Mendo Lake Family Life September 2019

mendo lake FREE!

September 2019

Success in Sight

Brains for Hire Find a tutor

Less Whine, Disaster Prep More Shine Help for special needs After-school strategies Beat learning probs

We’re a Great Place to Grow Up!

• MEDICAL • DENTAL • BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • CARE FOR HER HILLSIDE (707) 468-1010 333 Laws Ave. Ukiah

mchcinc.org

LAKEVIEW (707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

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

DORA STREET (707) 468-1015 1165 S. Dora St. Ukiah

We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, Partnership and other insurance. MCHC Health Centers is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Inspired by your love for the great outdoors

We’re more than the family practice you know and love.

We now have specialty providers too.

You may have noticed we recently welcomed new doctors to our Redwood Medical Clinic practice. We now offer a wide range of specialty services all under one roof. Visiting a specialist is just as easy as stopping by to visit your family practice provider. They’re all in one convenient location.

To schedule an appointment, call

(707) 459-6115 Redwood Medical Clinic

3 MARCEL A DRIVE , WILLITS

SPECIALTY SERVICES ALL IN ONE LOCATION. General Surgery Orthopedics Chiropractic Services Addiction Counseling Women’s Health Cardiology

September 2019

Every Issue

10 Features

6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Hot Stuff Hog Wild Liquid Landings An Apple a Day A Bus that Walks Steam Up! Marsh Music

20 Cooking with Kids

10 From Struggle to Success Strategies for working with learning disabilities.

12 A Mile in Their Shoes

Easy Pizz-y

22 Calendar of Events Pear Pride

30 Humor Break Just 5 More Minutes!

How to truly help families coping with special needs.

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14 Are You Disaster-Ready?

Get prepared for Mother Nature’s worst.

16 Less Whine, More Shine Four ways to keep kids engaged after school.

18 Brains for Hire Tips for finding the right tutor for your child.

20 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

9

TOO HOT TO COOK?

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BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

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1090 S. STATE ST., UKIAH • 707-621-9292 898 S. MAIN ST., FORT BRAGG • 707-964-9999

Dear Reader

P

arenting is challenging every single day.

And its difficulties are multiplied for moms and dads raising children with Sharon Gowan special needs. In “A Publisher/Editor Mile in Their Shoes” Sharon@family-life.us (page 12), Rachael Moshman, a mom of a child with mental health issues, gives an empathetic glimpse into how these parents feel. And she offers advice on what to do—and not do—to support them.

Learning disabilities are obstacles many families face. And it can be hard to figure out how to overcome them.

Sandra Gordon has a few ideas. Her “From Struggle to Success” (page 10) lists creative strategies for helping kids to conquer their classes and feel confident.

In “Brains for Hire” (page 18), Denise Yearian explains how researching options, and asking discerning interview questions, can yield the most trustworthy and effective academic help.

While school performance is important, parents’ primary concern is to keep their children safe. In an area with a recent history of wildfires, preparing for Mother Nature’s ire is a top priority. And this is particularly true for families with special needs. “Are You Disaster-Ready?” (page 14) offers tips for these—and all—families.

After planning for the worst, we hope families make room for life’s best and relax and have fun. Our Calendar of Events (page 22) offers myriad options for kid-friendly entertainment.

Have a wonderful fall!

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

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

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

For some students, getting a tutor is the key to unlocking learning blocks.

Web and Social Media

27TH ANNIVERSARY

KELSEYVILLE PEAR FESTIVAL SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 28TH PANCAKE BREAKFAST KID’S TOWN HOMETOWN PARADE LIVE MUSIC HORSE FAIRE PEAR FOOD & DRINKS ANTIQUE TRACTORS LOCAL WINES ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET FEATURING NEW VENDORS

FREE FAMILY EVENT!

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Meredith Ethington Sandra Gordon Christina Katz Rachael Moshman Karen Nochimowski Elizabeth Pearson Ashley Talmadge Denise Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

www.pearfestival.com 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show September 13-15, 2019

9 am to Midnight Daily • Boonville Fairgrounds

SHEEPDOG TRIALS • CIDER, APPLE & WINE TASTINGS WOOL & FIBER FESTIVAL • CARNIVAL C.C.P.R.A. RODEOS SAT. NIGHT & SUN. AFTERNOON

DEAN TITUS & THE COYOTE COWBOYS SATURDAY 14 AT 9:30 PM

www.mendocountyfair.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Hot Stuff

eans, meat, and heat are the basic ingredients of chili. But not all recipes are alike, and some results taste better than others. Local businesses will get the chance to showcase their idea of what makes a great chili—and raise money for a good cause—at the Chili Cook-Off. At this annual fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah, attendees will cast their vote for the best pot of hot stuff. The event will be held on September 6 at 6 p.m. at the Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza in downtown Ukiah. Tickets are $5–$10; children five and younger get in free. ¶

Tret Bishop

B

Chili Cook-Off

Hog Wild

W

hen the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, he left a huge hole in the hearts of Deadheads everywhere. The tribute band the Garcia Project seeks to carry on the music icon’s sound, playing gigs like the Hog Farm Celebration, where the group will open for Americana band Poor Man’s Whiskey.

Besides live music, Hog Farm will also feature a film festival, games (Bingo anyone?), handmade crafts, and food. Costumes are encouraged.

The event will be held September 20–22 at Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville. Admission is $30–$175; kids ages 5 and younger get in free. Find out more and purchase tickets at blackoakranch.com/hog-farm-celebration. ¶

Liquid Landings

couple of years after Henry Ford initiated mass production of the Model T, the first seaplane was invented, in France, in 1910. Since those days of plywood floats, the seaplane has definitely evolved. And some of its 21st-century incarnations will be on display at the annual Clear Lake Splash-In in Lakeport. Aerial demonstrations and contests, model planes, simulator plane rides, and industry vendors will all be part of this free event, which will be held on September 7, 9 a.m.–10:30 p.m., at Natural High in Lakeport. For more information, go to lakecochamber.com. ¶

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Clear Lake Splash-In

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

DartFrog Photography

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An Apple a Day

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f eating apples really does keep the doctor away, then the Mendocino County Apple Show may be a ticket to good health. Apple samples will be available at the show. And there will be hard cider and wine tastings, too. The show is part of the Mendocino County Fair. So if apples and their derivatives don’t appeal, there will be more entertainment to choose from, including a CCPRA rodeo, a wool and fiber arts show, live music, and a dance. The fair and apple show will be held September 13–15. Fair gates will be open 9 a.m.–midnight. Admission is $6–$10 or free for ages six and younger. (On September 13, ages 12 and younger get in free.)

