Mendo Lake Family Life June 2015

mendo lake June 2015

Take a Swim 4 great city pools

Day Trip!

5 super stops

Backyard Fun 35 easy ideas

Why Dads Rule What the

research says

AFFORDABLE CARE YOUR FAMILY DESERVES! Affordable Braces • No Credit Checks • Se habla español

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994-7878 for your FREE consultation.

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707-239-2505 nicole.vice@amgh.us

www. REACHair.com/membership

sutterlakeside.org

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Close toHome

Caring For Your and Your Family

As part of our mission to improve the health of our community, we are excited to bring quality care closer to home. From the common cold to annual exams and vaccinations, your care team at the Redwood Medical Clinic is here for you.

MEET YOUR PRIMARY CARE TEAM John Glyer, MD | Family Practice Dr. Glyer has served the Willits community for 37 years.

He enjoys caring for adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Glyer also has a special interest in caring for patients in recovery from drug and alcohol.

Now Accepting New Patients

To schedule an appointment, call 707.459.6115

Suki Spillner, FNP-BC | Family Practice Suki Spillner is excited to serve the Willits community and is accepting both adult and pediatric patients. She enjoys managing complex chronic illnesses, with an emphasis on health education and helping her patients achieve their goals.

88 Madrone Street | Willits, CA 95490 | 707.459.6115

June 2015

Every Issue

10 Take the perfect day trip.

10 Budget Backyard Fun Have a blast—on the cheap!

Dear Reader

7

Bits and Pieces Cook Up Summer Magic The Mother Dance See the Sun Goddess

20 Family Fun Oh Daddy-o!

22

22 Calendar of Events

Features 8 Over the River & through the Woods

6

Take Me to the Fair

12 Wrap Up the School Year Right Review what went right and what needs to change.

14 I Want to Go Home!

Help your child overcome homesickness at camp.

16 Rules of the Road Raise a safe driver.

24 Get Cool in the Pool 26 Seven Plays, One Night 28 Chekov with a Twist 29 Cooking with Kids Luxury Lemonade

30 Humor Break 31 Stay Safe in the Water

18 The New Father How dads help create healthy families.

18 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

20 June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Modern Medicine Personalized Care Modern Medicine Personalized Care

Women’s Health | Chiropractic | Podiatry | Acupuncture | Family Medicine | Tele Psych We have a new state-of-the-art facility, expert professionals, and the time it takes to give you the care you need.

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Acupuncture

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We have a new state-of-the-art facility, expert professionals, and the time it takes to give you the care you need.

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Medi-Cal & Private Insurance Accepted Un-Insured? Not a problem!

We offer sliding scale and payment plans.

Lake County Tribal Health 707-263-8382 • 1-800-750-7181 925 Bevins Court, Lakeport www.lcthc.com

Dear Reader

J

une is the month we honor the importance of dads. In “The New Father” (page 8), Bay Area Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor best-selling author Sharon@family-life.us Armin Brott details how men parent differently than women, and affirms that kids need their dads just as much as their moms.

Turn to “Oh Daddy-o!” (page 20) for a list of exciting local events to celebrate your special guy this Father’s Day. You’ll find everything from a barbecue to a circus to a reggae festival. Want to go big?

Make a day of it and hit the road.

See “Over the River and through the Woods” (page 8) for local places to play and eat on a day trip with Pops.

Office Manager

If you’d rather stay closer to home, no worries. “Budget Backyard Fun” (page 10) lists 35 inexpensive ways to have a terrific time without ever leaving the lawn.

Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

We hope your June is full of fantastic family adventures and lots of kid joy.

Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Happy Father’s Day!

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

SIGN UP TODAY FOR

n u FBlast!

Weekend

Calendar Patricia Ramos

Contributing Writers Armin Brott John Corippo Patrick Hempfing Christina Katz Heidi Smith Luedtke Diane Turner Maller

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

Find out what’s happening this weekend

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bits & Pieces

Cook Up Summer Magic

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ask in June’s warmth at Family Fun in the Sun at Vinewood Park in Ukiah. Kids can try their hand at a variety of arts and crafts, play games, and bounce around in jump houses to their heart’s content. When they are ready for a snack, healthy eats and drink will be available. The free event will be held on June 20, 9:30 a.m.–noon. Call 463-6231 for more information. ¶

Playing at Family Fun in the Sun

See the Sun Goddess Watch a traditional Japanese myth come to life through modern dance, drama, and music in Lilia Lobo de Albuquerque’s performance of The Sun Goddess and the Mirror. The event will

be held at Ukiah’s Grace Hudson Museum on June 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. ¶

The Mother Dance

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The Mendocino Dance Project

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

f you are like most moms, you are a multitasking maven who wishes there were more than 24 hours in a day. The mother-dancers of the Mendocino Dance Project’s show Sit With It know just how you feel. The full-length contemporary dance performance explores the dilemma of the modern mom as she simultaneously tries to fulfill her myriad responsibilities and pursue her passions. The show will be held on June 5 at 7:30 p.m. and June 6 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Matheson Performing Arts Center in Mendocino.

In addition, a performance will be held on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mendocino College Little Theater in Ukiah. Tickets are $13–$18 and may be purchased at mendocinodanceproject.com. ¶

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Hit the Road

Over the River & through the Woods

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Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve. With hunger satisfied, pack everyone into the car, and drive via Highway One and Route 116 to this magical forest in Guerneville, where ancient redwoods have stood for hundreds of years. Kids can spread their little arms and hug trees wider than four of their parents combined. A flat, extremely well marked 1.7-mile nature trail makes it easy to explore the grounds. You can park outside the entrance and walk in, or drive through and park by a picnic area. If you’re in the mood for some stellar mountain vistas, it’s worth it to drive a few miles up the winding Armstrong Woods Road to the entrance of Bullfrog Pond Campground, where there is ample opportunity to stop and stare. Park day-use fee is $8.

Fishetarian Fish Market Maui-Wowi Tacos

A Family Day Trip to Remember

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Lunch at the Fishetarian Fish Market. After you’ve had enough sea and sand, head north about a mile on Highway One to this popular eatery (right next to Lucas Wharf) for a delectable rockfish sandwich or fish tacos. The restaurant, owned by Shane and Dana Lucas, gets its name from Dana, a lifelong vegetarian who became a “fishetarian” after marrying avid fisherman Shane.

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t’s summer, and the kids are climbing the walls. Before their boredom escalates to biblical proportions, plan a day trip. We live in a place where people from all over the world come to be inspired. Take advantage of it! Here are our ideas for a memory-making weekend adventure.

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Doran Regional Park. Take a walk on a two-mile stretch of beach, fly kites, build sand castles, and even fish at this gorgeous park. Be sure to get there early so you have plenty of warm time on the beach before the brisk late-afternoon wind kicks in. Day-use fee is $7.

