January is always a great time to evaluate your health and we’ve got just the family challenge for you (page 20)! While you’re considering health, parents-to-be and new parents may appreciate advice for choosing a pediatrician (page 22).
Parents of preschoolers might be thinking about fall enrollment, and our stories on preparing for kindergarten (page 16) and considering private school (page 10) offer valuable insight. Check out the annual Private School and Charter School Guides to see what area educational institutions might provide your family.
Considering child support?
No matter your child’s age, it’s always the right time to help them learn about goal setting. We’ve got tips on aiding kids in tracking progress toward whatever they set their minds to (page 18)! Having things to look forward to helps motivate children and adults alike, and this edition’s humor column gives you month-by-month opportunities to celebrate — from collecting rubber duckies to talking like a pirate!
Last but not least, this month’s recipe shares the story of a teen cooking
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Obtaining child support orders
Enforcing child support orders
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Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Bringing up the topic of child support can be hard. The Mendocino County Child Support Services office is here to help you understand the child support process and file all the paperwork involved. We are a neutral party, and assist both moms and dads! Enroll Today!
Never Sour Lemon Bars
Contest-winning Recipe
Nadia S., a 15-year-old student at Insight School of Washington, has been named the winner of the 2024 K12 National Cook-Off Competition. Judged by Chopped winner Chef David Ho, the competition saw professional chefs review 300 submissions from students across the country in grades 6-12. Only six finalists made their way to Arlington, Virginia, to compete in the national event.
Nadia, who was in 9th grade when she entered the competition, impressed the judges with her creative and healthy approach to cooking. She plans to use the $1,000 prize money toward her goal of studying marine biology in Hawaii.
“I love cooking and baking for fun and to stay healthy,” said Nadia. “I want to always be able to provide healthy meals for myself when I graduate and go to college.”
Outside of cooking, Nadia also loves horses and volunteers to care for eight horses on her own. Despite her enthusiasm toward many subjects, her educational journey has not always been easy. Struggling in a traditional school environment, Nadia made the switch to an online program where she has thrived. She now excels with straight A’s, particularly in math, a subject she once found challenging.
“Being in online school has allowed me to go at my own pace and revisit lessons if I don’t understand something,” she explained. ❖
Family Style Lemon Bars
Crust:
1 cup butter (melted)
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
With fork, press crust into a square pan (9”x13” pan works). Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. While crust cooks, work on the filling.
Filling:
4 eggs, well beaten
4 Tbsp. lemon Juice (be a little generous) grated lemon rind (one lemon)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Beat eggs and mix with other ingredients. Spread filling on hot crust and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Once done cooking, allow to cool a little and place in fridge for about 2 hours. Then sift powdered sugar on top and enjoy!
For Those Feeling Crabby
Gather your friends and family for what’s dubbed “the most popular crab feed on the Mendocino Coast!” Knights of Columbus 48th Annual Crab Feed features fresh Dungeness Crab, entertainment, raffle prizes, and good company. Proceeds benefit the Fort Bragg Food Bank, Fort Bragg Hospitality House, and Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Meals served for dinner, lunch, and to-go options at a cost of $75–$100. Friday–Sunday, January 24–26. St. Anthony’s of Mendocino, 10700 Lansing St., Mendocino. See full schedule at kcrmendo.wixsite.com/ mendocinocrabfeed
New Year’s hikes
New Year Health Hike
Kick off the new year with hikes at two area parks on Wednesday, January 1. VanDamme State Park hosts an introduction to mushroom identification (with hot apple cider) followed by a guided mushroom walk. Dress for weather and terrain. Subject to cancelation due to weather. Ages 12 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult). No dogs. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. VanDamme State Park. 8001 CA-1, Little River. RSVP required: director@mendoparks.org or (707) 937-4700. Or, choose between two trails at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. All ages welcome. Dress for weather and terrain. Water, snacks, and binoculars recommended. Noon. On Hwy. 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. andersonmarsh.org/event/109.
