Mendo Lake Family Life February 2024 by familylifemag

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February 2024

Charter Schools

Summer Camps

Mid-Year Moves Transition tips

Tooth Troubles Dental issue advice

Top traits to consider

Finding a fit

Joseph Iaccino, DC, MS Chiropractor, Lakeview

Family Physician

Anne Martin-Ko, MD Pediatrician, Hillside

Hillside, Dora Street, Little Lake, Lakeview

Steven C. Wirth, MD Family Physician

Medical Facility

Hillside, Dora Street, Little Lake, Lakeview

Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care for our communities. Your health matters. Call us today. IN UKIAH, WILLITS, AND LAKEPORT

FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL:

(707) 468-1010 1-855-FOR-MCHC

WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL, MEDICARE, PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER INSURANCE. • mchcinc.org • MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

It’s never too early to prepare your child for kindergarten A re you wondering how to help your child get ready for kindergarten? Will she play well with others? Will he listen and follow directions? Will she be able to use the bathroom by herself? If you are asking yourself one or more of these questions, NCO Head Start Child Development Program is the place for you. Our teachers partner with families to help prepare all children to enter kindergarten. Our program’s approach focuses on providing developmentally appropriate experiences that help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers prepare to enter kindergarten. By working with the families and completing observation-based assessments, our teachers are able to create individualized approaches that meet children where they are at. Our teachers provide a nurturing and supportive environment for social, emotional, developmental, and academic growth.

They assess the growth of the children at three different times during the year, sharing the children’s growth with families.

Our program goes beyond education; it provides comprehensive services that ensure children will be ready to learn when they come to school. We provide health, dental, and mental health support services; services to children with disabilities; and support services to parents and guardians. And since children do not need to be potty trained to attend our program, we support the children and their families with potty training. Healthy meals are prepared by our cooks on-site and served family-style with teachers. Our program follows the Food for Thought curriculum, which introduces children to new foods through educational activities and meals. At each site, we have staff who are trained in the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and available to provide

education on popular parenting topics. We also help families learn skills, such as child advocacy and how to serve on a parent council, that will help them once their children enter the public-school system. Our preschool classrooms, which serve children 3-5 years old, are located throughout Lake and Mendocino Counties. Our infant and toddler classrooms are in Willits and Ukiah. We also offer a homevisiting program to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers in inland Mendocino County. As part of this program, families visit with our home-based educators once a week and then come together twice a month for a family social and play group.

Start your child’s journey to school success and call our enrollment team at (707) 462-2582 or visit us online at www.ncoheadstart.org today!

Give Your Child a Head Start!

Apply today & begin your child's journey to school success! Find out how we keep children and families safe by reviewing our Free & Low-Cost Quality Preschool! Receive a $16,000 education for your child little or no cost. COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines on ourat website.

AlsoAlso providing FREE unique in-homehome services for for providing visits infants, toddlers & pregnant women!women! infants, toddlers & pregnant

Empowering children and families to reach their highest potential!

• Ukiah

C E NN TT EE RR SS

✓ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ✔ Nurturing classroom experiences for ages 18 months to 5 years children 3 months to 5 years old. ✓✔ Potty-trained not necessary Potty-training assistance provided. ✓✔ Children with disabilities welcome Children with disabilities welcome. ✓✔ Referrals for transportation available Accepting applications year round.

License #230111843

Applications online: www.ncoheadstart.org • (707) 462-2582 or 1-(800) 326-3122 Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 or 1-(800) 326-3122

•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 Lakeport - Lakeport Blvd. Lakeport Ave. Clearlake- -Howard Pearl Ave. Clearlake - Pearl Ave. Clearlake - Meadowbrook Dr. Clearlake - Meadowbrook Dr.

••Coast Coast

Fort St. FortBragg Bragg-- Lincoln Lincoln St.

February 2024

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

Cooking with Kids Love & Chocolate

Bits and Pieces Crazy for Crab

Features 10 High Performance The five characteristics of effective charter schools.

12 A Big Move Strategies to help children with mid-year school transitions.

Squeeze the Day Dive into D&D Blossoming Kindness, Crafts, & Stories Shoot for the Sky

18 Camp is Calling Finding the best summer activities for your child’s personality.

22 Calendar of Events 30 Humor Break The Five Love Languages of Modern Parenting

20 Dental Drama Addressing kids’ common tooth troubles.

8 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Let Your Dragon Roar

February 2024

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Federally insured by NCUA. 1APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Certificate yields assume dividends remain in account until maturity, penalty imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates effective January 19, 2024 and are subject to change. To open, obtain, and maintain the advertised rate for the certificate, you must have a $1,000 deposit and an active checking account at RCU. Active checking is defined as a checking account having three or more transactions per month (excluding telephone teller or dividend posting transactions). 2 Promotion valid through March 31, 2024. Free one-time optional rate bump-up feature and add-on feature must be requested at account opening and can be done at an RCU branch or by phone. Features are not available in digital banking. Options are only available for a limited time and are available on all savings certificates and savings IRA accounts. For the one-time optional rate feature, you may request a rate increase equal to RCU’s current rates for the same product and term as of the date of request. For the add-on feature, deposits must be $500.00 or more and can be completed at any time during the certificate term. Both features will not carry over to the renewed product unless you request the feature(s) at renewal and are available.

Dear Reader

focused curriculum on Black American history in school’s across the nation during the month of February was prompted by Dr. Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Carter G. Woodson, Sharon@family-life.us who started Black History Week in 1926. Noticing a deficit of African Americans highlighted in his own school studies, Woodson believed this weeklong focus would help bring awareness to more people of color. Ultimately, his week of study was expanded to Black History Month in 1976.

you to what they provide. Peruse the calendar (page 24) for learning activities, plus other teachable moments like those at Lunar New Year events. What would February be without a nod to Valentine’s Day, like our Fallen Chocolate Cake recipe made simple (page 7)! And after all the sweets, it’s a good time to be aware of how to handle tooth troubles (page 20). Charter schools (page 10), mid-year school transitions (page 12), and summer camp selection (page 18) are also topics this month. In the spirit of Dr. Woodson, we hope this issue encourages you to learn!

Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us

Features Editor Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Proof Reader/Fact Checker Jan White

Fittingly in this issue, thoughts toward education increase, as families begin to consider schooling options for the fall. Take a look at our advertiser’s offerings toward open houses and activities to introduce

Contributing Writers

Adventure Awaits You!

Enjoy hiking, horses, swimming, backpacking, crafts, nature, archery, spiritual reflection, campfires, challenge course, and outdoor skills

Programs for campers grades 5 - 11, Friends and Family Camp, and Adults

Marketing/ Sales/Events

America’s Test Kitchen Shannon Carpenter Malia Jacobson Cheryl Maguire Tom Miller Susan Solomon Yem Jan White

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539

Redwood Adventure Camp Providing opportunities for leadership development, spiritual and personal growth, environmental stewardship, lifelong personal connections, fun, and adventure. office@redwoodadventure.org

(707) 984-6877

www.RedwoodAdventure.org 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

February 2024

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Love & Chocolate Easy Version of Restaurant Favorite

By America’s Test Kitchen

allen chocolate cake, also known as molten chocolate cake, is superlatively decadent, with its undercooked center that pours temptingly out of a mound of rich chocolate cake. We wanted to turn this restaurant-menu standard into a practical recipe for home cooks. Rather than beating the egg whites and yolks separately, we found that beating the eggs with sugar to a foam and then folding them into melted chocolate delivered cakes with the rich, moist texture we wanted. A mere 2 tablespoons of flour did an able job of holding the soufflé-like cakes together. Finally, we wanted to ensure that these decadent desserts would arrive at the table hot and still molten; happily, we found that we could prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate the filled ramekins until ready to bake. You can substitute bittersweet chocolate for the semisweet; the flavor will be slightly more intense. ❖ Used, with permission, from Everything Chocolate: A Decadent Collection of Morning Pastries, Nostalgic Sweets, and Showstopping Desserts (America’s Test Kitchen, 2020), americastestkitchen.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Fallen Chocolate Cakes Serves 8 Eight 5- to 7-ounce ramekins Unsweetened cocoa powder, for ramekins 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces 4 large eggs plus 1 large yolk, room temperature ½ cup (3½ ounces) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon table salt 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Confectioners’ sugar 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease eight 5- to 7-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa. Arrange ramekins on rimmed baking sheet. Microwave chocolate and butter in large bowl at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth, 2 to 4 minutes; set aside. 2. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip eggs, yolk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt on

February 2024

high speed until eggs are pale yellow and have nearly tripled in volume. (Egg foam will form ribbon that sits on top of mixture for 5 seconds when dribbled from whisk.) Scrape egg mixture over chocolate mixture, then sprinkle flour on top. Using rubber spatula, gently fold egg mixture and flour into chocolate until mixture is uniformly colored. 3. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. (Unbaked cakes can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Return to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.) Bake until cakes have puffed about ½ inch above rims of ramekins, have thin crust on top, and jiggle slightly at center when ramekins are shaken very gently, 12 to 13 minutes. Run thin knife around edges of ramekins to loosen cakes. Invert each ramekin onto plate and let sit until cakes release themselves from ramekins, about 1 minute. Lift off ramekins, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

The Lakeport Rotary Drive-Thru Crab Feed

Crazy for Crab

iving by the ocean has its advantages, and many would say that eating fresh local crab is one of them. The Lakeport Rotary Drive-Thru Crab Feed and Online Auction will offer plenty of the celebrated crustaceans. Seventy dollars will garner two pounds of cracked crab and one pound of shrimp; bread, and local wine may be purchased for additional fees. The feed will be held on February 17, 4:30–6 p.m., at the Silveira Community Center, 500 N. Main St., Lakeport. To purchase tickets, go to lakeportrotary.org or call 707-533-1199.

Let Your Dragon Roar

2024 Lunar New Year Celebration

unar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. This year, the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is partnering with the Redwood Empire Chinese Association to present the wonders and joy of the 2024 Lunar New Year: The Year of the Dragon. This family-friendly celebration event will take place on Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and will feature traditional Chinese Dancers and let kids join the fun with Lion and Dragon Dances. Expand your knowledge of calligraphy, traditional paper cutting, and adventures in the Chinese Zodiac. Tickets for adults and children are $20, museum members $12. Discounted admission available for Seniors, Military, Teachers, EBT/WIC/MediCal beneficiaries. Get tickets and find out more info at cmosc.org/events/lunar-new-year-celebration.

Squeeze the Day

he 132nd Cloverdale Citrus Fair (the second largest on the West Coast!) will take place this year from Friday, February 16 through Monday, February 19. Enjoy live music by local bands, a carnival with rides and games, a Friendly Farm Petting Zoo, and agricultural 4-H shows that include junior Pygmy goats, rabbits, and more. Culinary demos and wine tastings showcase the region’s bounty, while art and photo exhibits highlight community talents. Special events include a parade, cabaret performances, talent shows, and a Citrus Fair Queen pageant. Children 3-5 years old can enter to compete in the Lily Lemon & Oran Orange Contest and babies can make a break for it in the Diaper Derby race. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Buy tickets and carnival wristbands ahead of time at cloverdalecitrusfair.org. 8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Cloverdale Citrus Fair

February 2024

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Dive into D&D

efore the Netflix hit Stranger Things catapulted Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) into the spotlight, the game was popular among fantasy fans. With its wizards, thieves, and monsters, it engages the imagination of young and old alike. D&D lovers ages 13 and older can play the game together for free on Fridays, 1–4 p.m., at the Middletown Library in Middletown. Go to tinyurl.com/3f7xj9e3 for details.

Dungeons and Dragons

Blossoming Kindness, Crafts, & Stories

iving in harmony and kindness requires practice, and, at the Ukiah Branch Library in Ukiah, this practice includes stories and crafts. The library, in concert with the Instilling Goodness Developing Virtue School (IGDVS), will be hosting a free monthly series of storytelling and creative crafting events centered around the theme “Blossoming Kindness: Living in Harmony.” Each event will feature a story time led by one of IGDVS’s four teachers, followed by arts and crafts. Events start at 10:30 a.m. on the following dates: February 23, March 20, April 24, and May 22. For more information, go to mendolibrary.org or contact the library at 707.463.4490.

