Mendo Lake Family Life January 2018

mendo lake FREE!

January 2018

Private Schools Local guide

Fire Heroes Nominate a neighbor

DIY Foosball Build a game SAT vs. ACT How to choose

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Registration Opens January 16

2018-19 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration Students age 5 by September 1, 2018 will be enrolled in Kindergarten Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2, 2018 will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program Estudiantes de 5 años de edad para el 1 de septiembre del 2018 serán inscritos en el Kinder.

Estudiantes de 5 años de edad entre el 2 de septiembre y el 2, de diciembre del 2018 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

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

M E E T O U R P E D I AT R I C T E A M O U R S E R V I C E S I N C LU D E :

Sick visits Immunizations New born check-ups Thomas Csanadi, MD

Brynn Stirling, MD

Medie Jesena, PNP

2 6 0

Tracy Burris, FNP

Annual check-ups Sports physicals Other health concerns

Lisa McCurley, FNP

H O S P I TA L

D R I V E ,

S U I T E

2 0 4 ,

U K I A H ,

7 0 7 . 4 6 3 . 7 4 5 9

January 2018

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Nominate a Local Hero Dinner on the Move Manjia, Manjia!

7 Features 7

SAT vs. ACT What test is best for your child?

10 School Search

Fill Up, Do Good The Gaming Gang Give Me Some Blues Peaceable Companions Lego Love

14 Calendar of Events Crustacean Sensation

Tips for finding the optimal program for your kids.

10 Private & Charter School Guide Get the scoop on 23 local institutions.

19 Recipe for a Legacy Etta is remembered for her great meals—served with love.

20 DIY Foosball Game Make your own fun with a cardboard box.

9 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

10

22 The Chicken Diaper Our humorist on the latest in poultry attire.

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

9

1Clinic

#

GPRA

*

3 YEARS IN A ROW

Our providers take the time to give you best-in-class healthcare. Everyone is welcome.

● ● ● ● ● ●

General Dentistry Oral Surgery Primary Care Behavioral Health Chiropractic Acupuncture

Podiatry ObGyn & Women’s Health Pediatric Care Annual Screenings & Immunizations ● Pain Management

● ● ● ●

Call (707) 263-8382 to enroll as a new patient or for more information on our services.

*Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) metrics measure clinic performance.

Lake County Tribal Health Modern Medicine

Personalized Care

(707) 263-8382 • 800-750-7181 • 925 Bevins Ct., Lakeport, CA 95453 • www.lcthc.com

Dear Reader

O

ne of the best gifts we can give children is a good education.

Locally, there are Sharon Gowan many avenues Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us for academic adventures. Just turn to our Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide (page 10) for a list of high-quality institutions.

Find a few that spark your interest, check out their websites, and plan a visit.

(page 7) can help you make the right choice.

Office Manager

When the family needs to take a break from school and other serious stuff, turn to our Calendar of Events (page 14) for a plethora of fun activities, many of which are free. And for a good laugh, check out “The Chicken Diaper” (page 22), a local mom’s take on entertaining “hobby-related” gifts.

Happy New Year! May your family’s 2018 be filled with creativity, growth, and dreams come true.

If your child is college bound, you are probably trying to figure out which college-entrance exam he or she should take. “SAT vs. ACT”

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media

Join our Team

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Holly Hester Greg Kaplan Karen Nochimowksi

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

• Bus Drivers Full-time • Food Service Part-time Flexible Hours • Custodial • Grounds Maintenance • Paraprofessional/student learning support

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

Apply online or in person! www.uusd.net For more information contact Lori Klee, 472-5042 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

SAT vs.

ACT

section that plays to their strengths.

The science in this section does not overlap with traditional high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes.

The questions call for students to interpret graphs and data.

The SAT has more reading comprehension questions.

The SAT reading comprehension section features more complex passages and questions and is almost twice as long as the ACT reading

Which One Should Your Child Take?

O

By Greg Kaplan

f all the requirements for applying to college, the SAT and ACT cause students and parents the most anxiety.

The concepts tested are presented in unfamiliar formats, the time pressure is intense, and their importance in the college admissions process is unrivaled. Today 47 percent of college-bound high school seniors have an “A” grade point average or higher, making the SAT or ACT the first point of differentiation among applicants applying to highly selective colleges.

The first step to scoring well is determining which test is right for your child. Eighty percent of test takers have a clear preference for one test over the other. It is critical to determine which test is a better fit so that your child can take advantage of his or her test-taking strengths. From there, you can develop an effective plan to obtain a competitive score for your child’s college goals. Below are some of the main differences between the tests. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

The first step to scoring well is determining which test is right for your child.

The SAT offers more time per question—33 percent more time than the ACT. For students that struggle to answer all of the questions on either test, the SAT may be a better fit.

The ACT has a science section.