Make a Difference for MLK
Participate in the MLK Jr. Day of Service hosted by Blue Zones Project Monday, January 20. The morning will be spent beautifying the Oak Woodland Community Garden in collaboration with Citizens for Sustainable Marina (C4SM). There will be hands-on tasks for all abilities and ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, move naturally, and connect with your community – while growing food and a pollinator habitat! Dress for the weather, including layers, hats, closed-toe work shoes, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle. 10 a.m.–Noon. Oak Woodland Community Garden. 190 Seaside Circle, Marina. Learn more at montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com/events or contact Lidia at lidia.wilding@sharecare.com
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Antiques Evaluation Roadshow Style
Antiques Roadshow fans are invited to bring up to three items for professional appraisal during Evaluation Day, Friday, January 10, at the Grace Hudson Museum. Witherell Auctions in Sacramento will be partnering with the Museum to share items’ history and give an idea of how much they might be worth. Two professional appraisers will provide three-minute assessments for each item. Visitors must purchase a ticket for each item they bring. Museum Member tickets: $5 per item. All other tickets: $8 per item. All proceeds go to the Grace Hudson Museum. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. gracehudsonmuseum.org
On-Stage Piano Collab
The Ukiah Community Concert Association presents the 32nd annual Professional Pianist Concerts. Regional pianists invite you into their “living room” where they perform, trading stories and melodies, with two pianos on stage to accommodate impromptu collaborations. Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m. General tickets are $25 before the service fee. Closer to the stage, tickets are $30 before the service fee. Center Theatre, Mendocino College Ukiah Campus. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3assrcbe.
Get Your Glow On
This discussion, “Bioluminescent and UV Fluorescent Organisms of California,” will give a wide survey of California’s glowing organisms, where to find them, how to see them, and how to document them. Attendees should dress for weather. If possible, bring a flashlight, cell phone, water bottle, paper, and pencil. Registration: $35 non-members; $25 members. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 11. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Farmhouse. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. For details, email education@ gardenbythesea.org
California’s glowing organisms
Educational Choices
Four Reasons to Consider Private School
By Pam Moore
From the moment our kids are born, we’re tasked with deciding what’s best for them. All that decision-making can be exhausting. So we caught up with experts in the field of education to help you make an informed decision when it comes to one of the most important choices of all — your child’s education. We asked why parents should consider private school. Here’s what they had to say.
Smaller Classes. One of the greatest strengths of any private school is smaller class sizes. At Nativity: Faith and Reason, a private Cahtolic school, smaller classes ensure each child is being met where they are at and encouraged to meet their potential. “Every child is known and loved in a safe environment that is more conducive to learning by way of smaller class sizes, more challenging
curriculum and more individualized attention and teaching,” principal Holly Peterson said.
Meanwhile, in the age of information, it’s becoming increasingly more important to give children the skills to think for themselves when consuming social and news media. According to Peterson, who has over three decades of experience in education, “Small class sizes and individualized
instruction give students the ability to become critical thinkers.”
Social-emotional Learning.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) gives children the skills to manage their own emotions so that they can ultimately make better decisions and be better citizens. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, it’s based on five core competencies: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
According to data, it’s effective. A 2011 meta-analysis published in Child Development notes, students who were exposed to school-based SEL curricula demonstrated notable improvements in social and emotional skills and behaviors as well as improved academic performance. Meanwhile, a 2017 Society for Research in Child Development study showed that children who participated in school-based SEL programs had higher graduation rates and safer sexual behavior thatn their peers, even 18 years post-intervention.
Many private schools emphasize SEL curricula. At neurodivergentfocused Temple Grandin School, for example, SEL is valued just as much as academics. “Of equal importance [to academics] is integrated social-emotional learning, so their children can develop meaningful friendships,” said Lea Anne Paskvalich, the school’s director of admissions and public relations.
Similarly, at Boulder Valley Waldorf School for pre- through middle school, there’s a focus on creating “a student-focused environment for the whole child,” said Ruth Godberfforde,
the director of advancement. She described an emphasis on “the academic, social-emotional and the physical,” or “head-heart-hands” that is foundational to every aspect of the Waldorf curriculum.
Extracurricular Opportunities.
Oftentimes, parents gravitate toward private education because of the extracurricular activities it offers. Because private schools tend to specialize in specific areas (e.g. math and science or the arts), students get to enjoy more specialized afterschool activities. That said, private school can also offer opportunities for a wide range of extracurriculars.
According to Susan Boyle, a school director of admission and marketing, the chance to expose kids to a wide array of experiences, starting at a young age, is a key advantage of
private school. She listed a diverse range of activities ranging from world language to visual and performing arts, and science/STEM.
Community. One of the top reasons many parents choose private
Many private schools emphasize social-emotional learning curricula.
school is the strong community it offers. According to Tom Mecsey, the principal at a private Catholic school, “The community and level of parental involvement in private schools is very special. Families who choose this option often have a lot in common, as they have made an intentional decision to send their
child to a particular school (often for similar reasons) rather than base it on a neighborhood, etc.”
Meanwhile, he says, that enhanced sense of community deepens children’s learning experiences. “We have found that there tends to be greater parental interest and involvement in the day-to-day activities of their children. This, in turn, fosters greater communication,” Mecsey explained. “The communication between school and home enables the school to be more responsive to students’ needs.” ❖
Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, intuitive eating coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com. This article was originally published in The Boulder Daily Camera
2025 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide
2025 Mendo Lake Private & Charter School Guide
MENDOCINO COUNTY Ukiah
Instilling Goodness & Developing Virtue Schools
Redwood Collegiate Academy
River Oak
St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School
• igdvs.org
Introduction
Are you curious about how to prepare your child for kindergarten? Will she get along with other children? Will he follow instructions? Will she be able to use the bathroom independently? If these questions are on your mind, NCO Head Start is here to help.
