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March 2014
Feature Stories
8 Opportunity is Knocking Meet North Coast Opportunities’ new director, Patty Bruder.
12 Predicaments & Pinning
12
Ukiah girls wrestling team proves their mettle.
16 What you need to Know About Whooping Cough What will you do to protect your kids?
19 Spring Craft Projects for Kids Eco-friendly crafts for your garden.
20 Create a Somewhere Over the Rainbow Birthday Party Create the party your child dreams about.
Every Issue
7
6
Dear Readers
7
Bits and Pieces
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County Opening
28 Celebrating March Birthdays
Manicures for Miracles
29 Classifieds
22 Calendar of Events
National Women’s History Month
30 Humor Break
On the cover: Cate Bisbee and Hudson Jordan play in Mary’s Garden at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Photo by Bob Rider.
MendoLakeFamilyLife.com 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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Dear Reader Ever stared in wonderment at a butterfly with your child? Talked about the different stages? Imagined what it might be like to spread those wings on a spring breeze? With the opening of the Children’s Museum Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor you’ll be able to get even Sharon@family-life.us closer feel for life as a butterfly. On the cover, Cate Bisbee and Hudson Jordan introduce us to the butterfly themed interactive display, Mary’s Garden. See page 6. Looking for some birthday party inspiration? See how to plan a rainbow party. See page 20 for rainbow themed inspiration, ideas and recipes! Now there’s a new way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Send us their picture and how old they’ll be for our Happy Birthday Wishes on page 28. April birthdays need to be to us by the 10th! But you can send May, June, etc now so we’ll have it! P.S. We don’t publish last names.
NCO is an important organization for this area, and the new director Patty Bruder is ready for the challenge. Patty shares her vision of the future in this exclusive interview. While Lake and Mendocino have been successful at limiting whooping cough, Marin county’s rates have sky-rocketed, and now has the second highest rate of whooping cough in the entire state, and twice as many cases as the previous year. Find out more, page 16. You can also see video on these stories, with our free app. Go to page 11 for two simple steps, then you can scan pages with the ‘PLAY’ icon to find cool connected videos and links. Now your phone will recognize our photos and give you more to see and explore. It’s like your own channel of ‘extras’ curated by Family Life editors. Looking for summer camps? Save the date— Friday April 11th for the Redwood Empire’s biggest summer camp fair. It’s free and fun and you’ll find over 100 camps to choose from—local day camps, sleepover, and tons of ideas for local outings and summer fun.
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Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Karlon Baker karlon@family-life.us Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us
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Bits & Pieces
The Sonoma County New Children’s Museum Opening!
T
Bob Rider Photography
he wait is finally over! The eagerly anticipated unveiling of the the first phase of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, a multi-million dollar creative playing and learning facility for children ages ten and under, is opening its doors in the spring of 2014. The museum will partially open in March at its new permanent location at 1835 W. Steele Lane in Santa Rosa, just a stone’s throw from the Charles M. Schulz Museum. You and your kids won’t want to miss it. Go to cmosc.org or call 546-4069 for exact dates and times. ¶
Cate Bisbee and Hudson Jordan play in Mary’s Garden an interactive display about butterflies.
Manicures for Miracles
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hile many kids were writing their Christmas lists for Santa, two young girls from Ukiah were thinking of others. Alyssa Marino, age eleven, and Dasia Dominguez, age eight, were at the Senior Center with Alyssa’s mother Sarah Jacobsen, who had stopped by to visit a friend. The girls were buying nail polish and manicure supplies in the Senior Center Thrift Shop and saw a sign about cancer. They decided that they wanted to raise money for people with cancer.
“We knew we did not want to sell lemonade,” said Alyssa, “so we thought of using our supplies to give manicures and hand massages to earn money for cancer patients.” Marino’s Pizza gave them permission to set up a table to offer manicures and hand massages for fifty cents with all the money being donated to people with cancer. “We received $20 for three manicures,” said Alyssa. “Other people going in and out of the restaurant gave us donations, and we ended up with $67.10.”
Maryly Turner signs her book for Alyssa Marino
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Jacobsen took them to Ukiah Valley Medical Center with their funds. Allyne Brown in the philanthropy department accepted their donation which will be used to help build a new Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, scheduled to open in Ukiah in 2014. Brown arranged for them to meet Maryly Turner, a cancer survivor and author of the book, Quinn, the Rottweiler, about a special dog with cancer. ¶ March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 7
Learn more about community gardens in Mendocino.
Everyone wants to help out at the Brooktrails Community Garden.
Opportunity is Knocking
By Carole Brodsky
W
A conversation with NCO’s new director, Patty Bruder
ith decades of service to her community, it is not surprising Patty Bruder was recently selected to be the executive director of North Coast Opportunities—one of Mendocino and Lake County’s most successful nonprofit organizations helping children get the education they need, partnering the elderly with young adults in need of mentors, and helping our communities through access to healthy food.
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March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
photo by Cathie Nicolaus
For the past fifteen years, Bruder has been agency director of NCO’s Community Action. The decision was made to merge directorial positions, and no one was better equipped to handle the job than Bruder, having spent nearly thirty years working for the agency.
she became one of the movers and shakers who helped secure funds to launch the West Company, which worked with the Bright Center to provide personal development and job training for women. After leaving NCO for several years, a position within Community
and disaster preparedness. These are big issues, and we wondered what we could do that would have an impact.” Bruder realized that access to healthy food was an indicator of overall community health. “Everything is affected by the food we eat—health care, food cost, success in the classroom,” she notes. Often
“Everything is affected by the food we eat—health care, food cost, success in the classroom.” A student peeks out of a bean teepee at Willits Charter Elementary. photo by Becky Button
Bruder came to Mendocino County during the “back to the land” movement in the 1970s. “We moved to Mendocino County for many of the same reasons others moved here: the clean air and relaxed lifestyle,” says Bruder, who built the family home and raised her children in a small subdivision outside of Willits. “I love being a part of this community,” she explains. By the mid-eighties, Bruder’s children were old enough for her to return to work. “I was hired as a Head Start teacher with the Bright Center. It was an early ‘welfare to work’ model that gave women opportunities to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives.” After working with Head Start, Bruder transitioned to a job with the Bright Center. Concurrently, www.mendolakefamilylife.com
the cheapest foods are the unhealthiest. We wanted to increase health and reduce the costs of health care,” she explained.