Aspiring STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students may welcome another quantitative January 2018

Eighty percent of test takers have a clear preference for one test over the other. comprehension section. Students that struggle with this section relative to the other sections may prefer the ACT in which the section is shorter and comprises a smaller portion of the composite score.

The best way to determine which test is a better fit for your child is to have him or her take full-length, prior-released exams in simulated testing conditions. Whether it is at the library, school, or a test-prep company, give your child the best opportunity to obtain a competitive score by preparing for the test that caters to his or her strengths. ¶ Greg Kaplan is a college application strategist, the author of Earning Admission: Real Strategies for Getting into Highly Selective Colleges, and the founder of College Path, the first web app that provides personal and affordable weekly college counseling. College Path is dedicated to helping students develop and market their passions to earn admission to their dream colleges. For more information, visit collegepathweekly.com or earningadmission.com.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Nominate a Local Hero

D

uring the wildfires that hit Lake and Mendocino Counties, everyday people did extraordinary things. They helped neighbors escape burning homes, braved noxious smoke to volunteer at shelters, and found places for evacuees and their farm animals and pets to stay. Many went above and beyond, risking their own lives to save others. Now is your chance to let these heroes shine—nominate them for Red Cross recognition. Nominees will include not just those who were of great assistance during the fires, but also those who work hard each day to protect the environment, give students the best education possible, and offer life-saving medical care. Find out more details about each category and submit nominees until January 26 at redcross. org/CalNWHeroes2018. (Awards can be given posthumously.) Award winners will be honored at the Red Cross 2018 Heroes Breakfast on April 27 at 7:30 a.m. at Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa. ¶

Dinner on the Move

T

rains entrance kids who love things that go. And eating on a train? That’s two especially cool activities wrapped up in one. During the Crab and Crémant Skunk Train, you and the kids can chow down on crab chowder while watching a redwood landscape fly by. The meal will be served with Scharffenberger Crémant sparkling wine, and, for the younger set, Navarro Vineyards grape juice.

Trains run on January 21 and 28 and leave at 11 a.m. from Willits and 11:15 a.m. from Fort Bragg. Tickets are $66 for ages 13 and up, $56 for ages 2–12, $10 for infants, and, if you happen to bring your pooch, $10 for dogs. Save your spot at skunktrain.com. ¶

Manjia, Manjia!

T

omato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni—pizza, for many people, is the ultimate comfort food. And it may taste all the better if you know your indulgence is benefitting someone else. On January 24, 5–8 p.m., your purchase at DJ’s Pizza in Lower Lake will go toward the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee. Admission is $8.

Money collected will be used to purchase school buses for field trips. ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Fill Up, Do Good

I

t’s that time of year seafood lovers wait for: crab season. Eat all you like at the annual Willits Rotary Club crab dinner.

Besides good eats, there will also be a quarter auction for the benefit of the Willits Senior Center and Willits Senior Scholarships. Bring your appetite to the Willits Community Center in Willits on January 20, 6–10 p.m. Admission is $45; see business.willits.org for more information. ¶

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

The Gaming Gang

C

an you tolerate your kids’ passion for computer games but worry they spend more time in front of a screen than with people? At the Ukiah Library in Ukiah, teens can play Wii-U and video games with friends. The free weekly Thursday sessions start at 3:30 p.m. and last just 90 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about gaming going on for hours. See mendocinocounty. org/government/library. ¶

Give Me Some Blues

D

eveloped in Europe in the early 19th century, the harmonica imparts soul and verve to blues, folk, rock, and even classical music. Listen to virtuoso Bill Noteman play the instrument when he and his band, the Rockets, perform their unique blend of energetic blues and rock n’ roll—what they call West Coast Jump—at the Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport.

The concert will be held on January 19 a 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at soperreesetheatre.com. ¶

Cliff Warner

Lego Love

Peaceable Companions

W

ith their tiny four legs and coat of fluffy snow-white fur, lambs have the same adorability factor as kitties and puppies, but, unless you live on a farm, it’s harder to hang out with them. Enter the Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC), which every winter takes families on a stroller-friendly, one-mile walk so they can take a gander at the newest members of their flock of sheep.

After this year’s walk, there will be a variety of sheep-related activities at the center’s Rod Shippey Hall. If you’d like to eat during the activities, bring a packed lunch for your brood.

The event will be held at HREC in Hopland on January 13, 10 a.m.–noon, and is $5 per person. Registration is required; sign up via hrec.ucanr.edu. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

I

n the early 1930s, a Danish carpenter created small, interlocking wooden blocks he called leg godt, which means “play well.” Little could he imagine that, into the 21st century, the plastic versions of his tiny creations would become a staple of children’s toy chests around the world.

Wee ones will get their chance to play with the beloved bricks at Redbud Library in Clearlake on Fridays at 3 p.m. Kids of all ages can make masterpieces with the library’s collection of colorful Lego playthings. See co.lake.ca.us for details. ¶

January 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Find Top-Notch Local Programs

expectations of a school? What college or trade school do you want your child to attend after he or she graduates?