Unlimited carnival rides are $25–$30. Tastings are an extra fee. A cider tasting is planned for September 14, 1–5 p.m., and a cider and wine tasting for September 15, noon–4 p.m.

Wine-only tastings are slated for September 13, 5–8 p.m., and September 14, 5–9 p.m. For details, see mendocountyfair.com. ¶

A Bus that Walks

T

houghts of school buses may conjure up images of big yellow vehicles full of yelling kids. But in Mendocino County, a school bus may be something else entirely different: a group of kids, led by an adult, walking en masse to school, picking up students along the way.

The Walking School Bus is an initiative of the nonprofit Walk and Bike Mendocino. Interested participants or volunteer leaders, or those wishing to start a walking bus or a new route for an established bus, may contact Teel at Walk and Bike Mendocino: 467-3217. ¶

Steam Up!

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ome little kids just love things that go. And steam engines not only move, but also spit out smoke and a mighty scream. Some of these engines of a time gone by will be fired up at the annual Roots of Motive Power Steam Festival. Besides the engine exhibit, there also will be a barbecue of locally raised meat, and, across the street at Recreation Grove Park, a vintage car show. The festival will be held September 7–8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at 420 Commercial Street in Willits, with the barbecue held only on Sept. 7, starting at 4 p.m. Admission is free; the barbecue is $15.

See rootsofmotivepower.com for details. ¶

Roots of Motive Power Steam Festival

Marsh Music

A

Sheridan Malone

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

nderson Marsh State Historic Park in Lower Lake is home to many singing birds, but soon there will be more than feathered friends making music there. To raise funds, the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association will be hosting Music at the Marsh, an acoustic concert featuring a fiddle group, singer songwriter Sheridan Malone, and the band Uncorked. The performances will be held on September 14, noon–5 p.m., under a big oak tree in the picnic area in the park. Tickets are $20 and available at andersonmarsh.org or at facebook.com/events/362368281330850.

Wine, beer, and food will be available for purchase. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair but to leave their dogs at home. ¶ September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Learning disabilities are biological conditions that lead to a set of behaviors that can be challenging.

They tend to run in families. “Kids can’t help it,” Mahone says. If your child has a learning disorder, it’s important to diagnose it early,

Active reading takes more time and effort, but it can make all the difference.

From Struggle to Success

Strategies for Kids with Learning Challenges

By Sandra Gordon

S

chool is your child’s work, but like most jobs, there are good days and bad, great bosses (teachers) and not so great ones, and classes that are easier than others.

However, for some of even the brightest kids, like my youngest daughter, every test can seem difficult, every teacher hard, and every assignment a major hurdle.

How can you help your aspiring scholar reach her or his potential? I asked these educators and learning experts for their top tips. Here are five of their best answers.

1. Seek out testing early. If your student gets extra help at school but 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

isn’t making academic progress, seek out an evaluation at school and/or at a private neuropsychology assessment center.

“Learning disorders occur throughout the range of intelligence. Even very highly functioning students can have them,” says E. Mark Mahone, director of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which is a partner of John Hopkins Medicine.

if possible, to prevent harmful repercussions. Continually tanking on tests and quizzes or not understanding the material can affect your child’s self-esteem and brain development. “The average child with a reading disability doesn’t get identified until the second or third grade. By then, that child has two, three, or four years of failure before getting the appropriate intervention,” Mahone says. Intervention, which may include medication and behavioral treatment, can help the brain reorganize more efficiently so that academic skills build naturally over time.

It’s important to note that learning disabilities don’t typically occur in isolation. “Whenever you find one learning disability, you should look for others,” Mahone says. “For the best outcome, everything should be treated concurrently.”

2. Teach kids to make oatmeal.

“It takes tremendous energy to learn, but many kids are running on empty,” says Sharon Rose Sugar, author of Smart Grades: Every Day an Easy A (2010). Cold cereal for breakfast doesn’t cut it. Sugar says, “What can

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

make a big difference in the morning is just a bowl of oatmeal,” topped with nutritious add-ons, such as walnuts, blueberries, cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup.

Kids also should fuel homework sessions with wholesome study snacks, such as an apple or rice cake with peanut butter, or carrots and hummus and water.

3. Preview homework, then take a brain break. If your child is typically anxious about homework,

4. Turn reading into a workout.

Kids have so many facts coming at them. To help them retain key ideas for a test, they need to be active readers.

Before reading a chapter in their textbook, students should read the chapter title, all of the headings and subheadings, and the questions at the end. “Reviewing chapters first helps www.mendolakefamilylife.com

To help his struggling students talk themselves into doing well on tests, Hughes teaches them to write and recite affirmations, which are questions that address their specific academic concern, but are stated as a positive, such as: “Why am I so comfortable and confident taking an exam?” and “Why do I always perform up to my expectations on an exam?”

“The why at the beginning is what the brain picks up and runs with, reprogramming the subconscious to believe what you’re telling it,” Hughes says. He advises his students to read their affirmations every day. ¶

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teach her or him to go over homework assignments, including questions that need to be answered, when she or he gets home from school and then to take a break before diving in. “Kids aren’t under any pressure to answer those questions right away, but their brain starts working. When they come back to their homework, it’s a lot easier for them to start their work because they’ve previewed it,” says Katherine Firestone, founder of the Fireborn Institute and The Happy Student podcast.

5. Help them talk themselves into better grades. “When you get As or Bs, school is more enjoyable.

But some kids, especially those with learning disorders, have emotional roadblocks to getting good grades,” says Paul J. Hughes, author of Change Your Grades, Change Your Life (2016).

Early on, kids can form negative self-perceptions, such as “I’m bad at taking tests,” which get hardwired into their subconscious, programming them for failure. “Our thoughts affect outcomes,” Hughes says.

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©P N

Intervention can help the brain reorganize more efficiently so that academic skills build naturally over time.

kids understand the key ideas,” says Firestone. Then, while they’re reading, they should underline the main idea and jot down notes to review before a test. Active reading takes more time and effort, but it can make all the difference, as Firestone, who was diagnosed with ADHD in high school, knows firsthand. “It resulted in a huge transformation for me,” she says.

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

• What did you like?

• What didn’t you like?

• What subjects would you like us to cover?

