Mendo Lake Family Life February 2017

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February 2017

Shiny & Bright Kids at the dentist

Preschool 10 tips Prep for success

Warm Your Heart Local V-day fun Teen Love Avoid digital drama

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10 Features 10 Young (Cyber) Love What happens when crushes go digital?

12 Secrets to a Long Marriage A mom’s practical advice to her teen son.

14 Say “Ah” Prepare kids for dental visits.

February 2017

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Hogwarts Open House Viva la Vino!

Youth Speak Out Daddy’s Girl Free Money for College? Yes! Local Love Help Your Heart

18 Cooking with Kids Pecan Dreams

19 Crafting with Kids Sweet on You

22 Calendar of Events Citrus Sensation

30 Humor Break Wild Child

16 Preschool Prep Steps to make sure your child is ready.

20 Let Your Love Shine Local ways to show your valentine a good time.

4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

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20 February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

9

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

Dear Reader

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ebruary is the month to celebrate love!

This Valentine’s Day, fete your significant other Sharon Gowan with one of the Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us great ideas in “Let Your Love Shine” (page 20) or in our Calendar of Events (page 22). Want to know how to keep your relationship going strong? Read “Secrets to a Long Marriage” (page 12).

(Cyber) Love” (page 10) to get a psychologist’s take on the world of Facebook flirting and other digital dramas.

Office Manager

Besides being the month of l’amour, February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. “Say Ah” (page 14) will help make sure your kids—and you—are prepared for that first trip to the dentist.

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Keep warm and healthy this month, and remember to cherish everyone you love.

Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Features Editor

Most of us can remember the excitement and angst of our first crush. But, despite our life experience, teen romance in the age of the Internet may be quite befuddling. Turn to “Young

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 Devorah Heitner Holly Hester Christy Jordan Sharon Nolfi Kathryn Streeter Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

Family health care for all of Lake County.

sutterlakeside.org

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HOSPITAL SERVICES 707-262-5000 COMMUNITY CLINIC 707-263-6885 FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC 707-262-5088

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Kids & Cupid

Bits & Pieces

Hogwarts Open House

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alling all wannabe witches and wizards: It’s time for the Harry Potter Book Night at the Ukiah Library in Ukiah. Step onto Platform 9 3⁄4, just through the brick wall, and enter a Night of Spells. Costumes and cosplay are encouraged. The magic happens on February 22, 4:30–7 p.m. Sign up by calling 463-4490 or e-mailing carrm@co.mendocino.ca.us. ¶

Viva la Vino!

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f you like white wines —and ciders—the International Alsace Varietals Festival Grand Tasting may be your little piece of heaven.

Try pours of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat from around the globe. Or sip local Gowan’s heirloom ciders from shared alsace. While you drink, you can nosh on well-paired bits like prawns, pork belly, duck, handmade pizzas, and assorted artisanal cheeses.

Raise your glass on February 25, 1–4 p.m., at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. Tickets are $90 and may be purchased at avwines.com. ¶

Youth Speak Out

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oetry can give voice to feelings and experiences that are difficult to express.

For young people, it can be a perfect way to articulate the issues that affect their lives.

Come hear what’s on the minds and hearts of local youth at the free Poetry Out Loud Lake County Competition on February 12 at 2 p.m. at Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. A national program, Poetry Out Loud helps students master public speaking, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Millions compete all over the country; the winners of this countywide competition will go to the state finals held in Sacramento in March. State winners will compete for $50,000 in awards and school stipends at the National Finals in Washington, DC. See soperreesetheatre.com for details. ¶ 8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Daddy’s Girl

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sychologists note that the father-daughter dynamic sets the blueprint for a girl’s relationships with men throughout her life. If she feels loved by her father, a child is more likely to have positive relationships with males when she is older. One good way to let a girl know she’s special? A father-daughter dance.

Girls ages 3–18 are invited to get spiffed up and hit the dance floor with their dads or other role models such as grandfathers, older brothers, or uncles. Two two-hour dances will be held on February 18 at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church in Kelseyville: the first at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. To commemorate the day, guests can come early to have their photos taken, at 4:30 p.m. for the early dance and 7:30 p.m. for the later dance.

On February 19, 7–9 p.m., another Father-Daughter Dance will be held in Clearlake at the Clearlake Masonic Lodge. Photos will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission to each dance is $25 per father-daughter pair, with $5 for each additional daughter. A photo and a red carnation are included in the ticket price. ¶

Local Love

Free Money for College? Yes!

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etting into a university is one thing, affording it is another. Scholarships can be a viable solution. Learn more about how to apply for the myriad available at Scholarship Workshop 101. The free class will be held at Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College in Clearlake on February 9 at noon and on February 28 at 5:30 p.m.

To find out more, e-mail joshua.harwood@ konoctiusd.org. Also see facebook.com/ events/1443045859053313. ¶

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reating community takes the work and commitment of many dedicated people, organizations, and businesses. If you would like to help recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, go to the 19th Annual Stars of Lake County Community Awards on February 11 at 5 p.m. at Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport.

Tickets are $20 and are only available through the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Lakeport. Stop by the office or call 263-5092. ¶

Help Your Heart

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esearch shows that it can be harder to quit smoking than even kicking hard drugs. The Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits aims to help with its free Smoking Cessation program.

According to the hospital, the benefits of quitting are immediate: Within 20 minutes of not lighting up, your blood pressure and pulse rate drop. Within eight hours, your breathing is better and blood more oxygenated. If you’ve tried and failed before, don’t worry. It takes the average smoker nine times to successfully quit, says program facilitator Jennifer Barrett. “So with every new attempt participants are even more likely to be successful,” she says. The class is free and meets on Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., in the Summit Conference Room on the second floor of the hospital. To register, call 540-4208. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2017

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Young (Cyber) L♥ve

By Devorah Heitner

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Teen Romance in the Digital Age

he Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project is one of my favorite sources for useful data on the ways kids and families use technology. In October 2015, the center released a study showing that (surprise!) kids are still falling in love, getting crushes, getting mad, getting even, etc.

So things haven’t changed...that much. But for those parents who worry about the complications that technology brings to dating life, I have some good news: at least in 2015, most kids were not actually meeting or “hooking up” with other people online.

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It may feel like dating has moved entirely to the Internet, but according to the same Pew study, only 8 percent of American teens have met a romantic partner online.

Expectations Change with Constant Connectivity Once teens or tweens are involved romantically, their expectations are surely affected by the availability of constant connection. This is parallel to the changes in expectations we

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

face in our own adult relationships.

