Mendo Lake Family Life August 2018

mendo lake FREE!

August 2018

Back to School Plan the year

Yummy Kid Eats Easy muffins

Go Green Eco-students Locavore 21 fresh-food ideas

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LEARN • INSPIRE • CREATE • GROW • COMMUNICATE • COLLABORATE • DEVELOP • INNOVATE

g Ar t s n i m r o rf e P al & u s i V 2 1 K STEM • GREAT THINGS

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Art & Music Programs • Outdoor Education Career Education • Honors & AP Courses ENROLLING NOW! From Performing Arts classes with SPACE, to over 30 Career courses, we’re engaging our youth and helping them One-to-One Chromebooks create their future! in 3rd-12th Grade

511 S. Orchard Ave. • 707-472-5000 • www.uusd.net

90 Years of Trust, Family & Community From a little hospital on the hill to a state of the art, nationally-recognized medical center We’ve been together for almost a century. Thanks to your support, we have come a long way and we have elevated the care for so many generations in Mendocino County. Adventist Health Howard Memorial has become a modern healing environment where the best of technology and patient-centered design has come together to provide the very best patient experience for our friends and neighbors. A place where a culture of care has been fostered that focuses on people, and comfort and compassion is at the heart of your healing experience.

Our commitment and passion to improve the health of our community is stronger than ever before. With your continued support, together, we can keep building a better, healthier community for generations to come.

It’s our privilege to care for you and your family in areas like: • • • • • • • • •

Emergency Services Surgery Orthopedic Joint Center of Northern California Laboratory Services Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Services Nutrition & Diabetes Education Outpatient Rehabilitation Primary Care Services Howard Pharmacy

To learn more about our services, call 707.459.6801 or visit adventisthealth.org/ howard-memorial

August 2018

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Cooking with Kids Good Eats

8

12 Features 10 It’s Easy to Be Green Learn about eco-friendly school supplies.

12 Kick Off Kindergarten How to ease your child’s fears.

14 The Joy of Learning Take advantage of extra-curricular programs.

16 2018–19 School Calendars Plan the year.

8

Bits and Pieces Eat, Drink & Be Merry Dancing in the Street The Heat Is On

9

Berry, Berry Good Cosmic Show Equestrian Elegance Bogs, Dogs & Dance

22 Calendar of Events Save the Abalone

30 Humor Kid Companion

18 Be a Locavore Why farmers’ markets are the place to shop.

20 Don’t Tread on Me Use body posture to deter bullies.

28 Wired to Write Honing language skills through blogging.

7 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

mendo lake

LOCAL

#1 local resource for for 25 years local families

magazine • web • email • events

WHO’S YOUR CHILD’S FAVORITE DOCTOR? YOU COULD WIN A $50 VISA GIFT CARD www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Everybody wants to find a health professional who comes highly recommended. Suggestions from other parents are the best guidance you can find!

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August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

A

s summer break draws to a close, it’s time to welcome another school Sharon Gowan year. Turn to our Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us 2018–19 School Calendars (page 16) to plan for school vacations and days off. As you ready your family for classes, check out “It’s Easy to Be Green” (page 10) for ways to make shopping for school supplies an environmentally friendly affair.

Sometimes worry marks the start of the school. Maybe it’s the beginning of your children’s student career. Check out “Kick

Off Kindergarten” (page 12) for help managing their—and your—anxiety.

Or maybe it’s the prospect of bullying that concerns your family.

Read “Don’t Tread on Me” (page 20) for effective, nonverbal ways to ward off mean people.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Want to sweeten up that first day? Cook up a batch of easy muffins to give some flair to the old brownbag. See “Good Eats” (page 7) for the recipe.

May your back-to-school season be filled with promise and positivity.

Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Kindergarteners and first graders who miss just 2-3 days of school each month get knocked off track. It’s harder to learn to read. It’s harder to understand math and it’ll be harder to graduate from high school.

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?

Contributing Writers Sara Barry Yana German Holly Hester Christa Melnyk Hines Christina Katz Karen Nochimowski Kathryn Streeter Fiona Tapp

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 586-9562

uusd.edu 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

KEEP YOUR KIDS IN SCHOOL.

attendanceworks.org August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Good Eats Make a Yummy School Lunch

By Momma Chef

A

s the summer nears its end, we parents ponder the tasks the new school year will bring. Packing lunches is usually a dreaded chore, but it doesn’t need to be. Here are some helpful tips for putting together a delicious, to-go meal.

1. Let your kids try out recipes instead of surprising them with a new lunch.

As a food blogger, I do this all the time.

2. When I find something they like, I’ll make that dish on a Sunday night, preparing enough for a few lunches.

My kids’ lunch favorites are Banana Muffins, Hidden Zucchini Muffins, Bourbon Chicken, and Crispy Corn Flake Chicken. Find the Banana Muffin recipe in the sidebar. See my blog, mommachef.com, for the others.

3. On Sundays, my boys and I will bake a batch of S’mores Brownies (also on mommachef.com). We cut them into squares, wrapping each one separately, so they’re ready to pop into lunch boxes throughout the week.

4. I also like to throw in individually wrapped bags of organic apple slices from Costco or Trader Joe’s. Of www.mendolakefamilylife.com

course, a fabulous autumn activity is apple picking. (To taste some local beauties, go to the Gravenstein Apple Fair, August 11–12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., in Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol.)

When using fresh apples, make sure to cut them up in the morning, not before, so they don’t turn brown before lunch. If stored properly, newly picked apples will last up to two months in the refrigerator.

5. Freeze a box of yogurt squeezers (my favorite is Stonyfield Kids organic strawberry) and include one in each lunch box. By the time noon rolls around, the yogurt will be defrosted but still cold enough to keep other food items cool. ¶ Karen Nochimowski is a mother of three active boys (ages 12, 8, and 5). Her recipes, available on MommaChef.com, use no more than six ingredients and six minutes of prep time.

Super Easy and Kid-Approved Yummy Banana Muffins My kids love making these muffins with me. I usually add chocolate chips, which turn them into a lunch box–friendly dessert.

1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour 3 overripe bananas ½ cup honey 1 tsp. baking soda 2 large eggs 1/3 cup avocado or melted coconut oil August 2018

Place ingredients in a large mixing bowl and blend with a hand mixer for three minutes. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full.

Bake at 375°F for 17–19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool for five minutes.

Makes 16 muffins.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

I

f you’re taking a stay-cation in Mendocino County, check out Barra of Mendocino for family-friendly entertainment. The Redwood Valley winery is hosting a Grab a Bite Night on August 2, 5–8 p.m. Enjoy barbecue, some soulful blues and R&B, a round or two of corn hole, and, of course, wine. Admission is free; food and beverages may be purchased. Find our more at barraofmendocino.com. ¶

Grab a Bite Night

The Heat Is On

T

Dancing in the Street

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elebrate the last days of summer with a little gastronomical exploration at Taste of Lake County.