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

Sandra Gordon writes on health, medicine, nutrition, parenting, and consumer issues. Find her at sandrajgordon.com.

September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

meetings, and trips to the pharmacy.

On top of it all, we still have to go to work and keep up with general household duties.

A Mile in Their Shoes

The Lives of Families with Special Needs

By Rachael Moshman

M

y husband and I adopted our daughter when she was 9 years old. She has a long list of mental health diagnoses. We quickly discovered that parenting a child with special needs results in the whole family having a challenging set of special needs. As I’ve interacted with other parents of children with special needs, I’ve noticed that there are some factors that most of us have in common. Regardless of the diagnosis—ADHD, autism, physical disabilities, Down syndrome, emotional issues, or any other disorder or illness— these characteristics are usually present.

We’re tired. Really, really tired.

Exhausted, actually. This isn’t an occasional thing for us. We don’t miss out on a full night of sleep once in a while. It’s all of the time. My daughter suffers from insomnia and nocturnal panic attacks. It is not uncommon

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

for her to be awake most of the night. Even if we do get enough sleep, we’re still run-down from all of the energy it takes to manage our child’s condition. Our schedules are jam packed with various doctor, therapy, and psychiatric appointments, IEP

Our brains are constantly busy.

We’re always considering possible triggers in every situation, wondering how to explain our child’s unique needs to others and worrying about the future. My daughter suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and seemingly innocent encounters can send her into a meltdown. I spend

Our friends and family often have stepped away because our child’s needs make them uncomfortable. hours analyzing every potentially upsetting situation, and making plans to help her process it.

We know more about our child’s condition than most doctors. I’ve read piles of books on mental health and my daughter’s specific diagnosis. I keep up with the latest research online. Her pediatrician, psychiatrist, therapist, and other professionals have commented I know more than many of their colleagues. I had to become the expert on my child. I’ve found this is true with most parents of children with special needs. I know a few parents who went back to school to get degrees to become teachers, therapists, social workers, and researchers so that they could help other families like their own.

We’re lonely. Our friends and family often have stepped away

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

because our child’s needs make them uncomfortable. Or perhaps we had to step away from them because they refused to respect our boundaries and parenting decisions.

We’re fragile. We feel judged all the time. We want what’s best for our child and worry that we’re not doing enough for them. Most special needs children don’t respond well to traditional parenting methods. Our brains may explode if we hear one more time that all our child needs is more discipline. Discipline isn’t the issue, our child’s condition is. And that condition isn’t the child’s fault or ours.

We’ve tried everything. We know you want to help, but if there is a possible solution we’ve tried it. I’ve been asked countless times if I’ve

W

tried warm milk for my daughter’s insomnia. We’ve tried everything— conventional and unconventional—in our quest to make life easier for our

I had to become the expert on my child. children and families. We need friends to listen and support, but we don’t need you to offer solutions.

We’re desperate for normalcy.

Yes, we’re overwhelmed and exhausted.

Our children have quirks that often make navigating life challenging. But we’re up for the challenge and are teaching our children to be open to all that life has to offer. Don’t leave us out. Invite us to your birthday parties,

hen you come to work for Ukiah Unified, you really are part of a dynamic team.

We all work together to improve the lives of students; help them to be the best they can be; and give our students the guidance and support of a dedicated team.

www.uusd.net www.mendolakefamilylife.com

play dates, and moms’ night outs. Our participation depends on many factors, but we still want to be included and will do our best to be there and have fun. Vent to us about your problems, and share the latest celebrity gossip.

Much of our lives is spent inside a small bubble trying to manage our child’s needs. We welcome the chance for some fresh air.

So what can you do to help parents of children with special needs?

Understand that we’re overwhelmed.

Bring us coffee and a muffin “just because.” Tell us we’re doing a great job. Be gentle and kind with us; we’re doing the best we can. ¶ Rachael Moshman is a mother, freelance writer, educator, and family advocate. Find her on Twitter @ rachaelmoshman.

Benefits include: Full & part time work; weekends off; paid holidays & vacation; Health & Welfare; and CALPERS Retirement contributions.

Ukiah Unified is looking for enthusiastic individuals who love what they do to Join Our Team!

707.472.5040 511 S. Orchard Avenue – Ukiah, CA September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

an out-of-town friend or relative to be a point of contact.”

Are You Disaster-Ready?

Tips for Parents of Kids with Disabilities

By Ashley Talmadge

A

s the parent of children with disabilities, you’re good at anticipating and preparing for the unexpected. When it comes to emergency preparedness, though, it’s important to take additional precautions. Follow these steps and take a few minutes each week to plan, add to your kit, and communicate with those who might care for your children.

Make a Family Plan During a disaster, family members can easily become separated. By developing a plan and talking about it in advance, you ensure reunification will happen as quickly as possible.

Jessica Cappelletti, Red Cross preparedness specialist, says “It’s important to consider what the individual need is and incorporate it in your plan.” Is there a parent who is usually close enough to pick up a child at school? If not, which neighbor or 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

friend could provide the specialized care a child might need? Also include contingencies for different types of emergencies. A fire or flood may necessitate evacuation, while a storm or chemical hazard may require sheltering in place. Where will you go in either case?

During a disaster, phone service may be inconsistent, and it’s often easier to connect to a long distance, rather than local, number. Therefore, Cappelletti suggests that families “ask

Build Your Emergency Kit Ideally, families should build two types of emergency kits. A “go kit” contains supplies for at least three days and will be taken by each family member in the event of an evacuation. A “home kit” (usually several large bins) contains items required for the whole family during a “shelter in place” event for up to two weeks. Several basics—such as water, food, first aid and hygiene supplies, batteries, and flashlight—

Stock a variety of portable chargers (already charged) for phones and other devices. should be included. Visit ready.gov/ build-a-kit for more information.

When your children have special needs, the following parts of your kit will require closer attention: Food. If your children are on restricted diets, or have sensory issues that impact their desire to eat, be sure to stock your kit with nonperishable foods they can safely enjoy.

Medications. In addition to a seven-day backup supply of any necessary prescription medications, be sure to include over-the-counter items, such as melatonin or protein supplements, that your children regularly use.

Include a medication list and copies of prescriptions.