1

Bodega Bay

Begin. Start off in Sebastopol and drive toward the coast via Bodega Highway. Let the landscape of rolling hills bearing the secret of soon-to-be-seen waters bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Play car games like I Spy or 20 Questions to keep any backseat sibling squabbling at bay.

Doran Regional Park

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

5 Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve

Dinner. You can have an economical picnic in Armstrong Woods, but if you want to splurge and go out, try Blended Choice in Guerneville for nutritious smoothies and super-fresh sandwiches. If you’d rather have more options, take the 30-minute drive back to Sebastopol and choose from a variety of eats, such as the Mediterranean fare at East West Café (kids love the sweet potato fries) or the locally sourced and organic offerings at Green Grocer. (Ask for the Sneaky Grilled Cheese, which hides wholesome veggies in the middle of gooey goodness.) If you have any energy left at all, indulge in the homemade ice cream at Screamin’ Mimi’s, a local favorite for 20 years. Try the sublime Mimi’s Mud or Deep Dark Secret. Then rustle up the brood and go back home, where everyone will fall happily exhausted into sweet slumber.

Blended Choice

East West Café Salmon Tacos

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Green Grocer Heirloom Tomato BLT

Guerneville

116 See mendolakefamilylife.com for contact information and hours of listed establishments.

Sebastopol Freestone ay ghw a Hi g e Bod

Screamin’ Mimi’s

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Breakfast at Wildflour Bread. This bakery is worth making carbs legal for a day. The minute you walk in, you’ll be greeted by samples of out-of-this-world breads and pastries baked in a wood-fire brick oven.

Everything—from the sticky buns and the biscotti to the fig-ginger-pear Egyptian bread and scones in flavors like apricot or double chocolate—is a treat for the tastebuds. (Gluten-free scones sometimes make an appearance, too. Call ahead to see what is available.) Once you’ve eaten your fill, and packed some mouth-watering goodies for the road, forge ahead for some beach time. (Note: The bakery is only open Friday–Monday.)

Wildflour Bread owner Jed Wallach

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Budget Backyard Fun 35 Inexpensive Ways to Spend Summer Days

9. Host a neighborhood “Trashion Show” featuring duds made out of stuff that would otherwise be thrown away.

10. Use sheets and chairs to

make a napping tent.

11. Paint large stones bright colors for the walkway.

By Christina Katz

S

12. Host a neighborhood water balloon fight.

hort on funds this summer? A lack of cash does not have to mean

a dearth of fun! Outdoor ecstasy for your cooped up

kids is as close at hand as your

1. Build a worm box.

backyard. Even when these

2. Play “Kick the Can.”

ideas are not completely free, they are still pretty darn cheap.

3. Stage a backyard puppet show or play.

So open up the back door

4. Use a wagon as a mobile sandbox.

and let the kids out while you let the summer fun in. These

5. Experiment with original sun tea combinations.

of all ages, including the ones

6. Be a backyard geologist. Find some rocks in your yard and look them up in a geology book.

who look like grown-ups.

7. Arrange a stuffed-animal parade.

activities are a blast for kids

13. Construct a ladybug house out of twigs and leaves.

8. Chase moths or butterflies.

10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

14. Wash the car (or the dog).

15. Come up with alternatives to the lemonade stand.

16. Create an oversized map for an outdoor treasure hunt.

17. Blow bubbles with a giant bubble wand.

18. Pretend to be a professional outdoor photographer.

19. Fill a wading pool with mud instead of water.

20. Set up the sprinkler or slippery-slide.

21. Arrange a fairy garden.

22. Use sidewalk chalk somewhere besides the sidewalk.

23. Construct a city out of recycled items.

24. Grow some plants from seed.

30. Cut and arrange flowers.

31. Prepare a sunset picnic.

32. Put fresh batteries in the walkie-talkies you may have stored in the garage.

25. Erect and attempt a foot or bicycle obstacle course.

33. Catch fireflies in recycled jars.

26. Break out the bathing suits and body paints.

35. Camp out in the yard overnight. Âś

27. Use tiny rocks to make a bug maze.

Christina Katz loves to enjoy time outdoors in the yard with her family and pets all summer long. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

28. Sit outside and draw or paint what you see.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

29. Fill and bury a time capsule.

June 2015

34. Play past-your-bedtime flashlight tag.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Wrap Up the School Year Right 5 Steps for Making Next Year Even Better

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By Christina Katz

ids are not the only ones who suffer from the summer slide. Parents have a difficult time thinking clearly at the end of the summer, too. The reason your brain feels like it’s still on vacation right before the school year begins is because you just spent two and a half months recovering from the last school year. Then it’s usually during the hectic back-to-school phase that you struggle to remember all of the important priorities that seemed so clear right after school got out.

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Maybe you left all those ideas about how to help your child have a better year at the beach or at the pool or at the pond. Wherever they went, they are no longer fresh in your mind.

But this problem is easily resolved with a little preparation and planning before the current school

Parents often forget that there are resources, experts, and specialists all around them. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. year slips away. Review how the academic year went for each of your children by covering these five steps before school is out of session: 1. Review the Past Year’s Academics. How did each child perform academically? Does anyone need extra help in any subject? How

about in any specific area within certain subjects? Do you need to request a different class placement for next year? Now is the time to do so, before school gets out.

Homework. How did each child manage last year’s homework load?

Do you need to work on improving any child’s organizational skills? Does each child have a designated area at home where homework is done? How about a way to keep papers sorted?

Figure out ways to set up each child for increased organizational success?

In-school extra-curriculars. Was each child satisfied with in-school extra-curricular activities? Do you need to contact any teachers to ask questions about next year? Do it now before vacation begins. Most teachers will not be available over the summer.

After-school activities. Was each child satisfied with the after-school activities he or she chose? Was

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

anyone over-scheduled? How about under-scheduled? Do you need to contact any coaches or administrators to ask about tryouts or auditions for next year’s activities? Now is the time to collect important dates and ask about fees.

2. Assess patterns. Is the child who is under-performing also overscheduled? Should you beef up on tutoring over the summer or cut down on next year’s after-school activities or both? There is no one answer that works for every child, so consider each child’s personality and past experiences to figure out how to best support and motivate her or him.

Strive for progress, not perfection. Let each child’s experience be a unique journey that unfolds year after year.

3. Sort papers. Don’t start your summer with a lot of paper and

digital clutter. Strive to retain only a few papers and necessary e-mails from each school year. Personally sorting through each child’s papers and projects with her or him will give you insights about how to help your child. For example, as you review your daughter’s papers you might find that

Strive for progress, not perfection. Let each child’s experience be a unique journey that unfolds year after year. points were repeatedly deducted for sloppy spelling. Now you know what she needs to work on over the summer.

