Mendo Lake Family Life February 2020

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February 2020

Camp Is Cool 7 reasons why

Couple Time V-Day play

Family Hiking

4 great spots

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February 2020

Every Issue

10 Features 10 Big Trails Love Little Feet Discover the joys of winter hiking.

12 Why Camp Is Cool How summer programs help kids learn and grow.

14 Dental Drama How to handle tooth-related mishaps and emergencies.

16 Nurture Your Marriage

6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Lobster Love The Comedy Cure Put on Your Party Dress Young Poets Shine Glimpse Feathered Friends Good Times for Good Causes Learn to Draw

20 Family Fun

22

V-Day Adventures

22 Calendar of Events Celebrate the Chinese New Year

28 Cooking with Kids Sweet & Sugar-Free

30 Humor Break Catch Some Couple Time

Practical steps for creating a healthy partnership.

18 Talk to Kids About Crushes Guiding children in matters of the heart.

8 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

28 February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Dear Reader

F

ebruary is the month we celebrate love in all its many forms, but particularly the romantic kind.

After all, before you Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor were parents you Sharon@family-life.us were lovers, and it’s important to nurture your relationship to keep your family strong. Valentine’s Day is an opportune time to do just that. If you need ideas for how to spend February 14, turn to “V-Day Adventures” (page 20) for local entertainment; and find even more activities in our Calendar of Events (page 22).

If you are looking for ways to spend time together as a family, consider hiking. With the winter season’s kelly-green grass and some flowers

even blooming, local trails are beautiful places to connect to each other. Turn to “Big Trails Love Little Feet” (page 10) for tips on hiking with little ones and also a few ideas for area parks to visit.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Besides in nature, another place to bond is in the kitchen. Yummy treats are always a hit with kids, and Bake to Be Fit’s Sarah Lynn is passionate about making them as nutritious as possible. See her “Sweet & Sugar Free” (page 28) to learn how to make “brookies”—a brownie wed with a cookie.

However you spend your February, we hope you share special time with people you love.

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

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Good attendance habits will help your kids succeed in school–and in life. Making sure your kids don’t miss school dramatically increases their chance of graduating from high school.

Contributing Writers Mary Ann Blair Kimberly Blaker Malia Jacobson Sarah Lynn Pam Moore Jill Morgenstern Paige Wolf

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

uusd.net 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

KEEP YOUR KIDS IN SCHOOL.

attendanceworks.org February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Bits & Pieces

Lobster Love

M

ixing teens with alcohol and drugs can have disastrous results. So the Clear Lake High School (CLHS) Grad Sober Night encourages youth to celebrate their departure from high school without mind-altering substances. And the CLHS Sober Grad Crab Feed aims to raise money for that drug-free celebration. Featuring everyone’s favorite crustacean as well as live and silent auctions, a no-host bar, and dessert auction items, the event will be held on February 22 at 6 p.m. at Little Theatre at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. Tickets are $50. ¶

Eric Blake

The Comedy Cure

I

t is notoriously difficult for school arts programs to obtain funding. But the Ukiah High School arts programs are fighting back—with humor. For one night, the Laughter for the Arts show will turn the school’s cafeteria into a comedy club. And the spotlight will be on Eric Blake, a San Francisco comedian who has appeared on BET!, Showtime, HBO, and Comedy Central. Opening for Blake will be veteran San Francisco improv comedian Gina Stahl-Haven; and recently retired sheriff Tom Allman will serve as emcee. The laughs go down on February 29 at 7 p.m. at the high school in Ukiah. Tickets are $20 and available via eventbrite. com (search on “Laughter for the Arts”). ¶

Put on Your Party Dress

T

he Lake County Fair is a local institution. And it continues in part because of the efforts of the Lake County Fair Foundation. The nonprofit organization tends to the fairgrounds, creates and expands the fair’s education programs, and helps with marketing, too. To raise funds for its work, the foundation is holding the Wrangler Roundup Dinner and Dance on February 8, 6–10 p.m., at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. The evening will feature a smoked tri-tip dinner, DJ’d country and rock ’n roll music, a live auction, and a dessert auction. Tickets are $50 for individuals or $90 for a couple and may be purchased at lakecountyfairfoundation.com. ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Poetry Out Loud

Young Poets Shine

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riting poetry can help teens give voice to their fears, hopes, and dreams. And the national Poetry Out Loud competitions give young poets a chance to share their work, for all to hear. Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport will be hosting a local Poetry Out Loud event on February 9 at 2 p.m. Winners will advance to state, and ultimately national, competitions. The event is free. See soperreesetheatre. com for more information. ¶

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Glimpse Feathered Friends

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inter’s bare branches invite bird watching. So birders Henry Bornstein and Lisa Wilson are leading a free hike at Anderson Marsh State Park in Lower Lake with the hopes of catching sight of the park’s many feathered residents: great blue herons and great egrets as well as white pelicans, hawks, diving ducks, and grebes. The guided walk will be held on February 8 at 8:15 a.m. The trail route and length will be dependent on trail conditions, but will last about an hour and a half to two hours.

Bring binoculars. Following the hike will be a tour of the park’s historic ranch house. If it’s raining, the walk will be canceled and the house tour will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more winter hiking ideas, see “Big Trails Love Little Feet” on page 10. ¶

Good Times for Good Causes

M

ost people think of Mardi Gras as a time of serious partying. And thanks to local fundraisers, its indulgences can also benefit good causes. For instance, proceeds from the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church Mardi Gras Celebration will go toward repairing the school’s roof. The revelry will include cocktails, dinner, gaming, and dancing with DJ Larry Thompson, as well as live and silent auctions. The good times happen on February 22, 5:30 p.m.–midnight, at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah. Tickets are $60.