Generations come together in Willits Charter School garden. photo by Becky Button
Action brought Bruder back to the organization, where she has been ever since. As executive director, Bruder will now oversee 225 employees who run numerous programs spanning several counties. Bruder’s involvement with NCO helped to frame the organizational mission of today. “Working within Community Action gave me the opportunity to develop programs based on community need. This got us into the food world,” she smiles. “About twelve years ago, we were reviewing our community needs survey. Community members reported concerns about health, obesity, diabetes, health care costs, access to healthy foods, economic concerns, joblessness, food insecurity, lack of cooking skills, March 2014
“We began to develop strategies, wondering if we could reduce health care costs through prevention. Some types of poor health are related to lifestyle. By encouraging people to stay as healthy as possible, we were hoping to prevent illness.” “Vegetables produced by our local farmers are amazing, but small farmers don’t have the benefit of the farm subsidies they need to recoup the true cost of production,” Bruder explains. “People were struggling to make ends meet. Many families couldn’t afford fresh fruits and vegetables, and some families no longer knew how to cook from scratch.” Bruder and her colleagues developed and promoted programs that created access to affordable, healthy food. MendoLakeFamilyLife 9
including the Gardens Project, Farm2Fork and the BEANS program. She knew community gardens would increase access, provide healthy outdoor activities and bring people together in ways that strengthen community. And by helping to support and “grow” more farmers, Bruder believes that ultimately, NCO’s commitment to local food systems positively impacts job creation. The Farm2Fork and BEANS programs connect farmers to schools and kids to farming and
dozens of family-and-resident-operated gardens throughout the county so special to Bruder. “The food and the exercise is incredible, but the community building that takes place in these gardens is the wonderful piece. In the gardens, people barbecue together. Their children play together and everyone learns to be part of a community.”
listening to them read, helping where they’re needed.” NCO also provides the Redwood Caregiver Resource Center that helps families and communities master the challenges of caring for adults with brain disorders through programs and services addressing the emotional, physical, and financial needs of the family. The focus is on supporting the caregiver. “People don’t realize the kind of support they need until they’ve become a caregiver themselves,” says Bruder.
She is also very proud of NCO’s Head Start program, which just passed its federal review with flying colors. “The support system is fantastic. We look
Students at Willits Charter Elementary offer their seedlings water and words of encouragement.
Willits Community Garden is supported by a wonderful community that grows delicious food.
photo by Becky Button
entrepreneurship, and adjunct educational efforts help kids learn to eat a broader spectrum of foods. “Those changes take time, but soon kids try more and more new foods. Gardening programs make participation in our food system fun and tasty,” she continues. “We’ve created a structure that develops both individual and community-level food self-reliance while addressing the needs of high-risk, low-income people through education about nutrition, cooking skills and income-patching with value-added foods and microenterprise opportunities.” It is “community” that makes the 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife
at the whole child and involve the parents. We must continue to invest significant resources into young children, because the benefits continue to pay off as they get older.” NCO understands that kids and older adults benefit from time together. Their Foster Grandparent program brings together older adults who assist at-risk youth. Volunteers help challenged children with academics while providing individualized care and friendship. Many foster grandparents are the only stable, loving presence the students have. “What the grandparent provides to children is simple and essential—tuning into kids,
photo by Paul Jacobson.
NCO’s Volunteer Network partners with the County of Mendocino by recruiting and managing volunteers
In the gardens, people barbecue together. Their children play together and everyone learns to be part of a community. who serve in the County Sheriff’s, Administration and Transportation departments, Animal Care Services and all branches of the County Library. The HandsOn Network of Lake and Mendocino Counties creates opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer, learn, and lead in their communities. “We match volunteers to their interests, with short and long term opportunities available,” Bruder notes. Several NCO programs specifically serve Lake County. “Our food pantry program enables people to receive food distributions twice monthly. The focus is on healthy fruits and vegetables. We’ve done food demos and nutrition education at the pantry, and see a trend in clients making
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
healthier food choices.” The pantry and community garden are run primarily by volunteers who also share the bounty of the garden and the pantry. Not only does NCO offer all these resources, they also financially
“Grant funds aren’t the answer. How do we want our communities to be? How can we best do this work together? assist the Lake County Time Bank. “We act as a fiscal agent for organizations who haven’t become nonprofits or don’t need to.” Bruder notes that the Lake County Time Bank holds the distinction of being
the fastest growing time bank in the country. “Time banks enable people to get what they need by utilizing their skills and filling needs for others. Some people have more time than money, which is a useful commodity in economically depressed communities.” “Everything we do is community action. In the future, we’re going to be focusing more on the overall agency and integrate our programs in a new way. That’s the part I’m excited about. These are really hard times, but it’s also a perfect and challenging time to make changes.” Bruder has tremendous respect for her staff, some of whom she has worked with for decades. “By knowing the employees, I truly know how valuable
everyone is to our organization. NCO is nothing without them. Our clients and customers depend on our employees. We’re also fortunate to have an amazing, interested, caring and capable board of directors, who want NCO to be everything it can be.” Bruder wants to discover new ways to solve community problems. “Grant funds aren’t the answer. How do we want our communities to be? How can we best do this work together? We need to deal with our communities ourselves. The more we take charge of our lives, becoming as healthy and self-sufficient as possible, the happier and healthier we will be as a community.”
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Watch Harmonie Roberts wresting Katelyn Laurente.
Predicaments & Pinning Ukiah Lady Wildcats wrestle through successful first season By Roberta Werdinger
T
here’s nothing quite so ladylike as wrestling, at least if the Ukiah High Wildcats get their way. The team of eighteen girls ranging in age from fourteen to seventeen is in the middle of its first season since the North Bay League (composed of eight Sonoma and Mendocino County high schools) made the historic decision to field girls-only wrestling leagues. This decision has reassured parents, concerned about their daughters’ safety, that they won’t be wrestling boys and has given the green light to all girls to explore a sport that gives them strength, agility, and confidence—just so long as they don’t mind being pinned or ending up in a predicament or two.