4. Contact advisors. Feeling stuck about how to help your child progress? Reach out for more help.

Dance This Summer

Classes Start in June 463-2290

See if the school can provide you with access to a specialist. Parents often forget that there are resources, experts, and specialists all around them. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

5. Visualize a better year.

At the end of the school year, sit down with your child and have a debriefing session. First, congratulate him or her on everything done well last year.

Then ask what he or she would like to change next year. Listen to everything your child has to say and discuss what you learn with your spouse. Then go back to your child with some concrete suggestions for making next year better. ¶ Christina Katz is an author, journalist, writing coach, and mother who prides herself in planning just a little better every year.

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Enrolling Now

Classes for all Ages & Levels from 3-Adult

2015-16 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration

BALLET • TAP • CONTEMPORARY DANCE SPECIAL BALLET INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS

Students age 5 by September 1, 2015 will be enrolled in Kindergarten Students turning 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2, 2015 are eligible to enroll in our Transitional Kindergarten Program

“Where Dreams to Dance Come True”

205 South State Street, Ukiah • 463-2290 www.mendocinoballet.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Registration forms available at school offices and at www.uusd.net June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

I Want to Go Home!

8 Ways to Stop Homesickness in Its Tracks

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

A

lmost everyone can feel homesick when they are away from loved ones and the familiarity of their own environs.

When you’re a child away at camp, homesickness can be a powerful feeling. Ninety-five percent of kids experience mild sadness, and some feel intense, long-lasting distress.

“It’s important to differentiate between adjustment anxieties that tend to diminish as kids get accustomed to new places, people, and routines, and deeper feelings of disconnection and depression that grow worse over time,” says Erika Myers, M.Ed., LPC, a therapist and former boarding school teacher.

Younger kids and those who have never spent time away from home have the most trouble at camp.

You may be worried that your attempts to comfort your homesick children will only make the problem worse. Here’s how to support your campers while they explore the world on their own.

Give kids control. Studies show kids who choose to go to camp are much less likely to feel homesick than kids who are forced 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

to go. It’s best to let your children choose if, when, and where they go to camp. Your children should also decide what to bring and plan which activities they’ll try. Involving

Studies show kids who choose to go to camp are much less likely to feel homesick than kids who are forced to go. kids in decision-making processes reminds them that they are capable and independent.

Set optimistic expectations.

Kids need to know it is okay to think about home and to miss their parents, pets, toys, and favorite foods.

Explain that there will be a period of transition, but don’t be discouraging.

Attitudes about separation can

become a self-fulfilling prophecy—if your children believe they can’t cope with camp, they won’t. Be realistic and upbeat.

Lay low. Give your children time to navigate new situations without interference from home.

“Kids need time and space to get immersed in the camp setting,” says Myers. Send a quick, daily e-mail or note that inspires your children to try new activities. Ask about their bunkmates and counselors.

Keep at-home happenings on the down-low so your kids don’t miss their favorite things even more than they already do.

Manage your own anxieties.

You may be worried about your children’s ability to make friends and fit in. But keep your concerns to yourself, advises Frank Sileo, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Bug Bites and Campfires: A Story for Kids about Homesickness (Health Press NA Inc., 2009). “Kids look to parents for their

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Proud Sponsor of the Humane Society sense of self and safety,” he says. So talk to camp staff—not your kids— about your worries.

with cabinmates. A book of Mad Libs, riddles, or ghost stories makes bedtime fun for everyone.

Encourage busy-ness. “Down time will allow your [children] to dwell on thoughts of home and that

Ask kids to write home. Send stationery and stamps so your children can handwrite letters to friends, parents, and grandparents.

Writing lets kids explore and express their feelings. Save the letters to include in a summer camp scrapbook or memory box.

Younger kids who have never spent time away from home have the most trouble at camp. will make [them] feel worse,” says Sileo. The best way through the initial adjustment is to stay active.

Get a list of camp activities and help your kids craft a plan of attack.

Stay in touch. Check in at regular intervals. “Setting up a ritual—perhaps a brief phone call or e-mail at a specific time of day—can give your children a sense of security and consistency,” says Myers. Send a care package with treats and toys to let your campers know you’re thinking about them. Include items to share

Don’t rush to the rescue. If you receive homesick letters or phone calls, express your confidence that your children can get through it. Offering to pick them up will only validate their sense of helplessness, says Sileo. Identify an adult your children can talk to, such as a counselor or the camp nurse. Staff members are trained to handle homesickness, and they’ll let you know if your children really need to come home.

Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D., is a personality psychologist, mom of two, and the author of Detachment Parenting (Heidi Luedtke Media, 2012).

adopt-a-pet discount

Blue Ribbon Pets Like our Facebook Page for Special Discounts

(707) 485-8454 www.brpets.com

Humane Society FOR INLAND MENDOCINO COUNTY

PETS OF THE MONTH COME MEET US TODAY!

Sally

She is quite a large kitty with an outgoing personality.

Everyone who meets Sally just falls in love. She has very bad flea allergies and needs a home where she will be kept flea-free.

Kazoo

Kazoo is an all around wonderful kitty! She gets along with everyone and is a great lap cat. She is a sweet, mellow kitty with a stubby tail that whips about with excitement when she meets someone new.

Creature Comforts Tangible reminders of people and pets keep kids connected to home and family. Pack these items to help your campers feel safe and happy: • Photos of family members and pets

Lily

Lily is a chihuahua mix with a lot of spunk and energy.

While a little shy at first, she loves people, and would make an excellent lap dog.

Lily needs a home with lots of love and activity.

• A favorite blanket or pillow • A stuffed animal or small toy • A journal or scrapbook • Dad’s t-shirt to sleep in

Sam

Sam is a 1-year-old hound mix, friendly with other dogs and loves people. He needs to have a fenced area. This guy needs a loving home with lots of activity and people to love!

9700 Uva Dr. Redwood Valley

• Favorite snack foods

(707) 485-0123

www.mendohumanesociety.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Rules of the Road 9 Keys for Safe Teen Driving

By Diane Turner Maller

A

teen getting behind the wheel is a modern day coming-of-age ritual for

child and parent alike. Following

these rules of the road will help your teen learn to drive safely— and put your mind at ease.

Establish readiness. Let teens decide when they are ready to drive.

Some adolescents choose to wait a little longer than age 16 or 17. It may be hard to stave off their craving for independence—and your need for help transporting family members here and there—but it’s very important that they really be ready for the responsibility.

Take an active role. Start the conversation about safe driving early.

Figure out what rules and laws have 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

changed since you got your license, and make time to regularly supervise your teen’s driving. California requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including ten at night, before the driver test is taken.

Let a professional do it. When it comes to more complex driving skills like changing lanes in heavy traffic, a parent may not be the best person to teach a teen. A professional driver education instructor can fill in the gaps of parental instruction, and provide training and tips specifically geared toward passing the test.

Pay attention. Coach your teen to notice the immediate surroundings.

