Mendo Lake Family Life January 2017

mendo lake FREE!

January 2017

Private & Charter

School Guide Student Success Overcome blocks Back to Work Mothers on the job

Bring on Joy

Set fun goals

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Registration

2017-18 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration Students age 5 by September 1, 2017 will be enrolled in Kindergarten Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 2017 will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program Estudiantes de 5 años de edad para el 1 de septiembre del 2017 serán inscritos en el Kinder.

Estudiantes de 5 años de edad entre el 2 de septiembre y el 2 de diciembre del 2017 serán inscritos en nuestro programa de Kinder Transicional.

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

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

Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street 472-5630

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Ave. 472-5550

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 Bush St. 472-5100

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Dr. 472-5180

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5460

Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora 472-5690

Get Connected

to primary and specialty care where you live!

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

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

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

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

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Womens Health 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.2945

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

Ukiah Valley Medical Specialties Orthopedics and Physical Medicine 260 Hospital Dr., | Suite 107 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5278 Gastroenterology 415 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5275 234 Hospital Drive, Suite A Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.0681

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

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

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

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January 2017

Every Issue

12 Features

6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Filly Flair Ballads for the Heart Year of the Rooster Love a Lamb Things that Make You Go Ewww Eat, Drink, Serve

29

22 Cooking with Kids

10 No More Resolutions The best self-improvement?

Self-acceptance.

12 H Is for Hurdle Help kids overcome perfectionism and procrastination.

14 School Search

Bake a Cake

23 Crafting with Kids Boredom Busters

24 Calendar of Events Gifts from the Sea

30 Humor Break Riot on the Ranch

How to find the perfect place for your child to learn.

14 Private and Charter School Guide Our list of fine local academic institutions.

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18 Raise an Entrepreneur Get creative about education alternatives.

20 Goodbye Stay-At-Home Mom The joys of returning to the grown-up world of work.

4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

9

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

THURSDAY JANUARY 26TH 5:30–7PM DISTRICT OFFICE 9430B Lake St. (Next To Lower Lake High School) Classified & certificated jobs Apply for jobs on the spot

JOB FAIR

NOW HIRING! Take your Career to New Heights

Konocti is pleased to host a local job recruitment fair for those interested in a career in education. We offer job opportunities for teachers, counselors, para educators (classroom aides), bus drivers, cooks, custodians, bilingual office staff and multiple substitute positions. Visit us to find out more about jobs available and to fill out an application.

We offer great benefits to eligible employees Substitute Workers Needed Immediately A great foot in the door to a career in education.

Discover more about how we are elevating student learning at

www.konoctiusd.org

707-994-6475

Dear Reader

H

appy New Year!

After the holiday break is over, what’s most likely on your mind? School. If you are like most parents, you want to help Sharon Gowan your children thrive Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us through the rest of the year and find the best place for them to learn and grow in 2017–18. We’ve got you covered on both fronts. First, in our Private and Charter School Guide (page 14), we’ve collected the names of 26 fine local institutions.

Read “School Search” (page 14) for ideas on how to find one that’s a perfect fit for your kids.

Perhaps your children are more in need of a little academic guidance than a whole new environment. Many children, for instance, struggle with procrastination

and perfectionism. “H Is for Hurdle” (page 12) has some excellent tips for overcoming these common roadblocks and helping your children to finish their homework and achieve their goals.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Some students aren’t helped by tips or coaching, but rather need a whole new way of perceiving and defining education itself. “Raise an Entrepreneur” (page 18) was written for them. Through sharing the stories of three moms of struggling students, author Margot Machol Bisnow illustrates how the path to intellectual and future professional success is not always a conventional one.

Whatever educational choices your family makes, we hope your 2017 is an inspired one. We’re looking forward to helping you and your kids go after your dreams!

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

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

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

Contributing Writers Margot Machol Bisnow Holly Hester Christina Katz Sue LeBreton Jennifer Lee Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

Family health care for all of Lake County.

sutterlakeside.org

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HOSPITAL SERVICES 707-262-5000 COMMUNITY CLINIC 707-263-6885 FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC 707-262-5088

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

They may never ask how you always know… all the coolest things to do & places to go.

But they’ll always remember the fun! And you don’t have to reveal the source of your superpowers. Get weekly e-mail updates from the editors at Mendo Lake Family Life with all the latest LOCAL family-fun events, ideas, and outings. On your phone, tablet, or desktop…

visit

MendoLake Family Life.com join our

Fun Blast E-mail Updates

Bits & Pieces

Filly Flair

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re there horse-crazy kids in your family?

Gallop your way to the Equine and Wine Show. See hands-on demonstrations of goat roping and packing (using a dummy) as well as pony/cart tacking; visit with representatives from various equestrian groups and local boarding and training facilities; participate in a tack swap; go to a Q&A by an American Quarter Horse Association World Show contender, and, of course eat, drink wine, and listen to live music. The event will be held on January 20, 5–9 p.m., in Fitch Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. Admission is free; tack swap is $10. See lakecochamber. chambermaster.com for more information. ¶

Ballads for the Heart

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Nina Gerber & Chris Webster

Year of the Rooster

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ot everyone welcomed the dawn of 2017 on January 1.

For those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, 2017 won’t begin until January 28. In countries like China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, the day will be marked with parades, dances, and other rituals. Kids can get a taste of the festivities at the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Ukiah Library in Ukiah on January 28, 11 a.m.–noon.

Students from the City of 10,000 Buddhas will perform a colorful Lion Dance while local children’s author Natasha Yim shares stories and teaches crafts. Representatives from the Mendocino Book Company will also be on hand selling Yim’s books and other items related to the New Year celebration.

Go to co.mendocino.ca.us/library for more information. ¶

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uitarist Nina Gerber has made a career accompanying greats like Kate Wolf and Nanci Griffith, and now she is lending her considerable talent to the velvety vocals of Chris Webster. The folk duo will be performing at the Willits Community Theatre in Willits on January 22, 2–4 p.m.

Tickets are $15. For a sample of the duo’s work, search on their names on YouTube, or listen to songs like “Lay Me Down Easy” and “Fizz” on Webster’s website: chriswebstermusic.com. ¶

City of 10,000 Buddhas students perform a Lion Dance.

