Mendo Lake Family Life August 2017

mendo lake FREE!

August 2017

Back2 School

Districts’ calendars

Have a Blast 54 local ideas for kid fun

Lice Wars Stay sane Protein Power Lunchtime fuel

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Registration

2017-18 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration Students age 5 by September 1, 2017 will be enrolled in Kindergarten Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 2017 will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program Estudiantes de 5 años de edad para el 1 de septiembre del 2017 serán inscritos en el Kinder.

Estudiantes de 5 años de edad entre el 2 de septiembre y el 2 de diciembre del 2017 serán inscritos en nuestro programa de Kinder Transicional.

Registration forms available at school offices and at www.uusd.net WHY ENROLL IN A UUSD SCHOOL?

• Class size reduction in grade K-3 (24-1) • Fully credentialed teachers • After-school programs • Transportation available • Intervention in reading and math available at all schools • Healthy snack provided during break • Neighborhood schools • Dual Immersion Magnet School – Grace Hudson School • Common Core State Standards • Latest State approved textbooks and curriculum in Language Arts and Math

Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street 472-5630

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Ave. 472-5550

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 Bush St. 472-5100

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Dr. 472-5180

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5460

Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora 472-5690

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Our Pediatricians Measure Up Ukiah Valley Medical Center is thrilled to welcome Akshat Jain, MD, to our pediatrics team.

Dr. Jain raises the bar for pediatric care. He brings a wealth of experience and education to our team, graduating from Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and completing his fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Services include: Newborn check-ups Annual check-ups Immunizations

To schedule an appointment:

707.463.7459

Sports physicals Sick visits Other health concerns

260 Hospital Drive, Ste 204 | Ukiah, CA 95482 | 707.463.7459 | AdventistHealthUkiahValley.org

August 2017

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Footloose & Fancy Free The Thrill Isn’t Gone Get Your Nature Fix

14

A Berry Good Time

9 Features 10 Goodbye Summer, Hello School Glide into the new academic year.

Take Me to the Fair Under the Big Top Grillin’ Goodness 14 Calendar of Events Go Hog Wild

12 2017–18 School Calendars Dates to remember.

20 Protein Power Fuel kids’ brains with healthy food.

22 The Lice Wars A humorous take on the plague every parent dreads.

10 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

20 August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Dear Reader

T

he moment you’ve been waiting for all summer has finally arrived—the first day of school.

Sharon Gowan While kids may Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us mourn the end of break, you’ll be celebrating the return of your free time. Still, the beginning of a new academic year is not without its headaches. Help is here: “Goodbye Summer, Hello School” (page 10) offers strategies for getting your family organized. Tops on the list of tips? Studying the school calendar.

You’ll find your district’s in this issue (page 12). Show it to your

kids so they can get excited about upcoming vacation days. Then head off to the kitchen and pack them a healthy lunch with the aid of “Protein Power” (page 20).

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing

After their first week or two of classes, consider rewarding your students for getting off to a good start with a fun activity. Turn to our Calendar of Events (page 14) for lots of local ideas.

We hope the dawning of this school year is full of excitement and promise for everyone in your clan.

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 Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Holly Hester Meagan Ruffing

Billing

KIDS DAY AUGUST 31 $4 FOR AGES 11 & UNDER

Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel (707) 586-9562 Fax (707) 586-9571

FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE! AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 3 MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL • MUSIC • ANIMALS MOTORCYCLE, CAR & BOAT RACING • HORSE SHOW KIDS WALK-ON CONTESTS • ARTS • CRAFTS • & MORE 401 MARTIN ST. LAKEPORT • LAKECOUNTYFAIR.COM 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Now Accepting K-12 Registration

Mendocino Ballet Mendocino Ballet Dance this ClassesFall!

Dance Dance Classes Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult

Ballet classes for ages class 3-Adult Tap/Ballet for ages 4-7

Ukiah Independent Study Academy Serving K-12

Flex Time & Days • Tailored Learning Eligible for UHS Sports • Middle College Opportunity College & Career Readiness • WASC Accredited

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah • 707-472-5906

Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7 Tap classes for 7-Adult Tap classes forages ages 7-Adult Ballet classes for ages 3-Adult Jazz/Contemporary classes Jazz/Contemporary classes

Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7 Classes start

Special intensive classes in in September

Tapforclasses ages August our Art offor Classical

7-Adult Check our website for Ballet program Jazz/Contemporary updated class lists!classes

Special classes for Special intensive classes in our annual Nutcracker

For more information call our office performance 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!”

For more information call our office at 463-2290 or email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Mendocino Ballet

Dance Classes

www.mendocinoballet.org

“Where DreamsBallet to Dance classesCome for agesTrue!”

3-Adult Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7

Mendocino Ballet Tap classes for ages 7-Adult Jazz/Contemporary classes

Special intensive classes in

August for our Art of Classical Classes REDEFINING FAMILY FUNDance IN SANTA ROSA Ballet program

Indoor Sports Trampolines Bowling

Arcade Laser Tag 7D Thrill Ride

Play Structures Starbucks Sports Bar Parties / Events For more information call our office at 463-2290 or For m Ballet classes Restaurant And Morefor ages 3-Adult email at balletoffice@sbcglobal.net Follow us on Facebook,

Tap/Ballet class for ages 4-7 Twitter and Instagram!