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 2018 Mendo Lake Private and Charter School Guide (below). We surveyed staff and researched websites of 23 local private and charter schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

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

Lake County

15850-A Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake.

994-6447. konoctiusd.org.

Clearlake Konocti Health Magnet School.

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

8th–12th. Avg. class size: 32.

Enrollment Current/Max: 395/520.

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.

Figure out your priorities. What is your child interested in? What are your top

Lakeport Konocti Christian Academy. $4,250.

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.

Middletown Lake County International Charter

Konocti Visual & Performing Arts

School. Public. A free school where

Magnet School. Public. Opens doors

children love to learn. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 71/85. Offers: extended care, cafeteria/lunch program. 15850 Armstrong St., Middletown. 987-3063. lcics.org.

for singers, dancers, actors, musicians & artists. 4th–7th. Avg. class size: 32.

Enrollment Current/Max: 398/520.

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

Middletown Adventist School. Call

for rates. Academic excellence in 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

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!

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 program. 21640 Hwy. 29, Middletown. 987-9147. middletownadventistschool.org.

Middletown Christian School.

Call for rates. Shaping hearts & minds in a Christ-centered environment. TK–12th. Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/Max: 43/125. Offers: multi-child/family discount. Requires uniforms. 20800 Hwy. 29, Middletown. 987-2556. middletownchristianschool.org.

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

Inspired Waldorf.

Integrated, age-appropriate. PK–8th.

Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

2018 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide Current/Max: 90/170. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program.

6280 3rd St., Calpella. 485-8719. waldorfmendocino.com.

Covelo Eel River Charter School. Public.

Small class ratio. K–6th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 50/70. Offers: cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing. 76350 Main St., Covelo. 983-6946. eelriverschool.net.

Fort Bragg

available). 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg. 964-1128. trcschool.org.

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: 48/48.

PO Box 547, Mendocino. 964-6234. casparcreek.org.

Redwood Valley Deep Valley Christian School. Call

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

for rates. Full day program with preschool, kindergarten, first grade.

Also offering homeschool program with enrichment courses. 8555 Uva Dr., Redwood Valley. 485-8778. deepvalleychristianschool.org.

Where Nature Education Thrives

Eagle Peak Middle School. Public.

Inspiring achievement through STEM education. 5th–8th. Avg. class size: 28. Enrollment Current/Max: 510/520.

Offers: cafeteria/lunch program.

Ukiah Accelerated Achievement Academy. Public. Accelerating

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

Instilling Goodness Elementary & Developing Virtue Secondary Schools. $3,850.

We provide a full academic & character program. K–12th. Avg. class size: 10.

Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Member

Kindergarten through Eighth Grade

herbs, water, soil and technology nature integrates with life

2 Spots Left in our Landscape Arts Class La Vida 707-459-6344 Charter 16201 Hwy 101, Ukiah School lavidaschool.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Open Enrollment: Jan 8–Feb 14 Enrollment Tours: Dec 7, Jan 11, Feb 6 Open House: Jan 27, 10am–Noon Advanced Math, Science, Spanish, Music, Art, Woodwork, Drama, Speech, Extraordinary Field Trips www.riveroakcharterschool.org 707-467-1855 • 555 Leslie St., Ukiah, CA 95482 January 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

2018 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide 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 & independent living. 7th–12th. Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/ Max: 140/160. Offers: extended care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1059 N. State St., Ukiah.

467–0500. caredwoods.org.

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

$5,715. Enlightening the mind while enriching the soul. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20.

Enrollment Current/Max: 195.

Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 991 S. Dora St., Ukiah. 462-3888. stmarysukiah.org.

School.

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. 241 Ford Rd., Ukiah. 462–0913. treeoflifeschool.net.

A Small School for Big Thoughts

Ukiah Junior Academy. $6,200.

Christ–centered academic excellence. K–10th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 102/135. 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: 6–10. Enrollment Current/ Max: 6/20+. Offers: financial aid, multi-student discount, extended care. 22751 Bray Rd., Willits.

459–4333. willitssdaschool.com.

La Vida Charter School. Public.

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

Tree of Life Charter

MontessoriElementary Elementary Education FreeFree Montessori Education Children Ages Ages 5 5–13 -13 ForFor Children

Give your child a joyful www.caredwoods.org • 1059 N. State St., Ukiah

Enroll Today (707) 467-0500

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Pr

e pa

r in g s t u d e n t s f o r

c

o ll Recognize e d b y Newsweek & as one of US News Americ Best Scho a’s ols

ge

➢ FREE Public School ➢ Advanced Placement Options ➢ Caring, Credentialed Teachers ➢ Centrally Located at the Fairgrounds ➢ Clubs & Electives, Student Council ➢ Serving Grades 7-12 ➢ Dress Code

Redwood Academy of Ukiah

Beautiful hands-on learning materials

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

For more information call

707-462-0913 First open enrollment ends Jan. 31, 2018

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

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

2018 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide ©P N

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Where would you like to go?