Be aware, too, of where your own attention is while your teen watches you drive. Is it on the road, or are you distracted by the radio, cell phone, or an overfull cup of coffee? Tip: Turn off cell phones while in the car or, if the temptation is too great, remove them altogether.

Scan. Looking in front of, behind, and to the sides of the vehicle is a key skill to both model and teach your teen to adopt. The Teenage Driving Study prepared in 2007 for the Washington State Legislature noted that new drivers tend to focus on the area just in front of the car.

Let teens decide when they are ready to drive. Some adolescents choose to wait a little longer than age 16 or 17.

“They are less likely to scan a wider range of view, glance at objects in their peripheral view, and are not as likely to use the mirrors.”

Foster defensive driving.

Defensive driving is more than a set of skills. It is an attitude that will underlie the constant decisions your teen will make while driving.

In addition to learning to adjust to

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

varying road conditions and traffic situations, your teen will need to learn to protect himself or herself from drivers who aren’t following the rules.

Establish family driving rules and limits. In addition to the state’s restrictions on the provisional licensing period, you can choose your own rules and limits. For example, you may want your teen off the road by 8 p.m. even though the legal requirement is later. Make your child accountable by having her or him sign a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement, an example of which can be found here: cdc.gov/ parentsarethekey (see Downloadable Materials).

Emphasize responsibility.

Make sure your teen is very aware that driving is a privilege, which, when abused, can result in harm or tragedy.

Exposing your teen and family to presentations about preventable tragic

errors may drive the message home and prevent your teen from having to learn the hard way.

Prepare for the test. Practice questions for the written part of the test are available at dmv.ca.gov.

Take care that the vehicle used for testing is one that your teen feels comfortable driving and carries current registration and insurance cards. Driver Test Administrator Tony Handsaker urges teens to focus on their driving when they arrive for test day. He observes that often young people are sleepy or distracted by texting, or nervous because they haven’t prepared enough. Being prepared goes a long way toward making the driving test a positive experience. ¶ Diane Turner Maller is a freelance writer who has safely survived driver training with two teenage children.

She still receives regular check-in calls from family travelers.

home?

Space in your

heart?

Room in your

Become a foster or adoptive parent and help change the life of a child (707) 463-1100

www.tlc4kids.org Working with children since 1975

Sonoma County Airport

Just Say No to Distracted Driving

D

riving while texting, talking on the phone, eating, or changing the radio station can be fatal. In 2013, 3,154 people were killed and 424,000 injured by crashes resulting from distracted driving.

Twenty-seven percent of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes were in their twenties.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges teens to Take the Pledge: • Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.

• Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver of the car is distracted.

Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

©P N

• Encourage friends and family to drive phone-free.

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from

TS

Download this pledge and learn more about distracted driving issues on distraction.gov.

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

The New Father How Being an Involved Dad Benefits Everyone

By Armin Brott

N

obody really knows how or when it started, but one of the most widespread—and most cherished—myths about child-rearing is that women are naturally more nurturing than men, that they are instinctively better at the parenting thing, and that men are nearly incompetent.

The facts, however, tell a very different story. A significant amount of research has proven that men are inherently just as nurturing and responsive to their children’s needs as women.

What too many men (and women) don’t realize is that to the extent that women are “better” parents, it’s simply because they’ve had more practice.

In fact, the single most important factor in determining the depth of long-term father-child relationships is opportunity.

Men and women parent differently in a variety of ways: • Dads tend to play more with their children than mothers do, and that play tends to be more rough-and-tumble and more 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Going from man to father is one of the most dramatic changes you will ever experience. unpredictable than mothers’. In other words, dads are more likely than moms to become human jungle gyms.

• Dads tend to emphasize independence more than moms and give children more freedom to explore. If a baby is struggling to grab a toy that’s just out of reach, mothers are more likely to move the toy closer, while dads are more likely to wait a little longer, seeing whether the baby will be able to get it. Moms are more likely to pick up a toddler

who’s fallen, while dads are more likely to encourage the child to get up on his own.

• Dads tend to use more complex speech patterns than mothers, who tend to simplify what they’re saying and slow it down. Dads also tend to ask their babies more open-ended questions (who, what, where, when, why) than moms, an approach that helps kids expand their vocabulary.

• Dads tend to think more about how a child will fare in the world as he or she grows; moms tend to think more about the child’s emotional development.

When reacting to a test score, for example, a dad might be concerned about how the score will affect the child’s future plans and ability to be self-sufficient, while a mom is more likely to be concerned about how the score makes the child feel.

• Dads tend to represent the outside world while mothers represent the home. You can see this almost any

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

place where parents are out with their babies: Dads tend to hold their children face out, while mothers hold them face in.

Please keep in mind here that I’m talking about general tendencies.

Plenty of moms wrestle with their kids and use big words, and many dads rush to pick up fallen toddlers and hold their babies facing inward. The point is that they parent differently— not better or worse, just differently.

And children benefit greatly from having plenty of exposure to both styles.

Why be an involved father?

First, because it’s good for your kids, your partner, and even yourself: For your baby. Numerous studies have shown that the more involved dads are with their infants, the better they perform on all sorts of intelligence tests. Babies who are deprived of quality time with their fathers in the first year of life often have problems forming stable relationships later in life. Apparently, not having a dad around makes it hard for children to develop the kinds of behavior that other children value. In addition, the more actively involved dads are with their babies, the more physically coordinated they are.

They also feel more comfortable around strangers and handle stressful situations better.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

For your partner and your marriage. Division-of-labor issues are one of the top causes of marital stress. The more involved you are and the more emotionally supportive, the happier your partner will be and the better she’ll perform her parenting duties. Men whose partners are happy in their

A significant amount of research has proven that men are inherently just as nurturing and responsive to their children’s needs as women. relationships tend to be happier themselves. And men who are happy in their relationships are generally more involved as dads.

It just never ends—and there’s no reason why it should.

For you. Being an involved father will affect you in a number of ways.

You’ll learn to feel, express, and manage emotions (positive, negative, and everything in between) you never knew you had. You’ll be more empathetic and better able to see things from others’ perspective.

Plus, dads who are actively involved with their children

tend to be mentally and physically healthier and are more likely to advance in their careers. It can also change the way you think about yourself. “Fathering often helps men to clarify their values and to set priorities,” writes my colleague Ross Parke, one of the pioneers in fatherhood research. “It may enhance their self-esteem if they manage its demands and responsibilities well, or alternatively, it may be unsettling and depressing by revealing their limitations and weaknesses. Fathers can learn from their children and be matured by them.”

Going from man to father is one of the most dramatic changes you will ever experience. It’ll force you to rethink who you are, what you do, and what it means to be a man. Your relationships—with your partner, parents, friends, coworkers—will change forever as you begin to reevaluate what’s important and reorder your priorities.

Some parts of the man-to-father transition are sudden: One day it’s just you and your partner, the next day you’ve got a baby. But for the most part, fatherhood is a gradual, ever-changing process that will last your entire lifetime. Most develop and change along fairly predictable lines, but the journey is always a little different for everyone. ¶ Excerpted with permission from The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year, third ed., by Armin Brott (Abbeville Press, 2015).

Armin Brott has written eight best-selling books that guide fathers through every stage of fatherhood.

He lives in Oakland and is a dad to three children. Find out more at mrdad.com.

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Family Fun

Oh Daddy-o!

Circus Bella

5 Terrific Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

W

hat kind of dad does your family have?

Whether foodie, musician, cowboy, or just all-around great guy, the special man in your family will surely find one of these local activities a Father’s Day treat.

Get Silly at the Circus

Photo by Tyler Parks

If Dad is in the mood for a little trip, spend the day in San Francisco. On June 21 at 1 p.m., take in a free performance of the Golden Gate Park Band in—where else?—Golden Gate Park. The band will play whimsical circus music while performers from Circus Bella tumble their way through excerpts from their new show. Afterwards, walk through the park’s meandering pathways, or head over to the San Francisco Botanical Garden and stroll through a menagerie of flora from all over the world.

Photo by Lee Able Reggaeportraits.com

Revel in Reggae

Jimmy Cliff

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Does Pops love to boogie to a world beat? He’ll be on cloud nine at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, June 19–21. Steele Pulse, Jimmy Cliff, and the Thievery Corporation will join more than 30 bands at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville for three days of reggae and world music. Revel in dance and drum workshops, tasty eats, and a parade. A Kids Zone, featuring a special lineup of performances and activities for children of all ages, will keep young ones entertained. Come for the day or camp overnight. A three-day pass is $175; a one-day pass is $60–$75. To purchase tickets and get more information, see snwmf.com.

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

GIVE US A SHOUT!

Be a Winery Tourist Give Dad a peak inside a few local wineries. Take him to the 24th Annual Taste of Redwood Valley, which will give participants a behind-the-scenes glimpse of eight local producers who are too small to keep regular tasting-room hours. Start the weekend off with the Winemaker Dinner on June 19, 6–9 p.m., at Barra of Mendocino, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Italian meal paired with local wines. Then on June 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., indulge in a pasta cook-off, musical entertainment, and, of course, wine tasting, which will continue on June 21, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets are $30–$90 and can be purchased at atasteofredwoodvalley.com.

Grab Some BBQ If your favorite guy’s idea of a good v time is an old fashioned barbecue, the Comptche Volunteer Fire Department has just the ticket. Its annual Father’s Day Chicken Barbecue has been pleasing palates for 50 years.

Savor Madrone grilled chicken and homemade pies, listen to live music, and take part in a raffle and silent auction. The chow-down happens on June 14, noon–4 p.m., at the Comptche Volunteer Fire Department on Flynn Creek Road. Adults are $15 and kids under 12 are $5. No dogs are allowed.

Crown Him a Cowboy Fathers with a hankerin’ for all things Western will enjoy Middletown Days, June 19–21. The annual rodeo at Middletown Central Park in Middletown includes team roping and barrel racing, as well as a parade, dancing, barbecue, and a chili cook-off. A junior rodeo and gymkhana means the littlest cowboys and cowgirls can get in on the action, too. There are fees for competing, but you can watch rodeo events for free. For a full schedule of events and times, see middletowndays.org/ middletown-days.php. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

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

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

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

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

e-mail melissa@family-life.us

COMMON CORE | SMALL CLASSES | MAGNET SCHOOLS

Climbing to New Heights Medical Magnet School Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School Enrichment Programs Chess, Claymation

ENROLLING TK-12 KONOCTI IS GROWING, COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Certificated & Classified Job Openings Visit our website

New Event Center Wellness Center Chromebooks College Field Trips Hands-On Units Pathways for College & Career Technology Based Learning Units www.konoctiusd.org

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

June Calendar of Events

Take Me to the Fair

H

op on to a Ferris wheel, grab some cotton candy, and don’t forget to smell the flowers at the Lake County Spring Fair, June 12–14, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport.

A home and garden show, car show, rides, games, food, and entertainment will all be part of the fun. Gates will be open 2–9 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 6 and up; kids under 6 get in free.

Go to lakecountyfair.com for further information. ¶

Tuesday 2 FREE Mother-Wise Lakeport

Church. 14310 Memory Ln., Clearlake.

(No religious affiliation.)

Playgroup. Come meet other

pregnant women & mothers with babies who are dealing with the same issues, sorting through some of the same challenges & experiencing the same joys that come along with new parenthood. Tuesdays 1–3 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m.–noon. St. John’s Lutheran

Thursday 4 FREE Willits Farmers Market. A

weekly community gathering featuring tons of produce & a wide selection of meat, cheese, eggs, honey & locally produced crafts of all sorts. Enjoy live music & great food. Thursdays. 3–6

p.m. Willits City Park. Commercial St., Willits. mcfarm.org/willits.html.

FREE Gaming for Teens. Come challenge your friends to Wii-U! There will be a weekly sign-up sheet available at 3:15 p.m. for teen gamers ages 12–19. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursdays. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. Text 467-6434 for more information.

LAKE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION CAREER & COLLEGE READINESS DEPT

WE’RE MOVING! Loyd P. Hance Community School 1510 Argonaut Rd., Lakeport

FAMILY FRIENDLY NON-TOXIC TREATMENT

July 1st

• Unique system for lice removal.

• 100% guaranteed on 1st visit.

• Certified operators. • FDA cleared.

Our current office in Clearlake will remain open through June 12th tserpa@lakecoe.org / ncromwell@lakecoe.org • 994-9001 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

415-328-1350 • www.lcanorthbay.com 159 Lynch Creek Way • Petaluma

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Friday 5 International Glamping Weekend.

A weekend dedicated to glamorous camping. Friday night wine reception.

Camp Indian Meadows. 13095 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb Mountain. 350-3245.

Redwood Empire Spring Fair. Fine

arts, agriculture, livestock, live music, petting zoo, carnival rides, food & games. Speedway events include monster trucks & boat races. Thru June 7. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds.

1055 North State St., Ukiah.

462-3884. For times & schedule, visit redwoodempirefair.com.

Sit With It. Mendocino Dance Project.

Contemporary dance performance explores the dilemma of the modern mom as she simultaneously tries to fulfill her myriad responsibilities & pursue her passions. June 5: 7:30 p.m. June 6: 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $13–$18. Matheson Performing Arts Center. 45096 Cahto St., Mendocino.

Additional show June 13: 7:30 p.m.

Mendocino College Little Theater.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. mendocinodanceproject.com.

FREE Pomo Basketmaking Demonstration. Watch Susan Billy,

Hopland Pomo Indian basketmaker, demonstrate techniques. 5 p.m.