Lest children feel left out of the adult-only evening, there is a kids’ carnival planned for February 23, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., also at the fairgrounds. General admission is free; tickets for rides may be purchased. Meanwhile, the Children’s Museum of Art and Science Mardi Gras fundraiser will include a kids’ music parade, games, costume and mask contests, dinner, and live music. The event will be held on February 22, 4–8 p.m., at the American Legion Hall in Clearlake. See facebook.com/ cmaslakecounty to purchase tickets, which are $25; ages 11 and younger get in free with one paid adult ticket. ¶

DJ Larry Thompson

Drawing People and Animals class

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Learn to Draw

D

oodling is a pastime for young and old alike. Some kids want to turn their doodles into actual drawings. And for them, there is the Drawing People and Animals class. Taught by Emma Wakefield, the class is open to aspiring artists ages 7–17. It will be held Wednesdays, February 5–26, at the Middletown Art Center in Middletown.

The four-session series is $80, or a drop-in class is $25. For more information, see middletownartcenter.org. ¶

February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

download an audio recorder on your phone and carry it on your hike to record some of the sounds you hear.

Search the Internet, encyclopedias, and books to discover the makers of calls you can’t decipher.

Tree Tales Borrow some library books that describe the unique features of trees and their history. Use

Big Trails Love Little Feet Winter Family Hiking Tips

By Kimberly Blaker

W

hat better way to spend quality time with your family and get in touch with nature than a fresh, invigorating walk in the woods, along a river, or on a beach? What’s more, family hikes make for fun learning opportunities for kids and parents alike. So try some of these hiking activities with your youngsters.

Rock Hound Go on an excursion to learn about rocks and minerals.

Learn which rocks and minerals are abundant in the area, and have each family member choose several to scout for. Take along a small plastic container with dividers, a descriptive rock and mineral guide, and a magnifying glass for viewing the colors, layers, and details.

10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Aural Exploration Wander through a forest and listen carefully for a variety of bird and animal sounds.

Before you go, visit your library for a DVD or audio CD of birds and wild animal calls. (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website and app are great resources when it comes to identifying birds and birdsong.

See birds.cornell.edu/home.) Then

Learn which rocks and minerals are abundant in the area, and have each family member choose several to scout for. clues such as the shape of the leaves, texture of bark, and size of the trunk to identify the kind of tree.

Four-Legged and Feathered Friends Look for chipmunks and squirrels playing chase or gathering food; birds of prey circling overhead; or grazing rabbits and deer. Talk about what the animals eat, their shelters, and species they are related to. Also, keep eyes peeled for animal tracks to identify and determine how recently they were made.

Creepy-Crawlies Carry an insect book, clear container, tweezers, and a magnifying glass for close examination of insects’ fascinating features. Bring a journal and track the types of insects you find.

Beginner Botany Review some books on plants to spark your children’s interest. On each hiking trip, choose a different trail or area and see what plants grow in certain types of soil, climates, and in each season. As you inspect plants, look for their seeds, and notice the variations.

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Talk about how seeds travel via the wind or the fur of animals. Carefully brush away the ground cover and look for seeds that have sprouted their roots. Learn how individual plants have evolved natural defenses that protect against creatures that would otherwise devour them.

The Smart Daypack Carry a small daypack, extra clothing, and don’t forget hiking boots. Also bring along hats, sunglasses, sunblock, and insect repellant. When hiking off trails, use safety precautions to protect against tripping, getting lost, or other

Tykes on the Trail When hiking with children, keep these suggestions in mind: 1. Allow small legs plenty of time for breaks and know your child’s limitations. 2. Be familiar with potential dangers in the area; teach your children trail and animal safety. 3.

Before you set out, let your kids know that there may be rules against taking their nature finds home. ¶ Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer and founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an Internet marketing agency. See kbcreativedigital.com.

Lake County Clearlake Redbud Trail For older kids, try this 5.4-mile loop, which starts off in meadows and then heads up to views of forested hills before descending to Cache Creek.

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Kelseyville Clear Lake State Park This park features three short trails that are just right for little legs.

The .5-mile Kelsey Creek Trail is mostly level while the 2.2-mile Dorn Nature Trail loop offers more hills and views of Clear Lake. Meanwhile, the .4-mile Indian Nature Trail takes hikers through meadows.

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hazards, such as ticks and poison oak.

Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a small flashlight and batteries, watch, map, bandages, and don’t forget plenty of water and snacks. Finally, to make the most of your nature quest carry binoculars, a magnifying glass, and a small camera.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

©P N

Borrow some library books that describe the unique features of trees and their history.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

www.flySTS.com

parks.ca.gov/?page_id=473

Mendocino County Little River Van Damme State Park For a short trek through an out-of-theordinary landscape, check out the .25-mile Pygmy Forest Trail and check out bonsai trees that grow in a bog-like environment. For an extended experience, continue on through the lushly vegetated Fern Canyon Trail, for a total hike of 4.5 miles. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433 Ukiah Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve The 1.8-mile forested Montgomery Grove Trail winds through redwoods, with a bridge granting passage over a creek. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=434 For more information about Lake County trails, go to konoctitrails. com/kids; for Mendocino County trails, see alltrails.com/us/ california/mendocino/kids.

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endless at camp, and your child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun.

Camps are a safe place to practice social skills. It might be awkward or uncomfortable

No matter how old your child is, she or he could probably benefit from a screen hiatus.

Why Camp 7 Reasons to Send Kids Is Cool to a Summer Program

By Mary Ann Blair

S

ummer is not as far away as you think. It’s not too early to start thinking about sending your kids to camp. If you have never sent your kids to a summer program, here are seven reasons why you should consider it.

With so many options, it’s easy to find a good fit for your child. From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests.

The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations such as the YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H offer a wide 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well suited for your child. In April, Family Life will publish its annual Camp Guide and hold a camp fair (see page 27), each of which may simplify the search.

Camps provide kids with experiences they might not normally have access to.

Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival.

Conquering a ropes course. Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are

for your child during those first few hours of camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging.

