave. Clearlake Pearl Clearlake - Pearl Ave. Ave. Clearlake Dr. Clearlake--Meadowbrook Meadowbrook Dr.

••Coast Coast

Fort St. FortBragg Bragg-- Lincoln Lincoln St. MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Tips to Ease Put the 7Frustration & Om in Boost Focus Homework

By Christa Melnyk Hines

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y the time Meira Mednick’s daughter was in third grade, homework time had morphed into lengthy, embattled evenings fraught with angry tears as frustrated daughter and frazzled mom squared off.

“My daughter began showing signs of difficulty [with focusing] on homework in kindergarten. By second grade we were drowning,” Mednick says. “We ended up spending the next two years in a tug-of-war of time, and many tears were shed.”

Many parents can relate and dread the contentious homework hour, which can plunder an otherwise peaceful evening. For kiddos who struggle to tune out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand, sitting down to do homework is not a priority.

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How can we create a homework atmosphere that will enhance our child’s ability to concentrate and get the job done quickly—without the draining drama?

Work in short bursts. Kids get overwhelmed with long worksheets and multiple assignments. Break

Yoga stretches and breathing exercises can calm and re-energize a tired body. homework into timed chunks. After a busy day at school, parents can typically expect their youngsters to focus on a task for one minute for each year of their age. That means a six-year-old should be given a two- or three-minute break every six minutes.

“Expecting 30 minutes of homework out of a first grader isn’t realistic without breaks,” says Rachel Rudman, a pediatric occupational therapist.

Create smart brain breaks.

During the timed breaks, engage your child in short activities that help reorganize and refocus the brain—jumping jacks, playing with Legos or Play-Doh, or snacking on crunchy carrots or pretzel rods or something chewy such as fruit leather.

Blowing up a balloon can also help ease frustrations. “Blowing forces the child to take deep breaths, which increases relaxation and focus,” Rudman says.

Avoid electronics, which can be harder to pull away a child from.

Strike a pose. Yoga stretches and breathing exercises, such as

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

those you’ll find on kidsyogastories. com/kids-yoga-poses, can calm and re-energize a tired body. Try the Seated Twist pose or a balancing pose like Warrior 3.

“Balancing poses require a level of concentration. [They] are a great way to strengthen those ‘focus muscles’ and create a body and mind that is strong and relaxed,” says Mariam Gates, the author of the children’s book Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story (Sounds True, 2015).

Integrate natural elements.

Researchers have found that including ornamental plants in a learning area can further enhance a child’s ability to concentrate and learn.

“And weirdly, the more involved the child is in the plant’s life or maintenance, the more learning goes

on,” says Magalie Rene, a classroom design consultant.

drops of peppermint, rosemary, or citrus essential oil. Spray the scent around the study area to enhance concentration, focus, and creativity.

Chew gum. Although the “no gum allowed” rule was grilled into our psyches when we were students, more

Get organized. Make a homework box either out of a large shoebox or plastic container. Have your child decorate it and store homework supplies like pens, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, paper, and a glue stick. “Having everything together creates an atmosphere of organization and success,” Rudman says.

Parents can typically expect their youngsters to focus on a task for one minute for each year of their age. schools now allow kids to chew gum during state assessments. The chewing movement has an organizing effect on the brain and can help kids focus.

If your youngster continues to struggle with focus and concentration, consult with your family’s pediatrician or a child psychologist. ¶

Energize with aromatherapy.

Scent can have a powerful effect on our emotional well-being. Fill a spray bottle with water and two or three

Christa Melnyk Hines is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

707-433-3334

lytton.satruck.org

Car Lot

Donation Center

“It’s like a Thrift Store Village” Kitchenware Collectables Snack Bar & Antiques OPEN Sallie’s - SAT Clothing MON 9:30-5:00 Barn PARKING

Furniture & So Much More

The Salvation Army

Lytton ARC Adult Rehabilitation Center

200 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg

Also visit our Santa Rosa Store at 1020 3rd Street, SR www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Seeds of School Success

By Ashley Talmadge

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want the teacher to connect your child specifically to you.

Define communication.

Some teachers prefer to correspond via e-mail. Others like a quick handwritten note, and still others prefer an after-school phone call. Pay attention to specifics. As Recht says, “Don’t send an important e-mail before school starts in the morning—I won’t be able to read it.”

Nurturing the Parent-Teacher Relationship

ids are notoriously reticent when it comes to divulging details of their school lives. Questions from parents often receive a single-word response.

Or a shrug. The first indication of a problem may come via an unexpected call or e-mail from the teacher.

Want better insight into classroom dynamics? There’s a solution: Get to know your child’s teacher. Research shows that a solid working relationship between teacher and parent can lead to fewer behavioral problems and better academic performance for the child. Teachers pay more attention to students whose parents are involved, and are more apt to identify problems in the early stages when intervention is more successful. Sally McEntire, mother of two, has made a practice of nurturing the parent-teacher relationship early on. She says, “I don’t want the teacher to hesitate talking to me if [he or she has] concerns regarding my child.”

16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Isabel Recht has been an elementary classroom teacher for nine years.

Soon after school starts, she sends a memo to parents, noting times when help is needed. She’s aware that many parents are unable to volunteer during the school day, and lists many tasks that can be done off site. She laughs, saying, “It was one of my parents who set up the online volunteer sign-up system for my classroom last year!”

The following are “building blocks” for that all important parent-teacher relationship: Introduce yourself. Face-to-face contact is best, but a brief e-mail or handwritten note works, too. You

Describe your child’s interests. Help the teacher understand what motivates your child, without bragging. For instance, “Katy enjoys figuring out how things are put together and is involved in a robotics club,” will be better received than, “Katy was chosen ‘Most Valuable Member’ of her robotics club last year.”

Identify challenges. Approach the teacher as a partner, rather than relieving your child of responsibility.

Instead of, “Danny has trouble keeping track of things, so don’t be surprised if he loses his homework,” try, “Danny has difficulty with organization. Here’s what has helped at home, and I’d be happy to hear your suggestions.”