Sample local eateries’ and wineries’ wares, listen to live reggae music during the day and then, later on, join a street dance featuring Jimi Z and the Goodtime Band.

The event will be held on August 25, 5–10 p.m., on Main Street in Lakeport (street dance at 8 p.m.). While the music and dance are free, tastings require tickets, which may be purchased at lakeportmainstreet.com/taste. asp for $35 (wine and food) or $20 (just food). ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

he smoky taste of freshly grilled meat is one of summer’s treats. And it’s what Grillin’ on the Green Barbecue Cook-Off is all about. Every year at this annual Westside Community Park fundraiser, locals rev up their grills with the hopes of creating the best-tasting beef, pork, chicken, and fish. Vote for your favorite, and then boogie to the rock music of the LC Diamonds, stroll through a car show, or take the kids on a giant Slip’n Slide. The event will be held on August 4, 5–7:30 p.m., at Westside Community Park in Lakeport. Admission is $30, $10 for ages 5–12, and free for ages 4 and younger. See westsidecommunitypark.org for details. ¶ Grillin’ on the Green

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Berry, Berry Good

S

weet and juicy, berries are a guilt-free treat. And they are especially good—and affordable— when they are in season. Sample some of this year’s harvest at the Round Valley Blackberry Festival.

Indulge in blackberry goodies as well as Mendocino County wines, and then burn off the calories dancing to live music or running in a foot race. There’ll be a climbing wall and children’s games, too. The festival will be held on August 18, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and August 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at the festival grounds in downtown Covelo. Admission is free. See roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com for more information. ¶

Cosmic Show

Equestrian Elegance

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link and you’ll miss it—its ephemeral quality making it all the more magical. The Preseid Meteor Shower is once again upon us. Take the kids to Aurora RV in Nice on August 12, 4:30 p.m.–1 a.m., to see the peak of this annual astronomical phenomenon. The day’s activities will include free use of kayaks and canoes, discounted jet skis, a lecture on the showers, and an outdoor screening of an astronomy-related film. Admission is free. Note: If using GPS, navigate to Aurora RV’s Upper Lake, not Nice, location. Call 274-5531 for more information. ¶

H

armony, cadence, and rhythm. These are the elements of dressage, an equestrian sport in which horse and rider perform a series of highly technical movements. See it in action at the free Dressage Schooling Show at the Dressage Corner in Lower Lake. On August 11, take in traditional and western dressage, and then join competitors for a barbecue. On August 12, riders can attend a “Fix Your Test” clinic. See thedressagecorner.com for more information, including a downloadable entry form and prize list. ¶

Redwood Empire Fair

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bogs, Dogs & Dance

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ith their neon lights and high-flying rides, it’s hard to imagine what fairs were like in days gone by. The Redwood Empire Fair gives locals a taste, with old-fashioned events like pie-, watermelon-, and hot dog–eating contests, an 1800’s variety show, an interactive circus, and a tractor-and-truck pull. These activities join decidedly modern events, such as the Mudd Bogg Races, live dance music by the Funky Dozen, and, of course, the glitz and glam of the midway. Experience it all at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah on Aug. 2–3, 3–10 p.m.; Aug. 4, noon–10 p.m.; and August 5, noon–9 p.m. Admission is $7–$9; children under six get in free. (Ages 6–12 and 65 and over enjoy free admission on August 2.) Parking is $7. Find out more information at redwoodempirefair.com. ¶ August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

It’s Easy to Be Green

Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Choices

By Christina Katz

T

he older kids get, the longer their school supplies can endure. An elementary schoolchild may wear out most school supplies each year or exhaust them as part of the classes’ shared supply. But a tween or teen can reuse many school supplies over and over throughout junior high and high school, and this is encouraging news for the planet.

If we want kids to grow up green, we need to instill healthy shopping habits from a young age.

Shopping smarter for school supplies is not the only way to create a greener back-to-school.

There are many ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. See how many of these strategies you can implement.

Plan ahead on purchases.

While it’s tempting to purchase last-minute sale items, look for products that will last. Select a backpack that will be around for two or three years, not merely one. If you pause to think long-term on each purchase, you will make wiser choices in the long run.

Share the wealth. Host a back-to-school potluck, school supply, and clothing swap before school starts.

Invite friends from the neighborhood with kids a bit younger and older than your children; have each guest bring a few higher-ticket and lower-ticket items 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

in good condition to trade. Consider sorting supplies into bags by school grade for swapping. Children often tire of what they already have, whereas someone’s lightly used school supplies will feel new to them.

The best way to get your kids interested in thrift shopping is to do it together when they are young.

Hit the resale shop. Shopping green means being strategic. If you go to the retail store first, you will likely fill your cart with brand new, non-sustainable items. But if you start at your local resale shop, you are more likely to find clothes, supplies, and organizational products to sustainably

equip your students for the entire academic year. Resale items also don’t typically come in bulky packaging, but be sure to recycle whatever packaging you acquire this season.

Donate your overflow. Even if you shop smart for supplies and swap with friends and neighbors, there is a good chance you will still have some extra school items that are no longer wanted or needed. Don’t throw them away! Donate them to your local resale shop. Your school supply trash can become another family’s green treasure.

Find recycled products. Once you’ve done your green diligence, you may still require a few things from the retail store, but never fear. If you track down highly recycled, post-consumer products such as notebook paper, recycled wood pencils, and even

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

post-its, you can feel good about your purchases. Ask local retail salespeople to direct you to the recycled products areas of their store.

Support the class. Remember, whenever students share supplies, waste is reduced. So if you are asked to contribute school supplies to your school classroom, go ahead and participate and even contribute a bit extra, if you can. Some families in your community will likely not be able to afford to pitch in. Check with your child’s new teachers one week after school starts to discover classroom supply gaps you can fill.

Model sustainability. The best way to get your kids interested in thrift shopping is to do it together when they are young. If they see you

scoring designer deals and wearing them with satisfaction, kids will learn to thrift shop first and retail shop second. Having an annual or semi-annual family yard sale is another great way to model making room for the new in a sustainable, community-building manner.

Host a back-to-school potluck, school supply, and clothing swap before school starts.

Opt for organic cotton. Cotton is environmentally friendly because it is sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable. Just make sure the cotton you purchase is both organic

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La Vida 707-459-6344 Charter 16201 Hwy. 101, Ukiah School lavidaschool.org

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www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Author and journalist Christina Katz likes to think about the long-term, big-picture effects of her actions. A proponent of progress rather than perfection, she takes pride in gradually becoming a more sustainable parent.

