Mendo Lake Family Life December 2018

mendo lake FREE!

December 2018

Local Love

Why to shop downtown

Holiday Fun 46 entertaining ideas

Money Apps Help kids save cash

Ex Etiquette How to keep the peace

a Healthy, Happy WISHING YOU

HOLIDAY SEASON

and a happy new year.

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

WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL, MEDICARE, PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER INSURANCE.

mchcinc.org

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

Pediatric care inspired to keep your entire family healthy this flu season.

It’s no secret that the flu season can hit children the hardest. Our expert team of providers are ready to serve your family this winter. We are accepting new and existing patients for sick visits, flu shots and other health concerns.

Newborn check-ups | Annual check-ups | Immunizations | Sports physicals | Sick visits | Other health concerns

Thomas Csanadi, MD

Brynn Stirling, MD

Peter Cho, MD

Tracy Burris, FNP

To schedule a visit for your child this flu season call (707) 463-7459.

260 Hospital Drive, Suite 204 | Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 463-7459 | AdventistHealthUkiahValley.org

Medie Jesena, PNP

Lisa McCurley, FNP

Jennifer Guth, MSN, FNP-C

December 2018

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Pyrotechnic Plants Disney Fantasy Boughs and Berries

12

Jazz Up the New Year Talking Trees?

Merrily We Roll Along

Features

9

16 Calendar of Events

7

Santa Rides the Rail

Winter in a Jar Long for snow?

Make this craft.

10 Local Love The benefits of shopping downtown.

12 Holiday Ex Etiquette How to keep it civil.

14 Virtual Piggy Banks Allowances go digital.

22 To Sleep in Peace Mom’s real holiday wish list.

8 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

7 December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

WANT TO PLAN AN A+ YEAR?

Find LOCAL schools, profiles, after-school options, educational activities & family fun

DON’T MISS

January’s Special School Issue www.MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

Renee: 694-0390 | renee@family-life.us www.mendolakefamilylife.com

December 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

T

he holiday season is in full swing. There are meals to make, presents to buy, and most Sharon Gowan importantly, people Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us to love. Make sure your self-care doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Dial down your stress by shopping close to home. Read “Local Love” (page 10) for seven reasons why keeping your cash in your community benefits everyone. Looking to save money? Consider enlisting the help of the kids and making your own gifts. See “Winter in a Jar” (page 7) for a fun project to create

with your clan. While you are in a penny-pinching mood, give your children a few money-management lessons with the assistance of the apps in “Virtual Piggy Banks” (page 14). When your little ones have made progress in the fine art of delaying gratification, treat them to one of the myriad festive activities you’ll find in our Calendar of Events (page 16).

Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Solstice, we hope your holidays are filled with joy!

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us 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

Kids who read at grade level by 3rd grade have a much higher chance of graduating from high school.

Good reading skills make school (and life) easier.

KEEP YOUR KIDS IN SCHOOL. 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Contributing Writers LJ Kunkel Richela Fabian Morgan Fiona Tapp Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

uusd.net December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Winter in a Jar A Few Snips and—Viola!–Snow

By Richela Fabian Morgan

S

now may not visit the Bay Area, but, with the help of Snowflake Jars, you can still experience its charm.

This craft can be as simple or ornate as you choose it to be.

You can use a small jelly jar or a large pickle jar, a single tea light or half a dozen, a sole jar or several grouped together.

Snowflake jars can add a little festivity to a mantle or make a statement as a dining table centerpiece.

Snowflake Jars Materials Snowflake stencils 10”-wide piece of parchment paper White duct tape Glass jar with lid (any size) Silver chrome duct tape (optional) Battery-operated tea lights Tools Pencil Scissors www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Instructions

1

Download and print out free snowflake stencils from the Internet. (A good place to start your online search is Pinterest.)

2

Place the parchment paper over the snowflake stencil printout and trace the snowflakes with a pencil.

3

Cover the snowflake tracings with white duct tape. Be sure that the tracing side of the parchment paper is face up. Please note: The snowflake might be larger than the width of the tape. You may need to overlap the tape strips at the edges in order to completely cover the tracing.

4

Flip the parchment paper over so the tape-covered side is facing down. Because the parchment paper is somewhat transparent, you will be able to see the tracing. Using clean scissors, cut out the snowflakes. You have created snowflake stickers.

December 2018

5

Remove the parchment paper from the back of each snowflake sticker and place the stickers on the outside of the jar. Be sure to save the parchment paper that was removed from the back of the stickers. You will use it for step 7.

6

Optional: Cut little pieces of silver chrome duct tape and place on the outside of jar. This is to add more shimmer to your design.

7 8

Take the parchment paper from step 5 and place it inside the jar.

Place the tea light(s) inside the jar and close it with the lid. ¶

Richela Fabian Morgan has written several craft books, including her most recent Duct Tape Bags (Clarkson Potter, 2016) and the bestselling Tape It & Make It: 101 Duct Tape Activities (Barron’s Educational Series, 2012). Find out more about her work at richelafabianmorgan.com.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Pyrotechnic Plants

T

hroughout the year, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg is a place to take in beautiful blossoms that thrive in the ocean air. But during the holidays, the gardens’ earthy delights give themselves to flights of fancy, transforming into neon-pink ostriches, a flamboyant serpent, and a boat bedecked with such brilliant white “sails” as to make a lighthouse redundant. Such are scenes from the Gardens’ Festival of Lights, during which the grounds are turned into a vibrant display of color and whimsy.

Festival The festival runs Fridays–Sundays, through of Lights December 16, 5–7:30 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.)

Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids age 16 and under. For those who don’t want to park on the premises, a shuttle will pick up passengers at the Mendocino Community College in Fort Bragg.

See gardenbythesea.org for further details. ¶

Disney Fantasy

B

efore the days of CGI (computer generated imagery), Walt Disney’s animators were creating thousands of painted drawings for each film his company produced. See the results of their work on the big screen when Lakeport’s Soper Reese Theatre shows the original 1950 Disney classic Cinderella. Besides critically acclaimed animation, the film also features iconic songs, such as “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” and “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” The movie will show on December 11 at 1 and 6 p.m. It’s free, though donations will be accepted. See soperreesetheatre.com to learn more. ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Boughs and Berries

M

any artists and crafters find that connecting to nature cultivates creativity. Experience some fresh-air inspiration yourself at the Seasonal Greetings Hike and Wreaths workshop at the Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC) in Hopland. Take a short walk around the HREC property, letting madrone berries and clumps of mistletoe put you in the holiday mood, and then make a wreath from local foliage.

Materials and warm apple cider will be provided.

The event happens on December 8, 10 a.m.– noon, and is $25. Proceeds go toward the center’s educational programs and fire recovery efforts. Register at hrec.ucanr.edu. ¶

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Jazz Up the New Year

Brendan McGuigan

L

ooking for some New Year’s Eve fun? Call a sitter and welcome 2019 with the timeless jazz of the Bassics, who will be performing at a special white-tablecloth dinner at the Blue Wing in Upper Lake. Paul Kemp will tickle the ivories, Bear Kamarov will strum the bass, and George Husaruk will play the flute while Machiko Shimada sings standards from the Great American Songbook. The tunes and eats will happen on December 31, 5–10 p.m., with a toast at 9 p.m., when the ball in Times Square drops. For reservations, call 275-2233. ¶

The Bassics

Talking Trees?

T

here will be some unusual—moving, talking—trees at Christmas in Middletown: school principals dressed up in holiday “greenery.”

For kids, the entertainment factor of authority figures transformed into evergreens may rival even that of Santa (who will also be at the event).

But just in case neither puts a smile of their faces, there also will be pony rides and arts and crafts activities. The fun happens on December 8, 4­–8 p.m., in downtown Middletown. Santa will be available for photos (bring your own camera) in Middletown Square, 5:30–7 p.m. For more information, see middletownareamerchants.com. ¶

Merrily We Roll Along

L

uminarias are part of the charm of the season. Fill up on their enchantment at the Caminata de Luces Parade of Lights in Ukiah on December 7, 5–8 p.m. Wrap yourself, the kids, and your dog in some holiday “twinkle” and walk or bike along the Rail Trail, which will be adorned with a plethora of paper lanterns decorated by local kids and community members. When your bones get cold, sip on hot chocolate, get a bite from a food truck, and tap your feet to live music. The event’s sponsor, Walk and Bike Mendocino, is also putting on a Holiday Lights “Slow Roll,” on December 18, 6–7 p.m. Decorate your bikes with Christmas lights and then join other cyclists at the Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah, from where the group will slowly (and safely) ride through the west side of town to look at homes that have been spruced up for the holidays.

Go to facebook.com/walkbikemendocino for details. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

December 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

2

Jobs Locally owned businesses create more local jobs, which are usually stable and embedded in the economy. A local person who starts a business “is less likely to move

Local Love

Spending money at nonlocal stores is like blowing up a helium balloon that’s destined to float far, far away

7 Reasons to Invest Your Dollars in Your Community

3

D

4

away and move their headquarters to another area than, say, some business that isn’t invested in the community,” Murray asserts.

uring the holiday season, downtown businesses across the country encourage residents to “go local.” But why is shopping locally so important? We asked Janeen Murray, a co-manager of the business cooperative GOLOCAL, to answer that question. Here are her seven reasons for patronizing area businesses.

1

Local Return Basically this means keeping dollars in the local economy. “When $100 is spent at a locally owned business, more than three times [that amount]…gets reinvested locally,” Murray reveals.

For instance, a company may use that $100 to hire a local printer, lawyer, or accountant. When

10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

that money is spent at a nonlocal business “a large amount of those dollars gets shunted off to the corporate headquarters outside of [the area],” she says. Murray likens spending money at nonlocal stores to blowing up a helium balloon that’s destined to float far, far away.

Community Character “Communities that preserve one-of-a-kind locally owned businesses tend to have a more distinctive character,” Murray explains. And this can actually serve their economies. After all, tourists don’t come to Mendocino and Lake Counties to visit Wal-Mart; they want to stroll through its downtowns and visit its vineyards.

Donations “Locally owned businesses are much more likely to donate to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations than businesses that aren’t based locally,” Murray says. These financial investments contribute to a community’s well being, increasing the sense of good will between businesses and their neighbors.

5

Community–Based Decisions Local business owners are more likely to take into account the needs of their

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

communities when they make decisions whereas nonlocal owners may only have their businesses’ interests at heart.

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Sustainability Shopping at area businesses can decrease the use of fossil fuels. For instance, walking around to different downtown stores uses less gas than driving from one strip mall or big-box store to the next. In addition, Murray notes, local shops tend to offer products that have been made in the area, and that means less fuel used for shipping. Calculate the amount of fuel it takes to ship jewelry crafted in Lakeport to a store in Ukiah as opposed to jewelry made in China to the same store, and you get the picture.

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2018 HOLIDAY TROLLEY

7

Entrepreneurial and Product Diversity Buying local supports a variety of area entrepreneurs, from software developers to farmers. This creates

Locally owned businesses create more local jobs. healthy competition and a diverse selection of products from which the consumer may choose. As businesses grow, more local jobs are created (see number 2). “Buying a locally made soap…helps a local soap maker to increase [her or his] business and hire more people,” who do not have to commute out of the area to have jobs, Murray says. ¶ To find out more about GOLOCAL and its approximately 450 participating businesses, go to sonomacounty.golocal.coop. Also see golocalmendonoma.org.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

This was one reason Dan and Marian Bowen sought peaceful resolution when their marriage dissolved four years ago. “The first Christmas after we separated, Dan and I talked about how we were going to handle the holidays,” says Marian, mother of Matthew, then 18-months old. “I told Dan I planned to go to the candlelight service at

Holiday Ex Etiquette

Fractured Families Find Peaceful Solutions

By Denise Morrison Yearian

W

hen a family is fractured by divorce, experiences like child visitation, gift giving, and children’s programs add stress during the holidays. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If divorced parents can set aside their differences and focus on communication, cooperation, and compromise, the holidays can be a little less stressful for everyone.

This was Ted and Linda Carlson’s goal when they separated in the fall of 2002.

“Since our separation was just prior to Thanksgiving, Ted and I realized we needed to tackle this issue right away,” says Linda, whose sons were 7 and 9 at the time. “We didn’t want the boys to feel like they were losing their family unit, so we decided to spend Thanksgiving and part of Christmas together. We knew we had to do what was best for them.”

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

“Parents may not be able to completely rid themselves of the negative emotions associated with a separation and divorce,” says parent information educator Lydia Robb, LCSW. “But they should look at the bigger picture and how, in the long run, it is affecting their children. It’s not, ‘What do I need?’ It’s ‘What does my child need to have a good holiday?’”

“Even after our separation, gift giving was treated no differently.”—Ted Carlson church the night before. So he came and then went back to the house with us to put out cookies and milk for Santa.” Once Matthew was asleep, the couple worked to put their son’s toys together, and then Dan went home. “The next morning he was there before Matthew woke up. It was a little uncomfortable for me, but our son was so happy to have us both there.”

“Most kids grieve the loss of an intact family with every holiday and at every stage of life,” says licensed marriage and family therapist Nancy DePaul. “When parents of young children who have recently separated are willing to come together peacefully during the holidays, it gives their children the opportunity to experience it as an intact system.”

At the same time DePaul cautions parents about creating delusions that could be misleading. “One area of concern I have is when divorced parents behave like buddies,” she continues. “It can be confusing to

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

a child who is probably already dealing with a reconciliation fantasy.” For this reason, DePaul recommends parents set clear guidelines about their relationship and explain them to their children.

present a problem. “If the other parent can help in the right spirit—realizing this is important to the child—he or she should,” suggests DePaul. “But if it’s going to be an issue, get someone else close to the child to help.”

This is what the Carlsons did. “Last year Linda wanted to take the boys to New York to see her family for Christmas,” Ted recalls. But since the geographical distance would have made it hard to alternate

Another area of potential conflict during the holidays is attending children’s concerts and plays. “I think it’s important for both parents to be there,” says Robb. “They don’t necessarily have to sit together, but they should be cordial to one another.”

Equally important is that each parent acknowledges the child after the program and shares a few moments alone with him or her.

‘It’s not, “What do I need?”

It’s “What does my child need?’”—Lydia Robb, LCSW Christmas Day, Linda suggested Ted join them for a few days, and he agreed. “I spent most of my time at her parents’ house, but I wanted the boys to know the situation was still different, so I stayed in a hotel,” he continues.

While there, the Carlsons had the usual exchange of gifts. “Even after our separation, gift giving was treated no differently,” Ted continues. “I always took the boys out and told them, ‘We need to buy a gift for Mommy.’ Then they’d give me their ideas, and we’d purchase it and wrap it up.”

Linda did this, too. “The first Christmas after we separated, it was a little difficult for me to help the boys buy a gift for their dad,” she admits. “I didn’t want the gift to be too personal, because Ted knew I was purchasing it.

I felt like it had to be more generic.”

Although children should be encouraged to give both parents a gift, in high-conflict situations, this may www.mendolakefamilylife.com

“Last year Matthew was in a Christmas production at church and Dan came and sat with me,” Marian recalls.

“There wasn’t a whole lot of talk between us, but there wasn’t a lot of

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“We’re in this for the long haul.”—Marian Bowen tension either. We both realized we needed to be there to support him.”

And supporting one’s child should be the goal of every parent. “One thing I’ve tried to keep in the forefront of my mind is that we’re in this for the long haul,” Marian concludes. “I tell Dan, ‘It’s not just for 18 years. There are going to be graduations, weddings, grandkids—even great grandkids! We can set the stage for something good or something miserable for the rest of our lives.’” ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and six grandchildren.

December 2018

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Virtual Piggy Banks Money Management Apps for Little Ones

By Fiona Tapp

O

ne of the greatest skills we can teach our kids is how to manage money. The current data from Comet, a company that facilitates refinancing of student loans, shows most Americans carry debt, with 81.5 percent of millenials currently owing money.

Understanding saving, balancing incoming and outgoing cash flow, and creating a budget—the basics of financial literacy—are life skills that will benefit your kids whatever their future personal financial situation.

doing—or not doing—their jobs affects their bottom line. Any number of kids and other family members can be added to the app, allowing everyone to complete challenges as a family.

These apps make learning about money management as fun as playing a game.

Bankaroo iOS and Android; ages 4+; free.

Bankaroo features cute animated characters that help children to save toward spending goals and manage their finances. Parents are kept in the loop with notifications. As the currency can be changed between different countries, it’s a great app for traveling families.

Allowance and Chores Bot iOS and Android; ages 4+; $2.99.

For kids who receive an allowance for completing household chores, this app allows them to see how 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Celebrity Calamity iOS; ages 4+; free. In this game, kids get to spend and save the money of virtual celebrities and see just how quickly cash can be frivolously whittled away. This game is especially useful for young people who idolize celebrities and find it difficult to match up the spending power of the super rich with the more meagre budget of the bank of Mom and Dad. FamZoo Family Finance iOS and Android; ages 6–12; free month trial, then pay $25.99–$59.99 for subscription plans plus money for banking cards. With this system, parents act as bankers and preload banking cards to give to their older kids. Through practical use, young adults learn all about a range of financial issues, including how to avoid credit card debt and how to safely use their card online. iAllowance iOS; ages 4+; $2.99. This app uses push notifications to remind kids to do their chores and stay focused on earning their allowance.

Moms and Dads love the fact that they are effectively outsourcing the nagging and kids feel empowered to complete their to-do lists by themselves. Parents can choose to use real money or reward kids with stars or time.

PiggyBot iOS; ages 4+; free. This is a relatively low-tech app that parents can use to introduce young children to the art of saving and delaying gratification. Kids upload photos of things that they want; the app tracks

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

how much of their allowances they have saved until they finally have enough to purchase the desired objects. It isn’t connected to your bank at all, rather the kids have virtual accounts with you. So it’s a secure way for kids to start to understand that the latest games or sneakers don’t simply fall from the sky, they need to be earned.

can score coupons, learn about bulk buying, compare unit sizes and prices, and begin to see how quickly savings can add up.

Renegade Buggies iOS and Android; ages 4+; free. Many parents find that the weekly grocery shop is a great place to start teaching children about spending, finding good deals, and sticking to a budget. In this app, kids drive a fast-moving buggy (a shopping cart) around as they collect coins and items from their grocery lists. They

Savings Spree iOS; ages 7+; $5.99. This app, which has won multiple awards, has quickly become a favorite for its practical lessons and illustrations that look hand-drawn. Kids are taught a series of money-management skills through interactive lessons that bring home essential concepts like the importance of having money put

Kids feel empowered to complete their to-do lists by themselves.

away for emergencies. The format is like a game show with a friendly piggy as the host.

The Game of Life iOS and Android; ages 4+; $2.99.

Do you remember playing this board game as a kid? Well, now it’s been updated to include 3-D digital play on an app. Kids will learn about saving for college, getting a job, and buying their first home in this game that is all about becoming an adult. As with all apps, make sure you disable in-app purchasing or set a password to prevent your kids from running up a big bill.

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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December 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

December Calendar of Events

Santa Rides the Rail

A

sleigh may be Santa’s preferred mode of transportation, but it’s not the only one. Trains have always fascinated the big guy. And when the Skunk Train offered to shuttle Santa about, he immediately said yes. “The reindeer could use a night off,” he remarked. And with that the Magical Christmas Train was born.

Bring kids aboard this special Skunk Train, and they’ll not only get a personal visit with Santa, but they will also hear a holiday tale, eat Christmas cookies, sing carols, and play reindeer games, all while taking a 90-minute (from Willits) or 60-minute (from Fort Bragg) journey on Mendocino County rails. The Christmas Train will run through December 23. Tickets are $34–$44, dogs and infants, $10, and may be purchased at skunktrain.com. ¶

Tuesday 4 Coat Drive. The Outdoor Store is

collecting gently used clean jackets, coats & sweaters for men, women & children. 247 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. facebook.com/mendocinohiker.

Santa Train. 1.25-hour Christmas

train with onboard music, games, entertainment, hot cocoa & freshly baked cookies. $49–$69. Trains at 5 p.m. & sometimes 7:15 p.m. Check website for specific dates & times.

Runs thru Dec. 28. Napa Valley Wine Train. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa. winetrain.com.

Ukiah on Ice: Holiday Ice Skating Rink. $10 skate session, includes

skates. Daily thru Jan. 6. Next to Alex R. Thomas Plaza, on School St. Schedule at cityofukiah.com/ ukiah-on-ice.

FREE Winter Art Contest for Youth.

Entries & artwork must be submitted before Jan. 5. All of the entries displayed. Prizes awarded on Jan. 12, 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Lego Hour. Big & small Legos available for kids to create with.

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Tuesdays, 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 463-4490. mendolibrary.org.

Thursday 6 FREE Mendocino Transit Authority Holiday Trolley. Thru Dec. 23. Look

for route map & schedule in this issue.

Downtown Ukiah. 800-696-4682. mendocinotransit.org.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

A play about a rambunctious bunch of kids from the wrong side of the tracks who turn a church pageant upside down. $15–$20. Dec. 6–8, 13–15: 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 & 16: 2 p.m. willitstheatre.org.

A Christmas Carol. Thursdays–

Saturdays: 7 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m.

Thru Dec. 16. $11–$20. Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah.

462-9226. ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

Friday 7 Festival of Lights. Garden plants lit up with holiday lights. $10. Ages 16 & under: free. 5–7:30 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.) Fridays–Sundays. Thru Dec 16.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352, ext. 10. gardenbythesea.org.

Magical Christmas Train

Magical Christmas Train. Featuring

Santa, elves & storytellers. Music, hot chocolate & cookies. Depart from Willits (90-minute trip) & Fort Bragg (60-minute trip). $34–$44. Under age 2: $10. Dogs: $10. Open daily (except Dec. 10 & 11). Runs thru Dec. 23. Fort Bragg Depot. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Willits Depot. 299 E. Commercial St., Willits. 964-6371. skunktrain.com.

Kelseyville Christmas in the Country. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Parade

of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. followed by photos with Santa at Westamerica Bank, 7–8:30 p.m. visitkelseyville.com.

The Nutcracker. Presented by Mendocino Ballet. $15–$25 at the door. $5 less in advance. Dec. 7: 7 p.m. Dec. 8: 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 9: 2 p.m.

Mendocino College Center Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. mendocinoballet.org.

FREE Family Fun at Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. Open gym

for basketball, tumbling & soccer.

Sundays recreation center also open for Ping-Pong, board games, etc.

Fridays: 8–11 p.m. Sundays: noon–4 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah.

463-6275. ukiahrec.org.

Santa & Carols. Treats, Santa

visit & Christmas carols. 5:30 p.m. Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake. 995-3565. facebook.com/ lowerlakeschoolhousemuseum.

Elf: The Musical. $5–$7. Dec. 7 & 8: 7 p.m. Dec. 9: 2 p.m. Lower Lake High School. 9430 Lake St., Lower Lake. facebook.com/lowerlakehighschoolasb.

Hopland Hikes: Seasonal Greetings Hike & Wreaths. After short walk,

make a wreath using local foliage. $25.

10 a.m.–noon. Hopland Research & Extension Center. 4050 University Rd., Hopland. hrec.ucanr.edu.

FREE Craft Fair. Raffle, silent auction, Santa & food. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Santa visits: 11 a.m.–noon. Preston

Hall. 44831 Main St., Mendocino. mendocinocoast.com.

FREE A Charlie Brown Holiday Faire. Vendors, artisans, crafts, hot

cider, snacks & pictures with Santa.

Dec. 8 & 9: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Twin Pine Casino. 22223 CA-29, Middletown. twinpine.com.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. $8–$16.

Dec. 7–8, 14–15: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 & 16: 3 p.m. Eagles Hall. 210 N. Corry St., Fort Bragg. gloriana.org.

FREE Clearlake Lego Club.

Interactive & educational. Fridays.

3:30 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. See facebook. com/lakecountylibrary for a schedule of classes at other Lake County libraries.

Saturday 8 Contra Dance. Holiday dance with

dessert potluck. Family friendly.

Singles & couples of all ages & orientations welcome. No experience or partner needed. Live music by Upside Sound. $5–$12. 7:30 p.m.

(Class for beginners at 7 p.m.) Ukiah United Methodist Church. 270 N. Pine St., Ukiah. (Entrance off the parking lot on the backside of the church.)

Brookside Holiday Bazaar. Bake sale, photos with Santa & more. 10 a.m. Brookside Elementary School. 20 Spruce St., Willits.

FREE Community Christmas Celebration. Free ham dinner. Each

child will receive a toy & photo with Santa. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Burns Valley School. 3620 Pine St., Clearlake. facebook.com/rotary-club-of-clear-lakecalifornia-86117643356. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Come for the train, surprise them with Santa.

Rides Throughout December SkunkTrain.com | 707.964.6371 December 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

FREE Christmas at the Ranch.

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Local musicians, holiday songs, cookies & cider & visits with Santa Claus. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

Hwy. 53, Lower Lake. facebook. com/amia.org.

FREE Christmas in Middletown.

Santa arrives on a fire truck. Walking Christmas trees, pony rides, kids’ arts & crafts. 4–8 p.m. Main St., Middletown. middletownarea merchants.com.

FREE Christmas Story Time.

Stories, songs & crafts. 11:30 a.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. See facebook.com/lakecountylibrary for a schedule of classes at other Lake County libraries.

Friday 14

Saturday 15

Calpella Cubs Christmas Holiday & Craft Fair. 6–8 p.m. Calpella

Elementary. 151 Moore St., Ukiah. facebook.com/events/320245138708192.

Lux Radio Theatre’s Miracle on 34th Street. A ’40s-style radio show,

featuring the Mendocino High School Chamber Singers & a host of popular local actors. For the whole family. $7–$17. Dec. 14 & 15: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16: 2 p.m. Helen Schoeni Theatre.

45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. mendocinotheatre.org.

A Christmas Carol. Dec.

14 & 15: 7 p.m. Dec. 16: 2 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. Little Theatre. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecounty theatrecompany.org.

FREE Wreaths Across America.

There will be ceremonies to honor veterans across America. Local events take place at cemeteries in Lakeport (Hartley & St. Mary’s), Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Ukiah (Russian River), Fort Bragg (Rose Memorial) & Willits.

9 a.m. wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Les Patineurs & Clara’s Dream.

Presented by Mendocino Ballet. $10–$20 in advance. $5 more at the door. Dec. 15: 7 p.m. Dec. 16: 2 p.m.

Cotton Auditorium. 500 N. Harold St., Fort Bragg. mendocinoballet.org.

Vintage Toy Exhibit. Make an old

fashion whirly-gig toy. Free with museum admission ($1–$4) or a Mendocino Library card. Every third Saturday. 1–3 p.m. Mendocino County Museum. 400 E. Commercial

ENROLL NOW! Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Member

Kindergarten through Eighth Grade

Offering Pre-School through fourth grade.

Open Enrollment: Jan 7–Feb 28 Enrollment Tours: Dec 11, Jan 15 & 29, Feb 12 & 26 Open House: Jan 26, 10am–Noon Advanced Math, Science, Spanish, Music, Art, Woodwork, Drama, Speech, Extraordinary Field Trips www.riveroakcharterschool.org 707-467-1855 • 555 Leslie St., Ukiah, CA 95482 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

• Bible-based education • Academic excellence • Positive learning environment • Small class sizes • Excellence in WritingTM program • Home School oversight with on-site electives • Spanish, music, computer, and art electives • After-school child care • Tuition assistance available 8555 Uva Drive, Redwood Valley (across from “The Broiler”) (707) 485-8778 • www.deepvalleychristianschool.org Like us at: Deep Valley Christian Education Center

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

St., Willits. facebook.com/ mendocinocountymuseum.

FREE Ely Stage Stop Marketplace.

20 Lake County crafters & food. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. 9921 Soda Bay Rd. (Hwy. 128), Kelseyville. elystagestop.com.

FREE Family Movie Sing-Along.

Aladdin. All ages welcome. 2 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Clearlake Christmas Bird Count. A traditional project

of Audubon societies around the country. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.

Call Brad or Kathy Barnwell: 263-1283. redbudaudubon.org/ christmas-bird-count-cbc-2018.

Winter Film Series. Dec. 15: Polar Express. Dec. 16: Home Alone. $7–$12.

Both films start at 11 a.m., with Santa on hand at 10:15 a.m. Bring your camera for shots with Santa. Coast Cinemas. Fort Bragg. 964-2019. eventbrite.com. (Search on “3rd Annual Winter Film Series”).

Sunday 16 AAUW Holiday Brunch. Live

music by the Back Porch Project.

Scholarship fundraiser in support of general education for re-entry of women into college. $40. 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Barra of Mendocino. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. barraofmendocino.com.

40th Annual Ukiah Toy Run. Ride,

drive, walk, or run. 11:30 a.m. Meet for coffee at Bayleys Coffee, S. State St., next to Grace Hudson Elementary.

Ride begins promptly at noon. Party begins at 1 p.m. at Mendocino Lake

Clubhouse, 1500 Lake Mendocino Dr., Ukiah. Admission is an unwrapped toy, canned food, or a cash donation. facebook.com/ ukiah-toy-run-132057260229087.

Opus Chamber Music Concert.

Pianist Natsuki Fukusawa. $25.

Under 18: free. 3 p.m. Preston Hall. 44867 Main St., Mendocino. symphonyoftheredwoods.org.

FREE Community Sing-Along. Sing carols. Children welcome. 3:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah.

Corner of Dora & Perkins Streets, Ukiah. 468-9235.

Lake County Symphony Christmas Celebration. Dress rehearsal: 11 a.m.,

$5., ages 18 & under free. Concert: 2 p.m., $25–$30. Soper Reese Theatre.

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

Photos with Santa!

At Pear Tree Center Every Saturday & Sunday, 1-4 pm

Through Dec. 16 in the store next to AT&T $5 for a 4x6 mailed to you or take your own photo with your camera or phone for a $2 Donation All proceeds go to New Life Community Church Youth Group

Ride the Holiday Trolley, Added security for your safety. ♦ Plenty of FREE Parking! ♦ We will have a donation bucket for Paradise Camp Fire Victims!

Call Kristen for vendor info. 707-987-1278

E. Perkins St. & N. Orchard Ave. @ HWY. 101, Ukiah www.mendolakefamilylife.com

December 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

FLY

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Monday 24 Christmas Eve Jazz. Pianist Paul Kemp & vocalist Machiko Shimada accompany a special holiday dinner.

6–8 p.m. Blue Wing Restaurant. 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 275-2233. tallmanhotel.com.

©P N

TS

Friday 28 Nonstop flights to: - Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) - Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) - Denver (DEN) - San Francisco (SFO) - Minneapolis (MSP) - Las Vegas (LAS)

Jurassic Quest. 80+

true-to-life-size dinosaurs plus rides, games, activities, fossil digs & more. $18–$34. Parking: $9. Dec. 28: 3–8 p.m. Dec. 29 & 30: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Dec. 31: TBD. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. jurassicquest.com.

Monday 31

Offering connections to anywhere

New York New Year’s Eve Party.

www.flySTS.com

Special menu, live music. Celebrate

Sing Out!

11TH ANNUAL SING-ALONG A Community

the New Year at 9 p.m., when the ball drops in New York City. 5–10 p.m. Blue Wing Restaurant. 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 275-2233. tallmanhotel.com.

New Year’s Eve Party. Dance to the LC Diamonds. Tickets include unlimited savory appetizers, party favors & midnight champagne toast.

No-host bar. $40–$250. 8 p.m.– 12:30 a.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

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

New Year’s Eve Dance Party.

Joe Craven & the Sometimers play the music of Jerry Garcia.

Appetizers, desserts & beverages.

Tickets at the door: $30. 8 p.m.

Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. 964-4997. casparcommons.org.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LITTLE BROWN BEAR!

Music Gathering

FREE EVENT - ALL ARE WELCOME

SUN. DEC. 16 3:30 First Presbyterian - Corner of Perkins & Dora

Cookies & Come sing Carols with the Hot Cider little ones & enjoy some Christmas Spirit & Cheer!

For More Info. Denise Beckler (707) 468-9235

Come by & meet the new owners!

Wonderful and unique children’s clothing, shoes, toys and everything in between 123 S. Main Street, Ukiah Open 7 days a week 10 am–5:30 pm in Downtown Ukiah!

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Preschools

Schools

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

integrated with academics Near Brookside School at ✓ Referrals for transportation available Free & Low-Cost Spruce St. & Lincoln Way  National Green Campus Quality Preschool!

• Lake County Also providing FREE in-home services for

 Promotes responsibility, Upper Lake - 2nd Street infants, toddlers & pregnant women!

Michael Pritchard

Head Start Child Development Program www.ncoinc.org Head Start

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

(707)Development 462-2582 Program License #230111843 Child

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582

F

amily life is so crazy stressful that sometimes laughter is the only thing that keeps parents and children sane.

But sometimes humor can be hard to find. Enter Michael Pritchard, who would like to not only help your brood chuckle, but also teach them about some important topics, including  bullying, diversity, skillful communication, and conflict resolution. He’s performed with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and the late Robin Williams, and on December 8 he will offer two shows at Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. While both performances will be family-oriented, the 2 p.m. act will be for a kid audience while the 7 p.m. show will be geared toward adults. Admission is by donation. See soperreesetheatre. com for more information. ¶ Kelseyville Parade of Lights

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

treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

Accelerated Achievement Academy

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

Get Mom’s Attention!

Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

Light Up the Night

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

707-462-0913

YOUR AD HERE

I

f December doesn’t feel complete without a display of holiday pageantry, check out the Parade of Lights at Kelseyville’s annual Christmas in the Country. See everything from old jalopies to commercial trucks illuminated in gleaming, multicolored lights. More than 40 seasonally themed floats, including, of course, Santa waving to all his fans from atop a fire engine, will be part of the spectacle. Dress warmly and line Kelseyville’s Main Street for the parade, which will happen on December 7, 6:30–7 p.m.; photos with Santa will be available in the lobby of Westamerica Bank, 7–8:30 p.m. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

C E N T E R S

Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

• Ukiah Child a classroomsTuition-free ✓ 1/2-day & full-day for Montessori North Ukiah - Bush St. ages 18 months to 5 years Nokomis - Washington Ave. Head elementary South forUkiah ages 5-13 - S. State St. ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. Start!

Hands-on, arts and music  ✓ Children with disabilities welcome • Willits

December 2018

US News and World Reports: America’s Best High Schools Bronze Medal  FREE public school  Support for struggling

students  Small classes  Grades 4-12



Call today! (707) 463-7080

mendo lake

LOCAL

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

Like Us On Facebook MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

Humor Break

To Sleep in Peace Gifts Mom Really Wants

By LJ Kunkel

W

hat do moms want for their holiday gifts?

That’s easy. Every mom’s automatic response is something along the lines of Oh, I don’t need anything for me. I just want my family to be healthy and happy!

Although that’s very true, we’re kinda lying through our teeth. That may be all we need to satisfy the basics. But let’s be real—if we were to reveal our deepest desires, these would make the list.

I would like: 1. To sleep in. Although waking up at 5 a.m. with excited little loudlings jumping on my unprepared gut is thrilling, I really would like another hour of sweet oblivion before I need to think about cleaning up all the wrapping paper off the floor.

2. Energy. Can anybody get me some kind of magic boost to negate the effects of sleep deprivation, hormones, and unending laundry?

No? Okay. A pot of coffee will do then.

3. For the Scotch tape to stop disappearing. I would also like the magnets to stay on the refrigerator for an entire day.

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

4. For the toys to put themselves away. And stay there for more than five minutes, please.

5. A delicious warm meal. Not prepared (or cleaned up) by me.

6. The dishes done. I don’t care if it’s a kid, a husband, an elf, or a reindeer who does them. If the sink is empty and everything is clean, dry, and (preferably unbroken) in the cabinets, that will add a lot of joy to the world!

Can anyone get me a magic boost to negate the effects of sleep deprivation?

7. A nap. A real one. Not half-dozing while holding a baby and trying to tune out the older kids attacking each other.

8. A massage. Oh yes. Preferably immediately preceding number 7.

I’d like it all-out, with soothing oil, aromatherapy, darkness, and silence.

Lots of silence.

9. To know where the heck all the missing socks went. I need closure!

10. Alone time. If you’re an introvert, you understand how hard it is to recharge when you are never alone. C’mon, guys, can I at least pee in peace today without someone pounding on the door?

11. Peace on Earth. Or at least in this house. No fighting over who got the better presents.

12. No pee on the floor. Whether from the dog, the potty-training toddler, or any male’s bad aim.

13. Chocolate. If you want to actually buy me something, this is a great option—minus the little moochers asking for a bite. You could get me some wine, too, while you’re at it. And if you could include some kind of spell to keep all the calories off my thighs, that would be super!

14. Hugs and kisses. Yes, I do mean from the fam, not Hershey (although I’ll take those, too). ¶ Adapted from original on redtri.com, permission to reprint.

LJ Kunkel is a fitness trainer and coffee addict who spends most of her time chasing 3 boys and 20 chickens. See more from her at fitmixmom.com.

December 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA OPEN DECEMBER FORT BRAGG BIRTHDAY PARTIES • BASEBALL TEAMS SOCCER TEAMS • HOLIDAY PARTIES • FUNDRAISERS

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O R T H O P E D I C

S U R G E R Y We are pleased to welcome to Dr. Paul M. Charpentier to the Orthopedic Joint Center team.

Dr. Charpentier will be working with Drs. William Bowen and Jeremiah Dawson doing what he loves most – helping patients get back to moving without pain.

Born and raised in Mendocino County, Dr. Charpentier is excited to care for the community he loves. He specializes in minimally invasive hip and knee replacement, arthroscopic surgery and complex reconstruction of the hip, knee and shoulder. He is an advocate for nonoperative treatments, but is highly trained in surgical joint replacement and revisions.

He believes multi-modal pain protocols and post-operative rehab protocols are key to a speedy recovery.

Dr. Charpentier earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University, completed a residency at Michigan State University, followed by a Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in joint replacements.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Charpentier and his wife and three children to our community.

Joining our experienced team at Orthopedic Joint Center of Northern California

William Bowen, MD

Welcome

Paul M. Charpentier, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Jeremiah Dawson, MD

Now welcoming new patients.

To schedule an appointment, call:

(707) 459-6115 www.orthojointcenter.org

3 Marcela Drive, Suite C | Willits, CA