Connect. Show an interest in the teacher’s life outside of school. Is she or he a birdwatcher? Quilter?

Fan of a professional sports team?

As McEntire says, “I take time to get to know [her or him], find something in common, even better, find something my kid and teacher have in common or can talk about.

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Inspired Education!

I want the teacher endeared to my child.”

Volunteer. Let the teacher know if you have particular strengths, interests, and preferences. Do you like working directly with students?

Teachers pay more attention to students whose parents are involved.

Or would you rather prepare materials? If your schedule doesn’t allow you to be in the classroom, can you chaperone an occasional field trip?

Help without helicoptering.

You can volunteer in the classroom without being your child’s personal assistant. Look for opportunities to help other students or prep materials while observing your child.

If your presence distracts your child, perhaps you can assist in the library, lunchroom, or another classroom.

Keep the teacher in the loop. Convey circumstances likely to affect your child’s classroom performance. A recent illness, lack of sleep, side effects from

medication, an impending move, a death or divorce in the family—all can impact a child’s behavior and achievement. A heads-up allows the teacher to be proactive. As McEntire concludes, “Because I have spent time building a relationship with the teacher, it’s much easier to approach her when difficulties arise. Instead of having a personal conversation with someone I don’t know, I am talking with someone I have a rapport with.”

Respect the teacher’s time.

Remember how many other students are in the class, and understand that the teacher simply doesn’t have time for extended daily conversations with parents.

Recht says, “It’s important for a child’s success [for the child] to see that his parents are involved in the school and interested in his education.” An added bonus?

When you’ve established a solid parent-teacher relationship, it’s much easier to trust your child and teacher to work through many classroom issues on their own. ¶

10 am to 11:30 am

Morning Roses An Introduction to Waldorf Preschool and Kindergarten Bring your young child (age 2-5) to experience the magic of Waldorf Call for more information

707-485-8719 6280 Third Street • Calpella www.waldorfmendocino.com

New Life Preschool www.newlifepreschoolukiah.com

Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer and mother of two young boys.

Offering classes for 3 & 4-year-olds

Guidance from Experts Get detailed information from these books on how to build effective connections with schoolteachers and administrators.

The National PTA, Building Successful Partnerships: A Guide for Developing Parent and Family Involvement Programs (National Education Service, 2000).

M. L. Nichols, The Parent Backpack for Kindergarten through Grade 5: How to Support Your Child’s Education, End Homework Meltdowns, and Build Parent-Teacher Connections (Ten Speed Press, 2013).

Anne T. Henderson et al., Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family-School Partnerships (The New Press, 2007). www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Join us August 13

August 2016

Creating an environment of love and trust where children can grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, socially and physically.

Class Times 3-year-olds: T/Th 8:30am-12pm 4-year-olds: M/W/F 8:30am-12pm 4-year-olds: M/W/F 12:45-4:15pm

707 463-0803

302 W. Henry St., Ukiah MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Q: What’s one of the biggest issues with using a pump at work?

Mom’s Office Hints for Pumping Breastaurant at Work

By Sandra Gordon

F

or new moms, going back to work outside the home and continuing to breastfeed could be one of the most challenging endeavors they’ll ever attempt. Jessica Shortall, the author of Work. Pump. Repeat.: The New Mom’s Survival Guide to Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work (Abrams, 2015) should know. After she had her first baby, Otis, she circumnavigated the globe—breast pump in tow—as the director of giving for TOMS Shoes.

“Closets, airplanes, trains, busses, cars, you name it, I did it,” she says. If you’re planning to work outside the home and want to keep the breastaurant open, read on for Shortall’s sanity-saving tips and product pointers.

Q: Before returning to work, what can breastfeeding moms do to make pumping easier?

Shortall: The biggest issue is building up a milk stash so you’re not worried about your baby having enough to eat while you’re at work.

Shoot for storing up three work-shift days’ worth of feedings. It also helps to do a dry run before your first day of work. Put on the outfit you’re going to wear and see how hard or easy it is to use the pump.

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Q: Is a pumping bra necessary?

Shortall: I didn’t use a pumping bra all the time. It was a bad idea because a pumping bra can help make sure the flanges are centered so you get better output and pumping is more comfortable. A good pumping bra, such as Pumpease, will hold [the flanges] firmly in place. There’s also one called Pump Strap, which is made out of neoprene. You can put it over your regular bra.

Shortall: The noise—just the fact that everyone can hear what you’re doing. The stress of the situation can hurt your letdown and output. If you need to pump during conference calls, in the restroom, or in a Mother’s Room that’s not exactly sound proof, check out the Ardo breast pump. It’s totally silent.

Q: Any time-saving shortcuts you’d like to share?

Shortall: The trick it took me a whole baby to learn is that you don’t need to wash breast-pump parts in between pumping sessions at work.

It helps to do a dry run before your first day of work. Put on the outfit you’re going to wear and see how hard or easy it is to use the pump.

You just throw your pumping stuff in a waterproof bag into the office fridge, and it’s totally safe. Snugabell and others make a wet bag that’s opaque so nobody can see what’s inside.

Q: Would you recommend having two breast pumps—one for home and one for work?

Shortall: Yes, if you can afford it. Otherwise, if you leave the pump at home or just the tubing or the breast-pump connectors, you’re sunk.

Q: Any hacks for promoting letdown, especially if you’re on the go?

Shortall: It’s important to make your environment as relaxing as you can. I wore my headphones, turned up the

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

music, and shut my eyes to block out whatever weird place I was pumping in that day. Some people sniff something like a T-shirt that smells like their baby, or stick videos of their baby crying on their phone to help with letdown.

Q: To make pumping at work possible, do you need a double electric pump?

Shortall: I’ve met some women who swear they get more milk with hand expressing or a single, manual pump. I used a double electric pump as did most of the women I interviewed for Work. Pump. Repeat. and never looked back.

Q: What other products can help make pumping more comfortable?