Shoot for the Sky

ll high school and community college students are invited to attend the Reach for Your Dreams conference at Sonoma State University. The conference will be full of vital information such as, how to fill out a college application, how to pay for college, and how to transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College to a university. The event, which will be held in both Spanish and English, will take place on Friday, February 23 from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Find more information at facebook. com/ssu.dreamcenter.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Reach for Your Dreams

February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

High Performance What Makes Charter Schools Great

By Tom Miller

y journey into public charter schools and learning about the characteristics of effective schools began in 2008 when I was an Exceptional Children’s teacher. I later became the director of a rural charter middle school. It was during this time, while writing my dissertation on charter schools, that my “leadership lid” was lifted as I spent time in five high-performing K–8 public charter schools. As a result of this experience and my 2011 research, I discovered these five characteristics of effective charter schools.

Clear School Mission Effective public charter schools understand and live their mission daily. From the governing board to the families, they are intentional with communicating the mission at every opportunity. The mission lives through succession planning, stable 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

school leadership, effective teachers, and highly engaged parents. Student-Focused Instructional Planning Effective charter schools teach students where they are, not where they should be based on their age or grade-level. This occurs by having February 2024

clear prevention and intervention systems that assess students’ strengths, learning styles, and interests. Additionally, those same systems are applied to help students build the necessary strategies and skills to be more successful in the classroom. By having such a clear education plan in place,

Effective charter schools engage their parents and community as partners in the school’s programs and success. teachers can master their craft and implement these plans with fidelity. Effective schools do not waiver from their clearly defined education plan; they tweak it based on the results, closing the achievement gap for all. Multiple Levels of Parent Engagement Being schools of www.mendolakefamilylife.com

choice, public charter schools count on building strong relationships with their parents and community. Effective charter schools engage their parents and community as partners in the school’s programs and success. These relationships grow through intentionality, purpose, and transparency. From working side-by-side while building the school to teaching classes, the formula is simple: be clear and deliver on promises. “Real Time” Site-Based Decisions Effective charter schools have built operating systems that continually inform leadership about what is working and what is not. These leaders trust their “on the ground” staff to make decisions

based on what is best for students and the organization. These systems create speed, flexibility, and the potential to gain competitive advantage by responding to an event soon after it occurs. These

Effective public charter schools understand and live their mission daily. “real-time” decisions bring value to the organization and improve customer relations. Strategic Personnel Decisions Effective charter schools develop strong processes to recruit, hire, and retain dedicated, mission- and value-oriented

members. Through autonomy, they can provide their current staff expanded professional opportunities without an inflexible process that school districts may incur. As a result, school leaders intentionally build leadership capacity in the teachers and staff who are carrying the school through the development of innovative school-improvement initiatives. ❖ Tom Miller, PhD, is an education coach, trainer, and consultant who assists public charter schools leaders across the country. Find out more about his new book, The The Ten Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools at tenindicators.com and leaders-building-leaders.com.

Tree of Life Charter School

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FREE meals cooked from scratch for all students, FREE before and aftercare, FREE summer program

For application and more information: 707-462-0913 businessmanager@treeoflifeschool.net • www.treeoflifeschool.net www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

“Some teachers may resent a new child. The classroom will be out of phase. It throws off the social order and it’s more work for them to assimilate this child into the class.” On the other hand, there are some pluses when a new student arrives, says Patty Marquis, a licensed clinical social worker. “Sometimes the novelty of a new student is just what the

A Big Move Changing Schools Mid-Year

By Susan Solomon Yem tarting a new school can be intimidating to any child. When the first day of class is in the middle of the year, it can seem overwhelming for the whole family. There are strategies parents and teachers can apply to make the transition a smooth and comfortable one.

The most common reason for a child to switch schools is family relocation. However, other factors, such as changes in family structure due to divorce or death or school/child incompatibility may also motivate a move. Educators agree that there are specific challenges to starting a new school in mid-year. “It is harder to move a child after the school year has started,” says Kathy Simons, MS, co-administrator of the MIT Family Resource Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “It is out of sync with the child’s sense of the pattern, rhythm, and flow of the year. When school begins in September it’s ‘get acquainted’ time for both the students 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

and the teacher. By mid-year the class is past this stage. What’s missing for the new child is the adult-directed activities around helping kids adjust. The new student must immediately move into work time.” When Mark and Maura Lally, who had previously homeschooled their son, Justin, decided to place him in a second grade classroom, they knew it would not be easy. “Here we were placing our son into a group of kids who had worked together all year long and Justin might displace someone or disrupt the order of the class,” Maura recalls. Teachers will sense the disruption in the classroom as Simons explains, February 2024

Parents should personally review and transport records to the new school. classroom needs. Even though the daily routine has already been formed, when someone new comes in it breaks up the monotony.” “We enrolled Justin in school right after spring vacation when everyone would feel new,” says Maura. “We thought it would be an easier transition for the whole class.” Parent/Teacher Interaction To ease the change-over some interaction between parents and teachers should occur even before the move has taken place. For children who are transferring from another school, the current teacher should be informed that a move is being contemplated as early as possible. Nancy Lauter-Klatell, an education specialist, stresses the importance of good communication between all parties. “You should be honest with the first school while you are in the process of making a decision. If you’re changing schools because of an issue of incompatibility it may be hard to go to the teacher www.mendolakefamilylife.com

to say this is in the best interest of your child, but you should be open with them. Parents should give the receiving school as much information as possible. The worst thing to do is drop a child into a classroom without the teacher having any prior knowledge of who he or she is.”

Marquis. “Ask old teachers to talk to new teachers to give a sense of the child in the classroom. You, as the parent, should also talk to the new teacher about who your child is.” Marquis suggests that parents share information on their child’s strengths, vulnerabilities, and learning style.

