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Every Issue 6
Dear Reader
7
Cooking with Kids Mediterranean Munchies
8
10 Features 10 Back to the Land Future Farmers of America inspires teens to grow.
14 Hands-On Hiking Creative ways to get kids excited about hitting the trail.
16 Go Team! Teach your champs sportsmanship.
Bits and Pieces A Smorgasbord of Sound A Homespun Life Starry, Starry Night Free Summer Joy Sip and Sail In a Galaxy Far, Far Away Fish, Rattles, and Rocks
20 Crafting with Kids
23
Summer Drive-In Party
22 Calendar of Events A Wine-Country Hoe Down
30 Humor Break The Chore Czar
18 Double-Dog Dare You Help children set achievable goals.
23 Sparks Will Fly Local spots to see Fourth of July fireworks.
8 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife
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Dear Reader
O
n the Fourth of July, everyone looks forward to the sky filling up with an explosion of color. Turn to “Sparks Will Fly” (page 23) Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor to find out the best Sharon@family-life.us places in your area to see fireworks. And the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Flip through our Calendar of Events (page 22) for tons of family-friendly entertainment. Summer is the perfect time to take the family to a local park for a walk through the woods. In “Hands-On Hiking” (page 14), you’ll find all sorts of inventive ideas for making the outdoors appealing to little backpackers. Or maybe your kids
are more interested in getting on the playing field than hitting the trail. “Go Team!” (page 16) will help you teach your children to be fair and kind, no matter who wins.
Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us
Some area teens aren’t on a team this summer but in a barn tending livestock. Read “Back to the Land” (page 10) and find out how Future Farmers of America is motivating teens to get involved in agriculture. We hope your July is full of days frolicking in the sun, picnicking on the beach, and maybe even setting up a lemonade stand or two!
Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us
Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us
Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Web and Social Media Jean Flint jean@family-life.us
Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Rick Epstein Denise Hazime Christina Katz
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
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Cooking with Kids
Baba Ganoush
Mediterranean
Munchies Easy Summer Snacks for Kids By Denise Hazime
A
ctive kids need quick, healthy snacks. Baba ganoush is the perfect option. Made from eggplants, the tasty Mediterranean dish is a yummy way to sneak veggies into kids’ diets. Serve with pita bread, or carrot and celery sticks for extra from-the-garden goodness. Find these and other Mediterranean eats in my book, Idiot’s Guides: The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (Alpha, 2014).
Baba Ganoush Ingredients • 2 large eggplants • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large white onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • ½ medium red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced • ½ medium green bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped • ½ teaspoon cayenne • 3 medium radishes, finely diced • 3 whole green onions, finely chopped Instructions Preheat a grill top or grill to medium-low heat. Place eggplants on the grill and roast on all sides for 40 minutes, turning every five minutes. Immediately place them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and let cool for 15 minutes.
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July 2016
Remove eggplant stems, and peel off as much skin as possible. (It’s okay if it doesn’t all come off.) In a food processor fitted with a chopping blade, pulse eggplant seven times. Transfer eggplant to a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan over low heat, heat two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Add white onion and sauté occasionally for ten minutes. Add onions to eggplant. Add garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and parsley to eggplant and stir well. Spread baba ganoush on a serving plate and drizzle remaining two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over top. Sprinkle with cayenne, radishes, and green onions. Serve cold or at room temperature. ¶ Denise Hazime is the founder of dedemed. com and the author of Idiot’s Guides: The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook.
MendoLakeFamilyLife 7
Bits & Pieces
A Smorgasbord of Sound
T
ake a dash of jazz, a pinch of world, a cup of classical, and a bevy of blues, and you’ve got the eclectic ingredients of the Mendocino Music Festival. Badi Assad’s jazz guitar, Buckwheat Zydeco’s Cajun rhythms, and Jack Broadbent’s blues are all on the menu, as is a performance of Mozart’s opera The Abduction from the Seraglio. The festival runs July 9–23 in various venues in Mendocino and Fort Bragg. See mendocinomusic.org for a complete list of events and prices, and to purchase tickets. ¶
A Homespun Life
L
iving off the land is often thought of as “living simply,” perhaps because such a life is often free of sophisticated machinery, gadgets, and pre-fabricated anything. But, as those who run their own homesteads will tell you, the thought, hard work, and ingenuity involved in being self-sufficient is anything but simple. Hence the name of the Not-So-Simple Living Fair, which will showcase a number of homesteading arts—from gardening to beekeeping, dairy culturing to blacksmithing, animal husbandry to natural building—at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. The fair will be held July 29–31 beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Bring a potluck item for dinner on Saturday, and then enjoy dancing to the Ukiah folk-rock/grunge band Self Fulfilling Prophecies. Tickets are $35 for the day, $50 for the weekend. Admission to only Saturday’s concert is $15. Camping is $10 per car per night for fair attendees. No dogs are allowed. To purchase tickets, go to notsosimple. info. To find out more about Self Fulfilling Prophecies, see facebook.com/sfpbmb1. ¶ 8 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Starry, Starry Night
I
t’s hard to imagine the great, big cosmic party that is going on amidst the twinkling lights of a midnight sky. But peer through a telescope at Tours of Earth and Sky, and you’ll see whole other worlds—distant galaxies, planets, nebulas, star clusters, and, of course, the moon. The event will be held on July 14 at 8 p.m. at the Ukiah Latitude Observatory in Ukiah. It’s free but a $5 donation per family is appreciated. For more information, see facebook.com/ ukiahlatitudeobservatory. ¶
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Free Summer Joy
W
hile there are plenty of warm-weather events that welcome children, the Summer Fun Day is focused on kid play. Little ones can dip into arts and crafts projects, take part in teamwork games, or just burn off energy in a bouncy house. Healthy snacks will keep everyone’s tummies from rumbling. The free event will be held in Oak Manor Park in Ukiah on July 23, 9:30–noon. ¶
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away
G
et out your light sabers and Chewbacca masks. The theme for Clearlake’s 59th Annual Redbud Parade and Festival is “Star Wars: Out of This World.” See if you can catch a glimpse of a Jedi or two as you watch the parade launch from Redbud Park. Then head to Austin Park, where the parade will end, to peruse 40–50 booths filled with local and regional art—puzzles, barrel furniture, paintings, jewelry, clothing, and more. When you get hungry, nosh on barbecue and local pickles and olives or grab some shaved ice to relieve summer heat. The festival will be held on July 2, kicking off with the parade at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. ¶
Fish, Rattles, and Rocks
Sip and Sail Blessed with lakes and vineyards, Lake County inspires the passions of both sailors and oenophiles—and so does Kelseyville’s Boatique Winery, which boasts a collection of nautical vessels as well as a vineyard. You can check out the winery at its Summer Carnival on July 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Buy a glass of wine, stroll through boats polished to high shine, and then try your hand at bocce ball or croquet. Kids can splish-splash on a water slide, jump around in a bouncy house, or munch on wood-fired pizza. Find out more at boatiquewines.com.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
I
n 1925, Paul Klee painted a now famous picture of a luminous golden fish swimming in an obsidian sea. Using oil pastels and watercolors, kids ages 6 and up can render their own versions of Klee’s masterpiece during the Magical Fish Pictures class. Part of the Summer Youth Art Camp held at the Main Street Gallery in Lakeport, the class will be held on July 6, 9 a.m.–noon, and is $12, materials included. Other camp classes include the following: Painting a Beautiful Gourd Rattle, July 7, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., ages 6 and up, $10; Sharpie Message Rocks, July 8, 9 a.m.–noon, ages 7 and up, $13; and Pastels for Beginners, July 11, 9:30 a.m.–noon, ages 6 and up, $15. Several other classes will be held throughout July. See the Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s community calendar at lakecochamber. chambermaster.com for a complete list. ¶
July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 9
Members of the Middletown High School FFA don the organization’s signature blue jacket.