Shortall: Pumpin Pal flanges!

They’re compatible with almost every brand of breast pump. The

super shields are angled so you can sit more comfortably. They’re designed to mimic a baby’s natural latch and be less painful.

Q: Any tips for pumping on business trips and navigating long meetings?

Shortall: I advocate making allies.

“Whom can I ask for access to a fridge?” was always at the front of

On business trips I always traveled with a manual breast pump just in case my double electric pump burned out. my mind. Also, on business trips I always traveled with a manual breast pump just in case my double electric pump burned out.

Q: Any tips for storing and thawing breastmilk?

Shortall: In the beginning, I filled my breastmilk storage bags completely full. Then I realized that if you just put five ounces in each, they’d freeze into little bricks rather than big pouches. Bricks are stackable. You can use a storage organizer, or even just a shoebox, to stack the bags [in the freezer].

[Make sure] you’re using the oldest bags first—first in, first out. With thawing, a lot of breastmilk bags crack and leak. Thaw them inside a big Ziploc bag, just in case.

Sandra Gordon is an award-winning writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting, and consumer issues.

Resources for Breastfeeding & New Moms Mendocino County Support for Pregnant & New Moms Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Meeting. Fridays. 10:30 a.m.–noon.

Mendocino Baby. 98 South School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendocinobaby.com.

International Cesarean Awareness Network Meeting. Second Saturday of each month. 11 a.m. Mendocino Baby.

98 South School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendocinobaby.com.

Doula Meet and Greet. Expecting parents can connect with local doulas.

The third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.

Mendocino Baby. 98 South School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendocinobaby.com.

Breastfeeding Support La Leche League International.

Meets first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. Mendocino Baby. 98 South School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendocinobaby.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Breaststart Breastfeeding Helpline.

First 5 Mendocino. 855-855-MILK (6455) (county-wide). breaststart.org.

Networking Mendo Coast Mamas. Networking Facebook page for local moms. facebook. com/coastalmama.

Lake County Support for Pregnant & New Moms Mother-Wise Playgroup. Meet other pregnant women and mothers with babies. Tuesdays.1-3 p.m. 180 N. Main St. Lakeport. Fridays. 10 a.m.–noon. St. John's Lutheran Church. 14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake. (No religious affiliation.)

Note: Times and location may change, check Facebook page for updates. facebook.com/motherwiselakecounty.

Mother-Wise Saathi Home Visitation Program. A volunteer comes to the home and offers one-on-one support to Lake County pregnant women and moms with babies under one.

August 2016

Mother-Wise also offers a donations closet, which is available to any Lake County resident needing maternity and/or baby items. For more information, call 349-1210.

Native American Parent-Child Activity Group. For parents and caregivers of Native American children 0–5 years old. Thursdays. 11 a.m.–noon.

Lunch provided noon–1 p.m. Lake County Tribal Health Consortium (patient education room). 925 Bevins Ct., Lakeport.

Contact Angela Knight, LMFT: 263-8382, ext. 1431. lcthc.com.

Breastfeeding Support Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. E Center WIC. 831 Bevins St., Lakeport. Angela Salazar, lactation Counselor. lcbreastfeedingcoalition@ yahoo.com. 263-5253.

Information thanks to the Mendocino County Breastfeeding Coalition and the Lake County Breastfeeding Coalition. Find out more about these breastfeeding advocacy groups at californiabreastfeeding.org.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

2016–17 School Calendars Lake County

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Kelseyville Unified

Sept. 6

Nov. 22–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20

Apr. 3–7

June 16

Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Konocti Unified

Aug. 15

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 13, 20

Apr. 3–7

June 2

Sept. 5, 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Lake County International

Aug. 23

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20, 21

Apr. 10–14

June 6

Sept. 5, Oct. 17, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 20, May 29

Lakeport Unified

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 13, 20

Apr. 3–7

May 26

Sept. 2, 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Apr. 17

Lucerne Elementary

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 17, 20

Apr. 3–7

May 25

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Apr. 17

Middletown Unified

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 13, 17

Apr. 10–14

June 2

Sept. 2, 5, Nov. 1, 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 17, May 29

Upper Lake Elementary

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20

Apr. 3–7

May 25

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 10, Apr. 17

Upper Lake Middle School

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20

Apr. 3–7

May 25

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 10, Apr. 17

Upper Lake Union High

Aug. 10

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 3

Feb. 20

Apr. 3–7

May 26

Sept. 5, Oct. 7, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 10, Apr. 17

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Ukiah Independent Study Academy Serving K-12

Flex Time & Days • Tailored Learning Eligible for UHS Sports • Middle College Opportunity College & Career Readiness • WASC Accredited

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

 FREE public charter school  Highly qualified credentialed teachers  Small class sizes  Support for struggling students  After school program

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1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah • 707-472-5906 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Mendocino County

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Anderson Valley Unified

Aug. 24

Nov. 23–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 6

Feb. 17, 20

Apr. 10–17

June 15

Sept. 5, 19, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 13, May 29

Fort Bragg Unified

Aug. 15

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 17–24

Apr. 10–17

June 9

Sept. 5, Oct. 14–17, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 20, May 29

Laytonville Unified

Aug. 23

Nov. 23–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 13, 20

Apr. 10–17

June 8

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 19, 29

Legget Valley Unified

Aug. 22

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 13, 20

Apr. 17–21

June 8

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Apr. 14, May 29

Manchester Union

Aug. 22

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20–24

Apr. 17–21

June 9

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Mendocino Unified

Aug. 29

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20–24

Apr. 10–17

June 16

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Point Arena Joint Union

Aug. 18

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 20–24

Apr. 17–21

June 9

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 26, 29

Potter Valley Community

Aug. 23

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 17, 20

Apr. 10–17

June 8

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Round Valley Unified

Aug. 16

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 23–Jan. 6

Feb. 20–24

Apr. 10–17

June 9

Sept. 5, 23, Oct. 10, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, Mar. 17, May 8, 29

Ukiah Unified

Aug. 22

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 22–Jan. 6

Feb. 17, 20

Apr. 10–17

June 8

Sept. 5, Nov. 11, Jan. 16, May 29

Willits Unified

Aug. 22

Nov. 21–25

Dec. 19–Jan. 2

Feb. 17, 20

Apr. 10–17

June 8

Sept. 5, Nov. 1, 11, Jan. 16, May 29

G

Tree of Life Charter School

ive your child a joyful learning experience full of discovery with:  Beautiful hands-on learning materials, lessons, & projects  Exploration of own interests & abilities  Experiential learning with field trips, arts  Respectful and caring learning community  Environmental and global education

Free Montessori elementary education for ages 5 to 12 Call for more information or to arrange a visit:

Education

707-462-0913

for

treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

Life!

