Mendo Lake Family Life January 2016

mendo lake FREE!

January 2016

Private & Charter

School Guide

A+ Education

How to choose a school

Dream Center

Help for homeless kids

Learning Styles What’s yours?

Signing Bonuses FOR QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Join our fast growing state-of-the-art outpatient facility.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

QUALIFIED HIRES CAN RECEIVE:

• Physician Doctors & Dentists • Signing bonus for many positions (CALL FOR MORE INFO) • Dental Director Purchased Referred Care Asst.

• Competitive salary •• Registered Dental Manager Assistant Clinic Operations • Regular office hours •• Licensed Vocational Nurse Certified Medical Assistant No night shifts •• Registered Registered Nurse Dental Assistant • Medical insurance for entire family •• RN PediatricDiabetes Experience RN –Certified Educator • 403-B retirement plan • Clinic Operations Manager • RN – Pediatric Experience • Paid time-off and 15 paid holidays • Clinical Applications Coordinator • Human Resources Coordinator • Injury Prevention Coordinator • Educational loan repayment–multiple • Clincal Applications Coordinator programs available • CHR (Community Health Rep.) • Quality Improvement Coordinator • Diabetes Lifestyle Coach (Ends 1/08/16) • CHR (Community Health Rep.) JOB DESCRIPTIONS & APPLICATIONS AT:

www.lcthc.com

APPLICANTS MUST: • Have great customer and patient care skills • Enjoy working with the local community

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:

(707) 263-8382

Lake County Tribal Health Modern Medicine

Personalized Care

707-263-8382 • 1-800-750-7181 • 925 Bevins Ct., Lakeport • www.lcthc.com

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

Lakeport Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 475 N. Forbes St. Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.6346

Dr. Mann

y m s t u p s y a w al

! t s r i f n e r d l i h c

Jeremy Mann, M.D. l Pediatrician Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center

Get Connected to primary and specialty care where you live!

Mann has been my preferred pediatric physician for “theDr. past 11 years. I am always confident when I take my

Lakeport Rural Health Center Pediatrics & Internal Medicine 487 S. Main Street Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.4360

Willits Redwood Medical Clinic Family Medicine 88 Madrone Willits, CA 95490 707.459.6115

Ukiah Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.2400 Mendocino Family Care Family Medicine 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.1900 Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center Allergy Behavioral Health Family Medicine Internal Medicine Oncology Ophthalmology

Pain Management Pediatrics Urology 260 Hospital Drive Ukiah CA, 95482 707.463.8000 Womens Health 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.2945 Ukiah Valley Medical Specialties Orthopedics & Physical Medicine 260 Hospital Dr., Suite 107 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5278 Gastroenterology 415 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5275 General, Bariatric, Plastic & Reconstructive Cosmetic Surgery 246 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.8011 Ear, Nose, & Throat 1165 S. Dora St., Ste. C-2 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.8855 Ophthalmology & Optometry 1165 S. Dora St, Ste. B-1 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5218 Ophthalmology 248-B Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5250

children to see Dr. Mann that they will be well taken care of. He puts children and their parents at ease with his patience, thoroughness, and humor.

— Melissa Cramer

”

Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center Pediatrics 260 Hospital Drive, Suite 204 | Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.7459 Most Forms of Insurance Accepted, Call for Details

January 2016

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Bits and Pieces A Feast of Free Fun Keyed Up This Monster Can Sing

8 Features

26 Calendar of Events Everything But the Crab

31 Cooking with Kids Plant Power

8 What Dreams May Come

13 Private and Charter School Guide

New facility gives hope to homeless kids.

10 Educated Decisions

Get the scoop on all the great local programs.

18 Small Talk

Find the best school for your child.

12 School Smarts Tap into a slew of educational options.

30 Humor Break

Want your kids to “use their words�? Chat with them.

20 Whistle While You Work Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner?

22 From Resolution to Reality How to make positive life changes.

24 31 Days to Spic & Span No time to clean?

Follow this plan.

20 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

10

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

7

B-Day for Someone Special?

Where’s MY Birthday Present?

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190 N. Main St., Lakeport Also at Moochie Poochie in Ukiah

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www.mendolakefamilylife.com

TOYS • TREATS • CHEW STICKS BEDS • CLOTHES & MORE!

Pet Boutique

Like us for deals & drawings

(707) 462-1848 • 610 S. State St., Ukiah

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

W

hat are your New Year’s resolutions? If you are like many parents, making sure your kids get a great education is Sharon Gowan one of them. With Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us our “2016 Mendo Lake Private and Charter School Guide” (page 13), we aim to make that task easier. We spoke with the staff of 26 local schools, and placed the most updated information in our guide. See “Educated Decisions” (page 10) for strategies to help you choose a school that suits your child’s needs. Hint: Read “Whistle While You Work” (page 20) and then factor your kid’s learning style into your decision-making process.

Before some kids can get an education, they need a home. In “What Dreams May Come” (page 8), we report on Social Advocates for Youth’s (SAY) new Dream Center, which is poised to help local homeless youth find not only shelter but also jobs.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

As the days of January tick off, your other resolutions—you know the ones about losing ten pounds or nixing smoking for good—are most likely patiently waiting for your attention. Let “From Resolution to Reality” (page 22) teach you about a research-based, three-stage process that will help you reach your goals.

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

Features Editor

We hope 2016 is the best year ever for your family!

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Calendar Patricia Ramos

Contributing Writers

KUSD IS SEEKING SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Have a Bachelor’s Degree, like a flexible schedule?

We may have a career for you!

Make A Positive Difference With Children

Vanessa Chamberlin Sandra Gordon Holly Hester Christina Katz Pam Molnar Jan Pierce Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing

Sub Teacher Checklist: • CBEST Results • Official College Transcripts (BA or higher) • TB Clearance

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel (707) 586-9562 Fax (707) 586-9571 Discover more about how we are elevating student learning at www.konoctiusd.org

707-994-6475 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bits & Pieces

A Feast of Free Fun

T

ake your senses out to play at the free Second Saturday event at the McNab Ridge Wine Company in Hopland. Treat your ears to the music of Steve Winkle, your palate to spicy curried shrimp over couscous and new white wines, and your eyes to wine bottles hand painted by local artist Leslie Bartolomei. The event will be on January 9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with music and bottle painting 12:30–4:30 p.m. Call 744-1986 or see mcnabridge.com to learn more. ¶

Keyed Up

L

isten to virtuosos tickle the ivories at the 23rd Annual Professional Pianist Concert at the Mendocino College Center Theatre in Ukiah. The popular event features seven performers in a living room–type setting trading (often funny!) stories about their art and playing a diversity of music—from classical to jazz to boogie woogie and Cuban. Two pianos on stage make for impromptu collaborations. Shows are January 9 at 7 p.m. and January 10 at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 or if you want to get up close, “I Wanna See the Hands” seats are $25. Tickets are available at Mendocino Book Company and Dig Music! in Ukiah, Mazahar in Willits, and Watershed Books in Lakeport. For more information, call 391-8374. ¶

This Monster Can Sing

G

et a dose of everyone’s favorite ogre in Shrek the Musical Jr. The delightful green monster

with a heart will come to SPACE performing arts theater in Ukiah on January 16, 23, and 30 with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Follow Shrek as he fights for the return of his swamp from a band of misfits, and rescues feisty Princess Fiona. Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for youth 18 and under, and are available at the Mendocino book Company in Ukiah and the SPACE office. See spaceperformingarts.org or call 462-9370 for more information. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

homeless youth themselves—inspire, imagine, dare to win.

They are words of hope, which is what SAY is all about, offering Sonoma County’s youth not only concrete homes, but shelter from the storms of their lives.

“Thirty-seven percent of homeless youth in Sonoma County have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in their homes,” says SAY Communications and Marketing

What Dreams May Come New Center Gives Homeless Youth a Fresh Start

A

ll youth have dreams and the homeless kids of Sonoma County are no different. The nonprofit Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) and its new Dream Center in Santa Rosa aim to help to turn those dreams into reality.

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

In Sonoma County, 678 homeless people under the age of 24 are on the streets. For more than a decade, SAY, which offers a variety of services to thousands of kids every year, has helped such youth find homes and jobs.

The new facility is the result of the fastest fundraising campaign in Sonoma County history—9.5 million raised in a year and a half—and the generosity of Sutter Health, which donated the old Warrack Hospital building that now, after extensive renovation, houses the center.

The entrance to the center is placed strategically by a bus stop for its clients low-income, car-free kids. As they walk toward the lobby’s wall of windows, visitors will be greeted by a walkway tiled with colorful mosaics by local artist Mario Uribe.