Learn more at visitepicenter.com/famfun Tap classes www.mendocinoballet.org

for ages 7-Adult

“Where Dreams to Dance Come True!”

Jazz/Contemporary

classes

Special intensive classes in www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

August for our Art of Classical

Bits & Pieces

Billy Watson

Footloose & Fancy Free

S

ummer nights are meant for dancing in the streets. And you can do just that at the Kelseyville Kickin’ in the Country concert. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic, and, of course, your dancing shoes to downtown Kelseyville on August 17, 7– 10 p.m. The roads will be closed so you can shake and shimmy to Billy Watson’s harmonica-fueled blues until your heart’s content. Best of all, it’s free. ¶

Get Your Nature Fix

I

ntroduce the kids to the soothing power of the great outdoors on a guided walk through Rodman Preserve in Upper Lake.

Take in scenic vistas of rolling hills while you hike through green oaks and brown grasslands. Maybe you will even catch a glimpse of bluebirds, red-shouldered hawks, or other wildlife that populate the area. The free 90-minute hike, sponsored by the Lake County Land Trust, will take place August 12 and 26 at 8 a.m. Meet at the Nature Center. See lakecountylandtrust.org/ rodman-news-nature.html for details. ¶

A Berry Good Time

P The Thrill Isn’t Gone A great blues musician can set fire to music.

Such is the reputation of Coco Montoya, whose guitar playing has been called “smoldering” by the Washington Post. You can see the virtuoso perform, along with harmonica player Bill Noteman and his band, the Rockets, at Cache Creek Vineyards in Clearlake Oaks. The concert will be held on August 19 at 6:30 p.m.; admission is $26.87.

If you really want to splurge, you can buy a VIP ticket for $91.96 and get dinner and other amenities along with the concert. Find out more information and reserve your seat at cachecreekvineyards.com/calendar. ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

urple-stained fingers, teeth sinking deeply into pie, ice cream swirled with sweet midnight blue. Such are the joys of blackberry season, which you and the kids can celebrate at the 35th Round Valley Blackberry Festival in Covelo. Sample myriad blackberry delicacies and taste Mendocino County wine, then burn off your indulgences in a foot race or on a climbing wall. There will be live music, a car show, and special games for the kids, too. The free festival happens August 19, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m., and August 20, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., at the festival grounds in Covelo. Find out more information at roundvalleyblack berryfestival.com. ¶ August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Take Me to the Fair

I

n case getting the kids ready for school isn’t enough of an adrenaline rush for you, the carnival rides at the Redwood Empire Fair will get your blood pumping. Every night there also will be motorized sports, including the Dirt Nationals, truck and tractor pulls, and ATV and motorcycle events. Not into things that go? Then check out the live music, barbecue contest, and livestock and other agriculture-related exhibits. The fair will be held August 3–6 at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah. Gates open August 3 and 4 at 3 p.m. and August 5 and 6 at noon. Admission is $7–$9 and free for ages under 6. On August 3, admission for children and seniors is free until 6 p.m. and all rides are $1 each. Find out more at redwoodempirefair.com. ¶

Flynn Creek Circus

Under the Big Top

W

hat would your life be like if you had no fear? The performers of the Flynn Creek Circus seem to ask that question with their very beings as they leap and bound through the air. See them work their magic on the trapeze, contort themselves into impossible forms, and balance objects like it’s a breeze at these local shows: August 3–6 at 24001 Highway 1 (next to CalFire) in Point Arena; August 10–13 at Giorno Park in Ukiah; and August 31–September 4 in Fort Bragg. Tickets are $11–$50 and may be purchased via flynncreekcircus.com, where show times are also available. ¶

Grillin’ on the Green

Grillin’ Goodness

“L

ow and slow”—patient cooking close to the fire—is the secret to great barbecue, as anyone at Grillin’ on the Green will tell you. The annual event draws all kinds of groups and individuals who compete for the People’s Choice award as well as Best Decorated Booth. Taste and see the results of their culinary and visual artistry on August 5, 8–5 p.m., at Westside Community Park in Lakeport.

After your brood has sampled contestants’ wares, check out local band LC Diamonds and stroll through the car show. Then take the kids for a ride on a horse-drawn wagon or a trip down a giant slip-n-slide. Admission, which includes ample tastings from each griller, is $25, $10 for ages 4–10, and free for ages 4 and under. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

dressing up special days with crayons, markers, or stickers. Have fun with it! When your kids know the plan, everyone wins.

Goodbye Summer, Hello School

Start talking about the beginning of school. Use dinnertime to ask your kids what they are most excited or scared about and if they have questions about their class.

Talk to them about what it was like when you started a new grade. Kids feel so much better when they hear “me too.”

Help ease new school jitters and social anxiety by role-playing. I do this with my son sometimes when a situation arises that might hurt his feelings. We use role-play to figure out how to handle different scenarios so that he doesn’t lash out.

You can do this, too, with situations that are relative to your children.

Simple Tips for Easing the Transition

By Meagan Ruffing

B

link. Where did summer go? Just when my kids figured out how to play upstairs by themselves for longer than 10 minutes it’s time to pencil in playtime before and after homework hour. Changing routines is difficult for

anyone. Add to that multiple children and multiple ages, and you

Let your kids decorate their own calendars by dressing up special days with crayons, markers, or stickers.

have got yourself a recipe for stress.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for transitioning from summer to fall; you just kind of have to get through it. I have enough summers under my belt to know what does and does not work. From one mother to another, let me share what I have gleaned from my experiences.

