Mendo Lake Family Life June 2021

mendo lake FREE!

June 2021

Puppy Love Train your dog

Day Trip!

Beach & eats

Treat Dad 16 fun ideas

Taco Salad Healthy new twist

Destination: Healthy Kids You’ll find pediatric care you can trust at MCHC Health Centers.

We welcome kids of all ages.

Call (707) 468-1010 for an appointment IN UKIAH, LAKEPORT AND WILLITS WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL, MEDICARE, PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER INSURANCE. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL. MCHCINC.ORG – MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

June 2021

Every Issue

12 Features 10 Over the River & through the Woods Drive, hike, and eat your way through west Sonoma County.

12 Puppy Love How to train your rambunctious new pet.

14 Learning Adventures

6

Dear Reader

7

Cooking with Kids Healthy Mexican

8

Bits and Pieces Piecing It Together Dance on the Lawn

9

Local Plant Wisdom Hawaiian Legend Comes to Life Buckin’ Bulls Things That Go Vroom

26 Calendar of Events 28 Humor Break The Relaxa 100

Keep kids’ brains in gear this summer.

16 Creative Summer Play Time to break out the markers and paint.

18 Explore New Worlds Virtually visit museums, with these apps.

20 Happy Is the Lazy Parent Hot trends that make life easier.

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22 Dads Just Want to Have Fun Delightful ways to celebrate Father’s Day.

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June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cider Tasting in the Barn or Orchard RESERVE A TABLE Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

We’re excited to welcome you to California’s first-ever Cider Tasting Orchard! Enjoy cider in its purest form, right where the apples grow and the cider is made, while you relax in the shade of 100-year-old apple trees. There’s fresh air, blue skies, and plenty of social distancing here for you. DOGS WELCOME

www.gowansheirloomcider.com

707-205-1545 • (1/2 mile north of Gowans Oaktree) Highway 128, Philo

Dear Reader

I

t’s the month we focus on dads and all they do for our families. Want to celebrate your special guy? How about taking him Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor on a day-trip? Turn Sharon@family-life.us to “Over the River and through the Woods” (page 10) for a journey to the best parks and eateries in west Sonoma County.

For even more local ways to honor Pop, check out “Dads Just Want to Have Fun” (page 22). And, of course, our Calendar of Events (page 26) has some inspiring entertainment ideas, too.

children need to stay busy at home?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Just turn to “Creative Summer Play” (page 16) for easy ways to keep kids’ imaginations fired up.

And to make sure their brains stay engaged, too, read “Learning Adventures” (page 14) for five summer-slide prevention tips. Then turn to “Explore New Worlds” (page 18) for apps that bring artifacts and art from well-recognized museums to little ones, wherever they are.

We hope your Father’s Day is full of joy and connection. And your June is the start of a fabulously fun summer.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

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

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager

Most of the Father’s Day events we’ve included in this issue are great for grown-ups and children alike. But what do you do when the

Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Cover Photographer Dennis Urbiztondo

DID YOU KNOW?

Contributing Writers America’s Test Kitchen Tanni Haas Christina Katz Cheryl Maguire Pam Moore

Billing

HELPS YOU

Jan Wasson-Smith

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

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

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

1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Healthy Mexican A Summer Favorite Gets a Makeover

By America’s Test Kitchen

T

aco salad hits a home run with any crowd. What’s not to love about seasoned beef and the works on a bed of lettuce? Well, while it may be fun, we wouldn’t call a salad based on greasy meat and shredded cheese healthy, even without the fried tortilla bowl. To rework taco salad to be more nutritious but still hearty, we replaced the beef with quinoa. Some tasters had doubts, but this low-saturated-fat, high-fiber source of protein—with its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors—made a good stand-in for ground beef. Toasted and simmered in chicken broth with chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, anchovy paste, and cumin, it acquired a rich, spiced meaty flavor. We substituted escarole for lettuce, cut back on cheese, opting for queso fresco, and added an extra-hefty amount of cilantro. Black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and scallions completed the picture. ¶ Reprinted from The Complete Salad Cookbook (2021) with permission from America’s Test Kitchen, americastestkitchen.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Quinoa Taco Salad • ¾ cup prewashed white quinoa • 3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, chopped fine • Salt and pepper • 2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce • 2 teaspoons tomato paste • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional) • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 1 cup homemade or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 head escarole (1 pound), trimmed and sliced thin • 2 scallions, sliced thin • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed • 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered • 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped • 2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (½ cup) 1. Toast quinoa in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until quinoa is very fragrant and makes continuous popping June 2021

sound, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to bowl.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in now-empty saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Stir in chipotle, tomato paste, anchovy paste, and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and toasted quinoa, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

Spread quinoa onto rimmed baking sheet and let cool for 20 minutes.

4. Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons oil, lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Add escarole, scallions, and ¼ cup cilantro and toss to combine.

Gently fold in beans, tomatoes, and avocado. Transfer to serving platter and top with quinoa, queso fresco, and remaining ¼ cup cilantro. Serve.

Serves: 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Fort Bragg Quilt Show entry

Piecing It Together

I

t took about 200 years or so for the American quilt to evolve from a utilitarian textile to a beautifully decorated art form.

Some quilts, like those at the Fort Bragg Quilt Show, are even worthy of display. This year the show will be held outside, with quilts hung on both sides of the Veterans Memorial Building fence, at the corner of Laurel and Harrison Streets in Fort Bragg. This “On the Fence” show will be held on June 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and is free to attend. Some quilts will be available for purchase or will be raffled off. To get more information about purchasing raffle tickets, which are $5 each or 3 for $10, contact info@oceanwavequilters.com. See oceanwavequilters.com/fort-bragg-quilt-show to learn more about the show. ¶

Dance on the Lawn

A

t long last, live music is back! The free Summer Music Festival at Konocti Vista Casino in Lakeport commences June 19 with three reggae acts: Santa Cruda, Eli Mac, and DJ Smokin’ Joe. Then on June 26 country music singers Chad Bushnell and Ryan Scripps hit the stage. Performances start at 6 p.m. and will be held on the hotel lawn. Concertgoers are asked to bring their own seating. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information about the series, which runs through August 21, go to facebook.com/ konoctivistacasino. ¶

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Local Plant Wisdom

W

hat herbs are best for a sore throat?