Each step along the path features an uplifting word, contributed by

Manager Caitlin Childs, explaining why for many kids the streets feel safer than their own bedrooms.

As they come from such troubling circumstances, one of the first services youth receive when they reach out to SAY is counseling.

“It’s an honor to have a young person let you in to support them,” explains SAY Counseling Services Program Manager Elizabeth Goldman. “It’s an honor [because] they are revealing some of their biggest vulnerabilities.”

It is these vulnerabilities that SAY staff kept in mind when designing the new Dream Center. Most clients will get their own rooms, which are housed in a keycard-accessible part of the building that only residents and staff will be allowed to enter. And when residents want to socialize with others, they can convene in community spaces rather than take people to their rooms,

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

which are for formerly homeless youth “sacred space,” Childs says.

Once a sense of safety is established, and youth are in counseling, they can start looking for a job.

Computer classes will teach kids the ins-and-outs of word processing and résumé building. Residents can also avail themselves of a phlebotomisttraining program, which will be held in a large conference room in the center. Meanwhile, the Ceres Community Project, the Sebastopol-based program that produces meals for families struggling with serious illnesses, will offer kids an opportunity to learn how to cook in the center’s commercial kitchen.

Besides the chance to learn new skills, SAY offers youth another important component to finding work: connections.

“I like to ask people how they found their first job. And eight times out of ten [they] say…either their parents knew somebody or they worked for their parents,” says Childs. Homeless youth don’t have that kind of support.

Through its Career Services program, SAY partners with various nonprofits to place kids in paid internships such as at the Santa Rosa Boys and Girls Club and the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

One of SAY’s success stories, Jeramy, works at a nonprofit that helps youth coming out of foster care advocate for themselves.

“I think it’s really great because now he is giving back to others,” enthuses Childs.

worries that people will think the homeless youth situation is solved.

But she wants the public to know it mostly assuredly is not.

“Finishing the building is not finishing the work,” she says adamantly. “The young people need our help. We

want…a healthy community and to do that we need healthy young people.”

To that aim, SAY, with its new center, will continue to offer youth the chance to imagine a better future and dare to follow their dreams. ¶

MendoLake Resources The following organizations offer assistance to homeless youth.

Lake County

Mendocino County

The Harbor 16170 Main St., Lower Lake 994-5486 rcs4kids.org/ harbor-youth-resource-center/

The Arbor Youth Resource Center 810 N. State St., Ukiah 462-7267 rcs4kids.org/ arbor-youth-resource-center

Facility: Drop-in, day-use resource center Population: Ages 15–24

Facility: Drop-in day-use resource center Population: Ages 15-24

Services: Housing, health, and dental application assistance; career planning; employment resources; life skills; financial literacy; counseling; substance use/misuse support; peer support; clothing and hygiene closets

Services: career planning; financial literacy; clothing closet for interview attire; computers for résumé building/ job applications; support groups

The Pad (Protection, Assistance, and Development) 16285 Main St., Suite F, Lower Lake 994-5486 rcs4kids.org/ lake-county-basic-center

Nest (Nurturing Education and Skills Training) 16170 Main St., Suite F, Ukiah 994-5486 rcs4kids.org/nurturing-educationand-skills-training-nest

Facility: Temporary shelter (21 days) Population: Runaway and homeless youth ages 14–17 Services: Family reunification; mental health and substance abuse screenings; crisis management and planning; life skills; peer counseling; clothing and hygiene closets

Need: Winter clothing donations

Facility: Long-term residential Population: Pregnant or parenting youth ages 18–21 Services: life-skills training; parenting education; transportation; job-search skills; service-learning programs

With successes like Jeramy and a new building launched, Goldman www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

What are your children’s academic strengths, weaknesses, interests, and talents? Also consider what sort of learning environment your children would be most comfortable in.

Self-motivated students, for example, may do well in a program where they get to direct their own learning.

Rather than look for a “perfect school,” parents should look for one that meets their children’s needs.

Educated Decisions

How to Choose a Private School

But children in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. Certain schools are right for certain children, says Koetzsch. It’s just a matter of finding what fits.

or the past eight years, Josh Baker attended public schools.

Up to this point, his parents were pleased with the kind of education he had been receiving. But as their son hedged toward high school, Mom and Dad felt a need to give him a more tailored education—one that would better prepare him for college. So when September rolled around, Josh began attending a nearby private college prep school.

As you evaluate your children’s needs, make a list of what you want in a school. Consider your own preferences, as well as your children’s personalities, gifts, and talents. “Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework, where parents fit into the running of the school, and so on,” says Koetzsch. But remember, he advises, you are not constructing an absolute educational ideal, just one that is appropriate for your children.

Every year, scores of parents look into the option of sending their children to private schools. But because no two schools are alike, finding the right fit can be a daunting task. So where do you begin?

Next make a list of all the schools in your area that are potential candidates. Call and ask for information about the schools.

Once the information has arrived, look at each one’s program, mission, services, faculty, and administration.

By Denise Morrison Yearian

F

10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

In his book, The Parents’ Guide to Alternatives in Education (Shambhala, 1997), Ronald Koetzsch, PhD, states that rather than looking for a “perfect school,” parents should look for one that meets their children’s needs.

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sonoma County Airport

What makes the school unique?

What is its teaching philosophy?

Is there a vision for the future? Is there anything the school does particularly well? What about the curriculum? Will it cater to your children’s talents and interests?

Don’t let cost and commuting distance deter you. Many expensive schools offer scholarships and often others in your community will welcome ride sharing.

find a gem where you didn’t expect one,” Koetzsch says.

While visiting, sit in on the classes and observe the teachers and students.

“Note the obvious facts: school size, class size, ambiance of the school as a whole and of individual classrooms, absence or presence of a dress code, and general demeanor of the students and teachers,” Koetzsch says. Also be sure to record your reaction. Did you feel comfortable and relaxed, or uptight and anxious?

When you visit, spend a few minutes talking with the principal or school administrator. Don’t feel www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Next get the names of several parents whose children attend the school and would be willing to talk with you. Ask them what they do and don’t like about the school.

Also try to obtain a few names of parents who were not happy there and enrolled their children elsewhere.

Once you have visited several schools, narrow your selection to those that might work for you.

Plan to return, this time with your children. Have them meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students.

Follow your intuition. As a parent you know your children better than anyone else. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school or not. And while it may not fit your specifications exactly, it more than likely will be an environment where your children can grow and flourish— intellectually, emotionally, physically, and in some cases, spiritually, too. ¶ For more information about local private school choices, see our “2016 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide” on page 13.

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

January 2016

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, Seattle; Orange County starting March 2016

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

TS

As a parent you know your children better than anyone else. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school or not.

If possible, also talk with teachers, preferably the ones who would have your children in class. As you get a feel for their personalities, consider how your children will interact with them.

©P N

After reviewing the materials, arrange to visit those schools that appeal to you—and even some that aren’t your favorites. “The school you expected to love may disappoint you, and you may

embarrassed about asking questions, says Koetzsch.

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

home?

Space in your

heart?

Room in your

Become a foster or adoptive parent and help change the life of a child (707) 463-1100

www.tlc4kids.org Working with children since 1975

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Find Top-notch Local Programs

School Smarts H ow do you choose the right school for your child? It helps to break your search down into manageable tasks.

First, go on a fact-finding mission to discover what’s out there. Are you considering a private school? Start your search with the “2016 MendoLake Private and Charter School Guide” on the facing page. We surveyed staff and researched websites of 26 local private schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

While you are in research mode, don’t ignore your neighborhood public

school. Is there a public school that may be a great fit? You may be able to transfer. Ask the district office.

(Charter schools, even though they’re public, generally don’t require transfer approval.)

Figure out your priorities. What is your child interested in? What are your top expectations of a school? What college or trade school do you want your child to attend after he or she graduates?

Next, decide on three to five schools for a “deep dive.” Write down questions to ask administrators before you schedule tours. Visit the schools’ websites and review upcoming deadlines. Talk to teachers and parents, especially parents whose children graduated from the schools you’re visiting. If possible, attend some school events to get a feel for the culture and community.

Apply to your dream school and back-up schools as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly.

Finding the right schools can be a daunting experience. There are so many options in our area. The best school for your child is out there, just waiting for you to find it!

For even more ideas for how to shop for a school, see “Educated Decisions” on page 10.

RIVER OAK CHARTER SCHOOL Member Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Kindergarten – 8th Grade A Free Public School – Established in 1999

Unplugged & More Connected...