Willits Charter School. Public.

You can fly direct, connect, and enjoy.

We offer a focus on the arts & sciences.

6th–12th. Avg. class size: 24.

Enrollment Current/Max: 132/168.

Offers: cafeteria/lunch program.

1431 S. Main St., Willits. 459–5506. willitscharter.org.

TS

K–12th. Avg. class size: 12.

Enrollment: 85. 16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits. 459–6344. lavidaschool.org.

Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) San Francisco (SFO) - Minneapolis (MSP)

ART & LEGO ANIMATION BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

Willits Elementary Charter School.

Public. 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. willitscharter.org.

At the Charles M. Schulz Museum Celebrate your birthday with the Schulz Museum & up to 20 friends!

Get Creative with Art, Movie-making, or a LEGO Animation Celebration.

Book your tickets today at:

www.flySTS.com

call (707) 284-1272 for reservations or schulzmuseum.org/learn/birthday-parties/

2 FOR 1 DID YOU KNOW? TWO MONTHS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES CHILD CARE

THE PRICE OF ONE! INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR NEW MEMBERS

HELPS YOU

WE

will walk you through entire process of becoming a child care provider in your home.

WE Learn Self-Esteem Through Self-Defense • Traditional Okinawan karate • Classes for the whole family • Multiple member discounts available

Ukiah Shorin-Ryu Karate 3001 #4 So. State St. Ukiah 707-463-DOJO (3656) www.ukiahkarate.com

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

have subsidies available to help with child care expenses for qualifying families.

WE

have ongoing training & referrals to help make your child care business the best it can be!

Rural Communities Child Care

1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org January 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

January Calendar of Events

Crustacean Sensation

E

njoy gifts of the sea and simultaneously give a gift to your neighbors at the Crab, Wine, and Beer Days, a two-day fundraiser for the Mendocino Coast Clinics.

On January 26, dig your spoon into a hearty cioppino packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, Dungeness crab, and other fresh seafood while you sip on Mendocino County wine and North Coast Brewing Company beer. Then at the Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine Tasting Competition on January 27, sample local vino and some of the thousands of crab cakes crafted by local chefs. Bid on items offered at a live auction and wine auction, too. The cioppino dinner will be served at 4, 6, and 8 p.m. at Historic Pentecost Hall in Fort Bragg. Tickets are $40, $15 for ages 12–6, and free for ages under 6. Meanwhile, the cook-off and wine tasting competition will be held noon–3 p.m. at the big white tent at the corner of Main and Spruce Streets in Fort Bragg. Admission is $85. Find out more and purchase tickets for both events at mendocinocoastclinics.org/crab_wine.php. ¶

Monday 1 Ukiah on Ice. Skate in downtown historic Ukiah. $10/day for unlimited skating. Includes skates. Jan. 1: noon–4 p.m. Jan. 2–7: noon–7 p.m.

300 S. Lincoln, Fort Bragg. 463-6231. cityofukiah.com.

FREE CV Starr Center Free Day.

Includes indoor pool, sports & many other activities. Noon–5 p.m.

Swim Slide Splash: 1–4 p.m. 300 S. Lincoln, Fort Bragg. 964-9446. mendocoastrec.org.

FREE First Day Hike. Two different routes. Led by docents. Noon.

995-2658. andersonmarsh.org.

Tuesday 2 FREE Bibliotherapy Teen Book Club. Featuring books on managing

depression, anxiety, grief, addiction & OCD. Licensed therapists & trained librarians facilitate group. Days & times will be announced. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Advance registration required: 467-6434.

FREE Lego Block Party. Kids can

build a Lego creation. Tuesdays.

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

FREE Mother-Wise Clearlake Workshop. Tax Prep & Essential

Oils. Meet first & third Tuesdays of month. 9:30–11:30 a.m. Saint Johns Lutheran Church (no affiliation).

14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake. Call & reserve spot: 349-1210. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Mother-Wise Lakeport Workshops. Jan. 2: Tax Prep. Jan.

9: Essential Oils. 1–3 p.m. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. Call & reserve spot: 349-1210. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

Wednesday 3 FREE RB Oculus Rift Virtual Reality.

Time travel, space travel, or go inside your favorite movie. 10–15

J. Perlman & R. Lutge.

minute sessions. A volunteer will be on hand to help. Ages 12 & up. Wednesdays. 4–5 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. 994-5115. co.lake.ca.us.

Thursday 4 FREE La Leche League Support Group. All women interested in

breastfeeding are encouraged to attend group meetings regardless of membership status. Babies are always welcome. 10 a.m.–noon. Mendo Baby.

198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. facebook.com/mendobaby.

FREE Gaming for Teens. Ages 13–18. Wii-U & video gaming in the community room. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. Thursdays. 3:30–5 p.m. 467-6434.