We live in an era where girls’ sports are still funded less than boys’ are and some girls still struggle with negative or unrealistic body images. But, opportunities for girls in sports are increasing. What kinds of girls would go for the sweaty and aggressive sport of wrestling? What is it like being female in a domain that has traditionally been dominated by men? I caught up with the members of the Lady Wildcats team recently before a match at the Ukiah High School gym to find out. 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
The team was fresh off a statewide tournament in Hollister the previous weekend that placed them 10th in the state and 23rd in the nation. I was immediately struck by their straightforward manner and sense of camaraderie. “We’re our own little family,” one said. Another added, “We all have the same life. We have to keep our grades up. We work together; we go to practice together; we inspire each other.” A few girls noted noticeably less drama on this team than when playing other sports. “We all encourage each other,” another agreed, citing the example of a team member who finished quickly during sprints and stayed longer to encourage others who had not finished. These girls train hard. Meeting after school every day at 5:30 for rigorous workouts that include running, cardio The Ukiah High wrestling team. Alyssa Roberts in action
training, and wrestling techniques, the girls often don’t get home until 7:30 at night or later if they are attending a match out of town. Their busy schedule includes finding time for homework in order to maintain at least the C average required of all athletes. What exactly is it that motivates the girls to give up sleep and free time for a turn on the mat? “It’s intense,” one girl says. “You have to be aggressive.” Unlike in team sports, “It’s all you on the mat.” “It makes you a strong person,” volunteered another. There’s the challenge of www.mendolakefamilylife.com
venturing into the unknown: “You don’t know how a person will wrestle or how good she is until you get her on the mat.” Technique—anticipating the other’s moves, using one’s “There were a strength to resist being pinned, couple of times knowing the right moment to I was so upset bring your opponent to the with myself I just mat—matters at least as much wanted to quit the as strength does, making this match, but then I a sport that engages all of think about all the the girls’ physical and mental hard work I did.” resources. As one girl puts it: “Every move that they make, you have to make a move that is better than them, to counteract it.” A wrestler has to be so well trained that the response is automatic. “I don’t really think,” one girl said. “I just let my body do whatever it needs.” “You have to put your heart into it. You can’t just be all muscle,” stated another. This may sound all well and good, but what is it like when someone has got her arm around your collarbone from behind while she is trying to pin you to the floor? One girl volunteered, “Whenever I’m in a lock March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 13
I just think through it: How am I going to get out of this?” Along with this challenge comes that of losing, which every player must undergo. “I cry every time I lose,” a girl admitted. Another reflected, “There were a couple of times I was so upset with myself I just wanted to quit the match, but then I think about all the hard work I did.” What about, I wondered, the reaction of boys to their playing this sport? Some boys, they reported, made fun of them initially, either claiming that girls can’t really wrestle or claiming, “That’s a boy’s sport.” Many boys come around in time, however, when they actually see the girls wrestle. A couple of the girls noted improved relations
and newfound respect from their brothers after joining the team. The mood was buoyant in the training room as girls and then boys lined up to be weighed before their dual meet that evening, in which
“Wrestling will give girls the skills and assertiveness they need.” they would be paired against an opponent from a Santa Rosa high school in their gender and weight category. In wrestling, “weight is everything,” an adult explained to me. Gaining even 2/10 of a pound can result in being put up to the
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next category, where a wrestler might encounter someone weighing seven to ten pounds more. The gym quickly filled up with parents, friends and siblings. Soon a match was underway as coaches and parents eagerly shouted instructions and encouragement. Locked arm in arm, the opponents tried to destabilize the stance of the other so that they would fall to the mat and be pinned. The referee shadowed the locked figures closely, crouching on the ground when the wrestlers did in order to confirm a crucial part of the contest: both shoulders of the opponent pinned to the ground for three seconds, which ends the match. If a wrestler was pinned to the ground for less than
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three seconds, this was known as a predicament. I watched several dramatic moments where a wrestler in a predicament, or on the ground but not yet pinned, reversed his or her fortune and threw the opponent off, to the excited shouts and cheers of the audience. Midway through the meet, I met two particularly enthusiastic audience members: Gregory Taylor and Donald Canevari, whose daughters, Carly Taylor and Angelina Canevari, are both wrestlers on the team. Both men commented how thrilled and proud they were of their daughters’ undertaking. “Wrestling will give girls the skills and assertiveness they need to go out there and compete with men,” Taylor enthused. He noted that he had wrestled many years before and never thought he would see a daughter of his be a wrestler as well. The girls know they owe much of their success to the excellent coaching they are receiving at Ukiah High from Shane Roberts and Justin Dygert. One noted of Coach Roberts, “He’s our coach but also our friend.” In addition to being a strong advocate for girls’ wrestling, Roberts is father of two girls, Harmonie, a junior, and Alyssa, a freshman, who are both rising stars in the state. With her slim build and quiet manner, Harmonie is as far from the stereotype of a girl wrestler as could be. She explained that her father encouraged her to start wrestling at the age of nine “because my sister needed a partner.” She adds that “I’m not super confident. When I’m wrestling I am, but not www.mendolakefamilylife.com
outside of that… I know I’m good, but I’m humble about it.” This combination of confidence, focus, and modesty will serve Harmonie well in college. She has already been offered wrestling scholarships at Lindenwood University in Missouri, Kings College in Pennsylvania, and Lyon College in Arizona. (Harmonie is still a junior, but colleges want girls to sign up early to help them concentrate in their senior year and to give them time to recover if they are injured. Boy wrestlers are not usually offered a scholarship until after they finish high school.) Coach Roberts hopes for similar opportunities for Alyssa and notes that wrestling is now the number one scholarship opportunity for girl athletes. With wrestling for girls being taught at several area middle schools (Roberts noted Eagle Peak and Pomolita as being especially encouraging to girls), we can look forward to the day when female wrestlers are the new normal. This will no doubt please Coach Roberts, who states, “I want every girl to be able to wrestle at least once.” He has a list of reasons: It provides the girls with a great workout; it teaches the girls self defense; it gives them confidence; and, with weight classes ranging from 101 to 235 pounds, there’s room for every type of girl. Lastly, it gives the girls a chance to go one-on-one on the mat and stand out as an individual, an advantage several of the girls noted as well. And if the members of the Lady Wildcats are any indication, wrestling once will not be enough. ¶ March 2014
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MendoLakeFamilyLife 15
What you need to Know About
Whooping Cough By Ann Ingraham
N
orthern California is known for being a healthy place to live, focusing on fresh food and outdoor living. That’s why it’s surprising that it is also home to the second highest rate of whooping cough in the state. In 2013 in California 1,904 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported, nearly double the amount of cases reported in 2012 according to the California Department of Public Health. The majority of cases have occurred in infants and children less than eighteen years of age.
Learn more about protecting infants from pertussis.
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Marin County had the second highest rate of whooping cough of all California counties with 173 reported cases in 2013 according to the California Department of Public Health. Sonoma County had forty-one reported cases, Lake County had three reported cases and Mendocino County had five cases of whooping cough in 2013. Mendocino Health and Human Services Public Health did a big vaccination push in 2010 when whooping cough was at epidemic levels in California. They especially targeted families with infants, according to Erika D. Nosera, PHN of Communicable Disease Control in Mendocino County. “Some parents are not aware of the latest research that demonstrates the safety of vaccines,” said Nosera. She recommends that children follow the Center for Disease Control vaccination schedule and that adults also get vaccinated for whooping cough every ten years. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease; in its onset it looks similar to the common cold and in the advanced stages thick mucous develops in the lungs and clogs air passages triggering violent episodes of coughing followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like a “whoop.” Complications include high fever, brain inflammation, convulsions, pneumonia, and even death. An infant died from whooping cough in Riverside, CA at the beginning of 2014, the first California death from whooping cough in three years. Many Californians, especially Northern Californians, pride themselves on embracing alternative lifestyles, alternatives March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
schools, and accepting nothing at face value—including most doctor’s recommendations to vaccinate their children. Personal Belief Exemptions allow parents that choose not to vaccinate their children (based on their religion or personal choice) to still have their children attend public school. Starting this January, these parents must also receive guidance about vaccines and receive a doctor’s signature.