Power backup. “A lot of medical equipment relies on power, so families who have special needs should consider a generator and

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

subsequently a carbon monoxide alarm,” says Cappelletti. (A generator can be deadly when not used properly, so be sure you know how to operate it.) Remaining connected and informed is essential for families with special needs, so it’s worthwhile to stock a variety of portable chargers (already charged)

If your children are on restricted diets, be sure to stock your kit with nonperishable foods they can safely enjoy. for phones and other devices. Solar and battery-operated chargers are also available.

Adaptive equipment. Decide how your children will access any specialized items they use for feeding, mobility, self-care, or communication.

Comfort items. If possible, include some duplicates of familiar toys, books, and electronic activities your children use to calm themselves.

Practice Drills Cappelletti notes that the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and expectations during an emergency can make any child anxious. The situation can be more challenging for children who have mobility limitations, sensory issues, or who need a predictable routine. “Children fear what is unknown,” says Cappelletti. “When drills are practiced, the family is getting equipped with confidence and the knowledge of what to do.”

Operate your smoke alarm, and rehearse your evacuation procedure www.mendolakefamilylife.com

in the dark. Try sheltering in place for a couple hours with battery-operated devices instead of electric power. Visit your neighborhood fire station and introduce your children to a firefighter in full gear. (Children who are not familiar with a firefighter’s uniform and equipment may hide from these first responders in an emergency.)

Expand Your Support Network In addition to staff at your children’s school or daycare facility, be sure there are other people who are familiar with your children’s needs.

If possible, exchange keys with a trusted neighbor; let her or him know where supplies and important documents are stored, and decide how you will contact each other if phone service is unavailable.

Know Your Community’s Disaster Plan Local areas have developed disaster plans. For Mendocino County’s plan, including a Family Communication Plan, see tinyurl. com/y37zqyld. For Lake County disaster preparedness resources, see lakecountybewell.org/guide/ disasterpreparedness/.

Notify local officials of your household’s needs in advance. This makes it easier for first responders to quickly provide assistance. And if you’re electricity-dependent, you can also register with PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program at tinyurl.com/ y4fw4emu. ¶ Ashley Talmadge is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.

DID YOU KNOW? HELPS YOU

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

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

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

1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

time with you, and you get help with the evening chores. Standing side by side at the sink and peeling carrots or cucumbers is a great way to cross off some meal prep, while also connecting with your kids about their day.

Of course, you’ll need to use your discretion on what utensils are safe for your kids to handle, but in my experience, a veggie scrubber or peeler is pretty low risk. Prepping healthy snacks on weekdays is also a great

Less Whine, More Shine

Keep Kids Happy & Productive After School

By Elizabeth Pearson

T

ransitioning back into the school year can be tough, but if you create routine and structure around after-school time, you’ll find you’re household runs like a well-oiled machine.

Here are my tips for keeping everyone on task and the whining to a minimum: Do the Most Important Thing First What do your kids resist doing the most? Whatever that thing is, make it your priority to knock it off the to-do list first. For my family, it’s bedtime…well, bath time to be specific.

When we announce it’s bath time, we’re immediately met with groans of displeasure from our children. It’s the thing that brings an already-tough bedtime to a screeching halt.

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So, to set ourselves up for success, we have our kids bathe as soon as they walk in the door and drop their backpacks. No snack. No TV. No nothing until they’ve bathed. We promise them that if bath time goes smoothly, and they do it right away, they can have 30 minutes of “zone-out” time. Is this bribing them? Nah. I choose to call it “incentivizing.”

Make them Co-CEOs of the House Making kids special after-school assistants is a win-win for everyone: They get one-on-one

A fun way to be mindful together is to go outside and play Eye-Spy. way to give sometimes hangry kids an opportunity to grab something nutritious, instead of whatever’s at eye-level in the pantry, while they wait for dinner.

Folding laundry is also a great Co-CEO assignment. Kids like the feeling of completion once they’ve taken a large mound of laundry and folded it into a pretty stack. If they are resistant, watch an episode of Marie Kondo’s NetFlix show Tidying Up with them, and before you know it, they’ll be on board. Don’t stress if they don’t fold everything perfectly. It’s not about the folding; it’s about talking and connecting with them as they do a constructive task.

Hit the Library I have to admit, it had been a couple of years since I’d been to our library, but once I brought my 4- and 7-year-old daughters there and they saw the never-ending shelves of books they could read, their eyes lit up. Visit your local library to bulk up on the book offerings in your house

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

and encourage kids to log reading, rather than screen, time. The library can be a fun place to do homework as well, because sometimes kids merely need an environment without all the distractions of home in order to focus.

a squirmy child to sit crisscross applesauce in a quiet room is easier said than done. Meditation and mindfulness can come in many different forms—coloring books, for example. Yep, slowly coloring together

Be Mindful Together We’ve all heard about the benefits of slowing down and being more mindful, but in case you need a reminder, mindfulness:

Making kids special after-school assistants is a win-win for everyone.

• reduces stress • curbs anxiety • promotes emotional health • enhances self-awareness • lengthens attention span • improves sleep These benefits apply to your children as well, but we all know getting

can facilitate the soothing meditative effects mentioned above. There are plenty of adult coloring books out there, so dive in.

Another fun way to be mindful together is to go outside and play Eye-Spy or I-Hear. I-Hear is basically Eye-Spy set in nature: Everyone

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Everyone Welcome!

Please Join Us

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Peace Day & Ice Cream Social at La Vida Charter School, Tues. Sept. 24

Enroll today for 2019-2020!

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

(707) 463-7080  www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Elizabeth Pearson is a professional life coach, spiritual seeker, writer, wife, and mother. Elizabeth specializes in getting women “unstuck” so they can achieve their highest goals in all aspects of life. Find her at elizabethpearson.com.

Peace Day!

 

 Focused on the future of each child

is encouraged to actively listen for birds, rustling leaves, or flowing water. Another way to trick your kids, and yourself, into slowing down is to download a Chakra Balancing playlist off YouTube or Apple music. Lay down side-by-side with your little one on your bed or rug and listen to the guided meditations together. These playlists, or any mediation playlists for that matter, are wonderful to do just prior to bedtime. And, by the way, they’re super helpful for keeping your patience sky-high and aggravation at an all-time low. ¶

September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

3. Reach for recommendations.

Begin your search by asking your child’s teacher, principal, guidance counselor, or others within the school unit. Some school districts have a list of tutors and are willing to make recommendations. Other parents are a good resource, too.

Brains for Hire 10 Tips for Choosing a Tutor for Your Child

By Denise Yearian

T

utors offer a wealth of educational resources for students who need remedial work, as well as for those who want academic enrichment and maintenance. To choose the right tutor for your child, consider these ten tips.