Friday 5 Fort Bragg Blood Drive. 10 a.m.–4

p.m. Fort Bragg Town Hall. 363 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. To schedule appointment, visit redcrossblood.org

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Quality Christian Education

  

             

FREE public charter school Highly qualified credentialed teachers Individualized support for struggling students Small class sizes One-to-one computers Life skills development College & career planning Free college courses After school programs

Focused on the future of each child Call today! 

(707) 463-7080

  

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Christ-centered education in Ukiah • Small class sizes • College-prep curriculum • Music program • Family-like atmosphere • Fully accredited grades K–10

Enrolling Now!

UKIAH JUNIOR ACADEMY 180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • www.myuja.org • 707.462.6350

Now Accepting K-12 Registration

FALL 2018



Offering Pre-School, Kindergarten, First Grade

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

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

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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

January 2018

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

& enter sponsor code FBPD or call 800-RED-CROSS. Questions regarding your eligibility to donate blood: 866-236-3276.

year. 9 a.m.–noon. Home Depot. 350 N. Orchard Ave., Ukiah. 462-3009.

Register: homedepot.com/workshops.

26th Annual Mendocino County

provided. Saturdays. 11 a.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Professional Pianist Concert.

Blues, jazz, classical, Cuban, R&B, Broadway & other genres. $15–$25.

Jan. 5 & 6: 7 p.m. Jan. 7: 2 p.m.

Mendocino College Center Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah.

472-7640. visitmendocino.com.

Lakeport Storytime. Fridays. 10:15

a.m. Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport.

Saturday 6 FREE Make a Block Calendar. You & your child can assemble a wooden block calendar to kick off the new

Sundays. 7–8 p.m. Community Center.

998 School St., Mendocino. 357-3344.

Friday 12

FREE Kids Craft Time. Supplies

Sunday 7 FREE First Fiddlers’ Jam. Listen to members of the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Group play fiddle tunes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum. 9921 Soda Bay Rd. (Hwy. 128), Kelseyville. 533-9990. elystagestop.org.

FREE Virtual Reality. Time travel, space travel, or go inside your favorite movie. Sessions last 10 minutes.

For ages 12 & up. 2:30–4:30 p.m.

Reservations only. Call 467-6434.

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

Saturday 13 Flea Market & Breakfast. Hosted

FREE Parents Al-Anon Meetings.

by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Breakfast: 8–11 a.m. $5. Market: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Corner of Seminary & Oak Streets. Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

For parents affected by a child’s drinking or drug use. Share experience, strength, hope & find help.

See our newly born lambs at this 1-mile stroller- & toddler-friendly

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

Hopland Hikes: Meet the Lambs.

Family Fun on Wheels!

Birthday Parties Fundraisers School Parties Large Arcade

Parents Count

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

Meet

• Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

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

Teachers • Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

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

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

UKIAH UNIFIED UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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

16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

B-Day Parties!

Giant Arcade Friday 3:30–7pm & 7:30–10pm Saturday & Sunday 12–2:30pm & 3–5:30pm Saturday Only 8:30–10:30pm

401 Martin St. Lakeport, at the Lake County Fairgrounds paradiseskatelakeport.com • 707 262-0123

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

hike. Sheep-related activities for children after the hike. Dress warmly. Packed lunch welcomed. $5.

10 a.m.–noon. No dogs permitted.

Hopland Research Extension Center.

4070 University Rd., Hopland.

744-1424, ext. 105. hrec.ucanr.edu.

FREE National Park Service.

MUSE’s Crab Feed & Auction.

Entrance fees will be waived in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 7 a.m.–dusk. Visit website to find a park: findyourpark.com.

Benefits the Mendocino Unified School Enrichment Program. 6–9 p.m.

Little River Inn. 7701 N. Hwy., Little River. 937-5942. littleriverinn.com.

Sunday 14

Wednesday 17

Saturday 20

FREE ARRC Sundays. Second &

fourth Sundays of month. Both gym & recreation center are open for families to come play ping-pong, basketball, board games, or just connect with other people in the community. Jan. 14 & 28. Noon–4 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. 462-8562.

Tuesday 16

Friday 19

FREE Lake County Community

FREE Bike Angels United. Many

Vision Forum. Topic: Budget & Services. 7 p.m. Public is welcome.

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

bikes were destroyed in the recent fire. To donate a new one to someone in need, purchase online at Walmart.com & ship to Clearlake Walmart (store #1979) to attention of Bike Angels United. Message confirmation number via the Bike Angels United Facebook page or text Cindy at 850-737-7372. Also call Cindy or send a message to organization’s Facebook page if you

Visual & Performing Arts Winter Showcase. Featuring student artwork & music performance. 7 p.m. 275-2338. lakearts.org.

Give Start!

GiveYour Your Child Child a Head Head Start!

Free & Low-Cost Quality Quality Preschool!