Openings Available in Grades 9–11 Join us for Orientation

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UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Send lunch from home. Skip pre-packaged foods. Opt for fresh organic fruits and veggies, and nuts and trail mix from the bulk section.

Encourage students to drink lots of water throughout the day rather than sugary beverages. ¶

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and pesticide-free. Toxin-free cotton is not harmful to farmers, workers, consumers, and wildlife eco-systems. You can shop online to find new-to-you brands that make sustainable cotton clothing and products.

August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

on the first day may help calm any nervous butterflies.

Read together. Reading to your children teaches valuable listening skills and prepares your children for the kindergarten experience. Check out books like The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing and Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis.

Kick Off Kindergarten Get Your Child Excited about School

By Christa Melnyk Hines

F

or many parents, kindergarten signals an important step away from the all-consuming baby and toddler years. Suddenly, your “baby” is expected to make more choices on her or his own, stay focused over a longer period of time, learn new skills, and navigate a social circle with less oversight from you. Plan ahead to pave the road to a happier kindergarten transition for all.

Visit the school. Before school begins, attend school orientations and meet the teacher to help your children grow familiar with their new learning environment.

Calm kindergarten jitters. Build excitement and optimism about school.

Shop together for new backpacks or lunchboxes, school supplies, and new 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

clothes. “Even if parents are feeling nervous, they should do their best not to convey that to their child,” says Kathy Weller, a kindergarten teacher.

“Be very upbeat about the upcoming new experience.”

Recognize friendly faces. Before school starts, arrange play dates with future classmates. A few familiar faces

Tackle a few skills. Knowing their colors, the ABCs, and how to count to ten will give your children a head start. Work on other skills like tying shoes and memorizing their names, telephone number, and birthdays, too.

Plan transportation. To avoid snafus, make a transportation plan, and once you tell your children (and their teachers) about it, stick to it.

If your children are nervous about riding the bus, listen and reassure them. Drive the route ahead of

Before school starts, arrange play dates with future classmates. time. Also find them a “bus buddy,” whether a responsible older neighbor child or another classmate. On the first day of school, arrive early at the bus stop. Introduce yourself and your children to the driver. Assure your children that you (or whomever you’ve designated) will be waiting for them when the bus returns after school.

Get good eats and sweet dreams. Make sure your new kindergarteners get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals so that they can better manage the stress of the transition and stay focused during

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

school. Wake up a little earlier to avoid a rushed first day.

Team up with the teacher.

Share insights about your children’s strengths with their teachers to help them understand what motivates and interests your children.

“Parents should approach school with the idea that the teacher has their child’s best interest at heart,” says Dr. Holly Schiffrin, an associate professor of psychology.

“The parents should convey that they are on the same team as the teacher (even if they have different ideas about how to assist their child).”

Reflect on the day. Having a hard time getting your children to discuss their day? “Keeping a daily journal of their day (with

mom’s help) is a fun way to get your kids to talk about school,” says kindergarten teacher Wendy Hughes. “Ask your child to tell you some funny or interesting things that may have happened that day.”

Find a “bus buddy,” whether a responsible older neighbor child or another classmate.

Manage adversity. Every child is bound to have a rough day. Encourage your kids to resolve their own problems and take responsibility for their actions.

acknowledge and empathize, and then shift the focus towards reaching solutions as a family and in unison with your teachers and school,” says parent coach Tom Limbert, author of Dad’s Playbook: Wisdom for Fathers from the Greatest Coaches of All Time. “Focus on giving your child the tools, morals, and lessons she will need when not in your presence.”

Mark the occasion. Celebrate your children’s first day of school with a special outing after school, such as a frozen yogurt, dinner out, or a play date. Who knows? You may find that initial celebration turns into an annual first-day-of-school tradition. ¶ Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is a family communication expert, wife, and mom.

“Ask your child for her input and perspective, genuinely listen,

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August 2018

• 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.

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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.

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paint, or would they like to join a new sports team? If children pursue an activity that truly inspires them, they are more likely to keep at it.

Pick Teachers’ Brains Have chats with your children’s teachers. They may have noticed that your children have special interests or talents and might be able to steer you toward local enriching workshops or classes.

The Joy of Learning Benefits of After-School Activities

By Fiona Tapp

O

ur modern lives are busier than ever. In many families, both parents work full time, and weekdays are spent ushering children from home to school and back again. By the time daily activities, chores, and dinner prep are completed there can be little time left over for extracurricular activities.

But the skills learned in sports, music, dance, and art classes may also improve children’s overall performance across curriculum areas. If you would like to sign up your child for a class after school, where should you start?

14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Let Inspiration Lead Check out a local community center’s programming guide or website with your children and ask them what peaks their interest.

Would they like to learn how to play an instrument, act on stage, sing, or

Build Confidence Extracurricular classes or activities are beneficial for both academically high-achieving children and those that struggle in traditional classroom settings. For high flyers who are bored in school, taking piano lessons or joining a soccer

If children pursue an activity that truly inspires them, they are more likely to keep at it. team can provide challenge and reignite passion in the learning process. Conversely, excelling in non-academic areas can boost the confidence of children who find school difficult. In addition, interacting with new people also gives children the opportunity to practice social skills and expand their circle of friends.

Stick With It There can be a period of adjustment when children first start extracurricular programs. Tired after a full day of school, kids may rather crash in front of the TV instead of participating in other

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

activities. It’s important, though, to encourage them to respect the commitment they have made as well as the instructors’ time and effort and the money you have invested.

Explain to children that if they don’t go, they might be missing out on a fun and rewarding experience.

But Know When to Quit However, if your children are genuinely unhappy or disinterested, consider allowing them to stop attending their extracurricular programs. Children often say they want to quit and then happily get ready for their activities the next time they roll around, so be sure they mean it before canceling. Then start looking into new programs; there are so many opportunities

available you are sure to find a suitable alternative.

Celebrate Success When children have invested energy into learning new skills or honing special talents, it’s really important

Taking piano lessons or joining a soccer team can provide challenge and reignite passion in the learning process.

Aim for Balance Although after-school programs and classes can teach children a whole host of new skills and allow them to excel in a range of areas, it is important to ensure children also have time to rest and play. It’s all too easy for kids to have so much on their plates that they get burned out. When planning your children’s schedules, leave space for unorganized free time, socializing with their friends or siblings, hanging out with family, and, of course, getting enough sleep.

that the whole family celebrates their achievements. Make sure you go to the recital, attend the sports games, bring Grandma along to the opening night of the play, or go out for dinner when an award is won.