Early childhood through grade 8 Roots & Shoots Parent/Child Course Winter & Spring

Nashville Nights Gala Auction Dinner Feb 5 at Barra Winery

Visit www.mendocinowaldorf.org 6280 Third Street • Calpella 707-485-8719

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Open Enrollment #1: Jan. 4 – Feb. 18 All-school Open House: Jan. 23rd 10am-Noon Enrollment Tours: Jan 14, Jan 28 (Spanish), Feb 4, Mar 10, Apr 14 The 3 R’s, and Advanced Math, Foreign Language, Music, Art, Woodwork, Drama, Leadership, Community Service 555 Leslie St., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 467-1855 www.riveroakcharterschool.org

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Transport

Summer

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Fin. Aid

15150 Davis Ave. N Y Y Y N Y Y Y N 15150 Davis Ave. N 994-6356 clearlakesdaschool.com 994-6356 clearlakesdaschool.com 15850-A Dam Road Ext. N N – – Y N – – Y 15850-A Dam 994-6447 Road Ext. N kec.konoctiusd.org

School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment

Philosophy Size Current/Max

Ext. Care

Cafeteria

Fam. Disc.

2016 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide Address Phone

Lake County Clearlake

Clearlake Clearlake SDA Christian School

$3780 $3780

Clearlake SDA Christian School Konocti Health Magnet School Konocti Health Magnet School

Clearlake Clearlake Konocti Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School& Performing Arts Konocti Visual Magnet School

1–8 1–8

15 15

20 / 34 20 / 34

$0 (Public School) 7-12 22 348 / 520 $0 (Public School) 7-12 22 348 / industry.

520 Preparation for college and career in the healthcare Preparation for college and career in the healthcare industry. $0 (Public School) 4-8 22 348 / 520 (Public School) 4-8 Lake High 22 A$0feeder program to Lower School. 348 / 520 A feeder program to Lower Lake High School.

Cobb Cobb Intermountain STEM Academy Charter $0 (Public School)

5–8 30 28 / 30 Intermountain STEM Academy Charter $0 (Public School) 5–8 30 Inspiring achievement through STEM education.28 / 30 Inspiring achievement through STEM education.

Hidden Valley Lake Hidden Valley Lake Pathways Charter School

$0 (Public School) 68 NA / NA $0 (Public School) 68diverseNA / NA body.

Providing high-quality education to our student

Pathways Charter School

Providing high-quality education to our diverse student body.

Lakeport Lakeport Konocti Christian Academy Konocti Christian Academy

$3,850 K–8 12–22 $3,850 K–8 12–22 Non-denominational, Christian-based.

84 / 100 84 / 100

Westlake Seventh Day Adventist Westlake Seventh Day Adventist

Non-denominational, Christian-based. $2,750–$3,250* K–8 10–15 12 / 36 $2,750–$3,250* 10–15 12 / 36 Accredited; Christ-filledK–8 environment. *2015 tuition.

A Brighter Future

Accredited; Christ-filled environment. *2015 tuition.

Lower Lake Lower Lake Academy Zemorah Christian

“Happier, Middletown excited to go Middletown Lake Internationaland Charter School toCo.school Lake Co. International Charter School motivated Middletown Adventist School to excel.”

Middletown Adventist School Zemorah Christian Academy

Middletown Christian School Middletown Christian School

Calpella Calpella The Waldorf School of Mendocino County The Waldorf School of Mendocino County

Now Offering ASL Covelo Covelo Eel River Charter School

Y

Y

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13412 Bottle Rock Road N N – N – 13412 Bottle Rock Road N 279-1511 kvusd.org/STEM 279-1511 kvusd.org/STEM

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17568 Spruce Road Ext. N N – – N – – 17568 Spruce 585-6510 Road Ext. N pathwayscharter.org 585-6510 pathwayscharter.org

401 Martin Street Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y N N N 401 Martin Street Ykcaeagles.com 262-1522 262-1522 kcaeagles.com 6585 Westlake Road Y N Y Y Y N N N Y Y Y N N 6585 Westlake Road Y 263-4607 westlake22.adventistschoolconnect.org

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263-4607 westlake22.adventistschoolconnect.org ive your child a Y Y

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Y Y Y N N 20800 Highway 29 N 987-2556 middletownchristianschool.org 987-2556 middletownchristianschool.org

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Y Y N $2,600–$9,600 PreK–8 12 100 6280 Third Street Y N Yeducation / 150 Montessori Free elementary Y N Y Y Y N $2,600–$9,600 PreK–8 12 100 / 150 6280 Third Street waldorfmendocino.com Waldorf, cultivating compassionate, free-thinking, for children ages485-8719 5 through 13 Waldorf, cultivating compassionate, free-thinking, 485-8719 waldorfmendocino.com

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$4,181–$5,015 K–12 building.8–15 High academics & character High academics & character building.

$0 K–6 High School Spaces Available $0 K–6 Small class ratio.

(Public School) (Public School)

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

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

15850-A Dam Road Ext. Y N – – N – – 15850-A Dam 994-6447 Road Ext. Y kec.konoctiusd.org 994-6447 kec.konoctiusd.org

joyful learning experience Y Y with: Y N $600–$4,000* K–12 5–10 15 / 40 9800 Hwy 53 Suite A & B,fullN of Y discovery N Y Y Y Y $600–$4,000* K–12 5–10 15 40 9800 Hwy 53 Suite A & B, /  Beautiful hands-on Biblical worldview. Highly acclaimed academics. *2015 rates.

994-4206 zemorahchristianacademy.orgN learning materials, Biblical worldview. Highly acclaimed academics. *2015 rates.

994-4206 zemorahchristianacademy.org  lessons, & projects N – – ofYown N $0 (Public School) K–8 20 74 / 85 15870 Armstrong Street Y Exploration Y N – – Y (Public School)school where K–8 children love 20to learn.74 / 85 15870 Armstrong Street lcics.org interests & abilitiesN A$0free public 987-3063 Experiential learning A free public school where children love to learn.

987-3063 lcics.org $4,000 1–8 12 12 / 25 21640 Highway 29 Y Y Y Y N N with field trips, arts Y Y Y Y N N $4,000 1–8 12 12 / 25 21640 Highway 29 middletownadventistschool.org SDA Christian. Wholistic.

987-9147 Respectful and caring SDA Christian. Wholistic.

987-9147 middletownadventistschool.org Y Y community Y N N $4,181–$5,015 K–12 8–15 50 / 80 20800 Highway 29 N learning

Sign Language Classes

Eel River Charter School

994-6447 kec.konoctiusd.org

20 20

50 / 80

Tree of Life Charter School

Call for more information:

63 / 70 76350 Main Street 707-462-0913 63 70 76350 Main Street /

983-6197

Visit Us During Open House N N – – Y Y N March 9th N N – – Y Y N 6-8 PM eelriverschool.net

Enrollment applications and information available on983-6197 eelriverschool.net our website: www.treeoflifeschool.net

January 2016

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Open Enrollment January/March

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Inspiring achievement through STEM education.

Pathways Charter School Hidden Valley Lake

$0 (Public School)

68

279-1511 kvusd.org/STEM

NA / NA

17568 Spruce Road Ext.

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Providing high-quality education to our68diverse NA N N – – N N $0 Road Ext. pathwayscharter.org / NA body. 17568 Spruce585-6510 2016 Mendo Lake Private & student Charter School Guide

K–8

12–22

84 / 100

Westlake Seventh Day Adventist

$2,750–$3,250* 10–15 Non-denominational, K–8 Christian-based.

Westlake Seventh Day Adventist

Accredited; Christ-filledK–8 environment.10–15 *2015 tuition. $2,750–$3,250* 12 / 36

Lower Lake

12 / 36

Zemorah Christian Academy

Middletown

Lake Co. International Charter School Middletown

$600–$4,000*

K–12

5–10

K–8

20

12 / 25 50 / 80

Middletown Christian School

High academics & character building. $4,181–$5,015 K–12 8–15

50 / 80

Eel River Charter School

9800 Hwy 53 Suite A & B,

74 / 85

12 8–15

15870 Armstrong Street

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987-2556 middletownchristianschool.org 12

100 / 150

6280 Third Street

Waldorf, cultivating compassionate, free-thinking,

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

485-8719 waldorfmendocino.com 6280 Third Street Y N Y Y Y

N

N

N

N

485-8719 waldorfmendocino.com N

N

–

–

$0 (Public School)

K–6

20

63 / 70

76350 Main Street

Small class ratio. $0 (Public School)

K–6

20

63 / 70

983-6197 eelriverschool.net 76350 Main Street N N – –

Small class ratio.

N

987-2556 middletownchristianschool.org 20800 Highway 29 N Y Y Y N N

Waldorf, cultivating compassionate, free-thinking, $2,600–$9,600 PreK–8 12 100 / 150

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR CHILD’S GRADES?