First, get a calendar. Actually, buy a couple. Buy one to put on the 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

fridge for the whole family to see, one cute one just for you, one for each of your kids’ rooms, and if that isn’t enough, buy one more just because.

Start with the family calendar and map out the month of August or September (whichever month your kids go back to school). Write down every single event. Let your kids decorate their own calendars by

Make the first day of school special. Plan on getting at least one new outfit for each child. Be sure to add this shopping day to your calendar! If you have multiple children, take each one out individually.

Gradually set earlier bedtimes. Now that you’ve got the schedule, role-playing, and shopping day nailed down, you’re ready for

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

the hard part: Getting your children to understand that staying up late is a thing of the past and bedtimes are back in full swing. There a few simple things you can do to help with this transition. For some people, putting their kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each night the week before school starts works. Some kids, though, catch on to this strategy and

Talk to them about what it was like when you started a new grade. Kids feel so much better when they hear “me too.” fight tooth and nail to stay up. To avoid such a battle, try this: Tell your children that they can read in their bedrooms up until their new bedtime.

Set timers. Give them the sense that they are in charge of when they close their eyes. They will eventually learn the new routine, and setting the timer will be replaced with your children falling asleep on their own.

Keep things simple. This means not filling up your children’s schedules with a million responsibilities. Pick one extracurricular activity. Maybe join a soccer team and save dance for next season. It’s okay to have blank space on your calendar. Trust me. Free time gives your children the opportunity to learn to use their imaginations. And it allows you the space to fit in the unexpected things that come up in life. ¶ Meagan Ruffing’s I See You: Helping Moms Go from Overwhelmed to in Control (Heritage Press, 2016) is sold on Amazon. Find more of her work at meaganruffing.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Join Our Professional Teaching Team Salary and Benefits

• Starting $46,125 • Mid Range $66,728 • Top $86,611 • Health Benefits - $19,930 (includes dental and vision) • Stipends for Masters, Doctorate, Special Education Credential *Up to 10 years of service credit for experienced teachers

Professional Perks

• Professional development (including conferences and travel expenses) • Longevity Pay • $45/Hour extra duty opportunities

Internships Available

For eligible candidates that have a bachelor’s degree Contact us to find out how you can get paid while earning your teaching credential.

Start a rewarding career as an educator.

Discover more about how we are elevating student learning at www.konoctiusd.org Click on our Job Employment Link

707-994-6475

Proudly caring for women and newborns in Lake County Sutter Lakeside Hospital is proud to provide comprehensive care to women in one convenient location. From pregnancy and childbirth to general and specialty OB/Gyn services, the medical teams at Sutter Lakeside are here to care for you through all phases of life.

Additionally, our Family Birth Center is proud to celebrate 20 years of helping women welcome new babies to our Lake County community.

For information or to make an appointment, call 707-262-5000 or visit sutterlakeside.org

August 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

2017–18 School Calendars Lake County Holidays for all schools: Sept. 4 (where applicable), Nov. 10, May. 28 (where applicable), Jan. 15.

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Kelseyville Unified

Sept. 5

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19

Apr. 2–6

June 15

Konocti Unified

Aug. 9

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 1

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 2–6

June 1

Nov. 1, Jan. 31

Lake County International

Aug. 22

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 21–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–20

Apr. 2–6

June 7

Oct. 9, Mar. 16

Lakeport Unified

Aug. 8

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 1

Feb. 12, 19

Apr. 2–6

May 25

Oct. 9, Mar. 2

Lucerne Elementary

Aug. 9

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 2

Feb. 16, 19

Apr. 2–6

May 24

Middletown Unified

Aug. 14

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 2–6

June 1

Upper Lake Unified

Aug. 9

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 2

Feb. 16, 19

Apr. 2–6

May 24

School Offices Open for Enrollment August 6

G

Beautiful hands-on learning materials

ive your child a joyful learning experience full of discovery with:  Exploration of own interests & abilities  Experiential learning with field trips, arts  Respectful and caring learning community  Peace education and mindfulness  Earth stewardship

Tree of Life Charter School Free Montessori elementary education for children ages 5 through 13 Call for more information:

707-462-0913

Enrollment applications and information available on our website: www.treeoflifeschool.net 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Education for life!

Apply now for 2017-18

Join Us for Back to School Nights this Fall!

Parents Count

You can have a voice in your child's education Here's how:

Meet

• Attend monthly School Site Council Meetings.

Your Child’s • Support your school Parent/Teacher Association.

Teachers • Volunteer for school and/or classroom activities.

• Attend Back to School Nights in the fall and Open House in the spring.

• Visit the district's website and learn about current events (www.uusd.net).