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

Spring Fling 2015. Dinner,

dance & live auction. Benefits the Riviera Elementary School. 5 p.m. This is a 21 & over event. $50. Designated driver $35. Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill. 5625 Gaddy Ln., Kelseyville. 245-5432. rivpto.com.

Beginner Bird Walk. Join the

Audubon Society beginner bird walk at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Walk is free, but the gardens charge a reduced “Guest of Audubon” price for admission. 9 a.m. 18220 North Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352. gardenbythesea.org.

2015

Passes good June 1 thru Aug. 31, 2015

SUMMER YOUTH PASS $45all summer County-wide

Unlimited rides to summer school...

Shopping...to the Coast...Meet your Friends!

Youth Summer Pass for students 18 years & younger.

Pass good all summer long on all MTA fixed routes. $5.00 and a Youth Summer Pass will get you to and from Santa Rosa on MTA’s North Coast and South Coast Buses!

For more information: www.mendocinotransit.org or call 800-696-4MTA / 462-1422 Tickets: Mendocino Transit Authority, 241 Plant Road , Ukiah CA 95482 Available on board an MTA bus or at the MTA office in Ukiah or Fort Bragg. This pass not valid on MTA Dial-A-Ride.

Saturday 6 FREE Saturday Morning Matinee.

Family-friendly movies first Saturday of each month. Current releases & old favorites. Animated & live-action films.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30 a.m. Lakeport Library.

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

wheel deal!

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

FREE Mobile Pet Adoption. Weather & staff permitting. Saturdays. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Rotary Park. Corner of Main & Lansing. Mendocino. mendocinohumane.org.

Get Cool in the Pool W

FREE Scrabble Tournament.

hen summer’s heat starts to burn high, head off to the pool. Easily accessible and affordable, city pools not only cool kids down, but keep them entertained. Pack up the swimsuits, waterproof sunscreen, goggles, and towels, and get ready to have a splash-blast.

Lake County Middletown County Pool—20962 Big Canyon Road. 262-1618. Open June 10–August 9. Wednesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m. Adults $2. Children $1.25. Free daily passes for kids under 12 at Hardester’s Market.

Mendocino County City of Ukiah Municipal Pool—591 Park Boulevard. 467-2831. Public swim open June 15–August 21. Monday– Friday, 1–4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. $5. $80 for a 20-session pass (during public swim hours). $85 for a 20-entry lap swim pass.

Willits Municipal Pool—429 S. Main Street. 459-5778. Call after June 11 for summer session dates, hours, and fees.

Fort Bragg/CV Starr Community Center, Sigrid and Harry Spath Aquatic Facility—300 S. Lincoln Street.

964-9446. Center features multiple pools, adult swim area, children’s play zone with beach entry and a popular water slide and river. Rates for district residents: Adults: $7 drop-in, $60 for one month ($50 per month ongoing), $60 for a 10-visit pass. Kids: $5 drop-in, $35 for one month ($30 per month ongoing), $45 for a 10-visit pass. ¶.

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Enjoy a friendly challenge with Wordsmiths14. Trophies & prizes. 2–5 p.m. Mendocino Masonic Building.

Lansing & Ukiah Streets (behind Savings Bank), Mendocino.

Wild West Day. Celebrate the Old

West! Pancake breakfast at the fire house. Parade, street fair, costume contest, children’s carnival, tri-tip BBQ, Wild West skits, live music & more. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Main St., Upper Lake.

275-2000. lakeportmainstreet.com.

Country Picnic Fundraiser. Benefit

for People Services, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. Chicken BBQ, live music, door prize, raffles, silent auction & beer & wine. 2–6 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

263-3810. lakeportmainstreet.com.

FREE Ukiah Valley Art Faire.

Painters, jewelers, potters, woodworkers, gourd artists & more. 10 a.m. Pear Tree Center.

504 E. Perkins St., Ukiah. 463.0610. ukiahvalleyartists@yahoo.com.

Navarro-by-the-Sea Day & 150th Birthday Celebration. Afternoon tours of Captain Fletcher’s Inn, silent auction items, home-baked goodies & an evening of live music, dinner & local beers & wines. Noon–10 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m. $15.

Captain Fletcher’s Inn. Elk. Call Navarro-by-the-Sea Center for Riparian & Estuarine Research to confirm times & events: 877-3477. navarro-by-the-sea-center.org.

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sunday 7 Lake County Youth Orchestra Concert. Adults $5. Children 18 &

under free. 3 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

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

Early British Car Exhibit. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while you peruse cars & walk through vineyards. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Nelson Family Vineyards.

550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah. RSVP: 462-4339. rfrassinello@comcast.net.

p.m. Fort Bragg High School Stadium Parking Lot. 312 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg. mendocinocoastpal.org.

Art & Soul: Saving Our Planet.

Opening for exhibit of spiritual & socially conscious art by 14 local artists. 5–7 p.m. Odd Fellows Hall.

45101 Ukiah St., Mendocino.

Cabrillo Lighthouse Tour. A unique

opportunity to visit the Lantern Room & the restored operational third order Fresnel lens. Allow time for the half-mile walk to the lighthouse.

Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to participate. Tours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5. Point Cabrillo Light Station.

Mendocino Monster Bike Ride.

100-mile, 62-mile & 26-mile rides.

Food & drink, SAG support, goodie bag, event t-shirt & barbecue dinner at finish. All rides depart & finish at Mendocino College. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. See website for registration & fee info: mendocinomonster.com.

Friday 12 Lake County Spring Fair. Ages 6 & up $5. Kids under 6 free. Thru June 14. 2–9 p.m. Grounds close at 11 p.m. lakecountyfair.com.

Saturday 13 Friends & Family Rock On! Concert.

Family-friendly music festival with kids’ activities, crafts, food, nonprofit info.

Bring your own drum for the drum circle afterwards. 2–8 p.m. Free parking. $15. Kids 12 & under free. Jellystone Park. 14117 Bottle Rock Rd., Cobb.

928-4322. jellystonecobbmtn.com.

FREE Bicycle Rodeo. Officers work with the youth teaching them the rules of the road & safe habits when riding their bicycles. Free helmets are given out by the police department to any child who needs one. 9 a.m.–1

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

707-468-1010

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Love Children?

Call us to learn about Foster Care in our community.

You will receive real insight about Foster Care that will give you the answers that may just make a difference in your life.

We provide extensive support, training and financial compensation.

(707) 467-2000

13800 Point Cabrillo Dr., Mendocino. mendonoma.com.

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

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

FREE Kite Festival. Kite making, kite flying, food & music. Noon–4 p.m.

Todd Point (between miniature golf course & College of Redwoods), Fort Bragg. 964-0942. habitatmendocino. org/events.

Simple Filipino Spring Rolls. Learn

Sunday 14 FREE 24th Annual Ukiah Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. Electric, vein-popping blues. 6 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah.

Wednesday 17 Summer Reading Program Kick-Off. Lic. #236803534

Launch “Every Hero Has a Story” theme. Drum music. 11 a.m.–noon.

to make traditional Filipino fresh & fried spring rolls. 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. $15.

Member/owner $10. Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op Annex. 747 S. State St., Ukiah. Register by calling 462-4778 or going to ukiahcoop.com.

Thursday 18 FREE Kickin’ in the Country Street Dance. Raffle. Bring your dancing

shoes & folding chairs & join in on the music & fun. 7–10 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. visitkelseyville.com.

Friday 19 FREE Foster Parenting Orientation.

Please join us for a Q & A & learn about foster care in our community.

Local foster parents share their experiences & answer questions. 5:30 p.m. Redwood Community Services.

800 N. State St., Ukiah. 467-2000. rcs4kids.org.

FREE Donuts with Dad! Food,

fellowship with other dads & a handmade gift from your child.

8:30–9:30 a.m. Imagination Station Preschool & Childcare Center. 11 N. Marin St., Willits. 459-6543. preschooldaycarewillits.com.

Bianca Torres, Tim Barnes, and Will McAuley rehearsing for An Evening of One Acts.

Seven Plays, One Night

T

FREE KXBX Concerts in the Park.

he spotlight is on the local stage with Lake County Theatre Company’s presentation of An Evening of One Acts. Seven short plays, three of which were written by local playwrights and two by Shel Silverstein, will be put on each day, June 5–7, at Weaver Auditorium in Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and the Sunday show is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at Pieces in Lakeport or The Game Hub in Lower Lake. Wondering if you can bring the kids? Most of the plays are comedies and all are suitable for audiences 13 and up. See lakecountytheatrecompany.org for details. ¶

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

6–9 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com.

Youth Tribal Olympics. Hosted

by the Lake County Tribal Health Consortium. Diabetes Prevention.

Alcohol & drug-free. T-ball, water balloon toss, sack races, tug-of-war & more. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

263-8382 ext. 1116. lcthc.com.

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

AFFORDABLE MEDICAL WEIGHT CONTROL

Weight No More

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

Make This Your Year!

2015. Three days of roots & reggae

music on two stages. Children’s activities, arts & crafts, international food court, family camping. Thru June 21. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. 14400 CA-128, Boonville. snwmf.com.

A Kind and Affordable Caring Approach to Permanent Weight Control

$15 OFF Your First Visit

Take Control of Your Life Look Better - Feel Better - Have More Energy

Snak, Yak & Write Back. Book

discussion & writing group where tweens & teens can chat about their recent or favorite reads. Writing for fun will also be explored. Snacks will be provided. 3:30 p.m. Ukiah Library.

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

Moonlight Movie Madness. Penguins of Madagascar. Film begins at dusk.

Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. ukiahmainstreetprogram.org.

NEW PATIENTS SEEN AT 1:00 PM ONLY

Lakeport: 263-1979 751 11th St. Fri. 11:30-5:30

www.weightnomoremedical.com • Se habla español

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.

Saturday 20

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

FREE Know Lake County. Topics

include many facets of Lake County, including human & natural history, outdoor recreation, science & performing arts & programs for children. 2 p.m. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. 263-8817. co.lake.ca.us.

• Free Child Care Referrals.

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211

Mendocino Art Center’s 23rd Annual Mendocino Coast Garden Tour. Self-guided tour of Mendocino Coast’s private gardens. Benefit lunch at Stanford Inn’s Ravens Restaurant. Garden shop & plant sale. 10 a.m. Mendocino Art Center.

45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino.

937-5818 ext. 10. 800-653-3328 ext. 10. mendocinoartcenter.org.

Windshields

$

FREE Family Fun. Arts & crafts,

games, jump houses, balloons, healthy snacks & drinks. 9:30 a.m.–noon.

Vinewood Park. 1260 Elm St., Ukiah. visitukiah.com. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukiah: 462-0464 750 South Dora St. Thur. 11:30-5:30

Starting at

99

Rural Communities Child Care

Price Less Auto Glass

Our mobile unit comes to you

plus installation

Chip Repair

$

39

95

June 2015

707-463-1638

2350 North State St. Ukiah Same location as Warranty Motors

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Sunday 21 World Giraffe Day. Special giraffe

feedings throughout the day. $15.

Kids under 10 $5. B. Bryan Preserve.

130 Riverside Dr., Point Arena. bbryanpreserve.com.

Monday 22 FREE Vacation Bible Club. “To

the Edge: Encounter the God of the Universe!” Bible stories, games, crafts, snacks & prizes. 9–11:30 a.m. Thru June 26. Clear Lake Baptist Church.

555 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. 263-3256. clearlakebaptistchurch.org.

Tuesday 23 FREE Vegan Summer Dishes. Learn

how to fix quick & impressive dishes for parties, including hors d’oeuvres, salads & a main dish. Noon–1 p.m.

Ukiah Valley Medical Center. 275 Hospital Dr., Ukiah.

Thursday 25 Little Lake Firefighters 89th Annual Open House & Fundraiser. Three

departments’ apparatus will be on display. Door prizes donated by local businesses. Tacos by Emilio Flores. 5 p.m. $10. Tickets can be purchased at the fire house. 74 East Commercial St., Willits. facebook. com/littlelakefiredepartment.

20th Annual Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival. Thru June 28.

Black Oak Ranch. 50350 Hwy. 101, Laytonville. Ticket & concert info: katewolfmusicfestival.com.

FREE Willits Hometown Celebration.

5–9 p.m. Main St., Downtown Willits.

459-7910. Willits Frontier Days. June

Chekov with a Twist

W

ith a nod toward Anton Chekov, the Mendocino Theatre Company will perform Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, an absurdist farce that revolves around an eccentric cast deliberately named after Chekov characters. The comedy revolves around B-movie star Masha; her sister, Sonia, a self-pitying orphan; Vanya, her sardonic yet contemplative brother; Masha’s lover, Spike; a starry-eyed ingénue named Nina; and Cassandra, a clairvoyant voodoo-wielding cleaning lady. Performances will be held at the Helen Schoeni Theatre in Mendocino on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, June 11–July 19, at 8 p.m.; some additional performances will be held on select Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7–$25 and may be purchased at mendocinotheatre.org. ¶

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

25–July 5. Rodeo, street dance, carnival, gymkhana, parade. For schedule and fees, see willitsfrontierdays.com.

Friday 26 Funky Dozen. Advance tickets $13.

(Available at Brown Paper Tickets.)

Door $20. Doors: 5:30 p.m. Concert: 6 p.m. Nelson Family Vineyards. 550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah. 462-3755. nelsonfamilyvineyards.com.

Taste of Downtown. Local wines, beer, food & music.

5–8 p.m. Downtown Ukiah. ukiahmainstreetprogram.org.

Saturday 27 FREE Piano Concert at Boggs. Friends of Boggs board member Karen Rhoads plays Bach, Chopin, Schumann, Scriabin, Grieg & Kuhlau. Bring folding chairs & blankets. Donations suggested.