How about insomnia? The herbalists of the Mendocino Herb Guild may be able to answer these and other questions about plant medicines. They’ll be sharing their wisdom and selling their wares at the Maker’s Market on Main Street in Willits.

And local artisans displaying their products will join them. Besides artisanal and herbal offerings, there also will be raffles, and giveaways for kids. The event will be held on June 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and is free. Masking and social distancing are required. See facebook.com/mendocinocountyherbguild for more information. ¶

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Hawaiian Legend Comes to Life

Still from Kapaemahu

O

n Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach there are four stones that legend says were placed there centuries ago by mahu (third-gender people) who brought healing traditions from Tahiti to Hawaii. The belief is that one of those mahu, Kapaemahu, infused the stones with healing power. A modern-day mahu, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, has created an eight-minute animated film, Kapaemahu, about the legend, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. This film, which won a Special Jury Mention at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, is a selection of the Outwatch Film Festival, which will be held June 10–13 as part of this month’s Sonoma County Pride Festival. The film can be viewed at kapaemahu. com. Make a donation or learn more about Outwatch at sonomacountypride.org/june-10-13-outwatchfilm-festival or tinyurl.com/4z4za3x6. For a full Pride schedule, including times for the drive-thru parade and other activities, go to sonomacountypride.org. ¶

Buckin’ Bulls

F

Things That Go Vroom

or those who can tie up a goat’s ankles or stay put on a bucking bull, rodeos are a chance to show off some skillz.

The Middletown Junior Rodeo, organized especially for youth ages 2–18, is one such opportunity. Children compete in events such as goat tying, chute dogging, barrel racing, pole bending, and, of course, bull riding. Participants must enter by June 16 at form.jotform. com/211188976867172. The event itself will be held June 26–27 at Middletown Central Park in Middletown. See facebook. com/middletownjuniorrodeo for more information. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

P

rotein is a nutritional building block our bodies need.

But people with phenylketonuria (PKU), like Potter Valley three-year-old Charlotte Kelly, lack enough of a particular enzyme to break down an amino acid called phenylalanine, which is found in protein. This means Kelly and those with PKU have to monitor their protein intake. It also means biweekly blood draws for Kelly. To show its support for Kelly, and to raise funds for the PKU Alliance, the Ukiah Speedway in Ukiah is holding the PKU Alliance Bash. The event will be held on June 12 at 5 p.m. and will feature Bombers, Limited Modifieds, Jalopies, Jammers, and more. Tickets are $9–$30 and will be available at ukiahspeedway.net the weekend prior to the event. Ten percent of ticket sales will go to the PKU Alliance. ¶

June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Hit the Road

Over the River & through the Woods A Family Day Trip to Remember

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Hike at Jenner Headlands. After filling up on fruits of the sea, continue north on Highway One and, just past Jenner, find this park. You’ll be treated to spectacular ocean vistas as you hike up the 4.5-mile Sea to Sky to Raptor Ridge Loop Trail. (Leashed dogs are allowed.)

If you are looking for a flat walk, double-back on Highway One and head to the Kortum Trail, which runs along the bluffs. The wooden walkway on the first leg of the northern part of the trail is stroller-friendly, but dogs are not allowed. If you favor water over land, then rent kayaks in Jenner at the Water Treks kiosk (across from the hip Aquatica Café; watertreks.net) and take a paddle around Penny Island. You might even see some seals!

3

Grab lunch at the Fishetarian Fish Market. After you’ve had enough sea and sand, head north about a mile and a half on Highway One to this popular eatery (right next to Lucas Wharf) for a delectable rockfish sandwich or fish tacos. The Kids’ Menu offers small portions of fish and chips as well as staples like grilled cheese and an almond-butter version of PB&J. Another option: Head to Spud Point Crab Co. in Bodega Bay for a cup of their famous clam chowder.

Fishetarian Fish Market Ahi Sandwich

Jenner Headlands

D

uring the average summer, kids climb the walls. Add in more than a year of shelteringin-place and general pandemic insanity, and the kid crazies have most likely reached biblical proportions. The solution: a day trip. We live in a place world-renowned for its beauty.

Take advantage of it! Here are our ideas for a memory-making weekend adventure.

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1 Jenner

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Hit the beach at Doran Regional Park. Take a walk on a two-mile stretch of sand, fly kites, build castles, and even fish at this Bodega Bay park. Be sure to get there early so you have plenty of time on the beach before the brisk late-afternoon wind kicks in. Day-use fee is $7.

1

Bodega Bay

Begin. Start off in Sebastopol and drive toward the coast via Bodega Highway. Let rolling hills bearing the secret of soon-to-be-seen waters bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Play car games like I Spy or 20 Questions to keep any backseat squabbling at bay.

Doran Regional Park

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June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

5 Jenner Headlands

Guerneville Taco Truck

Go Mexican (or Mediterranean or Indian) for dinner.

All that exercise will surely fire up an appetite. And there’s nothing like a taco truck to fill up bellies on the cheap. There’s a great one in Guerneville, in the Walmart parking lot, called simply the Guerneville Taco Truck. We love their burritos, which drip with savory authentic goodness. If Mexican isn’t your thing, then head back to Sebastopol and choose from a variety of eats, such as the Mediterranean fare at East West Café (kids love the sweet potato fries), vegetarian grub at the newly remodeled Slice of Life, or get samosas at Namaste Kitchen. If you have any energy left at all, indulge in the homemade ice cream at Screamin’ Mimi’s, a local favorite for 20 years.