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 511 S. ORCHARD AVE., UKIAH • 707-472-5000

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Mendocino County Holidays for all schools: Sept. 4, Nov. 10, May. 28, Jan. 15

First Day

Thanksgiving

Winter Break Presidents’ Days Spring Break

Last Day Other Days Off

Anderson Valley Unified

Aug. 23

Nov. 22–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 5

Feb. 16, 19

Mar. 26–Apr. 2

June 14

Sept. 18, Nov. 1

Fort Bragg Unified

Aug. 16

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 1

Feb. 16–23

Apr. 9–13

June 8

Oct. 12–13

Laytonville Unified

Aug. 23

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 2

Feb. 12, 19

Apr. 2–6

June 14

Nov. 1, May 11, May 18

Leggett Valley Unified

Aug. 21

Nov. 17–27

Dec. 22–Jan. 8

Feb. 12, 19

Manchester Union

Aug. 23

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 9–13

June 15

Mar. 19, Mar. 30, Apr. 2

Mendocino Unified

Aug. 28

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 9–13

June 15

Apr. 2–6 (HS AE week)

Point Arena

Aug. 23

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 9–13

June 15

Nov. 1 (Elem), Nov. 9 (HS), Mar. 19, Mar. 30, May 25

Potter Valley Community

Aug. 21

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 22–Jan. 5

Feb. 16, 19

Mar. 26–Apr. 2

June 7

Nov. 1

Round Valley Unified

Aug. 16

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 25–Jan. 5

Feb. 19–23

Apr. 2–6

June 8

Sept. 22, Oct. 9, Mar. 16, May 14

Ukiah Unified

Aug. 21

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 22–Jan. 5

Feb. 16, 19

Mar. 26–Apr. 2

June 7

Nov. 1

Willits Unified

Aug. 21

Nov. 20–24

Dec. 18–Jan. 1

Feb. 16, 19

Apr. 2–6

June 7

Nov. 1, Mar. 16

Mar. 30–Apr. 9 June 13

Nov. 1*

*No school on Mondays, except Dec. 18, Mar. 26 & June 11

Creative Technology

A Small School for Big Thoughts

Robotics • 3-D Printing • Virtual Reality

www.caredwoods.org • 1059 N. State St., Ukiah

Enroll Today (707) 467-0500

Elementary Aug. 22 High School Aug. 24

➢ FREE Public School ➢ Advanced Placement Options ➢ Caring, Credentialed Teachers ➢ Centrally Located at the Fairgrounds ➢ Clubs & Electives, Student Council ➢ Serving Grades 7-12 ➢ Dress Code

Where arts, nature & technology thrive La Vida 707-459-6344 Charter 16201 Hwy 101, Ukiah School lavidaschool.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2017

Pr

e pa

r in g s t u d e n t s f o r

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o ll Recognize e d b y Newsweek & as one of US News Americ Best Scho a’s ols

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Join us for Orientation

Redwood Academy of Ukiah MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

August

Calendar of Events Go Hog Wild

T

he midway, with its dazzling lights and thrilling rides, is usually the focal point of any fair. But Lake County Fair’s offerings go beyond a Ferris wheel and cotton candy. Pay the admission price ($8–$12, free for ages 5 and under), and you can see free concerts, horse shows, motorcycle and car racing, livestock displays, and more than 3,000 categories of exhibits, including photography, quilts, clothing, and woodworking. The fair runs August 31–September 3 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. And it caters to kids: On August 31, Kids Day, admission is $4 for ages 11 and under. Gates open 6–11 p.m. on August 31, 4–11 p.m. on September 1, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on September 2 and 3.

For more information, see lakecountyfair.com. ¶

Tuesday 1 FREE National Night Out. Youth game area & kids’ bicycle decorating contest; bring your bicycle to participate. Raffle prizes, face painting, hotdogs & other snacks. Police, fire & safety officials on site to meet & greet. Hosted by the Lakeport Police Department. 6–8 p.m. Esplanade St. (between Konocti Ave. & Helena St.), Lakeport. tinyurl.com/ya2nkv72.

FREE Stroller Fit. 30-minute walk/ low-impact workout followed by 30-minute mommy-&-me chat session.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10–11 a.m.

Mendo Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah.

462-1020. facebook.com/mendobaby.

Wednesday 2 Main Street: Then & Now.

Mendocino County Museum. A display of the town’s thoroughfare, from national highway back to hometown boulevard. $1–$4. Under age 5: free. Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mendocino County Museum. 400 E. Commercial St., Willits. 459-2736. mendocinomuseum.org.

14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

California’s Wild Edge: The Coast in Poetry, Prints & History.

Woodcut prints by Tom Killion & poetry by Gary Snyder. $4–$10.

Wednesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Grace Hudson Museum.

431 S. Main St., Ukiah. 467-2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

FREE Kids’ Farmers Market. Local kids selling their homegrown produce in front of the library. Wednesdays: Noon–2 p.m. Thru Aug. 16. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

463-4490. co.mendocino.ca.us/library.

Thursday 3 Flynn Creek Circus. A rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. $11–$50. Thru Aug. 6. Aug. 3 & 4: 7 p.m. Aug. 5: 3 p.m. & a 7 p.m. show only for ages 21+. Aug. 6: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. 24001 Hwy. 1 (next to CalFire), Point Arena. 510-381-4004. flynncreekcircus.com.

Redwood Empire Fair. Carnival rides, livestock shows, art & flower exhibits & vendors. Thru Aug. 6. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Aug. 3 & 4 & at noon on Aug. 5 & 6. Admission: $7–$9. Ages 5

& under: free. Carnival ride wristband: $23–$28. Parking: $7. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. redwoodempirefair.com.

FREE Noyo Center for Marine Science. See the new visitors

center, The Crow’s Nest. Thursdays– Mondays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. South Fort Bragg Coastal Trail. Cypress St., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org.