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Things that Make You Go Ewww

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sk any parent: Kids love gross stuff. So why not use the fascination with the foul to teach them something new? A free science workshop aims to do just that, putting the spotlight on novel kind of “ick”: magnetic slime. Kids can learn to make their own as part of the Ooey Gooey STEM class at the Ukiah Library in Ukiah. The class, suitable for ages 7–11, will be held on January 27, 3–4:30 p.m. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Call 463-4490 or see mendolibrary.org for more information. ¶

Love a Lamb

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ith their adorable attempts at walking on unsure limbs, toddlers and lambs have more in common than one might think. Take your little ones on an easy one-mile, stroller-friendly walk to see their newborn lamb friends at the Hopland Research Center in Hopland on January 14, 10 a.m.–noon. After the hike, children can enjoy wool-oriented activities such as felting. Admission is $5; kids under age 12 get in free. Registration is required; go to hrec.ucanr.edu. ¶

Eat, Drink, Serve

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Feeding lambs at the Hopland Research Center in Hopland.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

he Middletown Rotary’s aptly named Small Town, Big Heart Gala fundraiser captures the character of a community that has a history of helping others through difficult times. The benefit aims to raise money to make sure that some of the rotary’s contributions, to locals such as youth scholarships, continue. Dig in to a prime rib dinner, bid on items available through silent and live auctions, or enter a wine raffle—all for a good cause. The event will be held on January 28, 5–10 p.m., at the Twin Pine Casino Event Center in Middletown.

Tickets are $60 and may be purchased at Braden and Associates in Middletown and Koontz Dezignz in Hidden Valley Lake. ¶ January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

No More Resolutions Focus on Joy Instead

By Christina Katz

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ew Year’s resolutions have become heavily commercialized.

Messages from all directions communicate that you are falling short as an acceptable human being in a multitude of ways. You are too poor, too unfit, too uneducated, too lonely, too busy, too selfish, too boring. You name it and you need to change it, preferably starting on January 1. But unless you are clear that you are enough as you are, you risk passing this annual habit of self-recrimination onto your children and their future children.

This year, resist external messages designed to make you and your family feel inadequate, and flip New Year’s resolutions on their heads. Resolve to no longer let an annual holiday undermine your family’s sense of wholeness and worth. Resolution comes from the word resolve, meaning to make a decision or determination.

This January 1, why not become determined to resist self-criticism altogether? Take some time over 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

the New Year transition to assess everything you enjoy.

Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other down. Because, of course, when you feel critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows.

Start discussing these topics, and watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful ringing in of the New Year every family craves.

Discuss what was joyful last year.

What choices did family members make that brought them joy?

Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as

One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing its happiest moments. you can from what did work, so don’t be afraid to admit mistakes.

A balanced year is full of ups and downs.

Express feelings of joy. Have a deeper conversation about choices you made last year that brought you joy. From your perspective, what were the smartest decisions you made? How did these positive choices make you feel? Would you

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

make these same choices again?

One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing its happiest moments.

Image next year as even more joyful.

Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a particular college while another simply wants to maintain a long-time enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person’s joy is unique to her or him. Each family member can tell the story that makes her or him feel the most content, and no one else in the family should interject her or his ideas or expectations.

Affirm each other’s visions. After everyone has shared, family members will feel motivated to help each other. First affirm the validity of each family member’s dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving individual goals can help

Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don’t have to compete with anyone. Parents can act throughout the year to support each family member’s dream. And parents should expect support for their

dreams, as well. Don’t sit back and let the kids have all the fun!

You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build up family members rather than negative, critical ways that tear them down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives. And you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED! Green Toys Clothing Rain Gear Accessories Maternity Local Artists

198 S. School St. Ukiah • 707.462.1020 www.MendoBaby.com • Check us out on Facebook! www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

H Is for Hurdle

to make sure they’re staying on task. Gradually increase your expectations while still providing coaching and encouragement.

For younger children, it may be helpful to provide two or three specific directions, have them repeat them aloud, and then report back to you when they are done. Setting a timer may also move kids into action.

Overcoming Blocks to Academic Success

“Make it into a game,” says Emmett. “If your child has a short attention span, start with ten minutes. If he’s older, go longer. When the timer goes off, give him a short break or reward then set the timer again.”

By Denise Morrison Yearian

M

ost parents want their children to aim for academic excellence. But for some students obstacles such as procrastination and perfectionism get in the way.

When children dawdle or nitpick to the point of obsession, it can hinder their academic progress.

That’s what Wendy King found.

When her daughter Madeline began receiving assignments in elementary school, procrastination set in. “She knew what she needed to do, but she would dilly-dally around and then rush to get it done. Now that she’s in middle school, the workload has escalated and the expectations have increased, and at times, Madeline feels overwhelmed,” says King of her 11-year-old.

Rita Emmett, author of The Procrastinating Child (Walker, 2009), says children procrastinate for a variety of reasons. “Some students may feel overwhelmed or disorganized 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

with their work and not know where to start. Others could lack motivation or find themselves easily distracted,” she says. “Once you determine the root cause, steps can be taken to help your child break the habit.”

If your child is a perfectionist, Taylor suggests you consider your own personal expectations, as well as ones you place on your child.

Emmett warns, however, that using a timer with preteens could elicit a power struggle. “As kids get older they want some control, so consider offering your older child flexibility with parameters: ‘Your homework must be done before you watch TV,’” she says.

Licensed social worker and parent educator Vicky Kelly agrees. “If your child feels overwhelmed with a task, be proactive on the front end,” she says. “Teach him to break down large projects into smaller, more manageable ones. Don’t assume he knows how to organize information; he may need help with that, too.”

King believes incentives are powerful motivators. “Whenever Madeline finishes an unpleasant task, I’ll let her do something she enjoys,” she says.

“I’ll say, ‘If you complete this, you’ll get ten minutes more on the computer.’”

Encourage your children to create a plan, then check on their progress

Natural consequences can be another potent teaching tool. Rather than

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

STS For Less Stress, Fly

chastising your children for being late for school or getting a poor test grade, suggest they implement strategies so the consequences aren’t repeated.

children often push themselves with immense fervency, avoid activities for fear of failure, or vacillate from one extreme to another.

This was the case with Gabriel Hurd.

“When Gabe started school, he focused so much energy on writing and forming letters flawlessly that he lagged behind the other students,” says Heather Petit of her now nine-year-old. “But sometimes he moves in the other direction and avoids or procrastinates doing something new for fear he won’t be able to do it. Or he’ll try something once and, if it isn’t done to his satisfaction, give up altogether.”

Alexandra Robbins, author of The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids (Hachette, 2006), says the fear of not living up to their own or others’ expectations is stifling and can keep kids from moving forward.