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“There is a high rate of Personal Belief Exemptions in Marin County and in Nevada County [that has the highest rate of whooping cough infection in the state],” said Dr. David J. Witt,
Sears argues that his alternative schedule was designed to increase vaccinations in our country infectious disease specialist at Kaiser San Rafael. “The fact seems to hold that this [high rate of whooping cough in Marin County] is a result of unvaccinated kids.” In 1996 the whooping cough vaccine changed to cause less discomfort in kids and Witt explained that the new vaccine is not as durable and loses its effectiveness after three years. The Center for Disease Control recommends that children receive a DTap (diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) vaccination starting at two months, a booster between ages four and six and another booster at age eleven or twelve. There is work being done to improve the vaccine and to make it more www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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durable. Meanwhile “I recommend all kids and parents are vaccinated,” said Witt. “Not vaccinating your kids is selfish and threatening to others.” When asked if he thinks the changes in the personal belief exemption will increase the amount of vaccinated kids, Witt replied, “I think it will definitely encourage parents that don’t want to take the time to have their kids vaccinated. It will hopefully also influence parents that are horribly misinformed about vaccinations.” Comedienne Jenny McCarthy has been vocal in her belief that her son became autistic after receiving a
KNOW? 459-5506 • www.willitscharter.org “I think it will definitely ter School is a free public school serving 6th through 12th grade students encourage parents that nt can attend. It has fully credentialed teachers for all academic classes y accredited middle and high school. don’t want to take the
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time to have their kids vaccinated. vaccine and believes studies must be done to ensure the safety of vaccine ingredients. Critics argue that potentially harmful ingredients, including formaldehyde, aluminum, MSG, human and animal tissues, and more need to be more thoroughly tested to prove that they are safe to include in vaccines. Witt believes that the link
vaccines and autism check us out! Meet our Director, John Kirchiro, and tourbetween the campus. Call 459-5506 to set up an appointment. was perpetuated by a fraudulent ring the school year, you can also “shadow” a student for the day.
research paper published in the medical journal The Lancet in 1998. “Study after study has failed to prove any link between vaccinations and autism,” Wick said. “Because of this [research paper] funds are divested
18 MendoLakeFamilyLife
from researching how autism is really caused,” he continued. Dr. Sears, in his book The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decisions for Your Child published in 2007 proposed an alternative schedule that spaces the vaccinations out over a longer period of time than is recommended by the Center for Disease Control to spread out exposure to chemicals. For example, Sears suggests starting with the most important vaccines and exposing infants to only one aluminum-containing shot at a time. Sears also suggests in his book that parents that choose not to vaccinate their children with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) “not to share their fears with their neighbors because if too many people avoid the MMR, we’ll likely see the diseases increase significantly.” “His hide in the herd and hope others are vaccinated advice is cavalier and his experience with serious diseases is limited,” Witt said. Sears argues that his alternative schedule was designed to increase vaccinations in our country, by offering an alternative that resolves much of the controversy. Parents have serious decisions to make when deciding about medical care for their children. If they have children starting school in the fall, they have to present their child’s vaccination records or have a doctor sign off on their decision to not vaccinate. As children gather together in excitement in the classroom, parents see that they’re all in it together, in more ways than one. ¶
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Crafts Natural Spring
Spring Craft Projects for Kids By Jessica Snowden
S
pring is the perfect time to get outside to enjoy nature. These projects are easy and fun. They will fill your garden with handmade beauty while bringing it to life. They also make great gifts!
Colorful Bird Nest Helper Did you know that birds line their nests with more than sticks and fluff? This fun project will help your feathered friends find more bedding while bringing some extra color into your garden. What you need: • Natural ribbon, yarn, rags made from cotton, wool, hemp, linen, silk, etc. You can also use natural “fluff”—cotton, wool, bamboo, pet hair, etc. • Scissors • Ruler • 1–2 containers with holes—2 berry baskets, mesh bag from fruit. • Wire hanger or large piece of string to hang the nest helper. What you do: 1. Cut your ribbons, string, yarn, or rags about 4–6 inches long. When using rags or ribbons, make sure they are not much more than a half-inch wide. That’s about as long as your hand from wrist to finger tips and as wide as your pointer finger. 2. After you have a nice sized pile of materials, add them to the container you’ve chosen. You can also add any “fluff” to the nest helper. If you have a bag, tie it at the top. If you have a two berry baskets, turn one of them over and tie the edges of each side together. 3. When you’ve finished, pull a few ends out to get the birds started. Then bring your nest helper out and hang it or tie it into a bush or tree. This will give the birds a place to find the materials and keep them away from other animals.
Seed Bombs for Planting and Giving These recycled paper seed bombs can be rolled into balls or pressed into different shapes. Fill them with your favorite seeds and plant them in your garden. What you need: • Mixing bowl • Warm water—approximately 2 cups for every handful (1 cup) of shredded paper. • Seeds—smaller ones like wildflower or herb seeds work best. • Shredded paper—newspaper, tissue paper, old junk mail (just don’t use coated/glossy paper). • Mesh strainer or colander • Paper towels or clean sponge • Wax paper or cooling rack • Cookie cutter or silicone treat tray What to do: 1. Pour the water in your mixing bowl and add shredded paper. Swirl it around and pull it apart with your hands. Let soak for about twenty minutes. Put your colander www.mendolakefamilylife.com
into the sink. Bring the mixing bowl to the sink. Grab a handful of the soggy paper out and put it into the strainer. Push the paper mound down into the strainer so the water is almost gone. Using a clean sponge or a few paper towels can help pull more water out. 2. Put the cookie cutter down and push the paper through the shape until all of the water is gone. If you’d rather use a silicone shaped treat tray, push the wet paper in until it is full and the water is mostly out. Sprinkle the top of the formed paper with another half teaspoon of seeds. Pop out of the mold. 3. Set aside the seed bomb on wax paper or cooling rack to dry for about 12–24 hours. When it’s dry, you can plant it or package it in different ways to give away. The paper breaks down while the seeds start germinating right inside. Don’t forget to save the information of what type of seeds they are and the growing instructions. ¶
March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 19
Crea te a Over Som the R ewhe ainb re ow Ing By A rah nn am
I
n March we wish for sun and rain to bring out all the spring flowers—lavender, apple blossoms, Calla lillies, roses, and beautiful rainbows. Create a spring rainbow birthday party and make your kid’s favorite things in vibrant rainbow colors. And nothing is better for celebrating the birth of a child than the symbol of a rainbow, what the Navajo Indians saw as the bridge between heaven and earth.