But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and camps are great places to practice. Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise.

Camps give kids a muchneeded technology break.

No matter how old your child is, she or he could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships are good for the body and soul.

Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too. Driving away from your child on the first day might be a little gut wrenching.

But entrusting her or him to someone else for a while can be truly

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care or give you and your partner opportunities to reconnect. Maybe it will provide a chance to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself. Chances are, your kid is having a blast without you.

Campers turn into camp counselors—a cool summer job. Camps counselors provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to

Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise. help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and leadership skills.

Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What a terrific way to spend a summer.

Camp is just plain fun. So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it.

And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp. ¶ Mary Ann Blair, a mom of two boisterous boys, chronicles her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Celebrating YEARS as the #1 resource for local families

magazine • web • email • events February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

and your little one may get to be the first of his or her pals to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Elementary Years (Ages 6–12) Knockout

Dental Drama How to Handle Pediatric Tooth Troubles

By Malia Jacobson

K

eeping kids’ smiles healthy takes more than regular dental checkups (which should begin around 18 months) and brushing twice daily. In addition to the normal loss of baby teeth and a cavity or two, many children will experience some type of tooth-related trauma, like a chipped tooth or one that suddenly turns grey, at some point. While childhood dental dramas are common, experts warn against ignoring them because problems with baby teeth can affect developing permanent teeth. Read on for help with dental problems, from minor mishaps to true emergencies, to keep baby teeth beaming and big-kid grins gleaming.

Early Years (Ages 0–5)

Shades of Grey

Many parents are dismayed to discover that one of their toddler’s pearly whites isn’t white at all—think grey or light brown. A tooth that suddenly darkens is fairly common: Because baby teeth have shallower roots than permanent teeth, they can die with even a slight bump, causing them to lose their white luster. Dentists generally advise a “wait and see” approach to a greying baby tooth because it’s usually just 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

an aesthetic issue; dying baby teeth sometimes heal, and a dead baby tooth may not create any further problems or harm adult teeth, says pediatric dentist Sabrina Magid Katz, DMD. A greying baby tooth may become infected, which sometimes causes a tiny pustule on the gums above the tooth; a dentist can extract it and help treat the underlying infection. If the tooth has to go, take heart—it won’t affect spacing of the permanent teeth,

During the school years, kids lose most of their baby teeth and learn to care for their new adult choppers. And because children are so active during this stage, it’s not uncommon to knock out a tooth—ouch. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency that warrants a call to your dentist.

Dentists advise keeping the tooth

A greying baby tooth may become infected. damp so it doesn’t dry out; if possible, have the child hold it in place with a finger. If the tooth is a permanent one, your dentist may be able to restore it in its original position. But knocked-out baby teeth aren’t re-implanted, as that can damage the adult teeth underneath.

Another common dental dilemma: Permanent teeth coming in before baby teeth fall out, resulting in multiple “rows” of teeth. This can look odd, but it’s not a big deal, says Katz; the tongue will push the permanent teeth into alignment once the baby teeth fall out. Encourage your child to keep wiggling the baby teeth; if one is particularly stubborn, your dentist can help coax it out.

Teen Years (Ages 13–18) Chip Off the Old Block

Chomping ice, using teeth to open a bottle, or playing sports can lead to chipped teeth. While minor chips are mostly an aesthetic issue, a larger chip can expose nerve endings that make a tooth extremely temperature-sensitive

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

and very painful, says Katz. If your child chips a tooth, try to locate the missing piece, put it in water, and call your dentist right away. A severe break may qualify as an emergency, while more minor chips can probably wait until the next business day.

If the broken piece can’t be found, your dentist can create a composite filling to restore the tooth. A composite can look natural and last for years, though your child may need to replace it at some point in her or his lifetime. To avoid chips, have

mendo lake

teens wear mouthguards for sports.

Also advise them to never use teeth as “tools”—and always model healthy dental habits by refraining from this practice yourself. ¶ Malia Jacobson is a health and family journalist.

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FIRST-CLASS MAIL

on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It doesn’t matter if you take the time to work out, write, or sleep. If it’s your day, you do what you want and no diaper is going to get in your way. It is so much easier to have this default schedule than to have to negotiate the early morning time slot on a daily basis.

Nurture Your 5 Simple Marriage Strategies

By Pam Moore

A

newly wed friend and her husband came over for brunch recently. I asked them what the rest of their day entailed.

“We’re not sure,” she said. “Maybe we’ll walk around and do some shopping downtown?”

“I could go for a nap,” he said.

My husband and I stared at them, in awe. It was as if they told us they might take a rocket ship to the moon.

They had time to do whatever they wanted. They could even be doing different things at the same time.

And it didn’t require any forethought, planning, or communication.

I really hope I didn’t say “Enjoy it while you can” out loud.

I find one of the greatest challenges of being a mom of a baby and a toddler is juggling my roles as mom, 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

wife, and me. The precious hours I have to myself each week are few and sometimes unpredictable. My husband and I both realize, though, that we aren’t much good to anyone—ourselves, our kids, or each other—when our own needs haven’t been met.

My husband and I are still working out how to best manage all of the competing demands on our time. Here are some strategies that help us get our needs met, both within the marriage, and outside of it.

Have a standing schedule. For example, on Monday and Wednesdays between 5:45 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., I manage the kids while my husband does his thing. The roles are reversed

Use a shared online calendar.

Before we had kids, the only time my husband and I considered each other’s schedules was when we wanted to do something together. When our first

Babysitters are great resources for date nights—whether you’re on a date with your sweetie or with yourself. child was born, we had to check with each other about virtually everything, to ensure someone was home with the baby. It’s much easier to manage our lives now that we have synched our calendars on Google.

Plan dates. Maybe you reserve Saturday nights for each other, and twice a month you hire a sitter and twice a month you do something fun at home. Whatever your system, find a way to carve out time together to do something you both enjoy, or that one of you enjoys (seriously!). Without a plan, it’s too easy to get distracted by piles of laundry or the blog post you’ve been meaning to write. That stuff may feel urgent (ok, not Facebook), but it’s not nearly as important as nurturing your marriage.

Use babysitters. If you don’t have family nearby, or someone else that you trust, be open to meeting someone

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

new. I met one of our best babysitters at a restaurant. You can also check in with the employment office at a local college, or ask local preschools if they have teachers seeking extra hours. If you can’t afford a sitter, be creative.

It’s much easier to manage our lives now that we have synched our calendars on Google.

Consider trading babysitting hours with a friend or a neighbor. Maybe you have a skill that you could trade for childcare. Join a babysitting co-op, or start one. Use the childcare services at your gym, if you belong to one.

Babysitters are great resources for date nights—whether you’re on a date with

your sweetie or with yourself. There will be times when both partners simultaneously need some “me time.”

It’s ok to use a sitter for those times.

that’s ok. Being a parent, a good partner, and maintaining your identity means stripping down your hobbies

Adjust your expectations. You’re not going to have the life you had before. That’s ok. You can still be you, but things are going to have to change. For example, I used to love to go to the gym, enjoy the hot tub, and take a leisurely shower afterward.

Now, I save time by running outside, or working out in my basement with the baby monitor close by. It’s not ideal, but it gets the job done. I used to have my girlfriends over once a week for craft night (which was sometimes just wine night). I don’t have the energy to host now and see friends a lot less than I did before, and

Find a way to carve out time together to do something you both enjoy, or that one of you enjoys (seriously!). or commitments to the bare essentials and shucking the ones that aren’t priorities. ¶ This article was originally published on True Agape.

Pam Moore helps women push through fear to become their best selves. To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome visit pam-moore.com.

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Personally, I think parents need to get over it. There is so much we need to protect our children from, and I think a little childhood romance is the least of it.

Realistically, the preschoolers who speak of engagement and marriage aren’t aware of what any of that really means. My son spent his preschool

Right now they just like to smile at each other and then run away shrieking with embarrassment.

Talk to Kids About Crushes Help Them Understand Their Feelings

By Paige Wolf

T

he other day I found my six-year-old son coloring the most elaborate picture, complete with hearts, rainbows, and the words “Sam + Lydia.” (Well, it was actually “Sam + Liyda.”) He informed me that the little bespectacled blonde was his crush and that he loved her. He wanted to give her this proclamation of his admiration at school the next day. And that was just fine with me.

Lately I’ve read a couple articles chastising adults for asking children about their “boyfriends,” “girlfriends,” and “crushes.” Parents have been put off by the discussion as too sophisticated, inappropriate, and even borderline sexual.

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

I’ve also spoken to parents who refuse to participate in any discussion of crushes, insisting that they simply are not ready to accept their children as old enough for “relationships.”

years alternately engaged to a dozen different girls and boys, several of which were in tandem. We took that time to explain to him that marriage was about choosing someone to spend your life with, and that someone could be a boy or a girl—but his final decision wouldn’t be made until they were adults. No, he could not marry his sister and mommy and daddy were spoken for.

I had a preschool “boyfriend.” He would pretend to be Superman and I, Lois Lane. Years later we reconnected on Facebook and giggled about our childhood romance. He told me my daughter looks just like he remembers me, and it warmed my heart.

Throughout elementary school I remember the girls being far more interested in love than the boys. I spent those years pining for many of the little boys who sadly did not return my affection until I turned 12 and sprouted breasts.

Nonetheless, notes were passed and several couples paired off for roller

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

skating dates and awkward slow dances. While these may not have been mature relationships between likeminded adults, it doesn’t make the feelings any less real. And I’m OK with acknowledging them.

My son spent his preschool years alternately engaged to a dozen different girls and boys.

Maybe my son thinks his classmate is pretty and nice, or maybe he’s just incredibly impressed because she got “student of the month.” Right now they just like to smile at each other and then run away shrieking with embarrassment.

It’s not for me to dismiss chatter of boyfriends, girlfriends, or even love, admonishing them for being too young. But it is my responsibility to use this opportunity to talk about boundaries.

“No, she does not have to like you back.”

“No, you may not kiss or hug her without her permission.”

“Yes, we can invite her to your birthday party.”

He understands that parts of his (and her) body are private. And, quite honestly, he still thinks babies are made by just holding hands and wishing—probably another conversation I need to have sooner than later.

I remain entertained and amused by the playground gossip. I like to hear who is crushing on whom, which crushes are “broken,” and whose wedding is currently being planned.

“No, you may not kiss or hug her without her permission.”

And I will take it seriously if his heart gets broken. They call them crushes for a reason, and being little doesn’t make the hurt any less painful. ¶ Paige Wolf is the author of Spit That Out: The Overly Informed Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt (New Society Publishers, 2016). Follow @paigewolf on Twitter.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Applications Due Feb. 21 Enroll online at www.uusd.net Or in person at Eagle Peak

engineering maker space robotics • electronics computer coding digital media music technology

Come Join Us!

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 All potential Kindergarten students for next school year are invited to Ukiah Junior Academy’s Kindergarten Jamboree on Tuesday, March 3rd. Bring your child to experience our excellent Christian Kindergarten program. The event begins at 10 am & will conclude with a complimentary lunch for both child & parents with our principal, Eric Stubbert.

BE AN ENGINEER Eagle Peak Middle School STEM Magnet School

Please RSVP at (707) 462-6350

UKIAH JUNIOR ACADEMY 180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • www.ukiahjracademy.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Open enrollment for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The focus will be on engaging students with hands-on activities that prepare them for high school, college, and employment in high-demand and high-paying careers.

707-472-5250 • www.eaglepeak.uusd.net

February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Family Fun

Funky Dozen

V-Day Adventures A

fter kids come onto the scene, it takes extra effort to make sure your relationship gets the attention it needs. Valentine’s Day is a great time to put the spotlight on you and your significant other. And here are some great, local ideas for how to celebrate it. Find even more activities in our Calendar of Events (page 22).

6 Local Ways to Celebrate

Bach Club

Mendocino County Ukiah If your honey is always the first one on the dance floor, then check out the Valentine’s Dance Party at Bartlett Hall on February 8, 7–10 p.m. The evening will feature the high-energy sounds of the Funky Dozen, a 12-member band that includes a full brass section and plays hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Tickets at the door are $30; advance tickets are $25 and available at ukiahseniorcenter.org. Proceeds benefit the Ukiah Senior Center.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Mendocino For those who are soothed by the sounds of strings, there is the Bach Club. The trio, composed of a harpsichordist, baroque violinist, and a viola de gamba player, will perform chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries on February 16 at 3 p.m. at Preston Hall.

Tickets are $22 in advance, or $25 at the door, and may be purchased via symphonyoftheredwoods.org/opus.php.

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Testa Vineyards

Redwood Valley Does your sweetheart like to relax with a little vino? Get a designated driver, pack a couple of glasses, and visit seven local wineries, including Testa Vineyards, during the free Taste of Redwood Valley on February 15, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. See tasteofrv.com for details.

Lake County Clearlake Oaks Wine and dine your better half at the Valentine’s Day dinner and dance at the Moose Lodge. Feast on lasagna or chicken marsala and then move and groove to the rock and country tunes of cover band K & J. The event will be held on February 14, 6–9 p.m., at the lodge. Tickets are $35 for couples or $20 for individuals.

Never

Underestimate the Power of the Purse Moms typically control 80% or more of their household budgets

K&J

Lakeport Those who like wind instruments may find their ears interested in Trois Bois, which features an oboist, clarinetist, and bassoonist. The trio will play contemporary and 18th- and 19th-century madrigals and pastorales on February 15 at 7 p.m. at Soper Reese Theatre. Tickets are $20; free for ages 18 and younger, and available at soperreesetheatre.com.

They’re looking right here, to find you.

Call now. Don’t miss another month.

Trois Bois

Middletown Attention chocoholics: When you go to Heart Beatz, you get a free piece of Goddess of the Mountain chocolate. So you can indulge in a favorite treat and then boogie it off as DJs Shapeshifter, Blu, and Nic spin tunes.

The dance will be held on February 14, 7:30–11:30 p.m., at the Middletown Art Center. Admission is $12. See middletownartcenter.org for details.

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS

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February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

February

Calendar of Events

Celebrate the Chinese New Year

W

alking through Mendocino’s boutique-lined streets, one might think it’s an unlikely place to find a Taoist temple. Yet the Temple Kwan Tai has existed there since the 19th century, an enduring legacy of Mendocino’s Chinese community. In honor of its history, every year the temple sponsors a Chinese New Year parade and banquet. At the former, schools, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and other organizations march a traditional dragon around town. This year the parade will be held on February 13 at 10:45 a.m. The banquet, which after 28 years is in its final run, will be held on February 15, 6:30–9:30 pm., at Crown Hall in Mendocino. The menu includes dim sum and entrees such as shrimp in garlic and oyster sauce, Thai roasted chicken, and tofu with long beans and crispy shallots. Tickets are $43 and may be purchased by calling 972-9831 or emailing griffith@mcn.org. For further details, go to facebook.com/templeofkwantai. ¶

Tuesday 4

Friday 7

dinner, live auction, 50/50 drawing, raffles & dessert auction. No-host bar. $50. $90/couple. 6–10 p.m. Proceeds benefit Lake County Fairgrounds.

Lake County Fairgrounds. Little Theater. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecountyfairfoundation.com.

FREE Mother-Wise Weekly

FREE Art Walk: Lunar New Year.

Workshops. Classes & support

for moms. Tuesdays. 1–3 p.m. Feb. 4: Romance Revisited. Feb. 11: Valentine’s Day Craft. Feb. 18: Child Dental Care. Feb. 25: Sing with Baby. Mother-Wise. 180 N. Main St., Lakeport. facebook.com/ motherwiselakecounty.

Photography & calligraphy exhibit.

Lantern making & brush calligraphy, live music & dancing by Developing Virtue Girls School, vegetarian refreshments & the Friends of the Library book sale. All ages. 5–7 p.m.

Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ukiahlibrary.

FREE Domestic Violence: The

Daddy Daughter Winter

Perfectly Awful Storm. Presented

Wonderland Dance. DJ, face painting,

FREE Nature Walk & Ranch

by Melinda Clarke, 30-yr. licensed therapist. The shame, fear, hopelessness & personality disorders that contribute to domestic violence will be discussed. 5:30 p.m. Willits Center for the Arts. 71 E. Commercial St., Willits. avenuestowellness.org.

photo booth, refreshments, chocolate, raffles. $20 per couple. 6–9 p.m.

Konocti Vista Casino Event Center.

2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. konocti-vista-casino.com.

House Tours. Walks are 1½–3 hours, depending on the route taken. Bring water, sturdy shoes, hat & binoculars. 8:30 a.m. The ranch house tour begins immediately after the nature walk. Rain cancels walk.

Anderson Marsh State Historical Park.

Anderson Ranch Pkwy., Lower Lake. andersonmarsh.org.

Wednesday 5 Drawing People & Animals. Ages

7–17. $25 drop-in. $80/4 sessions.

Wednesdays. 5–6:30 p.m. Thru Feb. 26. Middletown Art Center.

21456 Hwy. 175, Middletown. middletownartcenter.org.

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Saturday 8 FREE Guided Whale Walks. Leashed

pets allowed. Binoculars provided.

Donations appreciated. Saturdays. 11 a.m.–noon. Meet at MacKerricher State Park. 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd., Fort Bragg.

Wrangler Round-Up Dinner & Dance. Country & rock music, tri-tip

Saturday Night Jazz Club: Billie Holiday Project. $20. 7–11 p.m.

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

FREE Dreams Exhibit Opening Reception. MAC artists provide

artwork inspired by their own personal dreamscapes. Wine from local winemakers available for purchase (free to members). All ages

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

welcome. 6–8 p.m. Middletown Art Center. 21456 Hwy. 175, Middletown. middletownartcenter.org.

Father Daughter Dance.

Refreshments served. $10 per person.

5:30–7:30 p.m. Old Recreation Center. 213 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. mendocoastrec.org.

Ukiah Contra Dance. Live Celtic

music. All ages. No experience or partner needed. $5–$12. 7:30–10 p.m.

Class for beginners at 7 p.m. Ukiah United Methodist Church. 205 N. Bush St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ ukiahcontradance.

Hopland Hikes: Meet the Lambs.

1-mile stroller-friendly walk. See newly born lambs & participate in sheep-related kids’ activities. Packed lunch OK. $3–$8. 10 a.m.–noon. No dogs permitted. 4070 University Rd., Hopland. hrec.ucanr.edu.

Fort Bragg Polar Plunge Fundraiser.

Take a winter dive into a cool pool to raise money & awareness for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Costumes encouraged.

Those younger than 18 must bring

others played by the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra. Features cello soloist Natalie Raney. $25–$30. Ages 18 & younger: free. Feb. 8: 8 p.m. Feb. 9: 2 p.m. Mendocino College Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. ukiahsymphony.org.

a signed waiver (find waiver on website). Participants must raise a minimum of $125. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Dolphin Isle Marina & Deli. 32399 Basin St., Fort Bragg. specialolympics.donordrive.com.

FREE Women’s Song Fest Concert.

Women’s choral groups & individual singers gather to learn inspiring songs.

4–5 p.m. Saturday Afternoon Club. 107 S. Oak St., Ukiah.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament.

$60 buy-in, $40 add-on. Dinner & drinks included. Ages 21+ only.

Fundraiser for Waldorf School of Medocino. Lesson: 4:30 p.m.

Tournament: 5 p.m. Flow Cannabis Institute. 1150 Bel Arbres Dr., Redwood Valley. visitukiah.com.

Valentine’s Dance Party. Featuring

the Funky Dozen. All proceeds benefit Ukiah Senior Center. Beer/ wine for purchase. Open to the community. $25–$30. 7–10 p.m.

Bartlett Hall. 495 Leslie St., Ukiah. ukiahseniorcenter.org.

Baroque Revisited. Concert features

selections by Bach, Tchaikovsky &

FREE Genealogy 101: How to Start Your Family Tree. Research librarian Benjamin MacBean teaches the basics on how to research your family’s history using online sources & databases. 1–2:30 p.m. Mendocino County Museum. 400 E. Commercial St., Willits. mendocinocounty.org.

Point Arena Lighthouse Full Snow Moon Night Tour. Champagne,

sparkling juice & snacks & souvenir. $25–$30. 6 p.m. Reservations must be made by 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 5. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 882-2809. pointarenalighthouse.com.

Sunday 9 FREE Poetry Out Loud Lake County Competition. Featuring

students from Middletown, Clearlake & Carle Continuation high schools.

Winners will go on to the national

Free Tire Collection

MARCH 10-14, 9AM-3PM • 3200 TAYLOR DRIVE, UKIAH

MARCH 9-11, 12-4PM • 40855 FISH ROCK ROAD, GUALALA

COLLECTION GUIDELINES

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

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

TIRE DEALERS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

competition. 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.

FREE Valentine Origami Workshop.

All ages welcome. Ages 10 & under need an adult to help. All supplies included. 2–3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

Valentine Tea. Victoria High

Tea includes scones, fruit salad, sandwiches & cookies. Benefits Books for Babies & Kits for Kindergarten. $5–$12. 2 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church. 620 E. Redwood Ave., Fort Bragg. 964-0491.

Monday 10 FREE New Volunteer Orientation & Info Session. Every 2nd Monday

of every month. Learn about Noyo Center programs & opportunities for volunteering. All welcome. 3:30 p.m.

Noyo Harbor. 19101 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. noyocenter.org.

Wednesday 12 FREE Tea for Two Educational Event. Adventist Health nurses will

answer questions about caring for a new baby. 6–7 p.m. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Conference Rm. 275.

Hospital Dr., Ukiah. RSVP: 463-7550.

Thursday 13 FREE Children’s Chinese New Year Parade. 10:45–11:45 a.m. Temple

of Kwan Tai. 45160 Albion St., Mendocino. mendocinocoast.com.

Pride & Prejudice. Play

based on Jane Austen novel.

Thursdays–Saturdays: 7 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. Thru Mar. 8. $10–$20. Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

Friday 14 Heart Beatz. Valentine’s

Day dance & party. DJs Blue, Nic & Shapeshifter spin tunes. Beer & wine available for sale. $12.

7:30–11:30 p.m. Middletown Art Center. 21456 Hwy. 175, Middletown. middletownartcenter.org.

Valentine’s Supper at the Blue Wing.

Featuring the Majide Trio. 6–8 p.m.

Blue Wing Restaurant. 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. tallmanhotel.com.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Tallman. Four-course meal. $85. Tallman Hotel.

9550 Main St., Upper Lake.

Reservations: tallmanhotel.com/ couples-valentines-day-dinner.

Cloverdale Citrus Fair. $5–$9.

Ages 5 & younger: free. Rides wristband: $25. Carnival ticket book: $20.

Feb. 14: noon–9 p.m. Feb. 15 & 16: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Feb. 17: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale. cloverdalecitrusfair.org.