Although it is uncommon for a parent to choose which classroom their child is assigned to, Maura Lally was able to pick Justin’s class after spending time in both second grade rooms. “I didn’t let them intimidate me,” says Maura. “Even though the principal said it was the school’s choice where Justin would

Simons recommends that the parents be the ones to transport old school records to the new school. “Be sure to review your child’s school records first. There may be information there that is inappropriate, unfair, or not relevant to share with the new school.” “Parents need to take the initiative to be advocates for their kids,” adds

Top Transfer Tips You and your child do not have to make the school transition alone. Some school districts have set up support groups for new students. • Before enrolling your child in a new school, call the building principal or the superintendent’s office for information on these groups. • Contact the local chapter of the Parent/Teacher Association for information on school and extracurricular activities. • Consider volunteering in the school as a lunchroom monitor, librarian, or office helper to familiarize yourself with your child’s new routine and friends. • If you are concerned that your child will have difficulty coping with the changes moving to a new school brings, arrange a meeting with the school psychologist to discuss strategies to make things easier.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

go, as a parent I knew how my child worked and which setting would be best for him.” A review of the new school’s curriculum is also a good idea. “Parents should be aware that there are differences in curriculum from school to school,” says Simons. “Try to work with the school towards reasonable expectations.” An individualized plan may be necessary to bring the newest member up to date with the class. “Knowing the curriculum in advance will allay a child’s fear,” says Marquis. “And parents should do all they can to diminish their child’s fear of failing.” Visits to the New School Most children are nervous entering a new environment and Marquis says, “Parents should not minimize a child’s

worries. Some kids worry about if everyone is going to stare at them. Are their clothes right? Do they have the right backpack?” Experts agree that visits to the school prior to beginning classes are helpful. “One of a child’s biggest fears is getting lost,” says Marquis. “You and your child should go to school when no one else is around. Get familiar with the building.” “You might want to bring your child to school while in session to get clear answers about classroom behavior, how kids dress, where the cafeteria is, and where to wait for the bus,” adds Simons. A week before he entered school Justin accompanied his parents to a special event taking place in the auditorium.

They stayed for an hour to help Justin begin acclimating himself to his new surroundings. “I was concerned that kids might not think Justin was cool,” says Maura, “so I bought him the same type of backpack and lunchbox as the other children had.” Saying Goodbye A child needs to say goodbye to the old school as a first step in adjusting to the new one. According to Simons, “If leaving the first school is rushed and proper attention is not given to saying goodbye, the child’s ability to make attachments at the new school may be interfered with.” Lauter-Klatell recommends, “Two weeks to one month prior to the move, parents should get together with the child’s teacher or principal and ask, how will this be handled in

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February 2024

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the classroom? How will friends say goodbye? Rather than having a party I think classmates should write a story or letters the child who is leaving can take along.” “Children will feel the loss of their old classmates deeply,” says Marquis. “In part it is a loss of their own identity. They worry that if they make new friends, they may lose their old friends. If possible, you should maintain contact with old friends in the former school.” First Day Jitters Changing schools is a very significant event in a child’s life. “For some kids changing schools is wonderful,” says Marquis. “They have no baggage and they gain a new sense of self.” How well a child adapts depends on many

factors. “Sometimes we forget to talk to children about the implications of this major change in their lives, “ says Lauter-Klatell. “They adjust in different ways. Children may be angry and those feelings should be validated. They may be fine in school, but they

A goodbye plan can make new hellos easier. may act out at home. Parents need to be the anchors during this time and give kids coping strategies to help them feel secure.” Justin’s entrance into his new school was heralded by the arrival of his entire family. Maura, Mark, and Justin’s sister, Leah, all escorted him into his new classroom on his first

day. “We didn’t want to embarrass him,” Maura relates. “We wanted to support him.” Children who are having difficulty adjusting may be mourning the loss of old friends and the routine of their former school. Simons describes some warning signs of trouble, “If a child has little positive to say about school or classmates and if they don’t want to go back these are symptoms of missing their old environment.” Maintaining Contact Besides talking with the child about entering a new classroom, parents should seek out help from the teacher. “Even before the new child enters the class teachers should have preliminary discussion to prepare the other students,” says Lauter-Klatell. “And

Deep Valley Christian School Preschool – Junior High

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8555 Uva Drive, Redwood Valley (707) 485-8778

Call to visit. For information see: deepvalleychristianschool.org

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February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

after the new student has arrived there should be some discussion about rules and routines.” Most teachers will pair a new child with a buddy to encourage friendships, but parents should ask teachers to point out potential friends as well. “One reason why I wanted to choose Justin’s classroom was because I wanted to pick a friend to buddy him up with,” says Maura. “I saw one boy who had a similar personality and they did become good friends.” “It is important for parents to stay in touch with the new school and vice versa,” stresses Lauter- Klatell. Periodic phone calls or conferences may be valuable in establishing a good relationship between home and school.

Close communication is just as vital at the preschool level. Preschool director Karen Donaher agrees. “Parents and teachers should be talking constantly,” she says. “The parent should plan on attending the first day at a new preschool or daycare. Enter with the

Communication between parents and teachers is especially vital for mid-year transitions. child. Make it a shorter than usual day and then work up to a full-time schedule.” Donaher also recommends sending in a family picture for the child to place in his or her cubby and a special

something to hold on to during naptime. Justin’s transition to his new school was successful. He completed second grade with glowing recommendations from his teacher. “A child in a new school can feel out of control,” says Simons. “Support him or her during this time. Model a long-range outlook. Remind your child that with any change there are opportunities to develop new skills, make new friends, become involved in a new community. These are all good for their future development.” ❖ Susan Solomon Yem is an internationally published writer specializing in parenting, education, and women’s issues.

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February 2024

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“Ready to go!”

Registration

January 9, 2024 thru March 31, 2024 EXCEPT Grace Hudson, Registration ENDS on February 15, 2024

NOW ENROLLING Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Calpella Elementary 151 Moore St. (707) 472-5630

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane (707) 472-5460

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Drive (707) 472-5180

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 North Bush St. (707) 472-5100

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Avenue (707) 472-5550

Yokayo Elementary 790 Dora Street (707) 472-5690

An Epic Journey!