Back to the Land By Melissa Chianta
S
ixteen-year-old Paul Shafer was an introverted eighth grader when he first
found out about Future Farmers of America (FFA). Some FFA students came to his science class to talk about what it was
like to study agriculture, and it piqued his interest.
Over the next couple of years, he found himself raising and selling livestock, and even speaking about agriculture in front of groups of people. Now an incoming senior, Shafer has shed his shyness and is the president of his local school’s chapter of FFA. “FFA really forced me out of my shell. I never really thought it would have such a great impact…on my life. It is such a big and important part of myself,” he reflects. A state- and district-funded national program formed in the 1920s, FFA has a three-pronged approach to agricultural—or “ag”—education: classroom lessons, supervised agricultural experiences (SAE), and leadership activities, including public speaking and skills competitions. At Middletown High School in Middletown, students can take classes in a variety of areas—from agricultural science and floral design to viticulture, landscaping,
10 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Local FFA Kids Are Passionate about Agriculture and welding—and still earn a high school diploma. “I teach them science from an ag perspective, so if we are doing biology, it’s ag biology. We still meet the same standards; we just do it from a different perspective. But
Kids can raise hogs, cows, goats, and ewes on the school’s farm, cultivate flowers and vegetables in the campus greenhouse, or tend to grapevines in the school’s vineyard. we are just as rigorous,” says Patsy Pachie, a longtime agricultural instructor at Middletown High School. Like many agricultural educators, Pachie’s approach to teaching is decidedly hands-on.
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
“The first day of science this year we were cutting open a goat who died with four babies inside of her. I just put the goat in front of them and said, ‘Hey this is real world. We’ve got to figure out what happened,’” she explains. Pachie finds her approach captures students’ attention and helps them retain information. “I’ve got kids who…say, ‘Oh my God, I remember when…!’ and we get a real good chuckle about it. But they remember stuff that we do. To me that’s worth its weight in gold,” she says.
“My goal is to connect these kids with something they can use for the rest of their lives and maybe open up a couple of doors or windows so that they can see what is available to them.” —Karen Jones
being a beekeeper,” says Karen Jones, another agricultural instructor at Middletown High School. Students are responsible for funding their own projects, which, if they are raising livestock, can require a substantial investment. If children and their families don’t have the resources to purchase an animal, Pachie directs them to Ukiah’s American AgCredit, which offers no-interest loans. “They will loan the kids a certain amount—like a start up—to help them purchase the animal, and [the kids] will have enough left over to pay for feed. When [the students] sell their animals at the county fair, then they pay back their loans, and whatever profit comes from that goes into their pockets,” Pachie says. Last year, her son received $6 a pound for his 1,300-pound steer. “That’s over $7,000,” she enthuses.
Besides taking classes, one of the most important ways FFA students learn is through their SAE projects, which can involve anything from growing plants to starting a small business. Kids can raise hogs, cows, goats, and ewes on the school’s farm, cultivate flowers and vegetables in the campus greenhouse, or tend to grapevines in the school’s vineyard.
“It takes a lot,” he says.
Whatever they choose to pursue, FFA encourages kids to make money from their work.
And sometimes, things don’t always go as planned.
“If they like small animals, they can do a dog-walking business. They can start a landscaping business. My son started
“We had…a freshman this year [who] wanted to raise a steer for the
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That may sound like a lot of dough for a kid, but students work many months for the money they earn, Pachie says. Shafer, for example, spent his entire summer with his animals, tending to them morning and night.
July 2016
FFA student Justin Skinner, instructor Karen Jones, and Middletown High School Principal Bill Roderick.
fair. Three months after he got [him], the steer got himself trapped under a panel, and we wound up having to put [him] down. And by this time, the kid had over $3,200 invested in the calf,” she recalls. Pachie didn’t want the student to be discouraged, so she brainstormed ways to turn lemons into lemonade. “We wound up processing the calf, and the kid sold it to people in the community. He actually came out ahead. He replaced his calf with another one and still had money to play with,” she says. Always looking for a teachable moment, Pachie used the student’s experience to educate the rest of her kids about the highs and lows of agribusiness. “We talked about how… farming is a crapshoot. And you’ve got to hope for the best and plan for the FFA students ready their cows for judging.
MendoLakeFamilyLife 11
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speeches they’ve written and submitted for grading. For Shafer, the field days, and public speaking contests in particular, have been an empowering experience. FFA students “Expressing myself and inspect their meeting all these new people plant projects. and going to all of these conferences…is what I needed worst. Sometimes it all works out and to really grow and become the sometimes, you know, you hit a gutter person I am today,” he shares. ball,” she explains. Shafer isn’t the only student who has As students learn through classroom found his voice through FFA. Many and project experiences, they get kids, especially those who don’t do opportunities to put their knowledge well in a regular classroom setting, to the test. Competitive field days thrive in agricultural classes. held at state and community colleges Jones holds back tears when she talks evaluate student skills in a variety about the transformation of one of her of areas—from floriculture and farm students.
“I never really thought [FFA] would have such a great impact…on my life. It is such a big and important part of myself.”—Paul Shafer business management to veterinary science and grapevine cultivation. The contests are as rigorous as the rest of the students’ education. For instance, the ag mechanics team has to know the names and uses of more than 500 tools and materials while the floral design team has to know 160 plants and about 70 tools. As part of the public speaking component of the contests, students are asked to complete a range of tasks, from giving two- to three-minute impromptu speeches on, say, the pros and cons of organic versus nonorganic farming, to preparing and giving one-hour
“He had “squirrelitis”—it didn’t take much to get [his] attention so [he got] sidetracked pretty easily. Grades [were] hard for him,” she recalls. But he diligently applied himself, and by his senior year was the manager of the school’s vineyard. This year, he is graduating from the highly reputable welding program at Butte College in Oroville and preparing to go through a PG&E training program. “He is just a wonderful kid, the first in his family to go to college. We’re really proud of him. He beat the odds,” she reflects. Pachie remembers another student who struggled with dyslexia and a challenging family background. “He had spent his entire life being told he couldn’t do things. [But] he came into our program and just blossomed,” she recalls. He loved it so much that he wanted to be an agricultural teacher himself, so he went to a local junior
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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college to get his associate’s degree. He eventually hopes to go to Chico State for his teaching credential. “I’ll tell you when he finally becomes a teacher, he’s going to be phenomenal. He connects with the kids so well, and we keep telling him, ‘You can do this,’” she says.
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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The accomplishments of both Pachie’s and Jones’s students exemplify what Jones hopes agricultural education provides young learners.
As part of the public speaking contests, students are asked to give two- to three-minute impromptu speeches or give one-hour speeches they’ve written and submitted for grading.