NCO Head Start has been a vital part of early childhood education for children and families for the past 56 years. Our program aims to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond by focusing on their overall development, including academic, social, and emotional growth.
Early Academic Foundations
We emphasize early learning with play-based activities that develop key skills in reading, math, and critical thinking. Research shows that children in Head Start often start kindergarten with better vocabularies, letter recognition, and early math skills compared to those who didn't attend.
Individualized
Learning Approaches
Our personalized approach is a major strength. We observe each child to understand their needs and strengths, tailoring their teaching methods accordingly. This ensures every child gets the support they need to thrive academically.
Parental Involvement
GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START!
We recognize the vital role of families in education. We work closely with parents, encouraging involvement through regular communication, classroom participation, and resources for home learning. This collaboration improves children's academic outcomes and fosters a love of learning. Serving families in Lake and Mendocino Counties with eleven sites
classroom experiences for children aged 3 months - 5 years
SCAN TO GET STARTED!
Kindergarten Ready?
By Vanessa Dodge
WChecklist to Prepare for Fall
hen our son, Reilly, was turning the big 5, and kindergarten loomed large on the horizon, his preschool teachers assured me he was ready. Just to put my own mind at ease, I read up on the signs of kindergarten readiness and made a checklist:
• Cuts with scissors: Yes.
• Traces basic shapes: Yes.
• Sorts similar objects by color, size, and shape: Yes.
• Recognizes groups of one, two, three, four, and five objects: Yep.
• Recognizes alphabet letters: Practically since he exited the womb.
• Counts to 10: Check.
• Bounces a ball: Check.
• Recognizes authority and follows rules: Check.
• Recognizes some common sight words like “stop”: Especially if it is written on a red octagon at an intersection.
• Recognizes rhyming sounds: Can you guess? It’s a yes!
• Identifies the beginning sound of some words: Did you know that “cute” starts with cue-cue-Q? And “white” starts with why-why-Y?
• Shows an understanding of general times of day: Particularly if they are associated with food or fun.
• Talks in complete sentences of five to six words: Often in one long, continuous, run-on sentence of 500 or so words, especially when I’m waiting for him to take a breath so that I can ask him to get dressed or set the table etc.
• Shares with others: So long as it isn’t a favorite brand-new toy.
• Separates from parents without being upset: We’re working on it!
• Looks at pictures and then makes up stories: Particularly if the picture is of construction equipment or a dead fish rotting on the sea floor.
• Listens to stories without interrupting: As long as the story isn’t about a crane. Or a shark. Or a dead fish rotting on the sea floor. Or a volcano, for that matter. Or, when I come to think of it, the formation of the solar system and the Earth. Or, since we’re on the subject, tornadoes. Or …
• Pays attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks: Unless it is something he doesn’t feel like doing, in which instance he will gaze off into space or continue whatever he is doing with intense concentration as if he hasn’t heard you.
• Understands actions have both causes and effects: ACTION: Steal baby raccoon
from Gigi’s bunny house. CAUSE: To discover what sister will do. EFFECT: That girl can scream!
• Manages own toileting needs: Very good at this, I’m happy to say. The only thing he
these things at your child’s pace.
can’t do on his own is unblock the toilet after he’s used the entire toilet roll to wipe.
• Dresses self and is able to deal with buttons and zippers: The only problem we have getting
dressed is with socks. You don’t want to hear the sock drama.
• Can exercise self-control: As long as we are not putting on socks (see above). ❖
Remember, you have time to work through these things at your child’s pace. Joking aside, hopefully this list helps you feel confident in handing over some of your children’s learning to folks formally trained in how to facilitate it, and to pass the baton of preferred playmate to the little boys and girls who will hopefully seize it. ❖
Vanessa Dodge lives in Petaluma with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Glamour and Mom Writers Literary Magazine .
Goal Getters Setting Kids Up for Success
By Rebecca Hastings
Setting goals is nothing new for many grown-ups (I’m looking at you, New Year’s Resolutions!) But goals are not just for the new year, and they’re not just for adults. Kids benefit from working toward something they want to achieve. Whether it’s a cleaner room or less screen time, kids benefit from setting age-appropriate goals.
Discuss Details — Set a start date and an end date. Kids often need quick wins, so shorter time frames are great. Have young kids go for a few days and build up to a week. Older kids and tweens can go longer stretches, but usually no more than a month. Offering quick wins gives them confidence and momentum to stick with it.
Another important detail is how your child will track progress. Try an app or the classic sticker chart. Even a simple star on the family calendar works.
Kids benefit from setting age-appropriate goals.
Decide What to Do — As parents, we can think of a few things our kids could work on! But what will improve their daily life and offer them a chance for success?
If they’re working on being more active, don’t start with walking a mile a day. Start with something fun like taking the dog for a family walk after school. If a clean room is the
goal, try making the bed daily. Once they have succeeded in that area, they can build on it.
Walking the dog twice a week becomes four times a week. Making the bed grows to put dirty clothes in the hamper too. Allow each goal to grow over time.
Your Focus Matters — A negative approach won’t get you far. It’s true for us and our kids. While we may want them to stop eating
To make your child’s goal-setting successful, consider how your child will track their progress.
junk food or to spend less time on screens, focusing on the positive yields better results.
Instead of eating less junk food, try eating an extra veggie each day. Cutting down on screen time becomes playing a new card game. Finding something good to do is more enticing than stopping something else.
Secret to Success — We all want our kids to be successful and doing things together helps.
Kids have a hard time saying no when mom or dad sits down to play cards with them or challenges them to race to the mailbox. Even a contest to make your bed the fastest motivates kids to do the work.
Handling Setbacks — None of us want to believe there will be setbacks in goal setting, but perfection isn’t realistic. There will be days when
things don’t go perfectly. The key is how you handle it.
Keep in mind: One missed opportunity isn’t a failure. Give grace and keep going. Losing steam feels frustrating. Look back at the progress that has been made. Things sometimes go haywire. Give a fresh start with a shorter time frame.
No matter which method you use, your kids will learn that goals are not a pass/fail system. It’s all about progress.
Reward System — Before kids even start working on a new goal, decide how they will celebrate at the end of the time frame. Will it be going out for ice cream or watching
bookstore? What about an extra story at bedtime?
Whatever reward you give, make sure it doesn’t undo the hard work your child has done. The reward
We all want our kids to be successful and doing things together helps.
should be clear at the beginning and it should be finite. Having ice cream every night now that your child is eating more veggies doesn’t support the goal. The reward is a singular experience to celebrate the progress they made.
To make your child’s goal-setting
will track their progress and work toward an appropriate reward that is motivating and works for you. For most kids, rewards need to be immediate to associate it with their hard work.
After a week of making their bed, the extra bedtime story is on night seven. When they have walked the dog twice a week for a month, a walk to the ice cream shop is on day 30.
Define goals, track progress, and present rewards to give kids success in setting their own goals now and in the future. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing
2025 Challenge
Ways to Prioritize Your Health
By Pam Molnar
Author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.” Make 2025 the year you will challenge yourself to finally make your health a priority.
Improve Your Sleep According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should have at least seven hours of sleep each night. A good night’s rest boosts your immune system, improves your cognitive and mental health and lowers your risk for serious health problems like heart disease.
Challenge yourself to add time slowly —15 minutes more a night until you reach your goal. If you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, disconnect electronic devices, and adjust the temperature to make the room cooler. Try these apps for
better sleep: Calm, Headspace, or Stella Sleep.
Dry January As much as we probably hate to admit it, we overdid it this holiday season. Moderate alcohol drinking is defined as two or fewer daily drinks for men and one or fewer daily drinks for women per the CDC. Dry January is a public health initiative launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, challenging you to remove alcohol from your diet for 31 days. People completing the challenge report better sleep, weight loss, and money savings. To get you through this cold turkey challenge, try
mocktails or alcohol-free beer and wine. Dry January apps to keep track of your progress include Try Dry or Drinker’s Helper.
10,000 Steps Walking 10,000 steps is the equivalent of approximately five miles. That sounds like a huge undertaking, but the Mayo Clinic reported that most adults walk 3,000-4,000 steps just doing things around the house and at work.
According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should have at least seven hours of sleep each night.
While everyone’s pace is different, a 30-minute walk is roughly 2,000 to 3,000 steps. Start your journey with a 30-minute walk with the dog or a friend and expand on it until you get to 10,000. Try these apps to track progress: Charity Miles, Map My Walk, or Footpath.
Drinking Water We all know what is good for us, but how much is enough? According to the Mayo Clinic, eight cups of water a day is easy to remember and a reasonable goal. However, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests that an adequate daily fluid intake for healthy adults is 15.5 (124 oz.) cups of fluids a day for men and 11.5 (92 oz.) cups a day for women. If just drinking water is too overwhelming, try adding vegetables with high water content to your diet such as celery, cucumber, and zucchini. You can also drink fruit and vegetable juices as well as milk and herbal teas. To keep you on track,
use these apps: Waterllama or Daily Water Tracker Reminder.