Children are eligible for TK if they turn 5 between Sep. 2, 2024 and June 2, 2025. Students start Kindergarten if they turn 5 by Sep. 1, 2024. Grace Hudson enrollment ends on February 15, 2024 to allow for a lottery on February 29, 2024.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Sports Specialty sports camps usually focus on one activity in which children participate for either three or six hours. Options include baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, and even surfing or sailing. Private organizations usually run these types of camps, but there may be some town-operated sports camps, too.

Camp is Calling What Kind of Camp is Right for Your Kid? By Cheryl Maguire

hen I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp, a traditional all-day, six-hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete, so it was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day whining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer, I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me. Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would work for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your camper with the correct camp. It’s better to hear, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother had to hear daily. Traditional Day Camp A traditional day camp is six hours (half-day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities, such 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings. Is this a good fit for your child? Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors, playing sports, and/ or participating in team-building activities, then this would be a good choice. A diverse array of activities make day camps a nice fit for children that like to try different things. February 2024

Is this a good fit for your child? If your child loves a certain sport and would like to improve specific skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport such as surfing to which he or she might not otherwise be exposed.

Consider your child’s personality and interests when choosing between camps. Art/Musical Theater At musical theater camps, children usually put on a production like Beauty and the Beast, whereas at art camps children learn to paint or draw or develop other skills related to different media. Private organizations or public schools usually run these types of camps. In the case of the latter, the program may not be formally advertised, so call your local public schools to find out about summer theater offerings. Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is creative and prefers to be indoors, then an arts camp could be a great option. Since most of these camps usually last only about a week, they allow kids the chance to check out an art form

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without committing to a longer program. Educational Camps These camps focus on learning a new skill or subject matter. They tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on creating a fun, as opposed to a labor-intensive, experience. Educational camps are located in public schools, museums, and colleges. Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/ why things work, these kinds of camps may be up his or her alley. These programs are particularly appealing to children who are interested in learning new skills, such as computer programming or speaking Spanish or another foreign language.

Overnight Camps Kids usually stay at sleep-away camps for a week or longer. Think: Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps offering options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding, and other activities that may not be available close to your home.

away from Mom and Dad, consider this kind of experience. Besides the chance to find out who they are apart from the family unit, sleep-away camps also offer kids the opportunity to meet other children from different states and countries as well as focus attention for a long period of time on particular activities.

A diverse array of activities make day camps a nice fit for children that like to try different things.

How can i find these camps? A good place to start is asking friends and family where they sent their child to camp and if it was a positive. Go to Family Life’s Virtual Camp Fair. ❖

Is this a good fit for your child? Overnight camps foster a child’s sense of independence. So if your child is ready for some time

Cheryl Maguire’s writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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sometimes heal, and a dead baby tooth may not create any further problems or harm adult teeth, says pediatric dentist Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz. A graying baby tooth may become infected, which sometimes causes a tiny pustule on the gums above the tooth; a dentist can extract it and

Dental Drama How to Handle Tooth Troubles K

By Malia Jacobson

eeping kids’ smiles healthy takes more than regular dental checkups (which should begin around 18 months) and brushing twice daily. In addition to the normal loss of baby teeth and a cavity or two, many children will at some point experience some type of tooth-related trauma, like a chipped tooth or one that suddenly turns gray. While childhood dental dramas are common, experts warn against ignoring them, because problems with baby teeth can affect the developing permanent teeth below. Read on for help with dental problems, from minor mishaps to true emergencies, to keep baby teeth beaming and big-kid grins gleaming. EARLY YEARS, AGES 0-5 Many parents are dismayed to discover that one of their toddler’s pearly whites isn’t white at all—think gray or light brown. A tooth that suddenly darkens is fairly common. Because baby teeth have shallower 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

roots than permanent teeth, they can die with even a slight bump, causing them to lose their white luster. Dentists generally advise a “wait-and-see” approach to a graying baby tooth, because it’s usually just an aesthetic issue; dying baby teeth February 2024

Be aware of how dental mishaps vs. emergencies may impact permanent teeth. help treat the underlying infection. If the tooth has to go, take heart— it won’t affect spacing of the permanent teeth, and your little one may get to be the first of his pals to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy. ELEMENTARY YEARS, AGES 6-12 During the school years, kids lose most of their baby teeth and learn to care for their new adult choppers. And because children are so active during this stage, it’s not uncommon to knock out a tooth— ouch. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency that warrants a call to your dentist. The Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina, advises keeping the tooth damp so it doesn’t dry out; if possible, have the child hold it in place with a finger. If the tooth is a permanent one, your dentist may be able to restore it to its original position. But knocked-out baby teeth aren’t re-implanted, as that can damage the adult teeth underneath. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Another common dental dilemma: Permanent teeth coming in before baby teeth fall out, resulting in multiple “rows” of teeth. This can look odd, but it’s not a big deal, says Magid Katz; the tongue will push the permanent teeth into alignment once the baby teeth fall out. Encourage your child to keep wiggling the baby teeth; if one is particularly stubborn, your dentist can help coax it out. TEEN YEARS, AGES 13-18 Chomping ice, using teeth to open a bottle, or playing sports can lead to something most teens don’t want in their yearbook photo: A chipped tooth. When is a chipped tooth an emergency? While minor

chips are mostly an aesthetic issue, a larger chip can expose nerve endings that make a tooth extremely temperature-sensitive and very painful, says Magid Katz. If your child chips a tooth, try to locate the

A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency that warrants a call to your dentist. missing piece, put it in water and call your dentist right away, per the Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry. A severe break may qualify as an emergency, while more

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV Season is Here (Respiratory Syncitial Virus)

minor chips can probably wait until the next business day. If the broken piece can’t be found, your dentist can create a composite filling to restore the tooth; composites look natural and can last for years, though your child may need to replace it at some point in his or her lifetime. To avoid chips, have teens wear mouthguards for sports, and advise them to never use teeth as “tools”—and always model healthy dental habits by refraining from this practice yourself. ❖ Malia Jacobson is a health journalist and the parent of three children in various stages of orthodontia.