For example, my husband and I were dating before we had cell phones, yet today our expectations for being in contact (while far lower than those of teenagers!) are higher

Once teens or tweens are involved romantically, their expectations are surely affected by the availability of constant connection. than they were before we had these devices with us at all times. Fully 85 percent of young people surveyed expected to hear from their partner at least once a day. Eleven percent expected to hear from their partners once an hour! Teens are just getting used to the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, and one of those is the infatuation with others their age. While in the past, flirtatious exchanges may have been confined to lunch and the occasional movie, today every couple can keep in never-ending contact via their phones. When talking to your child, remind her that the fact that she can reach out to her crush at all times does not mean she has to. It’s okay not to text. On the other hand, flirting, dropping hints, and trying to figure out how mutual an interest is (age-old preoccupations) have moved more into the digital realm.

In the Pew study, 50 percent of teens reported that they used Facebook or other social media platforms to flirt or express romantic intentions. While kids may still www.mendolakefamilylife.com

prefer to meet romantic partners at school or through friends, social media is often where they feel most comfortable discussing their feelings.

Kids can be clumsy, inept, and immature about relationships. After all, they are kids! In one of my focus groups, a girl described how boys badgered her with repeated texts until she texted back. Then one boy erased the previous texts to make it look as if the girl texted first, so he could show his friends, “Look, she texted me!” Kids on either end of this exchange might benefit from adult mentorship, or they may figure it out on their own by trial and error. Think about how you might mentor your child—on either end of the texting exchange where the boy badgered the girl into texting him.

Ask your kids: What are the most annoying things other kids do in these digital spaces? And how do kids deal with those things when

Only 8 percent of American teens have met a romantic partner online. they happen? One parent pointed out that marry/kiss/kill can also be an in‑person game. Digital connections just make it easier for answers to be shared widely.

Talk with your children about the possible outcomes when people text or post messages intended to be kept between friends. Is that intent always honored? Ask your child if she has ever seen someone share a February 2017

Help for LGBTQ Kids For gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning kids, social media and the Internet can be incredibly positive sources of validation, information, and community.

They can also be sites for bullying, so adults need to be aware of this possibility.

For young people trying to navigate different identities in different situations (e.g., kids who are out in some settings, but not in others) social media presents many complications.

Here are some great resources for these kids and their families: www.safeschoolscoalition.org www.glsen.org www.impactprogram.org/ lgbtq-youth/youth-blog

screenshot of someone’s personal texts. Why do people do it? Is it ever okay? How can you protect yourself, knowing that this is technically possible, and in fact happens frequently? ¶ Adapted with permission from Screenwise by Devorah Heitner (Routledge, 2016).

Devorah Heitner, PhD, is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World (find it on Amazon: tinyurl.com/jetntc9). She is also the founder of Raising Digital Natives, which helps parents, schools, and kids grow a culture of positive digital citizenship. Want to learn more? Take the “How Screenwise Are You?” quiz at raisingdigitalnatives.com/ how-screenwise-are-you.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Secrets to a Long Marriage

better able to keep up with grandkids.

A Letter to My Teenage Son

By Kathryn Streeter

Dear Teenage Son, Today your dad and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. It was a remarkable day since, increasingly, marriages are falling apart.

Tying the knot is the easy part; staying together requires intentional habits, and staying in love most certainly does not happen by chance. You may be unaware of the things your dad has done to keep us together and in love over the years. Here are a few of them.

Exercise has been a priority.

We married young when he had a high school football body. Luckily, he quickly realized that without playing the game his muscles would soften, and he morphed into a runner.

When we turned 30, just as when we turned 40, people continued to warn that rapid weight gain was practically guaranteed due to a slower metabolism and a sedentary lifestyle.

Your dad thought it a ridiculous prophecy and rejected it.

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Because of this, at age 46 he kept up with you in the last Spartan Race competition. Not only is he able to be a more engaged father, his disciplined workout routine has kept me motivated to do the same. We have a fuller life because we can bike, paddleboard, and hike together. Besides the natural health benefits of exercising, we recognize that our options are more open to the adventures we can have now in midlife and beyond. If the day comes, I imagine that we’ll also be

We synchronized our habits. Your dad’s professional life has always meant that the alarm sounds early. Synchronizing our sleep habits was reasonable because we wanted to be tired at the same time so that we could get the day started together. Establishing this routine helped us do the little but difficult daily things together like getting you out of bed for school. There were

Do couples that play together stay together?

For us, yes. periods in your dad’s career when he’d barely get home in time to kiss you good night before you drifted to sleep.

We’d then share a simple meal off the grill, and though he’d be deservedly whipped, he would fill me in, as I would him, on the day. It helped keep our worlds connected. Too many couples fall apart because their worlds grow apart.

He doesn’t harbor resentment.

Your dad doesn’t keep a list about what I’ve done wrong. He doesn’t

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

STS For Less Stress, Fly

We discussed the week’s demands. We talked about what was scheduled for the upcoming week— no surprises meant we were better prepared. This time of exchanging and reviewing the week’s activities often revealed just how many times your dad would excuse himself from various cocktail parties and receptions so he could get home to us at night.

As a work-at-home-mom (WAHM), I also found these conversations helped me to prepare for the extra-long days when he was gone, and I was running completely solo. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport Seattle (SEA)

Portland (PDX) TS

We prioritize play every weekend. Your dad likes to make memories together. Early on in our marriage, we did weekends very simply: We played together. When you kids entered the picture, we adjusted and went to playgrounds. We didn’t have huge expectations for our weekends. The honey-do list didn’t exist and neither did your dad have unrealistic expectations of me. We were content putzing around and playing together. Do couples that play together stay together? For us, yes. This doesn’t negate the obvious, that, as you’ve seen, he’s often worked late into the night. But play over the weekend was and always will be important.

He’s willing to lead. Since I’m the product of an indecisive home, I’ve appreciated your dad’s unapologetic direction. When I am ambivalent and he’s felt strongly about something, I appreciate your dad showing decisiveness. It’s a relief. He’s offering something I don’t have and helping us to

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keep score. This character quality is something I’ve admired in him since we were first married. I’m profoundly grateful that he honestly lets things go after some disagreement has been righted. There are already too many things that pull relationships apart.

Nagging each other about trivia is perilous to a strong marriage. So is regurgitating past wrongs. It simply doesn’t profit the relationship.

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Too many couples fall apart because their worlds grow apart. be whole. Of course there are ways I solely contribute to our marriage partnership, but I humbly acknowledge that this isn’t one of them.

As you grow into manhood, you’re learning from observing men in your life. We both know that your dad hasn’t been perfect. But when he’s messed up, he’s been able to readily apologize and make fun of himself. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. As your mom, I’ve been delighted to watch you two hang out together. Ultimately, these notes I’ve written down today are to help you know your dad more fully and recognize habits that have contributed to our marriage. This letter isn’t to be confused with marriage insurance, as if such an equation existed to achieve a long, happy marriage. You’re your own man. You’ll be great just as you are.

—Mom ¶ Originally published on The Good Men Project.

Find Kathryn Streeter at kathrynstreeter.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter @streeterkathryn.