Y

987-3063 Y N – – Y N 15870 Armstrong Street lcics.org Y Y Y Y N N 21640 Highway 29 987-3063 lcics.org 987-9147 middletownadventistschool.org 21640 Highway 29 Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N N 20800 Highway 29 Nmiddletownadventistschool.org 987-9147

High academics & character building. $2,600–$9,600

N N

263-4607 westlake22.adventistschoolconnect.org

994-4206 zemorahchristianacademy.org

SDA Christian. Wholistic. $4,000 1–8 $4,181–$5,015 K–12 SDA Christian. Wholistic.

Eel River Charter School Covelo

N N

Biblical worldview. Highly acclaimed academics. *2015 rates.

Middletown Adventist School Middletown Christian School

County The Waldorf School of Mendocino County Covelo

N Y

994-4206 N Y Y Y Y N 9800 Hwy 53 Suite A & B, zemorahchristianacademy.org

A$0free public school where (Public School) K–8children love20to learn.74 / 85 $4,000 1–8 children love 12 to learn.12 / 25 A free public school where

The Waldorf School of Mendocino Calpella

Y

Ykcaeagles.com N Y Y

263-4607 Y N Y Y Y N N 6585 Westlake Road westlake22.adventistschoolconnect.org

15 / 40

Lake Co. International Charter School Middletown Adventist School

Calpella Mendocino County

Phone 262-1522 Y N Y 401 Martin Street kcaeagles.com

Biblical worldview. Highly academics.15 *2015 rates. $600–$4,000* K–12acclaimed5–10 / 40 $0 (Public School)

N

401 Martin Street Y N Y Y N N N Address 6585 Westlake Road 262-1522

Accredited; Christ-filled environment. *2015 tuition.

Zemorah Christian Lower Lake Academy

Transport

$3,850

Cafeteria

Konocti Christian Academy

Fam. Disc.

585-6510 pathwayscharter.org Fin. Aid

Providing high-quality education to our diverse student body.

School Konocti Christian $3,850 K–8 12–22 84 / 100 Lakeport School Name Academy Tuition Grades Class Enrollment

Philosophy Size Current/Max Non-denominational, Christian-based.

Uniform

Lakeport

(Public School)

Ext. Care

Pathways Charter School

N

Summer

Hidden Valley Lake

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Now Accepting K-12 Registration 983-6197 eelriverschool.net

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January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

SDA Christian. Wholistic.

Middletown Christian School

$4,181–$5,015

987-9147 middletownadventistschool.org

K–12

8–15

50 / 80

20800 Highway 29

High academics & character building.

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

987-2556 middletownchristianschool.org Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

–

Y

Address/Phone 983-6197

Uniform

School The Waldorf School of Mendocino $2,600–$9,600 PreK–8 12 100 / 150 School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment County

Philosophy Size Current/Max Waldorf, cultivating compassionate, free-thinking,

Ext Care

2016 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide Calpella

1211 Del Mar Drive

Y

N

6280 Third Street

Tuition/Philosophy Grades Small class ratio.

20 63School / 70 Class Enrollment Size Current/Max

76350 Main Street

N

N

Summer

K–6

Trans

Name

$0 (Public School)

Cafeteria

Eel River Charter School

Fam. Dscnt.

Covelo

Fin Aid

Address Phone 485-8719 waldorfmendocino.com

–

–

N

N

N

–

N

Y

N

–

eelriverschool.net

Y

N

Fort Bragg Three Rivers Charter School

$0 (Public School)

1–12

24

120 / 120

Respect, empathy, achievement, good citizenship, hard work.

964-1128 trcschool.org

Point Arena Pacific Community Charter

$0 (Public School)

K–12

17–25

90 / 116

10 Lake Street

Academic skills integrated with meaningful real world experiences.

N

N

–

882-4131 pacificcharterschool.org

Ukiah Accelerated Achievement Academy

$0 (Public School)

4-12

20

155 / 200

1031 N. State Street.

Accelerating achievement toward a successful future.

Instilling Goodness Elementary and Developing Virtue Secondary Schools

$3,850

Redwood Academy of Ukiah

$0 (Public School)

K–12

12 25

200 / 260

2001 Talmage Road

$0 (Public School)

K–8

24

130 / 180

1059 N. State Street

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School

$5,280

K–8

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Enrolling Now

20

240 / 240

555 Leslie Street

$0 (Public School)

K–8

20

$3,966–$5,796

K–10

18

Christian/Adventist, academic excellence.

Willits Adventist Christian School of Willits

$3,300*

1–8

201 / 250

991 South Dora Street

$0 (Public School)

K–12

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

–

–

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

Y

N

–

–

Y

Y

Y

Y

462-3888 stmarysukiah.org

A set 100 / 100

241 Ford Road

1–4

125 / 135

180 Stipp Lane

Y

N

–

Y

grand oPening N N N

–

12

Y

Y

Y

February 1

N

Y

N

of barbells for the 7 / 20

22751 Bray Road

N

N

Y

brAin. 88 / 120

Small, supportive environment, Arts & Sciences. College prep.

Students age 5 by September 1, 2016

Willits Elementary Charter School in Kindergarten $0 (Public School) K–5 22 137 / 140 will be enrolled Offering inquiry-based Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 learning, and spanish, & the arts.

Y

N

N

N

–

N

N

N

–

Y

N

N

–

Y

N

N

459-4333 willitssdaschool.com

16201 N Highway 101

child centered & and culturally rich classes & curriculum support 459-6344 2016-17 Kindergarten Wholistic, Registration Willits Charter School Kindergarten $0 (Public School) 6–12 14 129 / 180 1431 South Main Street Transitional Registration

–

N

–

lavidaschool.org N

N

–

459-5506 willitscharter.org

405 E. Commercial Street

Y

N

–

459-1400 willitselementarycharter.com

Dec. 2, 2016 are eligible to enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program

is your child struggling in school? Call us today for 50% off a cognitive skills assessment at Learningrx Santa rosa

Registration forms available at school offices and at www.uusd.net

(707) 890-2300 www.learningrx.com/santa-rosa Training also available at www.learningrx.com/petaluma

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

N

462-6350 myuja.org

Academic excellance in learning that prepares students for Christian La Vida Charter School

N

in SanTa roSa 462-0913 treeoflifeschool.net

Montessori, 21st-century education.

Ukiah Junior Academy

Y

467-1855 riveroakcharterschool.org

Enlightening the mind while enriching the soul.

Tree of Life Charter School

–

467-0500 redwoodacademy.org

Guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education.

Ukiah Unified School District

–

468-3896 igdvs.org

Preparing students for college & independent living.

River Oak Charter School

N

aaacademy.org

Academic and character excellence; boys & girls schools.

7–12

Y

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

1031 N. State Street.

Accelerating achievement toward a successful future.

Instilling Goodness Elementary and Developing Virtue Secondary Schools

$3,850

K–12

12

Y

N

–

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

–

Y

N

Summer

155 / 200

Transport

20

Cafeteria

4-12

Fam. Disc.

$0 (Public School)

Fin. Aid

Accelerated Achievement Academy

–

Y

–

–

N

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

aaacademy.org

200 / 260

2001 Talmage Road

Y

Y

Y

N

–

River Oak Charter School

$0 (Public School)

K–8

24

1059 N. State Street

Address Phone 467-0500 redwoodacademy.org

240 / 240

555 Leslie Street

Guided by the core principles of public Waldorf education.

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School

$5,280

K–8

20

201 / 250

$0 (Public School)

K–8

20

991 South Dora Street

$3,966–$5,796

K–10

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

462-3888 stmarysukiah.org

100 / 100

241 Ford Road

Montessori, 21st-century education.

Ukiah Junior Academy

Y

467-1855 riveroakcharterschool.org

Enlightening the mind while enriching the soul.

Tree of Life Charter School

Y

Uniform

School Redwood Academy of Ukiah $0 (Public School) 7–12 25 130 / 180 School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment

Philosophy Size Current/Max Preparing students for college & independent living.

Ext. Care

2016 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide Academic and character excellence; boys & girls schools.

468-3896 igdvs.org

Y

N

–

–

462-0913 treeoflifeschool.net 18

125 / 135

180 Stipp Lane

Christian/Adventist, academic excellence.

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

–

N

N

N

–

Y

N

N

–

Y

N

N

462-6350 myuja.org

Willits Adventist Christian School of Willits

$3,300*

1–8

1–4

7 / 20

22751 Bray Road

Academic excellance in learning that prepares students for Christian La Vida Charter School

$0 (Public School)

K–12

12

88 / 120

Willits Charter School

$0 (Public School)

6–12

14

129 / 180

Small, supportive environment, Arts & Sciences. College prep.

