27 minute read
Talk to Kids About Crushes
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
Talk to Kids About Crushes Help Them Understand Their Feelings
The 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. By Paige Wolf
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
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.
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
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. Please RSVP at (707) 462-6350 Come Join Us! Tuesday, March 3, 2020
180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • www.ukiahjracademy.org UKIAH JUNIOR ACADEMY
BE AN ENGINEER engineering maker space robotics • electronics computer coding digital media music technology Eagle Peak Middle School STEM Magnet School 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
Funky Dozen
V-Day Adv entures
6 Local Ways to Celebrate
After 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). 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 Bach Club
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.
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.
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. 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. K & J Trois Bois
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Calendar of Events February
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
FREE Mother-Wise Weekly 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.
FREE Domestic Violence: The Perfectly Awful Storm. Presented 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.
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.
Friday 7
FREE Art Walk: Lunar New Year. 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.
Daddy Daughter Winter Wonderland Dance. DJ, face painting, 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.
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 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.
Saturday Night Jazz Club: Billie Holiday Project. $20. 7–11 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
FREE Nature Walk & Ranch 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.
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
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 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 & 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.
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
MORE INFORMATION (707) 468-9710 www.mendorecycle.org Facebook @mendorecycle info@ mendorecycle.org
COLLECTION GUIDELINES NO RIMS 17” DIAMETER MAXIMUM LIMIT TO 9 TIRES PER DAY TIRE DEALERS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE
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.
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 HEY MOM, GIVE US A SHOUT!
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 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.
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.
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
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Fairgrounds. Little Theatre. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. support. lakecochamber.com.
Tommy Thomsen & His Western Swing Band. $15–$25. 7 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.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 p.m. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. 462-3888. stmarysukiah.org.
Upper Lake PTO Father Daughter 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.
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.
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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 & 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.
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Make a Satisfying, Guilt-Free Goodie Sweet & SugarFree
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.
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. J oel B enjamin
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
2 /3 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)
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!
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 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. ¶ Melinda Clarke
Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482 Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13 Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics National Green Campus Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace Give Your Child a Head Start! ✓ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ages 18 months to 5 years ✓ Potty-trained not necessary ✓ Children with disabilities welcome ✓ Referrals for transportation available Also providing FREE in-home services for infants, toddlers & pregnant women! Free & Low-Cost Quality Preschool! CENTERS Head Start Child Development Program Applications online: www.ncoinc.org • (707) 462-2582 License #230111843 • Ukiah
North Ukiah - Bush St. Nokomis - Washington Ave. South Ukiah - S. State St. Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. • Willits
Near Brookside School at Spruce St. & Lincoln Way • Lake County
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Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. www.ncoinc.org (707) 462-2582 Head Start Child Development Program Give Your Child a Head Start! Free & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!
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Catch Some Couple Time Just Don’t Wake Up the Kids
By Jill Morgenstern
Some 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? 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!
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. 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.
2020-21 Kindergarten & Transitional Kindergarten Registration Opens January 7 th Ukiah Unified School District
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 Frank Zeek Elementary Grace Hudson Elementary 151 Moore Street 1060 Bush Street 251 Jefferson Lane 472-5630 472-5100 472-5460
Nokomis Elementary Oak Manor Elementary Yokayo Elementary 495 Washington Avenue 400 Oak Manor Drive 790 S. Dora Street 472-5550 472-5180 472-5690
Deadline for Grace Hudson Kindergarten registration: February 21, 2020 Deadline for registration at your elementary school of choice: March 31, 2020
Made for more headache free days.
We were made for more. More movement. More adventures. More pain-free days. Chiropractor Craig Boyle, DC is here to help. He specializes in helping patients live headache-free without the need for medications.
Craig Boyle, DC Chiropractic Services
“Chiropractors are trained to locate and reduce
vertebral dislocations by realigning compromised joints. Once the joints are realigned the pressure on the nerves is reduced, and headaches can reduce in intensity or disappear. Consequently, the need for medication to manage headaches could be reduced or eliminated with their medical doctors’ approval.”
You were made for more, so learn more. Now welcoming new patients. 707-459-6115 3 Marcela Drive, Suite C, Willits