Sweetheart Dinner & Dance. Live

HEY MOM, GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

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

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

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

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

e-mail melissa@family-life.us 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

rock/country music. $20. Couple: $35.

6–9 p.m. Moose Lodge. 15900 St. Hwy. 20, Clearlake Oaks. 998-3740.

Valentine’s Dinner & Fundraiser.

Live music, dancing, silent auction & raffles. No-host bar. Vegetarian dinner available. $25. Benefits Lake County Animal Coalition. 5–9 p.m.

Highland Seniors Service Center. 3245 Bowers Ave., Clearlake. facebook.com/ animalcoalitionlakecounty.

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Saturday 15 FREE Life-Sized Monopoly. Play a drop-in game of Monopoly on your own or as a team of 2. Ages 8 & up.

Ages 7 & younger must team up with someone older. Desserts & snacks will be served. 2–4 p.m. Fort Bragg Library. 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

Trois Bois. $20. Ages 18 & younger: free. 7 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.

Wednesday 19 Spring Night Sky Lecture Series.

Designed for everyone from beginners to experienced amateur astronomers. $15. Lake County high school students are free. Feb. 19 & 26: 8 p.m. Taylor Observatory–Norton Planetarium.

5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. friendsoftaylor.org.

Saturday 22 Mardi Gras Fundraiser. Children’s

music parade (costumes & masks optional). Hands-on art & science activities & games. Local musicians perform during dinner. $25. Ages 12 & younger: free with purchase of adult ticket. Benefits the Children’s Museum of Art & Science. Parade from Austin Park to American Legion Hall: 4 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

American Legion Hall. 14770 Austin Ave., Clearlake. facebook.com/ cmaslakecounty.

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

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MendoLakeFamily Life.com

CLHS Sober Grad Crab Feed. Live,

silent & dessert auctions. No-host bar. $50. Supports the Clearlake High School Sober 2020 Grad Night. 6–9 p.m. Lake County

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

February 2020

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Fairgrounds. Little Theatre. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. support. lakecochamber.com.

p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds.

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

Tommy Thomsen & His Western

Upper Lake PTO Father Daughter

Swing Band. $15–$25. 7 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.

Dance. Alice in Wonderland theme.

Admission includes 5 x 7 photo, flower, refreshments, dessert bar & DJ. $20 for father & daughter, $5 each additional daughter. 6–8 p.m.

Upper Lake High School. 675 Clover Valley Rd., Upper Lake. support. lakecochamber.com.

Lake County Polar Plunge Fundraiser. Take

a winter dive into a cool pool to raise money & awareness for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Participants must raise a minimum of $125. 10 a.m.–noon. Lakeside County Park.

1985 Park Dr., Kelseyville. sonc.org.

St. Mary’s Mardi Gras. Dinner, dance,

auction & gaming. Adults only. $60.

Proceeds go toward fixing the school’s roof. 5:30 p.m.–midnight. Feb. 23: free children’s carnival, 11 a.m.–3

Father Daughter Dance. $25

for adult & child. $5 for each additional child & $10 for additional adult. 2 dances: 5:30–7:30 p.m. & 8–10 p.m.

Kelseyville Presbyterian Church.

5340 3rd St., Kelseyville. Purchase tickets: eventbrite.com.

Sunday 23 FREE Kelseyville Artisan Market.

20+ local designers & makers, along with treats & lunch items for purchase. Held the last Sunday of the month, February–April. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Kelseyville Event Center. 5345 3rd St., Kelseyville. facebook.com/kelseyvilleseniors.

Friday 28 Alice in Pantoland. Lake

County Theatre Company performs a comedic re-telling of this classic story. Family-friendly event. $18.

Feb. 28: 7 p.m. Feb. 29: 2 p.m. Runs thru March 8. Upper Lake Middle School. 725 Old Lucerne Rd., Upper Lake. laketheatre.org.

Saturday 29 Leap Day Gourmet Crab Feed &

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Prime Rib Dinner. All-you-can-eat. $60. Benefits Meals on Wheels.

4:30–8 p.m. Lakeport Senior Activity Center. 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport. facebook.com/ lakeportseniors.

Ukiah Polar Plunge Fundraiser.

Take a winter dive into a cool pool to raise money & awareness for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Participants must raise a minimum of $125. Registration: 10 a.m. Plunge: Noon. Testa Vineyards.

6400 N. State St., Calpella. sonc.org.

Laughter for the Arts Comedy Show.

Featuring HBO’s Eric Blake & Gina Stahl-Haven. $10–$20. Proceeds benefit Ukiah High School Visual & Performing Arts Department. 6–9 p.m. Ukiah High School. 1000 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. totalbern.com.

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

FREE

Family Expo & Camp Fair FRIDAY APRIL 17 3-7 P.M. AT CODDINGTOWN MALL, SANTA ROSA

Redwood Adventure Camp

FIND YOUR PERFECT CAMP!

Cooking with Kids

Sweet & SugarFree Make a Satisfying, Guilt-Free Goodie

By Sarah Lynn

Editor’s note: Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays where sweets abound. We decided to steer clear of the candy craze and excerpt a recipe from Bake to Be Fit’s Secretly Healthy Desserts by Sarah Lynn. These “brookies” are not only low in sugar and carbs, they also have just 170 calories a bar. So the family can celebrate without guilt or the sugar blues.

Joel Benjamin

Recipe and photo excerpted, with permission, from Bake to Be Fit’s Secretly Healthy Desserts: Easy Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Plant-Based, or Keto-Friendly Brownies, Cookies, and Cakes by Sarah Lynn (Skyhorse Publishing, 2020).

Sarah Lynn is a recipe developer, social media influencer, cookbook author, and food blogger who runs the healthy dessert website baketobefit.com.