“Most perfectionist children aim to please someone in their life and become overly focused on activities or tasks they deem important and in doing so, set unreasonable goals for themselves,” she says. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

If your child is a perfectionist, Taylor suggests you consider your own personal expectations, as well as ones you place on your child. “If you’re hard on yourself or...you’re flying off the handle with every little mistake your child makes, he may not understand that blunders are a part of growing and learning,” she says. “Communicate perceived failures as opportunities for growth. Let him know trying his best is not the same as being the best, and that’s okay.”

“Praise your child for his efforts and remind him he doesn’t have to be perfect or get things right on the first try,” says Robbins. “Rather than just focusing on the end goal, celebrate small levels of success. Also offer unconditional love so he learns to accept himself based on who he is, not on his performance.”

Most important, remember there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to tackling procrastination and perfectionist habits. Try different strategies to see what does and doesn’t work, and provide continual coaching and encouragement.

Finally give it time. For most people it takes 21 days of consistent effort to make or break a habit. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

January 2017

Seattle (SEA)

Portland (PDX) TS

Encourage your children to create a plan, then check on their progress to make sure they’re staying on task.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

©P N

Another obstacle to academic success is perfectionism, which, at times, is tied to procrastination. Perfectionist

Kimberly Taylor, 28-year elementary school education veteran, agrees. “For many of these children, achievement is closely tied to self worth, self-esteem, and approval. They may think, ‘If I do this well, Mommy will love me more,’ or ‘If I do that right, the teacher will really like me,’” she says.

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HEY MOM GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

• What did you like?

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• What subjects would you like us to cover?

• Got any local story ideas? e-mail melissa@family-life.us

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Find Top-Notch Local Programs

School Search 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 2017 Mendo Lake Private and Charter School Guide (below). We surveyed staff and researched websites of 26 local private and charter schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

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

Lake County Clearlake Clearlake Seventh-Day Adventist Christian School. Call for rates.

SDA Christian. Holistic. 1st–8th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 20/30. Offers: Multi-child/ family discount. Requires uniforms.

15150 Davis Ave., Clearlake. 994-6356.

ClearlakeSDASchool.com.

Konocti Health Magnet School.

Public. Preparation for college & career in the health-care industry.

7th–12th. Avg. class size: 22.

Enrollment Current/Max: 398/520.

Offers: Cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. Konocti Education Center. 15850-A Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake. 994-6447. Konoctiusd.org/ konocti-health-magnet-school.

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public schools. Is there one that might 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?

Konocti Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School. Public. A feeder

program to Lower Lake High School. 4th–8th. Avg. class size: 22.

Enrollment Current/Max: 398/520.

Offers: Cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. Konocti Education Center.

15850-A Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake.

994-6447. Konoctiusd.org.

Zemorah Christian Academy.

$2,000. Training tomorrow’s leaders today! K–12th. Avg. class size: Varies. Enrollment Current/ Max: 10/25. Offers: Multi-child/ family discount. 14100 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. 994-4206.

ZemorahChristianAcademy.org.

Cobb Intermountain STEM Academy Charter School. Public.

Inspiring achievement through STEM

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 school 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!

education. 5th–8th. Avg. class size: 30. Enrollment Current/Max: 28/30.

Offers: Cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing. 13412 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb. 279-1511. KVUSD. org/STEM. Lakeport Konocti Christian Academy. $3,850.

Providing academic excellence in a Christian environment. K–8th. Avg. class size: 12–22. Enrollment Current/ Max: 75/100. Offers: Extended Care, multi-child/family discount.

401 Martin St., Lakeport. 262-1522.

KonoctiChristianAcademy.com.

Westlake Seventh-Day Adventist.

$2,900–$3,500. Accredited. Christ– filled environment. 1st–8th. Avg. class size: 10–15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 12/36. Offers: Extended Care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

2017 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide lunch program. 6585 Westlake Rd., Lakeport. 263-4607. Westlake22.

AdventistSchoolConnect.org.

program. 21640 Hwy. 29, Middletown.

987-9147. MASchool.org.

lunch program. 6280 3rd St., Calpella.

485-8719. WaldorfMendocino.com.

Middletown Christian School.

Covelo

Middletown

$5,016. Shaping hearts & minds in a Christ-centered environment.

TK–12th. Avg. class size: 10.

Enrollment Current/Max: 51/125.

Offers: Multi-child/family discount.

Requires uniforms. 20800 Hwy. 29, Middletown. 987-2556.

MiddletownChristianSchool.org.

Eel River Charter School. Public.

Lake County International Charter School. Public. A free school where children love to learn. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 79/85. Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program. 15850 Armstrong St., Middletown. 987-3063.

LCICS.org.

Middletown Adventist School. Call for rates. Academic excellence in learning that prepares students for Christian life. K–8th. Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Current/Max: 12/25.

Offers: Extended Care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch

Mendocino County Calpella The Waldorf School of Mendocino County. $9,768. Inspired Waldorf,

integrated, age-appropriate. PK–8th.

Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/ Max: 90/170. Offers: Extended Care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/

Small class ratio. K–6th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 63/70. Offers: Cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing. 76350 Main St., Covelo. 983-6946. EelRiverSchool.net.

Fort Bragg Three Rivers Charter School. Public.

Respect, empathy, achievement, good citizenship, hard work. 1st–12th. Avg. class size: 24. Enrollment Current/ Max: 120/120 (waiting list available).

1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg. 964-1128.

TRCSchool.org.

A Brighter Future “Happier, excited to go to school and motivated to excel.”

Unplugged & More Connected...

Preschool through Fifth Grade

Roots & Shoots

Moonlight Masquerade

A Parent/Toddler Course Gala Auction Dinner, March 25 February 3-March 31

Academics through Social Engagement

High School Spaces Available

Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building

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

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

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

2017 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide

Mendocino Caspar Creek Learning Community.

Public. A program of Mattole Valley Charter School. Unique Waldorf-inspired program in a natural setting. TK–5th. Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Current/Max: 42/45. PO Box 547, Mendocino.

964-6234. CasparCreek.org.

Instilling Goodness Elementary & Developing Virtue Secondary Schools. $3,850. We provide a full

Redwood Valley Deep Valley Christian School.

Call for rates. Homeschool program. K–8th. 8555 Uva Dr., Redwood Valley. 485-8778.

DeepValleyChristianSchool.org.

Ukiah Accelerated Achievement Academy.

Public. Accelerating achievement toward a successful future. 4th–12th.

academic & character program.