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“My goal is to connect these kids with something they can use for the rest of their lives and maybe open up a couple of doors or windows so that they can see what is available to them,” Jones asserts. She knows students like her Butte College graduate and Pachie’s up-and-coming ag teacher may have given up on themselves if they had not discovered their strengths in the FFA program. And so may have Shafer, who says he would be “lost” without FFA. It seems that while Pachie, Jones, and their colleagues have been busy teaching their students how to be agricultural scientists, florists, welders, and vineyard managers, these teens have been learning something even more valuable: how to be more fully themselves. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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Hands-On Hiking
9 Ways to Get Friendly with Nature
By Kimberly Blaker
W
hat better way to spend quality time with your family and get in touch with nature than a fresh, invigorating walk in the woods, along a river, or the beach? Family hikes make for fun learning opportunities for kids and parents alike. So try some of these hiking activities with your youngsters. 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Rock Hounds. Go on an excursion to learn about rocks and minerals. Shorelines offer a variety of stones. Before you go, learn which rocks and minerals are abundant in the area, and have each family member choose several to scout for. (For a list and photos of minerals in our area, see mindat.org and search on your county.) Take along a small plastic container with dividers, a descriptive rock and mineral guide, and a magnifying glass for viewing the colors, layers, and details. As you identify stones and minerals, discuss their uses and other neat facts. Sounds of Nature. Visit your library for a video or CD of bird and wild animal calls. Carry an audio
cassette player or your smartphone on your hike, and record some of the sounds you hear. Listen to the recording again at home and try to determine the source of the sounds. Search the Internet, encyclopedias, and books to discover the makers of the mystery calls. A great, kid-friendly resource book on birdcalls is Donald Kroodsma’s The Backyard Birdsong Guide: Western North America (Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2016), which includes Cornell Lab of Ornithology recordings of birdsongs built right in. You can also tap into the lab’s vast directory of calls, as well as videos of birds, on its website, allaboutbirds. org/guide/search. Photo Adventure. Hiking trails provide plenty of photo opportunities, and kids will love snapping the shots with either a smartphone or a digital camera. Discuss in advance what each family member wants to catch on film— a huge oak tree? monarch butterfly? deer tracks? a close-up of a nibbling squirrel? At home, put the photos in a nature scrapbook. Tree Tales. These giants of nature are not only intriguing because of their sometimes-massive size but also because of the variety and history behind them. Borrow some library books that describe the unique features and history of trees. Use clues such as the shape of the tree’s leaves, the texture of its bark,
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
and even its size to determine the kind of tree. (We all know redwoods are enormous!) North or South? Use roaming the countryside as an opportunity to teach children how to read a map and use a compass or the sun to determine
Hiking trails provide plenty of photo opportunities, and kids will love snapping the shots. direction. Choose a trail system that provides maps, or make up your own. If your chosen path branches off several times, there will be plenty of skill-building opportunities. For even more fun, turn the excursion into a treasure hunt. Hide a small prize just off the trail under a bush or pile of leaves (watch for poison oak!), mark the location on your map, and let the journey begin. Animal Friends. Take a quiet hike in a wooded area with grassy clearings, and see how many animals you meet. If there’s a nearby lake or stream, watch for snakes, turtles, and geese. Also, look for chipmunks and squirrels playing chase or gathering food; birds of prey circling overhead; or grazing rabbits and deer. Discuss the animal’s unique features and how those qualities help or hinder the animal. Talk about what the animals eat, their shelters, and species they are related to. Also, keep eyes peeled for animal tracks to identify and determine how recently they were made. Creepy Crawlies. Scouting for insects is an all-time favorite among www.mendolakefamilylife.com
kids, and the variety of tiny creatures in the woods is remarkable. Carry an insect book, clear container, tweezers, and a magnifying glass for close examination of insects’ fascinating features. Bring a journal and track the types of insects you find. Read about insects’ defense behaviors and characteristics such as colors that indicate danger to predators. Green Things. Discover with your kids the amazing diversity of plant life. On each hiking trip, choose a different trail or area and see what plants grow in certain types of soil, climates, and in different seasons. As you inspect plants, look for their seeds and discover the variations. Talk about how seeds travel by blowing in the wind or catching on the fur of animals. Carefully brush away ground covering and look for seeds that have sprouted their roots and will soon develop into a new plant or tree. Learn how certain plants have evolved natural defenses to protect against creatures that would otherwise devour them. Be Prepared. Plan your activities before you leave so you’ll arrive prepared. For your comfort and convenience, carry a small daypack, extra clothing for cool air, and wear hiking boots. For your protection, bring along hats, sunglasses, sun block, and insect repellant. Be prepared for emergencies by carrying a small flashlight and batteries, watch, map, bandages, and don’t forget plenty of water and snacks. Finally, make the most of your nature quest by carrying binoculars, a magnifying glass, and small camera or your smartphone. ¶ Kimberly Blaker’s articles have appeared in newspapers, and parenting and women’s magazines.
July 2016
Trekkin’ with Tykes When hiking with children, keep these suggestions in mind. • Allow small legs plenty of time for breaks. Know your child’s limitations. • Be familiar with potential dangers in the area, and teach your children trail and animal safety. • Before you set out, prepare your children by informing them that there may be rules against bringing their nature finds home. Check out the following for great, local family hikes:
Lake County Clear Lake Oaks Clark’s Island facebook.com/ clarks-island-sustainabilityinitiative-131571996892818 Kelseyville Indian Nature Trail everytrail.com/guide/ indian-nature-trail-the-pomoindian-natural-resources Lower Lake Anderson Marsh State Historic Park andersonmarsh.org
Mendocino County Fort Bragg Haul Rd./ MacKerricher State Park parks.ca.gov/?page_id=436 Philo Hendy Woods Park hendywoods.org Ukiah Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve parks.ca.gov/?page_id=434
MendoLakeFamilyLife 15
Go
expectations by communicating schedule conflicts to coaches as early as you possibly can. Other parents may not bother, but you don’t want to be one of them.
Team!
3
Get in the spirit. You have heard that attitude is everything, and nowhere is this saying more relevant than once your children become team members. If you want your children to be positive contributors, have regular
10 Ways to Raise Good Sports By Christina Katz
I
n the reality television age, when contestants are either considered superstars-in-the-making or deserving of international ridicule, parents may struggle to instill basic teamwork principles in their children. But teamwork—on the field as well as in the classroom—is just as important today as it has ever been. Learning to work together toward a shared goal boosts kids’ self-esteem and sense of personal pride. And it’s a great way to express creativity and build leadership skills, too.
Maybe the time and work involved in committing to a team makes you hesitant to take the leap. And I don’t blame you! Given the investment of resources, it’s probably a good idea to talk with your child about the pros and cons of joining before you sign up. Once you decide to go for it, however, never fear. The experience will likely challenge and stretch everyone involved. Keep these teamwork tips fresh in your mind and your entire family will have a better experience. 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife
1
Commit wisely. Join teams pursuing goals your child is passionate about. It’s great to be good at more than one thing, but resist the urge to over-commit to too many teams at once. If you and your child try to please every coach at once, you won’t be able to please any coaches at all.
2
Communicate consistently. Conflicts, illnesses, and field trips are bound to happen. Try to manage
Talk with your child about the pros and cons of joining before you sign up. conversations with them about how fortunate they are to be part of such an awesome group.
4
Be an eager learner. Coaches love engaged, enthusiastic players. Acquiring skills is an ongoing process. If your child does not have more to learn, then maybe it’s time to graduate from the team.
5
Contribute your best. We need to ditch the idea that some people are natural-born players and others are not. Everyone can contribute something to any team, especially if they follow their innate instinct to be generous.
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Discuss with your kids the difference between brownnosing and giving wholeheartedly.
6
Stay open to constructive criticism. Part of being on a team is responding to criticism. Feedback will not likely be given perfectly every time. The coach and
Sometimes you have to say, “Good game,” when you don’t feel that way. team administrators are not perfect either, nor should you expect them to be. Members need to learn to take in helpful feedback and try to apply it to the best of their abilities.
7
Bounce back from disappointments. Sitting the bench, getting cast as the understudy, making JV instead of varsity—kids need help finding the value in experiences that don’t thrust them immediately into a spotlight. Help them find silver linings so they can maximize them as they keep growing.
8
Cultivate courtesy. Sometimes you have to say, “Good game,” when you don’t feel that way. Coaches expect kids to park their pouting and behave with humility. Increase the odds your kids will be on their best behavior by being impeccable in your behavior, too. Cultivate a family reputation of being good sports.
9
Communicate calmly and clearly. Misunderstanding? Miscommunication? Miffed for any reason? Wait 24 hours before you fire off that e-mail. Taking out your www.mendolakefamilylife.com
anger or frustration on the coach or administrators hurts your child’s reputation. So compose yourself and ask for clarification of an issue before you demand heads on a platter.
10
Encourage new members. When you and your child became part of the team, you looked to others to learn the ropes. Once your rookie becomes a veteran, it’s your turn to welcome
new members and families. Stick out your hand, introduce yourself, and offer whatever assistance you can. There is only one rule: Keep your comments constructive. Your team member and fellow families will thank you for rising above gossip and slander. ¶ Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz was co-captain of all of her teams in high school and college. She is keenly aware that what we call teamwork is an inside job.
A Parent’s List of Don’ts
W
e model to our kids how to be good sports. To make sure they get the right message, don’t….
Be two-faced. Showing one face in public and then talking smack about the coach or teammates at home is confusing to kids. So don’t do it. Hover. Your child is on the team; you are not. Sometimes the coach needs you around but most of the time she or he does not. Parents can play a supporting role and ask about the best way to help whenever they are unsure. Stroke your child’s ego. Let your child strengthen his own ego through participating fully. You don’t need to make a child feel superior to others. In fact, over-praising will undermine a player’s natural desire to progress. Grouse. Appreciating the coach, the administrators, and the teammates will lead to family optimism. Kvetching, complaining, and grumbling will only inspire cynicism. Choose wisely. Imagine your child is the only one who matters. How many members of the extended team are there? How many coaches are there? How many are there on the support staff? How many parent volunteers are there? Show appreciation and support for everyone involved. Nobody enjoys diva behavior. Merely focus on winning. Teams win some and lose some. Your child will have to learn to deal with emotions related to both extremes. Don’t be surprised if you are balancing cockiness as much as discouragement because kids may not have the ability to handle emotional highs and lows without guidance. Overstay your child’s enthusiasm. When the thrill of being on the team is gone, it’s time to move on. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is staying on a team when your child is no longer feeling the love. But never leave in a huff or quit when things don’t go your way. Instead, leave graciously when it’s natural to choose differently.
July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 17
Double-Dog Dare7 WaysYou to Teach Goal Setting to Kids
I
By Christina Katz
n this age of constant interruption, it’s easier than ever for kids to be distracted and disengaged. We need to help our children learn how and when to put their blinders on so they can focus on accomplishing goals of their own choosing. Achieving personal objectives helps kids channel their energy productively and inspires them to become more confident action-takers in the future. Follow these suggestions, and you will notice your kids stepping up to set and meet new challenges.
1
Let them steer. Choose an age-appropriate, just out-of-reach goal. Be careful you don’t interject your own desires into this process. If your kids are unsure about what goals to set, be patient and offer many choices until something appeals. The goals must be your children’s, not yours. 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife
2
Emphasize joy. Forget about solving problems and focus on fun instead. For example, if your children are overweight, overly focusing on weight loss may do more harm than good. Let sedentary children come up with goals on their own, like joining a team or training for a race for the fun of it, not just to get Mom and Dad off their backs. Inspire them with stories of goals you’ve set and met.
3
Embrace strengths. Every person has good and bad points. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you only mirror your children’s negative qualities, perhaps
Don’t feel internal pressure to unstick stuck children. Let them do it. you have not spent enough time considering their best traits. Pick up a little book called Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath (Gallup Press, 2007). Then go through it and circle the words you think describe your children. (Keep in mind that any particular person has hundreds of positive attributes.) Mention these qualities often and watch your children’s confidence blossom.
4
Assist with challenges. When kids run into obstacles, don’t solve their problems for them.
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Sometimes flaws teach kids valuable things they need to learn. For example, a forward who can’t score might make a better midfielder. A dancer who can’t do acrobatic
Instead, listen to their concerns and ask them questions. Brainstorm various approaches that might help. Don’t feel internal pressure to unstick stuck children. Let them do it.
5
Praise progress. Comparing your children to others can rob them of personal power. Instead of encouraging your kids to be “the best,” encourage them to achieve their personal best. Celebrate the fruition of this expression no matter how it measures up to others’ achievements. In this way, a ribbon for Most Improved can be viewed as just as valuable as First Place or Most Valuable Player.
If you only mirror your children’s negative qualities, perhaps you have not spent enough time considering their best traits. tricks might have a strong sense of showmanship. A student who’s scattered in the classroom might be a talented artist in the studio. Teach your children to forgive their flaws and instead pursue their other, possibly undervalued, abilities.
6
Respect weaknesses. Just as strengths can be discovered and flexed, weaknesses should be acknowledged and honored, too.
707-433-3334
lytton.satruck.org
Car Lot
Donation Center
7
Play the long game. As your children focus on setting and reaching personal goals, things may not always go quite the way anyone planned. Life has a way of introducing twists and turns. This means short-term victories don’t always pan out, even after much time and energy has been invested. When disappointments happen, and they will, help your children focus on the big picture. Achieving personal growth while making valuable contributions to the whole should always be the objective. Stay the course and things will usually work themselves out. ¶ Christina Katz is a journalist and writing coach who has learned that, no matter the age of the goal-setter, constructive engagement always follows genuine interest.
Ukiah Unified School District
Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Enrolling Now
“It’s like a Thrift Store Village” Kitchenware Collectables Snack Bar & Antiques OPEN Sallie’s - SAT Clothing MON 9:30-5:00 Barn PARKING
Furniture & So Much More
2016-17 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration Students age 5 by September 1, 2016 will be enrolled in Kindergarten
The Salvation Army
Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2, 2016 are eligible to enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program
Lytton ARC Adult Rehabilitation Center
200 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg
Also visit our Santa Rosa Store at 1020 3rd Street, SR www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Registration forms available at school offices and at www.uusd.net July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 19
Crafting with Kids
Summer Drive-In Party
Make Your Own Cardboard Car
The author snug as a bug in her car.
By Jean Flint
P
icture an outdoor party on a warm summer evening. All the kids are occupied with a project, chattering enthusiastically amidst a flurry of markers and colored paper. And then the magic hour approaches. At sunset, they “drive” their art projects to the driveway right in front of the garage, where a white sheet hangs taut. Popcorn and other snacks are handed out while the projector whirs to life and a movie begins. You sit back, relax, and enjoy the evening with a cool glass of your favorite locally made beverage.
Everything you’ll need.
This is the beauty of the summer drive-in party. That art project the kids are working on so furiously? A cardboard car fit for pint-sized moviegoers. Here are step-by-step directions for making one. Materials • 1 cardboard box big enough for your tyke to sit in and small enough to see out of • 6 large binder clips • 1 (8” x 5.5”) manila envelope • Scissors • Markers (red, black, blue) • 1 sheet white paper • 1 piece of red construction paper • Glue or tape • 2 red paper plates • 2 yellow paper plates • 3 sheets of blue construction paper • 1 set of fuzzy dice or similar • 1 white paper plate • 1 empty tissue box (a small vertical one works best) • Optional blanket
20 MendoLakeFamilyLife
3
5 July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Instructions 1. Use binder clips to hold down three of the box’s flaps. Place the clips in the middle of the flaps. The fourth free flap will serve as the windshield, so it should be oriented toward what you want to be the front end of the car. 2. Make the license plate with frame by cutting a rectangle window out of the front of the manila envelope. Leave about an inch for a border. Make up a license plate number and write it with blue marker on the white construction paper, leaving room in the right-hand corner for a registration sticker. If you know cursive, write “California” above the numbers. Slip the paper into the envelope. The numbers of the license plate should appear through the opening you have cut out of the envelope. Next cut a small rectangle out of red construction paper. Write “2016” in black marker. This is the registration sticker. Glue or tape it to the upper right hand corner of the license plate. Once assembled, glue or tape onto the center of whichever side of the box will serve as the backend of the car.
piece of the paper to the inside of the propped-up front flap of the box. Then clip the second piece of paper to the outside of the front flap.
10. Optional: To make the car both mobile and comfy for the movie, take out the bottom cardboard flaps and park it on a folded up blanket.
7. Hang fuzzy dice from the clip used to affix the paper windshield.
Jean Flint is Mendo Lake Family Life’s web and social media manager.
8. Create a steering wheel by taping or gluing a white paper plate to the center of the inside front of the box. You can use a marker to decorate the wheel, as I have, but wait until the ink dries before affixing the wheel to the box. 9. To make side mirrors, cut the empty tissue box into two identical halves and the remaining piece of pale blue paper into two rectangles. Tape paper over the empty sides of the two halves of the box. Use tape to affix each light to the binder clips on either side of the front flap.
Projectors Near You Rent equipment from these Ukiah businesses:
DJ Ken Steely Entertainment 468-3808 radiodjken@yahoo.com Triple S Camera Shop 462-3163 triplescamera.com
Finished cardboard car
3. To make taillights, tape or glue two red paper plates on either side of the license plate. 4. Prop up the front of the box using clips on each side of the front flap. 5. To make headlights, tape or glue two yellow paper plates onto either side of the front of the box. 6. To make windshield and wipers, draw two black lines at the bottom on two pieces of pale blue construction paper. Clip one www.mendolakefamilylife.com
July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 21
July
Calendar of Events
A Wine-Country Hoe Down
W
iggle your toes in the grass, feel the sun warm your face, and feast on nature’s bounty at the annual party at McFadden Farm in Potter Valley. Kelly McFarling will play folk-rooted country tunes, while roasted pig and lamb and a variety of farm-fresh vegetables dishes are served. Before or after dinner, throw on a suit and swim in the Russian River headwaters, which flow through the farm’s property. Overnight camping is okay, but no breakfast or coffee will be served, though campers are encouraged to bring or make their own. The event will be held on July 9, 5p.m.–late. Admission is $70 for wine-club members, $85 for nonmembers, and $20 for ages 12 and under. Designated drivers get $20 off. Tickets may be purchased by calling the winery tasting room at 744-8463. For more information, see the McFadden Farm Facebook page: facebook.com/mcfaddenfarm. ¶
Friday 1 Flynn Creek Circus. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. Advance: $12–$25. Door: $15–$30. Runs thru July 4. July 1: 7 p.m. July 2: 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. July 3: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. July 4: 1:30 p.m. Friendship Park. 998 School St., Mendocino. 510-381-4004. flynncreekcircus.com. FREE Poetry in the Park. Hear MK Chavez read from her latest collection, Mothermorphosis. Open mic follows. Teens & adults invited to share poems in any form or style. 2–4 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 State St., Ukiah. FREE Youth Game Night. Magic the Gathering, Pokemon cards, Wii, board games, and chess. Ages 10–14. Fridays. 5–7:30 p.m. Willits Library. 390 E. Commercial St., Willits. 459-5908. co.mendocino.ca.us/library. FREE Ukiah Teen Programs. Snak,
Yak & Write Back. Fridays. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Anime & Manga Club. (July 27 only). 2–5 p.m. Wii-U Gaming for Teens. Thursdays. 3:30–5 p.m. Ukiah 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. co.mendocino.ca.us/library. FREE Summer Concert Under the Stars. Dancing, food & wine. Guests
are invited to purchase wine by the glass or bottle, alongside a selection of food. Kids & well-behaved pets welcome. No outside drinks/food. 6–9 p.m. Langtry Estate. 21000 Butts Canyon Rd., Middletown. 995-7521. langtryestate.com. FREE Concerts in the Park. Jarabe Mexicano. July 8: Lao Tizer (jazz world fusion). July 15: Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun rock & blues). July 22: The Fargo Brothers (blues rock). July 29: Bill Noteman & the Rockets (rhythm & blues). Bring your chair & blanket. Fridays: 6:30–8 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park S., Lakeport. 263-6113. kxbx-fm.tritondigitalmedia.com. FREE Moonlight Movie Madness.
Grab your blankets & low-back chairs & enjoy movies on the big screen under the stars. July 1: Aladdin. July 15: Inside Out. July 29: Minions. Movies start at dusk. Alex R. Thomas Plaza.
310 State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/ moonlight-movie-madness.
Saturday 2 FREE Is This Thing Even On? Got a new device & can’t figure out how to get it to do what you want? Need help downloading e-books or e-audiobooks or navigating the Internet or your smartphone? Saturdays. 1–3 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. co.mendocino.ca.us/library. Willits Frontier Days Events & Parade. A cherished tradition since
1926. Enjoy BBQ, rodeos, live music, parade, contests & much more! Runs thru July 4. E. Commercial St., Willits. Visit website for complete schedule of rodeos & events: willitsfrontierdays.com. FREE Mendocino Street Fair. Local
artists & craftspeople come together to display & sell their handmade arts & crafts. July 2 & 23. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Heider Field. Ford & Little Lake, Mendocino. visitmendocino.com. World’s Largest Salmon BBQ.
Vegetarian option available. Live July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Family Fun
Sparks Will Fly Local Spots to Celebrate Independence Day
Mendocino County
Lake County July 2
Clearlake. 59th Annual Redbud Parade and Festival. Theme is “Star Wars: Out of This World.” Parade starts at 11 a.m. in Redbud Park and goes to Austin Park. Festival with arts and crafts and food vendors in Austin Park 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Clearlake Oaks Keys. Annual Boat Parade. 10 p.m. Best view spots: Stubbs Island, Konocti View, Clark’s Island. lakecochamber.com.
July 3
Clearlake Oaks. Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks Display. Dusk. Fireworks are launched from Clearlake Oaks Beach Park. The best views are from boats anchored east of Rattlesnake Island. If you don’t have access to a boat, the next best viewing area is from Clark’s Island. Free. Donations accepted. clearlakeoaks.org/fireworks. Hidden Valley Lake. Hidden Valley Lake Association fireworks at dusk.
July 4
Clearlake. International Worm Races, Parade, and Fireworks. See lakecochamber.com for event details.
July 2
Fort Bragg. World’s Largest Salmon BBQ. $30. Ages 12 and under $10. Admission for just live music is free. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. No dogs. Noyo Harbor. salmonrestoration.com/world_largest_b_3.html. Point Arena. Fireworks Festival. Street fair with live bands, crafts, activities, and food and drink. Parking is limited. Shuttle bus available. No alcohol or pets allowed. $10 donation. 4–11 p.m. Fireworks by PyroSpectaculars begin at dark. Arena Cove. pointarena.net.
July 3
Point Arena. Independence Day Parade. Noon. Main St./ Hwy. 1. Point Arena Picnic is after the parade in Point Arena Park. Live local music and food. pointarena.net.
July 4
Boonville. Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Water balloon toss, relay races, chicken clucking/rooster crowing contest, tug-of-war for kids and adults, cake auction, bouncy house, face painting. Food and drinks available. Noon–4 p.m. Parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Adults $5. Ages 18 and under free. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. Mendocino. Fourth of July Parade. Floats, dogs, horses, art cars, music, and much more. Noon. Main and Lansing Streets. old.mendocino.com/july4th.html.
Lakeport. Fourth of July Celebration. Arts and crafts fair with food vendors: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Library Park. lakeportmainstreet.com.
Ukiah. All-American Picnic in the Park. Music and dancing, games, arts and crafts, bouncy houses, and swimming. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Todd Grove Park. cityofukiah.com/ fourth-of-july.
Lakeport. Cardboard Duct Tape Race. Races for ages 18 and up, 13–17, and 12 and under. All boats have to be made of solely cardboard and duct tape. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Park. lakecochamber.com.
Willits. Willits Frontier Days. Roaring Twenties Parade at 11 a.m. on Main Street. Country Music Rodeola and Barbecue in Rec Grove Park at noon. Music and parade free. Barbecue: Adults $15. Kids and seniors $8. willitsfrontierdays.com. ¶
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 23
music & dancing. No dogs in dining area. Advance tickets: $25. At-event tickets: $30. Kids 12 & under $10. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Noyo Harbor. 19250 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. salmonrestoration.com. Concert & Picnic Under the Oaks. Swinging Chads. Bring a
Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. lakecounty.com. FREE Huge Fireworks Show.
Family Event. Starts at dusk. Konocti Vista Casino Marina. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. 262-1900. konocti-vista-casino.com. Annual Boat Parade. 10 p.m.
picnic. Food & wine available for purchase. Admission $20. 6–9:30 p.m. No outside alcohol permitted. Cache Creek Vineyards. 250 New Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks. cachecreekvineyards.com.
Clearlake Oaks Keys. Best view spots: Stubbs Island, Konocti View, Clark’s Island. lakecochamber.com.
FREE 59th Annual Redbud Parade & Festival. Theme: “Star Wars: Out
of This World.” Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Redbud Park & ends at Austin Park. Festival with arts & crafts & food vendors in Austin Park. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Redbud Park. 14655 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. Austin
499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org.
FREE Kids Craft Time. All supplies provided. Saturdays. 11 a.m.– noon. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org. FREE Bilingual Storytime.
Presented by First Five Mendocino. Children of all cultures can benefit from stories, songs & play activities. 10:30–11 a.m. Fort Bragg Library.
Sunday 3 FREE Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks. Dusk. The best viewing
area is on the water, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island. From the shore: Clark’s Island. 12684 Island Dr., Clearlake Oaks. clearlakeoaks.org. FREE Hidden Valley Lake Fireworks.
Dusk. Hidden Valley Rd., Hidden Valley. lakecochamber.com.
Monday 4 FREE All American Picnic in the Park. Celebrate with music, dancing,
bouncy houses, activities, games, arts & crafts & free swimming. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Swimming noon–2 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/fourth-of-july.
Give Start! GiveYour Your Child Child a Head Head Start! Free & Low-Cost Quality Quality Preschool! Free & Low-Cost Preschool!
AlsoAlso providing FREE FREE in-home servicesservices for providing in-home infants, toddlers toddlers & pregnant& women! for infants, pregnant women!
Head Start Child Development Program License #230111843 Applicationsonline: online:www.ncoinc.org www.ncoinc.org••(707) (707)462-2582 462-2582 Applications 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife
• Ukiah
C E NN TT EE RR SS
✓ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ✔ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ages 18 months to 5 years ages 18 months to 5 years ✓✔ Potty-trained not necessary Potty-trained not necessary ✓✔ Children with disabilities welcome Children with disabilities welcome ✓✔ Referrals for transportation available Referrals for transportation available
•North Ukiah Ukiah - Bush St.
North Ukiah - Bush St.
Nokomis - Washington Ave. Nokomis - Washington Ave. South Ukiah - S. State St. South Ukiah - S. State St. Peach Ave. PeachTree Tree--S.S.Orchard Orchard Ave.
• Willits
•Near Willits Brookside School at
Near Brookside School at
Spruce St. & Lincoln Way Spruce St. & Lincoln Way
• Lake County
•Upper Lake County Lake - 2nd Street Upper Lake - 2nd Street
Upper Lake - Clover Valley Upper Lake - Clover Valley Lakeport Lakeport- -Howard Howard Ave. Ave. Clearlake Pearl Clearlake - Pearl Ave. Ave. Clearlake Dr. Clearlake--Meadowbrook Meadowbrook Dr.
••Coast Coast
Fort St. FortBragg Bragg-- Lincoln Lincoln St.
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
FREE 4th of July Parade. Floats,
FREE Feed Fort Bragg. Volunteer
dogs, horses, art cars, music & much more. Noon. Lawn Party & BBQ at Kelley House Museum 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Parade: Main & Lansing Streets, Mendocino. Museum: 45007 Albion St., Mendocino. old.mendocino.com/ july4th.html.
Opportunity. Help harvest the garden’s bounty & deliver it to the Fort Bragg Food Bank. Volunteers are always welcome! Mondays & Fridays. 9 a.m.– noon. Vegetable Garden. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.
Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. Water balloon toss,
relay races, chicken-clucking/ rooster-crowing contest, tug-of-war for children, cake auction, bouncy house & more. Food available for purchase. Adults $5. Ages 18 & under free. Noon–4 p.m. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. FREE 4th of July Arts & Crafts Faire.
10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fireworks 9:15 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakecounty.com. FREE Cardboard Duct Tape Race.
Boats have to be made of solely cardboard & duct tape. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Park. 222 Park St., Lakeport. lakecochamber.com.
Friday 8 FREE Summer Meals for Kids.
Mondays–Fridays. Breakfast 8–8:30 a.m. Lunch 11–11:45 a.m. Thru July 12. Redwood Elementary School. 324 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg. 961-3570.
87th Annual Lake County Rodeo.
Thru July 9. July 8, 6 p.m.: crowning of Rodeo Queen & Princess; Cutest Cowpoke Contest (ages 3–8). July 9: Annual Rodeo Parade down Main St. in Lakeport, 2 p.m. Rodeo Dance, 9 p.m. July 8 & 9: The Mutton Bustin’ Contest (ages 4–8, 6 p.m.) Barrel racing & team roping: 7 p.m. Lake
2016
Passes good June 1 thru Aug. 31, 2016
SUMMER YOUTH PASS $45all summer County-wide
Unlimited rides to summer school... Shopping...to the Coast...Meet your Friends!
Youth Summer Pass for students 18 years & younger. Pass good all summer long on all MTA fixed routes. $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 Tickets: Mendocino Transit Authority, 241 Plant Road , Ukiah CA 95482 Available on board an MTA bus or at the MTA office in Ukiah or Fort Bragg. This pass not valid on MTA Dial-A-Ride.
FREE Mendocino Music Festival Orchestra Rehearsal. The rehearsals
are a wonderful way to introduce children to orchestral music. Come in at any time & stay as long as you like. We welcome small & not-so-small donations. July 8: 2 p.m. July 9 & 10: 10 a.m. Other rehearsals thru July 23. See website for full schedule. Tent Concert Hall. 45035 Main St., Mendocino. mendocinomusic.org.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
wheel deal! July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 25
County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecountyrodeo.com. Night Fundraiser. $40.
Includes instructions, paint supplies, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beverages & dessert. Bring your own wine. Only 25 spaces available. Small Town Ceramics. 16189 Main St., Lower Lake. 6 p.m. Purchase tickets at spcaoflakecounty.com.
Saturday 9 55th Annual Albion–Little River Fire Department BBQ. Noon–5 p.m.
$10–$20. Under 7 free. Little River Airport. 43001 Little River–Airport Rd., Little River. Mendocino Music Festival. Evening
& afternoon concerts include orchestral, Big Band, piano, chamber, dance, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass & popular contemporary
music. Thru July 23. Various venues in Mendocino. See website for schedule & ticket prices. mendocinomusic.org. Greatest Yard Sale on the Coast.
chairs. Choose from the numerous food & beverage vendors or bring your own picnic. Sundays. 6–9 p.m. July 10: Latin Jazz great Pete Escevedo. July 24: Texas Boogie-Woogie legend Marsha Ball. July 31: Rock & roll blues Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.