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

School Offices Open for Enrollment August 6 Join Us for Back to School Nights this Fall!

Parents Count

You can have a voice in your child's education Here's how:

Meet

• Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

Your Child’s • Support your school Parent/Teacher Association.

Teachers • Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

• Attend Back to School Nights in the fall and Open House in the spring.

• Visit the district's website and learn about current events (www.uusd.net).

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 511 S. ORCHARD AVE., UKIAH • 707-472-5000

August 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

August

Calendar of Events Get Juicy

P

urple fingers and tongues mean only one thing: It’s blackberry season. For the last 34 years, the town of Covelo has held the free Round Valley Blackberry Festival in honor of the juicy fruit. Take the kids and dance a jig to live music, grapple up a climbing wall, test endurance in a foot race, or check out engines at a car show. The more genteel may favor perusing through local art or sipping Mendocino County wine, and, if all else fails, eating—blackberry delicacies will abound. The fun will happen August 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., to August 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at the festival grounds in downtown Covelo. For details, see roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com. ¶

Monday 1

Tuesday 2

Boo Bingo. Mondays. Bingo 4:30 p.m.

FREE Mother-Wise Playgroups.

Dinner 5:30 p.m. $7. Moose Lodge.

15900 E. Hwy. 20, Clearlake Oaks.

998-3740. mooselodge2284.org.

Come meet other pregnant women & mothers. Tuesdays. 1–3 p.m. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. Fridays. 10 a.m.–noon. St. John’s Lutheran Church. 14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake.

(No religious affiliation.) 349-1210. mother-wise.org. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Feed Fort Bragg. Call for

volunteers. Help harvest the garden’s bounty & deliver it to the Fort Bragg Food Bank. Mondays & Fridays.

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352, ext. 10. gardenbythesea.org.

FREE Story Time. Preschoolers.

Older children & babies also welcome. Tuesdays. 11:30 a.m.–12:30

p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. 987-3674. library.co.lake.ca.us.

Wednesday 3 Whimpy Burgers. Wednesdays. 4:30 p.m. Music 5:30 p.m. $7. Moose Lodge.

15900 E. Hwy. 20, Clearlake Oaks.

998-3740. mooselodge2284.org.

FREE Crafternoon. Supplies

provided. Wednesdays. 2–4 p.m. Teens.

Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

FREE Kids’ Farmers Market. Local

Part-Time, Independent Study Teacher Needed!

• Independent Study experience • Multi-Subject, CA Credential • Love of Children!

Holistic, child-centered, strength based program La Vida Charter School

707-459-6344 • lavidaschool.org 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

kids selling their homegrown produce in front of the library. Drop by & bring home some healthy treats. Noon–2 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Back to School Haircuts

Thursday 4 Sound of Music. Presented by

MENDO CUTS Now Hiring! Stylist

SE HABLA ESPANOL • OPEN 7 DAYS

1309 N. State St. Ukiah Next to Raley’s •

707-472-0910

Gloriana Music Theater. Adults $22.

Seniors $20. Ages 17 & under $12.

Thru Aug. 14. Thursdays–Saturdays.

7:30 p.m. Sundays. 3 p.m. Eagles Hall Theatre. 210 N. Corry St., Fort Bragg.

964-SHOW. gloriana.org.

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Flynn Creek Circus. A rurally

FREE Crocheting for Kids.

based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Thru Aug. 7. Ages 3–12 $12. Adults $25. Seniors $17. Ages 2 & under free.

Aug. 4 & 5: 7 p.m. Aug. 6: 4 & 7 p.m.

Aug. 7: 1 & 4 p.m. ECLand. 24001 Hwy. 1, Point Arena. 510-381-4004. flynncreekcircus.com.

Thursdays. 3–4 p.m. Ages 6 & up.

Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake.

Friday 5 First Friday Fun Night. Leave your

youngsters for swimming (ages 5 &

up only), games & crafts. Ages 3–12.

Send kids with dinner or feed them before they come. $10. 5:15–8:15 p.m.

C. V. Starr Community Center. 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg. 964-9446. starrcenter.net.

FREE Snak, Yak & Write Back.

Fridays. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Teens. Ukiah

FREE Wii-U Gaming. Thursdays.

3:30–5 p.m. Teens. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Redwood Empire Fair. Carnival

BACK TO SCHOOL ✓School

supplies ✓Sports physical ✓ Immunizations

rides, livestock shows, art & flower exhibits & vendors. Aug. 4 & 5: 3 p.m.– midnight. Aug. 6: Noon–midnight.

Aug. 7: Noon–11 p.m. $7–$9. Kids 5 & under free. (Aug. 4: kids & seniors free until 6 p.m.) Parking $7. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. redwoodempirefair.com.

S

FREE Doing Business on the Internet Workshop. Introduction to

In Bound marketing. Learn how to increase visibility & traffic. 1:30–3:30 p.m. Lakeport City Hall. 225 Park St., Lakeport. Register: 263-5092. lakecochamber.chambermaster.com.

FREE Karate Classes. Through Mendocino County Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) Programs. Kyoshi Michael Tobin instructing. Thursdays.

Ages 5–9: 6–6:45 p.m. Tweens–adults: 7–8:30 p.m. $10 annual insurance/ registration fee. May be waived in the interest of the child. Willits Body Works Gym & Martial Arts Center.