You can create rainbow fruit skewers and a rainbow collection of veggies with hummus. Fill a pitcher with lemonade and add a rainbow of sliced strawberries, oranges, lemons, and limes. You can also make rainbow popcorn for kids to enjoy and the pièce de résistance is the rainbow cake decorated with edible butterflies (find them on Etsy). While kids are at the party, invite them to string long necklaces of colorful macaroni beads. Also have a rainbow collection of crayons and paper for children’s spontaneous creations. Don’t forget to get a big colorful parachute that the kids can play under. Add some bubbles and rainbow beach balls to toss around and everybody will be happy. Send kids home with rainbow-colored glasses, scratch paper (black paper that you scratch to reveal the rainbow colors underneath), and a rainbow lollipop.
20 MendoLakeFamilyLife
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Rainbow Popcorn Get the for the recipe at MendoLakefamilylife.com
Rainbow Cake Get the for the recipe at MendoLakefamilylife.com
Colorful Pasta Beads Get the for the recipe at MendoLakefamilylife.com
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 21
March
Calendar of Events
1 Saturday FREE Photography Show. View an
exhibition of styles & subjects. Daily. 10 am–5 pm. Running thru March 4. Barra of Mendocino. 7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. ukiahphotoclub.com. Mendocino Whale Festival. Explore
the village of Mendocino where there are plenty of whales to view from the surrounding Mendocino Headlands State Park. March 1–2. Go to mendowhale.com for a complete listing of events. Starts at 1 pm.
competition w/prizes awarded. $20 includes continental breakfast. 10 am–noon. 13372 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake. 994-4068. sixsigmaranch.com. FREE Saturday run/walk events.
The Lake County Milers walking & running club holds regular events for fun & fitness. Sats. 8:30–10 am. Meets at Kelseyville Lumber, 3555 N. Main St., Kelseyville. lakecountymilers.com. FREE Saturday Walks at Rodman Preserve. Meet at the Nature Center at the Preserve at the Nice-Lucerne Cut-off. 9–10 am. 6350 Westlake Road, Upper Lake. lakecountylandtrust.org.
Making Shoes for Little Ones. One day workshop. Learn how to stitch up & create children’s moccasins out of recycled & scrap leather. $35 per person. Beginners welcome. 1–5 pm. Solar Living Institute. 13771 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland. solarliving.org. karen. kallen@solarliving.org.
offered. 11 am–noon. Tennis courts on Gard St. off Third Street in Kelseyville. 279-9652
FREE Whale Watching at
Mendocino County Museum
MacKerricher State Park. Docents
Roadshow. With a pop-up gallery of artifacts, docents who become actors, Mendocino County history brought to life in stories & song, it’s an old-fashioned traveling variety show. Anderson Valley Grange. Mar 7, Ukiah College Theatre. Mar. 8, Ft. Bragg Eagles Hall. 459-2736. mendocinomuseumroadshow.org.
talk about the annual gray whale migration & about other marine mammals seen along the Mendocino coast. Sats. & Suns. 11 am. Park located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg on Hwy 1, near the town of Cleone. 961-0471. parks.ca.gov/Events. 48th Annual Crab Feed. Hosted by
Lakeport Lions Club. No host bar starts at 4 pm. Proceeds used in the community. $40 per person. 4–6 pm. Lakeport Senior Center. Konocti Ave., Lakeport. Call 263-1352. 6th Annual Pruning & Pastries.
Watch the pros compete in a race for speed & accuracy. Amateur pruning 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife
FREE Konocti Junior Tennis League. For ages 8–18. Instruction is
FREE Farm Tours. Presented by Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). Support local farmers. Save time buying groceries. No 2 farms alike! Some CSAs accept CalFresh/ SNAP or flex. pymts. Just Ask! 3–5 pm. Floodgate Farm. Redwood Valley. RSVP & directions. 272-1688
or email, artisall@earthlink.net. mendocinolocalfood.org. Boys & Girls Club Annual Crab Feed.
Seats are limited. Tickets $60. Avail at Mendo Book Co. & Club Calpella. 5–11 pm. Carl Purdy Hall. Ukiah Fairgrounds. 467-4900.
2 Sunday Live Stage Play. Art Center Theater
presents Enchanted April. $15 adults, $10 youth 17 & under. $5 more day of performance. 2 pm. Gualala Arts Center. Gualala. 884-1138. Oscars 2014. Red Carpet Party. Food,
drink & entertainment. Dress for red carpet photos! Donations Welcome. 4:30–8:30 pm. Arena Theater. Point Arena. 882-3272. FREE Kitchen Project. A hot meal every Sunday in Lakeport for anyone. Children included. 3/2 & 3/16: United Christian Parish. 745 Brush St. 3/9: St. John’s Episcopal Church. 1190 N. Forbes St. 3/23 & 3/30: St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 801 N. Main St. 4–5 pm. co.lake.ca.us. FREE First Fiddlers’ Jam. Listen to some terrific fiddle tunes played by members of the No. Cal. Old Time Fiddlers Group. Music to move inside for cold weather. Ely Stage Stop Country Museum. 9921 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville 263-4180 X 102. Get Stevan Adams Back on his Feet. Spaghetti lunch by the Redwood Empire Lions. Quarter auction to help Steve recover lost wages. 12:30 p.m. Redwood Empire Fair. 621-1398. redwoodempirefair.com/events.
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
3 Monday Kids Corner. Fun and creative program for kids 18 months to 5 yrs. $5 drop in, $30 a month. Mons. Weds. Fris. 9–11 am. C.V. Starr Community Center. Fort Bragg. starrcenter.net/calendar. FREE Parenting Workshops. Learn to use your strengths to improve your parenting. Mons. 10 am–noon. Safe Passage Family Resource Center. 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. 964-3077 to register. FREE Mendocino Coast Botanical
6th Annual
Scholastic Chess Tournament May 3, 2014
All levels of skill welcome!
Grades K–8
Call today!
(707) 527-6427
Register Online: www.chessclubforkids.com
Access. Quality. Care.
Garden. Take a tour with a garden
staff member and see what’s blooming. 1:30–3 pm. 964-4352.
4 Tuesday FREE Crianza Positiva. Parenting
class for Spanish speakers. Tues. 10 am–noon. Safe Passage Family Resource Center. 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. 964-3077 to register.