K–12th. Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/Max: 205/250. Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 2001 Talmage Rd., Ukiah.

Boys’ Division: 468-1138. Girls’ Division: 468-3847. IGDVS.org.

Redwood Academy of Ukiah. Public.

Preparing students for college

     FREE public charter school Highly qualified credentialed teachers Individualized support for struggling students Small class sizes One-to-one computers Life skills Career planning Career courses Extracurricular activities

Focused on the future of each child Call today!  16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

(707) 463-7080

River Oak Charter School. Public.

Guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf Education. K–8th.

Avg. class size: 24. Enrollment Current/Max: 240/240 (waiting list available). Offers: Extended Care. 555 Leslie St., Ukiah. 467-1855.

RiverOakCharterSchool.org.

St. Mary of the Angels Catholic

$5,545. Enlightening the mind while enriching the soul. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20.

School.

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



        

& independent living. 7th–12th.

Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/Max: 130/180. Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1059 N. State St., Ukiah. 467–0500.

RedwoodAcademy.org.

Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 155/200. Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1031 N. State St., Ukiah. 463–7080.

CARedwoods.org.

Open Enrollment Jan. 9–Feb. 15   



Join Us for A Parents-Only Tour

Tour Classes in Session, followed by Q & A Enrollment Tours: Jan. 12, Feb. 7, Mar. 9 Call 707-467-1855 ext. 104 to Reserve Your Space Spanish Translators Available on Request 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 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

2017 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide

Enrollment Current/Max: 200/205.

Offers: Multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 991 S. Dora St., Ukiah.

462-3888. StMarysUkiah.org.

Tree of Life Charter School. Public.

Montessori education, creativity, compassion, discovery. TK–8th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 100/120. Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program. 241 Ford Rd., Ukiah. 462–0913. www.

TreeOfLifeSchool.net.

Ukiah Junior Academy. $6,200.

Christ–centered academic excellence. K–10th. Avg. class size: 16. Enrollment Current/Max: 108/135. Offers: Extended Care.

Requires uniforms. 180 Stipp Ln., Ukiah. 462–6350. MyUJA.org.

Willits Adventist Christian School of Willits. $3,300.

Academic excellence in learning that prepares students for Christian life. 1st–8th. Avg. class size: 1–4. Enrollment Current/ Max: 7/20. Financial aid available.

22751 Bray Rd., Willits. 459–4333.

WillitsSDASchool.com.

La Vida Charter School. Public.

Holistic, child-centered & culturally rich classes & curriculum support.

K–12th. Avg. class size: 12.

Enrollment Current/Max: 88/120.

16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits. 459–6344.

LaVidaSchool.org.

G

Open Enrollment January and March

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

Tree of Life Charter School

Willits Charter School. Public. We offer a focus on the arts & sciences.

6th–12th. Avg. class size: 24.

Enrollment Current/Max: 118/168.

Offers: Cafeteria/lunch program.

1431 S. Main St., Willits. 459–5506.

WillitsCharter.org.

Willits Elementary Charter School.

Public. Offering inquiry–based learning, Spanish & the arts. K–5th.

Avg. class size: 22. Enrollment Current/Max: 140/140 (waiting list available). Offers: Extended Care, cafeteria/lunch program. 405 E. Commercial St., Willits. 459–1400.

WillitsElementaryCharter.com.

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR CHILD’S GRADES? GUARANTEED RESULTS ESULTS GUARANTEED RRESULTS GUARANTEED

FREE DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

FREE DIAGNOSTICAASSESSMENT SSESSMENT FREE DIAGNOSTIC NO CONTRACTS

CONTRACTS NONCOONTRACTS INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAMS

INDIVIDUALIZEDPPROGRAMS ROGRAMS INDIVIDUALIZED

Free Montessori elementary education for children ages 5 through 13 Call for more information:

707-462-0913

Enrollment applications and information available on our website: www.treeoflifeschool.net www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Visit Us During Open House March 9th 6-8 PM

www.tutoringcenter.com

Call today to schedule your FREE Diagnostic Assessment!

(707) 468-1300 307 North State Street, Ukiah

January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

This mother was trying, with good intentions, to get her son to walk the safe path of earning a college degree, but it never occurred to her that gaming is a multibillion-dollar global industry that employs people like her son in high-salary jobs. There are opportunities in game design, graphics, coding, software engineering, and other areas.

Raise an Entrepreneur

Let Children’s Inspiration Lead

By Margot Machol Bisnow

M

any kids, even though they’re smart, don’t do well in school because they have learning styles or interests or temperaments that are not a good fit with teachers’ expectations. These issues can persist from kindergarten all the way through college. If a college student is smart but not in the right learning environment to succeed, the parents may exert pressure for the student to stay enrolled—and stay miserable. But as we’ll see, parents can make different choices, and their child can find a different path.

Let me tell you about conversations I had with three loving moms who meant well.

The first mother’s son had dropped out of college, but then, under pressure from his parents, had reenrolled and was studying history. His mother admitted that her son didn’t even like history, but he’d needed to pick something.

“Nothing really motivates him,” she told me. Her distress was clear.

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

“Nothing? There isn’t anything he loves?”

“Only one thing,” she said, reluctantly and with a hint of sarcasm. “Video games. He plays video games every second of his spare time.” And then she added, “He’s really, really good.”

“So maybe he should pursue a career in video gaming,” I said.

She looked at me as though I were speaking a foreign language—because, to her, it was.

I tried again. “Would you consider taking the money you’re spending on tuition and using it to support him while he works at Electronic Arts or Sony as an unpaid intern for a year?”

She had no idea that gaming technology has applications in traditional fields. She didn’t realize

Many future entrepreneurs grow up learning to pursue their passions and follow their dreams. that people her son’s age have started their own companies on the basis of their passion for and expertise in gaming science and technology. She didn’t know that many of these young people have become quite successful.

She thought her son would be better off if he got a college degree in a subject he didn’t care about.

The second mother’s son had also dropped out of college, and he too had reenrolled under pressure from his parents. He had chosen Japanese as his major.

“Why Japanese?” I asked her.

She told me that their family had lived in Japan when her son was young, so he was already bilingual. Besides, she said, he couldn’t think of anything else.

“But isn’t there anything that he loves?”

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

“He loves cars. He tinkers with them every day in his free time.”

“Then why is he studying Japanese instead of pursuing a career in the automotive industry?”

But I already knew the answer—we reward our children for conforming,

We all want our kids to have financial security, but why send them the message that they need to be protected rather than inspired? even when they’re failing, and even when their failure is making them unhappy.

“Tinkering with cars isn’t a college major,” his mother pointed out.

“But automotive and mechanical engineering and automotive design are often college majors,” I countered.

“What if your son contacted all the Japanese car companies in the U.S. to see if they have internships or programs for career development? Or what if he applied to colleges that offer a degree in automotive design?”

in music, giving her music lessons and sending her to music camps.

“So will your daughter major in music?”

I asked.

“No,” the girl’s mom replied. “I told her she has to major in something real so she can get a job and support herself.”

This mother wasn’t trying to be mean. She wanted to protect her daughter from the cold realities of the job market. And that’s perfectly understandable. But I think it’s misguided. We all want our kids to have financial security, but why send them the message that they need to be protected rather than inspired? That they’re not good enough to make a living doing what they love? That they have to settle?

Underestimate the Power of the Purse

Many future entrepreneurs grow up learning to pursue their passions and follow their dreams. This mom— again, with every good intention—was teaching her daughter a very different lesson.

Moms typically control 80% or more of their household budgets

These three moms wanted their kids to follow a conventional academic path. That’s fine for some, but their kids weren’t thriving. They thought their kids should major in subjects they didn’t care about and had no aptitude in. They thought their kids should prepare themselves for a traditional career they probably wouldn’t be very good at. There is another way. ¶

I hoped his mom would try to imagine what could happen if she encouraged her son to walk away and tinker with cars. The alternative was to force him into conforming to a standard that might look good on paper but would ultimately lead him to fail. What if, instead, she helped him find a life that he could love and excel in?

Reprinted with permission: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Copyright © 2016 Margot Machol Bisnow.

The third mom had a daughter in high school. The girl was a passionate and accomplished musician, and she was about to start applying to colleges. Her parents had been very supportive of her interest

Margot Machol Bisnow is a mother and author of Raising an Entrepreneur: 10 Rules for Nurturing Risk Takers, Problem Solvers, and Change Makers (New Harbinger, 2016). She has served as an FTC Commissioner and staff director of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2017

Never

They’re looking right here, to find you.

Call now. Don’t miss another month.

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS

586-9562

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Goodbye Stay-At-Home Mom The Pleasures of Returning to Work

By Sue LeBreton

W

hen I began to tell people that I was returning to work full time in an urban downtown office after 14 years as a stay-at-home mom, their eyes would widen, and after congratulating me they would inevitably say, “Oh your life is about to change.” Their tone implied that my life was not about to change for the better.

On my optimistic days, I reassured myself that I had once successfully returned to work after a six-month maternity leave and this was just a very long maternity leave. On my less optimistic days, I considered calling to say I’d made a mistake and would not be arriving for my first day. I reminded myself that the people who hired me knew about that big hole in my resumé and wanted me anyway.

In the days before my official start date, I felt like I was about to bungee jump off a cliff. Would the thrill of the jump overcome my fears? It was time to heed the advice I had always given to my kids, now teens, who had faced so many new teachers and schools with my assurance that all would be well, once they settled in.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

In the days before my official start date, I felt like I was about to bungee jump off a cliff.

Six months later, I can admit, yes, some parts are difficult. As every mom has heard more times than she can count, there is no such thing as having it all, but for me the pleasures have outweighed the burdens.

As I step off the train in the morning, I weave between people threading in all directions. I lift my face up to the skyscrapers greeting me. Each day a slightly different hue bounces off that hammered glass blue building that is my current favorite. I soak in the sights that still feel foreign after so many

years in the suburbs. I want to spin and fling my hat exuberantly into the air like Mary Tyler Moore did in the opening credits of her old TV show.

As it turns out, all those wide-eyed, “life is going to change” people were right. My life has changed since returning to work, but mostly in ways that I love.

I feel like a grown up again. I know, it sounds weird. My teenagers don’t get it either. For more than a decade I’ve been living life immersed in theirs, some days feeling like I was stuck in whatever developmental age they were.

I actually have less responsibility at home. Now that I’m commuting to downtown, my husband is the closest parent to the children’s schools.

Bonus! When I leave the house

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

every morning I shed my parenting responsibility to a degree that’s not been possible for many years.

Family Portraits

I feel valued and validated. Mothering may be the most important job in the world, but I sometimes struggled to feel valued. I no longer need to wait for Mother’s Day to get a pat on the back. My colleagues’ praise fills my self-esteem bucket, and I enjoy being on the receiving end after so many years of giving daily encouragement.

Individuals • Families • Events bobrider.com • (707)245-5321

Our Family is Growing

I earn money. Let’s face it, for many of us working is about the money. When I see the bank account growing, I feel as if I can finally relax a little about the future. Every deposit increases my sense of personal power.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

T

L

Sue LeBreton is a health and wellness writer and mother to two teens. She is embracing this next phase of her life.

CHC M HEA

As it turns out, all those eyebrowraisers were right. My life has completely changed but for the better.

And the advice I gave my teens was also right. Everything was fine once I settled in. As it turns out, this was the best advice of all. ¶

Local pediatric providers Jeni Guth-Crouch, FNP; Casey Johnston, MD; Anne Martin-Ko, MD and Cindi Mockel, FNP have joined our talented team. Call for an appointment today!

T ERS

I have more personal time. When I worked at home I often felt guilty about sitting down to read. Chores beckoned all day long. Now I have a total of 60 minutes every day on a commuter train, where I read guilt free.

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

I have a new wardrobe. Building a wardrobe beyond yoga pants is time-consuming and challenging but also fun. My teen daughter who is usually quick to curl her lip and ask “Are you wearing that?” now sometimes even gives me a nod of approval. She recently commented, “You are more fashion forward since you went back to work.”

to Meet Your Family's Needs

HILLSIDE

(707) 468-1010

333 Laws Ave., Ukiah

Extended Pediatric Hours!

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mchcinc.org

January 2017

LAKEVIEW

(707) 263-7725

LITTLE LAKE

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

(707) 456-9600 45 Hazel St. Willits

MEDICAL • DENTAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR HER

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

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

Cooking with Kids

Bake a Cake

Jam Cake Bars

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

By Jennifer Lee

T

his cake really brings out the kid in me. With its thick layer of jam, this cake is a little bit like taking an entire jar of fresh-made jam and dipping your spoon in to eat it straight. The thin layer of buttery crumble makes it even better.