Free & Low-Cost Preschool!

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

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

January 2018

• Ukiah

C E NN TT EE RR SS

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

•North Ukiah Ukiah - Bush St.

North Ukiah - Bush St.

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

• Willits

•Near Willits Brookside School at

Near Brookside School at

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

• Lake County

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

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

••Coast Coast

Fort St. FortBragg Bragg-- Lincoln Lincoln St. MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

need a bike. Noon–4 p.m. Tatonka Trading. 14240 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake.

Dreamworks’s Madagascar Jr. Presented

by the School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education (SPACE). A family musical theatre adventure based on the animated movie. $10–$15. Jan. 20 & 27: 3 & 7 p.m. SPACE Theater.

508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. 462-9370. spaceperformingarts.org.

Barrel Tasting 101. This is a once-a-year opportunity to gain inside access to wineries all along the Upper Russian River Valley in Mendocino County. Taste wines right from the barrel. Talk with winemakers; learn how to evaluate barrel samples for their potential. $20–$30. Jan. 20 & 21. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Hopland. Hwy. 101. destinationhopland.com.

Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser.

Benefits Anderson Valley Senior Center. $40. Happy hour: 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. 895-3609. mendocinocountyfair.com.

Redbud Audubon Society Field Trips. Colusa & Sacramento National Wildlife Refuges. Suitable for all levels. Bring binoculars, field guide, bird apps & water.

Wear layered clothing, hats & sun protection & walking shoes/hiking boots. Heavy rain cancels. May join or leave group anytime during day. 9 a.m. 263-8030. redbudaudubon.org.

Sunday 21

wine. Grape juice available for those under 21. Gluten & dairy-free food. Trains depart at 11 a.m. from Willits & 11:15 a.m. from Fort Bragg depots. $10–$66. Jan. 21 & 28. 299 E. Commercial St., Willits & 336 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. 964-6371. skunktrain.com.

Pennyroyal Farm Crab Brunch.

3-course meal. Seasonal dishes made from farm-fresh produce, eggs, farmstead cheeses & local crab. $75.

Farm tour: Additional $10. 12:30–2:30 p.m. 14930 Hwy. 128, Boonville.

895-2410. pennyroyalfarm.com.

Brasstastics. This lively brass quintet will perform a program of pieces from the 20th & 21st centuries. $15–$20. Ages 18 & under: free. 3 p.m. Soper Reese Community Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Wednesday 24 Pizza Fundraiser. To benefit Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee & school buses for future field trips. $8. 5–8 p.m. DJ’s Pizza. 16135 Main St., Lower Lake.

995-3565. facebook.com/llhspc.

Friday 26 Cioppino Dinner Fundraiser.

Cioppino packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, Dungeness crab & other fresh seafood. Local wine & beer. 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. $15–$40. Under 6: free. Benefits Mendocino Coast Clinics. Historic Pentecost Hall. 822 Stewart St., Fort Bragg. 961-3463. mccinc.org.

Saturday 27 Taylor Observatory. Bring

your own flashlight or use one of our loaners.

Warm clothing is recommended.

K–12: free. Adults: $5. 7:15 p.m.

Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. 262-4121. lakecoe. org/programs/taylor_observatory.

Crab Cook-Off & Wine Tasting.

Crab cakes, wine auction, raffle, silent & live auctions. $85. Noon–3 p.m. Mendocino Coast Clinics benefit. Big White Tent. Spruce & Main Streets. Fort Bragg. 961-3463. mccinc.org.

Dirty Cello. Cross-over cellist Rebecca Roudman & her band Dirty Cello perform blues, bluegrass, rock n’ roll & classical. $25. 7:30 p.m.

Cloverdale Performing Arts Center.

209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. cloverdaleperformingarts.com.

Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation Crab Feed. Crab, clam chowder, salad & bread. No-host bar. Proceeds go to Fort Bragg Rotary & Timberwolf Stadium Projects. $75. Noon–2 p.m. Fort Bragg Fire House. 141 S. Main St., Fort Bragg. Reservations. 964-6331. visitmendocino.com.

Concerto! Concerto! Works by Vivaldi, Grieg, Saint-Saens & Wagner. $20–$25. Students w/ASB card & kids under 18: free. Jan. 27: 8 p.m. Jan. 28: 3 p.m. Mendocino College Center Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 462-0236. ukiahsymphony.org.

Happy New Year’s

Crab & Crémant Aboard the Skunk Train. Featuring

crab chowder &

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Recipe for a Legacy Remembering Etta

By Momma Chef

I

love to find or create good recipes. I also love to find and celebrate good people. Today I want to do both. This amazing recipe came from a dear person who recently passed.

Etta shared with me the ingredients for her delicious potatoes a few years ago, and I have made the dish at least 100 times since. I know you will enjoy cooking it up for your friends and family as well. Like all Momma Chef creations, it’s quick, easy, and scrumptious.