Fiona Tapp is a parenting writer who has been published in Parents, the Washington Post, National Geographic, and more. Find her work at fionatapp.com.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Mendocino Ballet

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2018–19 School Calendars Lake County Holidays for all schools: Sept. 3, Nov. 12, Jan. 21, May 27

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Kelseyville Unified

Sept. 4

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 18

Apr. 1–5

June 14

Konocti Unified

Aug. 15

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 1–5

May 31

Oct. 24, Jan. 30

Lake County International

Aug. 21

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan.4

Feb. 18–19

Apr. 15–19

June 6

Oct. 8, Mar. 15

Lakeport Unified

Aug. 8

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 1–5

May 24

Aug. 31, Oct. 8, Mar. 1

Lucerne Elementary

Aug. 15

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 1–5

May 30

Apr. 22

Middletown Unified

Aug. 20

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 18–22

Apr. 15–19

June 7

Upper Lake Unified

Aug. 15

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 1–5

May 30

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Christ-centered education in Ukiah • Small class sizes • College-prep curriculum Enrolling • Music program • Family-like atmosphere • Fully Accredited By Western Association of Schools and Colleges

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UKIAH JUNIOR ACADEMY 180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • www.myuja.org • 707.462.6350 August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Mendocino County Holidays for all schools: Sept. 3, Nov. 12, Jan. 21, May 27

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Anderson Valley Unified

Aug. 22

Nov. 21–23

Dec. 17–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 13

Sept. 17, Nov. 1

Charter Academy of the Redwoods Aug. 20

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

May 31

Nov. 1, Mar. 18

Deep Valley Christian School

Aug. 29

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 20–Jan. 4

Feb. 18

Apr. 15–22

June 7

Fort Bragg Unified

Aug. 15

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 18–22

Apr. 8–12

June 7

La Vida Charter School

Sept. 4

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 18

Apr. 22–26

June 10

Laytonville Unified

Aug. 22

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 11, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 13

Nov. 1, Mar. 11, May 10, May 17

Manchester Union

Aug. 23

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 18–22

Apr. 15–19

June 14

Mar. 18, Apr. 22

Mendocino Unified

Aug. 27

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 18–22

Apr. 8–12

June 14

Oct. 15, Apr. 1–5 (HS AE week)

Point Arena

Aug. 22

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 18–22

Apr. 15–19

June 14

Nov. 9, Mar. 18, Mar. 29, May 24

Potter Valley Community

Aug. 20

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 5

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 6

Nov. 9, Mar. 18

River Oak Charter School

Aug. 22

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21– Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 6

Tree of Life Charter School

Aug. 27

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 6

Ukiah Junior Academy

Aug. 22

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 17–Jan. 2

Feb. 18

Mar. 25–Apr. 1

June 7

Ukiah Unified

Aug. 20

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 21–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 15–22

June 6

Willits Unified

Aug. 20

Nov. 19–23

Dec. 24–Jan. 4

Feb. 15, 18

Apr. 22–26

June 6

GIVE YOUR CHILD a joy-

ful learning experience full of discovery with: • Exploration of own interests & abilities • Experiential learning with field trips, arts • Respectful and caring learning community • Peace education and mindfulness • Earth stewardship

Tree of Life Charter

Free Montessori Elementary Education for Children Ages 5 Through 13 APPLY NOW for 2018-19!

Applications available on our website: www.treeoflifeschool.net

EDUCATION FOR LIFE! www.mendolakefamilylife.com

For more information: 707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net

Nov. 1

Join Us for Back to School Night this Fall!

Parents Count

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

• Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

• Support your school Parent/Teacher Association.

• Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

Meet Your Child’s Teachers

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

• Visit the district’s website (www.uusd.net) and like us on Facebook to stay informed.

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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

August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

may use up the sugar you have in your house and then transition to local sweetener, such as honey.

You can also decide when you will bend the rules. Lilly’s family chose to eat non-local food when they were visiting friends.

Be a Locavore

Feed Your Family Homegrown Produce

By Sara Barry

W

ant food that tastes amazing? You can’t beat local, in-season products. And when you eat locally grown food, you cut down on fossil fuel use and support local agriculture and the economy, too.

Going local doesn’t have to be difficult. Lilly Steirer and her family experimented with a year of local eating, and found that it wasn’t so hard, even with two small children.

The biggest concerns about eating locally are usually time, money, and if the kids will eat what they’re served.

Lilly found that their food budget stayed about the same but how they spent their money shifted. Less money went to restaurants, and more went to whole food ingredients for at-home meals. She needed to plan and prep 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

more, but even with a busy family the time required was doable.

Define Local Eating So what does eating locally really mean? One common standard is food grown within a 100-mile radius of your home. Some choose to define locally as anywhere in their state. You get to decide what “local” means to you.

You also get to choose if you will have exceptions to your eating practices.

You may decide that you’re not ready to give up your morning coffee; you

Identify Food Sources One of the benefits of local eating is knowing where your food comes from.

To find food producers, start where you already shop and see what local foods they offer. Explain that you are

Eating one regionally sourced meal a week isn’t that tough. looking to buy more locally; ask if they can recommend anybody who grows or produces specific things you need. Also visiting farm stands/stores or farmers’ markets is a great way to connect with regional food producers.

5 Easy Ways to Eat More Local Food Even once you’ve figured out what eating locally means to you, you don’t have to eat only local foods. Here are five meaningful, but doable changes you can make: Cut out processed food. It usually isn’t local so eliminating it can make a big difference.

Choose one type of food to only buy locally. Try adding one local food at a time. For example, start by only eating locally grown greens. You could plant a patch of lettuce or pick up a variety of greens at the weekly farmers’ market. Once you get used to that, then tackle

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

another vegetable, or eggs or dairy or meat.

Make local food the norm. Lilly noticed that, before her experiment, she only went to the farmers’ market for “special” food. Try buying the veggies you eat every day only from

Visiting farm stands or farmers’ markets is a great way to connect with regional food producers. a local farmers’ market. Because California is so fertile and has a long growing season, there are usually a variety of produce to choose from.

Trade out one food you eat for something local. Get creative about local grains or starches, oils, or sweeteners.

Plan one local meal each week. Eating one regionally sourced meal a week isn’t that tough. Make a list of items you buy regularly, and ask yourself if you can source it locally or replace it with a different, locally grown food.

Then think about meals that are easy to make with local ingredients.

For example, you could make an omelet with local eggs and veggies, adding regional cheese or meat if you choose. Switch it up each week by using different fillers and herbs.

Other flexible options include soup and salad; both can be made with a variety of ingredients that can shift as the growing season changes. ¶ Sara Barry is a writer, gardener, and cook who plans dinner while walking through her garden or the farmers’ market.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

21 Ways to Go Local • Plant a garden.

• Shop farmers’ markets and farm stands. (Check on how local their products are.) See lakecountyfarmersfinest.org and mcfarm.org to find one near you. Use CalFresh EBT funds to double your food dollars. See marketmatch.org for more info.