Chicago. A dazzling & satirical

look at fame, justice & the media machine, set in 1920s Chicago.

Presented by Gloriana Music Theater.

Recommended for ages 13 & up. $12–$22. Thru Aug. 13. Thursdays– Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. Sundays: 3 p.m.

Eagles Hall. 210 N. Corry St., Fort Bragg. 964-SHOW. gloriana.org.

Friday 4 FREE Museum Family Fun Fridays. Make a cornhusk, tule-style

doll. 5–7 p.m. Historic Courthouse Museum. 255 N. Main St., Lakeport. lakecochamber.chambermaster.com.

FREE Block Printing. Learn to design, carve & stamp your own block.

Family-friendly event. 5–7:30 p.m.

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah.

463-4490. co.mendocino.ca.us/library.

FREE Motherhood in Balance: Back-to-School Lunches. Hands-on

cooking workshop. Learn how to make healthy & tasty lunches for the whole family. 9:30–10 a.m. Mendo Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah.

462-1020. facebook.com/mendobaby.

Art at Albert’s. Arts & crafts,

entertainment, wine, beer & food.

4–8 p.m. Albert’s. 44851 N. Hwy. 101, Laytonville. facebook.com/ laytonvilleartangels.

Saturday 5 FREE Beach Survey & Clean-up Program. We host a monthly group

walk so newcomers can learn what we do & how to report their findings.

9 a.m. Noyo Beach. North Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org.

FREE Hands-on Workshop. You &

your child can build a wooden Penske truck together. 9 a.m.–noon. Home Depot. 350 N. Orchard Ave., Ukiah.

462-3009. Register: homedepot.com/ workshops.

Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352, ext. 10. gardenbythesea.org.

National Lighthouse Day. Join

tour of the home of Seabiscuit. $40.

Children 11 & under: free. 9:30–11:30 a.m. Ridgewood Ranch. 16200 N. Hwy. 101, Willits. seabiscuitheritage.org.

the Coast Guard Auxiliary & the volunteers for a unique opportunity to visit the Lantern Room. $5. Children must be at least 42” to participate. Be sure to allow time for the half-mile walk to the lighthouse. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Point Cabrillo Light Station.

13800 Point Cabrillo Dr., Mendocino. pointcabrillo.org.

Arts in the Garden—25th Anniversary. Set amidst the

FREE Pacific Outfitters Green Team Clean Up. Volunteers

Private Tour of Historic Ridgewood Ranch. A guided historic walking

background of summer floral displays at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Blooms, music, beer, wine & food. $20–$30. Ages 6–16: $5. Ages 5 & under: free. Wine or beer tasting: $25. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220

needed. Supplies provided. 10–11 a.m. Meet at the North boat launch at Lake Mendocino. Ukiah. pacoutgreenteam.org.

Ladies Luncheon Fundraiser for Operation Tango Mike. Catered

lunch, live music & silent & live

  

           

FREE public charter school Highly qualified credentialed teachers Individualized support for struggling students Small class sizes One-to-one computers Life skills Career planning & courses Free college courses Extracurricular activities

  



Focused on the future of each child Enroll today!  www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Riotously funny and dangerously inspiring...

An all-human, all ages blast!

FREE CHILD TICKET WITH ADULT PURCHASE USE PROMO CODE: NINGRATML LIMIT 1 PER ORDER, ONLINE TICKET PURCHASE ONLY

(707) 463-7080 August 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

auctions. $35. Proceeds benefit the ongoing mission of shipping monthly care packages to deployed military personnel. 12:30–3:30 p.m. Oak Manor (Hornby’s Garden). Lakeport.

489-2594. skinfitness1@sbcglobal.net.

8th Annual Grillin’ on the Green.

Grillers compete for celebrity judges.

Live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, car show, slip-n-slide & more. $10–$25. Ages 4 & under: free. 5–8 p.m. Westside Community Park.

1401 Westside Park Rd., Lakeport. westsidecommunitypark.org.

Kids Movie Night. Adventures in

Zambezia. Ages 5–12. $5. $2 for each additional child. 7–9 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake activities center. 18174 Hidden Valley Rd., Hidden Valley Lake. hvla.com.

Sunday 6 FREE Sports Physicals. Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is offering free sports physical exams to elementary & high school children participating in a sports program.

8 a.m.–noon. Redwood Medical Clinic. 3 Marcela Dr., Suite C, Willits.

Spots limited. Call 456-3185 to make appointment. howardhospital.org.

Monday 7 FREE A Second Cup of Coffee: Positive Parenting. The Positive

Parenting Program, known as Triple P, is proven to build relationships between parents & children.

9:30–10:30 a.m. Mendo Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. facebook. com/mendobaby.

FREE Prenatal Circle. Group offers support & education for expectant

mothers. Children always welcome.

3:30–4:30 p.m. Mendo Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. facebook. com/mendobaby.

Thursday 10 Flynn Creek Circus. A

rurally based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. $11–$50. Thru Aug. 13. Aug. 10 & 11: 7 p.m. Aug. 12: 3 & 7 p.m.

Aug. 13: 1 & 4 p.m. Giorno Park.

506 Park Blvd., Ukiah. 510-381-4004. flynncreekcircus.com.

Friday 11 FREE Moonlight Movie Madness.