1. Pitch and persuade. Before searching for a tutor, discuss it with your child to get his or her buy-in.

Keep the conversation positive: “You know how reading is kind of hard sometimes? We are going to find someone who can help you.” Most students don’t like to struggle, so if your child is aware that there is a problem, he or she may be more likely to want help. Even so, expect apprehension and offer encouragement.

2. Ponder priorities. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tutoring. It depends on needs, setting, convenience, and cost. Some people 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

choose a private tutor while others go with a tutoring center. Still others opt for an online service. When choosing a setting—either small group or one-on-one instruction— determine which is the best fit for your child. If you choose a group setting, find out the maximum number of students per class.

Convenient location is important, too. Studies show that more frequent tutoring sessions yield greater results.

When it comes to cost, bear in mind that one-on-one tutoring may be more costly than group sessions and in-home tutoring more expensive than traveling to a center.

4. Check credentials. Find out if the tutor has experience teaching the subject your child needs help with. Although the instructor may not be credentialed for your child’s grade level, it’s a good idea to find one who holds a college degree and has completed a tutor-training program.

This will ensure she or he understands educational theory, instructional strategies, and remedial approaches.

Graduate students with strong content knowledge may be a good option, too.

Equally important is experience and teaching style. Ask if the tutor has taught children of similar age and learning style as your child. Likewise, consider personality and attitude.

Is she or he patient, upbeat, and encouraging?

5. Tally the track record. It’s equally important to check references and track record. Does the tutor you are considering have satisfaction surveys from past parents and students that prove she or he has helped raise test scores, improve classroom grades, and/or better homework completion?

6. Time it right. Although extracurricular activities and parents’ work schedules often dominate the clock, try to be flexible so tutoring sessions are held at a time when your child is most open to learning. Some students need a 30–40 minute break after school. But if you give other

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

kids that same downtime, it will be a battle to get them to work. Know what timing works best for your child and adjust your schedule accordingly.

7. Collaborate on goals. When formulating tutoring goals, get everyone on board— teacher, tutor, parent, and child. Teachers and tutors are aware of what the goals should be, but parents know their child best and should be involved in the goal-setting process. It’s ideal if the tutor and

Studies show that more frequent tutoring sessions yield greater results. teacher work toward a common goal and communicate regularly to reinforce each other’s techniques. The teacher may also be willing to give feedback on your child’s progress in the classroom.

8. Request progress reports.

Many tutors offer periodic progress reports and will check off goals and redefine them, if necessary. Ask for a sample of progress reports to see if they are clear and helpful. Also inquire how often reports will be given.

9. View policies. Clarify policies before signing on the dotted line.

Some tutors charge clients if an appointment is canceled without a 24-hour notice. Others have detailed policies for scheduling makeup sessions. Also ask about substitutes.

In the event your tutor is out due to illness, how much say will you have in who teaches your child?

10. Show support. Remember, parents play an important role in the www.mendolakefamilylife.com

What to Ask a Tutor • What age do you tutor?

• Is it for remedial work only?

Or do you do enrichment and maintenance, too?

• What subjects do you offer?

• Can my child go during school hours?

• Do you offer diagnostic testing?

Is it required?

• Do you teach in small group sessions or one-on-one?

• Where does tutoring take place?

• What qualifications do you/your teachers have?

• What if my child has a personal problem with the tutor, can I get another one?

• How often is the child required to go?

• Can you work sessions around my family’s schedule?

• How often will I receive progress reports? Will they be written or verbal?

• What is the duration of the contract?

• How much do you charge?

• Are there any hidden fees?

whole learning process, so look for practical ways to support your child’s academic endeavors. At the end of each tutoring session, find out what he or she is expected to do before the next one—whether it’s memorizing multiplication facts or completing all classroom assignments—and couple those learning efforts at home. ¶ Denise Yearian is a former educator and editor of two parenting magazines, and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

September 2019

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MendoLakeFamilyLife.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Cooking with Kids

Easy Pizz-y

Make a Tortilla Pizza

By Momma Chef

M

y house is always filled with kids, mostly hungry, growing boys who constantly crave snacks. My oldest son came up with a great idea: tortilla pizza, or as the kids call it, “tortizza.” It has become a quick and easy favorite.

You can mix all the ingredients and get it in the oven in fewer than two minutes, and the kids can choose their own toppings. The tortillas we use are made from five simple ingredients and have no preservatives.

So this snack is not only delicious, but also healthy. Hope your kids love tortizzas as much as mine do! ¶ Karen Nochimowski, the mom behind mommachef.com, has loved cooking for as long as she can remember. After her friends and family begged to be let in on her culinary secrets, she decided to create a blog featuring the quick, easy recipes everyone loved. Every recipe has only six or fewer ingredients and takes only six or fewer minutes to prepare.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Tortizza: Simple Tortilla Pizza Ingredients 1 flour tortilla (I like TortillaLand.) ¼ cup marinara sauce ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese toppings (diced peppers and olives are great options) Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Place the tortilla on a small pizza pan.

3. Evenly spread sauce over the tortilla.

4. Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the top and add your toppings.

5. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden and the tortilla is crispy, about 7 minutes.

Tips 1. If you do not have a pizza pan, you can place the tortilla directly on the middle oven rack.

2. Let the tortilla sit for a minute after taking it out of the oven.

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

MENDOCINO

CIDER FEST & APPLE SHOW Saturday, Sept 14, 1–5 Sunday, Sept 15, Noon–4 At the Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show

www.mendocountyfair.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

September Calendar of Events Pear Pride hat’s green, sweet, and calls Lake County home? Pears, of course. Every year Kelseyville celebrates this key agricultural player with the free Kelseyville Pear Festival, where “all things pear” preside. Besides goodies made from the fruit, there will also be live music, dancers, craft booths, an antique tractor display, and even a horse fair. The event, which will be held on September 28 in downtown Kelseyville, kicks off with a parade at 9:30 a.m., and runs until 4 p.m. See pearfestival.com for more information. ¶

Thursday 5

Tret Bishop

W

Super Diamond: Neil Diamond

FREE Redbud Storytime. Thursdays.

Tribute. Bring blanket or low-back

10:30 a.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. facebook. com/lakecountylibrary.

chairs. No outside alcohol or pets. $5–$30. Gates: 5:30 p.m. Concert: 6:30 p.m. Nelson Family Vineyards.