Jam Cake Bars Prep time: 10–15 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Serves 9–12

• 1 cup (235 ml) jam of your choice • 1 cup (160 g) White Cake Mix (see below) • ¼ cup or ½ stick (2 ounces/57 g) unsalted butter, sliced into ¼-inch-thick (6 mm) squares

3. Bake for about 30–35 minutes.

About 25 minutes in, quickly check the cake. Use a spatula or large wooden spoon to push down any uncooked cake mix into the bubbling mixture.

Do not worry if this breaks the surface of the cake. Let the cake continue to bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.

4. Let cake cool for about 15–20 minutes before cutting and serving.

White Cake Mix • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease or line a 9 × 9-inch (23 × 23 cm) baking pan.

• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated white sugar

2. Spread jam evenly across bottom of pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly across jam. Place butter slices evenly across top.

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

• ½ cup (60 g) nonfat dry milk powder • ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch Yields approximately 4 cups (640 g) of cake mix

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk until well mixed (about 20–30 strokes), making sure to occasionally lift and run the whisk along the sides of the bowl so that all ingredients are fully incorporated. Store in an airtight container in your pantry (or other cool, dark space) for up to three months, assuming all of the individual ingredients used have a shelf life longer than three months.

If anything has a shorter shelf life, use your mix by the shortest shelf-life date. ¶ Reprinted with permission from Dump Cakes From Scratch: Nearly 100 Recipes to Dump, Bake, and Devour by Jennifer Lee, 2016. Published by Race Point Publishing, a member of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. © 2016 text by Jennifer Lee © 2016 photography by Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Boredom Busters Simple DIY Games

By Denise Morrison Yearian

I

f winter weather has rained on your parade, warm up the day with these homemade games and invite friends over to play.

Sock It To ’Em • Dried beans • Plastic sandwich-size zipper bags • Clean sox • Rubber bands • Large cardboard box • Tape • Markers • Scissors 1. Put ½ cup of dried beans into a plastic baggie. Squeeze out air, and seal the bag shut.

2. Place the beanbag into the bottom of a clean sock. Roll the remainder of the sock around the outside of the beanbag and secure with a rubber band.

3. Repeat steps one and two to create as many beanbags as you need.

4. Turn a large box upside down, and tape the bottom and side seams shut so the box is sturdy.

5. Draw four various-sized circles on the outside bottom of the box, www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sock It to ’Em Beanbags

and cut them out. (The smallest hole should be slightly larger than the stuffed sock.)

6. Below each hole, write one number from one to four. Make the smallest hole worth four points and the biggest hole worth one point.

7. To play, stand several feet away from the box and toss beanbags into the holes. Add up points using the numbers as a guide. The first person to 15 points wins.

I’ve Got You Pegged • Shoebox lid • Marker • Nail • Hammer • Ruler • 10 wooden, round clothespins • 5 rubber canning-jar rings 1. On the inside of a shoebox lid, measure and mark off ten small January 2017

circles in two rows of five that are evenly spaced.

2. Poke holes through the circles using a nail and hammer. (Note: Put something under the box so the nail doesn’t go through the floor or table.)

3. Push one clothespin through each hole.

4. Below each clothespin, write one number from one to ten.

5. To play, put the box on the floor with the clothespins facing up.

Stand several feet away, and toss the rubber rings around the clothespins.

Add up points using the numbers as a guide. The first person to 20 points wins. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

January

Calendar of Events Gifts from the Sea

I

t’s crab season! The tasty crustacean—and of course lots of melted butter—will be welcomed to tables throughout Mendocino County. Several local feeds will be held as part of the Crab, Wine, and Beer Festival. The Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC) will hold its annual benefit, the Crab Cake Cook-off, on January 28, noon–3 p.m., in the big white tent on Main and Spruce Streets in Fort Bragg.

Tickets are $110–$175. If those prices don’t fit into your budget, the MCC will also host a Cioppino Dinner on January 27 at Pentecost Hall in Fort Bragg. Tickets are $40 for ages 13 and up, $15 ages 6–12; children under 6 get in free. Seatings are at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. For a really good deal, check out the four-course Blue Collar Winemaker Dinner on January 24, 5–9 p.m., at Cucina Verona in Fort Bragg. Tickets are only $18. For more information about these and a slew of other crab-oriented events all over Mendocino County, download the festival brochure at visitmendocino.com/event/crab-wine-beer-festival. ¶

Sunday 1 Ukiah on Ice. First ever ice-skating rink to be held in downtown Ukiah.

Hosted by Ukiah Valley Medical Center. $10/day of unlimited skating.

Thru Jan. 8. Jan. 1: Noon–4 p.m. Jan. 2–6: Noon–7 p.m. Jan 7: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Jan 8: Noon–5 p.m. Next to Alex R. Thomas Plaza on School St., Ukiah.

463-6231. cityofukiah.com.

Tuesday 3 FREE LEGO Block Party. Tuesdays.

4–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Wednesday 4 They Came to Washington: The First Ambassadors. Exhibit

featuring portraits of distinguished & diverse Native Americans who came to Washington, D.C., in the early 19th century to negotiate tribal rights. Runs thru March 12. Wednesdays–Saturdays: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sundays: Noon–4:30 p.m. $3–$10. Grace Hudson 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Friday 6 Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah.

467-2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Thursday 5 FREE La Leche League.

Breastfeeding support group.

Babies always welcome. 10–11 a.m.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. mendobaby.com.

FREE Nar-Anon Meetings. Are you affected by a friend’s, relative’s, or child’s addiction or drug use?

Members share their experiences, strength & hope. Thursdays. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Recreation Center. Pine & School Streets, Mendocino. 357-1685.

FREE Toddler Story Time.

Thursdays. 10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Toddler Story Time.

Thursdays. 11 a.m.–noon. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake.

FREE Mother-Wise Clearlake Moms’ Group. Meet other moms & their little

ones. Share the joys & challenges of new motherhood. Fridays: 10 a.m.– noon. St. John’s Lutheran Church.

14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake. 349-1210. mother-wise.org. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Postpartum Support.

Providing support & local resources to moms suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety & distress. Fridays.

10:30–11:30 a.m. Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. mendobaby.com.

FREE Prenatal Support Group.

Part education, part support group. Fridays. 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. mendobaby.com.

FREE Annual Professional Pianist Concert. Diverse music & humor.

$15–$25. Thru Jan. 8. Jan. 6 & 7: 7 p.m. Jan. 8: 2 p.m. Mendocino College Center Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 391-8374. visitmendocino.com.

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

School Offices Open for Enrollment August 6 Join Us for Open Houses this Spring!

Parents Count

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

Meet Your Child’s Teachers

• Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

• Support your school Parent/Teacher Association.

• Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

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

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

Now Accepting K-12 Registration

Ukiah Independent Study Academy Serving K-12

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

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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

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

mendo lake

LOCAL

#1 local resource for for 25 years local families

Learn to Dance

Classes for all Ages & Levels from 3-Adult

PRE-BALLET (3-5 YRS.) • TAP/BALLET (4-6 YRS.) CONTEMPORARY • BALLET • TAP • JAZZ NEW CLASSES START JANUARY “Where Dreams to Dance Come True”

magazine • web • email • events

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

205 South State Street, Ukiah • 463-2290 www.mendocinoballet.org January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

FREE Story Time. Fridays. 10:15 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport.

FREE Preschool Story Time. Fridays.

10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg.

964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Saturday 7 FREE RAWR! Reading, art &

writing for teens. Snacks provided.

Saturdays. 3–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Library.

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

Friday Family Skate Night. Bring

your skates or use the Rec Center’s.

A $5 drop-in fee. Parent or guardian must sign for kids under 18. Saturdays.

6:30–9 p.m. Old Recreation Center.

213 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-9446. mendocoastrec.org.

New Year Open House. Celebrate accomplishments. Preview plans for 2017. Wheelchair accessible. 2–4 p.m. Historic Courthouse Museum.

255 N. Main St., Lakeport. 263-4555. lakeportmainstreet.com.

FREE Scratch Class. Series of

computer-coding classes for grades 4–8. Scratch & Google CS First.

Space is limited; first come, first served so arrive early. Saturdays. 10–11 a.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Sunday 8

6–7 p.m. Woodland College. Lake County Campus. 15880 Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake. 994-6447, ext. 2901.

Movie & Game Night. Family-friendly

double feature. Bring beach or beanbag chair & blankets. $1 popcorn.

4:30–9:30 p.m. Community Center.

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

California Old Time Fiddlers’ Jam Session. Listen to local fiddlers

play Americana music. Noon–2 p.m.

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

Tuesday 10 FREE Upper Lake Yarn Club. Open

to all ages & skill levels. Bring yarn, crochet hooks or knitting needles, patterns & questions. 2–4 p.m. Upper Lake Library. 310 Second St., Upper Lake. 275-2049. co.lake.ca.us.

FREE Is This Thing Even On?

Tech Help. Wondering how to use a smartphone, download a book from the library, or navigate the Internet?

Tuesdays. 1–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library.

Love Working with Kids?

Friday 13 FREE Caspar Pub Night. Open-mic for singers & musicians. All ages.

Tech on site. Board games, ping-pong, skittles table & more. Food, wine, beer for sale. Volunteers welcome to help set up & breakdown. 6:30–9:30 p.m.

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

Saturday 14 FREE Hopland Hikes: Meet the Lambs. See newly born lambs on

1-mile hike. Strollers & toddlers welcome. No dogs permitted. $5.

Under 12 free. 10 a.m.–noon. 4070 University Rd., Hopland. 744-1424, ext.

105. hrec.ucanr.edu.

FREE International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN).

Offering support for women who’ve had a cesarean birth. 11 a.m.–noon.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. mendobaby.com.

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

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

Monday 16

Own Your Own Business

• Free Child Care Referrals.

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

FREE Cash for College Workshop.

FREE Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Presented

by Near & Arnold’s School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education (SPACE). $10– $15. Jan. 14 & 21. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Mendocino College Little Theater. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. spaceperformingarts.org.

WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211

Wednesday 11

FREE Lecture on Bears by Dr. Gary Alt. Mendocino Audubon

Society meeting. Alt has more than 30 years of experience as a wildlife biologist. 7 p.m. Caspar Community Rural Communities Child Care

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. mendocinocoastaudubon.org.

Wednesday 18 FREE Poetry Writing Workshop.

Learn about various styles & techniques, do writing exercises & hear readings. All ages. 2–3:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Friday 20 Crab Feed & Auction. Benefits

Mendocino Unified School Enrichment Program. $60. 6 p.m.

Little River Inn. 7901 N. Hwy. 1, Little River. Call for reservations: 937-5942. littleriverinn.com.

Equine & Wine. Hands-on demonstrations, food, wine tasting, music, raffles & more. Tack swap ($10 fee). Reps from various equestrian groups & local boarding/training facilities will be on hand to answer questions. 5–9 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. Fitch Hall. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecochamber. chambermaster.com/events/details/ equine-wine-2104.

Saturday 21 FREE Meet Your Birth Team. Meet

& learn from local doulas & midwives.

11 a.m.–noon. Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. mendobaby.com.

ONE-CLICK GIVEAWAYS! Sign up for our weekly FUN BLAST & enter to win free goodies every week.

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

Barrel Tasting 101. Thru Jan. 22.

Once-a-year opportunity to gain inside access to wineries all along the Upper Russian River Valley in Mendocino County. Experience wines right from the barrel. Online tickets: $20. Door: $30. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Download map of wineries: destinationhopland.com.

FREE Doll & Teddy Bear Party. 10–11 a.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Friday 27 Knights of Columbus 41st Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed. No-host

bar. Live music. $55. Thru Jan. 28. 6–9 p.m. Crown Hall. 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino. visitmendocino.com.

Cioppino Dinner. Benefit for Mendocino Coast Clinics. $15–$40.

Under age 6 free. 3 Seatings: 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Pentecost Hall.

822 Steward St., Fort Bragg. 961-3463. mccinc.org.

Recycling Buy Back. Sell recyclables (glass, aluminum & plastics). Bring $10 value or more in recycling & receive a $10 match play for Konocti Vista Casino. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Konocti

Vista Casino. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport.

FREE Ooey-gooey STEM. Kids are

invited to make magnetic slime. Ages 7–11. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. 3–4:30 p.m.

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

467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Saturday 28 Crab Cook-Off & Wine Tasting.

Benefit for Mendocino Coast Clinics.

Vote for your favorite crab cake & winery. Plus wine auction, raffle & silent & live auctions. $110–$175.

Noon–3 p.m. Big White Tent. Spruce & Main Streets. Fort Bragg. 961-3463. mccinc.org.

Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation Crab Feed. Crab, clam

chowder, garlic bread & salad. Beer & wine available. Proceeds go to Fort Bragg Rotary & Timberwolf Stadium projects. $75. Noon–6 p.m. Fort Bragg Fire House. 141 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. Reservations: 964-6331.

FREE Caspar Headlands Work Day.

Bring your gloves, gardening tools & water. Jobs for all skills. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Meet at the gate at the south end of Caspar Rd., Caspar (beside the old Company Store). 964-4997. casparcommons.org.

Taylor Observatory. Classroom

presentation & telescope viewing.

Bring your own flashlight or use one of our loaners. Warm clothing is recommended. 8–11 p.m. $3–$5.

Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. 262-4121. taylorobservatory.org.

Small Town, Big Heart. Annual

fundraiser benefits Middletown Rotary Club youth scholarships.

Prime rib dinner, silent & live auctions, wine raffle & more.

No-host bar. $60. 5–10 p.m. Twin Pine Event Center. 22223 Hwy. 29, Middletown. lakeconews.com.

Symphony of the Redwoods.

Winter Concert: Mozart, Martinu, Sibelius. Thru Jan. 29. $20. Under age 18 free. Jan. 28: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29: 2 p.m. Cotton Auditorium.

500 N. Harold St., Fort Bragg. symphonyoftheredwoods.org.

Little Charlie & Organ Grinder Swing band

Big Cats’ Licks

I

f you’re jazz lovers looking for a good date night, check out the Little Charlie and Organ Grinder Swing band. As part of the Tallman Hotel’s Concert with Conversation series, the group will perform in the intimate setting of the 40-seat Meeting House next to the hotel in Upper Lake. Little Charlie Baty, who used to perform with the well-known blues group Little Charlie and the Nightcats, will pick the guitar, while Lorenzo Farrell will play organ and J. Hansen, percussion. The concert will be held on January 21, 7:30–9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling 275-2244, ext. 0. The concert is not appropriate for young children. ¶

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Sunday 29 FREE Ukiah Wedding Faire.

Exhibitors feature everything needed for a wedding. Fashion show. Wedding Ring Cake Dive. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. ukiahwedding.com.

January 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Tutoring

Schools

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

Kitka

integrated with academics

 National Green Campus  Promotes responsibility,

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he Oakland-based women’s a cappella group Kitka has brought haunting Eastern European melodies to countries all over the world. As part of their Wintersongs tour, on January 14 the singers will stay relatively local and travel just a few hours north to the Gualala Arts Center in Gualala. There they will perform contemporary arrangements of songs from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Russia. For a sample of their unique style, go to kitka.org.

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15–$27 and may be purchased at gualalaarts.org. ¶

respect, and peace

307 North State Street Ukiah

707-468-1300

Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

www.tutoringcenter.com

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

707-462-0913 Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

• Ukiah Child a ✓ 1/2-day & full-day classroomstreeoflifeschool@pacific.net for North Ukiah - Bush St. www.treeoflifeschool.net ages 18 months to 5 years Nokomis - Washington Ave. Head South Ukiah - S. State St. ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. Start! ✓ Children with disabilities welcome • Willits

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La Vida

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

Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. • Free K-12 Public Charter

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

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Nibbles and Vino njoy winter wine tasting at the country’s first biodynamic and organic winery—Frey Winery in Redwood Valley— on January 14. At Frey Wines and Crab Bites, sip the winery’s sulfite-free offerings as you nosh on seafood hors d’oeuvres and listen to live music. You can also take the opportunity to ask a staff person about the winery’s sustainability efforts, including the colonies of bees that pollinate vegetation on the wild lands adjacent to the winery.

RSVP for the event by calling the winery at 485-5177. Learn more at freywine.com. ¶

• Home Study with On-Site Classes • WASC Accredited

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January 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

Riot on the Ranch Chaos Reigns When Mom’s Away

By Holly Hester

F

or the first 12 years of our children’s lives, I was the stay-at-home parent. I took care of every little possible detail, from school lunches to homework to doctors’ appointments to play dates. My husband, Bill, had nothing to do with the planning and execution of any of it, and I had nothing to do with his work life. It was kind of like Mad Men but with mutual respect and very little alcoholism.

Since June we have reversed roles; I am now working and Bill is at home.

Because I am working 400 miles away, sometimes Bill is the only parent for days at a time. I have noticed some slight differences in the way we do things, and rather than scream or call child services, I thought I’d list them here.

1. What happened to vegetables? Apparently, when I went to work, the vegetables came with me. If you opened our refrigerator, you would see that there is nothing but wall-to-wall hot dogs. Sometimes there’s a package of ground beef.

Sometimes there’s a half-eaten log of salami. But mostly, it’s just hot dogs.

Morning, noon, and night. I’m pretty sure the kids are all going to get gout.

2. What happened to bedtime?

Having only one parent at home to put three kids to bed can be a challenge.

Bill solves this problem by ignoring 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

bedtime entirely. The kids just run around until they are so exhausted they fall over somewhere in the yard around midnight, and Bill simply scoops them up and puts them in bed.

Problem solved.

3. Is there a soap shortage?

Until I started working, I didn’t realize I was the only person in our family that thought taking a bath was something that human beings did on a regular basis. Our kids have started to

Apparently, when I went to work, the vegetables came with me. look like those people that hide in the woods to avoid the law. The bathtub is now being used as a play area for the hamsters.

4. When did the Dairy Queen become our second home?

Why is it every time I call the house everyone has just returned from a trip to get ice cream? I guess not taking a bath really opens up a lot of space in the day.

5. Are my ears bleeding? When I come home, the music is on so loud that no one actually hears me come in the door. Not even the dog. I don’t know how any of them still have hearing. I thought we should all learn Spanish, but I think we’d better learn

sign language. I don’t get it. Are we prepping our children for a Black Sabbath reunion tour?

At first, when Bill and I switched places, I was horrified. I thought all my years of hard work and vegetables and bedtimes were just thrown right out the window. But I had to let that go and say, hey, the kids are happy, safe, and alive.

That’s the important part, right?

Plus, I noticed something amazing the other day. My son August had a soccer game, and just as I started to go get his soccer clothes, he walked out of his room completely dressed for soccer.

All by himself. Cleats and everything.

If I were still the stay-at-home parent, that never would have happened.

Because I hover. I helicopter. I do way too many things for the kids. Now that Bill is in charge, he is teaching them self-reliance—one of the most important things in life that I wasn’t allowing to happen.

And that’s a pretty awesome thing.

Some lettuce every once in a while might be nice, but hey, I’m grateful for self-reliance. ¶ 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 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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