• Pick your own fruits and veggies at farms or orchards.

• Get your kids involved in choosing local foods.

• Learn what is harvested when.

• Grow herbs on your windowsill.

• Go to a harvest festival.

• Join a CSA. Find a selection at mendofoodguide.org.

• Satisfy your sweet tooth with local honey, dates, or fruit.

• Host a weekly dinner when your CSA share comes in.

• Try a local food you’ve never had before.

• Buy a share of an animal raised in your area.

• Preserve food during the peak of the growing season (think canning, freezing, dehydrating, or fermenting).

• Keep chickens or bees.

• Start or support a garden at your kids’ school. Many already exist in Lake and Mendocino Counties and more are being created. See gardensproject.org.

• Hold a harvest feast.

• Look for restaurant specials that feature locally grown food or go to a farm-to-table restaurant.

• Visit a local winery or brewery. See lakecountywineries.org and mendowine.com for wineries and lakecounty.com and winecountrybeer. com for breweries.

• Try locally produced pickles, jams, or sauces.

• Invite others to a meal made with local ingredients.

• Shop for local items at your grocery store or co-op, and let them know you want more regional options.

August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Don’t Tread on Me

shares with families everywhere my body-language tips to ward off bullies.

1

Keep an open posture.

Encourage your kids to stand up straight with their heads and chins up and shoulders back. Great posture will not only make them look taller, it will instantly boost their confidence.

2

Look them in the eyes. When a student is talking to another child, he or she should always make eye contact.

Nothing gives away fear more than not looking at the person one is speaking to. Looking someone

5 Body-Language Tips to Fight Off Bullies

By Yana German

G

oing back to school should be an exciting time in children’s lives. They get to see their friends after the summer break and make new ones. However, a lot of students are faced with severe anxiety and stress when a new school year comes around. Whether it’s facing the school bully, not having the confidence to raise their hands and participate in class, or even just trying to make friends, students’ body language can become a tool for turning the social and scholastic experience of school into a positive one.

I became a body-language expert as the result of my own childhood experiences. Due to anti-Semitism in my native Belarus, my family relocated to the United States during my teenage years. Unfortunately, I became an easy target for bullies at school. My parents couldn’t afford much, so most of my clothing came 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

from refugee charities. Kids would make fun of me because I wasn’t dressed well and would throw food at me during lunch. The bullying got to the point where I had to drop out of school for a year in order to get my confidence back and continue my education. Today, I am a mother of two daughters who

Encourage your kids to stand up straight with their heads and chins up and shoulders back. in the eye and maintaining that contact for as long as possible is a great non-verbal way of expressing confidence.

3

Flash those pearly whites. Shy and vulnerable kids are usually easy targets for bullies. That’s why it’s really important to smile. Smiling serves as a barrier towards any negativity; bullies rarely target children who seem to be happy and calm. When a student scarcely ever smiles, it can be a warning sign of low self-esteem.

4

Take up more space.

When we are feeling self-conscious, we naturally tend to become smaller. We want to

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

GIVE US A SHOUT!

shrink away into the room so that nobody notices us. This means we may hunch over, hide in a corner, and cross our arms and legs until we almost disappear. The best way to help kids feel more confident is

We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

• What do you want to see more or less of?

• Know a teacher, coach, or special person who makes local family life better?

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

• Want to write stories or recipes, or blog for Family Life?

e-mail melissa@family-life.us

Nothing gives away fear more than not looking at the person one is speaking to. to teach them to physically take up more space than usual. If they are standing, they can take a wider stance than usual, and put their arms on their hips. If they are sitting with a desk in front of them, they can use their arms on the desk to take up space. This will make them feel more powerful.

5

Relax arms and open up shoulders. When children or teens cross their arms, it sends out a defensive signal that they want to be left alone. It’s better to keep the torso open. They can put their hands in their pockets if they feel awkward holding their arms by their sides. Facing other children heart to heart with their arms at their sides shows others that they’d like to make new friends. ¶

Yana German is the founder of School of Walk and has been studying various forms of body movement for more than 20 years. She has been featured in the New York Post, Teen Vogue, and Brides Magazine. Her clients range from stand-up comedians and actresses to stay-at-home moms and children who are being bullied at school. Find her at yanagerman.com.

Back-to-School Take the MTA Bus!

www.mendocinotransit.org or call (800) 696-4682 • (707) 462-1422 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

August

Calendar of Events

Save the Abalone

A

balone-diving season was canceled this year due to dwindling abalone populations. But you can still devour locally and sustainably grown versions of this sea snail at the Abalone Cook Festival and Cook-Off, where chefs from around the world will compete. The event aims to raise money to eradicate the growing sea urchin population that is competing for the abalone’s food: kelp, which is dying off thanks to changing ocean temperatures. Each $110 ticket gets participants 7–10 tastings and the chance to vote on their favorite abalone dish. Dig in on August 11, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m., at South Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. Tickets may be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. ¶

Thursday 2 FREE Grab a Bite Night.

Family-friendly event. BBQ, live blues music & lawn games. Food & wine available for purchase. 5–8 p.m. Barra of Mendocino. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. barraofmendocino.com.

Flynn Creek Circus. A rurally

based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay.

$11–$50. Aug. 2 & 3*: 7 p.m. *21+ only. Aug. 4: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Aug. 5: 1 p.m.* & 4 p.m. *Kids half-price with adult purchase. Point Arena. 24001 S. Hwy. 1, Point Arena. 684-9389. flynncreekcircus.com.

FREE Evenings by the Pond. Local

music, market vendors, food, beer & wine garden. Family-friendly event.

4:30–7:30 p.m. Solar Living Center.

13771 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland. 472-2456. solarliving.org.

FREE First 5 Family Movie. Tote bags filled with giveaways for children.

Screening of Sherlock Gnomes. Doors open at 9 a.m. Film shown on several different screens; last showing at 10 a.m. Lakeport Cinema 5. 52 Soda Bay Rd., Lakeport. lakeportcinema.com.

Becky’s New Car. A humorous & romantic play about one woman’s midlife crisis. $12–$25. Thursdays– Saturdays & some Sundays. 8 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thru Sept. 9. Helen

FREE FAMILY EVENT

BACK TO SCHOOL

STOP IN FOR A SWEET TREAT!

OR DELI CREATION! $1 OFF YOUR ORDER

Scoops

Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, Deli & Catering Mon–Fri: 11am–7pm • Sat–Sun: 12–7pm 110 N. Main St. Willits • 707-272-9646

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Save the date

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29 “Catch the small town magic”

KELSEYVILLE

PEAR FESTIVAL www.pearfestival.com

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Schoeni Theatre. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. 937-4477. mendocinotheatre.tix.com.

Fun Home Musical. Presented

by Gloriana Music Theater. A coming-of-age musical about seeing your parents thru grown-up eyes. $15–$30. Thursdays–Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. Sundays: 3 p.m. Thru Aug. 12.

Eagles Hall. 210 N. Corry St., Fort Bragg. 964-SHOW (7469). gloriana.org.

$25. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352. gardenbythesea.org.

Plaza. 122 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. 894-4410. cloverdalearts alliance.org.

FREE Lake Life & Car Show.

Saturday 4 Arts in the Garden. Arts exhibit in

the garden, along with music, beer, wine & food. $5–$30. Ages 5 & under: free. Wine or beer tasting, additional

“Import vs. Muscle” car show.

Kids’ horse rides, face painting, water slides, jump houses, live music, skating & BMX. Scooter & basketball competiton. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Redwood Empire Fair. Carnival rides, livestock shows, art & flower exhibits & vendors. (Aug. 2 free admission for kids & seniors, 3–6 p.m.) Aug. 2 & 3: 3 –10 p.m. Aug. 4: noon–10 p.m.

Aug. 5: noon–9 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah.

462-3884. redwoodempirefair.com.

Friday 3

FEATURED BAND IS BLUE AND LONESOME OF SONOMA COUNTY

FREE Wellness Café & Art Walk.

Local health & fitness professionals offer demos of their services & samples of products. Art Walk through downtown Middletown. 6–9 p.m. Wellness Café: Middletown Art Center. 21456 Hwy. 175, Middletown.

Art Walk: Downtown Middletown.

FREE KXBX Summer Concerts in the Park. Aug. 3: Fargo Brothers

(rhythm & blues). Aug. 10: Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun zydeco).

Aug. 17: Illeagals (Eagles tribute band). bring a low-back chair, blanket & picnic. Fridays. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Thru Aug. 17. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakecounty.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 FROM NOON TO 5 PM ELY STAGE STOP AND COUNTRY MUSEUM 9921 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA A benefit for the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association & the Lake County Historical Society

Presale tickets for $20 available at CATFISH COFFEEHOUSE in Clearlake and WATERSHED BOOKS in Lakeport or on-line at www.andersonmarsh.org.

Tickets at the gate are $25.

Children 6 & under admitted free.

For more info call (707)995-2658

FREE Friday Night Live & Street Fair.

Concert, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, inflatables & rock-climbing walls. Aug. 3: Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings (blues). Aug. 10: Nightowl (vintage soul). Aug. 17: The Stone Foxes (rock). Aug. 24: Locos por Juana (Latin jam). Fridays. Street Fair: 6 p.m. Concert: 6:30 p.m. Downtown www.mendolakefamilylife.com

LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BEER & WINE AVAILABLE FOR SALE; CRAFT & FOOD VENDORS BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIR FOR SEATING. NO DOGS, PLEASE

August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. 382-6047. facebook.com/ groups/205193236756004.

FREE Aladdin. Performed by Frantello Marionettes. 3–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Grillin’ on the Green. Grillers

compete for celebrity judges. Live music, car show, giant Slip-n-Slide & more. $10–$30. Ages 4 & under: free.

5–7:30 p.m. Westside Community Park.

1401 Westside Park Rd., Lakeport. westsidecommunitypark.org.

Parducci Concert Series. Long

Time, a Boston tribute band. Ages 5 & under not permitted. All ages over 6 must have an admission ticket. $30. 6:30 p.m. Parducci Wine Cellars.

501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah. 362-9463. parducci.com.

Sunday 5 FREE Help the Kelp Campaign.

Circus, kids’ activities, science demos, art & wine tent, live music, food & drinks. Noon–5 p.m. Noyo Headlands Park. 100 W. Cypress St., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org. 733-6696.

Noyo Headlands Race. .5K Kiddie

Race, 5K walk, 5K, 10K & half marathon. Awards in 7 age divisions.

No dogs or strollers. $20–$55.

Register: 6:30–7:45 a.m. Start times: 7:30–8:20 a.m. Noyo Headlands Park. 100 W. Cypress St., Fort Bragg. noyoheadlandsrace.com.

Tuesday 7

HILLSIDE (707) 468-1010 333 Laws Ave. Ukiah

LAKEVIEW (707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

LITTLE LAKE (707) 456-9600 45 Hazel St. Willits

mchcinc.org

We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, Partnership and other insurance.

MCHC Health Centers is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Time to get ready! ✓ School supplies ✓ Sports physical ✓ Dental checkup ✓ Immunizations

Make sure to put us on your back-to-school checklist.

Call now to schedule an appointment.

We’ll make it easy!

FREE National Night Out. Meet local law-enforcement agencies & enjoy family-friendly activities & various law-enforcement demos & food. 6–8 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. facebook.com/ events/1809377609370805.

National Lighthouse Day. Point Arena Lighthouse will offer free admission to the grounds, museum & tower tours. Static display (weather permitting) of US Coast Guard helicopter. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Point Arena Lighthouse. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 882-2809, ext. 1. pointarenalighthouse.com.

Friday 10 FREE Moonlight Movie Madness.

Grab blankets & low-back chairs to watch movies on the big screen under the stars. Lion King. Aug 24: Jumanji. 8 p.m. Alex R. Thomas

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com.

Saturday 11 FREE Kids Talent Show. Kids up

to age 12 are invited to share their talents in drama, music, dance, tricks— anything they like! 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Movies in the Park. Peter Rabbit. Bring chairs, blankets & picnics. Snacks available for purchase.

8:30 p.m. Middletown Square Park.

Calistoga Rd., Middletown. 987-0998. middletownareamerchants.com.

FREE Nature Walk & Ranch House Tours. The ranch house tour

begins immediately after the nature walk, which takes 1.5–3 hours. Call to confirm. 8:30 a.m. Anderson Ranch Pkwy., Lower Lake. 995-2658. andersonmarsh.org.

Abalone Festival & Cook-Off.

Seasoned cooks from around the globe who will compete for a prized trophy. Tastings: $110. Raises funds to help remove the sea urchin populations. 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. South Noyo Harbor. 19101 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. visitmendocino.com. brownpapertickets.com.

FREE Hot August Day Motorcycle & Car Show. Music, shopping &

more. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pear Tree Center.

E. Perkins St. & N. Orchard Ave. at Hwy. 101, Ukiah. facebook.com/ events/213687675884890.

Perseid Meteor Shower & Campout.