Or go to Sonoma Chocolatiers for some organic award-winning truffles.

(Just get there before they close at 6 p.m.)

Then rustle up the brood and go home, where all will fall happily exhausted into sweet slumber.

East West Café Salmon Tacos

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Sonoma Chocolatiers

Guerneville

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Sebastopol Freestone ay ghw a Hi g e Bod

Screamin’ Mimi’s

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Get breakfast at Wild Flour Bread. This Freestone bakery is worth making carbs legal for a day. And they’ve got their COVID game on, too. A quick-moving, well-ordered outdoor line will greet you, along with a blackboard listing pastries from their wood-fire brick oven. Everything—from the sticky buns to the fig-ginger-pear Egyptian bread to the scones in flavors like apricot or double chocolate—is a treat for the tastebuds. (Gluten-free scones sometimes make an appearance, too.) Once you’ve eaten your fill, and packed some goodies for the road, forge ahead for some beach time.

Wildflour Bread owner Jed Wallach

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

3

Set up a gate. If you let your dog run loose throughout your home, you are asking for trouble.

Designate puppy-safe areas, which can be cordoned off, and make sure electrical cords and other shock or choking hazards are inaccessible.

Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms work best for a young pup. Think puppy-proof instead of baby-proof.

Puppy Love

10 Tips for Successfully Training a New Dog

By Christina Katz

N

othing makes a house feel like a home and bonds a family better than a scampering little bundle of fur, grrs, and face-licks.

But your sweet, helpless buddy is also an animal, whose instincts need to be channeled, pronto, before your cutie pie morphs into a weapon of mass home destruction.

Here’s what to do to keep your home puppy-safe.

1

Get a puppy-training crate.

Because puppies have endless energy and you don’t, your dog is going to need a safe haven. So don’t wait. Get the right size dog crate so your pup can stand up easily with a little room to grow. Until your pup is done teething, an old towel is all that it needs for a bed. Best part: When the puppy is in the crate, you can leave the

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Designate puppy-safe indoor areas. room or the house without the fear of having your stuff destroyed.

2

Go straight to the vet. Any animal brought into the home needs a clean bill of health and several rounds of inoculations to keep it and your family safe. Use the crate to safely transport your pup to the vet. Resist the urge to let your puppy be loose or on your lap in the car. Puppies are usually unfazed by quick trips to the vet for multiple shots in the shoulder, and they often sleep longer after they receive their vaccinations.

4

Schedule potty alarms.

Eventually your pup will be able to make it all the way through the night without any potty breaks. Until then, set an alarm for the amount of time you know your pup can hold it.

Any animal brought into the home needs a clean bill of health.

Otherwise, you are teaching it how to wake you whenever it wants. When the alarm goes off, scoot that pup straight outside, give the command to go, and praise the results. Then, in the future, every time your pup comes out of its crate, it’ll remember where it’s supposed to go.

5

Meet your best friend’s best friend. Every dog trainer has a magic treat that can get a puppy to do anything. Believe it or not, for most trainers, this treat is freeze-dried liver. You may as well buy a large tub of the beige, chalky stuff.

6

Buy best quality. If you eat quality food, offer the same to your pup. It may cost a little more, but think of it as an investment. Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a couple scoops of high-quality food

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

keep the vet away. Two feedings a day, at daylight and dusk, work well for most families. Your new puppy will also need constant access to fresh, clean water except when it’s asleep in the crate.

7

Go natural. Dogs prefer natural bones and chew-things that come from digestible, dehydrated animal parts. Bonus: Your pup is unlikely to confuse real bones and animal parts with everyday household items like slippers, shoes, and stuffed animals.

Be especially leery of rawhide chews, no matter how rampant in pet stores, because they do not digest easily.

Tip: During teething time, apply Bitter Apple spray to furniture legs, upholstery, or any chewable surfaces.

8

Be ready for anything. In terms of pee and poop, that is.

If you are prepared for an accident before it occurs, you will be less likely to freak out if and when it does. If the unthinkable happens,

Every dog trainer has a magic treat that can get a puppy to do anything. try not to over-react. Keep clean-up supplies and enzyme spray at the ready to remove the pee-hither scent from the scene of the crime.

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Get ready to play. Make sure your pup gets enough time outside and plenty of exercise— it’ll mean less wear and tear on your home and belongings. And your pup will sleep better, too. ¶

9

Keep cool. You would never hit or scold your child harshly for making a mistake during potty training, right? So when your little

Blue Ribbon Pets Grooming · Boarding · Day Care

Loving, Professional Care for Your Pets 5290 N. State St., Ukiah (707) 485-8454 • www.brpets.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

buddy has a whoopsie, redirect without scolding. Never use physical punishment or yell. Just calmly take your puppy outside to finish the job and then calmly put it in the crate. Clean up the mess without grumbling, and spray the spot with enzyme neutralizer to eliminate the likelihood of a repeat.

t

ALL THEY NEED IS

YOU

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz knows that sweet puppies turn into even sweeter dogs.

FALL IN LOVE

ADOPT

A DOG OR CAT

AND SAVE A LIFE

HUMANE SOCIETY INLAND MENDOCINO (707) 485-0123 • www.mendohumanesociety.com 9700 Uva Drive, Redwood Valley June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

something enriching or creative with her brain. However, we make an exception if the screen is being used in pursuit of self-expression. So if she wants to look up fashions from different periods so she can render them more accurately in her fashion

Teaching your child new skills can be a fun way to share your knowledge.

Learning Adventures 5 Ways to Prevent the Summer Slide

By Christina Katz

S

ummer is upon us—and so is the dreaded summer slide. But never fear. Believe it or not, you can prevent learning loss with a DIY at-home enrichment program that employs these ideas.