6 Thursday FREE New Parent Support Group. A prenatal thru postpartum
preparation class w/certified Doula Jade Golden. Light refreshments & childcare provided. Call to reserve your space! Thurs. 12–1:30 pm. Safe Passage Family Resource Center. 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. 964-3077. safepassagefortbragg.org
We Care for Kids B ECAU S E We Care about Kids You do have a choice about where to take your child for care. We’re here for you.
7 Friday International Wildlife Film Festival.
Wild Fridays! Adults $10, Children $5. The films were selected for adults & “older” children (10 & over). Fris. 7 pm. Ukiah Civic Center. 300 Seminary Ave.
707-468-1010
707-263-7725
707-456-9600
333 LAWS AVE., UKIAH
5335 LAKESHORE BLVD. LAKEPORT
45 HAZEL ST., WILLITS
mchcinc.org - FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS
MEDICAL • DENTAL • BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • CARE FOR HER www.mendolakefamilylife.com
March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 23
w
Clearlake
Youth Center Lake County Youth Services is a non profit program serving the youth ages 7 thru 17.
We will be providing after school programs Mon–Fri, 2 to 6pm where children can get homework help, enjoy fun activities and a snack. We will also facilitate special activity programs throughout the year. For information on programs please call.
OPEN MARCH 3
WE ARE NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR
Our After School Program 2pm - 6pm Snacks, structured programs and tutoring provided
15 a week
$
To make a monetary donation: send to: Attn: Youth Center P.O. Box 1042 Lower Lake CA 95457 Please make checks out to LCPF/ Youth Center
Board Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month @6pm at the Center 707-994-KIDS 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake clearlakeyouthcenter.org 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife
most performed plays in America today. A docudrama that presents the diverse views of townspeople in Laramie, Wyoming, one year after the murder of Matthew Shepard. Fris. & Sats. 3/7, 8,14 & 15, 7:30 pm. Suns. 3/9 & 16, 2 pm. $15 adults & $8 for 18 & under. Mature audiences only. SPACE Theater. 508 Perkins St., Ukiah. 462-9370 x101. spaceperformingarts.org. FREE Job Fair. Fair to connect local
businesses & job seekers. 10 am–2 pm. Yuba College. Clearlake. 262-3470. FREE For Parents of Teenagers.
Eight-wk. classes help parents find positive solutions to common behavior problems. Free childcare provided. Fris. 10 am–12 noon. Safe Passage Family Resource Center. 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. 964-3077 to register. FREE Triple P Parenting. Free
childcare and lunch provided. Fris. 11 am –1 pm. Action Network. 39144 Ocean Dr. Suites 3 & 4, Gualala. actionnetwork.info. FREE Grace Hudson Museum. Free
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS Want a tax deduction, donate your old vehicle. Call Enterprise Towing at 707 994-8801 and they will pick it up! Must have title
The Laramie Project. One of the
to all on the first Friday of each month. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. gracehudsonmuseum.org. Drive-Thru Tri Tip Dinner. Hosted
by the Willits Ed. Foundation. All proceeds go to support teachers, students & programs in Willits Unified School Dist. It does not include the charter schools. $60 includes a full dinner for four adults. 4–6 pm. Willits Rodeo Grounds. Call for tickets. 459-4429.
8 Saturday Little River Whale Festival.
Docent-led whale watch walks, sea cave tours, wine tasting & much more.
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
March 8–9. Go to mendowhale.com for a complete listing of events. Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament.
Fundraiser for the Mendocino Ballet. Come at 4 pm for a tutorial. Sign-up 5 pm. Tournament starts at 5:30. $60 includes dinner & drinks. $40 rebuys for the 1st hr. 328-0061. 205 S. State St., Ukiah. mendocinoballet.org.
Community Acupuncture accessible affordable effective Ukiah
Allergies? Always tired? - Acupuncture can help! Sliding Scale $20-40 - Gift Certificates Available Now 203 S. School St., Ukiah • www.acupunctureukiah.com • 391-9995
15 Saturday FREE Friends of Boggs Mt Hike. 1.3 mile casual-paced hike on interpretive trail. Bring water, a snack & wear sturdy shoes. 9–11 am. Boggs parking lot. 928-5591. 30th Annual Whale Run & Walk. 10K,
5K Run, 5K Competitive Walk & 5K Fun Walk. Kids race 7:30 am. Race time 8 am. Registration at Town Hall Mar 14. 4–7 pm & 6:30– 7:45 am, race day. Call 962-0211. St Patricks Day Event. Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center and Charley’s Clubhouse presents family fun for St. Patricks Day. Drink specials, traditional Irish fare, raffles, & more! 6 pm–noon. 872 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport. 263-4828. lakesidefamilyfun.com. FREE San Francisco’s Annual St Patrick Day Parade. Music & dance,
floats, marching bands, food & drinks & more! 11:30 am–5 pm. Parade starts at 2nd & Market. Finishes at Civic Center Plaza. savvycities.com/ san-franciscos-st-patricks-day. Pancake Breakfast by VFW Post 1900. Complete Breakfast for $5. Proceeds benefit local community programs. 8–11 am. Ukiah Veteran’s Memorial Hall. 293 Seminary Ave. 234-7392.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
w Because k ids don’t come
c stru ith in
tions
There is so much to learn about parenting We Understand. Share Tips and Techniques with a Parent Group in your area.
“When Ryan started biting kids in preschool, I got the help I needed from Raise & Shine.” Please sign up online. FREE Se Habla Español March 2014
462-1233
www.raiseandshine.org MendoLakeFamilyLife 25
COMPUTER TRAINING 25 per month
$
• Individual course work. • Learn at your own pace. • Microsoft Office, GED Prep, basic skills & much more. • Open to high school students and adults of all ages.
14092 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake
FREE Farm Tours. Presented by the Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). Eat seasonal healthy food. Save time buying groceries. No 2 farms alike! Some CSAs accept CalFresh/SNAP or flex. Pymts. Just Ask! 1–4 pm. Roseman Creek Ranch. Gualala. RSVP & directions, rosemancreekranch@gmail.com. Fort Bragg Whale Festival. Enjoy
Lake County Office of Education Career Technical Education
Questions: Please contact Kim Boles-Cravea at kimb@lakecoe.org or 994-9001
Own Your Own Business
WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN • Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops. • Child Care Assistance for low income eligible families.
• Free Child Care Referrals.
wine, chowder & microbrew tasting while visiting our local shops & inns. Whale watch from the Pomo Bluffs Park in Fort Bragg, as well as from miles of beaches. thru March 16. Go to mendowhale.com for a complete listing of events.