Meteor observation & talks with guest astronomers. $90. Additional people: $45 each. Aug. 11, noon–Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Mendocino Magic. 3000 Branscomb Rd., Laytonville. facebook.com/ events/298894640629307. Reservations via hipcamp.com. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sunday 12 FREE Preseid Meteor Shower Extravaganza. Free use of kayaks &

canoes, discounted jet skis, lecture on meteor showers & outdoor screening of astronomy-related film. 4:30 p.m.– 1 a.m. Aurora RV. 2985 Lakeshore Blvd., Upper Lake. 274-5531.

FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. The Stone Foxes. Bring your

blanket or low-back chairs. Aug. 19: Pimps of Joytime. Sundays. 6 p.m.

Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. 463-6231. visitukiah.com.

JOIN NCO, FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS FOR A FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ACTION

Family-friendly, class reunion– style picnic, a fun day in the sun!

Pool Passes Fresh Food Children’s Activities Family Games DJ Music History Walk Presentations

AUGUST 25TH

Join us for a celebration in Todd Grove Park

TODD GROVE PARK • 10AM–2PM

Saturday, August 25th 10:00am - 2:00pm

For more info: 707-467-3200 • www.ncoinc.org August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Thursday 16 FREE Sensory Sensitive Story Time. A safe place for any families

of a special needs child. Siblings welcome. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. lakecountyca.gov.

FREE Kickin’ In the Country Street Dance. Billy Watson & the Rockets.

7–11 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Friday 17 FREE Concerts on the Green.

Hearts & Bones. 5–8 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course (behind Greenview Restaurant). 19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley. hvla.com.

FREE Big Bike Bash. Helmet-

decorating contest, bike scavenger

FLY

hunt, bike water fight, community art bike project & celebrity Big Wheel Race. 5–8 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza. 310 State St., Ukiah. 467-3217. walkbikemendo.org.

FREE Lakeside Hot Car & Boat Show. Aug. 17: Decades concert,

6 p.m. Followed by a Night of Fire, during which boats shoot blue flames.

Aug. 18: Car & boat show begins at 8 a.m. with boats making passes on Clear Lake. Raises money for Operation Tango Mike. Aug. 18: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. curbside.tv/lakeboatshow.

Saturday 18 FREE Blackberry Festival. Arts

& crafts, blackberry delicacies, live music, foot race, climbing wall & children’s games. Aug. 18: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Aug. 19: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Festival

Grounds. Downtown Covelo. roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com.

Summer Drive-In Series. The

Wizard of Oz. Car: $40–$45.

Individual: $12–$14 (bring chair).

Food & wine. 6:30 p.m. Show dusk.

Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds.

1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale.

866-811-4111.

Ribs & Reds. Family-friendly

event.

Rib lunch, games & access to dozens of wines. $10–$35. Noon–3 p.m. Meyer Family Cellars. 19750 Hwy. 128, Yorkville. 895-2341. meyerfamilycellars.com.

FREE Redwood Metal Fest. Lineup includes Space Vacation & 17 more bands. Family-friendly event.

12:30–9:30 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza.

310 State St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ events/109933623075133.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

©P N

NEED HELP GETTING LICENSED?

TS

RURAL COMMUNITIES CHILD CARE

Nonstop flights to: - Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) - Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) - San Francisco (SFO) - Minneapolis (MSP) - Las Vegas (LAS)

SING • DANCE PLAY • LEARN!

• Help with all aspects of opening a child care business in your home.

• Free referrals to your program.

• Ongoing support with technical assistance & free training workshops.

Offering connections to anywhere

www.flySTS.com

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Classes in Fort Bragg, Caspar, & Mendocino (707) 964-6748 or MTMC@mcn.org

Rural Communities Child Care

1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Art in the Redwoods Festival.

Adults: $6. Ages 17 & under: free.

Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. Aug. 18: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Aug. 19: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

Sunday 19 Baroque Concert. Vivaldi, Bach

& Albinoni. $10. Ages 18 & under: free. 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Friday 24 Taste of Lake County. Local

wine, beer & food. Music by LC Diamonds. Tastings: 5–8 p.m., $35.

Street dance: 8–10 p.m., free. Main St., between 1st & 4th, Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com.

Paradise Skate Roller Rink & Arcade

Saturday 25

Thursday 30

Big River Run & Walk. 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon. $10–$45. Ages 12 & under: free. (1/2-mile Kiddie Race for ages 4–10, free). 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Hosted by Mendocino Coast Police Activity League. Big River Rd., Mendocino. mendocinocoastpal.org.

FREE NCO 50th Anniversary Celebration. Live music, vendors

Lake County Fair. This year’s theme is “The Grape Escape.” $8–$12. Ages 5 & under: free. (Aug. 30 is Kids’ Day: ages 11 & under, $4). Thru Sept. 2. Lake County Fairgrounds.

401 Martin St., Lakeport. 263-6181. lakecountyfair.com.

Friday 31

& kids’ games. Win a free pool pass.

Bring swimming suits. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. 467-3210. ncoinc.org.

Great Day in Elk. Silent auction, raffle,

carnival games for kids, live music & greased pole to climb with $100 on the top. Food & bar. Begins with parade at noon. Runs until 7 p.m. Greenwood Community Center. 6129 S. Hwy. 1, Elk. elkweb.org.

Paul Bunyan Days. Kiddie games, craft fair, parade, logging show & contests, classic car show, fireman’s water fight, gem & mineral show & more. Thru Sept. 3. See website for schedule & event venues. Fort Bragg. paulbunyandays.com.

THE GRAPE ESCAPE TO THE LAKE COUNTY FAIR! AUG 30-SEPT 2 HORSE SHOW AUG 25TH & 26TH ADMISSION PRICES: ADULTS $12, KIDS $8, 5 AND UNDER FREE! THURSDAY AUG 30, KIDS DAY ALL KIDS JUST $4

kidsskatefree .com

Air Conditioned • Free Wi-fi • Public Skating • Birthday Parties • Private Parties • School Parties • Skating Lessons

• Fundraisers • kidsskatefree.com • Indoor Soccer • Group & Corporate Outings

Friday 3:30–10:30pm Saturday & Sunday 12–2:30pm & 3–5:30pm Saturday Only 8:30–10:30pm

JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AUCTION 12PM SATURDAY

Located at the Fairgrounds 401 Martin Street Lakeport

707.262.0123 www.paradiseskate.com

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

401 MARTIN ST. LAKEPORT • LAKECOUNTYFAIR.COM August 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

body of the blog post (flanked by a mini-introduction and conclusion), your children should state their case, using three main points to defend their view.

Wired to Write Teach Kids the Art of Blogging

By Kathryn Streeter

M

y 9-year-old son was a great student—he was fluent and eloquent during presentations and when debating an issue. But his ease vanished when he had to write.

As I wracked my brain, trying to think of a fresh, fun writing exercise he could do, my eyes wandered into my husband’s home office, where he sat typing furiously—blogging! My son’s eyes lit up when I suggested on a whim that he should try blogging, too.

Blogging conveyed fun while writing a short essay did not. Perhaps your children will feel the same way.

Guidelines for your young bloggers: 1. Choose a topic. It should be something your kids absolutely love.

Since I gave my son control over what he blogged about—the NFL, politics, 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

cars, and sneakers were favorites—he owned his work in a new way. He felt energized and motivated. It was still an assignment, but it felt less like “work” to him.

2. Mentally lay out the argument. Focus on a particular angle. Is it clear, rational? Psst, it’s not enough for your children to write about their love affair with fast cars. They’ll need to dive into why Lamborghinis are superior to Ferraris, for example. You want them to be invested in their opinions. They need to have skin in the game.

3. Defend the argument. In the

4. Focus on building a cohesive argument. Don’t worry about getting spelling, grammar, and punctuation perfect. I told my son, “I’ll only pay attention to your argument and how effectively you state your case.” With this reassurance, friction between us over writing assignments abruptly came to a halt. He released the fear of messing up, and the weekly blogging assignments became a hit.

Over time, he learned how to develop an argument, whether for a paper or a speech (the latter is still his preference). Equally significant, he wrestled through issues he may not have otherwise confronted. In the process, he demonstrated raw leadership material. Unlike me, my son was endowed with decisive intuition. He didn’t waffle as he played judge over disparate controversies. He didn’t see both sides: With certitude, he declared a winner.

If you’ve successfully sold this writing hack to your child, you’ll also appreciate its liberating versatility. As a parent, you can judiciously assign blog posts, whether after dinner on a quiet evening, while sitting under a shady tree in the backyard or at the park, or even on family vacations.

Want to get started? Check out a list of kid blogger sites at kidslearntoblog. com/45-best-blogging-sites-for-kids. ¶ Kathryn Streeter’s writing can be found in the Washington Post, the Week, Austin-American Statesman, and elsewhere. Find her on Twitter @streeterkathryn.

August 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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espite it’s name, Hearts and Bones is not a Paul Simon tribute band. Its repertoire is more multi-faceted, including originals that have the feel of R&B, reggae, and punk rock.

Check them out when they play as part of the Concerts on the Green series on August 17, 5–8 p.m. The free performance will be held behind Greenview Restaurant at Hidden Valley Lake.  See hvla.com for more information. To hear a sample of the band’s music, go to richardstrick.com. ¶

• Coastnorth end of Fairgrounds Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

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Create Health hen you are a parent, your own needs are often last on your list. But you can take a step in the direction of self-care at the Wellness Café at the Middletown Art Center in Middletown. See local health- and fitness-oriented professionals give demos of their services as you try samples of their products. When you’ve had your fill, take part in the Art Walk in downtown Middletown. Listen to live music, nosh on food-vendor eats, and visit businesses exhibiting the work of local artists. Both the café and art walk will be held on August 3, 6–9 p.m., and are free. See support.lakecochamber.com for more information. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lakeport - Howard Ave. Clearlake - Pearl Ave. ClearlakeLocated - Meadowbrookon Dr.

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Find a School or After-School Activity in our Online Directories MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

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August 2018

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Humor Break

Kid Companion A Mother-Son Road Trip

By Holly Hester

M

y son Buck and I took our first-ever solo trip together.

I wrote an episode of a television show, and I thought it was a great opportunity to take Buck to the show’s taping. I wanted to try to convince him that I have more skills than just getting ketchup stains off of his t-shirts, but I’m not sure I succeeded. The thing that seemed most impressive to Buck was the amount of candy there was backstage (which was impressive, I must say).

The whole trip was a blast. I have been in multiple-children-babyland so many years that traveling with just one child who happens to be ten years old was like traveling with an adult. We drove for hours without even having to stop for a playground or Chuck E. Cheese. We even listened to books on CD on the way. And they were good books, too! We’re not talking the usual Bedtime for Frances story CDs that we normally listen to on an endless loop.

And best of all, the day after the taping, Buck and I went to Universal Studios, and we were both tall enough to ride all of the rides. I 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Scooby-Doo hangs out with the author and her son.

knew motherhood deprived me of my sleep and my sanity, but I didn’t realize how much motherhood had deprived me of my love of roller coasters.

In my ongoing effort to explore my mama-fashionista side, I used

Separating one kid from the herd is just fascinating. Buck and I had conversations we never would have been able to have with his brother and sister around. this trip to experiment with my own style. I thought that for my day at Universal I needed to be comfortable, but stylish, so I went with a vintage plaid shirt, skinny jeans, and cool sneakers. In my head I was imagining that I looked kind of like a cool, skater mom, but then when we had a picture taken of us (see above), I realized that I just looked like a mom in a plaid shirt and jeans. Oh well.

I really hope we get to do more trips. I’d especially love to do solo

trips with each of our other kids.

Separating one kid from the herd is just fascinating. Buck and I had conversations we never would have been able to have with his brother and sister around. I really got to see him as a person on his own, and I must say, he’s really great. This is true even though he drags his long hair through salad bars without even noticing that he’s doing it, seems not to know how to walk on sidewalks at all, and thinks spitting in public is not only perfectly acceptable, but funny!

I knew motherhood deprived me of my sleep and my sanity, but I didn’t realize how much motherhood had deprived me of my love of roller coasters.

But still, he’s totally great. I’m proud of him, and because I’m his mother, I’m proud of myself, too. ¶ 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 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories Get weekly FREE e-mail updates for the best LOCAL family fun calendar visit

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Join us

for a celebration Get a sneak-peek at our new Emergency Department, expanded Intensive Care Unit and new rooftop helipad Expanded Intensive Care Unit. If you or a family member require hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), it’s comforting to know that our new ICU is designed with you and your family in mind. It has eight rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, lots of natural light and ample space and accommodations for loved ones at the bedside.

New State-of-the-Art Emergency Department.

Our new 14,700-square foot Emergency Department is four times as big and includes 19 private treatment rooms, including rooms for special types of care such as assessment and triage, psychiatric care, gynecological care, negative pressure rooms for highly infectious patients, and two trauma rooms equipped like mini operating rooms.

New Rooftop Helipad. When an emergency happens, it’s reassuring to know emergency transport helicopters from all over the region can access our new rooftop helipad, so patients can access high quality care right here at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.

W W W . A D V E N T I S T H E A L T H U K I A H V A L L E Y . O R G

This is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy meeting friends and neighbors Tour our new Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit Participate in our ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:15 pm Great food, live music and new memories

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 4:30 - 6:30 pm 275 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482