February 2017

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• Got any local story ideas? e-mail melissa@family-life.us

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Say “Ah” Preparing Your Child for the Dentist

By Denise Morrison Yearian

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ane and Drew Tamassia love going to the dentist. They think it is fun. Perhaps it’s words like “tickle toothbrush” and “sugar bug remover” that make these preschoolers giggle. Maybe it’s the mini movie theater or downtown Disney decorations that draw them in.

“I think they like going because I started them early and chose someone who knows how to work with children,” says Suzanne Tamassia, whose own childhood dental fears drove her to find a dentist who works specifically with children.

“Getting children in at an early age is key,” says pediatric dentist Lawrence Louie. “I like to see them when the first tooth erupts. It gives me a chance to get a good look at the child’s mouth and lets me share oral health care and nutrition information with the parents.”

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Jennifer Luzader, pediatric dental hygienist, agrees. “We recommend children have their first dental exam by their first birthday, and their first dental cleaning by age two.”

Even before that first appointment, there are things parents can do to prepare their child for their visit.

“Use books, videos, and role play at home,” says Luzader. “Talk with your child using good, positive terms, and remind him how important it is to take care of his teeth and eat the right kinds of foods.”

“What I appreciate most about our dental practice is that they have given me tools to teach my children preventative dentistry.”

That is what Susan Magasiny did.

“Before Jake’s first appointment, we talked about how the dentist was a doctor for his teeth and that to keep them healthy, he needed to have check ups,” says the mother of two. “I told him the dentist was going to look at his teeth, count them, and maybe take a picture. It was no big deal.”

“I remember sitting at home role-playing with Jane,” recalls Tamassia. “I would say, ‘Open your mouth and let me see your teeth,’ then I would pretend to be the dentist. She liked that.”

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Role-playing did prepare Jane for that first visit, because when she went she knew just what to expect.

“When a child comes in, we try to make it a fun experience,” say Luzader. “They get to pick out things like fluoride flavor, sunglasses for eye protection, and a new toothbrush and floss. Then we go through each step of what we are going to do, first on their fingers then in their mouths. We count their teeth, scale those that are covered with plaque and tartar, and then polish. We finish with a fluoride treatment and have the dentist come in for an exam.”

Louie talks children through the procedures, too. “We call it, ‘Tell.

Show. Do.’ First we tell them what we are going to do, show them on our hands, then do it—that way there are no surprises.”

Even without so-called “surprises,” sometimes anxiety sets in.

“Crying through the first two years is very expected, even at three,” says Luzader. “One way to ward off tears is with distraction. We have puppets we use and will talk with children on their level to gain their confidence. We also try to make it fun—‘What kind of animal is down your throat today?’ Even when children come in crying, 95 percent of them leave with a smile.”

On occasion, dental emergencies arise that cannot be avoided.

“One week after Jake’s first appointment, he fell into a picnic table and had a severe dental injury.

“Before Jake’s first appointment, we talked about how the dentist was a doctor for his teeth and that to keep them healthy, he needed to have check ups.”

His gum was pushed up to the top of his mouth and his whole front tooth was exposed,” recalls Magasiny. “I called the dentist, and they took us in right away.”

But it was a wait-and-see injury. In the months to follow, Jake had to return several times so the dentist could evaluate the situation.

“I started to prep him about losing his tooth early, which he did about six months later,” she continues.

“But through it all, Jake built trust and confidence in the dentist.”

So much so, if you asked him today he would tell you he looks forward to his dental visits. His mother does, too.

“What I appreciate most about our dental practice is that they have given me tools to teach my children preventative dentistry,” says Magasiny.

Tamassia agrees.

“I like how our dentist takes a sincere interest in children,” she says. “Everything is catered to them—there’s an indoor climbing playhouse, video room, and lots of books. They even get to take home a goodie bag and report card!”

“The goal is to have the child enjoy his first, second, third—whatever visit it is,” says Luzader. “Because if he does, he’ll want to return again and again.” ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

“What is really important is that parents not relay any fears they have about going to the dentist,” says Louie. “Every once in a while I see where parents have elaborated on what happened to them, and it comes through to the children.” www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Preschool Prep 10 Steps to Success

1

Talk with your children, not at them. Preschool is a verbal place where children are required to express themselves in words. Give your children a lot of practice by encouraging conversations at home.

When your children are telling you something, focus your attention on them and on what they are saying. Ask questions so they will tell you more.

2

Find playmates. Give your children the opportunity to play with others their own age. At first each child may engage in his or her own activity, although other children are present. Psychologists

Let your children get used to the idea of preschool with visits designed to tantalize.

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By Sharon Nolfi

he beginning of preschool is a major milestone for children and their parents. Preschool presents new challenges, even for children who have been in day care. Many preschools have expectations more commonly associated with kindergarten or first grade. Some preschools even have entrance exams that require children to demonstrate specific skills.

Preschool readiness results from a combination of natural childhood growth processes and learned skills.

Children have different timetables for such natural milestones as crawling and walking, and parents can do little to affect when these skills will emerge.

In contrast, there are numerous 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

abilities that depend on learning, and parents can do much to provide an environment in which such learning will occur.

You can prepare your children for preschool success by incorporating some simple activities into their daily routines. Here are some specific ideas:

call this “parallel play,” a developmental skill that must be mastered prior to “interactive play,” in which children actively engage each other. Gradually introduce the concept of sharing, but understand that children develop this skill at different rates.

3

Emphasize physical play.

Children’s muscle control develops in sequence from larger, looser movements to smaller, more detailed ones. For this reason, hours spent running, jumping, throwing a ball, and climbing will make children more able to master holding a crayon or pair of scissors later on.

4

Provide sensory play experiences. Playing with sand and water allows children to

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

learn about the properties of each while also developing perceptual pathways in the brain. Many preschools emphasize sensory activities in their reading readiness programs.

5

Introduce materials and tools. Provide your children with paper, fat crayons, washable markers, child-sized safety scissors, removable tape, and stick glue. Teach them to hold and use these tools safely.

Then let them create!

6

Pull out picture books.

Read to your children, pausing occasionally to discuss images or action in the book. Your children will love having you close, and they will learn how to properly handle and enjoy books. Some children learn to

read the alphabet, or even words, just by following along with a parent’s reading.

7

Teach hygiene for good health. Preschools are incubation rooms for germs, so make sure your children know how to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Teach them to sneeze into a tissue and cough into the inside of the forearm.

8

Provide structured activities. Play simple games with your children, emphasizing that following the rules makes the game go smoothly. If your children don’t have routines for getting up in the morning and going to bed, establish regular sequences of tasks for those times. Make a chart with boxes that

your children can check as tasks are completed.

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Visit preschools with your children. Let your children get used to the idea of preschool with visits designed to tantalize. Point out the attractive toys and activities.

Remember that some fear and a period of adjustment are normal.

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Explore your own feelings. Preschool can be more traumatic for parents than for children. Sometimes it’s painful to realize that our “babies” aren’t babies anymore. Accept that it may be an emotional time. Try to separate your own emotions from any adjustment issues your children may have. ¶ Sharon Nolfi is a licensed school psychologist and mother. Her writing has been published worldwide.

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PRE-BALLET (3-5 YRS.) • TAP/BALLET (4-6 YRS.) CONTEMPORARY • BALLET • TAP • JAZZ NEW CLASSES START JANUARY “Where Dreams to Dance Come True” 205 South State Street, Ukiah • 463-2290 www.mendocinoballet.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Join Us for A Parents-Only Tour

Tour Classes in Session, followed by Q & A Enrollment Tours: Feb. 7, Mar. 9 Call 707-467-1855 ext. 104 to Reserve Your Space Spanish Translators Available on Request The 3 R’s, and Advanced Math, Foreign Language, Music, Art, Woodwork, Drama, Leadership, Community Service 555 Leslie St., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 467-1855 www.riveroakcharterschool.org

February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Cooking with Kids

Pecan Dreams Easy-to-Make, Heavenly Treats

By Christy Jordan

I

love traditional Southern divinity candy and shared our family recipe in my first book; the holidays just aren’t the same without it. Divinity is a white, fluffy candy made from egg whites and sugar, which requires perfect weather and lots of mixing. Mama and I both make up batches and divvy it out like gold doubloons among our families and friends.

It’s just that good.

Cream Cheese Divinity

Guess what else, though. This recipe doesn’t depend on the weather, or the temperature of your house, or how your pinkie toes are crossed. There is no thermometer needed, no syrup to be made, and nothing hot that will give you a burn. You toss all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, mix, roll into balls, and press a pecan in the center. That’s it. Seriously!

Cream Cheese Divinity Makes 50 to 60 pieces • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

So here is the thing: This recipe is not traditional divinity. I didn’t develop it to be that. I developed it to be an awful lot like it but simple enough for anyone to make and just as good.

• 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Will it remind you of divinity?

Definitely. But this is decadently wonderful in its own special way.

Think of how good cream cheese frosting tastes, especially when you get a bite that has a big pecan on it, and you have some understanding of what this is going to be like—only a good bit better.

• 7 to 9 cups confectioners’ sugar (I buy a 2-pound bag)

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 50 to 60 pecan halves (optional) 1. Place the cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice in a medium-size mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add the vanilla and gradually add 7 cups of the confectioners’ sugar.

Beat at medium speed, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Add up to 1 cup more confectioners’ sugar if needed to make a thick cookie-dough consistency.

3. Place 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and dip the bottoms in the sugar to coat. Place the balls on waxed paper or parchment and press a pecan half into each one, if desired, flattening the ball slightly.

4. Allow the divinity to dry at room temperature until they’re no longer sticky, 2 to 3 hours, before serving.

Cream Cheese Divinity will keep, in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. ¶ Excerpted with permission from Sweetness: Southern Recipes to Celebrate the Warmth, the Love, and the Blessings of a Full Life

by Christy Jordan (Workman, 2016).

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Sweet on You Share Crafty Love

By Denise Morrison Yearian

F

ebruary is quite possibly the sweetest month of the year.

Following is a confection of crafts to make and share with someone you love.

Lacy Licorice Candy Heart Items needed: Clear contact paper, red or pink construction paper, ruler, scissors, hole punch, tape, string licorice, small Valentine candy.

Remove backing from contact paper and place construction paper over it, smoothing wrinkles and bubbles.

Measure and cut two identical hearts from the contact-construction paper. Place the hearts together, contact paper facing out, and punch holes every ½ inch along the outer rim of the heart, ¼ inch from the edge. Use string licorice to sew the two hearts together, looping each stitch around the outer edge of the heart. If the licorice runs out, tie the loose end to a new piece of string and continue lacing. When you’ve laced nearly the entire heart, stop and fill the interior heart pouch with candy, then finish lacing until

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Candy Necklace

you reach your starting point. Tie the two licorice free ends in a knot or bow and trim off excess string.

Candy Necklace Items needed: Clear plastic wrap, ruler, scissors, red and white peppermint candies (unwrapped), red ribbon.

Measure and cut a 4- by 40-inch piece of plastic wrap. Working from the middle of the plastic toward the outer edge, place unwrapped candy 1 inch apart to form a row that measures approximately 18 inches.

Fold plastic around the candy, gently rolling it to create a long strand. Cut ribbon into 3-inch strips and tie between candies. Tie the ends of the plastic wrap together, then snip off excess plastic to create a necklace.

Pop-Up Greeting Items needed: Construction paper, scissors, cardboard, glue gun (low setting), heart-shaped stencil, pencil, February 2017

ruler, markers, stickers, glitter, jewels and other embellishments, envelope.

Fold a piece of construction paper in half and then in half again to create a rectangular card. Cut a 5- by ½-inch strip from cardboard then fold back and forth accordion style to create a “spring” for the pop-up card. Glue one end of the strip to the inside of your card. Use a stencil to trace around and cut out a heart then glue it to the other end of the paper spring. Write a greeting on the front and inside of the card and embellish with stickers, glitter, or jewels. Fold the spring down and place it, along with the attached heart, flat against the inside of the card. Close the card and slip it into an envelope. When your recipient opens the card, the design will pop out. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Family Fun

Westport Hotel and Old Abalone Pub

Let Your Love Shine

9 Local V-Day Adventures

Point Arena Lighthouse

F

WESTPORT If you want to pull out all the stops, on February 11 treat your mate to a wine-paired, five-course dinner and a room with an ocean view at the Westport Hotel and Old Abalone Pub. Toast each other with champagne before you waltz off to the sauna and eventually land in a room festooned with chocolate, flowers, and even more wine. Awake to brunch and return home refreshed. Just dinner is $150; dinner with room and brunch is an additional $250. See westporthotel.us for more information.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Thomas W. S. Birdsell

rom scaling the West Coast’s tallest lighthouse to cozying up at an intimate dinner, these local options will certainly fan the flames of love on the most important date night of the year.

POINT ARENA Enchant your sweetie with a beautiful view of a moonlit Pacific from the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Take him or her to the Full Snow Moon Night Tour at the Point Arena Lighthouse on February 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for two are $50.

The popular event usually sells out, so reserve your space by calling 882-2809, ext. 1, no later than 3:30 p.m. three days before the event. See pointarenalighthouse.com for details.

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

nathan dehart photography

David Neft

UPPER LAKE Oh the luxury of spending an evening out with your parenting partner, eating a candlelit dinner, and listening to local jazz pianist David Neft tickle the ivories. The experience can be yours on February 14, 6–8 p.m., at the Blue Wing Restaurant. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year, the event falls under the restaurant’s weekly “Twenty Dollar Tuesday” special: a three-course dinner for $20 and a glass of wine for $5.

There will also be a more upscale, higher-priced menu available. See tallmanhotel.com for more information.

REDWOOD VALLEY The advent of the digital age and the Internet turned romance upside down, making “It’s Complicated” a socially acceptable relationship status (at least on Facebook). The Lights Out Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons evokes simpler times when stars crooned of teen hearts won and lost. Take in fully choreographed numbers like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” while you bat your eyelashes at the one you love. The concert will be held on February 10 at 8 p.m. at the Coyote Valley Casino. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at lightsoutvocals.com.

Lights Out

WILLITS Treat your honey to a feast and support a good cause at the Willits Rotary Crab Dinner. Dine on all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, and salad while listening to jazz standards played by the Bassics. Maybe you’ll even find a treasure at the live auction. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at Willits Furniture, Tri-Counties Bank, and the Willits Senior Center, or call Ann Alumbaugh at 459-1440 or 841-1315. Proceeds benefit the Willits Senior Center and Willits High School scholarships. Find out more at facebook.com/ Willits-Rotary-Club-426161614137557.

LAKEPORT Twisted Sisters Pub and Grill, the new Lakeport restaurant that serves what it calls “elevated comfort food,” will be turning its banquet area into a romantic, elegant dining room on February 14, 5–9 p.m. The menu was still being finalized at press time, but definitely expect locally sourced food—and chocolate and wine or champagne. Dinner is $50 per couple; call 900-5151 to make a reservation. See twistedsisterspub.com to find out more about the restaurant.

KELSEYVILLE Celebrate Valentine’s Day early at the February 4 Wine and Chocolate fundraiser for the Lake Family Resource Center.

The annual event will feature local wine and chocolate tasting as well as classes, demonstrations, and auctions. The action happens at the Mount Konocti Winery and Event Center, noon–4 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. They may be reserved by calling 279-0563 or e-mailing events@lakefrc.org. See lakefrc.org or facebook.com/wineandchocolatelfrc for more information.

UKIAH If the object of your affection likes theater—and British wit—take him or her to The Importance of Being Earnest. Laugh as the characters in this classic Oscar Wilde farce face the repercussions of pursuing secret romances under the guise of fake identities. The play will be performed by the Ukiah Players at the Ukiah Players Theatre weekends February 9–19 at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $11–$20 (February 9 show is $10) and available at ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

UKIAH Tantalize your mate with culinary delights at Parducci Wines’s Love Uncorked. Listen to music while you sip vino and nibble on velvety chocolate. The event will be held on February 10, 5–9 p.m., at the Parducci Wine Cellars tasting room. Tickets are $5 if purchased on or before February 8 and $10 thereafter.

Go to parducci.com/wines/event-tickets to purchase.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

February Calendar of Events

Citrus Sensation

F

or the town of Cloverdale, oranges are a cause for celebration.

Every year the town hosts its Citrus Fair to showcase these stars of local agriculture. Fairgoers can take in 3-D exhibits of citrus fruits and then go fly through the air on a Ferris wheel, or kick up their heels to the music of local band Court ’n Disaster or a mariachi group.

Other entertainment includes the Cabaret Players, comedy hypnotist Tyzen, and storytellers the Gypsy Time Travelers. Check it all out February 17–20 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Cloverdale. A parade will be held February 18 at 11 a.m. in downtown Cloverdale.

Admission to the fair is $5–$8. (Entertainment may incur a separate fee.) See cloverdalecitrusfair.org for more information. ¶

Wednesday 1 They Came to Washington: The First Ambassadors. Featuring portraits

of diverse Native Americans who came to Washington, DC, to negotiate for tribal rights in the early 19th century. Runs thru March 12. $3–$10. Wednesdays–Saturdays: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sundays: Noon–4:30 p.m. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah.

467-2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Thursday 2 FREE La Leche League.

Breastfeeding support group. Babies are always welcome. 10–11 a.m.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

FREE Stressed Out: Overcoming Stress in the Modern World. Do

you have high levels of stress in your life? Are you tired all the time? Join Dr. Levy as he explains what causes it, how it affects you & why you should

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 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Rural Communities Child Care

keep it under control. Simple tips for living a calmer, happier life. Sponsored

by Frank Howard Memorial Hospital.

7 p.m. Willits Community Center. 111 E. Commercial St., Willits. facebook. com/howardmemorialhospital.

Friday 3 FREE Mother-Wise Clearlake Moms’ Group. Meet other moms & their

little ones. Share the joys & challenges of new motherhood & learn about infant development. Fridays. 10 a.m.

St. John’s Lutheran Church. 14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake. 349-1210. mother-wise.org. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Postpartum Support.

Providing support & local resources to moms suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety & distress. Fridays.

10:30–11:30 a.m. Mendocino Baby.

198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

FREE Prenatal Support. Sharing with other pregnant women is good for mom & baby. Part education, part support group. Fridays. Noon–1 p.m.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

FREE Feed Fort Bragg. Volunteer to help harvest the garden’s bounty & deliver produce to the Fort Bragg Food Bank. Join the fun & learn how to grow your own food. Mondays & Fridays. 9 a.m.–noon. Mendocino Botanical Gardens. 18220 Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. Contact gardener_jaime@ gardenbythesea.org if interested.

America Organization, one of the largest providers of scholarships for young women. 7 p.m. Ukiah High School. 1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. missmendocinocounty.org.

FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop.

You & your child can build a Valentine-themed photo box for

storing snapshots. Children must be present at the store to participate.

9 a.m.–noon. Home Depot. 350 N. Orchard Ave., Ukiah. 462-3009.

Register at homedepot.com/ workshops.

FREE Lantern Festival. In

celebration of the Year of the Rooster.

FREE Grace Hudson Museum.

First Friday of each month no admission fee. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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

FREE Share the Love: A Community Heart Mural. Sponsored by the

Ukiah Valley Friends of the Library.

Participants will be able to make small works of art that, when joined together, will create a mural that will be displayed at the library for the entire month. Live music, pizza & book sale. 5–7:30 p.m. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Start Healthy Dental Habits Early.

Saturday 4 FREE Taylor Observatory. Bring

your own flashlight or use one of our loaners. Due to Lake County clear skies, it can get quite cold at night.

Warm clothing is recommended. $3–$5. 8–11 p.m. Taylor Observatory.

5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville.

262-4121. taylorobservatory.org.

Photo by Charlotte Ballenger

The sooner they start the better— and that's the tooth!

11th Annual Wine & Chocolate Fundraiser. Wine tasting, gourmet

Welcoming kids of all ages.

CHC M

L

T

Miss Mendocino County Scholarship Pageant. $20. The

program is a part of the Miss www.mendolakefamilylife.com

HILLSIDE

T E RS

HEA

foods & chocolates, sensory classes & silent auction. Benefits the programs & services of Lake Family Resource Center. $50–$60. Noon–4 p.m. Mt. Konocti Winery & Event Center. 2550 Big Valley Rd., Kelseyville. 279-0563. lakefrc.org.

(707) 468-1010 333 Laws Ave. Ukiah

H CEN

LAKEVIEW

(707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

LITTLE LAKE

(707) 456-9600 45 Hazel St. Willits

MEDI-CAL AND PARTNERSHIP HEALTH PLAN WELCOME

mchcinc.org

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

Hosted by the Developing Virtue Boys School from the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Traditional Chinese food, music & dance: Lion Dance, Dragon Dance & drumming. 2–4 p.m.

Downtown Ukiah. ukiahchamber.com.

FREE RAWR! RAWR is reading, art

& writing for teens. Saturdays. 3–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

FREE Computer Coding Class for Kids. Computer coding classes in

Scratch for kids in grades 4–8. In Storytelling, students use computer science to tell fun & interactive stories. Preregistration is required & space is limited. Saturdays. 10–11 a.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 463-4490. shirakoa@ co.mendocino.ca.us.

FREE A Queen of Hearts Party. We will be making valentines, playing

125TH ANNUAL

games, watching a puppet play, listening to stories & eating sweet treats. Sponsored by the Ukiah Valley Friends of the Library & River Oak Charter School. 10–11 a.m. Ukiah Library. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah.

467-6434. co.mendocino.ca/library.

FREE Bald Eagle Hikes. The Bureau of Land Management will host guided hikes to look for wintering bald eagles in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Saturdays.

Thru Feb. 18. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Redbud Trailhead parking area, 8 miles east of Clearlake Oaks Hwy. 20. Reservations requested: 468-4000.

FREE Ancient Secrets of Essential Oils. Part two of two-part series.

Experience essential oils from an AromaDome. 2–3 p.m. Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport.

263-8817. co.lake.ca.us.

CITRUS EXHIBITS ARTS & CRAFTS FARM ANIMALS CARNIVAL CHEFS’ DEMOS QUEEN PAGEANT

WINE TASTING SAT. & SUN. 1-5 pm

HYPNOTIST TYZEN MARK & DRE COMEDY GYPSY TIME TRAVELERS

FEBRUARY 17-20

MONDAY FREE KIDS’ DAY 12 & UNDER FREE!

Cloverdale Fairgrounds Pay One Price Daily for Unlimited www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Carnival Rides ~ $23/Pre-Sale

Sunday 5 FREE Movies & Games in Caspar.

Double feature showing on the big screen. Bring beach chair or beanbag & blankets. Family friendly. Snacks, beer & wine available for purchase.

Proceeds will help continue this event.

4:30–9:30 p.m. Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar.

964-4997. casparcommons.org.

Tuesday 7 FREE Mother-Wise Lakeport Moms’ Group. Meet other

moms & their little ones. Share the joys & challenges of new motherhood & learn about infant development. Tuesdays. 1–3 p.m. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. 349-1210. mother-wise.org. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

FREE Karate Classes. Sponsored

by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL). $10 annual insurance/registration fee (can be waived in the best interest of the child). Enrollment continuous.

Tuesdays. Ages 8 & up: 6–7:30 p.m. Advance training: 7:30–8:30 p.m. Ukiah High School. 1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. facebook.com/ mendocinocountysheriffsyouth activitiesleague.

FREE Boxing Classes. Sponsored

by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL). $10 annual insurance/registration fee (can be waived in the best interest of the child). Gym membership not required. Sign up for program at time of class or at gym on weekdays.

Enrollment continuous. Boxing.

Ages 5 & up. Tuesdays & Thursdays.

7–8 p.m. Redwood Health Club. 3101 S. State St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ mendocinocountysheriffsyouth activitiesleague.

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Thursday 9 FREE Coast Moms’ Group.

Interested in meeting other new & expecting moms? Bring your lunch & spend time with other moms & babies.

12:30–2 p.m. Mendocino Coast Clinic.

West Entrance. 205 South St., Fort Bragg. 964-1251.

FREE Scholarship Workshop 101: Get a Jump Start. Noon–1 p.m. Feb.

28: 5:30 p.m. Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College. 15880 Dam Rd. Ext., Clearlake. 995-7900.

Friday 10 Love Uncorked. Five stations feature different wine & chocolate pairings. $5 thru Feb. 8. $10 after Feb. 8. 5–9 p.m.

Parducci. 501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah.

463-5357. parducci.com.

Hearts for the Arts. Singer-songwriter Dan Franklin walks the audience thru his journey from Ukiah High School to stardom. School choirs & student soloists will also perform. $5–$15. 7–10 p.m. Ukiah High School. 1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. ukiahchamber.com.

Saturday 11 FREE International Cesarean Awareness Network. Offering

support for women who’ve had a cesarean birth. 11 a.m.–noon.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

Flea Market & Breakfast. Hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Flea market: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Breakfast: 8–11 a.m. $5. Corner of Seminary & Oak Streets, Ukiah. visitukiah.com.

Cupid Shuffle Walk. 1-mile walk on

Rail Trail. 10 a.m. Starts at the corner of Clara & Mason Streets, Ukiah.

391-3664. visitukiah.com.

projects & designing new teen space, planning events & recommending books. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Network. Live country-rock music, gourmet dinner & auctions. 5:30–10:30 p.m. Ukiah Conference Center.

200 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1932. newmcavhn.org.

FREE Teen Leadership Council.

19th Annual Community Awards.

Want to make a difference in your community? Teens will gain valued skills & experience helping with

Lake County Chamber honors community luminaries. Reception: 5 p.m. Seating: 6 p.m. $20. Soper Reese

Kelseyville’s 15th Annual

Father-Daughter Dance!

Saturday February 18th Kelseyville Presbyterian Church

Two Dance Sessions!

Early Dance 5:30-7:30 pm Photos start at 4:30 pm

5x7 photo & red carnation for each girl Dance suitable for girls 3 to 18

Late Dance 8-10 pm Photos start at 7:30 pm TICKETS AT

Studebakers Coffee 3990 Main Street, Kelseyville, 279-8871 Flowers By Jackie 108 S Main Street, Lakeport, 263-3326

For more information call 279-4415

East/South Lake’s 5th Annual

Father-Daughter Dance!

Sunday February 19th Clearlake Masonic Lodge

Dance 7-9 pm

Dance suitable for girls 3 to 18

Photos start at 6:30 pm TICKETS AT

Clearlake Paper Supply 14935 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, 995-2071 Lower Lake Coffee Co. 16199 Main Street, Lower Lake, 995-2558

For more information call 279-4415

5x7 photo & red carnation for each girl

30th Annual Event of the Heart.

This is the largest fundraiser for Mendocino AIDS/Viral Hepatitis www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Order by Phone: 279-4415 February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com. Tickets can be only purchased at Lake County Chamber: 263-5092.

FREE Anderson Marsh Nature Walk. Led by Lisa Wilson. 8:30 a.m.

Anderson Ranch Pkwy., Lower Lake.

995-2658. andersonmarsh.org/nature_ walks.html.

Sunday 12 Kelseyville Lions Club Benefit Breakfast. This fundraiser is very

important for the Lake County Sheriff’s Activities League. $8. 8–11 a.m. Kelseyville Lions Club. 4335 Sylar Ln., Kelseyville. facebook.com/ lcsheriffsactivitiesleague.

Redwood Empire Lions Club Prawns & BBQ Tri-Tip Feast. Tri-tip,

beans, spaghetti, Caesar salad & garlic bread. Dollar & live auctions.

Proceeds to benefit local community. $20–$40. 12:30–2:30 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. Carl Purdy Hall. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. events. ticketprinting.com/event/21233.

FREE Poetry Out Loud. Featuring competitors from high schools throughout Lake County. 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

SonoMusette. Parisian music concert

featuring songs of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel & Django Reinhardt. $15. 2 p.m.

n the Chinese tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year, January 28 marked the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. To celebrate, the Developing Virtue Boys School from the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas will host its annual Lantern Festival on February 4, 2­–4 p.m., on Main Street in Ukiah. See a performance of the colorful, popular Lion Dance as well as the Dragon Dance and drumming. The day will also feature Chinese music and food. For more information, see facebook.com/ events/1799231977012219. If you are out on the coast, you can party at the Children’s Chinese New Year’s Celebration and Parade in Mendocino on February 16. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the corners of Ukiah and Lansing Streets and will march to the Temple of Kwan Tai. The festivities continue on February 18 with a special banquet at Crown Hall, 6:30–8 p.m., for which tickets are $40. Call 937-5123 to purchase.

See mendocinocoast.com for more information about both events. ¶

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Wednesday 15 FREE Bike Kitchen. Learn to fix your own bike—adjust brakes & gears, patch tubes & more. Drop-in.

Under 18 (parents must sign in for child): Free. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Adults: $11/hr. $17 for both hours. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Trailer behind CV Starr Center.

300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg. mendocoastrec.org.

Thursday 16 FREE Breastfeeding Support Group.

Focuses on breastfeeding techniques, benefits & emotional support. 5:30 p.m.

Mendocino Baby. 198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

FREE Children’s Chinese New Year’s Celebration Parade. Begins

The New Year Says Cock-a-doodle-doo!

I

Willits Community Theatre. 37 W. Van Ln., Willits. brownpapertickets. com/event/2793309.

at the corners of Ukiah & Lansing Streets in Mendocino & marches to the Temple of Kwan Tai. 10:30 a.m.

937-5123. mendocinocoast.com.

Friday 17 Valentine’s Dance. Reggae-inspired

music by the Higher Logic Project. 7–10 p.m. Middletown Art Center. 21456 State Hwy. 175, Middletown. facebook.com/ events/1805881686339341.

Saturday 18 FREE Meet Your Birth Team. Meet & learn from local doulas & midwives.

11 a.m.–noon. Mendocino Baby.

198 S. School St., Ukiah. 462-1020. mendobaby.com.

Adult Prom. Relive

(or remake) your high school years. Bring a date or come stag. Live music by the Fargo Brothers. $25–$50. 8–11 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 410 Martin St.,

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lakeport. lakecounty theatrecompany.org.

Sunday 19 Contemporary Chamber Series.

15th Annual Father-Daughter Dance. A family-fun event for

Lake County girls ages 3–18.

Chaperones include fathers, grandfathers, older brothers, uncles, or positive role models. $25/pair. $5 additional daughter.

Two dance sessions: 5:30–7:30 p.m. & 8–10 p.m. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church. 5340 3rd St., Kelseyville. facebook.com/ kelseyville-father-daughter-dance.

Chinese New Year’s Fundraiser.

Special banquet, silent auction & no-host bar. Seating limited. $40.

6:30–8 p.m. Crown Hall. 45285 Ukiah St., Mendocino. 937-5123. mendocinocoast.com.

Classical & modern pieces will include quintets & trios in various combinations of strings, piano & clarinet. $15–$20. Ages 18 & under free. 3 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Father-Daughter Dance. For girls ages 3–18. 7–9 p.m. Photos start at 6:30 p.m. $25/pair. $5 each additional daughter. (Includes photo & red carnation for each girl.) Clearlake Masonic Lodge. 7100 S. Center Dr., Clearlake. 279-4415.

Monday 20 FREE National Park Service.

Entrance fees will be waived at national parks on President’s Day.

7 a.m.–dusk. Find a park near you: nps.gov/findapark.

Beatles vs. Rolling Stones.

Nationally known Beatles & Stones tribute bands engage in a musical battle of hits. (Dance floor will NOT be open.) $30. Get your tickets soon, as this event sells out quickly.

7:30 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Tuesday 21 FREE Lunch & Learn Series: Gut Health. Ukiah Valley Medical Center

(UVMC)/Co-op Partnership Class.

With dietitian Tiera Pack Lawyer. Find out how to strengthen your immunity by keeping your gut healthy with the right foods. Noon–1 p.m. UVMC. 275 Hospital Rd., Ukiah. RSVP: 462-4778. ukiahcoop.com.

School Offices Open for Enrollment August 6 Now Accepting K-12 Registration

Ukiah Independent Study Academy Serving K-12

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

Join Us for Open Houses this Spring!

Parents Count

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

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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

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).

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

February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Wednesday 22 FREE Harry Potter Book Night.

Witches & wizards of all ages are invited to attend. Step onto Platform 9 3⁄4 , just through the brick wall & enter A Night of Spells. Cosplay is encouraged. 4:30–7 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. To sign up, reply by owl, call 463-4490, or e-mail: carrm@co.mendocino.ca.us.

Friday 24 FREE Ooey-Gooey STEM. Kids are invited to make heat sensitive color-changing slime. For young designers ages 7–11. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 3–4:30 p.m. Ukiah Library.

105 N. Main St., Ukiah. 467-6434. mendolibrary.org.

Saturday 25 St. Mary’s Mardi Gras Grown-Up Fun. Dinner, dance, auction &

gaming. 5:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. Tickets & info: 462-3888. stmarysukiah.org.

Barrels & Verticals. Thirteen

participating wineries will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of wine aging, including wine samples out of the barrel, educational demonstrations, vertical flights & much more. $20–$25. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. eventbrite. com/e/lake-county-barrels-verticalstickets-31141135976.

The Johnny Young Band plays the Event of the Heart in Ukiah.

FREE Lake County Fire Stories: A Documentary. This first-ever

public viewing records the individual experiences of those who fought & survived the Rocky, Jerusalem, Valley & Clayton Fires. Seating is limited.

2 p.m. Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

263-4555.

FREE Mardi Gras Parade. Parade goes up 3rd St. & then south on Main St. to end at Soper Reese Theatre. 5:30 p.m. Meet at Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport.

263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Mardi Gras Carnival. Gator Nation

plays Zydeco & Cajun music. Student music groups also perform. Silent auction & raffle items. Cajun & Caribbean snacks for purchase. Dance floor will be open. $15–$30. Benefits the Camp Fame music enrichment program. 6 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Sunday 26 St. Mary’s School Mardi Gras.

Family fun New Orleans style.

Carnival, auctions & food. A benefit for St. Mary’s School. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds.

1055 N. State St., Ukiah. 462-3888. stmarysukiah.org.

Eat, Drink & Do Good

A

diagnosis of HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C can be devastating. The Mendocino AIDS/Viral Hepatitis Network aims to soften the blow with services to help patients, and also works to make sure these life-threatening diseases don’t spread. You can support the organization’s efforts by attending the 30th Annual Event of the Heart. Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Ellery Clark Catering, dance to the rockin’ country sounds of the Johnny Young Band, and bid on a variety of items in live and silent auctions. The soiree will be held on February 11, 5:30–10:30 p.m., at the Ukiah Conference Center in Ukiah. Tickets are $85 and may be purchased at newmcavhn.org/evoh_reserve_tickets.htm. ¶

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

FREE A Plastic Ocean. A new feature-length adventure documentary, brings to light the consequences of our global disposable lifestyle. Opening commentary by Jim Steele, local marine biologist & educator.

Donations accepted. 3 p.m.

Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

February 2017 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

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

707-462-0913 Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

• Ukiah Child a ✓ 1/2-day & full-day classroomstreeoflifeschool@pacific.net for North Ukiah - Bush St. www.treeoflifeschool.net ages 18 months to 5 years Nokomis - Washington Ave. Head South Ukiah - S. State St. ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. Start! ✓ Children with disabilities welcome • Willits

E

ven though it’s been more than a year and a half since unprecedentedly powerful wildfires scourged Lake County, the land and the people are still trying to recover. Survivors have found that finding out about others’ experiences can be part of the healing process. The documentary Lake County Fire Stories shares the tales of those who fought and survived the Rocky, Jerusalem, Valley, and Clayton fires. The free, first-ever public viewing of the 25-minute film will be held on February 25 at 2 p.m. at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake.

Call 263-4555 for more information. ¶

A Night at the Movies

F

ilm ticket prices keep going up and up, so a free flick is a welcome find. At the Caspar Community Center Movie  and Game Night, you can see not one but two films for no cost. The double feature will show on a big screen in one room, while tables of games will be set up in another room. If you plan to see the movies, bring a beach or beanbag chair and blankets. Snacks and beer and wine will be available for purchase. The event will be held on February 5, 4:30–9:30 p.m., at the center in Caspar. For further details, call 964-4997 or e-mail events@ casparcommons.org. ¶

✓ Referrals for transportation available Free & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

Also providing FREE in-home services for infants, toddlers & pregnant women!

Head Start Child Development Program

C E N T E R S

Walking through Flames

Near Brookside School at Spruce St. & Lincoln Way

• Lake County Upper Lake - 2nd Street Upper Lake - Clover Valley Lakeport - Howard Ave. Clearlake - Pearl Ave. Clearlake - Meadowbrook Dr.

La Vida

www.ncoinc.org Head Start (707) 462-2582 Program License #230111843 Child Development • Coast Charter School

Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. • Free K-12 Public Charter

Get Mom’s Attention!

YOUR AD HERE Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

• 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



Call today!

(707) 463-7080

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February 2017

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

Wild Child 12 Signs Your Kids Have Gone Feral

By Holly Hester

W

hen I pictured my future children, they always looked like they belonged in a Hanna Andersson catalog—perfect hair, matching pajamas, not a speck of dirt on them. But the more kids I had, the more unruly they seemed to get, banding together with a wild look in their eyes. Sure, I tried to keep my “catalog children” dream alive, but at some point I realized it was hopeless.

My children had turned feral.

Here’s what to look for if you’re worried that the same thing might be happening to your kids: 1. A “Lord of the Flies” hairstyle.

When you hold feral children down long enough to brush their hair, you find things like string, play dough, food, oatmeal, and sometimes other siblings trapped in it.

2. Spoons and forks are only used for drumming, never eating. Why even have hands if you’re not going to use them to grab a fistful of yogurt?

3. When you set up a humane trap in the living room to catch a feral child, the only thing you get is the neighbor’s cat.

4. All furniture is considered a mountainous region that needs to be conquered. This includes not only the furniture in your own house, but the furniture in doctors’ offices, nice furniture at furniture stores, and the 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

furniture at the house of your friend who doesn’t have children and swears once you leave that her future children will never be like your feral children.

(Fortunately they will, and you will have the last laugh.)

5. When food falls on the ground, the feral child does not have a three-second rule. It’s more like a

Crawling under a bathroom stall is the obvious best choice for leaving a public bathroom. Duh. two-week rule, a two-month rule, or a “What? But Mom, I already ate it” rule.

6. Bathtubs and showers are used as good hiding spots for hide-and-seek or places to race matchbox cars, and that’s it—they’re never for bathing.

Feral children also know bathtubs as the place where Mommy goes to cry.

7. Fingernail dirt is a sign that you’re a feral child “elder.” Clipping the nails of feral children should always be approached with caution and possibly the use of a tranquilizer gun.

8. Crawling under a bathroom stall is the obvious best choice for leaving a public bathroom. Duh. 9. Feral children know the only purpose of anti-bacterial hand soap is to squirt as much of it into your hand

as possible and then chase another feral child around with it.

10. Clothing is optional for feral children. How can you cover yourself with temporary tattoos if you’re wearing clothes? Plus, in general, underwear is for losers. Fancy occasions only require a cape and possibly a wand.

11. Feral children are good at running while eating because they are always prepared for the possibility that someone might try to grab them and clean them. A feral child can run while eating a bowl of cereal, climb while drinking a smoothie, and eat handfuls of candy while sliding under a bed.

12. Overpopulation. Your feral child will undoubtedly attract other feral children and soon your yard will be crawling with packs of them. If you feed them, they will never leave.

The good news is that feral children can still be loving members of your household. They are easy-going and fun, and their filthy, sticky hugs are just wonderful.

Plus, even better than catalog children, feral children are great at catching rats.

Enjoy your feral child! ¶ Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

February 2017 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories mendo lake

FRE E!

February 2017

Shiny & Bright Kids at the dentist

Presch10otipos l Prep for success

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to primary and specialty care where you live!

Wherever you live in Mendocino and surrounding counties, you are never too far from an Adventist Health primary care or specialty doctor. Through these services you’ll 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

Mendocino Family Care Family Medicine 115 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.1900

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 Cosmetic Surgery 246 Hospital Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 707.463.8011 Ear, Nose, and Throat 1165 S. Dora St., Ste. C-2 Ukiah, CA 95482 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

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