16 Sunday 3rd Annual Pianists Concert. Silent raffle baskets. Benefit SR Theatre & Mendo College Lake Center. Tickets: premium $30. General $20. 2–5:30 pm. Soper Reese Theater. Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.
21 Friday
1-800-606-5550 ext. 211
Rural Communities Child Care
Come in out of the Cold And Get the Best Workout You’ve Ever Had! (707) 468-9642
(707) HOT-YOGA
www.radiantyogaukiah.com
26 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Flowers for Algernon. The Lake Co. Theatre Co. presents the live stage version of the classic novel “Flowers for Algernon.” The drama is recommended for audiences 12 & up. Visit our website for schedule & tickets. 533-3406. lakecountytheatrecompany.org 50th Year Celebration Dinner/ Dance. Ukiah Lions Youth Football
& Cheer. 7 pm dinner. $25 per person. Auction, raffles, dessert auction. Live music! 6 pm–midnight. Ukiah Fairgrounds. Carl Purdy Hall. 485-7600
22 Saturday FREE 27th Annual Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament. The public is
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Get your 50s On!
invited to come to the weigh-in on Sat. & Sun. 3 pm at Konocti Vista Marina. 263-5092. lakecochamber.com. Mendocino Ballet Company Spring Gala Dinner. Dinner,
music & dancing! Silent & live auction. Performance by Mendocino Ballet Company. $50. 6–10 pm. Barra of Mendocino Winery. 7051 North State St., Ukiah. 463-2290. mendocinoballet.org. Get Your 50s On! And
support your Local Farm Bureau’s Fund & agricultural programs. Silent & live auction benefit dinner. RSVP no later than 3/10! Limited seating. Tickets are $50 per person. Ukiah Conference Center. 200 S. School St. 462-6664. mendofb.org.
Mendocino County Farm Bureau
BUY YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS TODAY! Gift Cards/Certificates $1500 Cruise • $1000 Apple Store $500 Pacific Outfitters Suggested raffle ticket donation $20/each or $100/6 NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN
SILENT & LIVE AUCTION BENEFIT DINNER
Benefiting our Scholarship Fund & Agricultural Programs
Sat. March 22
Ukiah Conference Center, 200 South School St., Ukiah, 5pm
RSVP by March 10th!
Purchase tickets at Mendocino County Farm Bureau, 303-C Talmage Road, Ukiah, 462-6664 Tickets are $50 Limited Seating - So Don’t Delay
23 Sunday Girl Rising. An
inspiring powerful movie. Proceeds benefit the Lake Family Resource Center’s program for young girls. 3 pm. Adults $10. Under 16 free. Soper Reese Theater. 275 Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
28 Friday Spaghetti Dinner. All-you-can-eat
spaghetti dinner to benefit South Coast Seniors. Meat or vegetarian sauce. Wine/beer avail. Adults $9, under 12. $3. 5–7 pm. Vets Memorial Bldg. Point Arena. 882-2137. Guys & Dolls Jr. Set in mythical New
York City, introduces us to colorful characters who have become legends in musical theatre. Adults $18, Youth 12 & under $8. Fris. & Sats. 7 pm. Suns. 3 pm. Eagle Hall Theatre. Fort Bragg. 964-7469. gloriana.org. www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Ukiah Unified School District
2014-2015 Kindergarten/Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Registration Enrollment begins February 10, 2014 Enroll early to ensure placement in your neighborhood school School begins August 25, 2014 Calpella Elementary 151 Moore Street • 472-5630 Frank Zeek Elementary 1060 N. Bush St. • 472-5100 Grace Hudson Elementary 251 Jefferson Lane • 472-5460
Nokomis Elementary 495 Washington Ave. • 472-5550 Oak Manor Elementary 400 Oak Manor Dr. • 472-5180 Yokayo Elementary 790 S. Dora • 472-5690
Bring a copy of Child’s Birth Certificate & Immunization Record and Residence Verification (i.e., phone, cable, PG&E bill when registering). Child must have reached his/her fifth (5th) birthday on or before Sept. 1, 2014. Transitional Kindergarten is for students turning 5 between Sept. 2-Dec. 2, 2014.
March 2014
MendoLakeFamilyLife 27
Zander 3/30 • 5yrs
Rachel 3/19 • 10yrs
Ali 3/19 • 18yrs
Victor 3/1 • 3yrs
Nina 3/18 • 5yrs
Sophie
from everyone at
Celebrate your child’s birthday in upcoming issues of Mendo Lake Family Life. Upload their photo to MendoLakeFamilyLife.com under ‘Photo’ Include your child’s first name, birth date (4/11), and your child’s age. The early bird gets published-it’s best to send us photos before 15th of the month. And you can always send them in months ahead of time.
29 Saturday Good Bye Clothes. Monthly
clothing sale. Benefit medical expenses for children & the aging. 9:30 am–3:30 pm. Trinity Hall. School St., Point Arena.
BECOME A TEACHER!
Evening & Weekend Classes
20th Fashion Festival & Luncheon.
Mendocino County Art Association
Food, entertainment & annual hat parade. This year’s theme is “Saddle up for Spring.” Tickets $20. School House Museum. 12–2 pm. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake. 995-3565.
Turns 60. Displays
KICK IT OUT!
30 Sunday Lake County Live! This monthly performance showcases Lake Co. talent. Soper-reesetheatre.com or at The Travel Center. Cost $5. 6–7 pm. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577.
• Respect • Discipline • Self Confidence
FREE Anderson Valley Lyons Club Easter Egg Hunt. 1
LET US HELP YOU FIND YOURS UKIAH CENTER 707-463-4800 Dominican.edu/Ukiah
28 MendoLakeFamilyLife
of past & current work by members of the Mendocino Co. Art Assoc. Adults $4. Students & seniors $3. Families $10. Weds– Sats. 10 am–4:30 pm. Suns. 12–4:30 pm. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah. 467-2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.
pm. Boonville
Fairgrounds.
Lake County Martial Arts 1624 Parallel Dr, Lakeport,
263-0706
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Marketplace Schools
Schools
La Vida Charter School • Independent Study • K –12 • Free Public Charter • Academic & Specialty Classes • Gifted & Talented Served • Inspired by Waldorf Education 16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits
707-459-6344
Prepare them for the World! • Average Class Size 15 Students • After-School Tutorial Help with Certified Teachers • Opional Three Year Graduation Program • DRAMA PROGRAM! Partners with Willits Shakespeare Co. & Willits Community Theater • Free College Classes for Credit • Independent Study
Everything you need for your Child’s Success!
WHAT IS LAKE COUNTY’S
BEST KEPT STORAGE SECRET?
Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13 Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics
National Green Campus Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace
Jim’s
Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482
www.lavidaschool.org
FREE Public Charter School Grades 6-12, Willits
Services
MINI STORAGE!
707-462-0913
Classified Ads Work Advertise Here
BEST SELECTION OF BABY CLOTHES AND FURNITURE IN THE COUNTY Hours: 12:30-5:30, Sun-Thurs, Closed Fri & Sat 14380 Olympic Dr (near Postoffice) Clearlake 994-1825
Tutoring
707-994-JIMS
Your Child can Thrive!
2330 Industrial Ct., Clearlake
(Just North of town, Off Hwy. 53 & Ogulin Canyon Rd. at La Rosa Plaza)
Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours
un FBlast! Weekend
Beauty
Yuba College
The Beauty of
A Smart Choice
Like Us On Facebook Family Support We’re Looking For Nurturing
Call 586-9562
ome check us out! Meet our Director, John Kirchiro, and tour the campus. Call 459-5506 to set up an appointment. During the school year, you can also “shadow” a student for the day.
Apply and Enroll Today!
707-995-7900 • clc.yccd.edu
Foster Parents
FREE Makeover & 20% Discount
UKIAH, WILLITS, REDWOOD & POTTER VALLEY
Mina Kvasnicka
Free Orientation March 6 & 20, 5:30pm
• Hands-on professional support • Monthly stipend up to $2,100
Independent Beauty Consultant
www.marykay.com/mina
15880 Dam Road Extension • Clearlake
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
COME CHECK US OUT!
OUTDOOR BOAT, RV & VEHICLE STORAGE TOO!
Enroll now K12.com/AAS Charter School is a free public school serving 6th through 12th grade students or 877-506-8631 student can attend. It has fully credentialed teachers for all academic classes a fully accredited middle and high school.
ommitted to small classes and averages udents per teacher, with a maximum of udents in a class. rates an independent study program e students can meet weekly with a er for individualized instruction or se and take onsite classes with other nts when space allows. rs a unique three year High School uation Program. hasizes academic rigor combined with e variety of electives classes.
BABYBABY
Providing for your youngster since 1986
Units Starting at $ 45 A Month
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AGINE A SCHOOL THAT….
Retail
Call for Info 707-489-9449
March 2014
TAPESTRY FAMILY SERVICES
290 E. Gobbi St. Ukiah • 463-3300 x115 www.tapestryfs.org
MendoLakeFamilyLife 29
Humor Break
Driving Miss Crazy By “Bull” Garlington
I
have stared into the gaping, drooly maw of death. I have teetered on the brink of imminent demise. Now every day is a gift. I take time to smell the cappuccino. I live in the moment, not worrying about tomorrow because yesterday, I tried to teach my ADD daughter how to drive.
I prepared myself for this ordeal like any pragmatic father of a girl who can’t pay attention to an entire commercial: I dialed 911 on my cell; I hugged my wife and told her where to send a search team; I made an ice-cold dirty martini. I didn’t want her to drive. This is a girl who can get distracted while tying her shoes. Letting her pilot a 5,000-pound hurtling tank of flammable gas through our neighborhood strikes me as unpragmatic. It makes me wish we were Amish. For the sake of other parents in this predicament, some pieces of advice:
Midnight run. Like this kid sleeps. Might as well take advantage of the deserted, well-lit streets and clock some time while everyone else is watching the Late Show. Con: The adrenaline making your heart spaz-out like a highly caffeinated Chihuahua as your daughter drifts into the other lane to see the couple in the next car will keep you awake till 3 a.m. Pro: If you get a flat, you can lift the car with one hand. Catch phrase. Once she sees that one kid with the long hair and the nose pierced slouching on a bus bench as you hurtle past, a lengthy explanation about lane obedience will most
likely be punctuated by death. Better to have a short, punchy catch phrase. Ours was “color in the lines,” which works best when delivered in all caps, thusly: COLOR IN THE LINES! COLOR IN THE LINES! OH MY GOD WE’RE GOING TO DIE! Pro: Short; easy to scream. Con: Whiplash. Frank Sinatra. The sheer bravado and élan in a good Sinatra song soothes nerves and bolsters confidence. Might work on the kid, too. Pro: Goes well with the martini. Con: Goes well with the martini. These are just a few ideas, of course. I’d give more but my nerves are shot, and I’m still in the middle of calling close relatives and letting them know I’m alive. ¶
Closed course. We used a forest preserve lot. No one goes there except forest preserve cops and the escaped convicts they’re looking for. Pro: No oncoming cars. Con: Deer. They’re pretty, so brace yourself for sudden screeching halts followed closely by a barrage of “oh my god that deer is soooooo gorgeous” moments. 30 MendoLakeFamilyLife
March 2014 www.mendolakefamilylife.com
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
March 2014
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Mendocino CSA Farm Tours Engage with Local Food & Farms
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a unique relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members. Farm members provide upfront money needed to operate the farm by buying a “share” of the harvest. In return, the farmers agree to provide quality food directly to the members. Experience an intimate relationship with the farm! No two farms are alike, so explore the diversity of Mendocino County’s CSAs to find the right farm partnership. Some CSAs accept CalFresh/SNAP or flexible payment options – just ask!
Schedule of Farm Tours -You must RSVP the farms if you plan to attendSunday, March 2, 3pm-5pm Floodgate Farm CSA, Redwood Valley Vegetable CSA Shares See permaculture work & enjoy a potluck meal RSVP & directions: artisall@earthlink.net or phone (707) 272-1688
Saturday, March 15, 1pm-4pm Roseman Creek Ranch, Gualala Bread, eggs, vegetables & flower CSA shares Bread-baking demo, horses, chickens & ducks
RSVP & directions: rosemancreekranch@gmail.com
Sunday, April 6, 1pm-4pm Lovin' Mama Farm, Potter Valley Vegetable & flower CSA shares Taste farm-fresh appetizers & walk the fields RSVP & directions: corinnehansch@riseup.net or phone (707) 490-5485
Saturday, April 12, 2pm-4pm Live Power Community Farm, Covelo Vegetable CSA shares Draft horse tillage demo, talk on biodynamics RSVP & directions: livepower@livepower.org or phone (707) 983-8196
Saturday, April 26, 3pm-5pm The Corn Crib & Mendocino Organics, Redwood Valley Corn & pork CSA shares Corn shelling demo, see gardens & pigs
RSVP & directions: info@mendocinoorganics.com or phone (707) 272-2711
Sunday, April 27, 11am-2pm Anderson Valley Community Farm, Boonville Eggs, poultry, pork & lamb CSA shares Visit with goat kids & help herd the sheep flock RSVP & directions: andersonvalleycommunityfarm@gmail.com or phone (707) 391-9422