10–10:45 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.–noon. Boggs Mountain State Forest. Boggs State Forest Rd., Middletown. 321-4964. beardie1@sonic.net.

Windows to the Universe. 8–11 p.m.

Taylor Observatory. 5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. taylorobservatory.org.

The Sun Goddess & the Mirror. Dance

performance based on Japanese myth. 7–8:30 p.m. $10. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Sunday 28 24th Annual Ukiah Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Frobeck.

Funk-rock music. 6 p.m. Todd Grove Park. 600 Live Oak Ave., Ukiah.

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Make the Best on the Block

Luxury Lemonade

By John Corippo

T

he heat has arrived and with it an opportunity for little lemon barons to make some cash. Just as American as baseball and apple pie is the neighborhood lemonade stand run by our future Fortune 500 CEOs.

Lemonade lesson number one is to have a product that brings your clientele back time after time. Our Luxury Lemonade is just the stuff. It may take a little more time and elbow grease than popping a top off a carton of concentrate, but you just can’t beat the taste.

The secrets are a simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice—two ingredients that’ll ensure your tiny tycoon’s product stands apart from the other 50-cent options in town. Instead of artificially flavored junk, you’ll get natural, sweet-tart summer bliss that shines out the rest. Ka-ching!

Ingredients • 2 cups sugar • 2 cups water • Zest of one lemon (optional) • 2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice, approximately 10–12 lemons • 1 gallon cold water • 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed fruit juice, optional (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, etc.)

• 1 lemon, sliced • Ice

Directions Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add zest if desired, and steep for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat, strain the zest from the syrup, and set aside to cool. (This mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.)

Now comes the work—squeezing the lemons. Some hints for extracting juice: microwave lemons for 10 seconds to soften, roll with pressure on a hard surface, and use a citrus juicer.

Add lemon juice and a gallon of cold water to a large pitcher. Add the syrup, additional fruit juice if desired, and lemon slices. Stir well. Pour the lemonade into tall glasses filled with ice. ¶

John Corippo lives in Ukiah, where he is a husband and father to two sons as well as a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

June 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

The Great Squeeze Tales of a Tent Party

By Patrick Hempfing

I

t’s hard to believe I’ll be celebrating my 11th Father’s Day this year. My baby girl, Jessie, now ten, stands five feet tall. It doesn’t seem possible, but the numbers don’t lie.

We live in a world filled with numbers– dates, times, measurements, bank accounts, thermostat settings, weights, ages, house numbers, bills, paychecks, ball scores, and many more. Of course, some numbers are more important than others. I prefer Jessie’s grades to be in the 90s or hit 100 often. Being a college football fan, I hope my teams score more points than their opponents. I don’t count the number of hairs on my head, but I’d rather have more of them.

Recently, Jessie provided my wife, Mattie, and me with an interesting numbers challenge. About two weeks earlier, Mattie went on a business trip. Rather than leave her home office unused while she was gone, I set up Jessie’s tent and tunnels in it.

Even though my tall girl had long ago outgrown the 4’x4’ tent, a gift for her second birthday, she still loved to play in it and the four connecting tunnels that came with it. While Mattie was gone, Jessie had a blast playing with her dog, Sadie, in her old stomping 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

grounds, and even slept in the tent—or at least part of her did. There was only room for about half of her body once the tent was filled with her toys, pillows (pet and human), and various sleeping accoutrements.

When Mattie came home from her trip, Jessie asked to have one final party in the tent before we took it down. Ever the organized hostess, she planned the entire event, from food to attire, so all

We all made it in, but after getting kicked—twice—within the first minute, I opted to enjoy my cookies outside. her mom and I had to do was show up. When I arrived, Jessie handed me one of her headbands to wear, while Mattie lucked out with a tiara. The feather boa was saved for Sadie. Mom and Dad were served peanut butter cookies and Kool-Aid while Sadie feasted on a spoonful of peanut butter, Rice Krispies, and a few pieces of leftover chicken.

Now, here is where the numbers problem began. Jessie didn’t want to be rude and kick out the 14 stuffed

animals that had been keeping her company.

I’ve heard about cramming people into things, such as a Volkswagen, phone and photo booths, and even an outhouse. We were about to see just how much we could fit into a tent. At 6’5”, I knew I would take up my fair share of the space. With Jessie’s animal family already arranged, Queen Mattie and Showgirl Sadie went in next. Jessie and I squeezed in last with our cookie plates and Sadie’s snacks. We opted to leave the drinks outside the tent (smart thinking by Dad).

We all made it in, but after getting kicked—twice—within the first minute and only narrowly averting sitting on Eeyore, I opted to enjoy my cookies and Kool-Aid from the outside looking in. I only crammed back into the tent for a selfie of the family.

Each day, we’re surrounded by numbers, some within our control, others not. Sometimes we’re happy when the number is big, like a sunny winter day in the 70s. Other times, such as when we’re looking down at the bathroom scale, small numbers are what we’re after. Some numbers, like Jessie’s age, seem to change too quickly. But what I discovered on a Sunday afternoon is that numbers really don’t matter. In the end, everything adds up to love. ¶ Patrick Hempfing is a stay-at-home dad and writer.

Follow him at www.facebook. com/patricklhempfing.

June 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Stay Safe in the Water

E

veryone loves to beat the summer heat with a romp in a pool or at the beach. Here are some tips from Nemours, a nonprofit kids’ health foundation, to keep kids’ safe. Find more advice at kidshealth.org.

Supervise. It probably goes without saying that kids, no matter what their swimming capabilities, need constant supervision when they are playing in or by water, whether a bathtub, ornamental fish pond, wading or swimming pool, spa, lake, or beach. Adults should get in the water—within arms’ reach—of kids who don’t know how to swim or are weak swimmers. Young kids can drown in less than two inches of water, so even something as seemingly innocuous as a landscape fountain can be a threat to them.

Learn to swim. If you don’t know how, take swim lessons.

Kids older than four—and even babies older than one (though check with your doctor first)—can take lessons, too. (See page 24 for area pools that offer swim lessons.)

Buy a life vest. Invest in a Coast Guard–approved life vest appropriately sized for your child’s height and weight.

Vests for kids younger than five should have a strap between the legs and a collar that will keep the head and face out of the water. Inflatable vests, arm bands, and water wings do not prevent drowning.

Be aware of hypothermia. Since body temperature drops quickly in the water, children can become hypothermic even in warm summer waters. A child who is shivering or has muscle cramps should be taken out of the water immediately.

Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and water. Keep sunburn at bay with a 15 SPF or above waterproof sunscreen. Apply it liberally and often throughout the day— and don’t forget hats. Make sure kids hydrate often with water, too. Stay away from sugary drinks like Kool-Aid or soda, which can actually dehydrate the body. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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