Digital Detox According to Reviews.org, Americans average four hours and 25 minutes of screen time each day on their mobile devices. To check your screen time on iPhone, Open Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity. On Android: Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
Time for a detox? While I don’t think many of us can go cold turkey, it is probably reasonable to challenge ourselves to cut our usage in half. You can also remove social media apps from your phone or try apps for setting time limits: Offscreen, OneSec, or Opal.
Get Outside Among the many outdoor challenges, 1,000 Hours
Outside, suggests a goal of that many hours outdoors every year. It was created based on a study that suggests that children spend 1,200
hours a year in front of screens and 1,000 hours outdoors is a way of counteracting that.
The median screen time is 1,100 — about three hours a day. Why not challenge your family to an equal amount of hours they outside? Try the apps 1000 Hours Outside or NatureDose.
Eat 30 Plants Thirty different plants is a challenge but when you break it down, it’s less than five a day. Eating a variety of plants creates a more diverse gut biome, which helps you to fight disease and infection, and properly digest food. The good news is that plants also include beans, grains, and nuts.
However, to create diversity in the plants you eat, you can only count each different plant in your challenge. That means if you eat carrots three times a week, that only counts as one. These apps offer recipes and tracking: Foodmonster, Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen, or Zoe. ❖
Pam Molnar is a writer and mother of three who strives to make her health a priority.
Doc Talk How to Select a Pediatrician
By Cheryl Maguire
Being pregnant with a new baby is exciting and scary. You may feel overwhelmed with information and decisions that you need to make regarding your child’s care. Who will be your child’s doctor is one of the most important decisions you need to make as a parent.
“Your child’s pediatrician helps nurture and guide your child into adulthood,” said Dr. Ruby Dey, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente practicing in Columbia Gateway. “Once you find a practice that seems right for your family, you should schedule a ‘getting to know you’ face-to-face visit.”
As mom of three kids, I remember this process well. Before my twins were born, I met with a pediatrician and had a list of questions. A lot of people in my community used this doctor, but I didn’t really like his personality.
I overlooked this red flag, ignoring my instincts, and I decided to use him anyway. About six months later my
kids had two different issues that he didn’t address, so I switched doctors.
“If you don’t click with your pediatrician then you should feel free to change. Don’t feel bad since it happens all the time. Most commonly for insurance reasons, but sometimes for personality reasons,” Virginia Keane, MD, director of the Complex Primary Care Program at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, said.
Here are tips to help you find a doctor that is a good fit for your family.
Ask for Recommendations
“Ask around at your prenatal group,
any nurses you know, people at your house of worship or clubs,” Dr. Keane suggested.
If you are a new mom in a new community like I was, it may be difficult to find recommendations.
Dr. Keane suggested asking your insurance company or checking the web site for the American Academy of Pediatrics to find pediatricians by locale.
Even though your baby isn’t born yet you can join mom groups either online or in person. Asking these moms who they use for a doctor would be a great place to start your search. I asked people at the gym I went to and friends that I worked with. You can ask your own primary care and OB-GYN for suggestions. Make sure to interview at least three different doctors to get a broad perspective.
Location When your child is sick or hurt you don’t want to have to travel a long distance. One time my son was having trouble breathing due to pneumonia. My doctor’s office was only five minutes away and they told me to bring him in immediately and they gave him a cortisone shot. He was breathing better within minutes, and I was grateful the practice was close to home.
Experience I’ve dealt with experienced doctors that were so rigid that they misdiagnosed an issue. I’ve also seen new doctors that made mistakes due to inexperience. But being new to the field might not matter. “Keep in mind that if a pediatrician doesn’t have much experience, they can consult with their more experienced peers if needed,” Dr. Dey said. “Our pediatricians are part
of a large multispecialty practice with access to hundreds of experienced pediatricians and specialists.”
You might not be concerned about the length of time they have been practicing but you can make sure they are board-certified as a pediatrician by The American Board of Pediatrics.
“Experience is helpful, but not essential. Young pediatricians enter the practice with enthusiasm and new scientific knowledge that can overcome a lack of experience, especially if there is a more senior doctor in the practice to whom they can turn to with questions,” according to Dr. Keane.
Personality “If you don’t click then it’s probably not going to work. This is a person a parent needs to trust with
their most precious, beloved child,” Dr. Keane said.
As a new parent, you will have lots of questions and concerns. You want to feel as if you can trust your doctor to
even if they got it back. “If people say they have trouble getting referrals or they aren’t sure their doctor listens to them or takes them seriously then consider how you would feel if that were you,” Dr. Keane said.
listen and communicate effectively. If you get a sense, like I did, that your personality doesn’t mesh with your doctor’s then pay attention to that.
Other Red Flags Short hours, multiple offices, hard to get through to on the phone, or lost their license,
Be wary of pediatricians that are not willing to answer your questions or cut you off when you speak. Dr. Dey added, “A pediatrician is a good fit if you can engage in open, honest conversations about your child’s health.”
Interview Questions Before you select a doctor, set up an interview to get a sense of their personality and values. Pay attention to the waiting room, office, and patients. Is it clean? Are there a lot of people waiting? Here are some questions you could ask:
Family Services offers post-adoption wraparound care to transform family dynamics through a family systems approach. We empower families with tools for emotional regulation, success in school, managing household tasks, and engaging in meaningful activities. Our services foster stronger connections and holistic well-being for adopted children and their families. As part of our support, we may cover certain costs if they align with the family’s plan and promote positive growth. Together, we create lasting, positive change.
Mind-Body-Wellness
Why did you decide to be a pediatrician?
What hours do you work?
Am I able to see you the same day for a sick visit?
What if I need to see a specialist, how is that handled?
What hospitals are you affiliated with?
If I disagree with your diagnosis, how would you respond?
What is your philosophy about vaccines, breastfeeding, antibiotics, counseling, discipline, and medications?
Less
Connected Reminders
Breaks
What is the availability of sick visit appointments? How are the after-hours calls handled (answering service, nurse call line)?
What are the cancellation and no-show policies?
Making the Decision Now that you have gathered information, you can better choose your child’s doctor.
“A good pediatric practice will function as a medical home, providing care that is comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated, easy to access and committed to quality and safety,”
Dr. Keane said.
Dr. Dey agreed, “At the end of the day, you need to love your pediatrician. If you don’t, keep looking. ❖
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Parents Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her on X @CherylMaguire05.
January Calendar of Events
Lunar New Year Events
Museum of Sonoma County presents a free Lunar New Year Celebration featuring performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Assocation, including lion and tiger dances, Chinese songs, tea ceremony, and a Xinjiang performance. Sunday, January 19 from Noon–2 p.m. at the museum, 425 Seventh Ave., Santa Rosa. Visit tinyurl. com/ycxwu756 for complete details. Saturday, January 25, the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County celebrates the Year of the Snake with performances by the Redwood Empire Chinese Association, adventures in the Chinese Zodiac, and more. Admission is $20 or $12 for museum members. Discounts may apply. From 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. Learn more at tinyurl.com/jrmrwt33.
Wednesday 1
FREE Day 1 Hike. An introduction to mushroom identification (with hot apple cider) followed by a guided mushroom walk. Dress for weather and terrain. Subject to cancelation due to weather. Ages 12 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult). No dogs. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. VanDamme State Park. 8001 CA-1, Little River. RSVP required: director@mendoparks.org or (707) 937-4700.
FREE First-Day Hike. All ages welcome. Choice between two trails. Dress for weather and terrain. Water, snacks, and binoculars recommended. Noon. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park. On Hwy. 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. andersonmarsh. org/event/109
Walking Tour. Docents lead guests on a beautiful and informative walking tour through the preserved-in-time 19th century town of Mendocino. Adult tickets: $25. Youth under 12: $15. Also January 4, 11, 18, and 25. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Kelly House Museum.
Ukiah on Ice Skating Rink. $12 includes skate rental. Thru January 12. Next to Alex Thomas Plaza on School Street, Ukiah. Schedule: cityofukiah. com/ukiahonice
Cold Weather Clothing Drive. Donate clean and lightly used coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, and belts. Throughout January. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Earth Potraiture. The work of Ray Stanford Strong, including landscapes in Mendocino Counties. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. Schedule: gracehudsonmuseum.org
Support Groups. HeyPeers offers a range of suppor groups throughout the month for challenges such as addiction, anxiety, caregiving, chronic illness, depression, grief and loss, parenting, and many more. For meeting times, visit heypeers.com/ support_groups.
Thursday 2
FREE Storytime. Picture book story time with songs, rhymes, and games. 10:15–11 a.m. Redbud Library. Also hosted at other library locations. tinyurl.com/47kb96b2
Winter Show. Handwoven items, matted original etchings, works by gallery artists, along with handcrafted jewelry. Through January 6. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Partners Gallery, 45062 Ukiah St., Mendocino. partnersgallery.com
Thursday Tours at the Gardens. Explore diverse plant life with a trained garden steward. Weekly one-hour walking tours are free with regular Gardens admission and free for members. 1–2 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org .
Friday 3
FREE Family Storytime. A fun half-hour of wiggle songs, books, and bubbles! Every Friday. 10:30–11 a.m. Children’s room. Ukiah Branch
COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SONOMA COUNTY
Lunar New Year Celebration
Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. Also hosted at other library locations. mendolibrary.org.
First Friday Fling. Food, music, and art. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Main Street Gallery. 325 N. Main, Lakeport. cityoflakeport.com/calendar.
Saturday 4
Lakeport Flea Market. Every Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Parking lot next to Howling Dog Cafe. 2626 S. Main St., Lakeport. cityoflakeport. com/calendar.
Farmers Market. Fresh and local offerings. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza. 20290 S State St., Downtown Ukiah. tinyurl.com/2ft9z385.
Market at the Mercantile. Produce, crafts, live music, food options. Rain or shine, year-round. Saturdays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/4seaj6a5
FREE Kids Craft Time. All supplies provided. Most first and third Saturdays. 11 a.m.–Noon. Fort Bragg Branch Library. 499 Laurel St. Fort Bragg. mendolibrary.org.
Sunday 5
FREE Cars & Coffee. Showing of Ukiah’s finest automobiles. Classics, racecars, exotics, hot rods, muscle cars, tuners, and more. 8–10 a.m. Happy Donuts. 628 S. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/n9t49nhx
FREE Fiddlers Jam. Lively music the first Sunday of the month. Food and drinks available for purchase. Noon–2 p.m. Barn at the Ely. 9921 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville.
Tuesday 7
FREE Tech Tuesday. Bring your device to any Lake County Library branch between 10 a.m.–4 pm for tech tutoring. tinyurl.com/47kb96b2
Thursday 9
FREE Poetry Writing Workshop. Samples of styles and techniques of
poetry writing, writing exercises, and readings and discussions of individual works produced during the workshops. 3–4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Branch Library. 499 Laurel St. Fort Bragg. mendolibrary.org
FREE Drop-in Knit and Crochet Group. Informal, informative
gathering meets on the second Thursday of each month. 5:30–7 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Friday 10
Evaluation Day. Antiques Roadshow fans are invited to bring up to three items for professional appraisal. Museum Member tickets: $5 per item. All other tickets: $8 per item. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. gracehudsonmuseum.org.
FREE Coding Club. Starts with beginner-friendly coding language and advances week to week. Ages 8–16. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Saturday 11
Second Saturday Art Fair. Wood-fired pizza, beer, and wine. Displays from local artists and purveyors of art, jewelry, vintage, and more. Cafe Beaujolais Garden, 961 Ukiah St., Mendocino. 1–4 p.m. cafebeaujolais.com.
Bioluminescent and UV
Fluorescent Organisms of California. This talk will give a wide survey of California’s glowing organisms, where to find them, how to see them, and how to document them. Dress for weather. If possible, bring a flashlight, cell phone, water bottle, paper, and pencil. Registration: $35 non-members; $25 members. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Farmhouse. 18220
N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. For details, email education@gardenbythesea.org
Tuesday 14
Family Game Time. Board/card games and/or Nintendo Switch games provided. All ages welcome. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/47kb96b2.
FREE Science Talk. When The Whales Win, Everyone Wins: Cultivating a Culture of Stewardship in SW Pacific Mexico. Noyo Center Zoom program. 6–7:30 p.m. Register: tinyurl.com/4wnt2sxn.
Wednesday 15
Teen D&D. No experience necessary but if you’re already a Dungeons & Dragons master, have fun creating
characters and participating in the campaign with game newbies. 3–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Branch Library. 499 Laurel St., Fort Bragg. mendolibrary.org
FREE Movie Night. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Donations appreciated. Concessions for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Movie: 6–9 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/3s6bvbd2.
Collage and Open Mic Night. Collage supplies provided. Create your craft while listening to recitations of poems, stories, songs, and more. Third Wednesday of each month. All ages welcome. 6–9:30 p.m. Medium Art Gallery. 518 E Perkins St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/5n6bcuhc.
Dance Brigade’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Season. A Woman’s Song for Peace — a new dance theater work featuring original, live music focusing on political and social dialogue toward peace, war, and foreign policy. Tickets: Starting at $28.52. 7:30–10 p.m. Center Theatre, Mendocino College Ukiah Campus. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/r4822e8n.
Sunday 19
Formosa Quartet. A distinguished ensemble acclaimed for their dynamic and innovative performances takes the stage as part of the Gualala Arts Chamber Music Series. Advance tickets: $40. Additional $5 for day-of tickets. 4–6 p.m. Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. gualalaarts.org.
Monday 20
MLK Jr. Day of Service. Make a Difference with assignments
from Blue Zones Project! 10 a.m.–Noon. Oak Woodland Community Garden. 190 Seaside Circle, Marina. montereycounty.bluezonesproject. com/events.
Tuesday 21
FREE Yarn Club. Bring yarn, needles, hooks, patterns, ideas, and questions. All ages welcome. 2–4 p.m Upper Lake Library. 310 Second St., Upper Lake.
Wednesday 22
FREE Tech Gremlins. Teen play time is expanding to every Wednesday with themes from anime to tech projects. Snacks provided. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library. 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Friday 24
Knights of Columbus 48th Annual Crab Feed. Fresh Dungeness Crab, entertainment, raffle prizes, and good company, all supporting the local community. Meals served for dinner, lunch, and to-go options. $75–$100. Friday–Sunday, January 24–26. St. Anthony’s of Mendocino, 10700 Lansing St., Mendocino. See full schedule at kcrmendo.wixsite.com/ mendocinocrabfeed
Saturday 25
FREE Historic Planes Display. A presentation by Lake County Airmen’s Association. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Lampson Field Airport, 4773 Highland Springs Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/4seaj6a5
Winter Concert. Combining classical favorites with diverse and eclectic dances and a moving autobiography. Jan. 25: 7:30–9:30 p.m. Jan. 26: 2–4 p.m. Come one hour early each day for a pre-concert lecture. Cotton
Auditorium. 500 N. Harold St., Fort Bragg. Admission: $30 age 30+; $15 age 19–29. Tickets: tinyurl.com/ a3mszzza
Professional Pianists Concerts. Featuring regional pianists performing, trading stories and melodies, with two pianos on stage to accommodate impromptu collaborations. Jan. 25: 7 p.m. Jan. 26: 2 p.m. Tickets: $25 (plus service fee) general; $30 (plus service fee) near stage. Center Theatre, Mendocino College Ukiah Campus. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3assrcbe.
Tuesday 28
FREE Movie Night. Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Donations appreciated. Concessions for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Movie: 6–8:15 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 South Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/ yc4v4n7r.
Wednesday 29
Kelps of the World. Science discussion with photographer Patrick Webster. 6–7:30 p.m. Noyo Center Zoom program. 6–7:30 p.m. Register: tinyurl.com/4z36sjft.
Thursday 30
FREE Chess Club. Friendly competition open to all ages. Registration required. 2–4 p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library. lakecountyca.gov
Blues Busters
Celebrate
All Year Long
By Katy M. Clark
Avoid the January blues by celebrating something new each month of the new year …
We celebrate the rubber ducky on January 13 after the date appeared circled on a calendar in a 1973 episode of Sesame Street. Spend the day counting, collecting, or just taking a bath (of course!) with your rubber ducky.
National Love Your Pet Day
February 20 is all about giving extra love to the fur babies in your family. Or the ones with scales and feathers! Pamper pets with special treats, cuddles, or new toys, while reflecting on the special bond you share.
March 7 National Day of Unplugging begins at sundown on the first Friday of March. This 24-hour period aims to help families disconnect from technology and
reconnect as people. Enjoy a device-free dinner party and put your phone away while the kids create a play or perform a concert. Unplug, unwind, and relax.
April 9 National Unicorn Day honors the most popular mythical animal representing magic, fantasy, and happiness. Study its appearances in ancient cultures, then draw pictures, read books, and wear your favorite clothing featuring the beloved creature.
May 31 National Smile Day promotes flashing a beautiful grin at home, at school, and in your neighborhood. Little ones can count how many smiles they see throughout the day on a clipboard while bigger kids can be encouraged to simply smile to brighten someone’s day.
June 17 National Eat Your Vegetables Day is about making vegetables a part of your healthy diet.
If kids balk at the idea of celebrating peas and carrots, honor June 17 in a sweeter way. It’s also National Apple Strudel Day.
July 20 National Ice Cream Day helps beat the summer heat with scoops from your favorite spot or homemade. Your family can discuss favorite flavors or think up new ones to try.
August 8 Global Sleep Under the Stars Night encourages everyone to pitch a tent or bundle up under blankets in the backyard. Read books about constellations, shine a flashlight in the sky to make your own, and enjoy the outdoors as you turn your gaze upward.
September 19 Talk Like A Pirate Day. Whether they don an eye patch, dig for buried treasure, or nosh chocolate gold coins, kids will enjoy exclaiming: “Ahoy, Mateys!” “Arrrgggghhh!” “Shiver me timbers!” “Walk the plank!”
October 5 National Do Something Nice Day. Try giving compliments, holding the door open for someone, writing a letter to a relative, or paying for the items of the person behind you in line.
November 14 National Family PJ Day. Snuggle up or sleep in wearing your favorite pajamas. If you’re really planning ahead, now is the perfect time to snap that holiday card photo.
December 13 National Cocoa Day. Learn about the origin of drinking cocoa or have a taste test to decide which is the perfect topping: Marshmallows or whipped cream. ❖ Katy M. Clark is a writer and mother of two who embraces her imperfections on her blog, Experienced Bad Mom