FREE Nature Walk & Ranch House Tours. Walk at 8:30 a.m. Ranch house
Friday 15
tour begins immediately after walk, unless it rains, in which case the walk will be canceled & the tour will occur at 8:30 a.m. Southeast corner of Clear Lake, at the formation of Cache Creek, on Hwy. 53 between the cities of Lower Lake & Clearlake. 995-2658. andersonmarsh.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 TH FRIDAY, JULY 29 TH Star Wars: Minions (PG) The Force Awakens (PG-13) FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 TH ST FRIDAY, JULY 1 Peanuts (G) Aladdin (G) FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 TH TH FRIDAY, JULY 15 The Good Dinosaur (PG) Inside Out (PG) ALL M OVI E S STAR T AT D U S K Presented at the ALEX R. THOMAS PLAZA in HISTORIC DOWNTOWN UKIAH for more information, call 463-6231
SP ONSOR S COMET LEVEL: KWINE & MAX, Friedman’s Home Improvement, SHAG Salon and Beauty Supply, Family Life Magazine STAR LEVEL: McCarty’s Auto Body MOON LEVEL: Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Redwood Heating and Cooling, Redwood Community Services, Inc. SPACESHIP LEVEL: Hillside Health Center, Coyote Valley Casino, B.A.S. Roofing, Ukiah Ford
26 MendoLakeFamilyLife
FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Bring your blanket or low-back
The Friends of the Gardens annual Pack Rat Sale is noted for quality items, fair prices & friendly service. Everything from garden supplies & household goods to antiques & collectibles. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.
2016
PR E S E NTE D BY
Sunday 10
FREE Concerts on the Green. Band: California Groove. No personal alcohol or dogs allowed! BBQ on sale. 5–8 p.m. HVL Practice Green. (Behind Greenview Restaurant) 19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley. hvla.com. FREE County of Mendocino Job Fair. Open to the public. The fair
will include breakout sessions highlighting individual county departments, hands-on assistance about the web-based application process & opportunities to apply online for current openings. Noon–7 p.m. Mendocino County. Administration Building Lobby. 501 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. co.mendocino. ca.us/hr/jobfair.htm.
Saturday 16 FREE Gualala Arts 8th Annual Auto Show. Featuring 100 custom/modified,
hot rod, stock, sports & display cars, including vintage dragsters. $5 donation per car for onsite parking. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Gualala Rd., Gualala. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org. Annual Boots Wine & BBQ Dinner & Concert. Kenny Frye Band. 5–9:30
p.m. Cache Creek Vineyard. 250 New
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks. cachecreekvineyards.com. FREE 57th Annual Summer Arts & Crafts Fair. Jewelry, clothing, bags,
hats, ceramics, wood accessories, baskets & gourds, photography & painting. Thru July 17. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Art Center. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. mendocinoartcenter.org. Family Game Day. Play new & classic
table games or compete on Wii U games. 2–4 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 East Laurel St., Fort Bragg. 964-2020. fortbragglibrary.org. Third Annual Mr. Lake County Pageant. Talent, formal wear,
swimwear & Q&A. Every audience member gets to vote. 7–10 p.m. After-hours dance party: 10 p.m.– midnight. Lake County Fairgrounds.
Little Theatre. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecounty theatrecompany.org.
p.m. Woodland Community College. 15880 Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake. Register online: lcc.yccd.edu. Chef Robert Cabreros: 995-4175. Tammy Serpa: tserpa@lakecoe.org.
FREE Summer Carnival. Prizes, games & food trucks. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Boatique Winery. 8255 Red Hill Rd., Kelseyville.
Thursday 21 FREE Kickin’ In the Country Street Dance. Funky Dozen. 7–10 p.m. Main
Wednesday 20
St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.
FREE Serv/Safe Workshop.
Textbook provided. Pupils must attend both days & will be expected to complete assignments prior to attending the workshop. They must also complete a Woodland Community College concurrent enrollment form, which is located at your high school & needs to be signed by a counselor or designee. Bring the completed registration card (also available at your high school) with you. July 20: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. July 21: 9 a.m.–2
ONE-CLICK GIVEAWAYS! Sign up for our weekly FUN BLAST & enter to win free goodies every week MendoLakeFamilyLife.com
Friday 22 FREE Family Movie Night. Grab your low-back chairs & blankets & enjoy a movie outside on the big screen. Hotdogs, popcorn & other goodies at an affordable price. 7–10 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Grace Community Church. 25 Hazel St., Willits. facebook.com/gccwillits.
Mendocino Ballet Mendocino Ballet Dance Classes Dance Classes Dance Classes Ballet • Tap • Jazz
Contemporary Dance Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult Ballet Tap/Ballet Special class for ages 4-7
Intensive Workshops
Tap classes for 7-Adult Ballet classes for ages in ages August
3-Adult
Jazz/Contemporary classes
Classes for all ages & 4-7 Tap/Ballet class for ages
Special intensive classes in levels from 3-Adult
Tapforclasses ages August our Art offor Classical
7-Adult Dance this Summer! Ballet program Jazz/Contemporary classes Summer Classes & Workshops Special intensive classes in starting Soon! For more information call our office at 463-2290 or For m August for our Art of Classical email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net For more information callFacebook, our office at 463-2290 Follow us on or Twitter email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net and Instagram!Ballet program Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
www.mendocinoballet.org www.mendocinoballet.org
“Where Dance Come “WhereDreams Dreams toto Dance Come True!”True!”
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
For more information call our office at 463-2290 or MendoLakeFamilyLife 27 email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net Follow us on Facebook,
July 2016
Mendocino Ballet
Save the date
SEPTEMBER 24 “Catch the small town magic”
at the BILLING STATEMENT
KELSEYVILLE
And FINAL AD PROOF
PEAR FESTIVAL
Ad Size: 1/4 page • Issue Date: July, August, September 2016 Issue One time rate: $ 295. • Consecutive rate: $ 270. SPECIAL RATE
“Par
www.pearfestival.com
$ 270. Thank you!
ty With The Animals”
Saturday 23 FREE Family Fun in the Sun. Arts
& crafts, teamwork games, bouncy houses, balloons, healthy snacks, drinks & other fun activities. 9:30 a.m.–noon. Oak Manor Park. 500 Oak Manor Dr., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.
Friday 29 The Not-So-Simple Living Fair.
Thru July 31. A weekend of hands-on workshops & demonstrations for both kids & adults. $30/day or $40/ weekend until July 28. Then $35/ day or $50/weekend. Only concert & dance: $15. Camping: $10/car. No dogs permitted. Gates open: July 29, 3 p.m. July 30 & 31, 9 a.m. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. notsosimple.info.
Saturday 30
www.lakecountyfair.com
American Cancer Society Relay for Life. 10 a.m. Recreation Grove
September 1 st - 4 th
Park. 111 Commercial St., Willits. relay. acsevents.org.
Follow us on Twitter
Carnival • Games • Food • Entertainment Animals and Exhibits • Grandstand Shows & More!
FREE Day of Babies. Baby Yoga featuring instructor from Yoga Mendocino. r for your ad to run please sign approval and send your payment upon receipt of final proof 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Followed by a baby crawl by June 20th, thank you. contest and snacks for itsy-bitsies. Newborn-to-Toddler Clothing & Approved by:___________________________Date:_________________ Item Exchange: 1–3 p.m. Donations WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN accepted thru July 23. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. Own Your Own Business co.mendocino.ca.us/library.htm.
Love Working with kids? • Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops.
Lake County Shopping Guide
• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.
5 Eagle Rock Rd. • Hidden Valley Lake, 95467 • 707 • FreeCA Child Care Referrals.
1-800-606-5550 ext. 211 28 MendoLakeFamilyLife
FREE Shakespeare at the Lake. A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Presented by Mendocino College, Lake 987-8888 County Theatre Company & City of Lakeport. Reserved seating will be available. Thru July 31. 6:30–10 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com.
Rural Communities Child Care
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Marketplace Tutoring
Schools
Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13 Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics
National Green Campus Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace
307 North State Street Ukiah
707-468-1300
Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482
www.tutoringcenter.com
Fresh from the Barrel
mendo lake
T
aste new pinot noirs and zinfandels before anyone else at the Fourth Annual Anderson Valley Barrel Tasting, where several different local wineries will preview new releases. Bring a picnic or grab a lunch to go and choose a picturesque vineyard to share a meal. Tastings will be held July 23 and 24, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door of participating wineries or $20 in advance at avwines.com. Designated drivers get in free. To purchase tickets or see a list of wineries that are taking part in the event, see avwines.com. ¶
Pete Escevedo
treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net
LOCAL
#1 local for 25 years resource for local families magazine • web • email • events
Get Mom’s Attention! YOUR AD HERE Classifieds Work Call 586-9562
La Vida
Charter School • Free K-12 Public Charter • Home Study with On-Site Classes • WASC Accredited 707-459-6344 www.LaVidaSchool.org 16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits
Accelerated Achievement Academy • • • •
Free Public School Grades 4-12 Small classes Support for struggling students
(707) 463-7080 1031 N. State St.
Hear a Master Play
F
ather of famed Prince percussionist Sheila E., Pete Escevedo is a world-renowned Latin jazz master who’s played with the likes of Santana, Herbie Hancock, and Tito Puente. Now he and his band will be bringing their special brand of Latin Jazz to Ukiah for a free concert at Todd Grove Park. Part of the Sundays in the Park series, the show will be held on July 10, 6–8 p.m. Bring a low-back chair, a picnic, and your dancing shoes. See cityofukiah. com for more information. ¶
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
707-462-0913
Like Us On Facebook July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 29
Humor Break
The Chore Czar Resistance Is Futile
By Rick Epstein
“I
hate this job!” yelled my five-year-old daughter Sally as she dragged a huge bag of trash down the stairs. I’d told her to empty the bedroom wastebaskets. On each step, she’d pause and yell something like, “I hate this stupid, dumb, shut-up, stupid garbage!” It was her way of cursing.
It had been a bad assignment. The trash made a load too bulky for a little kid, and she was letting me know about my mistake. She always does. That same morning, determined to press the children into greater usefulness, I gave our oldest daughter, Marie, then nine, the job of rounding up all the shoes in the house and lining them up by the appropriate beds. The job took her two hours because of the paperwork. She drew up a “shoe chart” and filled it out as she worked. The chart listed each member of the family. Next to the corresponding name she drew a picture of a shoe for every one that she put away. Looking at the completed chart, which featured only three shoe drawings next to Marie’s name, you couldn’t miss the irony: I’d forced the one person who maintains good shoe discipline to pick up after a houseful of slobs who throw their footwear around like confetti. But Marie didn’t know the real irony: When I was her age, I had no chores. 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife
On Saturdays, my brothers and I lounged around watching TV, still in our pajamas. In sharp contrast, my dad was busy with the laundry. He would bring the clothes from the dryer and dump them next to me on the couch for sorting and folding. Did I then spring up to do my part? No, I would roll into the warm,
I’d forced the one person who maintains good shoe discipline to pick up after a houseful of slobs who throw their footwear around like confetti. fluffy clothes and wallow sensuously, never taking my eyes off the TV. Why did Dad permit this? I guess that after a grueling week of assigning, commanding, and coercing his employees, he was in no mood to crack the whip on Saturday morning. I don’t tell my kids about my indolent past; we’re looking for a new and improved generation here. I would raise children whose habit is helpfulness. I had to learn to suit the task to the child. Sally’s hated wastebasket job
was successfully given to her big sister Marie. The shoe job that Marie resented so much was never reassigned. Shoes generally lie where they fall, but we are spared the charts. Marie and Sally became partners in clearing away the supper dishes and emptying the dishwasher. The dishes and the laundry remained my job, with my wife handling the cooking and the cleaning. One evening, when Marie was ten, I decided to ratchet up the program a notch. I told Marie she’d be washing the dishes a couple of nights a week. I’d show her how and help a little. “Do I still have to help clear the table those nights?” she asked. A fair question. I hadn’t thought it through that far. I paused, and six-year-old Sally spoke as one manager to another, “Aw, c’mon, Dad. Give the kid a break.” I smiled, and Sally presented a whole reform package. She would clear the table without Marie those nights, if I would assist. She and Marie would continue to empty the dishwasher, but Wendy, age four, would sort the silverware. I said, “Okay,” partly because it was a sound plan and partly to keep up with Sally. Sally’s plan has worked well. As the years pass, all three kids are becoming increasingly helpful. But I’ve still got a lot of delegating, coaching, and harassing to do before I can realize my ultimate goal—to loll in the laundry once more. (It’s the way I was brought up.) ¶ Reach Rick Epstein at rickepstein@yahoo.com.
July 2016 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
2-day event for girls in grades 9-10
Girls in Careers Workshop Aug. 2nd & 3rd, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. the following day High Valley Ranch, 11650 High Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks
Lake County girls in grades 9-10 are invited to come explore traditional and some not so traditional careers for females. All workshops will include a hands-on project. Students will attend multiple sessions over two days, including leadership and confidence-building exercises lead by the PSI team. This will be an overnight event, so bring your pjs and be ready for s’mores! Meals, snacks and water will be provided. Cost of admission is a willingness to bring your best, and to learn and grow. Advance registration is required. Space is limited to 40 girls so sign up early!
Register in advance at 263-8918 x284 or www.lakecoe.org
Sponsored by the Lake County Office of Education & High Valley Ranch-PSI Seminars
Evenings, 6pm Todd Grove Park
Ken Fowler Motors Inc., The City of Ukiah, KWINE & MAX Radio present:
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
July 2016
MendoLakeFamilyLife 31
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Fort Bragg 1
Willits
Mendocino
Get Connected
to primary and specialty care where you live!
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST
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Ukiah
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Ukiah Valley 101 Lakeport Medical Center 175
Kelseyville 175
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Cloverdale 101
Calistoga Healdsburg
Wherever you live in Mendocino and surrounding counties, you are never too far from an 1 101 Rosa Adventist Health primary care or specialty doctor. Through these services you’llSanta receive care that is integrated so no matter what office you enter you’ll never be a stranger. Fort Bragg Fort Bragg Rural Health Center Primary and Specialty Care 850 Sequoia Circle Fort Bragg, CA 95437 707.964.0259
Ukiah Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.2400
Lakeport Adventist Heart Institute Cardiology 475 N. Forbes St. Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.6346 Lakeport Rural Health Center Pediatrics and Internal Medicine Lab Services 487 S. Main Street Lakeport, CA 95453 707.263.4360 Willits Redwood Medical Clinic Family Medicine 88 Madrone Willits, CA 95490 707.459.6115
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Womens Health 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.2945 Ukiah Valley Medical Specialties Orthopedics and Physical Medicine 260 Hospital Dr., | Suite 107 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5278 Gastroenterology 415 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5275 234 Hospital Drive, Suite A Ukiah, CA 95482 707.462.0681
Ukiah Valley Rural Health Center Allergy Behavioral Health Family Medicine Internal Medicine Oncology Ophthalmology Pain Management Pediatrics Urology 260 Hospital Drive Ukiah CA, 95482 707.463.8000
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General, Bariatric, Plastic and Reconstructive 101 Cosmetic Surgery 246 Hospital DrivePetaluma Ukiah, CA 95482 St. Hele 707.463.8011 Center for Behavi Ear, Nose, and Throat 1165 S. Dora St., Ste. C-2 Novato Ukiah, CA 95482 1 707.462.8855 Ophthalmology and Optometry 1165 S. Dora St, Ste. B-1 Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5218 Ophthalmology 248-B Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.467.5250
Family Practice also located at: 1050 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.7495
Mendocino Family Care Family Medicine 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.1900
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