Willits Elementary Charter School

$0 (Public School)

K–5

22

137 / 140

Offering inquiry-based learning, spanish, & the arts.

N

459-4333 willitssdaschool.com

16201 N Highway 101

Wholistic, child centered & culturally rich classes & curriculum support

N

–

N

–

459-6344 lavidaschool.org

1431 South Main Street

N

N

–

459-5506 willitscharter.org 405 E. Commercial Street

Y

N

–

459-1400 willitselementarycharter.com

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didn’t speak to my brother and me with the expectation of hearing our responses, but at least she talked a blue streak and we learned a lot of vocabulary. She had a sense of humor that lent itself to plays on words. She wrote little poems for office parties and family gatherings.

She was a verbal whiz. In turn, I learned to love words.

Small Talk

By Jan Pierce

Y

How to Grow Your Kid’s Vocabulary

ou most likely know that reading to your children paves the way to reading readiness. But did you know that talking to children is equally important? It’s true.

Talking to preverbal children, and having two-way conversations with verbal kids, can mean the difference between success and failure in learning.

Luckily, my husband and I were surrounded by verbal people during our childhoods. My husband lived with his grandmother, an elementary teacher, for the first ten years of his life. She made him nutritious meals and shared her knowledge about the natural world, and also grammar. She never stopped believing in him, even though he was a “late bloomer” in school.

And me. Thank God, my mother was a talker. My father was a quiet man, but my mother more than made up for that. She

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

So what, exactly, is the ideal home environment for later learning successes? Studies on key characteristics of children who learn quickly and do well in school clearly show that a home rich in talk is one of the essentials to later learning. Interestingly, the number of words spoken to children at home increases with socio-economic status. The higher the education level of the parents, the more they engage in speaking to their children, and the more complex the language they use. With education level,

Much of the language experience can take place while reading to your child. families move from only directive or disciplinary words to asking questions and talking about feelings, thoughts, goals, relationships, and the like.

A landmark study conducted in the 1980s by Todd Risley and Betty Hart at the University of Kansas uncovered remarkable information about the talk/learning connection.

This team tracked 42 families by observing conversation in their homes an hour a month for two

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

and a half years. The results were surprising. Low-income children heard an average of 600 words per hour, working class children heard about 1,200, and the children of professionals heard approximately

Studies on key characteristics of children who learn quickly and do well in school clearly show that a home rich in talk is one of the essentials to later learning.

2,100 words per hour. By age four the poorer children had heard 30 million fewer words than wealthier children.

What made this study so important was not just the initial tracking of language spoken in the home, but the later follow-ups on these children and their performance in school. The children from language-rich homes were more successful learners, and scored higher on language tests.

In Providence, Rhode Island, a group of city caseworkers has taken the information in the Risley and Hart study and given it feet. They’ve made home visits and added “conversation services” to their agenda. They provide recording devices to low-income families and encourage them to speak more to their children. With practice, the quantity and the quality of parent/ child interactions have increased.

Parents are taught to respond to the child’s language use with more information (Doggy? Yes, that’s a www.mendolakefamilylife.com

brown doggy.), and generally raise the number of verbal interactions throughout the day.

What does all this information mean for your home learning environment?

You can give your child a boost in language learning. Much of the language experience can take place while reading to your child. Books lend themselves to many forms of language experience, and you can begin the day your baby is born.

Singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, engaging in word games— all of these provide rich learning opportunities for your child.

Talk to your child throughout the day. With older children make it a point to ask questions that are open-ended. What is your favorite color? Why are you feeling happy, angry, afraid? What was the best thing that happened today? Take the opportunity to praise your child appropriately. (You’re right, that is a dinosaur. Can you find another one?) You respond to their speech and add a bit more.

If you grew up in a home where there wasn’t a lot of talking, you might find it a stretch to add to the number of words spoken to your children. But know that words are free and you are doing a wonderful service to your child’s language awareness and future learning success. So talk, talk, talk— your child will benefit from it. ¶ Jan Pierce, MEd, is a retired teacher and a writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read (Homegrown Publications, 2015). Find her at janpierce.net.

January 2016

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MendoLakeFamilyLife.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Whistle While You Work

Exploring Different Learning Styles

By Christina Katz

S

chool should be an adventure in learning. But if you have not taken the time to observe how your child learns best, your child might be struggling unnecessarily. Most people’s learning styles land in one or more of these categories: visual, auditory, verbal, kinesthetic, tactile, and logical. You don’t have to get tested to find out what kind of learners are living in your house. You simply have to be willing to reflect on what makes each of you tick. Which qualities do you see in each family member and yourself? Which qualities are less apparent? Listed below are ideas for trying out each approach.

Visual • Draw pictures, doodle, or color.

• List both sides of an argument.

• Use flashcards for memorizing.

• Make a lesson into a comic strip.

• Search for and read fun, visual blogs.

• Research topics on Pinterest with an eye for colorful infographics.

• Watch videos with a steady stream of images or drawings.

• Play a video game or flip through a magazine as a break from learning.

Auditory • Use music in the background while learning.

• Read work out loud into a recorder or 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

to the dog or yourself.

• Listen to lectures or stories.

• Write down what you notice as you listen or after you listen.

• Listen to the opinions of others to help sharpen your point of view.

• Enjoy discussion, dialogue, and debating.

• Turn what you are learning into a rhyming poem or song lyrics.

• Listen to some upbeat or moving music while taking a break from learning.

Verbal • Read up on topics of interest, highlighting any points to remember.

Most people use a combination of learning styles. Do you know yours?

• Look up word definitions to spark ideas.

• Write and rewrite thoughts to clarify what you think.

• Talk through your thoughts with another person.

• Play with acronyms. For example, make up a story using every letter in one word as the first letter in a part of the story.

• Increase memorization by turning written words into spoken words and vice-versa.

• Immerse yourself in reading as a break from learning.

Kinesthetic • Physically act out ideas you are trying to understand. Play all the parts.

• Draw your ideas out on large sheets of paper or on a whiteboard.

• Memorize information while you are in motion.

• Use storyboarding techniques.

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

• To integrate what you’ve learned, get outside and get your hands dirty.

• Teach other students what you’ve learned.

• When sitting for long periods, take frequent breaks to stretch or move.

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Tactile • Incorporate art projects into your assignments.

• Pull together a bunch of seemingly disparate parts into a collage or sculpture.

• Create a 3-D visual representation of lessons.

• Keep your hands and fingers moving while learning.

• Trace words or images to help you study.

• Work with clay, putty, or dough when stuck or integrating ideas.

• Build a model or bake some cookies as a break from learning.

Logical • Notice patterns in whatever you are studying.

• Classify or categorize things.

• Break up information into small chunks.

• Set goals and track your progress.

• Make a to-do list.

• Use examples, stats, and research.

• Pose a word problem and solve it.

• Use a spreadsheet to track progress.

• Tidy or organize things, or do a jigsaw puzzle, as a break from learning. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz can increase her productivity quite a bit by paying better attention to flexing her dominant learning-style muscles.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

create a 500-calorie-a-day deficit by logging 250 calories worth of steps on your pedometer and cutting 250 calories from your diet by, for instance, switching to skim milk and nixing your midday frappucino. If you think this seems precise, you’re right. To be successful, your goal has to be specific, Norcross says.

Sustained behavior change doesn’t happen overnight.

From Resolution to Reality 3 Steps for Reaching Goals

By Sandra Gordon

R

egardless of your goals—to pay down credit card bills, get along with your mother-in-law, lose a few pounds—these three steps will help make your New Year’s resolutions a reality.

If you’re like nearly 50 percent of Americans, you made at least one New Year’s resolution on January 1, most likely involving your health, money, or improving a relationship. But research shows that many of us abandon our resolutions by mid-February. How can you avoid being part of that daunting statistic? John C. Norcross, PhD, a distinguished professor of psychology and coauthor of Changing for Good 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

(William Morrow, 2007), knows how.

His research shows lasting change happens in three stages.

STAGE 1: PREP TIME Start by taking a few minutes to clearly define a realistic and measurable goal. Rather than trying to get to what you weighed in high school, set a modest goal of losing just 10 percent of your body weight in six months. For example, you could

Next, plan a healthier substitute for any behaviors you’re trying to eliminate, for example, tea with lemon instead of that frappucino.