1511 S. Main St., Willits.

FREE Toddler Story Time.

Thursdays. 11 a.m. Redbud Library.

14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake.

HILLSIDE

333 Laws Ave., Ukiah

(707) 468-1010 LAKEVIEW

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

(707) 263-7725

LITTLE LAKE

45 Hazel St., Willits

(707) 456-9600

www.mchcinc.org

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2016

It's the rule.

Shots before school.

Son las reglas. Vacunas antes de entrar a la escuela.

Call now to schedule an appointment for your child's immunizations.

We'll make it easy!

WE ACCEPT Medicare, Medi-Cal, Partnership and other insurance.

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

$8 per car. Fridays. 9–10:30 p.m. Meet at the Meadow trail at the day use area.

Hendy Woods State Park. Hwy. 128, Philo. 895-3141. parks.ca.gov.

Preschoolers. Older children & babies also welcome. Fridays. 10:15 a.m.

Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport.

kids 18 & under $5. 7:30 p.m. Bring picnic, blankets & low-back chairs.

Soda, water & wine available for purchase. No wheelchair access. No pets. Nelson Family Vineyards. 550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah. 462-0236. brownpapertickets.com.

FREE Youth Game Night. Magic the

Circle of Life & Wellness.

FREE Annual Sports Physicals.

Gathering, Pokemon cards, Wii, board games, chess & much more. Bring your own game or use library games.

Ages 10–14. 5–7:30 p.m. Willits Library.

390 E. Commercial St., Willits.

459-5908. co.mendocino.ca.us.

Support group for those with a life-challenging diagnosis. Facilitated by a psychotherapist. 10:30 a.m.– noon. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown.

Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Stargazing: Exploring the Night Sky.

FREE Summer Concert Under the Stars. The

Special Guests performing. Dancing, food & wine.

Purchase wine by glass or bottle & food. Kids & well-behaved pets welcome. No outside drinks or food.

6–9 p.m. Langtry Estate. 21000 Butts Canyon Rd., Middletown.

995-7521. langtryestate.com.

FREE Lakeport Library Story Time.

Saturday 6 Annie Get Your Gun. Presented by

the Ukiah Symphony in collaboration with Mendocino College. Proceeds benefit Ukiah Symphony. Adults $30. Students with ASB cards &

Mendocino Ballet Mendocino Ballet Dance this ClassesFall!

Dance Dance Classes Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult

Ballet classes for ages class 3-Adult Tap/Ballet for ages 4-7

Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7 Classes start

Tapforclasses ages August our Art offor Classical

7-Adult Check our website for Ballet program Jazz/Contemporary updated class lists!classes

Special classes for Special intensive classes in our annual Nutcracker

FREE Seal Walk. See the rookery.

Participants get to look at seals through rangers’ binoculars. Rain cancels the walk. Saturdays. 2–3 p.m.

MendocinoMendocino Ballet Balle

ONE-CLICK Dance Classes GIVEAWAYS!

Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7 Tap classes for 7-Adult Tap classes forages ages 7-Adult Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult Jazz/Contemporary classes Jazz/Contemporary classes Special intensive classes in in September

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is offering free sports physical exams to elementary & high school children participating in sports programs. 8 a.m.–noon. Redwood Medical Center. 3 Marcela Dr., Suite C, Willits. Reserve a spot: 456-3185. howardhospital.org.

Dance Classes

Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7

classes for ages 7-Adult Ballet classes for ag Sign upTapfor our weekly Jazz/Contemporary classes Tap/Ballet class for FUN BLAST & enter to win Special intensive classes in Tap classes for age free goodies August forevery our Art of week Classical Ballet program Jazz/Contemporar MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

Special intensive c

For more information call our office performance at 463-2290 or

For more information call our office at 463-2290 or August for our Art of Classical email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net August email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net For more information callFacebook, our office at 463-2290 Follow us on Follow us on Facebook, or Twitter email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net and Instagram!Ballet program Twitter and Instagram!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

www.mendocinoballet.org www.mendocinoballet.org

www.mendocinoballet.org

“Where Dance Come “WhereDreams Dreams toto Dance Come True!”True!”

“Where Dreams to Dance Come True!”

for our Art o

Ballet progra

For more information call our office at 463-2290 or For more information call our office at 46324 MendoLakeFamilyLife August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net Follow us on Facebook, Follow us on Facebook,

Mendocino Ballet

Mendocino Ballet

Meet at the Lake Cleone parking lot. MacKerricher State Park. 24100 MacKerricher State Park Rd., Fort Bragg. 964-8898.

National Lighthouse Day Tour.

Unique opportunity to visit the Lantern Room. $5. Children must be at least 42” to participate. Be sure to allow time for the half-mile walk to the lighthouse. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. 45300 Lighthouse Rd., Mendocino.

Ave., Fort Bragg. 964-5032. facebook. com/events/267342773631503.

Tuesday 9 FREE Back-to-School Clothes SWAP. Donate clean, gently used clothes. No donation necessary to participate. Aug. 9: 1 p.m.–8 p.m. Aug. 10: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. & 5–8 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church. 620 E. Redwood

Option

1 Zone

travelled

CASH FARE $1.50

FREE Family Fun in the Sun. Arts &

crafts, games, bouncy houses, balloons & healthy snacks & drinks. 9:30 a.m.– noon. Orchard Park. 855 Orchard Ave., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com.

The Rural Jazz Project. Concert

to celebrate the transition of Lake Co-op to Lake County Organics Plus. 7–10 p.m. Sliding scale: $10–$25. Lower Lake School House Museum. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake. transitionparty.yapsody.com.

Sunday 7 FREE First Fiddlers’ Jam. Listen

to fiddle tunes played by members of the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Group. Noon–2 p.m.

Ely Stage Stop. 9921 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville.

National Lighthouse Day. Free

admission to Point Arena Lighthouse.

10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena.