I first met Etta in the spring of 2000. My boyfriend (now husband) and I were newly dating and in that wonderful but horribly awkward

period of meeting each other’s friends and family. I remember how nervous my 22-year-old self was, heading to dinner to meet my future sister-in-law, her husband, and his extended family.

Lucky for me, Etta was the hostess that night. As I rang her doorbell, my heart was palpitating; I knew that the prime attraction at the dinner table would be Izzy’s new girlfriend (ME!).

However, from the moment Etta opened her door, she made me feel comfortable, calming my anxiety with her warmth and charm. Even though she wasn’t even related to my husband (she was family to his brother-in-law), she made me feel like she was on my side. Etta was one of those rare people

Etta’s Simply Delicious Roasted Potatoes Ingredients 3 pounds baby yellow, red, or purple potatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons onion soup mix Instructions Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters.

Pour olive oil, onion soup mix, and www.mendolakefamilylife.com

potatoes into a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and shake all ingredients to mix.

Spread potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet or large disposable pan.

Roast in the oven for 25 minutes until brown.

Flip potatoes once while baking to ensure even cooking.

January 2018

who opened her heart when she opened her home.

Little did I know how many more times I would be blessed to spend time with Etta. Our families truly became intertwined: Her daughter is like a sister to me, her grandchildren and my boys are so close they call each other “cousins,” and her son and my husband are great friends. We spent countless family dinners, holidays, and vacations together. And no matter what we were doing, Etta always pulled me aside and said, “You know, Karen, you guys are family to us.”

Knowing my love of cooking and hosting, Etta gave me the most thoughtful of gifts: beautiful serving pieces, which I treasure as reminders of her kind and generous spirit. Truly, the most cherished gift I received when I married my husband was the opportunity to know her. ¶ This article originally appeared on mommachef. com. It has been reprinted here with permission.

Karen Nochimowksi, aka Momma Chef, is the mother of three active boys (ages 12, 8, and 5). Find more of her recipes on mommachef.com.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Crafting with Kids

DIY Foosball Game

Make Your Own Arcade Fun

By Mark at foozballzone.com

S

tuck at home with bored kids? Teach little ones to make their own miniature version of a foosball game.

Materials Medium-sized cardboard box, utility knife, 4 plastic straws (2 red and 2 white, or use other colors), tempura paint (for decoration), 16–24 wooden grill sticks, 8 clothespins (4 in white, 4 in blue), marker, glue, light ball such as a ping-pong, rubber, or sponge ball Instructions 1. Make holes for the goals in the center of the wide sides of the box, making sure the ball is able to pass through each hole without difficulties.

2. Divide the box into equidistant quarters by making four sets of parallel holes along the long sides of the box. The holes should be slightly bigger than the plastic straws that will go into them.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

3. Now is a good time to color and decorate the box, especially if using paint or anything else that will need time to dry.

4. For rods, place two to three wooden grill sticks inside each plastic straw to ensure the straws don’t break. Seal ends of straws with glue and let dry.

5. After the box decorations and seals on the straws have dried, run straws through the four sets of holes that run along the length of the box.

6. For players, affix clothespins to straws, applying glue at the juncture where clothespin meets straw. (See photo for placement. I use UHU glue but Elmer’s is ok.) The two different colors, for instance blue and white, represent two different teams. If you don’t have two different colors, use marker to color one set of clothespins so as to differentiate it from the other. Affix one clothespin each on the straws that sit in front of each goal. Each clothespin should be in front of the center of each goal.

One goal’s clothespin should be blue and the other white. From the goal clothespin, place equidistant three of the other color clothespins on the next straws. So if a blue clothespin is in front of one goal, the next line of players should be white, then blue, with a white clothespin at the opposing goal. Let glue dry.

7. You’re ready to play.

Note: If you use a larger or smaller sized box, then you will use more or less straws and clothespins. Straws and clothespins should fit without being cramped. If you use a larger box, you may need to make one rod out of two straws connected with tape. ¶ Mark is a blogger who writes about everything foosball at foosballzone.com/ harvard-foosball-table.

January 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Preschools

Schools

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

Let the Music Play hat happens when a bunch of musicians get together and bounce creative ideas off of each other? Find out at the 26th Annual Mendocino County Professional Pianist Concert, a fundraiser for the Mendocino County Youth Project and other organizations. Listen to 10 local pianists tickle the ivories, trade stories, and collaborate on a living room–like stage. Performers such as Spencer Brewer, Elena Casanova, Elizabeth MacDougall, Wendy deWitt, and others will fill the Mendocino College Center Theatre in Ukiah with the sounds of blues, jazz, classical, Cuban, R&B, Broadway, and other genres. Performances will take place January 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and January 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15–$25 and may be purchased at Dig Music and Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah, Mazahar in Willits, and Watershed Books in Lakeport.