While you’re in the prep stage, troubleshoot. Before vowing to take a brisk walk every morning, ask yourself why you haven’t done that before. Will it disrupt your schedule? Are you really not a morning person? If your resolutions aren’t a good fit for your schedule, lifestyle, or your personality, tweak them until they are.

STAGE 2: TAKE ACTION Once you have a measurable, realistic, and doable goal, and a healthy surrogate for any habit you’re trying to give up, you’re ready to just do it, right? Not exactly. Check the timing. If you’re changing jobs, moving, or otherwise going through any other major life transition, put off implementing your New Year’s resolution until the dust settles.

When your life is relatively calm, you’re ready to plunge in and actually make the resolutions you’ve been planning. Go for it—but be sure to

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

GIVE US A SHOUT!

reward yourself frequently so you’ll keep up the good behavior. And while you’re at it, try to control your environment so old behaviors don’t tempt you. If weight loss is your goal, spend time with active people and avoid high-fat restaurants.

During the action stage, which typically lasts two to six months, you’ll also need to implement that long-term healthy substitute you planned for, such as taking swigs from your water bottle instead of opting for a caffeine/sugar fix. You’ll also want to avoid a saint-or-sinner mentality. That is, when you lapse into old behaviors (don’t kid yourself, you will), don’t fall prey into thinking, “Well, I overate, I might as well give up.” That’s demoralizing and demotivating.

Instead, simply get right back to your new routine.

Stage 3: MAINTENANCE At this end-of-the-line stage of behavior change, your New Year’s resolutions are reality. To avoid reverting back to your old ways, you’ll need to continue everything you were doing in the action stage: rewards, environmental control, opting for a healthy substitute, and snapping back after a slip.

That is, unless you’re among the select few who reach the final, be-all, end-all stage of behavior change: termination.

At this utopian juncture, your former, less-than-healthy habits feel as foreign to you as your new habits once did.

Congratulations: You’ve developed a new lifestyle.

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

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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

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January 2016

We Care for Your Whole Family Susie Hadel, FNP trained at Stanford, has been a provider with MCHC for 15 years, and loves to make homemade cannolis from scratch with her family.

Chris Ayeko, FNP

is a board member of Hands for Global Health, has provided care to the underserved abroad, and loves to cook Burmese dishes.

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finished an intensive residency program at UCSF/ Fresno Family and Community Medicine, speaks Spanish and English, and enjoys Mendocino County dining.

We’re a Family Medicine Team. We work together to care for patients of all ages, children and adults, building life-long relationships with each one.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

31 Days to Spic & Span

the nightstand. Wipe out drawers and vacuum under bed. Repeat for bedrooms.

Day 5: Hallways and coat closets. Remove items that you no longer use. Wipe down shelves.

Vacuum floor and wipe baseboards.

Day 6: Family room. Go through your DVD and CD collections.

Anything that you are not in love with, goes.

Refill batteries in game controllers and remotes.

Day 7: Knickknacks. Go through the house and take down the things that you are tired of—knickknacks, dusty planters, wall hangings. Make note of any family pictures that need to be updated.

Step-by-step Spring Cleaning

By Pam Molnar

O

nce upon a time, in a land before motherhood, I had a clean and organized home. Over time, as we slowly added children and pets to our home, my idea of organized got a little fuzzy. Now, as a working mother with three teenagers, “clean” and “organized” are words as foreign to me as “free time” and “mad money.” Determined to take back my home without having to take two weeks off from life, I broke up my overwhelming to-do list into a more manageable 31-day project. By the end of the month, I had a house so spic and span that even my mother-in-law would approve! Here is what I did: Day 1: Bathroom. Wipe down cabinets and shelves under the sink. Throw out old medicines and cosmetics. Pull any accumulated hair out of the drain.

Day 2: Linen closet. Remove or repair linens that have seen better days.

Wipe down shelves. Vacuum floor and wipe baseboards.

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Day 3: Bedroom closets. Donate clothes and shoes that you don’t use. Shed the dry cleaning bags and hangers. Make a list of new things needed. Wipe down shelves. Vacuum floor and wipe baseboards.

Day 4: Bedroom. Clean under the bed. Remove unwanted clothes from bureaus and donate. Clean out

Day 8: Dining room. Remove any “projects” from the table. Clean out the china cabinet and take stock of things that you need for the next holiday.

Day 9: Kitchen, Part 1. Clean out the cabinets. Dump damaged utensils and broken appliances. Wipe down shelves.

Day 10: Kitchen, Part 2. Clean the outside of the cabinets. Tighten any loose knobs or handles.

Day 11: Kitchen, Part 3. The pantry. Go through food and check for expired dates. Wipe down shelves and sweep floor.

Day 12: Kitchen, Part 4. The refrigerator. Check for dates, wipe shelves, change filters. Repeat for a garage or basement refrigerator.

Day 13: Kitchen, Part 5. What’s left? Run a cleaning agent in the dishwasher, clean out the oven,

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Day 22: Window treatments.

Take down window treatments to be cleaned. Wipe down rods and window blinds.

Day 14: Office, Part 1. Purge old documents and shred. Clean out desk drawers and refill supplies.

Day 23: Cobwebs. Wipe down corners of the house to clear them of any cobwebs and dust.

Day 15: Office, Part 2. Back up computer, update anti-virus software, change passwords, run maintenance software, purge cookies and Internet files.

Day 24: Blankets. Wash any blankets that are used for day-to-day lounging in front of the TV.

Day 16: Playroom. Gather old toys for donation or sale. Toss broken toys or those with missing pieces. Purchase stackable bins and fill with Legos, plastic food, and dress-up clothes.

Day 17: Wall repair. Spackle holes and touch up paint where it has been chipped. (Or at least make a note of the areas that need repair for someone else to fix.)

Day 18: Books and magazines.

Gather old books and magazines from around the house. Donate, sell, or share with friends.

Day 19: Clean the baseboards.

Vacuum with hand tool and then wipe down with wet cloth. Do the same to molding around door frames.

Day 20: Windows. Clean the insides of windows and wipe down the frames. Wash the outside of the windows or call to make an appointment for someone to finish the job.

Day 21: Bedding. Wash bedding items including bed skirts and pillow shams. Take comforter to dry cleaner.

Make note of anything that needs replacing or repair. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Day 25: Laundry room. Wipe down shelves and appliances, dust down walls, and vacuum behind the appliances.

Day 26: Floor vents and cold air returns. Remove covers and vacuum inside. Wipe down vent covers.

Make note to replace ones that are damaged.

Day 27: Inside doors. Wipe down both sides of the door with a damp rag to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Tighten knobs and hinges that may be loose.

Day 28: Light bulbs. Change the bulbs that have burned out and refill the batteries in the flashlights.

Day 29: Garbage cans. Scrub out the garbage cans from every room to remove spills and stuck-on items.

Day 30: Pet items. Wash bowls and bedding. Clean out litter box and wipe down mats. Remove broken toys.

Day 31: Back to basics. Now that you’ve pushed the reset button on your house, get back to routine tasks: Dust, vacuum, wash the floors, and clean the bathrooms and kitchen. ¶ Pam Molnar spent 31 days organizing her house. With three teenagers at home, she hopes it will last for longer than a week.

January 2016

n u F Weekend

Blast!

Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best familyfriendly weekend events.

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

scrub the cooking grates, wipe down the microwave, scrub out the sink, re-seal the granite, and empty the toaster of crumbs.

@

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

January

Calendar of Events Everything But the Crab

J

anuary is usually crab season, but since a neurotoxin has been found in our area’s popular crustacean, many crab feeds are on hold. Hence the Mendocino Coast Clinics Un-Crab Wine and Beer Days—a fundraiser minus the stuff that’s bad for our brains. First, on January 29, a dinner of cioppino stew, made of shrimp, crab, and mussels, will be served at Pentecost Hall in Fort Bragg. Mendocino County wine and North Coast Brewing Company beer will be available, too. Come to any of the three seatings: 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. Each seating is $40 for adults ($45 at door); $15 for ages 12–6; and free for kids under the age of 6. Then, on January 30, the “Anything But Crab” Cake Cook-off & Wine-tasting Competition will be held. Feast on cakes made of shrimp, salmon, and other seafood. Plus snag a culinary treasure at a prestigious wine auction or participate in a raffle or silent and live auctions. Tickets are $100; Circle of Claws reserved seating $150. The action happens in the big, white tent at Spruce and Main Streets in Fort Bragg. Buy tickets for both events at mccinc.org/crab_wine.php. ¶

Friday 1 FREE First Hike of the Year. Part

of America’s State Park First Day Hikes initiative. Offers families an opportunity to begin the year connecting with the outdoors. Choose from 8-mile & 3.5-mile hikes. Bring a water bottle & snacks. Rain cancels.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

McVicar Trail. Hwy. 53 between Lower Lake & Clearlake. andersonmarsh.org.