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Keto “Brookies” (brownie + cookie bars) INGREDIENTS Cookie Layer 1 1/3 cups blanched almond flour (150 g) 1/3 cup erythritol (64 g) ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ cup butter, softened (56 g) 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup sugar-free chocolate chips (80 g) Brownie Layer cup blanched almond flour (74 g) ½ cup erythritol (96 g) ¼ cup cocoa powder (20 g) ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter, softened (42 g) 1 egg 3 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate chips (45 g) 2/3

Serves: 16 170 calories / 15.5 g Fat / 2.5 g Net Carbs / 4.5 g Protein / 4 g Fiber / 1 g Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper.

Start with cookie layer: combine dry ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a large bowl. Add butter and stir until distributed. Add egg and vanilla and stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon about 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan. Use wet fingers to spread dough evenly over bottom of pan.

Follow same instructions as cookie layer to assemble brownie ingredients.

Spoon brownie batter into the pan, and use either the back of a spoon or wet fingers to spread brownie batter evenly over cookie dough.

Take remaining 1/3 of cookie dough and distribute randomly on top of brownie batter. I formed the remaining dough into circle shapes to keep some brownie peeking through.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Dads and Daughters Dance

P

sychological theories assert that the relationship a girl has with her father serves as a blueprint for her relationships with men for the rest of her life. With the aim of giving dads and daughters a chance to nurture that all-important bond, local organizations are holding father-daughter dances. The Kelseyville Presbyterian Church dance, in its 17th year, will be held on February 22 in two shifts. The first dance will be 5:30–7:30 p.m. and the second, 8–10 p.m. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com (search on “Father-Daughter  Dance”) and cost $25 per pair with $5 for each additional child and $10 for each additional adult. The Upper Lake High School PTA will also hold its dance on February 22, 6–8 p.m., at the Upper Lake High School cafeteria. Admission is $25 per pair, $5 for each additional daughter, and includes a photo, flower, and dessert bar. For more information, call Ashley Dooley at 272-4162. ¶

The Signs of Domestic Violence

T

he rate of domestic violence in Mendocino County is one of the highest in California. Melinda Clarke, a licensed therapist with more than 30 years of experience, is an expert on the emotional Melinda Clarke and behavioral dynamics of violent intimate relationships. In her free talk, “Domestic Violence: The Perfectly Awful Storm,” she will discuss how shame, fear, hopelessness, and personality disorders contribute to domestic violence. She’ll also address red flags to watch out for; what needs to happen in order for victims to leave; and how to help others without getting pulled into the situation oneself. The free talk will be given on February 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Willits Center for the Arts in Willits. Call 456-9676 or go to avenuestowellness.org for more information about the talk. Mendocino County victims of domestic violence can find resources at projectsanctuary.org or 961-1507. For Project Sanctuary’s crisis counseling, call 463-HELP (4357) for inland areas and 964-HELP (4357) for coastal areas. Lake County help can be found at the Lake Family Resource Center (LFRC): lakefrc.org. The LFRC 24/7 crisis line is 888-485-7733. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

www.ncoinc.org Head Start

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

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February 2020

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Humor Break You can hide out if you want. After all, you’ve already paid the gym membership.

Do reinstate nap time. Even children too old to nap can take advantage of a scheduled rest time.

Engage the same routine as you do at bedtime. Then let your children know that it’s fine to play quietly in their rooms as long as they only come out for a trip to the bathroom.

Don’t forget to let them know when they can come out of the bedroom.

Catch Some JustWakeDon’tUp Couple Time the Kids

By Jill Morgenstern

S

ome parents have nearby family or grandparents ready and waiting to whisk off the kids so Mom and Dad can luxuriate in the quiet of a child-free home for a weekend. Others of us are not so lucky. But with a little creativity, each of us can get that much needed time with a significant other, even without hiring a babysitter. Here are some dos and don’ts for sneaking in a few moments alone together: Do try to spend time together while the kids are at activities. A parent doesn’t need to watch each and every soccer practice or ballet class. Most parents have taken this time for an occasional quick trip to the grocery store or other errand anyway. Why not spend a little of that time with your spouse?

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Don’t forget to pick up your child!

Do use TV for a babysitter, but use it judiciously. Most children watch some TV each week. Why not take advantage of that? Try to save your child’s TV time for when both you and your spouse will be home together.

Don’t leave your child unattended in front of the TV for more than six hours. The skipped meals may be cause for concern.

Do hit the gym. Many gyms offer free childcare as part of their services. Take them up on it and meet your spouse for a game of basketball, a weight-lifting session, or an aerobics class.

Don’t hide out in the locker room reading a magazine. Just kidding!

Do try to meet your spouse for lunch. If your children are school-age, a lunch date is the perfect opportunity to grab a few quick moments together.

Don’t abandon preschoolers or infants in favor of a lunch date.

Soon they will be in school and this option will be yours for the taking.

Do enjoy an early breakfast together on the weekend. If you’re not too sleep deprived, try waking up extra early one weekend morning and indulging in a child-free breakfast.

Don’t make too much noise. Some children seem to have a sixth sense about when their parents awaken, and even tiptoeing around the kitchen might set off their ESP. By following these simple tips, you too can gain some alone time with your spouse. Be sure to follow only the dos and not the don’ts to create a healthy environment for your marriage. ¶ Freelance writer Jill Morgenstern is a mother of four and has 13 years of experience as a teacher. Find her at dotrythisathome.net/p/featured-on.html.

February 2020 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukiah Unified School District

2020-21 Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten th Registration Opens January 7

Register online at www.uusd.net

If you need assistance with registration, or access to a computer and printer, visit your school’s office.

Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street 472-5630

Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 Bush Street 472-5100

Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5460

Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Avenue 472-5550

Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Drive 472-5180

Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora Street 472-5690

Deadline for Grace Hudson Kindergarten registration: February 21, 2020 Deadline for registration at your elementary school of choice: March 31, 2020

Children age 5 by September 1, 2020, will enroll in Kindergarten.

Children turning 5 between September 2 and December 2, 2020, will enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program.

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