Issue a reading challenge. Your children’s brains will definitely turn to mush if you let them do nothing but play video games and watch TV. So sign them up for an age-appropriate summer reading challenge through their school or local library—or even create your own. We buy our daughter eight age-appropriate, reading-challenge books before school gets out. The rule is she must read for at least a half-hour on weekday mornings before she can do anything else. The half-hour often turns into 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

an hour, or even hours, depending on the book. Keep your costs down by borrowing books, or buying second-hand books or e-books.

Ban cell phones in the a.m. In our house, phones are viewed as a privilege, not a right. As long as we pay for them, we get to model healthy cell phone behaviors no matter what the other parents are doing. So we don’t use cell phones until noon, every day, even when it’s not summer. The idea is that, instead of staring at a screen, Samantha could be doing

notebook, that’s allowable. We also permit a quick phone check first thing in the morning to wish someone a happy birthday or to reply to a message.

Tackle life-skill projects.

Teaching your child new skills can be a fun way to share your knowledge.

Examples might be creating a garden with a toddler or preschooler, cooking a small meal with an elementary school child, redecorating a room with a tween, or balancing a checkbook with a teen. Such projects are great bonding opportunities. Heading out together to select seeds, shop for food, decide on paint colors, and visit the bank turns the mundane into a shared adventure. As parents, we know a lot, but we often don’t take the necessary time to share what we know. Summer is the perfect time to connect while pursuing age-appropriate training.

Schedule daily, weekly, and monthly chores. Before summer begins, sit down and make a chores list for each child. Divide it up into daily, weekly, and monthly chores so kids can’t wiggle out of helping with big jobs like cleaning out the garage or washing the cars. Kids like to feel like they are graduating to

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

mendo lake more sophisticated chores the older they get, so make sure the level of chore difficulty matches each child’s aptitudes and abilities. Kids can feel proud of pitching in, whether they simply empty the dishwasher daily, clean their rooms weekly, or do yard work with the whole family every other week.

Learn something fun. If you want to teach your kids that learning can be

Keep your costs down by borrowing books, or buying second-hand books or e-books. fun, put them in charge of exploring a topic they are excited about and watch what happens. Look for summer learning opportunities through your child’s school, local library, YMCA, or community center. In addition, video-training series are available online. Just make sure you screen the instructor, website, and material for security and age-appropriateness.

You can even help your kids create their own curriculum using books and videos.

If you have company or go to someone else’s home, let the enrichment routine go for the sake of enjoying the moment. Routines create structure, which increase kids’ feelings of stability and security. But don’t be afraid to bounce the routine in favor of an impromptu trip to the beach. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is a creative type who loves routines. She also loves bagging the routine in favor of a spur-of-the-moment adventure with the family, which is what summer is all about.

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magazine • web • email

#1 local resource for local families

LOCAL for 30 years

2021

Passes good June 1 thru Aug. 31, 2021 2018

SUMMER

YOUTH PASS BUSES ARE DISINFECTED DAILY

$45 ALL SUMMER COUNTY-WIDE Unlimited rides on all MTA buses for children up to age 18. $5.00 and a Youth Summer Pass will get you to and from Santa Rosa on MTA’s North Coast and South Coast Buses!

For more information: www.mendocinotransit.org or call 800-696-4MTA / 462-1422 Buy your Summer Youth Pass on board any MTA bus or at the MTA office in Ukiah or Fort Bragg. This pass not valid on Dial-A-Ride.

wheel deal!

June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

catch ideas as they go flitting by or to jot down a few professional to-dos. And, believe it or not, if I write down the household chores on the white board in the kitchen, I’m more likely to get the cooperation from the rest of the family when I need it.

Creative Summer Play 8 Imaginative Ways to Amp Up the Fun

By Christina Katz

M

ake sure you are ready for a summer that is as creative as it is easy. These tips will help you squeeze as much fun as you can out of every lazy summer day.

Test-drive the art supplies.

Where do you keep your arts and craft supplies? If they are stored where they are easy to access, your kids will be more likely to use them.

Give your arts and crafts storage area a quick overhaul before the vacation months arrive. Check markers. Sharpen pencils. Restock your finger paint and drawing pads.

Whatever kinds of projects your family likes to indulge in, make sure you’ve got all the supplies on hand and ready to roll.

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Projects are more likely to get finished when they are easily accessible.

Create plenty of places to brainstorm. We have an assortment of white boards around the house that absorb an awful lot of creative energy. My eight-year-old daughter kneels in front of the one in her bedroom when she wants to draw picture after picture after picture. I use one in my office to

Become project-oriented.

Creating a garden, tree house, or worm box are all examples of outdoor projects the family can undertake together. If you prefer to

Why have a common garden when you could have a fairy garden or a pizza garden? stay indoors, why not get a jump on next season’s holiday gifts or cards?

If everyone in the house prefers to work on their own projects at their pace, why not make sure that each person has her or his own craft area? You’ll find that projects are more likely to get finished when they are easily accessible.

Bring on the color. Painting your walls, furniture, fence, or house is one of the cheapest and most fun ways to get a fresh look at home. Why not get the whole family involved? Tweens and teens might enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting an entire house painted. Mom and Dad can swing in a hammock and sip a cold drink while each school-age child paints one piece of furniture from their bedrooms a favorite new hue.

Plant a theme-based garden.

Why have a common garden when

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

you could have a fairy garden or a pizza garden or a found-objects garden? For ideas and inspiration, consult Sharon Lovejoy’s illustrated gardening books: Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots (Workman, 1999), Trowel & Error (Workman, 2002), and Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars (Workman, 2010). Why not give each member of the family a garden plot where she or he can nurture the harvest of her or his choice?

Take an unexpected adventure. When you set out as a family towards an unfamiliar destination, your senses come alive with possibilities. Instead of planning every summer family outing, why not just grab some snacks and water bottles, hop in the car, and surprise

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yourselves? Explore a nearby town, take a day-trip to San Francisco, or visit one of the many local beaches and parks. Keep a list of destinations on one of your whiteboards, take a quick family vote to decide on a venture, and go!

Get a little wild. Maybe during the school year you don’t welcome

Give your arts and crafts storage area a quick overhaul. the extra mess that body paint, mud, glitter, bathtub crayons, clay, or temporary hair dyes can bring into your hallowed home. But during the summer months, why not?

June 2021

Kids experience a lot of pressure to conform when they are in school, so let them get wild while the days are long, the nights are short, and homework is nothing more than a distant memory.

Make multimedia memories.

Keep a camera or a video recorder handy so you can document your colorful, creative summer and share it with your distant friends and relatives. And don’t worry about what to do with all your images and film clips. The long winter is coming just as sure as you are fully enjoying every minute of your fleeting summer. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz adores summer family fun.

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Play. This app from the American Museum of National History shares behind-the-scenes stories about the museum’s displays, fun facts, educational videos, and the opportunity to take selfies with favorite exhibits. Quizzes test kids’ understanding of what they’re learning as they move around the museum.

Explore New 8 Apps That Take Worlds Kids on Virtual Trips

By Tanni Haas

I

f you want to explore the world this summer but also save some money, why not take virtual family trips? Here’s a list of some of the very best free apps that’ll take you on some amazing journeys in time and space—all from the convenience of your home.

Art Institute of Chicago Available at Apple App Store and Google Play.

The Art Institute of Chicago possesses some of the most iconic American paintings, including American Gothic

by Grant Wood and Nighthawks

by Edward Hopper. The museum’s award-winning app lets kids see these and many other masterpieces. And it offers several audio tours featuring colorful anecdotes about the artists as well as background music from different time periods. Users can also search for information about specific artworks.

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Civilisations AR Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Developed by the BBC, this impressive app uses augmented reality to introduce visitors to some of the world’s most well-known artifacts, such as Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone.

Your kids can rotate the pieces, zoom for details, and see what the objects would’ve looked like when they were originally made.

Explorer—American Museum of National History Available at Apple App Store and Google

Google Arts & Culture Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app offers an exciting way to experience history and our contemporary world. With artifacts from more than 2,000 cultural institutions in 80 countries, your family can do anything from study

Stream full episodes of documentary nature shows.

Mona Lisa’s famous smile to see stunning images from NASA’s space missions. The kids can search for portraits that resemble them, take all kinds of guided tours, and point their phone cameras at artworks to learn more about them.

National Museum for African American History and Culture Mobile Stories Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app from the Smithsonian Institution’s latest addition—the National Museum for African American History and Culture—features stories and videos about the lives of African-American people throughout time. Your kids can share their experiences with other virtual visitors and read others’ reactions.

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

GIVE US A SHOUT!

Nat Geo TV: Live & On Demand Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. Stream full episodes of documentary nature shows, such as Life Below Zero, Secrets of the Zoo, and Wicked Tuna. Search programs based on what’s new and popular among other viewers, or by specific topics.

Newsela Student Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. This app boasts a large library of articles (all searchable by keyword) that you and the kids can use to learn more about your favorite topics. The kids can also take quizzes to track their

See stunning images from NASA’s space missions. learning and do writing activities related to what they’re reading. Each article is available at five reading levels, which makes the articles accessible to kids of all ages.

The Walt Disney Family Museum Available at Apple App Store and Google Play. It can be hard to find a museum that’s equally captivating to kids and adults alike.

The Walt Disney Family Museum fits the bill, and, via this app, you can visit it no matter where you live.

Take a virtual tour that tells the story of Walt and his most famous creations, listen to exclusive audio clips with Walt, and watch lots of Disney film clips. ¶ Tanni Haas, PhD, is a college communications professor.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

• What do you want to see more or less of?

• Know a teacher, coach, or special person who makes local family life better?

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

• Want to write stories or recipes, or blog for Family Life?

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other thing and all eyes are on you in an otherwise quiet, public place. If I regret anything in my life, it’s that I didn’t wear my kids more when they were babies. (Exception: the Moby wrap. Wrestling 25 yards worth of cotton with a crying baby on your hip can make anyone weep, particularly a postpartum woman).

Happy Is the Lazy Parent 5 Trends for an Easy, Breezy Summer

By Pam Moore

W

hile the world is determined to make us believe summer is fun and relaxing, we parents know better. The days are long, which means our kids are up way too late. No school means scheduling camps, playdates, sitters, etc. Then there’s all that sun, which means coercing our kids into putting sunblock on. Yes, summer is hard, but you can make it easier by embracing some hot trends. Maybe you stopped caring about trends when you gave in and bought a minivan. Maybe it happened as soon as you peed on the stick. But trust me, there’s a reason these parenting hacks are hot right now. They save so much work.

1. Babywearing The baby snuggles while you keep both hands free.

Babywearing means not having to strategize your approach at every doorway or MacGyvering through stairwells with 40 pounds of stroller, 20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

baby, and diaper bag slung across your body. Babywearing eliminates those face-prickling, nervous-sweat moments when you’re futzing to unlatch your stroller as your baby wails and the one thing just won’t attach to the

2. Baby-led weaning Baby-led weaning is a fancy way of saying you feed your babies regular food. Instead of spoon-feeding your babies purees that you have to make or buy, you

The romper should be the staple of every lazy mom’s summer wardrobe. give them soft foods they can eat with their hands. Why did I spend so much time pureeing various combinations of fruits and vegetables, and then struggle to simultaneously feed myself, read the paper, and spoon-feed my kids for hundreds, maybe thousands of meals?

I wish I’d considered how much easier (read: lazier) it would have been to set a few mashed pieces of my chicken and sweet potatoes on my babies’ high chair trays and let them have at it.

3. Waldorf principles Waldorf schools are notorious for banning screens. While letting the TV babysit your kids is the epitome of lazy parenting, there is, in fact, a place for the Waldorf philosophy in the lazy parent’s home. Waldorf emphasizes connecting with nature and creative play. Sending your kids to the backyard and shutting the door behind them is a great way for them to discover the natural world. Meanwhile, the glut of plastic toys hampers kids’

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

imaginations. Letting kiddos create a rich imaginary world means fewer toys to trip on and less time spent inventing ways to make clean-up fun.

Babywearing means not having to strategize your approach at every doorway.

4. Minimalism Less is truly more. Fewer toys means less time spent sorting and tidying. A smaller wardrobe means less laundry. A smaller house means less cleaning.

Principles of minimalism apply not just to your material things, but to the obligations that clutter up your emotional and spiritual life as

well. Don’t feel like meeting up for a drink with that preschool mom you’d never be friends with if you didn’t have kids the same age? Don’t.

You’re not a terrible human. You’re just a minimalist, protecting your greatest asset—your time.

Letting kiddos create a rich imaginary world means fewer toys to trip on.

attempting a budget version of one of those perspire-excessively-in-acompression-garment weight-loss strategies). Send your yoga pants to Goodwill along with the teeny-tiny Legos and find yourself a romper.

The romper is superior to yoga pants in every way. It doesn’t just match everything—it is everything.

Once it’s on, all you need are shoes and you’re dressed. Romp-and-go style is yours with zero fuss (until you have to use the restroom). ¶ This article was originally published on Motherly.

5. Rompers The romper should be the staple of every lazy mom’s summer wardrobe. Yoga pants may be comfy and match everything, but they’re not a great summer piece (unless you’re

Pam Moore is an author, body-positive health coach, occupational therapist, and certified personal trainer who helps women push through fear to become their best selves.

To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome, visit pam-moore.com.

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

(parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/ fishing) and the Mendocino Area Parks Association (mendoparks.org/ fishing) for numerous places to fish in the area. For Lake County fishing spots, including, of course, Clear Lake, go to lakecounty.com/experience/ fishing-in-lake-county.

Dads Just Want to Have Fun 16 Unforgettable Father’s Day Outings

By Christina Katz

B

efore you start preparing that traditional breakfast-in-bed for Dad on Father’s Day, consider some of these outings first.

1. Soaring Dad Stop at a kite store on your way to the best kite-flying park in town, and you’ve got a great impromptu Dad’s day excursion. We recommend Doran Beach in Bodega Bay (see page 10).

2. Drive-In Dad Surprise Dad with tickets to a drive-in movie theater. Carpool Cinema at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa has scheduled Men in Black for June 19 (lutherburbankcenter. org/carpool-cinemas). Or check out Lakeport Auto Movies Drive-In in Lakeport (lakeportautomovies.com).

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

3. Rappelling Dad Does Dad love an intense challenge? If so, rock climbing at your local climbing center is a great idea. Try Vertex Climbing Center in Santa Rosa.

4. Biscuits & Gravy Dad Let’s face it: One of the best places to go on Father’s Day is out to brunch. Hit Dad’s favorite greasy spoon or surprise your favorite guy with a new-to-him restaurant you think he’ll love. You can eat outside or order out.

5. Angler Dad If Dad loves fishing, there are plenty of local places to cast a line. See the websites of Sonoma County Regional Parks

6. Tomahawking Dad Some dads love nothing more than a nice long game of Frisbee. So surprise him with a new disc to add to his collection and then head to the nearest Frisbee

Rock climbing at your local climbing center is a great idea. golf course. Try out the courses at Taylor Mountain in Santa Rosa and at Mendocino College in Ukiah. For more locations, go to the website of the Professional Disc Golf Association (pdga.com).

7. River Rat Dad Some dads are just water-lovers. If your dad is one of them, he’ll probably love a day of kayaking, rafting, or tubing on the Russian River, Eel River, or Clear Lake. Or just send him to the beach and let him soak in the sun.

8. Lip-Smacking Dad Barbeques are great, but today is Dad’s special day and he’d probably like to be waited on rather than cook. So what’s it going to be: steak, BBQ, pasta?

9. Breaking Away Dad Is Dad a cyclist? Take him and the family for a spin. You don’t have to own enough bikes for everyone to go. Rent a few for the day instead.

10. Putting Dad For some dads, there is no greater joy than sharing

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

a love of golf. If kids are young, mini-golf is a great option.

11. Paint-Splattered Dad For dads with tweens and teens, an afternoon at the paintball park can be thrilling, not to mention colorful.

Look up Santa Rosa options on Yelp.

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12. Bouncing Dad Even though he might not be prepared to do flips, Dad might be up for an afternoon at the local trampoline park. Jumping

Some dads love nothing more than a nice long game of Frisbee. is fun and relaxing. Try Rebounderz in Rohnert Park, or Epicenter and Rockin’ Jump, both in Santa Rosa.

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13. Bull’s Eye Dad Go on Yelp for a selection of local archery stores and instructors. Have Dad get a few pointers before purchasing a bow-and-arrow set to use in your yard.

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14. Tire-Screeching Dad Even though kids may not be old enough to drive, they can have fun racing Dad at the nearest Go-Kart destination. Try the Scandia Family Fun Center in Rohnert Park.

POINTERS & TIPS, LOCAL GOINGS-ON, CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS!

15. Everybody Now Dad Outdoor concert opportunities abound in the summertime. Be sure to choose a singer or group that will get Dad grooving, and grab tickets ahead of time.

16. Stomping Dad Looking for a last-minute adventure for Father’s Day that won’t break the bank?

Hiking is perfect. ¶

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Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

Cutest Kids & Pets Contest Featured Favorites

Thanks to everyone who entered! We wish we had room for all of the wonderful pictures we received. Keep loving up your sweet pets.

Kaylee, Alyssa & Chaco

Valentina & Stella

Shaina Hill-Davenport & Mateo Featured on this month’s cover

Saxxon & Minion Bob

Nic & Ollie

Emilia & Wolfcat

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Isabel & Charlie

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Healthy Kids Need Healthy Teeth.

Visit Your Dental Provider!

2 steps to a healthy smile!

Funded by the CDPH under Contract # 17-10704

Free Tire Collection JUNE 11–12, 9AM-3PM • 15000 PRAIRE WAY, CASPAR

COLLECTION GUIDELINES NO RIMS 17” DIAMETER MAXIMUM LIMIT TO 9 TIRES PER DAY

MORE INFORMATION (707) 468-9710 www.mendorecycle.org Facebook @mendorecycle info@mendorecycle.org

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Have More Fun & Create Great Memories MendoLakeFamily Life.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2021

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MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

June

Calendar of Events

Tuesday 1 FREE Young Creative Minds Online Art Exhibit. Annual art

exhibit featuring artwork from preschool through high school students attending Fort Ross, Kashia, and Horicon schools. Runs thru June 10. gualalaarts.org/2021/04/ art-in-the-schools-online.

FREE Virtual Pride Club for Teens. Teens discuss books & other

media that showcase queer voices & experiences. Ages 13–18. Sponsored by the Sonoma County Library. Tuesdays.

4 p.m. Registration required: events. sonomalibrary.org/event/4746258.

Contact: teenpride@sonomalibrary.org.

Wednesday 2 FREE Retrospective: 12th Annual Student Photography Show. Exhibit of photographs of Ukiah High School students. Tuesdays–Saturdays. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Runs thru June 28. Art Center Ukiah. 201 S. State St., Ukiah. cornergalleryukiah.com.

Thursday 3 FREE Open Mic Zoom Poetry.

Share your own or another’s poetry, or just listen in. Hosted by Fort Bragg Public Library. All ages welcome. 7–8 p.m. Zoom meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/9748647159. Info: mendolibrary.org.

Friday 4 FREE Mother-Wise Weekly Online Moms’ Group. Weekly bilingual

group promotes positivity & friendship 26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

in the local motherhood community.

Fridays. 10–10:30 a.m. June 4: Summer Safety. June 11: Potty Training. June 18: Paternal Mental Health. June 25: Importance of Play/Ages & Stages.

To register, message organizer via facebook.com/motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Online Friday Storytime.

Facebook Live. Children of all ages & their grown-ups are welcome.

Fridays. 2–2:30 p.m. facebook.com/ roundvalleypubliclibrary.

FREE Storytime in the Park.

Participants must register & receive a confirmation before being allowed to attend storytime. Masks & social distancing required. Fridays: 10:15–11:15 a.m. Library Park. 200 Park St., Lakeport. To register, call 263-8817 or go to library.lakecountyca.gov.

Saturday 5 FREE Makers Faire & Open Mic.

First Friday of each month. Bring your own instruments. 5–8 p.m.

Middletown Art Center. 21456 Hwy. 175 & junction of Hwy. 29, Middletown. middletownartcenter.org.

Postcards Family Day. Make postcards in a family-friendly craft activity that will take place in Wild Gardens. Supplies provided. Free with admission price: $4/person or $10/ family. Noon–2 p.m. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Wednesday 9 FREE Online Kids’ Book’n Cook’n Club. Kids discuss favorite books &

make kid-friendly snacks. Presented by Lake County Library. 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Register: library.lakecountyca.gov.

Thursday 10 FREE Lakeport Inside Out. Second Thursday of every month, June– Oct. Main St. from 1st St. to 4th St. will be blocked off. Business & vendors will sell merchandise & food. 5–9 p.m. Main St., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com.

Saturday 12 FREE Maker’s Market. Shop handmade local goods made by herbalists, local artists & artisans.

Raffles. Giveaways for kids. COVID-19 guidelines followed. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 90 S. Main St., Willits. facebook.com/ mendocinocountyherbguild.

FREE Annual Hike for Hospice.

Help raise money to fulfill the needs of Lake County residents. Hikers may choose gentle or challenging trails that are 1, 2, 3, or 4.5 miles long.

Pledges for walkers appreciated. 8 a.m.– noon. Highland Springs Park. 3600 E. Highland Springs Rd., Lakeport.

Register to hike or make a pledge at lakecountyhospice.org.

PKU Alliance Bash at the Ukiah Speedway. Auto racing featuring

Bombers, Limited Modifieds, Jammers, Legends & more. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the PKU Alliance. $9–$12. Family Pass: $30.

Gates: 3:30 p.m. Racing: 5 p.m. Ukiah Speedway. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. ukiahspeedway.net.

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Wednesday 16 FREE Online Gamer’s Paradise.

Share family-friendly games you are currently playing. For players of all ages. All platforms welcome.

4:30–6:30 p.m. Register: library. lakecountyca.gov.

Saturday 19 FREE Summer Music Festival. June

19: reggae. June 26: country. Concerts held on hotel lawn. Bring your own seating. Food & drinks for purchase.

6 p.m. Konocti Vista Casino. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. facebook.com/konoctivistacasino.

Wednesday 23 FREE Virtual Mad Genius for Teens.

Join us for science experiments on

Instagram Live. 2–3 p.m. instagram. com/thehideoutteens_mendolibrary.

Thursday 24 FREE Side Street Market.

Family-friendly event highlights the work of local makers. Bring a picnic or purchase food/beverages on Main St. 6–9 p.m. Last Thursday of the month. Runs thru September.

2nd St., Kelseyville. facebook.com/ oakboutiquekv.

Long-Distance Love: Brahms & Beethoven. Virtual pre-recorded

concert plus Zoom reception with festival musicians. 6 p.m. RSVP: valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.

Friday 25 FREE Moonlight Movie Madness.

Bring blankets & low-back chairs to

see movies on the big screen under the stars. Alice in Wonderland. 8 p.m.

Note new location: Ukiah Valley Golf Course. 599 Park Blvd., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com.

Saturday 26 FREE Fort Bragg Quilt Show.

Outdoor event. Quilts will be displayed on both sides of the fence of the Veterans Memorial Building. Quilts, raffle tickets & crafts for purchase. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Corner Laurel & Harrison Streets, Fort Bragg. oceanwavequilters. com/fort-bragg-quilt-show.

FREE Middletown Junior Rodeo.

Entry deadline: June 16. Rodeo: June 26–27. 15299 Central Park Rd., Middletown. Visit Facebook for a complete schedule: facebook.com/ middletownjuniorrodeo.

FRIDAYS AT DUSK

Alice in Wonderland (G) June 25th Ukiah Golf Course

The Sandlot (PG) July 9th Anton Stadium

School of Rock (PG-13) August 13th Alex Thomas Plaza

For more information, call (707) 463-6231 or visit www.cityofukiah.com/recreation www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2021

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Humor Break “Mom you have to lay down and relax,” my older daughter instructed.

I leaned back onto the floating craft, nervous about what might happen next.

Then the arguing began.

“No, this way. I want to go this way,” my younger daughter asserted.

My older daughter ignored her and went in the exact opposite direction.

“You are going the wrong way,” the younger insisted, her voice piercing my ear.

The Relaxa 100 Why “Family Vacation” Is an Oxymoron

By Cheryl Maguire

I

t used to be easy to relax. All I needed was to be near a body of water with a towel and my Sony Walkman. As a mom to three children, this scenario is no longer possible. So to reclaim some sanity I booked a family vacation to a tropical paradise.

I spent weeks dreaming of the trip.

Anytime I felt stressed, I would envision myself basking in the sun with my music.

Ah, hope springs eternal.

When the day finally arrived, I was determined to unwind. The kids wanted to go to the hotel pool, so I grabbed three towels to make sure my deck chair was properly cushioned.

No laundry for a week! I took two more.

I carefully positioned all five towels on the chair. And then the moment finally came: I lay down, closed my 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

eyes, and let the sun cover me like a warm blanket.

Then something blocked those glorious rays. Was it a cloud? Wet drops hit my arm. Was it rain?

No, but there was a storm brewing.

Some might even say a hurricane.

My children were hovering next to me, dripping pool water all over my five towels and me.

“Do you want to ride on the Relaxa 100? You relax on the raft while we push you around!” my daughters chimed in unison.

Panic set in. Please don’t ask me to go into the pool. I don’t want to get wet.

“Please.” Their eyes stayed glued to me.

It was clear I was either going to have to try out the Relaxa or be dripped on for an undetermined amount of time.

Water splashed on my face as she forcefully attempted to steer the sinking ship, I mean raft.

“I thought this was called the Relaxa 100. There is nothing relaxing about this!” My voice grew loud.

“We need to show her the other side of the pool,” the older pressed.

“Does it really matter which side we go to?” I asked, trying to defuse the situation.

“No, this side is better over here.” The younger would not give in.

“Whatever, this is boring,” the older huffed before swimming away.

For maybe one minute I floated, sun pouring over me, a cool breeze the only sound.

Then my vessel jerked and twisted as the younger tired to drag it to the pool’s edge.

Splash!

I was completely submerged.

At least I don’t have to wash all those towels. ¶ Find Cheryl Maguire on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

June 2021 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Preschools

Schools

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

Postcards from Mecca

Messages from the Past

P

ostcards. Remember those? While they are practically obsolete now, in the early 1900s they were definitely a thing. And two women who loved photography developed a passion for making and selling them in the southern California town of Mecca. The photographs and post cards of Susie Keef Smith and her cousin Lula Mae Graves will be on display at the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah. And, as part of the exhibit, the museum will be hosting a Postcards Family Day, where kids can make postcards outdoors in the museum’s Wild Gardens. There also will be a demonstration of Native American tools and toys. This event will be held on June 5, noon–2 p.m., and is free with admission  ($3–$4 or $10 per family). The exhibit itself, Postcards from Mecca, will be on display through August 22 during regular museum hours: Wednesday–Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, noon–4 p.m. For more information, go to gracehudsonmuseum.org. ¶

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

• Lake County Also providing FREE in-home services for

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

Head Start Child Development Program

H

ow can a business survive when patrons can’t even enter the building? It’s a problem that has plagued local merchants since COVID-19 came on the scene more than a year ago. The Lakeport Main Street Association and the City of Lakeport decided that if people can’t go inside stores, then the stores would come outside, in a monthly event called Lakeport Inside Out. During the event, Lakeport’s Main Street will be blocked off and businesses will bring their merchandise outside for shoppers to peruse. Inside Out is slated for the second Thursday of the month, June–October. The first one will be held on June 10, 5–9 p.m. For more information, go to lakeportmainstreet.com. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

www.ncoinc.org Head Start

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

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

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

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

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Find critical COVID-19 info plus lots of free kid-friendly activities.

June 2021

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Ukiah Unified School District

2021-22 Kindergarten &

Transitional Kindergarten Registration Now Open!

Call for details

Register Online at www.uusd.net If you have questions, need assistance with registration, or access to a computer and printer, contact your school’s office.

Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street 472-5630

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 Bush Street 472-5100

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5460

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Avenue 472-5550

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Drive 472-5180

Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora Street 472-5690

Deadline for Grace Hudson Kindergarten registration: February 19, 2021 Deadline for registration at your elementary school of choice: March 26, 2021 Children age 5 by September 1, 2021, will enroll in Kindergarten.

Children turning 5 between September 2 and December 2, 2021, will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program.