There’s a different lineup each day; see visitmendocino.com or call 472-7640 for details. ¶

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

• Lake County Also providing FREE in-home services for

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

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

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

Afterschool

Bully-Proof Your Child Learn Self-Esteem Through Self-Defense • Traditional Okinawan karate • Classes for the whole family • Multiple member discounts available Mention this ad & get 10% off your first month dues

Ukiah Shorin-Ryu Karate 3001 #4 So. State St. Ukiah 707-463-DOJO (3656) www.ukiahkarate.com

Get Mom’s Attention!

Pennyroyal Farm

Fresh, Local, and Yummy growing number of chefs and restaurants are proud to say when they use food from local farms. But they are one-upped in the freshness department by farms, such as the sustainable Pennyroyal Farm in Boonville, that serve food. On January 21 Pennyroyal will serve up a meal featuring not only local Dungeness crab, but also farm-produced vegetables, herbs, goats’ milk cheese, and meat. Dishes will be prepared in the facility’s professional culinary kitchen and paired with wines made from Pennyroyal vineyards’ grapes. After the meal, diners can take a farm tour, which will include a visit with goats and a look-see at the estate gardens, goat-milking parlor, and creamery. Brunch, which costs $75, will be served at 12:30 p.m. and followed by the tour, which is an additional $10. Call 895-2410 or go to pennyroyalfarm.com to make reservations. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

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

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Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

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

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

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January 2018

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

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

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Accelerated Achievement Academy US News and World Reports: America’s Best High Schools Bronze Medal  Free public school  Grades 4-12  Small classes  Support for struggling

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mendo lake

LOCAL

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

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Humor Break

Photo courtesy Pampered Poultry

The Chicken Diaper You Thought You’d Seen It All

By Holly Hester

W

hen you have a hobby people tend to give you gifts based on that hobby. I’ve never had this happen to me before because I don’t think I’ve ever had a well-defined hobby.

When I was a kid I used to get Holly Hobbie dolls but that was because of my name, not because I had a love for playing with floppy cloth dolls. (I didn’t.) And, of course, whenever I’ve been pregnant I’ve gotten a lot of baby-themed gifts, but I wouldn’t really call parenting a hobby. Unless you think of a hobby as something that brings you an incredible amount of joy while draining the life out of you at the same time.

But, in the last few years, I’ve received gifts that fall under the category of “funny farm-related products for the hobby farmer.” Gifts have included a book on pig tricks, a swing for your chickens, and some goat bells. But none has compared to the latest hobby-farm gift: the chicken diaper.

It’s from a website called Pampered Poultry, which sells “designer chicken attire that is both stylish and comfortable.” It’s worth taking a look at this site even if you don’t have chickens. I mean, really, how often do you get to see a rooster in a homemade 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

sweater? (Hopefully, your answer is not that often.)

The chicken diaper’s instructions are easy enough. You just snap the straps over each wing, and put the diaper over its butt so that your chicken is ready for “mess-free fun” inside

I mean, really, how often do you get to see a rooster in a homemade sweater? your house. I was excited by this gift because I just happen to have the perfect candidate to inhabit it—Lacy.

Lacy comes in our house every day like clockwork. She heads to the kitchen to look for food, then usually lounges on the couch with us for a while, sometimes napping or just giving us a cold. Lacy doesn’t usually go to the bathroom in the house and that is one of the big reasons why we let her in. But recently I have noticed that she’s gotten a little more relaxed with her bathroom habits, so the chicken diaper came at the perfect time.

Except that I can’t get Lacy to wear it.

It’s not that I’ve struggled to put it on her, and she’s pecked me and run

away. It’s that ever since the chicken diaper arrived, Lacy has refused to come in the house.

At first I thought I was imagining this, but then it started to all make sense.

After all, our cats have an amazing ability to hide right before going to the vet, our dogs make themselves scarce five minutes before I break out the dog shampoo, and our kids can disappear in our yard faster than I can say, “Can you empty the dishwasher?”

All creatures are programmed to self-protect when it comes to doing things they don’t like. And now I’ve discovered that, when it comes to chickens, the abhorrent activity is putting on a floral outfit (with suspenders) that catches your poop.

I’m going to keep trying though. I just need to be very Zen about the whole thing. When I’m around Lacy, I need to clear my head of all thoughts of chicken diapers, and then grab her when her guard is down.

At least that’s what I do with my kids and the dishwasher. ¶ 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 2018 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ladies, take time for your Pap.

A Pap test lasts 5 minutes.

The impact of cervical cancer lasts a lifetime.

Reduce the risk.

Call Care for Her and schedule your Pap today.

You're worth it!

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

CARE FOR HER

LAKEVIEW (707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

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

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MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

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Always Accepting New Patients

707.459.6115 Open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Same-day appointments available 3 Marcela Drive in Willits (right in front of the hospital)

wellness. That’s why our providers at Redwood Medical Clinic are here for you, from routine exams, school physicals to your annual flu shot or sick visits, you can count on us.

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