550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah. nelsonfamilyvineyards.com.

FREE Movement for Kids. Ages

4–7. Thursdays. 11–11:30 a.m. Willits Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. facebook.com/willitslibrary.

FREE Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. Thursdays—Saturdays: 10

a.m.–4 p.m. 21267 Calistoga Rd., Middletown. friendsofgibson.com.

Friday 6 Granite Construction Chili Cook-Off. Taste chili from local

businesses & vote for your favorites.

Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah. $5–$10. Ages 5 & younger: free. 6–10 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. 489-2050. facebook.com/ granite-construction-chili-cook-off.

FREE Willits Calming Stretches.

Simple, gentle stretches. Teens & adults. Fridays. 5:30 p.m. Willits Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. facebook.com/willitslibrary.

Saturday 7 Clear Lake Seaplane Splash-In. See

aircraft up close & talk to pilots. $5.

Ages 11 & younger: free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Natural High School. 810 N. Main St., Lakeport. lakecounty.com.

FREE Fort Bragg Kids Craft Time.

Supplies provided. Saturdays. 11 a.m.

Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

Project Sanctuary’s P. S. We Love You! Dinner,

open-bar drinks, the Top Secret Band & a live auction with Sheriff Allman. A fundraiser for domestic violence & rape crisis center serving Mendocino County.

5:30–9 p.m. Barra of Mendocino.

7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. barraofmendocino.com.

FREE Roots of Motive Power Steam Festival. A variety of 19th-century

steam-powered equipment will be fired 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Kelseyville Pear Festival

up. Sept. 7 & 8: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (BBQ for purchase on Sept. 7 only, starting at 4 p.m.) 420 E. Commercial St., Willits. rootsofmotivepower.com.

Sunday 8 FREE ArtCar Bizarre. Showcase

of

cars that have been permanently altered in an artistic fashion.

Noon–5 p.m. Heider Field. Little Lake & Ford Streets, Mendocino. mendocinoartcenter.org/level2/ events.lasso.

Dirty Cello. Presenting an electric mix of music. $20. 2 p.m. Willits Community Theatre. 37 W. Van Ln., Willits. brownpapertickets.com.

Tuesday 10 FREE Mother-Wise Weekly Workshops. Tuesdays. 1–3

p.m. Mother-Wise. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

Fun Fall Baking. Tips for low-sugar,

oil-free & egg-free recipes. Presented

by Ukiah Food Co-op. Noon–1 p.m. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.

Conference Room. 275 Hospital Dr., Ukiah. RSVP online: ukiahcoop.com.

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Wednesday 11

Saturday 14

FREE Virtual Reality. Virtual reality

Moose Ride & Kids Day. 100-mile

sessions (10–15 minutes) with Oculus Rift. For ages 12 & older. Wednesdays.

4 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. facebook.com/ redbudlibrary.

bike race, live music, carnival games, hog roast, silent auction & raffles.

Free admission. Hog roast: $20. Bike race registration: $20–$30. Poker Run bike race: 10 a.m. Carnival: 1–3 p.m. Hog roast: 2–4 p.m. Moose

FREE Hometown Hero Celebration.

Lodge. 15900 Hwy. 20, Clearlake Oaks. For info, text 860-7311.

Music at the Marsh. Featuring local musicians & entertainers. Wine/ beer/food for purchase. A benefit for Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association. Bring lawn chairs. $20. Noon–5 p.m. No dogs

Honoring those who have & are serving in the armed forces. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Thursday 12 Grab A Bite Night. Live music

by the Easy Street Band. Food from the Taqueria Michoacan Taco Truck. 5–8 p.m. BARRA of Mendocino Wines. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. facebook.com/ barraofmendocinowines.

Friday 13 Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show. CCPRA rodeo, carnival, car

show, sheepdog trials, live music & dancing. Apple, wine & hard cider tastings. Admission: $6–$10. Ages 6 & younger: free. Unlimited rides: $25–$30. Extra fee for tastings. Fair runs thru Sept. 15. 9 a.m.–midnight.

Mendocino County Fairgrounds.

14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. Schedule & tickets: mendocountyfair.com.

Full Harvest Moon. Drinks & snacks will be served. $30. Reservations must be made by phone no later than 3:30 p.m. 3 days before event. Sept.

13: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14: 8 p.m. Point Arena Lighthouse. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 877-725-4448, ext. 1. pointarenalighthouse.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

allowed. Anderson Marsh State Park. 8400 Hwy. 53, Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org.

Black, Brown & Beige Concert.

Featuring vocalist Shelene Huey– Booker performing classics of Duke Ellington & his longtime arranger, Billy Strayhorn. $25–$30. Ages 17 & younger: free. Sept. 14: 8 p.m. Sept. 15: 2 p.m. Mendocino College Theatre.

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

FREE Board Game Mania. Play a

diverse range of board games, such as chess, Dungeons & Dragons, Rollick & Exploding Kittens. OK to bring own family-friendly game. Tweens–adults.

2–4 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ukiahlibrary.

Sunday 15

Thursday 19

FREE Día de la Independencia!

FREE Kickin’ In the Country Street

Los Amigos Dancing Horses, Grupo Reventon Latino & Mariachi Jalisco perform. 1–8 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Dance. Featuring the Tex Pistols’ southern rock & blues. 7–10 p.m.

Bring chairs. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Wednesday 18 FREE Lake-Mendocino Veterans Resource Fair & Homeless Veterans Stand Down. Find out about free

services, including veterans’ benefits, HUD/VASH & Vet Resource Center, employment assistance, health screenings & education benefits. Lunch included. Free bus transportation. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Thru Sept. 19. Lake County Fairgrounds.

401 Martin St., Lakeport. 994-3334.

FREE 2nd Annual PARK(ing) Day.

Parking spaces are transformed into pop-up parks. 3–8 p.m. Church, Perkins & Standley Streets, Ukiah. facebook.com/downtownukiah.

FREE Birds of the American West.

Lecture by Norman Kikuchi, MD. 7 p.m. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church Social Hall. 5430 Third St., Kelseyville. redbudaudubon.org.

Friday 20 FREE Mad Genius STEAM for Tweens & Teens. Ages 10–18. 3:30

SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 11 AM to 3 PM at HSIMC

— FREE ADMITTANCE —

• Kids' Activities • Mutt Strut • Face Painting • Smokey the Bear • Petting Zoo • Free Treats • Fire Truck Rides Courtesy of RVFD • Beer, Wine and Lunch Plate Available for Purchase

SPONSORED BY:

Community First Credit Union

Humane Society

“Our lives are in your hands”

For Inland Mendocino County

9700 Uva Drive, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 • 485-0123 • hsimc@pacific.net

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ukiahlibrary.

FREE Concerts on the Green. Lake County Diamonds performs outdoors.

5–8 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake Practice Green. 19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley. hvla.com.

Take 4 Jazz. Music from Antonia Carlos Jobim, Dave Brubeck, Paul McCartney, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison & other jazz favorites. $15. 7 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

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

FREE 2nd Annual Big Bike Bash.

Bike Quidditch (polo-style game), helmet decorating, bike promenade, races & more. 4–8 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Ukiah Ride: Under the Stars.

Decorate your bicycle with LED lights & take an 8–10 mile group ride through the streets of Ukiah. Rides generally last 1–2 hours. 7 p.m. Meet at Ukiah Brewing Company. 102 S. State St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ walkbikemendocino.

FREE Know Lake County. 2–4 p.m.

Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov.

FREE How to Pay for College. Fort

Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

! s Info r w ffe s e N A O Bu

T e M Tim – al e R

FREE Coastal Cleanup Day. The

Mendocino Land Trust will host cleanups at local beaches. See websites for locations. No sign-up necessary. Bring work gloves, water bottle & garbage receptacle (bag, bucket, etc.). 9 a.m.–noon. 962-0470. mendocinolandtrust.org.

Hog Farm Celebration. Poor Man’s

Whiskey, the Garcia Project & other bands. Games, costumes, handmade crafts. Meals provided. $30–$175.

Ages 5 & younger: free. Thru Sept. 22.

Black Oak Ranch. 505350 Hwy. 101, Laytonville. blackoakranch.com.

Saturday 21 FREE Indian Day Celebration.

Opening prayer, traditional dances, Native cuisine, handmade crafts & kids’ activities. Noon–5 p.m.

Twin Pine Casino. 22223 CA-29, Middletown. twinpine.com. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Back-to-School Made Easy

With MTA’s Real–Time Bus App. Get the app: www.bit.ly/MTAsRouteShout

www.mendocinotransit.org or call (800) 696-4682 • (707) 462-1422 September 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Sunday 22 Musical Art Quintet. String ensemble

playing rhythms of Argentina, Cuba, Africa, jazz & electronica. $30–$35.

Ages 17 & younger: $10. 2 p.m.

Mendocino College Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. musicalart. brownpapertickets.com.

Tuesday 24 FREE The Miracle Worker. 1962

movie about Helen Keller & her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Academy Award–winning performances. 1 & 6 p.m. Donations accepted. Soper Reese Community Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

FREE Peace Day & Ice Cream Social. 1:30–2:30

Wednesday 25

Friday 27

Just Between Friends Kids’ &

Eagles & Creedance Clearwater

Maternity Consignment Sales Event.

Revival Tribute Concert.

Dates, times & admission fees: Sept.

25: Presale Entry, 2:30–7:30 p.m., $14. Sept. 26: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., $4.

Sept. 27: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., $2. Sept.

28: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., free. Sept. 29: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., free (50% off public sale). Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. northbay.jbfsale.com.

$20–$25. VIP $65* (*RSVP required). 6–10 p.m. Cache Creek Vineyards & Winery. 250 New Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks. cachecreekvineyards.com.

Saturday 28 FREE Kelseyville Pear Festival.

Arts & crafts market, horse fair, antique tractor display, live music & pear goodies. Parade: 9:30 a.m.

Activities run until 4 p.m. Downtown Kelseyville. pearfestival.com.

Thursday 26 The 39 Steps. Fast-paced whodunit.

$11–$20. Sept. 26 & 27: 7 p.m. Sept.

p.m. Join the

HEALTHY KIDS NEED HEALTHY TEETH

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS SEE YOUR DENTAL PROVIDER!

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See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Visit MouthHealthy.org/SmileBuilders fordiet more activity Clean between your Eat a healthy that limits Seesheets. your dentist regularly

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

teeth daily.

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sugary beverages and snacks.

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teeth daily.

sugary beverages and snacks.

DON’T DELAY: SCHEDULE YOUR KINDERGARTEN ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT Visit MouthHealthy.org/SmileBuilders for more activity sheets.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

Clean between your teeth daily.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Clean between your teeth daily.

Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.

Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.

See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

© 2018 AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Grant # 17-10704

American Dental Association®

Visit MouthHealthy.org/SmileBuilders for more activity sheets.

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

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Visit MouthHealthy.org/SmileBuilders fordiet more activity Clean between your Eat a healthy that limits Seesheets. your dentist regularly

Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

E TIPS

ay e.

29: 2 p.m. Runs thru Oct. 13. Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

parents & teachers of La Vida Charter School. 16201 Hwy. 101, Willits.

459-6344. lavidaschool.org.

© 2018 AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

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2019

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September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Civil War Days. War

reenactments, battles, encampments & cannon & medical demos. $12 per vehicle. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 28: Battles at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. Soldiers dance open to the public: 7–10 p.m.

Sept. 29: Battles at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Middletown Mansion. 20650 Hwy. 29, Middletown. acwa.org.

Pastels on the Plaza. Fundraiser for the River Oak Charter School. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza.

310 S. State St., Ukiah. facebook. com/pastelsontheplazaukiah.

Wings Over Wine Country Air Show.

Aerial demos & performances. Craft beer & wine available. $10–$25.

Kids 10 & younger: free. Parking: $10. Sept. 28–29: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County

Point Arena Lighthouse 150th

4–7 p.m. Potter Valley Methodist Church. 10075 Main St., Potter Valley. visitukiah.com.

Anniversary Fundraiser Dinner &

The Ives Collective. Music

Airport. 2200 Airport Blvd., Santa Rosa. wingsoverwinecountry.org.

Auction. Barbecued tri-tip, steak & chicken. $50. 5 p.m. Gualala Community Center. 47950 Center St., Gualala. palki2019dinner. brownpapertickets.com.

of Mozart & Brahms for cello, violin, clarinet & piano. $22–$25. Ages 17 & younger: free. 3 p.m. Preston Hall. 44867 Main St., Mendocino. symphonyoftheredwoods.org.

Sunday 29 FREE Kritter Karnival & Raffle.