Grab blankets & low-back chairs to enjoy movies on the big screen under the stars. Moana (PG). Aug. 25: Beauty & the Beast (PG). Dusk. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. W. Clay & S. School

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 16 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.

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Streets, Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/ moonlight-movie-madness.

FREE Depot Designs. Kids

are invited for an afternoon of construction & painting their own wooden take-home projects. Materials & aprons will be provided. Presented

by Home Depot. 2 p.m. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 463-4490. co.mendocino.ca.us/library.

FREE LC Diamonds. Bring low-back chair, blanket, picnic & dancing shoes.

6:30–8:30 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakecounty.com.

Saturday 12 Art in the Redwoods Festival. An

Sunday 13 FREE ARRC on Sundays. Play board games, ping pong, pool, basketball & indoor soccer. Ages 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 13–18 can attend alone, but must be registered & checked in & out by parent/guardian. 2nd & 4th Sundays:

S

✓School supplies ✓Sports physical ✓ Dental checkup ✓ Immunizations

a night of stars & meteors with astronomers at Observatory Camp.

Telescope included. Bring headlamp, water bottle, sleeping bag & pad for sleeping on the mountain. No tents or camping stoves allowed. $45. Mendocino Magic. Laytonville. mendocinomagic.com. Register: tinyurl.com/y87mwkfn.

Make sure we’re on your back-to-school checklist.

Gala Wine Festival. Festival-style

T

T E RS

CHC M

L

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Call now to schedule an appointment. We’ll make it easy!

HEA

walks start at the corner of Clara & Mason Streets. Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Bring blanket or low-back chairs.

Choose from the numerous food & beverage vendors or bring a picnic.

ARE YOU READY?

Perseid Meteor Shower & Astronomy Night Campout. Enjoy

FREE Community Walks. 10 a.m. All

FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Tainted Love (’80s music).

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

intimate 2-day arts festival held in the small coastal town of Gualala, overlooking the Pacific at the junction of Mendocino & Sonoma Counties. $6. Ages 17 & under: free. Thru Aug. 13. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. Aug. 12: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Aug. 13: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

event with local wine & appetizers under one giant tent. Proceeds support the Mendocino College Foundation. $50. 4–7:30 p.m. Mendocino College.

Athletic field. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. mcfgala.com.

Noon–4 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. ukiahrec.org.

H CEN

HILLSIDE (707) 468-1010 333 Laws Ave. Ukiah

LAKEVIEW (707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

LITTLE LAKE (707) 456-9600 45 Hazel St. Willits

WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL, MEDICARE, PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER INSURANCE.

mchcinc.org

August 2017

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

©P N

TS

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Where would you like to go?

You can fly direct, connect, and enjoy.

Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) San Francisco (SFO) - Las Vegas (LAS) - Minneapolis (MSP)

6–8 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah. 463-6231. visitukiah.com.

Second Sunday Swap Meet. 8 a.m.– 2 p.m. Rain or shine. $1. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

Call 263-6181 if interested in vendor space. lakecountyfair.com.

Thursday 17 FREE Evening Breastfeeding Support Group. Breastfeeding

support for all you working mamas out there. Bring your babies, meet other moms, share your struggles & be uplifted, encouraged & empowered.

5:30–6:30 p.m. Mendo Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. facebook. com/mendobaby.

Book your tickets today at:

www.flySTS.com

GRAND OPENING

Friday 18 FREE Concerts on the Green.

Hearts & Bones. No personal alcohol or dogs allowed. BBQ on sale. 5–8 p.m.

Hidden Valley Lake Practice Green.

19210 Hartmann Rd., Hidden Valley. hvla.com.

FREE Kickin’ In the Country Street Dance. Bring your chairs & dancing

shoes. 7–10 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Saturday 19 FREE Family Fun in the Sun. Arts &

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

SPECIAL!

EXAM + EYEGLASSES STARTING AT $190

Call for appointment 707 809-8199

Middletown Optometry Office of Dr. Robert Wagner, OD Middletown Plaza 21037 Calistoga Road, Ste. #7

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

crafts, games, bouncy house, balloons, healthy snacks, drinks & other fun activities. 9:30 a.m.–noon. Oak Manor Park. 500 Oak Manor Dr., Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

FREE 35th Annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival. Arts & crafts,

blackberry delicacies, live music, foot race, climbing wall & children’s games. Thru Aug. 20. Aug. 19: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Aug. 20: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Festival Grounds. Downtown Covelo. roundvalleyblackberryfestival.com.

FREE Pet Adoption Day. The Mendocino Coast Humane Society will be at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with a bunch of adoptable animals. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 961-0365. gardenbythesea.org.

A Day on the Westport Headlands.

Annual volunteer fire department fundraiser. BBQ tri-tip & chicken (veggie meal available), craft booths, volleyball, kids’ games, bouncy house, beer & wine, dancing & more. $12–$15. Noon–7 p.m. BBQ: 1–5 p.m. Westport Headlands.

Westport. mendocinocoast.com.

FREE Know Lake County. Melissa Fulton talks about the Chamber of Commerce. 2 p.m. Lakeport Library.

1425 N. High St., Lakeport. 263-8817. co.lake.ca.us.

Lakeside Hot Car & Boat Show.

Booths & vendors, music, trophies.

Raises money for Operation Tango Mike, a nonprofit that sends care packages to troops. 8–3 p.m.

Downtown Lakeport. curbside.tv/ lakeboatshow.

Sunday 20 Retro Sunday in the Gardens.

Admission $1 all day. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352, ext. 10. gardenbythesea.org.

Friday 25 FREE National Park Service Birthday. Entrance fees to national

parks will be waived. Visit the website for a list of sites: nps.gov/findapark.

Saturday 26 Taylor Observatory. Lecture,

planetarium show & telescopic viewing of the night sky. Bring

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

your own flashlight, or use one of our loaners. Warm clothing is recommended. $3–$5. 7:30 p.m.

Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. 262-4121. taylorobservatory.org.

25-mile stretch of Hwy. 1, from Sea Ranch to Point Arena. Sponsored by the Gualala Arts Center. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. 884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

A Great Day in Elk. End-of-summer

Flynn Creek Circus. A rurally

celebration. Parade starts at noon, followed by activities for all ages & an evening dinner & dance. Funds support Greenwood Community Center. Noon–8 p.m. Parade: downtown Elk. Festival: Greenwood Community Center. 6129 S. Hwy. 1, Elk. elkweb.org/greenwood_ community_center.php.

Taste of Lake County. Local wine,

beer & food. Music by LC Diamonds. $35. Tastings: 5–8 p.m. Street dance: 8–10 p.m. Main St., Lakeport.

263-8843. lakeportmainstreet.com.

FREE Family Movie Night. Rogue

One. 9–11 p.m. Hidden Valley Lake activities center. 18174 Hidden Valley Rd., Hidden Valley Lake. hvla.com.

Sunday 27 FREE 25th Annual Studio Discovery Tour. A self-guided tour along a

Thursday 31 based, award-winning circus bringing international talent to the North Bay. $11–$50. Thru Sept. 4. Aug. 31 & Sept. 1: 7 p.m. Sept. 2: 3 p.m. & a 7 p.m. show only for ages 18+. Sept. 3: 1 & 4 p.m. Sept. 4: 1:30 p.m. 20300

Ocean View Dr. (next to Mendocino College), Fort Bragg. 510-381-4004. flynncreekcircus.com.

Lake County Fair. This year’s theme is “Boots & Bling.” $8–$12. Ages 5 & under: free. Thru Sept. 3. (Aug. 31 is Kids Day: Ages 11 & under: $4). Aug. 31: 6–11 p.m. Sept. 1: 4–11 p.m. Sept.

2 & 3: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecountyfair.com.

2ND SUNDAY

SWAP IT AT LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS!

SWAP MEET & FLEA MARKET AUG 13 SEPT 10 • OCT 1 8 AM-2 PM • $1

10X10 VENDOR SPACES JUST $25 • 263-6181 rentals@lakecountyfair.com

401 MARTIN ST. LAKEPORT • LAKECOUNTYFAIR.COM

Love Working with Kids?

WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN Own Your Own Business • Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops.

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

• Free Child Care Referrals.

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

August 2017

Rural Communities Child Care

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Cooking with Kids

Protein Power Make a Solid School Lunch

By Ceri Marsh

“I

’m so bored of [insert complaint here] in my lunch.” I hear it, I know you hear it. How I envy those parents whose kids will eat the same lunch every day for a school year! This tasty wrap is my response to a recent letter to management. It’s hearty and filled with protein, but with the lime and peppers, it still feels light. And I’m careful not to make it too many times in a row, so it never gets on the “I’m bored” list. Because I’m smart like that.

GET AHEAD Save time by completing step 1 in advance.

1

In a large bowl, toss together the beans, tuna, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently, being careful not to break up the tuna into tiny pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least half an hour or overnight for the flavors to combine and develop.

Tuna and Black Bean Wrap Makes: 4 wraps Prep time: 40 minutes Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients 1 can (19 oz/540 ml) black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

1 can (5 oz/142 g) tuna packed in oil, drained

pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped fresh tomato 1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped red pepper 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped red onion

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

3 Tbsp (45 ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro 4 10-inch (25 cm) whole grain tortillas 2 handfuls chopped lettuce 1/2 avocado, sliced

2

When you’re ready to assemble your wraps, add the cilantro to your bean mixture and give it a gentle stir. Lay the tortillas out on your work surface. Place the lettuce in the middle of each wrap (this will keep your tortilla from getting soggy).

Scoop the bean mixture on top, then add a few slices of avocado.

3

Lift one side of the wrap over the filling. Now fold over the top and bottom, enclosing the filling. Roll the whole thing toward the open side until it’s closed.

Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.

Excerpted from The School Year Survival Cookbook: Healthy Recipes and Sanity-Saving Strategies for Every Family and Every Meal (Even Snacks) by Laura Keogh and Ceri Marsh.

Copyright © 2017 Sweet Potato Chronicles.

Photography copyright © 2017 Maya Visnyei Photography. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace

Gualala Arts Center

Preschools

Schools

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

C E N T E R S

Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

• Ukiah Child a classroomsTuition-free ✓ 1/2-day & full-day for Montessori North Ukiah - Bush St. ages 18 months to 5 years Nokomis - Washington Ave. Head elementary South forUkiah ages 5-13 - S. State St. ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. Start!