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OFFICES IN SANTA ROSA AND UKIAH February 2024

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February Calendar of Events Thursday 1 FREE Purpose Moai Muévete Por Tu Salud. (Move for Health).

Sponsored by Blue Zones of Mendocino. Thursdays. 6–7 p.m. Runs thru March 21. Meet-up: Adventist Health Outpatient Pavilion Lab. 206 Mason St., Ukiah. Further info: Azucena Chavez-Huerta. 707-489-3229. FREE Lakeport Library Walking Group. One-hour weekly walk

group. Thursdays. 9–10 a.m. Meet-up: Outside library. Lakeport Library. 1425 High St. Lakeport. tinyurl.com/ yp6w4utb. FREE Virtual Positive Parenting Group. Via Zoom. Hosted by Triple

P. Program of First 5 Mendocino. Thursdays. Jan. 18–March 7: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Register for Zoom link: tinyurl. com/y4fzvttv. For a schedule of similar classes: tinyurl.com/3um8efmf.

Kelley House Museum 50th Anniversary Exhibit. Meet founders

Dorothy Bear & Beth Stebbins, who turned a dilapidated old house into a research center & museum. Thursdays– Mondays. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Exhibit runs thru Feb. 26. $5 suggested donation. Kelley House Museum. 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. kelleyhousemuseum. org/exhibits. Taylor Observatory. Traveling Star

Show. Live musical performance under the stars in the planetarium. After the show (weather permitting) families are invited to view the night sky through the Observatory’s telescopes. Two-shows: 7 & 8:30 p.m. $5–$10. Ages 5 & under: free. Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville. Tickets: tinyurl. com/2s3zdf9j. FREE Open Mic Poetry. Come, read your own poetry, someone else’s or just come to listen. In person and

via Zoom. First Thursday of the month. 7 pm. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact: fortbragglibrary@gmail.com. 707-964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

Friday 2 Cioppino Dinner Fundraiser. Wine

& beer for purchase. Benefits Club Cardinal Association. Two seatings at 5 & 7:30 p.m. $75/pp. Little River Inn. 7901 N. Hwy. 1, Little River. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3tdatdtc. FREE Self-Guided Hikes at Rodman Preserve. Moderate 1.5 mile walk. Rain cancels. Saturdays. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 6350 Westlake Rd. near Upper Lake. lakecountylandtrust.org. FREE Kids Story Time. Join our Youth Librarian, Kim, for stories and sing-alongs. Most Fridays & Saturdays, 10:30–11 a.m. Rhyme Time Story Time is the first Friday and Saturday of the month (except those months

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

2 steps to a healthy smile! Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

February 2024

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where the two days are separate). Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg Contact: fortbragglibrary@ gmail.com. 707-964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saturday 3 Exploring Mono Printing on a Gelli Plate. Workshop. Facilitated by Kate

Gould, who will demonstrate the easy methods of mono printing on a gelli plate. Participants will create their own images. For ages 10 & up. 2–4:30 p.m. Museum admission: $4–$5. Families: $12. Call the Museum to make a reservation. 707-467-2836. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3tyynwpn.

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FREE Adult craft with Amie.

Bring a friend, join Amie, and make something pretty. All supplies provided. Space is limited. Sign-up required. 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg Contact; fortbragglibrary@gmail.com. 707-964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org. FREE Kids Craft Time. Kids & families! Come and make a fun craft the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. 11–12 p.m. You bring the enthusiasm; we supply the rest! Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg Contact; fortbragglibrary@gmail.com. 707-964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org. Texas Hold’ Em Poker Tournament.

Fundraiser for Waldorf School of Mendocino. Ages 21+ only. Check-in: 4 p.m. Starts: 4:30 p.m. sharp. Dinner & drinks included. $60 buy-in, $40 add-on. Sparetime Supply, 300 E Commercial St., Willits mendocinowaldorf.org.

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FREE Dungeons & Dragons Club. Ages 13 & up. Playing 5th Edition D&D. Fridays. 1–4 p.m. Space is limited. Registration required. 707-987-3674 to reserve

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a spot. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. Other libraries will host this event. tinyurl. com/23ddee46.

Willits Farmer’s Market, 291 School St., Willits. tinyurl.com/y4t683x9.

Sunday 4

resident is now the oldest living person in the U.S. & second oldest in the world. Help celebrate: Decorate car with signs, steamers, balloons, or flags. 1–1:30 p.m. Holy Spirit Residential Care. 414 Grove St., Ukiah. tinyurl. com/3rfcdaf5.

FREE Family Fun at Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center (ARRC). Open gym. Kids younger

than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Activities for the whole family to enjoy. Sunday Schedule: Noon–4 p.m. Fridays (indoor soccer or basketball): 8–11 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. Full schedule: tinyurl.com/57fpwbcn. FREE Story Time at the Farmer’s

FREE Edie Ceccarelli 115th Birthday Drive-By Parade. Willits

FREE First Fiddlers’ Jam. Listen

to fiddle tunes played by members of the Northern California Old Time Fiddlers Group. Noon–2 p.m. Ely Barn. 9921 Soda Bay Rd. (Hwy. 128), Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/mwt4mvvr.

Tuesday 6

Market. Miss Tobin, library assistant,

will be reading picture book selections. All welcome. Thursdays. 3:30–4 p.m.

FREE The Blue Zone Project Walking Moai in Hopland. A moai

is a group of 5–8 people who walk together for an hour, once a week. Tuesdays. 4–5 p.m Please note: Must arrive at 3:45 p.m. for check-in, or you will not be able to join. Sponsored by Blue Zones of Mendocino. Hopland Research Center. 4070 University Rd., Hopland. Further info: Azucena Chavez-Huerta 707-489-3229. Circle Time at Mendo LEAP.

Weekly themes, dances, songs, & stories designed for 0–5 yrs. Included in 2-hour general play admission. Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 10–11 a.m. $15/child. Membership options available. Each child may bring 2 free adults. mendoleap.com. FREE Virtual Author Talk with Lisa See. Join us in person or from

your home for a virtual discussion of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women with bestselling author, Lisa See and friends. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Zoom link posted at fortbragglibrary.org 707-964-2020. FREE LEGO® & Games. Kids! Create

your own LEGO® design or play a game with your friends &/or family members. Most Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact; fortbragglibrary@ gmail.com. 707-964-2020 fortbragglibrary.org.

Wednesday 7 FREE The Blue Zone Project

PRE-SALE TICKETS PRE-SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE! AVAILABLE!

Carnival Thrills Great Food Citrus Displays

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Live Music KidZone Farm AgVentures

Community Exhibits Award Winning Wine & More!

February 2024

Walking Moai in Lakeport. A moai Is a group of 5–8 people who walk together for an hour, once a week. Sponsored by Blue Zones of Lake County. Wednesdays. 9–10 a.m. Meet-up: Jitter Bean. 1843 N. High St., Lakeport.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

FREE Postpartum Planning for Expectant Parents. 2-hour on-line

class for expectant parents, moms, birthing people, non-gestational parents partners, couples, & single parents. (2nd & 3rd trimester). Held first & third Wednesdays of the month. Feb. 7: 4:30 p.m. & Feb. 21: 10 a.m. Registration required: postpartum.net/ postpartum-planning-for-expectantparents. FREE Kids’ Zone. Story time & crafts. Supplies provided. Wednesdays. Noon–1:30 p.m. Laytonville Branch Library. 44960 N. Hwy. 101, Ste. D, Laytonville. mendolibrary.org. FREE Crafting Wednesdays for T(w)eens. Crafts will be self-lead or

presented & taught by staff, depending on the craft. Supplies provided. Ages

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10–18. Wednesdays. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 M. Main St. Ukiah. mendolibrary.org. FREE Virtual Poetry Reading & Open-Mic. Share your own poetry

or just listen in. In-person & via Zoom. 7–8 p.m. Fort Bragg Library (Community Room). 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Email: DanHess@hessd@ mendocinocounty.org for Zoom link. fortbragglibrary.org.

Thursday 6 FREE Poetry Writing Workshop for Adults. Find your inner poet. Second Thursday of the month. 3-4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact: 707-964-2020 fortbragglibrary.org.

February 2024

Friday 9 FREE Spring Docent Training.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is on the lookout for passionate individuals eager to learn the art of leading tours. Docents provide guided tours for a multitude of community organizations & local schools. Four-part training. Fridays. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Feb. 9 thru March 1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. More info: administration@gardenbythesea.org. gardenbythesea.org. FREE 2024 Pride Parade Planning Committee. Ages 15–25. LGBTQ+ Youth Voices is planning Lake County’s second Annual Pride Parade, & looking for assistance. In-person & via Zoom. Meetings held the second &

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

fourth Fridays of the month. Feb. 9 & 23: 4–5 p.m. 150 S. Main St., Lakeport. Register for Zoom link: tinyurl.com/ ynyrmnxp.

Saturday 10 Valentine’s Dance Party. An Affair

to Remember. Featuring the band, Decades. Admission includes gourmet appetizers & desserts. Beer/wine for purchase. Open to community. All proceeds benefits Ukiah Senior Center. Dinner at 5 p.m. Dance 7–10 p.m. $65–$75. Carl Purdy Hall. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 North State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/4zmck6mt. FREE Valentine Tea. Potential

preschool & kindergarten families are invited to visit the ECE Village. Valentine songs, stories & crafts. Meet

Early Childhood teachers & children. 9:30–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Registration required: summerfieldwaldorf.org/admissions/ valentine-tea.

Adults $10. Children 16 and under: $5. 10 a.m.–Noon. Hopland Research & Extension Center. 4070 University Rd., Hopland. tinyurl.com/y3rdauv5.

CMAS 4th Annual Mardi Gras.

depending on the route. Rain cancels walk. Held the 2nd Saturday of the month. 8:30 a.m. Anderson Marsh State Historical Park. 8400 Hwy. 53, Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org/ nature_walks.html.

Parade line-up: Museum Park. 5:30 p.m. 200 Park St., Lakeport to the theater. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum of Arts & Science. $30. Ages 17 & under: $15. Costumes encouraged but not required. Live music. 5:45–10 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. Tickets: tinyurl.com/37eybxzc. Hopland Hikes: Lambing Time.

1-mile stroller-friendly walk. See newly born lambs & participate in sheep-related kids’ activities No dogs.

FREE Anderson Marsh Guided Nature Walk. Walks are 1.5–3 hours,

Monday 12 FREE Virtual Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability. Via

Zoom. Hosted by Triple P. Program of First 5 Mendocino. Thursdays. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Register for Zoom link: tinyurl.com/3a73we78. For a

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26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

February 2024

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schedule of similar classes: tinyurl. com/3um8efmf.

Wednesday 14 FREE Walk Through the Grades

IGDVS students. Light refreshments provided. 3–5 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 M. Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl. com/227tm5z4.

Saturday 17

Tour. Take peek into Waldorf

classrooms. Check out the campus & working biodynamic farm. Adults only. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org/admissions/ walk-the-grades-tour.

Friday 16 FREE Lunar New Year. Celebrate

the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac with snacks, traditional Chinese art including knot making & calligraphy, traditional Chinese dances & orchestral performances by

Chinese New Year’s Year of the Dragon. A percentage of sales will

be donated to the Temple of Kwan Tai. Reservations: 707-937-3569. 5–9 p.m. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church. 5340 Third St., Kelseyville. FREE Seed Library Presentation: Medicinal Herbs. Join us for a

discussion of the healing properties of medicinal herbs. 2–3 p.m. 707-964-2020. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg fortbragglibrary.org.

What can your local Family Resource Center do for you?

Kelseyville’s Father-Daughter Dance. No age or gender restrictions, all are welcome. Two seatings: 5:30 & 8 p.m. Includes admission for one adult & one child. $30. Add’l child: $10. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church. 5340 Third St., Kelseyville. Tickets: tinyurl.com/4chu3n6s.

Sunday 18 Opus Chamber Music Noyo Consort Concert. Featuring Don Benham & pianist Jason Kirkman, together with various guest musicians. 3–5 p.m. $25. Preston Hall. 44831 Main St., Mendocino. Tickets: symphonyoftheredwoods.org. FREE Kelseyville Artisan Market.

20+ local designers & makers, along with treats & lunch items for purchase. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Kelseyville Event

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Automatic-Renewal has ended, which means it’s up to you to to make sure you still qualify... So check your mail for Medi-Cal renewal notices!

Need help figuring it out? Call or visit your local Family Resource Center

See map & info in this issue! February 2024

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Center. 5245 3rd St., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/yckdjymp. New World String Project. Ancient

& modern sounds on Swedish nyckelharpa, Celtic harp, fiddle, guitar, cittern bouzouki, & more. 2 p.m. $35/$40 at door. Free concert tickets to ages 17 & under when accompanied by an adult. Mendocino College Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. Tickets: tinyurl.com/yvfduj96.

Wednesday 21 FREE Car Seat Installation.

Certified techs will install car seat or inspect if installed correctly. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Three Locations: Public Health, 1120 S. Dora St., Ukiah. Justice Center, 125 E. Commercial St., Willits. Avila Center, 764 S. Franklin St., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/49ma6tx4.

Thursday 22 FREE Redbud Audubon Field Trip. Suitable for all levels. Heavy

rain cancels. May join or leave group anytime during day. 9 a.m. Clearlake State Park. Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. redbudaudubon.org.

Friday 22 The Greatest Show! Musical

Revue. A musical revue made up of

some of the most memorable musical numbers from On & Off Broadway & film. Feb. 23–24: 7 p.m. Feb. 25: 2 p.m. Runs thru March 3. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. Check for ticket availability; tinyurl. com/3paev4xy. FREE Blooming Kindness: Living in Harmony. Hour of storytellings

& arts. Hosted by Ukiah Library & Instilling Goodness Developing Virtue School. 10:30 a.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/52cwyasy.

Saturday 24 FREE SF Chinese New Year Parade.

One of the top 10 parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association. Bleacher sections: $41–$70. 5:15–8 p.m. 2nd & Market Streets, San Francisco. tinyurl.com/ky2rx9w9. St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Masquerade.

Dinner, dance, auction, & gaming. No-host bar. Must be at least 21 years to attend. 5-11 p.m. $75/person. Carl Purdy Hall. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 North State St., Ukiah. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3ftkpw76. First Aid & CPR Training. Instructor: Allen James. 9 a.m.–4 :30 p.m. $95–$125. Alex Rorabuagh Recreation

Celebrating #1 resource for local families magazine • web • email • events 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. Register: ukiah.recdesk.com. (Almost) Full Snow Moon Night Tour. Reservations must be made

by phone no later than 3:30 p.m. three days before event. Gates: 6 p.m. Tour: 6:30 p.m. Beverages & snacks. $50. 45500 Lighthouse Rd. Point Arena. 877-725-4448. pointarenalighthouse.com. Barrels & Verticals. Enjoy wine

samples from barrels & learn about the differences between vintages from multiple varietals of wine. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $40/person. Multiple Lake County wineries participating. Tickets: tinyurl.com/5br6duv2. FREE Historic Planes Display.

Stroll amongst the display of historic airplanes. Held the 4th Saturday of the month.10 a.m.–2 p.m. Lampson Field Airport. Highland Springs Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/5n8cjkky.

Sunday 25 FREE St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Family Carnival. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Game tickets & concessions available for purchase. Carl Purdy Hall. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 North State St., Ukiah. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3ftkpw76.

Thursday 29 Adult Book Group. Contact the

library to reserve a copy of the monthly selection, then join us the last Thursday of the month for a lively discussion. 3 p.m. Contact: Dan Hess, hessd@mendocinocounty. org. 707-964-2020 Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg fortbragglibrary.org.

YEARS February 2024

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Humor Break have resigned themselves to the fact that no matter what they do, they are going to get sick exactly one day later after their toddler comes home with the sniffles. So even if they have a perfect solo vacation planned, it’s going to be spent with their head hanging over the bed and reaching for the trash can. Don’t make them wait for the glorious gift of stomach issues combined with a splitting headache.

The Five Love Languages of Modern Parenting What We Really Want For Valentine’s Day By Shannon Carpenter Words of Get Me a Snack After a long day of cutting cucumbers into little shapes so your children will eat the “fun snacks,” nothing lets a parent know they are loved more than someone else fixing them a snack. For those that feel affection by Words of Get Me a Snack, just the thought of someone else getting them food for a change makes their chocolate hearts melt. So, to make sure your parent really knows that they are loved, whisper the words luxury chocolate, hummus with crackers, or the French phrase Crudité You Don’t Have to Share. Acts of Cleaning the Kitchen To those whose love language is Acts of Cleaning the Kitchen, nothing means as much to them

as a clean pot. Or maybe load the dishwasher. It doesn’t even have to be right. Put the silverware scattered in the top near the glasses, lay plates horizontally, whatever. Those who speak this love language are so desperate that they really don’t care. Is it that hard to ask for just one clean counter when you wake up in the morning? Receiving Every Cold and Flu Going Around Daycare Flowers, new cars, and luxury vacations mean nothing to the parents whose love language is Receiving Every Cold and Flu Going Around Daycare. What they want is a sneeze to the face. Get those little person germs right into their open mouth. These parents

Quality Time by Myself in the Bathroom Nothing shows a person how much you love them by not knocking on the bathroom door. When you feel the need to knock on the bathroom door because the wrong episode of Sesame Street is on, put down your little toddler fist of fury. The parent that speaks this love language just wants a few moments of alone time and perhaps a long phone charging cord. Don’t Physically Touch Me Who doesn’t like to be poked all day, be hung on like a jungle gym, or kicked in the shins because they can’t play in the garbage? Parents who speak the love language Don’t Physically Touch Me. It’s the most effective around the middle of the night and the third time they’ve gotten up because you can’t sleep. Well, maybe if you didn’t sneak that sugary snack when the parent’s back was turned things would have worked out better. So to show your parents true love, send them a letter and go poke the dog for a little bit. Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father.

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February 2024

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