Saturday 2 FREE Guided Bird Walk. Weekly

guided bird walk designed for the beginning bird watcher. Binoculars available on loan. Saturdays. 9 a.m. MacKerricher State Park.

Lake Cleone parking lot. 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd., Fort Bragg. pointarena.net.

FREE Manchester Circle Bird Count.

The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society Bird Count attempts to count every bird from Elk to Point Arena.

Join the groups counting outside or stay inside & count birds in your yard & at your feeder. Starts at midnight.

964-8163. mendocinocoastaudubon.org.

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Mystery of the Christmas Star. Join us for a holiday experience. Journey back 2,000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover which ancient star was the one the wise men followed to find baby Jesus. 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. Taylor Observatory. Norton Planetariums.

5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. lakecoe.org.

FREE Saturday Morning Movie.

Family-friendly movies first Saturday of each month. Current releases & old favorites, both animated & live-action films. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. co.lake.ca.us.

Sunday 3 FREE First Fiddlers Jam. Listen to some terrific fiddle tunes played by members of the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Group. Noon. Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. 9921 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville.

Friday 8 Seafood Appetizers Fundraiser & Art Show. Art Center Ukiah hosts. Wine,

live music & local art. Other galleries in Ukiah will be open this evening for the Art Walk. Appetizer plate $5, to benefit ACU Community Gallery. 5–8 p.m. Corner Gallery. 201 S. State St., Ukiah. visitmendocino.com.

FREE Snak, Yak & Write Back. Hang

out & chat with other teens about your favorite books. Snacks will be provided. Fridays. 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. co.mendocino.ca.us.

FREE Handheld Device Support Group. Support group for mobile

phones, tablets, e-readers & other handheld devices. 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Willits Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits.

Saturday 9 23rd Annual Professional Pianist Concert. This popular event is

an annual sellout because of the diversity & quality of all the music & humor! Jan. 9: 7 p.m. Jan. 10: 2 p.m.

Mendocino College Center Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah.

391-8374. visitukiah.com.

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

FREE District Teens Leadership Council. Teen leaders can volunteer

& apply for credit toward community service hours while building their résumés. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Championship Awards Banquet.

Hosted by the Lakeport Ukiah Challenge. Adults $30. Kids 12 & under $20. Cocktails 6:30 p.m.

Dinner 7:30 p.m. Make reservations online. Redwood Fairgrounds. Carl Purdy Hall. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. ukiahspeedway.com.

Blue Ribbon Pets

Pets of the Month Sponsor • Adopt-a-Pet Discount

Like our Facebook Page for Special Discounts

(707) 485-8454 • www.brpets.com

Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County PETS OF THE MONTH. COME MEET US TODAY!

50th Annual Miss Lake County Scholarship Pageant. A preliminary

Virginia is a sweet 8 year old

Pepsi is sweet but timid on first

Slick is full of energy and ready

meeting with people and dogs but soon warms to friendly overtures.

He enjoys playing with his toys and is soon to roll over on his back to entice others to join him in fun and games. He will be in your lap in a heartbeat with lots of kisses.

to the Miss California & Miss America Pageants. $20. 7 p.m. 250 Lange St., Lakeport. 415-710-5008. lakecochamber.com.

FREE Second Saturday at McNab Ridge. McNab Ridge Wine Company

Raji is a mellow, sweet cat who is enjoying his rest after being a stray. Now he is ready to be an outdoor cat that can occasionally come inside. This mellow guy just wants to cuddle and sleep all day and maybe catch a mouse or two.

with a calm disposition. She’s quiet and loves getting attention.

She would be the perfect kitty for someone who wants a mellow companion. She may be a senior cat, but she has many years left to spend in a loving home!

to go! He needs training but really wants to please—he just doesn’t know how yet. He could benefit from having an older dog around to help him learn the ropes; older children and a big yard would certainly be great.

9700 Uva Dr. Redwood Valley (707) 485-0123 • www.mendohumanesociety.com

will be serving spicy curried shrimp over couscous & a chilled crab & pineapple dip, all paired with new release white wine. Local artist Leslie Bartolomei will be hand painting wine bottles & local musician Steve Winkle will be providing music. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Music & bottle painting: 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.). McNab Ridge Wine Company. 13450 Hwy. 101, Hopland.

744-1986. mcnabridge.com.

Sunday 10 FREE Friends of Boggs Mt. Trail maintenance. Bring water, work gloves & hand tools, such as loppers or clippers. 9 a.m. Allow 2–3 hours. Work on area behind Cobb Elementary.

Meet at Cobb Elementary parking lot. 15895 Hwy. 175, Cobb. 295-5972. boggsmountain.net.

Family health care for all of Lake County.

Thursday 14 Work Force Job Fair. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mendocino College Lake Center. 2565 Parallel Dr., Lakeport. 263-0630.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

sutterlakeside.org

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

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Located in Beautiful, Little Lake Valley of Willits • Small Class Sizes • Personal Attention to each student

A Christ-Centered Education Adventist Christian School of Willits

• A Safe Place to Grow

A Journey to Excellence Participant School 707-459-4333 • www.willitssdaschool.com

Christian Education to the children of this area for 50 years.

Love Working with kids?

WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN Own Your Own Business • Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops.

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

• Free Child Care Referrals.

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211

Rural Communities Child Care

YES You Can! Look & Feel GOOD Medically Supervised Weight Loss For You, your Health, your LIFE!

Weight No More $20 OFF Your First Visit NEW PATIENTS SEEN AT 1:00 PM

Ukiah: 462-0464 750 South Dora St. Thur. 11:30-5:30

Lakeport: 263-1979 751 11th St. Fri. 11:30-5:30

www.weightnomoremedical.com • Se habla español

Friday 15 FREE Zen Adult Coloring. This fun new art craze will be offered every third Friday. Come enjoy being creative while coloring intricate pictures. 5–6 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

Saturday 16 Shrek the Musical Jr. Based

on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture & book by William Steig. Saturdays. Thru Jan. 30. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. SPACE Theater. 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. 462-9370. spaceperformingarts.org.

Paul McCandless & Christian Foley-Beining. Reed instruments

& guitar jazz music concert by well-known musicians. $25. 7:30 p.m.

Tallman Hotel. 9550 Main St., Upper Lake. 275-2244. tallmanhotel.com.

Friday 22 Willits Rotary Surf & Turf Dinner.

Dine on fillet, shrimp, salad & bread. Drinks available at no-host bar. $50. Fundraiser to raise money for scholarships & the Willits Senior Center. 6–9 p.m. Willits City Hall. 111 E. Commercial St., Willits. visitmendocino.com.

Frey Wines & Seafood Bites.

Organic & biodynamic wines, seafood appetizers & live music.

Frey Vineyards. 14000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley. RSVP at 485-5177.

Saturday 23 Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation & Fort Bragg Rotary Crab Feed. $75. One child under 10

free when accompanied by one paying adult. Noon–6 p.m. Fort Bragg Fire House. 141 N. Main St., Fort Bragg.

Reservations. 964-6331.

Caring, Personalized Treatment Plan 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Tutoring

Sunday 24

Schools

Ukiah Wedding Faire. Fashion show, wedding-ring cake dive & $2,500 in prizes/drawings. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. 463-0990. ukiahwedding.com.

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

Trio Céleste Concert. Violin, cello & piano. Tchaikovsky’s

Piano Trio. $25. 3 p.m. Preston Hall. 44831 Main St., Mendocino. fbcamusicseries.com.

integrated with academics

 National Green Campus  Promotes responsibility,

Taming of the Shrew Ballet. Enjoy

a filmed, on-screen live performance by the Bolshoi Ballet. Adults $18.

Youth $5. 2 p.m. Arena Theater. 214 Main St., Point Arena. arenatheater.org.

707-468-1300

Childcare/Preschools

of 2016. Benefit Mendocino Coast Clinics. Cioppino will be made of shrimp, clams, mussels—anything but crab, due to the recent warnings about neurotoxins in local crab. 3 seatings: 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Adults $40 ($45 at door).

Ages 12–6 $15. Under age 6 free! Pentecost Hall. 822 Steward St., Fort Bragg. mccinc.org.

Saturday 30

707-462-0913 Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool! www.treeoflifeschool.net

treeoflifeschool@pacific.net

Child a classrooms for ✓ 1/2-day & full-day ages 18 months Head to 5 years ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Start! ✓ Children with disabilities welcome

✓ Referrals for transportation available Free & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

Also providing FREE in-home services for infants, toddlers & pregnant women!

Barrel Tasting 101. Explore wines from Hopland, Ukiah & Redwood Valley. Advance $20 (buy online). Door $30.

Thru Jan. 31. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery.

10400 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland. visitmendocino.com.

The “Anything But Crab” Cake Cook-off & Wine-tasting Competition. A benefit for the Mendocino Coast Clinics.

Since neurotoxins have been found in local crab, this year’s event will feature shrimp cakes, salmon cakes, seafood cakes & surprise cakes! Plus locally made wares from fine-food purveyors, a prestigious wine auction, raffle & silent & live auctions. $100. VIP $150. Noon–3 p.m. Look for the big white tent at Spruce & Main Streets, Fort Bragg. Buy tickets at mccinc.org/crab_wine.php.

Sunday 31 Wineglass Painting Party. Paint a wine glass for yourself or a friend. Paints, tools, a wine glass & wine for sipping provided. $20. Additional stemware available for purchase.

2–5 p.m. Reservations. Lake County Wine Studio. Corner of First & Main Streets. 293-8752. lakecochamber.com.

Rita Hosking Trio. Country folk. $20. 7:30 p.m. Little River

Head Start Child Development Program

• Ukiah

C E N T E R S

Cioppino Dinner. Part of the Un-Crab Wine & Beer Days

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

www.tutoringcenter.com

Friday 29

Inn. 7901 Hwy. 1, Little River.

respect, and peace

307 North State Street Ukiah

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

• Willits

Near Brookside School at Spruce St. & Lincoln Way

La Vida • Lake County

Upper Lake - 2nd Street Upper Lake - Clover Valley Lakeport - Howard Ave. Clearlake - Pearl Ave. • Free K-12 Public Charter Clearlake - Meadowbrook Dr.

Charter School www.ncoinc.org Head Start (707)Development 462-2582 Program License #230111843 Child • Home Study• Coast with

Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. On-Site Classes

mendo lake

LOCAL for 24 years

#1 local resource for local families

magazine • web • email • events

• WASC Accredited

707-459-6344 www.LaVidaSchool.org 16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits

Accelerated Achievement Academy • • • •

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

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

Like Us On Facebook

January 2016

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

Not This New Year

Resolutions I Won’t Keep

By Holly Hester

1

Get in shape. No longer will I be able to use my stomach as a convenient tray for snacks while I watch TV. No longer will my son be able to hide his matchbox cars in my belly button. I’m going to exercise so much this year that a random person is going to walk up to me and say, “Wow, you look amazing. I can’t believe you’ve had three children.” I’m not above paying someone to do this.

2

I will be early everywhere.

I will no longer leave the house every day like I’m on fire. I am going to become what is known as “one of those really annoying early people.” If you have a party, expect me to arrive while you’re still in the shower. If there’s a school assembly, I will be seated in the first chair, video camera poised and ready. And if you are late anywhere ever and I happen to witness it, I will be the very first to judge you.

3

I will live in an organized house. Whose house this will be, I don’t know yet. But I will find an organized person, and I will steal his or her house.

4

I will make meals ahead of time. No more take-out pizza on the way home from soccer. No more cereal with a side of nachos for dinner. I’m going to get one of those

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

gigantic freezers and stuff it full of mind-blowingly delicious homemade meals. And I’m going to make stuff really far in advance. Like I’m already making next year’s Thanksgiving dinner, some food for when my children have their own children, and some fried chicken for my own funeral.

I’ll put a little sticky note on it that says, “As soon as I die, turn oven to 350 degrees. Serve with frozen side salad. Enjoy!”

fail to do it, but that’s because I try to learn something that’s too hard—like how to speak French or how to walk in high heels. So this year, I’m going to lower the bar on what I’m learning. So far, I’ve decided to learn how to spit really far, how to eat a pie with no hands, and how to burp the alphabet. Or at the very least, the vowels.

5

7

I will appreciate my husband. Sure, he might not do things exactly the way I would do them or let’s say, any sane person would do them, but hey, the guy is trying. So the next time he puts our daughter’s Olaf underwear in my underwear drawer, or gives the kids left over cake for breakfast, or let’s them ride on top of the car for “just part” of the way home, just smile and say, “Thanks, honey. I really appreciate the fact that our children are still alive and full of four thousand pounds of Twizzlers. I would love to give you a hug right now, but I’ve lost all feeling in my legs because of this size 4 underwear you put in my underwear drawer.”

6

I will learn something new. I know I always put this one on my list and I always

I’m going to stop biting my nails. I’m pretty sure I’m not in third grade anymore chewing the Bitter Apple off my fingertips. I’m an adult now and I can release my stress in different ways. Like drinking.

8

Enjoy the moment. Grocery lists, things to do lists, resolution lists…Moms make so many lists. Lists are necessary, but they can distract from the moment we’re living in right now. And that moment is perfect. So my only real resolution this year is to enjoy each and every beautiful, funny, imperfect moment I have.

And possibly get in shape.

Have a happy, happy New Year.

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

January 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Plant Power

6 Foods to Punch Up Your Diet

By Vanessa Chamberlin

W

hen it comes to produce, is your family stuck in a lettuce-tomato-onion rut?

Head off to your farmers market or grocery store and take a walk! You’ll find an incredible array of inexpensive, inviting vegetables and fruit with textures and flavors that are just waiting to be discovered.

Here are a few items to start your culinary walkabout. (Hint: Kids are more likely to try a new food when it’s in raw, bite-sized portions. You can also try sneaking a new veggie into a hearty stew.)

Jicama. Jicama is a big, heavy brown fruit that looks like a weird potato. The excellent thing about jicama is that it is very crisp and crunchy, but has a mild flavor like a cucumber. Jicama can be sliced and used with dips as an alternative to chips, eaten in sticks like any other crunchy veggie, or added to salads for a snappy texture. Served with a spritz of lime juice and a dusting of chili powder, it makes a snazzy side dish.

Bok choy. In Asian cuisine, bok choy is a staple. But most of us wouldn’t think of integrating it into a daily meal, and that’s too bad, given how versatile and healthy this veggie is. Chop it up and add it to www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Plums are pretty common, but not a lot of people are familiar with pluots.

It’s a shame because they’re so yummy! a salad, or eat it by the stalk (like you would celery), dressed up with a little hummus or nut butter. You can also add it to soups or stir fries, or braise and grill it with a little seasoning for a brilliant side dish.

Pluots. This incredible, juicy little snack comes from mixing a plum with an apricot. Plums are pretty common, but not a lot of people are familiar with pluots. It’s a shame because they’re so yummy! They’re not too sweet and make an easy, inexpensive addition to a packed lunch. Look for a fruit that’s a little January 2016

smaller and more yellow than a plum in the fruit section of your grocery store.

Rutabaga. Though popular in some countries around the world, this awesome root vegetable is frequently forgotten in the US. It has a bit of a punch, like a radish, so if you’re in the mood for some zing, try it raw. You can also combine it with potatoes, parsnips, and squash to make a hearty, cold-weather stew.

Nopal/cactus. If the idea of eating a cactus seems strange to you, give prickly pear cactus (also known as nopal) a whirl. It’s really good and, with positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol, so good for you. It hits the palate like a green bean, but with an added dash of lemony tartness. Newbie nopal eaters may find the spine difficult to deal with, so I suggest buying it already cleaned. Many average grocery stores, and especially Mexican or Hispanic markets, carry cleaned nopal ready to cook. Similar in texture to a green pepper, nopal is great in dishes like scrambled tofu or really anything sautéed. Its mellow taste also makes it a nice complement to spicy dishes.

Dandelion greens. These bitter green leaves are wonderful in salads and slaws, but they can also be boiled like spinach, or sautéed and seasoned.

Vanessa Chamberlin is a certified holistic health practitioner, lifestyle coach, and author of The Fire-Driven Life: How to Ignite the Fire of Self-Worth, Health, and Happiness with a Plant-Based Diet (Plantfire Publishing, 2015). See vanessachamberlin.com.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 31

Award-Winning Patient Care Has a

New Address

Come see us at our new home.

The new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is officially open.

The New Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is better than ever. With our experienced physicians and nursing staff, we offer the area’s most advanced diagnostic imaging, a spacious emergency room and private rooms designed with patients in mind. Best of all, we still offer the same great care that you’ve come to love and depend on. Now we have a state of the art facility to match our award-winning patient care. A new place of comfort and healing that will serve our community for generations to come.

The New

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is Now Open

CALL 707.459.6801 One Marcela Drive | Willits, CA 95490 www.howardhospital.org Conveniently located on the corner of East Hill Road and Haehl Creek Drive.