Annual Chicken BBQ. Beer, wine

& margaritas. Bouncy house, giant slide & 85-foot zip-line. Full order $15. Half-order $10. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. 255 S. Harold St., Fort Bragg.

964-0229. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

PUNCH PASS

Friday 12 FREE Moonlight Movie Madness.

Grab your blankets & low-back chairs & enjoy the silver screen under the stars.2Aug. 12: Peanuts. Aug. 19: The Zones 3 Zones

travelled

GOING TO SCHOOL?

$1.06/ride (1 punch)

travelled

$2.25

$3.00

$2.12/ride

$3.18/ride

(2 punches)

(3 punches)

MTA$8.50 has three great options 16 punches: $17, Seniors/Disabled:

Riding Green is $57 a Bargain $35 $85 MONTHLY Option PASS

as low as1 Zone

$1.13/ride 1 Zonetravelled

travelled$1.50 Option CASH FARE rides per month Unlimited PUNCH $1.06/ride PASS (1 punch)

SERVING CASH FARE $1.50

16 punches: $17, Seniors/Disabled: $8.50

as low2 Zones as

travelled $1.84/ride 2 Zones

travelled $2.25

$2.12/ride

$2.25

(2 punches)

as3low as Zones

travelled $2.74/ride 3 Zones

travelled $3.00

$3.18/ride

$3.00

(3 punches)

Mendocino College-Willits Campus MONTHLY $35 PASS as low as

Redwood $57 Academy $85 as low as as low as Unlimited per monthSchool $1.13/ride $1.84/ride $2.74/ride Willitsrides Charter Ukiah Adult School $1.06/ride $2.12/ride $3.18/ride PUNCH Mendocino College-Ukiah Campus (2Accelerated Achievement (1Ukiah punch) punches) (3 punches) Serving Willits/Ukiah Adult School Mendocino High School (Local 9 service until 10:10 pm • Saturdays 8 amAchievement to 5 pm) PASS Academy Mendocino College-Willits Campus Accelerated Mendocino Alternative Academy Willits Charter School Academy Serving Fort Bragg 16 punches: $17, Seniors/Disabled: Waldorf School Mendocino College-Ukiah Campus River Oak Charter School$8.50River Oak Dana Gray ElementarySchool School Charter (Local 9 service until 10:10 pm Pomolita Redwood Elementary School Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm) Shelter Cove School Ukiah Junior Academy St. Mary’s Pomolita Waldorf School New Beginnings School Noyo High School Ukiah Junior Academy Serving Mendocino Bragg High School Ukiah High School $35 $57 Fort $85 Ukiah High School Mendocino Grammar School St. Mary’s Mendocino College Coast Center MONTHLY Redwood Academy

PASS

asMendocino low as Middle School

$1.13/ride

Unlimited rides per month

SERVING

as low asFort Bragg Middle School as low as

$1.84/ride

$2.74/ride

Mendocino Transit Authority

www.mendocinotransit.org 800-696-4MTA Mendocino College-Willits Campus • Redwood Academy Willits Charter Ukiah Adult School 25 AugustSchool 2016 MendoLakeFamilyLife Mendocino College-Ukiah Campus Accelerated Achievement

local local resources resources baby essentials baby essentials consignment consignment local local artisans children’s children’s and

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport Seattle (SEA)

Portland (PDX) ©P N

maternity clothes maternity toys, books, toys, and more! more! and

STS For Less Stress, Fly

TS

Nonstop Service to & from Wine Country

198 S. School St. Ukiah 707.462.1020 www. MendoBaby.com

(STS)

Check us out on Facebook!

Las Vegas (LAS)

Weekly Deal Day! Los Angeles (LAX) Orange County (SNA)

all clothing on plastic hangers $3 regardless of marked prices

FREE Concert in the Park. Decades will perform. Bring a chair, blanket, picnic & dancing shoes. 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakecochamber.com.

Saturday 13

Sonoma County Airport

$3 Thursdays

Good Dinosaur. Movies start at dusk (8 or 8:30 p.m.) Alex R. Thomas Plaza.

310 S. State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah. com/moonlight-movie-madness.

San Diego (SAN)

FREE Nature Walk. 8:30 a.m. Rain cancels the walk. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. Southeast corner of Clear Lake, at the formation of Cache Creek, on Hwy. 53 between Lower Lake & Clearlake. 995-2658. andersonmarsh.org.

Phoenix-Mesa (AZA)

www.sonomacountyairport.org

FREE Lakeside Hot Car & Boat Show. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Library Park.

225 Park St., Lakeport. curbside.tv/ lakeboatshow.

Raising the Roof. Fundraiser

for Lakeport Senior Center roof.

Music, prime rib, silent auction & beverages. $25. 5:30–9:30 p.m. 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport. lakecochamber.chambermaster.com.

2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 TH FRIDAY, JULY 29 TH Star Wars: Minions (PG) The Force Awakens (PG-13) FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 TH ST FRIDAY, JULY 1 Peanuts (G) Aladdin (G) FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 TH TH FRIDAY, JULY 15 The Good Dinosaur (PG) Inside Out (PG) ALL M OVI E S STAR T AT D U S K Presented at the ALEX R. THOMAS PLAZA in HISTORIC DOWNTOWN UKIAH for more information, call 463-6231

PR E S E NTE D BY

SP ONSOR S COMET LEVEL: KWINE & MAX, Friedman’s Home Improvement, SHAG Salon and Beauty Supply, Family Life Magazine STAR LEVEL: McCarty’s Auto Body MOON LEVEL: Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Redwood Heating and Cooling, Redwood Community Services, Inc. SPACESHIP LEVEL: Hillside Health Center, Coyote Valley Casino, B.A.S. Roofing, Ukiah Ford

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Art in the Redwoods Festival.

Exhibit of oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawings, photographs, sculpture, woodworking, stained & fused glass, jewelry & fiber arts. Most for sale. Adults $6. Ages 17 & under free. Gualala Arts Center.

46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. Aug. 13: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Aug. 14: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

Sunday 14 FREE CV Starr Center Birthday.

Celebrate the center’s 7th year. Free admission all day. Noon–5 p.m. (Water park: 1–4 p.m.) CV Starr Community

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Save the date

Center. 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg.

964-9446. starrcenter.net.

SEPTEMBER 24

FREE Sundays in the Park Concert

“Catch the small town magic”

Series. McKenna Faith & John

Mattern (country). Bring your blanket or low-back chairs. Numerous food & beverage vendors. 6–8 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Thursday 18

at the BILLING STATEMENT

KELSEYVILLE

And FINAL AD PROOF

PEAR FESTIVAL

Ad Size: 1/4 page • Issue Date: July, August, September 2016 Issue One time rate: $ 295. • Consecutive rate: $ 270.

Enjoy the view from the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Finish with a glass of champagne or juice & snacks. $30 or 2 for $50. Call lighthouse by 3:30 p.m.

Aug. 15 to make reservations. 8–9:30 p.m. Point Arena Lighthouse. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 882-2809. pointarenalighthouse.com.

Full Moon Lighthouse Tour.

SPECIAL RATE

ty “Par

www.pearfestival.com

$ 270. Thank you!

With The Animals

”

FREE Kickin’ in the Country Street Dance. The Hip Replacements will

www.lakecountyfair.com

perform. Bring your chairs & dancing shoes. 7–10 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Friday 19 FREE Concerts on the Green.

September 1 st - 4 th Follow us on Twitter

Carnival • Games • Food • Entertainment Animals and Exhibits • Grandstand Shows & More!

Decades performs. No personal In order for your ad to run please sign approval and send your payment upon receipt of final p alcohol or dogs allowed. BBQ on

by June 20th, thank you. sale. 5–8 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course Practice Green. 19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley Lake. Approved by:___________________________Date:_________________ WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN hvla.com.

Love Working with kids?

Own Your Own Business

FREE Family Movie Night. Grab

your low-back chairs & blankets & enjoy a movie outside on the big screen. Hotdogs, chips & other goodies at an affordable16145 price. BBQ Eagle 7 p.m. Movie starts at dusk (8–8:30 p.m.). Grace Community Church.

25 Hazel St., Willits. 459-3106. facebook.com/gccwillits.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

• Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops.

Lake County Shopping Guide

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

Rock Rd. • Hidden Valley Lake, CA 95467 • 707 987-8 • Free Child Care Referrals.

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211 August 2016

Rural Communities Child Care

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

FREE Freeform Dance. Enjoy

freestyle dance with or without a partner to a wide range of music. No experience necessary. Adults $10.

Kids $5. 7–9 p.m. Yoga Mendocino.

206 Mason St., Ukiah. 462-2580. yogamendocino.org.

FREE Concerts on the Green.

Decades performs. No personal alcohol or dogs allowed. BBQ on sale. 5–8 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course Practice Green. 19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley Lake. hvla.com.

Saturday 20 FREE Open-mic Night with Fogg.

Spaghetti dinner $5. Third Sat. of

the month. 6–10 p.m. Northshore Community Center. 3985 Country Club Dr., Lucerne. 274-8779.

Zombie Walk. Annual walk & dance

benefits local child with cancer.

All-ages event. Makeup & registration: 3:30–5:30 p.m. Walk downtown: 5:30 p.m. Dance immediately follows.

Concession & full bar during dance. Fort Bragg Lions Club. 430 E. Redwood Ave., Fort Bragg. fortbragglionsclub.org.

FREE Pet Adoption Day. The

Mendocino Coast Humane Society will be at the gardens with adoptable animals. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Third Saturday of each month. Mendocino Coast

Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.

FREE Know Lake County. Topics for August include the Lake County Historical Society, Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum & Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. 2 p.m. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. co.lake.ca.us.

FREE Blackberry Festival. Arts

& crafts, blackberry delicacies, climbing wall, foot race & children’s games. May 20: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. May 21: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Festival Grounds.

Grange & Main Streets, Covelo. roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com.

Thursday 25 FREE National Park Service Birthday Weekend. Entrance fees

will be waived thru Aug. 28. Visit website for a list of sites in your area. nps.gov/findapark.

Room With a View

J

Saturday 27

utting high up into the air, lighthouses are the perfect vantage point from which to take in the sea and sky, especially on a clear, moonlit night. Usually only lighthouse keepers are privy to such a panoramic view, but during the Full Moon Tour of the Point Arena Lighthouse— the tallest on the West Coast—you can see it, too. The tour will be held on August 18, 8–9:30 p.m., and will finish off with a glass of champagne or sparkling juice and snacks. You can even take home a souvenir champagne flute. Tickets are $30 or two for $50. Call 882-2809 no later than 3:30 p.m. on August 15 to make a reservation.

See pointarenalighthouse.com for more information. ¶

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Great Day in Elk. Parade starts at

noon, followed by activities for all ages.

Evening dinner & dance. Noon–7 p.m.

Greenwood Community Center. 6129 S. Hwy. 1, Elk. elkweb.org.

Taste of Lake County. Sample

local wine & food from local restaurants. 5–10 p.m. Street dance 8 p.m. $35. Main St., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com.

Wednesday 31 FREE Anime & Manga Club. 2–5 p.m.

Teens. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

FREE Arts & Crafts with Teens.

Redbud Library. 4–5 p.m. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. ECLand. 24001 Hwy. 1, Point Arena.

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Tutoring

Schools

Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13  Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics

 National Green Campus  Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace

307 North State Street Ukiah

707-468-1300

Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

www.tutoringcenter.com

Arty Inspiration

R

omance your inner aesthete with the work of local artists.

Photographers, painters, fiber artists, glass blowers, and jewelry makers will all have their work on display at the Art in the Redwoods Festival. Listen to live music while you roam the center grounds taking in the composition of a photograph, the vibrant hues of a painting, or the fusion of colors in a piece of glass. The festival will be held at the Gualala Arts Center in Gualala on August 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and August 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is $6; youth 17 and under are free. For more information, see gualalaarts.org. ¶

Country Cool

I

f you’re jonesing for some honky-tonk twang, head over to Cache Creek Vineyards in Clearlake Oaks to see Aaron Watson perform under a night sky. The national star has won major media attention for last year’s The Underdog. Marked by songs about faith, family, and friendship, the album hit number one on Billboard’s Top Country Album despite the lack of major-label backing. The concert, which will begin with an optional dinner, will be held on August 5, 6–10 p.m. Tickets for dinner and the show are $75, $25 for the show only. Call 998-1200 to purchase tickets or see cachecreekvineyards. com for more information. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

mendo lake

707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

LOCAL

#1 local for 25 years resource for local families magazine • web • email • events

Get Mom’s Attention!

YOUR AD HERE Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

La Vida

Charter School • Free K-12 Public Charter • Home Study with On-Site Classes • WASC Accredited 707-459-6344 www.LaVidaSchool.org 16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits

Accelerated Achievement Academy • • • •

Free Public School Grades 4-12 Small classes Support for struggling students

(707) 463-7080 1031 N. State St.

Like Us On Facebook August 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

The Right Ingredients

Life Lessons Learned from Pancakes

By Patrick Hempfing

M

y daughter, Jessie, and I have made pancakes together since she was three years old. Now age nine, she still enjoys all the mixing, pouring, and flipping. In fact, she loves making pancakes almost as much as she loves eating them. However, because she smothers her cakes with creative combinations of powdered sugar, syrups, whipped cream, and cinnamon-sugar butter, eating them rates pretty highly.

One recent Sunday, Jessie wanted pancakes instead of her usual oatmeal and yogurt, but we were almost out of mix. Undeterred, she went to her friend Google and found a pancake recipe.

“It has all five-star ratings and one four-star rating,” she reported.

Boy, she really didn’t want oatmeal.

She began to call out the ingredients, but when she got to baking powder, I thought we were out of luck. I was confident we didn’t have any and checked the pantry just to make sure.

“I know we have some, Dad,” Jessie said as she got up to help with the search. “I don’t think so, Jessie,” I replied with certainty.

Nothing turned up, but Jessie persisted. She left no box unturned in the pantry and even searched the 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

refrigerator. Before surrendering to oatmeal, I decided to check the cabinet, where I keep a few spices.

There it was—the coveted white can.

She had been right all along.

We gathered all the ingredients and prepared to make five-star pancakes

Jesse loves making pancakes almost as much as she loves eating them. from scratch. Excited, Jessie decided to tweak the recipe a little. Let’s just say that, after her adjustments, the batter contained adequate sugar.

As she mixed all the ingredients, I pulled out the electric skillet. “Don’t look, please!” Jessie directed, spatula in hand. As usual, she only wanted her mom and me to see the finished product. So I left her in charge and headed to the kitchen table to read the Sunday newspaper.

As Jessie poured the batter into the skillet and joyfully flipped away, I couldn’t help but periodically peek up from my paper. It seems like only yesterday I was standing over her three-year-old shoulders to make sure she didn’t burn herself or fall off the

stool she used to reach the skillet. Six years zoomed by quicker than Jessie and I had found baking powder.

As I reminisced, Jessie made cakes—two at a time. “I like dragging it out,” she said. She gave samples here and there to our dog, Sadie, while feeding me updates: “They’re thicker; they’ll be more filling.”

“I burnt myself. I’m okay. It’s only a third-degree burn.”

A five-star breakfast is a great way to begin a Sunday (especially for a dog), and I learned a number of things, too: Don’t rush to make microwaved oatmeal. Extra sugar makes pancakes sweeter. Have enough soap on hand for cleaning up after “not looking.”

And, the big one, Dad isn’t always right.

I also learned that besides eggs, flour, salt, sugar, milk, and baking powder, pancakes require another ingredient: patience—to teach, to learn, and not run to the rescue. Pantries can be rearranged. Spilled milk is easy to clean, as is egg slime dripping down the kitchen cabinet, though it takes some effort.

Before long, Jessie will be ready to try another recipe. I don’t know if I’ll have everything she’ll need, but, regardless of my pantry’s status or my patience level, I’ll never run out of the most important ingredient—love. ¶ Patrick Hempfing is the author of MoMENts: A Dad Holds On, available on Amazon. Follow Hempfing at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing.

August 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Registration

2016-17 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration Students age 5 by September 1, 2016 will be enrolled in Kindergarten Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 2016 will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program Estudiantes de 5 años de edad para el 1 de septiembre del 2016 serán inscritos en el Kinder.

Estudiantes de 5 años de edad entre el 2 de septiembre y el 2 de diciembre del 2016 serán inscritos en nuestro programa de Kinder Transicional.

Registration forms available at school offices and at www.uusd.net WHY ENROLL IN A UUSD SCHOOL?

• Class size reduction in grade K-3 (24-1) • Fully credentialed teachers • After-school programs • Transportation available • Intervention in reading and math available at all schools • Healthy snack provided during break • Neighborhood schools • Dual Immersion Magnet School – Grace Hudson School • Common Core State Standards • Latest State approved textbooks and curriculum in Language Arts and Math

Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street 472-5630

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Ave. 472-5550

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 Bush St. 472-5100

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Dr. 472-5180

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5460

Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora 472-5690

FREE Sports

Physicals F OR A L L STUDENTS 18 A ND UNDER

Make sure your child is ready play!

Schedule an appointment today! Please bring any necessary paperwork required by your school. Appointments are encouraged since scheduled times are limited.

Our physicians will provide assessments and other free health screenings and education will be offered including: n

Diabetes Screening (for parents too)

n

Concussion & Trauma Prevention

n

Stroke Signs & Symptoms

July 17 & August 6 8:00 a.m. to Noon Scheduled times are limited.

Reserve your spot today!

Redwood Medical Clinic 3 Marcela Drive, Suite C in Willits

Call 707.456.3185