Hands-on, arts and music  ✓ Children with disabilities welcome • Willits

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

• Lake County Also providing FREE in-home services for

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

Head Start Child Development Program www.ncoinc.org Head Start

Art in the Redwoods

N

estled in the woods lining the Mendocino coast is the light-filled Gualala Arts Center, a hub of creativity in Gualala. During Art in the Redwoods, the center and its environs will be chock full of area artists’ work—ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, tiles, weavings, and more. Peruse the offerings and purchase some if you like. Then take the kids on the one-mile Haiku Trail, where they’ll find poetry written on cloth hanging from trees. The event will be held on August 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and August 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Admission is $6; youth ages 17 and under get in free. Find out more at gualalaarts.org. ¶

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

Afterschool

STRANGER

DANGER! Awareness & training class Learn Self-Esteem Through Self-Defense • Traditional Okinawan karate • Classes for the whole family • Multiple member discounts available Mention this ad & get 10% off your first month dues

Ukiah Shorin-Ryu Karate 3001 #4 So. State St. Ukiah 707-463-DOJO (3656) www.ukiahkarate.com

E

very year, the sky dazzles with orbs and streams of light—the Perseid meteor shower. Lucky for us, it’s best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteors first appear in mid July and peak in mid August, when it’s possible to see 60 or more an hour. Poise yourself for peak viewing on August 12 at the Perseid meteor shower and astronomy night campout on the property of Mendocino Magic in Laytonville. Hike one-and-a-half miles to the campsite, then peer through a telescope and listen to talks by astronomers.

When evening’s done, hunker down in your sleeping bag and watch the sky, as you ready for sleep under the stars.

The event is $45 per person; no tents allowed. Find out more at mendocinomagic.com. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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

treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

Bully-Proof Your Child

Great Balls of Fire

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

707-462-0913

Maldonado Martial Arts & Fitness (707) 462-5794

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Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

Health

Ukiah Family Chiropractic

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 US News and World Reports: America’s Best High Schools Bronze Medal  Free public school  Grades 4-12  Small classes  Support for struggling

students

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Mention this ad for a free exam

Feel better today!

1081 S. Dora St., Suite B • Ukiah 707-972-4983 www.ukiahfamilychiropractic.com

August 2017

Like Us On Facebook MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

Humor Break

The Lice Wars A Handy Guide for Staying Sane

By Holly Hester

M

y kids have just gotten head lice for the second time in their lives. The first time was a few years ago, and I’m still in therapy over it. This bout of head lice caught me completely by surprise. I thought we’d never get it again. I assumed it was like surviving a plane crash. I mean, what are the odds it would ever happen twice?

But since we’re now two-time lice survivors, I thought I’d share some basic techniques and tips I’ve learned along the way.

Forget all your plans for the day—or the week, or the month, or the year, for that matter. All you need to concentrate on is killing head lice, so you might as well kill your hopes and dreams at the same time. A Biblical plague has descended upon your family. So put on a burlap sack, pick up a rock and a staff, and start fighting.

Get ready to do a few loads of light laundry. I’m just kidding. What I meant to say is take everything you own and put it outside your house for an undisclosed period of time. Wash all 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

sheets, curtains, and clothes. Hey, you haven’t worn that bridesmaid’s dress in ten years? Put it in the wash!

I suggest making a clay oven and baking all pillows. It’s really the only way to get the lice out. Once

All you need to concentrate on is killing head lice, so you might as well kill your hopes and dreams at the same time. all the rugs have rotted and become hideous and unsightly, you may bring them back into your house.

Put all stuffed animals in garbage bags. Head lice love to inhabit your child’s favorite stuffy, so you have to pretend you’re some kind of stuffed animal serial killer, and shove them all in garbage bags. This will be your kid’s most traumatizing childhood memory, so remember to take pictures.

Get familiar with a shower cap. Just because only one of your kids has lice doesn’t mean only one of you has to do the treatment.

Head lice are a family affair. I start out with a shower cap treatment

of coconut oil, olive oil, and neem oil. After that is washed and rinsed, we move onto a head full of mayonnaise. After that is washed and rinsed, we do a head full of Listerine (it actually works). After that is washed and rinsed, we finish with a vinegar head wash, followed by a thorough brushing with a nit comb. At this point whatever lice haven’t died already just kill themselves.

Blame someone. Hey, someone gave your kid lice. They didn’t just sprout out of your kid’s head by themselves. Make a lot of harsh judgments about what filthy family gave your kid head lice, and then hate them forever. It will make you feel better.

Self-medicate. Ben & Jerry’s Mud Pie. It’s really the only way to survive.

Good luck. I have to go do some laundry now and put some more coals in the clay oven. The pillows don’t seem to be charred enough yet. ¶ Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

August 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories Get weekly FREE e-mail updates for the best LOCAL family fun calendar visit

MendoLake Family Life.com

Free Sports Physicals

FOR ALL STUDENTS 18 AND UNDER Make sure your child is ready to play!

Schedule an appointment today!

Please bring any necessary paperwork required by your school. Appointments are encouraged since scheduled times are limited. Our physicians will provide assessments and other free health screenings and education will be offered for parents too, including: • Diabetes Screening • Blood Pressure Screening • Inbody (Body Composition Testing)

Saturday, July 29 Sunday, August 6 8:00 a.m. to Noon Scheduled times are limited.

Reserve your spot today!

Redwood Medical Clinic 3 Marcela Drive, Suite C in Willits

Call 707.456.3185

Spots are limited! Call 707.456.3185 today!

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital