Mendo Lake Family Life October 2023

Vaccines might seem scary but that’s nothing compared to the diseases they prevent.

It’s great that most of us have no idea what measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, pneumonia, or meningitis can do to a child. Let’s keep it that way.

We make it easy to vaccinate your child. Call us today to establish care with our Pediatrics Department, and we’ll help you stay on track with all your child’s healthcare needs. We’ll stay by your side from your baby’s first smile through the toss of their cap at high school graduation.

The

Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us

Watch out! ’Tis the season for witches and ghosts to lurk and howl. Halloween is a classic childhood experience. And we’re here to help you celebrate.

First turn to “Pumpkin Pizazz” (page 18) for practical, low-fuss steps for carving a pumpkin. Then check out “Treats for Tots” (page 20), Bits and Pieces (page 8), and the Calendar of Events (page 22) for a plethora of local ghoulish family activities, including many trick-or-treat options.

As humorist dad Shannon Carpenter prepares for five-year-old Frankensteins to come knocking at his door, he reflects on specters

parents find truly scary. Turn to “Terrifying Monsters” (page 30) for his funny look at everyday parenting nightmares.

Besides fearful things, candy is also what October 31 brings. And, of course, kids eat a lot of it. Balance out all that sugar with a wholesome meal. Make America Test Kitchen’s Beef and Vegetable Soup (page 7) in just 45 minutes and fill little tummies with satisfying nutrition. Have a sweet and safe Halloween!

Marketing/ Sales/Events

Patricia Ramos

707-205-1539

patty@family-life.us

Features Editor

Melissa Chianta

melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager

Donna Bogener

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Contributing Writers

America’s Test Kitchen

Shannon Carpenter

Kelly Griffith Mannion

Christina Katz

Billing

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

P.O. Box 351

Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539

Beef Up Dinner

Make a Quick, Hearty Soup

By America’s Test Kitchen

Consider this a pot roast in soup form—a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup that’s jam-packed with beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans. And here’s a bonus: Unlike pot roast, which is a multihour affair, this satisfyingly beefy soup is ready in just 45 minutes. To achieve that end, quick-cooking ground beef makes a great alternative to cubed beef pieces. A wide-bottomed Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for quickly browning the ground beef, and good-quality store-bought beef broth deepens and reinforces the meaty flavor. Cutting the carrots, potatoes, and green beans into small pieces reduces their cooking time, and canned diced tomatoes add brightness. Even the seasonings are nice and simple: oregano, salt, and pepper. Stirring in the parsley at the end of cooking keeps its texture fresh and provides a burst of herbal flavor. ❖

Excerpted, with permission, from One-Hour Comfort (America’s Test Kitchen, 2021), americastestkitchen.com

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound 90 percent lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces

1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

1 teaspoon table salt

½ teaspoon pepper

4 cups beef broth

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

8 ounces Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces

6 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut on bias into 1-inch lengths

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook beef, onion, carrots, oregano, salt, and pepper in Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking up beef with spoon until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, and potatoes and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until potatoes are almost tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in green beans and simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are tender and soup has thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Serves: 4

Help Support Animal Welfare

In 2023, nearly 200 animals have needed shelter in Mendocino County. To help take care of them, the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino is holding the Kritter Karnival and Silent Auction. The festival will feature a dunk tank, petting zoo, fire truck, temporary tattoos, and kids’ activities. In addition, Waylon and the Wild Cats will play live, high-energy country music. The event will be held on October 8, noon–4 p.m., at the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino in Redwood Valley. Admission is free; wine, beer, and lunch will be available for purchase. Find out more at mendohumanesociety.com/events.

Are You Raising Grandchildren?

When kids leave the house, parents breathe a sigh of relief, and perhaps even scream, “We’re done!” The years of sleep-deprived, in-the-trenches parenting is over, so they think. And then circumstances shift, and they find themselves raising small kids once again—this time, their grandchildren. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group offers a safe, nonjudgmental place to talk about the feelings, thoughts, and experiences that come with this unexpected territory. This free group is held on Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund (MCCF) Family Resource Center in Fort Bragg. See tinyurl. com/yc4u7fxy for more information.

Birth of a Kid Magician

When Matilda Wormwood is born, she does not receive a warm welcome. Neglected and abused, she turns to books for solace— and eventually discovers she has magical powers. Such is the premise of Matilda: The Musical, which is based on a 1988 Roald Dahl novel. Student actors and singers will perform it at SPACE Theater in Ukiah on October 1 and 8 at 2 p.m., and October 6–7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18–$25 and may be purchased at tinyurl. com/ycy44xw5

Matlida: The Musical

Get Free Vaccines at a Health Fair

Lake and Mendocino Counties know that first responders are indispensable in a disaster. The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair highlights the full range of services these emergency professionals provide. The day will feature medical helicopters, rescue vehicles, car safety inspections, Narcan training, fire extinguisher training, and a variety of health screenings as well as free COVID and flu vaccines. In addition, kids’ bikes and bike helmets will be given away. The fair happens on October 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. Admission is free. Find out more at tinyurl.com/2p8u8wcb.

Who Has the Fastest Soap Box Car?

In the early 1930s, Myron Scott, a Dayton, Ohio, newspaper photographer, captured a shot of some kids racing in cars constructed of soap crates. He dubbed the little competition a soap box derby, and gained support to turn it into a citywide venture, which drew thousands. Today it’s a national event, and the Clearlake Soap Box Derby is part of it. On October 14, all ages will hop into motorless cars with hopes of winning the Fastest or Most Creative award. Onsite registration, $35, starts at 7:30 a.m.; it’s free to watch. The event happens 10 a.m.–noon at Dam Road Extension in Clearlake. For more information, go to lakecounty.com/event/2023-soap-box-derby

All Aboard the Pumpkin Express

Not all pumpkin patches are in wide-open fields. One, at least, is in the middle of a redwood grove. And the Skunk Train Pumpkin Express travels there. On the two-hour trip, passengers can nibble on Halloween treats and then pick a pumpkin from the patch to take home. The train runs Fridays–Sundays, plus Wednesdays and October 30. Trips are at 10:30 a.m. and, on Saturdays, also at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $59.95; $10.95 for dogs; and free for infants on laps. Departure is from the Willits Depot on Commercial Street. For more information and to reserve a spot, go to skunktrain.com/pumpkin-express . Turn to pages 20 and 22 for more Halloween events.

Pumpkin Express

Take a School Tour How to Prepare and Make a Good Impression

By Admit NY Staff

We’re heading into school tour season! The fall is an exciting time full of research and exploration into new school possibilities. Now is the time to begin imagining what your child’s educational future could look like: Would they prefer co-ed or single-sex? What is their approach to learning? What sorts of extracurriculars are they interested in participating in? These questions can begin to be answered with school tours or open houses.

But don’t forget: School tours are an opportunity to make an impression on admissions committees. Parents and students will gain a great deal from learning more about each school, but school admissions teams also gain a great deal from meeting prospective families and assessing interest and fit. It’s important to put your best foot forward during a school tour to get your admissions journey started off right. Here are our tips for maximizing school tours, for both parents (at any

school level) and older students (for middle and high school):

• Remember that every interaction is an opportunity to make an impression. Make eye contact, firmly shake hands, and smile. Both parents and students should portray themselves as polite, positive additions to a school’s community.

• Bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the tour. Jot down things you want to remember, questions you want to ask later, and any observations

of factors you like and dislike. When you attend multiple tours in a few weeks, schools can blur together; that’s why these notes will be vital as you build your final school list.

• Leave all technology in the car or at home. It’s best not to bring your phone at all, but if you must, ensure it’s on silent and you won’t be distracted.

• Wear business casual clothes, meaning no jeans, sneakers, or sandals. There’s no need to go fully formal with a blazer or dress, but look put together and presentable. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes: There may be a lot of walking on some tours.

• Get the names and contact information for any school staff you have meaningful conversations with. You can contact these people later for thank-yous or further questions.

• Draft thank-you notes to any admissions staff members and/or student tour guides you interacted with while on campus. We recommend handwritten notes sent immediately after tours to give the most positive impression.

One of the most important parts of preparing for a school tour is developing a list of questions in advance. Parents touring nursery schools or kindergartens should be prepared with questions, and older students (middle and high schoolers) who will attend school tours themselves should also develop a list. We recommend

It’s important to put your best foot forward during a school tour.

T

brainstorming at least two to three questions for each tour.

The best way to prepare is to browse schools’ websites and write down the questions that aren’t answered on the site. Above all, make sure your questions are ones that you’re genuinely interested in learning more about. That being said, here are a few general questions to get you started.

Questions for student tour guides

• What’s your favorite school tradition or annual event?

• What’s the best academic experience you’ve had so far?

• How would you describe the community at this school?

• Why did you choose to attend this school?

• What does a typical math/English/ history/etc. class look like?

• What is your favorite extracurricular activity/club?

• I am/my child is interested in extracurriculars like [sport/activity]. What is the tryout process like?

• How do students and/or parents get in touch with teachers?

Questions for admissions officers

• What does a typical day look like for a [year] grader at this school?

• How are new students introduced to the school and community?

• What is the course selection process?

Prepare your questions in advance, dress for success, and arrive at your school tour or open house ready to make a positive first impression. With any luck, you’ll fall in love with a school that is the perfect match for your child! ❖

Admit NY is a comprehensive resource for families looking to make informed decisions about their child’s education, nursery through high school. They help families navigate the complex application process and find the right fit. Find out more at admitny.com or on Instagram at instagram.com/admitny

All the World’s a Stage

20 Ways Kids Can Participate in Theater

By Christina Katz

When most parents think of school theater programs, they may think of their child on stage in the spotlight. But theater programs offer many more participation opportunities than just being an actor. So why not count all the ways your child might become involved?

1. Audition for a part. Actors may seem to have the most glamorous jobs, but acting is a big time commitment and tons of work, especially for the show’s leads. If this is your child’s first theater experience, aim for supporting or chorus roles, which are less pressure and more fun.

2. Assist the director. Sometimes an actor does not land a role. Instead of leaving a show altogether, your child might be able to assist the director. The student director can learn an awful lot about

theater and these insights will likely help at the next audition.

3. Be the dramaturge. Research the historic and cultural aspects of the show, as well as the play’s setting.

4. Light the show. The light board needs to be operated and spotlights may need to be run. With training from the technical director or the lighting designer, students can manage these jobs just fine.

5. Run the sound. Full productions often involve the use

of microphones, music, and sound effects. Typically the sound director or technical director trains one student to run the soundboard.

6. Dress in black. Those folks who dress in all black and scurry around the stage between scenes have a name: set crew. Their job is to reset the stage with props and a new set.

7. Aspire to stage manager. The stage manager oversees all tech positions (set crew, light crew, and sound crew). In fact, the stage manager coordinates the timing of the show from backstage, communicating the timing of technical aspects for the actors.

8. Build and paint sets. Is your student handy with a hammer and a paintbrush? Then they can help bring the world of the play to life. Set builds often take place in the evening or on weekends in spurts.

9. Gather or make props. If your child has a knack for decorating or crafting, making props might be the perfect job.

10. Sew costumes. If your student enjoys sewing, most theater departments can always use as many nimble fingers as they can recruit.

11. Assist with hair and makeup. When the pressure is on, actors usually need help getting hair and makeup done in time. Maybe your fashion-conscious child is willing to work in the dressing room.

The student director can learn an awful lot about theater.

12. Shoot photographs. Publicity shots are often needed to promote a show. If your student loves photography, they can volunteer.

13. Design the poster or T-shirt. A contest is sometimes held among students to come up with a winning design for the poster or cast-and-crew T-shirt. If there’s no contest, encourage your talented artist to offer to help create these items.

14. Publicize the show. Along with photos, press releases need to be sent to regional media. Posters need to be hung up. Email announcements need to be composed and sent.

15. Accompany the singers in rehearsal. Is your child an accomplished pianist? If so, most musical productions need a rehearsal

accompanist. The accompanist typically joins the band for performances.

16. Play in the pit. Does your student play in the school band? Can they play an unusual instrument that might add drama and entertainment to the musical score?

before the show and trains the ushers. This person is the liaison between the box office and the stage manager.

19. Help with the program. The director’s note needs to be included. Bios need to be gathered from the cast. Sponsors may submit ads. All the contents of the program must go through layout and design and get printed before each show. This is a good job for a student-parent team.

17. Volunteer to usher. Ushering is a great way for students to see the show for free.

18. Manage the house. The house manager prepares the house

20. Film the show. Students with an interest in filming or film editing can volunteer to help the professional videographer. ❖

Christina Katz is an author and writing coach whose husband has been a high school theater teacher for more than decade.

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

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Willits

Maybe your fashion-conscious child is willing to work in the dressing room.

Slow Down & Explore

4 Montessori-Based Tips for Fall Fun

By Kelly Griffith Mannion

As a Montessori educator, I know that fall brings a lot of opportunities for children to explore and make discoveries about nature and their community. Here are some Montessori-flavored tips for helping your children get the most out of the season.

1. Slow down and don’t over schedule. October always tends to be a busy month. The weather is cooler, making outdoor events more plentiful. Toss in some seasonal activities, and it can be easy to pack too much into our schedules in the name of fun. It’s important to remember children need downtime to absorb what is happening around

them, reflect on new experiences, and build their brains.

2. Let your children direct the activities. Do your children want to go to a corn maze, pumpkin

patch, fall carnival, trunk-or-treat event, and/or community festival? Let them decide. It will make them more receptive to learning and enjoying the experience than if you had made the decision for them.

3. Observe changes in nature. The weather isn’t the only thing that changes during the fall: Leaves turn colors and drift to the ground. Farms harvest the last

crops. Birds migrate. Encourage your children to spend a little more time outside so they can discover some of these events and find a peaceful calm in nature.

4. Have fun with pumpkins. Pumpkins, synonymous with fall, present a festive and fun learning canvas for curious kids: What happens to pumpkin seeds when they are cooked? Can I grow my own pumpkin if I put pumpkin seeds in the dirt? Are pumpkins always orange? What animals eat pumpkins?

When we stop to see the world through our children’s eyes, we’ll learn from them while we help them learn.❖ Kelly Griffith Mannion wanted to become a Montessori educator when she was a teenager. Now she is the executive director and superintendent of River Montessori Charter School (RMCS), a position she has held since the school’s founding in 2009. RMCS is a tuition-free, Petaluma public school that inspires children to become global citizens and realize their academic, personal, and social potential.

It’s important to remember children need downtime.

Encourage your children to spend a little more time outside.

High blood pressure can cause diabetes, and diabetes can cause high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

And high blood pressure rarely has symptoms, so it can sneak up on you!

That’s why checking your blood pressure regularly is so important to keeping your body running smoothly.

Measuring and managing your blood pressure are key to your overall health, and the prevention of diabetes. We’re here to help. Call for more information.

Pumpkin Pizazz

13 Tips for Carving with Less Fuss

By Christina Katz

1. Pick the prettiest. Large or small, you are looking for sturdy stems, no bruises, and pumpkins that sit pretty. Place the pumpkin on a counter and stoop down to see how it looks at eye level before you buy. Stems break easily so grab the whole pumpkin, not the stem, when you carry it.

2. Timing is everything. The Internet is thick with tips for preserving pumpkins longer. Don’t try them. Simply carve your pumpkins 3–5 days before Halloween for a still-standing-tall guarantee.

3. Make cleanup a snap. The secret weapon for easy pumpkin-carving cleanup is probably out in your garage or shed. It’s a basic plastic tarp. Spread this

Keep carved pumpkins cool during the day.

time-saving savior to contain your carving enthusiasm.

4. Use the proper tools. The best devices for carving jack-o’-lanterns don’t live in your kitchen drawers. Knives slip and spoons bend, so resist the urge to dip into your cutlery. Instead, purchase sturdy metal pumpkin scoops and kid-friendly carving saws you can use year after year.

5. Bigger is better. Enlarge designs for larger pumpkins. Use your home printer or stop by the local copy shop.

6. Start at the top. For large pumpkins, make the opening big

enough for your hand; and cut it at a 45-degree angle so the top will nest in place, instead of falling through.

7. Scrape, don’t dig. To keep the pumpkin sturdy, don’t thin the walls of your pumpkin when scooping out the guts.

8. Draw it first. Freehand designs are cute and classic, and young children love them. Use a medium-point washable marker to draw your design, and then wipe away any remaining marks after carving.

Purchase sturdy metal pumpkin scoops and kid-friendly carving saws.

9. Slit the paper. If you prefer to transfer a design and the pattern won’t wrap flat around your pumpkin, then, prior to carving, use an X-Acto knife to cut a few up-and-down slits on the paper.*

10. Poke hole-patterns. If you’ve always wanted to attempt a tricky pattern, here’s how to do it: Attach the design to your pumpkin with blue painter’s tape; use a thumbtack, skinny nail, or hat pin to poke shallow holes, just through the pumpkin’s skin, along the design lines; then connect the holes with your carving saw to achieve whatever fancy look you like.*

11. Get your hand in there. Use your finger to push carved pieces out from the inside. If pieces get stuck, go over delicate edges with a filet knife to avoid tearing pumpkin skin.*

12. Discard pulp outdoors. Do not put pulp into your garbage disposal. The place for pumpkin guts is your compost or yard clippings pile. Remove seeds for roasting and then gently shake pulp off your plastic tarp before hosing it off and hanging it out to dry.

13. Keep jacks cool. In warm weather, keep carved pumpkins cool during the day. For longer-lasting displays, avoid direct sunlight. Display them at night and with battery-powered candles to avoid interior damage and fire hazards. ❖ *Techniques for parents only, not young children.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz enjoys having family fun without spending hours on clean up. Find her at christinakatz.com

Roast Perfect Pumpkin Seeds

While everyone is carving, put out a large bowl or pot for the pumpkin pulp. When the bowl is half full, loosen the seeds with your hands and fill pot to the three-quarters mark with water. The seeds will rise to the top. Squeeze them through your fingers to remove any clinging pulp as you transfer them to a colander. Then spread them on paper towels and pat dry. Set your oven for 325ºF and transfer seeds to cookie sheets in single layers. Sprinkle each pan of seeds with one or two teaspoons of olive oil and a few generous shakes of salt. Turn seeds with spatula every eight minutes until crispy on the outside and golden on the inside. Do not let seeds turn brown. Remove from oven, cool, and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months. If you have more seeds than you will eat, make pumpkin seed brittle or pumpkin seed trail mix to bring to Halloween parties as hostess gifts.

First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah invites YOU to

Sunday, October 31st 4:30-6:30pm

Fridays,

Questions: Contact First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah 707-468-9235

TREATS FOR TOTS

Here’s where walking watermelons, pirate gypsies, and Harry Potter look-alikes can go for fall fun and, of course, serious sweet loot.

Mendocino County

Ukiah: PumpkinFest This annual event draws huge crowds with its variety of fall activities, including a parade, haunted house, castle decorating contest, and 3-on-3 hoop tournament. This year’s theme is Renaissance Faire, so costumes with sword-brandishing flair are welcome. The free festival will be held on October 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (parade at 10 a.m.), and October 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in downtown Ukiah. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, in which local hefty squash compete, will be held on October 13, 4–7 p.m., in the Safeway parking lot in Ukiah. Info: cityofukiah. com/pumpkinfest

Enchanted Pumpkin Path

7 Local Halloween Events

Calpella: Enchanted Pumpkin Path Comprising eight whimsical and humorous theatrical skits, this event aims to offer an alternative to scary, over-stimulating Halloween activities. Professional thespians will act out vignettes of a children’s tale outside on the campus of the Waldorf School of Mendocino on October 31. Choose a 15-minute time slot between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. when reserving tickets, which are $10 and go on sale October 15. Info and tickets: mendocinowaldorf.org/ enchanted-pumpkin-path.

Ukiah: Community Halloween

Bash Hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah, this free event gives kids ages 5–18 a chance to compete for prizes in a costume contest. There will be games and food, too. The fun happens October 31, 5–8 p.m. (contest at 8 p.m.), at the Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. Info: tinyurl.com/4h2t43rv

Ukiah: Fall Festival Admission is free to this event, but attractions such as a rock wall, Mexican food, and hot cocoa and sweets, cost a small fee. Proceeds benefit the Ukiah Junior Academy, where the festival will happen on November 5. Info: 707.462.6350.

Ukiah: Trunk or Treat For those who would rather not go door-to-door, a trunk-or-treat in a church parking lot may be just right. Come in costume and be prepared for games and, of course, candy on October 31, 4:30–7 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah. Info: 707-468-9235.

Lake County

Clearlake: Trunk or Treat and Movie

The Clearlake Youth Center will be showing off its recent renovations at this event, which offers not only goodies, but also a flick. The fun happens on October 28, with candy collecting 5–8:30 p.m. in the parking lot, and Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! screening directly after, in the center. Info: tinyurl. com/3wkm3xrx

Middletown: Halloween Carnival

If the kids like hot dogs, they can eat them for free at this Middletown Lioness Club shin-dig, which will also feature carnival games and prizes, a cookie walk, cornhole toss, preschooler activities, and on top of all that, free photo portraits. The revelry will be on October 29, 2–5 p.m., in Middletown Central Park and is free. Info: tinyurl.com/4ruvjed2. ❖

For more Halloween fun, check out the Calendar of Events on page 22.

October

Calendar of Events

Sunday 1

Zoppé Italian Family Circus. General admission (bleachers with no assigned seating): $27; limited number of $14.99 pre-sale tickets available online. Family pack (2 adults & 2 children): $49.99. VIP tickets (premium ring-side seating): $40. Oct. 1 & 7–8: 1, 4 & 7 p.m. Oct. 2, 4, 5–6 & 9: 6 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/2mzvvsuy.

2nd Annual ImPRESSED

Printmaking Exhibit. Art Explorers showcase their work, printing blocks

& products. $2–$7. Family 4-pack: $12. Runs thru Oct. 15. Oct. 1, 4–8 & 11–15. Saturdays & Sundays: noon–4 p.m. Wednesdays–Fridays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino County Museum. 400 E. Commercial St., Willits. tinyurl. com/4y75dujv

Cider Tasting in the Orchard. Sample award-winning hard ciders in heritage apple orchards. Non-alcoholic cider available for kids. $20/adult.

Thursday–Monday. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Gowans Apple Orchards. 6320 Hwy. 128, Philo (1/4 mile north of Gowan’s Apple Stand). gowansheirloomcider. com/book-online.

FREE Earth, Sky & Everything In Between Art Exhibit. First Native American–curated, all-indigenous exhibit in Lake County. Includes baskets, jewelry, paintings, digital media & more. Thursdays–Mondays. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Thru Oct. 10. Middletown Art Center. 21456 State Hwy. 175, Middletown. middletownartcenter.org/earthsky.

Skunk Train Pumpkin Express. Ride Skunk Train to a pumpkin patch & pick a pumpkin. $59.95. Infants on laps: $10.95. Dogs: $10.95. Departing from Willits. Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30: 10:30 a.m. Skunk Train. 299 E. Commercial St., Willits. skunktrain.com

FREE Family Fun at Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. Open gym. An adult must accompany kids younger than 12. Activities for the whole family.

Sundays: noon–4 p.m. Fridays (indoor soccer only): 4–8 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com

Matilda: The Musical. Based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel. $18–$25. Oct. 1 & 8: 2 p.m. Oct. 6–7: 7 p.m. SPACE Theater. 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ycy44xw5

FREE Fall Events at the Museums of Lake County. New exhibition at Historic Courthouse Museum (255 N. Main St., Lakeport): Wings over Water, An Aviation History of Lake County; Thursdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays, noon–4 p.m. Chats at Gibson Museum (21267 Calistoga St., Middletown): Oct. 14, 3 p.m. tinyurl.com/nvjuenrm.

Monday 2

FREE The Blue Zone Project

Walking Moai. A moai is a group of 5–8 people who walk together at least once a week for 10 weeks. Mondays. 12:30–1:20 p.m. Runs thru Nov. 27. Mendocino College. Pomo Plaza. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/2crerr4w

Mendo Leap Happy Hour. Play time with specially curated educational & developmentally designed equipment. All ages. Adults must accompany children. Admission: 6 months & over, $15; 5 months &

younger, free with purchase of play admission for an older child; up to 2 caregivers per child are free.

Tuesday 3

Circle Time at Mendo Leap. Weekly

REDWOOD COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

A SMALL SCHOOL FOR BIG THOUGHTS

We are a FREE public charter school focused on fostering a community of students who are prepared for college, leadership, and independent living.

Somos una escuela autónoma pública GRATUITA enfocada en construir una comunidad de estudiantes preparados para la universidad, el liderazgo y la vida independiente.

We are a FREE public charter school focused on fostering a community of students who are prepared for college, leadership, and independent living.

Small class sizes for grades 7-12 Clases pequeñas para los grados 7-12

• FREE Public School

• Advanced Placement Options

Supportive, highly qualified educators Profesores amables y acreditados

• Caring, Credentialed Teachers

MESA and VEX Robotics Program Programa de Robótica VEX y MESA

Archery and other athletics Tiro con arco y otros deportes

• Centrally Located at the Fairgrounds

• Clubs & Electives, Student Council

• Serving Grades 7-12

Middle School STEM Program Programa STEM de Escuela Intermedia

AP® and Honors courses Cursos AP® y de Honores

Early College Program Programa de Universidad Temprana

Preparing students for college and independent living in a safe, challenging, well managed charter school.

Individualized college counseling Consejería universitaria individualizada

707-467-0500 www.redwoodacademy.org

Meet at Mendo Leap. 203 S. State St., Ukiah. mendoleap.com

Wednesday 4

FREE Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Group. Facilitator-led support group for talking & sharing ideas & experiences. Wednesdays. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund Family Resource Center. 200 E. Redwood St. (corner of Franklin St.), Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/ yc4u7fxy

FREE Queer & Trans Parent Online Support Group. Open to queer/trans people who are expecting, adopting &/or parenting babies up to 2 years of age. For gestational, non-gestational & adoptive parents. Wednesdays. 11:30 a.m. postpartum.net/get-help/ queer-parents

Friday 6

Gala in the Street. Benefit for the Ukiah Valley Trail Group. Gather in downtown Ukiah for dinner & drinks at long community tables placed on School St. $125. 5:30–8:30 p.m. tinyurl. com/5n7twesn

FREE Mother’s Talking Circle & Family Spirit. Mothers come together for support & access to information about family planning, prenatal & infant care & integrating cultural family living. Fridays. Noon–1 p.m. In-person at the Consolidated Tribal Health Project Wellness Center (6991 N. State St., Redwood Valley) or via Zoom: us06web.zoom. us/j/81981267068. More info: tinyurl. com/2xcj3h3h

Fall Skate Nights. $5. Parent or guardian must sign for kids younger than 18. Oct. 6 & 13: 6–8 p.m. Harwood Hall. 44400 Willis Ave., Laytonville. tinyurl.com/5b3p56ar.

FREE Lakeport Mama Walk & Talk. Weekly walk hosted by Mother-Wise. Open to all Lake County moms & babies younger than 1. Fridays. 9:30 a.m. Meet-up at Mother-Wise Office. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. facebook. com/MotherWiseLakeCounty

Saturday 7

FREE Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild Show. Featuring the work of Anelie Belden. $10; ages 12 & younger with adult, free. Oct. 7: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 8: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. llqg.org/quilt-show-2023.html

Sponsoring Survivorship 27th Annual Walk/Run. Supports local breast cancer survivors. Registration fee: $25. Registration: 7–8:30 a.m. Race: 9 a.m. Rain or shine. Silveira Community Center. 500 N. Main St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/bdhzwu7n.

Harvest Celebration. Kids’ activities, apple pressing, silent auction & more. Local beer, wine & hard cider, non-alcoholic cider, apple pies for purchase. Admission: $10. 2–8 p.m. Oz Farm. 41601 Mountain View Rd., Point Arena. ozfarm.com/ harvest-celebration.

Cinema in the Vineyards. Outdoor screening of Shaun the Sheep. Bring chairs & blankets. $15–$25; ages 2 & younger, free. Dinner available: 5–6:30 p.m. No outside food/coolers. Gates: 5 p.m. Film: 6:30 p.m. Pennyroyal Farm. 14930 Hwy. 128, Boonville. tinyurl. com/42359h3s.

Sunday 8

Jâca. Clarinet & guitar duo performs classical & world music. Presented by Ukiah Community Concert Association (UCCA). $35; free for ages 17 & younger, when accompanied by an adult; free for full-time college students. To reserve a free youth/student ticket, call UCCA before the concert: 707-463-2738. 2 p.m. Mendocino College Center Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/34f8x7ys.

Hike for Hospice. To register, sponsor a hiker, or donate, call 707-263-6222 or go to secure.qgiv.com/ event/hsolcp2p. Registration: 8–9 a.m. Hike: 9 a.m. Highland Springs Park. 3600 E. Highland Springs Rd., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/3a6efdfj

FREE Kritter Karnival. Dunk tank, petting zoo, fire truck, temporary tattoos, kids’ activities & live music by Waylon & the Wildcats. Noon–4 p.m. Humane Society for Inland Mendocino. 9700 Uva Dr., Redwood Valley. mendohumanesociety.com/ events

Wednesday 11

FREE Walk Through the Grades Tour. Peek into Waldorf classrooms. Check out the campus & working biodynamic farm. Adults only. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/yc6xh9fm

Friday 13

FREE Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. More than $3,000 in cash prizes will

be awarded, including the top prize of $1.50 per pound. 4–7 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza. 310 State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/pumpkinfest

Saturday 14

Lens Tours at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. 20–40–minute docent-led tours. Kids must be more than 42” tall. No babies or pets. $5–$10. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 45300 Lighthouse Rd., Mendocino. pointcabrillo.org

FREE Annual Clearlake Soap Box Derby. All ages. Fastest & most creative vehicles awarded. Entry: $35 per car. On-site registration: 7:30 a.m. Free to spectators. 10 a.m.–noon. Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake (near Obsidian Middle School). lakecounty.com/ event/2023-soap-box

FREE Noyo Harbor Fish Market. The fleet will be selling their catches off their boats. Live music, family activities, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors. Last market of the season. Noon–4 p.m. Noyo Harbor. 19101 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. noyoharbordistrict.org/ fishermens-markets.

FREE Pumpkinfest. Theme: Renaissance Pumpkins. Children’s stage & activities, baking contest, scarecrow display, haunted house, pet costume contests. Beer & wine garden. Oct. 14: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (parade: 10 a.m.) Oct. 15: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Downtown Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/ pumpkinfest

FREE Saffron Celebration & Tours. Learn about saffron growing, cooking

& tasting. Cooking demos & tours of saffron fields. Saffron plants & goodies for sale. No registration required. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Peace & Plenty Farm. 4550 Soda Bay Rd., Kelseyville. peaceplentyfarm.com

Solar Eclipse Viewing. 3–7 p.m. Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/2y2yvyrx.

FREE Jack & Noel’s Pumpkin Patch Adoption Event. Kids’ activities, pumpkins, adoptable dogs & puppies. Noon–3 p.m. Jack & Noel’s Pumpkin Patch. 9526 Laughlin Way, Redwood Valley. mendohumanesociety.com/events

FREE Anderson Marsh Guided Nature Walk. Walks are 1.5–3 hours, depending on the route. Bring water & binoculars. Rain cancels walk. Held

second Saturday of the month. 8:30 a.m. Anderson Marsh State Historical Park. Anderson Ranch Pkwy., Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org/nature_ walks.html.

Sunday 15

Noyo Blue: A Fundraiser for Marine Science. Tour through the marine science research & education programs in the Noyo Harbor location. Reception with small bites & drinks at the Noyo Harbor Inn. $125. 2–5 p.m. Noyo Center Field Station. 32430 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. noyocenter. org/fall-fundraiser-2023.

Opus Chamber Music Concert: Robert Howard & Friends. Acclaimed cellists Tanya Tomkins & Robert Howard join guitarist/lutenist Richard Savino. $25. 3 p.m. Preston

Hall. 44867 Main St., Mendocino. tinyurl.com/mrxu2u94

Friday 20

Flynn Creek Circus: Balloons, Birds & Flying Things. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Tickets sold by table or bench, regardless of age of attendees. $16.20–$185; ages 3 & younger seated on laps, free. Oct. 20: 7 p.m. Oct. 21: 1, 4 & *7 p.m. (*adults 21+ only). Oct. 22: 1 & 4 p.m. Anderson Valley Brewing Company. 17700 Boonville Rd., Boonville. flynncreekcircus.com.

Saturday 21

FREE Heroes of Health & Safety Fair. Medical helicopters, rescue vehicles, car safety inspections,

Narcan training, fire extinguisher training, free health screenings & free COVID & flu vaccines. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. tinyurl.com/2547y28d

Sunday 22

Good Farm Fund Dinner Series. Highlights produce, livestock & flowers of 3 local farmers. Live music by the Real Sarahs. $35–$40. Kids: $15. 5–8 p.m. Mendocino Grove. 9601 Hwy. 1, Mendocino. tinyurl.com/mud7epuz

Wednesday 25

FREE Walk the High School Tour. Prospective students come shadow while parents tour the school. 8–9:30 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. Register: summerfieldwaldorf.org.

Friday 27

Mendo Leap Costume Contest. Come play in costume & win prizes. $15/child; caregivers free. Mendo Leap. 203 S. State St., Ukiah. mendoleap.com.

9 to 5: The Musical. Based on the 1980 film. $30. Oct. 27–28: 7 p.m. Oct. 29: 2 p.m. Runs thru Nov. 12. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre. com/events.

Saturday 28

Noyo Headlands Race: Boston Qualifier. 5K costume fun walk; 5K, 10K, Boston qualifier for half & full marathon. Virtual race: Oct. 21–28. $40–$90. Registration: 6 a.m. Races start: 7–8 a.m. Noyo Headlands Park. Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/mv29za7w.

FREE Fort Bragg’s Magic Market. Parts of downtown Fort Bragg closed to traffic & open to local vendor booths & fall festivities: pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, face painting, wand making & sidewalk chalk art drawing. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Laurel & Franklin Streets. Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/4c3yc87y.

(Almost) Full Hunter’s Moon Night Tour. $50, includes beverages & snacks. Must make reservations by phone no later than 3:30 p.m. 3 days before event. Gates: 7:30 p.m. Tour: 8 p.m. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 877-725-4448 ext. 1. tinyurl. com/3rb3scf4.

FREE Spooktacular Fall Carnival. Games, prizes & snacks. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Trick or Treat. Wear costume & get a treat bag. 1–5 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

FREE Historic Planes Display. Stroll amongst historic airplanes. Held 4th Saturday of each month. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Lampson Field Airport. Highland Springs Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/y23cvz48.

FREE Trunk or Treat & Movie. Trunk or Treat (outside): 5–8:30 p.m. Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! (inside): 8:30 p.m. Clearlake Youth Center. 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. tinyurl. com/3wkm3xrx

Hallowfest. Cookie decorating, carnival game booths, scavenger hunt, sensory booth & more. Suggested donation: $10; $20 for families. Noon–6 p.m. Nice Event Center.

2817 E. State Hwy. 20, Nice. tinyurl. com/42n9dz47

30th Anniversary Lake County Land Trust Dinner. Food, wines, music. Dinner & special guest speaker. $100. 5 p.m. Boatique Winery. 8255 Red Hills Rd., Kelseyville. tinyurl. com/mr4x58b5

Halloween Masquerade Dance. Prizes for best costumes. Appetizers & desserts included in admission price. Brews & wine available for purchase. $25–$30. 6–10 p.m. Bartlett Hall. 495 Leslie St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ mtzwujyz.

Tuesday 31

Halloween Two-Course Tuesday. Featuring pianist Paul Kemp. Costumes optional. 6–8 p.m. Blue Wing Restaurant. 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. tinyurl.com/bdfj9duh.

Enchanted Pumpkin Path. $10. Choose a 15-minute time slot between 4:30–7:30 p.m. Waldorf School of Mendocino. 6280 3rd St., Calpella. Tickets on sale Oct. 15: mendocinowaldorf.org/ enchanted-pumpkin-path

FREE Trunk or Treat. Games & candy. 4:30–7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah. Parking lot corner of Dora & Perkins Streets, Ukiah. 707-468-9235.

Community Halloween Bash. Games, prizes & food. Costume contest for ages 5–18. Special prize for Best Ensemble. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah. 5–8 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/4h2t43rv.

Ukiah Country

October 14-15, 2023

Downtown Ukiah

Artisan Marketplace

Food Court

Scarecrow City

Children's Stage & Activities

Haunted House

Beer & Wine Garden

Scout-o-rama

Dog Races & Pet Costume Contest

Baking Contest

Fire & Safety Expo

3-on-3 Hoop Tournament

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off

Friday, October 13 / 4-7 pm

Renaissance Pumpkins

Terrifying Creatures

6 Monsters Every Parent Fears

By Shannon Carpenter

Halloween is about fear, plain and simple. But what scares parents is different than what scares kids. I know that, like me, you can take imaginary ninjas and five-year-old Frankensteins, but you’re truly terrified when any of these monsters come knocking at your door:

The Inflation Vampire Late at night, around the witching hour, the inflation vampire digs its teeth into your well-protected budget, sucking out every inch of cushion. Suddenly, your water bill is 20 percent higher than it has been in ten years. Your grocery budget has collapsed to a mere shell of what it used to be. And it doesn’t end there. The vampire’s familiars work tirelessly to increase your energy bills in minute increments, so you don’t even notice the bite marks.

The Unexpected Car Noise

Mummy It always starts with a small knock from the tomb underneath your hood. But surely there is no monster there. You don’t have time for monsters. You have kids’ soccer practices and late-night snack runs (the only time you get to yourself) to think about. But then you start noticing that knock starts to become a clunk. You can even hear it when you turn up your radio. You’re brave and finally open that tomb, only to discover that your engine has unwrapped itself—and it’s going to cost your kids’ college savings to remove the curse.

The Homeowner Insurance Adjustor Werewolf You’ve always had coverage. Then on a full moon disaster strikes, and the Homeowner Insurance Adjustor lets you know that an act of God isn’t

covered. With a huff and a puff, you no longer have insurance, and the weather forecast isn’t looking good.

Forgotten Homework Ghoul

It’s the scream in the middle of the night that makes your blood run cold: “Mom! Dad! I forgot that I need a fully functional solar system model!” It’s cliché and yet your worst fear. You wonder if any stores that sell crafting supplies are open at 3 a.m. They aren’t, so you use wadded-up socks and hope that is enough to banish the specter.

The Unattended Toddler with a Bag of Flour Ghost Things are quiet; as a shiver runs up your spine, you realize that is never a good sign. You run, but you know you’re already too late. The toddler ghost is white as a sheet, and so is your entire kitchen. How did they even know where the flour was anyway?

The Grocery Bill Witch Boil, boil, toil, and trouble! That’s your soup recipe, and the cackling you hear is the self-checkout A.I. laughing at how much that simple soup now costs. Beware the Ides of March and specialty ingredients.

Shannon Carpenter is a professional humorist, co-host of The Dadhouse Pod , and the author of The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad Manual (Penguin, 2021).

Things are quiet–and that is never a good sign.