Kids’ activities, face painting, petting zoo, fire truck rides. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Humane Society for Inland Mendocino. 9700 Uva Dr., Redwood Valley. 485-0123.

Annual Potter Valley Methodist

Monday 30 Bloom Walk. Docent-led

walks focus on seasonal blooms. Free with regular admission. $8–$15. Ages 5 & younger & active-duty military: free. 1:30 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.

Church BBQ Fundraiser. BBQ,

music & silent auction. $5–$10.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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September 2019

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

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28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Preschools

Schools 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!

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Head Start Child Development Program

E

very once in a while you see one: a vehicle so decorated with paint and improbable objects as to earn the name “art car.” The Mendocino Art Center says that these cars are literally vehicles for bringing art into the world and will be displaying a variety of them at its California ArtCar Bizarre event. Held in conjunction with Larry Fuente’s New World Hoarder exhibition at the center, the free show of whimsical wheels will be presented on September 8, noon–5 p.m., at Heider Field, on the corner  of Little Lake and Ford Streets in Mendocino. For details, see mendocinoartcenter.org. ¶

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

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

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

707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

Accelerated Achievement  Academy 

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

Get Mom’s Attention!

Moose Ride and Kids Day

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

www.ncoinc.org Head Start

Focused on the future of each child  FREE public school  Support for struggling students  Small classes  Grades 4-12

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    

 Call today! (707) 463-7080

mendo lake

Bikers with Heart

N

ot all families are able to provide food and shelter for their kids. And that is why Moose International created its Mooseheart program, which houses and educates children in need. With its Moose Ride and Kids Day event, the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge will be joining other Moose Lodges across the country to raise money for Mooseheart. The event, which will be held on September 14 at the Lodge in Clearlake Oaks, will begin with a 10 a.m. Poker Run, a 100-mile bike ride that will circumnavigate Clear Lake. Then at noon, other entertainment will kick in, including craft vendors and free live classic and Christian rock music; there will also be a silent auction, raffles, and door prizes. Carnival games will be held 1–3 p.m. and a hog roast will run 2–4 p.m. Admission is free; bike ride registration starts at 8 a.m. and costs $20, or $30 for a couple.

The hog roast is free for cyclists and $20 for everyone else. For more information, text Larry King at 765-860-7311. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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September 2019

LOCAL

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Humor Break

Just 5 More Minutes!

you’ve been whining for the past 20 minutes that you’re bored.

8. When you walk out to the car, drag your feet. Cry because you forgot to do that one thing one more time. Lie down in the parking lot. Refuse to get back in the car to go home. Take eight minutes to buckle yourself in.

9. When you get home, unbuckle quickly, but then repeat step six.

A Kid’s Guide to Postponing Everything

10. When you’re mom is trying to make dinner, circle around her like she is in shark-infested waters and chant “Can I have some fruit snacks?”

82 times.

By Meredith Ethington

12. Delay bedtime by asking her to read the biggest book on your shelf.

Three times. Cry when she won’t. Get out of bed to pretend-pee and pretend to be thirsty. Do that at least two more times. Ask an existential question about the universe. Demand answers.

A

ll parents know that kids are skilled at the art of making you wait. The following techniques are probably familiar.

1. Wake up as early as humanly possible and sneak down the hall to watch three hours of TV before 9 a.m. When your mom calls you for breakfast, yell, “It’s almost over!” and hope she doesn’t notice when the next show starts. Next time she calls you, yell, “Five more minutes!”

2. While eating breakfast, knock things over and spill some stuff. Cry when your brother looks at you the wrong way, and get into an argument with your sister about what color your blood is. Get out of your seat and do a little dance every three and a half bites.

Get distracted and go get your favorite toy. When Mom gets mad, come back to find a full bowl of soggy cereal. Tell her you’re no longer hungry.

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

11. Wait five minutes then ask for goldfish crackers.

3. Ask for a snack five minutes later while you brush your teeth.

4. For 15 minutes, argue that your sock feels funny. Finally change socks and demand to wear a ridiculous outfit.

Cry when your mom says no. When she finally caves, tell her you actually don’t want to wear that; you want your Spider-Man costume instead.

5. When it’s time to get in the car, decide to poop. Take 30 minutes.

6. When you arrive wherever you begged your mom to take you, act uninterested in getting out of the car.

Unbuckle yourself as slowly as a sloth.

Look for something you dropped two weeks ago. Find a French fry. Eat it.

Then, slither out of the car backwards because you can.

7. When you’re at the fun place you really wanted to go, ignore your mom when it’s time to leave even though

13. Close your eyes and pretend to be asleep. When your mom starts to leave the room, ask her for a Band-Aid. Cry when she says no. Then ask to be tucked in again, “the right way.” Ask for another hug. Tell her you’re hungry.

14. Wait long enough that you think she’s finally relaxing, then come out of your room and announce you have a big boogie and need a tissue.

15. Find 382 other excuses to get out of your bed until it’s 11 p.m. Finally fall asleep. Repeat all steps tomorrow. ¶ Meredith Ethington is the author of Mom Life: Perfection Pending (2018).

Find her at perfectionpending.net.

September 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lake-Mendocino Veterans Resource Fair and Homeless Veterans Stand Down SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 9am–4pm • Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin Street, Lakeport

FREE SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE: Veterans Benefits ★ HUD/VASH & Vet Resource Center Public Benefits ★ Local Non Profits ★ Employment Assistance Health Screenings ★ Education Benefits MANY OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE

LUNCH IS INCLUDED FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEPTEMBER 19

By Appointment Only Call 415-534-5878 to register in advance 12–4pm

FREE TRANSPORTATION

Your Veteran ID or DD214 will be your bus ticket to the Fairgrounds.

Catch the bus at your local bus stop. Ukiah vets meet at the VA Clinic.

Questions: Call 707-994-3334.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER: Contact Frank Parker at 707-274-9512

Military surplus is reserved for homeless veterans. Proof of service is required: DD214 or Veterans ID. No knives, guns or weapons of any kind allowed.

Free Children’s Health Fair

Wild ABout HEalth PRIZES •

CHILD IDENTIFICATION BOOTH •

FUN ACTIVITIES

Sunday, October 6, 2019 FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS for Children

11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Alex Rorabaugh Center

Grace Hudson Elementary School campus 1640 S. State St., Ukiah

Rain or Shine!

Bike Safety Course Bring your bike & helmet

Or receive a FREE helmet at the event

For children 0-12 and their families 707-463-7493 for more information

Major Underwriters: